Voices of the Black Community Ray Maiden

Everyone has some form of artistry that they love. One of my favorite forms of artistry is music. I always say God knew what he was doing by not giving me the ability to sing because BOYYYYY! Let me explain. Music is an art that people can express themselves more passionately than simple words. I personally have trouble expressing my feelings so poetry helps me to express myself. I look at music as a form of poetry. I am a Scorpio and we are deeply passionate in love and in anger. I, myself, am deeply rooted in my feelings so again God knew what he was doing by not giving me the ability to sing. I would be the type of artist that would have you ready to love, kill, motivate, and fight all in one song. God makes no mistakes lol. 

Many people are musically talented but do nothing with it. Many people try to take the music artist route in life but rarely do people make it mainstream. My guest today is an upcoming artist that I have known for many years now and believe in, $ayyyAD (I call him by the government name though). Here he shares his passion for music and why he will continue trying until he makes it. He takes us from the beginning of his journey to now and also shares some personal stories. Let's not forget that recent mixtape drop! "Turn Yo $avage Up". Available on Apple Music, Spotify, & Youtube. He's an artist, creates beats, engineers his own songs, and got his own label. Multi-Talented AD!  Instagram: Guest: @sayyyad_ Host/Creator: @motivatelikeray

No one spends 20 plus minutes on a job application without the intentions of getting an interview then getting hired. Especially in today’s pandemic. If you have no intentions on getting an interview and hired, please come speak to me. Something is wrong (unless you’re trying to hold on to that unemployment. I respect the finesse. Do you!)

I speak “congratulations, you’re hired” into everyone’s lives. I hope you get that job you’ve always wanted or just a job in general if you’re in need. BUT.... there are important factors in a workplace that you need to consider before applying and after getting hired. Do not be Loc Dog from Dont Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood lol. A job requires at least 40hrs of your week full time and anything less 35hrs part time. We spend most of our time away from our family and friends at work. You should at least be happy being that it’s taking away time from your personal life. A miserable work environment can lead you to stress and taking off of work more than you should. We are here to get the money not run away from it.

On this episode I speak with my good friend David. David has a background in HR and is well on his way to being a HR guru. Here he speak about things to look for in a job during the hiring process, what should and shouldn’t happen once you’re hired, and how to address issues in the workplace. Plus more of course. Ray is always here to give the more and never the less! The goal of this episode is to help many people avoid a workplace headache. Many of us have been there and all of us will never go back. Hopefully this changes your vision in job hunting in a positive way. Any questions please feel free to reach out. Many blessings on securing that position!

Instagram:
Guest: @davve_
Creator/Host: @motivatelikeray

When Googling "Justice System" on Wiki it says the justice system goals are "rehabilitation of offenders, preventing other crimes, and moral support for victims". Now if you're black, you're probably making the face Conceited made in the meme. I'm not too sure about that big fella! The lie detector test determined that was a lie. Even moral support for victims is a stretch when Black men are locked in prison for crimes they did not commit. How exactly does the justice system give moral support by not locking up the real person who committed the crime? "Make it make sense" as I always say. 
On this episode I have a good friend of mine, Vonta, checking in to give his personal opinion about the Justice System with me. We will be sharing our thoughts on criminals, our thoughts on the justice system, and also about Blacks knowing their rights. These are few key points. Most importantly, as usual, we will be discussing how we can move forward as a community from this  continuous block against us. Facing bad officers is one battle, the justice system is another. 
Please feel free to send in your opinions and suggest to my Instagram. Your voice matters and it is time we start taking action together on our own. While I am the owner and creator it is important that this is a collective effort of togetherness. Voice(s) is plural for a significant reason. You Matter! We Matter! Blessings.

Instagram: 
Guest: @thedyingstar_
Creator: @motivatelikeray

I hear you talking but you ain’t saying nothing! Don’t you hate when people swear they communicated something to you but they didn’t communicate effectively? A whole bunch of talking but nothing is really being said. Then they want to get mad at you when you don’t understand.. sheesh.. Honestly, I am guilty of receiving and giving this type of communication lol.

On this episode my best friend Miya and I talk about our struggles with communication within ourselves and with other people openly and whole heartily. We share our own personal stories and put on display our own poor communication. Above all, we talk about how we have moved forward in a positive direction and changed negative behaviors.

