Groove with Portia

There’s something powerful about a woman who’s been shot—and chooses to keep her heart light. On this episode of Groove with Portia, I sit down with Janine Powell Reid, a survivor, leader, and founder of Jones House of Refuge. Janine opens up about surviving a traumatic shooting that changed her life forever, her long road to recovery, and what it meant to fight for her independence again. But her...

What happens when your life changes in an instant—and your confidence vanishes with it? On this episode of Groove with Portia, I’m joined by Terry Healy, a speaker and upcoming author who opens up about his journey of rebuilding confidence after a disfiguring surgery at age 21. From feeling like the “elephant man” to developing unwavering faith and purpose, Terry shares the mindset and habits that...

Welcome back to Groove with Portia. Today’s episode is about reclaiming power, purpose, and voice after unimaginable loss. I’m joined by Lisa Council, a woman who has taken her grief and built a movement in honor of her sister, Linda, who was tragically murdered in a domestic violence incident over 30 years ago. For two decades, Lisa lived in a cycle of denial, anger, and survivor’s guilt—until sh...

Welcome back to Groove with Portia. I’m joined by Dr. Cristi Bundukamara, known as Dr. B., who shares one of the most profound stories of pain, survival, and spiritual evolution I’ve ever witnessed. Dr. B. has endured the unimaginable—the loss of three children and her husband—and yet she still shows up in the world with purpose, compassion, and a fire to help others heal. We talk about her “Menta...

On this episode of Groove with Portia, I’m joined by grief recovery mentor, photographer, and author Helen Fernald, whose book Love, Helen: Letters to My Mother came from years of pouring her heart onto the page. After losing her mother, father, and experiencing two miscarriages, Helen turned to writing as a way to release what couldn’t be said out loud. And through that process, she found her voi...

What Grief Really Looks Like | Lynn Lewis on Losing Her Son to Suicide and Learning to Live Again Welcome back to Groove with Portia. Today’s conversation is one I’ve held close for a long time. I’m joined by Lynn Lewis, a grief educator, author, and mother who knows the depths of loss too well. In 2019, Lynn’s world changed forever when her son, Daniel, died by suicide. Since then, she’s made it...

Welcome back to Groove with Portia—and welcome to Episode 200! I never imagined this milestone would be shared with such a powerful voice for change, but the universe always aligns what’s meant to be. In this episode, I sit down with country music artist Matt Rogers, whose new song Camouflage goes beyond entertainment—it's a lifeline. Co-written with his longtime guitarist and Army combat veteran...

Welcome back! I'm glad to see my voice didn't scare you off for good! On this episode of Groove with Portia, I touch on the invasion of Rump Roast (my inner critic) and how I managed to step out of my comfort zone by saying yes.  You will also hear how I believed my story of going through a series of trials (my mental health earthquake, my dream career and loss) lacked any meaning until today. Wha...

Why, hello there! For those who forgot about me, I'm Portia, your Host and Founder of Groove with Portia. Believe it or not, my last episode escaped the womb in 2023 (yes, the shop has been closed). On today's episode, I bring you with me to the lobby as I go for testing. How many of you see the check engine light on your body yet continue to push through another day?  You will also learn the dept...

On this episode of Groove with Portia, I am joined by Money and Debt Coach Larissa Steffen. Larissa sheds light on the contradiction that exists between financial advisors and financial coaches. Larissa holds a background in psychology and this helped her work with her clients to understand the behavioral science around money. Our money and debt coach shares how addressing her mental health was th...

In this inspiring episode of "Groove with Portia," I'm joined by Alexis Albro, a Certified Trauma-Informed Coach and the Founder of Survivor Rising. Alexis begins by celebrating a deeply personal milestone - her father's one-year milestone of being cancer-free. Her journey from leaving her corporate job to embracing her authentic self opens a door to profound insights. Our Trauma-Informed Coach sh...

In this episode of Groove with Portia, I'm thrilled to be in conversation with Katie Rossler, a seasoned therapist and a guiding light through transformative grief. Katie dives deep into the delicate art of integrating grief into our daily lives without it becoming an overwhelming burden. Katie sheds light on how neglecting self-care can amplify the weight of grief, emphasizing the vital role of s...

