~ About This Life ~

What if storytelling could heal your heart? In this conversation, John DeDakis — former editor of CNN’s Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and former White House correspondent — opens up about grief, courage, and how writing became his path to healing after his sister’s suicide and his son’s heroine overdose. Host Ann-Marie explores how writing connects pain to purpose, why creativity is therapeutic, and how DeDakis uses his fiction ...

US Marine Ogunyemi takes us through the paces of servant leadership. Known for his infectious energy and creativity, Ogunyemi teaches us how to make meaningful family connections and turn disappointment into invaluable life lessons.

The author of “Lessons from a Deployed Father,” “Crow from Shadow “ and other children’s books captures what it it means to be a father and serve your family. 

Listen to the conversation and find out ho...

If education’s purpose is to prepare us for life, what grade would you give yours? 🎓 In this powerful episode of About This Life, Ann-Marie reflects on what it truly means to unlearn, listen, and heal from within. Drawing from her years as an educator and coach, she explores how childhood experiences shape who we become — and how reconnecting with your inner child can unlock transformation.

✨ Topics Covered: The purpose of educat...

Why do you ignore your intuition?

Listen as Ann-Marie has an otherworldly conversation with Laura Hoorweg — a gifted spiritual counselor, intuitive coach and psychic medium. Laura helps those who are stuck, overwhelmed or trying to reconnect with purpose, to release their energetic baggage. Part grounded, part mystic - Laura sees root wounds and hidden beliefs. “You are safe— but we’re going deep.”

✨ In this episode, you’ll explore...

In this powerful conversation, Frank Healy, a Licensed Professional Counselor and life coach with Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM), shares how remembering every day of his life since childhood shaped his understanding of trauma, growth, and the human spirit. At 65, Frank has turned his rare gift into a source of wisdom and compassion, helping people heal their memories, release stress, and find peace in the present. A...

A powerful conversation on how mindset, self-talk, and daily habits can rewrite a life. From cycling 150 miles a week and skiing since childhood to navigating COVID, caregiving, genetics, and boundaries, this episode shows how science + soul = sustainable change. Meet Stephanie on the next Capital Jazzfest Cruise featuring talented artists and hand dance classes. The first 5 listeners who book with Stephanie will receive a special ...

The neurologist said her brain was rewiring itself- what emerged would be something whole. Something wild. Something wonderfully unexpected.

Cheri, a former Air Force Critical Care Nurse, knows a thing or two about surviving injury. But after a traumatic brain injury ended her 25 year career, she turned to art as a lifeline.

She creates art that is raw, emotionally layered to hold space for what’s been broken, unraveled, and rebuil...

Who gets to tell our story? From poetry to prose, this powerful conversation dives into the themes of family and the resilience of the human spirit. Discover how storytelling preserves culture.

V Efua Prince, author of Kin (2024), a winner of a 2025 Next Generation Indie Award and longlisted for the 2025 Carol Shields Prize for Fiction and co-author with Hoke Glover III of Crazy As Hell: The Best Little Guide to Black History (2024...

A moving conversation exploring poetry, transformation, and the human experience. From navigating anxiety and loss to finding hope, connection, and purpose, this dialogue uncovers how creativity, spirit, and vulnerability can guide us toward healing. Together, the speakers reflect on the power of words, the courage to face rock bottom, and the beauty of becoming a path for others to find light. #HealingJourney #PoetryOfLife #Trans...

A deep dive into healing, self-love, and stepping into your true purpose. Discover how to move from survival to thriving and reclaim your power. ✨ Highlights: 🌱 Hiding pain behind “I’m fine” 💔 The impact of the mother wound 🌀 How trauma shows up in the body 👶 Inner child healing & self-love 🌸 The Soul Bloom Method for growth ⚡ Energy work, journaling & alignment 🌟 Redefining success & freedom This is a...

What would you tell a friend who is carrying the same shame you once carried?

In this powerful conversation, we dive deep into the themes of shame, guilt, codependency, and healing. Learn the difference between guilt, shame and discover what “complex shame” really means. Here, you can , untangle the patterns that keep us hidden. This episode also unpacks the journey of reclaiming your power and finding the courage to live authentic...

In this insightful episode of About This Life, we welcome Lizbeth De Sa — educator, writer, laughter yoga leader, conflict mediator, and internal family systems (IFS) practitioner. Together, we explore the power of laughter, the deep healing work of IFS therapy, and practical tools for breaking generational trauma patterns. From healing the inner critic to setting healthy boundaries, Lizbeth shares compassionate strategies for reco...

In this special preview episode of About This Life, host Ann-Marie takes you on a heartfelt journey inspired by Isaiah 61 — a promise of beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and strength for life’s trials. 🌿✨ You’ll get a sneak peek into the next three powerful interviews with incredible women — therapists, doctors, and healers — who share their wisdom on trauma, shadow work, and emotional healing. 💬💛🌸 🎧 Tune in, be inspired,...

In this deeply moving episode, Ann-Marie welcomes the radiant and resilient Aisha Makara, an artist, entrepreneur, world traveler, and soulful storyteller. From a childhood in an orphanage to traveling across 60+ countries, falling in love with Lisbon, and building an artistic life rooted in color, joy, and self-discovery—Aisha shares her incredible journey of healing, creativity, and empowerment. We talk about: • How Portugal sp...

In this gripping episode of About This Life, host Ann-Marie sits down with resilience coach, author, and former international basketball player Dwayne Morton. Dwayne shares the harrowing story of surviving a police shootout with his 3-year-old niece — a moment that changed his life forever. He opens up about battling PTSD, finding healing through breathwork, the rhythm of basketball, and the deeper meaning behind his book The Bou...

In this soul-stirring episode of About This Life, host Ann-Marie sits down with author and coach Christian de la Huerta to explore the journey of spiritual awakening, reclaiming identity, and the path to conscious love. Christian shares insights from his three transformative books — including “Coming Out Spiritually: The Next Step,” “Awakening the Soul of Power,” and his latest work, “Conscious Love: Transforming Our Relationship...

Have you ever felt like everything—good or bad—just hits you all at once? In this heartfelt solo episode, Ann-Marie dives deep into the mindsets that bind us and the beauty of letting go to make room for breakthroughs. From personal struggles to the power of community, she shares how progress—not perfection—is the real goal.

✨ Hear about the inspiring "Dear Black Woman Anthology Project" project, the upcoming Atlanta, Black Tie Gal...

In this powerful episode of About This Life, host Ann Marie sits down with David Webb—dentist, father of three, and host of Divorce Devil Podcast and Don’t Pick the Scab—to explore the often-silent struggles of men navigating divorce, anger, and healing. From faith-based divorce recovery groups to forgiveness and the courage to start over, David opens up about the raw realities of a 22-year marriage ending in heartbreak, the emotio...

Nicole Richards joins About This Life for a soul-stirring conversation about moving from surviving to thriving. From the emotional journey of loss to the pressures of being a strong Black woman, Nicole opens up about mindset shifts that lead to a thriving life.

✨ A must-watch for every woman who's ever felt unseen while carrying the world on her shoulders. ‪

#DearBlackWomanmedia #NicoleRichards #RestIsResistance #BlackWomenHealing...