Advertise on podcast: The Be Well Beautiful People Podcast

Be Well Beautiful People podcast, the show that inspires you to live your best joy filled life by centering healing and liberation above all. This episode features Amanda Sweet, The Creative Fairy Godmother, who is a global speaker, community leader, and event activist dedicated to helping people make friends, get fly, and save the world through community. She is also the founder of The ReVamp, a sustainable fashion initiative that transforms clothing swaps into joyful, community driven events supporting shelters across Detroit, with more than 51,000 lbs of clothing shared to date. Amanda also supports entrepreneurs and creatives through her work at Bamboo Royal Oak and hosts The Let’s Glow Show, spotlighting creative leaders and their stories. The conversation explores how self love transforms not only ourselves, but our creativity and our relationships. Major episode themes include embracing change, trusting your inner guidance, and living authentically to unlock joy, purpose, and impact. In this episode we explore: How courage, devotion, and deliberate action brought Amanda's vision to lifeImpermanence as a path to living with easeTaking action through fear while trusting and relishing in the processHow love, play, and community nourish your creative pursuitsStepping fully into your authentic identityAnd so much more!Resources: How to Be Alone Poem by Andrea Dorfman Connect with Amanda Sweet: Website: amandasweetlive.com | therevamp.org Facebook: Amanda Sweet Linkedin: Amanda SweetInstagram: amandasweetlive | revampswapfest For more resources, visit ⁠⁠⁠www.bewellbeautifulpeople.org⁠⁠⁠ or to schedule a free consultation, reach us through . You can also subscribe to our mailing list to receive weekly inspirational content, exclusive offerings, and updates to be the first to know. To support us and the work we do, please follow us on social media at @bewellbeautifulpeople on all platforms or via here. You can also donate through to support our healing & liberation programming at Be Well Beautiful People.

Be Well Beautiful People podcast, the show that inspires you to live your best joy filled life by centering healing and liberation above all.This episode features Kevin McNeil, speaker, author, survivor, and founder of The Twe12ve Project, Inc., who spent 20 years in law enforcement, including 12 in the Special Victims Unit. Kevin reflects on how witnessing trauma in others helped him confront his own. The conversation centers on healing after abuse, the emotional cost of silence, and the power of expression, especially for men. He speaks to the courage it takes to stop running, the need for emotionally honest spaces, and how surrender and storytelling saved his life and others. In this episode, they talked about: Reflections on his 20-year law enforcement career and what led him to work with survivors of trauma and abuseSpeaking the truth about your pain, even when shame or fear says otherwiseThe importance of embracing emotional honesty, vulnerability, and the sacred work of healingThe meaning behind The Twe12ve Project and his advice for others still avoiding their healing processConnect with Kevin McNeil: Website: ⁠www.thetwelveproject.org | www.kevindmcneil.com Facebook: ⁠The Twelve Project   Linkedin: ⁠Kevin McNeil Instagram: ⁠@kevin_mcneil_ Kevin McNeil Books: Caring For A Change: Why Talking About Abuse Is Not EnoughSitting with Our Trauma: Discovering God in Our Pain (The Traumatic God)Forgiving Trauma: How to Fix Our Mad World For more resources, visit ⁠⁠⁠www.bewellbeautifulpeople.org⁠⁠⁠ or to schedule a free consultation, reach us through ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. You can also subscribe to our mailing list ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ to receive weekly inspirational content, exclusive offerings, and updates to be the first to know. To support us and the work we do, please follow us on social media at @bewellbeautifulpeople on all platforms or via here. You can also donate through ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ to support our healing & liberation programming at Be Well Beautiful People.

