Impostrix Podcast Whitney Knox Lee

Send us a Text Message.
Trigger Warning:
This episode discusses mental health and mental illness, including thoughts of suicide. This episode also contains mentions of and refers to sexual assault. Please take care of yourself and opt out of listening to this episode or fast forward through parts where needed.

==============================
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:
Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255, or you can call or text 988, or 741741.
Online Resources:
Mentalhealthishealth.us
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - 988lifeline.org
===============================

Welcome back to Impostrix podcast! It is May, Mental Health Awareness Month, and we are going to talk about it! This episode comes from the vault! We recorded in 2023 and it's just as ripe today as it was back then. 
In this episode, host Whitney Lee is joined by entrepreneur, CEO, author and motivational speaker, Difernt, for a deep dive into her personal experiences and mental health journey. Difernt shares her inspiring story of overcoming homelessness, living in foster care, and being faced with adversity to achieve success and make a positive impact in the world.
They discuss Difernt's mission, which is driven by her past experiences and the desire to bring social awareness through her work. The conversation turns to the importance of mental health, the power of therapy, and the need for self-care. Difernt also talks about her book, "What If? A Controversial Paradigm Shift," which challenges readers to think critically about systemic racism and injustice in America.
Listen in on a conversation centering mental health, resilience, and the impact of sharing our stories. Don't miss out on this empowering episode filled with valuable insights and resources for anyone navigating their mental health journey.
For more information and to get a copy of Difernt's book, visit her website at diferntsworld.net. Remember, it's okay to not be okay, but taking steps to prioritize your mental health is crucial. Let's start the conversation and make a positive change in our lives and communities.
Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes and don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more empowering content! 
Catch Difernt on IG @th3rdeye_entertainment_llc and watch her vlogs on Youtube.

Find Whitney at ImpostrixPodcast.com, on Youtube, and IG.


Interested in a free discovery call to see how W. Knox Lee Consulting & Mediation could help you achieve your goals? Email the team at info@wknoxlee.com.
Support the Show.

SUBSCRIBE to the Validating Voice Newsletter
SUPPORT Impostrix Podcast

Send us a Text Message.
 This episode is a shared journey through the complexities of who we are and who we aspire to be. Whitney sits down with Kendra, the creator of Crushgasm Podcast, and together they peel back the layers of imposter syndrome where it entwines with race and their personal passions.  Kendra shares about her experiences with emo and pop-punk scenes as a person of color, we tackle the pressures that come with standing out in professional spaces and the courage required to forge your own narrative against the grain of societal norms.

Our conversation meanders through the landscape of freelance writing and education, highlighting the pigeonholing that comes with racial expectations and the hunger for diverse representation. Whitney shares tales of feeling "too white" in Black spaces and the impact that has had on her career trajectory, while Kendra opens up about her role as a mixed race woman working in schools as an instructional aide, emphasizing the power of relatable figures for children. Whitney and Kendra stitch together a story of pursuing a career that reflects who they truly are, despite the external narratives and preconceived ideas that often come our way.

Wrapping up with some levity, Kendra reflects on her journey and aspirations, from her love of pop culture, her podcast, and her forever dream of writing  for 'Saturday Night Live.' This conversation is sprinkled with laughter, affirmations, and the mantras we lean on while navigating career and identity.

Listen to Crushgasm podcast to hear fun stories about crushes! From first crushes (like Whitney's story) to celeb crushes and cartoon crushes, it's all there. And connect with Kendra on IG @crushgasmpodcast.

Find Whitney on IG @impostrixpodcast, and learn more about the show at impostrixpodcast.com.

Thank you DigitalREM for editing this episode!
Interested in a free discovery call to see how W. Knox Lee Consulting & Mediation could help you achieve your goals? Email the team at info@wknoxlee.com.
Support the Show.

SUBSCRIBE to the Validating Voice Newsletter
SUPPORT Impostrix Podcast

Send us a Text Message.
In this episode Whitney is joined by her good friend Tanya to discuss women's health. Tanya is a doula, a non-profit founder, and a public health professional currently pursuing her graduate degree. You may recognize Tanya from a between-season crossover event where Whitney released an episode from the Tea with Tanya podcast for our listeners! This time Tanya joins us in the "flesh"!

