Guest: Kristal DeSantis Title: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Role: Author of STRONG: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man About the Guest: Kristal DeSantis is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Austin, Texas, celebrated for her expertise in relationships, trauma work, and sex therapy. Her book, STRONG: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man, provides practical insights and guidance for navigating contemporary relationships. Through her work, Kristal emphasizes the significance of understanding modern dating dynamics and promotes the empowerment of men in developing meaningful connections. Episode Highlights: In this episode, Kristal DeSantis dives deep into the complexities of dating in today’s world, the motivation behind her book, and why men need practical relationship guidance. She provides valuable dating advice and shares strategies for maintaining intimacy and safety in relationships, along with key advice for marriages. The conversation also touches on the importance of navigating the digital dating landscape and the balance between love and family values. Timestamps: Intro: 0:00-01:32 Kristal's Book Motivation: 01:33-07:19 Men Are Not Mind Readers: 07:20-08:58 Biggest Challenges in Modern Dating: 08:59-14:43 Navigating Dating in a Digital Age: 14:44-16:43 Is It Love Over Family Values?: 16:44-18:49 Maintaining Intimacy in a Relationship: 18:50-24:03 Creating Safety in a Relationship: 24:04-26:53 Kristal's Future Plans: 26:54-28:32 Kristal's Advice for Marriages: 28:33-31:52 BYOK Signature Question: 31:53-32:26 Contacting Kristal: 32:27-32:49 Outro: 32:50-34:14 Contact Information: Website: strong.love Instagram: @atxtherapist Visit ALL things BYOK: linktr.ee/be_yourownkind BetterHelp Offer: Get 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help: betterhelp.com/byok #sponsored Be Our Guest: Want to be featured on the BYOK podcast? Fill out our guest form: form.typeform.com/to/fDQsNEd3 Shop Custom Designs: Explore CBS3 Designs: etsy.com/shop/CBS3Designs Get a 20% Discount on Black Girl Vitamins: https://blackgirlvitamins.co/?snowball=BYOK24&utm_source=snowball&utm_medium=youtube-first-cohort-campaign&utm_campaign=BYOK24

Guest: Natalie Bedard (NatNat) Title: Energy Healing Specialist Role: Founder of Lift OneSelf, Host of Lift Oneself Podcast About the Guest: NatNat, also known as Natalie Bedard, is an Energy Healing Specialist dedicated to guiding others on their path to emotional well-being and self-discovery. As the founder of Lift OneSelf and host of the Lift Oneself podcast, NatNat has been transforming lives since 2019 by offering tools to regulate the nervous system, relieve emotional pain, and turn anxiety into empowerment. Her trauma-informed approach encourages individuals to embrace their fullest potential through small, actionable steps. Episode Highlights: In this episode, NatNat shares her insights on the importance of safety, meditation, and the power of acknowledging and basking in your feelings. She discusses her journey in energy healing, the concept of creating safe spaces, and the impact of understanding and embracing one's emotions. Timestamps: 00:00-09:20 – Understanding Energy 09:21-14:01 – Protecting Energy 14:02-19:27 – Origin of People Pleasing 19:28-20:25 – Separation from Intuition 20:26-26:18 – Conquering People Pleasing 26:19-29:19 – What is LiftOneSelf? 29:20-32:32 – Definition of a Safe Space 32:33-34:56 – Processing Your Sh*t 34:57-39:28 – Escaping Judgment 39:29-43:56 – Approaching Inner Child 43:57-49:13 – Feeling Authentic Emotions 49:14-52:22 – Purpose of Meditation 52:23-55:06 – Healing Requires Play 55:07-1:00:21 – Natalie's Meditation Origin 1:00:22-1:04:29 – Shifting Perspectives 1:04:30-1:06:31 – Life is Not Linear 1:06:32-1:07:07 – Uncomfortableness of People Pleasing 1:07:08-1:09:23 – Contacting Natalie 1:10:23-1:11:41 – BYOK Signature Question 1:11:42-1:12:54 – Getting Rid of the "All or Nothing" Mindset 1:12:45-1:15:13 – Outro Contact Information: Website: liftoneself.com Instagram: @Liftoneself Visit ALL things BYOK: linktr.ee/be_yourownkind BetterHelp Offer: Get 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help: betterhelp.com/byok #sponsored Be Our Guest: Want to be featured on the BYOK podcast? Fill out our guest form: form.typeform.com/to/fDQsNEd3 Shop Custom Designs: Explore CBS3 Designs: etsy.com/shop/CBS3Designs Get a 20% Discount on Black Girl Vitamins: https://blackgirlvitamins.co/?snowball=BYOK24&utm_source=snowball&utm_medium=youtube-first-cohort-campaign&utm_campaign=BYOK24