In this episode, Demarra West speaks with Dr. Mays Imad, neuroscientist, educator, and founder of the Trauma-Informed Growth Institute. They discuss how the nervous system responds to adversity, heals through connection, and why co-regulation is key to collective healing and liberation. Together, they explore sanctuary as a way of being, the role of relationships in repair, and how healing begins when we return to the heart. What you'll hear in this episode: The science of how the nervous system regulates and heals through connectionCo-regulation as a collective practice for healing and liberationThe intersection of biology, justice, and systemic repairSanctuary as a way of being and a foundation for transformationHow relationships and reflection restore balance to the nervous systemWhy returning to the heart is the starting point for true liberation

Be Well Beautiful People podcast, the show that inspires you to live your best joy filled life by centering healing and liberation above all. In this episode, Demarra West is joined by Reggie Hubbard, a stroke survivor, an internationally recognized yoga and meditation teacher, political strategist, and founder of Active Peace Yoga LLC. This conversation sheds light on what happens when life breaks you open and you choose to rise through healing practice. After surviving a stroke, Reggie turned to yoga, meditation, and sound healing not just to recover, but to fully surrender to all life had to offer him. At the heart of this episode is the truth that Reggie shares how unprocessed grief almost cost him everything, how practice carried him through the darkest moments, and how that healing became a pathway to abundant flow, In this episode, you’ll hear about: How Reggie’s stroke became a sacred disruption that awakened him deeper into his purposeWhy surrender makes full space for transformationThe importance of honoring the grief journeyHow personal healing fuels meaningful advocacy and community impactWhat it means to lead from a place of wholeness and truth Connect with Reggie Hubbard: Website: www.activepeaceyoga.com Facebook: Reggie Hubbard Linkedin: Reginald Hubbard Instagram: @oreggieglobal | @activepeaceyoga For more resources, visit ⁠⁠www.bewellbeautifulpeople.org⁠⁠ or to schedule a free consultation, reach us through ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. You can also subscribe to our mailing list ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ to receive weekly inspirational content, exclusive offerings, and updates to be the first to know. To support us and the work that we do, please follow us on social media at @bewellbeautifulpeople on all platforms or through ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. You can also donate through ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ to support our healing & liberation programming at Be Well Beautiful People.

Be Well Beautiful People podcast, the show that inspires you to live your best joy filled life by centering healing and liberation above all.  In this powerful super extended episode, Demarra West is joined by Carol Adams, a survivor, retired officer, and advocate who has spent decades transforming the system from the inside out. Carol shares her deeply personal story of loss and resilience, and how her lived experience has shaped everything she does to fight for survivors. Throughout this raw and honest conversation, she reminds us that real change begins with us. In this episode they talk about: Carol’s path from personal loss to public serviceHow her trauma shaped the way she approaches justiceWhy real healing takes more than leaving an unsafe homeThe role generational trauma plays in Black and brown communitiesAdvice for survivors who want to speak up and move toward healing Connect with Carol Adams: Website: thecaroladamsfoundation.org Linkedin: Carol Adams For more resources, visit ⁠www.bewellbeautifulpeople.org⁠ or to schedule a free consultation, reach us through ⁠here⁠. You can also subscribe to our mailing list ⁠here⁠ to receive weekly inspirational content, exclusive offerings, and updates to be the first to know. To support us and the work that we do, please follow us on social media at @bewellbeautifulpeople on all platforms or through ⁠here⁠. You can also donate through ⁠here⁠ to support our healing & liberation programming at Be Well Beautiful People.

This Father’s Day, Be Well Beautiful People presents a moving conversation about what it really means to be strong from the inside out. In this special episode, host Demarra West sits down with Coach Greg Wallace, veteran fitness educator and founder of IATO Fitness, whose faith-centered approach invites us to see our bodies not as something to fix but as something sacred and worth caring for. Coach Wallace is also the personal trainer who walked alongside Demarra at the very start of her own transformation. After nearly 20 years of struggling with her health, she released more than 40 pounds, a journey not just about weight loss, but about healing, self-love, and learning to honor her body in a whole new way. Together, they explore how strength, when rooted in intention, care, and faith, can lead to liberation and wholeness. What you'll hear in this episode: Coach Wallace’s faith-rooted approach to fitnessHow trauma and stress show up in the bodyHonoring the body as part of healingSpiritual reconnection through intentional movementLetting go of grind culture in wellnessReclaiming your body with small, consistent steps This episode is for anyone learning to reconnect with their body with grace, faith, and the belief that healing is always possible.Connect with Coach Greg Wallace MS: Website: ⁠https://iatofitness.com Facebook: IATO Fitness Instagram: ⁠@iatofitness Linkedin: ⁠Greg Wallace For more resources, visit www.bewellbeautifulpeople.org or to schedule a free consultation, reach us through here. You can also subscribe to our mailing list here to receive weekly inspirational content, exclusive offerings, and updates to be the first to know. To support us and the work that we do, please follow us on social media at @bewellbeautifulpeople on all platforms. You can also donate through at www.bewellbeautifulpeople.org to support our healing & liberation programming at Be Well Beautiful People.

