Sazón y Corazón

*insert khaki and fire emojis here*  This episode will not disappoint! Ra Ra Rollins joins us this week to discuss the importance of developing the skills to communicate our emotions, the impact of the systemic issues around us, and deconstructing the terms that box us in.  Connect with Ra Ra on LinkedIn or @rararollins on social media platforms. 

World renowned psychologist and mental health expert, Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble (Dr. Alfiee) sits down with us to discuss her personal journey and the impact on her work with BIPOC youth mental health. She is the auntie we all wish had to share impeccable wisdom with us.  Follow Dr. Alfiee and her work: AAKOMA Project , Couched in Color Podcast , LinkedIn , Instagram & Twitter

US Attorney for the district of Massachusetts, Rachael Rollins, joins us to discuss being the first in many places, standing up to pour into our communities, and how we take care of ourselves in the midst of the perfect storm.  Links :  Learn more about US Attorney Rachael Rollins here .

MTV News Correspondent, Dometi Pongo comes to the mic this week and we talk about it all! He's our cousin after all! Ayanna and Dometi talk about being children of immigrants, mental health journeys, and how to remain authentic to their identities through it all.  Connect with Dometi on Instagram & Twitter @dometi_ Watch his shows Need to Know & MTV True Life Crime or visit his websit...

Dr. Monica P. Band is an award winning, trauma-informed licensed mental health therapist and mental health justice advocate with a distinct focus on strategy, application, and practice of DEIB in mental health care practice and policy. Monica joins us today for a deep conversation about navigating mental health in a culturally informed way.  Connect with Dr. Monica Band on Instagram @the.mind...

Coach and DEI consultant, Taina Brown, joins the conversation this week to dispel systemic labels, therapy talks with family, and everything in between.  Links:  Read - Pleasure Activism by Adrienne Maree Brown  Connect with Taina on LinkedIn or IG @tainambrown Love Taina and want to pursue her coaching? Listeners can get a discount to enroll in the next cohort of her program, The C...

Pabel Martinez, founder of PLURAWL , hops on the mic this week to talk about his mental health journey, "professionalism" in the workplace, and learning the benefits of having the right language at the right times.  Listen to Pabel's podcast ¿Quién Tú Eres? everywhere, connect with him on LinkedIn , Instagram , & Tiktok !

La Matatana, Lizbel Ortiz, graced us with her presence to drop some healing gems on us. We dive into seeking help and breaking the molds in a traditional Dominican household and bringing family along in our healing journeys.  Connect with Lizbel on on Instagram & Tiktok . Don't forget to buy a signed copy of Let's Talk About It on her website !  

Puerto Rican chef, storyteller, and entrepreneur, Manolo Lopez joins the conversation to discuss the connection between food, healing, and identity and how it all ties back to our ancestors.  Donate to ConPRmetidos Hurricane Fiona relief fund to help community organizations in PR.  Read more about Manolo's story on his website . Connect with him on Instagram, @manolo.jpeg and listen to h...

Managing Director for Poderistas, Charlotte Castillo, joins us in a vulnerable conversation about grief, loss, feeling the feelings and then moving beyond it in the best way we know how. We also discuss how Latinas can use our poder to uplift our community and ultimately get us civically engagement in meaningful ways.  Check out the Poderistas Poder Portal to get info on your state's voting d...

It's officially the beginning of Latine/x Heritage Month and there is no better way to kick it off than to have Oscar Guzman (they/them/he/his) come to the mic! Oscar tells us about their vulnerable journey through gender identity & Latine heritage all while reminding us we need to eat good and appreciate corgi butts. Connect with Oscar on Twitter @0scarguzman or on their website oscaraguzman....

Jorge Alvarez is a digital strategist, content creator, and speaker focused on normalizing healing conversations for all, black and brown people in particular. Ayanna ugly snot cries in this episode as they both speak on their journeys, how they met, and the healing they're still working on.  Connect with Jorge on Instagram & Tiktok & LinkedIn or visit his website https://www.jorgealv...

*CONTENT WARNING* mentions of suicide THE Theon Freeman joins the mic with Ayanna to discuss emotional journeys, leaning into abundance, and navigating life transitions. Be ready for many gems served with NY pride. Connect with Theon on LinkedIn and on Instagram @theoniusfree & @marriedbythee. 

Abenaa "Abby" Hayes is the Trini sister we all have been searching for. In this episode, Abby discusses how she is advancing health equity in her realm of consulting, her own journey that led her on this path, and her favorite soca recommendations. Connect with Abenaa on LinkedIn & follow her work through her organization Elysee Consulting .  Abenaa's Soca recommendations:  Voice: Fa...

Diversability's D-30 Disability Impact List Honoree, Zane Landin joins the conversation on today's episode and we are not holding back! We're diving into identities, intersectionality, and disabilities. All while being vulnerable ourselves.  Connect with Zane Landin on LinkedIn & Instagram   Read Zane's magazine! Positive Vibes Magazine ( @positivevibesmag ) JED Foundation Active Min...

Fellow Poderistas Power Squad member, Alessandra Cartagena, joins Ayanna in today's episode. They talk about growing up as Latinas, navigating their mental health journey, changing big systems, politics, and keep it real the whole damn time. You can follow Alessandra on instagram: @alessandraaa_amc. Get involved in your community! Explore @Poderistas ' new Poder Portal to find resources on how to...

Imani Butler is a UX designer who has a passion for learning about the challenges other communities face, mental health, and advocating for anyone and everyone through her imagination, designs, and speaking up. You can connect with Imani on LinkedIn to follow her and work. 

Ayanna sits down with Zach to reach across the racial table. Zach tells us about his mental health journey, his work as an ally, and what he thinks white people should know. You can follow Zach and his latest work on LinkedIn . 

Today's guest is Bhavya Rai, founder of Inelegancies. She also happens to be a neurodivergent person living with ADHD. She tells us her story of challenge, triumph, and courage.  You can find and connect with Bhavya and her projects using the below!  Personal : IG @bhavyaraii Tiktok: @bhavyrai website: bhavyarai.com Inelegancies : IG: @inelegancies website: inelegancies.com Off the Pedes...

*trigger warning* This episode contains discussions surrounding substance abuse, suicide, and big T traumas.  If you're new around here, you probably didn't know I have a big brother. I do. We both happen to veterans and a lot to unpack. We start a bit of that unpacking in this episode. We discuss many topics as it pertains to veterans, service members, and their families. Here are a list of...

In a vulnerable conversation, Nicky takes us on a journey about navigating her mental health in a traditional Dominican family structure. We talk about the pressures, the stigma, importance of representation, and what brings us joy. You can follow Nicky on Instagram @growingwithnicky. 

First step on a meaningful journey. Ayanna hosts our guest Jesenia who also happens to be a great mental health therapist. You can follow Jesenia on Instagram @invisible_wounds_therapist for more tips and tools.

*trigger warning* Roe v Wade, my story, and what we need to do as a collective. Resources will be shared in bio on Instagram @ayannakelly

Who is Ayanna and why is she trying to drop knowledge on you? Tune in to hear who Ayanna is and why she’s bringing you all this sazón y corazón.