Vulnerability Muscle with Reggie D. Ford

"I don't believe everything is forgivable... but I do believe everything is connected." In this stirring episode of Vulnerability Muscle , Reggie D. Ford sits down with writer, mother, and poetic truth-teller Fatima-Ayan Malika Hirsi , whose work is rooted in world-building, social change, and collaborative liberation. Based on the unceded lands of the T’Sou-ke Nation, Fatima is a Black mother and...

In this raw and resonant episode of Vulnerability Muscle , host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Kevin Palmieri , founder and co-host of the globally-ranked Next Level University podcast, for an unforgettable conversation about how vulnerability saved his life. Kevin shares his powerful journey from early financial instability and the absence of his father to climbing the ranks of success—only to fin...

In this heartfelt episode of Vulnerability Muscle , host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Sukhvinder Kaur , a mental health advocate, counselor, and author of There is Light at the End of the Tunnel of Loneliness . Together, they explore the profound impact of loneliness on mental and physical well-being, shedding light on how isolation can be a silent yet deadly struggle. Sukhvinder shares her deepl...

In this gripping episode of Vulnerability Muscle , host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Ryan Christensen —a hypnotist, peak mental performance coach, and former military intelligence and counterterrorism expert—to explore a mind unlike any other. Diagnosed with ADHD, bipolar disorder, and autism at age 48, Ryan takes us on a riveting journey through classified counterterrorism operations, mental bre...

In this soul-stirring episode of Vulnerability Muscle , host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Silvia Garcia-Romero, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Sentara Health, for a raw and revelatory conversation about immigration, identity, and inclusion. At just 10 years old, Silvia crossed the U.S.–Mexico border undocumented, guided only by faith, love, and the hope of family reunion. What unfolded af...

"Let the hard things in life be fractions—not racism." In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle , Reggie D. Ford sits down with Shanera Williamson, host of the Brown Mama Bear podcast, for a deeply moving and necessary conversation about raising Black children in predominantly white schools, reclaiming generational stories, and the spiritual responsibility of parenting with presence, ident...

"I looked at my son in the mirror and said, 'You want to be like me? I just got fired.'" This raw and deeply emotional episode of Vulnerability Muscle peels back the layers of identity, purpose, and healing with educator, father, and consultant Dr. Brandon Haskins. Reggie D. Ford and Brandon dive into what it means to break generational cycles and be the adult you needed as a child. From growing u...

"They labeled me with a learning disability… but I knew I was smart." In this powerful and emotional episode of Vulnerability Muscle , host Reggie D. Ford reconnects with childhood friend Martrell Williams , whose life story is both a gut punch and a masterclass in resilience. Martrell shares how he was wrongfully placed in special education due to behavioral issues stemming from a chaotic home li...

In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle , host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Will Acuff , co-founder of Corner to Corner , a Nashville-based nonprofit that fueled $37 million in neighborhood economic activity in 2024 . Will opens up about the spiritual and emotional breakdown that led him to redefine success, the deep-rooted challenges of being a white faith-driven changemaker in historic...

In this heartfelt episode of Vulnerability Muscle , host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Brenda Do, a seasoned copywriter turned children's book author, to explore the power of vulnerability, self-compassion, and the journey of embracing our true selves. Growing up as a Chinese girl in 1970s America, Brenda rarely saw characters who looked like her in books, making her feel unseen and unworthy. This...

What if the violence, division, and dysfunction in our nation weren’t just political problems—but psychological ones? In this soul-stirring episode of Vulnerability Muscle , host Reggie D. Ford sits down with psychotherapist and bestselling author Phyllis E. Leavitt to explore how healing personal trauma can transform not only individual lives, but also the collective soul of a nation. Drawing fro...

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual abuse, suicidal ideation, and incarceration. What happens when the pain of your past tries to define your future—but you refuse to let it? In this gripping and emotionally charged episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Daniel Westbrooks, a community leader whose life journey embodies resilience, redemption, a...

