For the finale of Sweet Tea Ethics, this final Hold My Mule Musing reflects on the unwavering resilience and psychological strength within Black communities. Through stories of musical genius, faith, and collective redemption, the episode honors how these qualities liberate and heal—a testament to the idea that sometimes, you must "put your dreams on water and see if they will float." This heartfelt reflection is both a celebration of the journeys shared and an invitation to embrace hope, thanks, and wisdom learned along the way.

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#HoldMyMuleMusing #SweetTeaEthics #BlackResilience #CollectiveHealing #FaithAndRedemption

This episode of Sweet Tea Ethics features Dr. Ed Garnes reflecting on the importance of setting healthy boundaries and being mindful of the relationships you cultivate, drawing wisdom from family and lived experience. Through his "Hold My Mule Musings," Dr. Garnes reminds listeners that true compassion is rooted in self-respect and that "minding your circle" is essential to maintaining good mental health.

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#MindYourCircle, #SweetTeaEthics, #EdGarnes, #HoldMyMuleMusings, #Boundaries, #MentalHealth

In this episode of Sweet Tea Ethics, host Dr. Ed Garnes sits down with DJ Sir Daniel in a compelling conversation titled "DJ Sir Daniel on Harmonious Healing, Activism and Musicology." They explore the origins of Queue Points to personal stories of resilience, they explore how music heals, inspires activism, and challenges mainstream narratives. Join the conversation as they unpack everything from Black psychological principles to the evolution of hip hop, all while celebrating authenticity and the vibrant spirit of cultural expression.

Visit https://sweetteaethics.com to join the mailing list and to get bonus updates from Dr. Ed Garnes.

Topics Covered:

• Music as a Healing Ritual: DJ Sir Daniel shares how music sustains and unites communities through emotional highs and lows.
• Diversity Builds Soul: His upbringing immersed in gospel, pop, and hip hop shaped a rich, inclusive musical worldview.
• Resilience & Safe Spaces: The conversation highlights adaptability and creating spaces where Black men can be emotionally authentic.
• Advocacy for Women in Hip Hop: Sir Daniel champions underrepresented voices, especially female MCs, as essential to cultural progress.

Chapters

00:00 Intro Theme

00:26 Welcome to Sweet Tea Ethics

00:38 Introducing DJ Sir Daniel

00:55 DJ Sir Daniel's Background and Achievements

02:14 Pandora Initiative and Queue Points

04:02 Jazz Meditation Dedication

04:42 Music Quiz Challenge

06:56 DJ Sir Daniel's Musical Journey

18:08 The Birth of Queue Points

24:07 Critique of Black-Owned Media

24:40 The Importance of Balance and Safety

26:29 Navigating Media and Personal Choices

27:37 The Role of Capitalism in Media

28:51 Therapy and Representation in Black Culture

29:33 Stories of Resilience

36:32 Activism and Supporting Female MCs

40:43 Unity and the African Diaspora

44:30 Healing Playlist and Closing Thoughts

49:05 Outro Theme

#BlackCulture, #Musicology, #Activism, #Podcast, #QueuePoints, #Resilience, #Healing, #SweetTeaEthics

In this “Hold My Mule Musing” Dr. Ed Garnes recounts defending a Black woman editor who gave him his first major writing opportunity when she was unfairly criticized in a meeting. His story highlights the vital need to stand up for and uplift Black women, underscoring their central role as champions within the community and the everyday importance of expressing love and support for them.

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#SupportBlackWomen #SweetTeaEthics #HoldMyMule

In this episode of Sweet Tea Ethics, Dr. Ed Garnes is joined by Rev. Mashaun D. Simon for an honest, moving conversation about grief, healing, and faith at the intersections of Black identity, mental health, and inclusion. Dr. Garnes honors the legacy of D’Angelo, and with Rev. Simon examines the power of ritual, explores the transformative work of Project Joshua, and offers radical perspectives on journeying through loss, spirituality, and creating truly safe spaces for all. Pour yourself a glass and listen in for wise words, healing laughter, and plenty of heartfelt Sweet Tea Ethics.​

Visit https://sweetteaethics.com to join the mailing list and to get bonus updates from Dr. Ed Garnes.

