Ms. Wanda's Full Circle Radio

On this episode of Full Circle , host Ms. Wanda sits down with Shayla Walker, Founder of Sistah Soul Brunch & Mixer (SSBM), a growing nonprofit creating powerful spaces for Black women entrepreneurs to thrive. From brunches to business-building, Shayla is leading a movement rooted in community, empowerment, and access. We talk about: The origin and purpose of SSBM Common challenges Black women...

In this inspiring episode of Full Circle , Ms. Wanda sits down with Roberta Stensrud , owner of Smudge Nail Bar , the first Black-owned commercial nail salon in Sacramento. Roberta shares her remarkable transition from ICU nurse to beauty entrepreneur, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of launching a small business rooted in wellness, community, and inclusivity. Listeners will hear how Smud...

In this inspiring episode of Full Circle , Ms. Wanda welcomes Synthia Smith , the visionary founder of Sisters of Nia , a nonprofit transforming the lives of adolescent girls through Afrocentric programming. Celebrating 16 years of impact, Synthia shares how Sisters of Nia offers a three-year rites of passage program focused on cultural pride, self-esteem, and purpose for girls in grades 6–8. We d...

On this week’s episode of we sit down with the inspiring Jayda Irene , Founder of Healing Heels , a dance-based wellness organization on a mission to heal hearts and build confidence—one step at a time. Jayda opens up about the painful personal loss that led her to launch Healing Heels and how dance became a path to purpose, mental health, and empowerment. She shares how her work is particularly i...

On this episode we’re talking about mental health, youth leadership, and parenting with the team from The Race and Gender Equity Project (RAGE) and their powerful youth-driven Never A Bother campaign. This conversation centers Black youth and the adults who love them—while challenging us to reimagine how we support emotional wellbeing in our homes andcommunities. We explore what healing-centered s...

In this deeply moving and insightful episode of Full Circle , I sit down with United States Army veteran, widow, and author Deborah R. Hamm to explore what it truly means to support ourselves and others through grief. Drawing from her military background, faith, and lived experience with profound loss, Deborah shares the story behind her book Military Strong, Widow Brave: A Heart Speaks . Her appr...

Our conversation with Raheem Muhammad-Terrell and Aladria Brown still has me reflecting. They are cast members in Celebration Arts' newest production Before It Hits Home. This is more than a play — it’s a necessary truth. We talked legacy, healing, family and how art helps us face what we’re afraid to say out loud. Don’t miss this powerful production at Celebration Arts. The show runs June 6-2...

What a POWERFUL show with friend to the show, Dr. ReggaeAkambasi, Founder of Generationally Global Gardens (G3) Health & Wellness! We discussed how food is really at the core of our healing,and explored the beauty and benefits of superfoods, plant-based skincare, and holistic healing practices rooted in ancestral knowledge and backed by today’s growing demand for clean living. Let G3 inspire y...

What an inspiring episode! Thank you to the leaders of Melanin Day School Academy for joining us on Full Circle. Their commitment to nurturing culturally rooted, academically strong learners is a blueprint for transformative change in our communities. From immersive learning to honoring every stage of life, theirvision of Black families healing and thriving together is powerful and necessary. We w...

What an UPLIFTING and POWERFUL show! Deep gratitude to Safe Black Space for joining us on Full Circle! As they celebrate 7 years of service , Safe Black Space continues to be a lifeline for Black healing and wellness in Sacramento and beyond. Their work—providing free Community Healing Circles , racial trauma support , and safe spaces for collective care—is not just necessary, it’s urgent. In a wo...

“God didn’t waste my pain — He repurposed it.” What an unforgettable episode of Full Circle with Coach MO (Monique Smith) — grief and life coach, author, and inspirational speaker. Coach MO shared her deeply personal story: Within just one year, she endured the heartbreaking loss of nine loved ones . That season of unimaginable grief shattered her, but it also reshaped her understanding of faith,...

This episode of Full Circle was extremely powerful and deeply moving. Earl Lovell’s story of surviving a “widow maker” heart attack and waiting two long years for a heart transplant is a testament to resilience, faith, and the will to live. His journey reminds us that no matter how dark theroad gets, there is always a way forward.   We also thank Michael P. Coleman, Director of External Affairs at...

