You’re not distracted — you’re overloaded.

So many high-achieving women are walking around thinking they have a focus problem… when what they actually have is a capacity problem.

This week on Journey to Joy Live, as we begin Mental Health Awareness month, I’m joined by Breanna Perry, LCSW of Rooted Swan Wellness, LLC, and we’re breaking down:

- The difference between ADHD symptoms and burnout

- Why chronic stress can mimic executive dysfunction

- How overload impacts your brain, motivation, and productivity

- What to do when you’re mentally exhausted but still expected to perform

If you’ve been saying, “Why can’t I focus?”

This conversation might change the question to:

“What am I carrying that’s too heavy?”

Looking for a therapist? Check out Breanna Perry, LCSW at www.rootedswanwellness. com and follow on IG @rootedswanwellness

Most insurances accepted!

In this episode, Dr. NJoy takes you on a journey through the real story of mental exhaustion: how you got here, what it's actually doing to you from the inside, the lies that have kept you running on empty, and what it truly looks and feels like to come back to yourself.

In This Episode:

• How mental exhaustion builds silently — and why it's never just "one bad day"
• The invisible weight our community carries and why the "stay strong" expectation is costing us more than we know
• What emotional numbness, joy depletion, and losing yourself actually feel like — named honestly, without a checklist
• The 3 lies that have kept you pushing through when you should have been pausing
• What returning to yourself really looks like — not a framework, but a feeling
• Why choosing rest is one of the most powerful ways to take control of your mental wellbeing
• When and why to reach out for professional support — and why it's a power move, not a weakness

Get you NJoyNAL and Inspire Joy for the Wife Mom Boss at www.DrNJoyLife.com or on Amazon.

In this episode, I break down exactly how to recognize the toxic relationship signs you may be overlooking — and give you a clear, practical 5-step framework to stop letting toxicity steal your joy and start Living In Full Empowerment.

In This Episode:

• The critical difference between "difficult" and truly toxic — and why naming it is your first act of empowerment
• 7 signs toxicity is quietly stealing your joy right now
• Why so many in our community normalize toxic patterns — and how to break the cycle
• Dr. NJoy's 5-Step Framework: from naming the problem to choosing yourself without guilt
• Exact boundary language you can use TODAY to protect your peace
• How to NJoy LIFE even when you can't fully remove toxic people from your world

In this episode, I'll break down exactly what political stress is doing to your mind and body, and give you practical tools to protect your mental wellness — no matter what's happening in the news cycle.

In this episode, you'll learn:

- Why political anxiety affects your mental health more than you realize

- The physical and emotional signs that stress is winning

- Proven stress management strategies to reclaim your peace

- How to stay informed without sacrificing your mental wellness

- Boundary-setting tools to protect your energy and emotional health

You don't have to choose between staying aware and staying well. I'll show you how to do BOTH.

You need structure.

If you’re tired of restarting your goals…

tired of saying “this time will be different”…

tired of knowing you’re capable of more but not seeing it stick…

This conversation is for you.

Life Coach, Yaa Astar joins me to break down:

- Why discipline beats motivation

- How to stop trying to fix everything at once

- The power of focusing on ONE area at a time — health, career, or finances

- How real empowerment is built through consistency, not feelings

Empowered isn’t a mood.

It’s a decision you repeat daily.

It’s time to stop starting over — and start showing up.

Follow Yaa @yaaastar or sign up for Becoming Empowered at www.yaaastar.com

“Nope. I’m just not having sex again.”

But is it really about sex?

Or is it about how you feel in your body?

This week I’m joined by Dr. Nikki Coleman, licensed psychologist and sexologist, and we’re talking about:

- Body image and desire

-Shame and sensuality

- The mental blocks that kill intimacy

- Why disconnection from your body often becomes disconnection in your relationship

And how to rebuild confidence, pleasure, and ownership of your sexuality

Because it’s not just about weight.

It’s not just about aging.

It’s about how safe you feel in your own skin.

And you deserve joy — in your body and in your bedroom.

This one is honest.

This one is healing.

This one is grown-woman conversation.

Find Dr. Nikki at DrNikkiKnows.com or on any platform @DrNikkiKnows

Because real power isn’t just about achievement.

It’s about transformation.

Menopause isn’t the end of vitality.

It’s a biological transition into wisdom, strength, and a new kind of clarity.

Joined by OB/GYN Renée Simone Yolanda Allen MD MHSc. FACOG, we’re talking about:

- The truth about hormones and midlife

-Brain health, mood, and energy

-Longevity, regenerative medicine, and modern options

- And how women can step into this chapter informed, empowered, and optimized

The true power of women is that we don’t fade — we evolve.

And this conversation is how we reclaim the narrative.

Her power.

Her joy.

Her longevity.

This is what rewriting the story looks like.

Find Dr. Renee Allen at www.reneeallenmd.com or on IG @reneeallenmd

In this episode, I’m breaking down:

-What chronic stress does to your brain

-How burnout turns into physical symptoms

- Why high-functioning women crash the hardest

And an important conversation about conversion disorder — when emotional overload shows up in the body in very real, neurological ways.

This is not about weakness. This is about your nervous system being overwhelmed. Reset before resentment. Refuel before fracture. Listen before your body screams.

Episode 141: Her Work. Her Worth. Her Impact.

In recognition of Women’s History Month, I am putting the spotlight on Nikki Porcher — U.S. Air Force veteran, former public school teacher, and founder of Buy From A Black Woman, a national nonprofit that has generated more than $6.12 million in documented economic impact supporting Black women business owners.

