Emerging with Grace: Navigating Life's Transitions

Marquita Garrett Ph.D.
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Welcome to *Emerging with Grace*, the podcast that's here to help you embrace life's transformative moments and emerge stronger than ever before. In a world filled with stereotypes, stigma, and unexpected challenges, this podcast is your beacon of hope, offering insights, stories, and strategies for thriving through life's toughest transitions. Our host, Marquita Garrett Ph.D., is passionate about mental wellbeing and understands that change and trauma touch us all. Whether you're a woman navigating the journey through the stages of life or simply someone searching for inspiration and guidance, this podcast is for you. Through thought-provoking conversations, expert interviews, and real-life stories, we aim to achieve three core outcomes: 1. **Graceful Transitions:** We want women and everyone else to embark on their life journeys with grace, embracing change as an opportunity for growth and renewal. 2. **Surviving Trauma and Change:** Life can throw unexpected curveballs at us all, but we're here to remind you that you can not only survive but thrive in the face of adversity. Trauma and change are not the end of your story; they're just a chapter. 3. **Discovering Life After:** It's heartbreaking to see people give up or carry their burdens indefinitely. Our mission is to show you that there is life after every setback, no matter how challenging it may seem. We'll tackle the tough questions, including "Why me?" and "What does the future hold if...?" Join us on this transformative journey as we explore the cocoon of life, unravel its mysteries, and help you emerge as the beautiful butterfly you were meant to be. Subscribe today to *Emerging with Grace* and let's navigate life's transitions together, one graceful step at a time.

  1. 22H AGO

    038 1,260 Days: When the Wilderness Became the Birthplace of Purpose

    Some seasons are meant to be endured, not escaped. For 1,260 days, Adrian and Krys Murray walked through what they call a wilderness season—a time marked by homelessness, uncertainty, and daily dependence on God. The number itself was not something they chose, but one they later recognized as biblically significant, named in the Book of Revelation as a defined period of endurance and divine sustaining. What they didn't know at the time was that this wilderness would become the soil where purpose took root. During that season, God placed a vision in their hearts—T.R.I.N.I.T.Y., an acronym for Teaching, Reaching, Inspiring, Nurturing, Igniting Today's Youth. They had no resources, no stability, and no clear plan. What they did have was obedience. When they eventually found their footing again, they refused to let the vision fade. In 2017, they stepped forward in faith and incorporated T.R.I.N.I.T.Y. as a nonprofit—transforming survival into service. Today, T.R.I.N.I.T.Y. is a faith-based organization committed to uplifting youth and strengthening communities by nurturing the whole person: spiritually, mentally, and physically. Through mentoring, coaching, and wellness-centered tennis programs, Adrian and Krys walk alongside young people as they discover both who they are and whose they are. Tennis is one of the tools, but faith, relationship, and presence are the foundation. This episode is a testimony of perseverance, humility, and trust. It's a reminder that even the most difficult seasons are not wasted—and that God often does His deepest work in the wilderness. 🎧 Tune in to hear how faith sustained them, how purpose was born from hardship, and how they now show up for others with compassion shaped by lived experience.

    47 min

  2. FEB 3

    037 Big Mouth, Bigger Vision: How Dr. Bobbi Peterson Reimagined Oral Health

    Some innovations begin in a lab. Others begin with a question no one else is asking. For Dr. Bobbi Peterson, that question was simple but revolutionary: Why hasn't oral health technology kept up with what we now know about wellness, equity, and prevention? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Bobbi Peterson—renowned orthodontist, inventor, and founder of Big Mouth Toothbrush—to explore the journey behind designing and patenting her own electronic toothbrush, a feat achieved by only a handful of Black women in the medical and dental innovation space. From her Brooklyn-based practice to national recognition on Shark Tank, Dr. Bobbi shares how expertise, courage, and vision intersected to create a product that blends holistic wellness, advanced dental technology, and community empowerment. Her story isn't just about entrepreneurship—it's about refusing to accept "that's how it's always been done." Listeners will hear how Dr. Bobbi navigated barriers in healthcare innovation, what it took to move from clinician to inventor, and why representation in medical devices matters—not just for visibility, but for better health outcomes. This episode is for anyone interested in: Dental innovation and oral health technology Black women inventors and founders Healthcare entrepreneurship Patents, product development, and Shark Tank stories Holistic wellness and preventative care Dr. Bobbi Peterson's journey reminds us that sometimes the boldest ideas come from professionals who know the system well enough to challenge it—and brave enough to build something better. 🎧 Tune in to hear how one orthodontist used her expertise to create healthier smiles and a lasting impact.

