All About Us (Africa & Diaspora)

"From the Bronx to B-inpowerD: Kimberley Robinson Alexander's Journey of Community Advocacy and Maternal Empowerment" With Guest: Kimberley Robinson Alexander - Founder of B-inpowerD.

Episode Summary:In this powerful episode of the All About Us podcast, host Carl Allen sits down with Kimberley Robinson Alexander, founder of B-inpowerD and passionate advocate for Black and Brown communities. With over three decades of motherhood and extensive experience in human services, Kimberley shares her inspiring journey from the Bronx to becoming a force for positive change. Her life motto "I didn't birth babies to bury them" drives her unwavering commitment to advocacy and community empowerment.
Key Topics Discussed:Early Advocacy Origins: Kimberley's first experiences with community activism following the Amadou Diallo shooting in the Bronx (1996)Journey from New York to Reading, Pennsylvania: Overcoming domestic violence and finding independenceEducational Advocacy: Fighting for children's rights within school systems and IEP processesMental Health Awareness: Destigmatizing mental health services in Black and Brown communitiesCommunity Empowerment: Teaching system navigation and self-advocacy skillsJudicial System Navigation: Understanding rights and resources within legal systems
Episode Highlights:[02:25] Early activism sparked by the Amadou Diallo shooting[04:17] Escaping domestic violence and finding independence[13:12] The birth of Be Empowered Brand[20:09] Core programs and community initiatives[23:11] Overcoming trust barriers in community work[34:17] Five-year vision for brick and mortar community centers[37:52] Advice for parents wanting to make a community impact[42:20] Self-care strategies for advocates and community workers
📲 Connect with Kimberley Robinson Alexander
IG: b_inpowerd,  kprobinson1978FB: B-InPowerD, Kimberley P. Robinson www.b-inpowerd.com 
Follow Us:All About Us Podcast: IG:https://www.instagram.com/dalla_s4lr/Website:http://www.standupndosomething.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllAboutUsAfricaandDiaspora/

From Vancouver to Verse: Poet Samantha Merz on Creativity & Success | All About Us Podcast

Episode Summary
In this episode of the All About Us podcast, host Carl Allen interviews poet Samantha Merz, who shares her experiences growing up in Vancouver, Canada, her journey into poetry, and the themes that resonate in her work. Samantha discusses her poetry collections, the evolution of her writing, and the importance of expressing feelings through poetry. She also offers advice for emerging poets and insights into the challenges of monetizing poetry in today's market.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Samantha Merz06:10 Samantha's Journey into Poetry11:55 The Evolution of Poetry Collections18:04 Themes of Loneliness and Acceptance23:59 Advice for Emerging Poets and Monetizing Poetry
Takeaways
Samantha Merz hails from Vancouver, British Columbia.Vancouver is known for its pleasant weather and diversity.Samantha's childhood was pleasant, influenced by music and family.She began her poetry journey through social media and community engagement.Her poetry reflects personal feelings of acceptance and societal observations.Samantha has published two poetry collections: Kazoo and Metalite.The themes in her poetry include loneliness, acceptance, and personal growth.Samantha emphasizes the importance of expressing thoughts through writing.Emerging poets should focus on writing and seek platforms for publication.Monetizing poetry can be challenging, but book sales are a viable option.
📲 Connect with Samantha Merz:Her Blog: https://samanthamerz.wordpress.comHer Instagram handle is: @marblemessages
Follow Us:All About Us Podcast: IG:https://www.instagram.com/dalla_s4lr/Website:http://www.standupndosomething.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllAboutUsAfricaandDiaspora/

From Marine to Mindful Living: Benjamin Sley’s 90-Day Weight Loss Journey | All About Us Podcast

