Love Letters to Our Bodies

Gwendolyn Mitchell
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  • Alternative Health
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Conversations on health, healing, and happiness by, for and about African American women. An exploration of the mind, body, spirit connection. and opportunities to hear from spiritual teachers, holistic health practitioners, and women helping to make life for others.  DISCLAIMER: THE LOVE LETTERS TO OUR BODIES podcast does not provide medical advice. The opinions, experiences, AND insights shared are for informational purposes only. Nothing shared on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other health care provider, don’t disregard or delay seeking it because of what you have heard on this podcast. 

  1. 3d ago

    What Women Should Know About Prostate Cancer

    Send us Fan Mail Prostate cancer affects far more than the man who receives the diagnosis; it can reshape the emotional and practical life of an entire family. In this episode of Love Letters 2 Our Bodies, Gwendolyn Mitchell speaks with Steven Thompson, Co-Chair of the UCSF Black Men's Health Committee and a prostate cancer survivor and advocate, about what women should understand about screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Steven reflects on his own journey and the support that helped him move through fear, weigh his options, advocate for his care, and help other Black men do the same. They also explore emotional openness, peer navigation, informed decision-making, and the meaningful role loved ones can play throughout the cancer journey. Tune in to learn how knowledge and trusted support can help men face prostate cancer with greater confidence and care. Key Points From This Episode: •    Meet Steven and hear how his advocacy grew from his own prostate cancer journey. •    Learn how bringing a trusted person to appointments can provide emotional support. •    Understand how joining a support group changed Steven's experience of prostate cancer. •    Steven shares what he wishes he had known before his prostate cancer journey began.  •    Hear about Steven's treatment path and how inequities can shape care for Black men. •    Understand why an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) does not always indicate cancer. •    Find out how UCSF's peer-navigation program helps newly diagnosed men. •    Hear what motivated him to join the UCSF Black Men's Health Committee. •    Uncover what Steven most wants women to know about prostate cancer. •    Appreciate how support groups can help men with relationships and navigating the process.  •    Advice for supporting a man who is avoiding the topic or living with prostate cancer.  •    Final takeaways and Steven's love letter to his body.   Quotes: “Each treatment type has its side effects.” — Steven Thompson [0:13:46] “You’re going to come out different on the other side than when you walked in.” — Steven Thompson [0:14:04] “I think I am a far stronger individual now that I am able to express my feelings.” — Steven Thompson [0:20:18] “You’ve got to take care of yourself, and in order to take care of yourself you have to learn about yourself.” — Steven Thompson [0:48:54]   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:  UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center UCSF Men's Health Committee and Prostate Cancer Support Group Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN) Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn MOYO Institute, Inc Love Letters 2 Our Bodies is sponsored by Moyo Institute, Inc and the Lloyd Symington Foundation Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn MOYO Institute, Inc instagram.com/moyoinstitute

