The Brave Files

Growing Peace

Can you imagine walking into one of the deadliest blocks in Chicago and asking the neighbors if they were interested in taking back their streets? Well, this week’s guest Robbin Carrol, did just that. Robbin created I Grow Chicago, an organization which works to integrate the practices of restorative justice, artistic expression, and mindful movement to create a new model of social change. This change is all in the hands of the community members; however, Robbin’s love and bravery has played a powerful role in transforming this community. Robbin works lovingly and tirelessly to help community members discover they are empowered and to help them create their own change. No one does this for them, the hard work is theirs to do. Detailed Show Notes at www.vickeryandco.com/44

Celebrate Your Impact

There is an element of bravery in compassion and this week’s guest, Gregory Perrine’s, tells us how these elements changed his life and help him help others. After almost a decade in catering sales, Gregory took a leap and stepped into opportunity. Through all the twists and turns of following his passion in the technology field, Gregory’s journey teaches us to follow your heart, find your why, and the value in working to help others. Detailed Show notes: www.vickeryandco.com/podcasts/043/ 

Pregnancy Brain Is No Joke!

After her own personal experience with an intense, high-risk pregnancy, Parijat Deshpande, began her work to help pregnant women understand they have a say in how their medical treatment goes. As a leading high-risk pregnancy wellness expert, Parijat uses her calming energy to guide women to manage their physical, emotional, and mental stress so they can have a healthy pregnancy and give their baby a strong start to life. Detailed Show Notes: www.vickeryandco.com/podcasts/042/ 

Here Comes Santa Claus

This week’s guest knows firsthand about the bravery of sharing joy and love. The reason why is truly magical; He is Santa Claus! Danny Jones is a true, kind-hearted spirit and it shines through when describes his love for filling such an important role. He willingly brings joy and happiness to the world through celebrating the magic of Christmas. Detailed Show Notes Here.

Death Brought Me Back To Life

Alua Arthur is a woman with incredible energy. As a death doula supporting people through end-of-life planning, Alua emphasizes the importance of a circle of support. Her fierce love of life stems from her respect, acceptance, and reverence towards death. Alua aims to change the way we view death and the dying process. Tune in to learn how death can teach us how to live more meaningful lives. Check out the detailed show notes and ways to connect with Alua here.

Failing Up The System

Paula Creed-Smith’s childhood was anything but easy. Even though the extreme hardships of abuse, neglect, and bouncing home to home in the foster care system, she learned to overcome. Paula discovered, firsthand, a gap in the system and subsequently used this knowledge to advocate for children aging out of the foster care system. Tune in to hear how Paula pulled through and now lives a joyous life.Detailed Show Notes Here.Donate for Heather's Birthday Fundraiser here.

Still Brave

Tom Mitchell is a man of astounding commitment. After losing his teenage daughter, Shalya, to Hodgkin’s lymphoma, he has dedicated his life to supporting other children and families fighting the daily battle of pediatric cancer through his non-profit Stillbrave. Tom’s story teaches us what it truly means to be brave and that beauty can be found even in the worst of situations. Detailed Show Notes Here.Host Heather Vickery and her daughter, Tessa, are donating their birthday's to The Birthday Party Project! Joy changes lives. Support them by donating here.

Gratitude Special

Being grateful is more than simply saying "thank you" and being polite. Expression of gratitude is the beginning of all good things - - Generosity, courteousness, and showing concern and appreciation for others.Deeply feeling and expressing gratitude is an effective way to positively influence behavior and attitude within ourselves and others.This special gratitude episode features many of our listeners, loved ones and guests. We guarantee that listening to this will brighten your day, fill you with a little more understanding, compassion, joy, and love. Detailed Show Notes Here.

Beautifully Broken

Elizabeth Clamon is no stranger to intense, life-changing challenges. After enduring an abusive childhood, extreme illness, and life-threatening injuries leading to 12 agonizing years of bedridden pain, Elizabeth discovered a strength within herself to make a change. With her background in Naturopathic medicine, she implemented a plan for healing that carried her from utter despair to a life bursting with joy. Detailed Show Notes Here.

Stop Profiling My Son!

Kisa Marx is a mother fighting against racism and harassment. After her son experienced extreme harassment at the hands of school administrators and police officers, Kisa realized something must be done. Tune in to this episode as Kisa teaches us how we can use our voices and privilege to make a difference and why vigilance matters especially when it comes to our kids. Detailed Show Notes Here.