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In this episode, Thomas Howard aka DJ Doc interviews Sontrell Hawkins-Woods about surrogacy, her personal journey, and how she's helping others navigate the process. They discuss the importance of informed decision-making, ethical practices, and building strong relationships in surrogacy.

Key Topics:

• Surrogacy journey and personal experience
• How to find and select a surrogate
• Legal and ethical considerations in surrogacy
• Building strong relationships between intended parents and surrogates
• Understanding the costs and insurance coverage for surrogacy
• The importance of psychological evaluations in surrogacy
• Misconceptions about surrogacy in the black community
• Legislation affecting fertility treatments in California
• Advice for those considering surrogacy
• The role of support systems and communication

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  Guest: Sontrell Hawkins-Woods: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sontrell-hawkins-woods

  
  

  Sponsor Royal Serene: https://www.instagram.com/tasha.da.esthi?psln=OHN6enFyZmsxeDk0

  
  

  Host / Producer Thomas Howard: https://poplme.co/djdocsd/share

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

In this episode, Sonya Bellamy Jones shares her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a wellness advocate, dance instructor, and community leader.

She discusses the following

• Her childhood and early independence
• Inspiration from Debbie Allen and fame
• Her work in community and education
• The mission of Ahead Movements Incorporated
• Dance as a tool for healing and confidence
• Overcoming physical trauma and living with a bullet in her lung
• The importance of meeting people where they are in dance and wellness
• Her vision for a future dance and wellness facility
• The role of dance in stress relief and emotional health
• Her experience as a moderator and event host

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Guest Sonya Bellamy Jones: https://www.instagram.com/ahead_movements?srtk=ZWYyNndpOHIzazdi

Sponsor Royal Serene: https://www.instagram.com/tasha.da.esthi?obrf=OHN6enFyZmsxeDk0

Host / Producer Thomas Howard: https://poplme.co/djdocsd/share

Behind The Bottle is a featured segment on the Straight Talk with Dj Doc podcast platform that goes beyond the label to explore the people, stories, creativity, and passion behind the spirits and beverage industry.

Hosted by Thomas Howard, aka Dj Doc, alongside Co-Host Andre Hobbs, Behind The Bottle was recorded on location at the 17th Annual San Diego Spirit Festival, which was held at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla. They brought listeners into conversations with entrepreneurs, brand creators, industry professionals, and the people helping shape the culture surrounding today’s spirits.

In this special edition, Dj Doc and Andre connect with Liz Edwards, Founder / Director of the festival, whose vision brings brands, industry professionals, and consumers together for a unique celebration and experience. The conversation also highlights Sandro Piancone, Sponsor and Co-Owner of Fast Moving Consumer Goods, and his role in supporting the festival and helping beverage brands gain greater exposure in the marketplace.

From discovering what goes into building a successful festival to learning about the business, branding, relationships, and personalities behind the bottles we see on the shelves, this episode offers listeners a look at an industry that is about much more than the drink itself.

Behind The Bottle — where we discover the story, the people, and the passion behind every pour.

Host Thomas Howard: https://poplme.co/djdocsd/share

Co-Host Andre Hobbs: http://www.andrehobbs.com

Liz Edwards: sandiegospiritsfestival.com

Sandro Piancone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandropiancone

Siren's Tale owner, Brad Starky: sirenstalevodka.com

Sun God Owner, Ben Ward: drinksungod.com

Noche Vida Owner, Gary A. Roahrig: nochevida.com

El Nacimiento Tequila, Stephanie Grande: Elnacimientotequila.com

Catchher Icecream Owner, Sheena Lyte: https://www.instagram.com/catchher_icecream?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Mean Jeans Beverage Services and Bar Essentials Owner, Val Stewart: https://s.blinq.me/tavvVxB6xleQ?bs=icl

In this episode, your host Thomas Howard speaks with Sandro Piancone who shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur, author, and founder of the Sip, Smoke, and Savor series.

