Hi everyone! In this episode of Rough Edges, I sit down with my uncle, Dr. Stephen Fox, to talk about his journey of faith, military service, education, and mental health. Dr. Fox shares how he first came to faith as a child, how his walk with God shifted during his military service, and how prayer and spiritual community kept him grounded over the years. He also opens up about traumatic experiences he encountered during his time in the Army including the aftermath of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and surviving a serious car accident that resulted in post-traumatic stress.
Dr. Fox discusses how counseling, grounding strategies, and leaning into his faith helped him process trauma and continue serving others, particularly children, through his work in early childhood education and instructional leadership. This conversation highlights the importance of support systems, faith, mental health resources, and representation in education and sheds light on the often-overlooked emotional realities faced by veterans.
In this episode we talk about:
● Why Dr. Stephen Fox chose to pursue elementary education especially as a male educator
● Understanding the mental health challenges and suicide risks among veterans
● How Dr. Fox approached earning his doctoral degree and contributing to curriculum development
● The importance of faith, therapy, and emotional support in healing
Mental Health Topics Mentioned:
● Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
● Trauma processing and triggers
● Veterans’ mental health challenges
● The role of counseling and coping strategies
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
● Check out our faith based women of color shop here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more
● Leave a review here if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!
● Connect with us on Instagram! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Connect with us on YouTube! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Connect with us on Facebook! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Follow us on TikTok! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com
Today is the fourth anniversary of the podcast, and I'm so excited because this not only marks a very grand milestone of four years of podcasting, but it also shows that Rough Edges is valuable and that my voice does matter in the long run. So for this episode, I'm going to do four different chapters of the podcast. I'm going to talk about how Rough Edges started, and I'm also going to talk about how I found my voice, and I'm also going to go over the why of Rough Edges.
I also share how my journey with bipolar 1 disorder and my walk with faith led me to create a space where mental health can be spoken about honestly, especially within communities of color and faith-based circles. This episode explores the evolution of Rough Edges from an idea meant for a written blog to a podcast that has reached listeners around the world, supported healing conversations, and encouraged others to embrace their stories.
Finally, I share what’s ahead and how I plan to expand and strengthen my voice in future seasons. This episode honors growth, healing, and the courage to speak openly about mental health within faith-based spaces.
In this episode I cover:
● Why Rough Edges was created
● How my bipolar 1 diagnosis shaped my calling to share my story
● How I transitioned from a blog idea to full podcast
● How community support helped me find confidence in my voice
● Plans for the next chapter, including collaboration and new platforms
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
● Leave a review here if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!
● Connect with us on Instagram! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Connect with us on YouTube! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Connect with us on Facebook! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Follow us on TikTok! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com
Hi everyone! In today’s episode of Rough Edges, I sit down with Jesse Mercury, who is the host of the Major Pain podcast. He shares his personal journey with mental health, self-discovery, and hope. Jesse opens up about his experience living with chronic illness, his path toward healing, and how creativity has been a grounding force through it all.
We talk about what it means to embrace your diagnosis without letting it define you, the importance of community and compassion, and how faith and music can coexist beautifully in the midst of struggle. This conversation is honest, heartfelt, and full of moments that remind us that healing is never linear but always possible.
What I Hope You Take Away:
Healing doesn’t mean having it all figured out it means learning to live fully and freely, even in the uncertainty.
In this episode we talk about:
● Jesse’s journey with mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and small fiber neuropathy and how it has shaped his understanding of himself
● The power of creativity as a tool for expression and emotional grounding
● How faith and self-compassion play a role in recovery and acceptance
● What it means to find purpose and beauty even in the midst of mental health challenges
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
● Connect with Jesse Mercury on INSTAGRAM!
● Find out more about Jesse’s Creative website HERE!
● Leave a review here if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!
● Connect with us on Instagram! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Connect with us on YouTube! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Connect with us on Facebook! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Follow us on TikTok! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com
Happy Tuesday everyone, it’s Sarah here! In this midseason update of Rough Edges, I wanted to take a moment to open up about where I’ve been, what’s been happening, and what recovery has looked like for me lately.