I hope that this helps you to recognize things within yourself so you could continue to grow and prosper as an individual. I also hope that this helps you understand how to address people who are projecting their poor communication onto you if you are having problems with dealing with them. It’s all about growth, understanding, and changing things for the better.

Special Guest Instagram: @miyadeshayy

Instagram: @motivatelikeray

May is Mental Health Awareness month but being aware one month out of the year just isn't enough for the Black Community. We are 20% more likely to have serious psychological distress than the other race. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among us for ages 15-24. Our men are 4 times more likely to die by suicide than our women. To add, those of us who need mental health treatment and get it is only half of the other race, not much. (https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/docs/byomm_factsheet02.pdf)
This episode does have a part 1 and part 2.
In this episode, my guest and friend Jamall and I open up about our battle with mental health on a day to day basis. From the moment we realize we had depression and to seeking help to continue on, Jamall and I reveal some of ourselves to open up a non-judgmental stage for everyone else. If you feel that you are in a mental crisis please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Jamall has started his movement BLK MTTR dedicated for those who are going through mental health. Be sure to check his instagram @blkmttrmvmt
My instagram is as followed:
@motivatelikeray
RESOURCES
1. Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

I have experience with this personally. Someone was there quickly and stayed on the line with me for a long time. This is one of the most quickest ways to seek help and have someone to hear you speak.


2. Therapist & EAP - I am putting this together even though I said them separately on the podcast. EAP is employee assistance program. I was able to get 8 free sessions with a therapist through my jobs EAP. It was quick and easy for me to do. I cannot guarantee that your job will have this but its worth looking into especially if a few sessions is at no cost to you. If not, Google is helpful. Search for therapist in your area and like Jamall mentions, go through them until you find the RIGHT one for You.
3. Psychology Today - Not in the episode but is a good way to find therapist in your area. You will be able to see the cost, location, read a bio, see some of their credentials, etc. Personally using this site for a new therapist.
4. Coping Exercises - I have a document of these I am willing to share with you. Reach out. It's ways to help calm your anxiety.
5. Reaching out to Jamall or me - We are here to help as much as we can. We are not licensed therapist by far but we do know the struggle to move on day to day. If you need someone to relate to, reach out. If you need someone to just listen, reach out.
There are many more resources but these are the first to come to mind. I truly appreciate your support. Please do not hesitate to reach out.

May is Mental Health Awareness month but being aware one month out of the year just isn't enough for the Black Community. We are 20% more likely to have serious psychological distress than the other race. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among us for ages 15-24. Our men are 4 times more likely to die by suicide than our women. To add, those of us who need mental health treatment and get it is only half of the other race, not much. (https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/docs/byomm_factsheet02.pdf) 
This episode does have a part 1 and part 2. 
In this episode, my guest and friend Jamall and I open up about our battle with mental health on a day to day basis. From the moment we realize we had depression and to seeking help to continue on, Jamall and I reveal some of ourselves to open up a non-judgmental stage for everyone else. If you feel that you are in a mental crisis please do not hesitate to reach out to us. 
Jamall has started his movement BLK MTTR dedicated for those who are going through mental health. Be sure to check his instagram @blkmttrmvmt
My instagram is as followed:
@motivatelikeray 
RESOURCES 
1. Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 

I have experience with this personally. Someone was there quickly and stayed on the line with me for a long time. This is one of the most quickest ways to seek help and have someone to hear you speak. 

2. Therapist & EAP - I am putting this together even though I said them separately on the podcast. EAP is employee assistance program. I was able to get 8 free sessions with a therapist through my jobs EAP. It was quick and easy for me to do. I cannot guarantee that your job will have this but its worth looking into especially if a few sessions is at no cost to you. If not, Google is helpful. Search for therapist in your area and like Jamall mentions, go through them until you find the RIGHT one for You. 
3. Psychology Today - Not in the episode but is a good way to find therapist in your area. You will be able to see the cost, location, read a bio, see some of their credentials, etc. Personally using this site for a new therapist. 
4. Coping Exercises - I have a document of these I am willing to share with you. Reach out. It's ways to help calm your anxiety. 
5. Reaching out to Jamall or me - We are here to help as much as we can. We are not licensed therapist by far but we do know the struggle to move on day to day. If you need someone to relate to, reach out. If you need someone to just listen, reach out. 
There are many more resources but these are the first to come to mind. I truly appreciate your support. Please do not hesitate to reach out.