If you’re tuning in for the replay, you’re in the right place. This episode of Conversations with Coach LA is one of those rare gems that lingers long after the mic drops.

In this Season 8 installment, Coach LA sits down with the incomparable Dr. Rebecca Dupas—poet, author, educator, and legacy-builder—to unpack the stories we inherit, the ones we write for ourselves, and the impact we choose to leave behind.

Expect:

✨ Soul work

✨ Laughter and truth-telling

✨ Legacy reflections

✨ A poetic blueprint for becoming

Whether you’re journaling, driving, cleaning, or just looking for a conversation that feels like a hug and a wake-up call—this is your replay moment.

Press play.

Take what you need.

Share with someone who could use a reminder that their story still matters.

Learn More about Dr.Rebecca Dupas at www.RebeccaDupas.com

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 10PM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.

Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at admin@weroclives.com to be considered as a future guest.

This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you're looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we're here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.

Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.

Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent www.daniellaurent.com

Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media

“Say NO to Silence” — A powerful exploration of Black men’s mental health, fatherhood, mentorship, and storytelling. This episode dives into how creative expression and community connections become pathways to emotional liberation and generational healing.

Eric “EJ Spin” Jones is an author, DJ, and documentary storyteller dedicated to uplifting the voices of Black men through mentorship and art. His projects highlight the strength, humor, and humanity often missing from mainstream narratives. Whether behind the decks or behind the lens, EJ Spin’s mission is clear: amplify the truth and inspire transformation.

The emotional reality of Black fatherhood and redefining “strength”

Mentorship as a mental health practice

How storytelling becomes therapy for the soul

The power of saying “no” — to silence, burnout, and societal expectations

How Black men can reclaim their emotional voice and rewrite their narratives

Only 26% of Black men who experience depression receive treatment (APA, 2024).

Black men are 60% more likely to die by suicide than Black women (CDC, 2023).

Community mentorship programs have been shown to reduce depressive symptoms by 45% in Black youth and young adults (NIMH, 2022).

Expressive storytelling increases self-efficacy and emotional resilience among Black men by up to 40% (Harvard School of Public Health, 2023).

“What have you said NO to lately that created more peace in your life?”

Coach LA invites listeners to reflect on the boundaries they’ve set and the emotional breakthroughs they’ve allowed by saying no to overextending, performing, and people-pleasing.
Affirmation: “My ‘no’ protects my peace, and my peace is my power.”

In this week’s closing reflection, Coach LA reminds us that emotional suppression isn’t strength — it’s survival. And while survival built us, healing will sustain us.

Quote:

“You can’t lead your legacy from an empty soul. Healing is the most revolutionary act of leadership you’ll ever take.”

If this episode moved you, share it with a brother who needs this reminder:
🖤 You are seen.
🗣️ You are heard.
💪🏾 You are allowed to heal.

🎧 Subscribe to Conversations with Coach LA wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow @therapist_coachla | @conversations_withcoachla | @heat981fm

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 10PM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.

Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at admin@weroclives.com to be considered as a future guest.

This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you're looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we're here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.

Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.

Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent www.daniellaurent.com

Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media

In this episode, Coach LA sits down with nationally touring comedian FunnyMan Mike James — a storyteller whose blend of southern humor, family insight, and cultural perspective has made him one of Nashville’s most magnetic voices.

Together, they explore the business of funny — how laughter becomes legacy, and how creative entrepreneurs can protect their peace, build their platforms, and still keep it real.

This is more than comedy — it’s a conversation about staying authentic in an industry that profits from imitation, about parenting through purpose, and about how humor can heal the hustle.

Laughter as Legacy: Comedy is more than performance — it’s preservation of culture and healing through humor.

Creative Hustle: Turning a gift into income without losing authenticity takes vision, discipline, and vulnerability.

Fatherhood & Focus: The importance of balancing family, mental wellness, and personal purpose.

#BETonSELF™ Strategy: How to build a career that feels good and pays well by investing in yourself first.

“Dreaming in color means seeing your own potential in high definition — vivid, unapologetic, and fully yours.”

Ask yourself:

What’s one creative gift you’ve been dimming to fit in?

What would it look like to turn that brightness back up this week?

🎯 Action Step: Write down 3 ways to monetize or share your talent this month — and choose one to act on immediately.

Coach LA reminds listeners that self-care is business capital. Creatives often burn out chasing success, but the real win is sustainability. Invest in your rest, community, and wellness like you invest in your craft.

Fact: Creatives are 25% more likely to experience anxiety or depression when income depends on performance (Creative Wellness Survey, 2023).

Your talent needs time, space, and grace to grow — not just applause.

Creative Economy: Generates over $1 trillion annually (NEA, 2024).

Representation Matters: Only 6% of mainstream comedy specials feature Black headliners (Variety, 2023).

Laughter Therapy: Reduces stress hormones by 40% and increases dopamine (APA, 2022).

“Comedy is therapy with a punchline.” – Mike James
“If your dream makes you laugh and sweat at the same time, it’s probably the right one.” – Coach LA

Guest: FunnyMan Mike James – @funnymanmikejames

Watch Mike’s DryBar special “Southern Comfort” (Top 10 for 5 consecutive weeks)

Listen to more episodes: Conversations with Coach LA on iHeartRadio

Join the #BETonSELF community: IamCoachLA.com

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 10PM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.

Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at admin@weroclives.com to be considered as a future guest.

This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you're looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we're here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.

Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.

Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent www.daniellaurent.com

Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media