Episodes
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The SonRise Project creator, Kelli Richardson Lawson introduces veteran speaker and master coach, Sylvia High. She’s an author, a healer and a specialist in transformation. In this episode, Sylvia talks about how to support teens and young adults in finding their purpose. While that alone can be a daunting task, she asks parents to reflect on when they discovered their own purpose. She says while some people know from an early age they want to be an artist, a singer or a doctor, for many that’s not the case. She says most people discover it, “Oh, this is my purpose. Or that is my purpose. Or I thought my purpose was here, but it's not after all.” She says if we're not careful, our purpose becomes looking for our purpose. To avoid that trap, Sylvia says we must shift our mindset and realize it’s not about discovering a thing that “we do,” it’s discovering “who we are meant to be.”
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In this SonRise episode, creator Kelli Richardson Lawson and SonRise Executive Director Kelly Chapman lead an open discussion with parents about how to deal with ongoing challenges with their children. With honesty and compassion Kelli and Kelly draw on their own experiences and hard-won wisdom reminding everyone it’s possible to choose a self-empowering response to any situation. They emphasize one must tend to one’s own mental health to be available to others. They also encourage SonRise listeners to define boundaries, allowing children to experience the consequences of their actions rather than jumping into rescue. Above all, Kelli and Kelly urge parents to learn self-acceptance, self-love and to practice the art of forgiveness with self and others. Kelli says if we loved ourselves as much as we love our children how much better off everyone would be.
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The SonRise Project creator, Kelli Richardson Lawson introduces veteran speaker, Dr. Linda McGhee. She is a clinical psychologist with expertise in young adult and child psychology. In this episode, Dr. McGhee reflects on the devastating murder of George Floyd. She asks SonRise parents to share their feelings about raising Black boys and young men in America. She talks about the severe impact racial trauma is having on Black communities. She shares that people she knows are not sleeping, they're feeling anxious and depressed. However, she says even amidst the devastating effects of ongoing traumatic events, there are also signs of hope. She explains that more Black people are seeking help for mental health issues and more celebrities are coming forward to talk about mental wellness and the importance of getting therapy. She also says more young people are finding their voices, their strength and standing up for justice. She says everyone must look at the broader picture and advance their efforts in every direction.
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The SonRise Project creator, Kelli Richardson Lawson introduces Beverly Kearney, also known as Coach Bev. Her gift for coaching has inspired individuals and groups to achieve their greatest successes. Recognized as one of the most successful coaches in NCAA history, Bev is honored as a sports legend in several halls of fame. In this episode, Bev coaches SonRise listeners through difficulties in navigating relationships with their children. She says we all have experiences that challenge us. She believes it is through those difficulties that we discover and define who we are. She says our greatest strength is not in being fearless, it’s having the courage to face and examine our fears and move beyond them. Bev shares with SonRise listeners her own fears and the wisdom she gleaned in facing multiple challenges raising her daughter, Imani. Bev says even though she was a positive person, she had a depressed child. Bev’s job is to motivate people, but she couldn’t motivate her child. She saw only how Imani’s struggles reflected on her as a parent. She says once she realized it wasn’t about her and removed herself from the equation, she was able to love and support Imani wherever she was on her journey.
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The SonRise Project creator Kelli Richardson Lawson introduces master coach and CEO of Aiming High, Inc. Sylvia High. She’s also author of The Little Book of Big Questions: A Journey in Self-Discovery. In this episode, Sylvia talks about the pull to renew, restart and re-imagine our lives, especially in the wake of the pandemic. She asks SonRise listeners to consider what may be limiting or restricting them? When it comes to relationships with our children, she says it’s easy to feel constricted, confined and oppressed by their challenges such as anxiety, depression or addiction issues. She explains that we don’t have to let the struggle stop us and shares why it can become a catalyst. She says our biggest breakthroughs don’t come from the brilliant, amazing things we accomplish, but from our breakdowns. Sylvia explains breakdowns are where we truly discover ourselves: the character, strength and wisdom we didn't know we have. She says once we realize our true selves, we are on the path to creating a rich, fulfilling life.
