The Rising and Thriving Podcast

If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. Divorce court is not what most men think it is.In this episode of The Rising and Thriving Podcast, I sit down with family-law attorney and mediator Mac-Arthur Pierre-Louis to talk honestly about divorce court, child support, custody, and why so many fathers feel shocked and unprepared when decisions are made.Many men believe that telling the truth about what they lived through will lead to fair outcomes. But as Mac explains, court isn’t built around emotional truth — it’s built around proof. And that gap is where many men get hurt financially, emotionally, and mentally.We talk about child support, retroactive support, custody, mediation, and the mental health toll divorce takes on men. More importantly, we talk about how fathers can prepare themselves and stay present for their children through the process.This episode isn’t about blaming the system. It’s about helping men see divorce court clearly, prepare wisely, and protect their future — and their kids.If you’re a father dealing with divorce or family court, this conversation is for you.#DivorceCourt #MensDivorce #FamilyLaw #ChildSupport #FathersRights #MensMentalHealth #DivorcedFathers #FamilyCourt #LifeAfterDivorce #TheRisingAndThrivingPodcast----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Guest: Mac-Arthur Pierre-LouisLink: https://use1.link/macpierrelouis----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------CHAPTERS------------------00:00 Divorce Court Reality for Men (Intro)02:43 Why Men Expect Divorce Court to Deliver Justice06:51 How Family Court Decides Child Support, Custody, and Visitation10:26 Why Judges Don’t Care How Toxic Your Marriage Was16:26 Discovery Explained: The Divorce Investigation Most Men Don’t Expect18:19 Mediation vs Court: Which Is Better in Divorce?21:34 Divorce Costs Explained: Court vs Mediation23:09 Why Divorce Court Feels Cold and Transactional to Men31:18 Why Mac-Arthur Pierre-Louis Chose Family Law46:18 Biggest Divorce Mistakes Men Make Early On51:28 Child Support Shock: Retroactive Support Explained56:33 How Men Can Protect Themselves From Back Child Support58:32 Legal Tech and Divorce: Tools That Reduce Conflict and Stress1:04:10 High Earners and Child Support: What Men Need to Know1:11:30 Divorce and Men’s Mental Health: Guilt, Anger, and Shame1:18:04 Why Men Experience Divorce in Isolation1:27:01 Co-Parenting After Divorce: How Fathers Stay Strong and Present1:31:06 Co-Parenting Communication Tools Every Divorced Father Should Use1:34:00 How Fathers Stop Feeling Like ‘Weekend Dads’1:37:52 Technology and Fatherhood: Staying Connected After Divorce1:41:21 Where to Find Legal Help and Mediation Resources1:46:19 Message to Divorced Fathers: Rebuilding After Court (Outro)------------------Follow me:Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapistLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/Website: www.yvestmukanya.com

If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. Child safety, body education, Congolese parenting, trauma healing, and faith-based learning — in this episode, Maman Jeanine Banza breaks the silence around how we teach and protect our children.We explore her new course “God’s Gift of Your Body: A Multicultural Faith-Based Approach” for children ages 3–5, and her powerful book “Harmonies de Mélancolie,” inspired by real stories of war, trauma, and survival.She shares why early education is crucial, how cultural taboos harm children, why presence matters more than correction, and how parents can rebuild trust and emotional safety in the home.👉 Enroll in the course: https://jeanine-s-site-2f0c.thinkific.com👉 Find the book on Amazon: Release Date To be announcedIf this conversation resonates, like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on parenting, culture, and emotional healing.Guest: Jeanne BanzaCHAPTERS------------------- 00:00 Intro02:026 Who is Jeanine Banza03:03 Why Start Teaching Body Safety at Ages 3–5?21:21 Blending Faith, Culture, and Protection33:42 The Pain Behind the Pages of “Harmonies de Mélancolie”38:00 The Meaning Behind the Title “Harmonies de Mélancolie”40:31 The One Chapter She Wants Every Reader to Remember44:47 How to Enroll in the Course & Get the Book45:37 Her Message To Future Generations46:38 Closing Thoughts-------------------#ChildSafety #BodyEducation #EarlyChildhoodEducation #FaithBasedParenting #CongoleseCommunity #AfricanParenting #traumahealing #protectourchildren  #parentingeducation #ParentingConversations #MulticulturalParenting #EmotionalSafety #breakthesilence #immigration #africandiaspora Follow me:Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapistLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/Website: www.yvestmukanya.com