And she’s not done.

Nikki is now entering her next chapter — running for Georgia Labor Commissioner to modernize the state’s labor systems and ensure every worker in every county has access to opportunity, stability, and support.

This episode is about legacy.

About economic empowerment.

About women who refuse to shrink their impact.

Her work.

Her worth.

Her impact.

Support Nikki Porcher as she runs for Georgia Labor Commissioner. Learn more at Vote4Nikki.com. Follow on all social media platforms @voteporcher4ga

That’s not “being dramatic.”

That’s emotional flooding.

This week on Journey to Joy Live, I'm breaking down what happens when your brain and nervous system get overloaded — and why you suddenly feel everything at once.

In Episode 140, I'm unpacking:

- What emotional flooding actually is (and what triggers it)

-What’s happening in your brain during overwhelm

-Why high-functioning women crash hard

- Practical tools to regulate your mood in real time

Episode 140: Emotional Flooding — Why You Feel Everything at Once and How to Regulate Your Mood

-Thursday, March 5 at 7PM EST

-Watch live on FB @NJoy LIFE or IG @Dr.NJoy.Life

- Listen on Spotify, Apple, Pandora, YouTube, iHeartRadio, or Amazon Music

You don’t have to drown in your emotions.

You can learn to regulate them.

Because emotional intensity isn’t weakness.

It’s dysregulation — and it’s treatable.

This week on Journey to Joy Live, we’re diving into The Science and Joy of Self-Love — not the surface-level version, but the neurological, emotional, healing kind.

In Episode 139, I’m breaking down:

-How self-criticism activates your stress response

-Why self-compassion calms your nervous system

-How to stop outsourcing your worth

-Practical ways to feel emotionally safe within yourself

Because self-love isn’t indulgent.

It’s regulation.

It’s stability.

It’s mental health.

And how do you actually know the difference?

This week on Journey to Joy Live, I’m breaking down the science behind what you’re feeling — and more importantly, what actually helps.

Because being “overwhelmed” isn’t a diagnosis.

And high-functioning doesn’t always mean healthy.

In Episode 138, we’re unpacking:

• How to tell normal stress from clinical anxiety
• When sadness becomes depression
• The brain and body signs you shouldn’t ignore
• Practical, evidence-based tools to start feeling better

No guessing. No stigma. Just clarity and strategy.

The NJoyNAL mentioned can be found on Amazon or at www.DrNJoyLIFE.com

Join me and Riana Elyse Anderson, PhD, LCP — Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Columbia University Professor, and creator of the EMBRace program — for a powerful conversation on how connection, culture, and communication can transform racial stress into wellness and resilience.

Because this month, we honor Black love as community care, Black healing as resistance, and Black joy as freedom.

Contact Dr. Riana Elyse Johnson at TheEMBRaceProgram@gmailcom if you have a child(ren) between the ages of 10-14 and are in the Harlem area and interested in being a part of the EMBRace program (Engaging, Managing, and Bonding through Race)

Find Dr. Riana Elyse Johnson on IG @rianaelyse

Visit her website: www.rianaelyse.com

This week on Journey to Joy Live, we’re getting Aligned for Joy with special guest Bianca Ariel, MBA, Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Recalibrated Vision™. @BiancaArielMBA

We’re breaking down the Core Four — Calling, Purpose, Passion, and Vision — and how to uncover each so you can move from burnout to alignment, from confusion to clarity, and from survival to joy.

Tune in as we explore:

- How to recognize when you’re out of alignment

- The difference between passion and purpose

-Why your calling evolves with each new season

- Practical steps to recalibrate your life, career, and mindset

Because when your purpose meets peace, Joy becomes your strategy — not your reward.

This week on Journey to Joy Live, we’re going Behind the Smile to uncover the powerful connection between dental health and mental health.

I’m joined by Ria Sahara, DDS, Dentist and CEO of Gentle Dentistry of Newnan, to explore how our emotional well-being impacts our oral health — and how what’s happening in our mouths can reflect what’s happening in our minds.

Together, we’ll discuss:

-The stress–inflammation connection and how it affects your teeth and gums

- The emotional toll of dental anxiety, shame, and avoidance

- How self-care and oral care are deeply linked to confidence and joy

- Simple ways to nurture your smile and your mental health daily

Your smile is more than what you show — it’s how you feel.

Let’s talk about healing from the inside out.

Find Dr. Sahara at www.newnandental.com and @drriasahara

This week on Journey to Joy Live, I'm diving deep into the science behind that feeling in “Brain on Fire: The Link Between Stress, Inflammation, and Mental Health.”

As a psychiatrist, I’m breaking down how stress doesn’t just affect your mood — it impacts your brain chemistry, your body, and your joy.

We’ll explore:

- What happens in your brain when stress turns chronic

- How inflammation fuels anxiety, depression, and brain fog

- Practical, science-backed ways to cool the fire and reset your peace

Because your brain isn’t broken — it’s overwhelmed. And with the right tools, you can calm your mind, heal your body, and reignite your joy.

Get your copy of the NJoyNAL at www.DrNJoyLife.com or Amazon!

This week on Journey to Joy Live, we’re talking about the power of boundaries and the freedom that comes with protecting your peace.

Join me and my guest, Jen Fry, PhD (she/her) — social justice educator, speaker, and CEO of JenFryTalks — as we unpack:

-Why “no” is a complete sentence

-How to set boundaries without guilt

-What it means to choose yourself without apology

-And how protecting your energy can actually multiply your joy

Because saying yes to everything is often saying no to yourself — and your peace deserves protection.

