"I had my gun in my hand… and my kids were right there." In one of the most raw and riveting episodes yet, Anthony Wilson opens up about the moment he hit rock bottom—and what pulled him back. From ADHD misdiagnosis and childhood trauma to a 911 call that saved his life, Anthony's story is a powerful testament to resilience, transformation, and self-love. He takes us through his journey from self-destruction to healing: yoga at sunrise, journaling on ayahuasca in the Colombian mountains, and a spiritual awakening that led him to sobriety and purpose. This isn't just a story about mental health—it's about reclaiming your identity, rewriting the narrative of masculinity, and redefining what success really means. Whether you're healing from trauma or searching for deeper meaning, this episode reminds us that the love we're looking for often starts within. Call to Action: Listen now to hear how Anthony turned pain into power—and why vulnerability just might be your greatest strength. Contact Info: Guest: Anthony Wilson Instagram: https://instagram.com/nashville_n_foodiehttps://www.instagram.com/nashvillianfoodie/ Host: Reggie D. Ford Website: https://reggiedford.com [https://reggiedford.com/] Socials: @reggiedford [https://instagram.com/reggiedford] on all platforms Key Quotes & Takeaways: * "If you listen to your fears, you'll never know the great person you're meant to be." * "Ayahuasca didn't let me run from my trauma. It made me sit in it—and heal from it." * "I had the house, the car, the money—but I felt so small inside. Now I live in a camper with my mom and I've never been happier."

"I try to show up and show love—even in business."  In this soul-stretching episode of Vulnerability Muscle, Reggie D. Ford is joined by culture curator and leadership consultant Darius E. Moore for a conversation that blends storytelling, emotional truth, and practical wisdom. Together, they explore how early life experiences, especially Darius' deeply personal family history marked by tragedy and healing, shaped his approach to relationships, leadership, and fatherhood. From breathing through trauma to curating workplace cultures rooted in love, this episode shows how real power comes from showing up as your whole self—scars, stories, and all. They discuss the importance of seeing others not as data or problems to solve but as people to love. They also dive into what it means to parent with presence, the grief of a lost childhood, and why every child—and adult—deserves to be seen as a star. Darius shares stories from his upbringing in a military household, how his therapist wife helped him discover emotional regulation, and what his daughter taught him about living in the moment. This episode is a tribute to collective kinship, vulnerability as a practice, and leadership through love. Key Takeaways & Quotes: * "Discipline and punishment aren't the same thing. I wasn't punished; I was prepared." * "Breathing is how I regulate. I believe every inhale is the breath of God." * "If you want to build better cultures—at home, at work, in the world—start by loving people right where they are." Call to Action: This episode will change the way you think about love in leadership, parenting, and personal growth. Listen now to discover why vulnerability is the key to healing and connection—and how we build a better world through radical, consistent love. Contact Info: Connect with Darius E. Moore: darius.e.mmore@gmail.com Instagram: @GenesisThought [https://instagram.com/genesistthought] LinkedIn: Darius E. Moore 🎙Podcast coming soon: Let's Build Something Connect with Reggie D. Ford: reggiedford.com [https://reggiedford.com/] @reggiedford on all platforms Subscribe to the Vulnerability Muscle podcast wherever you listen

