Urban Family Focus Podcast

What role do our roots play in our health, identity, relationships, and overall well-being? In this episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith welcomes Denise Colomé, MCM, and Geraldin Ferrer for a meaningful conversation about culture, identity, community, mental health, and healing. As part of Providence Presents: The Cultural Connection for Better Health, this episode explores self-accep...

What role do culture, language, family, and lived experience play in the way we receive healthcare? In this episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith welcomes Dr. Rafael Montalvo, family medicine physician, for an important conversation titled: “Afro-Latino Health Care Connection” This episode is part of our September series: Providence Presents: The Cultural Connection for Better Health H...

Maternal health is about more than the physical experience of pregnancy and childbirth. It also includes emotional support, access to resources, trusted relationships, cultural understanding, advocacy, and the ability to make informed decisions about one's care. This rebroadcast of Urban Family Focus focuses on Black Maternal Health, featuring Dr. Tamitra Clark and Ellen Branch. As part of Provide...

Sierra Smith, Executive Director of Open Paths Counseling Center, joins Urban Family Focus for “Culturally Affirming Therapy,” part of our September series, Providence Presents: The Cultural Connection for Better Health. What happens when someone seeks therapy but feels like their therapist doesn't understand their culture, identity, family dynamics, history, or lived experience? For many people f...

Architecture is about more than designing buildings. It can influence how communities live, connect, grow, and envision their future. In this episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith welcomes Drake Dillard, an accomplished registered architect, community leader, mentor, and advocate for diversity in the architectural profession, for an important conversation titled: "The Citizen Architect...

Religion and spirituality have shaped civilizations, inspired movements, created communities, and provided meaning and hope to people around the world. But throughout history, religious beliefs and institutions have also been connected to systems of power, social control, political influence, division, and conflict. In this episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith welcomes Dr. Larry “Coco...

Can storytelling be a pathway to healing? In this episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith welcomes Rev. Albert Starr, Jr., DD for a powerful conversation about the transformative role of poetry, storytelling, song, and art. Rev. Starr is a minister, pastor/teacher, storyteller, workshop leader, conference presenter, and Artist in Residence at Synod Assembly. A native of Durham, North Car...

Betrayal has the power to shake our confidence, challenge our relationships, and leave emotional scars that can last for years. But healing is possible. In this episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith welcomes Dr. Marcus Anderson—educator, author of Betrayed by Love & Faith, founder of The Writehood LLC, and lifelong advocate for personal growth and education. Drawing from his lived...

For decades, homeownership has been one of the most powerful pathways to building generational wealth in America. But today's housing market raises new questions about who owns our communities and how those changes affect future generations. In this episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith welcomes retired real estate entrepreneur Richard Rice, whose nearly five decades as a California ho...

As part of our continued observance of Black Mental Health Awareness Month, Urban Family Focus explores the often-overlooked intersection of grief, Black masculinity, and mental health. In this episode, Rev. Jerrold Smith welcomes Charles “Chuck” Clemons—Board-Certified Chaplain, Pastoral Counselor, Corporate Trainer, Keynote Speaker, and Owner of Charles Clemons LLC. Grief is a universal experien...

Recovery from mental illness is possible—and no one should have to navigate that journey alone. In this episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith welcomes Adriene Bausley, Program Director of NAMI Urban Los Angeles, and Yvette Townsend, LCSW, retired Deputy Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and current NAMI Urban LA Board Member. Together, they explore how educ...

Mental health has become one of the most important conversations of our time, impacting individuals, families, workplaces, schools, and communities across the nation. In this episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith sits down with our beloved resident psychologist and mental health expert Dr. Loren M. Hill for a thoughtful discussion on the current state of mental wellness and what it mea...

On this BWAARP edition of Urban Family Focus Podcast—our Black Wealth Attainment & Retention Program—we’re diving deep into the world of estate planning with none other than Attorney Caprice L. Collins, a Harvard Law graduate and one of the nation’s top-rated experts in Living Trusts, Asset Protection, and Generational Wealth. With over 40 years of experience, Caprice has helped thousands of f...

