Rooted In Our Ancestors' Dreams

In this episode, we sit down with Danielle Taylor, creator of Taylor My Heart, for a grounded, heart-forward conversation about what it really takes to move from survival to healing—and from healing to power. Danielle shares how trauma can shape self-worth, relationships, and the nervous system—and what it looked like for her to begin reclaiming safety in her body, trusting her inner voice again, and releasing shame that never belonged to her. We talk about the messy middle of healing: identifying triggers without self-judgment, building boundaries that protect your peace, and finding (or rebuilding) community that can hold your truth. By the end, the episode becomes a blueprint for empowerment—reminding listeners that healing isn’t about becoming “new,” it’s about returning to who you were before the world told you to shrink. Danielle leaves listeners with practical encouragement, reflection points, and a clear message: your story is not your sentence—your story can be your strength.

In this episode, we sit down with Moneecia Johnson, host of Present Perspectives, for a faith-forward conversation about what it really looks like to heal while life is actively changing. We talk through the “season of preparation,” the grief that can come with becoming, and how to stay grounded when you feel stretched between who you were and who you’re being shaped to become.Moneecia also shares the heart behind her book, Healing In Transition, and how her message invites people to move beyond surface-level spirituality into honest reflection, maturity, and alignment—especially in relationships and purpose. Listeners will leave with language for naming their current season, encouragement for doing the inner work, and practical ways to show up with clarity, boundaries, and courage while they’re “in-between.”

This podcast episode explores what it means to be Black and transgender in America through a lens of identity, safety, and resilience. The conversation centers the unique challenges that emerge at the intersection of racism and transphobia—especially in everyday life experiences like healthcare, work, community spaces, dating, and public safety. Alongside the realities of discrimination and misunderstanding, the episode highlights affirmation, joy, chosen family, and the power of community support. Listeners walk away with a deeper understanding of what genuine allyship looks like, why “visibility” can be both empowering and risky, and how Black trans people cultivate healing, dignity, and self-defined success.Breanna Can be reached through her instagram:@superbrandricciemail: smpl@simplicitydesignagencywebsite: simplicitydesignagency.com

In this episode, we sit down with ANR3 Consulting Firm to unpack how business owners can stop spinning their wheels and start building with intention. ANR3 shares how their work—rooted in experience since 2005—evolved from event consulting and marketing into helping businesses strengthen daily operations, scale revenue, and build a structure that supports both growth and peace of mind.Listeners get an inside look at ANR3’s signature C.A.P.E.R. method—Clarify, Assess, Plan, Execute, Re-Assess—and how it becomes a practical roadmap for getting a business “back on track,” especially when operations feel messy, teams are underperforming, or growth has stalled.We also dive into ANR3’s core service areas—Business Reorganization, Revenue Boost, New Hire, and Change Management—and why aligning core values with daily operations is a non-negotiable for sustainable success.

As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, our mission is to enrich the lives of senior citizens by providing comprehensive support, resources, and opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.We are committed to fostering an environment where senior citizens can thrive, maintain their dignity, independence, and well-being. SSB Creations A Gift of Love (AGOL) is committed to addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by senior citizens.AGOL strives to create a world where every senior citizen is valued, empowered, and equipped to live a fulfilling and purposeful life.Inclusivity: Ensure all senior citizens, regardless of background or circumstances, feel welcome and supported.Respect: Uphold the dignity and worth of every individual.Integrity: Operate transparently and ethically in all interactions.Empowerment: Promote independence and well-being through programs that support seniors’ growth and self-sufficiency.https://ssb-agiftoflove.org/

The mission of The Black Girl Healing Project is to continue to provide Black women and girls with virtual mental health and personal development resources across the US, Canada, and the UK.We also host wellness events and workshops in the areas with the most underserved Black women and girls and are mental health deserts—South Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City, East Oakland CA, Washington, DC wards 7 & 8, Virginia, Memphis TN, St. Louis MO, New Orleans LA, Detroit MI, Baltimore, MD, Atlanta GA, Houston, TX,  and Birmingham.To provide immediate and emergency crisis intervention and mental health assistance to Black women and girls 24/7 days per week through AI chat and live virtual assistance.Contact Nijiama SmallsThe Black Girl Healing Project Inc. is a nonprofit organization that supports the mental and emotional health of Black women and girls moving them from crisis to excellence.Registered charity: 39-2947052https://theblackgirlsguidetohealingemotionalwounds.com/

City of Joy Life Enrichment Center, located in Akron, Ohio, was founded in 2009 by Pastor Mayceo Smith II. The church held its grand opening on March 1, 2009, at the Judith Resnik Elementary School. Since then, it has become one of the fastest-growing churches in Northeast Ohio.​Pastor Mayceo Smith II has been preaching and teaching the Word of God for over 20 years. He is passionate about evangelism and serves as the Director of Evangelism for the Global United Fellowship under the leadership of Bishop Neil C. Ellis, covering over 1,400 churches worldwide. In addition to his pastoral duties, Pastor Smith is involved in community initiatives.https://www.cityofjoylec.org/

