Shows
Yaya Diamonds Dream Chasers RadioThe Healing Power of Storytelling: Dr. Marquita Garrett Path to Podcasting Success2025-04-2626 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions027 Life Drafting: Resilence and Transformation - Turning Adversity into GrowthIn this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Candice as she shares her powerful journey battling Stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma. With a background in education and behavioral health, Candice now uses her Life Drafting approach to help others navigate life's challenges. Listen in as she recounts her intense battle with cancer—from major surgeries and slow recovery to finding strength and purpose through every setback. Her story is one of courage, resilience, and the belief that each chapter in life builds toward a better tomorrow. Key Takeaways: ✔️ How embracing a “Life Drafting” approach can transform adversity...2025-04-0848 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions026 "Mindset Matters: How Your Thoughts Shape Your Success"In this insightful episode, we sit down with Anna Sothen, a dynamic media entrepreneur and networking powerhouse, to explore the profound impact of mindset on different areas of life. From business success to personal growth, Anna shares how shifting your perspective can open doors, create new opportunities, and transform challenges into stepping stones. As a publisher, radio host, and community advocate, Anna has seen firsthand how mindset can make or break an entrepreneur’s journey. She dives into the power of intentional thinking, the role of resilience, and practical ways to cultivate a success-oriented mindset. Whether you're a b...2025-03-2555 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions025 Reclaiming Yourself; Wellness, Grief, and the Journey to HealingGrief has the power to reshape us, but it doesn’t have to define us. In this episode, we sit down with Lydia Nitya Griffith, a certified Integral Yoga Teacher, Master Chinese Astrologer, Feng Shui Consultant, Retreat Spirit Guide, and Grief Ceremonialist. With over two decades of experience, Nitya has guided countless women, teens, and children on a path of self-reclamation and healing. ✨ In this episode, we explore: 🔹 How grief transforms us & how to navigate it with self-compassion 🔹 The connection between yoga, energy work, and emotional healing 🔹 The power of sacred retreats for reclaiming inner peace2025-02-0459 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions024 New Year New NameWelcome to the Metamorphosis Unleashed season finale! In this special episode, Doc G. reflects on the incredible journeys shared throughout the first season and announces an exciting new chapter for the show. In This Episode: Reflections on the Season: A look back at the powerful stories of transformation and resilience shared by our remarkable guests. Recurring Themes: Discussing the common threads of grace, courage, and empowerment that have emerged in each episode. A New Chapter: We’re evolving! Learn about the reason behind changing our show’s name, which reflects the continuous theme of transformation, akin to t...2025-01-2115 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions023: Empowered Through Wellness: A Journey Across Cultures and ChallengesGrowing up as the biracial child of globe-trotting diplomats, Anya Hildreth experienced a life filled with cultural richness and privilege. Yet, upon returning to the U.S., she faced the harsh reality of discrimination, a stark contrast that ignited her journey toward self-healing and empowerment. In this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, Anya shares her powerful story of resilience, encompassing the trials of being a single mother and dealing with workplace bias. Her transformative path highlights the crucial role of aligning emotions and spirituality to survive and thrive in adversity. Listeners will find wisdom in our...2024-12-1736 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions022: Courage and Culture: The Black Military Spouse ExperienceOn this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, Doc G sits down with Dr. Jasmine Willis, a licensed professional counselor and military spouse, who brings her personal insights and professional expertise to their conversation. We explore the resilience and strength required to maintain cultural roots while fulfilling the demands of military life. Dr. Willis shares groundbreaking insights from her dissertation on attachment styles and perceived stress among African-American military spouses, underscoring the need for deeper research and dialogue within this unique community. Living on a military base comes with its own set of conveniences and challenges, and...2024-12-0347 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions021: Through the Storm: An Author’s Path to HealingImagine the courage it takes to break free from a 23-year cycle of domestic violence and infidelity and start anew. That's exactly what Dr. Cynthia Moss did, and her story is inspiring. In this episode, Dr. Moss shares her poignant journey from the illusion of a fairytale marriage to the harsh reality of abuse fueled by her husband's alcoholism. Despite the challenges of military life and societal expectations, she found the strength to voice her struggles and seek healing