Coffee Break with Fatima, Grace, and Liz

The Nexus Experience
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Biweekly

Do you seek a deeper understanding of yourself and others? Join us as we explore the power of authentic relationships, personal growth, and community. With candid conversations and actionable solutions to help you grow, find belonging, and live with purpose.

  1. 08/07/2025

    The Story Our Minds Tell Us: Rewiring Thoughts and Reclaiming the Self with Dr. Tahilia Rebello

    In today's episode, we sit down with Dr. Tahilia Rebello, neuroscientist, VP of mental health research and advocacy organization: One Mind, and Assistant Professor in Psychiatry at Columbia University. Tahilia shares her journey navigating mental health from not only a personal but also a community and global perspective. We explore: • How early-life experiences and the environments we grow up in shape the personal narratives we carry into adulthood • How early-life experiences play a role in shaping our emotional blueprint and why early relational experiences matter so much for long-term mental health • Why change, especially deep emotional change, can be challenging without the right support structures • Tools to identify and "rewrite" the unhealthy stories we tell ourselves and design psychologically safe spaces in our lives • Why urban planning, climate justice, and community are critical to mental health. This conversation was incredibly powerful and a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how to best care for themselves, others, and our communities. Enjoy. -- Chapters: 00:00 Start 04:04 How Early Life Shapes Our Core Narratives 13:57 Epigenetics: Inheriting Stories Biologically 18:48 A "Tourist" Identity 24:02 Digital Age & Narrative Formation 31:07 Challenging and Rewriting Our Stories 47:22 Psychological Safety: Key to Healthy Development 57:31 Systems Thinking: Mental Health Beyond the Individual 01:06:31 One Mind’s Ecosystem Approach 01:28:31 Cross-Cultural Insights 01:40:50 Hope and Future Vision

    The Story Our Minds Tell Us: Rewiring Thoughts and Reclaiming the Self with Dr. Tahilia Rebello

  2. 07/24/2025

    Stop Hiding and Start Healing | with Atlanta Trainer and Kickboxing Coach, Derrick Washington

    Derrick Washington—Atlanta-based kickboxing coach, trainer, and founder of 301 Fitness, shares how addiction, shame, and isolation eroded his body, relationships, and spirit—and most importantly, how fitness became a path back to himself. We explore: The illusion of "fine" and why physical strength means nothing when we’re spiritually hollow, and how to recognize the disconnectHow community, not willpower alone, is the antidote to hidingHow to reclaim movement not for aesthetics, but as a dialogue between body, faith, and forgivenessThe use of words as medicine and why intentional language rebuilds integrity from withinThis episode is for anyone who has ever armored themselves with achievement, numbed pain with productivity, or felt like a stranger in their own skin. Enjoy. 00:00:00 Start 00:01:26 Meet Derrick Washington 00:03:58 Fitness Origin Story 00:07:01 Spiritual Bankruptcy 00:13:23 Addiction & Rock Bottom 00:15:22 Rehab Revelation 00:19:26 Daughter's Diagnosis 00:25:51 Purpose Reborn 00:30:34 Atlanta Awakening 00:32:30 Coaching Through Empathy 00:45:01 The Non-Negotiable: Community 00:47:32 Words as Medicine 00:49:16 Fitness Misconceptions 00:51:18 Mind-Body Presence 01:01:04 Embracing Discomfort 01:02:50 Final Wisdom: You're Not Alone Follow us: @insidecoffeebreak -- Derrick Washington has dedicated his life to making fitness more accessible and enjoyable for others. As the Lead Trainer at Roundhouse Kickboxing based in Atlanta, Georgia, he offers personalized coaching that includes tailored workout plans, nutritional guidance, and ongoing support to help people achieve their fitness goals. Derrick empowers individuals to harness their inner strength and resilience through higher high energy workouts that combine strength training, cardio and martial arts techniques.

    Stop Hiding and Start Healing | with Atlanta Trainer and Kickboxing Coach, Derrick Washington

  3. 07/09/2025

    The Cost of Ignoring Your Body and The Truth About Burnout with Journalist, Jaide Garcia

    What happens when your body forces you to stop—after years of pushing, producing, and performing? In this episode, we sit down with Jaide Garcia, a multi-Emmy award-winning field producer for CNN, who shares what burnout really looks like when you are so deeply tied to your work. We explore: How stress and unprocessed trauma manifest in the body The turning point that changed everything in Jaide’s career and life The false comfort of hustle culture and the fear of slowing down What it means to reclaim agency, joy, and alignment The journey of feeling again—after years of emotional numbness Redefining success and self-worth beyond performance This episode is for anyone navigating burnout, questioning their career path, or feeling the slow unraveling of a life lived too fast for too long. Enjoy. Newsletter sign-up Follow us @insidecoffeebreak Multi-Emmy Award winning field producer for CNN, with 10+ years of covering international and domestic breaking news. A fast-paced, solutions based journalist who is learning the hard way about the benefits of slowing down and living mindfully. Jaide is exploring the next chapter of her life with more openness and gratitude than ever before.

