Light Up The Darkness

Light Up The Darkness

Because Black people deserve to heal too. This podcast is a response to the stigma that exists around acknowledging and addressing mental health challenges in the Black community. By providing education and sharing stories of black people on their journey to healing, I hope to chip away at this stigma. We deserve to be a part of the larger conversation around wellness in this country. Especially now.

Episodes

December 29, 2022 27 mins

In this two-part episode, host Erin Edwards is joined by a friend of the show, Thérèse Kempf, LCSW to discuss suicide.  In the wake of the passing of Stephen "Twitch" Boss by suicide, Thérèse helps us to understand that we need to examine the journey that leads up to suicide to support people struggling with suicide ideation.

Helpful Resources if you or someone you know is struggling with intolerable feelings:

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In this two-part episode, host Erin Edwards is joined by a friend of the show, Thérèse Kempf, LCSW to discuss suicide.  In the wake of the passing of Stephen "Twitch" Boss by suicide, Thérèse helps us to understand that we need to examine the journey that leads up to suicide to support people struggling with suicide ideation.

Helpful Resources if you or someone you know is struggling with intolerable feelings:

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In this episode, I was joined by the amazing light that is - Hakim Pitts (they/them). And we have an illuminating and beautiful conversation about their work and origins as a provider of spirit care.

More about Hakim: 
Hakim is a multi-award-winning, Black genderqueer creative and scholar crafting at the nexus of visual culture, community health, social justice, & spiritual activism. Utilizing this interdisciplinar...

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This is an addendum to Episode 4, "Can Energy Healing Benefit Mental Health?"

My guest Ebony Medas, LMHC, answers questions that were submitted by LUTD Podcast Instagram subscribers. 

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In today's episode my guest, Ebony Medas, LMHC, discusses Reiki, IET (Integrated Energy Therapy), and how they can be a huge benefit to our mental health care.

*Make sure to listen to the bonus episode after this, to hear Ebony answer specific questions that came in from our Instagram subscribers.

Mentioned in this episode:

  • Ebony's upcoming Energy Healing training which you can register for here: htt...
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August 2, 2022 12 mins

Host, Erin Edwards shares how and why this podcast came to be and gets a little personal!

Check out the article mentioned in the episode, "Shelly, A Strong Black Woman."  Join our community on Instagram and support the show by donating on CashApp.


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In this episode,  Naomi of The Glorious Hum & Black Folks Grieve shares her perspective on grief journeys and we're here for it! It was a lovely conversation and an even more beautiful "Mindful Moment" at the end of the episode.

More on Naomi, who you can follow on IG at @theglorioushum:
Naomi Edmondson (she/her) is a Grief Guide, Space holder, and Black Queer Femme with all the feelings. The loss o...

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July 2, 2022 4 mins

In this mini-episode, host Erin Edwards shares a personal letter to her Auntie on the anniversary of her death. It's all about growth and healing ya'll. 

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Welcome back to Light Up The Darkness Podcast! In this second "season," host Erin Edwards is joined by a friend of the show, Naiylah [Ny-eel-ah] Warren, LMFT to discuss grieving and giving yourself grace through the process.

Naiylah is a licensed marriage/Family therapist, Clinical Content Manager at Real, and Corporate Wellness Facilitator. She specializes in treating interpersonal conflict, family trauma, addiction couns...

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November 3, 2020 42 mins

In this episode, Heather Chelan discusses how she began what is a lifelong healing journey through her own mental health challenges. She also produced a lovely Mindful Moment  song in the vein of her PSA, viral songs (i.e., "The Pandemic Isn't Over, Just Because You're Over it")-  "Be Patient with Yourself." It's definitely a mantra and tune I'll have on repeat indefinitely!

You can ...

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September 30, 2020 34 mins

My little cousin Chris shares his deeply personal story about a suicide attempt and his healing journey. Looking for a moment of joy? Check out my cousin Chris' breakdance videos on Instagram.
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If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, help Iis available through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). They provide 24/7, free and confidential support.

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In this episode I am joined by "The Breakthrough Mama," Anese Barnett, M.Ed. This episode is about sowing the seeds for developing emotional intelligence in our children in order to create "generational health." Anese also offers many gems and tangible advice for parents and caregivers that will help them to maneuver and manage the effects the pandemic may be having on children's mental and emotional health...

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In this episode, with the help of my expert guests,  Naiylah Warren, LMFT and Thérèse Kempf, LCSW,  we define trauma and racial trauma. 

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In Part 2 of this episode, my expert guests Naiylah Warren, LMFT and Thérèse Kempf, LCSW, discuss healthy ways to move through racial trauma. Thérèse Kempf, LCSW leads this week's "Mindful Moment" with a visualizatin and body scan. 

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May 28, 2020 1 min

Start here for a brief intro on what you can expect In the episodes to come! This podcast centers black healing. Let's go on the journey together!

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In this episode I speak with Rebekah Ferguson, LMHC about how we can move past stigmas and any misconceptions to begin healing. She offers actionable and helpful tips that can get you started on your healing journey. We close out the episode with a mindful moment led by Ebony Medas, LMHC.

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