You can build a big life online without handing your whole life to the internet. That’s the tension we explore with Sophia Spallino—creator, entrepreneur, and global lesbian matchmaker—whose path runs from early vlogging and age-gap virality to a values-led queer dating practice grounded in privacy, faith, and fierce resilience.

Sophia opens up about the era when vulnerability was the growth hack and how the bill eventually came due. She shares the pivotal move to serve queer women worldwide, the business lessons learned from the dating industry, and why compatibility rests on shared values and daily rhythms more than lofty ideals. We dig into the moment she realized her influence, the reality of being recognized in everyday spaces, and what changed when she came out and centered the community she truly wanted to help.

The most gripping stretch unpacks a platform crisis: targeted reports that almost erased her business and jeopardized her team. Sophia walks through the systems she built to recover—relationships at platforms, diversified content, spiritual grounding, and a stubborn commitment to kindness under pressure. We also step into the practical: her daily nervous system care, how she shares love without exposing privacy, and a creator strategy that balances niche focus with personal latitude so future pivots don’t require starting from zero.

If you’re a creator, founder, or anyone navigating public work with a private heart, this conversation offers a blueprint for sustainable growth. You’ll leave with concrete ideas on niche selection, boundary-setting, values-based matchmaking, and the mindset it takes to lead through backlash while staying rooted in purpose. Listen, share with a friend who’s building something brave, and if the conversation resonated, subscribe, rate, and leave a quick review so more people can find us.

Birth doesn’t follow a script—and that’s exactly why thoughtful preparation, true collaboration, and culturally responsive support matter. We sit down with licensed midwife Shatamia Webb, owner of Baby Catcher Birth Center (the first Black-owned freestanding birth center in Louisiana), to explore how personalized care can transform the way families experience pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.

Shatamia opens up about the real pathway to becoming a midwife—years of schooling, extensive clinical mentorship, and about 70 required births across observation, assist, and primary roles. She breaks down the difference between midwives and doulas in plain language, details the safety protocols and emergency readiness most people never see (from hemorrhage meds to oxygen and transport plans), and explains why longer prenatal visits change everything. Her stories—from a hotel birth during a hurricane evacuation to a first-time mom driving 3.5 hours each way for culturally aligned care—reveal both the complexity and the heart of modern midwifery.

We also get candid about access and policy. Hospital midwives are growing in Louisiana, yet licensure and regulations still create friction for community-based practices. Shatamia shares how she collaborates with OBs, pediatricians, lactation consultants, and chiropractors to keep care seamless and safe. For parents, she offers a clear checklist for choosing a provider: licensure, training, respectful communication, emergency prep, and a genuine willingness to partner in decisions. For the rest of us, it’s an invitation to rethink what birth can be when science, vigilance, and dignity meet.

If you found this conversation useful, subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube, share it with someone expecting, and leave a review to help others find the show. Your feedback shapes future episodes—what question do you want us to explore next?

What does healing really look like when a survivor is believed, safe, and supported? We sit down with Faith House’s executive director to trace the path from crisis to stability for women and children experiencing domestic violence, and we unpack the practical steps that turn safety into long-term independence. From the first confidential call to counseling, legal navigation, children’s services, and financial coaching, we walk through a comprehensive model that meets people where they are and moves at the pace of trust.

You’ll hear the origin story of Faith House—from a late-1970s response to homelessness to a focused mission on domestic violence—and how the organization now serves seven parishes with shelters, non-residential offices, transitional housing, and a Family Justice Center. We tackle persistent myths head-on: abuse is not limited to any one demographic, leaving is not always the safest option, and children carry trauma even when violence isn’t directed at them. A powerful story from a former child resident shows how a safe playground and steady care can redirect a life toward college, career, and joy.

If you’re a friend or family member trying to help, we share clear, humane guidance: avoid ultimatums, don’t cut off contact, and connect your loved one with trained advocates who can safety-plan and navigate courts with them. For those asking how to support, the answer is both simple and vital—donate household essentials like paper towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies, volunteer your skills, and keep sharing accurate resources. Healing isn’t instant, but with consistent support, survivors don’t just get out; they rebuild with dignity.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, and share this episode with someone who needs a path to safety. If the conversation moved you, leave a review—it helps more people find these life-saving resources.

