Fireflies Unite Podcast With Kea

Can veganism help your depression? Have you considered having a plant-based diet or simply including more veggies in your diet? You may not realize how the foods you eat play a role in your mental health and while it does not cure mental illness, it certainly impacts your mood---good and bad. Monique of BrownVegan.com joins the podcast to share easy tips on having a plant based diet, how her diet impacts her depression and her journey to veganism.Monique is a home cook and vegan family coach. In 2010, after being a vegetarian for 2 years, she decided to become an ethical vegan with her husband and 3 school-aged sons. After seeing how easy it was to enjoy delicious vegan meals as a family, she started a YouTube channel and blog to help thousands of people start their own vegan life. When she’s not testing recipes, coaching families or speaking at live events, Monique enjoys listening to podcasts and traveling with her family. References/Resources:GETYOUR COPY OF KEA'S BOOK!Saved & Depressed: A Suicide

Why is some happiness so fleeting? What makes us want more; more sex, more likes on social media, and more money? Did you know there is a chemical in our brain that drives us to want more and feeds our creativity? In this week’s episode Kea is joined by Michael Long & Dr. Daniel Lieberman, authors of the book, The Molecule of More. They explained what forces us to crave more and why we do the things we do.Daniel Z. Lieberman, M.D. is professor and vice chair for clinical affairs in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at George Washington University. Dr. Lieberman is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a recipient of the Caron Foundation Research Award, and he has published over 50 scientific reports on behavioral science. He has provided insight on psychiatric issues for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the US Department of Commerce, and the Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy, and has discussed mental health in interviews on CNN, C-SPAN, and PBS

It is with a humbled heart and excitement that Kea announces her book, Saved & Depressed: A Suicide Survivor’s Journey of Mental Health, Healing and Faith will be available on May 14, 2019 on Amazon and Kindle. Kea also shares updates on future speaking engagements and more!References/Resources:Episode On The Stages of Change: https://www.buzzsprout.com/132572/892702-where-are-you-the-stages-of-changeUpdate: The 5 Stages Of Change Articleshttps://www.smartrecovery.org/smart-articles/the-stages-of-change/https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/behavior/the-5-stages-of-change-and-what-they-mean-to-you/ Tickets For HealFest (May 4, 2019 in Silver Spring, MD):https://www.eventbrite.com/e/healfest-2019-a-holistic-healing-experience-tickets-53969073953 Tickets For The Mic Playing Tricks On Me (May 4, 2019 in Baltimore, MD)https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-mic-playing-tricks-on-me-tickets-59740492421Where to find Kea on social media and join the mental health conversation?Twitter: www.twitter.com/firefliespodInstagram:

In this episode, Kea shares her growing pains in recovery and the challenges she's experiencing in relationships during this infancy stage of her glow up. She shares how she's navigating these challenges with the help of her therapist and reflecting on the four agreements.The Four Agreements:Be Impeccable With Your WordDon't Take Anything PersonallyDon't Make AssumptionsAlways Do Your BestReferences/Resources:Tickets For HealFest (May 4, 2019 in Silver Spring, MD):https://www.eventbrite.com/e/healfest-2019-a-holistic-healing-experience-tickets-53969073953 The Book: Four Agreements By Don Miguel Ruizhttps://www.amazon.com/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319/ref=asc_df_1878424319/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312009360408&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=279998707306984143&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007868&hvtargid=pla-404289635950&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=60223809297&h

Do you allow a specific family member to be in your life even though they are disrespectful? Do you continue to allow people to abuse you because of a title such as brother or mother. In this episode, Kea spoke with Anita Washington about childhood trauma, sibling abuse and estranged relationships with family. Anita shares her healing journey and what you can do to become self aware and emotionally and mentally healthy.Anita Washington, M.Ed. & M.B.A., CEO & Founder of That Anita Live, LLC, host of the TV show That Anita Live and The Emotional Happiness Podcast with That Anita Live provides a platform for women to learn, laugh and more importantly heal emotionally by learning from the challenges and successes of others.Resources/References:Tickets For HealFest: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/healfest-2019-a-holistic-healing-experience-tickets-53969073953 Mental Health News: Learn More About Nipsey Hussle: https://newsone.com/3850867/nipsey-hussle-rapper-la-times-book-festival/ Why Am I Grieving Someone