Over the past few months, I experienced another mental health episode after going off my medication, and while it’s been a difficult journey, it’s also reminded me that recovery is not a setback, it's part of healing.
In this episode I share honestly about my own recovery process and the lessons I’ve learned along the way, from learning to get back up after a fall, to building a strong support system and giving myself permission to rest.
My hope is that by sharing my story, you’ll be reminded that recovery is normal, that it’s okay to take your time, and that God’s grace is present even in the process.
What I Hope You Take Away:
Recovery doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you’re brave enough to keep going. Whether you’re in a season of rest, rebuilding, or rediscovery, know that you’re not alone and it’s okay to take the time you need.
In this episode I talk about:
● Healing isn’t a straight line. There are seasons when life feels heavy or uncertain, but recovery reminds us that getting back up is always possible.
● Falling doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human. What matters is the courage to rise again, even when it’s hard. As the Bible says, “A righteous man falls seven times and rises again.” (Proverbs 24:16)
● Healing is not meant to be done alone. I talk about how having my care team, family, and friends made all the difference and why therapy and culturally competent support are so important.
● Resting, slowing down, and taking breaks can feel uncomfortable in a world that praises busyness. But choosing recovery is an act of resistance it’s choosing yourself and your peace over pressure.
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
● Listen to the very first episode HERE if you want to know about mania and everything that entails bipolar
● Also listen to PHENOMENAL HEALING on what it means to be Black, Christian and bipolar
Check out our faith based women of color shop here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more
● Leave a review here if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!
● Connect with us on Instagram! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Connect with us on YouTube! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Connect with us on Facebook! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Follow us on TikTok! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com
We're back! In this episode of Rough Edges, Sarah continues her conversation with Mzwa in part two of their interview on men finding hope and healing. Mzwa opens up about his personal journey with mental health, faith, and cultural expectations of manhood. He introduces his "Triple M" method -Mind, Money, and Matter as a framework to understand how mental health, finances, and the body are all interconnected.
Through candid reflections, Mzwa discusses the importance of vulnerability, breaking stigmas such as “men don’t cry,” and learning to care for oneself without shame. He highlights how cultural expectations, faith experiences, and personal struggles with bipolar disorder and depression have shaped his outlook.
The episode encourages men to embrace authenticity, break cycles of silence, and prioritize both their healing and their well-being.
In this episode we cover:
● Mzwa Manciya’s "Triple M” method, Mind (mental health & mindset), Money (finances), and Matter (body/physical health) and how they are all connected.
● How Mzwa’s church community though not always fully informed, supported him during episodes of mania and psychosis.
● The belief that “men don’t cry” and the tendency to sacrifice self for others, often leaving men empty and unsupported
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
● Connect with Mzwa Manciya on INSTAGRAM!
● Find out more about Mzwa’s blog HERE! Also check out his bipolar Black Bear community HERE!
● If you missed last week’s episode, listen to it HERE!
Check out our faith based women of color shop here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more
● Leave a review here if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!
● Connect with us on Instagram! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Connect with us on YouTube! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Connect with us on Facebook! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Follow us on TikTok! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com
In this heartfelt and vulnerable conversation, I sit down with Mzwa, a teacher, mentor, and mental health advocate from Cape Town to explore his journey navigating life with multiple mental health diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and bipolar type 1.
Mzwa opens up about the silent struggle of living undiagnosed for years, the weight of cultural and religious expectations, and how faith and community played both complicating and redemptive roles in his healing journey.
We discuss what it means to hold space for others while battling your own pain, the misconceptions around mental illness in Black and Christian communities, and the power of brotherhood, vulnerability, and grace.
This episode is a raw exploration of what it means to unlearn survival and embrace rest, honesty, and spiritual wholeness as a Black man in South Africa.
In this episode we cover:
● Encouragement for Black men who feel isolated in their struggles
● Mzwa Manciya’s experience in living with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and bipolar type 1
● Mental health stigma in Black South African communities
● The importance of safe spaces and spiritual brotherhood
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
● Connect with Mzwa Manciya on INSTAGRAM!