A powerful calling can emerge at any age. For Devon Brown, certified mental health practitioner and founder of Brown Counseling and Company, that moment came in middle school when he encountered a classmate struggling with self-harm and suicidal thoughts. This transformative experience ignited a lifelong mission to help others navigate their invisible emotional burdens.

During our candid conversation, Devon shares how the therapeutic journey works both ways—while guiding clients toward better mental health, he continuously applies those same principles to his own life. "When I'm talking to somebody about their struggles, so many times we're talking to ourselves as well," he reveals, highlighting why mental healthcare is aptly called a "practice."

We dive deep into what throws people out of mental alignment in today's fast-paced world. Social media tops the list, with Devon explaining how our brains weren't designed to process information at the rapid pace these platforms demand. The constant comparison, shortened attention spans, and boundary challenges create profound obstacles to mental wellbeing. As he wisely notes, "Mindset is everything," pointing to research suggesting depression and gratitude cannot simultaneously occupy the brain.

The discussion takes a particularly poignant turn when addressing youth mental health. Identity formation, bullying, and unprecedented access to potentially harmful online content create a perfect storm for young people. Devon advocates for providing youth with professional support outside the family unit, as they often won't share certain struggles with parents. His insights on navigating sexual identity questions, especially in the conservative South, illuminate the non-judgmental space therapy provides for exploring complex personal journeys.

Devon's innovative approach extends beyond traditional therapy sessions. His guided journals for men, women, and those seeking prayer-focused reflection help overcome the common barrier of "not knowing where to start" with journaling. These practical tools support daily gratitude practice, affirmations, and emotional awareness—small but powerful steps toward better mental health.

Ready to transform your relationship with mental wellness? Listen now to discover how, as Devon powerfully states, "Everybody's story has power." Whether you're struggling personally or supporting a loved one through difficult times, this episode offers compassionate guidance for the journey ahead.

The remarkable 68-year legacy of the Junior League of Lafayette comes alive in this enlightening conversation with current president Nicole Street. Discover how this powerhouse organization of dedicated women has transformed our community through strategic partnerships, hands-on service, and leadership development.

Nicole shares her personal journey from joining the League in 2013 as a young mother looking for "something just for Nicole" to becoming the organization's president. Her story illustrates how the Junior League provides both meaningful community impact and profound personal growth. Through collaborative relationships with organizations like Miles Perrette Cancer Services, Our Lady of Lourdes Women's and Children's Hospital, and numerous other local nonprofits, the League addresses critical needs throughout Acadiana.

Learn about their impactful initiatives, including the Diaper Bank that distributes over 100,000 diapers annually to families in need, and the backpack program providing school supplies to families affected by cancer. Nicole discusses how the League has evolved to accommodate the changing demographics of its membership, with approximately 90% of members now being working professionals balancing careers, families, and volunteer commitments.

The conversation concludes with exciting details about upcoming events, including the celebration of their cookbook's 20th anniversary and the 32nd annual Tinsel and Treasures holiday market featuring over 120 merchants. Whether you're curious about joining, supporting their initiatives, or simply learning more about this vital community organization, this episode offers valuable insights into how passionate women are making Lafayette a better place through purposeful leadership and action.

What happens when a Marine Corps veteran with 14 years in law enforcement takes on the mental health crisis affecting first responders? Staff Sergeant Beau Navarre opens up about his remarkable journey from changing tires at Walmart to spearheading a groundbreaking wellness program for the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Department.

After experiencing burnout and losing six colleagues to suicide, Navarre recognized the urgent need to transform the culture of toughness that prevents many officers from seeking help. "We're raised and taught that you just got to be tough, you got to put on this facade," he explains. "But sometimes vulnerability is a good thing." His candid reflections on his own struggles with depression reveal the human side of law enforcement that citizens rarely glimpse.

Sheriff Navarre's progressive approach to officer wellness has enabled the development of comprehensive resources including a state-of-the-art gym facility and partnerships with community health professionals. The program addresses both physical and mental wellbeing, tackling critical issues like sleep deprivation, hydration, and the psychological impacts of traumatic incidents. As Navarre powerfully states, "The wounded can't help the wounded."

