The Lived Experiences Podcast

Dr. Tamea Ryan
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Welcome to The Lived Experiences podcast. My name is Dr. Tamea Ryan. On this podcast, I dive deep into the inspiring journeys of individuals on a path toward self-improvement, self-care, and resiliency. Join me as I explore the challenges faced, the strategies employed, and the victories celebrated along the way. Get ready to be motivated, uplifted, and empowered as stories of growth, healing, and transformation unfold.

  1. Sep 9

    Learning Differently: Rewriting the Script: The Lived Experiences Podcast

    What if the very differences that made school harder were also the seeds of your greatest strengths? In this heartfelt episode of The Lived Experiences Podcast, Dr. Tamea Ryan welcomes Michelle Steiner, advocate, writer, and founder of Michelle's Mission, for an honest and encouraging conversation about navigating learning differences, finding your voice, and refusing to let a diagnosis define your ceiling. Diagnosed with dyscalculia and visual perception issues in kindergarten, Michelle's early years were marked by struggle, bullying, and discouragement from the very professionals meant to support her. But through resilience, creativity, and a fierce commitment to self-advocacy, she not only graduated college but made the Dean's List. Her story is a powerful reminder that success does not follow one path, and neither does intelligence. In this episode you will discover: What dyscalculia and visual perception challenges look like in real life and how they shaped Michelle's early experiences.The impact of bullying and discouragement on confidence and how Michelle pushed through anyway.How writing and photography became sources of healing, empowerment, and identity.The moment a professional told her college was not for her, and why she went anyway.The importance of finding community and support outside of traditional school environments.How Michelle now uses her lived experience to teach self-advocacy skills to young learners.Practical advice for parents navigating diagnosis, support systems, and how to champion their child.Why focusing on what you can do, and celebrating small wins, changes everything. This episode matters because too many young people are still being told what they cannot do before anyone takes the time to discover what they can. Michelle's journey is proof that embracing your unique pathway leads not just to survival, but to profound achievement and purpose. Whether you are a parent, an educator, or someone who has ever felt like the system was not built for you, this conversation will leave you encouraged, equipped, and ready to advocate for yourself or someone you love. Chapters:00:00 Michelle Steiner's story of overcoming learning disabilities01:39 Diagnosed with dyscalculia and visual perception issues in kindergarten02:28 Early struggles with math, writing, and motor skills03:45 Challenges with driving and visual perception in childhood04:07 Growing up with learning differences and initial resistance from parents05:07 Early advocacy and finding supportive communities outside school06:23 Developing a passion for writing and photography as outlets07:57 Facing discouragement in college and persevering through stigma08:25 The power of resilience and pushing through negativity10:14 Discovering strengths through writing and artistic expression11:18 Using creative outlets for healing and connection13:45 Achieving the impossible: graduating college and making Dean's List14:44 The importance of focusing on what you can do and celebrating small wins16:27 How lived experiences shape Michelle's approach to supporting students17:29 Teaching self-advocacy skills to young learners18:47 Encouraging respectful self-advocacy and involvement in school decisions19:31 Advice for parents navigating diagnosis and support systems20:51 Changes in educational support and increased inclusion today22:47 Connecting with Michelle23:10 Michelle reflects on her values shaped by learning differences24:11 Future goals: writing a book and advocacy work25:08 Final words of encouragement for parents and young people Connect with Michelle Steiner:Website: www.michellesmission.comBlog: Michelle's Mission at www.michellesmission.com Stay Connected with Dr. Tamea Ryan:Website: www.thelivedexp.comInstagram: @thelivedexpFacebook: The Lived Experiences Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/sensho/time-of-my-lifeLicense code: EF3DN9OTX5A7HEIW

    Learning Differently: Rewriting the Script: The Lived Experiences Podcast

  2. Aug 26

    The Father Wound: Earnest James on Healing Families: The Lived Experiences Podcast

