The Maven Podcast

In this episode of The Maven Podcast, I sit down with the multi-talented Tondi Wiley—healer, artist, Reiki Practitioner, model, and professional makeup artist—for a powerful and vulnerable conversation on self-prioritization, creative expression and healing. Tondi opens up about vulnerability as a creative, the deep connection between art and empowerment, and the healing journey of mothering while healing and doing inner child work. This conversation is an invitation to embrace healing, creativity, and self-honoring practices that allow you to show up fully in your life. Whether you're an artist, healer, mother, or someone on your own self-discovery journey, this episode is packed with powerful insights and compassionate guidance to soothe your soul.  ✨ Listen now & join the conversation! 🛎️ Subscribe for more insights and inspiration. 💬 Comment below—what resonated with you the most? 🔗 Connect with Tondi IG: @tondi_thecreatress | @a_guide_to_being_hueman 00:00 Vulnerability as a Creative 5:00 Creative Expression 11:10 Paint to Empower 16:03 Mothering while healing 19:54 Guide to Being Hueman 23:15 Rapid Fire Thank you to our amazing sponsor!  To learn more, click here The Self Inside

In this episode of The Maven Podcast, I sit down with the multi-talented Tondi Wiley—healer, artist, Reiki Practitioner, model, and professional makeup artist—for a powerful and vulnerable conversation on self-prioritization, creative expression and healing. We explore what it means to truly serve yourself first without guilt, the importance of keeping your word to yourself, and how to give from a space of overflow instead of depletion. We also dive into healing anger through acceptance, understanding righteous rage, and using art as a healing modality. Whether you're an artist, healer, mother, or someone on your own self-discovery journey, this episode is packed with powerful insights and compassionate guidance to soothe your soul.  ✨ Listen now & join the conversation! 🛎️ Subscribe for more insights and inspiration. 💬 Comment below—what resonated with you the most? 🔗 Connect with Tondi IG: @tondi_thecreatress | @a_guide_to_being_hueman 00:00 Introduction 3:00 Self-Serve 4:50 Overcoming Guilt 8:30 Keeping Your Word to Self 12:20 Give from Overflow 16:15 Acceptance over Anger 21:17 Righteous Rage 25:00 How Art Found Tondi 29:00 Healing with Art   Thank you to our amazing sponsor! To learn more, click here The Self Inside

In this enlightening episode of The Maven Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Dr. Jenny King, Assistant Professor and Co-Director of the Center on Trauma and Adversity at the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University. With over a decade of experience as a mental health therapist, Dr. King has dedicated her career to equipping helpers and healers with the tools they need to navigate systemic and interpersonal challenges, fostering resilience and collective well-being. In Part 2, we continue the conversation with: • Why community care is critical for healing and growth. • Nervous system regulation and its role in stress management. • An introduction to somatic therapy and practices for trauma-informed healing. • The importance of getting back to basics with simple, sustainable self-care strategies. Whether you’re a mental health professional, a caregiver, or someone on their own healing journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights and compassionate guidance to help you navigate trauma and foster emotional well-being. 00:00 Community Care 06:16 Friendship + Communication 10:26 Somatic + Nervous System Support 15:00 Self-regulation 22:57 Take a Break Micropractice 29:44 Get Back to Basics + Keep it Simple 🔗 Connect with Dr. Jenny King IG: @drjennyking Website: https://drjennyking.com 🪷 Subscribe to The Maven Podcast for more episodes on healing, growth, and resilience. 💡 Don’t forget to like, comment, and share if this episode resonates with you!

In this enlightening episode of The Maven Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Dr. Jenny King, Assistant Professor and Co-Director of the Center on Trauma and Adversity at the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University. With over a decade of experience as a mental health therapist, Dr. King has dedicated her career to equipping helpers and healers with the tools they need to navigate systemic and interpersonal challenges, fostering resilience and collective well-being. In Part 1, we take a deep dive into: • The difference between dissociation, desensitization, and zoning out as they relate to world events and collective trauma. • How self-awareness can ignite your healing journey. • The emotional spectrum and how naming your emotions can help you process and heal ("name it to tame it"). • The importance of community in emotional care and collective resilience. Whether you’re a mental health professional, a caregiver, or someone on their own healing journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights and compassionate guidance to help you navigate trauma and foster emotional well-being. 00:00 Intro 05:55 Globa Trauma 08:35 Dissociation 16:09 Self Awareness 19:55 Emotional Spectrum 25:50 Emotional Language 33:00 Perspective on Community 🔗 Connect with Dr. Jenny King IG: @drjennyking Website: https://drjennyking.com 🪷 Subscribe to The Maven Podcast for more episodes on healing, growth, and resilience. 💡 Don’t forget to like, comment, and share if this episode resonates with you!

