Bloom with Dr. Darlene

This season finale opens the family album. It is a conversation unlike any other. Dr. Darlene’s son, Derek Garlington, turns the tables and interviews his mother, inviting her to share the experiences that shaped the woman he knows today. Their discussion is filled with laughter, vulnerability, and stories behind the photographs. She reflects on motherhood, raising a son and daughter, pivotal mome...

What happens when the disciplines of a martial artist and a yoga master come together? In this special B.L.O.O.M. conversation, Dr. Darlene sits down with her son, Derek Jay Garlington, a wellness professional, multimedia producer, writer, MMA amateur champion, yoga master, and creator of Martial Asana™. They explore his journey from his undergraduate years at Hampton University to earning his Mas...

In this episode, Dr. Darlene welcomes Dr. Justin Williams, author of his new book More Than the Jersey , who reflects on his experience playing football at Penn State under the legendary Coach, Joe Paterno, and what it taught him as a student athlete about preparing for life beyond the field. He explores his experiences and the changing priorities of college athletics, the influence of money, and...

He’s back! After their first conversation ended before he could answer the signature BLOOM questions, Attorney Frederick K. Brewington returns to join Dr. Darlene to finish the conversation. His answers lead to a heartfelt exchange about the ways they see each other loving and blessing others, the impact they have on their community, and how their own friendship has blossomed into a blessing of it...

Forgiveness can be one of the hardest things we are asked to do, and one of the most freeing. In this episode, Dr. Darlene sits down with Overseer Diane Seaman, of Good Samaritan Ministries, to have an honest conversation about forgiveness: what it is, what it isn't, why we struggle with it, and what happens when we choose to learn rather than remain defined by our painful experiences. They share...

You asked, and Dr. Darlene answered. In this episode, Dr. Darlene responds to personal questions from viewers about some of life’s most meaningful and sometimes difficult topics, including therapy, dating, falling in love, parenting, and sustaining faith through challenging seasons. Join her for candid reflections and personal insights on relationships, family, healing, and what it means to keep g...

Let’s have the conversation. This episode explores women’s sexual health, with a focus on the ways our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being intersect. Dr. Darlene shares what she has learned from and discussed with experts about women’s physical sexual health. She goes on to the psychological aspects of why understanding what you need is an essential part of self-care and how comm...

A frequent viewer question is, “How did you start writing books?” In this episode, Dr. Darlene takes you behind the scenes to answer that question honestly and personally. She shares the stories and circumstances that inspired each of her books and reveals how those experiences ultimately evolved into her newest series, B.L.O.O.M. Be Loving to Ourselves and Others More. It’s a story about inspirat...

Content Advisory This episode contains discussions of overdose, addiction, and grief that may be difficult for some viewers. Please take care while listening. Love doesn't end with loss. It finds new ways to grow. In this inspiring episode, Dr. Darlene’s guest, Linda Nuszen, shares the life and legacy of her son, Adam, with honesty, warmth, and grace. After losing him to an overdose, she founded a...

Why is the same behavior often interpreted differently based on who is doing it? In this powerful intergenerational conversation, Dr. Darlene and her grandson, Ilias Moore, share personal experiences and honest reflections of the challenges Black youth continue to face in today's schools. They discuss how Black students are frequently judged by a different standard than their white peers and the c...

Most of us believe we're fair, open-minded, and objective, but what if our unconscious biases are influencing our decisions and actions without us even realizing it? In this impactful episode, Dr. Darlene and her guest, Laura Harding, activist, attorney, and CEO of Harding Strategies and Consulting, unpack two topics that often spark discomfort but are essential for creating more inclusive environ...

What does it take to build a friendship that not only survives differences but is strengthened by them? Dr. Darlene welcomes her best friend and chosen sister, Maureen Canter, for an honest conversation about the moments that shaped their lifelong bond. Through personal stories, laughter, vulnerability, and hard-earned wisdom, they share how navigating racial and cultural differences has deepened...

