We've all been there—faced with moments that demand us to either fold or forge ahead stronger than before.

On this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, we unwrap the stories of individuals who chose the latter, showcasing the indomitable human spirit. Niko’s fearless confrontation with HIV, Dr. PaQuita Pullen’s rise from tough roots to triumphant success, and Kim's journey through grief that led to a celebration of love and legacy offer more than inspiration. They provide a map for embracing emotional intelligence during the most trying times. Their tales reveal how self-awareness and empathy can change adversity into growth.

But transformation doesn't occur in isolation. It's supported by friendship and self-care. We examine what it means to forge healthy, reciprocal bonds. From recognizing the lifelines that true friends offer to understanding the necessity of carving out time for ourselves, Doc G paints a vivid picture of giving to others while honoring our own needs.

As we navigate motherhood, caregiving, and personal peace, we celebrate the unique ways each of us refills our cups, reminding listeners that self-care is not a one-size-fits-all but a tailor-made suit for the soul.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Niko's HIV journey that defies stigma and reshapes identity
• Dr. PaQuita Pullen's rise from challenging roots to success that showcases the power of dreams and determination
• Kim's path through grief using emotional intelligence and laughter, leading to a celebration of love and legacy
• The role of spirituality and faith as a source of strength and purpose during difficult transitions with insights from Daeryn’s doula calling
• The importance of healthy, reciprocal friendships that provide emotional support and improve mental well-being
• Self-care as a personalized practice for maintaining balance amidst motherhood, caregiving, and personal peace
• Overcoming adversity, including mentorship, rest, therapy, and medication in healing

Follow and Review:

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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.

As a single mother juggling the tightrope of academia, Dr. Ariel Harrison gets it.

That's why Doc G brought her on to this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed to share her story and the wisdom she's gained from the frontlines of motherhood and higher education. She takes us through her daily life, offering hope and advice for single parents who dare to dream big. We discuss how critical a well-choreographed routine has been for her, from choosing an online doctoral program to balancing long commutes with precious family time.

Time waits for no one, which is why Dr. Harrison and Doc G delve into mastering time management and its role in counseling. You’ll hear Doc G’s brush with a missed deadline, an experience that hammered home staying ahead. Dr. Harrison's journey as a professor, gatekeeper, and advocate for her students outlines the balance between empathy and professional educational standards. We also cover the distinct paths of school and mental health counselors, unpacking the academic and professional terrains unique to each.

Beyond the books and classrooms, Dr. Harrison stresses self-care and a support network, especially for women threading the needle between caregiving and academic pursuits. Get an insider look at her book “10 Tips for Navigating Online Graduate School for Primary Caretakers” and the founding of Ariel Harrison Consulting, which represent her dedication to enriching others through her own growth. As we wrap up, we celebrate her contributions to women's empowerment through her Amazon journals—a tribute to the healing power of self-reflection and writing.

Join us for an episode that's less about the climb and more about savoring the view at each ledge of this steep ascent we call life.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Dr. Ariel Harrison's personal journey through academia as a single mother
• The challenges of raising two boys while pursuing a doctorate online
• The importance of time management for counselors
• Strategies like staying ahead of coursework and maintaining a balance between empathy and professional standards in education
• The differences between school counseling and clinical mental health counseling
• Insights into the career path of becoming a counselor educator with a doctoral degree
• Self-care and having a support network for women in academia, especially those with caregiving responsibilities
• An introduction to “10 Tips for Navigating Online Graduate School for Primary Caretakers”
• The launch of Ariel Harrison Consulting and linking personal growth to professional development
• Dr. Harrison's contribution to women's empowerment through her Amazon journals, designed for self-reflection and personal journeys like fertility and inner child work

Resources from this Episode

• Get Dr. Ariel Harrison’s book: ​​www.amazon.com/Tips-Navigating-Online-Graduate-School/dp/B0BKDXF1Z1

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.

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

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.

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.

On this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, witness the strength of the human spirit in part two of Kim Wright’s incredible story.

Kim recounts the profound responsibility of performing CPR in an emergency—a moment that transcended medical training and plunged her into a sea of raw emotion. It's a stark reminder that life can sweep us off our feet even in our most prepared moments. And when it does, the support from loved ones, like her daughters who joined her in those critical moments over the phone, is our true lifeline.

Amidst the waves of change, Doc G and Kim navigate the complex journey of grief, sharing Kim’s story of spreading her late husband's ashes at sea. Her words paint a picture of closure and the birth of hope as she sets forth on a community service mission through the Ink Project. This non-profit, rooted in personal loss, is a legacy representative of the human desire to make a lasting impact. The universal struggle for healing and personal growth milestones are center stage in this narrative of loss and resilience.