Weight loss medications have become one of the most discussed topics in healthcare, but understanding how they work—and whether they're right for you—requires more than social media headlines. In this episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith sits down with renowned colorectal surgeon Dr. Zuri Murrell to explore the growing use of GLP-1 medications and their role in modern healthcare. Toge...

In this inspiring episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith welcomes Pastor Joyce Reece Kitchen for a powerful conversation on "The Heart of a Home." As a pastor, licensed clinical social worker, counselor, author, wife, mother, grandmother, and community leader, Rev. Kitchen brings decades of experience helping individuals and families strengthen their relationships and overcome life's ch...

In this important episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith sits down with Dr. D. Pulane Lucas, Founding President and CEO of Policy Pathways Inc., for a timely discussion on: "Empowerment Through Policy and Advocacy for Those Who Died While in Custody." Drawing upon her extensive background in public policy, research, leadership development, and civic engagement, Dr. Lucas examines how co...

In this inspiring episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith sits down with David S. Williams III, entrepreneur, investor, and digital health innovator, to discuss “Wealth Through Healthcare Entrepreneurship.” As the co-founder of multiple successful healthcare technology companies, David has helped millions of people use health information and digital tools to improve healthcare outcomes w...

In this important episode of Urban Family Focus, we sit down with Charles Dickens, Co-Owner of Dickens Development and Vice President of Metro Building Suppliers, for a thought-provoking conversation on “Community Development: Are We Asking for Enough?” Drawing from his experience in construction, development, and business leadership, Charles shares insight into how communities can advocate for st...

In this powerful rebroadcast episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith sits down with Bishop Byron L. Smith Sr., founder of Lifting3Veils, for an important conversation on “Working Through The Chaos.” Bishop Byron is a pastor, educator, clinical therapist, and advocate who works at the intersection of faith, mental health, trauma-informed care, and community healing. Through his work with...

In this informative episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith sits down with Dr. Marcella Berry Dyson, owner of Las Vegas Health and Wellness, to discuss “Data Driven Wellness – What Your Hair Can Tell You.” As a Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner, Menopause Coach, and Longevity Specialist, Dr. Dyson helps individuals take a deeper look at the body through personalized, data-driven wel...

In this restorative episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith sits down with Dr. Monisha Gardner, owner of Moya Body Care, to explore “The Benefits of Colonics & Ritual Purification.” Dr. Gardner shares her holistic approach to digestive wellness, emphasizing the connection between the nervous system, stress, and the body’s natural ability to heal and restore balance. Rather than focus...

In this empowering episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith sits down with Kevin D. Williams, PR Strategist, Storytelling Coach, and Elevator Pitch Expert, to discuss “7 Reasons Why Blacks Should Start a Business.” Kevin shares powerful insight into why entrepreneurship is more than just a career path—it’s a strategy for ownership, economic empowerment, and building generational wealth. D...

In recognition of National Minority Health Month, Urban Family Focus presents a meaningful conversation on “Mental Well Being.” Host Rev. Jerrold Smith is joined by Dr. Karen G. Rentas, Clinical Psychologist at Providence Health & Services, to discuss the importance of mental health and access to care in underserved communities. With experience in clinical services, training, research, and men...

In recognition of National Minority Health Month, Urban Family Focus presents a powerful conversation on “Champions of Health Equity.” Host Rev. Jerrold Smith is joined by Dr. Derek F. Williams and Dr. Roberto Vargas, two leaders working on the frontlines of healthcare and policy to improve outcomes in underserved communities. Dr. Williams shares his approach to whole-person care—addressing not on...

In recognition of National Minority Health Month, Urban Family Focus presents a powerful conversation on “Health Justice Now.” Host Rev. Jerrold Smith is joined by Dr. Lisa Bagby and Denise Colomé, leaders from Providence Health & Services, to explore how we can move from awareness to action in addressing health disparities. Drawing from their expertise in leadership development, healthcare st...