    What Women Should Know About Prostate Cancer

  2. Sep 3

    Reversing Prostate Cancer Naturally by Detoxing Everything

    Send us Fan Mail Supporting a loved one through prostate cancer can change the way an entire family approaches health. Today, Gwendolyn Mitchell is joined by Tiara Willis, clinical herbalist and holistic wellness educator, to discuss how Tiara supported her father following his prostate cancer diagnosis. Tiara shares how living across Africa sparked her interest in herbal medicine and why her work centers food, lifestyle, stress, environmental exposures, and the root causes of illness. She recounts the changes her family made to her father’s diet, home, movement, and daily routine before he was later declared cancer-free. The conversation also explores how Tiara tailors protocols to each person’s body and circumstances, why caregivers must care for themselves, and how to begin detoxing without becoming overwhelmed. Tiara also discusses nutrient testing, alkaline eating, restorative herbs, trauma, faith, supportive community, and finding healthcare practitioners who respect your choices. Listen in to hear Tiara’s practical advice for making sustainable changes and responding to what your body truly needs. Key Points From This Episode: •    Introducing Tiara Willis and her father’s prostate cancer diagnosis. •    Tiara’s food-first, root-cause approach to nutrition and clinical herbalism. •    How living across Africa sparked Tiara’s interest in herbal medicine. •    Why Tiara adapts healing plans to each person’s body and circumstances. •    Diet, stress, environment, and movement as parts of a root-cause approach. •    Reducing potential exposures in household and personal-care products. •    Her father’s exercise routine, follow-up visits, and cancer-free result. •    Caregiver self-care and the importance of family support. •    Starting a home detox with one manageable, consistent change. •    How travel and Islam have shaped Tiara’s spiritual grounding. •    Supporting organ health through testing, food choices, and personalized care. •    Healing advice: nutrient testing, restorative herbs, and consulting a healthcare provider. •    Moving through fear with support, self-expression, prayer, and aligned care. •    Tiara’s love letter to her body and her promise to keep listening.   Quotes: “The thing about [clinical herbalism] is that everybody's body is different and requires something different. So I'm not bound to one system.” — Tiara Willis [0:09:05] “We will agree on a particular protocol based on what their bodies need, what they have access to.” — Tiara Willis [0:16:19] “Do not feel overwhelmed [when starting a home detox] because perfection is not the goal. There is not one single person on this planet who has a perfect toxin-free home. Not one person. It's just inevitable.” — Tiara Willis [0:23:39] “You're not meant to get through this alone. You're absolutely not.” — Tiara Willis [0:45:00] “Thank you [to my body] for communicating when you need nutrients. Thank you for communicating when you need love. Thank you for communicating when you don't like something. Please continue to do so. I promise to listen.” — Tiara Willis [0:47:48]   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Heal with Tiara Tiara Willis on Instagram Tiara Willis on LinkedIn Tiara Willis | Nourish Through Cancer Community Think Dirty Yuka Clearya iHerb Love Letters 2 Our Bodies is sponsored by Moyo Institute, Inc and the Lloyd Symington Foundation Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn MOYO Institute, Inc instagram.com/moyoinstitute

