What if storytelling could heal your heart? In this conversation, John DeDakis — former editor of CNN’s Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and former White House correspondent — opens up about grief, courage, and how writing became his path to healing after his sister’s suicide and his son’s heroine overdose. Host Ann-Marie explores how writing connects pain to purpose, why creativity is therapeutic, and how DeDakis uses his fiction to process real-life emotions. From “Bullet in the Chamber”, to “Enemies Domestic”, his six part Lark Chadwick mystery/ suspense/ thriller series teaches lessons on writing heart-stopping and heart- breaking storylines. A manuscript editor, Dedakis serves a masterclass in turning adversity into art. 👉 In this episode: healing power of writing and storytelling processing grief through creativity facing fear and finding courage creating authentic characters writing heart-stopping storylines including drugs, drones, corruption and politics. sharing insights into the Lark Chadwick mystery-thriller series 📘 Learn more: https://johndedakis.com 🎧 Listen to more episodes of About This Life — conversations that shift mindsets, challenge beliefs, and inspire transformation. #JohnDeDakis #CNNNews #formerjournalist #SituationRoom with WolfBlitzer #NY Times Bestseller List #suspense #thriller #mystery #LarkChadwick series #GriefJourney #CreativeHealing #AuthorInterview #CNNJournalist #HealingThroughWriting #MindsetShift #EmotionalHealing #PersonalGrowth #Creativity #suicide #drugs #Transformation#PodMatch #AnnMariePodcast #AboutThisLifePodcast #BecomingEnoughBecomingYou

US Marine Ogunyemi takes us through the paces of servant leadership. Known for his infectious energy and creativity, Ogunyemi teaches us how to make meaningful family connections and turn disappointment into invaluable life lessons. The author of “Lessons from a Deployed Father,” “Crow from Shadow “ and other children’s books captures what it it means to be a father and serve your family.  Listen to the conversation and find out how Ogunyemi connects with children. ✨ Topics include: 📖 Teaching children to see their own worth🤝 The strength of community and mentorship🕊 Servant leadership: leading through humility💞 Building love and connection in family and faith #YouVersion #FaithBasedPodcast #ServantLeadership #USMarines #MindsetShift #PurposeDrivenLife #InspirationDaily #OvercomingFear #PersonalGrowthJourney #LeadWithLove #FaithAndLeadership #ParentingWithPurpose #SpiritualGrowth #SelfWorthMatters #PositiveMindset #EmpowermentTalk #LifeLessons #AboutThisLifePodcast #becomingenoughbecomingyou

If education’s purpose is to prepare us for life, what grade would you give yours? 🎓 In this powerful episode of About This Life, Ann-Marie reflects on what it truly means to unlearn, listen, and heal from within. Drawing from her years as an educator and coach, she explores how childhood experiences shape who we become — and how reconnecting with your inner child can unlock transformation. ✨ Topics Covered: The purpose of education beyond academics Understanding the “inner child” in adult behavior The power of discernment and active listening Why empowerment isn’t something we give — it’s something we uncover How to become enough and truly become you This episode invites you to pause, reflect, and rediscover who you were always meant to be. 🌱 🎧 Listen. Learn. Unlearn. Transform. Hosted by Ann-Marie | About This Life Podcast #AboutThisLifePodcast #AnnMarieSpeaks #BecomingEnough #InnerChildHealing #MindsetShift #LifeCoaching #PersonalGrowth #SelfAwareness #TransformationJourney #EmotionalHealing #PurposeDrivenLife #SpiritualGrowth #BecomingYou #UnlearnToGrow #HealingJourney #BecomingEnoughBecomingYou

Why do you ignore your intuition? Listen as Ann-Marie has an otherworldly conversation with Laura Hoorweg — a gifted spiritual counselor, intuitive coach and psychic medium. Laura helps those who are stuck, overwhelmed or trying to reconnect with purpose, to release their energetic baggage. Part grounded, part mystic - Laura sees root wounds and hidden beliefs. “You are safe— but we’re going deep.” ✨ In this episode, you’ll explore: 🌙 Light and shadow 🧘🏽‍♂ How to connect with your intuition and spiritual guides 🔥 How to heal from past conditioning and rediscover your soul’s mission 💫 How to understand the power of energy, purpose, and divine timing 🌻 How to embrace your shadow self and become whole This isn’t just a conversation — it’s an awakening of the spirit within. 🌠 #SelfDiscovery #SpiritualAwakening #Intuition #HealingJourney #PersonalGrowth #InnerPeace #Mindfulness #SoulPurpose #ConsciousLiving #EnergyHealing #ShadowWork #AuthenticSelf #SpiritualJourney #Transformation #Empowerment #DivineTiming #Meditation #HigherSelf #HealingEnergy #NewEarth #AboutThisLifePodcast #BecomingEnoughBecomingYou

