Doulas & Advocacy for Black Maternal Health With Deej, Iman Seraaj, and Nicky Dawkins

Original Air Date: February 15, 2021

“We need to have an honest conversation on Black Maternal Health and the disparities in healthcare that threaten Black Women’s lives.”

This is the core conversation that takes place on this week’s episode.

This week’s episode is a panel discussion, where I am joined by 3 professional doulas - Iman Seraaj, Nicky Dawkins, and Deej.

Iman Seraaj is a trained full-spectrum doula passionate about VBACs, breastfeeding, birthrights education, orgasmic birthing, postpartum and prenatal care. With over 12 years of doula and birth advocacy experience; she founded FullCircle Doula Services in 2014.

Nicky Dawkins is a holistic Full-Spectrum Doula and Feminine Health Coach. She is also the founder of Werk it Moms — a mom-driven, soon-to-be charity organization — that focuses on providing educational workshops, products, and a safe space for moms in need to connect. 

Deej is a mother of three little boys, a wife, doula, childbirth educator, and breastfeeding specialist. Deej also owns a brand that focuses on educating women on their birthrights and all things from pregnancy to postpartum called The Nurtured Baby. 

During this episode, we have an honest and real conversation on how Black women in the United States experience disproportionately high rates of death related to pregnancy or childbirth - irrespective of income or education level. 

Iman, Nicky, and Deej provide candid and professional insights into the cause of these health disparities and share solutions we can implement. 

They also provide questions, advice, and tactics Black Women can use when they are having to engage with a racist medical system and provider. 

We also have an open conversation on infertility, miscarriages, and loss. 

I highly encourage that everyone listens to this episode and to the important conversation that Iman, Nicky, and Deej shared with us. 

I am grateful to my guests for the energy, brilliance, and generosity that they brought to this week's episode.

This is an issue that all of us must address.  

I hope you will listen to this episode and take action.

Here’s how you can connect with this week’s guest: 

Iman - https://www.instagram.com/imanseraajfc/

Nicky - https://www.instagram.com/thankyounicky/

Deej -  https://www.instagram.com/the.nurturedbaby/

tomearl.me/doula

Listen to "Doulas & Advocacy for Black Maternal Health With Deej, Iman Seraaj, and Nicky Dawkins" on Spreaker.

An Intention Greater Than Yourself With Sudduf Wyne

Original Air Date: August 2, 2020

Living spiritually. Building community. Growing purposefully.

These are the 3 pillars that guide this week’s guests, Sudduf Wyne.

Over the span of my podcast,  it’s been an honor to interview almost 300 remarkable entrepreneurs so far.

But this is one of the most courageous, real, honest, vulnerable, and inspiring conversations I’ve ever had.

Why can I say that?

With each question I asked, Sudduf would take us to a deeper level with each of her answers.

I almost don’t want to spoil the journey this episode is by revealing too much of what we talked about. I’m that excited for you to listen to it.

So… If you're looking for a deeper meaning, 

If you believe we are here for a reason,

If you have ever felt excluded, overlooked or not seen,

If self-doubt has ever held you back,

Then this episode is for you.

Let’s start this journey.

Hit play.

More About Sudduf:

Sudduf runs the INTENTION membership. She stands confidently in her faith and leads intentionally and passionately.

Sudduf weaves her spiritually fuelled business approach into the lives of entrepreneurs struggling to gain clarity and purpose in their business.

Living spiritually. Building community. Growing purposefully. These are her pillars.

Sudduf’s magic has been affirmed and celebrated by many sources. The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, and the Canadian House of Commons to name but a few.

Her circle is grateful for her dedication, drive, passionate presence, and unwavering commitment to up-level the Muslim business community.

http://www.salamsudduf.com/

​​http://instagram.com/salamsudduf

http://facebook.com/salamsudduf

tomearl.me/sw

Listen to "An Intention Greater Than Yourself With Sudduf Wyne" on Spreaker.

Drag THINGING!, Belonging, and Honoring Your Anger With CYRO

Original Air Date: November 9, 2020

Honor your anger. Honor your pain.

CYRO’s words resonated deeply with me – like a bell used to awaken your spirit.

