In this heartfelt and vulnerable conversation, I sit down with Mzwa, a teacher, mentor, and mental health advocate from Cape Town to explore his journey navigating life with multiple mental health diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and bipolar type 1.

Mzwa opens up about the silent struggle of living undiagnosed for years, the weight of cultural and religious expectations, and how faith and community played both complicating and redemptive roles in his healing journey.

We discuss what it means to hold space for others while battling your own pain, the misconceptions around mental illness in Black and Christian communities, and the power of brotherhood, vulnerability, and grace.

This episode is a raw exploration of what it means to unlearn survival and embrace rest, honesty, and spiritual wholeness as a Black man in South Africa.

In this episode we cover:

● Encouragement for Black men who feel isolated in their struggles

● Mzwa Manciya’s experience in living with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and bipolar type 1

● Mental health stigma in Black South African communities

● The importance of safe spaces and spiritual brotherhood

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

● Connect with Mzwa Manciya on INSTAGRAM!

● Find out more about Mzwa’s bipolar Black Bear community HERE!

● If you missed last week’s episode, listen to it HERE!

Check out our faith based women of color ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠shop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more

● Leave a review ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!

● Connect with us on Instagram! (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

● Connect with us on YouTube! (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

● Connect with us on Facebook! (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

● Follow us on TikTok! (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Dr. Martine Laventure, an experienced social worker, mother, and passionate autism advocate to discuss parenting, mental health and the power of community. Dr. Laventure opens up about her personal and professional journey, sharing how raising her autistic son has shaped her advocacy and purpose.

Together we unpack what it really means to parent beyond labels, to sit with the discomfort of unknowns and to show up for your child when the world doesn’t always understand them. Dr. Laventure shares her family’s autism journey, starting from her son’s diagnosis to the powerful ways she’s learned to advocate, love, and let go of societal expectations.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just someone trying to understand autism better, this episode will move you. It’s about shifting perspectives, building support systems, and trusting your instincts as a mother especially when the world tries to tell you otherwise. Don't miss this uplifting episode that promises to uplift and inspire.

In this episode, we cover:

● The emotional reality of receiving an autism diagnosis as a parent

● The experience of being dismissed or misunderstood by systems due to race and cultural norms

● How to advocate in schools and healthcare settings even when it feels intimidating

● What led Dr. Laventure to create “Parenting Beyond Labels,” a space for moms to find comfort and community

● Faith, surrender, and trusting God’s purpose even in the messiness of parenting

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

● To connect with Dr.Martine and find out more about her Parenting Beyond Labels community, find her on Instagram!

● Find Dr. Martine’s Laventure Consulting Services website HERE

● Leave a review ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here by if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!

● Connect with us on Instagram! (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

● Connect with us on YouTube! (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

● Connect with us on Facebook! (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

● Follow us on TikTok! (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com

Hello and welcome to today’s episode, join host Sarah as she welcomes Ethan A. Poetic, a motivational speaker and mental health advocate who shares his incredible journey from surviving a near-fatal car accident to becoming a beacon of hope for many.

Ethan shared that after his accident he struggled emotionally, especially on anniversaries of the event and only began understanding these feelings after reading about survivor's remorse in an article about himself. Recovery involved rehab, speech therapy, being on a feeding tube and facing family challenges like homelessness due to lack of support from parents dealing with their own trauma.

We discussed men’s mental health, the stigma surrounding vulnerability and how cultural expectations often teach boys not to express emotions or seek help. Healing begins by recognizing pain rather than hiding it.

Listen to this episode and dive deep into our discussions on overcoming adversity, managing survivor's remorse and breaking generational cycles.

In this episode we cover:

● Ethan’s near-fatal car accident and the emotional aftermath.

● The importance of recognizing and breaking familial cycles.

● Cultural perspectives on manhood and emotional openness.

● The impact of Ethan’s book in schools and the community.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

● To connect with Ethan and find out more about his resources you can find him on INSTAGRAM.

● Listen to last week's episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

● Check out our faith based women of color ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠shop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more

● Leave a review ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!