"I was just a kid trying to survive, and they called me a murderer." In this unforgettable episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Ashlee Sellars, a powerhouse advocate for restorative justice whose life journey defies everything you thought you knew about crime, punishment, and healing. At just 17 years old, Ashlee was sentenced to 25 years in prison under Tennessee's felony murder law—despite never pulling a trigger. But this isn't just a story about incarceration. It's about survival. It's about trauma, accountability, and ultimately, transformation. Ashlee shares a jaw-dropping account of how the criminal legal system failed her at every turn, how she discovered the power of restorative justice through a life-altering meeting with her victim's parents, and how she now leads community healing efforts at the Raphah Institute. With raw vulnerability and unapologetic truth, she challenges us to redefine what justice really means—and who deserves redemption. Key Takeaways / Social Highlights: * "Incarceration is not accountability. It's removal from the conversation." * "Some of the worst behaviors in our communities come from the most beautiful intentions—like trying to protect our families." * "I was never given a chance to speak my truth. So now, I create space for others to speak theirs." Call to Action: You won't hear a story like this anywhere else. Listen now to understand why true justice means more than punishment—and why vulnerability just might be the most powerful force for change. Share this episode, leave a review, and flex your own Vulnerability Muscle. Contact Info: Guest: Ashlee Sellars 🔗 Website: https://www.raphah.org/ 📱 Social: @RaphahInstitute on all platforms Host: Reggie D. Ford 🌐 Website: https://reggiedford.com [https://reggiedford.com/] 📱 Social: @reggiedford on all platforms

What if the key to transformation lies not in fighting your past but in rewriting its meaning? In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Kyle Smith, a clarity consultant and creator of the Supra Being Blueprint, to explore how men can break free from limiting beliefs and emotional stagnation using a potent framework: Neuro-Linguistic Somatic Experience (NLSE). Kyle unpacks how story work, breathwork, and character integration can rewire the nervous system, empower self-leadership, and help people embody emotional sovereignty. Together, Reggie and Kyle discuss: * Why vulnerability doesn't have to be heavy—and can even feel neutral or powerful * How breath is the remote control for your nervous system (high & tight = ready to fight, low & slow = ready to flow) * The role of story meaning in healing trauma and transforming self-worth * How to move from "I am my pain" to "I am my power" * Affirmations backed by evidence, not wishful thinking * Helping men discover clarity, confidence, and purpose through internal character work * Practices for reconnecting with sensation in the body after trauma or dissociation * The metaphor of the inner courtroom: rival vs. role model—and how to judge your thoughts wisely * Breathwork demo: A powerful guided practice you can follow along with This is a deeply healing conversation that fuses practical strategy with soulful insight, offering a new lens for anyone struggling with self-doubt, disconnection, or emotional numbness. Whether you're navigating trauma, burnout, or simply looking to grow, Kyle's approach to embodied transformation will resonate. 🧠 "Words are the ethereal macronutrients of the mind." 💭 "You're not broken—you're holding on to stories that haven't been updated." 💡 "Our breath is our first tool for reclaiming agency." Guest Contact Information Website: clarityconsultant.ca [https://www.clarityconsultant.ca/]Instagram: @dapperdudekyle [https://www.instagram.com/dapperdudekyle] Breathwork follow-up: Kyle invites listeners to DM him on Instagram and share their experience from the episode's guided breathwork session.

Why do we procrastinate, and how can we break free from its grip? In this episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with procrastination coach Chris Abdey, founder of The Procrastination Station, to uncover the hidden reasons behind procrastination. Chris shares his personal journey from achieving 'success' by societal standards to hitting rock bottom, leading him to a deep exploration of why we delay, avoid, and escape the things that matter most. Together, Reggie and Chris dive into: * The five procrastination archetypes—which one are you? * How procrastination is often rooted in fear, perfectionism, or escapism. * The surprising connection between addiction and procrastination. * Why procrastination doesn't mean you're lazy—but rather that your brain is trying to protect you. * How to shift from a to-do list to a to-be list and prioritize based on your values. * Real-life strategies to overcome chronic procrastination and take back control of your time. Chris also shares a powerful personal story about how last-minute improvisation led to an unexpected academic success—and how this experience reinforced a pattern of high-stakes procrastination. Whether you struggle with work deadlines, personal projects, or just showing up on time, this episode will give you practical insights and a fresh perspective on why you procrastinate and how to break the cycle. Tune in and discover how you can transform procrastination into purposeful action—without the shame or self-judgment. Contact Info: https://procrastinationstation.ca/