A masterclass in love, advocacy, and resilience. What a powerful and heartfelt episode of Full Circle with our guest Carla Preyer , featured in the new documentary Facing the Wind. Carla graciously opened up about her and her husbandPatrick’s deep spiritual connection and their beautiful love story — a story that faced a new chapter when Patrick began showing signs of Lewy Body Dementia. During ou...

If you missed this weekend’s Full Circle , you missedsomething truly special! Valene Byrd of ART-TISM joined me to share how her program is creating safe, inclusive spaces for families with special needs. Attend the 4th Annual ART-TISM Annual sensory-friendly interactive art exhibit, a beautiful initiative uplifting special needs families through creativity and connection. This FREE event takes pl...

What an incredible episode of Full Circle with the dynamic Miss Marianna ! We explored how her workbook Super Safety Heroes is helping children build emotional awareness, reduce anxiety, and feel empowered in moments of crisis. From homes to classrooms to neighborhoods, her mission is clear: educate, engage, and edutain . Catch the replay and share this important convo with parents, educators, and...

We were joined by Dr. Ben Rodgers, OBGYN with WellSpaceHealth and American Heart Association Volunteer. Dr. Rodgers shared in-depth critical insights on specific heart conditions that can occur during or after pregnancy—preeclampsia, gestational hypertension. Dr. Rodgers discussed how these conditions increase the risk for long-term cardiovascular disease, shedding light on their impact on long-te...

We were joined by Dr. Kimberly McLaughlin, OBGYN with Mercy Medical Group and American Heart Association Volunteer who shared critical insights on maternal heart health prevention strategies. Dr. McLaughlin offered a comprehensive approach topreventing heart disease in mothers by addressing health at every stage of pregnancy—preconception, prenatal, and postpartum. She emphasized the importance of...

We had a powerful discussion about Black maternal and infant health, the urgent need for advocacy, and the upcoming Black Maternal & Infant Health Summithappening Tuesday, April 15 at District 56 in Elk Grove, CA.   This FREE event is open to community organizations and individual who work with birthing parents, birth workers (doulas, midwives), expecting parents and their supportsystems, and...

What an amazing conversation with Celebration Arts about their upcoming production of Barefoot in the Park ! This romantic comedy by Neil Simon is directed by Artistic Director James Ellison, III is making its debut at CelebrationArts during this season, entitled “Family Affair.” It’s sure to have you laughing as newlyweds Paul and Corie Bratter navigate love, marriage, and a little matchmaking go...

Ané Watts is a dynamic Life coach, speaker, and author specializing in resilience, growth, and change. In 2019, she became curious about her family history and began researching her grandparent’s migration to Oakland, California in 1938. It was through their journey she began to see the patterns a resilience and perseverance in her family line. Ms. Watts went on to create, “If You Forget, Remember...

Breakthroughs Were Made During this Episode! This Full Circle episode, The Power of the Breakthrough, was soul-shifting! We sat down with two incredible women who reminded us that our breakdowns don't define us—theyrefine us. Nneka Mitchell, coach and founder of Reshape the Soul with Nneka, showed us how faith and inner work can reshape the soul and lead us to purpose. Show regular Shawn L. Brown...

Curious about a career in law enforcement? Tune in to this episode of Full Circle, where we explored "The Path to Becoming a US Marshal" with the incredible Lasha R. Boyden, the Acting U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of California. Ms. Boyden shared her personal journey, insights into the various departments within the Marshal's office, and tips for those interested in serving in this presti...

Sisterhood in Action! What an incredible conversation with Black Girl Social Club (BGSC) Sacramento Chapter President Christa Lee on Full Circle ! We talked about the importance of authentic friendships, curated experiences, and a thriving community for Black women. BGSC is more than a social club—it’s a movement dedicated to fostering happiness, well-being, and empowerment. Learn how you can get...

Timothy Poole, also known as Mr. Tim or DJ One Gone, is amulti-talented individual dedicated to serving the community, particularly its youth. He founded Hooked on Fishing Not On Violence (HOFNOV), a unique programthat introduces inner-city at-promise children to the art and sport of fishing. Over the past twelve years, HOFNOV has given more than 4,700 children and teens the chance to participate...

What an incredible conversation with Adwoa Akyianu, adynamic speaker, entrepreneur, cultural curator, wellness advocate, and the visionary CEO of She Has Shea. This beauty education and empowerment brand is revolutionizing self-care for Black women. Adwoa is passionate about empowering and uplifting Black women of all ages. We delved into her journey of founding She Has Shea, inspired by her own s...