    Reversing Prostate Cancer Naturally by Detoxing Everything

  3. Aug 20

    Understanding Therapeutic Psychedelics and Their Role in Healing

    Send us Fan Mail The thought of pursuing alternative therapies can be intimidating, especially when they involve psychedelic medicines. Yet with the right support, they may help people work through trauma and emotional blocks that traditional talk therapy alone can’t always address. Today, Gwendolyn Mitchell is joined by Courtney Watson, LMFT, Founder and CEO of Doorway Therapeutics, to discuss the role therapeutic psychedelics can play in healing. Courtney shares how ancestral guidance led her to psychedelic-assisted therapy and why representation matters as these treatments enter mainstream mental health care. She demystifies ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, explaining the role of assessment, preparation, and integration while addressing safety, addiction concerns, stigma, and barriers to access. Courtney also explores culturally affirming care, the importance of ceremony, and how therapy can support people navigating trauma, cancer, body changes, sexuality, grief, and end-of-life anxiety. Listen in for a thoughtful conversation about creating healing spaces that make room for the whole person. Key Points From This Episode: •    Introducing today’s guest, Courtney Watson, and her work with marginalized communities. •    Why Courtney expanded her solo practice into a community-focused group practice. •    How ancestral guidance led Courtney into psychedelic-assisted therapy. •    The need for Black and queer providers as psychedelics enter mainstream care. •    Doorway Therapeutics’ no-code-switching policy and the freedom to show up authentically. •    How a postcolonial feminist lens shapes Courtney’s approach to therapy. •    Why Courtney opened a legal ketamine clinic and how its therapeutic process works. •    What ketamine-assisted therapy offers when talk therapy is not enough. •    Ketamine safety, addiction concerns, and how it differs from ayahuasca. •    The important role of ceremony and ancestral traditions in psychedelic healing. •    Supporting people through cancer, body changes, sexuality, grief, and end of life. •    Access to Doorways 501(c)(3) and its mission to subsidize psychedelic-assisted therapy. •    How cost and stigma limit access to psychedelic therapy in Black communities. •    Courtney’s love letter to her body as a physical archive of her ancestors. Quotes: “There needs to be queer and Black providers that are at the forefront with [these therapies] coming online to make sure that our people and our communities are also going to be able to receive all of the benefits that psychedelics have to offer.” — Courtney Watson [0:09:10] “No code-switching allows for us to be a real community. And when we are a real community, as providers, then we really deeply get to understand how to serve the community that is our clients.” — Courtney Watson [0:14:55] “A lot of the conversations, particularly in these times, that we're having around mental health, is that: ‘You are not the problem’. We are living on colonized land. We are living within colonized bodies and operating within colonized systems and structures, and that is hard.” — Courtney Watson [0:16:14] “When I get to the place that [talk] therapy can't reach anymore, a lot of times that's related to trauma. It could be intergenerational trauma. It could be sexual trauma. There's a deep, deep repression, a deep anxiety, some sort of block, a place where it's like ‘talking is not going to get you through this.’” — Courtney Watson [0:22:26] “The way that we hold the anxiety and the grief: that is what the therapeutic process is for. That's why we don't just give the medicine and leave you to it. You're held in a full container to be able to explore all of that before and/or after you are engaging with psychedelics.” — Courtney Watson [0:35:24] “I am so proud to be a physical manifestation of my ancestors.” — Courtney Watson [0:43:09] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Courtney Watson Courtney Watson on LinkedIn Doorway Therapeutics Doorway Therapeutics on Instagram Doorway Therapeutics: IG guided reflection on the Doorway to Visibility Access to Doorways 501(c)(3) Access to Doorways 501(c)(3) on Instagram Dianne M. Stewart Dianne M. Stewart on LinkedIn Words for the Dead: Part III — @‌rachel.grace.newman on Instagram Love Letters 2 Our Bodies is sponsored by Moyo Institute, Inc and the Lloyd Symington Foundation Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn MOYO Institute, Inc instagram.com/moyoinstitute

    Understanding Therapeutic Psychedelics and Their Role in Healing

  4. Jul 30

    Body Literacy and Body Sovereignty for Black Girls

    Send us Fan Mail Black women have the right to be understood, protected, and celebrated rather than dismissed, and the healthiest Black women begin as informed Black girls! Today, we welcome the founder of Aflo Health Foundation, Lisa Monroe, to discuss culturally responsive education and how she is empowering Black girls and women to advocate for their health through every stage of life.  In this conversation, you’ll hear all about Lisa’s impressive 18-year career, when she became aware of the unique challenges Black women face in healthcare, what made her want to help Black girls grow into women who know and trust their bodies, and so much more! We delve into Aflo Health Foundation and how her daughters inspired its creation before discussing the concept of ‘body sovereignty’ and why it’s essential.  Our guest touches on the exclusion of Black girls and women in mainstream healthcare, what culturally responsive health education looks like in practice, and how body confidence and understanding shift for Black women when they reclaim their lineage. She also talks us through her ‘empower, learn, and share’ model and tells us about her programs that support Black girls as they grow into women. Lisa even reminds us that healing begins with reconnecting to yourself and shares how she takes care of herself. Finally, she tells us what she hopes this work will achieve in the near future and reads us her own love letter to her body. Thanks for tuning in!    Key Points From This Episode: •    Welcoming Lisa Monroe to the show and a bit about her career.  •    When she became passionate about changing Black women’s health outcomes.  •    What inspired her to create Aflo Health Foundation and what ‘Aflo’ means.  •    A breakdown of what ‘body sovereignty’ means and why it’s so important.  •    Culturally responsive health education and how it includes Black women. •    What shifts for Black women when they start to understand their lineage.  •    The three pillars of the Aflo model: Empower, learn, and share.   •    What Body Sovereignty Camp is and what the girls learn from the experience. •    How the A Flow Code and Aflo XOXO programs meet girls in different seasons.  •    The kinds of questions Lisa is seeing girls ask and how she handles them. •    What Lisa would say to a woman who wishes she had access to what she’s building.  •    Why healing the body begins with knowing it and how Lisa takes care of herself.  •    The world our guest is building towards with the work she is doing.  •    What a young Black girl’s love letter to her body should include.    Quotes: “The real protection isn’t shielding – our girls from the world, that’s not realistic. It’s preparing them to move confidently through it.” — Lisa Monroe [0:06:05] “Our bodies deserve to be understood and celebrated and protected rather than feared and shamed.” — Lisa Monroe [0:07:51] “Our bodies aren’t problems to solve; they’re gifts we should understand and cherish, and I want every Black girl to grow up believing that.” — Lisa Monroe [0:08:10] “I believe something beautiful happens when a girl realizes [she’s] part of a much larger story.” — Lisa Monroe [0:13:38] “We can’t change what we weren’t taught, but we can choose what we reclaim and what we pass on from this moment forward.” — Lisa Monroe [0:21:36] “One of the biggest mistakes we’ve made is believing we have to wait until Black women become patients before investing in their health.” — Lisa Monroe [0:26:17] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Lisa Monroe on LinkedIn Aflo Health Foundation Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn MOYO Institute, Inc Love Letters 2 Our Bodies is sponsored by Moyo Institute, Inc and the Lloyd Symington Foundation Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn MOYO Institute, Inc instagram.com/moyoinstitute

