Getting credit for your work as a creative is a vital part of your creative experience. Black women creatives and Black people, in general, have gone through decades without being credited for their work. How do we get black people to get credit for their work? In this episode of Hey, I’m Listening, Dr. Joan[...]

For the longest time, Black people have perpetuated a false narrative about our origins and history. This narrative has consistently conditioned our mindset and response to the traumatic events that happened to our ancestors. In order to heal from trauma, we as a Black community must tell our stories through our lenses. Before the traumas,[...]

Being a Black Creative entails paving the way for others to speak in spaces that were not always designed to include creative voices. How can Black Creatives participate in business, politics, and government? How can we creatively structure our society to improve the lives of Black people? How can creatives strive and make an impact[...]

Gen Zers, unlike any other generation, are the first digital natives and barely remember a time without technology. Along with the numerous benefits that the digital age provides, it also brings a variety of drawbacks. One of these harms is Social Anxiety, which has made it difficult for people to connect physically with others and[...]

Companies are embracing inclusivity, making promises about greater diversity, and hiring more Black people now than ever. However, Black women creatives continue to struggle with high visibility, and the innate creative experience of Black people remains untapped. How do we elevate the visibility of Black women creatives and create spaces for them to exhibit their[...]

While everyone's brain develops similarly, no two brains function identically. Being neurodivergent means having a brain that functions differently than the average or "neurotypical" person's brain. How do you communicate with someone who thinks differently than you do? In this episode of Hey, I’m Listening, Dr. Joan speaks with Annabelle Bee Baumann about Neurodivergence: Understanding[...]

Thinking styles are a primary factor in communicating. Each person has a unique communication style and understanding your thinking style can help you communicate with others more effectively and easily resolve conflicts. In this episode of Hey, I’m Listening, Dr. Joan speaks with Annabelle Bee Baumann about Communication: Understanding Individual Thinking Style Annabelle (Bee) Baumann[...]

Every individual has a distinct communication style through which they interact and exchange information with others. We all listen, think, and speak differently, and in order to understand and properly communicate with others, you must be aware of how you come across when communicating. In this episode of Hey, I’m Listening, Dr. Joan speaks with[...]

Humor may be the last thing on one's mind when seeking healing from past traumas, but laughter is powerful medicine. It lures people in ways that cause healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. In this episode of Hey, I’m Listening, Dr. Joan speaks with Annabelle Bee Bauman about Healing Through Communication and Humor[...]

The rise in cultural diversity around the world has made us more aware of cultures other than our own. Individuals, however, may still find it difficult to adjust to these diverse cultures. How then does a child navigate interculturalism? In this episode of Hey, I’m Listening, Dr. Joan speaks with Annabelle Bee Baumann about her[...]

Creating a legacy takes faith, and courage to make the world better than you left it. When you think of the generations to come, what legacy do you hope to leave? Are you building your legacy? In this episode of Hey, I’m Listening, Dr. Joan speaks with  Oby Chiapa about Building a Legacy  Oby Chiapa[...]

Male-dominated industries and environments are particularly prone to reinforcing negative stereotypes and creating uncomfortable environments that make it even more difficult for women to succeed. How do women thrive and succeed in such an environment, despite the limitations? In this episode of Hey, I’m Listening, Dr. Joan speaks with  Oby Chiapa about Thriving in a[...]

Women and Men are diverse views when it comes to success in life or careers. While men have more of a tendency to define success by the level of their incomes and professional achievements, women generally place more emphasis on the journey and challenges they overcame on their success journey. In this episode of Hey,[...]

Black female creatives have been on the rise in recent years. More women are starting businesses, putting their work out there, and gradually gaining visibility. As we consider Elevating the visibility of women creatives during Women's History Month, we also have to shed light on some of the struggles Black women creatives face such as[...]

When hearing the stories of highly successful people, it is easy to become discouraged, believing that success is unattainable due to the standards and struggles people face along the way. However, humanizing success and knowing that everyone struggles to get by keeps you motivated and on your path to success. In this episode of Hey,[...]

