Ray of Hope: The Podcast

On this episode we of Ray of Hope, Raya and Leslie speak about the mental health issues related to nurse burnout. Many nurses are considering other career paths after the pandemic. Nurses work long hours and often neglect their personal health. There is a National shortage of nurses and the issue continues to have an impact on the care of patients. Learn ways to improve overall health and prevent...

On this episode, Raya and Leslie speak with Jana Hairston, the founder of Around Town with Sweet. Jana shares her experience of being abused and the impact her divorce had on her mental health. Jana speaks about using her faith to persevere and overcome her fears. Her mission is to help other women who may have experienced trauma.  Support the show

Raya and Leslie speak with Danielle Dallis-Hairston, the CEO and founder of Women Just like Me. Danielle Dallis Hairston, CEO/ Founder of Women Just Like Me and The Girls of Destiny Leadership Academy. Danielle’s personal mission is to build communities of resilient girls and women by providing social-emotional wellness, counseling, and mentoring at-risk girls and young women. She believes every g...

On this episode of Ray of Hope, Raya and Leslie speak with Mike Roy, Sr. who founded Out of the Stroke Foundation after suffering a massive stroke in 2016. Mike shares his journey from the weeks prior to his stroke to his current mission to help other stroke survivors.  Support the show

April is National Minority Health Month and Raya and Leslie are speaking about the warning signs of a stroke and taking care of your body. Know the signs and symptoms to protect a loved one or friend. Learn important tips to reduce your risk of having a stroke or heart attack.  Support the show

On this episode, Raya and Leslie speak with the award winning trainer Austin Parker who is the CEO and head trainer of APFit. Austin speaks about the importance of physical fitness, spirituality, and mental health. Exercise plays an important role in the health and wellbeing of our temples. Physical fitness is instrumental in helping with mental wellness and depression. He has fitness challenges t...

This week, Raya and Leslie speak with the founder of The Lives Worth Saving Foundation Dana Brock. Dana is a restored citizen who was turned his life around after dealing with many issues and mental health. Dana speaks about his journey to change and becoming a husband, spiritual leader, and a community activist & mentor. This is a raw and authentic look into how men can overcome personal stru...

In this episode, Raya and Leslie discuss the process of transitioning into your purpose.  We all go through a season of transformation that requires separation and the ability to trust the process. Leslie speaks about a traumatic event that has caused her to transition into own personal purpose and how she was able to surrender to the change.  Support the show

Raya and Leslie have an in-depth conversation with the 2021 Ray of Hope: Humanitarian Award winner and community activist Stu Hampton. Stu is the founder of Linden Community Engagement Resource Team, Center of Encouragement, Saving Our Sons event, and the Mother’s are Royalty dinners. Stu has been instrumental in creating forums for change and putting his words into action.  Support the show

On this episode of Ray of Hope: The Podcast, Raya and Leslie discuss the impact that friendships have on mental health and wellness. Healthy friendships are vital to growth and transition. Unhealthy friendships can lead to friendship PTSD. Be intentional with friends and learn to listen to each other. Be the kind of friend that you require for yourself.  Support the show

In the final episode of season one, Dr. Raya shares some background information about her purpose and passion for creating her foundation and podcast. She takes an opportunity to thank all of the wonderful supporters and listeners. Dr. Raya is closing out season one with words of encouragement to keep you uplifted and hopeful. She provides tools to help you heal and live in your purpose.  Support...

This episode of Ray of Hope: The Podcast, Dr. Raya speaks with Julie Morrison , the founder of The Heal Her Foundation. The foundation was created by Julie as a forum for women to come together to start their healing process with other women.  Julie’s motto is Healing Her Empowers Me. Julie is a survivor and is helping many women along the path of healing and surviving.  Support the show

On this episode, Dr. Raya speaks with Angela Crego-Sanders about the mental health impact of growing up as a bi-racial woman. Angela shares some of her personal struggles experienced as a child that led to mental health issues as an adult. She talks about her decision to seek counseling and therapy to improve her feelings of self-worth and love. Angela wanted to share her story to help others deal...

On episode 4, Dr. Raya and Nurse Leslie spoke about how life happens and creates stress in our lives. This episode is a follow up to talk about how to cope when those unexpected moments happen. They provide some detailed tools and information to get you back on track and remain positive and hopeful. Sometimes, you just need encouragement, resources, and direction to help you maneuver through chall...

In this episode, Dr. Raya and Nurse Leslie discuss the unexpected life events that interrupts life’s balance. Life happens to us all. There will be times when nothing seems to go right and you can’t catch a break. There will be times when life is great and you think you have it all planned out and then, you experience a life-altering event that disrupts life and changes your plans. Nurse Leslie sh...

On this next episode of Ray of Hope: The Podcast, Dr. Raya is joined by the beautiful Queens Alexis Wymer and Jennifer Adams. This episode is about Accurate Representation Matters. As mother’s of daughters, it was important to shed light on having accurate representation of women of color. The media can be one-sided showing the societal standards of beauty with fake additives. We are in our natura...

Dr. Raya & Nurse Leslie discuss what Self Love means. Breaking down their personal experiences dealing with loving themselves and how they overcame those struggles. Self Love is a journey and is not a one-way road. You have to take multiple turns and different streets to get to a point where you understand, Loving yourself is the first step in being the best version of yourself!  Support the s...

Dr. Raya  White is the CEO and Founder of Raya’s Rays of Light Foundation, LLC. Her professional background consists of mental/behavioral health, drug & alcohol rehabilitation, cognitive behavioral issues, and more.  Leslie, RN is the Director of the organization. Her professional background consists of geriatric care, utilization management, care coordination, mental/behavioral health, and mo...