Shows
Along the Gravel Road PodcastMike Weary on Art for Healing and Social ChangeJoin us for a transformative episode of the Along the Gravel Road Podcast as we welcome Mike Weary, a self-taught artist from New Orleans, who now serves as the artist-in-residence and artist liaison for the Arts Council of Baton Rouge. Mike's journey from sketching at his mom's Home Depot job to becoming a community activist through art is nothing short of inspiring. Hear about his unique upside-down painting technique and his unwavering commitment to using art for therapy, financial stability, and social change.In a deeply moving conversation, Mike opens up about the personal and collective trauma...2024-07-111h 21Along the Gravel Road PodcastEmbracing Holistic Wellness & Challenging Diet Culture with Amy CimoEver wondered why diet culture fails to deliver long-term health benefits? Amy Cimo sheds light on her personal battle with weight, depression, and anxiety, and how it led her to focus on internal healing rather than superficial markers of health. Gain invaluable insights as we dismantle common misconceptions about weight and explore the damage caused by chronic dieting, leaning into a more compassionate and respectful approach to self-care.Imagine preparing for a storm—this is the analogy we use to discuss the physical and emotional toll of significant life events. We chat about the necessity of...2024-06-2649 minAlong the Gravel Road PodcastPoetry, Mindfulness, and Mental Health with AlfEver wondered how a passion for poetry can spark in the most unexpected places? That's exactly what happened to Alf, a communication and new media student at Universidad del Claustro de Sor Juana. In this episode, Alf takes us on a journey through his world, sharing how influential thinkers like Judith Butler and Carlos Scolari have shaped his views on art, psychology, and human rights. Alf's story is all about staying true to yourself and using poetry as a powerful way to express your authentic self in a world full of masks.Poetry isn’t just about fl...2024-05-3032 min
Along the Gravel Road PodcastReflecting on Art, Resilience, and Mental Health with Antoine LaceyLouisiana-native Antione Lacey joins us to share his truth and journey of growth and discovery. Antione is an artist, educator, and entrepreneur, who finds joy and solace in immersing himself in art to create something new. His honesty gives us a glimpse into the strength of the human spirit and the comfort we find in creativity.Burnout is a real struggle, especially for those of us who pour our hearts into our work. We talk about finding balance between work and play, emphasizing how important it is to recharge—whether that's through gaming or indulging in childhood pass...2024-04-2549 min
Along the Gravel Road PodcastBalancing Nutrition, Movement, and Mindset with Amy CimoJoin Amy Cimo, certified health coach and nutrition therapy specialist, as she shares her personal evolution into nutrition coaching and therapy. Together, we peel back the layers of diet culture and weight stigma, revealing the core principles of a holistic lifestyle that champions a joyful and well-nurtured existence. Amy's story is a testament to the profound impact that a balanced approach to nutrition, mindful movement, and a positive mindset can have on our lives.Amy's work centers on connecting the mental with the physical. We have to first find a place of self-love, inner peace and comfort...2024-04-1546 min
Along the Gravel Road PodcastCeisha James-Hayes on Healing Generational TraumaWhen Ceisha James-Hayes speaks about her New Orleans roots, you can almost hear the jazz and feel the pulse of the city—but beneath that rhythm lies a deeper, more complex beat of familial challenges and generational trauma. Our conversation with Ceisha s unwraps the vibrant façade to reveal the impact of violence, substance abuse, and normalized trauma on the community and family unit. Through her candid storytelling, we're taken on a journey of self-discovery and healing, touching on the profound realization that true prosperity comes from mental, not financial, stability.This episode examines the intricate dan...2024-03-2051 min
Along the Gravel Road PodcastSophia Ellisor on Coping with Family & Childhood TraumaHave you ever stood at the crossroads of your own mental health journey, wondering how your past shapes your present? Sophia Ellisor joins us to share her deeply moving story of childhood, enveloped by the challenges of her mother's borderline personality disorder and the heartache of divorce. We uncover the raw and often silent struggles that children like Sophia face, and how these formative experiences make a lasting impact on their lives.Navigating the intricate web of anxiety in the aftermath of childhood trauma is never easy. Our conversation takes you through the labyrinth of managing anxiety...2024-03-0539 min
Along the Gravel Road PodcastNavigating Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety with Luisa CantilloJoin new mom Luisa, as we candidly discuss the unseen battles of motherhood, from mental health and the pressure of cultural expectations to the lifeline found in support systems and reaching out for help, and how these experiences shape the profound journey of raising a child.Navigating maternal mental health isn't just about personal struggles; it's about the collective silence that shrouds the topic. Luisa's vulnerability in recounting her early days with baby Elena and the transition back to work peels back the curtain on the mental load that new parents carry. Our conversation honors the dualities...2024-01-0351 min
Along the Gravel Road PodcastCreativity for Self-Discovery with Khoi NguyenKhoi Nguyen (he/him) is a serial hobbyist and a creator led by purpose and his desire to inspire. With his foot on the gas, he continues to break past the shackles of his self-limiting beliefs to usher in a new age of creative pursuits. It is through this effort he has found purpose in using his gifts as a creative to inspire, heal, and change the world and lives around him. GROW. I DARE YOU. is one of his latest efforts led by his internal mission to inspire others along their journey of self-discovery and transformation t...2023-12-0645 min
Along the Gravel Road PodcastTaxes, Motherhood, and Postpartum with Neva ButkusYou may not think that taxes, motherhood, and postpartum issues intersect, but you'd be wrong! Neva Butkus is a tax policy analyst with the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy where she studies and advocates on progressive tax issues that lift up workers and families. She is also a new mom being confronted with how societal expectations and public policy choices make the lives of parents (and especially mothers) more isolating and difficult than necessary. In this episode, we explore maternal mental health, gender disparities postpartum in cishet relationships, and the structural/societal choices in America that c...2023-11-151h 07