In this episode of Trash the Checklist, we sit down with The Urban Counselor, Dana Lewis of Whole Life Center Services, to explore how therapy can be a powerful tool for men—especially Black men—far beyond crisis moments. Dana, a Black Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), brings a wealth of experience and cultural understanding to his practice, helping clients feel seen, heard, and respected.

Together, we discuss why waiting until “something is wrong” can hold men back from living more fulfilled, balanced lives—and how therapy can instead be a proactive space for growth, self-awareness, and healing. We also touch on the importance of representation in mental health care, and how Black LCSWs are uniquely positioned to help dismantle stigma and create safe, affirming environments for clients navigating the intersections of race, masculinity, and mental health.

Whole Life Center Services, where Dana practices, is dedicated to providing holistic, culturally responsive counseling that addresses the mind, body, and spirit. Their team supports individuals, couples, and families in building healthier relationships and more resilient communities.

Join us as we unpack myths about therapy, explore the cultural barriers that keep many men from seeking support, and discover how redefining strength through mental health care can transform lives.

Where to find us:
https://www.facebook.com/TTCLPodcast
@dr.Yo on Instagram for Yolanda
@trash_the_checklist_podcast on Instagram

How to reach us directly for questions or to share your own ideas for an episode:
trashthechecklist@gmail.com

Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google, or wherever you choose to listen to your podcast content.

There are no rules and no timelines that can determine your success or happiness. So go ahead and Trash the checklist!

If you're like the hosts of Trash the Checklist Podcast, then you probably grew up inundated with information about how bad marijuana was for you. But within the past 10 years, the research and some of the social taboo around marijuana use, especially for medicinal purposes, has led to some great discoveries about how the plant can benefit so many people in so many way.

Trash the Checklist welcomes Ms. Amber Demby, of Ash and Ember dispensary in Centreville, MD to take them on the beginnings of a journey to understanding and respecting the ways that the plant can be good. #CBD #MedicalMarijuana #LegalWeed #PlantBased #RemoveTheStigma #HowHigh

Where to find us:
https://www.facebook.com/TTCLPodcast
@dr.Yo on Instagram for Yolanda
@trash_the_checklist_podcast on Instagram

How to reach us directly for questions or to share your own ideas for an episode:
trashthechecklist@gmail.com

Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google, or wherever you choose to listen to your podcast content.

There are no rules and no timelines that can determine your success or happiness. So go ahead and Trash the checklist!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Yay!! But beyond being "aware", what other actionable steps can and should we be taking to make sure our own lives aren't continuously interrupted with this disease? 

Tiffany and Yolanda have mothers who have had breast cancer. They're sure many of their listening audience has some experience with a family member, friend, or co-worker having to endure breast cancer, so let's talk about what's going on.

In this episode, learn about risk factors and of course, how to correct course if you find yourself or someone you care about, on more direct path toward the disease. Guys, this is for you too! Beyond keeping an eye out for the women in your lives, what are you doing for you?

Where to find us:
https://www.facebook.com/TTCLPodcast
@dr.Yo on Instagram for Yolanda
@trash_the_checklist_podcast on Instagram

How to reach us directly for questions or to share your own ideas for an episode:
trashthechecklist@gmail.com

Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google, or wherever you choose to listen to your podcast content.

There are no rules and no timelines that can determine your success or happiness. So go ahead and Trash the checklist!