In this powerful conversation, Frank Healy, a Licensed Professional Counselor and life coach with Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM), shares how remembering every day of his life since childhood shaped his understanding of trauma, growth, and the human spirit. At 65, Frank has turned his rare gift into a source of wisdom and compassion, helping people heal their memories, release stress, and find peace in the present. As the author of over 20 transformative books, including “Heal Your Memories, Change Your Life,” and “Stress Free Success,” he offers practical insights into turning pain into purpose. ✨ Themes explored: 🧠 The power and burden of memory — what it means to remember everything 💫 Healing emotional wounds and transforming past pain 🧘‍♀ Stress resilience, mindfulness, and self-compassion 📚 Writing as therapy: using stories to heal and connect 💬 The intersection of memory, identity, and personal growth If you’ve ever wondered how your past shapes your peace — or how to rewrite the story it left behind — this conversation with Frank Healy will open your heart and mind. #FrankHealy #HSAM #EmotionalHealing #TraumaRecovery #Mindfulness #StressFreeSuccess #Memory #Neuroscience #HealingYourPast #SelfAwareness #Counseling #Therapy #PersonalDevelopment #LifeCoaching #Resilience #EmotionalIntelligence #PsychologyPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfGrowth #AboutThisLifePodcast

A powerful conversation on how mindset, self-talk, and daily habits can rewrite a life. From cycling 150 miles a week and skiing since childhood to navigating COVID, caregiving, genetics, and boundaries, this episode shows how science + soul = sustainable change. Meet Stephanie on the next Capital Jazzfest Cruise featuring talented artists and hand dance classes. The first 5 listeners who book with Stephanie will receive a special credit for the cruise. ✨ Themes explored: 🧠 Mindset, self-talk & the neuroscience of change 🧰 Boundaries, self-care basics & habit stacking 🩺 Functional medicine, genetics, hormones & gut health 🚴‍♀ Movement as medicine: cycling, skiing, nature therapy If you’re ready to stop living on empty and start leading from a full cup, this conversation is your roadmap. #CapitalJazzFestCruise #AnthonyHamilton #Najee #LalaHathaway #dopamine #functionalmedicine #cancerscreen #MindsetMatters #PositivePsychology #Resilience #Neuroscience #SelfEfficacy #BoundarySetting #FunctionalMedicine #GutHealth #HormoneHealth #CaregiverSupport #WomenOver50 #HealthyAging #ProstrateScreen #AboutThisLifePodcast #BecomingEnoughBecomingYou

The neurologist said her brain was rewiring itself- what emerged would be something whole. Something wild. Something wonderfully unexpected. Cheri, a former Air Force Critical Care Nurse, knows a thing or two about surviving injury. But after a traumatic brain injury ended her 25 year career, she turned to art as a lifeline. She creates art that is raw, emotionally layered to hold space for what’s been broken, unraveled, and rebuilt. The injury that stole her nursing career gave her back her soul. Now Cheri stands before a canvas, paintbrush in hand, creating magic. ✨ Themes explored: 🌿 Healing from trauma 🎨 Finding creativity through art and self-expression 🌌 Traumatic brain injury 🧘‍♀ The connection between body, mind, and spirit If you’ve ever felt stuck, defeated or depressed, this story will inspire you to step into your own power and become new again. #HealingJourney #LifeAfterTrauma #Resilience #CreativityHeals #ArtAsTherapy #Neural Pathways #Starting Over #Air Force Nurse #Abstract Painter #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalHealing #MindBodySpirit #AuthenticLiving #TransformationStory #SelfDiscovery #InspirationDaily #OvercomingObstacles #SpiritualGrowth #ChaosToClarity #AboutThisLifePodcast #BecomingEnoughBecomingYou