Be Well Beautiful People podcast, the show that inspires you to live your best joy filled life by centering healing and liberation above all.  For this special Black History Month episode, Demarra West sits down with Kukuwa, aka Mama Kuks,—an African dance icon, global wellness leader, and cultural ambassador—to explore the power of movement as a tool for healing, liberation, and cultural connection. Born and raised in Ghana, Kukuwa has dedicated her life to preserving and sharing the power of African dance as a tool for healing and vitality. As the founder of Kukuwa® Fitness, Africa With Us Travel, and the Africa With Us Foundation, she has built a global movement that empowers people to embrace joy, wellness, and cultural connection. From training First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House to being recognized by Oprah, her impact is undeniable, inspiring people worldwide to move with purpose and reconnect with the motherland. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: 3:27 The role of dance in healing and transformation 9:57 Her winding pathway to becoming a professional dancer  14:01 Building a global fitness & travel brand rooted in African culture 22:23 African healing practices the world overlooks 33:39 From Oprah to Michelle Obama—How Kukuwa’s work gained global recognition 41:52 Why African indigenous practices are essential for our healing & liberation Connect with Kukuwa: Website: Kukuwa Fitness | Africa With Us | Africa With Us Foundation Facebook: Kukuwa Fitness | Africa with Us - An Authentic African Experience | Africa with Us Foundation Instagram: @kukuwafitness | @africawithus | africawithusfoundation Linkedin: Kukuwa For more resources, visit www.bewellbeautifulpeople.org or to schedule a free consultation, reach us through here. You can also subscribe to our mailing list here to receive weekly inspirational content, exclusive offerings, and updates to be the first to know. To support us and the work that we do, please follow us on social media at @bewellbeautifulpeople on all platforms or through here. You can also donate through here to support our healing & liberation programming at Be Well Beautiful People.

The Alchemizing Trauma for Community Impact series highlights nine inspiring stories of Detroit leaders who have transformed individual and community trauma into transformative work in Detroit and beyond. In our final episode of the Alchemizing Trauma for Community Impact series, Demarra West sits down with James “Screal” Eberheart Jr. As the founder of Motivating Inner New Dreams Screal has spent years empowering marginalized communities through entrepreneurship, mentorship, and mental wellness advocacy.In this powerful conversation, we explore how James has worked to address systemic inequities and promote healing individual and collective healing. What You’ll Hear in This Episode:4:16 – Entrepreneurship as a pathway to healing and empowerment15:04 – James journey of acquiring knowledge for personal growth and business success.34:10 – How James’ own healing journey shaped his approach to destigmatizing mental health.49:45 – Financial empowerment as a source of healing.1:06:45 – Words of inspiration for those facing financial challenges and looking to build sustainable wealth for themselves, their families, and their communities. Connect with James Screal Eberheart Jr.: Website: motivatinginnernewdreams.org Instagram: @screal__ Linkedin: James "Screal" Eberheart Jr. To get Demarra’s book, click the link ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ to get a 25% discount on her book or to learn more and get a free chapter click ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. For more resources, visit ⁠⁠⁠www.bewellbeautifulpeople.org⁠⁠⁠ or to schedule a free consultation, reach us through ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. You can also subscribe to our mailing list ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ to receive weekly inspirational content, exclusive offerings, and updates to be the first to know. To support us and the work that we do, please follow us on social media at @bewellbeautifulpeople on all platforms or through ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. You can also donate through ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ to support our healing & liberation programming at Be Well Beautiful People.  This Podcast Series is Sponsored By ⁠⁠⁠The Love Building⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠HNB Building Services⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠The Lip Bar⁠⁠⁠.

