When life threw a curveball that changed everything, Dr. Denise Anderson didn't just adapt. She converted adversity into advocacy.

On this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, from battling through the arduous recovery after a spinal cord injury to using her experience to fuel her passion for counseling and education, Dr. Anderson's story highlights the human spirit's resilience. She has an eye-opening discussion with Doc G on the complexities of SCI, revealing how it alters more than just physical abilities but every facet of your existence.

We discuss the overshadowed mental health challenges that individuals with SCI navigate. Dr. Anderson shares the stark reality of psychological battles such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD that accompany physical challenges. She emphasizes the importance of accessible mental health support and societal empathy. We round off the conversation with life lessons in humility and patience that resonate with anyone facing challenges.

Dr. Anderson's dedication shines a light on the importance of community and the strength we can draw from shared experiences and understanding.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Dr. Denise Anderson’s experience with SCI after a car accident, her misdiagnoses, and the emergency surgery that led to her paralysis
• The emotional and physical challenges of SCI recovery
• The intensive rehabilitation process and Dr. Anderson's journey towards relearning basic movements
• Mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD common among SCI survivors
• The need for better mental health resources and societal empathy
• The importance of humility, patience, and self-compassion in the face of adversity and learning to accept a “new normal”
• Dr. Anderson's advocacy work and research on SCI, alongside seeing the person behind the injury and providing appropriate support
• Societal and logistical challenges that compound the struggles of those with SCI, including transportation and financial stability
• Dr. Anderson's upcoming research that aims to increase awareness and improve the quality of life for those with spinal cord injuries

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Growing up between two cultures can feel like walking a tightrope, constantly balancing the expectations of both. Dr. Kirsis A. Dipre knows this challenge all too well.

On this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, join us as Dr. Dipre unravels her journey from the Dominican Republic to the U.S., sharing anecdotes on the complexities of Afro-Latinx identity and the societal boxes that often confine Latinas and women of color. We address the weight of navigating spaces where identity is questioned and emphasize honoring our diverse roots.

Mental health is a labyrinth in its own right, and for high-achieving Latinas, the added factor of imposter syndrome looms large. This episode is a candid exploration of this phenomenon with Dr. Dipre, who shares her professional perspective and personal conquests over feelings of inadequacy. We uncover the ways culture, age, and environment intertwine with self-perception and how self-compassion can be a guiding light.

Don’t miss this conversation on connecting with ancestral wisdom that can fortify the spirit. Learn strategies for empowerment to navigate life's transitions with poise and self-assurance.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Dr. Kirsis A. Dipre’s journey from the Dominican Republic to the U.S. and the complexities of Afro-Latinx identity.
• Confronting societal expectations and stereotypes
• The importance of acknowledging diverse roots for Latinas and women of color
• Challenges high-achieving Latinas face with imposter syndrome
• The need for tailored mental health services
• Strategies for overcoming feelings of inadequacy, including self-compassion and connecting with ancestral wisdom
• Dr. Dipre’s personal experiences of fitting into neither black nor Latinx societal boxes and creating her own space for identity
• The impact of age and environment on self-perception
• Imposter syndrome in professional and academic settings
• Authentic self-presentation in overcoming imposter syndrome and achieving self-assurance

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits:

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

The intimate dance of life and struggle during pregnancy took on new meaning for Daeryn James Riddick, whose battle with severe morning sickness amidst a global crisis morphed into an awakening of self-advocacy and birth community solidarity.

On this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, former journalist and now doula Daeryn recounts her tumultuous story beginning with the conception of her first daughter during the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. She offers a raw look into her health's downward spiral, the mounting pressure to be heard by her healthcare providers, and the courage it took to trust her instincts despite uncertainty and restricted support systems.

Transitioning to her second pregnancy brought Daeryn a blend of trepidation and resolve, leading to healing, self-forgiveness, and learning the power of advocacy. Doc G and Daeryn travel the emotional landscapes of postpartum trauma and the redemption found within communal birth networks that encourage women to voice their needs.

Daeryn's story outlines the resilience of motherhood. It is an inspiring call to arms for pregnant individuals everywhere to seize control of their maternal health narratives, creating a conversation inviting listeners to reflect on their journeys toward recovery and compassion.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Daeryn James Riddick’s maternal health journey that started during COVID-19
• Her severe morning sickness and lack of healthcare support
• The importance of trusting your instincts
• Navigating the healthcare system during a pandemic
• Postpartum challenges and the transition from fear to advocacy during Daeryn’s second pregnancy
• Self-forgiveness and the power of a supportive birth community
• Becoming a doula and dedication to providing the advocacy and support she felt was missing in her own experiences
• The resilience of motherhood, taking control of your maternal health, and seeking communal support
• Daeryn's personal struggles with guilt, trauma, and her path to healing and advocating for others
• The cultural differences in postpartum care and the need for a stronger focus on nurturing new mothers to prevent postpartum depression

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits:

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.