Dr. Judith shares with Dr. Thema her journey with high functioning depression. She provides keys to recognizing it and addressing it with knowledge and self compassion. Dr. Judith Joseph, M.D., M.B.A., is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist, Award Winning Researcher, author of the national bestselling book High Functioning, which was named a Top 10 Audible Well-Being Book of 2025 and top 8% shared books on Spotify 2025. She chairs Columbia University’s Women in Medicine Initiative and is a clinical a...
May 16, 2026•27 min
Poet, author, and social psychologist, Dr. Jaiya John shares his journey of being separated from his mother at birth. With tenderness and transparency, he provides powerful insights from his latest book entitled Wild Flowers Praying at Midnight. Integrating indigenous wisdom, cultural truths, and sacred practices, he provides guidance on how we can remember the truth of who we are. Dr. Jaiya John was orphan-born on ancient Indigenous Anasazi and Pueblo lands in the high desert of New Mexico, and...
Apr 30, 2026•30 min
Author, Glory Edim joins Dr. Thema to share her homecoming journey in understanding the roots of her perfectionism and the path to self acceptance and worthiness. Glory talks about the role of books as a coping strategy, imagination activator, and source of comfort and liberation. From the departure of her father to her experience as a single mother, Glory shares a powerfully transparent testimony. Glory Edim is a writer, literary advocate, and the founder of Well-Read Black Girl (WRBG), a natio...
Apr 29, 2026•25 min
Visual artist, Keenan Chapman, joins us for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation about the role of art in healing his heart in the aftermath of his father's death. He shares the importance of receiving both talk therapy and opportunities for artistic expression. He has continued to use the arts and his creativity to give voice to his experiences and reflection
Apr 19, 2026•38 min
In this week's episode, Dr. Thema takes time to answer the questions you have submitted about healing, wellness, and relationships. To get insights for your questions and concerns in a future episode, send your questions to support@drthema.com. Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, and comment.
Apr 10, 2026•28 min
This week we are joined by Sleep Dr. Christ as he shares empowering information about ways to improve your sleep. He provides key insights into barriers to our rest as well as ways to maximize our rest. Dr. Chris also shares a special message about men's mental health and rest. Sleep Dr. Chris is a double board-certified physician in sleep medicine and pediatric neurology. He uniquely blends medical expertise with lived experience. As the founder and lead sleep specialist at Quality Sleep & ...
Apr 02, 2026•33 min
New York Times bestselling author and therapist Nedra Tawwab shares her journey of discovering the need for finding healthy, dependable relationships instead of clinging to hyper-independence. She shares how others benefited while she paid the cost of staying strong for everyone else but neglecting her own needs. She shares her healing roadmap from her new book Balancing Act. Nedra Glover Tawwab is a licensed therapist and the author of Set Boundaries, Find Peace, an instant New York Times best-...
Mar 18, 2026•29 min
In this powerful conversation, Koya explains her healing journey from the grieving her mother’s death as an initiation into her authentic self. She discusses her spiritual and emotional path as well as the role of nutrition and social support. Koya Webb is a globally recognized thought leader, transformational speaker, holistic wellbeing expert, and longevity specialist. Known for her groundbreaking Lifestyle Design Method, Koya empowers individuals and organizations to create sustainable lifest...
Mar 09, 2026•28 min
Author and organizer, Dr. Key discusses the importance of healthy relationships and positive, collaborative community support. Dr. Key also shares her life’s journey and provides practical guidance for economic growth and purposeful, intentional partnerships. Dr. Lakeysha “Key” Hallmon, EdD, is a transformational social entrepreneur, speaker, civic leader, and author of No One Is Self-Made. Dr. Hallmon is reshaping the future of economic power by building ecosystems where small businesses thrive...
Mar 05, 2026•22 min
Actress and author Tina Lifford and Dr. Thema discuss the journey to joy and freedom. While discussing the wisdom of the inner fitness revolution, they explore the pathways and techniques of reclaiming the truth of who we are so we can live our authentic lives. Tina Lifford is an actor, author, and pioneering voice in emotional intelligence and wellbeing. She is the founder and CEO of The Inner Fitness Project, a life-changing framework that helps people build inner resilience, self-awareness, a...
Feb 23, 2026•26 min
Dr. Thema shares green flags and red flags in romantic relationships. She shares concrete examples of what to consider as you're deciding if your relationship is worth fighting for. Healthy love enhances our lives. Dysfunctional relationships sabotage us. Learn the difference in this week's episode. Don't forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share. Music by Joy Jones.