Meet the Pulse of Perseverance, Dr. Maxime Madhere, ​Dr. Pierre Johnson and ​Dr. Joseph W. Semien Jr. who are changing the narrative of success for black men. The doctors formed a brotherhood in medical school. In this episode, they share their mental health struggles and how they overcame fear and failure. In many black communities, the images of success are limited to an athlete or rapper and often times, gangs and gun violence are glorified. What happens when black boys see successful black men and how does it impacts their mental health? Resources/References: Website: https://www.thepulseofp3.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theofficialpulseofp3/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulseofp3/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/pulseofp3  

Are you operating from a scarred place and projecting it onto others? Kea came to educate and shutdown stigma about taking medication for mental illness. This episode was inspired by a conversation she had with a friend after she left the conversation feeling ashamed. It's okay to disagree with someone but it is not okay to shame someone. References/Resources:Mental Health News: What to Keep in Mind Following the Recent Suicides of School Shooting Survivorshttps://themighty.com/2019/03/jeremy-richman-suicide-sandy-hook-parkland-school-shooting/?utm_source=newsletter_mental_health&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_mental_health_2019-03-26&fbclid=IwAR0LlSLHxMHNP3x5BfX_DggzXbEzB03Pak8pY7onmgShiopYZhdshmi0JjA Where to find Kea on social media and join the mental health conversation? Twitter: www.twitter.com/firefliespod  Instagram: www.instagram.com/firefliespod “Like Us” on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firefliespod  Join the Fireflies Unite: Healthy Minds Facebook Group https://www.

Do you know the connection between obesity and mental health? Mental health isn't the only stigma as weight loss surgery is also stigmatized. Even though, obesity in the United States that increase the risk of certain types of cancer, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke, we are more accepting of cosmetic procedures such as boob and butt enhancements. In this episode, Kea speaks to her friend Krystal about how depression, anxiety, body dysmorphic disorders impacted her physical and mental health. Krystal also shares how she lost weight before and after the surgery resulting in a total of 450 pounds. Kea opens up about having her procedure six months ago, and how she battled shame and embarrassment. In addition, Krystal and Kea share how they work to build confidence in having weight loss surgery. Many people think it is the easy way but Kea and Krystal dispel that myth. References/Resources:Mental Health News: What It Means To Become A Mental Health Advocate &How To Become A Mental Hea

Are you a teacher, nurse, therapist, police office, pastor or a profession that requires you to take care of others? Do you drag yourself to work and have trouble getting your day started at work? Have you become irritable or impatient with co-workers, customers or clients? Do you lack the energy to be consistently productive? Do you find it hard to concentrate? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing burnout. This week, Kea is joined by therapist Amber Lane who discusses burnout among therapist and other helping professionals. She shares how to identify burnout and practice self care regularly.Connect With Amber Lane & Her Non-Profit For Girls: Amber’s Mentoring and Coach Program: https://socialworkmentoring.wixsite.com/websiteInstagram: www.instagram.com/socialworkmentoringandcoaching/Amber’s Non-Profit: Know Your Worth Non-Profit: https://www.knowingyourworthinc.org/Instagram: www.instagram.com/knowingyourworthinc/Mental Health News:Ketamine Nasal Spray For Severe Depress

Are you using people or things to distract you from dealing with your hurt? In this week's episode, Kea talked about how she was triggered last week by someone from her past who reached out to her and what the triggered represented, and shared how she worked through it. She challenges us to remove the distractions, sit with our emotions, thoughts and experiences despite how uncomfortable it maybe because it will allow us to grow and become better. Where to find Kea on social media and join the mental health conversation?Website: www.firefliesunite.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/firefliespodInstagram: www.instagram.com/firefliespod “Like Us” onFacebook: www.facebook.com/firefliespodJoin the Fireflies Unite: Healthy Minds Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/1714131805325103/Send all podcast inquiries to  kea@firefliesunite.com 

