Growing up, Brandon Russ often felt emotions deeply yet found himself navigating a world that questioned his vulnerability. His journey took a significant turn after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2017, a revelation that led him to embrace his emotional depth and channel it into advocacy.

Through our conversation Brandon shares moments from his life illustrating how faith, creativity, and serving others have become his anchors in managing mental health challenges.

Our discussion also takes a critical look at the societal norms surrounding masculinity, especially the stigmas that discourage men from expressing emotions or seeking mental health support.

Brandon bravely shares his experiences of criticism and conformity to hyper-masculine ideals and how he's found liberation in spaces that welcome emotional openness. His story is a testament to resilience and the power of authenticity.

In this episode, Brandon and I aspire to inspire others to pursue their own paths for healing and growth.

In this episode we cover:

● Brandon’s journey with bipolar disorder and emotional vulnerability

● Challenges of masculinity norms and emotional suppression in men

● The role of faith, creativity, and service in managing mental health

● Unique cultural pressures faced by Black men regarding mental health

● The importance of advocacy, open conversations, and redefining strength

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

● Connect with Brandon on Instagram and find out more of his work HERE!

● Listen to last week's episode ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠!

● Check out our faith based women of color ⁠⁠shop⁠⁠ here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more

● Leave a review ⁠⁠here ⁠⁠if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!

● Connect with us on Instagram! (⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast⁠⁠)

● Connect with us on YouTube! (⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠)

● Connect with us on Facebook! (⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast)⁠⁠

● Follow us on TikTok! (⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠)

● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com

Still growing up in the Black church, Donal faced the formidable challenge of reconciling faith with mental health struggles. This episode of the Rough Edges podcast invites you into his heartfelt journey through the emotional landscapes shaped by post-traumatic slavery syndrome.

We find out how historical and cultural factors have influenced the suppression of grief and lament in the Black community, and also learn how Donal found strength in grieving openly much like the biblical figures he admires.

Our discussion shines a light on the need for a compassionate and informed approach to mental health within faith communities highlighting the potential for healing when we acknowledge our shared history.

Listen to this episode and explore how we can build a supportive environment that embraces both mental health and faith.

Let me know what you thought of this episode! Email me at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram at @rough.edges.podcast⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode we cover:

● Reconciling faith with mental health struggles in the Black church

● Suppression of grief and lament in the Black community

● The role of the church in emotional processing and communal support

● How Donal uses activism and music to create supportive mental health spaces

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

● Connect with Donal ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠ to learn more about his journey and music

● Listen to last week's episode ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠!

● Check out our faith based women of color ⁠⁠shop⁠⁠ here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more

● Leave a review ⁠⁠here ⁠⁠if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!

● Connect with us on Instagram! (⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast⁠⁠)

● Connect with us on YouTube! (⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠)

● Connect with us on Facebook! (⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast)⁠⁠

● Follow us on TikTok! (⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠)

● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com

"Growing up in a Black church, mental health wasn't always the first topic on the table, but everything changed when I discovered the transformative power of counseling during my master's program."

In this episode of Rough Edges, I'm thrilled to welcome Donal Cogdell Jr. also known as Reflect, who shares his journey through faith, justice, and music. Together, we unravel the complexities of men's mental health challenging the outdated stereotypes of "real manhood" with a fresh perspective rooted in biblical teachings. Donal’s experiences as an educator, hip-hop artist, and motivational speaker shine a light on the importance of faith as a guiding anchor in life's turbulent seas.

We emphasize the value of finding the right therapist especially within the Black community to navigate the unique cultural nuances that often go unrecognized.

Join us as we share our personal experiences encouraging a shift in societal norms and fostering a more compassionate understanding of men's mental health.

In this episode we cover:

● The role of mental health in the Black church and personal discovery of counseling

● Donal Cogdell Jr.'s journey through faith, justice, and music

● Challenging outdated stereotypes of "real manhood" through biblical teachings

● The importance of culturally competent therapists in the Black community

● Barriers to accessing mental health support, including financial and systemic challenges

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

● Connect with Donal ⁠HERE⁠ to learn more about his journey and music

● Listen to last week's episode ⁠HERE⁠!