Tanya shares her journey and insights into tackling women's health issues, advocating for menstrual health awareness, and breaking stigmas surrounding reproductive health, especially within the context of being a Black, Caribbean immigrant woman in the United States. The dialogue covers Tanya's personal experiences with health challenges, her proactive approach to wellness, and her efforts to educate and empower through her platform, Tea with Tanya, and her nonprofit organization, Scrub Life Cares.

Key topics include the importance of advocacy in healthcare, navigating professional life as a woman with health challenges, and the significance of mental health days. Tanya emphasizes the value of effective communication and support systems in advocating for health needs. The conversation also touches on broader issues like the lack of comprehensive health education and the need for greater empathy and understanding within the healthcare system towards women, especially those of color. Tanya's personal mantra, "nothing happens before its time," encapsulates her philosophy of perseverance and timing in life's journey.

This episode is a deep dive into women's health from the perspective of empowerment, advocacy, and resilience, highlighting the need for open conversations, education, and supportive communities to navigate health challenges and advocate for better healthcare experiences.

Learn more about Tanya through her podcast, the TEA with Tanya Podcast, and the non-profit she founded, Scrub Life Cares. In this episode, Tanya talks about the non-profit and the work they do to educate women and girls on women's health and specifically menstrual health. Learn how to get involved at her website!

And, join Whitney over on IG @impostrixpodcast and @willsforthepeople.

Thank you Chris at DigitalREM for editing this episode. 
Interested in a free discovery call to see how W. Knox Lee Consulting & Mediation could help you achieve your goals? Email the team at info@wknoxlee.com.
Support the Show.

SUBSCRIBE to the Validating Voice Newsletter
SUPPORT Impostrix Podcast

Send us a Text Message.
Embarking on the profound intersection of mental health and societal barriers,  Whitney is joined by life coach and co-host of the Pandora's Awareness Podcast, Asher Wright to interview Marlon Bacote.

Together, we peel back the layers of cultural stigmas that shroud the struggles of Black men seeking vulnerability in a world where it's often seen as weakness. Highlighting the celebration of Second Chances Month this April, our conversation takes a deep look into the resilience required to navigate life post-incarceration, and the dire need for a shift in systemic structures that currently hinder this journey.

Our discourse moves from the personal to the systemic, sharing stories like mine, from battling addiction to becoming a licensed mental health professional, and Marlon's relentless pursuit to utilize his certifications despite the roadblocks of 'barrier crimes.' The episode traverses through the complexities of re-establishing one's identity after significant life transitions, such as leaving the military or rejoining society post-prison. It's a narrative that intertwines the transformational power of education with the nuanced struggles of reintegration—where support systems play a pivotal role, and the echoes of past environments shape our paths forward.

As we wrap up, the conversation turns towards a journey of healing and self-care, emphasizing their importance against the backdrop of societal pressures and shame. I share my own introspections on mental health management and the steps taken towards somatic meditation, while Marlon reflects on his transformative realization that catalyzed his recovery from addiction. This episode isn't just a talk; it's a testament to the undying spirit of hope and the affirmation that our past does not dictate our future. Join us in a heartfelt affirmation that every step towards mental health is a stride toward triumph.

Get in touch with Asher at LifeChangingWisdom.com, and listen to Pandora's Awareness Podcast.

Catch up with Marlon on IG @bacotemarlon.

This episode was edited by Chris at DigitalREM. Thank you!
Interested in a free discovery call to see how W. Knox Lee Consulting & Mediation could help you achieve your goals? Email the team at info@wknoxlee.com.
Support the Show.

SUBSCRIBE to the Validating Voice Newsletter
SUPPORT Impostrix Podcast

Send us a Text Message.
Feeling like an imposter and having self-doubt are common experiences, even for individuals who have achieved significant success. In this episode, Martin Lockett, who in just a couple years transitioned from being incarcerated to earning a director role in a nonprofit organization, candidly shared his personal struggles with imposter syndrome in his career. But first, Martin shared his journey of radical acceptance, reflecting on his past experiences of incarceration and the impact it had on his self-perception. He highlighted the importance of accepting the things we cannot change and focusing on how we respond to challenging circumstances. This message resonates with the concept of radical acceptance in overcoming adversity.