If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. In this second part of my conversation with Andrew Irby — entrepreneur, father, and candidate for First Selectman in Thompson, Connecticut — we dive deep into what it truly means to lead, serve, and rebuild a community from the inside out.Andrew Irby opens up about his political campaign, his mission to bring accountability, communication, and unity back to local government, and how his experiences as a son, father, and businessman shaped the leader he’s becoming. From volunteering at Adult & Teen Challenge of Southern New England to mentoring foster youth and running multiple businesses, Andrew shares why he believes public service is more than politics — it’s a calling.We also talk about fatherhood, mental health, and the power of vulnerability — how showing your humanity doesn’t weaken leadership, it strengthens it. Andrew’s message to men, fathers, and community leaders is clear: stop waiting for permission to lead; start building the change you wish to see.#fatherhood  #mensmentalhealth  #coparenting  #healingjourney  #leadership  #RisingAndThrivingPodcastGuest: Andrew Irbyhttps://www.instagram.com/andrewirbyforselectman/https://www.instagram.com/mr_irbysr/https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewirby/CHAPTERS------------------- 00:00 Intro 04:07 Building & Balancing Business with Family12:28 Transition Into Politics (Personal → Vision)32:24 Legacy & Mental Health40:47 Closing-------------------Follow me:Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapistLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/Website: www.yvestmukanya.com

If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. In this first part of my conversation with Andrew Irby — entrepreneur, husband, father, and now political candidate — we go beyond titles to understand the man behind the brand.Andrew opens up about what it was like growing up in a divorced home, watching his parents argue, and trying to make sense of love and loyalty as a child caught between two worlds. He shares how those early wounds shaped his views on fatherhood, relationships, and emotional responsibility — and how years later, he found healing through honest conversations with his wife and father.We talk about:Growing up between two households and learning what not to repeat as a parentHealing old family wounds and finding closure through honesty and compassionCo-parenting with intention in today’s world of distractions and technologyBlending families and building trust with his children after divorceBalancing fatherhood and business without losing what matters mostMeditation, belief, and mental health as tools for peace and clarityThis is a raw, reflective look at how a man learns to break generational cycles — not through perfection, but through progress.If you’ve ever questioned how to rebuild after brokenness, how to be present for your kids while chasing success, or how to find peace when life feels heavy… this episode is for you.🎧 Watch Part 1 now, and stay tuned for Part 2, where Andrew talks about stepping into politics, leadership, and serving his community with empathy and purpose.Guest: Andrew Irbyhttps://www.instagram.com/andrewirbyforselectman/https://www.instagram.com/mr_irbysr/https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewirby/Follow me:Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapistLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/Website: www.yvestmukanya.com