Who gets to tell our story? From poetry to prose, this powerful conversation dives into the themes of family and the resilience of the human spirit. Discover how storytelling preserves culture. V Efua Prince, author of Kin (2024), a winner of a 2025 Next Generation Indie Award and longlisted for the 2025 Carol Shields Prize for Fiction and co-author with Hoke Glover III of Crazy As Hell: The Best Little Guide to Black History (2024), sits down with Ann-Marie to talk about philosophy, history, poetry, and writing that is transformative. Her current work represents a refinement of themes she has been considering for more than 20 years, evident in Burnin’ Down the House (2005). Prince is a professor of African American Studies at Wayne State University. She received her PhD from the University of Michigan in English Language and Literature, the Avalon Professor of Humanities at Hampton University, a visiting scholar at the University of Virginia’s Carter G. Woodson Institute, and a fellow at Harvard University’s W. E. B. Du Bois Center. We explore the importance of language, dialect, and the power of literature to create community, inspire change, and pass wisdom across generations, reflecting on soul, resilience, and the stories that shape us. ✨ Remember to like, share, and subscribe for more powerful conversations on life, culture, and transformation. #HamptonUniversity #BlackAuthors #Black GirlLiterature #MochaGirlsRead #AfricanAmericanStudies #AfricanAmericanLiterature #Storytelling #HealingJourney #LiteratureMatters #HarkemWritersGuild #Black Writers Collective #Hurston/WrightFoundation #CityLitStage #Kin #Kindred #Ancestors #LifeLessons #Wisdom #LoveAfterTrauma #Inspiration #PoetryAndProse #CommunityVoices #SoulTalk #MindsetShift #CulturalHeritage #HumanExperience #GenerationalHealing #AboutThisLifePodcast #BecomingEnoughBecomingYou

A moving conversation exploring poetry, transformation, and the human experience. From navigating anxiety and loss to finding hope, connection, and purpose, this dialogue uncovers how creativity, spirit, and vulnerability can guide us toward healing. Together, the speakers reflect on the power of words, the courage to face rock bottom, and the beauty of becoming a path for others to find light.#HealingJourney #PoetryOfLife #TransformativeConversations #SpokenWordHealing #AnxietyAwareness #FindingHope #LifeTransformation #HeartAndSoul #AuthenticConnections #VoicesThatInspire #HumanExperience #SpiritualAwakening #InnerStrength #MentalHealthAwareness #CreativeHealing #AboutThisLifePodcast #BecomingEnoughBecomingYou

A deep dive into healing, self-love, and stepping into your true purpose. Discover how to move from survival to thriving and reclaim your power. ✨ Highlights: 🌱 Hiding pain behind “I’m fine” 💔 The impact of the mother wound 🌀 How trauma shows up in the body 👶 Inner child healing & self-love 🌸 The Soul Bloom Method for growth ⚡ Energy work, journaling & alignment 🌟 Redefining success & freedom This is about remembering you’re never alone and trusting the process of becoming your authentic self.#HealingJourney #InnerChildWork #EnergyHealing #SpiritualAwakening #SelfDiscovery #TraumaHealing #PeaceAndPurpose #SelfLove #LifeTransitions #MindBodySpirit #HolisticHealing #AuthenticLiving #EmotionalHealing #PersonalGrowth #SoulAlignment #AboutThisLifePodcast #BecomingEnoughBecomingYou

What would you tell a friend who is carrying the same shame you once carried? In this powerful conversation, we dive deep into the themes of shame, guilt, codependency, and healing. Learn the difference between guilt, shame and discover what “complex shame” really means. Here, you can , untangle the patterns that keep us hidden. This episode also unpacks the journey of reclaiming your power and finding the courage to live authentically. You’ll hear raw insights on: ✨ The hidden weight of shame and how it shapes relationships ✨ The connection between codependency and self-abandonment ✨ How boundaries create freedom, not distance ✨ Steps to begin healing and embracing true self-love This conversation begins with the announcement of the inaugural 100 Black Women Gala and Book Launch celebration of coauthors who made the journey of healing the inner child. This episode is for anyone ready to step out of hiding and walk toward freedom.#HealingJourney #InnerChild #SelfLove #ShameAndHealing #EmotionalWellness #CodependencyRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #BreakTheCycle #PersonalGrowth #InnerHealing #BoundariesMatter #ComplexShame #OvercomingShame #PaintoPower #AuthenticLiving #DearBlackWomanMedia #AboutThisLifePodcast #BecomingEnoughBecomingYou