Episode Summary
 
In this episode of the All About Us podcast, Benjamin Sley shares his inspiring journey from being a Marine to achieving mindful living through weight loss and sustainable health practices. He discusses the challenges of weight gain after military service, the societal factors contributing to obesity, and the importance of understanding nutrition. Benjamin emphasizes the need for lifestyle changes, including the benefits of intermittent fasting and ketosis, while providing practical tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In this conversation, Ben Slay discusses the intricacies of weight loss, emphasizing the importance of understanding insulin resistance, the impact of diet drinks, and the necessity of a healthy mindset. He outlines his daily routine filled with nutritious choices and introduces his 90-day weight loss program, which focuses on sustainable lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes. Ben also addresses common myths about weight loss, the significance of detoxing, and offers practical advice for overcoming challenges during the weight loss journey. He encourages listeners to connect with him for support and guidance on their path to permanent weight loss.
Chapters
00:00 From Marine to Mindful Living
07:57 Understanding Weight Gain and Obesity
16:00 The Impact of Diet and Food Choices
24:14 The Role of Intermittent Fasting and Ketosis
32:12 Practical Tips for a Healthier Lifestyle
33:12 The Impact of Diet Drinks on Insulin Resistance
35:08 Daily Healthy Choices: A Practical Schedule
38:30 Mindset and Its Role in Weight Loss
40:50 Introducing the Permanent Weight Loss Method
42:10 Understanding the 90-Day Weight Loss Program
44:07 Detoxing for Weight Loss Success
49:11 Overcoming Challenges in Weight Loss
52:46 Navigating Social Situations While Dieting
53:44 Debunking Common Weight Loss Myths
55:38 The Moment of Realization: Keeping the Weight Off
57:32 The Chemistry Behind Weight Loss
58:50 Top Tips for Starting Your Weight Loss Journey
01:01:15 The Pros and Cons of Juicing
01:03:05 Connecting with Ben Slay for Support
 
Key Takeaways
Benjamin Slay lost 110 pounds and maintained it for six years.
The Marine Corps instilled a strong sense of discipline and fitness.
Weight gain can occur due to lifestyle changes after military service.
Visualization and specific goals can aid in weight loss.
Yo-yo dieting often leads to regaining lost weight.
The food supply has changed significantly since the 1960s.
BMI is a key indicator of overweight and obesity.
The food pyramid has contributed to unhealthy eating habits.
Intermittent fasting can promote autophagy and weight loss.
Small lifestyle changes can lead to significant health improvements. Diet drinks can stimulate insulin response and cause weight gain.
Injectable weight loss drugs can lead to significant muscle loss.
A daily routine of exercise and healthy eating is crucial.
Mindset plays a key role in the weight loss journey.
Permanent weight loss requires lifestyle changes, not quick fixes.
Detoxing the liver is essential for effective weight loss.
Sugar cravings can be managed with alternative strategies.
Weighing yourself weekly is more effective than daily.
Social situations can be navigated without drawing attention to your diet.
Understanding the chemistry of weight loss is vital for success.
 
Resources & Links:
bbsley@gmail.com
Facebook Profile https://www.facebook.com/benjamin.sley
Get from Amazon Ben Sley's Permanent Weight Loss Method Revealed https://a.co/d/dBW9vZu 
Follow Us:
All About Us Podcast: 
IG:https://www.instagram.com/dalla_s4lr/
Website:http://www.standupndosomething.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllAboutUsAfricaandDiaspora/

Teen Anxiety No More: A Conversation with Jovanna Vidal of Dhar Mann on Resilience, Empowerment, and Supporting Teens

In this All About Us Podcast episode, host Carl Allen welcomes Jovanna Vidal—actress, author, speaker, and beloved star of Dhar Mann videos. Known for her heartfelt performances and dedication to inspiring young audiences, Jovanna shares her journey and mission to empower teens through resilience and self-discovery.
Key topics discussed in this episode include:
Jovanna’s career evolved from corporate life to acting in Los Angeles.
The inspiration behind her best-selling book, Teen Anxiety No More, and how it helps teens tackle fear, peer pressure, and anxiety.
The impact of the pandemic on teen mental health and ways to support youth in today’s digital age.
How her experiences with cultural identity and bullying shaped her advocacy.
Her role as a teen mentor through her YouTube channel, Your Journey, and her mission to provide guidance and hope to her “younglings.”
Additional Highlights:
Jovanna’s candid reflections on overcoming challenges as a Dominican-American actress in Hollywood.
Her advice for parents and educators on fostering communication and trust with teens.
The power of journaling and self-expression for overcoming anxiety and fear.
Behind-the-scenes insights into her work with Dhar Mann and the importance of storytelling in connecting with younger audiences.
Key Takeaways for Listeners:
Teens can overcome anxiety and build resilience with the right tools and support.
Parents and educators can create safe spaces for open communication by showing understanding and trust.
Empowering youth with life lessons that inspire confidence and self-worth is never too early.
You can grab a copy of Jovanna Vidal's book.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BBYBMJ5C
 
🎙 Connect with Jovanna Vidal:https://www.jovannavidalspeaks.com
https://www.youtube.com/thisisjovanna
https://www.instagram.com/thisisjovanna/
https://www.facebook.com/ThisisJovanna/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jovannavidal/
 
