Sanity Sessions: Real Talk

This episode is Part 2 of the 3-Part Sanity Sessions: Real Talk – Special Edition featuring Aswad Thomas, Vice President of the Alliance for Safety and Justice and National Director of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. In Part 2, Dr. Dawn Crosson and Aswad move beyond the origin story and into the work of healing—what it actually takes to move from surviving trauma to becoming grounded, acco...

This episode is the series finale of the Sanity Sessions: Real Talk — Special Edition series with Aswad Thomas, Vice President of the Alliance for Safety and Justice and National Director of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. In Part 3, Dr. Dawn Crosson and Aswad bring the conversation full circle—focusing on responsibility, power, and the work that lies ahead. This episode centers on what su...

This episode marks Part 1 of a 3-Part Sanity Sessions: Real Talk – Special Edition featuring Aswad Thomas, Vice President of the Alliance for Safety and Justice and National Director of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. In this opening conversation, Dr. Dawn Crosson and Aswad begin by grounding the series in lived experience. Aswad shares his personal journey through trauma, loss, and surviv...

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Dr. Dawn Crosson continues her dialogue with Rhonda Parker-Taylor on what it really means to heal after trauma. Together, they explore resilience as a lived practice—not a buzzword—highlighting the importance of self-awareness, mentorship, and intentional joy. Rhonda shares how writing became a therapeutic outlet in her healing journey and why building a pe...

In this conversation, Dr. Dawn and Rhonda Parker-Taylor explore the themes of resilience, trauma, and healing. Rhonda shares her personal journey of overcoming trauma, the importance of mentorship, and how writing has served as a therapeutic outlet. They discuss the significance of finding joy amidst life's challenges and the necessity of building a resilience toolkit to navigate through diff...

In Part 2 of Healing or Just High?, Dr. Dawn continues the conversation with Tara Portelli on psilocybin therapy and trauma recovery. Building on Part 1, this episode goes deeper into the real work —integration, accessibility, and what healing actually requires beyond the experience itself. This is an honest, respectful dialogue between two different perspectives, grounded in truth, clinical exper...

In Part 1 of this conversation, Dr. Dawn sits down with Tara Portelli to talk about something that’s stirring a lot of conversation: psilocybin therapy as a treatment for trauma and mental health. Tara takes us on her journey from working as a paramedic to becoming a psilocybin therapist, and how one experience with the therapy changed the way she understood her own trauma. We dig into the science...

In this 5-minute SNAP Session, Dr. Dawn calls out the nonsense behind Jimmy Kimmel’s firing after comments about the Charlie Kirk shooting while the White House politicians misspeak daily with no real consequences.  It’s a Real Talk check on free speech, double standards, and why comedians get canceled faster than leaders get corrected. Support the show Support the show BuyMeaCoffee Follow Dr. Daw...

In this 5-minute SNAP Session, Dr. Dawn gets real about redemption vs. reputation through three lenses: her cousin Richard’s redemption story, the mess of the Epstein files, and her own sometimes-funny, sometimes-hard journey of “growing up.” This isn’t about gossip...it’s about how our stories, our scandals, and our struggles shape the way we show up in the world. Support the show Support the sho...

In part two of this powerful conversation, Dr. Dawn and her cousin, Richard go deeper—unpacking the ongoing process of healing, rebuilding trust, and redefining purpose after incarceration. They talk about what accountability looks like, how faith and family played a role in his recovery, and the daily fight to stay grounded when old wounds and old patterns try to resurface. This episode isn’t jus...

In the first of this 2-part episode, Dr. Dawn sits down with her cousin to talk about his journey through incarceration, the trauma that shaped him, and the road to finding healing after hitting rock bottom. This is not a polished story—it’s raw, honest, and filled with lessons about brokenness, redemption, and the power of second chances. Together they explore the pain that led him there, the str...

In this quick hit, Dr. Dawn breaks down how political decisions are often power moves that can impact our money, mental health, and community. —whether we’re tuned in or not. We don’t need to be an expert—just aware enough to recognize when power is being used on us, not for us. They're counting on us to feel powerless. But knowing is the first move. Thanks for Listening! Support the show Sup...

In this special intro episode, Dr. Dawn unveils SNAP Sessions —a brand-new segment within the Sanity Sessions: Real Talk . These bite-sized episodes are designed to be Short, Nourishing, Actionable, and Playful , giving you quick insights, a little humor, and practical tools to help keep you sane and grounded—no matter how hectic life gets.  Support the show BuyMeaCoffee Follow Dr. Dawn on IG: @dr...