Feb 17, 2026•26 min
Lia shares her journey with invisible grief and family loss as a Millennial. She and Dr. Thema explore ways of coping and healing with collective losses during difficult times and how to reclaim your wellbeing. Lia Mancao, LCSW, is a licensed therapist, writer, and founder of Alyssa Marie Wellness in Los Angeles. Born in the Philippines and raised in an immigrant household, Lia draws from her cultural roots and lived experience to support adults through grief, identity shifts, relationships, and...
Feb 11, 2026•25 min
Dr. Thema shares a heartfelt and inspiring message on rising, growing, and thriving. She combines insightful keys to staying motivated with practical tips for you to move from stagnant and stuck to soaring. Dr. Thema Bryant is a psychologist, author, professor, sacred artist, and minister who is leading the way in creating healthy relationships, healing traumas, and overcoming stress and oppression. Her life changing books include Matters of the Heart, Homecoming, Reclaim Yourself: The Homecomin...
Feb 03, 2026•26 min
Jenné Claiborne joins Dr. Thema to share her path to resilience. She reflects on disappointment and depression as well as her motherhood and professional journeys. Check out her soulful vegan recipes on her YouTube page and incredible cookbooks. Jenné Claiborne is a vegan chef, content creator, and author of "Sweet Potato Soul" and the upcoming "Vegan Vibes" (February 2025). Known for her colorful, innovative Southern-inspired vegan recipes, Claiborne's work has been featured on The Today Show ...
Jan 26, 2026•27 min
Angela Rye joins Dr. Thema to share her personal journey of coping with and healing from political stress and disappointment. Angela shares the importance of community care and spirituality in her process of homecoming. She also is transparent about the challenges of self care when your sense of purpose and meaning get disrupted. Angela Rye is an award-winning host, lawyer, social justice advocate, and Principal/CEO of IMPACT Strategies, where her political advocacy and crisis management firm’s ...
Jan 12, 2026•28 min
Devi Brown joins Dr. Thema to share the wisdom she gained after multiple losses and shifts from relationship and health challenges to the death of loved ones. They explore embracing the mystery of life and the reclaiming of joy. Devi Brown is a Well-Being Educator, Multidisciplinary Healer, Creative Advisor, and Author. As the founder of her namesake company, Devi Brown Well-Being, she serves as a trusted voice and advisor to global corporations & high-impact individuals and as a compassiona...
Jan 05, 2026•29 min
Dr. Marcus joins Dr. Thema to discuss the importance of holistic reparations as they explore his thought provoking book in light of the American Psychological Association resolution on Individual, Collective, and Intergenerational Trauma Recovery: Considering the Restorative Roles of Resttition and Reparations. Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter is a professor of sociology and African American studies at UCLA. He is also the author of "Radical Reparations: Healing the Soul of a Nation," among other title...
Jan 03, 2026•27 min
Dr. Thema has an inspiring conversation with her father Bishop Bryant about his journey moving from being a late bloomer as a youth to a champion for spiritual and political liberation. He shares what helped him to launch as someone who struggled with academics and behavior as a result of fear. He shares his success story and his wisdom for parents who are raising children who have not yet flourished. Bishop John Richard Bryant is the son of the late Bishop Harrison James Bryant and Edith Hollan...
Dec 22, 2025•31 min
Dr. Anita shares her homecoming journey as a multi-gifted person. She is a New York Times bestselling author, trauma therapist, and interim lead pastor of One Church in Los Angeles. Along with discussing her multiple callings, she and Dr. Thema explore her heart's journey post-divorce which includes both healing and re-opening her heart to new possibilities. Widely recognized as a thought leader at the intersection of mental health, faith, and culture, Dr. Anita holds degrees from the University...
Dec 14, 2025•28 min
Grace Amaku and Dr. Thema explore the truth about people pleasing, depression, and handling conflict. They unpack how to honor yourself and make courageous decisions to reclaim your peace. Grace Amaku is a nurse turned comedy queen whose viral character work has earned her features with Forbes and Essence, four years creating content for the Oscars, and collaborations with icons like Serena Williams, Ariana Grande, Kerry Washington, and Omar Sy. She hosts Get Reel with Grace Amaku, a film-first ...
Dec 07, 2025•25 min
Filmmaker, author, and journalist, Esther Armah joins Dr. Thema to discuss the pressure and expectation of emotional caretaking placed on Black women as well as our pathway to healing and liberation. They explore the emotional and physical costs of being an emotional mammy and the psychological and social steps to freeing one's self from these societal expectations. Esther A. Armah is an author, former international award-winning journalist, film-maker and playwright. Esther is author of ‘EMOTIO...