Guest: Nina Manolson Title: Body-Peace® Coach Role: Therapist, Body-Trust® Guide, Psychology of Eating Teacher About the Guest: Nina Manolson is a Body-Peace® coach dedicated to helping women end the struggle with food and body image. With over 30 years of experience, she supports women in feeling at home in their bodies and advocates for a deeply feminist, anti-diet approach to body peace. Her work empowers women to create a trusting and respectful relationship with their bodies and food. Episode Highlights: In this episode, Nina Manolson shares how her journey led her to the concept of "Body Peace." We discuss the impact of societal standards on body image, the limitations of the body positivity movement, and the importance of self-acceptance. Nina offers insights into navigating past traumas, holiday eating, and how her Body-Peace App can help women embrace their bodies as they are. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 02:24 – Relationship with the Body 06:17 – Affects of Body Positivity Movement 09:14 – What is Body-Peace? 15:00 – Fighting the Body War 18:28 – Body Peace App 22:40 – Tapping into All of Us 28:48 – Holiday Eating 35:46 – Nina's Personal Story 41:57 – Creating a New Perspective 43:03 – Navigating through Past Traumas 44:16 – Walking into the Body Peace Path 46:43 – Contacting Nina 48:43 – BYOK Signature Question 49:25 – Outro Contact Information: Website: ninamanolson.com Instagram: @ninamanolson

Follow Nina to learn more about her Body-Peace® approach and gain valuable insights into developing a positive relationship with your body. Visit ALL things BYOK: linktr.ee/be_yourownkind BetterHelp Offer: Get 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help: betterhelp.com/byok #sponsored Be Our Guest: Want to be featured on the BYOK podcast? Fill out our guest form: form.typeform.com/to/fDQsNEd3 Shop Custom Designs: Explore CBS3 Designs: etsy.com/shop/CBS3Designs Get a 20% Discount on Black Girl Vitamins: https://blackgirlvitamins.co/?snowball=BYOK24&utm_source=snowball&utm_medium=youtube-first-cohort-campaign&utm_campaign=BYOK24

Guest: Keila Strong
Title: Visual Artist
Role: Painter and Mosaic Artist

About the Guest:
Keila Strong is a visual artist from Chicago, IL, who tells beautiful stories through her paintings and unconventional mosaics. Her work celebrates the stories and traditions of Black culture, drawing inspiration from the fashion and cosmetology industries. Keila's art is known for being innovative, jubilant, and hopeful, portraying the vibrancy and richness of Black experiences.

Episode Highlights:
In this episode, Keila Strong shares how she found her artistic voice and the journey that shaped her unique perspective. We explore the significance of Black hair in her artwork, including how she uses hair as a medium to reflect identity and culture. Keila also discusses the importance of having a strong support system in her career, emerging art trends related to Black hair, and her future plans in the art world.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
02:19 – Documenting the Good Ole Days
04:43 – Keila’s Artistic Journey
08:43 – Renita’s Fixation on Bubble, Bubble Gum Artwork
10:58 – The Importance of Support
12:40 – Keila’s Muses
14:41 – Influences of Black Hair
19:05 – Hair as a Sense of Identity for Black Women
24:29 – Emerging Art Trends
26:08 – Future Plans
28:46 – Keila’s Contact Information
30:16 – Outro

Contact Information:
Instagram: @keilastrongart
Website: www.keilastrongart.com (adjust if needed)
Email: info@keilastrongart.com

Follow Keila Strong to explore more of her breathtaking art and stay updated on her latest projects!

