Share your thoughts with us!

In this episode, we sit down with Dhiny Mercedes, Army Sergeant and Clinical Social Work Intern (RCSWI, MSW), to talk about mental health, service, and purpose.

We explore:

• Mental health in the military
• PTSD and emotional resilience
• Serving others through lived experience

This conversation is powerful, honest, and necessary.

🎙 About Dhiny Mercedes

Deneet Mercedes is a U.S. Army Sergeant and registered clinical social work intern passionate about mental health advocacy. With over a decade of experience supporting individuals in both military and civilian settings, he is dedicated to helping people access resources, heal, and grow.

🤝 CONNECT WITH DHINY MERCEDES

💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhiny-mercedes-397629321

📺 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindPhrame

📖 About The Embrace Method
Are you ready to embrace your best life? In The Embrace Method, Vladimir Louissaint shares a powerful roadmap to transform pain into purpose. Through raw storytelling, practical exercises, and hard-won insights, he shows how to turn trauma into a stepping stone toward healing, resilience, and leadership. This book is a beacon of hope for anyone ready to rise above adversity and unlock their fullest potential.

👉 https://affiliates.naturaleman.com

Use our affiliate code "ADX" and save 15% Off STAND+!

Get your next pair: https://www.standshoes.com/discount/ADX

Support the show

Roots & Rhythm Podcast is where culture, healing, and real-life conversations meet. Hosted by Vlad Louissaint and Angie, the podcast explores healthy relationships, healing childhood trauma, identity, parenting, spiritual growth, social commentary, and generational healing—through an Afro-Caribbean and lived-experience lens.

Tagline: Where we explore the rhythms of life, one beat at a time.
New episodes drop weekly on all major platforms.

🔗 LISTEN & CONNECT

🌐 Website:
https://www.rootsandrhythmpodcast.com

🎙 Buzzsprout:
https://www.buzzsprout.com

📺 YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@rootsandrhythmpodcast

📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rootsandrhythmpod

📘 RESOURCES & SUPPORT

📖 The Embrace Method (Second Edition) by Vladimir Louissaint
A powerful guide to healing trauma, reclaiming purpose, and living authentically.
👉 https://www.amazon.com/Embrace-Method-leverage-trauma-dreams/dp/B0CM3V2K5X

👕 Gallon Gear — Support Mental Health & Community
Use code STAYROOTED
👉 ...

Share your thoughts with us!

In this powerful episode of the Roots & Rhythm Podcast, we sit down with marketing strategist and entrepreneur Desiree Whitehead, who shares her journey from corporate America to building a purpose-driven marketing business rooted in integrity.

Desiree breaks down what it really means to:

• Walk away from a six-figure career
• Build a business aligned with your values
• Turn your skills into impact and income

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a job that doesn’t align with your purpose — this episode is for you.

🎙About Desiree Whitehead

Desiree Whitehead is a marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of Howl Marketing, a purpose-driven marketing agency focused on helping brands grow with integrity.

Throughout her career, she has played a key role in strengthening market positioning and supporting companies that have reached $300M+ valuations within their first five years.

With over 20 years of experience advising founders, CEOs, and leadership teams and years in corporate leadership roles, she transitioned into entrepreneurship to create meaningful impact through ethical and results-driven marketing.

🤝 CONNECT WITH DESIREE WHITEHEAD!

🌐 Website: https://howl-marketing.com/

💼LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/desireewhitehead-mba

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/des_fractionalcmo/

📖 About The Embrace Method
Are you ready to embrace your best life? In The Embrace Method, Vladimir Louissaint shares a powerful roadmap to transform pain into purpose. Through raw storytelling, practical exercises, and hard-won insights, he shows how to turn trauma into a stepping stone toward healing, resilience, and leadership. This book is a beacon of hope for anyone ready to rise above adversity and unlock their fullest potential.

👉 https://affiliates.naturaleman.com

Use our affiliate code "ADX" and save 15% Off STAND+!

Get your next pair: https://www.standshoes.com/discount/ADX

Support the show

Roots & Rhythm Podcast is where culture, healing, and real-life conversations meet. Hosted by Vlad Louissaint and Angie, the podcast explores healthy relationships, healing childhood trauma, identity, parenting, spiritual growth, social commentary, and generational healing—through an Afro-Caribbean and lived-experience lens.

Tagline: Where we explore the rhythms of life, one beat at a time.
New episodes drop weekly on all major platforms.

🔗 LISTEN & CONNECT

🌐 Website:
https://www.rootsandrhythmpodcast.com

🎙 Buzzsprout:
https://www.buzzsprout.com

📺 YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@rootsandrhythmpodcast

📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rootsandrhythmpod

📘 RESOURCES & SUPPORT

📖 The Embrace Method (Second Edition) by Vladimir Louissaint
A powerful guide to healing trauma, reclaiming purpose, and living authentically.
👉 https://www.amazon.com/Embrace-Method-leverage-trauma-dreams/dp/B0CM3V2K5X

👕 Gallon Gear — Support Mental Health & Community
Use code STAYROOTED
👉 ...

