Embracing The Fight

Erica Lamar
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

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. 1d ago

    Running from Clarity

    Have you ever prayed for direction, only to realize that the answer was already in front of you—and you were the one running from it? In this powerful episode of Embracing the Fight, Erica Lamar explores what it means to stop running from clarity and start walking in purpose. Through the stories of The Book of Jonah and the shrewd manager in The Gospel of Luke, we uncover a truth many of us struggle to accept: sometimes the very thing we're asking God to reveal has already been revealed, but we're too busy relying on our own strength to see it. Erica shares her personal journey of losing a career, financial stability, certainty, and control—only to discover that those losses were not punishment, but preparation. What felt like devastation became an invitation to trust God differently, listen more closely, and embrace the clarity she had been avoiding. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why Jonah ran from God's assignment—and how we often do the same ✅ How pride, fear, comfort, and self-reliance can cloud our vision ✅ What the manager in Luke 16 teaches us about stewardship and wisdom ✅ Why faithfulness in small responsibilities opens the door to greater opportunities ✅ How seasons of loss can become seasons of revelation ✅ Practical steps to stop striving and start trusting God's direction Too often, we want the promotion before proving faithful in the position we already have. We want the blessing without the stewardship. We want the destination without the process. But Scripture reminds us that those who are faithful over little will be entrusted with much. If you're in a season of uncertainty, transition, job loss, financial struggle, disappointment, or spiritual confusion, this episode is for you. Your valley may not be the end of your story—it may be the place where clarity finally finds you. A Word of Encouragement You are not disqualified because you stumbled. You are not forgotten because the door closed. You are not abandoned because the path changed. Sometimes God removes the things we depend on so we can learn to depend on Him. What feels like loss today may be creating the space for purpose tomorrow. Be faithful with what is in your hands right now. Be faithful with your time. Be faithful with your gifts. Be faithful with your character. Be faithful when no one is watching. The big assignment is often hidden behind a series of small acts of obedience. The Path Forward Stop running from what God has already shown you. Surrender the need to control every outcome. Steward your current opportunities well. Seek wisdom before seeking recognition. Trust God's timing more than your own plans. Remain faithful in the small things. Walk boldly when clarity comes. Your breakthrough may not come from finding something new. It may come from finally embracing what God has been telling you all along. 🎙️ Listen. Reflect. Share. Subscribe. #EmbracingTheFight #RunningFromClarity #Jonah #Luke16 #Faithfulness #ChristianPodcast #TrustGod #PurposeDrivenLife #SpiritualGrowth #FaithJourney #OvercomingAdversity #Stewardship #BiblicalWisdom #PersonalGrowth #ChristianEncouragement #LifeAfterLoss #Obedience #KingdomMindset #PodcastLife #MotivationAndFaith

    15 min

  2. 1d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    Introducing The Dark Side of AI Chatbots: Warning Signs, Risks, and Reality from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing the world as it evolves daily while offering limitless potential. Millions of Americans now turn to chatbots for guidance on finances, work and even relationships from life coaches to therapists and also companionship. But alongside their usefulness come serious risks that are often underestimated. In this conversation Oprah joins experts, families and a live audience to explore the potential hidden dangers of engaging with AI chatbots. Oprah speaks with the parents of a 14-year-old boy who died by suicide after his troubling interactions with a chatbot. We hear from UCSF psychiatrist, Dr. Keith Sakata, about the rise in reports of “AI-induced psychosis,” the potential negative mental health consequences of chatbot use and warning signs that a chatbot relationship has gone from helpful to harmful. Executive Director at Georgetown’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology, Helen Toner, offers insight into how AI chatbots are developed to have human-like interactions, AI sycophancy and what people can do to hold AI companies accountable. We also hear from people who experienced devastating consequences from their use of AI chatbots from quitting a job, isolating from loved ones to becoming convinced they needed to warn the government of impending doom. This is a candid, eye-opening conversation about the risk of AI chatbots for parents and families navigating this new technology. 00:00:00 - Oprah introduces the dangers of AI 00:04:20 - Megan joins to talk about her son 00:09:10 - Discovering her son’s chatbot conversations after death 00:11:30 - Protecting children 00:12:30 - Warning signs 00:18:00 - Chatbots inappropriate relationships with kids 00:19:00 - What parents should know 00:21:50 - Defining AI psychosis 00:25:00 - AI and human-like interactions 00:28:00 - Chatbots sycophantic nature 00:30:40 - Hannah shares her AI chatbot experience 00:35:00 - Dangers of long interactions with chatbots 00:36:30 - When Hannah’s mom was concerned 00:38:20 - Hannah getting back to herself 00:39:00 - Withdrawal from chatbots 00:40:20 - Hannah now 00:42:15 - Red flags of AI psychosis 00:45:00 - The lure of the chatbot 00:46:50 - Allan shares his AI psychosis 00:52:30 - Help from the Human Line project 00:54:00 - Human connection is the cure 00:55:00 - What we can do The Human Line Project https://www.thehumanlineproject.org/ Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ Listen to the full podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. Jun 3

