(A Widower's Love) 30 years of your life dedicated to the focus of one person, a singular vision, and a forever plan, changed by one word (cancer). What would you do? How would you feel? What would you become? This one hits home...   Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover?” #thediversityduo #LFLPodcast    https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-licensed-for-love-podcast-96396001/   Or wherever you get your podcast.   Tracy Lee Smith, father, grandfather, and widower. Unfortunately, Tracy lost his wife to cancer, but it wasn't overnight, she did suffer, and Tracy went on every aspect of that journey with her. In that process, the much-intended intimate contact shared between husband and wife was absent, but what he gained in that sacrifice will move you.   The bigger reveal is what comes next for our guest! Does he still find himself consumed in grief? In the heartbreaking 11 years of staying by his wife’s side was there a catharsis at the end? Ultimately, has he learned to live confidently that he deserves love again?   The doc finds himself moved this episode and so does the cowboy, but why?   From this insightful story, what words of wisdom are important for us to apply in our own daily lives, whether single, married, or widowed.   Are there stereotypes you must face after you become widowed? What is your relationship like with friends and family. Our guest answers these questions and so much more.   Did you know? They sometimes refuse to talk about their grief.    Your partner might feel blue from time to time…   They can have emotional ups & downs…   You sometimes remind them of their late spouse...   They tend to think they're cheating on their late spouse...   It could be a rebound. https://www.eharmony.com/dating-advice/dating/dating-widowers-in-their-own-words/  

(Love, a healthy drug) There are so many stereotypes about those who manage addiction or those in recovery from substance abuse. Which asks the question, is this find of a relationship more difficult? Our guest is recovered. What have they uncovered in 25 years?   Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover?” #thediversityduo #LFLPodcast    https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-licensed-for-love-podcast-96396001/   Or wherever you get your podcast.   When you think about 25 years, that seems like a lot of time to have had the experience of dealing with anything. What does one learn in that amount of time? Or do they learn anything at all? Our guest answers some of these questions and more, pertaining to being recovered from substance abuse.    Substance abuse, recovery, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous etc.…There are so many stereotypes and judgments when the description of who you are is attached to any one of these words, but wait, is it "who" you are or what you have experienced or managed? We get some real answers from those who have lived it and honestly, the answers may shock you.   What if you've never experienced substance abuse or felt compelled to find numbness or excitement from drugs or in a bottle? Are you still at risk of suffering from addiction and could not being in tuned with what they are be fatal?   Is our grand treasure of a significant other easier to have without having to be transparent about topics like recovery and substance abuse or is the struggle equally real when it comes to affairs of the heart?   Finally, what the hell is farmers.com? Is it like Grinder or Tinder but with lots of flannel involved? And how freaky are those Christian mingle accounts?   You'll laugh and be moved in our first episode of Licensed for Love Podcast Season 2 y'all!    

(Thankfully Living Your Why Series) A life of just checking boxes, going through the motions, thinking on auto pilot, and then, without warning everything changes! You're upside down and in the next moment, on helicopter in medivac. How do you live differently, or do you?   Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover?” #thediversityduo #LFLPodcast    https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-licensed-for-love-podcast-96396001/   Or wherever you get your podcast.   Our guest is a mother, a military spouse, and a U.S. Veteran. She is very candid about her life before a fateful accident that would change everything.    Being a mother is arguably the greatest miracle that a woman can be given. So imagine a snapshot of looking over and seeing your only daughter screaming in pain and upside down after your vehicle flipped five times, only in the next moment to find that you’re being taken away to a medivac and your daughter to another ambulance. What would you feel?   How did Anne's life change afterwards? Does her mind still coast on auto pilot? Is she still checking boxes? Does it feel like she's just going through the motions? Or what, if anything, has changed?   We also discovered an experience that Dr. Harris had that hits particularly hard during this episode.    Our trauma in the moment seems like a cursed life, a botched karma, and begs us to ask the question, why me? But Anne Whitt found a whole new perspective that resonates even today. How does she do it, and what are her biggest motivations?   We couldn't end this description without mentioning the phrase “do what sets your soul on fire,” and how is Anne doing that?    What you need to know:   Butterfly Effect - A property of chaotic systems (such as the atmosphere) by which small changes in initial conditions can lead to large-scale and unpredictable variation in the future state of the system https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/butterfly%20effect  