Share your thoughts with us!

In this deeply impactful episode, we’re joined by Dr. Gayl Crump Swaby, therapist, professor, and author, to explore generational healing and emotional legacy.

We discuss:

• How trauma is passed down
• What it means to “unlock legacy”
• How healing impacts parenting, marriage, and identity

This episode will challenge you to reflect, heal, and grow.

🎙About Dr. Crump-Swaby

Dr. Gayl Crump Swaby is an Associate Professor, therapist, and founder of New Generation Consultants & Associates. She specializes in trauma-informed care, multicultural counseling, and family dynamics, helping individuals and families heal and thrive. She is also the author of Unlocking Legacy and Releasing Burdens.

🤝 CONNECT WITH Dr GAYL CRUMP-SWABY!

🌐 Website: https://newgenconsults.com/drgaylcrumpswaby/

💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gayl-crump-swaby-528a4823

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaylcrump/

📖 About The Embrace Method
Are you ready to embrace your best life? In The Embrace Method, Vladimir Louissaint shares a powerful roadmap to transform pain into purpose. Through raw storytelling, practical exercises, and hard-won insights, he shows how to turn trauma into a stepping stone toward healing, resilience, and leadership. This book is a beacon of hope for anyone ready to rise above adversity and unlock their fullest potential.

👉 https://affiliates.naturaleman.com

Use our affiliate code "ADX" and save 15% Off STAND+!

Get your next pair: https://www.standshoes.com/discount/ADX

Support the show

Roots & Rhythm Podcast is where culture, healing, and real-life conversations meet. Hosted by Vlad Louissaint and Angie, the podcast explores healthy relationships, healing childhood trauma, identity, parenting, spiritual growth, social commentary, and generational healing—through an Afro-Caribbean and lived-experience lens.

Tagline: Where we explore the rhythms of life, one beat at a time.
New episodes drop weekly on all major platforms.

🔗 LISTEN & CONNECT

🌐 Website:
https://www.rootsandrhythmpodcast.com

🎙 Buzzsprout:
https://www.buzzsprout.com

📺 YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@rootsandrhythmpodcast

📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rootsandrhythmpod

📘 RESOURCES & SUPPORT

📖 The Embrace Method (Second Edition) by Vladimir Louissaint
A powerful guide to healing trauma, reclaiming purpose, and living authentically.
👉 https://www.amazon.com/Embrace-Method-leverage-trauma-dreams/dp/B0CM3V2K5X

👕 Gallon Gear — Support Mental Health & Community
Use code STAYROOTED
👉 ...

Share your thoughts with us!

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dorian Stewart, author, speaker, and founder of Dorian Inspires, who shares her journey from self-doubt to publishing 19 books.

We also dive into:

• Her adoption journey as a mother
• Writing as a form of purpose
• Helping children build identity and confidence

This episode is about stepping into your calling — even when you doubt yourself.

🎙 About Dorian Stewart

Dorian Stewart is an author, motivational speaker, and founder of Dorian Inspires LLC. She is the creator of the Promise Pals series and other books empowering children and teens through faith-based messages. With over 20 years of experience working with youth and families, she is passionate about identity, healing, and purpose.

🤝 CONNECT WITH DORIAN!

🌐 Website: https://dorianinspires.com/

📺 https://www.youtube.com/@DorianInspiresLLC

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/de_stewarts/

📖 About The Embrace Method
Are you ready to embrace your best life? In The Embrace Method, Vladimir Louissaint shares a powerful roadmap to transform pain into purpose. Through raw storytelling, practical exercises, and hard-won insights, he shows how to turn trauma into a stepping stone toward healing, resilience, and leadership. This book is a beacon of hope for anyone ready to rise above adversity and unlock their fullest potential.

👉 https://affiliates.naturaleman.com

Use our affiliate code "ADX" and save 15% Off STAND+!

Get your next pair: https://www.standshoes.com/discount/ADX

Support the show

Roots & Rhythm Podcast is where culture, healing, and real-life conversations meet. Hosted by Vlad Louissaint and Angie, the podcast explores healthy relationships, healing childhood trauma, identity, parenting, spiritual growth, social commentary, and generational healing—through an Afro-Caribbean and lived-experience lens.

Tagline: Where we explore the rhythms of life, one beat at a time.
New episodes drop weekly on all major platforms.

🔗 LISTEN & CONNECT

🌐 Website:
https://www.rootsandrhythmpodcast.com

🎙 Buzzsprout:
https://www.buzzsprout.com

📺 YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@rootsandrhythmpodcast

📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rootsandrhythmpod

📘 RESOURCES & SUPPORT

📖 The Embrace Method (Second Edition) by Vladimir Louissaint
A powerful guide to healing trauma, reclaiming purpose, and living authentically.
👉 https://www.amazon.com/Embrace-Method-leverage-trauma-dreams/dp/B0CM3V2K5X

👕 Gallon Gear — Support Mental Health & Community
Use code STAYROOTED
👉 ...

