~ About This Life ~

What does it take to go from 127 rejections to writing for Marvel's Black Panther and Star Wars?

In this inspiring episode of About This Life, host Ann-Marie sits down with journalist, author, and professor Jesse J. Holland to discuss hidden history, storytelling, family, faith, and legacy.

✨ In this episode: 🔹 Documenting the role of African-Americans building the White House  🔹 Writing Black Panther & Star Wars novels ...

After 100+ episodes and a transformative break, Ann-Marie returns with a powerful new season of About This Life. 🌿

This season dives deeper into identity, healing, resilience, and personal transformation through inspiring guest stories, spoken word poetry, and authentic conversations that remind us we are never alone in our struggles.

Whether you're navigating trauma, loss, change, or simply seeking a deeper connection with yourse...

Naheem Garcia has been an actor and theatre educator for 30 years. His performances include Hollywood and independently produced films such as The Purge 3, The Equalizer 2, The Holdovers, and The Money Game. He is a major character in the Sci-Fi, futuristic podcast Caucus: After the Fall.

In conversation with Ann-Marie, Naheem describes how acting saved him from the streets.

Working with multiple youth programs, Naheem shares how h...

What happens when life changes in an instant — and you’re forced to begin again?

In this powerful conversation, we explore resilience, healing, and the courage to live fully after everything falls apart. From a traumatic motorcycle accident to awakening and purpose, this episode is a reminder that life doesn’t end when things break — it transforms.

If you’ve ever faced a moment that changed you forever...

What happens when life changes in a split second — and you wake up to a new reality you never chose?

In this episode of About This Life, Ann-Marie sits down with Pedro Gonzalez — an educator, man of faith, and survivor whose motorcycle accident led to amputation.

Pedro opens up about: ✨ Surviving a life-altering motorcycle accident ✨ Choosing limb salvage — and later amputation ✨ Waking up in the hospital and than...

What if the pain you survived became the wisdom you now live by?

In this deeply moving conversation, Daniel Anderson shares his journey through childhood trauma, abandonment, addiction, homelessness, and spiritual awakening. From hitting rock bottom to discovering purpose, alignment, and self-worth, this episode explores how healing begins within—and how finding yourself can lead you back to God.

Together, we talk about legac...

Sexual assault isn’t only about physical injury — it’s about identity, safety, and the parts of ourselves we’ve had to redefine. 

In this powerful episode of About This Life, mixed-media artist and transformational guide  Devorah Brinckerhoff shares how creativity becomes a pathway for healing trauma, releasing limiting beliefs, and reconnecting with the self.

A grounded, honest conversation on rec...

What if one opportunity could change the trajectory of a life?

In this powerful episode of About This Life, Dr. Elizabeth Sherrell-Davis—retired instructional design manager, former professor, and founder of Signature of Excellence Coaching & Consulting—shares her extraordinary journey teaching inside the prison education system.

Dr. E offers a deeply human perspective on what it means to educate, empower, and belie...

✨ As 2025 ends, Ann-Marie shares three life-shifting truths for you to carry forward into 2026 — lessons rooted in healing, moving forward after your heart has been broken, and giving yourself permission to rest. 

✨ Grounded in reflection, wisdom, and scripture, this episode is a closing prayer for the year — and an invitation to enter 2026 healed, present, and rooted in trust.

Because what’s meant for you&he...

💛 What happens when the role of “mom” fades… and you’re finally invited to meet the woman underneath? 

Ann-Marie sits down with author, speaker, and Third Act Society founder Ronnie Izon for a raw, intimate conversation about motherhood, identity, and the grief women never expect when their children grow up. From decades of devoted parenting to the quiet shock of an empty house, Ronnie traces the mome...

Ann-Marie sits down with author and wellness advocate DK Kang for a raw, grounded conversation about what happens when life collapses all at once — and how you learn to rise anyway.

After walking through his wife’s cancer diagnosis, losing his job, and facing overwhelming financial pressure, DK shares practical tools for turning setbacks into fuel for health, healing, and personal growth. He shares a deeper truth: heali...

Ann-Marie sits down with novelist, poet, and spiritual seeker Kelly Watt for a raw, intimate conversation about healing the wounds we never asked for. From foster care to a violent assault, Kelly traces the path where things fall apart and how the “weeping degree” brings us back to healing.

It’s not what you think it is. ☝🏽

The award-winning author of “Mad Dog”, “Camino Meditations” and ...

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...

Have you ever thought of moving to another country? What begins as a fleeting thought to escape the racial divide of this nation could actually be a solution. 

Moving to another country is the ultimate power pivot. 

How do you do it? How do you decide where to go? How do you prepare?

Discover how to: ✅ Turn job loss and uncertainty into opportunity ✅ Create meaningful friendships and support systems  ✅ Live well with...

Ann-Marie sits down with friend and clarity coach Ruthie Searcy, for an unfiltered, real, behind-the-scenes conversation about coaching others through their transformation. They tackle overwhelm, purpose, rest, and what it really means to live a life where “harmony is the new hustle.” ✨ In this episode, you’ll explore: 🌿 Why high-achieving women hit burnout (and how to step out of the cycle) 🌙 How to practice ...

Menopause, mindset, wellness, and power. In this deeply honest and transformative conversation, Heather Williams — creator of Journey 24Ever Fit — breaks down what women really need to know about menopause, hysterectomy, hormonal shifts, emotional eating, strength training, ancestry, and reclaiming wellness on your own terms. From hot flashes to hysterectomy myths, from body confidence to bone health, Heather reveals ho...

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...

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 ...

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 purpo...