Find Dr. Jen Fry at www.jenfrytalks.com and on IG @jenfrytalks

Purchase her book: "I Said No: How to Have A Backbone and Boundaries Without Being a Jerk"

It might be time for a Career Reset — not to start over, but to realign your work with your joy. This week on Journey to Joy Live, I sit down with Laura E. Knights, LCSW , CEO of Knights Consulting and Founder of Black Woman Leading, to talk about what it really means to:

-Recognize when you’ve outgrown a role or routine

- Heal from professional burnout

-Realign your career with your values and vision

-Reconnect your purpose to your peace

Because success without joy isn’t alignment — it’s exhaustion.

It’s time to redefine what thriving looks like in work and in life.

Special Guest: Laura Knights, CEO Knights Consulting & Founder Black Woman Leading

@lauraeknights @blackwomanleading

www.knightsconsultinggroup.com | www.blackwomanleading.com

Download your free copy of the Career Reset Kit at https://blackwomanleading.com/career-reset-kit/

Learn about the Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference + Retreat http://www.bwlretreat.com/

This week on Journey to Joy Live, we’re talking about The Joy Reset — how to move into a new season with peace instead of pressure. Because you don’t need a new you — you need a renewed you.

Because joy doesn’t come from doing it all — it comes from learning when to pause, breathe, and begin again.

Get your Joy Bundle at www.drnjoylife.com which includes The NJoyNAL and the Inspire Joy for the Wife Mom Boss: Balancing It All Without Losing Yourself.

In the middle of wrapping paper, holiday pressure, and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to miss the quiet joy of simply being.

But peace doesn’t come from perfection — it comes from presence.

Join me for a special Christmas Day episode of Journey to Joy Live as we reflect on:

How to slow down and be fully here this holiday season

Finding joy in moments, not material things

Reconnecting with gratitude, peace, and purpose

-Why joy is more than a fleeting feeling

-How mental & spiritual alignment create real wellness

-Practical steps to H.E.A.L. — Holistically Evolve, Align & Live.

Find Dr. La'Shonda at www.dreamsandvisionsatl.com

Purchase her Healing Reflections 30-Day Journal at healwithdrlashonda.com

IG: @healwithdrlashonda

This week on Journey to Joy Live, we’re exposing one of the biggest joy-stealers of all — Imposter Syndrome.

I’m joined by Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin, psychologist, executive coach, and imposter syndrome expert, for a powerful conversation about:

The root causes of self-doubt and perfectionism

How imposter feelings show up in work, relationships, and leadership

And, most importantly, how to reclaim your confidence, peace, and joy

Episode 128: “Imposter Syndrome: The Lie That Steals Our Joy”

Thursday, December 11th at 7 PM EST

Watch live on Facebook or Instagram @Dr.NJoy.Life

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, YouTube, iHeartRadio, or Amazon Music

Because you’re not a fraud — you’re proof that perseverance, purpose, and preparation can coexist with vulnerability.

Find Dr. Lisa @drorbeaustin

www.dynamictransitionsllp.com

This week on Journey to Joy Live, I’m joined by Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell, Board Certified Physician & Certified Clinical Sleep Specialist, to talk about the real connection between sleep, mental health, and joy.

We’re breaking down how lack of sleep impacts your emotions, focus, and ability to cope — and sharing simple, science-backed strategies to help you rest, restore, and reclaim your joy.

Episode 127: “Can’t Sleep, Can’t Cope: How Sleep Impacts Your Joy”

Learn how better sleep can boost your mood, strengthen your resilience, and transform your overall well-being.

Find Dr. Holliday-Bell on IG @thesleep_md 

www.thesolutionissleep.com

This Thanksgiving week on Journey to Joy Live, I’m slowing things down to talk about contentment, gratitude, and finding joy in what already is.

 Because sometimes, the real work isn’t about chasing more — it’s about seeing what’s already here. 

Episode 126: “The Joy of Enough: Finding Peace in What Already Is”

 Let’s talk about how to quiet comparison, release perfection, and return to gratitude for the life you’re living right now.

This week on Journey to Joy Live, I open my heart and share a deeply personal conversation about grief, healing, and honoring those we’ve lost while still finding light in the season.

In honor of my father and everyone navigating loss during the holidays, this episode is a reminder that grief and gratitude can coexist — and that joy isn’t the absence of pain, it’s the light that helps us carry it.

Episode 125: “Joy After Loss: Finding Light When the Holidays Feel Heavy”

Let’s talk about how to give yourself permission to feel, honor your memories, and gently rediscover peace through the pain.

Now imagine doing all of that in front of the world.

Tonight on Journey to Joy Live, I sit down with Nicole Johnson from OWN’s Ready to Love: Detroit to talk about the joys, frustrations, and mental health impact of dating in the spotlight.

We’re diving into what it means to protect your peace, your confidence, and your JOY when everyone has an opinion — and how to stay grounded in self-worth while navigating love, both on and off camera.

Episode 124: “Dating in the Spotlight: Protecting Your Joy When the World is Watching”

Tune in for a real, unfiltered conversation about love, lessons, and learning to choose yourself first.

-Tonight, Thursday at 7 PM EST

-Watch live on Facebook & Instagram @Dr.NJoy.Life

-Replay available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Pandora, iHeartRadio & more!

This week on Journey to Joy Live, I will dive into “Joy in the Dark” — exploring how Daylight Saving Time and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can impact your mood, energy, and motivation as the days grow shorter.

