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

Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.

Support the show

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/

Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.

Support the show

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

Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.

Support the show

Meet Jason Browne, a dynamic storyteller and seasoned speaker whose journey into radio and public speaking was shaped by his DJ father and music teacher mother. Jason’s approach to leadership transcends mere motivation, focusing on genuine connection, support, and the exchange of resources. As he delves into his method of addressing sensitive topics through compelling and sometimes controversial storytelling, you'll gain invaluable insights into creating impactful narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.

Experience the magic of authentic conversations as Jason shares the importance of moving beyond scripted questions to foster real, emotional connections during interviews and public speaking engagements. Learn how memorable moments are crafted through engagement, repetition, and personalized takeaways, ensuring a lasting impression on your audience. Jason’s blend of personal anecdotes and professional wisdom highlights the balance of firmness and adaptability needed to excel in leadership roles, illustrated by his experiences working with tech giants like Microsoft and Facebook.

Furthermore, Jason opens up about his most rewarding accomplishments and personal interests, from delivering a successful TEDx talk to his love for Star Trek and kayaking adventures in Australia. Hear about the power of storytelling in his video game streaming career and the profound impact of his interactions with viewers. This episode wraps up with a heartfelt thank you to Jason and an invitation for listeners to get involved with SpeakUP! International, whether through interviews, training programs, or our exclusive Patreon community.

Here are Mr. Browne's social media platforms:
Website: https://www.thejasonbrowne.com/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejasonbrowne

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

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejasonbrowne_

TEDx: https://thejasonbrowne.com/tedx

Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.

Support the show

What if maintaining a childlike wonder could be your secret superpower in connecting with youth? Join us as we welcome Sophia Jackson, an inspiring child and youth worker with a vibrant passion for the arts. Sophia's journey is a testament to how creativity can weave into a fulfilling career in child and youth care. Listen as she recounts her experiences running a summer camp and working alongside her mentor, Coco Nicole, emphasizing the importance of seeing the world through a child's eyes.

Curious about the dynamics of community engagement and the power of grassroots initiatives? Sophia's candid discussion on her run for school trustee in Brampton sheds light on the unexpected paths that lead to embracing school environments and advocating for change. From monetizing art for community artists to the nuts and bolts of a local election campaign, Sophia shares the invaluable lessons learned and how narrowly missing the trustee seat only strengthened community bonds and visibility.

Representation matters, especially in art and literature. Discover how Sophia's coloring books, "Soulful Colour presents Zeke and Zara" and "Empower Flow," are making waves in promoting mental health and menstrual awareness. Her passionate dialogue on the therapeutic benefits of colouring and the impactful representation in children's books is both enlightening and motivating. Dive into her creative process, rooted in poetry and music, and learn about her ambitious plans to expand Soulful Colour on a global scale, continuing her mission to educate, inspire, and advocate for crucial social issues.

Use the following social media avenues to reach Sophia Jackson:
Website: https://soulfulcolour.com/

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

Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.

Support the show

Can facing life-altering challenges lead to discovering your true calling? Meet Sara Freeman-Smith, our remarkable guest who turned vision loss into an inspiring journey of resilience and self-discovery. This episode of SpeakUP! International takes you deep into Sara's life, from her roots in an underserved community to her impressive career in recruiting and human resources. Sara's story is a testament to the power of self-belief, the importance of education, and the impact of positive influences. Tune in to hear how she managed to write a book in just 30 days, blending her professional skills with her passion for inspiring others.

Transitioning careers can be daunting, but Sara's experience offers valuable insights for anyone at a crossroads. Discover how aligning your work with your personal passions can lead to true fulfillment. Sara shares practical advice for identifying your strengths and loves, even if they don't align with your current job. She recounts the tools and strategies that helped her navigate the complexities of career transitions and self-awareness. Facing vision loss added another layer of challenge, requiring immense resilience to adapt and thrive. This conversation is rich with lessons on how to turn unexpected life events into opportunities for growth.

Sara's journey didn't stop there. She became a disability advocate, embracing the Americans with Disabilities Act and leveraging accessibility tools to continue her professional journey. We discuss the importance of building a positive support network, the value of true friends, and combating negative self-talk. Sara also shares her experience as a book consultant, shedding light on the essential steps to developing a successful book. Learn about her book "Turning Stones into Gems" and its six critical steps for self-development. This episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice for anyone looking to find their true calling and achieve personal and professional success.

You can contact Ms. Sara-Freeman Smith using the platforms:
Website: https://www.urgems.com/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-freeman-smith/

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

Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.

Support the show

Unlock the secrets to spiritual liberation and transformative leadership with our special guest, Aina-Nia Ayo’dele. As a leadership coach, author, and ancient wisdom teacher, Aina brings a wealth of knowledge rooted in African spiritual practices and traditional wisdom. She shares her impactful journey with Sacred Leaders International and her instrumental role in crafting the confronting anti-Black racism strategy for the City of Toronto. Learn why Aina-Nia believes that true transformation is an ongoing learning journey and how this philosophy led her to establish Aina Nia Learning Journey Inc.

Discover the profound connection between activism and African indigenous spiritual practices. In this episode, Aina-Nia enlightens us about the significance of the ORI, the crown of the head, as a reservoir of wisdom, and how simple rituals like blessing the ORI can elevate our consciousness. She emphasizes the importance of honoring our ancestors through libation and the guiding role of spirits in our activism and daily lives. This conversation is a deep dive into how aligning our social, spiritual, and physical dimensions can foster meaningful change and a deeper connection to our heritage.

Moreover, Aina-Nia discusses her transformative 10-month program aimed at empowering Black women through a blend of African-centered and contemporary leadership practices. This initiative doesn't just build leaders but also creates a supportive community where women can navigate both professional and personal challenges effectively. Furthermore, Aina-Nia shares insights from her self-published book, "Self and Inner Journey to Remembering Her Power," and the role of social media in spreading her message. Tune in to be inspired by Aina-Nia's dedication to education, spiritual growth, and community empowerment.

Here is Aina-Nia Ayo’dele's connection information:
https://aina-nia.com/

Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.

Support the show

Discover how personal experiences shape powerful leaders in diversity management with our guest, Richard Pinnock. Raised in Montreal by a German mother and Jamaican father, Richard's multicultural upbringing and career journey are nothing short of inspiring. Listen as he shares how his childhood in a diverse neighborhood and early career influenced his commitment to inclusion and equity. Richard offers insightful reflections on the current state of DEI, emphasizing the challenges brought by its politicization and the crucial role of genuine, felt experiences in fostering true inclusivity.

In an unexpected twist, we recount a humorous yet thought-provoking academic encounter involving a test paper swap that led to surprising misunderstandings. This anecdote highlights the unpredictability of human interactions, even in professional settings, and adds a light-hearted dimension to our conversation. Join us as Richard Pinnock shares invaluable lessons and strategies for advancing creative diversity and inclusion initiatives in today's complex world, blending his expertise with personal anecdotes that resonate deeply.

You can connect to Mr. Pinnock using the follow links:

http://www.richardpinnock.com/welcome.html

https://www.instagram.com/p/C7PBpUlsSnZ/

Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.

Support the show