Harmonize Your Life: Conversation on Self-Care for Women of Color

Episódios

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  Lessons from Our Mothers' Stories 20.05.2026 36min

  Join Dr. Toni Alvarado for an empowering podcast conversation with Judge Penny Brown Reynolds at the Harmonize Your Life Shades of Green Mother's Day Brunch. Listen as Judge Penny shares how her mother's story inspires and empowers her work in civic, community, government, and ministry leadership. This conversation will make you laugh, cry and celebrate the value of mothers, grandmothers, daughters, aunties, mentors, teachers, sisters, girlfriends, and women who lead us through lessons of survival, hope, self-care, soul-care and harmony. Join Dr. Toni Alvarado for an empowering podcast conversation with Judge Penny Brown Reynolds at the Harmonize Your Life Shades of Green Mother's Day Brunch. Listen as Judge Penny shares how her mother's story inspires and empowers her work in civic, community, government, and ministry leadership. This conversation will make you laugh, cry and celebrate the value of mothers, grandmothers, daughters, aunties, mentors, teachers, sisters, girlfriends, and women who lead us through lessons of survival, hope, self-care, soul-care and harmony. Join Dr. Toni Alvarado for an empowering podcast conversation with Judge Penny Brown Reynolds at the Harmonize Your Life Shades of Green Mother's Day Brunch. Listen as Judge Penny shares how her mother's story inspires and empowers her work in civic, community, government, and ministry leadership. This conversation will make you laugh, cry and celebrate the value of mothers, grandmothers, daughters, aunties, mentors, teachers, sisters, girlfriends, and women who lead us through lessons of survival, hope, self-care, soul-care and harmony. 
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  S18: Los Cabos: Black Girl Joy! 09.02.2026 52min

  Join Dr. Toni for a special edition of the HYL Podcast Live from the Harmonize Your Life Women's Self-Care Retreat in Los Cabos, Mexico! This podcast conversation features a dynamic panel of retreat speakers discussing the theme, Black Girl Joy.  Dr. Toni Alvarado, Ariel Alvarado, Sheila Agnew-McCoy, Freida McCullough, Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson and Dr. Jaime Eaddy curated a candid conversation for the women who gathered in Los Cabos for a retreat experience that centered on rest, relaxation, recreation, empowerment and sisterhood. Listen as the panel shares personal experiences, perspectives and strategies for creating, cultivating and celebrating Black Girl Joy.
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  Tending To Your Garden Book Conversation (Pt.2) 24.11.2025 30min

  Grab your sisters or girlfriends and gather with me and the women who attended the Tending to Your Garden Book Conversation and Brunch. Listen, as Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist, Grief & Trauma Specialist, Dr. Sarah Williams, and founder of Raven’s Project and Everybody At The Table Podcast, Yolonda Griffin Johnson, and I reflect upon who we have become as a result of our grief journeys. Be inspired by our transparency and discover the power of crying, laughing, healing, moving forward, blooming and flourishing like a well watered garden. 
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  Tending to Your Garden (S17 E1) 10.11.2025 46min

  Join me in a soulful conversation with Dr. Sarah Williams, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist, Grief & Trauma Specialist and Yolonda Griffin Johnson, founder of Raven’s Project and Everybody At The Table Podcast. Each of these women has contributed greatly by sharing their stories, insights and wisdom in the foreword and epilogue of my new book, Tending to Your Garden: Moving Through Grief with Intentional Self-Care and Soul-Care. Sit, cry and laugh with us in this inspirational conversation around loss, grief, healing, community and the joy that comes as we move through grief with intentional self-care and soul-care.
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  S16 E2: Comfortable In Your Own Skin: The Value of Self-Love 18.08.2025 43min

  Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson is a trailblazing global media executive, transformational speaker, and multi-best-selling author. Renowned for her visionary leadership, Dr. Cheryl has made a profound impact across industries. As an award-winning filmmaker, she earned an Executive Producer credit and an HBO Max award for the acclaimed documentary, "Twenty Pearls: The Story of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority," and contributed to the powerful film "The Invitation," chronicling the history of The Links, Incorporated.A seasoned speaker and workshop presenter, Dr. Cheryl has captivated audiences at prestigious events like the Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit, Hallmark Mahogany Summit, The Potters House, and the National Action Network, to name a few.A prolific writer, Dr. Cheryl has authored 19 best-selling books, such as "The Art of Influence" and "Affirmed: 365 Positive Thoughts & Actions to Start Your Day." As Editor-In-Chief of Cheryl Magazine, she curates a 120-page publication that serves as a love letter to Black women, inspiring them to embrace their power and purpose, for which I and the Harmonize Your Life Women’s Self-Care Retreat was a feature story in the 2025 Spring Issue.Episode Credits:Dr. Toni G. Alvarado, Podcast HostPaula Burch Jackson, PBJ Premier Realty Ricky Howell, Video Production & EditingJohn Alvarado Music & Production AssistanceEnjoli Bland-Reed, Momentum Events Brand & Social Media Content SpecialistAshaki Stinson, Executive Administrative AssistantMichele Johnson, Get Dressed for Life & Social Media Content CreationMUA: Yolanda Stewart
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  Cycle Fitness Motivation - Kellie James (S16 E1) 04.08.2025 32min

