In this inspiring episode of About This Life, Ann-Marie sits down with spoken word artist, author, teaching artist and MC performer Jamaal "Black Root" Collier for a conversation rooted in Black men’s mental health. His conversation is rooted in identity, dispelling myths and “pulling up” for community.

The author of “Bearded Thoughts- Affirmations, Mantras & Stray Hairs of Wisdom,” Jamaal challenges us in the way we see ourselves and the world around us.

✨ In this episode: * The difference between kindness and being "nice" * Why words shape our lives * Black fatherhood, identity & purpose * Healing through art and spoken word * Lessons every young person needs to hear

If this conversation inspired you, Like 👍, Comment 💬, and Subscribe 🔔 for more meaningful conversations that help you navigate life's biggest transitions.

#SpokenWord #Healing #SelfGrowth #PersonalDevelopment #BlackMentalHealth #Affirmations #Mindset #Poetry #BlackRoot

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 🔹 Overcoming 127 rejections 🔹 Elevating family, fatherhood & faith 🔹 Using storytelling to change lives #AboutThisLife #authorjessejholland #BlackPanther #Marvel #StarWars #WhiteHouse #runharaka #PersonalGrowth #Faith #Transformation #WakandaForever

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 yourself, these conversations offer hope, wisdom, and a path forward.

✨ Changing our lives, one day at a time.✨

#AboutThisLife #MentalHealthAwareness #MindsetShift #Transformation #LifeLessons #HealingTrauma #GrowthMindset #SpokenWordPoetry

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 he helps the next generation find purpose and identity through the lens of discipline and responsibility.

#FilmActor #IndependentFilm #TheatreArts #ActorsLife #IndependentCinema #SAG-AFTRA #ArtsEducation #AboutThisLifepodcast #BecomingEnoughBecomingYou

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, this story is for you.

✨ Watch till the end — this one stays with you.

#BikersWhoHeal #HealingJourney #ResilienceStory #PurposeAfterPain #BrainInjury #AboutThisLifePodcast #BecomingEnoughBecomingYou

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 thanking God for life ✨ Returning to the classroom as an amputee ✨ How trauma does not define you ✨ Finding community, identity, and calling after loss

If you’ve ever faced loss, uncertainty, or a moment that changed everything, this episode is for you.

👉 Like, share, and subscribe for more conversations about healing, faith, and becoming who you were always meant to be.

#PurposeThroughPain #FaithJourney #BadBunnyFan #HealingThroughFaith #LifeAfterTrauma #AboutThisLifePodcast #BecomingEnoughBecomingYou

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 legacy, belief systems, faith beyond fear, and what it truly means to live from alignment rather than survival.

If you’re navigating healing, identity shifts, or searching for deeper meaning, this conversation is for you.

✨ You are not broken. ✨ You are becoming. ✨ And your story matters.

‪@thesoulsearcherssociety‬

#HealingJourney #SpiritualAwakening #Addiction #Homelessness #PartnerAbuse #AboutThisLifePodcast #BecomingEnoughBecomingYou

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 reconnecting to self after abuse, protecting children, body memory, and becoming who you are meant to be.

#HealingJourney #Assault #TraumaRecovery #CreativeHealing #PersonalTransformation #AboutThisLifePodcast #BecomingEnoughBecomingYou