Finally, Doc G and Kim shift to the lighter side, discussing the buzz and excitement of planning a trip to Hawaii. Despite the frustrations of modern technology—like those pesky router issues—this story outlines the importance of human connection and support systems.

Join us on this journey—embracing joy, transforming through life's challenges, and celebrating the solidarity that carries us through.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Kim Wright’s experience performing CPR in an emergency
• The emotional impact and role of family support during crises
• Navigating grief post-funeral, including the mix of emotions at social events, along with contracting COVID
• The support from friends during vulnerable moments
• Kim’s journey after her husband's death, her struggle with the term “widow,” and the complex emotions during each stage of grief, from denial to acceptance
• Spreading her late husband's ashes at sea, finding peace, and her initiative to start the Ink Project nonprofit for community healing and support
• An upcoming trip to Hawaii and dealing with technological issues like a router problem that outline the importance of human connections and support in everyday life

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.

When time stopped, and the world watched in horror as the Twin Towers fell, Kim Wright and her future husband Ian discovered a love that would triumph over the looming shadow of 9/11.

Kim and Ian’s story, a tender reminder of the fragility of life, unfolds in this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, where Kim, a dedicated nurse and passionate Zumba instructor, takes us through the highs and lows of building a life together. From laughter-filled days to the piercing void left by loss, her story is a poignant exploration of the heart's capacity to love, grieve, and, ultimately, find strength in memory.

Turning the pages of Kim and Ian's journey, we uncover the nuances of everyday interactions that can weave couples closer or fray the ties that bind. Delving into the art of communication, we share insights on how seemingly mundane decisions, like choosing a restaurant, can serve as stepping stones to deeper connection and understanding.

Join us in reflecting on the role of travel in rekindling romance, the telling signs of premonitions in relationships, and the urgency that a sudden health scare can bring to the forefront, proving once again that being attuned to the subtleties of our partner's well-being is as crucial as cherishing every moment we have with them.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Kim Wright's journey of love and loss with her late husband Ian that began with an online chat room and solidified in the face of 9/11
• The role of everyday interactions in strengthening the bonds of a relationship
• The “sandwich” approach to feedback
• Travel’s role in rekindling romance and the potential premonitions leading up to life events
• A health scare incident and the importance of being attentive to a partner's well-being
• The urgency of medical awareness in everyday life
• Recounting the early days of Kim and Ian's relationship, the impact of 9/11 on their decision to unite, and the preciousness of shared moments
• Maintaining harmony through communication and shared experiences
• The importance of expressing love daily.
• How Kim handled a personal health scare
• Having the readiness to act on medical emergencies and the closeness it brought to their relationship

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.

Emerging from a childhood where the echoes of domestic violence reverberated, Dr. PaQuita Pullen joins Doc G to share her story of facing homelessness to becoming a luminary for those often overshadowed by adversity.

In this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, Dr. Pullen peels back the layers of her life, revealing how early responsibilities shaped her resilience and unwavering dedication to helping others. Dr. Pullen’s narrative isn't just about survival; it's a beacon of hope to anyone struggling to find strength within family turmoil and societal pressures.

We explore the path from scraping by to flourishing together, revealing the pivotal moments that redefine our measures of success. As Doc G reflects on her own collegiate struggles and the eventual reawakening to the importance of balancing effort and ease, Dr. Pullen and Doc G delve into the shift that occurs when you move beyond the foundational needs of Maslow's hierarchy toward a life infused with satisfaction and purpose. We explore the misconceptions about success and discuss how accomplishment is not tethered to the perpetual weariness that often accompanies it.

In the final threads of their discussion, Dr. Pullen and Doc G examine stepping into leadership roles and the ripple effects on personal and relational development. We share how the introduction of therapy and yoga can act as transformative practices, propelling us past the survival mode that can so easily become our comfort zone. Their exchange is a candid reflection on the resistance to change inherent in survival mode, and they underscore the courage required to dismantle deep-seated patterns.

This episode is an invitation to embrace self-awareness and boldly step into a life brimming with joy and enlightenment.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Dr. PaQuita Pullen's upbringing, including a teenage mother, domestic violence, and periods of homelessness
• How Dr. Pullen’s upbringing shaped her into a resilient individual with a passion for advocacy
• Her collegiate struggles that led to a loss of scholarship but eventually a redefinition of success
• The impact of leadership roles on personal growth
• The shift from survival mode to thriving through therapy and yoga
• The power of therapy and yoga in Dr. Pullen’s journey out of survival mode
• Why she advocates for body practices to complement intellectual growth

Resources from this Episode

• Ubuntu Counseling & Wellness: ubuntucounseling-wellness.com

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.