Topics Covered:

• Honoring D’Angelo and collective rituals of grief in the Black community.
• The purpose and vision of Project Joshua, supporting grief and wellness for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
• The challenges of navigating faith, mental health, and identity—especially for those often excluded from church spaces.
• Expanding and redefining traditions, and offering hope and strategies for authentic, affirming spiritual journeys.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:25 Hold My Mule Musing: "This is the D'Angelo joint."

02:36 Introducing Rev. Mashaun D. Simon

03:20 Project Joshua: Grief and Wellness

05:16 Personal Journey and Ministry Challenges

13:45 Expanding the Understanding of Grief

17:58 The Intersection of Faith and Mental Health

19:59 Mashaun's Path to Ministry

30:59 Creating Inclusive Spaces in the Church

31:51 Vision for Project Joshua

35:37 Supporting Grief Ministries for Black Queer Individuals

36:02 Church Hurt and the Grieving Process

36:49 Philosophical Insights and Social Media Engagement

39:22 NABJ and the Controversial Invitation

50:49 Tradition vs. Progress in Black Communities

55:59 Healing Playlists and Personal Reflections

01:00:40 Encouragement for Personal Spirituality

01:03:33 Closing Remarks and Social Media Information

01:04:34 Outro Theme

#GriefHealing, #DAngelo #FaithJourney, #BlackChurch, #SpiritualCare, #ProjectJoshua, #InclusiveFaith, #MentalHealth, #CommunityHealing

In this Hold My Mule Musing, Dr. Ed Garnes serves up a heartfelt helping of Sweet Tea Ethics on the importance of self-love and inner resilience. Drawing from his personal journey with detractors and the wisdom of his grandmother, Dr. Garnes explores the art of freeing yourself from others' expectations and the transformative power of jazz meditations for cleansing limiting beliefs.

Visit https://sweetteaethics.com to join the mailing list and to get bonus updates from Dr. Ed Garnes.

#SweetTeaEthics, #BlackPsychology, #IdentityCongruence, #Mentorship, #Healing, #CulturalReflections, #BlackExcellence, #SelfLove

Dr. Ed Garnes sits down with legendary drummer Lil’ John Roberts to explore a journey steeped in musical evolution, healing, and spiritual mentorship. From his early days playing in church and collaborating with iconic artists, to his transition into teaching at Berklee College of Music, Lil’ John Roberts shares candid stories of resilience, creative breakthroughs, and the profound impact of rhythm on emotional well-being. Whether reminiscing about unforgettable fan moments with Janet Jackson and Prince or discussing the future of jazz, this conversation offers a deep dive into how music becomes a conduit for healing and inspiration in challenging times.

Visit https://sweetteaethics.com to join the mailing list and to get bonus updates from Dr. Ed Garnes.

John “Lil’ John” Roberts Bio

John “Lil’ John” Roberts, a Philadelphia native and renowned drummer, gained recognition as a child prodigy alongside Christian McBride and Joey DeFrancesco in the Duke Ellington Orchestra. A Berklee College of Music alum, Roberts began his touring career with DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince before moving to Atlanta to play with top acts like Dionne Farris and Janet Jackson, with whom he toured for two decades. He’s devoted to mentoring youth through lessons, workshops, and masterclasses.

Roberts’ extensive credits span across genres, working with icons including Stevie Wonder, Prince, Michael Jackson, Patti LaBelle, and Earth, Wind & Fire. He’s performed on major TV shows and produced his debut album “The Heartbeat” in 2014. In 2021, Roberts returned to Berklee as a professor and continues recording, performing, and inspiring musicians worldwide.

#SweetTeaEthics, #LilJohnRoberts, #Jazz, #Healing, #MusicJourney, #Spirituality, #Mentorship

In this week's Hold My Mule Musing, Dr. Ed Garnes pours a special brew of Sweet Tea Ethics on navigating disrespect from folks intent on dimming your light.

In this week's newsletter Dr. Garnes shares some updates about the show and more. Visit https://sweetteaethics.com/p/you-will-never-be-enough-for-folks to read the updates.

You can join the mailing list to get bonus updates from Dr. Ed Garnes.

#SweetTeaEthics, #BlackPsychology, #IdentityCongruence, #Mentorship, #Healing, #CulturalReflections, #BlackExcellence