(Thankfully Living Your Why Series) Imagine one day you see your stress in the changes of your skin’s pigmentation. Would you recluse? Would you become self-conscious? Could you see it as a gift or a curse? Did we mention this guest is an actor?   Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover?” #thediversityduo #LFLPodcast    https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-licensed-for-love-podcast-96396001/   Or wherever you get your podcast.   Our guest has been an educator and entertainment professional and has done so much to help children.   He describes his skin condition (an autoimmune disease) as skin camouflage. He wasn't born with it either, so can you imagine being in your 20s while pursuing a career in entertainment in front of the camera, and you wake up one morning, look in the mirror and see white pigmentation in spots on your dark skin complexion in noticeable areas. What did Marcus do?   What makes you beautiful?... The norm? Fitting in? or is it being different?   What do people say about our guest’s skin condition? Are they cruel? Do they poke fun? Or would most what people say surprise you?   Marcus, how does he live with this? Is he happy? Is he thankful? Is it likely that someone with a skin condition could view it as a gift?   In his independent research, what has our guest found out in the history of this autoimmune disease? Who does it have a consistency affecting?    With a podcast centering on asking the question do we judge a book by its cover?" we get a real-world conversation from someone who would know firsthand what that is like. The answers may surprise you.    Definition of Vitiligo: A condition in which the pigment is lost from areas of the skin, causing whitish patches, often with no clear cause.   Go deeper- https://www.vitiligodeeper.com/clinical-features?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=VIT-HCP_VitiliGoDeeper_Vitiligo_Condition-Education_Exact%3BS%3BPH%3BUB%3BDRM%3BHCP%3BCON&utm_content=Vitiligo_Resources_E&utm_term=information+on+vitiligo&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4OybBhCzARIsAIcfn9kOvtjlziFFUEAc8-5-CzGQgF0RJky5CY0u8aYBK5yZccpKWNDs26oaAmzZEALw_wcB  

(Thankfully Living Your Why Series) Would you think that divorce would lead a person to dine with over 7,000 people and counting, worldwide? Short answer is no... but that is exactly what our guest did after experiencing it. Dedicated to Frank, Kyle's dad (RIP, 2022).   Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover?” #thediversityduo #LFLPodcast    https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-licensed-for-love-podcast-96396001/   Or wherever you get your podcast.   This Texan is no stranger to rejection. As a teenager he grew up the outsider. His imagination was his beacon of thought, foreshadowing the moments of his life yet to come. But what was the clever strategy for this younger self?   The lack of belief in yourself can be hurtful, especially when it comes in the form of a reminder and reinforcer from your spouse and closest friends. Did our guest overcome it or drown in it?   What would you do if your marriage counseling therapist threw up their hands and simply said, "I can't help you, I help people with real problems." And when it's time to say your final goodbye to nine years of a life together? What did our guest do that was so different than most?   There are so many twists and turns in this one, folks! Here’s an introduction to a self-proclaimed hyper optimist and the first guest of the show to be given a title by the Doc half of #thediversityduo, himself! Curious of what it is?   What is, Dinners with Dreamers? What does the phrase, “Are you in or are you out” mean? Can dinners really change the world? All will be answered as we listen to this heartbeat in relationship conversation.    Kyle's dad passed not too long after this show. To all the Saylors’ family and friends, all our healing and strength from all of us at the Licensed for Love Podcast. We can confidently say, Frank, your boy knocked this one out of the park! Even though you won't get to hear it, we have a sneaking suspicion you already knew he was an all-star.