Follow All About Us:
https://www.instagram.com/dalla_s4lr/
 

From Uganda to Global Impact: Henry Lukenge’s Vision for Change

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Carl Allen sits down with Henry Lukenge, an inspiring entrepreneur with a unique journey spanning Uganda, South Africa, the UK, and Canada. From navigating the challenges of Idi Amin’s Uganda to becoming a leader in healthcare staffing and social impact, Henry shares how his multicultural background shaped his vision for empowering African communities.
We discuss:
The effects of diaspora Africans collaborating with their home countries.
Overcoming systemic barriers through education, infrastructure, and economic accountability.
How Henry’s nonprofit, NEDO, is transforming lives across East and South Africa.
The role of diaspora communities in fostering sustainable development.
Get ready for an insightful conversation about resilience, purpose, and creating meaningful change.
Chapters
00:00 The Journey Begins: Henry's Background
04:43 Navigating Through Countries: A Life of Change
09:10 The Role of the Diaspora: Responsibilities to Africa
13:20 Economic Accountability: The Key to Development
17:25 From Banking to Healthcare: A Career Transformation
21:19 Charity and Business: A Dual Mission
25:27 Mental Conditioning: Overcoming Perceptions of Africa
30:34 Mental Conditioning and Economic Power
33:13 Unemployment in South Africa: Causes and Solutions
39:02 Education Disparities in Africa
45:00 Transforming Education: The Role of Faith-Based Institutions
50:04 Beyond Remittances: Skills and Problem-Solving
55:15 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
59:02 Understanding Economic Freedom and Credit Management
01:00:46 NEDO: A Charitable Initiative in East and South Africa
01:02:17 Measuring Impact: Metrics for Change
01:03:45 The Importance of Regional Focus in Philanthropy
01:06:19 Empowering the Diaspora: Skills and Problem-Solving
01:08:55 The Role of Networks in Addressing Social Challenges
01:14:18 Multitasking Across Sectors: Balancing Healthcare, Social Development, and Business
01:14:18 Bridging Cultures: The Role of Diaspora in Africa's Future
01:21:03 Intro and outro.wav
Key Takeaways:
Henry’s Early Life: Growing up amidst political unrest in Uganda and transitioning across continents.
Economic Accountability: The importance of checks and balances in infrastructure and governance.
NEDO’s Mission: Providing education, preserving wildlife, and empowering local communities in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Africa.
Diaspora Impact: Leveraging skills and knowledge over remittances to address systemic challenges.
Resources & Links:
Henry Lukenge’s Organizations:
http://Www.neximcare.ca
http://Www.Nidocommunity.com
 
Henry LinkedIn:
https://ca.linkedin.com/in/henry-lukenge-39150b14
Henry’s IG
https://www.instagram.com/kalule_lukenge/
Actionable Steps for Listeners:
Support African-led initiatives by contributing skills or capital.
Explore opportunities for collaboration with nonprofits like NEDO.
Educate yourself on Africa’s cultural and historical richness by traveling and connecting.
Follow Us:
All About Us Podcast: 
IG:https://www.instagram.com/dalla_s4lr/
Website:http://www.standupndosomething.org/
Facebook: All About Us Africa & Diaspora

Unlocking Career Success with Steven Lowell

💼 Episode Summary:In this compelling episode of The All About Us Podcast, host Carl Allen sits down with Steven Lowell, an experienced career coach and reverse recruiter, to uncover the secrets of thriving in today's challenging job market. With a career spanning over 30 years, six industries, and four countries, Steven offers a fresh perspective on what it takes to land your dream job.
From the evolution of remote work to overcoming career obstacles, Steven dives deep into the art of job searching, explaining why mindset, clarity, and strategy are critical for success. Whether you're a job seeker navigating today's hiring landscape or looking to future-proof your career, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways you don’t want to miss!
✨ Key Takeaways from This Episode:
What is a reverse recruiter, and how can they help job seekers?
The biggest mistakes job seekers make in today's hiring process.
How to leverage your unique skills and background for success.
The changing dynamics of remote work and its impact on job searches.
Actionable tips for overcoming biases and showcasing your value.
The role of technology and adaptability in career growth.
🎙️ Guest Information:
Steven Lowell is a career coach and reverse recruiter with Find My Profession. His expertise spans industries like entertainment, automotive, insurance, and tech startups. Steven's passion for helping others succeed has made him a trusted voice in the career coaching space.
Connect with Steven Lowell:
Website: FindMyProfession.com
Phone: 831-888-0967
LinkedIn: Steven Lowell on LinkedIn
🔗 Links and Resources Mentioned:
Explore job search tips and resources on Find My Profession.
Discover more career advice and updates by following Steven on LinkedIn.
📢 Don’t Forget to Subscribe:If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The All About Us Podcast on Podbean and Apple Podcasts. Leave us a review and share this episode with anyone seeking career guidance.

