What happens when we give people the space to express what they sometimes struggle to say out loud? On this episode of the Wild Preacher’s Kid Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Athea Vanzant, poet, educator, and author, for a powerful conversation about the intersection of art, mental health, behavioral health, and personal healing. We explore the importance of incorporating creative arts and literary expression into corporate environments and how poetry, storytelling, and other forms of artistic expression can help employees communicate concerns, navigate difficult emotions, and address challenges they may experience in professional spaces. Sometimes, the words we struggle to speak can find their way onto a page, creating opportunities for self-awareness, healthier communication, and meaningful change. Dr. Vanzant also shares her passion for storytelling and the personal experiences reflected in her literary work, including the realities of parenting, navigating anxiety, and raising little ones. We discuss how sharing our stories can help us better understand ourselves and create space for others to feel seen, heard, and understood. This episode also serves as the kickoff to Dr. Vanzant’s upcoming event on November 7, 2027, in Macon, Georgia. This gathering will create an opportunity to hear powerful stories, engage in meaningful conversations about healing after domestic violence, and bring greater awareness to the experiences of those impacted by abuse. Join us as we unpack the power of using our voices, embracing creativity, and recognizing that healing doesn’t always begin with having the perfect words. Sometimes, it begins with simply being given the space to tell your story. Tune in, share this episode, and remember: Your story deserves to be heard. #WildPreachersKid #WildPKPodcast #DrAthiaVanzant #ArtAndHealing #MentalHealthAwareness #PoetryAndPurpose #DomesticViolenceAwareness #HealingThroughStorytelling #MaconGeorgia About Dr Athea Vanzant- Dr. Athea Vanzant, (@essence_ofpoetry) known as Essence, is an educator, author, poet, and visionary whose work lives at the intersection of intellect, artistry, and advocacy. Holding a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), she is the founder of Essence Training & Consulting, LLC, where she advances education, leadership, and personal development; Essence of Poetry (EOP), an annual artistic experience blending poetry, music, and powerful storytelling; and EAVES, an initiative expanding access to behavioral health and integrated care while using creative expression to inspire awareness and empowerment. An author of 47 Seconds, Parenting, Anxiety, & Little Ones, and They Never Taught Me How to Ride a Bicycle, Essence transforms lived experiences into words that illuminate, affirm, and awaken. With the grace of a goddess and the soul of a poet, she embodies a signature blend of elegance, wisdom, and purpose reminding us that our voices are powerful, our stories matter, and our healing deserves room to breathe. Oh yeah, and she comes from a lineage of preachers! https://essencetrainingandconsulting.com/ https://linktr.ee/essenceofpoetry?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAcGRvZgJzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAafnk9PoeCfVKFkjfdsY4s7kim9zPyv68rs5eB8K9z66alN5DEbQh_ol9v1euw_aem_cqrBbrhcVcdkaKNBTqMHQw