Freedom at The Mat | A Women's Wellness Sanctuary

Freedom At The Mat
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Semiweekly

The Freedom at The Mat Podcast is a destination for women seeking for health and wellness education & enlightenment from leading practitioners in mental health, spirituality, fitness and overall physical health & wellbeing. Hosted by NYC and New Orleans-based Marketer, Writer, Yoga Instructor & Writer Olivia F. Scott, this podcast is an accompaniment to the Freedom at The Mat YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/freedomatthemat) which features these conversations, yoga tutorials, meditations, readings & more.

  1. 5d ago

    The Truth About Sun Protection for Melanated Skin and Young People with Dr. Martin Fleming

    In this episode, Surgical oncologist Dr. Martin Fleming of Regional One Health in Memphis heightens skin cancer awareness by discussing melanoma prevention, sunscreen use, tanning bed risks, and how skin cancer can affect all skin tones.  Dr. Fleming shares the crucial ABCs—Awareness, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter, and Evolution—that could save your life. Plus, learn why sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher is essential, no matter your skin tone, and how to apply it correctly in your daily routine. You’ll hear real stories about misdiagnosed or overlooked signs—and why routine screenings are your best defense. With the rise of genetic testing, Dr. Fleming explains how you can identify personal risks linked to other cancers and take proactive measures. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to protect themselves and loved ones from skin cancer’s silent threat.If you’ve ever thought skin cancer is only a “white person’s disease,” think again. Early detection, proper sun protection, and consistent screenings are keys to staying safe—no matter your background. Perfect for those enjoying summer, caregivers, or anyone curious about health myths, this conversation empowers you to see skin health in a whole new light.Dr. Fleming’s expertise shines through—equipping you with actionable steps to reduce your risk and encouraging lifelong vigilance. Don’t miss this vital knowledge that could save your life or someone you love. Hit play now — your skin will thank you. #skincancer #melanoma #melaninpoppin #freedomatthemat #regionalonehealth #drmartinfleming

  2. Jul 5

    The Truth About GLP-1s: From Diabetic Drugs to Weight Loss Wonders with Dr. Courtney A. Washington

    This episode features trusted insights from leading primary care physician, medical correspondent and medical weight loss expert, Dr. Courtney Arianne Washington. Unlock the truth behind the hottest medical weight-loss trend—GLP-1 medications. Despite the hype and black market chaos, understanding the science, risks, and proper protocols could be the key to transforming your health safely.In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Courtney Arianne Washington, a board-certified physician specializing in wellness and aesthetics, demystifies GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wagovi, and Mounjaro. She explains how these peptides naturally regulate glucose, curb hunger, and even reverse fat-related damage to vital organs—offering hope beyond cosmetic benefits. But this episode is not just about weight loss: emerging research suggests GLP-1 medications might benefit heart health, brain function, and addiction recovery. You'll discover: the real differences between the various brands, how these medications work alongside exercise and nutrition, and who should and shouldn't consider them. Dr. Washington emphasizes the importance of medical oversight, warning about long-term side effects—like nausea, gastroparesis, and potential cancer risks—and stressing why you must see a doctor for safe access. She also debunks the dangerous black market practices flooding the scene, advocating for personalized care rooted in comprehensive health evaluations. GLP-1 Truths is essential for anyone contemplating weight loss options or concerned about the hidden risks of self-prescribing. If you’re tired of quick fixes and want strategies grounded in science, this conversation will clarify what you need to know to make informed, safe decisions. Take control of your health by understanding the full picture—because real transformation begins with knowledge and expert guidance. Videography, Editing & Production: Chris Foster #GLP1 #WeightLoss #Ozempic #Mounjaro #Wegovy #HealthTips #MedicalAdvice #Wellness #DiabetesCare #MetabolicHealth #FatLoss #SafeWeightLoss #DoctorTalk #Nutrition #FitnessJourney #WellnessJourney

  3. Jun 19

    Must-Watch Black Men's Talk | Prevention, Community, Mental Health w/CJ Marbley & LCMC Health