    Body Literacy and Body Sovereignty for Black Girls

  5. Jul 24

    A Million Thanks Are Not Enough

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, host Gwendolyn Mitchell — founder and President of Moyo Institute — steps away from the usual guest format to reflect on gratitude, offering heartfelt thanks to the sponsors, partner organizations, donors, volunteers, and community members who made the Love Letters to Our Bodies Day of Renewal a resounding success. Gwendolyn also introduces the 2026 Dynamic Sisters honorees and previews upcoming Moyo Institute programs. Episode OverviewIn this episode, host Gwendolyn Mitchell — founder and President of Moyo Institute — steps away from the usual guest format to reflect on gratitude, offering heartfelt thanks to the sponsors, partner organizations, donors, volunteers, and community members who made the Love Letters to Our Bodies Day of Renewal a resounding success. Gwendolyn also introduces the 2026 Dynamic Sisters honorees and previews upcoming Moyo Institute programs. Sponsors•     Lloyd Symington Foundation — five-year supporter of the Love Letters to Our Bodies project, funding visionary cancer programs. Thanks to board members Toby Symington, Marion Werner, and Katrina Mayo. •     Red Oak Opportunity Foundation (ROOF) — funded by realtor commissions from Red Oak Realty, ROOF support made the expansion from workshops into the Day of Renewal possible. Special thanks to Vanessa Bergman (owner, Red Oak Realty) and Catherine Stern (realtor, Red Oak Realty) for advocating for the project. •     Kaiser Permanente, Office of Public Affairs — financial support, encouragement, and event bags for participants. Partner Organizations•     Charlotte Maxwell Clinic — five-year partner helping spread the word to clients. Thanks to former Executive Director Melbra Watts, current Director Ray Rieder, Medical Director Nishanga Bliss (ear seed treatments), and Sachi. •     East Bay Healing House — provided Reiki treatments and a sound bath for participants. Founded by Adriana Parrish. •     Black Ladies Advocating for Cancer Care (BLACC) — research partners with Stanford Medicine Office of Community Engagement on a Food as Medicine project. Thanks to Stanford representative Barakah and Food Indy founder Suzette Chaumette. Donors & In-Kind Gifts•     Esencia Botanicals; Marina Bay Melville Farmers Market; Eris Picks; Salsa Yucatecas; Cand-Ginger Beer; Willis Dog Treats •     All Health and Beauty (Chu Teng, founder) — micro-facial demonstrations featuring skincare products from Jeju Island, Korea •     Lucky Stores — raffle gift certificate •     Trader Joe's — raffle groceries •     Berkeley Rep Theatre — raffle tickets •     Jerome Brunet — coffee table book Into the Light, gifted to volunteer coordinator Dr. Cindy LeBlanc •     DoubleTree by Hilton — two-night room stay with breakfast and parking for a 2026 Dynamic Sister •     Marriott Oakland City Center — two-night room stay with breakfast for a 2026 Dynamic Sister •     Claremont Resort and Club — $150 meal voucher for a 2026 Dynamic Sister, paired with a one-night DoubleTree stay •     Cindy Howell (certified health coach) — two bioresonance scans •     Jennifer Grobe — energy psychology tapping session •     Kitava Kitchen — meal gift certificate •     White Lotus Thai Cuisine (Albany) — meal gift certificate •     Dr. Chiquita Tuttle (BLACC) — electronic blood pressure monitors for the raffle •     Moyo Institute board members Ellen Goodman, Bill Pegg, Helen Eliades, and Dr. Lucretia Bolin — funded four $100 Amazon gift certificates for the raffle VolunteersEvent volunteers were coordinated by Dr. Cindy LeBlanc, with support from Miranda Mallard, Roshunda Collins, and Rosemary Ongpin. Pre-event support came from Patricia Hansen, Sandy at the Beach, Catherine Stern, and Chu Tang. 2026 Dynamic Sisters•     Reverend Jackie Mungo — Founder, The Healing Institute Global Network •     Juanita Waugh — Co-Founder, Black Ladies Advocating for Cancer Care •     Melody Johnson — Founder, Hart to Heart Food Pantry Card Deck & Upcoming ProgramsEach woman who attended the Day of Renewal received an inspirational card deck spanning four categories: Loving My Body, Reclaiming My Power, Activating My Spirit, and Restoring My Joy. •     Love Notes to Self: Every Cell Is Listening — a four-hour workshop exploring the relationship between emotions and the body's healing process. Next session: August 8 - https://buytickets.at/moyoinstituteinc/2219375 •     Love Letters to Our Bodies Workshop — a deeper, two-day healing experience. Next session: September. Links & ContactLearn more and stay connected: moyoinstitute.org Questions or topic suggestions for future episodes? Reach out to Moyo Institute at info@moyoinstitute.org or 510-904-4069. Love Letters 2 Our Bodies is sponsored by Moyo Institute, Inc and the Lloyd Symington Foundation Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn MOYO Institute, Inc instagram.com/moyoinstitute