For listeners outside law enforcement, Navarre offers a profound perspective: "When you encounter an officer that's not to your liking, understand they may be going through some really tough things." His message of empathy extends beyond the badge, reminding us that everyone – from single parents to healthcare workers – needs permission to prioritize self-care. "We're so busy trying to help everyone else we forget that we need time for ourselves."

Join us for this eye-opening conversation about service, sacrifice, and the critical importance of wellness for those who protect our communities. What might change in your life if you applied these same principles of self-care and vulnerability?

The heartbeat of Cajun and Creole culture pulses through every movement of traditional Zydeco dancing—an art form Dr. Moriah Hargrave has dedicated her life to preserving and sharing. In this illuminating conversation, we explore the rich historical tapestry of this uniquely Louisiana tradition, from its early 20th century roots in Jure and Lala music to its modern expressions.

Dr. Hargrave's journey from dancing on her father's feet as a child to becoming a celebrated dance instructor reveals how deeply personal connections fuel cultural preservation. Her warm recollections of learning Cajun two-step from her grandmother and watching her parents dance created the foundation for what would become both a passion and profession. When she describes how dancing made her feel "secure and happy," we understand how these traditional art forms nurture both individual joy and community bonds.

The conversation delves into fascinating territory when Dr. Hargrave explains how dance instruction often becomes relationship therapy. Her anecdotes about dominant Cajun women bringing reluctant husbands for lessons offer surprising insights into regional gender dynamics and how dance creates space for rebalancing these relationships. "Men want to know how to do it correctly," she explains, highlighting how her teaching builds confidence while honoring cultural roles.

What makes this discussion particularly valuable is Dr. Hargrave's perspective on cultural preservation. Rather than lamenting a dying tradition, she celebrates how Zydeco continues evolving while maintaining its essential purpose: bringing people together. "You can dance in somebody's arms and not realize what their political tendencies are," she notes, pointing to dance's unique power to transcend social divisions in our increasingly fragmented world.

From producing a documentary film to teaching at international festivals, Dr. Hargrave's work demonstrates how passionate cultural ambassadors can build bridges across continents. Her upcoming appearance at Europe's largest Celtic festival represents nine years of collaborative effort to showcase Louisiana's vibrant heritage on a global stage.

Ready to experience this joyful tradition yourself? Follow Flourish Forever on social media and discover how Zydeco dancing might become your own pathway to cultural connection and personal joy.

What does it take to face your own mortality at 41 years old, with no symptoms, no warning signs – just a routine screening that accidentally revealed a ticking time bomb in your chest?

Katie Ferguson's story will stop you in your tracks. After 20+ years advocating for heart health through the American Heart Association and 15 years as a full-time caregiver to her husband, Katie suddenly found herself on the receiving end of life-altering medical news: an aortic aneurysm that required open-heart surgery. Even more shocking? During the procedure, surgeons discovered a congenital heart defect that had never appeared on any imaging – a bicuspid valve instead of the normal tricuspid structure.

"If I hadn't known about this aneurysm, I'd be living on borrowed time right now," Katie reflects, now at 45 years old and thriving post-surgery. Her experience shatters the myth that heart disease only affects those who "look unhealthy" or have obvious risk factors.

Throughout our conversation, Katie shares profound insights about navigating heart health in Southwest Louisiana, where cultural food traditions (boudin, etouffee, fricassee) present unique challenges. She offers practical, doable strategies for protecting your heart without sacrificing cultural connections – from simple food modifications to leveraging the region's social nature for staying active.

As current chairwoman of Go Red for Women in Lafayette, Katie reveals how the American Heart Association is working locally, providing CPR kits to schools, establishing blood pressure check stations in public libraries, and addressing food insecurity through partnerships with food banks.

The statistics are sobering: one in three women will die from heart disease – that's one woman every 80 seconds. Even more troubling? Women of color face higher risks and often receive less effective treatment due to medication differences across demographics.

Take Katie's advice: get screened, know your family history, and trust your instincts. Your heart might be hiding something your body isn't telling you yet.

Curious about your own heart health? Listen now, then visit the American Heart Association website to find free or low-cost screenings in your area. Your future self will thank you.