    43 min

  3. JAN 13

    Fifty Years In Harmony: A Life Led By Faith and Music

    When Destiny Sings: Celebrating 50 Years of Cydney Davis Once upon a time, a woman stood at the intersection of faith and fear. She was a teacher, devoted and disciplined. Beneath the quiet obedience of service lived a voice—steady, soulful, and persistent—calling her toward something more. That voice belonged to Cydney Wayne Davis. In this unforgettable podcast episode, we celebrate 50 years of singing and the extraordinary journey of a woman who chose purpose over predictability. Cydney's story is not just a music career—it's a testament to faith, courage, and the power of answering a calling that refuses to be ignored. Before the stages, before Motown, before sharing space with legends like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Donna Summer, Ray Charles, Barry White, Joe Cocker, and Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., Cydney made a brave decision: she said yes to music. That yes led her to co-write "You're Gonna Love It," recorded by Diana Ross, and to place songs in film and theater projects including Heaven Is a Playground, Black Magic Woman, and The Magnificent Dunbar Hotel. Her voice has lived on screens, stages, and in the hearts of audiences for decades. But legacy isn't only built in the spotlight. As a vocal coach and mentor, Cydney has shaped the next generation of artists at the Cydney Wayne Davis Vocal Arts Studio in Inglewood, California. Her students include performers from Disney's The Lion King, members of Kool and the Gang, jazz artist Norman Brown, and R&B trio JADE. Teaching, like singing, became another form of ministry—one rooted in excellence, discipline, and love. Her journey also includes a celebrated acting career, including her NAACP Theatre Award-winning role in Anna Lucasta, and film appearances in Chocolate City, Chocolate City 2, and Basketball Girlfriend. This episode isn't just about women in music. It's about Black women artists, creative calling, faith-led careers, and what happens when you trust the whisper that keeps returning. Cydney Wayne Davis didn't abandon her faith to follow music—she carried it with her. And now, as she marks half a century of singing, she chose this moment—and this space—to reflect, celebrate, and share the story behind the sound. 🎧 Listen now and be reminded that destiny doesn't shout—it sings.

    45 min
  4. 035 From Loss to Leadership: Finding Purpose in the Pain

    12/30/2025

    035 From Loss to Leadership: Finding Purpose in the Pain

    Some stories stop you in your tracks. They remind you that behind every title, every achievement, and every polished introduction, there's a human being—one who has known loss, love, and the grace it takes to rise again. Today's guest, Dr. Ty Stone, is one of those people. A seasoned higher education leader, strategist, and visionary, Dr. Stone has spent decades transforming institutions—turning deficits into stability, rebuilding trust, and creating spaces where equity and growth can thrive. But beyond her professional brilliance lies a story of extraordinary strength: the journey of a mother who lost her son at just 20 years old, of a woman who rebuilt her life after divorce, and of a leader who continues to walk in grace through it all. Her story is one of faith, resilience, and renewal. It's about the kind of leadership that doesn't just move systems—but moves hearts.

    49 min
  5. 034 Grace in the Growing: A Mother's Journey Through Autism, Service, and Strength

    12/16/2025

    034 Grace in the Growing: A Mother's Journey Through Autism, Service, and Strength

    Today's guest is the definition of courage and grace in motion. Dr. LaQuista Erinna, a 20-year Army Veteran, licensed clinical expert, and devoted mother, became an unexpected social media influencer after sharing heartfelt videos of her son—who has autism—bravely navigating something as simple, yet powerful, as a haircut. Behind those viral moments lies a deeper story—a story of resilience, divorce, single motherhood, and the pursuit of purpose through pain. With a Doctorate in Behavioral Health and a Master's in Social Work, Dr. LaQuista Erinna has spent her career helping women heal from trauma and find balance. But in this episode, she opens up about her own healing—how she learned that falling isn't failure, and that every setback can become the foundation for something greater. If you've ever felt like you were the only one struggling, this conversation will remind you that even in the fall, you are rising.