In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Jeff Siegel—a men's health and wellness coach, writer, and mindfulness teacher at Harvard University—for a transformative conversation on redefining masculinity, healing from disordered eating, and reimagining success beyond hustle culture. Jeff shares deeply personal stories from his upbringing, including his struggle with an eating disorder, the impact of absentee fatherhood, and the cultural pressures that push men away from vulnerability. From martial arts to Buddhist studies, neuroscience to spiritual embodiment, Jeff walks us through his multi-layered healing journey and offers listeners tools to return to their bodies, center their nervous systems, and reframe productivity with compassion. Together, Reggie and Jeff explore questions that men—and all humans—need to sit with: * What do you need that you didn't get? * Can success coexist with rest, presence, and peace? * How do we shed societal expectations and allow ourselves to simply be? This episode is an open invitation to redefine strength, create space for healing, and finally come home to ourselves. Key Topics Covered: * The duality of physical vs. emotional vulnerability * How shame shapes male identity and behavior * Jeff's story of developing and recovering from an eating disorder * The connection between trauma, control, and food * Why asking for help is the ultimate act of strength * The masks of masculinity and where they originate * Naming internal "parts" to understand and integrate them (e.g. "Productive Pete") * Redefining hustle culture and success on your own terms * Presence over perfection in fatherhood and life * How Buddhist studies and mind-brain education inform Jeff's healing philosophy * Spiritual practices for grounded well-being in a materialistic world * The limitations of corporate wellness if culture doesn't change If this episode resonates with you, share it with a man in your life who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Vulnerability Muscle for more soul-stretching conversations, and don't forget to rate and review! Connect with Jeff Siegel: * Website https://jeffsiegelwellness.com/ [https://www.jeffsiegelwellness.com/] * Email: jeff@jeffsiegelwellness.com * Instagram: @jeff.siegel.wellness [https://www.instagram.com/jeff.siegel.wellness]

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with the dynamic Dr. JaNee Mobley—pharmacist, speaker, author, coach, mom, and mentor—to unpack her extraordinary journey from homelessness to building a purpose-driven life and business. Dr. Mobley opens up about the emotional toll of living unfulfilled despite achieving academic and professional success. She vulnerably shares how losing her job and home—while pregnant—became the turning point that launched her into entrepreneurship and deeper self-discovery. Together, Reggie and Dr. Mobley explore: * What vulnerability truly means and how it creates emotional safety. * Why success without purpose leads to burnout and dissatisfaction. * How Dr. Mobley turned a season of homelessness into the foundation for a bestselling book and thriving coaching business. * The five-part coaching framework she uses to help women move from mindset to movement: Mindset, Management, Mastery, Message, and Marketing. * Real stories of self-sabotage, imposter syndrome, and the fear of success. * How women can give themselves permission to profit from their purpose while maintaining their integrity and peace. * The power of showing up—especially when it's hard. * How vulnerability is her superpower—and can be yours too. This is a must-listen for any woman sitting on a dream, navigating burnout, or battling self-doubt. It's also a reminder for all of us that vulnerability is the gateway to personal freedom, transformation, and true power. * Website: https://www.drjanee.com/ * Instagram: @DrJaNeeMobley [https://www.instagram.com/DrJaNeeMobley] * Coaching & Speaking: Success & Wealth Institute

In this soul-stirring episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Dame Clarissa Burt—former supermodel turned award-winning author, media powerhouse, and self-esteem advocate. From gracing 250 magazine covers to being knighted and standing proudly beside the likes of Brené Brown and Deepak Chopra on bookstore shelves, Clarissa shares her incredible journey through generational healing, emotional resilience, and radical self-acceptance. Clarissa gets candid about growing up with deeply rooted family shame, finding her voice in Europe's fashion world, and ultimately stepping into her purpose as the founder of The Self-Esteem Regime. She opens up about how modeling transformed her confidence, why baking cookies grounds her spirit, and how witnessing the struggles of her mother and grandmother ignited her mission to redefine worth for women everywhere. You'll learn the four pillars of self-esteem (Look Good, Feel Good, Be Good, Greater Good), why self-work is a sacred duty, and how to flex your own vulnerability muscle in pursuit of inner strength. If you've ever struggled with self-image, imposter syndrome, or breaking free from your past, this episode is your permission to heal and rise. Contact Info: * Website: https://clarissaburt.com [https://clarissaburt.com/] * Instagram: @clarissaburt [https://instagram.com/clarissaburt] * Book: The Self-Esteem Regime – available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and major booksellers