    Most men, especially Black men, overlook their health because they see seeking care as a sign of weakness. But what if catching health issues early could truly change everything—not just for them, but for entire communities? CJ Marbley, a veteran nurse and hospital executive, exposes the pervasive health myths that keep Black men from getting the care they need—and how community spaces like barbershops, churches, and fraternities can be transformed into powerful health hubs. This episode tackles the root causes behind health disparities, from the cultural stigma around vulnerability to the lack of consistent medical engagement in Black men’s lives. CJ shares concrete strategies supporting early screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and cancers, emphasizing the importance of mobile clinics and community events like the annual Black Men’s Wellness Walk. You’ll discover how simple habits—like regular checkups, hydration, and movement—can dramatically extend lives. Plus, insights into the rising tide of STIs among young Black men, and how education and community outreach can stem the tide. This Father's Day edition of Well Chat is perfect for women who want to nurture their partners and for men ready to take charge of their health—this episode offers clear, actionable steps that can start today. From screening tips to leveraging familiar spaces for health conversations, CJ’s wisdom is a roadmap to a healthier, more hopeful future for Black men and everyone who loves them. CJ Marbley is Chief Nursing Officer at New Orleans East Hospital and University Medical Center New Orleans as well as the Chief Operating Officer at New Orleans East Hospital, with over 25 years of emergency, ICU, and trauma nursing experience. Whether you're a caregiver, a community leader, or a Black man himself, this episode unlocks the secrets to lasting health and community resilience. CHAPTERS: 0:00 Intro and welcome 0:45 Father’s Day dedication to Black men 4:10 CJ Marbley’s background and why this conversation matters 9:05 Why men delay going to the doctor 17:30 How women can encourage men to seek care 22:50 Common health concerns for Black men 31:15 Preventive screenings: blood pressure, A1C, prostate, colon health 35:40 STI awareness and why testing matters 41:55 Mental health, stress, and depression in men 47:25 Barbershops, churches, and community spaces as health hubs 49:35 CJ’s challenge to Black men: get checked, get fit, get moving 51:00 What healthier Black men mean for families and communities #Fatherhood #BlackMen #BlackMensHealth #MensHealth #blackhealthmatters #CommunityWellness #HealthAwareness #MentalHealth #HealthEquity #WellnessJourney #FreedomAtTheMat #WellChat

    Must-Watch Black Men's Talk | Prevention, Community, Mental Health w/CJ Marbley & LCMC Health

  4. Jun 12

    How To Live Well Now & Practical Nutrition Tips | The Culinary Doctor Lauren Powell, MD

    This Well Chat episode shares realistic, everyday wellness advice centered on nutrition, food as medicine, healthy eating, stress management, sleep, hydration, fiber, and practical health habits from Culinary Doctor Dr. Lauren Powell. In this conversation, Dr. Powell explains how food choices affect blood sugar, energy, inflammation, blood pressure, and long-term wellness, while also showing how to make healthier choices in a way that feels doable and sustainable. This episode is for anyone searching for nutrition tips, healthy eating advice, wellness education, women’s health, food as medicine, stress relief, and better lifestyle habits. Dr. Powell also discusses why healthy eating does not have to be expensive, how processed foods affect the body, and how to build a more balanced routine with water, protein, and fiber. If you’re looking for practical nutrition advice from a doctor, this episode delivers clear, useful, and encouraging guidance you can apply right away. Subscribe, like, and share for more health tips, nutrition education, and wellness conversations. #healthylifestyle #nutrition #womenswellness #health #wellness #stressrelief #womenshealth #blackwomenshealth MORE from Dr. Lauren Powell Dr. Powell's Live Well Now Mobile Van premieres in Atlanta, GA on Saturday, June 2. View link for details. Learn more about her upcoming workshop at https://metabolichealthwithdrlauren.com/ Website: https://drlaurenpowell.com/ Instagram: @theculinarydoctor Chapters 0:00 – Practical Nutrition Tips with Dr. Lauren Powell 0:32 – Introduction to food as medicine 1:25 – Why nutrition affects health and energy 2:50 – How processed food impacts blood sugar 4:35 – Why salt can raise blood pressure 6:05 – Healthy eating on a budget 7:40 – Food as medicine and lifestyle changes 9:20 – Why stress affects weight and wellness 11:00 – How sleep supports better health 12:35 – Water, protein, and fiber for women’s health 14:25 – Common myths about healthy eating 16:10 – Cultural food traditions and healthy choices 18:00 – Practical wellness tips for everyday life 19:45 – Final thoughts from Dr. Lauren Powell