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The SonRise Project creator Kelli Richardson Lawson introduces therapist Dr. Julie Lopez. She is a speaker, clinician and the founder ofViva Partnership, a multi-cultural marketing company. She is also the author of a book on implicit memory, entitled:Live Empowered: Rewire your Brains Implicit Memory to Thrive in Business, Love and Life. In this episode, Dr. Lopez discusses how to help ourselves and our families heal from the effects of PTSD and trauma. Not just on the individual level but also on the collective. She also references Dr. Joy DeGruw’s ground-breaking work on the condition known as “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome” which is defined as the inherited legacy of genocide, trauma and familial displacement handed down generation after generation. She says the legacy of slavery can be felt in one’s everyday life, but in an unconscious way. Dr. Lopez urges listeners to look back at their family histories and the lives of their parents, grandparents, and great grandparents. Dr. Lopez discusses what to look for and what one can do to heal.
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The SonRise Project creator Kelli Richardson Lawson introduces veteran speaker, Sylvia High. Sylvia is a master life coach, founder and CEO of Aiming High, Inc. She’s an author as well as a development and training strategist with more than 30 years of success. In this episode, Sylvia talks about starting one’s life anew especially in the wake of the pandemic. She says we can turn pain into power and trauma into triumph. She believes when one is dealing with trauma especially with our children, we often turn that pain towards ourselves. She encourages parents that when challenges arise they should move into transformation. Sylvia says when we embrace transformation, we become empowered to shift what doesn’t align with what we desire or see for ourselves.
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The SonRise Project creator Kelli Richardson Lawson introduces veteran speaker Sharon Green. Sharon is a life coach, founder of BloomTree Coaching and Consulting Services and is a mother of three young men. In this episode, Sharon discusses the legacy of intergenerational trauma in the Black community. She refers to Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome, a condition that is a consequence of multigenerational oppression of Africans and their descendants resulting from centuries of slavery. Sharon talks about how parents can identify the trauma and where to find help to heal its effects within their own families. She encourages listeners to seek guidance from therapists, psychiatrists and elders in the community. She believes educating oneself about the issues also helps dispel guilt and shame. She says parents have a responsibility to do their homework and understand how systemic racism has affected the mental health not only of their children, but also themselves.
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The SonRise Project creator Kelli Richardson Lawson introduces veteran speaker, Dr. Linda McGhee. Dr. McGhee is a clinical psychologist who specializes in young adult and child psychology. In this episode, she discusses the debilitating effects of trauma, including how it affects our bodies, minds and spirits. She defines trauma as an emotional response to an event in one’s life such as an accident, sexual assault or divorce. Dr. McGhee also suggests that the Covid pandemic is a devastating experience for everyone and is causing trauma around the world. She says when one experiences trauma the person is at risk for physical and mental health problems. She believes because most people don’t seek help to process trauma, the trauma burrows in causing a deep and lasting impact physically, emotionally and mentally. Dr. McGhee says trauma left unchecked can be deadly. She urges SonRise listeners to refrain from descending into a state of denial about their own trauma. Dr. McGhee discusses concrete steps on how to create a plan of self-care and how to seek some form of therapy.
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The SonRise Projectcreator, Kelli Richardson Lawson introduces Emil Wilbekin. Emil is the founder ofNative Sona platform created to inspire and empower Black gay men. Emil is also a multi-media executive, content creator, cultural critic and human rights activist. He is the former editor-in-chief ofGiantand Editor-at-Large atEssence. He was the first openly gay Black man to run a major publication when he was appointed editor-in-chief ofVibe Magazinein 1998. In this episode, Emil shares withSonRiselisteners his personal journey including the difficulties he experienced coming out to his parents. He describes the event as one of the darkest days of his life and initially did not feel seen, heard nor accepted. Nevertheless, Emil says after a lot of therapy and family negotiations, he found the confidence to be his authentic self and his parents learned to love and accept him as he is. Emil shares with SonRiselisteners the importance of parents relating to their children with unconditional love and compassion. He also urges parents to learn to respect their children and indeed all people regardless of what their journey might look like.