This isn’t just an interview.

It’s an awakening. It’s a residence. It’s a healing.

I am so grateful that CYRO took the time to sit down and share their passionate and powerful wisdom with all of us.

Leah Kirby, also known as CYRO, creates theatre that incites change and incorporates non-western techniques in order to explore social, economic, and political issues through a non-traditional format. 

They are an activist, theatre maker, actor, writer, and drag thing named CYRO. 

CYRO is a Queer, Non-Binary, DRAG THING! 

They bring strength, beauty, and awareness to the stage with acts like 'Run Rabbit', exploring the struggles of gang induction and violence within black communities, and 'I am not your', a piece that delves into black masculinity within a non-binary body and shows the beauty it can exude by stripping back the facade. 

They use spoken word, movement, composition, Lip syncing, and storytelling within their work to incite change through artistic calls to action.

I am telling you: this interview is everything you have been looking for in a THE Celebration episode.

Do yourself a favor. 

Hit play.

You can learn more about Cyro through their website, or you can follow them on Instagram.

tomearl.me/cy

Listen to "Drag THINGING!, Belonging, and Honoring Your Anger With CYRO" on Spreaker.

Why I Love FB and IG Ads (And You Will Too)

You may have heard that Facebook Ads are the best thing to get a high volume of fresh leads on repeat for your business. Or you may have heard just the opposite. 

I’ve heard people say they aren’t predictable, they are too expensive, or it’s not a path worth going down at all.

I don’t mean to disagree with you or someone you know, but I LOVE Facebook and Instagram Ads. And I can tell you exactly why.

This is a confusing subject for so many, but I’m ready to help clear some things up for you.

Two questions submitted on this subject led to the creation of this very episode and I answer them just for you.

👉 When you started your Facebook ad agency and then later your Facebook Ads course, how did you overcome your fear of starting a new venture?

👉 Why are you passionate about doing ads?

I have to tell you, my friend. It’s easy to talk about something I love so much. 

Ready to hear why? Let’s go!

Listen or watch here.

Listen to "Why I Love FB and IG Ads (And You Will Too)" on Spreaker.

If you'd like to learn more about T.H.E. Celebration Academy.  Here's 30 days of Free Membership.

An Intention Greater Than Yourself With Sudduf Wyne

Living spiritually. Building community. Growing purposefully.

These are the 3 pillars that guide this week’s guests, Sudduf Wyne. 

Over the span of my podcast,  it’s been an honor to interview almost 300 remarkable entrepreneurs so far. 

 But this is one of the most courageous, real, honest, vulnerable, and inspiring conversations I’ve ever had. 

Why can I say that?

With each question I asked, Sudduf would take us to a deeper level with each of her answers. 

I almost don’t want to spoil the journey this episode is by revealing too much of what we talked about. I’m that excited for you to listen to it. 

So… If you're looking for a deeper meaning, 

If you believe we are here for a reason, 

If you have ever felt excluded, overlooked or not seen,

If self-doubt has ever held you back, 

Then this episode is for you. 

Let’s start this journey. 

Hit play. 

More About Sudduf: 

Sudduf runs the INTENTION membership. She stands confidently in her faith and leads intentionally and passionately. 

Sudduf weaves her spiritually fuelled business approach into the lives of entrepreneurs struggling to gain clarity and purpose in their business. 

Living spiritually. Building community. Growing purposefully. These are her pillars.

Sudduf’s magic has been affirmed and celebrated by many sources. The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, and the Canadian House of Commons to name but a few.

Her circle is grateful for her dedication, drive, passionate presence and unwavering commitment to up-level the Muslim business community.

WEBSITE | IG | FB

Listen to "An Intentional Greater Than Yourself With Sudduf Wyne" on Spreaker.

If you'd like to learn more about T.H.E. Celebration Academy.  Here's 30 days of Free Membership.

How To Show Up, Be Vulnerable & Grow Your Business With Alex Emm, Adrian McGee & Alisha Kumar

“Imposter syndrome.”

“Being in a space where no one looks like me.”

“Learning to be my authentic self.” 

These are just three of the honest conversations we had on this week’s episodes.