    1h 3m
  6. 033 The Continuation: Building on Her Mother's Legacy

    12/02/2025

    033 The Continuation: Building on Her Mother's Legacy

    In Part Two of our "Strong Women Raising Strong Women: A Legacy of Love, Lessons, and Leadership" series , we turn to Dr. Lakesha Roney, a Licensed Professional Counselor, clinical supervisor, and a proud mother herself. A graduate of Virginia State University and Argosy University, Dr. Roney's work in mental health and leadership continues the legacy her mother began. With over two decades of experience, she's not only a counselor and educator — she's a woman raising the next generation with compassion and courage, including her own child who has autism, supported by the same mother who once guided her. This conversation explores the balance between leadership and motherhood, the generational impact of women who nurture purpose, and what it means to be a strong woman in modern times.

    47 min
  7. 032 The Foundation A Mother's Strength, A Daughter's Future

    11/18/2025

    032 The Foundation A Mother's Strength, A Daughter's Future

    Series Title: "Strong Women Raising Strong Women: A Legacy of Love, Lessons, and Leadership" Part One: "The Foundation: A Mother's Strength, A Daughter's Future" In this first episode of our two-part series, we meet Gwen Roney Goode, a woman whose strength, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in education laid the foundation for a generational legacy. A proud graduate of Virginia State University and a retired master educator with over 36 years of service, G and G Consulting, Catering, Tailoring, and event planning and decorating, Gwen Roney Goode is the epitome of perseverance and purpose. She became a mother young — but never let that circumstance define her. Instead, she modeled grace under pressure, faith in hard times, and a steadfast belief that education and integrity could change the course of her family's story. Through her love, discipline, and dedication, she raised a daughter who would grow to lead, teach, and heal others. This episode honors the unsung matriarchs who build strong women — not just through words, but through example.

    34 min
  8. 031 Homecoming: The Renewal of the Soul

    11/04/2025

    031 Homecoming: The Renewal of the Soul

    "Some stories remind us that healing isn't about erasing the past—it's about reclaiming it. In this episode, we sit down with Tawanna-Marie Woolfolk, a licensed clinical social worker, EMDR therapist, and CEO of Doula for the Soul Enterprises. After surviving the foster care system and the trauma of neglect and abuse, Tawanna-Marie's journey is one of rediscovery—finding herself, her roots, and her mother, all while helping others heal from their own stories of pain and resilience. Through EMDR and a neuroaffirming lens, she's redefining what it means to come home to yourself. This is more than therapy—it's transformation through truth."   You can find her   IG -@doulaforthesoulenterprises)   FACEBOOK - @Tawanna Marie W.   LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/tawanna-woolfolk-   Publication- an anthology entitled Queering EMDR.  https://queeringemdr.com/

    52 min
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About

Welcome to *Emerging with Grace*, the podcast that's here to help you embrace life's transformative moments and emerge stronger than ever before. In a world filled with stereotypes, stigma, and unexpected challenges, this podcast is your beacon of hope, offering insights, stories, and strategies for thriving through life's toughest transitions. Our host, Marquita Garrett Ph.D., is passionate about mental wellbeing and understands that change and trauma touch us all. Whether you're a woman navigating the journey through the stages of life or simply someone searching for inspiration and guidance, this podcast is for you. Through thought-provoking conversations, expert interviews, and real-life stories, we aim to achieve three core outcomes: 1. **Graceful Transitions:** We want women and everyone else to embark on their life journeys with grace, embracing change as an opportunity for growth and renewal. 2. **Surviving Trauma and Change:** Life can throw unexpected curveballs at us all, but we're here to remind you that you can not only survive but thrive in the face of adversity. Trauma and change are not the end of your story; they're just a chapter. 3. **Discovering Life After:** It's heartbreaking to see people give up or carry their burdens indefinitely. Our mission is to show you that there is life after every setback, no matter how challenging it may seem. We'll tackle the tough questions, including "Why me?" and "What does the future hold if...?" Join us on this transformative journey as we explore the cocoon of life, unravel its mysteries, and help you emerge as the beautiful butterfly you were meant to be. Subscribe today to *Emerging with Grace* and let's navigate life's transitions together, one graceful step at a time.

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