    In this powerful episode of The Lived Experiences Podcast, Dr. Tamea Ryan welcomes Ernest James, speaker, mentor, and founder of programs dedicated to healing the father wound and restoring family legacies.Ernest shares his personal journey from childhood observations of fatherlessness to launching impactful programs like Man Up and Friends of Fatherless Daughters. Rooted in faith and fueled by lived experience, his mission is clear: healing yourself is how you heal your community.In this episode you will discover:What the father wound is, why it matters, and how it shows up as abandonment, people-pleasing, and self-sabotage.How intergenerational cycles of fatherlessness form and the intentional steps needed to break them.Why mentorship and community support are essential for both boys and girls navigating fatherlessness.The journey from Instagram advocacy to launching podcasts and programs that serve fathers, daughters, and families.How blended families and co-parenting can thrive with purpose, intentionality, and mutual support.Why moving from individual success to collective service is the key to lasting community impact.Practical advice for young people on thinking beyond themselves and living with purpose.Upcoming initiatives including a Daddy Daughter Dance and workshops on grief and mental health. This episode matters because as Ernest reminds us, healing one person benefits an entire community. When we address the father wound with honesty and courage, we do not just transform individual lives. We restore families and revitalize communities for generations to come.Whether you are navigating your own father wound, supporting someone who is, or working to build stronger families and communities, this conversation will meet you with wisdom, compassion, and a clear call to action.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Ernest James and his mission for healing father wounds01:16 Ernest's personal background and motivation rooted in faith02:00 Recognizing fatherlessness early in life and childhood observations03:27 The story of a joke about fathers and its impact on Ernest's purpose04:43 The significance of breaking cycles and the importance of mentorship06:33 Expanding focus to support fatherless daughters and create impactful programs08:28 How personal relationships revealed patterns of attraction and unhealed wounds09:25 The origin of the Friends of Fatherless Daughters Instagram page10:20 Acknowledging the influence of podcasts and mentorship in community work12:25 Explaining the father wound as an unhealed scar with symbolic meaning13:42 Manifestations of father wound in abandonment, people-pleasing, and self-sabotage15:08 The importance of understanding multigenerational cycles of fatherlessness16:32 The significance of healing for breaking the cycle and creating healthy family legacies17:40 How healing individuals benefits entire communities21:19 The role of community, church, family structures, and collective healing23:27 Personal stories of blended families, co-parenting, and supportive relationships26:46 The importance of showing love and support regardless of biological ties31:28 Moving from individual success to community impact with a focus on service36:03 Advice for youth: thinking beyond oneself leads to fulfillment37:29 The misconception that wealth equals happiness and the true meaning of purpose40:08 Ernest's podcasts, upcoming events, and ways to connect42:35 The mission of healing, serving, and community resilience43:36 Closing thoughts and gratitudeConnect with Ernest James:Instagram: @earnestjamesspeakerYouTube: dealtohealwithe.jamespodca5300Website: https://earnestjamesspeakslife.comStay Connected with Dr. Tamea Ryan:Website: www.thelivedexp.comInstagram: @thelivedexpFacebook: The Lived ExperiencesMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/ottomp3/moving-feelingsLicense code: Z84LMPSLBH8HEPSR

    The Father Wound: Earnest James on Healing Families: The Lived Experiences Podcast

  3. Aug 12

    When Rejection is Redirection: Finding Purpose After Disappointment: The Lived Experiences Podcast