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The SonRise Project creator Kelli Richardson Lawson introduces Dr. Halim Ali, who is the founder, Executive Director and President of the non-profit From the Heart Foundation. Dr. Ali is also an activist, mentor, motivational speaker and mental health professional devoted to uplifting boys and men in the Black community. In this episode Dr. Ali shares his own incredible personal story that led to a life of service and giving back. As the third son of five, he said he was constantly bullied. He learned to fight at an early age and was suspended from school 27 times in just 3 years. He went on to become a gang member and was shot in the chest at 19 years old. He became homeless and eventually grew weary of crime. Years later was he able to connect the dots of all the trauma and abuse he suffered in childhood. He says men don't want to admit they’re hurting. Many are raised in a hyper-masculine culture that does not allow them to cry or feel their emotions. Dr. Ali is working to change all that. He says it’s possible to heal and outlines his Wellness Recovery Action Plan including 5 key concepts including: hope, personal responsibility, self-advocacy, self-discovery and education.
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The SonRise Project creator Kelli Richardson Lawson introduces Dr. Rick Wallace. He is founder and CEO of The Visionetics Institute and uses a wide range of disciplines including neuro-linguistic programming, psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy to help individuals thrive in every area of their lives. He is also author of “The Undoing of the African American Mind” as well as “The Mis-education of Black Youth in America.” In this episode, Dr. Wallace explores the multiple issues plaguing the black community including systemic racism, racial trauma, poverty and collective biases. Dr. Wallace also talks about the restoration of the Black family nucleus and the critical role it plays in personal development, especially its youth. He says functional family dynamics are essential and can be a powerful force for healing from addiction and mental illness. He believes it’s possible expand the inner circle beyond family to include friends, teachers, mentors and professionals who are willing to facilitate healing, growth and expansion of one’s potential.
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The SonRise Project creator Kelli Richardson Lawson introduces veteran speaker and psychologist, Dr. Linda McGhee. Dr. McGhee is a clinical psychologist specializing in children and young adult psychology. In this episode, she talks about all the issues children, especially teenagers, won't tell their parents but share with others. Those include the fear their parents won’t recognize their mental health problems as real and will be labeled “crazy.” Dr. McGhee says often children won’t tell parents they're cutting themselves or self-harming. She explains teens also won’t share with parents they have an eating disorder. Dr. McGhee says there is an uptick in eating disorders among children of color and especially in boys. She says in addition teens usually avoid discussing issues related to race, gender identity and sexuality. Dr. McGhee says even if your child doesn’t discuss any of these issues with you, it’s important to find a therapist they can talk to. The goal is to help teenagers or young adults move toward positive mental health and ultimately independence, while also being part of a healthy functioning family.
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The SonRise Project creator Kelli Richardson Lawson introduces her guest Maliek Blade. He is CEO of Whole Brother Mission, a nonprofit organization devoted to helping men become healthy and whole in every area of their lives. He’s also the author of The Whole Brother: Debunking the Myths that Break the Black Family. In this episode Maliek illuminates a myriad of challenges facing black families including: systemic racism, mental-health, addiction issues, toxic masculinity, absent fathers and the plight of single mothers. Maliek challenges men to unlearn and rethink what it means to be a man and a father. Statements like “boys don’t cry,” or “man up” rob men of their opportunity to express their emotions and to be fully human. He says we’ve mistakenly embraced the idea that emotions are inherently feminine. Maliek presents what a healthy view of what black manhood and masculinity should look like.
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The SonRise Project creator Kelli Richardson Lawson introduces therapist Danielle Boucree. Danielle is a clinical social worker with a specialty in family therapy and a mother of three. In this episode, Danielle talks about helping our children to feel more loved. She says when children are young they may be more receptive to love from their parents. However, once they become teenagers all that changes. Yet, she says within the soul of every teenager is the desire to feel connected, accepted and nurtured by their parents. While we may show our love, they don’t always recognize it as such. Danielle believes parents can communicate more effectively by learning to speak our children’s specific love language. She references the five love languages as defined by Dr. Gary Chapman: Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, Quality Time, Acts of Service and Gifts. Danielle explains that speaking your teenager’s primary love language does not necessarily mean he or she will not rebel later, however it does mean they will know you love them, which inspires hope and security.
