Along the Gravel Road Podcast Chelsea Borruano

Louisiana-native Antione Lacey joins us to  share his truth and journey of growth and discovery. Antione is an artist, educator, and entrepreneur, who finds joy and solace in immersing himself in art to create something new.  His honesty gives us a glimpse into the strength of the human spirit and the comfort we find in creativity.
Burnout is a real struggle, especially for those of us who pour our hearts into our work. We talk about finding balance between work and play, emphasizing how important it is to recharge—whether that's through gaming or indulging in childhood passions like anime. Antione reminds us that taking breaks isn't a roadblock to productivity; it's what keeps us going. Tune in for a chat that might change how you see downtime.

In the complex landscape of mental health, having support is crucial. Together, we explore the journey from darkness to light, highlighting the courage it takes to ask for help. We discuss the challenges of talking about mental health, but also the strength we find in community. Join us for a conversation about resilience, community, and the comforting truth that none of us have to face our struggles alone. It's a tribute to the healing power of art and a reminder to embrace our shared humanity.

Learn more about Antione's work at visionaryblessings.com
Follow along at instagram.com/youarentaloneproject or learn more at youarentaloneproject.com.

When Ceisha James-Hayes speaks about her New Orleans roots, you can almost hear the jazz and feel the pulse of the city—but beneath that rhythm lies a deeper, more complex beat of familial challenges and generational trauma. Our conversation with Ceisha s unwraps the vibrant façade to reveal the impact of violence, substance abuse, and normalized trauma on the community and family unit. Through her candid storytelling, we're taken on a journey of self-discovery and healing, touching on the profound realization that true prosperity comes from mental, not financial, stability.

This episode examines the intricate dance between personal mental health and the web of family expectations. We discuss the art of setting boundaries for our own well-being and share insights on the significance of confronting past behaviors and forgiving ourselves to move forward. Ceisha explores the delicate balance of guiding loved ones through their own life lessons, reflecting on the ways in which our growth and empathy can help reshape family dynamics for the better.

We explore the lasting influence of parenting and the vital lessons we impart to our children. We emphasize the importance of self-worth, recognizing the beauty within, and the necessity of setting healthy boundaries. The power of parental behavior and its effect on the next generation underlines the conversation. Join us for a dialogue that is not just about unearthing the pains of the past, but also about nurturing hope for the future, as we come to terms with the lasting legacy of our families and the impact we have on those who follow.

Ceisha James-Hayes is from New Orleans and graduated from LSU. She has worked in education, supply chain operations, logistics, non-profit organizations and with databases within the legal system. She is the oldest daughter, which she notes is probably one of the most significant thing about her because her experiences, relationships and overall journey have been significantly shaped by something as simple as her birth order. 
 
She likes to consider herself a student of life and has paid attention and processed things around her for many years. 
Follow along at instagram.com/youarentaloneproject or learn more at youarentaloneproject.com.

Have you ever stood at the crossroads of your own mental health journey, wondering how your past shapes your present? Sophia Ellisor joins us to share her deeply moving story of childhood, enveloped by the challenges of her mother's borderline personality disorder and the heartache of divorce. We uncover the raw and often silent struggles that children like Sophia face, and how these formative experiences make a lasting impact on their lives.

Navigating the intricate web of anxiety in the aftermath of childhood trauma is never easy. Our conversation takes you through the labyrinth of managing anxiety when addiction and illness are part of your lineage. Sophia and I discuss the fine line between awareness of one's mental state and being handcuffed by the fear of it, emphasizing the strength found in vulnerability and candid discussions with those we hold dear. 

We wrap up with a testament to the transformative impact of coping strategies, therapy, and the courage to establish boundaries. From Sophia's early introduction to therapy amidst her parents' divorce to the vital role of supportive communities, this episode illuminates the lifelong journey of understanding and healing from past traumas. Tune in for a discussion that not only spotlights the hurdles but also celebrates the resilient pursuit of mental wellness and personal growth.



Follow along at instagram.com/youarentaloneproject or learn more at youarentaloneproject.com.

Join new mom Luisa, as we candidly discuss the unseen battles of motherhood, from mental health and the pressure of cultural expectations to the lifeline found in support systems and reaching out for help, and how these experiences shape the profound journey of raising a child.

Navigating maternal mental health isn't just about personal struggles; it's about the collective silence that shrouds the topic. Luisa's vulnerability in recounting her early days with baby Elena and the transition back to work peels back the curtain on the mental load that new parents carry. Our conversation honors the dualities of motherhood—the bliss of Elena's infectious smile against the backdrop of isolation and postpartum rage. We celebrate the victories, recognize the trials, and, most importantly, create a space for empathy and understanding that traverses cultural and societal boundaries.

As we wrap with Luisa, we shine a light on the resilience of new mothers. Through stories of empowerment and the encouragement to seek help, we underscore the message that no mother is alone in her journey. This episode is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the transformative power of shared experiences, inviting every listener to embrace the tumultuous, yet beautiful path of motherhood with open arms and hearts.

Watch via YouTube.
Follow along at instagram.com/youarentaloneproject or learn more at youarentaloneproject.com.

Khoi Nguyen (he/him) is a serial hobbyist and a creator led by purpose and his desire to inspire. With his foot on the gas, he continues to break past the shackles of his self-limiting beliefs to usher in a new age of creative pursuits. It is through this effort he has found purpose in using his gifts as a creative to inspire, heal, and change the world and lives around him. 

GROW. I DARE YOU. is one of his latest efforts led by his internal mission to inspire others along their journey of self-discovery and transformation through creative content.

Beyond his personal and creative pursuits, Khoi works as a storyteller, content creator, and producer at ThreeSixtyEight. 

In this episode, Khoi sheds light on the creative journey and how it can be crucial in your internal growth and self-discovery. 

Determined to dispel and break past negative thought loops and self-limiting beliefs, Khoi will share life experiences and perspectives as a source of inspiration and call to introspection. 

"To better express ourselves outward, we must cultivate ourselves inward."

Join Khoi and Chelsea on the "Along the Gravel Road Podcast" to understand how to unleash the creative confidence within. 

(Spoiler alert: it all starts with yourself)
Follow along at instagram.com/youarentaloneproject or learn more at youarentaloneproject.com.

You may not think that taxes, motherhood, and postpartum issues intersect, but you'd be wrong! Neva Butkus is a tax policy analyst with the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy where she studies and advocates on progressive tax issues that lift up workers and families. She is also a new mom being confronted with how societal expectations and public policy choices make the lives of parents (and especially mothers) more isolating and difficult than necessary.  

In this episode, we explore maternal mental health, gender disparities postpartum in cishet relationships, and the structural/societal choices in America that contribute to this all being harder than necessary. Join us to hear from this mom and advocate just trying to make the world a better place for her child. 

Recommended Resources:
thatdarnchat on tiktok and Instagram 
Louisiana Policy Institute for Children: policyinstitutela.org
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: cbpp.org
Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy: Itep.org 
Follow along at instagram.com/youarentaloneproject or learn more at youarentaloneproject.com.