My guest - Adrian, Alex, and Alisha - are each a powerhouse in their entrepreneurial field.

They generously shared brilliant advice on marketing, social media, content creation and the power of storytelling. 

Even more importantly - we had vulnerable conversations on the mindset, struggles, and journeys of entrepreneurship.

Alex Emm is a Social Media Manager and Copywriter helping small businesses be present and tell their stories in the fast-paced world of social media.

You can follow him on IG here

Adrian McGee is the CEO of The Grind Season, a platform that provides tips on success, pursuing purpose, and wealth building.

You can follow her on IG here

Alisha Kumar is passionate about helping businesses ​take advantage of the latest and greatest digital marketing trends to create a unique footprint with their marketing. 

You can follow her on IG here

This episode will give you both the tactics and the real conversations that are at the heart of living with and pursuing your passion. 

Do yourself this favor. 

Hit play. 

Listen to "How To Show Up, Be Vulnerable & Grow Your Business With Alex Emm, Adrian McGee & Alisha Kumar" on Spreaker.

If you'd like to learn more about T.H.E. Celebration Academy.  Here's 30 days of Free Membership.

The Elevation of Education With Dr. Shaun Woodley & Stacey Cosden

Relationships are at the heart of creating inclusive and transformative classrooms. 

That was one of the themes they rang throughout this week’s episode. 

Our guests, Dr. Shaun Woodley & Stacey Cosden, shared their expertise on where education is at and what it can be. 

Dr. Shaun Woodly has dedicated his professional career to education. He is a decorated K-12 teacher, university professor, and author whose deep passion and research have allowed him great success as an educator and entrepreneur. He is the architect behind the educator movement “Teach Hustle Inspire” and has written the best-selling book “MC Means Move the Class: How to Spark Engagement and Motivation in Urban and Culturally Diverse Classrooms”. 

Stacey is a Marketing Coach with Tom Earl at T.H.E. Celebration and Marketing Director at Blue Level Training. While she is currently in marketing, she’s spent over 20 years working with the public school system. Through her various roles in the system, Stacey has been an advocate for her community, students, and their families, and an activist for reform. Stacey’s true passion is building a healthy community that supports marginalized voices.  

Shaun and Stacey also covered the important role self-awareness & emotional intelligence plays in creating a transformative classroom. 

This interview is for anyone who is passionate about education & the power of relationships. 

I promise you will walk away with a whole new mindset. 

Do yourself the favor. 

Hit play. :) 

You can follow Shaun on Instagram - @teachhustleinspire

You can follow Stacey on Instagram - @staceyreneec 

Listen to "The Elevation of Education With Dr. Shaun Woodley & Stacey Cosden" on Spreaker.

If you'd like to learn more about T.H.E. Celebration Academy.  Here's 30 days of Free Membership.

Be Vulnerable & Make A Powerful Decision With T’keya Marquez and Shadé Adu

Be Vulnerable & Make A Powerful Decision. 

This was the resounding theme that arose from my roundtable conversation with T’keya Marquez and Shadé Adu. 

Oftentimes, when we think of ‘branding’ we associate it with the colors, and fonts, and aesthetics consistencies of a company. 

In reality, ‘branding’ is more complex. 

It is what people say about you when you’re not around. 

It is a movement. 

It is a feeling.

And to move people emotionally, you have to make the decision to stand for something. 

My guests this week - T’keya Marquez & Shadé Adu - both share their unique insights and perspective on all things branding, copywriting, and connecting with your people. 

T’keya Marquez has made a career out of human connection + storytelling. She is driven by creating heart-centered copy for passionate mental health and holistic wellness professionals. As a copywriter, her goal is to uncover what makes you and your brand unique. 

Shadé Adu is a digital brand strategist, international speaker and best selling author. Driven by the desire to support women entrepreneurs and facilitate the creation of generational wealth, Shadé is truly committed to offering a comprehensive range of services which is oriented towards achieving the 3 I’s; Income, Influence, and Impact. 

Shadé and T’keya both shared their inspiring and powerful origin stories and entrepreneurial journey. 

I took so many notes as I was listening to this week’s episode. 