● Find out more about Mzwa’s bipolar Black Bear community HERE!
● If you missed last week’s episode, listen to it HERE!
Check out our faith based women of color shop here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more
● Leave a review here if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!
● Connect with us on Instagram! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Connect with us on YouTube! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Connect with us on Facebook! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Follow us on TikTok! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com
In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Dr. Martine Laventure, an experienced social worker, mother, and passionate autism advocate to discuss parenting, mental health and the power of community. Dr. Laventure opens up about her personal and professional journey, sharing how raising her autistic son has shaped her advocacy and purpose.
Together we unpack what it really means to parent beyond labels, to sit with the discomfort of unknowns and to show up for your child when the world doesn’t always understand them. Dr. Laventure shares her family’s autism journey, starting from her son’s diagnosis to the powerful ways she’s learned to advocate, love, and let go of societal expectations.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just someone trying to understand autism better, this episode will move you. It’s about shifting perspectives, building support systems, and trusting your instincts as a mother especially when the world tries to tell you otherwise. Don't miss this uplifting episode that promises to uplift and inspire.
In this episode, we cover:
● The emotional reality of receiving an autism diagnosis as a parent
● The experience of being dismissed or misunderstood by systems due to race and cultural norms
● How to advocate in schools and healthcare settings even when it feels intimidating
● What led Dr. Laventure to create “Parenting Beyond Labels,” a space for moms to find comfort and community
● Faith, surrender, and trusting God’s purpose even in the messiness of parenting
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
● To connect with Dr.Martine and find out more about her Parenting Beyond Labels community, find her on Instagram!
● Find Dr. Martine’s Laventure Consulting Services website HERE
● Leave a review here by if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!
● Connect with us on Instagram! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Connect with us on YouTube! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Connect with us on Facebook! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Follow us on TikTok! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com
Hello and welcome to today’s episode, join host Sarah as she welcomes Ethan A. Poetic, a motivational speaker and mental health advocate who shares his incredible journey from surviving a near-fatal car accident to becoming a beacon of hope for many.
Ethan shared that after his accident he struggled emotionally, especially on anniversaries of the event and only began understanding these feelings after reading about survivor's remorse in an article about himself. Recovery involved rehab, speech therapy, being on a feeding tube and facing family challenges like homelessness due to lack of support from parents dealing with their own trauma.
We discussed men’s mental health, the stigma surrounding vulnerability and how cultural expectations often teach boys not to express emotions or seek help. Healing begins by recognizing pain rather than hiding it.
Listen to this episode and dive deep into our discussions on overcoming adversity, managing survivor's remorse and breaking generational cycles.
In this episode we cover:
● Ethan’s near-fatal car accident and the emotional aftermath.
● The importance of recognizing and breaking familial cycles.
● Cultural perspectives on manhood and emotional openness.
● The impact of Ethan’s book in schools and the community.
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
● To connect with Ethan and find out more about his resources you can find him on INSTAGRAM.
● Listen to last week's episode HERE!
● Check out our faith based women of color shop here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more
● Leave a review here if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!
● Connect with us on Instagram! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Connect with us on YouTube! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Connect with us on Facebook! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Follow us on TikTok! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com
Welcome back to the second part of this empowering episode with special guest, Justin Raghoo. In this episode, we dive into a compelling conversation with guest Justin about men's mental health within church environments. We explore societal expectations placed on men in spiritual spaces and discuss how to create more inclusive and supportive communities.
Justin offers heartfelt advice encouraging listeners not to give up on themselves despite struggles. He emphasizes that there is hope at the end of every tunnel and urges an honest relationship with God amidst trials.
Join Justin and I as we discuss how redefining manhood through a spiritual lens can foster healthier relationships.
In this episode we cover:
● The need for intentional spaces where men feel safe sharing their vulnerabilities
● Highlighting Jesus' example as a model for healthy relationships
● Societal expectations placed on men in spiritual spaces
● Men's mental health within church environments
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
● Connect with Justin on Instagram and find out more of his work HERE!