    What if the rejection you feared most was actually the redirection you needed? In this dynamic episode of The Lived Experiences Podcast, Dr. Tamea Ryan welcomes Tanesha Moody, founder of The CLEAR Method, for a conversation about reconnecting with purpose, harnessing courage, and embracing the unique impact only you can make. Tanesha takes us on a transformative journey from her days in theater and corporate environments to discovering what true alignment looks like. She shares how a layoff from Salesforce became her catalyst to reevaluate her life and develop the CLEAR framework: Clarify your purpose, Live your values, Embody your identity, Align with courage, and Ripple your impact. Her story is proof that your greatest pivot can come from your most painful moment. In this episode you will discover: How clarity on your purpose is the foundational step to overcoming burnout and breaking free from cycles of rejection.Why Tanesha's signature philosophy, "You weren't rejected, your offer was," can completely shift how you respond to setbacks.The Ignis Framework for uncovering your purpose through the symbolic fire within you.How high achievers can pause, redefine success on their own terms, and use rejection as valuable feedback rather than failure.Practical tools for living full out whether you are navigating career shifts, social pressures, or personal growth.Why courageous moves, doing it scared, are the key to real transformation.How to shift from hustle to harmony and show up fully in every area of your life. This episode matters because so many high achievers are quietly exhausted, performing success while feeling disconnected from what truly matters. Tanesha's CLEAR Method offers a practical and soulful pathway back to yourself. Whether you are a creative, a corporate professional, or simply someone yearning to align your life with your deepest values, this conversation will inspire your next bold step. Success is not just about achievement. It is about showing up fully in every moment. Are you ready to live full out? Chapters:0:03 Introduction and Guest Welcome1:23 Tanesha's Corporate Journey3:14 Understanding Burnout5:09 Defining Alignment8:03 Reframing Rejection11:01 Clarifying Purpose with the Ignis Framework19:26 Living Full Out21:07 Coaching High Achievers23:44 The CLEAR Method Explained24:53 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information Connect with Tanesha Moody:Instagram: @taneshalmoodyWebsite: https://www.taneshalmoody.com Stay Connected with Dr. Tamea Ryan:Website: www.thelivedexp.comInstagram: @thelivedexpFacebook: The Lived Experiences Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/jeff-kaale/eternal-juneLicense code: B9LRNLKHRWPXNNBS

    When Rejection is Redirection: Finding Purpose After Disappointment: The Lived Experiences Podcast

  4. Jul 29

    How Success Masks Self-Doubt: Battling Accomplishment: The Lived Experiences Podcast

    What happens when the career you built your entire identity around suddenly shifts beneath you? In this powerful episode of The Lived Experiences Podcast, Dr. Tamea Ryan welcomes Constance Howard, an executive coach and former Emmy-winning journalist, for an honest conversation about grief, loss, and what it truly means to rediscover yourself on the other side of success. Constance pulls back the curtain on the hidden struggles that often live behind high achievement, sharing her personal journey through career transitions, bankruptcy, racial bias in the newsroom, and the identity crisis that followed. Her story is a reminder that reinvention is not a sign of failure. It is often the beginning of your most authentic chapter. In this episode you will discover: How perfectionism and imposter syndrome show up in high-achieving professionals and what to do about them.The emotional toll of building your identity around a career and what happens when that changes.How Constance navigated racial bias in media and kept moving forward with courage and faith.The connection between grief, loss, and identity, and how to move through each with intention.Practical insights for anyone in a season of reinvention, transition, or rediscovery.How to recognize burnout before it derails your life and relationships.The beliefs we pass on to the next generation, and why our healing matters beyond ourselves. This episode matters because so many people are quietly carrying the weight of who they used to be while trying to figure out who they are becoming. Constance's story offers both permission and a pathway to embrace every season of life with grace and purpose. Whether you are navigating a career shift, processing grief, or simply trying to reconnect with yourself, this conversation will meet you right where you are. Chapters:00:01 Introduction to Constance Howard01:28 Hidden struggles behind success02:55 Identity crises in media careers05:12 Emotional toll of perfectionism06:28 Ratings, success, and imposter syndrome09:17 From journalist to media professional10:20 Transitioning to production11:31 Facing racial bias in the newsroom14:08 Defining imposter syndrome15:23 Behaviors signaling imposter syndrome18:54 Burnout's impact on life20:54 Passing beliefs to the next generation22:09 Real estate setbacks24:37 Grief and identity crisis28:03 Rediscovering oneself31:05 Reinventing identity33:26 Embracing life seasons34:46 Coaching resources36:26 Key lessons in courage and faith Connect with Constance Howard:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constancehowardexecutivecoachYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@constancehowardexecutivecoachInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/constancehowardexecutivecoachFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/constancehowardlifecoaching Stay Connected with Dr. Tamea Ryan:Website: www.thelivedexp.comInstagram: @thelivedexpFacebook: The Lived Experiences Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/mum-child/bliss-fadeLicense code: GFKNAJRCNU0LUKLB