If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. In Part 2 of Rebuilding from the Rubble: A Father’s Journey from Divorce to Purpose, Ange Mukadi shares his powerful story of life after divorce for fathers, navigating co-parenting challenges, and rebuilding identity while raising kids as a single dad. This episode is a raw, honest look at how men heal after divorce, balance fatherhood with career demands, and open their hearts to love again.You’ll hear how Ange balanced fatherhood and a paycheck—why he chose family first even when it cost him a job, and what “doing the right thing” looked like day-to-day. He reveals the counterintuitive emotional strategy that helped him heal—“act” the happiness you’re aiming for until it grows roots. You’ll gain a new way to see divorce—not as an ending, but as a hard pivot that changes (not erases) relationships.We also cover:The turning point when his 12-year-old son moved in and reignited his desire to build a partnership again.Opening his heart to a second marriage—how shared culture and years of friendship made it feel easy this time.What vulnerability really means—and why he sees marriage as armor, not exposure.The behind-the-scenes work: spiritual realignment, community support, and leadership.His wider mission to unite and inspire the Congolese community through “Community Dreammakers.”This episode is a must-listen for divorced fathers, Black men navigating co-parenting, and anyone seeking hope and direction after a painful ending.📌 Part 1 focused on navigating divorce, co-parenting, and protecting your children’s emotional well-being.📌 Part 2 dives into what comes after—love, purpose, and legacy.Leave a comment, share with someone who needs this, and remember:Guest: Ange MukadiFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/amukadiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/angemukadi/CHAPTERS-------------------00:00 Intro03:14 Career Under Pressure20:32 The Moment of Shift27: 27 Love After Loss 56:07 Wisdom for the Wounded 57:25 Congolese Community01:13:31 Outro-------------------Follow me:Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapistLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/Website: www.yvestmukanya.com

If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. What does it really take to rebuild your life after losing everything?In this powerful Part One of our two-part series, we sit down with Ange Mukadi—a father of three, tech professional, and Congolese community leader—who shares his raw, honest journey of navigating divorce, single fatherhood, and rediscovering his purpose.In this episode, Ange opens up about:The emotional and mental toll of divorce after 15+ years of marriageHow he stayed present for his kids through the painHis fears of starting over, and what helped him keep goingThe impact on his identity as a man, father, and Congolese immigrantWhat healing looked like on a day-to-day basisAnge doesn’t sugarcoat it. This is real, vulnerable, and deeply human.If you're a man silently struggling with the aftermath of divorce, questioning your worth, your future, or your role as a father—this conversation is for you.Make sure to subscribe—because Part Two is coming very soon, where Ange reveals how he rebuilt trust, found love again, and stepped into leadership with confidence and clarity.Leave a comment, share with someone who needs this, and remember: You’re not broken. You’re becoming.Guest: Ange MukadiFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/amukadiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/angemukadi/Chapters:00:00: Episode Intro00:36: Guest Introduction 05:39: Navigating Divorce06:21: Rediscovering Identity After Divorce11:58: Support System 14:11: Embracing his emotional side16:18: Cultural Perspectives on Divorce19:42: Family Court Experience37:46: Transactional Side of Marriage42:08: The Impact Of Divorce Onn Children47:53: Fatherhood And Connection56:32: The Importance of Presence in ParentingFollow me:Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapistLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/Website: www.yvestmukanya.com

If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. In this powerful and vulnerable conversation, Amy Dawns takes us on a journey through pain, healing, and profound self-discovery. She opens up about the hardships she faced after her son’s birth—including severe health complications and a crumbling marriage—and how those experiences forced her to confront shame, anxiety, and a fractured sense of self-worth.Through that adversity, Amy found her way to healing—not through a straight line, but through creativity, spirituality, and radical self-responsibility. She shares how writing and painting became tools for emotional liberation, leading to the creation of the True Colors Body Painting process—a transformational experience that helps individuals, especially men, reconnect with themselves and their truth.Together, we explore the deep connection between parent and child, the emotional weight of co-parenting after divorce, and the silent battle many face around vulnerability and identity. Amy sheds light on post-traumatic growth and how even the darkest seasons can become the soil for deep personal transformation.This episode is a call to remember: your pain doesn't define you—it prepares you. And healing begins when we stop running and start honoring the truth of who we are.Guest: Amy DawnsWebsite: https://⁠www.amydawns.com⁠The Broken Man Poem: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1jizqNmFdjQTRT4oi9Yeim?si=XJ2OOsaKS8SXLI0deWX_kw&nd=1&dlsi=a748af6c4ee24672Follow me:Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapistLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/Website: www.yvestmukanya.com

