Shows
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 43: Painting History at Home: Emma Paints with Keisha FinnieSend a textIn this Black History Month episode of Living in 3D Power, Emma sits down with Lancaster Pennsylvania-based artist Keisha Finnie (@keishafinnie) or an intergenerational conversation about creativity, Black history, community, and what it means to make art that lives beyond us.As they paint together inside Keisha’s home, Emma takes part in creating a mural that will be installed at the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy, opening in May. The episode blends rapid-fire questions, reflective dialogue, and real-time art-making to explore how Bl...
2026-02-1141 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 42: "You're Already Black History": Emma in Conversation with King ProlifikSend us a textIn this Black History Month Black creatives kickoff episode of Living in 3D Power, Emma sits down with visual artist King Prolifik for a conversation that blends live painting, storytelling, and deep reflection on Black art, community, and creative freedom.Surrounded by canvases, paint, magazine covers, and artwork from his Because… I’m BLVCK exhibition, this episode unfolds as both dialogue and performance. As brushes move across canvas, King reflects on his journey as a Black artist, the role of history in his work, and why creativity remains essential at every age.
2026-02-0453 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 41: Love Thy Neighbor: A Child’s Guide to Democracy, Joy, and BelongingSend us a textIn this episode of Living in 3D Power, Emma and I slow down to explore a big question sparked by Emma’s honesty: What does democracy really mean, and what do we owe our neighbors?This conversation was inspired by last week’s conversation on Remaining Awake through a Great Revolution and a powerful clip shared by Yaba Blay, featuring Jelani Cobb in conversation on Stacey Abrams podcast, Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams. In the clip, Cobb reminds us that throughout history, people with very different beliefs still united aroun...
2026-01-2846 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 40: The Practice of Remaining AwakeSend us a textIn this special MLK Day episode, Emma and I reflect on the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the meaning of remaining awake during times of social upheaval, and what it means to bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice in everyday life.Inspired by Dr. King’s 1968 sermon Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution, the conversation weaves together history, current political realities, the concept of the Beloved Community, and the courage of young people to tell the truth without fear. Along the way, Emma offers her ow...
2026-01-2152 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 39: One Year of Living in 3D PowerSend us a textThis episode marks one year of Living in 3D Power. A conversation that began as a simple mother-daughter experiment has grown into a space for reflection, truth-telling, and collective learning.In this anniversary episode, Amber and Emma look back on the moments, questions, and conversations that shaped the past year — from humor and honesty, to Black history, leadership, creativity, and the power of truly listening to children.Rather than a highlight reel, this episode is an archive of what mattered.Chapters...
2026-01-1441 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 38: Visioning with Joy: Our Vision Board ExperienceSend us a textVision Boards, Joy, and Gentle Intentions for the New YearIn this first episode of the new year, Emma and I slow things down and do something a little different. Instead of resolutions or pressure-filled goals, we explore joy-centered vision boards—using curiosity, imagination, and reflection to envision how we want the year to feel, not just what we want to do.Together, we talk honestly about grief, grace, manifestation, creativity, care, and becoming—while building digital vision boards in Canva using questions that invite soft...
2026-01-0748 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 37: When Joy Arrives UnexpectedlySend us a textThis short, reflective episode of Living in 3D Power was inspired by a question posed by a trusted friend, Hattie B. McCarter: “As we get ready for the end of the year, with a grateful heart, what are three blessings you are grateful for this year? One of them being one you never saw coming.”As Emma and I sit with this question during the holiday season, we explore gratitude through the lens of grief, joy, faith, and unexpected connection. In a year shaped by loss, big trans...
2025-12-2424 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 36: Tears of Joy: An 11th Birthday SurpriseSend us a textThis episode of Living in 3D Power is unlike any other.Recorded for Emma’s 11th birthday, this special episode centers community, love, and the power of being seen. What begins as a birthday surprise unfolds into a profound reflection on joy as a superpower, the courage of youth voice, and what it means to be held by a village across generations, geography, and lived experience.Friends, family, community members, educators, authors, faith leaders, and loved ones sent messages affirming Emma’s light, wisdom, and impact. Together, Amber and Emma...