● Check out our faith based women of color ⁠shop⁠ here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more

● Leave a review ⁠here ⁠if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!

● Connect with us on Instagram! (⁠@rough.edges.podcast⁠)

● Connect with us on YouTube! (⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠)

● Connect with us on Facebook! (⁠@rough.edges.podcast)⁠

● Follow us on TikTok! (⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠)

● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com

Welcome back to another episode of Rough Edges! In honor of World Bipolar Day, Sarah is joined by special guest Avantika Bharad.

Avantika, a dynamic 22-year-old social entrepreneur from India returns to the Rough Edges podcast to share her inspiring journey of mental health advocacy. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder type 2 at just 17, Avantika transformed her personal challenges into a powerful mission through her mental health organization which originated from her podcast, "Beautiful You."

She passionately discusses the motivations behind her work, emphasizing the creation of safe spaces like listening circles for sharing mental health experiences and fostering community support. Avantika discusses the challenges and triumphs of this journey. She talks about the realities of living openly with her diagnosis and tackling the stigma that often accompanies it, especially in India.

Her insights into self-acceptance and overcoming internalized stigma shed light on the importance of understanding personal triggers and maintaining a delicate work-life balance.

Avantika's journey is a testament to the power of self-awareness and the courage to redefine one's own narrative in the face of societal misconceptions. Her story is a compelling invitation to join a community dedicated to growth, healing, and the relentless pursuit of mental health awareness and support.

In this episode we cover:

● Avantika’s journey as a mental health advocate and social entrepreneur

● Understanding & navigating work-life balance with bipolar

● The creation and impact of her mental health organization and podcast, "Beautiful You"

● Leadership and managing a growing organization while prioritizing mental health

● The importance of self-acceptance, gratitude, and honest communication in mental health advocacy

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

● To connect with Avantika and find out more about her Beautiful You Mental Health service, find her on Instagram!

● Find Avantika’s Mental Health Organization HERE

● In case you missed last week's episode, you can find it HERE!

● Check out our faith based women of color ⁠⁠⁠shop⁠⁠⁠ here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more

● Leave a review ⁠⁠⁠here ⁠⁠⁠if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!

● Connect with us on Instagram! (⁠⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast⁠⁠⁠)

● Connect with us on YouTube! (⁠⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠⁠)

● Connect with us on Facebook! (⁠⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast)⁠⁠⁠

● Follow us on TikTok! (⁠⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠⁠)

● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com

Happy Tuesday! Today, meet Warrington Chapman better known as Sammy, a dedicated New York City police officer with an inspiring faith journey. In today’s episode Sammy unpacks his experiences with men's mental health challenging the age-old notion that men should just "man up" and hide their emotions.

In his reflections Sammy illustrates how vulnerability is actually a source of strength and how faith can be a guiding light through mental health struggles. His story not only addresses personal resilience but also calls into question societal expectations of masculinity.

Together we address the often-unspoken pressures that men face in acknowledging their mental health needs. Sammy provides a refreshing perspective on how therapy can preserve masculinity while offering vital support. We also tackle the misconceptions linking mental health struggles to weak faith reinforcing that spiritual beliefs do not shield us from life's challenges.

Let's break the silence and stigma together!

In this episode we cover:

● Sammy’s personal journey with faith and mental health

● Challenging the “man up” mentality and societal expectations of masculinity

● The role of vulnerability as a strength in men’s mental health

● Addressing misconceptions about mental health and weak faith

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

● You can find Sammy on Instagram HERE!

● Listen to last week's episode ⁠HERE⁠!

● Check out our faith based women of color ⁠⁠shop⁠⁠ here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more

● Leave a review ⁠⁠here ⁠⁠if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!

● Connect with us on Instagram! (⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast⁠⁠)

● Connect with us on YouTube! (⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠)

● Connect with us on Facebook! (⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast)⁠⁠

● Follow us on TikTok! (⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠)

● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com

After years of wrestling with body image issues and insecurities, Brianna Miller found strength through the power of affirmations and faith. Her transformative journey from self-doubt to self-assurance is a testament to the power of community and belief.