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Go to BetterHelp for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored: https://betterhelp.com/byok

Be Our Guest: https://form.typeform.com/to/fDQsNEd3?typeform-source=www.beyourownkind.com

Check out the platform: https://linktr.ee/be_yourownkind

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Guest: Jeff Patterson
Title: Founder of Northwest Fighting Arts, Portland Tai Chi Academy, and The Yielding Warrior
Role: Meditation and Martial Arts Expert

About the Guest:
Jeff Patterson, based in Portland, OR, has over 36 years of experience practicing and teaching meditative and martial arts. As the founder of Northwest Fighting Arts, Portland Tai Chi Academy, and The Yielding Warrior, Jeff emphasizes the transformative power of meditation and martial arts practices, with a focus on the concept of yielding. His work centers on helping individuals master mindfulness, balance, and energy regulation through his signature Yielding Warrior program.

Episode Highlights:
In this episode, Jeff Patterson discusses the profound importance of yielding in all aspects of life—body, mind, emotions, breath, and spirit. He introduces the five pillars of meditative practice and explains the concept of understanding the language of energy. Jeff also touches on the necessity of having a meditation guide, the misconceptions about meditation, and the dangers of relying too much on meditation apps.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 02:00 - Jeff’s Transition to Meditation
• 05:04 - Five Pillars of Meditation
• 08:07 - Yielding Warrior Program
• 11:23 - Importance of a Meditation Guide
• 13:04 - Meditation Doesn’t Eliminate Distractions
• 15:08 - Five Regulations in a Meditative Practice: Body Regulation
• 16:47 - Regulating the Breath
• 19:07 - Regulating the Mind
• 21:00 - Regulating Energy
• 27:37 - Regulating the Spirit
• 28:59 - The Caution of Meditation Apps
• 31:15 - Yielding Warrior Book
• 33:18 - Mental Yielding
• 34:15 - Emotional Yielding
• 36:15 - The Language of Energy
• 36:55 - Connecting with Jeff
• 38:02 - BYOK Signature Question
• 38:42 - Outro

Contact Information:
Contact Information: Website: www.theyieldingwarrior.com Instagram: @theyieldingwarrior Email: Jeff@theyieldingwarrior.com

Follow Jeff Patterson to stay updated on his meditative and martial arts programs, and to explore his book The Yielding Warrior.

Visit ALL things BYOK: https://linktr.ee/be_yourownkind

Go to BetterHelp for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored https://betterhelp.com/byok