2025-12-171h 03
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 35: Choosing Joy in the Midst of Grief: The Hope Tree EpisodeSend us a textIn this week’s episode of Living in 3D Power, Emma and I once again turn to Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts’ Black Joy Playbook to explore Day 17: “Grief Is Not the Whole Story.” As the holidays approach and grief sits close to the surface, we discuss the tension—and the truth—of holding joy and sorrow at the same time.Together, we walk through the “Hope Tree” exercise, reflecting on our personal hopes, faith, the legacy of ancestors, school dynamics, family relationships, and the courage to choose joy as a daily practice.
2025-12-1035 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 34: Finding Joy in Liberation: A Rebel Writes ConversationSend us a textFilmed the day before my brother Avery transitioned. Released now as I recover my voice from illness. Still timely. Still necessary.In this week’s episode, Emma and I curl up in our pajamas with our “special guests” Kibou and Hiro to explore liberation through the lens of Week One of Dr. Dani Martin’s Rebel Writes journal, a 90-day invitation into liberation, critical consciousness, and joyful resistance.From pajamas and therapy dogs to hard truths about inequity, mutual aid, and the then-current government shutdown, this episode reveals what liberati...
2025-12-0354 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 33: Joy in Motion: What a 5K Run Taught Us About Grief, Healing, and LeadershipSend us a textIn this week’s episode of Living in 3D Power, Emma and I sit down to talk about her Girls on the Run (GOTR) season and our first 5K together—one of the coldest mornings of the year, and somehow one of the most joyful. Through laughter, mental toughness, and a finish-line sprint where Emma absolutely dusted me, we found a kind of healing our bodies had been craving.Four weeks into grieving the loss of my brother, Avery, this run became something more than a race. It became a reminder that...
2025-11-2624 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 32: Children’s Grief Awareness Day: Holding On to Hope and Honoring Uncle AverySend us a textIn this deeply personal episode of Living in 3D Power, Emma and I process grief in real time following the passing of my brother — and Emma’s Uncle Avery — just three weeks earlier. Together, we honor Children’s Grief Awareness Day by opening a tender and courageous conversation about loss, memory, and the ways both children and adults can navigate grief in healthy, connected, and communal ways.I share about the Highmark Caring Place and how it supports grieving children and families, while Emma offers her own reflections on what it’s like to...
2025-11-1946 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 31: The Joy of Honoring Your NameSend us a textIn this episode of Living in 3D Power, I sit down with my daughter Emma to discuss the profound significance of names. We reflect on Emma’s name story and the legacy it carries, exploring the power of legacy, identity, and the healing nature of stories. I highlight the impact of my Substack newsletter, which delves into these themes and invites our audience to engage deeply. Our conversation features reflections on family history, the origins of our names, and fun anecdotes related to names and nicknames. Emma also guides a breath prayer focused on...
2025-10-2241 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 30: The Joy of Legacy: Big Emma Turns 80Send us a textIn our family, storytelling is sacred. It’s become a generational tradition — each of us sitting with the matriarchs who shaped our lives. I once interviewed my great-grandmother, Mom Mom. Years later, JoJo did the same with our Mom Mom. And now, the tradition continues.This time, 10-year-old Emma leads her very first solo interview with her great-grandmother, “Big Emma,” her namesake, on the eve of her 80th birthday. What unfolds is pure joy: humor, tenderness, family wisdom, and a celebration of love that transcends time.We shared a...
2025-10-1520 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 29: The Joy of RemembranceSend us a textThis week marks what would’ve been my Great-Great Aunt Jerry’s 98th birthday, and it felt like the perfect time for Emma and me to reflect on what it means to honor those who came before us—and to celebrate those who are still here.Inspired by the rededication of the Dr. Rita Smith-Wade-El Center for Intercultural Student Engagement at my alma mater, Millersville University, this conversation explores remembrance as an embodied joy practice—a way of holding gratitude, legacy, and enduring love all at once.As we prepare...
2025-10-0844 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 28: "Joy is Everything": Making Our Joy ListSend us a textThis season we’re asking: What would it look like if joy was our strategy, not our reward? In this episode, Emma and I explore that question through Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts’ Black Joy Playbook, beginning with her invitation to make a joy list.A joy list is simple: write down ten things that once made you laugh, smile, or feel free during your youth, and then choose two to bring back into your life now. Emma and I share our lists, reflect on what those activities meant to us, and talk abou...
2025-10-0147 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 27: Joy as Strategy: A New Tale to TellSend us a textSeason 2 of Living in 3D Power is here! In this opening episode, Emma and I dive into joy—not as something we wait for, but as something we practice. Through laughter, reflection, and a playful Mad Lib activity from Sonya Renee Taylor’s Your Body Is Not an Apology workbook, we explore what it means to rewrite our stories and embody joy as resistance.I share what I discovered while pulling out old journals and sitting with my unfinished pages, and we talk about why so many of us confuse joy with...