    A Million Thanks Are Not Enough

  6. Jul 10

    UCSF's Community Engagement & Health Ministries Network

    Send us Fan Mail Sometimes the strongest pathway to better health starts within the communities we trust most. In this episode, Gwendolyn Mitchell is joined by Michelle Moseley, Program Manager of Health Education and Community Outreach at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and Marion Harris, nurse, educator, and faith health leader, for an important conversation about the role faith communities can play in improving health outcomes for Black women facing cancer. Together, they explore how partnerships between healthcare institutions and churches can help close gaps in access, education, and support, particularly in communities that have historically been underserved. Michelle shares how UCSF approaches community outreach, health education, and long-term engagement to advance health equity, while Marion reflects on how her own breast cancer journey shaped her commitment to faith-based health advocacy. The conversation also explores the healing role of faith communities, barriers created by systemic inequities, and why community connection can be a powerful part of navigating illness. Listen in for a thoughtful discussion on health, healing, and caring for the whole person.  Key Points From This Episode: •    Introducing today’s guests, Michelle Moseley and Marion Harris. •    An overview of UCSF’s cancer education and cancer information programs. •    The difference between outreach, health education, and long-term community engagement. •    Marion’s breast cancer journey and what led her into faith-based health advocacy. •    How faith communities help improve health outcomes for Black women with cancer. •    The unique role churches play in providing care, support, and community connection. •    Healing versus curing and the importance of supporting the whole person. •    Health inequities and why Black women face disproportionate cancer disparities. •    Finding support and community while navigating a broken healthcare system. •    How faith communities help address barriers to healthier lifestyle changes. •    The importance of meeting people where they are when supporting healing journeys. •    UCSF’s faith-based partnerships and community health education resources. •    Reflections on slowing down, self-care, and caring for mind, body, and spirit. Quotes: “This work is a product of my life. I'm a breast cancer survivor, having had my first diagnosis in my late 20s.” — Marion Harris [0:07:45] “This work is so necessary in my opinion, and I don't even see it as work, as for me it's a mission and a calling, and something that I just have to be involved in.” — Marion Harris [0:10:19] “Sometimes when we're talking healing, we're really saying cure, because we want the disease to just go away, but there's not always a cure. But healing can be threefold: mind, body, and spirit.” — Marion Harris [0:17:15] “Black people have the highest death rate for many cancers: breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, which are some of the most common cancers, and each of them has screening tests for possible early detection, early diagnosis. Unfortunately, we have a broken healthcare system.” — Michelle Moseley [0:23:25] “There are many things against us. There are also many people and resources that can help get us through.” — Michelle Moseley [0:26:01] “The most important thing is to honor the person, meet them where they are.” — Marion Harris [0:35:04]   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Michelle Moseley on LinkedIn Marion Harris on LinkedIn UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center (HDFCCC) UCSF HDFCCC Office of Community Engagement Connect with the UCSF HDFCCC Office of Community Engagement UCSF Faith & Health Communities Committee UCSF Community Advisory Board UCSF Abundant Life Health Ministries Network Michelle Moseley email Love Letters to Our Bodies: Day of Renewal Love Letters 2 Our Bodies is sponsored by Moyo Institute, Inc and the Lloyd Symington Foundation Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn MOYO Institute, Inc instagram.com/moyoinstitute

