BEAM: Black Healing Remixed - The Podcast

In this episode, Yolo Akili Robinson dives deep with Dr. Evan Auguste about  the role of ancestral practices and spirituality in Black communities, focusing on how these practices can both heal and resist systemic oppression. They examine the tension between inherited spiritual traditions and modern ideologies, particularly within the context of Black churches and the challenges of honoring legacies while navigating the complexities of identity. The conversation then shifts to explore the emotional and psychological impact of rigid gender roles on Black men, particularly how these roles suppress vulnerability and emotional expression. They address how patriarchal structures, both inside and outside the community, harm Black men and perpetuate cycles of trauma, and offer insight into how healing and generative change can happen when we confront these issues. Expect an in-depth discussion on the connections between spirituality, identity, trauma, and healing within Black communities.Guest Info:Learn More about Evan AugusteBEAM Resources:Learn more about our Heart Space Healing CirclesLearn More about Black Masculinity (Re)ImaginedLearn More About our GrantsLearn More About our Wellness ToolsLearn More About our TrainingsLearn More About our Black Virtual Wellness DirectoryFollow BEAM! IG: / _beamorgFacebook: / blackemotionalandmentalhealthTikTok: / beam_community

In this episode, we spoke with Courtney B. Vance, Dr. Robin L. Smith, and Devin Michael Lowe. We dive deep into a powerful conversation about Black masculinity, mental health, and vulnerability. We discussed how masculinity is often defined by lies and emotional repression, leading to long-term struggles with vulnerability. Throughout the discussion, we explored the importance of creating safe spaces where Black men can reconnect with their full humanity—embracing both their pain and their joy. It was an eye-opening and transformative conversation, and I’m excited for you to hear it.Guest Info:Learn More About :Courtney B. VanceDr. Robin L. SmithDevin Michael LoweBuy a Copy of The Invisible Ache: Black Men Identifying Their Pain and Reclaiming Their PowerLearn More about the Black Trans Travel FundBEAM Resources:Learn more about our Heart Space Healing CirclesLearn More About our GrantsLearn More About our Wellness ToolsLearn More About our TrainingsLearn More About our Black Virtual Wellness DirectoryFollow BEAM! IG: / _beamorgFacebook: / blackemotionalandmentalhealthTikTok: / beam_community

In this episode Natalie Patterson and Dr. Jennifer Mullan, author of Decolonizing Therapy, explore the emotional and psychological toll of systemic racism and societal pressures, particularly on marginalized communities. They discuss how microaggressions, trauma, and a lack of support impact people dealing with racial and economic stress, while challenging traditional therapy approaches that often fail to address these issues. Dr. Mullan shares practical tips for managing intense emotions like rage and anxiety, offering strategies like journaling and seeking community support. The conversation highlights the importance of connection, solidarity, and shared wisdom in healing, emphasizing that these elements can be powerful tools when access to mental health resources is limited. Tune in for a candid exploration of how to navigate adversity and build resilience in a world designed to marginalize.Guest Info:Learn More about Dr. Jennifer Mullan: https://linktr.ee/decolonizingtherapyOrder Dr. Jenn’s book here.Natalie Patterson: https://www.instagram.com/natalieispoetry/Yolo Akili: https://www.instagram.com/yoloakili/BEAM Resources:https://beam.community/Learn more about our Heart Space Healing CirclesLearn More About our GrantsLearn More About our Wellness ToolsLearn More About our TrainingsLearn More About our Black Virtual Wellness DirectoryFollow BEAM! IG: / _beamorgFacebook: / blackemotionalandmentalhealthTikTok: / beam_community