Finding Resilience Through Storytelling with Rita Avella

 
Episode Summary:In this powerful episode of the All About Us podcast, host Carl Allen sits down with Rita Avellar, a Brazilian-born storyteller, writer, filmmaker, and breast cancer survivor, to explore resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of authentic storytelling. Rita shares her journey from growing up in Rio de Janeiro to becoming a creative force in Indianapolis and how her experiences shaped her perspective on life and art.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
How Rita discovered her passion for storytelling at a young age.
The impact of cultural transitions on her resilience and creativity.
Behind-the-scenes insights into her short film The Fat Lady.
The intersection of storytelling and healing in her battle with breast cancer.
Why authenticity is vital in both personal and professional life.
Key Highlights:
[00:45] Introduction to Rita Avellar’s background in storytelling and film.
[06:38] Growing up in Rio de Janeiro and adapting to new cultures.
[25:10] The story and inspiration behind The Fat Lady.
[31:51] Discovering breast cancer and the journey to recovery.
[39:38] Embracing vulnerability and empowering others through storytelling.
Chapters
00:00 Resilience Through Storytelling
00:44Finding Strength in Our Stories
00:45 Introduction to Resilience and Storytelling
04:01 Cultural Experiences and Resilience
10:04 From Brazil to the U.S.: A Journey of Adaptation
16:17 Creative Writing and the Shift to Screenwriting
21:58 The Fat Lady: A Story of Identity and Judgment
29:28 The Journey of Independent Filmmaking
30:30 Storytelling as a Healing Process
31:34 Facing Breast Cancer: A Personal Journey
37:39 Authenticity in Storytelling
39:31 Overcoming Barriers to Authenticity
42:46 The Courage to Share Vulnerable Stories
45:01 Maintaining Artistic Vision During Challenges
45:42 Creative Outlets and Resilience
46:21 The Importance of Community in Filmmaking
49:27 Cultural Strength and Storytelling
49:43The Impact of Personal Stories
56:44 Your Story Matters
57:52 Intro and outro.wav
 
Quotes to Remember:
“Resilience is rooted in adaptability and staying true to yourself in new environments." - Rita Avellar
“Your story matters. Sharing it can heal you and inspire others." - Rita Avellar
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.instagram.com/ritaavellar/
www.ritaavellar.com (on my website, there is a FREE ebook called "10 Blah-Blah-Blah Tips to Get Back on Track, Girl!" to help female entrepreneurs rediscover their spark with practical tips for creative comebacks.
https://www.instagram.com/avellar_productions/
thefatladyfilm.com
https://www.instagram.com/siteforyourbiz/
https://www.siteforyourbiz.com/
 
Connect with Us:Don’t forget to subscribe to All About Us for more inspiring conversations. Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder of the strength in their own story!
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dalla_s4lr/
Fb: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566935652109
 
Hashtags:#Storytelling #Resilience #Authenticity #TheFatLadyFilm #CreativeJourney
 
 
 
 
 
 

Behind the Scenes Episode (Part 2)

Behind the Scenes Episode (Part 2)
Milestone Achievement
Reached 7,000 downloads in just 8 days (November 13-21)
Team Recognition
Jennylyn (Philippines): Core team member handling multiple show aspects
Online Marketing Manager (Bangladesh): Promoting the podcast on Podbean and Apple Podcasts
John Lieberman (United States): Guest coordinator
Upcoming Guests
Rita Avalar (Brazilian): Discussing resilience through storytelling, breast cancer survivor
Steven Lau (Career Coach): Sharing perspectives on diverse career paths in entertainment and tech
Amanda Swasek: Executive director of tech hub, CEO of Women's Circle of Excellence, former Department of Defense professional
Podcast Philosophy
Goal: Create a platform for community problem-solving
Invitation for listeners to share personal challenges and community issues
Aim to provide guidance and potential solutions
Product Review Segment Products from sister's Cana Glow store:
Runtz mini pre-roll (cannabis product)
Watermelon gummies
Reflex Eucalyptus Lavender Pain Muscle Balm
Host's Commitment
Promise to personally test or have products tested before endorsement
Emphasizes authenticity in product discussion
Upcoming
Regular episode schedule starting next week
Episodes dropping every Thursday
Multiple recording sessions planned
Follow Us
Facebook: All Abou Us (Africa & Diaspora)
IG:https://www.instagram.com/dalla_s4lr/
 
