Brother Breathe: Celebrating Black Mental Health

This week on Brother Breathe, I’m honored to be joined by Dr. Jonathan Shepherd, a nationally respected psychiatrist, leader, and advocate whose work sits at the powerful intersection of mental health, compassion, and community care.Dr. Shepherd is known for his trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach to adult mental health, supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and PTSD. His leadership and service have impacted countless lives, and this conversation is a needed reminder of what healing-centered care can look like.He currently serves as Chief Clinical Officer for Washington, D.C.’s Department of Behavioral Health, where he oversees services for children, families, and adults. Before that, he spent 12 years as Chief Medical Director at Hope Health Systems in Baltimore. Dr. Shepherd trained at the University of Illinois at Chicago, completed his child psychiatry fellowship at Johns Hopkins, and has been recognized as a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a Distinguished Fellow of AACAP, and was inducted into the American College of Psychiatrists (2024).He is also the founder of Where Ministry & Medicine Flourish, a national platform that blends clinical expertise with faith-based mental health education through workshops, tours, and live events.This is a conversation about healing, leadership, and what it means to care for people with both excellence and humanity.Drop your thoughts in the comments, we welcome your reflections and feedback. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs it.To learn more about Dr. Shepherd and follow his work, visit his website: drjonathanshepherd.com#BrotherBreathe #DrJonathanShepherd #MentalHealth #BlackMentalHealth #TraumaInformedCare #Psychiatry #BehavioralHealth #FaithAndMentalHealth #MinistryAndMedicine #Healing #MentalWellness #CulturallyResponsiveCare

This week on Brother Breathe, we continue our Black History Month celebration by honoring the brilliance, leadership, and impact of Black men in education.I’m joined by Dr. Chris Collins, scholar, advocate, and educator, for a powerful conversation on purpose, identity, and the work of supporting Black men across educational spaces. Dr. Collins brings a rich background in youth development, public policy, and research, and his voice is deeply needed in this moment.A major highlight of this episode is Dr. Collins’ dissertation research, which focused on identity development and the well-being of college-educated emerging adult Black men. His work helps us think more deeply about what it means for Black men not only to succeed, but to be wellTo connect with Dr. Collins, follow him on LinkedIn by searching Chris Collins.#BrotherBreathe #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackMenInEducation #DrChrisCollins #BlackScholars #HigherEducation #BlackMen #IdentityDevelopment #WellBeing #EmergingAdults #EducationMatters #ScholarAdvocate

The truth is: the holidays aren’t easy for everyone. Between family expectations, financial stress, old wounds, and the pressure to be ‘on,’ many of us struggle quietly.And Queer and trauma-surviving communities and those who have experience loss, often carry an extra layer. experienceSo before we talk solutions, before we unpack tools, I want to acknowledge the reality:If the holiday season feels complicated, heavy, or overwhelming for you… you’re not alone.Today’s conversation is all about that: finding grounding, building boundaries, and honoring the parts of ourselves we usually push aside during this time of year.

In this Brother Breathe episode, we’re joined by Chef Rome, who shows us how food, wellness, and self-care intersect in powerful ways. We talk about:Healthy habits that actually stickWhy foods affect our mental and emotional wellness Eating with diabetes prevention in mind Easy meals you can make without being a “chef.” Food as culture, healing, and liberationWhether you’re trying to eat better, reset your wellness journey, or understand how nutrition impacts the Black community, this is the conversation you need.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode. Also, follow Chef Rome on Instagram at Romeskitchenatl, and to order your future meals, go to www. romeskitchenatl.com.do

This week, we’re joined by Rev. Dr. Luke A. Powery, Dean of Duke Chapel, and what unfolds is more than a conversation—it’s a moment of deep reflection.Dr. Powery speaks with wisdom, grace, and power about what it means to carry a calling, the tension between visibility and vulnerability, and how leaders stay rooted in the midst of it all. "Sometimes leadership isn’t about having the answers—it’s about making space for the questions."This episode will speak to your spirit and your practice. You’ll want to sit with this one.🎧 Listen now. Share it forward. Let it breathe in you.✅ Don’t forget to subscribe, like, share, and leave a comment or review📧 Questions or feedback? I’d love to hear from you: [email protected] up with Dr. Luke Powery by visiting here. 🕛 New episodes drop every Wednesday at Noon EST.#BrotherBreathe #LukePowery #LeadershipAndWellness #FaithAndCalling #SpiritualLeadership #BlackVoicesInFaith #DukeChapel #WellnessForLeaders #MrBigHeadReads