In this powerful two-part conversation, I sit down with Veronica Phillips—Certified Financial Planner, Financial Training Director, Professional Development Mentor, Marathoner, and Wellness Enthusiast as she shares her journey of blending financial expertise with wellness passions, offering insights into joyful living, the importance of financial health, leadership for women of color, and the discipline required for success in fitness and life. In part two of this episode, we explore: ✨ The discipline required on one's wellness journey ✨ Tapping into personal willpower and inner strength ✨ The sacrifices with family and friends no one talks about ✨ Celebrating the rewards of keeping your word to yourself ✨ Discovering the power of consistency in achieving your goals ✨ Understanding what perseverance truly looks like ✨ Embracing the importance of sisterhood and community Whether you're looking for motivation on your wellness journey or how to find your supportive community, this episode has something for everyone. IG: @vibeandsweat

In this powerful two-part conversation, I sit down with Veronica Phillips—Certified Financial Planner, Financial Training Director, Professional Development Mentor, Marathoner, and Wellness Enthusiast as she shares her journey of blending financial expertise with wellness passion, offering insights into joyful living, the importance of financial health, leadership for women of color, and the discipline required for success in fitness and life. In part one of this episode, we dive into: ✨ Financial health and the power of budgeting for a secure future ✨ Leadership insights from a woman of color navigating her career path ✨ The essence of joyful living and how to embody it daily ✨ Owning your energy and embracing authenticity for personal and professional success ✨ Veronica's unexpected career journey and how she discovered her calling ✨ A call to action for women of color to step into leadership roles Whether you're looking for financial inspiration or how to embrace joy everyday, this episode has something for everyone. IG: @vibeandsweat

In this transformative episode of The Maven Podcast, I sit down with Dr. William C. Washington, a licensed clinical therapist, to explore profound insights on healing through therapy, uncovering the gifts within legacy burdens, and redefining cultural narratives around mental health.  We take a deep dive into: ✨ The connection between passion, purpose, and failure ✨Understanding legacy burdens and gifts ✨ Breaking down misconceptions about therapy ✨ How desensitizing your history shapes your present and future ✨ The importance of a cultural reset and what it means for personal and collective growth ✨ Black men and therapy: breaking stigmas and finding healing ✨ Navigating the process of therapy, including tips for finding the right therapist ✨ An introduction to Dr. Will's transformative program, R.E.S.E.T, designed to help individuals reclaim their lives and align with their true selves This episode is packed with insights, reflections, and actionable takeaways for anyone on a journey of healing and self-discovery. Whether you’re curious about therapy, seeking a deeper understanding of your own story, or looking for tools to reset and realign, this conversation offers a wealth of wisdom. IG: @friendly_neighborhood_dr.will Website: ⁠https://washingtonwellnessinstitute.org⁠

In this transformative episode of The Maven Podcast, I sit down with Dr. William C. Washington, a licensed clinical therapist, to explore profound insights on healing through therapy, uncovering the gifts within legacy burdens, and redefining cultural narratives around mental health.  We take a deep dive into: ✨ The connection between passion, purpose, and failure ✨Understanding legacy burdens and gifts ✨ Breaking down misconceptions about therapy ✨ How desensitizing your history shapes your present and future ✨ The importance of a cultural reset and what it means for personal and collective growth ✨ Black men and therapy: breaking stigmas and finding healing ✨ Navigating the process of therapy, including tips for finding the right therapist ✨ An introduction to Dr. Will's transformative program, R.E.S.E.T, designed to help individuals reclaim their lives and align with their true selves This episode is packed with insights, reflections, and actionable takeaways for anyone on a journey of healing and self-discovery. Whether you’re curious about therapy, seeking a deeper understanding of your own story, or looking for tools to reset and realign, this conversation offers a wealth of wisdom. IG: @friendly_neighborhood_dr.will Website: https://washingtonwellnessinstitute.org