If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. This is Part two of our conversation with Ann Marie Thrives. Here, Ann Marie opens up about her remarkable journey through life-altering challenges, including paralysis and cancer—experiences that have deeply influenced her approach as a coach. She shares how these hardships shaped her passion for helping others transform their lives through mindset shifts, self-care, and an understanding of the five stages of grief.Together with host Yves, Ann Marie dives into the multifaceted journey that divorced fathers face as they work to rebuild confidence, rediscover purpose, and redefine their identity. She emphasizes the vital role of effective communication and emotional presence in nurturing strong relationships with children after divorce.Throughout the conversation, Ann Marie highlights the evolving nature of purpose and encourages men to reconnect with their values and strengths, even in the face of failure or emotional setbacks. Practical tools such as self-assessment, mindfulness, and daily habits like affirmations, gratitude, and goal-setting offer a roadmap for healing and growth.Yves and Ann Marie also unpack the emotional complexity of life after divorce—navigating anger, loneliness, and grief—while stressing the importance of building a healthy environment for children and preparing for future relationships with clarity and self-awareness. From balancing career demands to cultivating community support, this dialogue offers both inspiration and tangible strategies for fathers ready to grow through adversity and reclaim their lives.Follow me:Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapistLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/Website: www.yvestmukanya.com

If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. In this powerful conversation, Ann Marie Thrives opens up about her remarkable journey through life-altering challenges, including paralysis and cancer—experiences that have deeply influenced her approach as a coach. She shares how these hardships shaped her passion for helping others transform their lives through mindset shifts, self-care, and an understanding of the five stages of grief.Together with host Yves, Ann Marie dives into the multifaceted journey that divorced fathers face as they work to rebuild confidence, rediscover purpose, and redefine their identity. She emphasizes the vital role of effective communication and emotional presence in nurturing strong relationships with children after divorce.Throughout the conversation, Ann Marie highlights the evolving nature of purpose and encourages men to reconnect with their values and strengths, even in the face of failure or emotional setbacks. Practical tools such as self-assessment, mindfulness, and daily habits like affirmations, gratitude, and goal-setting offer a roadmap for healing and growth.Yves and Ann Marie also unpack the emotional complexity of life after divorce—navigating anger, loneliness, and grief—while stressing the importance of building a healthy environment for children and preparing for future relationships with clarity and self-awareness. From balancing career demands to cultivating community support, this dialogue offers both inspiration and tangible strategies for fathers ready to grow through adversity and reclaim their lives.Follow me:Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapistLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/Website: www.yvestmukanya.com

If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. In this powerful and timely conversation, I sit down with Dr. Suelem Rosalino to explore how immigration experiences shape mental health, identity, and trust in systems of care.If you or someone you love has ever felt caught between two cultures, struggled with assimilation pressure, or questioned whether therapy is safe or accessible, this episode is for you.Drawing from both clinical research and lived experience, Dr. Rosalino shares what many immigrant families silently carry: fear, resilience, overwork, and the emotional cost of starting over in a new country. Together, we unpack Berry’s Acculturation Theory, the real barriers preventing immigrants from seeking mental health support, and what clinicians must understand to serve these communities with cultural humility and competence.This is not just a clinical discussion. It is a human one.#ImmigrantMentalHealth #ICE #Acculturation #BerryTheory #MentalHealth #ImmigrantExperience  #CulturalIdentity -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In this episode, you will learn:• How cultural background shapes mental health outcomes• Why many immigrants distrust therapy systems• Berry’s four acculturation strategies explained simply• The hidden mental health cost of working multiple jobs• How systemic bias affects care for immigrant communities• What mental health professionals must do differently• Practical self care strategies to avoid clinician burnout-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------CHAPTERS00:00 Immigration and Mental Health Overview04:18 Meet Dr. Suelem Rosalino05:06 Her Family Immigration Story13:49 Working With Immigrant Families24:29 Berry Acculturation Theory Explained31:10 Why Immigrants Avoid Therapy37:06 Systemic Bias in Mental Health41:00 Building Trust With Clients44:48 Therapist Burnout and Self Care46:11 Immigrant Work Exhaustion49:21 Challenges for Clinicians01:01:06 Self Care for Mental Health Professionals01:06:49 Final Advice for Serving Immigrants---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------About the GuestDr. Suelem Rosalino is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist with over a decade of experience serving underserved Spanish and Portuguese speaking communities. Her work focuses heavily on trauma, asylum evaluations, and culturally responsive care.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Follow me:Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapistLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/Website: www.yvestmukanya.com