  Kellie James is Professional Facilitator & Cycle Enthusiast. With a background and professional career in Project Management, Kellie is now the owner of Drenched Cycle Studio located in the center of Old Fourth Ward and Midtown Atlanta. A cycle studio that features cutting-edge equipment and a dynamic atmosphere. With dimmed infrared lights and pulsating music, Drenched creates an energetic ambiance, perfect for high-intensity spin workouts with expert instructors who guide you through an immersive experience that combines rhythm-based choreography with performance-tracking technology, ensuring you get the most out of every ride.
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  S16 HYL Trailer 04.08.2025 1min

  We're back with Season 16 of the Harmonize Your Life Podcast!
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  Released from The Burden of Strength Through Sacred Self-Care 30.04.2025 36min

  Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes is a research psychologist, focusing on ethnic minority families, African American adolescent development and health disparities, professor of practical theology and pastoral counseling at Columbia Theological Seminary, author of Too Heavy a Yoke, I Bring the Voices of My People and Sacred Self-Care. Dr. Chanequa is a 2-time breast cancer survivor who empowers women through her life stories, research, writing, healing journey, lifestyle of harmony and sacred self-care.
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  Rediscovering Life & Intentional Self-Care After Cancer 15.04.2025 35min

  Chandra Jarrett is an executive leadership coach and consultant with a broad base of experience in automotive engineering, leadership, training, business and non-profit development, president of Joy Consulting Group, and author of How Cancer Saved My Life: (Re) Discovering Life in a Deadly Place. Chandra is a breast cancer survivor and a dynamic speaker who empowers women through her healing journey, life stories and Christian witness in the church and marketplace. 
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  Coping Strategies for Seasonal Depression (S14 E6) 23.12.2024 56min

  Dr. Nicole Robertson is an Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Christian Theological Seminary, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Join me with Dr. Robertson as she offers our listeners creative coping strategies that can be employed when psychological distress, grief and seasonal depression is encountered. Dr. Robertson also leads listeners in a deep breathing exercise and shares how deep breathing can be used as a coping strategy for distress, grief and depression, especially during the holidays.
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  Thoughtful Transitions & Grief (S14 E5) 09.12.2024 57min

  Dr. Jamie Eaddy Chism is a thanatologist, theologian, educator, activist, founder of Thoughtful Transitions. Join me and Dr. Jaime as we discuss how race, class and gender, particularly for black women, impact our expressions and experiences of grief. Dr. Jaime offers us healthy and creative ways to honor the memory of our loved ones during the holidays and throughout the year. Finally, Dr. Jaime shares how she guides her clients through grief by illuminating the paths of possibilities that emerge through loss and the grief services provided at Thoughtful Transitions.
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  Benefits of Intentional Self-Care: Pt. 2 (S14 E4) 18.11.2024 48min

  Dr. Felicia Brackett-Owens is a psychologist, therapist, and motivational speaker. After years of building a successful mental health practice, serving in her local church, caring for her husband, children, and extended family, Dr. Owens discovered that her "cup was empty." Listen as we discuss the mindset that supported her behavior and how a journey through the Harmonize Your Life Intentional Self-Care Program gave her strategies for implementing replenishing self-care practices into her daily life and work.
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  Benefits of Intentional Self-Care: Pt. 2 (S14 E4) 11.11.2024 48min

  Dr. Felicia Brackett-Owens is a psychologist, therapist, and motivational speaker. After years of building a successful mental health practice, serving in her local church, caring for her husband, children, and extended family, Dr. Owens discovered that her "cup was empty." Listen as we discuss the mindset that supported her behavior and how a journey through the Harmonize Your Life Intentional Self-Care Program gave her strategies for implementing replenishing self-care practices into her daily life and work.
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  Benefits of Intentional Self-Care: Pt. 1 (S14 E3) 04.11.2024 52min