    How To Live Well Now & Practical Nutrition Tips | The Culinary Doctor Lauren Powell, MD

  5. Jun 6

    How Psychedelic Medicine Impacts Healing with Zappy Zapolin

    Many conversations about mental health fail to mention psychedelics as a healing agent. In this conversation, psychedelic concierge Zappy Zapolin discusses his perspective on psychedelic medicine, alternative wellness, healing, and what it means to explore bold new paths safely and intentionally. Zapolin shares insights on how to approach this alternative medicine and the different types of natural plant medicines, trauma, neuroplasticity, and why more Black women are seeking informed choices for their mental, emotional, and spiritual health. This episode is for listeners who are curious about holistic healing, mental wellness, and the growing conversation around psychedelic medicine. Olivia and Zappy break down what these medicines are, how they may support transformation, and why education and informed decision-making matter. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Psychedelic Wellness and What This Episode Covers 01:41 Why Psychedelic Medicine Is Getting More Attention in 2026 02:21 How Zappy Zapolin Found Psychedelic Healing 05:42 What Psychedelic Medicine Can Do That Traditional Treatment Often Doesn’t 10:29 What a Psychedelic Journey Actually Feels Like 13:46 What Happens After a Psychedelic Experience Ends 16:31 How Psychedelics May Support Brain Healing and Neuroplasticity 17:08 Why This Conversation Matters for Black Women’s Wellness 19:40 Who Should Be Cautious Before Trying Psychedelic Medicine 22:33 What Research Says About Psilocybin for PTSD and Depression 23:54 Microdosing 101: Where to Start and What It Costs 27:15 How Psychedelics May Help Stop Negative Self-Talk 30:28 Natural vs. Synthetic Psychedelics Explained 33:55 Final Thoughts on Healing, Wellness, and Self-Discovery #ZappyZapolin #PsychedelicMedicine #AlternativeMedicine #HolisticWellness #BlackWomenWellness #MentalHealthMatters #HealingJourney #Microdosing #PlantMedicine #TraumaHealing #Neuroplasticity #SpiritualWellness #WellnessPodcast

    How Psychedelic Medicine Impacts Healing with Zappy Zapolin

  6. May 29

    AI Isn’t Your Bestie: Protecting Your Mental Health in the Age of AI with Dr. Riana Elyse Anderson

    AI is becoming a bigger part of how we search for support, comfort, and answers — but can it really replace human connection? In this Well Chat, Olivia F. Scott sits down with Columbia University Professor Riana Elyse Anderson, PhD, LCP, to explore the mental health impact of AI, emotional dependence, loneliness, and why protecting our well-being matters now more than ever. This conversation is especially important for Black women navigating stress, overextension, and the pressure to always “hold it together.” Dr. Riana Elyse Anderson is a licensed psychologist and expert in mental health equity and the impact of racism and stress on Black families. Together, we unpack what it means to stay grounded, discerning, and emotionally well in a digital age where AI is everywhere. In this episode, we discuss: Why AI can feel emotionally comforting.The risks of over-relying on AI for mental health support.How loneliness and disconnection show up in modern life.What Black women need to protect their peace and emotional health.Why real community, therapy, and self-awareness still matter. CHAPTERS: 0:00 — Intro: AI, Mental Health, and Why This Matters 1:08 — Meet Dr. Riana Elyse Anderson 3:06 — What AI Is Changing in Our Lives 6:12 — Can AI Replace Human Connection? 9:18 — Loneliness, Comfort, and Emotional Dependence 13:02 — The Mental Health Risks of Over-Relying on AI 17:24 — Why Community Still Matters 21:10 — Black Women, Stress, and Emotional Labor 25:08 — How to Stay Grounded in a Digital Age 29:06 — Healthy Boundaries With Technology 33:04 — Closing Thoughts and Final Wisdom Subscribe for more Well Chats on wellness, healing, mental health, and Black women’s well-being. #WellChats #MentalHealth #AI #BlackWomensWellness #EmotionalHealth #Therapy #WellnessPodcast #DrRianaElyseAnderson