If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. In this episode, I talk about how many people feel stuck in their lives and jobs, using facts to show how common this feeling is. I share my own story of breaking free from this feeling by using visualization, a method that helped me find new purpose and motivation. I explain how visualization can help turn frustration into action, making it easier to move past routines and find meaning in life. I also give simple tips on how to use visualization every day to picture the future you want and take steps to make it happen.Follow me:Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapistLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/Website: www.yvestmukanya.com

If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. In this episode, Dr. Dariel "DT" Henry takes us on an inspiring journey from the football field to the classroom. Growing up in Florida, football wasn’t just a sport—it was a foundation that shaped his identity, taught him discipline, teamwork, and resilience, and provided valuable life lessons that would later guide his career. Dr. Henry opens up about the challenges of transitioning from being an athlete to an educator, navigating the loss of his football dream, and rebuilding his identity with purpose and intention.He shares how mentorship and family influence played pivotal roles in his transformation and how personal loss fueled his passion for public speaking and mentoring students. Dr. Henry dives into the significance of mental health, staying true to core values, and the patience required to achieve life goals. He highlights how the skills athletes develop—like focus and perseverance—can translate into academic success and personal growth.With heartfelt stories and actionable insights, Dr. Henry offers wisdom on finding your purpose, embracing transformation, and creating a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Whether you're a student, a professional, or someone seeking clarity, this conversation will leave you inspired to pursue what truly lights you up.Follow me:Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapistLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/Website: www.yvestmukanya.com

If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. In this episode, we explore the misconception that happiness is a destination achieved through external accomplishments. We share our personal journey of redefining happiness from an external to an internal perspective, emphasizing the importance of aligning actions with personal values, practicing mindfulness, and nurturing meaningful relationships. The conversation highlights practical steps to cultivate lasting contentment and encourages listeners to reflect on their own paths to happiness.Follow me:Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapistLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/Website: www.yvestmukanya.com

If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. In this episode, we explore the complex nature of identity and self-discovery, particularly for those feeling lost in their careers or personal lives. The conversation delves into the fluidity of identity, the impact of societal expectations, the importance of core values, and practical strategies for reconnecting with one's true self. Through philosophical insights and psychological research, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own identities and take actionable steps towards personal fulfillment.Follow me:Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapistLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/Website: www.yvestmukanya.com

If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. In this episode, we dive into the common fear of failure that many young professionals face. We'll look at the psychology driving this fear, how it shapes our decisions, and how it can hold us back from growing. We’ll also explore some philosophical views on fear, highlighting why it’s crucial to face it head-on. To wrap up, we’ll share practical strategies to help you move past this fear, like seeing failure as valuable feedback, breaking big goals into small steps, and practicing self-compassion along the way.Follow me:Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapistLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/Website: www.yvestmukanya.com

If you like the episode, I would love to hear from you. In this episode, I open up about my journey, which I see as three powerful chapters: resilience, confusion, and understanding. It starts with my early years in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where civil unrest was a constant backdrop, but I stayed focused on my education as a path forward. Then came a period of confusion as I moved to the United States, facing the challenges of immigration, struggling to find my identity, and questioning my purpose. Finally, in the chapter of understanding, I began to rebuild. I focused on my family, battled through depression, and found my way to becoming a therapist. Now, I’m here to share these experiences through my work in therapy, my coaching program, and this podcast. This is my story—and I hope it can resonate with you on your own journey.Follow me:Instagram: www.instagram.com/your_neighberhood_therapist/Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@urneighberhoodtherapistLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvesmukanya/Website: www.yvestmukanya.com