Stranger Fruit Podcast

Dr. Haris Ansari, PGY-1 Pediatric Resident at INOVA, joins Stranger Fruit for its final episode to reflect on the fruits we bear in life—both the ones we enjoy in the present and those we pass on to future generations. Together, we explore the fruit of the soul, the impact of intention and authenticity, and how our values shape the legacy we leave behind. From the sweetness of kindness and peace t...

In this episode of Stranger Fruit, we explore the double meaning of “Bear” — both the act of enduring life’s burdens and the act of baring our souls to others in order to heal. These two actions, while deeply human, can also be terrifying, mirroring the fear of coming face-to-face with the animal itself. Dr. Jonathan Willard joins us to discuss how we can confront, tame, and even befriend the inte...

In this episode of Stranger Fruit, we explore the word that so many of us chase: “Finally.” Whether it’s the long-awaited match, graduation, or the completion of a major milestone, “finally” often marks an emotional finish line. But is it ever really the end? Or just the start of something new? Dr. Steven Johnson, PGY-1 neurology resident at Howard University, joins us to unpack what it means to e...

Dr. Majesty Greer, a PGY-1 Anesthesiology resident at Stanford, joins us on this episode of Stranger Fruit to explore the concept of "Growing Seasons"—those unique periods in life marked by change, uncertainty, or intense transformation. Just like in nature, growth in our lives doesn’t happen all at once. Some seasons are about planting, others about pruning. Some feel slow and silent, while other...

Description Student Doctor Oyinemi “Yemi” Iyebote joins Stranger Fruit Vol VI, Episode 3 to explore the layered meaning of Determination—not just as persistence, but as a steady pursuit of purpose even when the destination changes. Together, we discuss how other cultures define determination, how it's reflected in the decisions we make, and what it takes to stay driven when the road gets rocky. Wh...

Dr. Enniniya Kamalu joins Stranger Fruit Vol VI, Episode 2 for a conversation rooted in resilience, focus, and presence. In this episode, we unpack the meaning of grit—not just as endurance through difficulty, but as a combination of purpose, perseverance, and passion that helps us stay grounded.  Together, we discuss how to harness grit in a healthy way and how to remain connected to the people a...

Student Doctor Luke Nelson joins Stranger Fruit Vol VI, Episode I to open the final season with a grounding conversation on Consistency—what it truly means to live in harmony with your values, goals, and daily practices. In this season opener, we explore the deeper layers of consistency beyond repetition. We discuss how alignment between identity and action creates long-term sustainability, how to...

Student Doctor Abena Green joins Stranger Fruit Vol V, Episode VII to close out our Growth Harvest season with a heartfelt conversation on Hope—a force that anchors us through life’s darkest moments. In this season finale, we reflect on how hope sustains us through adversity, the practical ways we rediscover it when it feels lost, and how we can plant seeds of hope in our lives and communities—eve...

Student Doctor Tatiana Balabanis joins Stranger Fruit Vol V, Episode VI to explore the concept of Resilience—a crucial element of the Growth Harvest series. Resilience is more than just surviving adversity; it’s about transformation and finding meaning in the struggle. How do we rise after falling? How do we adapt when life doesn’t go as planned? And how can we see our challenges as part of our jo...

Student Doctor Brittany Grossi joins Stranger Fruit Vol V, Episode V to explore the concept of Purpose—the guiding force that fuels our actions, aligns us with our values, and keeps us moving forward even in uncertainty. Purpose isn’t just about what we do, but why we do it. In this episode, we reflect on what it means to live with intention, make purposeful choices, and stay aligned with a greate...

Student Doctor Yemi Iyebote returns for his fifth appearance on Stranger Fruit Vol V, Episode IV to explore the profound nature of Seeds—symbols of potential, transformation, and the unseen work of growth. A seed holds the blueprint for life, but it requires the right conditions—environment, patience, and care—to reach its full potential. In this episode, we reflect on how small, intentional actio...

  Student Doctor Alexus Jackson joins Stranger Fruit Vol V, Episode III to explore the concept of Developing—a process that is always unfolding in real time. Growth isn’t just about moving forward; it’s about recognizing the seasons of preparation, navigating stagnation, and learning how to restart when the process feels stalled. In this episode, we reflect on the active work of shaping ourselves,...

Student Doctor Aiyana Batton joins Stranger Fruit Vol V, Episode II to explore the meaning of Harvest—the culmination of effort, patience, and resilience. Harvest is more than just reaping rewards; it’s about recognizing the seasons of preparation, the lessons learned along the way, and the importance of trusting the timing of life’s unfolding journey. Timestamps: 3:01 Exploring Presence and Mindf...

