Hear the stories of people who proudly dance to the beat of their own drum, no matter who can’t or won’t get with it.

Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you stream.  Become a Patron to support our content and get the unedited interviews with each of our storytellers, exclusively on Patreon.

FOLLOW US on IG @vanguardpods.

We want to thank our storytellers for this episode:

Diamond Stylz (@DiamondStylz): “My name is Diamond Stylz. I'm the executive director of Black Trans Women Inc, a nonprofit dedicated to the social-economic advancement of black trans women. I'm also the host and creator of Marsha's Plate Podcast, a podcast that archives current events and trans leadership from a black trans feminist lens.”

Rhayne Coleman (@CarefreeBlackNerd): “I'm the creator and host of the Carefree Black Nerd podcast. Through podcasting, I am having the conversation about representation in comics and related media on a weekly basis. And through my writing, I create black-centric stories about everyday life as well as fantastical worlds where we can slay dragons and be counted in the sci-fi stories that we are all too often left out of.”

Assante Smith (@heyassante): Assante Smith is a freelance entertainment curator and cohost of The Friend Zone Podcast.

Hear the stories of people looking for and finding love in a digital world. 

Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you stream.  Become a Patron to support our content and get the unedited interviews with each of our storytellers, exclusively on Patreon.

FOLLOW US on IG @vanguardpods.

We want to thank our storytellers for this episode:

“Quinn” Depay. “Hey, I'm a Black, professional, woman.  I want to find love but not at the cost to my health and safety.”

Reshan & Q. Ivory (@queen_ivore).  “My name is Reshan Ivory and my handsome husband is Quinnon “Q” Ivory. 13 years ago we met on a dating site called Yahoo Personals and we’ve been surfing life together ever since. We have 3 amazing children ages 22, 18, and 8 and we’ve been happily married for 11 years.” Learn more about their business, Touch of Ivory Designs, in their Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/306915744748937).

Latrice Sampson Richards (@latricesampsonrichards). “I am a creative that just happens to be a therapist.  Also, I’m everyone’s favorite Leo.” Learn more about Latrice at www.latricesampsonrichards.com.  

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Hear the stories of doulas who bring the unborn into the living, and share their unique perspectives on the role of Black birth workers in improving birth and postpartum experiences.

Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you stream.  Become a Patron to support our content and get the unedited interviews with each of our storytellers, exclusively on Patreon.

FOLLOW US on IG @vanguardpods.

We want to thank our storytellers for this episode:

Trynette Lariba (@curvy_fit_chicks) is a nurse Postpartum Doula who provides her nursing expertise, holistic teachings, breastfeeding counseling, and tools to intentional moms eager to create a solid foundation for themselves, their child, and their family. Learn more about Trynette at https://www.curvyfitchicks.com/

Nicole Deggins CNM, MSN, MPH (@sistamidwife), is a certified nurse-midwife, birth advocate, community educator, and founder of Sista Midwife productions with over 25 years of maternal child health experience. Learn more about Nicole at www.sistamidwife.com.

Kelly Carrington is a Registered Massage Therapist and Birth Doula.  He is the owner of Evolution Massage Therapy in Nova Scotia, Canada. Learn more about Kelly at https://www.evolutionmassage.ca/

Black Maternal Health Week 2022 Proclamation

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Hear the stories of podcasters and audio professionals at the forefront of shaping the Black podcasting experience. 

Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you stream.  Become a Patron to support our content and get the unedited interviews with each of our storytellers, exclusively on Patreon.

FOLLOW US on IG @vanguardpods.

We want to thank our storytellers for this episode:

Kerline Robinson (@suddenlysingle_4real). “I’m the host of the Suddenly Single podcast. My intention is to create a safe space where women can share their experiences and receive the support they’re looking for.” Listen to Suddenly Single Podcast on Spotify.

Lisa Woolfork (@blackwomenstitch). “I'm the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast centering Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing.” Learn more about Lisa at https://blackwomenstitch.org/’.

Wanda Reynolds (@trustorymedia).  "I’m Wanda Reynolds, and I'm the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Producer at ABF Creative. My work curating children’s content for ABF Creative is the product of my experience as an educator as well as my dedication to uplifting people of color with Webbie Award-winning, creative content tailored specifically for them. Alongside my executive work, I’m passionate about mentoring and working alongside other women of color within the podcasting industry, which I execute through partnerships, Spotify mentorships, and Master Classes."  Learn more about ABF Creative at www.abfc.co. 

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This pilot episode was originally released in July 2021.  

July is BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month. So when our family at the Run Movement Non-Profit Organization reached out to collaborate on an awareness campaign, we jumped at the chance to make it happen.  In this special episode of Stories All Around Us, you’ll hear multiple perspectives on the pursuit of mental health, from Black people who engage in this journey every single day.

Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you stream.  Become a Patron to support our content and get the unedited interviews with each of our storytellers, exclusively on Patreon.

FOLLOW US on IG @vanguardpods.

Special thanks to RUN Movement for asking us to participate in their BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month campaign.  You can learn more about RUN Movement and get involved by following them on Instagram @runmovement77.

We also want to thank our storytellers for today’s episode: 

Tiffany Lawrence (@simplitiffany).  “I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida. I am one of the owners of Unified Community Partners, LLC which provides mental health and supportive services and consultation to the community!”

Adejare McMillan (@thetjtherapist).  “I’m a silent anthology; a slurry of whiskey, curry, and gun powder. I’m my grandmother’s second son, first in line in my time; a deferred dream finding its way into recognition. I am everything you never thought could exist harmoniously; chaos controlled... barely.”

Blake Johnson (@diaryofambm).  “I am the host of Diary of a Mad Black Man, which chronicles my life and mental health journey that’s been challenged by anxiety depression, and suicidal ideation. I am a creative and humanitarian, who happens to be black, queer and a man in America; who wants to make this world a better place, one story at a time.”

Kim Hicks (@runmovement77).  “I am an entrepreneur, non-profit director, artist, and writer. I have suffered from mental illness since I was a child. The struggle of mental illness has been one of the single most defining parts of me and my everyday journey. Still, it is also one of the single most identifying attributes as well as difficult roads to navigate that make me unique and special. My faith and therapy have been a guiding light.”

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TRIGGER WARNING: This program contains stories that explicitly describe self-harm, suicidal ideation, and attempt; which may be triggering to some listeners.  Anyone in the United States experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress should call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

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Any information provided in this episode is for entertainment purposes only and does not replace a personal relationship with a qualified mental health professional.

To find a Black therapist in your area visit:

Therapy For Black Girls

Therapy For Black Men

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Season One Trailer