In this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with the incredible Tabitha Brown, a renowned actress, vegan lifestyle influencer, and author, who opened up about her journey to success and how she’s stayed grounded despite her rising fame. Tabitha shared how she maintains balance in her family life, career, and sense of self, all while staying connected to her roots. She reflected on the challenges of societal expectations, especially when it comes to language and identity, and how she found freedom in embracing her Southern accent and heritage. The conversation served as a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity, rejecting societal (so-called) norms, and living true to who you are. Listen in!Guest Info:Learn More about Tabitha BrownNatalie Patterson: https://www.instagram.com/natalieispoetry/Yolo Akili: https://www.instagram.com/yoloakili/BEAM Resources:https://beam.community/Learn more about our Heart Space Healing CirclesLearn More About our GrantsLearn More About our Wellness ToolsLearn More About our TrainingsLearn More About our Black Virtual Wellness DirectoryFollow BEAM! IG: / _beamorgFacebook: / blackemotionalandmentalhealthTikTok: / beam_community

Emmy and Peabody award winning author, Antonia Hylton, whose groundbreaking book, Madness: Race & Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum, uncovers the deep-seated injustices of Crownsville State Hospital, originally known as the Hospital for the Negro Insane of Maryland. Through the experiences of patients, doctors, nurses and community members, Hylton uses Crownsville’s history to  expose the deep seated racism, ableism, and misogyny inherent in psychiatry’s roots in the United states, while also showing the defiance, resistance and re-imaginings of Black advocates and caretakers. In our discussion, we delve into this profound and troubling legacy and how Crownsville’s history reflects the current reality of mental health care and prison systems today. Join us as we explore these critical narratives and remix Black healing.Guest Info:Learn More about Antonia HyltonBuy a Copy of Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow AsylumBEAM Resources:Learn more about our Heart Space Healing CirclesLearn More About our GrantsLearn More About our Wellness ToolsLearn More About our TrainingsLearn More About our Black Virtual Wellness DirectoryFollow BEAM! IG: / _beamorgFacebook: / blackemotionalandmentalhealthTikTok: / beam_community

SEASON TWO OF BLACK HEALING REMIXED IS COMING!!This season Natalie & Yolo are back with powerful and critical conversations on spirituality, psychology, healing, masculinity and much more; giving us fuel to ground and root ourselves as we challenge this political moment.And they have company: The brilliant and beautiful Tabitha Brown, award winning actor Courtney B Vance, activist Devin Michael Lowe, pioneering psychologist and master decolonizer Jennifer Mullan, award winning author Morgan Parker and many many more!Peep the reel and get ready! This season we definitely learned a lot about how we can all remix Black healing!Natalie Patterson: https://www.instagram.com/natalieispoetry/Yolo Akili: https://www.instagram.com/yoloakili/BEAM Resources:https://beam.community/Learn more about our Heart Space Healing CirclesLearn More About our GrantsLearn More About our Wellness ToolsLearn More About our TrainingsLearn More About our Black Virtual Wellness DirectoryFollow BEAM! IG: / _beamorgFacebook: / blackemotionalandmentalhealthTikTok: / beam_community

Yolo and Natalie share the belief that the best and oftentimes most important work is what comes up in real time, in the moment. In this episode, witness the on set breakdown to breakthrough moment. A behind the scenes look at how to have conflict in dignity and in community.

Content Warning: This episode references suicide ideation and self-harm. In this deeply personal episode, Natalie and Yolo share about depression, suicide and mental health distress. Yolo shares his story and experience with ideations.

*Content Warning: This episode contains references to sexual assault. Natalie and Yolo dig into what it means to provide real care within today’s mental health system. Therapy and healing work are more socially acceptable than ever but what are the rules, boundaries and who can you trust?BEAM Wellness Tools Pre-Visit Questions to Ask When Visiting Health and Healing Professionals: https://beam.community/questions-to-ask-when-visiting-pre-vist/Post-Vist Questions to Ask When Visiting Health and Healing Professionals: https://beam.community/questions-to-ask-when-visiting-health-and-healing-professionals-post-visit/

Content Warning (sexual violence, rape) In this episode, Natalie and Yolo discuss sex, dating, intimacy and the connection between the harm happening in the culture and our mental health.

Meet your hosts: Natalie and Yolo. Learn about the pioneering work of BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective) and how they remix conversations on mental health and healing.