Listen to the full episode now and ask yourself: What would it look like to give yourself permission to feel good , right here, right now? What if the key to healing isn’t hustling harder, but slowing down and savoring the sweetness of life? In this soul-stirring episode of The Vulnerability Muscle , Reggie D. Ford sits down with the radiant Erica Wiederlight—confidence coach, speaker, and spiritu...

“Being real with yourself—it may be hard, but it’s great for your health.” — Scott Grace In this unforgettable episode of Vulnerability Muscle , host Reggie D. Ford sits down with the one-of-a-kind Scott Grace —poet, speaker, musician, and self-described "Spiritual Dr. Seuss." Through soul-stirring songs, radical honesty, and humor that disarms and heals, Scott invites listeners into a transformat...

The Dance of Masculine & Feminine: Unlocking Gender Intelligence with André Paradis On this captivating episode of Vulnerability Muscle , host Reggie D. Ford engages in an eye-opening conversation with André Paradis—a former professional dancer turned relationship expert renowned for his insightful teachings on gender dynamics and relational harmony. Born from challenging childhood experiences...

In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle, I sit down with Olivier Mankondo, a renowned weight loss and wellness coach, speaker, and author. Olivier shares his life-changing journey of losing 77 pounds (35 kg), reversing high blood pressure, chronic pain, and fatigue, and slowing the aging process—all through a plant-based diet and holistic lifestyle changes. Since adopting plant-based nutr...

What happens when your childhood identity is wrapped in competition, perfection, and performance—and then it all ends? In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle , host Reggie D. Ford sits down with entrepreneur, event architect, and TEDx organizer Amanda Banks to unpack the emotional rollercoaster of life after elite athletics, the spiritual depths of entrepreneurship, and the courage it ta...

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with the legendary Ron Johnson—a man whose life story is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the power of impact over income. From growing up in North Memphis as the fifth of ten boys, to excelling as a college football star, to facing unimaginable loss and incarceration, Ron’s journey is o...

What happens when a Harlem Globetrotter takes off the jersey and steps fully into his truth? In this deeply moving episode of Vulnerability Muscle, Reggie D. Ford sits down with Herb “Flight Time” Lang—former Globetrotter, three-time Amazing Race competitor, speaker, and kindness advocate—to explore the life behind the highlights.   Herb opens up about growing up in Brinkley, Arkansas, the po...

In this raw and uplifting episode of Vulnerability Muscle , Reggie D. Ford sits down with mental health advocate, performer, and Miss Middle Tennessee, Jana Hahn , for a deeply personal conversation about navigating life with OCD. Diagnosed as a child, Jana battled obsessive rituals, contamination fears, and depression—fighting silent monsters that controlled her daily life. But through treatment,...

In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle , host Reggie D. Ford sits down with 11-year NFL veteran and Vanderbilt legend Jordan Matthews for a deeply moving conversation on what it means to live with purpose beyond the game. From early memories of his father cheering him on in Little League to his reflections on fatherhood, humility, and faith, Jordan opens up about the highs and lows of pr...

In this special episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell for a heart-centered conversation that goes far beyond politics. From the power of vulnerability in leadership to the importance of authentic community connection, Mayor O’Connell opens up about the emotional weight of public service, the challenges of navigating state and city ten...

Thank you for joining us as we concluded the second season of Vulnerability Muscle with an incredible in-person podcast celebration event! This powerful evening was filled with insightful discussions, heartfelt stories, and transformative moments that touched on some of the most important aspects of mental health today.   🎙️ In this special event, Reggie D. Ford was joined by a dynamic panel...

In this episode, Reggie D. Ford interviews Andrea Torrey Balsara, an award-winning author and illustrator who has transitioned from creating picture books to exploring the depths of energy medicine. Andrea shares her journey of integrating her artistic talents with her newfound passion for Reiki and energy healing, discussing how it has helped her heal from childhood trauma. The conversation delve...

In this episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford engages in a profound conversation with nutrition expert Tina Huynh, who shares her journey from battling an eating disorder to becoming a holistic wellness advocate. They discuss the importance of balanced nutrition, mindful eating, and the connection between gut health and mental well-being, while also addressing deeper issues like sel...