What Is Leadership, Really?

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

Join us for our finale with the incredible D’Shawn Harris. His transparency, authenticity, and vulnerability were nothing short of powerful.He reminded us that healing isn’t linear, that community matters, and that creating safe spaces—especially for Black men—is a revolutionary act of love.Be sure to like, subscribe and share! If you missed the episode, do yourself a favor and tap in. This one’s for the heart. #MrBigHeadReads #MentalHealthMatters #SafeHavenTherapy #BlackMenHealing #DShawnHarris #TherapyIsPower #Blackliteracyisblackliberation

For Mental Health Awareness Month, I’m honored to welcome Kevin Dedner to Mr. Big Head Reads. Kevin is a nationally recognized public health executive, founder of Hurdle Health, and author of The Joy of the Disinherited — a moving collection of essays on trauma, oppression, and Black mental health.In this episode, Kevin shares:His personal journey navigating mental health as a Black manThe founding and impact of Hurdle HealthHow joy and rest can be tools of resistanceWhy culturally competent care is non-negotiable for equityThis is a must-listen for educators, DEI professionals, healthcare leaders, and anyone committed to mental wellness and systemic change.🎧 Listen now & subscribe — help us reach 600 subscribers by the end of summer! Let’s keep breathing, building, and breaking cycles.#BrotherBreathe #MentalHealthAwareness #KevinDedner #MrBigHeadReads #BlackMenHeal #PublicHealthLeadership #MentalHealthEquity #ActiveMinds #BlackliteracyisBlackliberation