    The Scoreboard

    What if the scoreboard you've been using to measure your life is wrong? So many of us spend our days keeping score of everything that didn't go according to plan. The jobs we lost. The weight we gained. The relationships that failed. The illnesses we never asked for. The dreams that were delayed. The financial struggles. The heartbreaks. The disappointments. We look at the scoreboard and convince ourselves that we're losing. But what if we've been counting the wrong things? In this deeply personal episode of Embracing the Fight, Erica Lamar explores how the absence of grace for ourselves can create a false reality. We become so focused on what we've lost that we fail to recognize what it took to survive. We overlook the courage it took to get out of bed, the faith it took to keep believing, and the resilience it took to keep moving forward when life seemed determined to knock us down. This episode is for: ✨ The person grieving the future they expected ✨ The person carrying silent battles while the world calls them strong ✨ The person struggling financially but refusing to quit ✨ The person rebuilding after loss, betrayal, illness, or disappointment ✨ The survivor who needs to remember just how far they've come Today, we challenge the scoreboard. Because maybe your life isn't defined by what happened to you. Maybe it's defined by what it took for you to survive it. 💚 If this episode speaks to you, please Like, Subscribe, Comment, and Share it with someone who needs this message. Remember: "Stop keeping score of what happened to you and start keeping score of what it took for you to survive it." ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🎙️ Connect with Embracing the Fight ▶️ YouTube: @EmbracingTheFight 📘 Facebook: Embracing The Fight 📸 Instagram: @EmbracingTheFight_ 🎵 TikTok: @EmbracingTheFight 🐦 X (Twitter): @EmbraceTheFight 🦋 BlueSky: @EmbracingTheFight #EmbracingTheFight #TheScoreboard #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney #Resilience #SelfCompassion #PersonalGrowth #FaithAndHealing #OvercomingAdversity #LifeAfterLoss #EmotionalWellness #HopeAfterHeartbreak #SurvivorMindset #PodcastCommunity #KeepGoing #EricaLamar

    8 min

  4. May 27

    What Comes After The Valley?

