Embracing The Fight

Erica Lamar

Welcome to Embracing The Fight, a podcast designed to normalize the conversation surrounding physical and mental health issues. I, Erica Lamar, am sharing my journey to healing from thyroid cancer to start the conversation. The goal is to get more people to open up about what they are going through. Rather than suffer in silence, using your voice can start the healing process. Follow me on social media at: Facebook: Embracing The Fight Twitter: @EmbracingFight Instagram: @_embracing_the_fight_ TikTok: @embracingthefight

  1. 22 APR

    Emotional Intelligence

    What happens when emotions lead… instead of logic? And what changes when we learn to lead with both? In this powerful episode of Embracing The Fight, Erica Lamar opens up about real-life situations where emotional intelligence—or the lack of it—shaped outcomes in ways she'll never forget. From workplace challenges to personal relationships and everyday interactions, Erica breaks down how emotional awareness, self-control, and intentional communication can either elevate or derail your life. This isn't just theory—this is lived experience. Erica shares: Personal stories where emotional intelligence made the difference Moments where reacting instead of responding caused unintended consequences Practical, real-world examples of how to navigate difficult situations Actionable strategies to improve emotional intelligence at work, at home, and in daily life How planning, self-awareness, and emotional regulation lead to better outcomes Whether you're navigating leadership, relationships, healing, or personal growth, this episode will challenge you to reflect, reset, and respond differently. Because emotional intelligence isn't just a skill—it's a life strategy. Expected Outcomes You'll Learn: How to pause before reacting and respond with intention How to communicate effectively in high-pressure situations How to strengthen relationships through understanding and empathy How to use emotional intelligence to grow personally and professionally If you've ever said, "I wish I handled that differently," this episode is for you. About Embracing The Fight: Embracing The Fight is a podcast created to normalize conversations around physical and mental health, life challenges, and personal growth. As a 2x cancer survivor, Erica Lamar uses her voice and experiences to help others feel seen, heard, and empowered to heal. Stay Connected & Join the Conversation: 📺 YouTube: Embracing The Fight 📘 Facebook: Embracing The Fight 🎵 TikTok: Embracing The Fight 🦋 Bluesky: Embracing The Fight 🐦 X (Twitter): Embracing The Fight 📸 Instagram: Embracing The Fight_ Call to Action: If this episode speaks to you, like, comment, and subscribe. Share it with someone who may need it. Your story matters—and your growth does too. #EmotionalIntelligence #EmbracingTheFight #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfAwareness #LeadershipDevelopment #HealingJourney #EricaLamar #LifeSkills #EmotionalWellness

    21 min
  2. 25 MAR

    Breaking The Silence

    *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:c95d3638-321a-4546-b699-732b547bb7d8-4" data-testid= "conversation-turn-10" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> In this powerful episode of Embracing the Fight, host Erica Lamar tackles one of the most misunderstood and often hidden mental health conditions: depression. "Breaking the Silence" opens the door to honest, necessary conversations about what depression really is — and what it is not. This episode explores the emotional, physical, and cognitive impact of depression, why it is often misdiagnosed, and how stigma continues to prevent people from seeking the help they need. Erica also shares real insight into how social media has influenced rising rates of depression, especially among younger generations, and why awareness matters now more than ever. You'll learn: • The truth about depression beyond common myths • Key signs and symptoms to recognize • Why depression is often overlooked or misdiagnosed • Treatment options and paths to healing • How to support someone who is struggling • The impact of social media on mental health Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone. There is hope, there is help, and there is healing. If this message resonates with you, share it with someone who may need it. Subscribe for more conversations that normalize mental and physical health challenges and empower you to keep fighting. Connect with Erica Lamar: YouTube: Embracing The Fight Instagram: embracingthefight_ Facebook, TikTok, BlueSky, X: Embracing The Fight #EmbracingTheFight #MentalHealthAwareness #DepressionSupport #BreakingTheSilence #Podcast #HealingJourney