In this episode of Rooted in Our Ancestors' Dreams, host Kara speaks with Tisha Cockrell, president of Friends of Riggs LaSalle Recreation Center, about the importance of community engagement, legacy, and advocacy in creating healthy neighborhoods. They discuss the center's role in serving diverse community needs, the challenges of fundraising, and initiatives addressing substance abuse. Tisha emphasizes the significance of joyful, community-centered prevention efforts and shares her vision for the future of recreation facilities. Tischa Cockrell Learn More: https://friendsofriggsrecctr.org/The conversation delves into the legacy and history of the community, the advocacy and engagement with DC agencies, community needs and trends, fundraising and sustainability, initiatives for healing invisible wounds, joyful and community-rooted prevention work, and the vision for a 21st-century recreation facility. The key takeaways include community engagement, advocacy and testimony, and community wellness and healing.TakeawaysCommunity EngagementAdvocacy and TestimonyCommunity Wellness and HealingChapters00:00 Legacy and Community History05:34 Engaging with DC Agencies and Budget Hearings13:11 Fundraising and Sustainability21:12 Joyful and Community-Rooted Prevention Work

The episode reflects on the challenges and experiences of 2025, acknowledging the struggles and growth. It then discusses the impact of these experiences and the intention to build for 2026 with a focus on self-care, boundaries, and legacy practices.TakeawaysReflection on 2025Building for 2026

n this episode of Rooted in Our Ancestors' Dreams, host Cara speaks with Luz, a certified spiritual life coach and licensed minister, about the concepts of liberation and embodiment. They explore how to unlearn harmful narratives inherited from culture and religion, the importance of safety in healing, and the intersection of spirituality and body positivity. Luz shares her personal journey of transformation and the tools she uses to help clients reclaim their identities and desires. The conversation culminates in a guided body practice, emphasizing the importance of pleasure and self-acceptance.takeawaysBeing rooted in our ancestors' dreams means living in alignment with their sacrifices.Liberation involves unlearning guilt, shame, and survival mode.Safety in the body is a crucial first step in healing.Clients should have some prior experience in their healing journey.Unlearning body shame requires naming and questioning harmful beliefs.The intersection of theology and body positivity is vital for healing.Personal experiences of trauma can lead to a desire to help others.Harmful theology can perpetuate negative beliefs about sexuality and identity.Progress in healing is unique to each individual and their journey.Tools for healing include rituals, meditation, and self-exploration.titlesRooted in Our Ancestors' Dreams: A Journey of HealingLiberation and Embodiment: Reclaiming Our NarrativesSound Bites"Living in alignment with our ancestors' dreams.""We start to excavate and ask questions.""Progress looks different for each person."Chapters00:00Introduction to Rooted in Our Ancestors' Dreams00:58Understanding Liberation and Embodiment02:42The Role of Safety in Healing05:25Identifying Suitable Candidates for Coaching08:14Unlearning Body Shame and Cultural Scripts11:01The Intersection of Theology and Body Positivity13:48Personal Journey and Testimony18:03The Impact of Cultural Messages on Body Image20:55Defining Progress in Healing23:36Tools and Techniques for Healing26:44Pleasure Mapping and Consent28:14Guided Body Mint Practice32:20Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Join us as we discuss LGBTQIA+ issues with Melissa McCollister

Join the mother/daughter team of Carmen Taylor and Mariah Clemons as they talk to us about attachment styles and how it contributes to mother hurt. They will also discuss healing from mother hurt.

Join us as we welcome our guest, Natasha Patel as we discuss Generational Trauma with Immigrants.

This week's podcast focuses on Incarceration and the Effects on family and community. We have Tamicka Monson, LCPC here to shed light on the topic.

Join us as we talk with Rachael DuBose, LPCC-S about Suicide and Crisis within minority communities. We talk about myths and misconceptions about suicide and we explore healing with those who have attempted suicide and the families and loved ones who are left to deal with the aftermath of completed suicide.

Join us as we talk with Gary Jones, LCSW about mental health and Black men. We explore how mental health impacts Black men, the community and their

Join us as we talk to Lindsay Love, LCSW as she speaks about generational trauma and decolonization of therapy and how it impacts mental health and healing.

Join us for a conversation about transracial adoption and the journey to finding our roots. Dr. Abby shares her personal experience and advice about this very important topic.

Join us as we discuss Missionary work, motherhood and meaning with Bianca

Visit Erin Faith Kabba at The Oya Collective to learn more about End of Life Doulas

Our guest for this podcast isRoberto Carlos Martinez, LPCMulticultural Career CenterMulticulturalcareercenter.cominfo@multiculturalcareercenter.com571-350-3779Serving DC/MD/VA/PA

In this episode, we explore the idea of the American Dream and what it means to others. Is it a myth, a nightmare or rooted in privilege?

This episode focuses on exploring and honoring ancestral dreams, generational legacy, and defining the dreams that formed the blueprint for marginalized communities.