"I don't believe everything is forgivable... but I do believe everything is connected." In this stirring episode of Vulnerability Muscle, Reggie D. Ford sits down with writer, mother, and poetic truth-teller Fatima-Ayan Malika Hirsi, whose work is rooted in world-building, social change, and collaborative liberation. Based on the unceded lands of the T'Sou-ke Nation, Fatima is a Black mother and artist whose poetry appears in MAYDAY, Torch, Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora, and beyond. She brings fierce conviction and emotional clarity to topics many avoid—grief, rage, justice, and the sacred role of feeling deeply in a numbed world. From a dream visitation with her late mother to crying as a sacred act of surrender, Fatima opens her heart and reveals the raw edges of what it means to live fully and love radically. She shares how her upbringing shaped her lifelong commitment to justice, the roots of her poetic activism, and why society's fear of emotion is a systemic tactic of control. Together, she and Reggie explore: * Why crying is not weakness, but a portal to healing * How motherhood deepens empathy and fuels global love * Why true change demands action beyond art, voting, or performative allyship Fatima closes the conversation with an unforgettable reading of her poem, This is the Soul of My Soul, a eulogy and indictment born from the crisis in Gaza. Through it all, she invites us to see each other—not as strangers or enemies—but as kin. 🎧 Call to Action: This episode will stir your soul and ask more of your heart. Listen now—and let it move you into feeling, into action, and into kinship. 📇 Contact Info: Guest – Fatima-Ayan Malika Hirsi 🌐 Website: fatimaayanmalikahirsi.com [https://fatimaayanmalikahirsi.com/] 📱 Socials: @fatimawritingdoula Host – Reggie D. Ford 🌐 Website: reggiedford.com [https://reggiedford.com/] 📱 Socials: @reggiedford on all platforms 📌 Key Quotes / Takeaways for Social Media or YouTube Description: * "Crying is a portal. I'm not the same person after the tears come." * "We are kin—not just by blood, but by being alive, by feeling." * "Art is not enough. If you read my poems and don't take action, then what's the point?"

In this raw and resonant episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Kevin Palmieri, founder and co-host of the globally-ranked Next Level University podcast, for an unforgettable conversation about how vulnerability saved his life. Kevin shares his powerful journey from early financial instability and the absence of his father to climbing the ranks of success—only to find himself spiraling into depression and near suicide at the peak of his external achievements. From bodybuilder to podcaster to transformational coach, Kevin recounts the moment he hit rock bottom in a New Jersey hotel room and the brave call to a trusted friend that altered the course of his life forever. Together, Reggie and Kevin explore: * What true success feels like beyond money and metrics * The meaning of vulnerability as strength—and the difference between sharing scars vs. open wounds * How the Compound Effect and sustainability apply to podcasting, personal growth, and belief * The emotional toll of overachievement and fear of success * Building a purpose-driven business without sponsors or ads * The secrets behind monetizing a podcast by solving real problems * The inner work required to develop unshakable self-worth * Healing the father wound: Kevin's unexpected Facebook message and reunion with his estranged dad * Identity, alignment, and how to chase goals while feeling whole now This episode is a masterclass in transformation, mental wellness, entrepreneurship, and emotional intelligence—all grounded in personal truth. Whether you're an aspiring podcaster, a high achiever seeking deeper meaning, or someone working through past wounds, this episode offers insight, hope, and practical wisdom. Contact Info: * 🎙️ Founder & Chief Success Officer, Next Level University * 🌍 Podcast streams in 175+ countries * 📊 Over 2,000 episodes & 1.3M listens * 💼 Services: Podcast coaching, group coaching, personal development consulting * 🌐 Website: www.nextleveluniverse.com [https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/] * 📧 Email: kevin@nextleveluniverse.com * Facebook - Kevin Palmieri [https://www.facebook.com/kevin.palmieri] * Instagram: @dontquitkidhttps://www.facebook.com/kevin.palmieri

