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mental health

His Side S01e10 – Deflection – The Tool for Dodging Difficult Conversations

In this insightful episode of HisSide on the StrongHome Network, host Jeff Reed gets into a topic that often goes unspoken—deflection—with licensed therapist, Lawrence Franklin and producer, JayCee Slade. Together, they explore what deflection really is, why it’s often used, and how it can sometimes be a man’s way of navigating conversations when honesty feels unsafe or challenging.

They break down why deflection can become a go-to tool for avoiding uncomfortable topics, shifting the focus away from personal vulnerability, and protecting emotions in the heat of a tough discussion. Jeff, Lawrence, and JayCee give real-life examples and insights into why many men feel they aren’t allowed to be fully open and honest in conversations, and how this can lead to creative “escape routes” like deflection.

Join the conversation to learn about the subtle art of deflection and its effects on communication and relationships. Remember to like, follow, and subscribe to the StrongHome Network for more episodes of HisSide and other powerful content!

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Wounds in the Way | Grief, Healing, and Letting Go with Lil’ C S01E10

In this heartfelt episode, hosts Apryl Jones and Melissa Reed explore the unspoken truths of grief and resilience with the one and only Lil’ C, the mastermind behind the California Krump Movement. Together, they peel back the layers of loss, confronting the raw emotions of saying goodbye and learning to move forward.

💔 Apryl shares the pain of recently losing her father, offering an intimate glimpse into the chaos and clarity that grief brings.
💔 Lil’ C takes us through his harrowing journey, reflecting on his father’s suicide, his mother’s battle with illness, and the devastation of sudden, unexpected losses. He opens up about the life-changing decision to let a loved one go, navigating the heartbreak of releasing someone into eternity.

✨ This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a safe space to grieve, process, and heal.
Together, they uncover:

How to find light in the darkest moments.
The courage it takes to let go with love.
Tools for coping with loss and building resilience.
💡 If you’ve ever experienced loss or want to support someone through theirs, this deeply personal episode offers solace and hope.

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📢 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to Wounds in the Way for more powerful and transformative conversations. Share your thoughts in the comments—your story could inspire someone else to heal.

🔗 Follow Wounds in the Way and the StrongHome Network for more meaningful content designed to uplift and empower.

📲 Listen on all major streaming platforms!

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Wounds in the way Podcast S01E08 Mental Health & Meditation

On this episode of Wounds in the Way, hosts Apryl Jones and Melissa Reed sit down with the legendary Gwendolyn Osborne—one of the most recognized faces from The Price Is Right and the fierce Amazon warrior in Wonder Woman 1984. Gwendolyn opens up about her very public, painful divorce from former NBA star Kenny Smith and how it tested her mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. She gets real about the impact it had on her mental health and how she found peace and healing through meditation and breathwork.

Discover how these practices helped Gwendolyn not only survive but thrive. She shares how meditation saved her sanity, and the importance of breathwork in regulating the body, minimizing anxiety, and focusing on overall wellness. Her story is a powerful testimony of strength, self-care, and growth.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by life’s battles, this episode is for you. Tap in for an honest conversation about mental health in the Black community, the power of healing, and finding your inner peace.

Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe to the StrongHome Network for more conversations that feed your soul. Hit that bell so you don’t miss the latest from Wounds in the Way.

#MentalHealth #BlackExcellence #DivorceHealing #GwendolynOsborne #NBAWives #Breathwork #MeditationJourney #AprylJones #MelissaReed #StrongHomeNetwork #SelfCare #WellnessJourney #WonderWoman1984 #MentalWellness #BlackHealing #KennySmith #WoundsInTheWay

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Her Side: Breaking Bad Habits – s01e07

Join hosts Melissa and Paulette for a powerful episode of HerSide, featuring special guest Coach Lily. This week, we’re tackling the common bad habits that many women struggle with, from imposter syndrome to neglecting self-care. We’ll discuss how we often fail to give ourselves credit, skip basic self-care routines like brushing our teeth because we dive straight into work, and constantly compare ourselves to others.

Coach Lily shares insights on breaking free from these habits, emphasizing the importance of accountability from those close to us, and engaging in soul-searching and self-reflection. We’ll explore how lashing out or blaming others can prevent us from growing and becoming better versions of ourselves.

As we celebrate Independence and Freedom Month this July, let’s focus on breaking free from these bad habits. Tune in to learn practical strategies and empower yourself to live a healthier, more self-aware life.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on self-improvement and personal growth. Subscribe now and join the discussion on breaking bad habits, women’s empowerment, overcoming imposter syndrome, and achieving self-care and wellness.

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From the Hurt to the Healing: A Male Perspective on Emotional Healing

Healing is a multifaceted journey, extending beyond physical wounds to encompass emotional and mental recovery. For a long time, I focused solely on physical healing, dismissing the mental and emotional scars that I carried with me. It wasn’t until recently that I realized the danger of living with unresolved trauma—pain that you become so numb to that you forget it’s even there. I convinced myself it was easier to carry the pain rather than face the difficult, often prolonged, process of healing.

My own experiences taught me the importance of addressing wounds before they fester. I once broke my collarbone, but due to rushed treatment and neglecting proper healing, I now live with a permanent deformity. This painful reminder has become a profound lesson: avoiding the healing process only prolongs the pain and can lead to lasting consequences. The same holds true for emotional and mental wounds.

