What if the thing you’re chasing isn’t ahead of you, but within you? We sit down with Harper A. Bailey—public health leader and author of the memoir “It Was Her”—to unpack how grief can become a teacher, how creativity can act as medicine, and why midlife refuses to let us ignore our truth. From family health inequities that drew her to public health, to the dream that showed she was running from a younger self, Harper shares the moments that cracked her open and invited her to finally listen.

Harper’s story bridges systems and self. She explains how the “invisible” work of public health—prevention, policy, community voice—mirrors the inner work many of us avoid. A gifted diary at nine began a lifelong journaling practice, carrying her through the loss of her mother, a staycation that birthed her book outline, and the decision to write from the scar rather than the wound. We explore the “treasure chest” where she stored pain, the myth that high achievement equals healing, and the revelation that not doing the work is also hard.

The conversation reaches into family, identity, and forgiveness. Harper describes softening toward her father through the lens of mental health and substance use, finding new ways to connect without erasing the past. She offers a freeing reframe—wholeness is our birthright—and challenges the belief that healing belongs to other people. Art, music, movement, and honest words become practical tools that regulate, connect, and transform. If you’ve ever felt stuck on the next mountain, this is a map back to yourself.

Listen for grounded insights on grief, midlife clarity, advocacy, and courageous asking. Then share it with a friend who needs the reminder that they are worthy of the work—and of the joy on the other side. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what truth are you ready to name?

Harper A. Bailey is the pen name of Tiosha Bailey, a Chicago native, public health leader, and powerful storyteller who challenges the status quo. She was the first Black woman to lead a prominent national women's healthcare nonprofit, where she prioritized health equity and amplified the voices of underserved communities.

Her first book, It Was Her: A Memoir—featuring a foreword by renowned motivational speaker Lisa Nichols—invites readers into a deeply personal story shaped by loss, resilience, and transformation. Through honest and compelling storytelling, Harper explores identity, healing, and the courage it takes to reclaim your narrative.

As a speaker, Harper brings clarity, depth, and humor to conversations about leadership, purpose, and the lived experiences of Black women. She connects with audiences through truth-telling and a passion for creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered.

Website: https://www.harperabailey.com/

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