In this heartfelt episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Sukhvinder Kaur, a mental health advocate, counselor, and author of There is Light at the End of the Tunnel of Loneliness. Together, they explore the profound impact of loneliness on mental and physical well-being, shedding light on how isolation can be a silent yet deadly struggle. Sukhvinder shares her deeply personal journey—from experiencing loneliness after a major life transition to becoming a beacon of hope for others. She opens up about how writing, community, and faith played vital roles in her healing and how she now dedicates her life to helping others navigate their own feelings of isolation. Through this conversation, she emphasizes the importance of acceptance, seeking support, and taking actionable steps toward connection and healing. Listeners will gain practical tools for managing loneliness, including the power of journaling, meditation, and reframing vulnerability as a strength. Reggie and Sukhvinder also discuss the post-pandemic loneliness epidemic, the stigma surrounding mental health in different communities, and the life-saving impact of human connection. If you've ever felt lonely, disconnected, or struggled with mental health, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for a compassionate and insightful discussion that reminds us all: You are not alone, and there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Contact Info: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sukhvinder-kaur-91227a2b8

In this gripping episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Ryan Christensen—a hypnotist, peak mental performance coach, and former military intelligence and counterterrorism expert—to explore a mind unlike any other. Diagnosed with ADHD, bipolar disorder, and autism at age 48, Ryan takes us on a riveting journey through classified counterterrorism operations, mental breakdowns, and ultimately, self-discovery. We explore how Ryan uses hypnosis to help clients overcome deep-rooted emotional resistance, reframe limiting beliefs, and unlock peak performance. He dives deep into the neurodiverse mind, explaining how autism became his superpower and why bipolar disorder is both a curse and a compass. This episode is a masterclass in emotional reframing. Ryan reveals why emotions are not pain, but questions—powerful signals asking for attention and solutions. He shares how reframing internal conflict transforms lives and why his mission is to end human suffering by unlocking human potential. If you've ever struggled with emotional overwhelm, felt unseen in your neurodivergence, or wondered how to truly heal—not just cope—this episode will leave you transformed. Topics Covered: * Ryan's diagnosis journey: discovering ADHD, bipolar disorder, and autism at 48 * Why emotions aren't pain—they're questions your mind is asking * Reframing trauma and emotional wounds through hypnosis * The dangers of masking and emotional suppression in high-stakes environments * How counterterrorism experience shaped Ryan's mindset and resilience * Weaponized insight: leveraging pattern recognition for emotional and mental clarity * The difference between psychedelics and hypnosis in healing trauma * Building a relationship with your subconscious mind * The philosophy behind his book Winter Peace: How to End Inner Conflict and Make Success Inevitable * How to turn "I'm not good enough" into "I already am enough" * Daily strategies for emotional regulation and peak mental performance * The power of authenticity when vulnerability is no longer a risk Guest Book: Title: Winter Peace: How to End Inner Conflict and Make Success Inevitable Available on: Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/] 🔗 Guest Contact Info: Website: www.ryanthehypnotist.com [http://www.ryanthehypnotist.com/] Free Consultation: 45-minute session to uncover and resolve emotional blocks