Black men tend to stuff their emotions and thoughts because of the mental health stigma and expectations society has on them. For this week’s episode, Kea spoke with Robert ‘Rob’ Brown who lost his dad to suicide and shares his experience with depression, and overcoming suicidal thoughts. Rob is very candid about the highs and lows of losing his dad and says that exercise helped save his life. As a fitness instructor, he assist clients with their goals but emphasis the importance of the soul being healthy before the body can be physically healthy. References/Resources:Website: https://absoulutelife.com/about-usAbsoulute Fitness IG: www.instagram.com/absoulute_fitnessAbsoulute Life IG: www.instagram.com/absoulute_life The Crying Voice Project Non-Profit Book Name: Can You Hear Me? www.instagram.com/cryingvoice.project Where to find Kea on social media and join the mental health conversation?Website: www.firefliesunite.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/firefliespodInstagram: www.instagram.com/firefliespod “Like Us”

Do you have a hard time setting boundaries? Personal boundaries are guidelines, rules and limits that a person identifies reasonable, safe and permissible ways for other people to behave towards another and how to will respond when someone passes those limits. Therapist and Life Coach Yesenia Villata joins Kea to dive deeper into setting boundaries and its benefits. References/Resources: Connect with Yesenia: Website: https://www.yeseniavillalta.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultivatelove15/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cultivatelove15 Psychology Today Article On Boundaries: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-help-friend/201711/why-is-it-important-have-personal-boundariesCycle Of Violence: http://www.center4research.org/cycle-domestic-violence/Books:The Gifts Of Imperfectionhttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/159285849X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=159285849X&linkCode=as2&tag=cultivatelo09-20&linkId=e97a67252b40b6897c17db2df4fef9ceCa

On February 11, 2011, Kea's life changed forever. For this week's episode, Kea takes time to reflect on her suicide attempt and share the details of the day she was hospitalized. Instead of focusing on this day a reminder of trying to end her life, she chooses to look at it as a 'birthday', a day to thank God for giving her another chance, celebrate her progress and inspire others through the fireflies unite movement. This episode maybe triggering for some. If you are in need of support, please stop listening to the podcast and contact 911 immediately. You can also contact one of the following mental health resources below:National Suicide Prevention Lifeline(800) 273-8255Crisis Text LineText HOME to 141741National Alliance on Mental Illness www.nami.org Where to find Kea on social media and join the mental health conversation?Twitter: www.twitter.com/firefliespodInstagram: www.instagram.com/firefliespod “Like Us” onFacebook: www.facebook.com/firefliespodJoin the Fireflies Unite: Healthy M

In this episode, Kea challenges you to think about if you are living life with intention and on purpose. Can you answer the question who am I if you remove your degree(s) and materials? Do you attach your value to your job title, purse or car? What do you value? Join the FB/IG LIVE & Podcast Recording On Feb. 8 at 8pm ESTTopic: How To Set Boundaries For the FB LIVE, you need to be a part of the Fireflies Unite: Healthy Minds Group or you can watch on IG.Where to find Kea on social media and join the mental health conversation?Twitter: www.twitter.com/firefliespodInstagram: www.instagram.com/firefliespod “Like Us” onFacebook: www.facebook.com/firefliespodJoin the Fireflies Unite: Healthy Minds Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/1714131805325103/

This week, Kea is joined by author Darrell Williams. He shares his story of living with ADHD and ways to cope. ADHD is a chronic condition including attention difficulty, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.Therapist Shout-Out:Lifeline Family Enrichment Counseling Services in Austin, TXTherapist and Owner: Barbara Fountainhttps://www.lifelinefamilyenrichment.com/ Mind, Body & Soulness Segment: "Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny.” - Mahatma Gandhi Resources/References:Connect with Darrell Williams and/or Purchase His Book:Instagram Accounts: @in_pursuit_of_grit and @thegritregime  Website: www.thegritregime.comEnter the giveaway! Here's How To Enter:First, you must be following me on IG and Twitter and "Like" the FB Page.Second, leave a review on Apple Podcast or iTunes. If you don't have an Apple account, Soundcloud reviews