Now, I recognize the power of confronting pain head-on, acknowledging it, and giving myself permission to heal. I hold onto the wisdom in 1 Corinthians 10:13—God is faithful and will not allow us to face more than we can bear. With His strength, I trust that every challenge, every moment of healing, is an opportunity for growth. Today’s healing will bring tomorrow’s joy, and I’m ready to embrace that journey.

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Setting Healthy Financial Boundaries

Setting and maintaining healthy financial boundaries is essential to regaining control over your financial life. By keeping a household budget, you can track your income and expenses, preventing overspending on unnecessary items. Prioritizing your financial goals gives you the confidence to say “no” to expenses that don’t align with your long-term objectives, allowing you to focus on what’s truly important for your financial well-being. It’s crucial to recognize that saying “no” to certain things ultimately empowers you to say “yes” to better financial security. However, you may face resistance from those around you, so it’s important to communicate your boundaries effectively. Additionally, resist the urge to compare your financial situation with others, as appearances can be deceiving. Focusing on your own financial journey, while practicing gratitude for what you already have, will lead to greater peace of mind and help you direct your energy toward achieving your goals and financial freedom.

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Fitness with Intention: Giving Back to Yourself and Others This Holiday Season

As the holiday season draws near, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the pressure to give and receive gifts, or to be consumed with the chaos of endless celebrations. But this year, let’s take a step back and shift our focus towards being intentional in our giving. It’s a time to not only give to others but also to give back to ourselves and our communities in meaningful ways.

Start by prioritizing your own health and well-being. A little daily activity—whether it’s a morning stretch, a brisk walk, or a quick home workout—can help you manage stress and keep you energized throughout the busy season. When we take care of ourselves physically, it enables us to show up for others with more patience, positivity, and love.

Fitness also offers an opportunity to give back to the community. Consider participating in charity runs, fundraising events, or volunteering for causes you care about. These acts of kindness and service allow you to stay active while helping those in need.

Remember, giving isn’t just about physical gifts—it’s about giving your time, energy, and love to others. Simple actions like helping a neighbor, volunteering at a local event, or donating unused items make a big difference. The true spirit of the season is found in how we support each other, creating a sense of connection and gratitude.

Take time to reflect on what you’re thankful for and how you can share that gratitude with others. Giving back—whether to yourself, your family, or your community—makes the holiday season more meaningful and reminds us of the importance of connection, kindness, and love.

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Navigating the Intersection Between: Health and Identity

Identity is an evolving concept, particularly when considering its intersections with health. In the past, gender identity was often defined in clear, binary terms. However, in today’s society, the understanding of gender has expanded, reflecting a broader and more fluid spectrum of identities. This shift impacts not only personal self-perception but also the way health is approached and understood.

Health and identity are deeply intertwined. From a healthcare perspective, it’s vital to recognize how one’s sense of self influences health behaviors and responses to medical care. Cultural identity, for instance, shapes how individuals perceive illness and health, making it essential for healthcare providers to approach care with cultural competence. This respect for diverse backgrounds ensures that all individuals receive care that aligns with their values and beliefs.

Furthermore, mental health plays a critical role in shaping an individual’s identity. A positive self-concept and healthy self-esteem are integral to well-being. Healthcare professionals are responsible for supporting mental health, offering resources, and fostering an environment where individuals feel empowered to manage their health confidently.

Incorporating awareness of socioeconomic factors, such as access to healthcare and education, further deepens the understanding of health in relation to identity. The disparities in economic status can influence both physical and mental health outcomes. By addressing these factors, healthcare providers can better support their patients in navigating their health challenges, ultimately promoting holistic care and fostering a healthy, supportive relationship between patients and providers.

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Mind, Body, and Limits: The Intersection of Fitness and Safety

In a world that constantly demands more from us, setting and asserting boundaries is essential to maintaining personal safety, both physically and emotionally. Whether it’s ensuring our space is respected or protecting our privacy online, boundaries act as a safeguard for our well-being. For example, it’s important to recognize physical boundaries, such as needing personal space or not allowing people to touch us without consent. Emotional boundaries are just as vital, ensuring we don’t give more of ourselves than we can handle, and learning to say no when we feel drained.

Understanding and expressing these boundaries can be uncomfortable at first, but it’s a powerful step toward protecting ourselves. By defining our boundaries and expressing them clearly, we create healthier relationships and environments where our needs are respected. Setting boundaries is an act of self-care, helping us prioritize our mental and physical health, and giving us the strength to enforce limits when necessary.

This journey requires reflection, self-awareness, and trust in our instincts. When something feels off, it often is. By staying true to ourselves and asserting our boundaries, we create safer spaces—mentally, physically, and emotionally—that allow us to thrive in all aspects of our lives.

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The Challenge to Heal

In life, we often face immense challenges that seem insurmountable—whether it’s dealing with personal trauma, navigating through difficult relationships, or overcoming deep emotional wounds. The road to healing can feel long and overwhelming, yet it is one of the most transformative journeys we can undertake.

Jennifer Triana, a mother of three and entrepreneur, shares her powerful story of resilience. After enduring childhood trauma, the death of her father, and a painful divorce in 2019, Jennifer’s determination to heal for her children and herself became the catalyst for remarkable change. With relentless effort, she paid off debts, set goals, and made her dream of homeownership a reality. Not only did she buy her first home, but she also turned it into a profitable investment, proving that healing, though challenging, can lead to profound success.

Her story is a reminder that no matter the pain or obstacles, we can rise from the murkiness of life’s challenges and bloom like a lotus, stronger and more beautiful than ever. Healing is not only possible; it’s essential, and the rewards are worth the work.

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