    The Cost of Ignoring Your Body and The Truth About Burnout with Journalist, Jaide Garcia

  4. 06/25/2025

    The systems have failed us. What now?

    Welcome to Season 4 of Coffee Break. In this opening episode, Fatima, Grace, and Liz reflect on how the podcast has changed them and how they are staying present and grounded during uncertainty. Stay tuned for our guest episodes on grief, healing, and the stories we tell ourselves. Follow us @insidecoffeebreak

    The systems have failed us. What now?

  5. 03/05/2025

    Finding Home Within | on Yoga, Identity, and Purpose with Rutu Chaudhari

    In this episode, we sit down with Rutu Chaudhuri, a renowned yoga teacher with over 20 years of experience, the founder of the Dharma Project, and owner of All Life is Yoga studio in Atlanta, Georgia. Rutu shares her life journey from moving to the United States at a young age, navigating multiple cultural identities, and ultimately finding her place and purpose through yoga and mindfulness. We explore her life coming from an immigrant family, navigating familial expectations, and how she utilized yoga to find home within herself and overcome personal challenges. Rutu also discusses the founding of the Dharma Project, a nonprofit bringing yoga and mindfulness to marginalized communities, and her recent decision to step away from the organization. Whether you're on a journey of understanding your purpose, learning how to heal from trauma, or seeking courage to pursue something new in your life, this episode is for you. Enjoy. Chapters 00:00 Start 01:54 Growing Up Indian American 05:10 Navigating Cultural Identity 10:08 Finding Community and Hip Hop 15:53 Rediscovering Yoga 21:30 Teaching Yoga and Family Reactions 40:46 The Dharma Project 46:09 The Concept of Dharma 48:24 The Intersection of Purpose and Service 49:42 Transitioning from the Dharma Project 50:32 Challenges and Achievements in Nonprofit Work 55:01 The Decision to Step Down 57:46 Embracing New Creative Pursuits 59:53 Navigating Transition 01:06:21 The Girl with the Om Tattoo 01:20:06 Future Aspirations 01:30:43 Closing Thoughts Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-up Rutu Chaudhari is an Atlanta-based writer, actor, and yoga teacher dedicated to fostering inclusivity in wellness. She is the CEO of All Life is Yoga studio and director of Atlanta’s premier Yoga Teacher Certification Program, having trained 150+ instructors since 2008. Rutu began practicing yoga in 1998 and has over 4,000 hours of certifications in alignment-based yoga, meditation, yoga therapeutics, nutrition and lifestyle coaching In 2016, she founded the Dharma Project, a nonprofit providing trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness to underserved communities, including incarcerated individuals, first responders, and educators. Under her leadership, the organization earned the United Way’s SPARK Prize, a Civic Innovation Fellowship, and recognition as Georgia’s first yoga vocational program for incarcerated populations. Named Atlanta’s “Best Yoga Teacher” by Creative Loafing and a Hambidge Creative Arts Center writing fellow, Rutu holds a BA in English Literature from Georgia State University. Off the mat, she enjoys music, cooking, and retreats to the woods. Follow us @insidecoffeebreak

    Finding Home Within | on Yoga, Identity, and Purpose with Rutu Chaudhari

  6. 02/19/2025

    How to Stay True to Who You Are: Thai-American Fashion Model and Her Mom on the Good, the Bad, the Pretty, and the Ugly | with Kotch and Chalita Natakuatong