    What happens AFTER the pain? After the cancer battle… After the divorce… After the job loss… After homelessness… After the depression… After surviving the storm… In this powerful Season 4 episode of Embracing The Fight, Erica Lamar dives deep into what happens when you finally begin moving OUT of the valley and into a season of peace, purpose, prosperity, healing, and stewardship. Many people know how to survive difficult seasons, but very few know how to live once the storm is over. This episode explores the emotional, spiritual, and mental transition from survival mode into healing and abundance. Through honest conversation, biblical encouragement, and real-life perspective, Erica discusses: • Job loss and identity struggles • Cancer survival and grief • Silent battles and hopelessness • Asking for help when pride is broken • Faith during difficult seasons • Structure, discipline, and rebuilding your life • Learning stewardship after survival • Discernment and protecting your peace • Helping others escape their own valleys Featuring reflections on the 23rd Psalm: "Yea though I WALK THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death…" The valley is not your permanent address. You were meant to pass THROUGH it. If this episode speaks to you, please LIKE, COMMENT, and SHARE with someone who may need encouragement today. SUBSCRIBE to Embracing The Fight: YouTube Facebook TikTok Instagram: @EmbracingTheFight_ X Blue Sky Want to share your testimony or become a guest on Embracing The Fight? Comment "Guest" below or email: operations@diversitydesigned.com #EmbracingTheFight #EricaLamar #WhatComesAfterTheValley #FaithJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #CancerSurvivor #HealingJourney #Motivation #Inspiration #ChristianPodcast #LifeAfterTrauma #PersonalGrowth #PurposeDrivenLife #GriefSupport #OvercomingAdversity #FaithOverFear #PodcastForWomen #BlackWomenHealing #Stewardship #SelfGrowth #SpiritualGrowth #JobLossRecovery #DepressionRecovery #MotivationalPodcast #HealingAfterLoss #BibleEncouragement #Psalm23 #TrustTheProcess #ValleySeason #LifeTransformation SEO Tags: what comes after the valley, embracing the fight podcast, erica lamar, healing after trauma, life after cancer, grief and healing, surviving hard times, christian motivation, inspirational podcast, mental health podcast, black women healing, overcoming adversity, life after job loss, healing journey podcast, faith during hard times, finding purpose after pain, psalm 23 meaning, valley season sermon, encouragement for depression, motivational talk, emotional healing, spiritual healing, stewardship after blessing, life transformation journey, women empowerment podcast, faith based encouragement, surviving the valley, trust god through the storm, encouragement for difficult times, personal growth motivation

    7 min

  5. May 20

    No Regrets

    There comes a moment in life when we stop asking "What if?" and start asking "What now?" In this powerful episode of Embracing The Fight, host Erica Lamar dives into the emotional weight of regret, fear, missed opportunities, and the courage it takes to begin again. From relationships we were too afraid to pursue… to jobs we were too scared to accept… to moments with loved ones we assumed we'd always have more time for — this episode challenges listeners to stop living life looking in the rearview mirror. Erica opens this deeply personal conversation by reflecting on her own journey through thyroid cancer, divorce, unemployment, healing, survival, and growth. Through heartfelt storytelling and honest reflection, she explores how fear often becomes the silent partner of regret. This episode includes: • The story of a person who let fear stop them from marrying the love of their life • A person who turned down a life-changing career opportunity and became trapped in mediocrity • A reminder to stop postponing joy, travel, connection, and meaningful time with the people you love • The inspiring story of Dylan and Ella — a couple who chose courage over fear and built a life with no regrets • Practical steps to forgive yourself, silence negative self-talk, rebuild confidence, and move forward boldly "No Regrets" is for anyone who feels stuck in the past, burdened by mistakes, isolated by fear, or afraid to take the next step in life. Erica reminds listeners that your past may shape your story, but it does not have the power to define your future unless you allow it to. This episode speaks directly to: ✔ Fear of failure ✔ Starting over after heartbreak or loss ✔ Depression and isolation ✔ Self-confidence struggles ✔ Career dissatisfaction ✔ Anxiety about judgment from others ✔ Healing and personal growth ✔ Positive affirmations and mindset shifts You are allowed to create a new narrative. You are allowed to choose a new path. You are allowed to heal. Fear may speak loudly — but your future deserves a louder voice. If this episode encouraged you in any way, please don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to Embracing The Fight on YouTube and social media. Follow Erica Lamar and Embracing The Fight on Facebook, TikTok, X, BlueSky, YouTube, and Instagram (@EmbracingTheFight_). #EmbracingTheFight #NoRegrets #HealingJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #PersonalGrowth #SelfLove #Motivation #OvercomingFear #PositiveMindset #Healing #LifeAfterLoss #FearAndRegret #PodcastForHealing #EmotionalHealing #GrowthMindset #Inspiration #FaithOverFear #WomenHealing #MotivationalPodcast #EricaLamar