through faith and support. Join us as Dr. Moss opens up about a turning point — when he...2024-10-2935 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions020: Growth Through AdversityGrowing up in Ghana and transitioning back to the US at 13 was a whirlwind of cultural and social adjustments Dr. Adwoa Bonney-Graves never expected. Amidst the changing landscapes and family dynamics, literature and poetry became her anchor. This episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed unravels the power of words and the resilience needed to navigate life’s unexpected turns. Doc G is honored to have Dr. Adwoa Bonney-Graves, a distinguished counselor, educator, and author of "Surreptitious Voice," join us to discuss growth through adversity. Dr. Bonney-Graves opens up about her inspiring journey, her extensive experience in counseling and mentorship, an...2024-09-1852 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions019: Unshackled: A Story of Hope and HealingWhat would you do if your world fell apart and you were left to pick up the pieces alone? On this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, Doc G sits down with Tracy Girard, a woman whose life story is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and community. Tracy shares her harrowing journey through alcoholism, starting with sneaking drinks as a teenager to numbing emotional pain before the pandemic. Her candid recount of life spiraling out of control—through job loss, societal pressures, and the emotional toll of the real estate market crash—paints a vivid picture of h...2024-08-2738 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions018: Shock, Struggle and JoyWhat happens when the dream of expanding your family becomes an emotional and physical battlefield? In this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, Doc G tackles the heart-wrenching challenges of infertility after having a first child. Doc G’s guest, Dr. Sade Dunn, an assistant professor at Bowie State University and a licensed professional counselor, bravely shares her and her husband's turbulent journey through numerous fertility treatments. We unpack the initial disbelief and subsequent resilience required as they transitioned from clinic to clinic, facing emotional and medical hurdles that tested their resolve. Doc G and Dr. Dunn un...2024-08-1342 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions017: Two Millennial Moms Slaying LifeOn this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, join Doc G and guests Najah Dail and Lauren Magruder, two accomplished millennial moms and licensed professional counselors, for an enlightening conversation. Najah shares her unexpected path into single motherhood, highlighting the adjustments and boundary-setting needed to balance her demanding career. At the same time, Lauren discusses the transformational power of motherhood and the profound changes it brought to her life. They offer a candid look into their lives, emphasizing the rewards of motherhood amidst their professional responsibilities. We explore millennial moms' unique traits and experiences, particularly those born between 1981 and 1996...2024-07-2351 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions016: Multiple Sclerosis, an Autoimmune DiseaseWhen Judy Burns was hit with sudden paralysis as a teenager, her world turned upside down. From numerous ER visits and misdiagnoses to finally receiving a multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis at 18, her journey exemplifies resilience and courage. On this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, Judy's story is a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of MS, often referred to as the “snowflake disease” for its unique impact on each individual. As she sits down with Doc G, Judy recounts the highs and lows of managing her symptoms and the critical role of identifying triggers like extreme heat in her day...2024-07-0932 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions015: The Beginning is Not Always Indicative of the EndingWhen Ida “Micki” Hector's sister suffered severe burns due to their parents' neglect and alcoholism, Micki’s life took a dramatic turn as she was thrust into the foster care system. On this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, through Ida's storytelling, we explore the emotional turmoil and psychological battles she faced while adapting to her new reality. This episode looks at the unstable environment she grew up in, the heartbreak of unreliable parental visitations, and the scars left by these early experiences. We’ll examine the role of supportive figures who helped Ida navigate these tumultuous years. Shift...2024-06-2532 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions014: Behind Closed DoorsWhen Michelle Chaney joined Doc G at the mic, it wasn't just another interview but a step into the hidden battles many face in their most personal relationships. On this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, we shed light on intimate partner violence (IPV), a silent epidemic that slips through the cracks of societal awareness. Michelle's experience from her time at a domestic violence shelter, coupled with her personal connections to IPV, painted a somber picture of its prevalence. The conversation spans the scope of IPV, touching on its