On this episode of Groove with Portia, I am joined by Zoe and Iris, the Co-founders of Island Beats, and Kiara Smith from the American Lung Association Cleveland Chapter. A central theme of Groove with Portia is discovering the hidden gift in grief. Kiara shares finding strength through her grief journey. Iris opens up about how faith and belief in a higher power came to her through grief. Zoe sha...

On this episode of Groove with Portia, I sit down with Judy Ben-Asher, an amazing individual who graced Oprah's stage and is the visionary behind Truthseeker Wellness. Judy's journey unveils the profound grief she endured upon discovering, through a DNA test, that her biological father differed from the man she believed to be her dad. Adding a layer of complexity, Judy's mother had already passed...

On this episode of Groove with Portia, I am joined by Larry Penton Sr (LP), Founder of Penton Pending Consulting Solutions LLC. Larry opens up about the challenges of dealing with grief from the standpoint of being a first responder. Being a man, yet alone a man of color, a heavy stigma is placed around grief and mental wellness. Larry shares how men can learn to embrace vulnerability along with t...

In this episode of Groove with Portia, I had the opportunity to sit down with Crystal Crawford, an exceptional Legal Nurse Consultant, as she shared her transformative journey. Crystal's path is a testament to the incredible power of embracing change. She eloquently describes how she gracefully moved beyond a specific phase in her nursing career, embarking on a journey of exploration and self-disc...

In this episode of Groove with Portia, I'm honored to welcome Career Reinvention Coach, Annette Garsteck. Annette dives into how she is navigating the grief that accompanies the entrepreneurial journey. Our Career Reinvention Pioneer shares how the limiting belief of doubt played a pivotal role in her transition from the corporate world to the path of entrepreneurship. Annette offers listeners per...

On this episode of Groove with Portia, you are joined by none other than me, myself, and I. I'm excited to share a profound experience I had during my time in Canada that revolves around a powerful message of letting go. In a truly vulnerable moment, I dive into the complex emotions of resentment and grief that have held me prisoner. My time in Canada acted as a catalyst for a transformative shift...

On this episode of Groove with Portia, I am joined by Kacie Gikonyo, Certified Death Doula and Founder of End of Life Coaching with Kacie. Kacie opens the conversation by breaking down the role of a death doula. Holding over 12 years under her belt as a Registered Nurse in units where individuals were “making their transition”, Kacie found a passion for helping individuals have a beautiful death a...

On this episode of Groove with Portia, I have the honor of hosting Valerie Mayen, the Founder of Yellowcake Shop and Project Runway Alumni. Valerie shares her personal grief journey following her television debut on Project Runway. She “sews together” the significance of reminding ourselves why we started in the first place, especially during challenging moments in our careers. As a Project Runway...

On this episode of Groove with Portia, I have the pleasure of hosting Shannon Vitale, a Board Certified Holistic Nutrition Coach, and Sandra Wint, a Women's Leadership Expert. Together, we dive into the emotional rollercoaster of "being married" to an identity and the grief that accompanies the divorce. Shannon and Sandra share their personal experiences, shedding light on the loss of community th...

In this episode of Groove with Portia, I am joined once again by the bomb dot com Missy Baker, Intuitive Personal Stylist and Founder of Soul to Style. Together, we dive into the depths of grief experienced during the various transitions of entrepreneurship. Missy shares her personal journey, emphasizing the profound impact that changes in community or networks can have. She unveils the emotional...

Woah! It's been a month since I've connected with you guys! On this episode of Groove with Portia, join me as we dive deep into the transformative power of finding gratitude in moments of overwhelming chaos. In this episode, I share my personal journey of converting my overwhelmed state of mind into a powerful breakthrough moment using four actionable steps. I encourage my audience to shift their...

On this heartfelt episode of Groove with Portia, join me as I open up about a significant transition in my life—the passing of my last living parent, my beloved biological father. With vulnerability and honesty, I recount the raw experience of visiting my father in the hospital one last time. As I reflect upon those tender moments, I invite my listeners into the hospital room alongside me to be pr...

How does one find gratitude while going through grief? After my mom made her transition, I found an opportunity to let gratitude take center stage. Tune in to learn how my grief journey opened doors for my growth, the importance of choice during times of grief, and remembering that grief is a process and does not have to be permanent. Connect with me: https://www.facebook.com/pbookali/ https://www...