• Mykee Wattz Navigates Identity, Authenticity, and Healing Through Music and Personal Growth
    Aug 23 2025

    Dr. David Gennis, guest hosting for Zondra Pollard, discusses identity formation with musician Mykee Wattz. Mykee shares his journey from classical music to hip hop, highlighting the challenges of hiding his sexuality and the impact of early fame. He recounts struggles with drugs, alcohol, and identity, leading to depression and internal conflict. Mykee's transition to authenticity involved marriage and personal growth, despite setbacks. They explore the importance of emotional regulation, mental health education, and the balance between honesty and tact. Mykee emphasizes the need for acceptance and forgiveness in personal development.

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    30 mins
  • Dr. David Gennis and Carlos Padilla Redefine Self-Care, Promote Boundaries, and Boost Wellness Through Mind-Body Practices
    Aug 9 2025

    Dr. David Gennis, guest hosting "It's Where I Am" on 91.5 FM, discusses self-care with Carlos Padilla, activities director at Great Mind Counseling and Wellness Center. They emphasize that self-care extends beyond superficial activities, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Carlos shares practical tips, like taking breaks and engaging in physical activities like gym workouts, which boost endorphins and improve mood. David highlights the importance of emotional regulation and setting boundaries. They also discuss the impact of a therapist's mood on clients and the benefits of hobbies and journaling for mental and spiritual self-care.

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    30 mins
  • Edward Cervantes Champions Restorative Justice and Survivor Advocacy
    Aug 2 2025

    Dr. David Gennis hosts a special episode of "It's Where I Am" featuring Edward Cervantes, a sex trafficking survivor turned certified mediator and restorative justice practitioner. Edward shares his journey from being kicked out of his home at 13, dropping out of school, and facing homelessness to overcoming these challenges and achieving academic success with a 99.98 GPA in mediation and restorative justice. He discusses the importance of initiative, the impact of the Violence Against Women Act, and the need for better support systems for victims of sex trafficking. Edward also highlights the significance of holistic care and the role of advocacy in promoting restorative justice.

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    27 mins
  • Promoting Wellness: Navigating Vaccine Attitudes and Self-Care Among Older Adults
    Jul 12 2025

    Zandra Polard hosts a discussion on mental health and wellness, focusing on COVID-19 vaccination attitudes among older adults. Eric, a pediatric physician, and Chiquita, a gerontologist, discuss the personal nature of vaccine decisions, noting a general fatigue among older adults. They emphasize the importance of self-care, including sleep, diet, exercise, stress management, and social connections. Eric highlights the success of vaccines in reducing diseases like measles and the importance of parental self-care for their children's health. They also touch on the benefits and limitations of telehealth, advocating for informed patient-doctor communication and regular wellness checks.

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    25 mins
  • Protect Young Lungs, Empower Older Minds: Addressing Asthma, Ageism, and Preventive Care
    Jul 5 2025

    The discussion focused on asthma in pediatric populations, particularly among African Americans, highlighting its inflammatory nature and genetic predisposition. Key preventive measures include awareness, identifying triggers, and maintaining a healthy diet to avoid obesity. Regular well checks and vaccinations are crucial for newborns and elders. The conversation also addressed ageism, advocating for the term "older adults" over "seniors." Chiquita emphasized the importance of education and caregiving for older adults, including those with dementia, and stressed the need for early diagnosis and proper care. The program concluded with a reminder to tune in for part two.

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    24 mins
  • Post-No Kings Protest: Civil Unrest, News Anxiety, Hispanic/Latino Safety, Community Care, and Mental Health
    Jun 21 2025

    The discussion on "It's Where I Am" focused on mental health, civil unrest, and the impact of news consumption on anxiety and depression. Host Zandra Polard and guests Wes Knight and Jinx Diaz discussed the recent peaceful protests, including the No Kings Day event with 5 million participants. They highlighted the correlation between negative news and mental health, emphasizing the importance of taking breaks from constant news exposure. The conversation also covered the fears and challenges faced by the Latino community, including the financial burden of maintaining U.S. citizenship and the misuse of power by ICE. Practical advice included staying informed, knowing one's rights, and maintaining community connections to support mental well-being.

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    28 mins
  • "It's Where I Am" Confronts Civil Unrest, Explores Mental Health Impact, and Calls for Activism and Community Healing
    Jun 14 2025

    The discussion on "It's Where I Am" focused on the mental health impact of civil unrest, particularly the No Kings Day protests. Zandra Polard, Wes Knight, and Daniel Isaiah Elias, aka AM, discussed the emotional toll on families and the lack of therapeutic support. They compared the current unrest to past events like the Rodney King riots and highlighted the systemic issues driving protests. The conversation also touched on the historical context of fascism in America, the economic impact of COVID-19, and the destabilization of regulatory bodies. They emphasized the importance of education, activism, and community support in addressing these challenges.

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    29 mins
  • Zandra Polard Explores Autism, Mental Health, and the Power of Early Intervention
    Jun 7 2025

    Zandra Polard and an anonymous guest discuss autism, its spectrum, and misconceptions. The guest emphasizes the lack of definitive causes for autism, mentioning theories like paternal age and in-utero factors. He highlights successful cases like Elon Musk and Bill Gates, noting their high-functioning autism. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial, with treatment including speech, occupational therapy, and ABA. The conversation shifts to mental health, focusing on the use of Metformin for weight management in patients on antidepressants. The importance of self-referral for therapy and recognizing mental health issues early is stressed, along with the need for better communication among medical professionals.

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    29 mins