The Alchemizing Trauma for Community Impact series highlights nine inspiring stories of Detroit leaders who have transformed individual and community trauma into transformative work in Detroit and beyond. In this episode, Demarra West has a heartfelt conversation with Katrina Stewart, author of Through Trauma to Grace, as she shares her incredible journey through generational trauma, abuse, and alcoholism. Today, Katrina is dedicated to mentoring over 300 women, helping them create lives of purpose, joy, and financial independence. What You’ll Hear in This Episode:2:31 – What it means to move from trauma to grace, and how that transformation shaped Katrina's life.8:24 – The impact of mentoring over 300 women and the inspiring story of her first mentee’s transformation.24:36 – The healing practices Katrina encourages her mentees to adopt, and how these simple practices have made a huge difference.36:58 – How mentoring has been a healing tool for Katrina and how it’s helped reverse the damage of trauma.44:04 – Katrina’s advice for anyone wanting to turn their own trauma into a force for positive change in their community. Connect with Katrina Stewart: Website: katrina-stewart.com Instagram: mrstrina99 Linkedin: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Katrina Stewart Facebook: Katrina Stewart To get Demarra’s book, click the link ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ to get a 25% discount on her book or to learn more and get a free chapter click ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. For more resources, visit ⁠⁠www.bewellbeautifulpeople.org⁠⁠ or to schedule a free consultation, reach us through ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. You can also subscribe to our mailing list ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ to receive weekly inspirational content, exclusive offerings, and updates to be the first to know. To support us and the work that we do, please follow us on social media at @bewellbeautifulpeople on all platforms or through ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. You can also donate through ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ to support our healing & liberation programming at Be Well Beautiful People.  This Podcast Series is Sponsored By ⁠⁠The Love Building⁠⁠, ⁠⁠HNB Building Services⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠The Lip Bar⁠⁠.

The Alchemizing Trauma for Community Impact series highlights nine inspiring stories of Detroit leaders who have transformed individual and community trauma into transformative work in Detroit and beyond. In this episode, Demarra West chats with brilliant Keesha V. Johnson MDes., an award-winning human-centered-systems designer. Keesha is dedicated to advancing equity in Michigan’s food systems through policy advocacy and community-driven design, combining African and Indigenous methodologies for healing and transformation. Dive into how equitable food systems can help heal trauma, empower communities, and address systemic inequities in food access. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: - Keesha’s journey into human-centered design and how it addresses historical trauma. - The role of policy change in empowering communities of color. - The importance of African and Indigenous methodologies in food systems. - Inspiring steps for healing and community transformation. Connect with Keesha V. Johnson MDes: Website: ⁠https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/keesa-johnson Linkedin: ⁠Keesha V. Johnson MDes To get Demarra’s book, click the link ⁠here⁠ to get a 25% discount on her book or to learn more and get a free chapter click ⁠here⁠. For more resources, visit ⁠www.bewellbeautifulpeople.org⁠ or to schedule a free consultation, reach us through ⁠here⁠. You can also subscribe to our mailing list ⁠here⁠ to receive weekly inspirational content, exclusive offerings, and updates to be the first to know. To support us and the work that we do, please follow us on social media at @bewellbeautifulpeople on all platforms or through ⁠here⁠. You can also donate through ⁠here⁠ to support our healing & liberation programming at Be Well Beautiful People.  This Podcast Series is Sponsored By ⁠The Love Building⁠, ⁠HNB Building Services⁠ and ⁠The Lip Bar⁠.