Share your thoughts with us!

In this raw and honest episode, we sit down with Joshua Kephart, a recovery coach and father, who shares his journey through addiction and what it truly takes to rebuild your life.

We explore:

• What addiction really is (beyond the stereotypes)
• The mindset shift required for recovery
• How purpose is built after pain

This is a must-listen for anyone navigating healing — or supporting someone who is.

🎙 ABOUT JOSHUA KEPHART

Joshua Kephart is a certified addictions recovery coach and father of two who has been in recovery since 2019. He is passionate about helping others rebuild their lives, rediscover their worth, and pursue meaningful goals through healing and accountability.

Connect with Joshua: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-kephart-4753833a9

📖 About The Embrace Method
Are you ready to embrace your best life? In The Embrace Method, Vladimir Louissaint shares a powerful roadmap to transform pain into purpose. Through raw storytelling, practical exercises, and hard-won insights, he shows how to turn trauma into a stepping stone toward healing, resilience, and leadership. This book is a beacon of hope for anyone ready to rise above adversity and unlock their fullest potential.

👉 https://affiliates.naturaleman.com

Use our affiliate code "ADX" and save 15% Off STAND+!

Get your next pair: https://www.standshoes.com/discount/ADX

Support the show

Roots & Rhythm Podcast is where culture, healing, and real-life conversations meet. Hosted by Vlad Louissaint and Angie, the podcast explores healthy relationships, healing childhood trauma, identity, parenting, spiritual growth, social commentary, and generational healing—through an Afro-Caribbean and lived-experience lens.

Tagline: Where we explore the rhythms of life, one beat at a time.
New episodes drop weekly on all major platforms.

🔗 LISTEN & CONNECT

🌐 Website:
https://www.rootsandrhythmpodcast.com

🎙 Buzzsprout:
https://www.buzzsprout.com

📺 YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@rootsandrhythmpodcast

📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rootsandrhythmpod

📘 RESOURCES & SUPPORT

📖 The Embrace Method (Second Edition) by Vladimir Louissaint
A powerful guide to healing trauma, reclaiming purpose, and living authentically.
👉 https://www.amazon.com/Embrace-Method-leverage-trauma-dreams/dp/B0CM3V2K5X

👕 Gallon Gear — Support Mental Health & Community
Use code STAYROOTED
👉 ...

Share your thoughts with us!

In this episode of the Roots and Rhythm podcast, hosts Vlad and Angie delve into the complexities of fighting fair in relationships. They discuss the inevitability of conflict, the importance of communication, and the foundational role of emotional safety. The conversation highlights strategies for navigating disagreements, the psychological aspects of conflict, and the four relationship killers: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. The hosts emphasize the need for sincere apologies and commitment to repair after conflicts, encouraging listeners to prioritize their partnerships while maintaining healthy communication.

🔗 LISTEN & CONNECT
🌐 Website: https://www.rootsandrhythmpodcast.com
🎙 Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com
📺 YouTube: / @rootsandrhythmpodcast

📖 About The Embrace Method
Are you ready to embrace your best life? In The Embrace Method, Vladimir Louissaint shares a powerful roadmap to transform pain into purpose. Through raw storytelling, practical exercises, and hard-won insights, he shows how to turn trauma into a stepping stone toward healing, resilience, and leadership. This book is a beacon of hope for anyone ready to rise above adversity and unlock their fullest potential.

👉 https://affiliates.naturaleman.com

Use our affiliate code "ADX" and save 15% Off STAND+!

Get your next pair: https://www.standshoes.com/discount/ADX

Support the show

Roots & Rhythm Podcast is where culture, healing, and real-life conversations meet. Hosted by Vlad Louissaint and Angie, the podcast explores healthy relationships, healing childhood trauma, identity, parenting, spiritual growth, social commentary, and generational healing—through an Afro-Caribbean and lived-experience lens.

Tagline: Where we explore the rhythms of life, one beat at a time.
New episodes drop weekly on all major platforms.

🔗 LISTEN & CONNECT

🌐 Website:
https://www.rootsandrhythmpodcast.com

🎙 Buzzsprout:
https://www.buzzsprout.com

📺 YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@rootsandrhythmpodcast

📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rootsandrhythmpod

📘 RESOURCES & SUPPORT

📖 The Embrace Method (Second Edition) by Vladimir Louissaint
A powerful guide to healing trauma, reclaiming purpose, and living authentically.
👉 https://www.amazon.com/Embrace-Method-leverage-trauma-dreams/dp/B0CM3V2K5X

👕 Gallon Gear — Support Mental Health & Community
Use code STAYROOTED
👉 ...