~ About This Life ~

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Afia, a trailblazing content creator, educator, and advocate for Black-owned businesses. In this episode, Dr. Afia shares her transformative journey from being an English teacher and Black Studies professor to becoming an influential voice in the global travel community. Hear how she embraced an adult gap year, traveled to over 40 countries, and built a thriving platform that empowers ...

Welcome to this powerful episode of About This Life Podcast, hosted by Ann-Marie, featuring dynamic and courageous women— Meisha Pon, Janel Denise, and Nikki Shantell —as they open their hearts and journeys to healing, transformation, and self-love.

In this emotional and empowering roundtable, we dive deep into: 🌿 Writing letters to our younger selves 🌿 Unpacking trauma and celebrating healing 🌿 Motherhood, self-worth, and fi...

In this deeply moving episode of About This Life, host Ann-Marie is joined by Brandi Rhoden, a licensed clinical social worker, trauma therapist, and founder of Honey Bee Wellness & Consulting. Together, they explore the heart of a powerful collaborative project — Dear Black Woman, an anthology of healing love letters written by Black women to their younger selves.

✨ Brandi shares her personal journey through trauma and transfo...

Join Ann-Marie in this raw and healing episode of About This Life, where she sits down with Mika Newton of Zenmi Sound and poet-author Trisheena Bolakale from The Perfect Flowers Network. In this powerful roundtable born from the Dear Black Woman anthology project, three women share deeply personal stories about trauma, shame, self-sabotage, generational healing, and the rediscovery of their inner voice.

They speak candidly about:...

Ann-Marie and Kevin of "Next Level University" discuss mental health, self-worth, and finding fulfillment beyond external success. Kevin shares his journey from suicidal thoughts despite success to understanding fulfillment through internal growth. They emphasize vulnerability, seeking help from friends, and proactive relationship building, also touching on gender differences in mental health. Kevin's "Next Level University" focuse...

What is Hand Dance? It’s a space you create to be free from stress and move in joy. It’s a place to be free. Learn all about this exciting dance style from Kevin and Cynthia Murray, founders of Simply Swing Dance Academy and Social Dance Exchange, on this episode of "About This Life" with Ann-Marie. Find out how to connect with the dance community in the DMV area and beyond!

#HandDanceExplained #SimplySwingDanceAcademy #SocialDance...

This conversation moved me. Jacqui doesn't just talk about the body - she invites us into a full-hearted reunion with it. We explored the hidden grief so many women carry in silence, the turning point in her own story, and the sacred way she helps others come home to themselves. If you've ever felt disconnected from your body... listen to this. And when you're ready, click the link for her FREE GIFT.

Link - https://jacquiajohnson....

Looking for the perfect Mother's Day gift? I'm excited to share my new book, "Raw Motherhood, A Collection of Poems and Prose" that speaks to the heart of mothering. In this video, I also share a personal story about my own mother and reflect on the power of words. Order "Raw Motherhood" on Amazon and celebrate the mothers in your life!

#BecomingEnough #AboutThisLifePodcast #ElaynaFernandez #RawMotherhood #MothersDayGift #Motherhoo...

An in-depth interview with director Ricky Howie Lacewell about her powerful production of Ntozake Shange's "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf." We discuss the play's enduring relevance, the importance of diverse voices in theater, and the unique challenges and rewards of bringing these complex narratives to the stage.

#BecomingEnough #AboutThisLifePodcast #ForColoredGirls #NtozakeShange #BlackWo...

Apostle Dr. Garcia shares the culture and heritage that shaped her to become the resilient woman she is today. Her legacy can be felt in her leadership of more than 25 churches worldwide and being called to help youth make different life choices. This episode explores identity, mentoring and spiritual awakening.

#BecomingEnough #AboutThisLifePodcast #youthsupport #mentorship #education #inspiration #care #empathy #safe #space #resi...

In this powerful episode of About This Life, host Ann-Marie is joined by poet and educator Donald Hamilton for a rich conversation on the transformative power of spoken word. From hip-hop’s early roots to curated collections of African American literature, they explore how poetry becomes a tool for healing, storytelling, and cultural preservation. Donald shares his journey, inspirations, and the role of writing in his work as a tea...

In this powerful episode of About This Life Podcast, host Ann-Marie welcomes Dr. Stanley Harris—a world-renowned motivational speaker, 10th-degree black belt, and Kingdompreneur. Together, they dive into how faith and business intersect, why serving others is key to success, and how biblical principles can transform not only your career but your entire life. Dr. Harris shares his personal journey from martial arts champion to faith...

In this inspiring episode of About This Life Podcast, host Ann-Marie sits down with Damilare Adeyeri, the Joy Activator, to explore the transformative power of movement. 🌟 Damilare shares how joyful movement can release stress, overcome fear, and boost your emotional well-being. 💃🕺 From dance to fitness, discover why moving your body is the quickest way to shift your emotional state and activate those "good drugs"—endorphins, se...

In this powerful episode of About This Life, host Ann-Marie sits down with wellness coach Krisann Friday to discuss the struggle of living in survival mode and the journey toward healing, wellness, and true self-care. They explore the impact of chronic stress, pain, and societal expectations—particularly for Black women—while shedding light on how emotional and physical well-being are deeply connected. Krisann shares her expertise ...

In this episode of About This Life Podcast, host Ann-Marie dives into the importance of exploring different cultures and expanding our minds beyond our own surroundings. She welcomes Makheni Zonneveld, a speaker, author, and coach specializing in physical and mental wellness.

Together, they discuss: ✅ The value of experiencing different cultures 🌎 ✅ How to take charge of your own happiness and well-being 💡 ✅ The importance of bal...

In this insightful episode of About This Life podcast, host Ann-Marie dives deep into the complexities of trauma, stress, and mental health with special guest Avery Thatcher, an expert in helping people navigate chaos. They explore the true definition of trauma, its impact on the nervous system, and how it differs from OCD, PTSD, and anxiety disorders. Avery shares her personal journey of overcoming adversity, redefining identity, ...

Ever wonder what a man thinks after divorce? In this insightful and heartfelt conversation, Jeff shares his transformative journey through divorce, fatherhood, and self-discovery. From navigating co-parenting challenges to finding emotional growth, Jeff’s hunt for gold led him to love. He discusses the lessons learned from owning your screw ups and shutting down to embracing emotions, setting personal boundaries, and learning to lo...

Are you in a toxic or dangerous relationship? Do you know the warning signs of narcissists? 🚨 Join us for this powerful conversation with Charlene Quint, an Attorney, Advocate, and Author. In this discussion, we’ll cover:

⚖ Legal insights on protecting yourself

🛑 How to recognize manipulative and abusive behavior

💡 Steps to reclaim your power and heal Tune in, subscribe, and share this important conversation! Where there’s help,...

In this solo episode, Ann-Marie reflects on love, relationships, and personal growth, using Valentine's Day as a backdrop. She explores the emotional complexities of love, discussing red flags in relationships, attachment styles, and the importance of setting boundaries. She also emphasizes self-worth, healing, and the power of letting go when necessary. Drawing on personal experiences, biblical references, and expert insights, Ann...