Men's sexual health is about more than performance. It's about vitality, confidence, connection, and overall well-being. In this episode of Bloom, Dr. Darlene welcomes Dr. Elliot Forman and his partner, Marcia DeLeon, to discuss the most common challenges men face when it comes to sexual health and performance. Together, they explore the factors that can affect libido, energy, confidence, and func...

In this deeply personal episode of Bloom, Dr. Darlene sits down with Melissa Marius-Burke for a heartfelt conversation about her father's bipolar disorder, his death by suicide, and the journey of grief that followed. Melissa reflects on how working with Dr. Darlene helped her gain a deeper understanding of her father's mental illness, which has helped her make sense of painful memories, process h...

In this episode of Bloom with Dr. Darlene , licensed clinical social worker Charles Cox shares expert insights into some of today's most common parenting challenges. Together, he and Dr. Darlene discuss how to move beyond generational parenting, offering practical ways to strengthen parent-child relationships, encourage open communication, and help children feel heard and understood. Strong parent...

What does debt do to our minds, our relationships, and our sense of self? In this episode, three financial experts join Dr. Darlene to unpack the emotional, psychological, and financial impact of being in debt, from stress and shame to anxiety and the lasting effects of poor credit. Alongside their professional expertise, her guests also share their own personal financial challenges, offering a fi...

Juneteenth is a reminder not only of freedom delayed, but of the ongoing responsibility to protect, expand, and live that freedom fully. In this meaningful episode, the show’s Executive Producer and esteemed civil rights attorney, Frederick K. Brewington , joins Dr. Darlene for a powerful and deeply personal discussion on the state of politics today, what true positive leadership and advocacy look...

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Darlene welcomes school principal, educator, and author Keith D. Saunders Sr. to talk about the story behind his recent book, Roosevelt to the Hamptons: The War on Both Sides . Together, they explore how his life experiences shaped this coming-of-age story and how trauma, while painful, can also become a pathway to healing, growth, and purpose. Rooted in the spirit o...

What happens when we prioritize our well-being? In this episode, Dr. Darlene sits down with two fitness experts, Onix Salva, owner of Speed Island, and Kathy Leistner. Personal Trainer and widow of Dr. Ken Leistner, who shares the powerful ways exercise and healthy living have influenced their personal growth, relationships, and professional success. You'll hear personal experiences, practical wis...

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Darlene welcomes two extraordinary young leaders who are using their voices and platforms to uplift others and create positive change. Laiba Idrees, founder and executive director of Actualize Foundation, and Lukas Venturas, congressional candidate for New York District 1, share the experiences that shaped their passion for service, leadership, and community impact....

A poet and a jazz musician join Dr. Darlene for a soulful exploration of creativity, inspiration, and expression. Through stories, reflection, and live performances, they share what moves them to create, and how art becomes a form of love, connection, and healing. An invitation to BLOOM through song, language, and presence. Rashann Cruse, Jr. https://rahsaancrusejr.online/ https://www.instagram.co...

Dr. Darlene welcomes two powerhouse women attorneys for a candid conversation on communication and perception in relationships. Together, they explore the tension between communicating with strength and softness and between being heard and being misread. From navigating bias in professional spaces to building trust in relationships, they discuss blind spots, vulnerability, self-reflection, and the...

In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Darlene welcomes a dear friend, accomplished attorney and seasoned minister who spent years holding marriage workshops alongside his late wife. Together, they discuss the spiritual and practical foundations of a strong marriage: commitment, grace, communication, and staying anchored through life’s challenges. It’s an inspiring conversation about enduring love a...

Marriage isn’t just about staying together. It’s about growing together. In this episode, two couples sit down with Dr. Darlene and open up about the quieter work of love, working through struggles, evolving as individuals, and finding meaningful ways to care for themselves and each other. Their stories reveal how self-awareness and daily acts of love can transform a relationship from surviving to...

What happens when love meets orders, moves, and months apart? Dr. Darlene asked two military couples to record themselves answering some real questions about their marriages. The result: candid conversations about sacrifice, communication, identity shifts, and staying connected through it all. Real talk, real stories, and an honest, human look at love shaped by service. Links Website: https://www....