Coffee Can't Fix Everything

Some conversations start one place and end up somewhere you didn't expect. This one started with a simple question — why are people afraid to be original? — and ended up somewhere much closer to home. About the fear of being seen. The exhaustion of putting something real into the world and waiting to find out if it lands. The quiet courage it takes to keep showing up anyway. Ben is a community bui...

Rest isn’t laziness—it’s required for healing. In this episode, Corey Dion Lewis and Vanessa talk rest, burnout, high‑achiever anxiety, parts work, inner child healing, and learning you’re worthy beyond your roles or productivity. Welcome to Coffee Can’t Fix Everything: mental health over a cup of coffee with host Corey Dion Lewis. Meet Vanessa: speaker and MSW‑trained coach who works with high ac...

In this episode of Coffee Can’t Fix Everything, Corey sits down with Christine Her, Executive Director of ArtForce Iowa, for a raw conversation about mental health, healing-centered engagement, and what happens when we ask “How are you?” and actually mean it. Christine shares her story as a Hmong American daughter of refugee parents, navigating generational trauma, cultural expectations, and the p...

Support the show Help sustain independent mental health conversations https://buymeacoffee.com/coreydionlewis Stay connected Sign up for the Healthy Project Media newsletter for new episodes and resources www.healthyprojectmedia.com In this powerful episode, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Patricia  Barbee (Patty), Executive Director of Project Bridging and educator, for an honest conversatio...

In this episode, I’m joined by Emili Johnson, creator of the Black Girl Iowa podcast. Emili shares how starting a podcast became a powerful act of self-love and resistance. We talk about finding your voice when you’ve spent years feeling invisible, navigating mental health as a Black woman in Iowa, and the unexpected burnout that comes with podcasting solo. Emili opens up about her journey with an...

Steven Lewis joins the show to talk pressure, identity, and mental health as a creative. From routines to social media stress, we unpack how to stay grounded while building your brand. Mental Health Resources: Therapy for Black Men: https://therapyforblackmen.org NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): https://nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org The Steve Fund (Supporting t...

What does inclusive public art look like when it comes from lived experience? In this episode of Coffee Can’t Fix Everything , I sit down with Marissa Hernandez —a artist from the Des Moines art scene —to talk about mental health , faceless portraits , and how her murals bring representation and healing to public spaces across Iowa. Topics we cover: Art and identity in the Iowa art community Menta...

In this episode of Coffee Can’t Fix Everything , we sit down for a raw and insightful conversation on the realities of leadership, parenting, and personal growth. We dive into the mental health challenges that come with leading in both professional and personal spaces, the impact of burnout, and how to develop emotional resilience in the face of setbacks. Our guest shares their journey through lea...

In this episode of Coffee Can’t Fix Everything , I sit down with Courageous Fire, a survivor, advocate, and author of The Other Child . We unpack the complicated relationship between forgiveness and healing—why they aren’t always the same and why choosing self-compassion over forced forgiveness can be the key to true healing. Courageous shares her journey of surviving domestic violence, breaking f...

In this heartfelt episode of Coffee Can't Fix Everything , we sit down with Max to have an open conversation about mental health, the challenges of asking for help, and the barriers many face in seeking therapy. From breaking the stigma around mental health in the LGBTQ+ and Black communities to discussing communal burnout, Max shares their insights as a mental health advocate, executive director,...

In this Coffee Can't Fix Everything episode , Corey sits down with Jill, who shares her transformative journey of becoming "Jill 2.0." From dealing with the unexpected loss of her father to navigating a rare kidney disease, Jill opens up about the challenges and changes she faced in her life. Together, they discuss the power of resilience, the importance of prioritizing family, and the courage it...

In this powerful episode of Coffee Can't Fix Everything , Corey Lewis sits down with licensed mental health therapist Caleb Thomas to tackle a topic many shy away from—pornography addiction. This candid conversation explores the psychological, physiological, and spiritual impacts of pornography, shedding light on why it's more than just a personal vice. Caleb shares his journey from recognizing th...

In this enlightening episode of Coffee Can't Fix Everything, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with the inspiring Dr. Erlin Kakkanad to discuss the complexities of cultural identity, the science of happiness, and how to navigate the pressures of fitting in while staying true to oneself. Dr. Erlin Kakkanad, an award-winning children's book author and positive psychology enthusiast, shares her journey...

Join Corey Dion Lewis on "Coffee Can't Fix Everything" as he engages in a profound conversation with mental health advocate Kayla Bell-Consolver. In this episode, they delve into the significance of community healing, the impact of ancestral practices, and the challenges of navigating mental wellness in various communities. Kayla shares her journey, offering valuable insights on building and susta...

In this episode of Coffee Can't Fix Everything, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Leah Lint to discuss the intricacies of maintaining mental health in the workplace. Leah shares her personal journey, the importance of supportive leadership, and how therapy played a crucial role in her mental wellness. From finding the right therapist to balancing personal and professional life, this conversatio...

In this episode of Coffee Can't Fix Everything, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Bridget Cravens-Neely, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa. They talk about the profound mental health benefits of mentorship, exploring how these relationships foster emotional growth and support for both mentors and mentees. Bridget shares her personal and professional insights, emphasizing the impor...

In this inspiring episode of "The Coffee Can't Fix Everything Podcast," I  sit down with Dr. Pat Ford, a physical therapist with a remarkable story of resilience, recovery, and rediscovery. At the young age of 30, Pat experienced a life-altering stroke during a CrossFit workout, an event that not only challenged his physical capabilities but also his mental fortitude and identity. From navigating...

In this enlightening episode of Coffee Can't Fix Everything, we're joined by the remarkable Breanne Ward, a founder therapist and a beacon of wisdom in the mental health community. We talk about the complexities of supporting friends and loved ones through mental health challenges, the importance of setting boundaries, and the power of vulnerability within the African American community. Breanne i...

In this deeply inspiring episode of "Coffee Can't Fix Everything," we sit down with the remarkable Austin Neal, who shares his transformative journey from an aspiring baseball player to a devoted servant of youth in need. Battling his own identity crisis after a life-altering diagnosis, Austin found solace and purpose in serving others. Through his work with the youth recovery program at Lutheran...

Dive into the heart of authenticity and stress management with Marcela on Coffee Can't Fix Everything. This episode explores how to navigate life's pressures while staying true to oneself, the importance of mental health awareness, and the art of achieving work-life balance. Marcela shares insights from her journey as an HR professional, business owner, and mother, offering valuable lessons on han...

Join Corey Dion Lewis on the "Coffee Can't Fix Everything Podcast" for a compelling conversation with Dwana Bradley, a beacon of hope and inspiration. In this episode, Dwana opens up about her transformative journey from a life dominated by fear to one of remarkable freedom and strength. Through her deep faith and commitment to community empowerment, Dwana shares how she overcame her anxieties to...

In this profound episode of Coffee Can't Fix Everything we speak with Therapist and mental health content creator Kayla Bell-Consolver. Kayla opens up about her journey of self-discovery, the challenges of being a young black LGBTQ leader, and the importance of mental health and inner healing. From confronting lesbianophobia to embracing her true self, Kayla's narrative is a powerful testimony to...

In this empowering first episode of "Coffee Can't Fix Everything," we delve deep into the rarely discussed terrains of mental health, emotional vulnerability, and societal expectations within the Black community. Our hosts engage in a candid conversation about the complexities of being a Black man in modern society, touching on topics like mental health stigma, the pressure to conform to tradition...