    8 min
  3. 12 MAR

    OverDiagnosis / Misdiagnosis

    🎙️ Overdiagnosis / Misdiagnosis: Why Your Voice Matters in Your Healing In this episode of Embracing the Fight, we dive into a topic that affects millions of people but isn't talked about enough — overdiagnosis and misdiagnosis. Too often, patients leave the doctor's office with a diagnosis but without the full story. Symptoms are rushed through. Details are forgotten. Pride, fear, or embarrassment keep us from saying everything we should. And sometimes, that leads to treating the wrong problem. One of the most powerful things you can do for your health is write down your symptoms. Document what you feel, when you feel it, what triggers it, and how long it lasts. When you walk into an appointment prepared, you give your medical provider a clearer picture of what's really happening in your body. Healing starts with honesty and clarity. That also means being willing to share openly — even when it's uncomfortable. Pride has no place in the doctor's office. Your goal is not to look strong; your goal is to get well. This conversation is especially important for parents. Many children are diagnosed with ADHD, but in some cases the underlying condition may actually be autism spectrum disorder. While both conditions can share overlapping traits, the support strategies, therapies, and educational approaches can be very different. When a child receives the wrong diagnosis, they may also receive the wrong tools for success. That's why parent advocacy matters. Ask questions. Seek second opinions. Observe your child closely. And never be afraid to speak up when something doesn't feel right. Your voice could be the difference between frustration and breakthrough for your child. This episode is about understanding that your health journey is a partnership. Doctors bring medical expertise. But you bring the lived experience of your own body — or your child's behavior. And when those two things come together with honesty, documentation, and advocacy, real healing becomes possible. Because the truth is: What you don't say can delay your healing. But what you share openly can change everything. 🔥 About Embracing the Fight Originally created to normalize conversations about physical and mental health, Embracing the Fight has evolved. After surviving cancer and experiencing career elimination after 22 years in mining and minerals, I made a decision to bet on myself — and dedicate my time to educating others so they can land on their feet. This podcast is about empowerment through education. 🌍 Learn More Visit: 👉 www.diversitydesigned.com Diversity Designed is committed to helping individuals and rural communities improve their standard of living through education, funding navigation, and empowerment strategies. 📲 Follow Embracing The Fight on Social Media YouTube: Embracing The Fight Facebook: Embracing The Fight TikTok: Embracing The Fight X (Twitter): Embracing The Fight BlueSky: Embracing The Fight Instagram: @EmbracingTheFight_ If this episode helped you, please: 👍 Like 💬 Comment 🔁 Share 🔔 Subscribe Someone you know may need this information. Because what you don't know can hurt you. But what you learn? Can transform your life. #EmbracingTheFight #misdiagnosis #overdiagnosis

    20 min
  4. 4 MAR

    What You Don't Know, Can Hurt You

    What if the only thing standing between you and stability… is information? In this powerful episode of Embracing the Fight, we break down the dangerous myth that "what you don't know won't hurt you." When it comes to housing, healthcare, rural opportunity, and homelessness — what you don't know can absolutely keep you stuck. In this episode, we discuss: ✔ Why rural does NOT mean poor ✔ How rural communities qualify for special funding and grants ✔ USDA rural home loan & home repair opportunities ✔ Healthcare access options in rural areas ✔ Why homelessness is a condition — not an identity ✔ Practical steps to find nonprofit organizations and government programs ✔ 5 ACTION STEPS you can take TODAY to change your situation If you are: • Living paycheck to paycheck • Struggling with housing • Feeling stuck in a rural community • Unsure where to turn for help • Overwhelmed by systems and paperwork This episode is for you. Knowledge is power. Information creates access. Access creates opportunity. Opportunity changes lives. 🔥 About Embracing the Fight Originally created to normalize conversations about physical and mental health, Embracing the Fight has evolved. After surviving cancer and experiencing career elimination after 22 years in mining and minerals, I made a decision to bet on myself — and dedicate my time to educating others so they can land on their feet. This podcast is about empowerment through education. 🌍 Learn More Visit: 👉 www.diversitydesigned.com Diversity Designed is committed to helping individuals and rural communities improve their standard of living through education, funding navigation, and empowerment strategies. 📲 Follow Embracing The Fight on Social Media YouTube: Embracing The Fight Facebook: Embracing The Fight TikTok: Embracing The Fight X (Twitter): Embracing The Fight BlueSky: Embracing The Fight Instagram: @EmbracingTheFight_ If this episode helped you, please: 👍 Like 💬 Comment 🔁 Share 🔔 Subscribe Someone you know may need this information. Because what you don't know can hurt you. But what you learn? Can transform your life. #EmbracingTheFight #RuralLiving #HomeOwnership #USDAHomeLoan #RuralHealthcare #HomelessnessAwareness #FinancialEmpowerment #KnowledgeIsPower

    13 min

About

Welcome to Embracing The Fight, a podcast designed to normalize the conversation surrounding physical and mental health issues. I, Erica Lamar, am sharing my journey to healing from thyroid cancer to start the conversation. The goal is to get more people to open up about what they are going through. Rather than suffer in silence, using your voice can start the healing process. Follow me on social media at: Facebook: Embracing The Fight Twitter: @EmbracingFight Instagram: @_embracing_the_fight_ TikTok: @embracingthefight