Resilient Voices & Beyond

By: Michael D. Davis-Thomas Aka MDDTSpeaks
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  • Summary

  • Resilient Voices & Beyond is a podcast that amplifies the voices of those who were once silenced and aims to empower a new generation of foster care alum leaders. Through conversations with community partners, leaders, advocates, and activists, this podcast educates listeners on reforms, policies, and advocacy related to foster care, adoption, kinship, CCIs, JJ, and the child welfare system. The podcast challenges stigmas and labels surrounding these topics and creates a dialogue on reform and advocacy that is already happening or needs to happen. The core values of Resilient Voices & Beyond include empowerment, inclusivity, education, collaboration, authenticity, and innovation. The mission of the podcast is to create a platform for silenced voices to be heard and received, while the vision is to inspire and empower a new generation of leaders committed to making a positive change in the world.
    Michael D. Davis-Thomas/MDDTSpeaks
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Episodes
  • "You Only Live Once, But If You Do It Right, Once Is Enough"

    "You Only Live Once, But If You Do It Right, Once Is Enough"
    Dec 21 2024





    Episode Title: "You Only Live Once, But If You Do It Right, Once Is Enough"

    Season 3, Episode 37

    In this inspiring episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas sits down with the multifaceted Chianté Lymon-Hamilton, a trailblazer and advocate for justice and equity. As the Executive Director of the Society for History and Racial Equity (SHARE), Chianté shares her life’s journey of resilience, passion, and leadership.

    Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Chianté reflects on her upbringing in a single-parent household in a low-income community and how her educational experiences at Cass Tech and Western Michigan University shaped her commitment to justice. From her early days interning at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office to becoming a change agent and business owner, Chianté takes us through her transformative journey.

    Chianté opens up about the challenges of being a young leader, navigating imposter syndrome, and the mental toll of advocating for racial equity in today’s climate. Together, Michael and Chianté explore the importance of mentorship, fostering inclusivity, addressing systemic inequities, and prioritizing self-care as leaders.

    Listeners will gain valuable insights from Chianté’s expertise in addressing historical injustices and promoting racial equity through her work at SHARE. Learn about her innovative initiatives, like collecting oral histories, setting law enforcement standards, and building wellness programs for her team.

    This conversation is a powerful reminder that resilience, intentionality, and connection can create lasting change. Whether you’re an aspiring advocate, leader, or someone looking for inspiration, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom on living a life of purpose and impact.

    Ways to Connect with Chianté Lymon-Hamilton:
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • "Practice Makes Progress, Not Perfect"

    "Practice Makes Progress, Not Perfect"
    Dec 14 2024
    🎙️ Episode 36: Practice Makes Progress, Not Perfect
    🌟 Featuring Guest: Stephanie M.V. Popper
    🔗 Guest Professional Titles: Farm Social Worker | MSW Student | Foster Youth Advocate

    In this inspiring episode of the Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, Michael D. Davis-Thomas sits down with the dynamic and compassionate Stephanie M.V. Popper to explore the profound resilience required to turn life’s adversities into opportunities for growth. Stephanie shares her deeply personal journey, transitioning from a challenging childhood into becoming a powerful advocate and a future clinical social worker. Her work as the Community Program Coordinator at Allaire Community Farm highlights how unique, therapeutic environments—like those involving rescued animals—can foster healing and hope for at-risk youth, veterans with PTSD, and families battling cancer.

    Throughout their heartfelt conversation, Stephanie and Michael discuss pivotal themes, including:

    ✅ Overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing your true value
    ✅ The role of self-care and mental health in building resilience
    ✅ Breaking cycles of adversity through faith, community, and advocacy
    ✅ The therapeutic power of individualized support and positive reinforcement

    Stephanie also sheds light on her advocacy work shaping child welfare policies at both the state and federal levels, emphasizing the importance of incorporating lived experience into systemic reform. Michael reflects on his own journey, from homelessness to authoring the inspiring book "Resilient Faith", as well as his ongoing mission to uplift underserved communities. Together, they explore how progress—not perfection—fuels the path to resilience and empowerment.

    🔑 Key Highlights:

    • Stephanie’s experiences with EMDR therapy and the significance of allowing the body to process trauma
    • Michael’s practical tips on self-publishing and writing as a form of healing
    • The transformative impact of supportive communities in advocacy and personal growth
    • Actionable insights for finding small moments of peace and self-care in daily life

    🌟 Quote from the Episode: "Resilience isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up for yourself every day and trusting the process."

    📚 Ways to Connect with Stephanie:

    👉 LinkedIn
    👉 Social Media: Facebook, Instagram @stephaniepopper

    Listen Now: Be inspired by Stephanie and Michael as they share their hard-won wisdom and actionable advice for embracing progress over perfection.
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    52 mins
  • “More stories = more connection and more connection = more healing.- Dr. Liz”

    “More stories = more connection and more connection = more healing.- Dr. Liz”
    Dec 7 2024
    🎙️ Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast: Season 3, Episode 35

    Title: "More Stories = More Connection, and More Connection = More Healing"

    In this profound and heartfelt episode, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas dives into the transformative power of storytelling and resilience with the remarkable Dr. Liz DeBetta. Together, they explore the pivotal moments that have shaped their journeys of healing and advocacy.

    Dr. DeBetta, an adoptee and renowned author of Adult Adoptees & Writing to Heal: Migrating Toward Wholeness, shares her inspiring story of uncovering and confronting the trauma of maternal separation. Her breakthrough moment in 2015, when she began to write about her adoption experience, opened the door to profound healing and personal growth.

    The conversation delves into Dr. DeBetta's groundbreaking approach, Migrating Toward Wholeness©, a trauma-informed expressive writing process designed to help adoptees and others reconnect with their stories and find healing. She discusses the impact of her award-winning solo show, Un-M-Othered: A Story of Adoption & Patriarchy, and how it fosters connection and validation for adoptees and their loved ones.

    Michael and Dr. DeBetta emphasize the importance of community and connection in overcoming isolation and healing from trauma. Through writing, storytelling, and shared experiences, they explore how telling our stories can lead to deeper connections and lasting transformation.

    Key Topics Discussed:
    • The healing power of writing and storytelling
    • The seven parts of trauma healing within Migrating Toward Wholeness©
    • Overcoming isolation through community and connection
    • The universal application of expressive writing for healing
    • Balancing personal storytelling with helping others
    Guest Bio:

    Dr. Liz DeBetta is a writer, performer, and trauma-informed coach who has dedicated her life to helping others heal through expressive writing. She is the creator of Migrating Toward Wholeness© and the author of Adult Adoptees & Writing to Heal. Dr. DeBetta is a member of Actor's Equity, SAG-AFTRA, and serves as an Affiliate Faculty member at the University of Michigan's Institute for Research on Women and Gender.

    Connect with Dr. Liz DeBetta:

    🌐 Website: lizdebetta.com
    📘 Book: Adult Adoptees & Writing to Heal: Migrating Toward Wholeness
    📱 Facebook: @Dr.LizDeBetta
    📸 Instagram: @dr.liz.debetta
    💼 LinkedIn: Dr. Liz DeBetta

    Takeaways for Listeners:
    • The power of storytelling in fostering connection and healing
    • Practical writing prompts to explore your own story
    • Resources and community for those feeling isolated or struggling with their journey
    Join us for this empowering episode as we celebrate resilience, connection, and the journey toward wholeness.
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    1 hr and 11 mins

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