The Empowering Minds Mental Health™ Podcast

Dr. Jennifer Moore hosted the Empowering Minds Mental Health Podcast to discuss why people stay in unhealthy relationships. She explained that while occasional disagreements are normal, unhealthy relationships involve constant hurt, disrespect, manipulation, or making someone feel inadequate. Dr. Moore outlined several reasons people stay, including love for the person, years of investment, involv...

Dr. Jennifer Moore discussed the overlooked aspect of the 4th of July holiday, focusing on people who find fireworks distressing rather than enjoyable. She shared personal experiences of military veterans who become anxious or shaky when hearing loud explosions, emphasizing how the same sound can trigger different responses in different people. Dr. Moore explained PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disor...

This was an interview for Jennifer's "Empowering Minds Mental Health Podcast" with Dee Mosley, author of "Grace and Glow," where Dee shared her journey through unexpected health challenges and healing. Dee discussed how she initially started journaling her symptoms and thoughts during a difficult health period that lasted years, eventually leading to physical and emotional...

Jennifer conducted a podcast interview with Keith Cole, a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran and former CPA who wrote the book "Burnout God's Recovery Plan." Keith shared his personal journey with burnout, including his experiences in Vietnam as a machine gunner, dealing with multiple traumas, and eventually collapsing from burnout before finding peace through faith. They discussed how military trai...

This was a podcast interview between Jennifer and Tristan, a performance artist, journalist, activist, author, and podcaster, discussing men's mental health and emotional expression during Men's Mental Health Month. Tristan shared his personal journey, including his background as a classically trained opera singer for 20 years and how he overcame personal challenges after losing his father...

Dr. Moore interviewed Lilac Colandra, a marriage and family therapist and mindfulness life coach, about boundaries, mental health, and self-care. Lilac shared her personal journey into mental health work, including how her family background and experiences led her to pursue therapy, particularly her work helping clients navigate mental health within religious contexts. They discussed the importanc...

Jennifer shared insights from a sermon by Bishop G. Mark Mitchell about the biblical figures Hannah and Peninnah, focusing on the difference between being reactive and proactive. She explained how Peninnah provoked Hannah, representing reactive behavior that leads to stress and mental drain, while Hannah chose to be proactive by praying instead of engaging in conflict. Jennifer emphasized the impo...

In this deeply personal episode of the Empowering Minds Mental Health Podcast , Dr. Jennifer D. Moore shares a powerful testimony of resilience, trauma recovery, and transformation. This is not a story about titles or accomplishments. This is a story about survival. From online harassment, racism, threats, and public targeting — to the hidden medical toll of chronic stress and trauma — Dr. Moore o...

In this deeply personal episode of the Empowering Minds Mental Health Podcast , Jennifer Moore shares her journey through leadership under pressure, imposter syndrome, public scrutiny, and spiritual restoration. This is not a gossip episode. It’s not about reliving events or pointing fingers. It’s about growth, healing, and what happens when God restores you in front of the same people who misunde...

This podcast episode featured Dr. Andrea Niestas discussing mental health awareness and support strategies. Dr. Niestas shared her 25-year career in behavioral health, including 20 years in inpatient settings, and her current work as a life coach helping people achieve fulfillment. The discussion covered key signs of mental health struggles, including mood changes, sleep patterns, isolation, and b...

Jennifer conducted a podcast interview with Simone, an Army veteran and author of "PTSD and What Helped Me," focusing on Simone's experiences with trauma and PTSD following a military sexual assault that went undiagnosed for 10 years. Simone shared her journey from trauma to advocacy, emphasizing that PTSD is treatable and can affect non-combat experiences like sexual assault. She di...

Jennifer conducted a podcast interview with Sarah Merritt Ryan, a mental health advocate who shared her experience with psychosis and recovery. Sarah discussed her journey from being overprescribed Adderall in college to experiencing multiple psychotic breaks over a two-year period, highlighting the importance of emotional recovery alongside cognitive recovery. She emphasized how emotional recover...