Martin's experience of reintegrating into the workforce after 17 and a half years of incarceration shed light on the challenges individuals face when reentering society. The societal stigma and biases associated with having a criminal history or being incarcerated can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and imposter syndrome. Martin's reflections on being the only Black individual in senior management meetings also underscored the added pressure and social responsibility that individuals from marginalized backgrounds may feel in professional settings.

Through Martin's story, we are reminded of the importance of normalizing conversations around vulnerability and self-reflection in the workplace. By sharing his internal dialogue and struggles, Martin encourages us to acknowledge and address our own insecurities, fostering a culture of authenticity and support in professional environments.

Martin Lockett is a writer and speaker whose words have impacted thousands of people, even before leaving prison. While incarcerated, Martin dedicated his life to making amends for crimes he committed resulting in the loss of life of two people. He did this by throwing himself into reflection, education, and physical and emotional sobriety. Martin has earned his MS in Psychology and his certification as a substance abuse counselor.

As a writer, Martin has used his time behind bars to write in various forms, all with the intention of helping others with his story and life experiences. Martin has published two books, his memoir, Prison to Purpose Pipeline, and My Prison Life, a collection of essays. Now released, Lockett continues his mission and message by helping those in need of counseling for mental health and substance use disorders and sharing his powerful story at DUI victim impact panels, high schools, conferences, and highway safety classes across the country.

Get in touch with Martin at martinlockett.com and on IG @MartinLLockett.

Learn more about Whitney, Impostrix Podcast, and our upcoming events at ImpostrixPodcast.com. 
Edited by DigitalREM. Thank you!
Interested in a free discovery call to see how W. Knox Lee Consulting & Mediation could help you achieve your goals? Email the team at info@wknoxlee.com.
Support the Show.

SUBSCRIBE to the Validating Voice Newsletter
SUPPORT Impostrix Podcast

Send us a Text Message.
Whitney is joined by Waleisah Wilson, a friend and colleague, in this really real episode on what it is like navigating life and career after incarceration.
 

Waleisah Wilson is a dedicated criminal justice reform activist and organizer. She staunchly supports efforts that address disability justice, ending solitary confinement and mass incarceration, voter disenfranchisement, ending the stigmas associated with having a criminal record and eliminating the unjust barriers to reentry. Her passion stems from her personal struggles with reentry and is the reason why she founded NewLife Second Chance Outreach, Inc., a nonprofit organization that addresses the lack of direct employment services for those with criminal convictions.


In this candid conversation, Whitney and Waleisah discuss the systemic issues surrounding mass incarceration, the importance of language in humanizing individuals with criminal records, and the need for grace, forgiveness, and compassion in our communities. They highlight the impact of racial capitalism on employment opportunities for people of color and the barriers faced by those with criminal records.


Through personal anecdotes, Waleisah sheds light on the need for change in how we view and support individuals reentering society. This episode challenges listeners to rethink their perceptions and consider actionable steps to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all members of our community.


Waleisah holds two Master’s degrees, one in Human Services and one in Nonprofit
Management, and a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice. She is the owner of two small businesses, Phoenix Recruiting & Employment Services, LLC., where she provides recruiting services to employers, training and business consulting services to those seeking to start their own small business or nonprofit organization, and Beautiful Pride, an ecommerce apparel store that allows its customers to support grassroots social and criminal justice organizations through its collection purchases.


Tune in to this thought-provoking episode of the Impostrix podcast to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals and the importance of providing opportunities for successful reentry and employment.


This episode was recorded LIVE on Instagram on April 8, 2024. Follow Impostrix Podcast on Instagram @ImpostrixPodcast to stay up to date on future live podcast recordings and other events.


Thanks, Chris at DigitalREM for the wonderful job you did editing and with such a tight turnaround!


Want to connect? Join us on Facebook! Or, join our monthly brown bag discussions to talk about the topic of the month. This month, we are talking about second chances, racial capitali
Interested in a free discovery call to see how W. Knox Lee Consulting & Mediation could help you achieve your goals? Email the team at info@wknoxlee.com.
Support the Show.

SUBSCRIBE to the Validating Voice Newsletter
SUPPORT Impostrix Podcast