(Thankfully Living Your Why Series) These two women are married with children, but did we mention that both were pregnant at the same time? With only weeks between the two bundles of joy being brought into the world, we answer just how that was done.   Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover?” #thediversityduo #LFLPodcast    What an amazing story to get the privilege to tell the world! Especially when it's shared first to the world on the Licensed for Love Podcast!   For context purposes only, this wonderfully married LGBTQ plus community couple knew they wanted children however, they had no intention of being pregnant at the exact same time, yet that’s just what transpired.   The Doc and Cowboy Jax unpack the early stages of their relationship, how these beautiful moms to be decided on becoming parents, along with everything that entails. You don’t want to miss this one!    We all know that, in general, people can be very particular, married couples especially. With the hands of time giving them even more comfortability with particulars, disagreements or even being straight picky, we ask, how did these two decide on the same donor? Also, what are they doing that's so amazing when the children turn 18?   The Hoffmans also get candid about the realities of multiple miscarriages, how they handled those occurrences and why their distinct strategy on sharing the good news of babies on the way had to be handled.    The Diversity Duo also learns about the different methods of the pregnancy process that take place and through which specific procedures...Is one better or more effective than the other?   Terms to understand:   IUI- www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/intrauterine-insemination/about/pac-20384722   IVF- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/in-vitro-fertilization/about/pac-20384716    

(Beauty’s in the Eye of the Beholder Series) You have it all, a successful career, great family life and you’re the man to your peers. There is a secret in the mirror though... A lady staring back at you every day, in your reflection.    Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover?” #thediversityduo #LFLPodcast    The honorable Tracy Nadzieja (pronounced Na-jae-ah) was appointed to the Maricopa County (AZ) Superior Court bench in 2018, becoming the first transgender judicial officer in Arizona and only the third in the United States.   Definition of Judicial Officer: A justice for the peace, magistrate, or judge or any other officer of the court. https://thelawdictionary.org/judicial-officer/   To appreciate Tracy, we must first know a little about Tom. So, our interview takes us on the journey of Tom's career and successes, but most importantly, we learn about what Tom was willing to sacrifice, because he no longer wanted to just see Tracy in his reflection.    Tracy goes on to tell us that the ambitions of Tom weren't the same as what Tracy's would become. Next, she goes into detail about how an unsung hero would be the key component of Tracy's milestone achievement.    We then find out where Tracy is today, personally. How did her law firm take the news? What did her spouse do and what if anything is their relationship now?    Dr. Loren Michaels Harris asks some compelling questions about the relationship and legacy of Tom and how that effects Tracy.   This episode is compelling and insightful on so many levels. It's our first episode with a judge and well worth the listen, even with some technical difficulties.    Cowboy Jax opens up to us in an on-air confession that may be shocking and unexpected to our listeners but has a heartfelt message of vulnerability that will leave you moved.

(Beauty In The Eye Of The Beholder series) Can accidents turn into ascension? Our guest is quoted saying, "I have more of an advantage with one arm." Can you honestly say at this moment you are at an advantage in your own daily life?   Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels, and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover?”   Jonathan is a father, a widower, and a daily living example of taking what you have and making the most of it. He truly believes that having one arm is his advantage, mentally and physically. The question remains: has he always thought this way?   This U.S. Veteran goes above and beyond. Literally. His life includes skydiving and competitive archery. And what is he about to do in New York City?   The Doc and Cowboy (#thediversityduo) discover – from the person who lives it daily – the proper way to approach someone about their amputation, while debunking stereotypes about amputees such as "they can't go back to work."   One of the best moments is when our guest gets candid...about the loss of his wife, raising kids, and, shockingly, how he thinks he has it much easier than the unsung heroes he has so much admiration for. (Can you guess who? You may be surprised!)   The defining moment of the entire interview happened off the air (but we love y'all so much, we'll share it here): Jonathan forgave the drunk driver who almost cost him his life, as It left him with the daily reminder of that defining turning point to the better life he chooses to live today.   Simply put, Jonathan couldn't imagine how he would personally feel if he knew he was responsible for changing the career and livelihood of another person – especially under such traumatic circumstances as his. In his mind, he knows two lives were forever changed.  

