Late Bloomers

You wanna be on top? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Yoshie and Courtney to discuss the Reality Check: America’s Next Top Model docuseries on Netflix, from the perspective of women who have worked in the modeling industry.Feedback? Let’s hear it!

In this episode, we discuss what emotional abuse is, the warning signs to watch for, and ways to support both the survivor and their community.Helpful Links:National Domestic Violence HotlineCall 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or text "START" to 88788Power and Control WheelThe Cycle of AbuseFeedback? Let’s hear it!

Happy New Year! In this episode, we discuss season one of the IT: Welcome to Derry series. Enjoy! 🎈Feedback? Let’s hear it!

In this episode, I sit down with Tony Hynes, Ph.D. an educator, author, and advocate. Adopted by two moms in the 1990s, Tony shares insights from his journey as an interracial adoptee and his work supporting adoptive families. Our conversation explores identity, family, and cultural competency. Connect with Tony!Instagram: www.instagram.com/tony_hyThe Son With Two Moms: https://a.co/d/6sTcwdOFeedback? Let’s hear it!

In this episode, I sit down with Uzoamaka Osameka a health equity advocate and multidisciplinary creative dedicated to empowering communities and transforming systems of care. As Programs & Community Lead at TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance, she oversees the BELONG and SAMBAI initiatives, serves on the Young Women’s Advisory Board, and co-hosts SAMBAI Speaks, a monthly web series on BlackDoctor.org reaching over 6,000 viewers per episode.With a B.S. in Health and Rehabilitative Sciences from East Stroudsburg University and a degree in Occupational Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University, Uzo brings over a decade of experience in healthcare administration, therapy, and applied behavior analysis.Also a visual artist, her work—centered on healing, freedom, and resilience—has been featured across TOUCH platforms and at the Harlem Fine Arts Show in partnership with Graphite House. Through both advocacy and art, Uzo creates spaces of comfort, visibility, and joy for the communities she serves.Check out the links below!TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer AllianceLove of My GurlsSAMBAI Speaks – Cancer Grand ChallengesKnow Your Lemons – 12 Signs of Breast CancerFeedback? Let’s hear it!

In this episode, I sit down with Cari Harris, MS, PMP— an entrepreneur and environmental justice advocate. Cari shares her journey of merging strategy with purpose through her work at The Claude C. Thornton Foundation and The Butterfly Effect. We talk about building community, driving regional impact through collaboration, and the power of using your skills to create meaningful change.Connect with Cari!The Claude C. Thornton Foundation Website: thecctfoundation.org/gbciThe Butterfly Effect Website: tbeffect.coInstagram: instagram.com/strategicallycariYouTube: CCTFoundation2025 Greater Baltimore Climate Summit: thecctfoundation.org/events/greater-baltimore-climate-summitFeedback? Let’s hear it!

In this episode, I sit down with Adeiva, the voice behind The RNewed Mama. Adeiva is passionate about faith, self-care, intentional living, and guiding women to prioritize their well-being and embrace renewal in everyday life. We talk about the power of showing up for yourself, creating balance as a mother and finding joy in simple practices that sustain growth and healing.Connect with Adeiva! Website: thernewedmama.comInstagram: instagram.com/thernewedmamaFeedback? Let’s hear it!

In this episode, Brianne Latrice, a Philly-born hyper-creative who has found a second home in Baltimore, discusses honoring curiosity as a creative practice and recognizing the importance of holding space for community dialogue and self-reflection. Brianne’s passion comes alive at the intersection of intentional event curation, storytelling, and transformative partnerships. She’s an artist, cultural curator, and community builder whose visions manifest as immersive experiences and purposeful engagement. Through projects like BLK ASS FLEA MKT and The Wombynist, she illuminates the power of Black creativity, joy, and legacy, inviting others to join her in collective storytelling and healing. Connect with Brianne LatriceBrianne Latrice: InstagramBlkassfleamkt: InstagramThe Wombynist: InstagramFeedback? Let’s hear it!

In this episode, I sit down with multidisciplinary artist Marquis Carrington, also known as Charm City Bipper. A Baltimore native, Marquis works across writing, music, photography, and yoga, using creativity as a tool for healing, positivity, and community uplift. You can explore more of his work through his books  I MET GOD IN THE GUTTER and I Speak Light Over My Life. https://a.co/d/cZC8zDuhttps://a.co/d/6duT30nEdited by Nia LynnTheme song produced by Thriii (@thriiicommas)Feedback? Let’s hear it!

In this episode, Alonzo shares his journey as an adoptee and how those experiences shape the way he navigates life and fatherhood today. As a dad of two, gamer, sports enthusiast, and self-proclaimed “certified sad boy,”  Alonzo reflects on his adoptee journey and how it shapes his role as a dad of two today.Alonzo's Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/hollowmatrixSupport: https://adoptionsupport.org/Edited by Nia LynnTheme song produced by Thriii (@thriiicommas)Feedback? Let’s hear it!

In this episode, we’re joined by our special guest, Nia Lynn. We’ll be diving into the media we’ve been enjoying lately, and our individual college experiences.Edited by Nia LynnTheme song produced by Thriiicommas (@thriiicommas)Feedback? Let’s hear it!

In this episode of Late Bloomers, host Ria sits down with Chris Phillips (@weareath) to explore the journey of discovering ADHD in adulthood. Together, they delve into the emotional and practical impacts of a late ADHD diagnosis on personal and professional life. Listeners will hear Chris share his initial reactions to the diagnosis, the challenges of navigating childhood and career without knowing he had ADHD, and the adaptations he's made since. The episode highlights coping strategies, support systems, and how life has transformed post-diagnosis. Chris also reflects on his aspirations and offers encouragement to others who might suspect they have ADHD.Resources:https://magazine.howard.edu/stories/being-black-with-adhd https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd-what-you-need-to-know https://www.nami.org/https://chadd.org/Feedback? Let’s hear it!

In this timely episode, host Ria is joined by voting rights expert Deandrea Newsome (@deandreanew) to discuss the importance of voting as we approach Tuesday's U.S. election. They explore the complexities of the electoral process, recent changes in voting laws, and current challenges such as voter suppression.Listeners will gain insights into how voter suppression disproportionately affects marginalized communities and learn practical steps to ensure their voices are heard. The episode emphasizes why every vote matters, shares resources for staying informed, and encourages civic engagement beyond the ballot box.Join us for an enlightening conversation that underscores the significance of exercising your right to vote! Resources:866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)The Morrill ActThe Rainy Day FundState Election BoardsCongresswoman Alma Adams of NCWin WIth Black WomenFeedback? Let’s hear it!

Join our host RIA and guest Jade Collins, LCSW-C, LICSW as they discuss how to find a therapist and the journey to becoming a mental health professional.Feedback? Let’s hear it!