In this episode, I sit down with Rev. Dr. Jason Curry, Dean of the Fisk Memorial Chapel, and let’s just say—he brought the truth.This conversation is rich, honest, and full of the kind of wisdom that makes you pause and say, “Wait… run that back.” Whether you're in a pulpit, on a campus, or in the middle of your own leadership journey—this one will speak to you.Dr. Curry gives us insight on what it really means to lead with faith, integrity, and care and why that matters now more than ever.🎧 Tune in, breathe deep, and take what you need.✨ Don’t forget to:✅ Subscribe👍🏾 Like📢 Share it with someone who needs this🗣️ Leave a comment or review📧 Got questions or suggestions? Email me at [email protected] episodes drop every Wednesday at Noon EST.#BrotherBreathe #JasonCurry #LeadershipAndWellness #FiskUniversity #SpiritualLeadership #BlackVoicesInFaith #WellnessForLeaders #MrBigHeadReads

What does it really take to lead through crisis—and still care for your people and yourself?In this episode of the Brother Breathe: Leadership + Wellness Series, I sit down with Rev. Dr. Cecil Andrew Duffie, Chapel Dean at Tuskegee University, for an unforgettable conversation.Dr. Duffie speaks with clarity, vulnerability, and power about what it means to lead with integrity when everything feels like it’s falling apart. From campus life to community healing, his insight on navigating crisis while maintaining emotional and spiritual grounding is something every leader should hear.“Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about being the most present.”This is an episode worth listening to and revisiting. The gems are abundant. Available now on YouTube via @MrBigHeadProductionsFollow the great work of Rev. Dr. Duffie by visiting the Tuskegee University Chapel for updates. #BrotherBreathe #LeadershipDevelopment #SpiritualLeadership #CrisisLeadership #TuskegeeUniversity #BlackMentalHealth #WellnessInLeadership

What does it mean to lead in a way that actually cares for people?In this opening episode of the Brother Breathe: Leadership + Wellness Series, host Tait Desae sits down with Dr. Naomi Sigg, Vice President for Student Experience and Campus Belonging at John Carroll University. Together, they unpack what it means to show up as your full self in leadership—and how mental health, identity, and culture all shape the way we lead and live.Whether you’re a campus leader, community builder, or just someone trying to lead yourself well, this conversation will speak to you.This series is about leadership, wellness, and showing up whole.Subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday at Noon EST.Like, comment, and share if this resonates with you.Follow Dr. Sigg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-sigg-45937b28/#BrotherBreathe dershipAndWellness #MentalHealthMatters #BelongingInLeadership #HigherEdLeadership #BlackMentalHealth #MrBigHeadReads

🎙️ New Episode of Brother Breathe“What is leadership... really?In this episode, we confront:— The rise of toxic power in politics— The silent crises in religious leadership— And the call to lead with clarity, care, and community Listen now.🎧 Like. Share. Subscribe.Because the way we lead—and who we follow—matters.#BrotherBreathe #NewEpisode #LeadershipMatters #PauseAndReflect #FollowWisely #SpiritualLeadership #LikeShareSubscribe

We wouldn’t dare close out Suicide Prevention Month without lifting up the power of conversation and resources.This week on Brother Breathe, I sat down with Erica McSwain, a Suicide Prevention Specialist, for a powerful and necessary dialogue about hope, healing, and what it means to truly show up for one another.🎧 Tune in now on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.🔗 Listen, share with a friend, and let’s keep this conversation alive.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share.👉 Follow us on IG: @Brother_BreatheTogether, we breathe. Together, we heal. 💜#SuicidePreventionMonth #BrotherBreathe #MentalHealthMatters #HealingTogether