(Beauty’s in the Eye of the Beholder Series) Imagine, in your dreams you are everything you want to be, mind, body, and soul, completely. Only you wake up as stranger in your own body. Insanity on repeat. What would it cost make things make sense? Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover?” Our guest this episode is a military service member with over a decade of service and growing! Above and beyond the call of duty is a journey of self-discovery that can only be defined as bravery. But is it bravery or absolute responsibility to become who you really are intended to be? In the age of polarization and agenda succeeding purpose those who are of the transgender community are no strangers to the harsh spotlight of stereotypes and misconceptions. So how did Shelby finally get to the point when enough was enough? At what age, if any, is too young to identify with one’s sexual identity? And is there a difference between identity and sexuality?  We’ll also learn how he feels about the separation of gender/transgender in things like conventional sports. His answer might shock some listeners! The moment that renders #thediversityduo speechless will also tug at your heartstrings, regardless of your stance on transgenders in the military or otherwise.  This loving journey of a dream turned into a reality greatly lends its muse to the timeless classic of Pinocchio. Except this real boy was trapped, not inside the makeup of string and wood, but inside the body of a woman.  This solider gets real about to “be all you can be,” you must be who you really are.  The more you know: At what age is Gender Dysphoria most common? - Age 7 Gender dysphoria history: Of the 55 TM patients included in our study, 41 (75%) reported feeling GD for the first time by age 7, and 53 (96%) reported first experiencing GD by age 13 (Table 2). A total of 80% of patients reported that feelings of GD were among their earliest childhood memories. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8766261/ Definition of Gender Dysphoria: Gender dysphoria is a term that describes a sense of unease that a person may have because of a mismatch between their biological sex and their gender identity. This sense of unease or dissatisfaction may be so intense it can lead to depression and anxiety and have a harmful impact on daily life. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria/    

(Beauty is in the eye of the beholder series) Imagine that you lost all your hair; what would you do? What would your self-esteem be like? Now would you trade each lesson you've learned to get each strand of hair back? Vanity or serenity? Choose... Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover?” Alopecia areata: Sudden hair loss that starts with one or more circular bald patches that may overlap. This occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles and may be brought on by severe stress. Our guest the (Ambassador of Love) Laura Duksta wasn't always so loving, especially to herself. Finding out as a young girl that her life would change forever. As with most profound experiences, she really didn't know how much this critical moment would shape who she is today. Laura is very honest about the dark side of her journey, the sex, drugs, and self-loathing type lifestyle. She thought that somehow, this superficial living could fulfill what she was missing internally. So, when did it all change? Where is she now? What inspired her to become a best-selling author of children's books? The Doc half of #thediversityduo lays out a whole new approach to beautiful and as always, there is never enough time in one episode. Attitude seems to be everything and acceptance of who you, are as you are, speaks volumes. Also, leave it to Doc to bring the variety moments like, how did Whoopi Goldberg come into conversation? Finally, we ask Laura to speak to the parents of children who face these moments with their children, the moments of uncertainty, the moments of faith when it's most needed, and ultimately, how we grow together as we learn the valuable lesson (and the title to her book), You Are a Gift to the World.

(Family Series) When thinking of a military dad, what are your honest thoughts? Do you think loving, open communication, and a testament of respect to his wife for her role? Or, cold, unemotional, and mission first? Who will this military service member be to you? Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover?” Dads are a big deal! For some, we never know how big of a deal they are until we feel the full absence of their presence. Whether that's because they’re never around or because their presence is missed when it counts the most. Either way, fathers are always teaching lessons.  So, what does it mean to be dad and to be dad in the military? Well, U.S. military service member Jordan Hamilton answers this question in his own way and has some very interesting things to say. Jordan’s story as a dad goes much deeper than deployments and 15 years of military leadership. He is also the spouse of someone who serves in the military, and they navigate life together, parenting not only one, but three children. How is it all possible? He unpacks the peculiar way how he and his spouse met, and how his recent visit to the role of Mr. Mom has taught him a lot about wearing both pants in the family. So, what is his biggest epiphany? Jordan really pulls in #thediversityduo when he has a profound moment with his own father, leaving Dr. Loren Michaels Harris and Cowboy Jax speechless for a moment in self-reflection towards their own relationships.  The heartbeat in this conversation is strong! If you ever had any judgment on military dads and the relationship with their children, ask yourself now, if you have changed your mind after this awesome moment with a G.I. Dad.  

