Leah Grant

In this episode we speak to Dr. Syard Evans, CEO of Arkansas Support Network. We talk about her work at Arkansas Support Network and her broader advocacy work for people with disabilities; their families and ensuring they have equity in society and within our government systems.

Dr. James Hawkins, is a dear friend, colleague and something like a big brother to Joi and Deneshia. James is a certified trainer in EFT COUNSELING/Supervisor. He is the host of The Leading Edge Podcast for therapists and the host of a marriage podcast with his wife, called A More Excellent Way. Deneshia and Joi stopped by his studio to talk all about vulnerability in the Black Community. Together we share the definition of vulnerability and the function of this term. We understand vulnerability is risky. But we all agree it’s necessary. We know that the Black Community has good reasons for walking away from vulnerability and depending on others within our community and outside our community. Deneshia, Joi and James would encourage the Black community and society at large to take a risk on vulnerability. James drops some gems. We love recording in his fancy studio in his office. Tell us one thing you learned about vulnerability from this episode? Drop your lessons in the comments!

In this episode of Undisciplined, we explore the complexities, conscientious choices, and cultural considerations that impact the development of textbooks. American Historian, author, and academic Dr. Kathleen DuVal talks with us about how her interests in early American history led to her co-authorship on Give Me Liberty! We put the textbook in conversation with the current textbook culture throughout the United States, its use and relevance for curriculum and instruction in the 7-12 social studies classroom, and the topics yet to be explored. This episode is a fascinating dive into understanding how the everyday citizen should read, question, and analyze textbooks for their storytelling of truth versus fact.

Tiara Hudson, LCSW, LISCW is a therapist located in NWA and seeing clients virtually! She stopped by to talk to us all about HEALTH AND PLEASURE. Tiara shared her story and journey with her own health. She redefines pleasure as the guide to her healthy living lifestyle. She says, she allowed pleasure to guide how she would change her lifestyle. For Tiara stress and mental health sparked some scary health concerns. This motivated her to find a routine that would work with her life. It wasn’t displined that helped her be consistent. It was her connecting to all her resources from work, doctors, personal trainers. And her success was led by what she really enjoyed doing in her body, like walking, hiking etc. Deneshia and Joi were so impressed by Tiara’s ability to ensure that whatever new habits she started would be sustainable overtime. Tiara dropped so many nuggets today! Tell us your fave ?!?

This podcast is based on Roberts' recent book, I've Been Here All the While: Black Freedom on Native Land. We explore questions around Black freedom and Native American relationships. The trail of tears runs through NWA and Native Americans moved though the area with their enslaved Africans. Furthermore, with westward expansion onto Native land, the question of black citizenship would be co-mingled with the issue. As Black, white, and Native people recreated concepts of race, belonging, and national identity, Indian Territory became a space where Black people could flee to escape the ravishes of Jim Crow, as well as finally become landowners and while also exercising political rights. But Blacks have had to sue Native Nations for citizenship rights in recent years. Now with increasing calls for reparations and demands for land, Black and Native relationships are necessary to understand. Alaina Roberts, Associate professor of history at the University of Pittsburgh.Check out her website: https://alainaeroberts.com/

Nicole is the host of the Nicole Please Podcast streaming on all major platforms! Joi and Deneshia had the privilege of hearing more of Nicole’s passion and purpose. She shares why she started her podcast and more of her story of learning how to set boundaries and prioritize her own health. She talks about mental health, relationship boundaries, and speaking life from a REAL TALK perspective on her podcast. Joi says, “Nicole has a style of speaking that is relatable, inviting and challenging. You know she will keep it real with you and also want what’s best for you.” We hope y’all love this episode! Share it with a friend who needs some encouragement to start their own podcast! Tell us in the comments what how Nicole may have inspired you?!?

In this episode, we get to know Dr. Karynecia Elizabeth Conner, the new Co-host of Undisciplined Podcast! We learn about the twists and turns on Karynecia's life path that has led her to us and the University of Arkansas! You'll learn how she used tragedy to triumph, what makes her so Texas, what her greatest inspirations are, and what the listeners can expect from her as a co-host. Don't miss this one!

NWA MLK Council president and treasurer Lindsey Leverett Higgins and Chris Seawood talk with IMPACT Period founder and current Historic Black District project manager for NWA Black Heritage, Emma Willis on her past project work and her current work in Nortwest Arkansas included the historic and momentous work of the Historic Black District in South Fayetteville.

Shakira Eaksins, LCSW stops by the studio this week to tell us more about her journey with failure. We often consider failure to be negative or even life threatening. Shakira redefines failure as a way to help refocus one’s goals and aspirations. Her spin on failure helps us to tell a better story to ourselves and our body when things don’t go as intended. In this episode, Joi and Deneshia reflect on how failure is oftentimes a tool to help us reposition and refocus on what’s really important. Failure can bring clarity to what you need to prioritize and what you really want in certain seasons of your life. We are so glad Shakira came back for another episode! Share this episode with a friend who may also be struggling with failure! Tell us how this episode helped you!

University of Arkansas Museum’s Laurel Lamb speaks about artifacts and objects available in the University Museum and the new activities available for families, children and the public.