Relatively Normal

In this week's episode, I dive into the world of Imposter Syndrome and Perfectionism.  For those that suffer from this, you know that all your accomplishments and successes come with a terrifying amount of self-doubt and sabotage.  We feel like frauds and all of the positives get shadowed by the impression that we are frauds and it is just a matter of time before others figure this out....

This week's show focuses on the act of checking in with ourselves.  With everything that is going on in the world right now, we have been told countless times to make sure we check-in with the people around us - loved ones, friends, family members, so on and so on.  But, how often are you checking in with yourself?  Like I have mentioned in previous episodes, we need to treat oursel...

In the first episode of the 3rd season of Relatively Normal, I make a major announcement - I am back in THERAPY. This was a long time coming and I have been battling some major anxiety and some depression lately.  I am really looking forward to more sessions with this new therapist and she has given me some great coping techniques to use when I get into dark places.  In today's episode,...

For the final episode of the 2nd season, I sit down and speak with Devan Michael, owner and creator of the Silent Struggle Podcast.  We talk about how, to some, simply the thought of being equal to those less fortunate may feel like oppression.  Devan gives us his thoughts on everything from changing the mindsets of those in power to the illusion of black on black crime to how his genera...

One of the main reasons I do what I do is to inspire and motivate - specifically, the people that come behind me.  Even more specific - the young black leaders that will come behind me.  On today's episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with one of those bright and upcoming leaders, Evan Mills of Root Insurance.  Evan and I talk about what he has done in his life to become a leade...

Who are you? Not the person you pretend to be on social media or the person you are after a few drinks - seriously, who are you? Have you found your true self and are you comfortable with that person?  This week, I talk about finding that true person and being comfortable with them.  This process can be difficult if we are uncomfortable with the complements we receive or the people we as...

Lately, I have been extremely anxious.  I have gone to sleep with thoughts going 100 mph in my brain.  I have woken up dreading the day in front of me.  In the past, I have been able to pinpoint my triggers and try to cope through them.  But at this moment in my life, I can't seem to pinpoint what my triggers are.  I know a lot of stuff is going on in the world right now i...

Have you ever met a black man and your first thought was "Wow, he speaks so well?"  Have you ever met a female doctor and felt differently based only on her gender.   Have you ever met an asian person and assumed they were good at math?  If you have ever said or done any of these things, you most likely have a certain implicit bias and used a statement of microaggression.  When...

Lately, I have dedicated a large portion of my life to helping others.  I take time out of my day to set up calls and meetings to make sure those around me are taking care of themselves.  I jump on a phone call, I send a text or I shoot a message to anyone and everyone I know that needs a shoulder to lean on and ear to listen.  But, unfortunately, I rarely do any of those things for...

This week I chat with my good friend and coworker, Carl McKinney, about his experiences while being a black professional.  He and I have a candid conversation about the struggles of being a black person in corporate America and what we can do to not only bring exposure to this subject but also what we can do to help the next generation of black professionals.  Carl and I have not know ea...

I'm not racist, buuuuuuuut... We can do everything possible to change our past, hide our history and pretend the past didn't happen the way it did, but that is impossible.  In America, we have a checkered past (to say it lightly) that consists of slavery, oppression, segregation and so much more.  To make things even worse, we have public statues of slave-owners, segregationist and other...

With all that is going on the world at this very moment, so many people are starting to open up to having uncomfortable conversations, being in uncomfortable situations and doing what they can do feel more comfortable in these spots. The good thing about being uncomfortable is that it opens us up to progress.  And not just regular progress - being uncomfortable has the ability to allow us to...

Black Lives Matter. Do those words upset you? Do you immediately want to respond by saying "no, All Lives Matter." Why? Do you do the same thing when someone says "Blue Lives Matter" or "Teachers Lives Matter" or any other take on the common phrase?  The answer is most likely no and therein lies the issue.  Before we make any progress in the race for equality, a lot of us need to realize...

I am tired.  I am worn out.  I am exhausted.  I would say it is because of the last few days but this has been my entire life.  As a black man, I have tried to explain why equality and diversity are good things but constantly my voice is muted and my thoughts are invalidated. When a person tries to express themselves but are continually undercut by those who think they know bet...

This week, I had to talk about the crisis going on in out country right now.  I really had no choice, I am a black man and I needed to get some things off my chest.  People are hurt, people are afraid, people are suffering.  I have had terrible bouts of anxiety about leaving my house and just going into the world.  Will this be the last time I see my family because I may "fit t...

I did not feel like making this show. I really didn't.  I mean, I wanted to, I just didn't think I had the time and I did not prioritize myself over other things in my life like work and personal responsibilities.  But, in the end, I was a friend to myself.  I acknowledged my feelings and thoughts and then made time for myself.  Recording this show it MY TIME.  It is the t...

Social media is everywhere and we can't avoid it.  It is apart of our live and culture.  And just like other things that surround us, it can and does affect or mental health.  We can become addicted to it and use it as a crutch.  On this week's episode, I dive into the ways social media can help us and how it can hurt us.  Also, I launched my facebook page and streamed thi...

This week, someone asked me, genuinely, why I do what I do. Why I talk about mental health? Why I talk about MY mental health and why I do this podcast?  It took me back a bit because no one had ever asked me that direct question.  I had to think about and I decided to dedicate a show specifically for answering that question.  Also, while thinking about talking about why I do someth...

We always hear of the beautiful parts of pregnancy and childbirth - how life-changing and magical they are.  Often, we never hear about the mood swings, irritability, sleepless nights or the anxiety and depression.  This needs to change and on this week's show, I am joined by a talented artist, mother, wife and all-around wonderful person, Lauren Santomauro Dawson.  She takes us int...

I love music.  There's no other way to put it.  It doesn't matter if I am working, playing, running or anything in-between, the music is on.  A lot of us use music for mental health and to either keep us in a mood or put us in a better mood.  This week, I welcome my friend Tom Hammond on to continue a conversation we started about how music affects our mood.  If you haven'...

There is no denying it - there is still a stigma associated with mental health and mental illness.  On this week's show, I welcome in Licensed Professional Counselor, Adjunct Professor of Applied Behavioral Studies/Licensed Professional Counseling, and Board Approved LPC Clinical Supervisor, David Pfaff.  David helps us to break down why there is a stigma, the history of stigma and...

In past episodes, I have explained how I have gone through bouts of anxiety and depression during some pretty calm times in my life.  It is normal to think that during the coronavirus pandemic, my anxiety would be through the roof. But, to the contrary, lately I have been calm and relaxed.  There is a reason for that and I will talk about it this week on my latest episode.  A big th...

This week, I chat with Lawton Swann, owner and host of Clemson Sports Talk on Fox Sports and iHeart Radio. Lawton and I have been friends for over 20 years but it wasn't until recently that I opened up to him about my bouts of depression and constant anxiety.  Lawton talks to me about how our friendship has changed through the years, how he wants more people to reach out to their friends in n...

How much time do you spend being anxious or nervous about something that may not even happen?  How about the time you spend worrying about something that may only take up a few moments of your life?  If you are anything like me, you give a lot of your life away being anxious or depressed about an action that may have only taken a few minutes.  In this week's show, I talk about how t...

This is a unique time in our lives.  With many of us having to uproot our lives and stay at home during this pandemic, emotions are all over the place.  This week I talk of ways I have been coping in hopes to help you while we live through this tough situation.  Please take care of yourself and reach out if you need any help.  We'll get through this together.