(Family Series) "You don't have to be qualified to be qualified," says our guest, Charlynda Scales. This single mom is a serial entrepreneur, women's advocate, and philanthropist. She talks about rising above stereotypes and breaking through bias ceilings; are you curious what they are? Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover?” The CEO of Mutt's Sauce somehow found time to sit down with #thediversityduo between running a company, changing diapers, and helping to solve hunger problems. So, we asked how she does it all as a single mom. She takes us on the journey to some of her darkest moments and how she overcame them. What was her motivation to do so? How did she not just give up? The Diversity Duo gets a rare opportunity to see through the lens of a woman business owner. She took this company from zero revenue during the pandemic to transforming it into an ecommerce success, all while creating social connection.  Charlynda goes on to explain why "box checking" can limit you in your business, relationships and being a parent.    Sitting down and digging deep with her, we find her story to be both inspirational and thought provoking. Some things to know:  There are nearly 13 million women-owned businesses in the U.S. This figure represents 42% of all companies in the U.S. Women own 4 out of 10 businesses, and these businesses generate about $1.8 trillion annually. Yet women still experience gender bias, limited funding, and lack of support  https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/09/21/overcoming-some-of-the-barriers-to-women-entrepreneurship/amp/ Single Mom Myths: They got what they deserved  They are on welfare and do it for welfare checks They are raising kids in broken homes https://www.google.com/amp/s/bluntmoms.com/stereotypes-single-mother/amp/      

(Family Series) What message are we conveying by pointing the finger at generations of our children, call them "snowflakes," and send them off into the real world with their belongings in a trash bag? Can the comfort to change the world come in a case?  Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover?” "I'm a dad who happens to be gay" says our guest, Rob Scheer (U.S. Veteran). Ponder that for a moment! Then feel the emotion or the frustration of why anyone, especially a parent, would be compelled to want to say anything about their sexuality. Well, our guest rarely has time to say that in his household because he and his husband are too busy being at PTA meetings, football games, and raising great children like the "chicken whisper." Rob is both candid and respectfully pushes back on statistics of the LGBTQ+ community, especially those centered on parents. Can you guess which ones? He takes us freely inside his own moral compass, his .com past to this .org present and explains how one of his children caused him to look in the mirror and make over 100,000 children thankful that he did. Make no mistake about it, our guest Rob Scheer pulls no punches and has no apologies for believing that blaming the system is not a get out of responsibility free card. What does he have to say about his foster care journey and how does his quote, "our children" pertain to you? Rob hosts the #1 podcast “Fostering Change” centered on foster care and more. Over 150 million people and counting, know his family’s name and their journey. How did all this happen? The end of the episode is like none we've ever had before and Dr. Loren Michaels Harris’ tendered heart confession, simply was a moving moment for #thediversityduo. How will it all move you?    

(Family Series) Careers of parents is the hot topic post pandemic. Some have given up their career to become a stay-at-home parent and some decide to work remotely to manage multiple children. We answer the question though, what if none of that's an option? Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover...?” On average, during a lifetime, men held 12.6 jobs and women held 12.3 jobs, according to https://www.bls.gov/nls/questions-and-answers.htm Military Service members can achieve a career of 30 years or more before entering back into the workforce as a U.S. Veteran for the purpose of seeking a second retirement. Sometimes in this journey these women and men elect to be parents. Depending on their MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) I.E., their job, they could work on an average, 80 to 100 hours a week or attend schools that keep them out of the traditional home space for 3 months or more at a time. In today’s guests’ example, her spouse is also active-duty military. Doc and Cowboy Jax #thediversityduo sit down with Bryanna Hamilton, U.S. Army Drill Sergeant who’s now about to graduate as an officer. In this episode we laugh but also feel the serious emotions of Bryanna being mom away from home and discuss how quality is always more important than quantity. We answer these questions; How does she manage it all? Why is counseling important? and what’s the importance of having a strong spouse? We also talk about military resources, what a family plan is and why it is important. These recommended resources are approved, directly by someone who has used them. If you are in the military considering a family, you don't want to miss this! If you are a mom, you will get so much inspiration for managing your own daily life.   