In this soul-stirring episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Silvia Garcia-Romero, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Sentara Health, for a raw and revelatory conversation about immigration, identity, and inclusion. At just 10 years old, Silvia crossed the U.S.–Mexico border undocumented, guided only by faith, love, and the hope of family reunion. What unfolded afterward is a journey of resilience—growing up in a trailer with eight children, learning English as a second language, and rising above systemic barriers to become a powerful voice for equity in healthcare. Silvia shares the unfiltered truth of what it means to navigate a country where language can be both a barrier and a weapon, and how moments of marginalization became fuel for her purpose-driven leadership. She offers moving reflections on childhood memories, the sacrifices of her parents, and the emotional toll of assimilation—revealing how her life's hardships laid the groundwork for a mission that's about more than a job title; it's a calling. Together, Reggie and Silvia confront societal misconceptions about DEI work, challenge xenophobic mindsets, and explore what it takes to humanize healthcare—one story, one conversation, one act of inclusion at a time. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the immigrant experience, the real meaning of vulnerability, and the transformative power of compassion. Contact Information: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silviagarciaromero/

"Let the hard things in life be fractions—not racism." In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle, Reggie D. Ford sits down with Shanera Williamson, host of the Brown Mama Bear podcast, for a deeply moving and necessary conversation about raising Black children in predominantly white schools, reclaiming generational stories, and the spiritual responsibility of parenting with presence, identity, and intention. Shanera shares raw reflections on the intergenerational trauma passed down from a grandfather who survived the Wilmington Massacre of 1898, her own navigation of private Christian schools built on segregationist foundations, and the pain of realizing she once unknowingly prioritized academic prestige over her daughters' emotional well-being. With grace and accountability, she details how apologizing to her children for past decisions deepened their relationship and empowered them to thrive—and how now, as a fierce advocate, she equips other mothers to do the same. If you've ever questioned how to raise whole, resilient children in a fractured society, this conversation will meet you where you are and lovingly challenge you to go further. Call to Action: This is more than a parenting episode—it's a blueprint for legacy. Tune in now to hear Shanera's five-step plan for raising racially conscious, emotionally grounded kids, and why she believes mothers can dismantle racism just like they changed drunk driving laws. Share this episode with a parent, educator, or advocate who needs it—and flex your vulnerability muscle with us. Contact Info: Guest – Shanera Williamson Website: https://brownmamabear.com Instagram: @brownmamabearpodcast [https://instagram.com/brownmamabearpodcast] Email: shanera@brownmamabear.com Host – Reggie D. Ford Website: https://reggiedford.com [https://reggiedford.com/] Socials: @reggiedford [https://instagram.com/reggiedford] on all platforms Key Quotes & Takeaways: * "Let the hard things in life be fractions—not racism." * "I apologized to my daughters for the harm caused by choosing prestige over protection. That apology changed everything." * "My grandfather survived a massacre by hiding in a cemetery. I honor him by helping other mothers protect their children from invisible violence."

"I looked at my son in the mirror and said, 'You want to be like me? I just got fired.'" This raw and deeply emotional episode of Vulnerability Muscle peels back the layers of identity, purpose, and healing with educator, father, and consultant Dr. Brandon Haskins. Reggie D. Ford and Brandon dive into what it means to break generational cycles and be the adult you needed as a child. From growing up without guidance to becoming a father trying to get it right, Brandon opens up about his journey through college, discovering his calling, and building Branded Consulting to help students find purpose before they lose their way. They unpack the school-to-prison pipeline, restorative justice in education, and how boxing in creative students sets them up for failure. Brandon reflects on the pressures of parenthood, the haunting absence of a father figure, and what it means to simply make it home as a Black man in America. This episode is an unfiltered masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, emotional intelligence, and real talk that hits straight to the heart. Call to Action: If you've ever questioned your path or what it means to show up fully for yourself and others, this episode is for you. Tune in, share it with someone who needs it, and keep flexing that vulnerability muscle. Guest Contact: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctahaskins?igsh=MTZ3NTFiaGloOHY5 [https://www.instagram.com/dr.haskins] * Consulting: https://www.instagram.com/brandedconsulting https://www.instagram.com/branedd_?igsh=MTVyNXRndWI3eWc2NQ== Host Contact: * Website: https://reggiedford.com [https://reggiedford.com/] * Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok: @reggiedford [https://www.instagram.com/reggiedford] Key Quotes/Takeaways: * "When you're not operating in your purpose, you're not going to do what's necessary." * "Our kids aren't missing anything — we just have to stop boxing them in." * "The greatest thing my dad ever did... was come home."