● Listen to last week's episode HERE!
● Check out our faith based women of color shop here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more
● Leave a review here if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!
● Connect with us on Instagram! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Connect with us on YouTube! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Connect with us on Facebook! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Follow us on TikTok! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com
Happy Tuesday! In this episode of the Rough Edges podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Justin Raghoo a dedicated professional in the sales and finance sector and an active servant in ministry. We went deep into the important topic of men's mental health, exploring the stigma surrounding men expressing their emotions and seeking help.
Justin shared his powerful faith journey, highlighting how his upbringing in a challenging environment shaped his relationship with God. He emphasized the importance of worship and community in his life, as well as his passion for reaching those who may feel disconnected from traditional church settings.
We discussed the barriers men face when it comes to mental health, including the lack of male therapists and the cultural competence needed in mental health care. Justin pointed out that many men feel uncomfortable seeking help due to societal expectations and the fear of being judged.
He also shared his personal experiences with therapy illustrating the importance of finding the right fit and being honest about one's struggles. This episode serves as a reminder that mental health and faith can coexist, and that seeking professional help is part of healing. I hope our discussion inspires listeners to break the stigma and foster open conversations about mental health in their own communities.
In this episode we cover:
● How Justin’s challenging upbringing influenced his relationship with God and shaped his faith
● Creating safe spaces for men discussing their struggles and seeking support
● The role of worship and community in emphasizing the importance of spiritual practices and connection in maintaining mental wellness
● We also discussed issues like the lack of male therapists and cultural competence in mental health support
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
● Connect with Justin on Instagram and find out more of his work HERE!
● Listen to last week's episode HERE!
● Check out our faith based women of color shop here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more
● Leave a review here if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!
● Connect with us on Instagram! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Connect with us on YouTube! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Connect with us on Facebook! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Follow us on TikTok! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com
Growing up, Brandon Russ often felt emotions deeply yet found himself navigating a world that questioned his vulnerability. His journey took a significant turn after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2017, a revelation that led him to embrace his emotional depth and channel it into advocacy.
Through our conversation Brandon shares moments from his life illustrating how faith, creativity, and serving others have become his anchors in managing mental health challenges.
Our discussion also takes a critical look at the societal norms surrounding masculinity, especially the stigmas that discourage men from expressing emotions or seeking mental health support.
Brandon bravely shares his experiences of criticism and conformity to hyper-masculine ideals and how he's found liberation in spaces that welcome emotional openness. His story is a testament to resilience and the power of authenticity.
In this episode, Brandon and I aspire to inspire others to pursue their own paths for healing and growth.
In this episode we cover:
● Brandon’s journey with bipolar disorder and emotional vulnerability
● Challenges of masculinity norms and emotional suppression in men
● The role of faith, creativity, and service in managing mental health
● Unique cultural pressures faced by Black men regarding mental health
● The importance of advocacy, open conversations, and redefining strength
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
● Connect with Brandon on Instagram and find out more of his work HERE!
● Listen to last week's episode HERE!
● Check out our faith based women of color shop here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more
● Leave a review here if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!
● Connect with us on Instagram! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Connect with us on YouTube! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Connect with us on Facebook! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Follow us on TikTok! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com
Still growing up in the Black church, Donal faced the formidable challenge of reconciling faith with mental health struggles. This episode of the Rough Edges podcast invites you into his heartfelt journey through the emotional landscapes shaped by post-traumatic slavery syndrome.
We find out how historical and cultural factors have influenced the suppression of grief and lament in the Black community, and also learn how Donal found strength in grieving openly much like the biblical figures he admires.
Our discussion shines a light on the need for a compassionate and informed approach to mental health within faith communities highlighting the potential for healing when we acknowledge our shared history.
Listen to this episode and explore how we can build a supportive environment that embraces both mental health and faith.
Let me know what you thought of this episode! Email me at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram at @rough.edges.podcast.