Learn how to protect your peace, reset your rhythm, and keep your light shining — even when the sun sets early.

🎙️ Episode 123: “Joy in the Dark”

💡 Practical tips for managing seasonal mood shifts and finding joy through the winter months.

📅 Thursday at 7 PM EST

📺 Watch live on Facebook & Instagram @Dr.NJoy.Life

🎧 Replay on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Pandora, iHeartRadio & more!

This week on Journey to Joy Live, I will chat with Tia Baruti, CEO-Founder of Through The Concrete, breast cancer survivor, advocate, and mental wellness champion, for an inspiring conversation on healing, resilience, and joy after the breast cancer journey.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re breaking the silence around the emotional recovery that follows survival — the part that often goes unseen.

Learn how to process the pain, honor your strength, and choose joy again — one breath, one day, one moment at a time.

www.throughtheconcrete.net

www.tiabaruti.com

Book can be purchased at Amazon: Transparency Through The Storm By Tia Baruti

Join me as I explore how spontaneity can spark joy—or stress—depending on alignment, intention, and timing.

Learn how to say “yes” to what fills you up and “no” to what drains you.

This week on Journey to Joy Live, Dr. NJoy sits down with Dr. Lulu, The Momatrician — LGBTQIA+ educator, author, and advocate — for Episode 120: “Raising Love, Not Limits: A Home for Queer Joy.”

Together, they explore what it means to raise children in homes rooted in love, not fear, and how we can all create safe spaces for Queer Joy to thrive.

Find Dr. Lulu at dr-lulu.com and IG @themomatrician

Her books referenced in this episode:

1. Raise Well Rounded Children
2. A Teen's Life
3. About Your Black Transgender Child

Join Dr. NJoy for Episode 119: “Mom on Empty: Burnout, Boundaries, and Finding Joy Again.” Learn how to recognize the signs of burnout, reclaim your boundaries, and refuel your joy — one small step at a time!

October is ADHD Awareness Month, and we’re diving into how ADHD often goes overlooked in women—and how social media and digital overload make the struggle even harder. Join me as I unpack myths, share signs that are often missed, and offer practical tips for protecting your focus, your joy, and your mental health in a distracted world.

Join me for Journey to Joy Live Podcast Ep. 117

Self-Care is Life Care: Suicide Prevention Through Daily Wellness

I’ll be joined by Dr. Aleema Zakers, Psychiatrist & Yoga Instructor, as we dive into how practices like yoga, mindfulness, and self-care aren’t just about feeling good—they’re about staying here.

Join me for Episode 116: Joy is Still Possible as we talk about breaking the silence, understanding the warning signs, and how QPR—the CPR for suicide prevention—can help you save a life.

Q = Question: Ask directly if someone is thinking about suicide. (Example: “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”)

P = Persuade: Persuade them to get help and reassure them they are not alone. (“I care about you. Let’s find help together.”)

R = Refer: Refer to the right resource—call 988, connect with a therapist, or take them to urgent care.

Know the resources – 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, local hotlines, therapy options.

Cleared for Takeoff: Soaring Past Self-Doubt with Joi

This 9/11, I’m sitting down with Joi Schweitzer, First Officer & Airline Pilot, to talk about rising above fear, silencing self-doubt, and giving yourself permission to soar.

Joi Schweitzer is an airline pilot, entrepreneur, and belief mentor who helps women rise with clarity, confidence, and purpose. A former flight attendant turned airline pilot, Joi proves that with faith, vision, and relentless action, you can land any dream! As the founder of RIDE HIGH Coffee and creator of Cleared for Takeoff, she blends aviation leadership with wellness and faith to inspire others to soar beyond limits.

Find Joi Schweitzer at www.JoiRideHigh.com or on IG @thejoischweitzer

Disclosure:

In aviation, therapy can be a complicated and controversial topic since it may affect a pilot’s medical clearance. That’s why many airlines have established confidential peer-to-peer programs—so pilots can still access support and resources when they need it most

In Episode 114 of Journey to Joy Live, we’re unpacking why you can’t have both joy and perfection—and how chasing “perfect” keeps you stuck in stress, shame, and burnout.

It’s time to release the pressure, embrace the real, and choose JOY over perfection every time.

Too often, parents hear the word medication and immediately feel fear, guilt, or judgment. But what’s fact—and what’s stigma? Join me on this week’s Journey to Joy Live as I break down the truths, myths, and options when it comes to supporting your child’s mental health.

Whether it’s ADHD, anxiety, depression, or other challenges—this episode will give you clarity, peace of mind, and tools to make informed decisions for your family.

“Do I Really Need Medication or Can I Just Pray About It?”

Many in our community have heard the phrase “just pray about it” when facing mental health struggles. But does prayer replace treatment? Should medication always be avoided?

This week, I sit down with Dr. Carmen Black, MD, MHS — Psychiatrist & Associate Professor — debunk myths, break stigma, and unpack the truth about faith, prayer, and mental health treatment.

Join special guest Derica N. Sams, MD, Pediatric Gastroenterologist, and I as we break down the fascinating gut-brain connection—how your microbiome impacts your mind, mood, and overall mental health.

Looking for a Pediatric Gastroenterologist? www.PediatricGIHealth.com

IG @pediatricGIhealth

Mentioned in this episode: Use Visbiome probiotics.

Burnout isn’t just about being tired — it’s about losing yourself in the midst of being everything to everyone. In this solo episode, I’m sharing how the INSPIRE Joy Method can help high-achieving women — especially Black wives and moms — reclaim their peace, purpose, and joy.

