The Life We're Given: Stories of Resilience Through Life's Challenges

In this inspiring episode of The Life We’re Given podcast, host Brandi Lewis sits down with Shayla Webb, an attorney turned entrepreneur, to share her powerful story of resilience after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. Shayla opens up about the moment her life changed, the emotional toll of her diagnosis, and how she found strength, hope, and purpose through faith. She shares her journey from w...

In this episode of The Life We’re Given , host Brandi Lewis explores the everyday miracles that shape our lives — even when we don’t see them right away. Through her powerful personal story of navigating health challenges and finding strength through uncertainty, Brandi reflects on how moments of struggle can turn into unexpected blessings. She invites listeners to look deeper at their own lives,...

In this conversation, Laura shares her journey of resilience through divorce, the importance of building a supportive community, and the empowerment of women in entrepreneurship. She discusses the challenges she faced, the lessons learned, and the significance of therapy in navigating personal struggles. Laura emphasizes the importance of women discovering their skills and creating sustainable bus...

In this heartfelt episode of The Life We’re Given , host Brandi Lewis explores the power of defining moments and how they shape our identity and growth. Brandi opens up about her personal health journey and the conversations that changed her perspective on life. She discusses how both painful and positive experiences can spark healing, self-discovery, and resilience. Through her reflections, liste...

In this heartfelt episode, host Brandi Lewis sits down with her mother, Denise Lewis, to explore the powerful journey of parenting from childhood to adulthood. Denise shares her story of losing her parents at a young age, how those experiences shaped her parenting style, and the importance of family values, communication, and faith in raising children. Together, they discuss the challenges of pare...

In this inspiring episode, Brandi Lewis sits down with Sara Burris to discuss the realities of pursuing an acting career while balancing motherhood. Sara opens up about navigating auditions, dealing with rejection, and the importance of community support in the entertainment industry. The conversation highlights how passion fuels persistence, the creative process behind filmmaking, writing, and di...

In this empowering solo episode, Brandi Lewis explores the inevitability of change and the emotional challenges it brings. Drawing from her own health journey, she shares personal experiences that highlight the power of resilience, healing, and personal growth during life transitions. Brandi offers practical tools for navigating change, including the use of writing, self-compassion, and focusing o...

In this powerful conversation, host Brandi Lewis sits down with pre-licensed therapist Letisha Harris Miller to explore the realities of mental health in the Black community . Together, they address the stigma surrounding therapy, the impact of trauma and emotional triggers , and why seeking professional help is an essential step in the healing journey . Letisha shares insights on the role of ther...

In this insightful episode, David DeWitt shares his journey with depression , from the early signs he experienced as a teenager to the challenges of high-functioning depression and the impact on his career. He opens up about a personal crisis that led to hospitalization and his subsequent recovery , highlighting the importance of self-care, therapy, and mental health awareness . David also discuss...

In this deeply moving episode, Mary Michael Kelley shares her journey through the grief of losing a child and navigating her son Micah’s health challenges. She discusses the profound impact of child loss , coping strategies, and the importance of therapy, self-advocacy, and open communication in the healing process. Mary Michael also reflects on finding a “new normal” after loss, offering guidance...

In this engaging conversation, Rachel & Brandi explore their journeys as ambitious Black women navigating careers in philanthropy and politics . They discuss the challenges and rewards of pursuing professional success while maintaining strong friendship, identity, and community support . The conversation also touches on the complexities of dating, personal growth, and managing expectations , o...

In this inspiring episode, Selena Burland shares her journey with aplastic anemia and PNH (paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria) , navigating complex treatment options and ultimately undergoing a bone marrow transplant . Host Brandi Lewis explores the physical and emotional challenges Selena faced during her diagnosis and treatment, the crucial role of family support , and her journey to motherhood...

In this inspiring conversation, Javacia Harris Bowser shares her journey as a writer and breast cancer survivor , discussing how her diagnosis shaped her life and creative work. Joined by host Brandi Lewis , they explore the healing power of writing, mental health strategies, and the importance of community support during challenging times. Javacia also highlights insights from her book, Find Your...

In this inspiring conversation, Drew Ann Long , founder of Caroline’s Cart , shares her journey creating a special needs shopping cart designed for older children and adults with disabilities. She opens up about raising her daughter, Caroline, who has Rett syndrome , and the challenges and rewards of special needs parenting . Drew highlights the importance of community support, faith, and family r...

In this powerful conversation, Briana Donis opens up about her journey with aplastic anemia , her experience undergoing a bone marrow transplant , and what life looks like in recovery. She shares the challenges of healing—both physically and emotionally—and how positivity, resilience, and self-discovery have shaped her path forward. Briana also reflects on the impact of living with a rare blood di...

In this inspiring conversation, Tera Wages —mother, entrepreneur, and CEO of Connection Codes —shares her journey of balancing family life and entrepreneurship while building a business centered on emotional regulation and connection . She opens up about her personal experiences with identity, motherhood, healing, and self-awareness , and highlights why strong communication in relationships is key...

In the first episode of The Life We’re Given , host Brandi Lewis opens up about her personal journey with rare blood disorders, including aplastic anemia and PNH (paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria) . She shares the challenges of navigating the healthcare system , the emotional impact of her diagnosis, and the resilience it takes to keep moving forward. Brandi also highlights the importance of co...

What happens when life takes an unexpected turn—and nothing looks the way you imagined? In this trailer, I share what you can expect from The Life We’re Given—a podcast born from my diagnosis, resilience, and the hope that storytelling can heal. From honest conversations with guests who’ve walked through unimaginable challenges, to moments of insight, healing, and laughter — this podcast is for an...