Jennifer conducted an interview with Lonnie Atkinson for her Empowering Minds Mental Health Podcast, focusing on Lonnie's journey through addiction and recovery. Lonnie shared his story of growing up in Goldsboro, North Carolina, facing challenges with his mother's substance abuse, and eventually finding peer support while incarcerated. He discussed how multiple losses, including his broth...

The podcast episode focused on the topic of doom scrolling and its impact on mental health, featuring Noel Miller, a health and wellness expert with 15 years of experience. Noel explained that stress is not just a chemical reaction but anything that impedes personal growth, and he discussed how doom scrolling disrupts cognitive processes and prevents deep thinking. Jennifer shared her personal exp...

Jennifer conducted a podcast interview with Mike Sealy, a former senior leader at companies like Hewlett-Packard and Microsoft, who now runs a coaching business called Zinc Global focused on inclusive leadership and helping people overcome imposter syndrome. Mike defined imposter syndrome as the persistent belief that success isn't truly earned, explaining how even high-achieving professionals...

Jennifer hosted a segment on the Empowering Minds Mental Health Podcast to discuss the distinction between forgiveness and emotional release. She shared her personal realization that forgiveness is a decision of the heart, while emotional release is a process of healing. Jennifer explained that while forgiveness may occur quickly, emotional healing can take time and may involve various methods suc...

Jennifer interviewed Introspective Coach Mitra Cummins on her podcast about forgiveness and its impact on mental health and family dynamics. Mitra shared her personal experiences with forgiveness practices and discussed how parents can model forgiveness behavior for their children to break generational patterns. They explored practical approaches to forgiveness including simple language techniques...

In this episode, psychiatrist Dr. David Kent , author of Why Me? The Brain on Tilt , explains what happens when the emotional brain takes over—impacting judgment, balance, and daily life. We discuss chronic stress, trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction, caregiver challenges, and practical ways to support brain health. A powerful, insight-filled conversation for anyone dealing with mental he...

Jennifer sits down with Donna Vaughan and Melisha Boyd to introduce the Three Rich Mentorship Program , offering emotional support, tutoring, and mentorship for children ages 5–15. The new community center opens at 906 East Ash Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530 . Support the mission via Cash App: $3hreeMH . Contact: https://www.facebook.com/melisha.boydhttps://www.facebook.com/donna.vaughan.71066A meani...

Rashaan discussed his journey in recovery, emphasizing that his decision to stay sober was driven by a desire to be a reliable father to his children. He highlighted the transformation from being a "dad in addiction" to becoming a father in recovery, which gave him the confidence to be the man he aspired to be. Jennifer expressed pride in the owner's growth and noted his positive use...

Becoming is defined as the process of coming to be something or of passing into a state.

Jennifer shared her personal experience with fasting, which began on January 5th, and how it has improved her spiritual, physical, and mental health. She discussed the benefits she has experienced, including better sleep and reduced distractions. Jennifer also emphasized the importance of seeking therapy and other mental health resources, noting that it is a sign of strength, not weakness. She enc...

Dr. Rita Renee opens up about overcoming silence, using your voice as a healing tool, and why women of faith must stop juggling roles and start aligning them for mental wellness. We discuss breaking mental health stigma, leadership in ministry, and why women’s voices matter in politics and public life. If you’re a woman navigating faith, leadership, mental health, or public speaking—this episode i...

Dr. Olubunmi Aboaba known as Dr. Bumi, shared her transformation from dental surgery to holistic healing after overcoming addiction, discussing her current morning routine and practices. The conversation explored the integration of ancient healing methods like Reiki with modern technology, focusing on energy systems and their impact on physical and mental well-being. Dr. emphasized the importance...

During the holiday season, it’s important to remember that while this time of year can bring joy and celebration, it can also bring stress, loneliness, and emotional challenges. The North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services wants every North Carolinian to know: you are not alone. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just need someon...