Coming Out Forums

Unlock the secret to lasting peace rooted in self-awareness, faith, and authentic vulnerability. Sheila Hill’s powerful story reveals how embracing your triggers, setting boundaries, and reconnecting with your spiritual truth can transform chaos into calm—regardless of your background or circumstances. In this episode, Sheila shares her journey from childhood trauma and survival mode to finding pu...

Most people struggle with fear that holds them back fromtheir biggest breakthroughs. Pamela Kirkwood faced her fears head-on — from bariatric surgery to personal growth — and reveals how vulnerability, curiosity, and faith can transform doubt into strength. In this powerful episode, Dr. Lisa Cook and Pamela delveinto the subtle ways fear manifests physically, emotionally, and relationally. Pamela...

Most adults living with undiagnosed ADHD suffer in silence, battling internal shame and frustration without understanding why. But what if a late diagnosis could turn that struggle into clarity, purpose, and hope? On this eye-opening episode, Dr. Lisa Cook hosts Summer Williams—ADHD coach, AI consultant, and powerful voice in neurodivergence advocacy—who reveals how discovering her diagnosis at 47...

In this episode, Dr. Lisa Cook engages in a profound conversation with Tobias Briscoe about fatherhood, personal growth, and breaking the cycle of fatherlessness. Tobias shares his journey of overcoming adversity, the impact of growing up without a father, and the importance of faith and forgiveness in his life. He emphasizes the need for vulnerability in relationships and the significance of bein...

In this episode, Dr. Lisa Cook engages in a profoundconversation with Tobias Briscoe about fatherhood, personal growth, and breaking the cycle of fatherlessness. Tobias shares his journey of overcoming adversity, the impact of growing up without a father, and the importance offaith and forgiveness in his life. He emphasizes the need for vulnerability in relationships and the significance of being...

Did you know that 1 and 31 children under 8 years of agecould be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (according to the Centers for Disease Control)? The prevalence of this condition has risen since 2023 from 1and 36 children. With there being no identified cause of autism, parents have become intentional and deliberate in their awareness of signs in their children. Our special guest, Shondra B...

This episode features a conversation with Chanel Smith, who discusses her personal experience with transitioning from suicidal ideations to living intentionally with a focus on her well-being, mentally, spiritually and physically! The discussion underscores the significance of self-actualization and the necessity of making daily choices. It invites consideration of whether individuals can intentio...

What are your DREAMS? According to one definition in the article "Dream vs Goals: The Differences That Matter," a dream can be described as a series of images, thoughts, desires, or emotions that traverse the mind. Dreams are fueled by the creativity and imagination of our minds, often representing aspirations and hopes we wish to fulfill in the future. What happens when you give up on y...

What happens in our bodies as a result of trauma and how do we learn to regulate our bodies when there are a vast range of emotions peculating within us? Why is giving ourselves "permission" to tap into our emotions important? Why must I consider "Radical honesty" with myself? What are some techniques that I can utilized to regulate my body when I am triggered to bring balance and peace? Well, my...

In the US, the CDC reports in 2024, 20,17% of youth ages 12-17 reported suffering from at least one major depressive episode and that suicide is the third leading cause of death for individuals 15-29 years of age. In 2021, suicide was the third leading cause of death among US High School students! Further the CDC, in 2021, reported that 22.8% of US adults experienced a mental illness with 5.5% exp...

Do we change or do we evolve as people in our lives? One of my favorite quotes is by James Baldwin: "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." In her book "Becoming," Michelle Obama stated, "It's all a process, steps along a path... Becoming requires equal parts patience and rigor. Becoming is never giving up on the idea that there's more growing t...

Recent studies indicate that one in eight individuals has experienced some form of religious trauma. If you have encountered adverse experiences due to your faith or the actions of a faith community, this episode is highly relevant. Dr. Lisa Cook and her esteemed guest, Bisi Gbadamosi, LMHC, will be discussing the serious issue of "religious trauma." If you have felt shame, ostracism, or anger rel...