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Guest: Chassidy Mickale Title: Owner of Your Image Matters Role: Glam & Beauty Expert About the Guest: Chassidy Mickale is an industry-leading expert with over 10 years of experience in hair, makeup, and styling. As the owner of Your Image Matters, Chassidy aims to empower women to boldly and confidently embrace their image. She is more than just a stylist—her work reflects a blend of everyday looks and high fashion. Her passion for glam and beauty drives her commitment to helping others embrace their individuality. Chassidy’s motto, “Glam is my Jam,” perfectly encapsulates her approach to her work and life. Episode Highlights: In this episode, we discuss the importance of staying ready and how having a system tailored to success can make all the difference. Chassidy shares her career journey, the challenges she faced during the pandemic, and the routines she created to continue growing in her business. We also dive into how staying prepared impacted her success and the steps anyone can take to "stay ready" in their personal and professional lives. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 02:16 Image Matters 08:43 Chassidy’s Inspiration Behind Her Business 15:31 Adjusting During the Pandemic 16:35 Creating Routines While Pivoting 20:37 Expecting the Shift 27:58 What Does Stay Ready Mean? 34:36 How Does One Get Ready? 41:36 Packing Genius 44:25 Creating a System 47:45 Future Plans 50:17 BYOK Signature Question 51:12 How to Find Chassidy 51:48 Outro Contact Information: Website: https://www.chassidymickale.com Instagram: @ChassidyMickale Email: yourimagematterstoo@gmail.com Follow Chassidy to stay updated on her latest projects and glam inspiration! Visit ALL things BYOK: https://linktr.ee/be_yourownkind Go to BetterHelp for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored https://betterhelp.com/byok Be Our Guest: https://form.typeform.com/to/fDQsNEd3?typeform-source=www.beyourownkind.com Check out the platform: https://linktr.ee/be_yourownkind Shop Custom Designs at CBS3 Designs: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CBS3Designs?ref=search_shop_redirect Get a Discount on Black Girl Vitamins: https://blackgirlvitamins.co/?snowball=BYOK24&utm_source=snowball&utm_medium=youtube-first-cohort-campaign&utm_campaign=BYOK24

Guest: Karlynn Benn Title: Creator of Love is a Verb Role: Liberation Strategist & Psychotherapist About the Guest: Karlynn Benn is the creator of Love is a Verb, an 8-session coaching protocol designed to shift both the conscious and subconscious mind. With over 15 years of experience, she is a Liberation Strategist and Psychotherapist who focuses on guiding women from a place of feeling "not enough" to embracing authentic freedom and self-love. Her motto, “Love is the Verb. I am the subject,” encapsulates her approach to helping others achieve personal transformation. Episode Highlights: In this episode, we explore the journey from self-doubt to self-love, focusing on self-compassion along the way. Karlynn shares insights from her experiences of overcoming self-hatred and explains how her coaching combines compassionate guidance with practical strategies to help clients silence their inner critics. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 0:32 – Getting to know Karlynn Benn 04:04 – Karlynn’s Transition into her Purpose 11:38 – People Pleasing Anonymous 14:40 – Origin of “Love is the Verb” 16:26 – What is a Liberation Strategist? 19:49 – Where to Begin on the Self-Love Journey? 27:21 – Roadmap to Self-Love 36:20 – Karlynn’s Future Plans 38:36 – BYOK Signature Question 40:56 – Outro 41:46 – Where to Contact Karlynn 42:10 – Outro 2

Contact Information: Website: loveistheverb.com TikTok: @loveistheverb Email: hello@loveistheverb.com Be sure to follow Karlynn to stay updated on all her upcoming projects and insights!

Grammy Award-Winning Chrisette Michele was once regarded as the Neo-soul princess until she decided to participate in the 2017 presidential inauguration. During this time, she endured a miscarriage, her label dropping her, and a lot of missed opportunities. Present-day Black celebrities who are actual supporters of Trump are not suffering as much as Chrisette Michele. Was she made the example back then? Did she deserve the treatment she was given? Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:17 Was Travis Greene Affected? 04:17 Detriment of Social Media Opinions 05:38 Chrisette's Reason for Participating 07:01 Potential Performers of the 2017 Inauguration 10:09 Chrisette's Hardships & Losses 18:48 Tale of Solomon Burke 22:01 Chrisette Expresses Regret 24:23 Present-Day Trump Supporters 30:53 Chrisette Realizes Celebrity Responsibility 32:40 Chrisette's Redemption 35:48 Two Cents Outro Go to BetterHelp for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored https://betterhelp.com/byok Check us out : Be Our Guest: https://renitaquirls.typeform.com/to/fDQsNEd3 Check out the platform: https://linktr.ee/be_yourownkind Shop Custom Designs at CBS3 Designs: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CBS3Designs?ref=search_shop_redirect