    How Success Masks Self-Doubt: Battling Accomplishment: The Lived Experiences Podcast

  5. Jul 15

    Educators Rise Enterprises: The Lived Experiences Podcast

    What does it truly mean to create an inclusive classroom? Not just in policy, but in practice, in relationship, and in the everyday moments that shape a student's sense of belonging? In this rich roundtable episode of The Lived Experiences Podcast, Dr. Tamea Ryan is joined by a powerful panel of educators and DEI advocates for an honest, heartfelt, and practical conversation about diversity, equity, and inclusion in education.Together, the panelists share personal stories, practical strategies, and hard-won insights on what it takes to build learning environments where every student feels seen, supported, and valued.In this episode you will discover:The origin and mission of Educators Rise Enterprises and the vision driving their work.Personal stories from educators about their own DEI journeys and what shaped their practice.How trauma and mental health impact both students and teachers, and why trauma-informed education is no longer optional.Practical strategies for building inclusive and equitable classrooms that go beyond numbers and checkboxes.The critical role of safe spaces and trust-building in fostering genuine belonging for all learners.How DEI principles apply to special education and students with diverse learning needs.The influence of policy, community engagement, and professional training on systemic change.Grounded advice for new teachers on practicing authentic DEI from day one.This episode matters because inclusion is not a program or a policy. It is a practice. As one panelist put it, it is a human issue, not just a black or white issue. When educators show up with awareness, empathy, and courage, small actions ripple and create lasting impact.Whether you are a teacher, administrator, counselor, or anyone who cares about the future of education, this conversation will challenge and equip you to do the work with greater clarity and compassion.---Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Roundtable on DEI in Education02:51 The Vision Behind Educators Rise Enterprises06:23 Personal Experiences and Growth Through Writing10:45 Understanding DEI: Beyond Numbers to True Inclusion13:14 Mental Health as a Component of DEI17:38 Diversity in the Classroom: Realities and Challenges21:57 The Impact of Lived Experiences on DEI Work27:59 DEI and Special Education: Creating Safe Spaces32:36 Creating Safe Spaces in Education33:51 Understanding Diverse Learning Needs37:41 The Importance of Affirmation and Love38:09 Diagnosing Learning Differences40:54 The Impact of Home Environment on Learning44:05 Navigating Grief and Trauma in Education48:14 Substance Abuse and Education52:15 The Need for Trauma-Informed Education54:34 Upcoming Conference on DEI57:45 Advice for New Teachers on DEI Practice---Meet the Panelists:Dr. Heather Robinson, Ph.D.Professor Steve Maynard Jr.Dr. Alisha Broughton, Ph.D.Tammy Walsham, MSDr. Kara LongmirePhillip Lyde, MBA, M.Ed.Martiesa "Mardiee" Smith, MS, M.Ed.---Connect with Educators Rise Enterprises:Instagram: @educatorsriseenterprisesYouTube: @EDUCATORSRISEENTERPRISESWebsite: https://www.educatorsriseenterprises.com---Stay Connected with Dr. Tamea Ryan:Website: www.thelivedexp.comInstagram: @thelivedexpFacebook: The Lived Experiences---Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/night-drift/once-moreLicense code: ZHND9OZNVHGLOETB