The Alchemizing Trauma for Community Impact series highlights nine inspiring stories of Detroit leaders who have transformed individual and community trauma into transformative work in Detroit and beyond. The series continues with our host Demarra West's powerful conversation featuring Kwaku Osei, Executive Director of The LOVE Building. In this conversation, he shares the personal challenges that shaped his mission, the myriad of ways he’s failed forward, and the transformative work happening through The LOVE Building. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: 2:35 - Kwaku’s journey to becoming an "economic freedom fighter". 29:16 - The impact of The LOVE Building and how it’s driving community transformation. 38:34 - The importance of nurturing “health, wealth, and love” and how these principles are essential for Detroit’s healing and growth. Connect with Kwaku Osei: Website: thelovebuilding.org Instagram: @kwakuosei44 Linkedin: Kwaku Osei To get Demarra’s book, click the link here to get a 25% discount on her book or to learn more and get a free chapter click here. For more resources, visit www.bewellbeautifulpeople.org or to schedule a free consultation, reach us through here. You can also subscribe to our mailing list here to receive weekly inspirational content, exclusive offerings, and updates to be the first to know. To support us and the work that we do, please follow us on social media at @bewellbeautifulpeople on all platforms or through here. You can also donate through here to support our healing & liberation programming at Be Well Beautiful People.  This Podcast Series is Sponsored By The Love Building, HNB Building Services and The Lip Bar.

The Alchemizing Trauma for Community Impact series highlights nine inspiring stories of Detroit leaders who have transformed individual and community trauma into transformative work in Detroit and beyond. In this episode, Demarra West sits down for an inspiring conversation with Cyekeia Lee, Executive Director of the Detroit College Access Network (DCAN) which provides college access support for over 50 high schools in Detroit. During this episode we discuss how her own experience with trauma has shaped her mission to empower students, break down barriers, and create sustainable, impactful change in the educational system. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: 2:47 - Cyekeia’s path to becoming an educator and how her personal challenges, including Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), fueled her passion for expanding educational access. 21:34 - How education systems can better support students dealing with trauma and homelessness. 36:44 - Cyekeia’s personal healing journey and the crucial role education played in her transformation. 44:36 - The role abundance mindset played in securing impactful partnerships, including with Colin Kaepernick’s foundation, and earning the President’s Volunteer Service Award. 52:27 - Cyekeia’s vision for the future of education in Detroit and how it can drive healing and empowerment in underserved communities. Connect with Cyekeia Lee: Instagram: @limelight_lee Linkedin: Cyekeia Lee⁠ To get Demarra’s book, click the link here to get a 25% discount on her book or to learn more and get a free chapter click here. For more resources, visit www.bewellbeautifulpeople.org or to schedule a free consultation, reach us through here. You can also subscribe to our mailing list here to receive weekly inspirational content, exclusive offerings, and updates to be the first to know. To support us and the work that we do, please follow us on social media at @bewellbeautifulpeople on all platforms or through here. You can also donate through here to support our healing & liberation programming at Be Well Beautiful People.  This Podcast Series is Sponsored By The Love Building, HNB Building Services and The Lip Bar.

The Alchemizing Trauma for Community Impact series highlights 9 inspiring stories of Detroit leaders who have transformed individual and community trauma into transformative work in Detroit and beyond. In this episode, host Demarra West sits down with Raphael Wright, a serial entrepreneur, author, and changemaker from Detroit. Raphael is the founder of Urban Plug L3C, a social investment company tackling systemic inequities, including Detroit’s food deserts, through innovative projects like Neighborhood Grocery in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: 2:26 - How growing up in a food swamped inspired Raphael to create Neighborhood Grocery. 5:29 - How a diabetes diagnosis at nineteen inspired Raphael’s journey to provide healthy food access. 35:51 - Why Black ownership is essential for community healing and inspiring generational change. 46:25 - Raphael’s advice for creating meaningful change in the face of systemic barriers. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, accountability, and building pathways for sustainable community empowerment. Connect with Raphael Wright: Website: neighborhood-grocery.com Facebook: Raphael Wright Instagram: @fairo_rafa To get Demarra’s book, click the link here to get a 25% discount on her book or to learn more and get a free chapter click here. For more resources, visit www.bewellbeautifulpeople.org or to schedule a free consultation, reach us through here. You can also subscribe to our mailing list here to receive weekly inspirational content, exclusive offerings, and updates to be the first to know. To support us and the work that we do, please follow us on social media at @bewellbeautifulpeople on all platforms or through here. You can also donate through here to support our healing & liberation programming at Be Well Beautiful People.  This Podcast Series is Sponsored By The Love Building, HNB Building Services and The Lip Bar.