In this episode we cover:
● Reconciling faith with mental health struggles in the Black church
● Suppression of grief and lament in the Black community
● The role of the church in emotional processing and communal support
● How Donal uses activism and music to create supportive mental health spaces
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
● Connect with Donal HERE to learn more about his journey and music
● Listen to last week's episode HERE!
● Check out our faith based women of color shop here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more
● Leave a review here if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!
● Connect with us on Instagram! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Connect with us on YouTube! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Connect with us on Facebook! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Follow us on TikTok! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com
"Growing up in a Black church, mental health wasn't always the first topic on the table, but everything changed when I discovered the transformative power of counseling during my master's program."
In this episode of Rough Edges, I'm thrilled to welcome Donal Cogdell Jr. also known as Reflect, who shares his journey through faith, justice, and music. Together, we unravel the complexities of men's mental health challenging the outdated stereotypes of "real manhood" with a fresh perspective rooted in biblical teachings. Donal’s experiences as an educator, hip-hop artist, and motivational speaker shine a light on the importance of faith as a guiding anchor in life's turbulent seas.
We emphasize the value of finding the right therapist especially within the Black community to navigate the unique cultural nuances that often go unrecognized.
Join us as we share our personal experiences encouraging a shift in societal norms and fostering a more compassionate understanding of men's mental health.
In this episode we cover:
● The role of mental health in the Black church and personal discovery of counseling
● Donal Cogdell Jr.'s journey through faith, justice, and music
● Challenging outdated stereotypes of "real manhood" through biblical teachings
● The importance of culturally competent therapists in the Black community
● Barriers to accessing mental health support, including financial and systemic challenges
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
● Connect with Donal HERE to learn more about his journey and music
● Listen to last week's episode HERE!
● Check out our faith based women of color shop here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more
● Leave a review here if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!
● Connect with us on Instagram! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Connect with us on YouTube! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Connect with us on Facebook! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Follow us on TikTok! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com
Welcome back to another episode of Rough Edges! In honor of World Bipolar Day, Sarah is joined by special guest Avantika Bharad.
Avantika, a dynamic 22-year-old social entrepreneur from India returns to the Rough Edges podcast to share her inspiring journey of mental health advocacy. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder type 2 at just 17, Avantika transformed her personal challenges into a powerful mission through her mental health organization which originated from her podcast, "Beautiful You."
She passionately discusses the motivations behind her work, emphasizing the creation of safe spaces like listening circles for sharing mental health experiences and fostering community support. Avantika discusses the challenges and triumphs of this journey. She talks about the realities of living openly with her diagnosis and tackling the stigma that often accompanies it, especially in India.
Her insights into self-acceptance and overcoming internalized stigma shed light on the importance of understanding personal triggers and maintaining a delicate work-life balance.
Avantika's journey is a testament to the power of self-awareness and the courage to redefine one's own narrative in the face of societal misconceptions. Her story is a compelling invitation to join a community dedicated to growth, healing, and the relentless pursuit of mental health awareness and support.
In this episode we cover:
● Avantika’s journey as a mental health advocate and social entrepreneur
● Understanding & navigating work-life balance with bipolar
● The creation and impact of her mental health organization and podcast, "Beautiful You"
● Leadership and managing a growing organization while prioritizing mental health
● The importance of self-acceptance, gratitude, and honest communication in mental health advocacy
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
● To connect with Avantika and find out more about her Beautiful You Mental Health service, find her on Instagram!
● Find Avantika’s Mental Health Organization HERE
● In case you missed last week's episode, you can find it HERE!
● Check out our faith based women of color shop here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more
● Leave a review here if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!
● Connect with us on Instagram! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Connect with us on YouTube! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Connect with us on Facebook! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Follow us on TikTok! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com
Happy Tuesday! Today, meet Warrington Chapman better known as Sammy, a dedicated New York City police officer with an inspiring faith journey. In today’s episode Sammy unpacks his experiences with men's mental health challenging the age-old notion that men should just "man up" and hide their emotions.
In his reflections Sammy illustrates how vulnerability is actually a source of strength and how faith can be a guiding light through mental health struggles. His story not only addresses personal resilience but also calls into question societal expectations of masculinity.