Inspired by XONecole.com article on women who have been single for three plus years, Kea shares her single and celibacy journey, and how she has to navigate relationships differently given her mental illness. She also shares three tips, pose questions to challenge listeners to think about their emotional and mental health, and to work on ourselves in our singleness. XONecole Article: http://www.xonecole.com/being-single-tips/?fbclid=IwAR3bXlMbJpTckbtK9R8uwR3bkrOv0O7dxbSQzXeqSMdNSeY_wM1hJkSXjmUEnter the giveaway! Here's How To Enter:First, you must be following me on IG and Twitter and "Like" the FB Page.Second, leave a review on Apple Podcast or iTunes. If you don't have an Apple account, Soundcloud reviews are fine or leave it on the FB page.Third, share your favorite podcast episode of 2018 and tag me @firefliespod on IG.A winner will be announced last week of January. Good luck!Where to find Kea on social media and join the mental health conversation?Twitter: www.twitter.com/firefliespo

Are your goals for the new year S.M.A.R.T? Many of us are guilty of setting new year resolutions or goal that are unrealistic. In this episode, Kea offer three tips for you to consider when making goals for 2019 and challenge you to be real about your mental health. Therapist Shout-Out:Dr. Randolph Sconiers Based In South Plainfield, NJhttp://www.newstepscounseling.com/ Enter the giveaway! Here's How To Enter:First, you must be following me on IG and Twitter and "Like" the FB Page.Second, leave a review on Apple Podcast or iTunes. If you don't have an Apple account, Soundcloud reviews are fine or leave it on the FB page.Third, share your favorite podcast episode of 2018 and tag me @firefliespod on IG. A winner will be announced last week of January. Good luck!Where to find Kea on social media and join the mental health conversation?Twitter: www.twitter.com/firefliespodInstagram: www.instagram.com/firefliespod “Like Us” onFacebook: www.facebook.com/firefliespodJoin the Fireflies Unite: Heal

Do you have a hard time saying no? Are you overextending yourself to make others happy and feel depleted? Are you resentful because people do not meet your expectations? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this episode is for you. People pleasing is something that many struggle with. In this episode, Kea speaks with Paul Bashea Williams, owner and therapist of Hearts In Mind Counseling. Paul offers tips for those who struggle with being a people "pleaser", step boundaries and have healthy relationships. Paul Bashea Williams is a dedicated Father, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Vlogger, Blogger, Relationship Advisor and Writer.  Working with at-risk children, he specializes in Individual, Couples, Marriage and Family Therapy and Parent Coaching.  He writes about life, love, and fatherhood.  His work has been featured on several popular websites including Huffington Post, national syndicated radio shows, television and movies.Paul has over 15 years of counseling, mentoring, and coaching i

Happy One Year Anniversary, Fireflies! As 2018 comes to a close, Kea reflects on her accomplishments, healing and excitement for 2019. "Thank you to everyone who supported me in anyway from sharing on social media to attending a speaking engagement, sponsoring my event, and so much more. The podcast and Fireflies family would not be a success without you. "-Kea It's 2019, please send suggested topics and guest for the podcast. Kea's goal is to reach 1 million downloads in 2019. Will you help her reach it? Send all topics and suggested guest to kea@firefliesunite.com or shoot DM on social media. Enter the giveaway! Here's How To Enter:First, you must be following me on IG and Twitter and "Like" the FB Page.Second, leave a review on Apple Podcast or iTunes. If you don't have an Apple account, Soundcloud reviews are fine or leave it on the FB page.Third, share your favorite podcast episode of 2018 and tag me @firefliespod on IG. A winner will be announced last week of Janu

Do you have things you need to let of off? Is it a job, a relationship or self- limiting belief? As 2018 comes to a close, Kea encourages us to let go whatever is holding us back from being the best version of ourselves.  Negative self talk does much damage to your mental health than you may think. This episode was inspired by the season that Kea is currently in. The tips and framework of this episode was pulled directly from an article on Psychology Today. Next week’s we will embark on our 50th episode and the podcast turn 1 and Kea would really like to highlight you all who listen, please email Kea or DM on social media of how the podcast has helped you and/or things that you’ve learned. She will read off the reviews during next week’s episode. Psychology Today Article:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-emotional-meter/201708/important-tips-how-let-go-and-free-yourselfDealing With A Break-Up or Divorce Article: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/dealing-with-a-breakup-or-divorce.htm How To L