Gucci Mane’s new book Episodes revealed something most of us didn’t know — his journey living with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. His story, and the way his wife Keyshia Ka’Oir stood beside him, opened up deeper questions about what it means to love and support someone who’s struggling with their mental health.
In this episode, Pennie breaks down the difference between mania, psychosis, and schizophrenia, shares her personal experiences supporting loved ones through these disorders, and offers insight into how to show up with empathy, care, and boundaries.
This isn’t just for caregivers — it’s for friends, partners, and anyone who wants to better understand how to walk alongside someone on their healing journey.
What you’ll hear:
Understanding the difference between mania, psychosis, and schizophrenia
What Gucci and Keyshia’s story reveals about grace and support
How to hold space without losing yourself
The truth about “handlers” and mental health misconceptions online
Why boundaries are an act of love, not rejection
How to balance compassion with care for your own mental health
Key Quote:
“People living with mental illness are not burdens — they’re humans doing their best with what their mind is giving them that day.”
Resources Mentioned:
Therapy for Black Men
Boris L. Henson Foundation
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
This week, Pennie breaks down the real conversation behind all the Culture Con discourse — the one that has less to do with influencers and everything to do with how we feel about ourselves.
From social anxiety and comparison to the pressure of showing up online and IRL, Pennie opens up about why she didn’t attend Culture Con for years, what shifted for her this year, and how to walk in rooms like you already belong there.
You’ll hear her reflections on confidence, nervous system regulation, and why your digital presence isn’t your worth — plus tangible, psychology-backed tools to help you network with ease, build genuine connections, and trust yourself again.
Main Takeaways:
Why so many people leave events feeling unseen or disconnected
How comparison culture and social media distort our self-worth
Practical tools to regulate social anxiety before events
How to build authentic confidence that doesn’t rely on validation
The truth about “networking across, not up”
“Everything you’re searching for in those rooms — confidence, belonging, connection — already exists within you. You just have to know it, practice it, affirm it, and walk in it.”
Mentioned: Vic Mensa, 2 Chainz, Imani Ellis, CultureCon NY
Follow us on IG:
@penniepeace
@foryourthoughtspod
www.foryourthoughts.org
In this episode, we dive into the vibrant world of COVL, a multidisciplinary artist who shares her journey of living with bipolar disorder and how it influences her art. We explore her creative process, the impact of her Puerto Rican heritage, and her mission to normalize mental health conversations through her work.
After being away, I’m back on the mic. In this episode, I dive into Nick Cannon’s recent confession about being diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder and break down what narcissism really means versus simply feeling “special.” I also catch you up on life updates, introduce the therapist directory I’ve been building, and talk about The Great Lock-In.
My Therapist Directory:
www.foryourthoughts.org
In this episode of The Pennie For Your Thoughts Podcast we sit down with Nimilolu to dive into her bold decision to quit her 9-5 and pursue content creation full-time. With the support of major influencers like Jackie Aina, Nimilolu shares the highs and lows of her journey, from breaking free of societal expectations to navigating the mental health challenges that come with being a full-time creator. Nimilolu opens up about her Nigerian roots, overcoming cultural pressures, and finding her voice in the digital space. We also discuss the struggles many creators face, including burnout, self-doubt, and the reality behind the glamorous facade of content creation. Join us for an inspiring conversation about self-discovery, mental health, and what it really takes to make it as a full-time content creator. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more episodes that explore the intersection of psychology, pop culture, and personal growth. Follow Us: @penniepeace & @foryourthoughtspod on IG @penniepeaceful & @peacepennie on TikTok Follow Nimilolu: @nimilolu_ on IG @nimilolu on Tik Tok Subscribe To My Newsletter: https://open.substack.com/pub/penniea... Purchase my new ADD/ADHD medication alternative: Micronized Pregnolone: https://spn.so/a2j05dru Use code: PENNIE10 for a discount!
In this engaging podcast episode, we explore the challenges of starting anew and the importance of embracing imperfection in creative projects. Our host shares personal struggles with consistency, self-doubt, and the pressure of comparing to others, leading to feelings of discouragement and a break from creating content. By reflecting on an artist who stopped making music, the discussion highlights the need for self-discovery and strategic thinking in a capitalist society, urging listeners to stay true to themselves. We also discuss the impact of past relationships on self-esteem and personal growth, stressing the importance of not comparing oneself to others. Inspired by JT’s success, the host advocates for perseverance and authenticity in creative endeavors, even when facing depression and societal judgment. Furthermore, a Kenyan American guest addresses political issues in Kenya, criticizing President Ruto’s proposed bill that could increase poverty by raising taxes on essential goods. The episode praises Gen Z and millennials for protesting against the bill and examines the unfairness of leaders suppressing the populace for personal gain. This segment also highlights the positive connection between older and younger generations in the movement for change, expressing pride in being part of this struggle. Key Topics Covered:
Follow Us:
@penniepeace & @foryourthoughtspod on IG
@penniepeaceful & @peacepennie on TikTok
Subscribe To My Newsletter:
Purchase my new ADD/ADHD medication alternative: Micronized Pregnolone: https://spn.so/a2j05dru
Use code: PENNIE10 for a discount!
Kevonna Rose & Pennie talk dating, personal authenticity, and the challenges artists face in today’s digital landscape. With raw honesty, Kevonna unfolds her journey of personal growth, the struggles of balancing motherhood with her musical career, and overcoming life’s hurdles including divorce, a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, and significant work stress.
Stream Kevonna's latest single "Sadderdays"
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/64RBzt...
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/album/sadd...
Follow Kevonna: @KevonnaRose on all platforms
Follow Pennie on IG: @penniepeace
Follow Pennie on TikTok: @penniepeaceful
Subscribe to my newsletter: https://pennieanassi.substack.com
In this conversation, Pennie and Hugh Massie discuss the role of money and wealth management in people's lives. Hugh shares his journey from being an accountant to becoming a behavioral solutions architect.
They explore the mindset and beliefs of wealthy individuals and how they think differently about money. They also discuss the importance of defining success beyond financial wealth and the impact of wealth on children.
Hugh emphasizes the need to understand one's money personality and the three dimensions of money: currency, behavior, and beliefs. They conclude by highlighting the illusion of money and material possessions and the importance of finding fulfillment beyond financial success.
The conversation explores the themes of finding happiness beyond material wealth, making better choices for a different life, talking about money freely and easily, continuing the journey to financial growth, and finding peace of mind.
Takeaways:
Learn your money personality: www.dnabehavior.com
Follow HUGH: https://www.instagram.com/hughmassie/
This episode is powered by Dead The Silence (a mental health non-profit organization) we delve into forgiveness and boundaries in mental health, with therapists emphasizing holistic therapy considering race and gender. It discusses challenges in setting boundaries amidst societal expectations and highlights the importance of self-love and communication in healthy relationships, while addressing harmful behaviors like gaslighting and narcissism. Client empowerment and open communication during therapy sessions are underscored for fostering agency.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complex dance between forgiveness and setting boundaries, and how these elements play a crucial role in our mental health and relationships. Join Dead The Silence, Pennie Anassi, and our esteemed therapists for a thought-provoking session that promises to enlighten, empower, and encourage listeners to prioritize their mental wellbeing.
Remember to subscribe to "Pennie For Your Thoughts” for more insightful discussions, and share this episode with someone who could benefit from its messages about forgiveness, boundaries, and mental health.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the issues discussed in this episode, please seek professional help or contact a mental health support service in your area.
Connect with Us:
Website: pennieforyourthoughts.com
Instagram: @foryourthoughtspod, & @penniepeace, & @deadthesilence
Twitter: @penniepeace
Email: pennie.anassi@gmail.com
Stephanie, an ex-lawyer turned YouTuber, shares her journey of switching careers for long-term happiness despite the challenges and criticisms faced during the transition. She underscores the necessity of financial readiness before changing professions and addresses the societal pressures that young black women face to enter law, urging them to consider other paths and understand the potential financial strain. Stephanie also expresses concern over the pursuit of a legal career without passion, particularly addressing young black women, and notes the general dissatisfaction among lawyers.
In her content creation, Stephanie integrates her expertise in law and psychology, advocating for in-depth, long-form content with factual citations over the superficiality of short-form videos like those on TikTok, which she believes can harm mental health. She reflects on the American dream’s complexities, sharing her own disillusionment as a Black individual with immigrant parents, and stresses the importance of defining success on personal terms. The summary also mentions Stephanie’s endorsement of ashwagandha for stress relief and her invitation for audience engagement through social media and Patreon support.
Stephanies Links:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WinenChill/playlists
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/winenchill Instagram: @winenchill
Follow Pennie: @penniepeace
Purchase Ashwaganda (Anxiety Relief) or Micronized Pregnenolone (ADHD/Focus/Memory):
In this episode, I offer my reflections and thoughts that I will go into the new year with. I invite my audience to live the BS in 2023 and embrace 2024 with open arms.
Here are the show highlights:
Solo Reflections: I discuss the show’s format that weaves between solo episodes and guest features. I bring up the insightful discussion with Lama on “The Psychology Of An Ex” from the previous episode, illustrating the show’s depth and diversity (CHECK IT OUT, if you haven’t already!)
With a spontaneous spirit, I approach this episode without a script. I believe in the power of authentic engagement, setting the stage for an unfiltered conversation with my listeners.
Kenyan Adventures: I update you all on my transformative month-and-a-half-long trip to Kenya. I talk about the rejuvenation that I’m feeling, highlighting how travel can offer a fresh perspective and a reset for the mind and soul.
A Fresh Mindset for 2024: Shifting away from dwelling on the past, I am embracing personal growth, self-reflection, and accountability. I invites my listeners to do the same with 7 thoughts that will help us have the best 2024! join her in this mindset shift as they step into the new year.
New Frequencies and Celebrations: The episode isn’t just about self-improvement; it’s also about joy and connections. I share my experience attending a wedding in Kenya, symbolizing the new relationships and experiences that feed into my new sense of renewal and optimism.
Looking Ahead: I set the tone for the future episodes of the podcast, I promise more honest discussions, unique perspectives from guests, and personal stories that resonate with the core theme of embracing change and finding joy in new beginnings.
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a REVIEW, love you guys!
Purchase my new ADD/ADHD medication alternative: Micronized Pregnolone: https://spn.so/a2j05dru
Use code: PENNIE10 for a discount!
Hoorae X Walmart Post:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2dXGvuuUfB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@peacepennie/video/7327199847637896491
Relationships, break ups, and ex’s can teach you so much about yourself. Close relationships are like a mirror and if you are haling and evolving you know that each break up leads to a break through.
On this episode I am joined by Lama from the infamous Views Of An Ex Podcast. Therapy can come in many forms, even in the form of listening in to someones story about an ex relationship that went south and changed their life forever. We get to know the host behind Views Of An EX and discuss the lessons learned from his show.
We also discuss:
Resources:
Keep up with Pennie & the POD:
I'm just venting TBH, the past 2 weeks haven't been the best but we are already feeling better! I also talk gratefulness, Cardi B on Genocide, & other randomness!
OUR DISCUSSION AIMS TO EXPLORE THE MULTIFACETED ASPECTS OF SELF-WORTH AND SELF-ESTEEM OUTSIDE THE CONTEXT OF ONE'S CAREER. WE WILL DELVE INTO WHO WE ARE OUTSIDE OF WHAT WE DO. HOW CAN WE ENSURE THAT WE ARE HOLISTIC INDIVIDUALS WHO LOVE OURSELVES AND OTHERS REGARDLESS OF OUR PRODUCTIVITY AND JOB TITLES? WHAT PRACTICES CAN HELP US GROW IN OTHER AREAS OUTSIDE THE WORKSPACE, AND HOW CAN WE REMAIN HAPPY AND PROUD OF OURSELVES EVEN IN SEASONS WHERE WE ARE NOT OUTWARDLY "WINNING"?
Moderators: Pennie Anassi (@penniepeace) & Prerna Manchanda (@prernamanch)
Panelists: Jaconna Jacobs, Julius Stukes Jr, Anthony Duncan, & Liz Beecroft
Sponsors: Soho Works & Recess MOOD Drinks
I have missed you all too much! Welcome back! We are podding again and couldn’t be happier. On this episode we tap into a couple of updates, talk about Pennie’s first LIVE SHOW, The Friend Zone shouted us out, Jada Pinkett Smiths’s new book “Worthy”, & dive deep into the term “EGO DEATH”
Shop For The Few:
Follow Pennie IG: @penniepeace
Follow Pennie TikTok: @penniepeaceful
This episode we are talking about that buzz word that won't stop buzzing, ADD & ADHD! Pennie was diagnosed with adult ADD in her mid twenties and she sits down with Rach Idowu to dish about it. Rach is the founder of the incredible and informative platform Adulting ADHD. A space created by a black woman to create community, provide information/resources, and help us get our ish together as magical ADHD'ers!
Follow Pennie: @penniepeace on all platforms @penniepeaceful on TikTok
Follow Adulting ADHD:
Twitter & IG - @AdultingADHD
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR7I2ashs44
Buy THE FLASHCARDS - https://www.adhdtraits.com/?utm_source=linktree&utm_medium=social
Pennie talks life updates and latest travels. She also gets into the topic of Perfectionism and what Beyonce's Renaissance Tour taught her about shedding the need to be perfect and how to stop striving for perfection.
EMAIL: Pennie.Anassi@gmail.com
IG: @PenniePeace
CHANGE OF THE WEEK: THE LAYOUT (https://www.the-lay-out.com)
"Beyonce didnt need to “Dance More” all she had to do was show up with her gifts and her imperfections and thats what she did. Turns out..that was enough!" - @darian/@studio.symone
GOLD: @monetmcmichael
On this episode I talk to Nunnie about his unexpected experience with a stroke in his 30’s. We dig into what we think the afterlife feels like, the importance of taking care of your health, and what really matters in this life. We also talk EVERYDAY PEOPLE one of the most popular parties of our time as black creatives & professionals.
25 Best Humanist Podcasts You Must Follow in 2023:
https://blog.feedspot.com/humanist_podcasts/
Get your Everyday People Tickets:
https://www.everydayppl.nyc/events
Follow Pennie: @penniepeace
Follow Nunnie: @nunnie20
Follow Everyday People: @everydayppl
On this weeks episode, I catch y’all up on what I have been up to and we dive into how the fight, flight, fawn, & freeze trauma responses show up in romantic conflict. We also talk Rihanna & ASAP Rock, The Reads 10 year anniversary, Don Toilers new album “Love Sick”, & more!
Follow me: @penniepeace
Send pen pal letters: pennie.anassi@gmail.com
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGJXebgOfn1nDl_xaHAPsdw
We are getting it right and getting it tight with out bank accounts on this episode. Pennie has a conversation with Alaina Curry from the Vital Money Podcast. Alaina dishes on how you can be debt free without even making 6 figures! We talk about how to budget, building your credit, & Alaina gives us the best tips and tricks to have our funds together for when Beyonce drops her tour tickets LOL.
Listen to Vital Money Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vital-money/id1506522206