Drawing from my new book, Inspire Joy for the Wife Mom Boss, I’ll walk you through how to apply the seven pillars of the INSPIRE Joy Method — Integrity, Nurture, Stability, Purpose, Intimacy, Resilience, and Empowerment — to your own life so you can shift from stress to joy.

We’ll talk about:

✨ How to recognize the signs of burnout before it takes over

✨ Why “self-care” is more than bubble baths and spa days

✨ Practical strategies to restore your mental, physical, financial, aspirational, and social health

✨ How to stop running on empty and start living in full empowerment

This is your reminder that joy isn’t selfish — it’s necessary.

Get your copy of the Inspire Joy for the Wife Mom Boss on www.DrNJoyLife.com or Amazon (paperback or ebook).

— How to Rekindle Connection When You Feel Emotionally Distant

Is your marriage starting to feel more like a co-living situation than a love story? You're not alone—and this episode is for YOU!

Join Dr. NJoy and special guest Dr. Chavonne Perotte, Life & Marriage Coach, for a powerful conversation on rebuilding emotional intimacy, reigniting connection, and rediscovering joy in your relationship.

Because you didn’t say “I do” just to live like roommates.

Find Dr. Chavonne at www.DrChavonne.com or on socials @drchavonne

I kicked things off in July 2023 to promote wellness, resilience, and joy in the Black community—while breaking the stigma around mental illness. Now, 108 episodes later, I'm celebrating how far the podcast has come with some of the most unforgettable truths and mic drop moments from the past 2 years.

Tune in for laughter, lessons, healing, and pure joy. You don’t want to miss this!

Featured in this episode:

Episode 1: Choose Joy

Episode 2: Breaking Down The Stigma with June Young (Dr. NJoy’s sister)

Episode 3: Recognizing Signs of Mental Illness

Episode 4: Minority Mental Health Awareness Month with Jessica V. Taylor, LCSW @therapyforblackwomenllc

Episode 5: Back to School Stress: PsyKID Edition with Aiden Mena

Episode 9: International Overdose Awareness Day with Dr. Ashaki Warren, @lybpsychiatry

Episode 10: It’s National Recovery Month with Juan Mena

Episode 13: Self-Care is Not Selfish

Episode 14: Mental Health in the Black LGBTQ+ Community with Christopher Hughbanks

Episode 15: Give Yourself The Gift of Wellbeing with Jessica V. Taylor, LCSW and Juan Mena – Live from Dominican Republic

Episode 16: A Review of the Six Basic Human Needs with Nelly Lubin – Recorded in Dominican Republic

Episode 17 Is Joy A Choice or an Emotion? Dr. Aleema Zakers, @health_lakshmi and Dr. Ashley Berry

Episode 19 Journey From Grief to Joy with Dr. Karla Booker, @thedoclady – Check out her book “Seventy-One Days: How to Say Goodbye When Death Says Hello”

Episode 20: Navigate Past Trauma & Find Joy

Episode 27: Black Parents with ADHD with Mic Davenport @blxckdaddybrand

Episode 28: New Year, New Joy with Dr. Angela Andrews @angela.andrews.md

Episode 29: Ignite Your Spark & Beat Burnout with Dr. RJ, @askdrrj

Episode 31: Enjoy Sex Again Beyond Mental Clutter with Dr. Ashley Townes, @dr.ashleytownes

Episode 32: From DMs to I Do’s: Finding Joy In Relationships with Kenyon & Taccara Martin @askthemartins

Episode 33: Love Yourself

Episode 34: Stress-less Love with Jay and Dana Randolph; Dana @iamthepurposedwife is the author of “The Purposed Wife”

Episode 36: Kicking Out Stigma: Finding Joy In The Game with Kenny Mena

Episode 38: Body Joy: Lovin the Skin You’re in

Episode 40: Cruising Through Challenges

Episode 43: Parenting Children with Mental Illness with Dr. Shivana Naidoo, @dr.shivana.naidoo

Episode 44: How Do I Know I Nee Help?

Episode 46: Acceptance In the Shadows of Stigma with Jewell Gooding, Executive Director of Silence the Shame, INC

Episode 48: Less Than Therapy: Daily Habits for Sustainable Sanity

Episode 49: Joy Unleashed: Breaking Barriers in Black Mental Health” with Dr. Tami Benton, President of American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists

Episode 50: 50 Shades of Joy

Episode 51: Emancipation of the Mind with Dr. Cynthia Graham-Turner, Past President of Black Psychiatrists of America

Episode 53: Emotional Fireworks

Episode 54: What Do I Need To Do Inside My Mind To Stop Myself From Cursing Somebody Out?