In this episode of Rough Edges, Brianna returns to share her inspiring story and the creation of her empowerment brand, I Affirm Me. We explore how her experiences have shaped her mission to help other women and girls overcome insecurities and find their God-given purpose through affirmations and self-awareness.

Join us as we go deep into Brianna's initiatives like the Affirmation Writing Workshop and the Insecurity Tackle Program designed to nurture confidence and a sense of sisterhood. Don't miss this uplifting episode that promises to empower and inspire.

This special episode is being published as part of Podcasthon, an incredible and fast-growing non-profit initiative that unites over a thousand podcasters globally. There's no money involved—it’s all about raising awareness for various charitable causes.

In this episode we cover:

● Brianna Miller’s personal journey with body image and insecurities

● The creation of I Affirm Me

● The significance of faith in self-affirmation

● Brianna’s future vision and expansion of I Affirm Me

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

● To connect with Brianna and find out more about her I Affirm Me community brand, find her on Instagram!

● Find Brianna’s I Affirm Me website HERE

● Listen to last week's episode HERE!

● Check out our faith based women of color ⁠shop⁠ here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more

● Leave a review ⁠here ⁠if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!

● Connect with us on Instagram! (⁠@rough.edges.podcast⁠)

● Connect with us on YouTube! (⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠)

● Connect with us on Facebook! (⁠@rough.edges.podcast)⁠

● Follow us on TikTok! (⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠)

● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com

Welcome back to the Rough Edges Podcast. In this episode Sarah engages with Mikey Kamuda, the host of the Mikey on Mute podcast. Sarah and Mikey explore the stigma surrounding men's mental health, the importance of emotional expression and the journey of seeking support.

Mikey shares his personal experiences with mental health, the motivation behind his podcast and the significance of values based living in overcoming societal pressures.

The discussion highlights the need for men to have open conversations about mental health and the importance of creating safe spaces for them to express their emotions.

The conversation emphasizes the need to break stigmas surrounding men's mental health and encourage open discussions about emotional struggles. Mikey also highlights the significance of community and support in the healing journey urging men to seek help and embrace vulnerability.

In this episode you’ll learn:

● How Mikey’s personal experiences shaped his podcast for mental health

● Finding the right therapist and doing self-work are both important

● Having a strong support system makes a big difference

● Seeking help early can prevent reaching rock bottom

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

● Find Mikey Kamuda HERE and listen to Mikey on Mute Podcast!

● Listen to last week's episode HERE!

● Check out our faith based women of color shop here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more

● Leave a review here if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!

● Connect with us on Instagram! (@rough.edges.podcast)

● Connect with us on YouTube! (@roughedgeswithsarah)

● Connect with us on Facebook! (@rough.edges.podcast)

● Follow us on TikTok! (@roughedgeswithsarah)

● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com

Happy Tuesday and welcome back to the Rough Edges podcast! In this episode, a certified high school counselor returns to discuss his mental health journey and the challenges men face in seeking support.

Andrew Ramirez shares his personal experience with bipolar one disorder, PTSD, OCD, and offers insights into the importance of routine and the barriers men face when addressing mental health issues. He emphasizes the value of conversation, vulnerability, and finding the right people to confide in.

Throughout the episode, Andrew underlines the necessity for men to speak out about their mental health and dispels the notion that seeking help is a sign of weakness.

Don’t miss this episode if you are ready to break the stigma and open honest discussions about men's mental health.

In this episode, we cover:

● Andrew’s personal mental health journey

● The stigma surrounding men’s mental health and vulnerability

● Practical ways to encourage men to seek help

● How routines and the right support system can improve mental well-being

To connect with Andrew and find out more about his resources you can find him via Instagram.

Visit our ⁠⁠⁠shop⁠⁠⁠ and get yourself a variety of products from tote bags, T shirts, journals, crewnecks and many more. 20% of the proceeds go to a mental health organization.

Resources & links mentioned in the episode:

-Listen to last week's episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-Loving the show? It would be good if you left a review ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-Connect with us on Instagram! (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-Connect with us on YouTube! (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

-Connect with us on Facebook! (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

-Follow us on TikTok! (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com.