Dec 02, 2025•26 min
Dr. Deniz Ahmadinia joins Dr. Thema to share her personal psychological and cultural journey of being a cycle breaker and how you can become one too. They explore the role of self awareness, truth, and wisdom as you reclaim your authentic self. Generational patterns are present but don't have the final say on who we can become. Dr. Deniz Ahmadinia is a licensed clinical psychologist, survivor of childhood sexual abuse, and mother of two boys whose work bridges psychology, somatic and parts work,...
Nov 24, 2025•26 min
Dr. Thema and Allie explore body positivity, confidence, and joy despite the realities of fat phobia. Allie shares the importance of supportive parents and faith as she pursues her dreams of modeling. Despite encountering biases from leaders in schools, faith communities, and the modeling industry, Allie victoriously reclaims and celebrates herself. Allison Sowle is a model and storyteller who’s passionate about body positivity, self-acceptance, and navigating life transitions. Originally from a...
Nov 24, 2025•28 min
Dr. Thema and Dené Logan discuss the social pressures to conform and the negative effects of self erasure on individuals and relationships. Dene shares her incredible journey of reclaiming and her sense of self and the ripple effect this process had on her understanding of genuine intimacy. Dené Logan is a Relationship Coach and Therapist, a group facilitator, and an author based in Los Angeles. In addition to working with clients in private practice, she is a mindfulness coach, a yoga teacher, ...
Nov 18, 2025•28 min
In this mini solo episode, Dr. Thema explores the profound connection between the loss of grief and the gifts of grief. She shares insights on how to cultivate inner peace and resilience amidst the life challenge of grief, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and intentional practice. Discover how embracing love’s imprint even in grief can lead to a more fulfilling existence. To learn more about coping with the pain of grief, check out Homecoming episodes 88 and 142 and Dr. Thema's books...
Nov 03, 2025•15 min
Join Dr. Thema Bryant and special guest, bestselling author Lalah Delia as they explore the journey of embracing one's homecoming, focusing on healing, growth, and reclaiming your authentic self. Lalah shares her personal journey and insights on navigating life's transitions and finding strength within. Lalah Delia is a spiritual writer and practitioner, meditation poet, and bestselling author of Vibrate Higher Daily: Live Your Power. Having alchemized her own journey from crisis and survival in...
Oct 27, 2025•32 min
Arielle and Dr. Thema discuss being the fullness of yourself despite the opinion of others. They discuss the homecoming journey for those who are often called "too much." Dr. Thema and Arielle discuss the journey of self-acceptance, freedom, love, and unfolding. The invitation to stop shrinking and begin embracing your authentic self is explored including Arielle's powerful poem for Wild Flowers from the book The Unfolding. Arielle Estoria (R-E-L EH-STORY-UH) (she/her) is a multi-passionate poet...
Oct 19, 2025•28 min
Dr. Thema and Brittney Moses discuss intergenerational patterns and scripts we inherit and ways of healing and shifting them. They explore empowering, healing pathways that help us accept and affirm our authentic selves. Brittney Moses is a liberatory thinker, meaning-maker, and compassionate voice exploring the intersection of psychology, identity, and culture with a deep reverence for human complexity. She holds a Bachelor's in Psychology from UCLA and a Master's in Clinical Psychology from Pe...
Oct 14, 2025•33 min
Dr. Thema and phenomenal poet Aja Monet explore the poetry of coming home to yourself. They discuss growth, shifts, and breakthroughs within one’s self and within relationships. aja monet is a Grammy-nominated Surrealist Blues Poet and cultural worker whose artistry transcends boundaries. As the recipient of the Nuyorican Grand Slam Poetry title, aja monet first made her mark in New York’s Lower East Side, honing her voice and craft on the storied stages of a burgeoning poetry movement. She foll...
Oct 05, 2025•27 min
Dr. Thema discusses with Zabie Yamasaki her homecoming journey of healing from sexual violence. They explore the role of embodiment, family, community, and authenticity. Zabie Yamasaki (she/her), MEd, RYT, is the founder of Transcending Trauma through Yoga, which is an organization that offers trauma-informed yoga to survivors, consultations for universities and trauma agencies, and training for healing professionals. Zabie is widely recognized for her intentionality, soulful activism, and passi...
Sep 29, 2025•31 min