"They labeled me with a learning disability… but I knew I was smart." In this powerful and emotional episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford reconnects with childhood friend Martrell Williams, whose life story is both a gut punch and a masterclass in resilience. Martrell shares how he was wrongfully placed in special education due to behavioral issues stemming from a chaotic home life—and how that decision nearly derailed his future. From being medicated and isolated in portable classrooms to teaching himself how to read in middle school, Martrell reveals the deep emotional cost of being mislabeled, misunderstood, and underestimated. Yet, his story is one of unlearning, self-reclamation, and rising above systemic failure through therapy, faith, and grit. He dives into: * How grief and unprocessed trauma impacted his mental and physical health * The role of therapy in helping him reconnect to emotions he'd long suppressed * Why he now uses fasting, prayer, and fitness to maintain mental clarity Martrell's testimony is a wake-up call to parents, educators, and policymakers—because what we label in childhood can last a lifetime… unless someone dares to unlearn it. 🎧 CALL TO ACTION: If you've ever been underestimated, mislabeled, or told you weren't enough, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear how Martrell turned pain into purpose—and how you can too. Subscribe, rate, and share this episode of Vulnerability Muscle wherever you listen to podcasts. 📬 CONTACT INFO: Guest – Martrell Williams Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trel_dior/ [https://instagram.com/trell_or] Facebook: Martrell Williams Host – Reggie D. Ford Website: reggiedford.com [https://reggiedford.com/] Socials: @reggiedford on all platforms 🔑 QUOTES & TAKEAWAYS: * "I didn't have a learning disability. I had a chaotic home life." * "They gave me pills like I was an animal—but never asked why I was angry." * "Grief tore my Achilles. I tried to outrun pain instead of feeling it."

In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Will Acuff, co-founder of Corner to Corner, a Nashville-based nonprofit that fueled $37 million in neighborhood economic activity in 2024. Will opens up about the spiritual and emotional breakdown that led him to redefine success, the deep-rooted challenges of being a white faith-driven changemaker in historically underserved Black communities, and how adopting a mindset of curiosity, compassion, and vulnerability changed everything. Will shares his personal mental health crisis that began on his honeymoon and led to a misdiagnosis, psychiatric hospitalization, and a years-long recovery process. He explains how he and his wife Tiffany, through deep pain and radical honesty, found purpose and healing in proximity to the pain of others. Their work birthed Corner to Corner—a thriving entrepreneurial training ground for underestimated communities—and his latest book No Elevator to Everest, a memoir and guide for self-awareness, spiritual healing, and unlocking joy in the midst of adversity. Tune in to hear: * How trauma and spiritual exhaustion manifested in Will's life—and how he rebuilt from it * The role of faith and mystical experiences in his healing * His 4AM morning routine and spiritual practices that help him parent through difficulty * The difference between "capital-G" and "lowercase-g" gentrifiers * How Corner to Corner equips Black entrepreneurs to close the opportunity gap * The life-changing impact of Onsite Workshops and internal family systems therapy * What it means to live your life as a "joy lab" This episode is for anyone wrestling with burnout, parenting through pain, starting over, or seeking deeper purpose in their leadership journey. Get ready to be moved, challenged, and inspired. Guest Bio: Will Acuff is a nonprofit founder, speaker, and author of No Elevator to Everest. He co-founded Corner to Corner with his wife Tiffany in Nashville, TN—a social enterprise that helps underestimated entrepreneurs turn their dreams into income. In 2024 alone, Corner to Corner graduates generated $37 million in economic activity. Will holds a master's from Reformed Theological Seminary and is passionate about God's radical grace, justice, and joy. He is a proud father and an advocate for trauma healing, inclusion, and spirit-led awareness. Resources & Contact: * Book: No Elevator to Everest – Available on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZTWLJ3Q] * Nonprofit: www.cornertocorner.org [https://www.cornertocorner.org/] * Contact: Will@cornertocorner.org * Instagram: @CornerToCorner [https://www.instagram.com/cornertocorner/] 🌳 Learn about Onsite Workshops: www.onsiteworkshops.com [https://www.onsiteworkshops.com/]