Together we address the often-unspoken pressures that men face in acknowledging their mental health needs. Sammy provides a refreshing perspective on how therapy can preserve masculinity while offering vital support. We also tackle the misconceptions linking mental health struggles to weak faith reinforcing that spiritual beliefs do not shield us from life's challenges.
Let's break the silence and stigma together!
In this episode we cover:
● Sammy’s personal journey with faith and mental health
● Challenging the “man up” mentality and societal expectations of masculinity
● The role of vulnerability as a strength in men’s mental health
● Addressing misconceptions about mental health and weak faith
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
● You can find Sammy on Instagram HERE!
● Listen to last week's episode HERE!
● Check out our faith based women of color shop here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more
● Leave a review here if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!
● Connect with us on Instagram! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Connect with us on YouTube! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Connect with us on Facebook! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Follow us on TikTok! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com
After years of wrestling with body image issues and insecurities, Brianna Miller found strength through the power of affirmations and faith. Her transformative journey from self-doubt to self-assurance is a testament to the power of community and belief.
In this episode of Rough Edges, Brianna returns to share her inspiring story and the creation of her empowerment brand, I Affirm Me. We explore how her experiences have shaped her mission to help other women and girls overcome insecurities and find their God-given purpose through affirmations and self-awareness.
Join us as we go deep into Brianna's initiatives like the Affirmation Writing Workshop and the Insecurity Tackle Program designed to nurture confidence and a sense of sisterhood. Don't miss this uplifting episode that promises to empower and inspire.
This special episode is being published as part of Podcasthon, an incredible and fast-growing non-profit initiative that unites over a thousand podcasters globally. There's no money involved—it’s all about raising awareness for various charitable causes.
In this episode we cover:
● Brianna Miller’s personal journey with body image and insecurities
● The creation of I Affirm Me
● The significance of faith in self-affirmation
● Brianna’s future vision and expansion of I Affirm Me
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
● To connect with Brianna and find out more about her I Affirm Me community brand, find her on Instagram!
● Find Brianna’s I Affirm Me website HERE
● Listen to last week's episode HERE!
● Check out our faith based women of color shop here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more
● Leave a review here if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!
● Connect with us on Instagram! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Connect with us on YouTube! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Connect with us on Facebook! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Follow us on TikTok! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com
Welcome back to the Rough Edges Podcast. In this episode Sarah engages with Mikey Kamuda, the host of the Mikey on Mute podcast. Sarah and Mikey explore the stigma surrounding men's mental health, the importance of emotional expression and the journey of seeking support.
Mikey shares his personal experiences with mental health, the motivation behind his podcast and the significance of values based living in overcoming societal pressures.
The discussion highlights the need for men to have open conversations about mental health and the importance of creating safe spaces for them to express their emotions.
The conversation emphasizes the need to break stigmas surrounding men's mental health and encourage open discussions about emotional struggles. Mikey also highlights the significance of community and support in the healing journey urging men to seek help and embrace vulnerability.
In this episode you’ll learn:
● How Mikey’s personal experiences shaped his podcast for mental health
● Finding the right therapist and doing self-work are both important
● Having a strong support system makes a big difference
● Seeking help early can prevent reaching rock bottom
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
● Find Mikey Kamuda HERE and listen to Mikey on Mute Podcast!
● Listen to last week's episode HERE!
● Check out our faith based women of color shop here where you can get a variety of products from T shirts, tote bags, crewnecks, journals and many more
● Leave a review here if anything in today’s episode resonated with you!
● Connect with us on Instagram! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Connect with us on YouTube! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Connect with us on Facebook! (@rough.edges.podcast)
● Follow us on TikTok! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
● Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com
Happy Tuesday and welcome back to the Rough Edges podcast! In this episode, a certified high school counselor returns to discuss his mental health journey and the challenges men face in seeking support.
Andrew Ramirez shares his personal experience with bipolar one disorder, PTSD, OCD, and offers insights into the importance of routine and the barriers men face when addressing mental health issues. He emphasizes the value of conversation, vulnerability, and finding the right people to confide in.