Over the years Black Community has been stereotyped and is now self-stereotyping. It is important we get ourselves from that stereotypical mindset and think about what we really want for our lives, our kids, and our community.  In this episode of Hey, I’m Listening, Dr. Joan speaks with Nathaniel A. Turner about Parenting in the[...]

How can you equip your kids to be intellectually astute, globally competent, and socially conscious? In this episode of Hey, I’m Listening, Dr. Joan speaks with Nathaniel A. Turner about Parenting; Life by Backward Design Nathaniel A. Turner is an entrepreneur, renowned speaker, author, philanthropist, and leading parental empowerment activist. The 'Human Propulsion Engineer' is[...]

To develop the next generation of thought leaders, community builders, professionals, and entrepreneurs in the Black community, we must begin by mentoring, motivating, and equipping children with the necessary skills, attitudes, and confidence they need to succeed in life. In this episode of Hey, I’m Listening, Dr. Joan speaks with Shaun ‘SF’ Banks about the[...]

Every child is unique, and as children grow older, they are faced with fear, and doubt and may constantly compare themselves with others. How can parents learn about each child’s individuality and teach children that it is okay to be themselves? In this episode of Hey, I’m Listening, Dr. Joan speaks with Shaun ‘SF’ Banks[...]

Today's world contains far more information than ever before. For the Black community, technology has been a gain and a pain. Children are constantly exposed to negative self-image, pornography, and misinformation. How do we deal with the information at our fingertips that fosters negative mindsets in children? The Black community must reclaim power from the[...]

A child's social development is just as important as other areas of development. How can parents and educators help them address their curiosities, confusions, and concerns in ways that promote interaction, understanding, and socialization in a busy and fast-paced world? In this episode of Hey, I’m Listening, Dr. Joan speaks with Shaun ‘SF’ Banks about[...]

In this episode of Hey, I’m Listening, Dr. Joan speaks with Shaun ‘SF’ Banks about The importance of engaged parents in 2023 Shaun SF. Banks have been involved in the youth development industry for over 20 years, focusing on developing youths’ self-confidence and self-efficacy. As a result, SF excels at motivating kids to go after[...]

Over the years, the Black Community has experienced racial justice and this has continually surged in response to the rising number of murders of Black people by white and even black officers. How can we work towards a National Healing Journey? In this episode of Hey, I’m Listening, Dr. Joan speaks with Dr. Zaria Davis[...]

According to research, the number of incarcerated women increased by more than 475% between 1980 and 2020, rising from 26,326 in 1980 to 152,854 in 2020. Unfortunately, women in prison are not provided with the necessary amenities to maintain their health. The current provision of health care to imprisoned women falls far short of what[...]

Even before entering prison, incarcerated people are more likely to have experienced abuse and trauma than those on the outside. The effects of this earlier trauma follow people into incarceration, and this trauma is exacerbated by the dehumanization of the criminal justice system. Irritability and aggressive behavior are also common responses to trauma, making incarcerated[...]

There is an ongoing fight against mass incarceration, which has been steadily increasing. However, political and economic participation has played a significant role in the rise of mass incarceration, and the Racialized History of the Criminal Legal System has not been helpful. How do we change this system? In this episode of Hey, I’m Listening,[...]

One in every five people imprisoned worldwide is held in the United States. According to a 2014 Human Rights Watch report, "tough-on-crime" legislation enacted since the 1980s has filled American prisons with mostly nonviolent offenders. Many people have been traumatized, many homes have been destroyed, and others are reliving the enslavement era. Is the enslavement[...]

In this episode of Hey, I’m Listening, Dr. Joan speaks about the prayer of Nehemiah and says a prayer for the Black Nation What you can expect from this episode 00:18 The cry to the land 02:02 Nehemiah's prayer and what it means for us 06:40 Dr. Joan prays for the Black Nation Did you[...]

Black History Month 2023 offers our Nation the opportunity to finally make the decision to heal. We need to contemplate the forgiveness of the Europeans, and other Nations, and the Forgiveness of ourselves so we don’t repeat the atrocities done to us. We can no longer perceive traumatic events as something that happens to an[...]