In this insightful episode of About This Life, we welcome Lizbeth De Sa — educator, writer, laughter yoga leader, conflict mediator, and internal family systems (IFS) practitioner. Together, we explore the power of laughter, the deep healing work of IFS therapy, and practical tools for breaking generational trauma patterns. From healing the inner critic to setting healthy boundaries, Lizbeth shares compassionate strategies for reconnecting with your authentic self and releasing pain that no longer serves you. We also dive into the role of creativity, spirituality, and self-energy in personal growth — plus a fun dose of laughter yoga to lift your spirits! Whether you’re navigating childhood wounds, relationship pain, or simply looking for more joy and playfulness in life, this conversation will inspire and empower you to start your own healing journey. ✨ Topics Covered: • Laughter yoga and its benefits • Understanding Internal Family Systems therapy • Healing childhood and generational trauma • Working with the inner critic • Setting boundaries for emotional safety • Integrating spirituality into healing • Creative approaches to emotional well-being 🎧 Subscribe to About This Life for more real conversations about healing, growth, and transformation. #AboutThisLife #LaughterYoga #InternalFamilySystems #IFS #TraumaHealing #GenerationalTrauma #InnerChildHealing #DearBlackWomanAnthologyBook #dearblackwomanmedia #MindBodySpirit #EmotionalWellbeing #SelfGrowth #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney #OvercomingTrauma #InnerCritic #PersonalGrowth #AboutThisLifePodcast #BecomingEnoughBecomingYou

In this special preview episode of About This Life, host Ann-Marie takes you on a heartfelt journey inspired by Isaiah 61 — a promise of beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and strength for life’s trials. 🌿✨ You’ll get a sneak peek into the next three powerful interviews with incredible women — therapists, doctors, and healers — who share their wisdom on trauma, shadow work, and emotional healing. 💬💛🌸 🎧 Tune in, be inspired, and let’s walk this journey together.#AboutThisLifePodcast #BeautyForAshes #Isaiah61 #BecomingEnoughBecomingYou #DearBlackWomanMedia #TraumaHealing #ShadowWork #SpiritualGrowth #HealingJourney #PodcastPreview #FaithAndHealing #WomenEmpowerment #EmotionalHealing #InnerChild #ChristianPodcast #FaithBasedPodcast

In this deeply moving episode, Ann-Marie welcomes the radiant and resilient Aisha Makara, an artist, entrepreneur, world traveler, and soulful storyteller. From a childhood in an orphanage to traveling across 60+ countries, falling in love with Lisbon, and building an artistic life rooted in color, joy, and self-discovery—Aisha shares her incredible journey of healing, creativity, and empowerment. We talk about:• How Portugal sparked a transformation in her • Learning love through loss and finding herself • Running real estate projects with heart • Art as healing and spiritual expression • Living unapologetically with truth, color, and courage ✨ Her story is a testament to the power of self-love, resilience, and imagination. 📌 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more heart-opening conversations. #AboutThisLife #AishaMakara #AnnMariePodcast #HealingJourney #SelfLove #Resilience #SpiritualJourney #WomenEmpowerment #LisbonLife #OrphanToArtist #WorldTraveler #CreativeLife #InnerHealing #ArtAsTherapy #EmbraceJoy #RealTalk #PodcastInterview #Inspiration #EmotionalGrowth #ColorfulLife #AboutThisLifePodcast #BecomingEnoughBecomingYou

In this gripping episode of About This Life, host Ann-Marie sits down with resilience coach, author, and former international basketball player Dwayne Morton. Dwayne shares the harrowing story of surviving a police shootout with his 3-year-old niece — a moment that changed his life forever. He opens up about battling PTSD, finding healing through breathwork, the rhythm of basketball, and the deeper meaning behind his book The Bounce Back Blueprint: Become Bulletproof. This is a conversation about ownership, alignment, gratitude, energy, and how near-death moments can awaken new life purpose. #BounceBackBlueprint #DwayneMorton #AboutThisLifePodcast #SurvivorStory #BreathworkHealing #BasketballJourney #PTSDRecovery #ResilienceCoach #GratitudeVibes #PodcastInterview #LifeAfterTrauma #MindsetMatters #EnergyHealing #ShowUpToWin #BecomingEnough #AboutThisLifePodcast

In this soul-stirring episode of About This Life, host Ann-Marie sits down with author and coach Christian de la Huerta to explore the journey of spiritual awakening, reclaiming identity, and the path to conscious love. Christian shares insights from his three transformative books — including “Coming Out Spiritually: The Next Step,” “Awakening the Soul of Power,” and his latest work, “Conscious Love: Transforming Our Relationship to Relationships.” Christian dives deep into: • The difference between religion and spirituality • Reconnecting our relationship to the environment • Reclaiming personal and soulful power • Building conscious relationships that foster growth and truth Whether you're on a path of healing, self-discovery, or looking to deepen your understanding of love and identity — this conversation will leave you uplifted and empowered.#SoulfulPower #ConsciousLove #ChristianDeLaHuerta #AnnMariePodcast #SpiritualAwakening #InnerPower #Environment #QueerVoices #HealingJourney #PersonalGrowth #SelfLove #PowerWithin #LGBTQAuthors #ConsciousRelationships #BecomingEnoughBecomingYou #AboutThisLifePodcast