Student Doctor Caitlin Battle joins Stranger Fruit Vol V, Episode I to discuss the transformative power of growth. In this episode, we explore what it truly means to grow, both personally and professionally, and how self-awareness, resilience, and community support shape our evolution. When do we recognize growth in our lives? How do we push past challenges when progress feels slow? And what does...

Student Doctor Cesar Corona-Gutierrez joins Stranger Fruit Vol VI, Episode 7 to explore the concept of "sprouting"—not just as a metaphor for personal growth, but as a communal force for nourishment and transformation. In this episode, we reflect on the lessons of a simple bean sprout: small, fragile, yet filled with potential. Growth begins in vulnerability, but with the right environment and car...

Student Doctor Oyinemi “Yemi” Iyebote joins Stranger Fruit Vol VI, Episode 6 to delve into the complexities of pride and ego. In this episode, we explore how pride can be both a source of strength and a potential downfall—much like the pride of lions that thrives on community yet faces challenges when arrogance creeps in. Ego, too, can be a powerful motivator or a silent saboteur. Where does it co...

Student Doctor Myles Moore joins Stranger Fruit Vol IV, Episode 5 to explore the power of timing, perseverance, and redefining success. In this episode, we examine the significance of When—not just as a question of timing, but as a force that shapes our journeys. When is the right time? When will I be ready? These questions often dominate our thoughts, but what if the perfect moment isn’t somethin...

Student Doctor Davon Lee joins Stranger Fruit Vol IV, Episode 4 to explore the power of embracing our weaknesses and transforming them into strengths. In this conversation, we redefine what it means to ‘weaken’—not as a flaw, but as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Davon shares his personal experiences in navigating life’s challenges, offering insight into how we can weaken the storms...

Latrice Johnson and Kennedy Dunn delve into the art of tending to life’s gardens—nurturing our well-being, breaking cycles that hold us back, and aligning our actions with intention—in the third episode of Stranger Fruit Vol IV. Timestamps: 0:00 Nurturing Personal and Spiritual Growth 7:48 Navigating Relationships and Personal Identity 20:05 Embracing Change and Intentional Living 28:55 The Impact...

Kennedy Dunn and Brianna Belgrave explore the delicate balance of cultivating the petals of our existence, embracing the thorns that challenge us, and nurturing the soil that allows us to grow, in the second episode of Stranger Fruit Vol IV. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction and Embracing Life's Challenges 5:18 Perseverance and Growth in Medical School 18:04 Personal Growth and Altruism 31:05 Balancin...

Kennedy Dunn and Alicia Corey Edwards, medical students at Howard U navigate the core of our existence, core strength, and what it means to be human in the final episode of Stranger Fruit Vol III. Timestamps: 0:00 Exploring Core Values and Community Support 7:29 Embracing Change, Growth, and Personal Relationships 15:20 Overcoming Setbacks and Finding Inner Strength 26:02 Embracing Authenticity, D...

0.0 - “Love Works” with Oyinemi “Yemi” Iyebote (Medical Student - Howard University) 10.14 - “To Control” with Dr. Blessed Sheriff (Psychiatry Resident at Georgetown U) 17.24 - “The Vines” with Jessica Ray (Medical Student at Howard U) 20.40 - “Of Fear & Self-Doubt” with Jessica Brinson (Medical Student at Howard U) 26.18 - “That Hurt” with Dr. Lane Williams, PGY-2 Internal Medicine Resident (...

Kennedy Dunn and Trinity Gibbs, medical students at Howard U navigate life as a gardener, tending to the garden of our existence, and what it means to be human in the final episode of Stranger Fruit Vol III. Timestamps: 0:00 Empowering and Embracing Diversity in Medicine 4:17 Intentional Living and Community Building 5:43 Maintaining Balance and Coping with Challenges 21:49 Overcoming Doubts and E...

Kennedy Dunn and Bryce Gantt, 4th year medical students at Howard U navigate poisons of our existence, the remedy and what it means to be human in the sixth episode of Stranger Fruit Vol III. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction and Emotional Resilience 2:43 Finding Joy and Balance in Life 9:15 Embracing Growth and Self-Reflection 19:16 Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience 30:56 Navigating Relat...

Kennedy Dunn, 4th year medical student at Howard U & Dr. Lane Williams, PGY-2 Internal Medicine Resident, WRNMMC navigate pain, bruises and what it means to be human in the fifth episode of Stranger Fruit Vol III. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction and Navigating Emotional Challenges 9:18 Life Transitions and Personal Growth 22:22 Investing in Yourself and Embracing Discipline 34:13 Empathy and Rel...