    AI Isn’t Your Bestie: Protecting Your Mental Health in the Age of AI with Dr. Riana Elyse Anderson

  7. May 15

    The Truth About Black Maternal Health, Bias & Postpartum Care with Dr. Danielle Tate

    This conversation about Black maternal health is an important and life-saving conversation. In this Well Chat, Olivia F. Scott sits down with Dr. Danielle Tate, board-certified OB-GYN and maternal-fetal medicine physician with Baptist Medical Group in Memphis, TN, for a powerful conversation about the barriers Black women face in pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care, and what families can do to advocate for safer outcomes. Following the maternal health survivor story with Moriah Ballard, this conversation goes deeper into the realities of implicit bias, care teams, red flag symptoms, doulas, postpartum risks, and the importance of speaking up and being heard. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Black maternal outcomes are still so unequalThe role implicit bias plays in pregnancy and childbirth careWarning signs in pregnancy and postpartum that should never be ignoredHow to build a care team and where doulas fit inWhy postpartum care matters up to a full year after birth Dr. Danielle Tate also shares practical guidance for expectant mothers, partners, families, and caregivers on how to prepare, advocate, and protect maternal health before, during, and after delivery. Helpful resources mentioned in this episode include Hear Her, TIPQC, March of Dimes, ACOG, and SMFM.

    The Truth About Black Maternal Health, Bias & Postpartum Care with Dr. Danielle Tate

  8. May 8

    A Black Maternal Health Survival Story: Moriah Ballard on Surviving Preeclampsia & Child Loss

    In this Well Chat, Freedom at The Mat Foun derOlivia F. Scott, , sits down with Moriah Ballard for a deeply moving and necessary conversation about Black maternal health, preeclampsia, child loss, medical trauma, and healing. In 2019, Moriah went into the hospital in Houston, Texas with severe preeclampsia trusting that she and her unborn son, Denim, were in good hands. What followed was a traumatic birth story that changed her life forever. In this episode, Moriah shares what she experienced before entering the hospital, how her symptoms were dismissed, the moment she learned her baby no longer had a heartbeat, and what recovery looked like after losing vision, undergoing surgery, and discovering that an epidural needle had remained in her back. She also speaks honestly about grief, faith, relationships, healing, and what she wants other Black mothers and families to know about self-advocacy in pregnancy and childbirth. This conversation is offered with care and intention. Our goal is to honor Denim’s memory, protect Moriah’s dignity, and give other women, families, providers, and policymakers information, language, and courage to help make birth safer for Black women. #womenswellness #pregnancy #blackwomenswellness #womenshealth Content note: This episode includes discussion of pregnancy complications, child loss, medical trauma, and grief. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Well Chat 01:47 Moriah on how she’s feeling today 02:06 Who Moriah is as a woman and Denim’s mom 03:49 Pregnancy, early symptoms, and warning signs 05:12 Learning about preeclampsia 07:17 Hospital expectations vs. reality 08:02 Pain, the call light, and being dismissed 10:36 The moment the heartbeat was gone 17:13 The response after the loss 23:52 Surgery, recovery, and medical complications 26:26 Grief, relationships, and trust in healthcare 31:01 Reconnecting with body, mind, and spirit 33:02 Faith, purpose, and healing 35:28 Advice for Black mothers and families 37:16 Warning signs not to ignore 39:02 How to advocate with providers 42:03 What Moriah would say to another grieving mother 44:51 What doctors, nurses, and hospital leaders need to change 47:49 Where to follow Moriah

    A Black Maternal Health Survival Story: Moriah Ballard on Surviving Preeclampsia & Child Loss
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About

The Freedom at The Mat Podcast is a destination for women seeking for health and wellness education & enlightenment from leading practitioners in mental health, spirituality, fitness and overall physical health & wellbeing. Hosted by NYC and New Orleans-based Marketer, Writer, Yoga Instructor & Writer Olivia F. Scott, this podcast is an accompaniment to the Freedom at The Mat YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/freedomatthemat) which features these conversations, yoga tutorials, meditations, readings & more.

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