Throughout the episode, Andrew underlines the necessity for men to speak out about their mental health and dispels the notion that seeking help is a sign of weakness.
Don’t miss this episode if you are ready to break the stigma and open honest discussions about men's mental health.
In this episode, we cover:
● Andrew’s personal mental health journey
● The stigma surrounding men’s mental health and vulnerability
● Practical ways to encourage men to seek help
● How routines and the right support system can improve mental well-being
To connect with Andrew and find out more about his resources you can find him via Instagram.
Visit our shop and get yourself a variety of products from tote bags, T shirts, journals, crewnecks and many more. 20% of the proceeds go to a mental health organization.
Resources & links mentioned in the episode:
-Listen to last week's episode here
-Loving the show? It would be good if you left a review here
-Connect with us on Instagram! (@rough.edges.podcast)
-Connect with us on YouTube! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
-Connect with us on Facebook! (@rough.edges.podcast)
-Follow us on TikTok! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com.
Why is men’s mental health still such a taboo topic and why do so many struggle in silence?
In this episode Sarah kicks off the sixth season with a focus on men's mental health. Sarah addresses the deep stigma surrounding mental health issues in men and discusses thealarming statistics on male mental health struggles, including higher rates of suicide and depression.
She also shares her goal of creating a season dedicated to understanding and combating these stigmas, speaking with men from various backgrounds about their experiences. The episode emphasizes the importance of creating comfortable spaces for men to discuss mental health openly, especially within faith-based communities and communities of color.
Sarah aims to inspire change and encourage men to seek help and speak out about their psychological challenges.
In this episode you’ll learn:
● The importance of addressing men’s mental health
● Statistics highlighting men’s mental health struggles
● Barriers to men seeking mental health help
● The role of faith based communities
Visit our shop and get yourself a variety of products from tote bags, T shirts, journals, crewnecks and many more. 20% of the proceeds go to a mental health organization.
Resources & links mentioned in the episode:
-Listen to last week's episode here
-Loving the show? It would be good if you left a review here
-Connect with us on Instagram! (@rough.edges.podcast)
-Connect with us on YouTube! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
-Connect with us on Facebook! (@rough.edges.podcast)
-Follow us on TikTok! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com.
Welcome back to another episode of the Rough Edges Podcast. In this episode Sarah shares her vision for 2025, personal goals, new year’s resolution and emphasizes the importance of having clear goals for the future amidst recent challenges. Sarah also explains the purpose of visions and how they can provide a motivating factor in our healing journey’s and wellness, as well as her personal aspirations including health, travel, career success, self-care, mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical freedom.
In addition to sharing her vision for the new year, she encourages listeners to document their own visions and also gives an update on the podcast’s future season which will focus on men’s mental health, and offers a prayer for a prosperous 2025!
If you’re in need of motivation or a practical guide on creating aspirations for the new year, this episode is for you!
This episode covers:
● The purpose of a vision and how it differs from new years resolutions
● The importance of implementing visions in our lives and how they can help us to
improve in our healing journeys
● The biblical implications of visions and how they can affect our spirituality
● Exploring the role of visions in building our futures, improving our goals, and
strengthening our tenacity to complete our aspirations
● Practical insights on how to create a vision and use it as a tool to measure progress
● How visions can help to cultivate effective self-care tools
● Updates on the sixth season of the podcast, future topics, and Sarah’s prayer for her listeners in the new year
Visit our shop and get yourself a variety of products from tote bags, T shirts, journals, crewnecks and many more. 20% of the proceeds go to a mental health organization.
Resources & links mentioned in the episode:
-Listen to last week's episode here
-Loving the show? It would be good if you left a review here
-Connect with us on Instagram! (@rough.edges.podcast)
-Connect with us on YouTube! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
-Connect with us on Facebook! (@rough.edges.podcast)
-Follow us on TikTok! (@roughedgeswithsarah)
Want to be a guest on our show? Send us an email at rough.edges.podcast@gmail.com.