    In this episode, the Coffee Break hosts welcome a dynamic mother-daughter duo, Kotch and Chalita Natakuatong, who share their inspiring journey from Thailand to the modeling industry in America. Chalita, a fashion model who has worked with renowned brands like Fenty Beauty and Skims, describes her early start, the challenges she faced, and how her mother's unwavering support helped navigate the risks and pressures of the industry. Kotch, Chalita's mother, recounts her own immigration story from Thailand, the cultural shocks, and the sacrifices that shaped her and her family. This episode sheds light on the complexities of the modeling world, and is filled with anecdotes about family, the significance of maintaining boundaries, and the importance of having a solid support system. We discuss cultural differences in parenting, balancing career aspirations while prioritizing family values, and overcoming health challenges. We were deeply inspired by Kotch and Chalita's unique and loving mother-daughter relationship. This episode changed the way we look at parenting and the balance between career and family. Enjoy. Chapters 00:00 Start 01:03 Introduction 02:11 From Thailand to the US 02:46 Adjusting to Life in America 06:27 Family Dynamics and Relationships 08:11 Chalita's Modeling Career Begins 11:33 Challenges and Triumphs in Modeling 18:03 Navigating the Modeling Industry 20:18 Maintaining Boundaries and Well-being 26:39 The Importance of a Supportive Agency 38:54 Letting Go of Big Clients 40:10 Rejection and Building Resilience 43:18 A Turning Point 45:38 The Token Asian Model Experience 51:29 Modeling and Social Media 56:59 A Unique Mother-Daughter Relationship 01:04:29 Big Wins and Future Aspirations 01:11:25 Final Thoughts Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-up Modeling since the age of 14, Chalita has modeled for Kim Kardashians clothing line, She is one of the faces for Fenty Beauty, modeled for Sherri Hill, Florence by Mills Millie Bobby Brown’s fashion line, to name just a few. She is currently represented by the Ursula Wiedmann Agency, and she is a self-made content creator who has amassed over 32K followers on TikTok. Immigrating from Thailand at just 16-years-old, Kotch was in search of new opportunities. A loving mother, she has worked tirelessly to provide for her family, instilling in them the values of hard work, compassion, and perseverance. Kotch continues to inspire those around her with her strength and determination. Follow us @insidecoffeebreak

    How to Stay True to Who You Are: Thai-American Fashion Model and Her Mom on the Good, the Bad, the Pretty, and the Ugly | with Kotch and Chalita Natakuatong

  7. 02/05/2025

    Breaking Free: Redefining Your Identity with Hmong-American Artist and Dancer, Page Yang

    How do you break free from cultural expectations and write your own story? Hmong-American artist Page Yang shares how dance, film, and storytelling helped her reclaim her identity, heal generational wounds, and build community. Page Yang is a Hmong-American artist, dancer, and filmmaker dedicated to storytelling, representation, and community empowerment. Her work has been featured on national stages, including the Equality International Film Festival and the Night Walker Sessions Tour, and she has collaborated with artists like Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, and 21 Savage. In 2022, she made her directorial debut with Home, a documentary highlighting the voices of artists and trailblazers from her hometown of Sacramento. Throughout this episode, we cover: • How dance became a tool for self-discovery and healing. • The challenges of balancing cultural identity with personal dreams. • Why representation in the arts is more important than ever. • The impact of storytelling on breaking generational cycles. • How she learned to embrace vulnerability and build authentic connections. Passionate about making the arts accessible, Page has worked with organizations like the Rose Family Creative Empowerment Center and the National Black Arts Festival, where she currently serves as Operations Manager in Atlanta. Page’s perspective on art, identity, and community reminds us that we have the power to re-image our own stories. All it takes is a small act of courage. Enjoy.

    Breaking Free: Redefining Your Identity with Hmong-American Artist and Dancer, Page Yang

  8. 01/22/2025

    Healing Through Storytelling: The Power of Empathy and Listening to Your Inner Voice

    Marquelle Young is an award-winning director, producer, and writer based in Atlanta, Georgia. She is an actress, Meisner Teacher, and the Founder and CEO of Small Onion Studios, a full service production company. This conversation explores Marquelle’s journey from the stage to behind the camera, her use of the Meisner Technique to unlock authenticity, and her mission to amplify marginalized voices through storytelling. She shares her thoughts on empathy as a catalyst for change, the stigma around mental health in the Black community, and the importance of honoring your inner voice. We love how Marquelle is incredibly passionate and willing to be vulnerable. Her stories made us feel inspired as we go through our own journeys of self-discovery. Enjoy. Show notes Watch the full conversation on YouTube Subscribe to our Newsletter Chapters: 00:00 Start 01:23 Welcome to Season Three of Coffee Break 04:27 Introducing Marquelle Young 06:38 Marquelle's Journey into the Arts 13:10 Listening to Your Inner Voice 18:53 Self-Care and Personal Growth 28:32 Small Onion Studios: Purposeful Storytelling 35:03 'Tell Me' and Black Male Representation 41:39 Mental Health and The Black Community 47:06 Meisner Technique and Its Impact 56:30 Creating a Positive Environment on Set 01:02:42 Personal and Creative Aspirations 01:08:12 Final Thoughts and Reflections Break away from the noise. Follow us @insidecoffeebreak.

    Healing Through Storytelling: The Power of Empathy and Listening to Your Inner Voice
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Do you seek a deeper understanding of yourself and others? Join us as we explore the power of authentic relationships, personal growth, and community. With candid conversations and actionable solutions to help you grow, find belonging, and live with purpose.

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