(When the music stops, $hit gets real) We all have a muse. For some, the world seems surreal as we follow it, but is the fruition of the limelight as picture perfect as it's sold to be? This author tells the rest of the story. Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover...?” This episode, affectionately known as "Hiatus," was gleaned from the title of this guest’s book. It was an eye-opening experience, to say the least. Not from the perspective of what one’s doing, but more so, what happens in the pause in-between. The author and our guest, Treston Irby (Community Neighbor/non-Veteran) doesn't refrain from telling how real, life got, from moment to moment. From the rush of having #1 records and the world knowing your name, to being back on the block and "needing to eat." They say fame is fleeting but you don't know the truth until you've lived it; all of it... Treston takes us on his humble beginning of how another muse, almost led him to a completely different story that would have been written about his life. You’ll be surprised! How did the Hiatus in his life help to shape where he is now? What did he come to realize in the calm of the moment? The things he endured, what is the book about, and why did he write it? The Diversity Duo was honored to sit down with arguably one of the members of the biggest groups from the 90's. You know them as Hi-Five, but you will learn that this guest is also honest, real, and an advocate of faith and mental health awareness.  His sentiment in the last words of the interview were simply "compelling." Prepare to be moved.

(Artistry unapologetically unpolarized) In a world where it seems everything has only one side or the other, her voice makes a home in the middle where everyone is welcome. A refreshing breath of fresh air and literally music to your ears. Are you a Bryniac? Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover...?” Let us define polarize: To break up into opposing factions or groupings. When we think of our society it seems like the biggest trend in the past few years has been to polarize our neighbors, but why? Where does the compulsion come from to draw a line in the sand by saying "if you're not with me, you're against me." Thus, the root of cancel culture, and its cancer has spread like a wildfire. Its biggest influence is social media, but it has infiltrated our music, movies, and streaming productions as well. When did we lose our way to simply co-exist? Have we lost the ability to agree to just disagree?  Our guest Laura Bryna (Community Neighbor/non-Veteran) has a very strong belief that you should love what you are passionate about and celebrate who you are, but absolutely, not at the cost of others doing the same. This reflects in her diverse artistry in multiple genres of music and messaging of including "everyone." From where does she get her courage and inspiration? It's not all heavy in this episode, we talk music, her fans, and projects and yes, her special guest on this episode.  The Diversity Duo also discusses and gets heated in the debate about polarization in the entertainment industry in general.  We answer, is it really that big of a deal to have our entertainment polarized? You will be shocked about how much this division potentially effects your health! But is that good or bad?    

(A parent’s journey in the wake of suicide) The quote from our guest says it all "A parent shouldn't have to bury their children." Here’s an intimate look inside the life of a parent and an honest testimony about how much an unanswered tragedy lingers. Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover...?” Our Community Neighbor/non-Veteran, Jack unfortunately, deals with so many unanswered questions. He finds himself longing for just one more hug or conversation and clings to filling in the hole that is left in the aftermath of how his loved one made a permanent choice to temporary problem. How does he do it? We spend time with this retired attorney and historian, who has taken a loss that in some instances can literally cripple some from finding a quality of life. He however, along with his family have not only found a quality of life but are blazing a path by leaving a light on for others. How are they doing this? If you're a parent, you need this wisdom in your life. If you have thought or are thinking about suicide, you need to hear the pain and the longing in this parent's voice. The Diversity Duo was inspired and moved to find out about the foundation and all it's amazing work to help take this tragedy of losing Michael and turning it into hope and solutions for several issues in our society today. This episode will move you; it moved us! Let’s shift from talking suicide prevention to educating more on anxiety. Facts: Every day, approximately 125 Americans die by suicide. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year old Americans. https://save.org/about-suicide/suicide-statistics/ Common anxiety signs and symptoms include: Feeling nervous, restless, or tense Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom Having an increased heart rate Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation) Sweating Trembling Feeling weak or tired Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry Having trouble sleeping Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems Having difficulty controlling worry Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961  