Episode 58: Stop Bullying Yourself: Silence Your Inner Critic & Practice Self-Compassion

Episode 60: Elevate Your Joy: INSPIRE Less Stress with More Joy

Episode 61: What the Feel?! The Real 4-Letter F-Word with Mikki Bey @getmikkibey

Episode 62: Integrity Uncluttered: Unpacking Mental Baggage for a Lighter Life

Episode 63: Nurture Reset: Body Goals Beyond Fitness to Full Health

Episode 64: Stability In Money Moves

Episode 65: Purpose Path: Navigating Life’s Ambitions & Aspirations

Episode 66: Intimacy Matters: Deepening Connections for Social Health

Episode 67: Resilience Revamp: Sharpening Skills to Thrive Under Pressure

Episode 68: Empowerment Boost: Mastering The Tools for Self-Success

Episode 71: What’s Your Why? Discover What Makes You Feel Alive with Dr. Shunte Howze, @purposedlifecoaching

Episode 73: The Wellness Advantage with Dr. Una of EntreMD

Episode 75: Pace Yourself: Finding Joy & Resilience in Every Mile with Jay Ell Alexander, Owner of Black Girls Run! @jayellalexander @officialblackgirlsrun

Episode 77: Holiday Spending Without The Stress: How To Afford Everything & Keep Your Joy

Episode 78: Unwrapping Self-Care: Gifts To Yourself This Holiday Season with Anjanette Davenport, @harambeecare

Episode 81: Fueling Joy: Nutritional Wellness For A Fresh Start with Krishunee, @krishunee

Episode 82:Psychiatrists Need Self-Care Too:A Prescription For Wellness & Joy For The Healers with Dr. Danielle Hairston, @blackpsychiatry

Episode 83: Life Be Lifing, So Keep On Thriving                  

Episode 88: Calm Your Nerves, Literally! Herbal & Movement Hacks for Inner Peace with Erica Rascon, @ericarasconyoga

Episode 89: Raising Kids & Running Things: The Boss Mom Blueprint with Corean Canty, @coreancanty

Episode 90: Unlearning The “I Can Do It All” Mentality with Nicole Washington, @drnicolepsych

Episode 91: Menopause, Mood Swings, & More with Dr. Renee Allen, @reneeallenmd

Episode 93: Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honor – It’s a Warning Sign with Dr. Naima Spradley, @refreshhealthmpc

Episode 94: Compassion Over Criticism: How To Stop Being So Hard On Yourself with Dr. Jada Philips, @drj_awakeningstudio @reserveyoutoday

Episode 95: When The Job Breaks You: The Hidden Toll of Workplace Trauma with Julia Rock, @thejuliarock

Episode 96: May The Joy Be With You: Conquering Stress with the Power of Wellness and Joy with Dr. Anisa Shomo, @dr.shomo.knows @healthislove.co

Episode 97: Mom Brain or ADHD? Let’s Talk About It with Dr. Shauna Pollard and Jessica V. Taylor, LCSW

Episode 98: Sleeping Next to Trauma: How To Love Through The Wounds You Can’t See with Kaara Kiddoe, LCSW, @authentic.marriages

Episode 99: Finding Joy in the Midst of Grief with Dr. Rae Lundy @theselfcaredoc

Episode 100: Zero To 100: Fueling Your Journey to Joy with Dr. Barbara Joy Jones @themodeldoc, Dr. Pamela Larde, @joyresearcher, and Dr. Joy Baker, @deliveringjoymd

Episode 101: Why Can’t I Just Be Happy? The Truth About Joy & What’s Blocking It with Dr. Ayo Gathing, @ayogathingmd

Episode 102: The Last Straw with Jessica V. Taylor, LCSW, @therapyforblackwomenllc

Episode 104: Joy Is My Type with Dr. Pamela Larde, @joyresearcher

Episode 105: Rest, Rage, & Radical Joy: Black Wellness in a World That Won’t Let Us Breathe with Dr. Sierra Carter

Episode 106: Joy Between The Sheets: Sex As Selfcare with Dr. Renee Allen, @reneeallenmd  

Episode 107: More Than Skin Deep: Make-Up, Mental Health, & The Mask We Wear with Melanie Spry

"More Than Skin Deep: Make-Up, Mental Health & The Mask We Wear"

Is your beauty routine an act of self-love—or a mask you hide behind?

Join certified makeup artist Melanie Spry and I as we explore the face we wear, beauty as self-care, the mental health of beauty professionals, and the impact of colorism and societal beauty standards on self-worth. Plus—what healing and joy look like when we dare to show up bare-faced and real.

Find Melanie Spry at www.MajesticKnowingBeauty.com and on social media @MKBeauty.

We’re diving into why sexual wellness is a vital part of your mental and physical health, and we’re keeping it real.

If you’re experiencing a lack of desire—whether it’s due to stress, trauma, menopause, or just life—we’ve got you covered. We’ll talk treatments, hormone replacement options, and how to reclaim your joy between the sheets.

You don’t want to miss this powerful and empowering conversation with Dr. Renee Allen @reneeallenmd!

Book an appointment Dr. Renee Allen, MD MHSc., FACOG, Dipl.ABOG at www.ReneeAllenMD.com

with special guest Dr. Sierra Carter

📅 Aired: Thursday, July 3rd, 2025

📍 Watch on drnjoylife.com/feed or stream on Spotify, Apple, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, or Facebook @NJoy LIFE

About This Episode:

In this powerful Minority Mental Health Awareness Month episode, Dr. NJoy sits down with clinical and community psychologist Dr. Sierra Carter to explore how Black Americans can access rest and radical joy in a world constantly demanding their labor, silence, and survival.

They unpack the emotional toll of racism, chronic stress, and systemic injustice—and how resistance, joy, and rest can serve as radical healing tools.

This pre-recorded conversation dives into:

✨ The psychological and biological impact of racism

✨ How microaggressions and macroaggressions wear on the body and mind

✨ The science behind rest as resistance

✨ Why rage can be sacred—and how it connects to healing

✨ The role of critical consciousness and radical joy in Black mental wellness

About Dr. Sierra Carter:

Dr. Carter is an Associate Professor in Clinical and Community Psychology at Georgia State University. Her groundbreaking research explores how racial discrimination—both acute and chronic—acts as a major stressor contributing to chronic illness and stress-related disorders among Black Americans.