In this heartfelt episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Brenda Do, a seasoned copywriter turned children's book author, to explore the power of vulnerability, self-compassion, and the journey of embracing our true selves. Growing up as a Chinese girl in 1970s America, Brenda rarely saw characters who looked like her in books, making her feel unseen and unworthy. This experience planted a deep seed of self-doubt—one she later sought to uproot through storytelling. Now, as the author of It's Okay Not to Know, Brenda crafts inclusive narratives that help children—and adults—unlearn limiting beliefs and embrace the beauty of curiosity, mistakes, and self-acceptance. She and Reggie dive into conversations about cultural conditioning, overcoming subconscious barriers, and why self-love is the key to unlocking a more fulfilling life. Throughout the episode, Brenda shares insights on the societal narratives that hold us back, the impact of childhood messages on our self-worth, and how shifting our mindset can transform not just our personal lives but also our professional and creative endeavors. Whether you're a parent, an educator, or someone on a journey of self-discovery, this episode will inspire you to embrace uncertainty, rewrite your inner dialogue, and recognize that you are enough—just as you are. Contact Info:  https://www.brendado.com/

What if the violence, division, and dysfunction in our nation weren't just political problems—but psychological ones? In this soul-stirring episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with psychotherapist and bestselling author Phyllis E. Leavitt to explore how healing personal trauma can transform not only individual lives, but also the collective soul of a nation. Drawing from over three decades of clinical experience and her latest book, America in Therapy, Phyllis shares how unhealed childhood trauma reverberates into adulthood, relationships, and even systems of power. Together, Reggie and Phyllis unpack: * The critical distinction between repression vs. suppression of trauma * How trauma shows up in our behaviors, leadership, and culture * Why the U.S. needs a psychological overhaul rooted in empathy and nonviolence * The emotional impact of incarceration and systemic punishment * How inner child healing can dismantle shame and self-hatred * The importance of safe, compassionate spaces for transformation * How to recognize the humanity inside perpetrators and victims alike Phyllis speaks candidly about her own healing journey, growing up in a home of unspoken pain, and how therapy helped her reclaim her voice. Her call to action is clear: to heal America, we must first heal ourselves. Guest Resources Learn more about Phyllis and her work: Website: www.phyllisleavitt.com [https://www.phyllisleavitt.com/] Books: America in Therapy, Into the Fire, A Light in the Darkness Contact: info@phyllisleavitt.com Social: @phyllisleavitt (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Substack, YouTube) Tune in for a masterclass in emotional truth, intergenerational trauma, and national healing.

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual abuse, suicidal ideation, and incarceration. What happens when the pain of your past tries to define your future—but you refuse to let it? In this gripping and emotionally charged episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Daniel Westbrooks, a community leader whose life journey embodies resilience, redemption, and radical transparency. Daniel opens up about surviving childhood sexual abuse, battling depression, addiction, incarceration, and the devastating loss of his younger brother to suicide. With raw honesty, he shares how he transformed from a traumatized child and justice-involved teen into a mental health advocate, youth mentor, and recovery specialist changing lives across juvenile centers, prisons, and hospitals. This episode goes beyond trauma—it's a masterclass in courage. Daniel doesn't just tell his story—he reclaims it, offering hope and healing to anyone who has ever felt voiceless, broken, or unseen. From the power of owning your pain to helping others find purpose in theirs, this conversation will leave you forever changed. Contact Information: Instagram: @daniel.westbrooks Facebook: Daniel Westbrooks