In our lifetime, we come to a moment of Ultimate Climax where we have the option to Live or Die. Then we are forced to make a choice; Dying with the Trauma or Healing and choosing to Live. The Black Nation has to make a choice In this episode of Hey, I’m Listening, Dr. Joan[...]

Do you ever wonder about the people who are free and audacious? There is the freedom that comes with knowing that God is the land and that you belong to God. Once you are aware of this, you step into the place of freedom and realize that you can be authentically free. In this episode[...]

Having gone through several traumatic events as a Nation, we are in a place where we need to pioneer peace and enter into the territory of true freedom. The question is, “As a Black Nation, how do we find peace and visualize true freedom?” In this episode of Hey, I’m Listening, Dr. Joan speaks about[...]

What were we supposed to do? Every year that we celebrate Black History Month, we are one step closer to healing as a Nation and we need to heal to focus on our future and fulfill our purpose. Black History Month takes us through a remembering process while moving us beyond the question of "what[...]

When you think of the future of the Black Nation, what picture comes to your mind? If you could create a futuristic Black Nation, what would it be? Would you want equality or equity? What standards do you want to set? How do you intend to play a part in building the Futuristic Black Nation?[...]

There’s a need for Black men to step up to leadership opportunities in families, businesses, and governments. There’s a need for Black men to step up to leadership opportunities in families, businesses, and governments. We must continually resist the narrative that Black men are deadbeats and constantly demonstrate and model what it looks like to[...]

Building a community and coming together can help people of African Ancestry achieve inclusion and equity in all industries. Embracing Mentorship connects mentees to opportunities, resources, and people who can help them develop their existing skills and gain positive visibility. This, in turn, helps the Black community grow, resulting in increased access to important relationships,[...]

Have you ever noticed a behavior and wondered which patterns are authentically ours and which are the result of cultural PTSD? Cultural trauma and its impact on Black families has made its way into popular media in recent years. There has been a desire to understand how our ancestors' experiences affect us today, and how[...]

In the United States, 25% of all fathers live in residences apart from their biological children 18 years and under. The role of fathers in the Black community has been overshadowed due to the number of Black households without fathers.  Despite this fact, the role of fathers in the Black community cannot be overemphasized. Fathers[...]

However, the long-term wealth comes with the freedom of time, and the freedom to experience life. It is the freedom to live your life according to your own schedule and agenda, pursuing passions and creative endeavors that light you up. But what are you doing with the opportunities being presented to you? In this episode[...]

Every successful business or business owner has had challenges and failures. In order to create wealth, one must be able to visualize, take action toward your goal, learn from other successful people, and be flexible when business models don’t go as planned. In this episode of Hey, I’m Listening, Dr. Joan speaks with Tony R.[...]

Transformation happens when you take the necessary steps to improve yourself. What does success means to you and what are the choices you are making to get it? You never know how you will score in life if you never take the test. In this episode of Hey, I’m Listening, Dr. Joan speaks with Tony[...]

Creating and growing wealth goes beyond having a dream. For your dream to become a reality, you must be committed to the process and willing to put in the effort. Most people have dreams, but not everyone is committed to investing in themselves, learning from others, and implementing what has been taught. Dreams come true[...]

Building wealth and success is not a walk in the park; it takes grit, commitment, and the decision to be better tomorrow than you were yesterday. You must keep learning from those who have created wealth, work and push until you reach the point of financial freedom where you wake up every day not worrying[...]

We live in a world of science, but for the marginalized group venturing into science seems like something far from their reach. How do we simplify sciences for kids, ignite their interests and empower them to go discover more exciting things about our world? In this episode of Hey, I'm listening, Dr. Joan speaks with[...]

Current research shows that 50% percent of women and 60% of men have endured at least one traumatic event during their lifetime. For the Black community, the trauma that our ancestors experienced has been passed down through each generation. However, not all are aware that they are dealing with generational trauma, nor have they taken[...]

Turning your pain into power is about shifting your perspective and realizing that you are here for a purpose, you are purpose, and that you have something unique inside of you that you need to bring out. Sometimes, the trauma puts us in a place where we can’t move to a point of healing but[...]