The Alchemizing Trauma for Community Impact series highlights 9 inspiring stories of Detroit leaders who have transformed individual and community trauma into transformative work in Detroit and beyond. In this episode, host Demarra West sits down with Audra Carson, environmentalist, CEO of Izzie Global, and trailblazer in Environmental Justice. Since founding De-tread in 2009 to combat tire waste and urban blight, Audra has expanded her mission to create sustainable, beautiful spaces that promote healing and empowerment for Detroit’s communities. Her journey reflects resilience, innovation, and a deep love for the city she serves. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: 5:41 - Audra’s journey from De-tread to Izzie Global and her broader mission in Environmental Justice. 14:42 - Turning adversity as a Black woman in STEM into fuel for community change. 26:33 - How her parents’ legacy of advocacy inspired her mission to beautify Detroit. 36:19 - Strategic Beautification and its impact on emotional and community healing, particularly in BIPOC neighborhoods. 46:12 - Practical steps for turning personal trauma into meaningful, community-level impact. Connect with Audra Carson: Website: izzieglobal.com Facebook: Audra Carson Instagram: izzieglobal LinkedIn: Audra Carson To get Demarra’s book, click the link here to get a 25% discount on her book or to learn more and get a free chapter click here. For more resources, visit www.bewellbeautifulpeople.org or to schedule a free consultation, reach us through here. You can also subscribe to our mailing list here to receive weekly inspirational content, exclusive offerings, and updates to be the first to know. To support us and the work that we do, please follow us on social media at @bewellbeautifulpeople on all platforms or through here. You can also donate through here to support our healing & liberation programming at Be Well Beautiful People.  This Podcast Series is Sponsored By The Love Building, HNB Building Services and The Lip Bar.

The Alchemizing Trauma for Community Impact series highlights 9 inspiring stories of Detroit leaders who have transformed individual and community trauma into transformative work in Detroit and beyond. In this episode of the Be Well Beautiful People podcast, host Demarra West sits down with Dr. Yusef Bunchy Shakur, an author, educator, founder, and neighborhood organizer, whose extraordinary journey from incarceration to scholar exemplifies the power of healing and liberation. His acclaimed documentary, Redemption Road: The Story of Dr. YBS, has received national recognition, including the Jury Winner award for Social Impact at the Orlando Urban Film Festival and the Breakthrough Film Award at the Detroit Black Film Festival. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: 3:15 - How accountability and embracing vulnerability reshaped Dr. Shakur’s life 17:33 -  The journey of forgiving his father and how this courageous act became pivotal in his healing process 35:02 - Breaking generational cycles of trauma 44:17 - The power of books to fuel personal transformation and five key works that profoundly influenced Dr. Shakur 52:59 - Balancing the demands of community work with self-care Connect with Dr. Yusef Bunchy Shakur: Website: yusefshakur.org or drybs.info Facebook: Dr. Yusef Bunchy Shakur  Instagram: @yusefbunchyshakur X: @yusefbshakur To get Demarra’s book, click the link here to get a 25% discount on her book or to learn more and get a free chapter click here. For more resources, visit www.bewellbeautifulpeople.org or to schedule a free consultation, reach us through here. You can also subscribe to our mailing list here to receive weekly inspirational content, exclusive offerings, and updates to be the first to know. To support us and the work that we do, please follow us on social media at @bewellbeautifulpeople on all platforms or through here. You can also donate through here to support our healing & liberation programming at Be Well Beautiful People.  This Podcast Series is Sponsored By The Love Building, HNB Building Services and The Lip Bar.