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“Doing the inner work,” has become a popular phrase, but what does it mean? In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, Dr. Liam Johnson explains that a big part of “the work,” is self-reflection, shadow-work, journaling, and setting boundaries for personal growth. Dr. Liam discusses his journey and transition experience, highlighting the challenges he faced. He also describes his work with marginalized groups, particularly focusing on trans and non-binary individuals. And, he emphasizes the importance of specialized healthcare for the trans community, noting the lack of information in medical journals.

We talk:
How the name Liam chose him - 5:32
The internal work that you should focus on - 14:27
Setting boundaries with your family - 23:06
Disassociating with your body - 31:26
HIV prevention and advocacy work - 48:04

Episode References:
Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself (book by Melody Beattie)

Read more about Dr. Liam in his bio below:
Dr. Liam Johnson (He/Him) is a Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Research Scientist specializing in epidemiology, with a focus on special population diseases. As a Level 5 Master Trainer, he is dedicated to improving communal health in the African American and LGBTQ communities.

Dr. Liam focuses his scope of work on special population diseases, developing tailored interventions that enhance health outcomes for marginalized communities, like African American and LGBTQ populations." This approach demonstrates his diverse level of expertise and dedication to improving health equity for his communities through academically justified research.

With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Liam combines his passions for research and helping others, creating educational prototypes for marginalized groups and developing life plans for patients. His work is driven by the joy of facilitating understanding and empowerment, leaving behind tangible knowledge. Recognized as one of the Best in Texas in Clinical Physiology, Dr. Liam continues to strive for excellence in all his endeavors.

Link to Shadow Work Journal for Black Men: A Guided Mental Health Journal for Healing, Self-Discovery, Growth & Self-Awareness With Prompts to Work Through...Manifestation & Spirituality for Black Men

• TikTok: @affordably.affirmed1; @affirmedworkouts; @affirmednutrition
• IG: _affordably.affirmed_; _drliam.phys_specialist
• FB: Hellome R&R; Liam Johnson (no shirt)
• LinkedIn: Dr. Liam Johnson PhD., EdD., Doc.Sci.
• YOUTUBE: @AffordablyAffirmed

Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here!

Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

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If you are wondering how to be a better ally to trans men of color then this one's for you! In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, I sit down with Nasir Young. Nasir shares his experience of transitioning at work, including the challenges of changing his name and navigating workplace dynamics. He emphasizes the importance of allyship and authentic support from colleagues. He also discusses the emotional impact of transitioning, including moments of missing his former identity.

We talk:
The meaning of “Nasir” - 5:57
His transition journey - 12:28
Seeing the queer community expand - 21:28
Allyship in the workplace - 35:51
Missing former identities - 48:54

Episode References:
Ep. 7 - Transitioning at Work

Read more about Nasir in his bio below:
Nasir Young is a dedicated leader committed to driving economic growth in underserved communities. Originally from Washington, D.C., and now based in New York City, Nasir has a strong passion for advocating social inclusivity and economic justice. His work focuses on creating opportunities and fostering development in areas that need it most, embodying a deep commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nasiry
• IG: @thedcmatic

Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here!

Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

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What is family? Is it the people related to you by blood or by love? In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, we question the idea of “family,” and what it really means. Today I sit down with Joël Simeu, a writer and poet from Cameroon now residing in New York, who is pursuing his PhD at Cornell University. Joel discusses his journey of self-discovery, transitioning to his chosen name Joel, and the challenges of “coming out” to a traditional Cameroonian family. He emphasizes the importance of self-love, gratitude, and community support. Joel also reflects on the impact of religious teachings and cultural expectations on his identity. Despite facing rejection from his family, he finds solace in friends and the freedom of living authentically.

We talk:
Joël’s transition journey - 8:11
His “traditional” upbringing - 19:51
“Coming out” to his family - 29:53
Questioning what family actually is - 37:57
Advice for listeners - 46:16

Click here for transcription!

Episode References:
Dem Bois Pod Ep. 3 - Surviving homelessness

Read more about Joël in his bio below:
Joël is a writer from Douala, Cameroon, currently based in Ithaca, NY, where he is completing his English PhD at Cornell University. His writing is grounded in a poetics of Black & queer futurity. Joël believes in the pursuit of liberation, justice, freedom, and love for all oppressed people. He enjoys going on walks and listening to jazz music. He’s an aspiring saxophonist and loves his friends.

• https://www.instagram.com/jojosim27

Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here!

Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!