    UCSF's Community Engagement & Health Ministries Network

  7. Jun 25

    Jackie’s Journey from Pain to Purpose

    Send us Fan Mail No one should have to face cancer alone. In this episode, Gwendolyn Mitchell welcomes Reverend Jackie Mungo, Founder of the Healing Institute Global Network, to share the personal journey that transformed her life and inspired a decade of service to individuals and families impacted by cancer. Jackie reflects on her own experience with misdiagnosis, the loss of her husband to cancer, and the calling that led her to create a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that no one faces cancer alone. Together, she and Gwendolyn explore the challenges patients encounter at the earliest stages of diagnosis, the importance of advocacy and emotional support, and the health disparities that continue to affect women of color. Jackie also shares how companionship, spiritual support, and community connection can help people navigate uncertainty and find hope throughout the cancer journey. Listen in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, healing, and the power of showing up for one another.   Key Points From This Episode: •    Introducing today’s guest, Reverend Jackie Mungo, and her work within the field of cancer. •    What healing means to Jackie and the vision behind the Healing Institute Global Network. •    Why misdiagnosis remains one of the biggest challenges in cancer care. •    Jackie’s treatment companionship service and the power of having someone by your side. •    How spiritual support helps people navigate a cancer diagnosis. •    Health disparities and barriers that affect women of color. •    Why cultural understanding and humility matter in healthcare settings. •    How the Healing Institute's fashion show empowers cancer survivors. •    Jackie’s message for anyone facing a new cancer diagnosis. •    Reflections on self-love, joy, and living life to the fullest.   Quotes: “I was always told that I had a healing in me—a healing presence.” — Jackie Mungo [0:06:24] “I offer my service to go with them, and I take them, and I sit with them, I take notes, and just be that extra listening ear, and also to ask questions that people don't even think to ask. Because I've been there before, and know the ropes.” — Jackie Mungo [0:10:30] “You don't think sometimes that what you do matters until people come back and say that it really does.” — Jackie Mungo [0:17:18] “I don't want anybody to go through the cancer diagnosis by themselves.” — Jackie Mungo [0:20:07] “Be kind to yourself, enjoy yourself, love on yourself, and just do all the things that make you happy.” — Jackie Mungo [0:21:57]   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jackie Mungo on LinkedIn The Healing Institute Global Network The Healing Institute Global Network | Past Events Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn MOYO Institute, Inc Love Letters 2 Our Bodies is sponsored by Moyo Institute, Inc and the Lloyd Symington Foundation Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn MOYO Institute, Inc instagram.com/moyoinstitute