● Connect with us on Instagram! (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

● Connect with us on YouTube! (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

● Connect with us on Facebook! (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

● Follow us on TikTok! (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com

Welcome back to the second part of this empowering episode with special guest, Justin Raghoo. In this episode, we dive into a compelling conversation with guest Justin about men's mental health within church environments. We explore societal expectations placed on men in spiritual spaces and discuss how to create more inclusive and supportive communities.

Justin offers heartfelt advice encouraging listeners not to give up on themselves despite struggles. He emphasizes that there is hope at the end of every tunnel and urges an honest relationship with God amidst trials.

Join Justin and I as we discuss how redefining manhood through a spiritual lens can foster healthier relationships.

In this episode we cover:

● The need for intentional spaces where men feel safe sharing their vulnerabilities

● Highlighting Jesus' example as a model for healthy relationships

● Societal expectations placed on men in spiritual spaces

● Men's mental health within church environments

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

● Connect with Justin on Instagram and find out more of his work ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠!

● Listen to last week's episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠!

● Check out our faith based women of color ⁠⁠⁠⁠shop⁠⁠⁠⁠ here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more

● Leave a review ⁠⁠⁠⁠here ⁠⁠⁠⁠if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!

● Connect with us on Instagram! (⁠⁠⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠)

● Connect with us on YouTube! (⁠⁠⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠⁠⁠)

● Connect with us on Facebook! (⁠⁠⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast)⁠⁠⁠⁠

● Follow us on TikTok! (⁠⁠⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠⁠⁠)

● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com

Happy Tuesday! In this episode of the Rough Edges podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Justin Raghoo a dedicated professional in the sales and finance sector and an active servant in ministry. We went deep into the important topic of men's mental health, exploring the stigma surrounding men expressing their emotions and seeking help.

Justin shared his powerful faith journey, highlighting how his upbringing in a challenging environment shaped his relationship with God. He emphasized the importance of worship and community in his life, as well as his passion for reaching those who may feel disconnected from traditional church settings.

We discussed the barriers men face when it comes to mental health, including the lack of male therapists and the cultural competence needed in mental health care. Justin pointed out that many men feel uncomfortable seeking help due to societal expectations and the fear of being judged.

He also shared his personal experiences with therapy illustrating the importance of finding the right fit and being honest about one's struggles. This episode serves as a reminder that mental health and faith can coexist, and that seeking professional help is part of healing. I hope our discussion inspires listeners to break the stigma and foster open conversations about mental health in their own communities.

In this episode we cover:

● How Justin’s challenging upbringing influenced his relationship with God and shaped his faith

● Creating safe spaces for men discussing their struggles and seeking support

● The role of worship and community in emphasizing the importance of spiritual practices and connection in maintaining mental wellness

● We also discussed issues like the lack of male therapists and cultural competence in mental health support

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

● Connect with Justin on Instagram and find out more of his work ⁠HERE⁠!

● Listen to last week's episode ⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠!

● Check out our faith based women of color ⁠⁠⁠shop⁠⁠⁠ here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more

● Leave a review ⁠⁠⁠here ⁠⁠⁠if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!

● Connect with us on Instagram! (⁠⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast⁠⁠⁠)

● Connect with us on YouTube! (⁠⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠⁠)

● Connect with us on Facebook! (⁠⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast)⁠⁠⁠

● Follow us on TikTok! (⁠⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠⁠)

● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com

Growing up, Brandon Russ often felt emotions deeply yet found himself navigating a world that questioned his vulnerability. His journey took a significant turn after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2017, a revelation that led him to embrace his emotional depth and channel it into advocacy.

Through our conversation Brandon shares moments from his life illustrating how faith, creativity, and serving others have become his anchors in managing mental health challenges.

Our discussion also takes a critical look at the societal norms surrounding masculinity, especially the stigmas that discourage men from expressing emotions or seeking mental health support.

Brandon bravely shares his experiences of criticism and conformity to hyper-masculine ideals and how he's found liberation in spaces that welcome emotional openness. His story is a testament to resilience and the power of authenticity.