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The SonRise Project creator Kelli Richardson Lawson introduces Tamiko Ruby J. Tamiko is a Usui Holy Fire Reiki master and spiritual teacher. In this episode, Tamiko talks about taking care of ourselves before giving to others. She asks listeners if they prioritize the needs of others while neglecting their own. She says for many women this is a common, deeply entrenched pattern. Tamiko takes listeners through a live meditation to help find balance, peace and abundance even in the midst of life’s challenges. She says we cannot create a happy home or care for our children without being happy ourselves. Tamiko believes we must learn to set boundaries with others and then we will learn to love and find compassion for ourselves.
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The SonRise Project creator Kelli Richardson Lawson introduces Sylvia High. Sylvia is a master life coach with over 30 years experience and is the founder and CEO of Aiming High Inc. She is also an author of several books including The Little Book of Big Questions, a Journal of Self-Discovery. In this episode, Sylvia talks about the importance of staying senior to your circumstances. She says it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and experience tremendous stress due to the challenges, disappointments and the emotions that come with raising children who are struggling with addiction or mental wellness issues. Sylvia says in those circumstances we learn to become intentional in our thinking and reprogram our thoughts. She believes if we step back and observe the thoughts rather than react to them, we realize we are not our thoughts and we don’t let them control us. She says it’s critical that we find the positive energy in the midst of life’s challenges and shift from fear to faith.
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The SonRise Project creator, Kelli Richardson Lawson introduces Dr. Vikki Johnson. Vikki is a transformational speaker, a chaplain, a spiritual wellness practitioner and best-selling author of 12 books. Her most recent book is called Soul Wealth: Finding Vision, Compassion, Authenticity, Abundance and Legacy in the Midst of Chaos. Dr. Johnson defines Soul Wealth as thriving from a place of emotional, mental and spiritual strength. She encourages women to find that source deep within which includes vision, compassion, authenticity and abundance. She says mothers have to manifest those things in their lives first before they can help their children, partners, families, communities, and even the world. Soul Wealth guides women to invest in their most treasured and hidden resources, themselves.
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The SonRise Project creator Kelli Richardson Lawson introduces her husband, Keith Lawson. He shares his personal journey as a father of two sons, including one with addiction and mental wellness challenges. He says while there is no parenting instruction book or roadmap, there are many tools to utilize, including therapy and the support of a loving community. Keith reflects on his own difficult childhood. He was raised by his single mom in Baltimore. His father struggled with alcoholism. Keith and his siblings had few resources available to them. Keith says he realized long ago that he wanted to create something different for his own family. Today he’s paradigm-shifting and pivoting to a new normal. He’s also learning to practice what he calls "radical acceptance” of his son and himself. Keith says he’s committed to transforming his pain into passion by speaking out and making more discussions about mental health possible.
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The SonRise Project creator, Kelli Richardson Lawson, introduces therapist, Dr. Julie Lopez. She is founder of Viva Partnership and the Resilient Brain Project. In this episode, Dr. Lopez tackles the difficult subject of self-harm. Self-harm or self-injury is defined as: “The condition, clinically known as non-suicidal self-injury characterized by deliberate self-inflicted harm that isn’t intended to be suicidal.” Dr. Lopez says big life stressors can become the catalyst to self-harm, including: violence, neglect, abuse, sexual abuse and natural disasters. Smaller life stressors can also cause distress in one’s system, even though society might not see or culturally recognize them. According to statistics, nearly one in five humans self-injures in their lifetime. Dr. Lopez discusses with SonRise listeners the signs, causes and strategies that can help reduce self-harm. She also encourages parents to educate themselves so they can be an ally to their children in the process of recovery.
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