Have you ever felt like everything—good or bad—just hits you all at once? In this heartfelt solo episode, Ann-Marie dives deep into the mindsets that bind us and the beauty of letting go to make room for breakthroughs. From personal struggles to the power of community, she shares how progress—not perfection—is the real goal. ✨ Hear about the inspiring "Dear Black Woman Anthology Project" project, the upcoming Atlanta, Black Tie Gala (Sept 25–28), and the healing magic of writing a letter to your younger self. Ready to reclaim your dreams? Tune in now. 🛍 Pre-order your Book Box📺 Subscribe & Hit That Bell!➡ Check out the link - https://dbw-anthology.my.canva.site/ann-marie-maloney 🎧 Topics Covered: • The illusion of control in chaos• Entrepreneur mindset shifts• How community fuels growth• The power of self-love and inner healing• Details on the upcoming Atlanta event #AnnMariePodcast #DearBlackWoman #WomenEmpowerment #MindsetShift #LetGoAndGrow #EntrepreneurLife #SelfLoveJourney #BlackWomenVoices #HealingThroughStory #AtlantaEvents #BookBox #Gala2025 #ReclaimYourDream #LettersToYourYoungerSelf #PoetrySlam #SisterhoodSupport #BecomingEnough #aboutthislifepodcast

In this powerful episode of About This Life, host Ann Marie sits down with David Webb—dentist, father of three, and host of Divorce Devil Podcast and Don’t Pick the Scab—to explore the often-silent struggles of men navigating divorce, anger, and healing. From faith-based divorce recovery groups to forgiveness and the courage to start over, David opens up about the raw realities of a 22-year marriage ending in heartbreak, the emotional toll it took, and how he transformed pain into purpose. Whether you're newly divorced, co-parenting, or on the road to rediscovery, this conversation offers empathy, humor, and hard-won wisdom. ✅ Topics Covered: ✨The myth that men must "fix it alone" ✨Why anger was his biggest challenge ✨The power of forgiveness (and the "Carvana tower" analogy) ✨Healing through vulnerability and community ✨His journey into podcasting and writing “It’s Okay to Hate Your Ex” ✨Why self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear this today.#DivorceRecovery #MensMentalHealth #ForgivenessJourney #DivorceSupport #HealingAfterDivorce #SelfCareForMen #DavidWebb #AboutThisLife #PodcastInterview #DivorceDevil #DontPickTheScab #EmotionalHealing #FaithAndHealing #AnnMariePodcast #MensHealthMatters #JoyAfterDivorce #BecomingEnough #AboutThisLifePodcast

Nicole Richards joins About This Life for a soul-stirring conversation about moving from surviving to thriving. From the emotional journey of loss to the pressures of being a strong Black woman, Nicole opens up about mindset shifts that lead to a thriving life. ✨ A must-watch for every woman who's ever felt unseen while carrying the world on her shoulders. ‪ #DearBlackWomanmedia #NicoleRichards #RestIsResistance #BlackWomenHealing #SelfAudit #MentalHealthMatters #GriefAndGrowth #AboutThisLife #Breathwork #BreakingCycles #StrongBlackWoman #MotherhoodAndHealing #WellnessJourney #BecomingEnough #AboutThisLifePodcast

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Afia, a trailblazing content creator, educator, and advocate for Black-owned businesses. In this episode, Dr. Afia shares her transformative journey from being an English teacher and Black Studies professor to becoming an influential voice in the global travel community. Hear how she embraced an adult gap year, traveled to over 40 countries, and built a thriving platform that empowers others to live authentically, break free from limiting beliefs, and connect through community. Learn about her curated group trips to Bali and Ghana, her impactful work in amplifying Black-owned businesses, and her vision of community as a source of strength and resilience. Tune in for stories of joy, healing, and the power of collective action. #DrAfiaAbroad #BlackTravelMovement #AmplifyBlackVoices #SupportBlackBusinesses #AuthenticLiving #GlobalCommunity #TravelWithPurpose #WomenWhoTravel #GapYearStories #DiasporaConnections #CulturalExploration #JoyfulLiving #CommunityStrength #BlackContentCreators #AboutThisLifePodcast #HealingThroughTravel #BaliRetreat #GhanaExperience #LiveAuthentically #BreakingBarriers #BecomingEnough #AboutThisLifePodcast