In this episode, Brandon and I aspire to inspire others to pursue their own paths for healing and growth.

In this episode we cover:

● Brandon’s journey with bipolar disorder and emotional vulnerability

● Challenges of masculinity norms and emotional suppression in men

● The role of faith, creativity, and service in managing mental health

● Unique cultural pressures faced by Black men regarding mental health

● The importance of advocacy, open conversations, and redefining strength

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

● Connect with Brandon on Instagram and find out more of his work HERE!

● Listen to last week's episode ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠!

● Check out our faith based women of color ⁠⁠shop⁠⁠ here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more

● Leave a review ⁠⁠here ⁠⁠if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!

● Connect with us on Instagram! (⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast⁠⁠)

● Connect with us on YouTube! (⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠)

● Connect with us on Facebook! (⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast)⁠⁠

● Follow us on TikTok! (⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠)

● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com

Still growing up in the Black church, Donal faced the formidable challenge of reconciling faith with mental health struggles. This episode of the Rough Edges podcast invites you into his heartfelt journey through the emotional landscapes shaped by post-traumatic slavery syndrome.

We find out how historical and cultural factors have influenced the suppression of grief and lament in the Black community, and also learn how Donal found strength in grieving openly much like the biblical figures he admires.

Our discussion shines a light on the need for a compassionate and informed approach to mental health within faith communities highlighting the potential for healing when we acknowledge our shared history.

Listen to this episode and explore how we can build a supportive environment that embraces both mental health and faith.

Let me know what you thought of this episode! Email me at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram at @rough.edges.podcast⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode we cover:

● Reconciling faith with mental health struggles in the Black church

● Suppression of grief and lament in the Black community

● The role of the church in emotional processing and communal support

● How Donal uses activism and music to create supportive mental health spaces

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

● Connect with Donal ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠ to learn more about his journey and music

● Listen to last week's episode ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠!

● Check out our faith based women of color ⁠⁠shop⁠⁠ here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more

● Leave a review ⁠⁠here ⁠⁠if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!

● Connect with us on Instagram! (⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast⁠⁠)

● Connect with us on YouTube! (⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠)

● Connect with us on Facebook! (⁠⁠@rough.edges.podcast)⁠⁠

● Follow us on TikTok! (⁠⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠⁠)

● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com

"Growing up in a Black church, mental health wasn't always the first topic on the table, but everything changed when I discovered the transformative power of counseling during my master's program."

In this episode of Rough Edges, I'm thrilled to welcome Donal Cogdell Jr. also known as Reflect, who shares his journey through faith, justice, and music. Together, we unravel the complexities of men's mental health challenging the outdated stereotypes of "real manhood" with a fresh perspective rooted in biblical teachings. Donal’s experiences as an educator, hip-hop artist, and motivational speaker shine a light on the importance of faith as a guiding anchor in life's turbulent seas.

We emphasize the value of finding the right therapist especially within the Black community to navigate the unique cultural nuances that often go unrecognized.

Join us as we share our personal experiences encouraging a shift in societal norms and fostering a more compassionate understanding of men's mental health.

In this episode we cover:

● The role of mental health in the Black church and personal discovery of counseling

● Donal Cogdell Jr.'s journey through faith, justice, and music

● Challenging outdated stereotypes of "real manhood" through biblical teachings

● The importance of culturally competent therapists in the Black community

● Barriers to accessing mental health support, including financial and systemic challenges

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

● Connect with Donal ⁠HERE⁠ to learn more about his journey and music

● Listen to last week's episode ⁠HERE⁠!

● Check out our faith based women of color ⁠shop⁠ here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more

● Leave a review ⁠here ⁠if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!

● Connect with us on Instagram! (⁠@rough.edges.podcast⁠)

● Connect with us on YouTube! (⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠)

● Connect with us on Facebook! (⁠@rough.edges.podcast)⁠

● Follow us on TikTok! (⁠@roughedgeswithsarah⁠)

● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com