Ever wondered how the struggles of weight gain and mental health can lead to a journey of self-discovery and profound transformation? Join us as we sit down with Mark Paisant, a certified personal trainer and host of the Relatively Normal and 6AM Run podcasts. Mark takes us through his inspiring path from collegiate soccer player to battling significant weight gain and chronic pain, ultimately shedding over 75 pounds through running. But Mark's story goes beyond physical fitness; he delves into the importance of balancing it with mental well-being, utilizing self-awareness and intentionality to achieve continuous improvement in both areas.

In this episode, Mark reveals his unique approach to coaching young athletes, integrating technical training with strength and agility exercises, while placing a strong emphasis on mental health support. He reflects on how he turned his own methods of using exercise to manage stress into a productive force for his clients. Furthermore, Mark shares his late diagnosis of ADD in adulthood, the challenges he faced, and the life-changing clarity brought by medication. His insights into the cultural attitudes toward mental health and the necessity of seeking therapy add another layer to the conversation.

Mark also discusses his podcast, Relatively Normal, created to provide a safe space for mental health discussions, especially focusing on the experiences of black males. Through interviews with therapists, doctors, and other experts, Mark aims to help listeners feel less alone and more understood. Additionally, he offers a glimpse into the evolution of the 6AM Run podcast, transforming it into a broader lifestyle show with diverse guests. This episode is a compelling blend of personal responsibility, mental health advocacy, and the transformative power of fitness and mindfulness.

You can reach Marc Paisant via his platforms:
Website: https://paisantfitness.issacertifiedtrainer.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RelativelyNormalPodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcpaisant/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paisant_fitness

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In this episode of SpeakUP! International, Ellington Brown and Rita Burke host Pamela M. Covington, a professional speaker, storyteller, and advocate for anti-poverty programs. Pamela shares her incredible journey from a comfortable middle-class lifestyle to experiencing unimaginable poverty within a week due to circumstances involving her husband's PTSD from serving in Vietnam. She recounts how this drastic change in her life led her to become an advocate for anti-poverty programs and a storyteller who uses her experiences to inspire others.

Pamela talks about how joining an anti-poverty group and participating in The Moth storytelling platform helped her hone her storytelling skills. She uses her personal journey to lobby for safety net programs, emphasizing the importance of programs like Section 8 housing and subsidized childcare in helping people regain stability.

She also discusses her memoir, "A Day at the Fare," which focuses on her journey through the welfare system and her transformation from poverty to success. Pamela now works as a women’s transition coach, helping others develop resilience and find opportunities amidst challenges. She emphasizes the importance of self-belief, a growth mindset, and the power of lived experiences in overcoming obstacles. The episode closes with Pamela sharing inspiring quotes and the importance of embracing unlimited possibilities in life.
You can reach Ms. Pamela M. Covington using the following platforms:

Website: http://www.pamelamcovington.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepamelamcovington

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pmcovington

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamelamcovington

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelamcovington/

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Curious about the transformative power of midwifery and its role in achieving reproductive justice? Join us on Speak Up International as we welcome Karlline Wilson-Mitchell, the trailblazing first Black Canadian midwifery education professor. Carlene takes us through her remarkable career, shedding light on the pivotal role midwives play as community advocates and the systemic racism that Black individuals face within the healthcare system. Her compelling stories and profound insights will open your eyes to the pressing need for equitable and respectful maternity care.

Our conversation delves into the challenges the academic sector has faced in the wake of COVID-19 and the innovative solutions that emerged from it. Discover the inspiration behind the new course on Black birthing and health equity at TMU, a collaborative effort that aims to humanize healthcare and champion reproductive justice. We also unpack the roots of reproductive justice activism and its essential role in creating inclusive healthcare outcomes, driven by a determined community of diverse professionals and students.

We also reflect on the impactful events organized by the Color of Birth team, which honor those lost to childbirth-related complications and highlight the ongoing struggles Black families face in healthcare. Hear personal stories that underscore the importance of race-based data collection in Canada to address and combat healthcare disparities. From panel discussions to memorial marches, these events illustrate the urgent need for justice and equity in the healthcare system. Join us for an episode that promises to inform, inspire, and advocate for change.

You can reach out to Karlline Wilson-Mitchell using the following email address: https://womenshealthresearch.ubc.ca/people/karline-wilson-mitchell

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