impact on youths and the need for early education while...2024-06-1135 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions013: The Intersection of Neurodivergence, Race, and Gender IdentityWitnessing your child's first steps toward becoming who they are can be as awe-inspiring as it is daunting. On today’s episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, Doc G navigates these waters with Kristen Cooper, who brings personal experience raising her non-binary child, Ash. Kristen's heartfelt stories—from embracing unexpected motherhood to tackling discrimination challenges—reveal the rich tapestry of intersectionality and empathy in understanding our children's unique identities. We discuss the complexities of raising children who don't fit neatly into society's checkboxes, highlighting the pivotal role of support and acceptance in their development. Like any journey, parent...2024-05-2832 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions012: Through a Different LensWe've all been there—faced with moments that demand us to either fold or forge ahead stronger than before. On this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, we unwrap the stories of individuals who chose the latter, showcasing the indomitable human spirit. Niko’s fearless confrontation with HIV, Dr. PaQuita Pullen’s rise from tough roots to triumphant success, and Kim's journey through grief that led to a celebration of love and legacy offer more than inspiration. They provide a map for embracing emotional intelligence during the most trying times. Their tales reveal how self-awareness and empathy can change advers...2024-05-1424 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions011: It CAN Be Done!As a single mother juggling the tightrope of academia, Dr. Ariel Harrison gets it. That's why Doc G brought her on to this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed to share her story and the wisdom she's gained from the frontlines of motherhood and higher education. She takes us through her daily life, offering hope and advice for single parents who dare to dream big. We discuss how critical a well-choreographed routine has been for her, from choosing an online doctoral program to balancing long commutes with precious family time. Time waits for no one, which is...2024-04-3032 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions010: Don’t Concede Defeat - Adapting to Your Spinal Cord InjuryWhen life threw a curveball that changed everything, Dr. Denise Anderson didn't just adapt. She converted adversity into advocacy. On this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, from battling through the arduous recovery after a spinal cord injury to using her experience to fuel her passion for counseling and education, Dr. Anderson's story highlights the human spirit's resilience. She has an eye-opening discussion with Doc G on the complexities of SCI, revealing how it alters more than just physical abilities but every facet of your existence. We discuss the overshadowed mental health challenges that individuals with SCI...2024-04-1630 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions009: Who is that box for?Growing up between two cultures can feel like walking a tightrope, constantly balancing the expectations of both. Dr. Kirsis A. Dipre knows this challenge all too well. On this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, join us as Dr. Dipre unravels her journey from the Dominican Republic to the U.S., sharing anecdotes on the complexities of Afro-Latinx identity and the societal boxes that often confine Latinas and women of color. We address the weight of navigating spaces where identity is questioned and emphasize honoring our diverse roots. Mental health is a labyrinth in its own right...2024-04-0227 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions008: Maternity, Postpartum and MentalityThe intimate dance of life and struggle during pregnancy took on new meaning for Daeryn James Riddick, whose battle with severe morning sickness amidst a global crisis morphed into an awakening of self-advocacy and birth community solidarity. On this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, former journalist and now doula Daeryn recounts her tumultuous story beginning with the conception of her first daughter during the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. She offers a raw look into her health's downward spiral, the mounting pressure to be heard by her healthcare providers, and the courage it took to trust her instincts...2024-03-1934 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions007: And then there was one that turned into… Part 2On this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, witness the strength of the human spirit in part two of Kim Wright’s incredible story. Kim recounts the profound responsibility of performing CPR in an emergency—a moment that transcended medical training and plunged her into a sea of raw emotion. It's a stark reminder that life can sweep us off our feet even in our most prepared moments. And when it does, the support from loved ones, like her daughters who joined her in those critical moments over the phone, is our true lifeline. Amidst the waves of c...2024-03-0537 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions006: And then there was one that turned into… Part 