    Jackie’s Journey from Pain to Purpose

  8. Jun 11

    Let The Heart Do Its Work

    Send us Fan Mail Many of the struggles we carry as adults have roots in the experiences that shaped us as children. In this episode of the Love Letters to Our Bodies podcast, Gwendolyn Mitchell welcomes psychologist, author, and spiritual teacher Dr. Brenda Wade for a deeply personal conversation about healing the lasting impact of trauma and reclaiming a sense of wholeness. An internationally recognized speaker and executive trainer, Dr. Wade combines science, psychology, and personal evolution in her approach to healing and well-being. Reflecting on her own upbringing and decades of work supporting others, Dr. Wade shares insights into the connection between emotional pain, physical health, and spiritual well-being. She and Gwendolyn discuss the effects of harsh parenting, racism, addiction, and intergenerational trauma, while also exploring the role of community and compassionate relationships in the healing process. From learning to regulate the nervous system to developing a more loving relationship with ourselves, this conversation offers powerful reminders that healing is possible at any stage of life. Listen in for an honest conversation about healing old wounds and building a more compassionate relationship with yourself. Key Points From This Episode: •    Introducing licensed psychologist, author, and spiritual teacher Dr. Brenda Wade. •    The childhood experiences that shaped her life's work in healing and psychology. •    How trauma, racism, and family history can affect future generations. •    The lasting impact of harsh parenting on emotional and nervous system health. •    What Dr. Wade learned from reconnecting with Africa and her ancestral roots. •    Why remembering and sharing our stories is part of the healing process. •    Addiction as an attempt to numb pain and the importance of recovery support. •    How unhealed trauma, racism, and stress continue to affect communities today. •    A simple heart-centered practice for finding calm, connection, and support. •    Finding the people who help us heal and see our potential. •    Breaking cycles of harm and creating healthier futures for the next generation. •    The powerful connection between relationship health and physical well-being. •    Learning to embrace your worth and cultivate self-love.   Quotes: “When you have that trauma, first in the family, the grandparents, my parents, there's no way not to feel it. And what it does over time is it creates chronic anxiety. Chronic anxiety turns into chronic depression.” — @drbrendawade [0:06:27] “I'm telling my story, because if we don't tell it, we can't heal. It stays inside us, and it's suppressed.” — @drbrendawade[0:13:36] “I love the 12-step programs, because it's about spiritual wholeness.” — @drbrendawade [0:17:21] “We are not stuck with any patterns if we make the choice to address the pattern.” — @drbrendawade [0:23:17] “If you have children, you have to do that work. You have to do your work, so you don't harm them and make the next generation suffer.” — @drbrendawade [0:28:29] “Just tap your sternum. Let that heart do its work. The heart is a healer if we allow it to do the healing.” — @drbrendawade [0:37:21] “We all have possibilities; we all have ways that we can let our light shine.” — @drbrendawade [0:44:35]   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Brenda Wade Dr. Brenda Wade on LinkedIn Dr. Brenda Wade on YouTube Dr. Brenda Wade on Instagram Dr. Brenda Wade on Facebook Dr. Brenda Wade on X Modern Love & Relationship Training Love Letters 2 Our Bodies is sponsored by Moyo Institute, Inc and the Lloyd Symington Foundation Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn MOYO Institute, Inc instagram.com/moyoinstitute

    Let The Heart Do Its Work
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About

Conversations on health, healing, and happiness by, for and about African American women. An exploration of the mind, body, spirit connection. and opportunities to hear from spiritual teachers, holistic health practitioners, and women helping to make life for others.  DISCLAIMER: THE LOVE LETTERS TO OUR BODIES podcast does not provide medical advice. The opinions, experiences, AND insights shared are for informational purposes only. Nothing shared on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other health care provider, don’t disregard or delay seeking it because of what you have heard on this podcast. 

Information

  • Creator
    Gwendolyn Mitchell
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Love Letters to Our Bodies
  • Show Website
    Love Letters to Our Bodies