  Desireé Young is an ordained minister, life coach, author and speaker. Join me in conversation with Desiree as she shares how she improved her health, lost 20 lbs., and gained the courage to set healthy boundaries through a process of intentional self-care. Listen as Desireé talks about her experience in the Harmonize Your Life Intentional Self-Care Program and the power in choosing yourself.
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  Self-Care & Safety (S14 E2) 21.10.2024 50min

  Rev. Raushanah N. Butler is an ordained itinerate elder, serving at the Cathedral of Turner Chapel AME Church in Marietta, GA, where she has been heavily involved in various ministries for the last 24 years. She is presently serving as Minister of Online Engagement, leader of Domestic Violence Awareness Ministry, & the Prison Ministry. Professionally, she is the Director of Alumni Engagement for the Candler School of Theology, where she engages some of the most brilliant & creative minds of theology education & is presently a Doctor of Ministry student focusing on the clergy response to domestic violence. Rev. Butler is also no stranger to community service as she taps into her personal experiences. She spends her spare time as a domestic violence & sexual assault advocate while sitting on the board of directors for several nonprofits in the Metro-Atlanta area, including Tapestry Inc. & Interfaith Children's Movement. Above all, Rev. Butler states that her greatest accomplishment to date is being the proud mother of her daughter, Joy.
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  Self-Care & Breast Health (S14 E1) 07.10.2024 45min

  Dr. Ryland Gore is a board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeon specializing in breast surgical oncology and founder of Dream Breast Care Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Join me in conversation with Dr. Gore about her passion for women’s health, breast care, and her devotion the patients in her care. In this podcast episode, Dr. Gore offers a wealth of knowledge regarding breast health, breast cancer, breast cancer disparities, surgical disparities, and the importance of self-exams, mammograms, breast care before and after a breast cancer diagnosis. Let’s share this vital conversation far and wide.
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  Self-Care During Stressful Life Events Pt. 2 (S13 E6) 19.08.2024 37min

  Dr. Kimberly Nash Alexander is a speech language pathologist, minister, professor, pastor’s wife, mother, and spiritual director. Shawna Francis Watley is a senior policy professional and strategist, pastor’s wife and mother. Together they seek to empower women through The Women Investing in Leadership Development Group.  Join me in conversation with Dr. Kim and Lady Shawna as we continue the conversation about how to practice self-care while managing multiple passions, political elections, stressful careers, and life events.
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  Self-Care During Stressful Life Events Pt. 1 (S13 E5) 05.08.2024 46min

  Jannie Cotton, MS, LPC, Vice-Chair of the Democratic Party of Arkansas and member of the Democratic National Convention is also a motivational speaker, leadership, and policy consultant. As a colon cancer survivor, Jannie advocates for cancer survivors and mental health services for women and children in underserved communities. Join me and Jannie in a conversation about how to practice self-care during political elections, stressful careers, and life events.
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  CONSISTENCY IS KEY (S13 E4) 22.07.2024 57min

  Mocha Lee is one of the country’s top fitness professionals with over twenty-five years of experience.  She is the first African American to win the Ms. Galaxy title.  Mocha is also the first fitness host of “Heart & Soul”, Black Entertainment Television (BET)’s exclusive health, beauty and fitness show, which aired from 1998 – 2001. Jon me in conversation with Mocha Lee as she inspires us to maintain a consistent practices of fitness, health and wellness, amid hectic schedules and a fluctuating pace of life.
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  Body Building for Women 50 Plus (S13 E3) 08.07.2024 1h 4min

  Talaya Clark, MD, practices medicine at Atrium Health Biddle Point Family Practice for 21 years caring for the underserved population in Charlotte. Dr. Clark strives for good health in own life by eating well balanced meals daily and exercising with a personal trainer for over 16 years. In April 2024, Dr. Clark earned 1st Place in her first Professional Figure Competition with SNBF (Supernatural Bodybuilding and Fitness). Tanya Henderson-Burke is an experienced IT professional, entrepreneur, and the owner of Caterpillar Consulting, LLC, a boutique consulting firm specializing in training, instructional design, quality assurance testing, and staff augmentation.  Tanya embarked on a bodybuilding journey and won two first-place titles in Bikini 45+ and Bikini Open in her debut show. Join us in a conversation about the bodybuilding journey they each embarked upon in their 50’s. Listen as they share their unique stories, challenges they overcame, life lessons learned, and bodybuilding for women 50 Plus.