You will walk away with tangible steps you can take towards honing in on your messaging, strengthening your brand, and standing for what truly matters to you. 

Most importantly, you will walk away with a resolution to make that important decision to step into the next chapter you are being called to begin.

You can follow Shadé on IG

You can follow T’keya on IG

Listen to "Be Vulnerable & Make A Powerful Decision With T’keya Marquez and Shadé Adu" on Spreaker.

If you'd like to learn more about T.H.E. Celebration Academy.  Here's 30 days of Free Membership.

Doulas & Advocacy for Black Maternal Health With Deej, Iman Seraaj, and Nicky Dawkins

“We need to have an honest conversation on Black Maternal Health and the disparities in healthcare that threaten Black Women’s lives.”

This is the core conversation that takes place on this week’s episode.

This week’s episode is a panel discussion, where I am joined by 3 professional doulas - Iman Seraaj, Nicky Dawkins, and Deej.

Iman Seraaj is a trained full-spectrum doula passionate about VBACs, breastfeeding, birthrights education, orgasmic birthing, postpartum and prenatal care. With over 12 years of doula and birth advocacy experience; she founded FullCircle Doula Services in 2014.

Nicky Dawkins is a holistic Full-Spectrum Doula and Feminine Health Coach. She is also the founder of Werk it Moms — a mom-driven, soon-to-be charity organization — that focuses on providing educational workshops, products, and a safe space for moms in need to connect. 

Deej is a mother of three little boys, a wife, doula, childbirth educator, and breastfeeding specialist. Deej also owns a brand that focuses on educating women on their birthrights and all things from pregnancy to postpartum called The Nurtured Baby. 

During this episode, we have an honest and real conversation on how Black women in the United States experience disproportionately high rates of death related to pregnancy or childbirth - irrespective of income or education level. 

Iman, Nicky, and Deej provide candid and professional insights into the cause of these health disparities and share solutions we can implement. 

They also provide questions, advice, and tactics Black Women can use when they are having to engage with a racist medical system and provider. 

We also have an open conversation on infertility, miscarriages, and loss. 

I highly encourage that everyone listens to this episode and to the important conversation that Iman, Nicky, and Deej shared with us. 

I am grateful to my guests for the energy, brilliance, and generosity that they brought to this week's episode. 

This is an issue that all of us must address.  

I hope you will listen to this episode and take action.

Here’s how you can connect with this week’s guest: 

Iman

Nicky

Deej

Listen to "Doulas & Advocacy for Black Maternal Health With Deej, Iman Seraaj, and Nicky Dawkins" on Spreaker.

If you'd like to learn more about T.H.E. Celebration Academy.  Here's 30 days of Free Membership.

Drag THINGING!, Belonging, and Honoring Your Anger With CYRO

Honor your anger. Honor your pain.

CYRO’s words resonated deeply with me – like a bell used to awaken your spirit.

This isn’t just an interview.

It’s an awakening. It’s a residence. It’s a healing.

I am so grateful that CYRO took the time to sit down and share their passionate and powerful wisdom with all of us.

Leah Kirby, also known as CYRO, creates theatre that incites change and incorporates non-western techniques in order to explore social, economic, and political issues through a non-traditional format. 

They are an activist, theatre maker, actor, writer and drag thing named CYRO. 

CYRO is a Queer, Non-Binary, DRAG THING! 

They bring strength, beauty and awareness to the stage with acts like 'Run Rabbit', exploring the struggles of gang induction and violence within black communities, and 'I am not your', a piece that delves into black masculinity within a non-binary body and shows the beauty it can exude by stripping back the facade. 

They use spoken word, movement, composition, Lip syncing and storytelling within their work to incite change through artistic calls to action.

I am telling you: this interview is everything you have been looking for in a THE Celebration episode.

Do yourself a favor. 

Hit play.

You can learn more about Cyro through their website, or you can follow them on Instagram @cyrodragthing

Listen to "Drag THINGING!, Belonging, and Honoring Your Anger With CYRO" on Spreaker.

If you'd like to learn more about T.H.E. Celebration Academy.  Here's 30 days of Free Membership.