Learn more at 👉 www.drsierracarter.com

We’re talking all things JOYFULLY SINGLE by Dr. Pamela Larde from embracing your wholeness to redefining joy outside of relationship status. Whether you're single, partnered, or healing, this episode is for YOU.

Tap in for:

-Lessons from her book Joyfully Single

- What the research says about joy

-Why being single doesn’t mean being without joy

Find Dr. Pamela Larde at www.DrPamelaLarde.com

IG: @joyresearcher

Publications:

1. Joyfully Single
2. The Practice of Joy Workbook
3. Joy Reflective Flip Book

This Juneteenth, join me this Thursday, June 19th at 7PM for a powerful convo with Dr. Negar Fani, Clinical Neuropsychologist and researcher, as we unpack the impact of racial trauma on the brain and explore how healing and joy are possible—even in the face of systemic oppression.

Visit Dr. Fani at www.negarfani.com to enter as a research participant in her study on racial trauma.

This episode, we’re diving ALL the way in. Join me and special guest Jessica V. Taylor, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW, founder of Therapy For Black Women and a single mom herself, as we unpack the mental load and mental health of single moms—what’s silently weighing us down and how to find JOY again in the midst of it all.

Find Jessica V. Taylor on IG @therapyforblackwomenllc or book an appointment for therapy at www.therapyforblackwomen.com

With special guest Dr. Ayo Gathing, Psychiatrist, Co-host of God Meets Therapy & powerhouse Wife Mom Boss, We’re breaking down what’s really standing between you and joy — stress, trauma, perfectionism, and pressure. Let’s unpack it and move forward empowered.

www.ayogathingmd.com

IG: @ayogathingmd

We’re flipping the script — not from 0 to 100 in anger, but in resilience, growth, and JOY. This episode closes out Mental Health Awareness Month with a reminder that no matter the stress or the struggle, joy is still possible.

Special Guests – It’s a conversation with Joy about joy:

Dr. Barbara Joy Jones – Family Med Physician, The Healthy Woman, 

Website: https://www.the-healthywoman.com/provider/barbara-joy-jones-do

IG: @themodeldoc

Dr. Joy Baker – OB/GYN Physician

IG: @deliveringjoymd

Dr. Pamela Larde – Joy Researcher 

IG: @joyresearcher

Book mentioned: Joyfully Single by Dr. Pamela Larde, Found on Amazon

Books by Dr. NJoy: both found on www.DrNJoyLIFE.com

NJoyNAL Nurturing Authentic Living, $35

Inspire Joy for the Wife Mom Boss: Balancing It All Without Losing Yourself

Special Guest:

Rae Lundy, PhD, Psychologist, Wellness Strategist, Speaker

Web: www.theselfcaredoc.com 

IG: @selfcaredoc 

This week, I’m joined by Kaara Kiddoe, LCSW, Co-Founder of Authentic Marriage, to unpack how trauma can silently affect connection—and how love, awareness, and healing can shift everything. 

Let’s talk love, trauma, and finding JOY through the healing journey.

Special Guest:

Kaara Kiddoe, LCSW, Co-Founder of Authentic Marriages

Web: https://www.authenticmarriages.com  www.celebrationofloveretreat.com

IG: @authentic.marriages | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marriagereignite

Book mention: Why Am I Like This? by Kobe Campbell

In this episode of Journey to Joy Live, we’re unpacking the overlap between motherhood, mental overload, and undiagnosed ADHD — especially in Black women. So many high-achieving women find themselves constantly forgetting, multitasking into exhaustion, or wondering why they can’t "just stay focused" — but is it stress, or something deeper?

We’re joined by two incredible mental health professionals who break down the myths, signs, and real-life impact of ADHD in women and moms:

Special Guests:

 Dr. Shauna Pollard, Licensed Psychologist & ADHD Coach

IG: @drshaunap | Web: www.drspllc.com

 Jessica V. Taylor, LCSW, Founder of Therapy For Black Women

IG: @therapyforblackwomenllc | Web: therapyforblackwomen.com

If you’ve ever felt forgetful, scattered, or like your brain is constantly in overdrive — this episode is for you.

Dr. NJoy is joined by special guest Dr. Anisa Shomo, family physician and author of Health Is Love, for a powerful conversation about the deep connections between our physical and mental health. Together, they explore how chronic stress, grief, and emotional burnout show up in our bodies — and how reclaiming joy can be one of the most radical tools of healing.

This episode also honors the dual book launch of The NJoyNAL: A Journal and Therapy Companion Using the INSPIRE Joy Method by Dr. NJoy and Health Is Love by Dr. Shomo.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How grief impacts both mental and physical health
• The science behind joy as medicine
• Creating sustainable wellness routines that protect your peace
• How to honor your emotional truth without abandoning joy
• Why Black women deserve softness, stillness, and space to breathe

Whether you’re navigating burnout, grief, or just trying to reclaim your glow — this conversation is a reminder that joy isn’t optional. It’s necessary.