1When time stopped, and the world watched in horror as the Twin Towers fell, Kim Wright and her future husband Ian discovered a love that would triumph over the looming shadow of 9/11. Kim and Ian’s story, a tender reminder of the fragility of life, unfolds in this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, where Kim, a dedicated nurse and passionate Zumba instructor, takes us through the highs and lows of building a life together. From laughter-filled days to the piercing void left by loss, her story is a poignant exploration of the heart's capacity to love, grieve, and, ul...2024-02-2016 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions005: Surviving to Thriving with Dr. PaQuita R. PullenEmerging from a childhood where the echoes of domestic violence reverberated, Dr. PaQuita Pullen joins Doc G to share her story of facing homelessness to becoming a luminary for those often overshadowed by adversity. In this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, Dr. Pullen peels back the layers of her life, revealing how early responsibilities shaped her resilience and unwavering dedication to helping others. Dr. Pullen’s narrative isn't just about survival; it's a beacon of hope to anyone struggling to find strength within family turmoil and societal pressures. We explore the path from scraping by...2024-02-0628 min
Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions004: Life Interrupted with Niko FlowersWhen Niko Flowers stepped onto the campus of Allen University, her story took a turn that would forever shape her narrative. Her father's confidence in her promise led her from the familiarity of a technical college into the rich tapestry of HBCU life, where Christian values and vibrant community activities awaited. On this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, it's the heartache and resilience in the face of a life-altering HIV diagnosis—revealed through the betrayal of a first love—that brings us this story. Niko doesn't hold back as she paints a vivid picture of her path from secr...2024-01-2330 minEmerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions003: Transitioning from Trauma to TriumphDoc G once found herself standing amidst the debris of life's fiercest storm, wondering if the sun would ever shine again. Through that journey from heart-wrenching trauma to a triumphant rebirth, she’s come to understand the transformative power of embracing life's most challenging moments. In this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, Doc G takes you along the intricate paths of emotional recovery and resilience. We'll traverse the varied terrain of “big T” and “little t” traumas, from the ravages of war to the quiet despair of personal loss. By sharing stories from Doc G’s own life and those of...2024-01-0910 minEmerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions002: The Beauty of MetamorphosisHave you ever marveled at the incredible transformation of a butterfly and found yourself relating to its journey through change? In today’s episode of Metamorphosis Unleased, Doc G unravels the experiences of life's transformative moments that shape us into the beings we are destined to become. As we navigate through the raw and vulnerable stages of our own metamorphoses, from the innocence of childhood to the trials of adulthood, we encounter the resilience needed to thrive despite trauma and adversity. Doc G shares stories of change and the courage it takes to acknowledge the beauty that li...2024-01-0411 minEmerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions001: Grace YourselfHave you ever chuckled at your own reflection or found yourself caught in the web of guilt and self-reproach? As a seasoned counselor, Dr. Marquita Garrett has seen the power of grace and self-love play out in countless lives. On this inaugural episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, Doc G shares riveting stories of individuals who've found the strength to forgive themselves, extend grace to their own beings, and emerge as better versions of themselves. She will guide you through their journeys and hers as we explore the concept of “gracing yourself” in the face of life's whirlwinds. Im...2023-12-2814 minEmerging with Grace: Navigating Life's TransitionsWelcome to Metamorphosis UnleashedWelcome to *Metamorphosis Unleashed*, the podcast that's here to help you embrace life's transformative moments and emerge stronger than ever before. In a world filled with stereotypes, stigma, and unexpected challenges, this podcast is your beacon of hope, offering insights, stories, and strategies for thriving through life's toughest transitions. Our host, Marquita Garrett Ph.D., is passionate about mental wellbeing and understands that change and trauma touch us all. Whether you're a woman navigating the journey through the stages of life or simply someone searching for inspiration and guidance, this podcast is for you. Through...2023-11-0802 min
WKYT NewsNewsmakers 5/2: Justin Landon, LBAR's Kristy Gooch; FEMA Rep. Marquita Hynes, Julie Garrett with SBAOn the latest episode of Kentucky Newsmakers, WKYT’s Bill Bryant talks with the Lexington Bluegrass Association of Realtors CEO Justin Landon and LBAR President Kristy Gooch, along with Marquita Hynes of FEMA and Julie Garrett of the U.S. Small Business Administration.2021-04-3026 min