Today's episode we dive into Cleveland’s nutritional landscape with a local dietitian and nutritionist, exploring food access, body liberation, and redefining health beyond societal norms. Through her personal journey, we discuss equity, compassion, and embracing authenticity to heal and thrive.   In this episode of The Maven Podcast, I sit down with a Cleveland-based dietitian and nutritionist Andrea Hinojosa of Honest Health & Wellness, to explore the city’s nutritional landscape, food disadvantages, and disparities. Together, we unpack issues around community awareness, access to nutritious food, and how systemic inequities impact health outcomes. My guest shares her powerful personal journey, offering insight into body discrimination, body liberation, and acceptance. We delve into what “healthy” means beyond societal standards, fostering body connection and compassion, and embracing the principles of “Health at Every Size.” Join us for an inspiring conversation about redefining health, breaking free through authenticity, and advocating for liberation in all forms. Guest Social Handles IG - @hhw_honesthealthandwellness IG - @andie_2291 Website: www.honesthealthandwellness.com #themavenpodcast I am not a licensed therapist, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. Donate to The Maven Podcast here: https://square.link/u/pXcNKh4F Subscribe to the channel here: https://youtube.com/@themavenpodcast?si=H5p3QoM2O9Lezf6p Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/themavenpodcast Follow me here: IG: http://www.instagram.com/deniseannsumbry FB: http://www.facebook.com/deniseannsumbry TT: http://www.ticktok.com/deniseannsumbry

Today's episode we dive into the creative's journey, from cultivating authentic relationships and healing through music and art, to reclaiming time through entrepreneurship and reframing challenges as opportunities.  In this episode of The Maven Podcast, I sit down with a talented DJ and Music Producer Tre Smith to dive into the dynamic journey of a creative artist. We explore the challenges and triumphs of building a career in the arts, from embracing multifaceted identities to balancing spontaneity with structure. Our conversation unpacks the value of authentic versus transactional relationships, the transformative role of music in personal healing, and the power of partnerships and collaboration. We also discuss how reclaiming time through entrepreneurship fosters freedom, overcoming self-doubt, and the idea that "no" is just the next opportunity. Whether you’re an artist, an entrepreneur, or simply navigating your path, this episode offers insights to inspire growth and creativity. IG: @tresmithers Website: www.tresmith.com #themavenpodcast I am not a licensed therapist, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. Donate to The Maven Podcast here: https://square.link/u/pXcNKh4F Subscribe to the channel here: https://youtube.com/@themavenpodcast?si=H5p3QoM2O9Lezf6p Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/themavenpodcast Follow me here: IG: http://www.instagram.com/deniseannsumbry FB: http://www.facebook.com/deniseannsumbry TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@deniseannsumbry

Today’s episode dives into rest: breaking down misconceptions, exploring the different types of rest, and discovering how to embrace your worthiness of true rest.    My guest Danielle Graham—Founder and Yoga Therapist of Rooted Blossoms and Executive Commissioner of the City of Cleveland Public Utilities and I explore rest in depth, the power of Yoga Therapy, authentic Leadership, and the importance of the message that “You are worth your own attention.” This one’s for anyone looking to redefine wellness, embrace self-advocacy, and lead with purpose. Extreme gratitude to our incredible sponsors: Danielle Graham, Rooted Blossoms Thaddeus Sumbry, Dmitri's Barbershop Zoe Brown & Iris Gonzalez, Island Beats Cleveland LaKisa Beasley, Relaxation Loft & Ray of Beauty Apparel & Shapewear DeAndre Washington, Higher Shelf Tarot Dechella Woodruff, Realtor and Investor, Cleveland, Ohio   I am not a licensed therapist, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional.    Donate to The Maven Podcast here: https://square.link/u/pXcNKh4F   Subscribe to the channel here: https://youtube.com/@themavenpodcast?si=H5p3QoM2O9Lezf6p   Follow The Maven Podcast on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/themavenpodcast Follow me here: IG: http://www.instagram.com/deniseannsumbry FB: http://www.facebook.com/deniseannsumbry TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@deniseannsumbry