Resources Mentioned:

• The NJoyNAL – www.drnjoylife.com
• Health Is Love by Dr. Anisa Shomo – www.healthislove.co

Connect with us:

Follow Dr. NJoy on Instagram: @Dr.NJoy.Life

Visit: www.drnjoylife.com

Follow Dr. Anisa Shomo on Instagram: @healthislove.co & @anisa@shomo

Listen + Subscribe:

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Pandora | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio

We’re talking:

✅ What workplace trauma really looks like

✅ How high achievers suffer in silence

✅ Career wounds that go beyond the 9–5

✅ And how to reclaim your voice, value, and joy

Special Guest: Julia Rock, Founder & CEO, Rock Career Development

www.rockcareer.com

Instagram: @thejuliarock/@rockcareer.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/julia-rock

YouTube: @thejuliarock

We’re diving into:

-Why high-achieving women are often their own worst critics

-How to recognize the hidden habits of self-judgment

-The power of self-compassion in your healing journey

-Daily practices to quiet the noise and build yourself up

Check out Dr. Jada Phillips at www.theawakeningstudio.com

@drj_awakeningstudio; @reserveyoutoday

We’re unpacking:

-Early warning signs you might be ignoring

-How burnout shows up in your body and health

-Daily habits and routines that actually help you recover

-How to protect your peace without sacrificing your purpose

Find Dr. Naima Spradley at www.refreshhealth.org

IG: refreshhealthmpc TikTok: refreshhealthmpc FB: personal Naima Spradley, Business: Refresh Health Modern Primary Care

Join us for a transformative conversation on tapping into the body’s wisdom, releasing stored trauma, and creating real peace from the inside out.

Check out Therapist T at mentallyfourishing.com

linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therapist-t-lpc/

Professional IG: https://www.instagram.com/therapistt.lpc

Private Practice IG: instagram.com/mentally.flourishing/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/mentallyflourishing/

Join me and Dr. Renee Allen, OB/GYN and women’s health expert, as we unpack everything you need to know about Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) — a powerful option for managing hormonal changes and improving your well-being.

We covered:

-How hormonal shifts impact your mood, body, and mind

-What BHRT is and how it works

-Common myths and concerns about hormone therapy

-How to know if BHRT could be right for you

-And Sex after Menopause!

Find Dr. Renee Allen at www.reneeallenmd.com and Instagram @reneeallenmd

Join me and special guest Dr. Nicole Washington, Psychiatrist and Chief Medical Officer of Elocin Psychiatric Services, as we unpack the truth about burnout, boundaries, and why trying to do everything can leave you drained. It’s time to unlearn that superhero mentality and embrace balance, self-care, and JOY!

We’ll discuss: How to balance leadership at work and being present at home. Practical tips for switching between ‘Boss Mode’ and ‘Mom Mode’. How to set healthy boundaries without feeling guilty. Strategies for managing overwhelm and finding time for YOU. The mindset shift that helps Boss Moms thrive in every role

If you’re a mom trying to juggle it all — and craving balance — this episode is for you!

In this episode with special guest Damara McKoy, we’re diving deep into parenting triggers—what they are, why they happen, and how to respond with patience instead of panic. Our expert guest, a psychologist specializing in emotional regulation, will help us explore:

- The hidden reasons your child’s behavior triggers you

- How your own childhood experiences shape your parenting reactions

- Strategies to stay calm and present, even in stressful moments

- How to rewire your responses to build a more peaceful home

If you’re tired of reacting instead of responding and want to create a calmer, more connected parenting experience, this episode is for YOU!

Follow on IG @missdeemckoy

Check out her book on Amazon: The Day I Met Eden

Let’s talk about the steps to move forward and rebuild stronger connections.

Catch Robin at www.robinmayonline.com or on Instagram @robinmayonline.

Also, check out her book: Before You Take His Name

Check out the surprise special guests: My hubby and two toddlers barged into the room while I was going live! Life be lifing but Joy be joying!

Follow Krishunee Watkins @Krishunee on IG

Follow Dr. Aleema Zakers on IG @health_lakshmi

Dr. Sashana Gordon and I will dive into the strength, grace, and resilience of Black women, discussing how to rise above challenges and thrive in every role. Let’s reclaim joy, embrace our power, and step into the new year unstoppable.

Author of Pap Smear E-Z Guide

Find Dr. Gordon on TikTok at TheOBGYNie

Special Guest: AJ Davenport Hatter - www.harambeecare.com and find her on IG @harambeecare

Discover how to manage your finances, spend smarter, and keep your joy this holiday season!

Her book can be found at https://howtoaffordeverything.com/

Follow Dr. Darla Bishop @my_finansis

Find Ibbie @sickofsituationship on IG and www.auroraloverelationships.com Also check out her book, Tales of a Situationship

Check out Jay Ell Alexander and Black Girls Run!

@officialblackgirlsrun @jayellalexander

Discover how building a healthy mindset and prioritizing self-care can fuel your success. Join us on Journey to Joy Live this Thursday at 7pm for an inspiring conversation about balancing wellness with ambition.

www.entremd.com

Find Vivian Williams: @ruminations17 (ig) @knotssopretty17 (ig) @17tings (tiktok)

Follow Dr. Howze at

Social Media Handles

https://www.facebook.com/Purposed4Life/ https://www.instagram.com/purposedlifecoaching https://www.linkedin.com/company/purposedlifecoaching/

Don’t miss this empowering finale!

Find Dr. Ashley Berry @dr_ashmarieb and Dr. Aleema Zakers @health_lakshmi on IG

Join me as we collectively choose joy, embrace well-being, and prioritize mental health. It's time to make a positive change. Let's journey to joy! Join me on Thursdays at 7pm for a Journey to Joy Live on Facebook @NJoy LIFE!

#BreakTheStigma #MentalHealthAwareness#BlackMentalHealth#MinorityMentalHealth#Journey2JoyLive#DrNJoyLife