Sometimes we desire genuine relationships with others but are not genuine, open, or interested in people. Building authentic and genuine friendships starts with first being authentic with yourself and being self-aware. We must know that our History, hobbies, and habits play a huge part in our connecting with others. In this episode of Hey, I'm[...]

A people's history and origins are always contentious issues. However, in order to progress in our healing journey, we must constantly seek the truth about our history and ancestors. In this episode of Hey, I'm listening, Dr. Joan speaks with Amina Warsuma about the history of the Black Nation and seeking the truth Amina Warsuma[...]

Sometimes we go through life and encounter difficult situations; some we brush off, while others leave us traumatized for a long time, leaving us questioning our lives and wanting to die. How do you deal with your own pain or the pain of others? Sometimes being present and holding someone through their pain is all[...]

Being optimistic is easy when life is going smoothly, and you are not faced with extreme challenges. However, life does not always go so smoothly, and being optimistic is believing that there will always be opportunities to make things better tomorrow, even if you are experiencing challenges today. Sometimes optimism is what you have to[...]

Our lives are continually changing due to the influence and opinions of others, The constant consumption of information, ideologies, and mindset due to various ways of upbringing is shaping our world. Finding your true identity and becoming your authentic self is much more difficult now, and it is critical that we train the next generation[...]

The Black community suffers from an increased rate of mental health concerns. When it comes to mental health struggles and traumas, silence gives power to the negative dynamics. It is critical to talk about your mental health issues with someone so that you can shed light on them and dispel the darkness that has taken[...]

The desire to be perfect can stem from an underlying fear of failure along with a desire to be validated by others. Regrettably, seeking external validation not only prevents us from being ourselves but also keeps us bound with constant doubt and a sense of unworthiness.   In this episode of Hey, I'm listening, Dr.[...]

Our well-being is affected daily by what we consume and how aware we are of our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. How can you achieve more profound levels of relaxation & well-being? In this episode of Hey I'm listening, Dr. Joan speaks with Jeffrey Saah about holistic nutrition in the Black community, and the[...]

Being left behind by a parent can be a traumatic experience that leaves the child with unanswered questions. Daily, people leave relationships, friendships, and various situations; some leave by choice, abandonment, or even death. This has a significant impact on those left behind, and they may never fully process what happened. How do you keep[...]

In this healing meditation, Dr. Joan uses an activity from page 88 of her Daily Forgiveness Journal to support you with balancing the core belief that you are safe and secure. This Christian meditation will release your anxiety and give you clarity about the cause of that anxiety. Once you determine the sources of the[...]

As individuals, our healing journey is our responsibility. During this journey, it is easy to get distracted by a lot of things happening and we forget the bigger picture of healing, peace, and victory. We cannot keep letting the voice of others determine our future, we all have a responsibility to take up our healing[...]

In today's society, It is difficult for sexual assault survivors to muster the courage to speak out on their own, and this is made worse due to a lot of victim-blaming. 55% of sexual harassment victims face retaliation after speaking up or filing a claim. Many victims are afraid to speak up for fear of[...]

Divorce and violence have permeated the black family for generations. The science of epigenetics is helping us to understand the ways in which the enslavement of our ancestors and the violations that were perpetrated against them continue to be with us and influence the ways in which our families are structured, the ways in which[...]

How do you talk to yourself?  Coach Drew, a psychotherapist, and Healing Communications coach say "how you speak to yourself when you mess up, is how you speak to others when they mess up."    In this powerful conversation, Coach Drew gets personal and talks about a pivotal moment when he discovered he 'hated" himself.[...]

🌟 Hi, Everyone! Welcome to Hey I'm Listening with Dr. Joan.  Hey, I'm Listening celebrates all that is unique and paramount about people of African Ancestry.  We believe that it is from our most challenging experiences that we learn the greatest life lessons. It is during these moments that we devise new ways of coping[...]

Today, in the United States there are more than 42 million survivors of sexual abuse. 1 in 3 girls is sexually abused before the age of 18. 1 in 5 boys is sexually abused before the age of 18. 30% of sexual abuse is never reported. 90% of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator[...]