Keywords
Podcast milestone
Downloads
Team collaboration
Career perspectives
Resilience
Storytelling
Product review
Community support
Cannabis products
Guest lineup

Seeds of Healing: A Journey Through Depression, Plant Medicine, and Prosperity with Gloria Scaggs

Key Takeaways:
Gloria's journey with postpartum depression and how she overcame the stigma to seek help 2. The importance of vulnerability and sharing your struggles as an entrepreneur and leader 
Gloria's introduction to plant medicine and her mission to shift the stigma surrounding cannabis
The health benefits of cannabis and the endocannabinoid system 
Practical tips for those struggling with mental health issues, including seeking professional help and finding purpose through entrepreneurship 
 
Episode Guide:
00:29: Introduction to the podcast and host Carl Allen's mission to have open conversations about real-life issues 
2:15: Gloria Scaggs shares her personal experience with postpartum depression and the challenges she faced 
04:48: Discussions around the stigma surrounding mental health and the importance of seeking professional help 
12:33-Gloria's journey into entrepreneurship and how it helped her on the path to healing 
14:05-.Exploration of plant medicine, particularly cannabis, and the misconceptions surrounding its use
23:10-Detailed overview of Gloria's company Cantaglo and the various products they offer, including pain relief, sleep aids, and edibles 
27:27- Rapid-fire questions and answers, covering myths about depression, the best business decision for mental health, and Gloria's next goals 
34:00- Closing thoughts and advice from Gloria on finding purpose, self-love, and breaking free from distractions 
Resources:
Cantaglo website: www.cantaglo.com/g-buzz
Contact Gloria Scaggs: gloria@cantaglo.com
Follow Cantaglo on social media:Instagram: @cantaglo
Facebook: /cantaglo
Keywords:
- Depression
- Postpartum depression
- Mental health
- Entrepreneurship
- Plant medicine
- Cannabis
- Endocannabinoid system
- Stigma
- Self-love
- Purpose
- Vulnerability

Mastering Self-Defense with Timothy Robinson | All About Us Podcast

Mastering Self-Defense with Timothy Robinson | All About Us Podcast
Your essential guide to practical self-defense strategies and personal safety with expert Timothy Robinson.
🎙️ In this episode, we explore:
The crucial difference between martial arts and real-world self-defense
Essential safety strategies for women and children
Home security fundamentals
Practical de-escalation techniques
Rideshare safety tips
⏱️ Episode Guide:
00:00 - Introduction to Self-Defense and Martial Arts
01:15 - Understanding Self-Defense vs. Martial Arts
04:55 - The Basics of Self-Defense
07:44 - Self-Defense Techniques for Different Demographics
13:47 - Overcoming Fear in Self-Defense
18:11 - Training Children vs. Adults in Self-Defense
27:28 - The Importance of Self-Defense in Today's Society
30:44 - Home Security Strategies
33:05 - Firearm Training Essentials
35:42 - The Importance of Physical Fitness in Self-Defense
38:31 - Workplace Safety Tips
43:09 - De-escalation Techniques
46:45 - Safety in Rideshare Situations
52:07 - The Flip Mode: Guest Questions
 
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Avoidance is your best self-defense strategy
"A bad guy looks for soft targets"
Home security starts from the outside
Physical fitness is crucial for effective self-defense
Awareness and sleep are critical for personal safety
🎯 Who This Episode Is For:
Anyone interested in personal safety
Parents concerned about their children's security
Women looking for practical self-defense strategies
Individuals wanting to enhance their situational awareness
Those interested in home and workplace security
Connect with Timothy Robinson: transformationdefense@gmail.com
Follow All About Us Podcast: Fb: All About US
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dalla_s4lr/  
#SelfDefense #PersonalSafety #MartialArts #SecurityTips #PersonalProtection #PodcastEpisode
self-defense, martial arts, situational awareness, personal safety, home security, self-defense for women, children safety, workplace safety, de-escalation techniques, rideshare safety