Our final episode of The Coming Out Forums, "Getting Healthy Podcast Series" focuses on our personal accountability and intentionality for our own health journey. Dr. Lisa Cook and her special guest, Olyvia Phillips, delve into the topic of "Getting Healthy" on a personal level, discussing how they are both being intentional and accountable for their health. The key to improvin...

The Coming Out Forums is releasing the 2nd episode of our Getting Healthy Podcast series. We are focusing on the importance of personal health literacy and self-advocacy as your superpower in relation to managing your health! Tune in today!

Getting Healthy ~ What does this really mean? The Coming Out Forums is launching a three-part series on this topic, especially for women, and women of color! We are excited to have our special guest, Olyvia Phillips, share from her professional and personal experience on "Getting Healthy" from the public health perspective historically to the current state of healthcare. We rally behind...

Nikki Giovanni stated, "How can you know someone else, if you do not know yourself?" In your self-discovery journey , it is an opportunity for you to be the person you truly are without operating as a person conditioned by others' expectations-based on societal standards. What a wonderful miracle it can be to show up to life as your authentic self, "Unthawed!". Our special...

What does it mean for women to operate in the "Essence of Femininity?" According to our special guest, Cindy Jaimes, it means that for each woman to live in her integrity and understand as she cultivates who she is, she can harness the essence of her power. You do not want to miss this episode! Tune In! Share! Subscribe!

As you entered 2025, I wonder if you fully embraced your "Comeback." We all have something we are striving to achieve or return to, but the essential question is, "When you reach this point, have you begun to heal?" Please listen to our special guest, Nina, Vice President of Experiential Operations and Planning at ESSENCE, as she shares her perspective as a trauma-sensitive meditation teacher and...

Today, we find ourselves in a culture dominated by fear. According to a study, four out of ten Americans report that their anxiety has increased over the past year. Consider the implications! With life's rapid pace and the high level of uncertainty, how can one lead a life focused on "Losing Fear and Living Faithfully"? Is it truly achievable? In this episode of the Coming Out Forums, we delve int...

We are navigating through challenging and difficult times, with each day presenting new challenges that can affect us emotionally, mentally, physically, or spiritually. The questions then arise: "What should I do?" "How do I keep moving forward?" "What if I'm at my breaking point?" Our discussion with Kristina Hinton, a Master-Level Educator, provides insights from her experiences to help you find...

Do not be fooled...trauma comes in many forms! According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,  61% of men and 51% of women  report at least one traumatic event in their lifetimes! Join my conversation with Phyllis Collum-Ferguson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with 25+ years in the mental health/wellness field, share her real-life trauma story! You will walk away...

Tune in today for tips on cultivating an abundant mindset! Dr. Cook has a transparent and enlightening exposition on how we can operate in abundance! You do not want to miss this episode!! Listen! Subscribe! Share with 5 people!

What happens when life happens? Have you tapped into what it takes to operate in "Emotional Resiliency", or do you live robotically, rarely taking care of your own needs? Please watch and listen to my conversation on operating in functional emotional resiliency! You will not be disappointed! Three THINGS: #Listen #Subscribe #Share with 5 other people!

Tune in to this podcast, as Dr. Cook share her insights on "Forgiveness ~ What it Means and It's Impact from her contributors and her personal and professional experience with forgiveness! There is a reward for each person who sets their hearts towards forgiveness and wholeness! What is the reward...well... listen to this episode to find out! Tune In! Subscribe! Share with at least 10 oth...

Rebranding Yourself maybe an outcome that happens in your life when your back is up against the wall, and when you start to recognize that something is not working within you. Can further self-discovery provide the answers to refining the image that you want to see ofYOU? Powerful discussion with my special guest, Abigail Sunday! You will walk away with new insights towards your rebranding experie...