2025-09-2451 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 26: Season 1 Finale: Emma’s Wisdom, Family Laughs, and Future VisionsSend us a textThank you to everyone who tuned into our live!In this powerful LIVE Season 1 Finale of Living in 3D Power, Amber and Emma gather in real time to celebrate the journey so far—through outfit roasts, creative dreams, Aretha singalongs, and the joy of building something together.But this finale drops on a heavy day.With the passing of HR 1, the social safety net is being shredded. The expansion of ICE is being funded. Resources are being stripped from working-class families and handed to...
2025-07-0459 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastBONUS EPISODE: We’re Going Live… and Emma Brought the VibesSend us a textIn this special announcement, Emma takes the mic with candlelight creativity, a splash of 90s R&B, and big news: 🎉 We’re celebrating our 25th episode with our first interactive livestream!Tomorrow, we’re going LIVE on YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok to close out Season 1 of Living in 3D Power — and we want you with us.This short teaser includes:A shoutout to all of YOU for your supportA preview of what’s to come during the live episodeA Toni Morriso...
2025-07-0204 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 24: The Power of CreativitySend us a textThis week’s episode is a radiant reflection on creativity, belonging, and legacy. Emma and I share what it meant to witness and hold space for the incredible King Prolifik during his BECAUSE… I’M BLVCK art exhibit. Together, we explore what it means to be seen, to create without permission, and to live as if our very existence is abundant.Featuring powerful quotes from King Prolifik:“You are abundance. Not because of what you produce, but because you exist.”“A lesser version of me doesn’t have a price tag.”Emma b...
2025-06-2553 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 23: The Power of Celebration: Juneteenth, Tea Parties, and Joy That HealsSend us a textThis week’s episode invites you into a tender and joy-filled conversation between Amber and Emma as they reflect on Maya’s Sweet 16, summer adventures, and the power of Juneteenth. From the elegance of a princess tea party to the deep resonance of freedom, this episode blends playfulness and purpose in only the way this intergenerational duo can.Chapters00:37 – Emma's Reflection on Juneteenth02:45 – Summer Bucket List Ideas07:42 – Maya's Sweet 16 Princess Tea Party13:59 – Emma's Role as the Butler21:28 – Reflecting on the Sweet Sixteen Tea Party24:0...
2025-06-1845 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 22: "Don't. Be. A. Robot."Send us a textIn this heartfelt, hilarious, and wisdom-filled episode, Emma returns to the mic after a short break to kick off summer vacation with side-eyes, real talk, and her signature honesty.Together, we explore joy in its simplest form, the power of being seen and celebrated, and what it looks like to grow in truth-telling, even when it’s messy. Emma drops the mic with a line that will stick with you all week: “Don’t. Be. A. Robot.”This conversation invites you to slow down, tune in, and honor wh...
2025-06-1149 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 19: The Power of Being SeenSend us a textHow Courage Grows When Someone Believes in You, Even Before You Believe in YourselfFresh off her first keynote, Emma shares what it felt like to be the youngest person in the room and how the voices of over 200 seventh-grade girls helped her push through her fear. From “butterflies in the heart” to bold truths about self-confidence, this episode explores the quiet power of being seen, celebrated, and called on, especially when you’re still shaking.Together, Amber and Emma talk about confidence, compliments, intergenerational healing, and why ba...
2025-05-2134 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 18: I Am the Dream: A Live Episode at the Ware CenterSend us a textIn this special LIVE keynote episode (filmed by We & Company), Dr. Amber Sessoms and her 10-year-old daughter Emma take the stage at the Millersville Ware Center in front of over 200 seventh-grade girls as part of the School District of Lancaster Teenage Empowerment Summit, founded by Mrs. Vondol Hammond. Together, they share stories, affirmations, and unfiltered wisdom on what it means to dream without limits, embrace identity, and rise with authenticity.This episode is filled with laughter, vulnerability, generational truth-telling, and deep joy. Emma receives her...
2025-05-1442 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 17: The Power of Your Shine: Kids, Confidence & the Courage to Speak UpSend us a textSparked by a listener’s question—“Where does your confidence come from?”—Emma responds from the heart, reminding us all: “You have a voice too. Let it shine.”From rapid-fire fun to deep reflections on emotional honesty, authenticity, school dress codes, and childhood dreams, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence.Amber and Emma explore:* What it means to feel seen, heard, and held.* How adults can affirm and protect a child’s light.* Why we must stop per...