(Dispelling rumors of being Bi) Options appeal to most, but could options do more harm than good sometimes? Jamila (Community Neighbor, non-Veteran) unlocks the bisexual myth by answering the question...All pleasure? or Does the desire to attract men and women come with a price?   Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover...?”   This episode is raw, real, and our most explicit yet. Leave it to #thediversityduo to pull no punches and honestly neither did our guest Jamila Wright and why should she? Love is hard at times for any of us, but imagine for a moment you are attracted to men and women, it may seem easier right? I mean if one fails to deliver... just date the other or... date them both... or check the monogamy at the door and just love the one you're with or more so please the one(s) you're with...but…   Does bisexual mean no monogamy? Can you lean more towards one sex, and occasionally be with another and you still be bisexual or do you default to bi-curious?   Is it all pleasure? No rules? Why are there the assumption and stereotypes of anyone bisexual are probably down for a third person...   Where do love and relationship fit into the equation?   So much is unlocked in this episode.    At times your heart will hurt during this episode and at others, you will be in shock at what you find with this sneak peek behind the curtain and closed doors behavior someone may have towards you when they find out you're bisexual.    We learned so much about the heart and character of this brave woman.     Fact: Only 19% of those who identify as bisexual say all or most of the important people in their lives are aware of their sexual orientation.     https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/06/18/bisexual-adults-are-far-less-likely-than-gay-men-and-lesbians-to-be-out-to-the-people-in-their-lives/

(Part 2 of One Breath at A Time Literally) Brad's a father and husband, his wife has a life-threatening disease and needs a double lung transplant. On the road for his career and only home a few days a month, does the stress manage him? Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover...?” Men in modern-day society seem to have lost that persona of being strong, reliable, and honoring their agreements, or so the media would have us believe or more accurately perceive. Why, though? What has been the cultural shift that makes it not seem worthy or worthwhile to celebrate men and masculinity? Would it be fair to say, men themselves may not be able to define a distinct road map to that nostalgia of the above-mentioned? Well, Brad Allnutt is living proof that an example of a man honoring his agreements is alive and well, but what toll does it take? What are the requirements of unconditional love? Is there a breaking point in a relationship with a partner with a potentially life-ending disease? Is there room for your feelings and well-being? Or are you just the rock that everyone expects you to be because of what you show on the outside? I cannot imagine even a moment through the lens of this man's eyes. I shudder to think about even the idea of losing my one and only much less living it 24 hours a day. What happens without a stress plan?   Stress is a significant a risk factor for a heart attack Stomach or digestive problems. Trouble having sex.  Suggestions for your stress plan: Set goals for your day, week, and month. Narrowing your view will help you feel more in control of the moment and long-term tasks.

(A queer journey to the blessing of the Dalai Lama) Lisa had an epiphany, she wanted the blessing of one of the most notable spiritual and philosophical figures in the modern-day world to endorse her book, but the question burns, is she not ready? Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover...?”  This Community Neighbor (non-U.S. Veteran) has had over a million ears listen to her podcast, All Things Therapy. She is highly educated and an insightful author but like in all things there must be a beginning, a manifestation. For the heart of our guest, a peculiar combination of ingredients contributed to a life moment few have the liberty to touch. Find out how an encounter with a telemarketer, not being ready yet, and an unapologetic truth to oneself, led to the fulfillment of her goal.  Ever heard of the Kinsey Scale? It was a first for at least one-half of the #thediversityduo! What are your thoughts on holistic medicine or the way of the woo-woo? Some call it the crystals under the house, others say get your head out of the clouds, and in this case, the stars. We discuss so much, honestly feel so much more, and you guessed it, the cowboy half of the diversity duo was 100% skeptical going into this episode…confessions will be made! A few facts: Kinsey Scale definition: Dr. Alfred Kinsey, Dr. Wardell Pomeroy, and Dr. Clyde Martin developed the Heterosexual-Homosexual Rating Scale, also known as the “The Kinsey Scale,” in order to account for research findings that showed that people did not fit into exclusive heterosexual or homosexual categories. The Kinsey team interviewed thousands of people about their sexual histories. Research showed that sexual behavior, thoughts, and feelings towards the same or opposite sex were not always consistent across time. https://www.idrlabs.com/kinsey-scale/test.php About one-third (32%) of U.S. adults say they have heard a lot about alternative medicine, and 54% say they have heard a little, while 13% say they have heard nothing at all about alternative medicine. https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2017/02/02/americans-health-care-behaviors-and-use-of-conventional-and-alternative-medicine/#:~:text=About%20one%2Dthird%20(32%25),at%20all%20about%20alternative%20medicine.