    4 min

  6. May 13

    The Healing Bench

    Tonight on Embracing The Fight, we share a powerful story about grief, loneliness, mental health, human connection, and the unexpected ways healing can begin. "The Healing Bench" is a reminder that sometimes the people smiling the hardest are fighting the silent battles nobody sees. In a world filled with distractions, isolation, anxiety, depression, loss, and emotional exhaustion… one simple conversation can change a life. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this episode encourages us to normalize checking in on one another, having meaningful conversations, and reminding people that they do not have to fight alone. Healing does not always begin in a therapist's office. Sometimes healing starts with kindness, community, understanding, and simply sitting beside someone who needs to know they matter. If you have ever struggled with grief, depression, loneliness, anxiety, burnout, feeling forgotten, or emotionally overwhelmed… this episode is for you. 💚 Remember: You are not alone. Your story is not over. And your healing may begin with one conversation. ✨ Please LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to Embracing The Fight to help us continue creating conversations that normalize mental health awareness, healing, resilience, hope, and emotional wellness. #MentalHealthAwareness #EmbracingTheFight #Healing #DepressionAwareness #Loneliness #EmotionalHealing #MentalHealthMatters #GriefSupport #Hope #Podcast #Motivation #Inspiration #AnxietySupport #CommunityHealing #YouAreNotAlone

    8 min

  7. May 13

    Isolation

    Isolation became normal after COVID. For many people, it became safe. Comfortable. Convenient. Necessary. But what happens when isolation stops being protection… and quietly becomes imprisonment? In this powerful episode of Embracing The Fight, Erica Lamar dives deep into the emotional, psychological, and social effects of isolation in today's technology-driven world. Erica explores how society adapted to separation after the pandemic — replacing human connection with screens, text messages, social media, food delivery apps, remote work, and digital convenience. While technology has made life easier, she challenges listeners to ask: At what cost? Drawing parallels to solitary confinement — one of the harshest forms of punishment known because of what prolonged isolation can do to the human mind — Erica opens an honest conversation about anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief, unemployment, aging, heartbreak, rejection, and emotional withdrawal. She speaks directly to those who isolate as a defense mechanism… those who stopped going out after losing a job… those who avoid people because social interaction now feels overwhelming… and those who slowly disappeared into the comfort of being alone. This episode is not about judgment. It is about grace. Healing. Reconnection. And learning how to step back into life again. Erica shares practical and heartfelt encouragement on: • How to slowly reconnect with people after isolation • Overcoming social anxiety and fear of being around others • Why human fellowship is necessary for emotional wellness • How aging and life changes can unintentionally create loneliness • Rebuilding confidence outside of technology and social media • Why community, conversation, and human touch still matter • How to get "back out there" one step at a time Sometimes healing starts with simply leaving the house. Taking a walk. Calling a friend. Going to church. Attending an event. Sitting in the park. Smiling at someone. Existing in community again. Technology is a convenience — not a replacement for human connection. If you've been feeling disconnected, emotionally exhausted, lonely, unseen, or trapped in your own thoughts… this episode is for you. Give yourself grace. Give others grace. And get back out there. 🎙️ Listen, Like, Share & Subscribe to Embracing The Fight on all social media platforms! Follow Embracing The Fight: 📺 YouTube 📘 Facebook 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 🦋 BlueSky 𝕏 X (Twitter) #EmbracingTheFight #Isolation #MentalHealthAwareness #Loneliness #SocialAnxiety #HealingJourney #MentalHealthPodcast #COVIDIsolation #DepressionAwareness #EmotionalWellness #AnxietySupport #SelfHealing #PodcastLife #HumanConnection #IsolationAfterCOVID #OvercomingLoneliness #EmotionalHealth #CommunityMatters #BlackMentalHealth #HealingTogether #LifeAfterLoss #PersonalGrowth #YouAreNotAlone #TechnologyAndMentalHealth #HopeAndHealing

    21 min

  8. Apr 22

    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
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

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

Information

  • Creator
    Erica Lamar
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    175
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Embracing The Fight