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Dr. Dawn continues her deep dive with Dr. Uno , integrative medicine specialist, to explore how ancient practices, functional medicine, and whole-body approaches are transforming the way we treat trauma — and support everyday wellness. This episode goes even deeper into the practical, accessible ways integrative care can support mental and emotional health...

In this episode of Sanity Sessions: Real Talk , Dr. Dawn sits down with Dr. Uno to explore the power of integrative and functional medicine in the journey of healing — not just from trauma, but for overall wellbeing. We’re talking acupuncture, nutrition, root-cause medicine, and how mind-body-spirit approaches can shift the way we heal. Whether you’re managing PTSD, chronic stress, or just trying...

Welcome back to Sanity Sessions: Real Talk, Season 8 — and if you’re new here, welcome to the space! In this short intro episode, Dr. Dawn shares an exciting update about the evolution of the podcast. While Sanity Sessions has always focused on trauma and healing, we’re now widening the lens to include overall wellbeing — because let’s be real, healing doesn’t stop at trauma. From burnout to balan...

Dr. Dawn is back with the finale of the 5 part series with Ms. Cat Shanu, founder of The Femme Guide. In this episode, Dr. Dawn and Cat discuss the the shadow side of seduction and when it collides with trauma.  Check out Cat on IG and ways to work with her. Support the show BuyMeaCoffee Follow Dr. Dawn on IG: @drdawnonthereal and join our broadcast channel Websites: www.onepps.com   www.halainc.o...

Ms. Cat Shanu, founder of The Femme Guide, returns to the couch with Dr. Dawn for Part 4 of this 5 part series. Cat redefines seduction as used in her community, explores the traditional use of terms, and discusses addressing trauma and relationships in her work.  Check out Cat on IG and ways to work with her. Support the show BuyMeaCoffee Follow Dr. Dawn on IG: @drdawnonthereal and join our broad...

Dr. Dawn is back with Ms. Cat Shanu, founder of The Femme Guide, for Part 3 of this 5 part series. In this episode, Ms. Cat breaks down the Maiden, Wise Woman, Huntress and Lover, and when we are stuck in an archetype. She also explores how to tap into a particular archetype when necessary and how to move away from the funcitoning in the wounded spaces. Check out Cat on IG and ways to work with he...

Ms. Cat Shanu, founder of The Femme Guide , is back with Dr. Dawn for Part 2 of this 5 part series. In this episode, she discusses her personal story and practical methods she recommends to begin healing the wounded side of the masculine and feminine energy.  Check out Cat on IG and ways to work with her. Click here for her website Support the show BuyMeaCoffee Follow Dr. Dawn on IG: @drdawnonther...

Ms. Cat Shanu, founder of The Femme Guide, joins Dr. Dawn on the couch to shed light on the power of feminine energy. In the first part of this enlightening series, Cat dives into the definitions of both feminine and masculine energy, exploring their dynamics and uncovering the wounded aspects of each. She also touches on the cultural differences in femine energy.  Check out Cat on IG and ways to...

Real Talkers! Here is Part 2 with Rev. Cheryl Kincaid . In this episode she provides practicial tips on intergrating Christianity with  therapy. Check out Rev. Cheryl Kincaid's website and books. Support the show BuyMeaCoffee Follow Dr. Dawn on IG: @drdawnonthereal and join our broadcast channel Websites: www.onepps.com   www.halainc.org Support the show Support the show Support the show BuyM...

Real Talkers! We are back on the couch with Rev. Cheryl Kincaid as she speaks to us about her background and past trauma that led to her integrating mental health tools with Christianity. Check out Rev. Cheryl Kincaid's website and books. Support the show BuyMeaCoffee Thank you for listening and downloading! Sanity Sessions ranked #20  out of the Top 50 African American Podcasts-Feedspot.com...

What's going on Real Talk Gang!! Today we have a former NBA player Mr. Dean Tolson with us. Mr. Dean Tolson was drafted by both the NBA and the ABA, having been selected by the Seattle Supersonics and the New York Nets, respectively, ultimately playing for the legendary Boston Celtics Hall of Famer Bill Russell in Seattle. He shares with us his story of overcoming the traumatic experience of...

Real Talk Gang! The tables are turned in this episode. Dr. Dawn is interviewed by Ted Phaeton , Anchor and Meteorologist at Fox, Carolina. Together we address the stigma of mental health and Dr. Dawn shares a bit of her personal trauma story. Great News! Feedspot.com ranked Sanity Sessions as one of the Top 50 African American Podcasts ! We ranked #20! Thank you for listening and downloading! Foll...