Advertise on podcast: Unapologetically Black Unicorns

Rhonda Smith (she/her) the Executive Director of the California Black Health Network and Yolanda Whittington LCSW (She/Her), is a member of the California Black Health Network’s Behavioral Health Peer Network and they are Unapologetically Black Unicorns. Rhonda and Yolanda discuss the fight for better health outcomes and equity for Black Californians. They discuss an upcoming virtual conference focused on black mental health, share their own health journeys and how they inspired them to serve their communities and build meaningful support systems across the state, the power of collaboration and creating spaces where Black health and wellness remain the priority. To find out more about the CBHN Virtual Mental and Behavioral Health Conference on May 13, 2026 visit: https://yourcbhn.org/hidden-crises/   The Black Healthcare Bill of Rights: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hqWSHxfKxG4oRtyaE8E_38USUA-KfdC_/view   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of Unapologetically Black Unicorns, Keris tackles a tough and complex subject that requires her to be vulnerable in sharing her thoughts, experiences, research and observations over the years about mental health panels. Keris unpacks the history and harm behind labels like “Serious and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI)” and “Serious Mental Illness (SMI),” challenging how language can shape fear, stigma and public policy. Keris explores how these terms influence the way people with mental health diagnoses are treated and how they often reinforce barriers instead of supporting recovery. Keris advocates for more compassionate language, community-based care and a full continuum of support that honors people’s humanity and potential. Note: NIMBY = Not In My Back Yard The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Dr. John Torous (He/his), MD is a Psychiatrist, Director: digitalpsych.org at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, an expert in “mobile mental health technologies” and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Torous shares the concept behind MindApp.org and the connection between technology and mental health. They talk his tech background, how to navigate the privacy settings through your apps, the oversight of the digital mental health space and he the need for digital literacy.   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Keris is joined by Vesper Moore, Meghann O’Leary and Rupi Legha to talk about the launch of Soteria House Las Cruces in New Mexico. They share how Soteria Las Cruces is a home-like residential community program where adults experiencing psychosis or extreme states can find belonging, dignity, respect and healing. They discuss why they want to challenge traditional models of treating psychosis and how approaches like Soteria House are important because they focus on healing, autonomy and understanding rather than labels and hospitalizations. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Vesper Moore (they/elle) is a mad liberation and disability justice activist, and they are an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Vesper defines mad liberation and neurodiversity and how they got involved in the field. They talk about opening Respites and the complications with funding, using advocacy in their peer training and learning lessons in everything and everyone. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline   For more information visit: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vespermoore Book Drop The Disorder: Second Edition - https://adisorder4everyone.com/ Website: www.vespermoore.com Kiva Centers: www.kivacenters.org Madness Network News: www.madnessnetworknews.com

Reid Davenport (he/him) is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Reid talks about disability rights, medical ableism and the things that shape how society values disabled lives. They talk about Reid’s powerful film “Life After” and the issues it raises about the value of a person’s autonomy, the intersectionality of race and disability and the supports people need to live meaningful lives. To learn more about Reid Davenport visit: https://www.reiddavenport.com/   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Keris goes solo to share a critical email she received and goes on to focus on the common experience of all the negative self-talk that follows. She explains how someone else’s perception can really affect you and ways to try to move past it. Keris talks about how she was able to go to an event with friends to help refocus her energy but how it really comes down to feeling appreciated, feeling a connection and a sense of community plus how your vulnerability is your superpower.   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Isaac Lara (he/him) is a youth well-being activist, lived experience researcher, peer support advocate and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Isaac shares how pets, especially his beloved Yorkie Kiseki, can become lifelines during trauma, depression and recovery. They talk about anticipatory grief, the anxiety of loving a pet whose life span is shorter than our own, and how naming grief can help you begin to cope with it. “You’re Still Alive, so why am I Already Grieving? by Ernesto Isaac Lara : https://www.calameo.com/criscoladesign/read/004070067e80bd2461ef2?authid=cKD2xkljsfeR   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Keris is joined by Joe Powell and Dr. Janer Hernandez and they share their extensive histories in addiction recovery and community leadership. Joe Powell shares stories of his early life as a child performer in Harlem and how the civil rights movement and military service influenced his journey toward becoming a pioneer in the peer recovery movement. Dr. Hernandez advocates for the transition from "safe spaces" to "brave spaces," arguing that true collectivism requires addressing internalized oppression and systemic racism. They talk about working toward a shift in preventative strategies and community-led solutions to dismantle cycles of mass incarceration and poverty. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

On this episode Keris shares a glimpse into her weekend adventures around Los Angeles, starting with a powerful visit to LACMA to experience Tavares Strachan’s exhibit “The Day Tomorrow Began.” She reflects on art, history and the stories that shape us. Keris talks about inspiration, creativity, those moments that remind you why culture and representation matter and so much more. Fountain Theater Poetry for the People: The June Jordan Experience: https://www.fountaintheatre.com/events/poetry-for-the-people Tavares Strachen – “The Day Tomorrow Began”:  https://www.lacma.org/art/exhibition/tavares-strachan-day-tomorrow-began   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Laura Evans (she/hers) is the Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs at Vibrant Emotional Health and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Laura shares how she got involved in policy and some of the color lines she observed in this field. They talk about reading between the lines when breaking down a bill, being strategic with public policy and the focus on climate and climate justice issues. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Keris is joined by Dr. Chyrell Bellamy, Dr. Felecia Pullen, Dr. Rupi Legha, Taina B. Martinez and Vesper Moore for an honest, emotional conversation about what it means to be people of color navigating spaces that are often led by white leadership. Together, they reflect on lived experiences of silencing, grief, resilience and the deep frustration of not being heard. They talk about how they want to see more accountability, community and what it will truly take to build movements rooted in trust, equity, and liberation rather than performative unity. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Emma Hunt (she/her) founded Signed By Stories and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Emma shares why she started Signed By Stories to bring public attention and awareness to the lack of effective, linguistically accessible and culturally affirmative mental health services for deaf and hard of hearing people. They talk about the experiences of growing up a child of a deaf person (CODA), always improving accessibility and trusting that you know what you need to make yourself feel whole. To learn more about “Signed By Stories” visit: https://www.signedbystories.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CfhMprMDcBt/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@signedbystories?_t=ZT-8zj7QRlScaD&_r=1   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Lynn Borton (she/her) is a producer and host of nationally-syndicated radio show and podcast CHOOSE TO BE CURIOUS and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. They come together to explore how we can all be more curious and they share why “fake it until you make it” is a good curiosity practice. They talk about connecting with the meaning, purpose and what excites you, why the helpers need to help themselves and being storytellers of hope. CHOOSE TO BE CURIOUS: https://lynnborton.com/   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Keris returns for 2026 not with fireworks or resolutions, but with honesty about grief and the quiet loss of her creative spark. She reflects on pulling the cards of the Dreamer and the Quilt Maker, exploring what happens when creativity goes into self-protection mode in a world that feels draining. 2026 is a year of finding and not forcing.