2025-05-0750 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 16: The Power of Emotional HonestySend us a textEmma and I reflect on the sacredness of speaking the truth, the challenges that come with it, and why building real trust requires more than just words because it demands action. Whether you're parenting, leading, or healing old wounds, this conversation is a reminder that safety, trust, and dignity must be lived, not just promised.Chapters:02:15 – Emma's Impactful Emotional Moment04:17 – Challenges of Telling the Truth06:39 – Navigating Bullying and Emotional Safety09:11 – Building Trust and Right Relationships13:38 – The Courage to Speak the Truth15:42 – The Fear of Reje...
2025-04-3034 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 15: The Youngest Always Gets Left Out A Tender Conversation on Sibling Love, Feeling Left Out, and Reclaiming Your VoiceSend us a textIn this powerful and emotionally honest episode of Living in 3D Power, Emma opens up about the heartbreak of feeling left out as the youngest sister. Through giggles, tears, and deep reflection, we explore what it means to grow up in the shadow of older siblings, what love looks like across an age gap, and how to name our feelings without shame.Chapters:03:43 – The Youngest Child's Struggles06:33 – Understanding & Managing Emotions13:08 – Generational Differences23:35 – Reflecting on Child...
2025-04-2348 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 14: Centering Liberation at 44Send us a textIn this deeply personal birthday episode, I reflect on what it means to be seen, celebrated, and centered. Through stream-of-consciousness journaling, the wisdom of The Artist’s Way, and intergenerational dialogue with my daughter Emma, I reclaim joy and self-worth as sacred birthrights—not rewards we earn. If you've ever struggled with centering yourself, especially around your birthday or life milestones, this episode offers a gentle, liberating invitation to rewrite the stories that no longer serve you.Chapters:* 00:36 – Reflecting on Birthdays and Personal Growth* 01:56 – Discovering The Artist’s Way and...
2025-04-1644 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 13: Emma Answers Your QuestionsSend us a textIn this radiant, heart-centered episode of Living in 3D Power, we flip the mic and hand it to the youngest voice in the room—Emma. After an open call for questions from our community, Emma steps into the spotlight to share her thoughts on confidence, friendship, fear, fun, and what it means to be seen and supported.We also go behind the scenes: I share a vulnerable moment while editing this episode, and how Emma’s encouragement, saying, “I believe in you, Mommy! You can do it.” became the reminder I needed...
2025-04-0943 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 12: The Power of ChildhoodSend us a textIn this week’s episode of Living in 3D Power, Emma and I unpack the meaning behind that loaded phrase. What starts with a funny moment, Emma pointing at me and declaring that I control her, quickly turns into a soulful exploration of freedom, boundaries, and how adult systems often mirror outdated, hierarchical dynamics rooted in control.Together, we explore:* What it really means to “stay in a child’s place”* Why many leadership styles mimic the worst of parent-child dynamics* How joy, curiosity, and truth-te...
2025-04-0253 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 11: The Power of Freedom DreamingSend us a textIn this deeply reflective episode of Living in 3D Power, Emma and I explore what it means to reclaim imagination as adults through the sacred practice of freedom dreaming.Drawing from Dr. Shawn Ginwright’s The Four Pivots: Reimagining Justice, Reimagining Ourselves, the episode invites listeners to move from problem-loving to possibility-creating and remember that dreaming is not a distraction—it’s how we heal, reimagine, and rebuild. Through Emma’s storytelling, digital art, and wide-eyed creativity, we are reminded of the visionary wisdom children still hold—and how adults can return to...
2025-03-2641 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 10: The Power of PlaySend us a textRepresentation is more than just visibility—it shapes belonging, confidence, and how we see ourselves in the world. In this episode of Living in 3D Power, Emma and I reflect on Black Barbie: A Documentary, our visit to the Portraits of Identity: HAPPI Stories through the Lens exhibit, and the ways toys, books, and media tell us who matters. We explore the deep connections between economic power, healing, and the next generation’s right to see themselves fully reflected in the world around them.Key Themes We Explore:* The hist...