Sandro is also the Co-Owner of Fast Moving Consumer Goods. They explore the challenges of launching and marketing spirits and consumer goods, balancing family life with entrepreneurship, and the importance of networking and education in business success.

Guest Sandro Piancone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandropiancone

Sponsor R.O.C. Media: https://www.instagram.com/r.o.c._media?igsh=MWg4N3hqcjhsaTh4aQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Host / Producer Thomas Howard: https://poplme.co/djdocsd/share

Join Thomas Howard, aka DJ Doc, for another engaging episode of Straight Talk with DJ Doc, featuring special guest Misha Stone. In this conversation, DJ Doc sits down with Misha to explore her journey, experiences, and the passion that continues to drive her forward.

Through an open and authentic discussion, Misha shares valuable insight into the lessons she has learned, the challenges she has overcome, and the importance of staying focused on purpose and personal growth. The conversation reflects the heart of the Straight Talk with DJ Doc platform—motivation, inspiration, education, health, and wellness—while giving listeners an opportunity to get to know the person behind the story.

Misha is the owner of Punky Produce Farm and Daydreamers Landing event space and community living roo.m

Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with real stories, real experiences, and Straight Talk with Misha Stone and DJ Doc.

Guest Misha Stone: https://www.instagram.com/daydreamerslanding?stkn=MW1qOWZuZjk0NWNhaQ==

Sponsor Royal Serene: https://www.instagram.com/tasha.da.esthi?stkn=aDIxc3UxNzNjd3pm

Host / Producer Thomas Howard: https://poplme.co/djdocsd/share

On this edition of Cover 2 Cover, host Thomas Howard sits down with Dr. Lawrence McNair for an engaging conversation about his book, "Life is Too Big To Be Average", the inspiration behind it, and the powerful message he hopes readers will take away.

Dr. McNair shares insight into his journey as an author and the experiences that helped shape his work. Tune in to Cover 2 Cover, a segment of the Straight Talk with Dj Doc podcast platform, as we celebrate authors, their stories, and the purpose behind the book.

Guest Dr. Lawrence McNair: https://lawrencemcnair.com/

Host / Producer Thomas Howard: https://poplme.co/djdocsd/share

In this special episode of “Straight Talk with Dj Doc,” DJ Doc sits down with President, Shatia Moore, of the Women of Southeast San Diego for an uplifting conversation centered on community, empowerment, leadership, and making a positive difference. Shatia Moore shares the vision behind this group of women and how they are working together to inspire, educate, support, and create opportunities for individuals and families throughout Southeast San Diego.

The conversation highlights the importance of women using their voices, experiences, talents, and resources to strengthen their communities.

From motivation and inspiration to education, health, wellness, mentorship, and community involvement, this episode celebrates women who are committed to helping others succeed while creating meaningful change where they live and serve.

https://www.instagram.com/womenofsoutheast_sd?stkn=MTZzMHExOHFuMzdqYg==

Host / Producer Thomas Howard: https://poplme.co/djdocsd/share

Dj Doc sits down with Dr. Abedini to discuss him being the founder of Nomad Boutique Aesthetics. Nomad Boutique Aesthetics is a physician-led mobile concierge service bringing board-certified expertise directly to you. No waiting rooms. No rushed appointments. Just precision aesthetic care delivered in the comfort and privacy of your own space.

They also discuss how people should prepare for the fall and winter months and protect yourself from common seasonal illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19, and RSV. They share practical tips on vaccinations, nutrition, sleep, hygiene, exercise, and recognizing symptoms early.

The conversation also highlights ways to reduce the spread of illness at home, work, and in the community. Dr. Abedini encourages listeners to be proactive about their health, maintain healthy routines, and take extra precautions to protect themselves and those most vulnerable during cold and flu season.

Guest Dr. Ashkan Abedini: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashkan-abedini?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios

Nomad Boutique Aesthetics: https://www.bynomadmd.com/

Host / Producer Thomas Howard: