Joyfully You Life with Dr. Patrina Clark Dr. Patrina Clark

Dr. Luciana “Lu” Borio is a medical doctor and infectious disease expert who has dedicated her career to preparing for epidemics. Lu is a leading source of insight on COVID-19, and specializes in emerging infectious diseases, complex public health, emergencies, and bio defense. She is a highly sought-after advisor on these issues, and also served as the Acting Chief Scientist for the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). President Biden named Lu as one of the 13 members of his COVID-19 Advisory Board, and today she joins Patrina to discuss in detail the pandemic, vaccine hesitancy, and the importance of increasing vaccination access globally.
 
Lu breaks down the different types of vaccine hesitancy groups, debunks the most common misconceptions held by COVID skeptics, such as insufficient safety trials and fertility concerns, and explains that the greatest risk lies in not being vaccinated at all. Patrina asks Lu about variants and mutations of the virus, current travel advisories, and how to approach loved ones or colleagues who may be skeptical about getting the vaccine. Lu clarifies that even those who have recovered from COVID should still get vaccinated, as they could still become infected with new variants. She talks about what we have learned about COVID since the beginning of the pandemic, being intentional about which risks you decide to take, and protecting your physical health so that you can live your most fulfilled life in every other aspect. Finally, Lu and Patrina both share what is bringing them joy presently, and what they are most looking forward to as the nation continues on this positive trajectory in the fight against COVID.
 
Episode Highlights:


Luciana (Lu) is an infectious disease physician and public health administrator who has dedicated her career to preparing for epidemics
Patrina and Lu are good friends, and Lu persuaded Patrina from taking a family trip to New York City right as the pandemic was beginning, and very likely saved her life
President Biden’s goal is to have 70% of adults vaccinated for COVID-19 by July 4
Currently, at least 62% of adults over 18 have received at least one dose of the vaccine
Important to keep this in perspective, rather than focusing entirely on vaccine hesitancy
Vaccines are safe, effective, and have been thoroughly tested
Lu is hopeful about where the US currently stands in terms of vaccinations
Biggest challenge now is to scale production so that the rest of the world can benefit from them as well
Vaccine hesitancy should not overshadow that most people are taking the important step to get vaccinated and help save lives
Lu reiterates just how safe the vaccine is, and reminds listeners that the technology behind it has been in development for more than 20 years
The fact that people feel anxious is understandable, but instead of dismissing people who are hesitant, we should focus on how to positively shift their position
Harvard study broke down main “hesitancy” groups
Watchful (80%) - Simply can’t afford to take time off work or leave their children with someone to get vaccinated, even if it’s free
System Destructors (4%) - Do not feel the healthcare system has their best interest at heart and question what strings are attached (largely in Black communities)
COVID Skeptics (14%) - Don’t believe COVID is a real problem to begin with, they want to have full autonomy over decision-making, very difficult to influence
Doctors and healthcare professionals are not immune from being COVID skeptics, and people go to these practitioners to reinforce their hesitancy
Lu’s advice is to try to understand the misconceptions of COVID skeptics
Debunks beliefs that vaccine had insufficient safety trials and negatively impacts fertility
Vaccine meets and exceeds FDA safety standards
The real risk lies in not being vaccinated
Vaccines based in the US are holding up well against new variants and mutations
More important than ever to increase glocal vaccination

Today Patrina welcomes one of her absolute favorite cousins, and previous guest, Kevin Bruno’s younger brother, Anthony Bruno. Patrina and Anthony talk about growing up together more like siblings than cousins, how their grandpa shaped them into kind, gracious people of faith, and served as the ultimate example of Black Male Excellence for both Anthony and Patrina. They pay tribute to their Aunt Felicia Sue, who died due to complications related to Lupus in her mid-30s, reflect on the legacy they want to leave, and discuss the crucial role that Black people have played in American history and culture, and in particular, the Black Cowboy.
 
Anthony breaks down how ex-slaves were used to herd cattle in Texas following the Civil War, using their skills from West Africa, and how the term ‘cowboy’ originated as a derogatory acronym for ‘Black-owned youth.’ Anthony tells Patrina about being a trail boss, and his annual trail rides to pay homage to his ancestors and their immeasurable sacrifice on the tumultuous journey from slavery to freedom. He discusses his many television appearances, where his goal is to represent Black Western heritage to the fullest. He also offers his perspective on the ‘Urban Cowboy,’ Juneteenth, and making sure that history is accurately told and shared. Patrina asks Anthony what is bringing him joy at the moment, and he concludes by encouraging listeners to research their own family history and embrace where they come from wholeheartedly.
 
Episode Highlights:


Patrina and Anthony grew up more like siblings than cousins
Anthony’s perspective on their grandpa - he was the ultimate example of Black Male Excellence, and inspired everyone around him with his kindness and commitment to family
Aunt Felicia Sue and her early death due to complications related to Lupus in her mid-30s
Reflections on the legacy they want to leave and gratitude for their ancestors
The history and legacy of the Black Cowboy, and Anthony’s passion for representing Western heritage
Anthony is a trail boss, and he conducts trail rides to pay homage to the sacrifices of his ancestors on their journey from slavery to freedom
This is a spiritual experience that he leads once a year
Story of one of the first trail bosses, George W. Bush (born in 1834)
Anthony’s appearances on several television shows, including ‘Braxton Family Values’ and ‘High on the Hog’
Anthony’s thoughts on Juneteenth, and why emancipation for enslaved people in Texas was delayed for two years
His adorable six-month-old grandson brings him immense joy and light
His advice to research your own family history and celebrate your heritage

Quotes:
“I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams. I am because they were.” 
 
“I think it is important, at some point, to think about the legacy you want to leave. And you can't wait until the 11th hour to be thinking about that.”
 
“I'm trying to leave a legacy by representing our Western Heritage and our history in America. Our influence is everywhere, as far as Black people. Our influence is everywhere...we are America. America was built on our backs, built off our knowledge and our wisdom. And history hasn't been accurately taught or portrayed.”
 
“During that 30-year span after the Civil War, the African American soldiers and some of the guys who actually freed slaves...they needed to move cattle out of Texas, and they brought their skills from West Africa on how to get cattle out of the woods.”
 
“You couldn’t call a white wrangler, at the time, a cowboy. That was the name they would call as they're identifying their labor force.”
 
“Then after all the accolades that came about, and Hollywood started making Westerns, and they would use the word cowboy because of the stories - a lot of these stories were from Black cowboys. Like The Lone Ranger - that's based off of a Black man. So it was just how our history hasn't been properly documented or shared.” 
 
“The trail

Joining Patrina on this week’s episode is Althea Lawton-Thompson, President of ‘Aerobics, Yoga and More’ (AYM). Once an executive for GE Capital, Althea decided to pursue her passion in life and, through the creation of her organization, has gone on to become a best selling author, a holistic mind and body expert, and, as you will hear, an all around amazing human. Under her leadership, AYM currently enlists a roster of doctors, nurses, and certified mind-body instructors to provide health education and fitness classes to a powerhouse corporate client list including PNC, Cigna, United Way, Oglethorpe Power, and Publicis. Althea has also certified almost 100 instructors as Meditation Instructors; Reiki Levels I, II, and III practitioners; and Yoga and Pilates instructors through AYM teacher training. She is truly a gifted and giving individual who has so very much to share with listeners today.
The conversation begins with a brief discussion regarding Naomi Osaka’s recent withdrawal from the French Open, and proceeds to focus upon mental health, the impact of the quarantine, and Althea’s advice for everyone as the world begins to open up again. She then explains the nature of energy, the practice of Reiki, and the moving story of her inspiration for her retreats as well as the impact they have upon participants. Althea also provides a thorough analysis of entanglement, physical connection and the importance of being intentional in this area, and finishes by sharing what brings her joy these days. As you listen in, you will understand precisely why Patrina holds Althea in such high regard – a kindred spirit whose knowledge, wisdom and innate ability to spread peace and joy shine brilliantly in this very special episode.
 
Episode Highlights:
 


Naomi Osaka’s recent withdrawal from the French Open
The impact of the quarantine
Althea’s advice for people as the world opens up again
Defining energy
Reiki, its levels, and how to find a practitioner
The inspiration for Althea’s ‘Living Life Limitlessly’ retreats and their takeaways
Entanglement and physical connection and the importance of being intentional about it
What’s bringing Althea joy these days
The Diamond Sutra and the Clubhouse Room dedicated to its reading

Quotes:
 
“It can be very difficult for us, particularly I think, as women of color, to establish boundaries for ourselves and lovingly and gently, I think, reinforce those boundaries.”
 
“What was lovely about the quarantine, in 2020, was having a mandated boundary between external interference and some of our internal lives.”
 
“She won't receive the criticism, it can be out there, but we don't have to receive it. We always have a choice.”
 
“There's always time for me.”
 
“Something about that quiet downtime with just me allows me to decompress or to prepare, one or the other.”
 
“As a Chopra certified meditation instructor, you know, we certainly follow that twice a day meditation practice. You start out in the morning, and you begin with this inward journey, and you do the same thing in the evening.”
 
“We have to continue to make time for ourselves, take time for ourselves, and in doing so, create opportunities to have great clarity.”
 
“When we're talking about Reiki, we're talking about a universal energy force moving through the body.”
 
“That's what Reiki is, it's basically moving the hand over the body, finding areas where there is discomfort or disease and helping an individual move their own energy so that it can flow for peace, joy and health.”
 
“We are always enough.”
 
“I thought about what she said and she really wanted to live her life limitlessly without any boundaries.”
 
“I decided right then I'm just going to be joyful all the time. And I'm going to live my life limitlessly.”
 
“That's what the retreats are - it's magic. It's seeing things outside of what's normal for us. It's stepping outside of all of ou

On today’s episode, Patrina is especially excited to be joined by Betty Hines, business strategist extraordinaire. Betty is an entrepreneur, speaker, business mentor and coach, and certified group facilitator. She serves as a Chapter Chair for the Women Presidents Organization (WPO), of which Patrina is a member. Betty begins by sharing her background in corporate America, her journey to entrepreneurship, and the experience of launching her own business. She offers advice on raising not just enough capital to start a business, but also a surplus to sustain early growth, and addresses the lack of diversity among business executives in America, particularly for women of color. Betty talks about her role as Chapter Chair for the WPO, her ‘Women Elevating Women’ initiative, and using her platform as a powerful way to connect women of color to share business ideas, information, support, and networking opportunities in a field where they are so poorly represented.
 
Patrina asks Betty about the top challenges facing women business owners today, her best suggestions for finding the right mentor, and the idea of women collaborating with and supporting one another instead of competing in corporate America. They talk about being intentional with your physical, emotional, and psychological capital, and regularly assessing relationships and professional associations to determine whether they are worth investing your precious resources. Stepping out of your comfort zone, allowing yourself to be vulnerable in order to grow, and the importance of celebrating victories and achievements, especially for women of color, are also discussed. Finally, Betty tells Patrina what is currently bringing her joy, and reminds listeners to live a balanced life as you make sure to fulfill your divine purpose each and every day. 
 
Episode Highlights:


Betty’s background in corporate America
Raising capital as an entrepreneur and launching her own business
Her advice to raise not just your capital, but also a surplus to sustain early growth and success
Lack of diversity in the business world, particularly for women of color
Women’s Presidents Organization is an elite group for women who are CEOs, principals, partners of their own women-led company
Betty’s chapter was intentionally women of color for the most part
Using her experience and knowledge to help women come together and elevate one another
Her vision for ‘Women Elevating Women’ initiative  
Women of Color Event helped her see the importance of bringing women together for peer support, exchange of information, and encouragement
Currently mentoring a group of 23 women whose business revenues range from six figures to $6.5 million
Her global reach - the challenges women business owners face are universal
Biggest obstacles for women-owned businesses in comparison to their male counterparts is access to capital, and access to information
Inequities in the system keep certain demographics at a disadvantage, making Betty’s work to support women and minorities in their business development all the more crucial 
Her advice for finding the right mentor - find someone who will advocate for you, make you feel comfortable, and encourage you to ask questions without judging you
Business men tend to dominate the conversation and create an imbalance in dialogue
If women buy into the notion that there is not enough sky for all of us, it creates the mentality to compete against one another instead of collaborating and supporting each other
Having a little bit of something rather than 100% of nothing
Connecting versus collaborating
Social capital, psychological capital, emotional capital - when we spend these competing against each other, we’re depleting these important resources
Being intentional about where you invest your physical, emotional and psychological capital
Regularly rating experiences from 1 to 10 to decide whether they are worth your time and energy
WPO Tiers and Betty’s i

Leidene King is the founder of  LCK Coaching & Consulting. She is a recognized expert in promoting racial equity through consciousness transformation via 1-on-1 and small group coaching. Leidene graduated from Duke University with a B.S. in Geology and a minor in Mathematics. She earned her M.A. in Educational Leadership from St. Peter’s University of the Jesuits.  She is also a graduate of the Barbara Brennan School of Healing and studied with Iyanla Vanzant in her Spiritual Life Coaching Program. Leidene is known for her depth of knowledge, keen intellect and notable heartfulness.  She is a highly skilled facilitator of race-based conversations and is a natural teacher able to clearly and powerfully translate complex concepts.
 
Leidene and Patrina begin with a conversation about Jesse Williams’ powerful BET Awards speech in 2016, which condemned institutional racism, police brutality against people of color, and cultural appropriation. Leidene reflects on how Jesse’s words, “Just because we’re magic doesn’t mean we’re not real,” inspired the Black Girl Magic movement, which celebrates the beauty and resilience of Black women, and fights against social constructs that encourage women of color to minimize their passion, accomplishments, and shine. Leidene also offers her moving perspective on what it means to be racially ambiguous, how racial identities were created to uphold white power and divide people of color, and why it is so crucial for Black women to rest and reconnect with their divine perfection. She also discusses the importance of community, encouragement, and support among Black women, evolving attitudes toward self-care, and how meditation can help guide your energy toward more gratitude and positivity. The show ends with Leidene’s beautiful thoughts on how the pandemic has unexpectedly brought her joy, as it has supported her in recognizing and appreciating the goodness before us. 
 
Episode Highlights:


Jesse Williams’ powerful BET Awards speech condemning institutional racism, police brutality against people of color and cultural appropriation
His speech elevated and celebrated leaders and activists in the civil rights movement
Black Girl Magic
Story of Leidene’s sister and her experience of being racially ambiguous, being mistaken for Latina
Feeling of having to overcompensate and assert being Black
Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome
Code Switching
Dividing people of color to uphold white power
How Black women can operate in consciousness, be a mirror of the divine and be a vessel of health and possibility
The importance of community, encouragement, and support among Black women in their journey to maintain consciousness
Experiencing magic within yourself, and becoming more introverted with age
Energetic price for being magical
Ongoing journey toward healing, extending grace to yourself
Evolving attitudes toward self-care for Black women
Rest is crucial to our optimal functioning, but that does not necessarily mean sleeping
Deepak Chopra’s Soul Questions at the beginning of every meditation: Who am I? What do I want? What is my purpose? What am I grateful for?
Energy promotes more of the same - if you sit in gratitude, you will end up with experiences that foster and promote more gratitude
How the pandemic has caused Leidene to pause, reevaluate, appreciate the goodness in the world, and embrace joy

Quotes:
“Just because we’re magic, doesn’t mean we’re not real.”
 
“We make ourselves smaller so as not to outshine, so as not to outdo, so as not to outperform.”
 
“For my mom, all the shades of Black are beautiful and there was never any indication of colorism.”
 
“I've done a little bit of reading on this idea of Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome. And so I'm kind of familiar with this embedded trauma and how we play those traumas out generation after generation. At the same time, I would like us to be moving in a space that supports us in healing some of those w

Joining Patrina on the podcast today is her good friend, NASA Aerospace Engineer, Sheila Wall. Among her many accomplishments, Sheila was one of the structural analysts on The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope and the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter instrument, and she was also the lead structural analyst for the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System. Sheila is the lead structural analyst for the L’Ralph instrument for the Lucy mission which will launch this year. Today, she shares her thoughts around STEM and a number of other interesting topics with Patrina and her listeners.
Their conversation begins by reviewing how these two great friends met, and then Sheila provides a fascinating account of her journey from childhood to becoming an Aerospace engineer and joining NASA. Along the way, she and Patrina discuss the similarities and differences in their upbringing, Sheila’s enviable demeanor, a typical day for her at NASA, and the inspiration that she received and now offers to others in her role. Sheila also offers some ideas for encouraging more children of color to pursue a STEM career and the challenges involved in this, while highlighting the importance of a positive attitude towards challenges and being champions of one another. The interview concludes with Sheila sharing what brings her joy these days, and her sage advice for aspiring scientists. Educational and inspirational, Sheila’s words here today cement her position as a role model for others in determining their goals in life and persevering regardless of any obstacles that may arise.
 
Episode Highlights:
 


Sheila and Patrina’s friendship
Sheila’s journey to becoming an Aerospace Engineer for NASA 
The similarities and differences in their journeys
A typical day for Sheila at NASA
Their shared admiration of Dr. Mae Jemison
Sheila’s ideas for guiding more children of color into STEM occupations
Sheila’s determination toward challenges and achievement
The importance of being champions of one another
What brings joy to Sheila these days
Sheila and Patrina’s nieces
Sheila’s advice to young, aspiring scientists

Quotes:
 
“There are not a lot of women of color in this aeronautical engineering space, science, technical engineering, math space.”
  
“If they can do it, I think I can do it too.”
 
“If you do not make this degree, in my mind, you will be poor the rest of your life. And that could not happen.”
 
“I am so impressed with your, like, there is no plan B, this is what we're doing, because I've got goals, I have things that I want and need to accomplish. And this seems like a sure path, so we're going to make it happen.”
 
“You do carry yourself with an incredible air of confidence. There's no arrogance, there's just a really nice self-assuredness that I've always really liked about you.”
  
“Everything just worked out really, just seamless, just beautiful. I love my branch - that's the group of people that I work with - I love my boss, which I call my branch head. I'm still in the same branch.”
 
“In Wright-Patterson, like, I actually had someone that was assigned to train me and they refused.”
 
“I'm able to tell them if the design is sufficient or not…I create mathematical models so that I can assess the design before it's built.”
 
“My results have imagined these tests so well where a couple of times I'm shocked myself.”
 
“It's just excitement over just the years of work and you know, many late nights and all that.”
 
“No design is perfect the first time.”
 
“I try to just live my life and make myself present.”
 
“If I can do it then you can do it too.”
 
“I liked your point early about moving outside of your bubble and not limiting yourself to your bubble or your community.”
 
“I have now this expanded horizon and I get to actually choose what my sphere of reality contains based on what I want to decide it contains, not what somebody else imposes on me