Da Hood Talks Podcast

Join host Vanna as she talks with Rev. Charlin Hughes Co-Manager of the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Program for St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and Co-Founder of Humanity in the Middle Nonprofit Organization. TAP IN to hear how the nonprofit is working to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community served by engaging youth. And learn about the diversion pr...

Join Host Vanna as she talks with the Bailey Family who lives in a rural area outside of Missouri. Tap in to hear their experiences growing up in a rural town dealing with racism and more, but also as we discuss how the issues affecting urban communities are similar to those affecting rural communities.

We kicked off Season 3 with a Live Show Celebration for the 2nd year Anniversary of Da Hood Talks Podcast. Tap in to hear us as we talked with special guest from St. Louis Community College Flo-Valley and hear some Special Announcements about the future of Da Hood Talks Podcast from our Host.

In this episode of our Storytelling Segment we hear from a man who was raised up and still living on the Westside of Saint Louis not far from the Wellston Loop. We hear of his experience seeing the changes of a once thriving community diminish. We learn why he feels he now can't turn to the community to help him raise his children even though it was once community who made an impact on his life as...

Join host Vanna as she talks with Carlos Ball from Cary on the Ball Inc to learn about how he and his family turned a tragic loss into motivation to not only serve their community but also advocate for change in the way police interacts in our community! Listen in to see how the organizations gives back to the community, especially the ones that witnessed and was impacted by the family personal lo...

Join host Vanna as she talks with another community guests panelists on being black and just trying to LIVE yo best life! In this conversation, we will explore the barriers preventing black people from being able to thrive and not just surviving. We also will discuss how these guest panelists find joy in their lives and their suggestions on how as a community of people we can get more Black Joy in...

In this episode of our Storytelling Segment we hear from a man who experienced the life of the streets and the all so normal circumstances of just trying to survive, even at a young age. We learn of his experience with prison and the struggle to get on his feet when he was released to how he now is feeling like he has finally made it where he wants to be and hopes sharing his story will inspire ot...

Listen in as Host Vanna talks with Dr. Jason Purnell who has recently taking on the role of Vice President of Community Health Improvement at BJC HealthCare and an associate professor in the Brown School at Washington University. He and his team is doing some dope work that impacts OUR community. He also does work around HEALTH EQUITY WORK you can go visit healthequityworks.wustl.edu to learn more...

Join Host Vanna as she talks with Therapist Gerald Bentley of STL who keeps it REAL & RAW about his experience being a black man therapist, the black men and black women relationships dynamics and the current "simp" culture that is not only denying black men the space to be vulnerable and emotional, but also affecting black mens mental health. This conversation will bring a black mans point of...

Join host Vanna as she talks with the Founder Arriel Bivens-Biggs of Young Biz Kidz and The Mom Boss. We discuss her own personal journey becoming an entrepreneur, raising one and just the importance of entrepreneurship for youth in our communities. She also shares advice on how you can use entrepreneurial skills to help parent your child. Grab your notebook and tune in for this informative conver...

In this episode, Host Vanna and a panel of black women from the community of STL to talk all about black women and sisterhood. We discuss so much in this conversation like how black women can better their relationships with one another and how black sisterhood could better benefit the community as a whole. If you think it is important we uplift sisterhood in our community, then TAP IN!

Join host Vanna as she talks with Kevin Harris a Behavioral Health Specialist and Recovered Alcoholic about Addiction. From his professional and personal experience we learn about addiction, the resources that can be helpful and of the support that is needed and not only from professionals. This conversation unveils a lot and we hope it sparks more conversations on the growing issue of addiction i...

Join host Vanna as she talks with Co-Founder of the Lawrence Strawbridge Foundation to learn about how they formed a great organization that supports Youth going off to College, from an unfortunate incident and more!

Join host Vanna as she talks with a variety of Community Guest about Crime in our communities. We discuss the impact it leaves on the community, what we as a community can do to prevent it and much more. Once you listen we hope you send to someone else because the hope is this REAL & RAW Conversation can spark a needed change.

Join host Vanna as she talks w/ Monica Peterson the Founder/CEO of Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Center. Listen in to learn all about a Narcissistic, how to identify the behaviors and how you can get help if you have been a victim of someone with this Mental Health disease.

Join host Vanna as she not only talk with Staff of Big Brother Big Sister of Eastern Mo, but also met a College Student who has been apart of the program for years and a big sister who explains what her experience is like being in that role. This episode will unpack an unbelievable moment and show the impact of connections and mentoring needed in our community.

Da hood talks host Vanna is joined with a panel of community members who all have stepped in the space of entrepreneurship. We dive into their experiences being business owners, learn from their points of views the positive and negatives being in that space and of course get some tips for the next hopeful Entrepreneur.

Join us as we talk with the Founder of KHAOS, INC who in this conversation, as she would say "get into it the way you talk" informs us about Traumas, the importance on healing in our community and more. Tap in and make sure you hit share cause our community needs to hear these GEMS!!!

In this episode we are joined with Founder of S.H.E.R.A.H, Shante. We learn how they are building sisterhood in the community, providing a safe space for us to heal and overall showing up unapologetically for black women in the STL.

A wave of new parents has hit our community and we are geared up to talk all about it. Join us as we bring various community members (i.e. Parents & Educators) to the mic to discuss all things around Conscious Parenting!

In this episode of our Storytelling Segment we hear from a single mother dealing with housing issues, her experience navigating homelessness and her mental health journey since childhood. Listen in as we hold space and uplift another community member experience the struggle life that sometimes come with living in the STL.

In this episode we are joined with Empowering You 2 Move Founder Kiesha. We learn about the work they do and how they are showing up to support the community. One thing you should appreciate about this episode is we Keep it REAL & RAW in this conversation!

Listen in as host Vanna brings together another group of community members to have a conversation on the Black Family Dynamics. This conversations dives into how we can strengthening and support our black families in our communities and so much more!

Listen in as our host Vanna is join at the MIC for the second time to have a one-on-one conversation featuring a community member who is a overcomer. We hear in this episode her experiences navigating abuse, homelessness and so much more, but how with the help of community resources and support she is beating the odds. Take this time to see life thru the lens of someone else!

As we kick off our NEW Da Hood Heals Segment to talk Mental Health our way, we our joined by Guest Tawyna Davidson MSW, LCSW from The T-side Podcast to discuss feelings & emotions. She also shares some basic knowledge around therapy and we discuss representation in the mental health field.