    Educators Rise Enterprises: The Lived Experiences Podcast

  6. Jul 1

    Leading With Purpose: The Lived Experiences Podcast

    Discover how Lorena Wade, a faith-driven certified life coach and healthcare leader, blends her personal experiences with professional expertise to empower women in leadership, motherhood, and life transitions. Her story offers practical insights into authentic leadership, self-care, and navigating life's challenges with faith and purpose. In this episode: Lorena shares her journey from aspiring pediatrician to healthcare executive and coach.The importance of intentional and authentic leadership, including vulnerability and empathy.How her personal experience as a mother of children with special needs shapes her approach to healthcare and coaching.Strategies for sustainable self-care and managing stress through neuroscience and nervous system awareness.The significance of representation and community-building for women pursuing doctorates and professional growth.Practical advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed by career, motherhood, and life demands.The meaning of stewardship and how it guides her coaching and community initiatives.The power of purpose, purpose discernment, and living authentically. Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Lorena Wade and her background in healthcare and coaching02:37 Lorena's early journey in healthcare and pivot to leadership04:18 Lessons learned from executive leadership and the importance of intentionality06:50 What being an intentional leader looks like day to day09:44 Motherhood's impact on Lorena's personal and professional life11:06 Overcoming medical challenges with her children and the lessons of hope and advocacy13:17 The role of faith and advocacy in healthcare and motherhood14:37 Building community and representation for Latina women in doctoral programs16:21 The meaning of stewardship and aligning it with faith and purpose19:15 Defining purpose and living with clarity, conviction, and authenticity21:47 Common struggles people face around leadership, motherhood, and career transitions23:38 Cultivating sustainable self-care practices rooted in neuroscience and the nervous system27:22 The importance of slowing down, honoring life seasons, and resilience30:24 Initiatives like La Doctora Collective supporting Latinas' educational journeys33:24 Final encouragement: You matter, your voice matters, and you are enough Connect with Lorena Wade:Website: https://vibly.io/experts/lorena-wadeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenawade-mba Stay Connected with Dr. Tamea Ryan:Website: www.thelivedexp.comInstagram: @thelivedexpFacebook: The Lived Experiences Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/sketch-bookLicense code: 92NQPVESSRSJJVBR

    Leading With Purpose: The Lived Experiences Podcast

  7. Jun 17

    From the Ivy League to Incarceration to Impact: The Lived Experiences Podcast

    Most of us think our past defines us, and for Ken Miller, that was painfully true for years.Most of us think our past defines us, and for Ken Miller, that was painfully true for years. A once promising Ivy League graduate, Ken's life spiraled into two decades of homelessness, addiction, and incarceration. But what if your darkest moments weren't the end, but the beginning of your greatest transformation?Ken's journey from prison, addiction, and shame to spiritual awakening, success, and service will challenge everything you believe about resilience and purpose.In this raw, powerful episode, Ken shares the unvarnished truth about his early trauma, being a foster child, battling alcoholism, and making destructive choices in the depths of addiction. He reveals how uncovering his identity through the groundbreaking discovery of his birth family catalyzed a healing process that transformed his life. Ken opens up about the moments of despair that led to multiple suicide attempts, and how a spiritual conversation in 2004 shifted everything. His story reminds us that no matter how broken we feel, true recovery begins with radical self-acceptance and honesty.You'll discover:The profound impact of understanding your origins on healing and identity.How radical self-affirmation and truth-telling break the cycle of shame.The specific daily practices Ken used to rebuild his emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being.The surprising role forgiveness played in his journey toward peace, including forgiving those who caused harm and himself.The practical steps Ken recommends for anyone feeling stuck in their trauma or setbacks, and how to harness faith and resilience to redefine yourself.This episode matters because Ken's story underscores a universal truth. Your past, no matter how painful, does not have to trap you. With intentional effort, honesty, and grace, transformation is possible. Whether you are facing addiction, trauma, or feelings of failure, Ken's insights serve as a blueprint for reclaiming your life and stepping into your purpose.This conversation is for anyone seeking hope, healing, and real strategies for radical self-love, no matter where you are starting from. If you are ready for a life-affirming journey from despair to dignity and a reminder that you are worthy, press play now.Ken Miller is a former addict and unhoused survivor turned philanthropist, speaker, and author. His mission is to empower people to heal, lead, and serve from a place of authenticity and grace.Chapters:0:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome1:39 Ken's Early Life and Challenges5:50 Struggles with Addiction and Homelessness10:49 Turning Point and Spiritual Awakening14:46 Radical Self-Affirmation and Recovery29:34 Family and Identity Discovery34:30 Writing the Book and Sharing the Story39:52 Ken's Transformation and Current WorkConnect with Ken Miller:Website: www.kenmillerspeaks.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kenmiller84Book: Becoming Ken: One Black Man's Journey From Ivy League to Prison and Back Again, available on AmazonStay Connected with Dr. Tamea Ryan:Website: https://www.thelivedexp.comInstagram: @thelivedexpFacebook: The Lived ExperiencesMusic from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/ill-kitchen/the-launchLicense code: I40GZCP19QLFHDII