2025-03-1959 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 9: The Power of Truth-TellingSend us a textIn this episode of Living in 3D Power, Emma and I dive deep into when rules are meant to be followed—and when they need to be broken. We unpack what it really means to act when something is unfair, even when there are risks.We explore:* When breaking the rules is an act of justice* The difference between fear and bravery—and why action matters* How Rep. Al Green’s protest reminds us of the cost of speaking up* What it means to sta...
2025-03-1240 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 8: The Power of Leading with ListeningSend us a textIn this episode of Living in 3D Power, Amber sits down with her daughter, Emma, for a powerful discussion on authentic leadership, the role of listening, and the significance of representation. Through the lens of Women’s History Month, they reflect on the impact of Black women in leadership, the importance of community and sisterhood at professional conferences, and the barriers Black women face in leadership roles.Emma, a 10-year-old with a wisdom beyond her years, shares her perspective on knowing oneself, navigating friendships, addressing bullying in schools, and leading with em...
2025-03-0555 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 7: The Power of BraverySend us a textIn the final episode of Living in 3D Power's Black History Month celebration, Emma and I explore bravery—what it means, why it matters, and how we can embody it in a world that often challenges our courage.Together, Emma and I reflect on:* What it truly means to be brave—beyond physical acts, bravery is about standing firm in your truth, even when it’s hard.* The power of community, authenticity, and intergenerational knowledge sharing—and why culturally responsive education is essential in confronting the uncomfortable truths a...
2025-02-2658 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 6: The Power of FairnessSend us a textCONTENT WARNING: This episode mentions suicide in the context of racial injustice. Please listen with care. If you or someone you know needs support, call 988 (U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).In this episode of Living in 3D Power, Emma and I explore fairness—what it means, why it matters, and how we can fight for it in a world that often tries to deny it.Together, Emma and I reflect on:* The difference between equality and equity—and...
2025-02-211h 00
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 5: The Power of TranscendenceSend us a textIn this episode of Living in 3D Power, Emma and I honor Black History Month by exploring the transformative strength of humor and transcendence in music. We reflect on how Black women and girls have historically used music as a form of resistance, healing, and leadership.This episode is part of a special series that highlights one Black girl, one ancestor, and one present-day Black woman who exemplifies Emma’s strengths. These conversations connect the past, present, and future, showing how these figures use music to uplift, empower, and bring joy to...
2025-02-1257 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 4: The Power of Kindness & LoveSend us a textIn this episode of Living in 3D Power, Emma and I honor Black History Month by exploring the transformative strengths of kindness and love. We reflect on how Black women and girls have historically embodied these traits as a form of resistance, healing, and leadership.This episode is part of a special series that highlights one Black girl, one ancestor, and one present-day Black woman who exemplifies Emma’s strengths. Each conversation connects the past, present, and future, showing how these figures use their gifts to impact their communities.We...
2025-02-0548 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 3: The Power of StrengthSend us a textThe Power of Strength: How Our Strengths Shape Us, Even When the World Tries to Erase UsIn this episode of Living in 3D Power, host Dr. Amber Sessoms discusses the importance of identifying and embracing our strengths, especially for historically marginalized groups. Through personal narratives and the VIA Character Strengths assessment, she and her daughter Emma explore the power of knowing oneself. This episode features a deep dive into the significance of understanding one's values, strengths, and needs to foster personal and collective transformation. With practical tools and resources, Amber...
2025-01-291h 05
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 2: The Power of LightSend us a textJoin us for an insightful conversation in Episode 2 of Living in 3D Power as Amber and her daughter, Emma, explore themes of leadership, resilience, adversity, and nurturing the light within ourselves.Chapters[08:37] Emma and Amber recount personal experiences of confronting bias, advocating for justice, and amplifying their voices in challenging moments.[15:47] Emma critiques examples of poor leadership, emphasizing kindness and integrity as key traits of good leaders. Amber reflects on the narratives and experiences that have shaped her understanding of being a good person and a compassionate...
2025-01-2251 min
Living in 3D Power PodcastEpisode 1: The Power of PauseSend us a textContent Notice: This podcast discusses sensitive topics. If you or someone you know is struggling with pregnancy or infant loss, please visit nationalshare.org to find support in your area. For international support, visit postpartum.net.In this debut episode of Living in 3D Power, Dr. Amber Sessoms explores the Power of the Pause. Discover how slowing down to connect with wonder, curiosity, and the wisdom of our youth can ground us and inspire alignment with our values, strengths, and needs. Joined by her 10-year-old daughter, Emma, Amber reflects on the...
2025-01-1544 min