    From the Ivy League to Incarceration to Impact: The Lived Experiences Podcast

  8. 12/31/2025

    What Success Can't Heal: A Conversation with DeMonta Whiting

    In this powerful Season 2 finale, I sit down with DeMonta Whiting, MA, LMFT, a psychotherapist and leadership coach who helps high-achieving men break the hidden patterns that keep them successful on paper but unfulfilled in real life. This conversation explores a truth most successful people don't talk about: how early unmet emotional needs can drive a lifelong pursuit of achievement that never quite fills the void.DeMonta brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to this discussion. As someone who knows what it's like to be "the responsible one" - the person everyone depends on who rarely has anyone to depend on themselves - he offers unique insights into the cost of self-reliance and the exhaustion of always being "on."🔍 In our conversation, we explore:• How early unmet emotional needs shape patterns of achievement• The impact of repeated disappointments and high expectations with few emotional rewards• Why the desire for love and acceptance can drive unfulfilling achievement• How childhood experiences create lifelong patterns of self-reliance and low trust• Recognizing when success is masking deeper emotional needs• Warning signs that achievement has become a substitute for connection• Why high-achieving men specifically struggle with trust and intimacy• The difference between healthy ambition and achievement driven by unmet needs• How to recognize this pattern in yourself or loved ones• The process of "unlearning survival skills" that no longer serve you• Breaking the cycle of using success to earn love and acceptance• Building authentic relationships after years of self-reliance• Practical steps toward finding fulfillment beyond achievementDeMonta's work focuses on helping executives, attorneys, investors, athletes, and creatives transform self-reliance into emotional strength, repair relationships, and build lives that feel successful on the inside - not just from the outside. His direct, effective approach has earned him features in MensInsider, Shout Out LA, and VoyageLA.This season finale is essential listening for high achievers, anyone who feels successful but unfulfilled, partners of high-achieving individuals, and anyone who recognizes the pattern of chasing achievement to fill an emotional void. Chapters: 00:00: Introduction to the Lived Experience Podcast 01:10: Diving into Personal Journeys 09:30: Understanding Success and Burnout 13:45: The Impact of High Expectations 18:00: Challenges in Personal Change 22:15: Emotional Vulnerability and Trust Building 27:00: Revelations and Personal Growth 31:30: Overcoming Personal Barriers 36:00: Conclusion and Final Thoughts Stay Connected: Dr. Tamea Ryan 🌐 Website: www.thelivedexp.com 📱 Instagram: thelivedexp 👥 Facebook: The Lived Experiences ________________________________ Stay Connected: DeMonta Whiting, MA, LMFT 🌐 Website: https://www.demontawhiting.com 📱 Instagram: deethetherapist About The Lived Experiences Podcast: I'm Dr. Tamea Ryan, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Coach. Through this podcast, I create meaningful conversations about personal journeys, transformation, and the wisdom we gain through our lived experiences. Thank you for an incredible Season 2! We'll be back with more powerful conversations in the new year.🎧 Season 2 finale drops December 31st 💬 What does true fulfillment look like to you? Share in the comments Like and subscribe - Season 3 is coming soon! #TheLivedExperiencesPodcast #DeMontaWhiting #SeasonFinale #HighAchievers #UnmetNeeds #Success #SelfReliance #EmotionalHealing #mensmentalhealth Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sensho/warm-blanketLicense code: ZIXRXOEEE5QUCKQZ

    What Success Can't Heal: A Conversation with DeMonta Whiting
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Welcome to The Lived Experiences podcast. My name is Dr. Tamea Ryan. On this podcast, I dive deep into the inspiring journeys of individuals on a path toward self-improvement, self-care, and resiliency. Join me as I explore the challenges faced, the strategies employed, and the victories celebrated along the way. Get ready to be motivated, uplifted, and empowered as stories of growth, healing, and transformation unfold.

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