Resilient Voices & Beyond

By: Michael D. Davis-Thomas Aka MDDTSpeaks
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  • Summary

  • Resilient Voices & Beyond is a podcast that amplifies the voices of those who were once silenced and aims to empower a new generation of foster care alum leaders. Through conversations with community partners, leaders, advocates, and activists, this podcast educates listeners on reforms, policies, and advocacy related to foster care, adoption, kinship, CCIs, JJ, and the child welfare system. The podcast challenges stigmas and labels surrounding these topics and creates a dialogue on reform and advocacy that is already happening or needs to happen. The core values of Resilient Voices & Beyond include empowerment, inclusivity, education, collaboration, authenticity, and innovation. The mission of the podcast is to create a platform for silenced voices to be heard and received, while the vision is to inspire and empower a new generation of leaders committed to making a positive change in the world.
    Michael D. Davis-Thomas/MDDTSpeaks
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Episodes
  • "Don't Let Your Past Struggles Define Your Future"

    "Don't Let Your Past Struggles Define Your Future"
    Dec 28 2024
    Episode Title: "Don't Let Your Past Struggles Define Your Future"

    Season 3, Episode 38

    In this emotionally moving episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas sits down with the resilient and inspiring Tashala Webster, a foster care alumna, adoptee, advocate, and nursing student, to discuss her journey of overcoming adversity, trauma, and obstacles to create a brighter future.

    Tashala shares her powerful life story, beginning with being removed from her biological mother’s care at the age of five due to mental health challenges and navigating through 12 foster homes in Flint, Michigan, where she experienced instability and abuse. Her path to resilience included facing the challenges of being an older foster youth, enduring a chaotic adoption at 16, and eventually running away and becoming homeless at 19.

    Despite these struggles, Tashala’s story is one of triumph. With the support of Traverse Place, a youth shelter that taught her life skills and self-sufficiency, she gained independence, earning three degrees and certifications as a CNA, EKG Technician, and Phlebotomist. She is now pursuing her nursing degree at the University of Michigan and dedicating her life to mentorship and advocacy for foster youth and young people facing similar challenges.

    In this episode, Michael and Tashala dive into the importance of mentorship, community support, and finding tools to cope with trauma. Tashala shares her passion for helping others overcome obstacles through mentorship, the role of writing poetry in her healing journey, and her aspirations to make a difference in the lives of others.

    This episode is a testament to the power of resilience, self-determination, and the importance of building a supportive community. Whether you’re a foster care alum, advocate, or someone seeking inspiration to rise above your circumstances, Tashala’s story will leave you empowered and motivated to keep moving forward.


    Ways to Connect with Tashala Webster:
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Email: Tashalaw16@gmail.com
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    55 mins
  • "You Only Live Once, But If You Do It Right, Once Is Enough"

    "You Only Live Once, But If You Do It Right, Once Is Enough"
    Dec 21 2024





    Episode Title: "You Only Live Once, But If You Do It Right, Once Is Enough"

    Season 3, Episode 37

    In this inspiring episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas sits down with the multifaceted Chianté Lymon-Hamilton, a trailblazer and advocate for justice and equity. As the Executive Director of the Society for History and Racial Equity (SHARE), Chianté shares her life’s journey of resilience, passion, and leadership.

    Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Chianté reflects on her upbringing in a single-parent household in a low-income community and how her educational experiences at Cass Tech and Western Michigan University shaped her commitment to justice. From her early days interning at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office to becoming a change agent and business owner, Chianté takes us through her transformative journey.

    Chianté opens up about the challenges of being a young leader, navigating imposter syndrome, and the mental toll of advocating for racial equity in today’s climate. Together, Michael and Chianté explore the importance of mentorship, fostering inclusivity, addressing systemic inequities, and prioritizing self-care as leaders.

    Listeners will gain valuable insights from Chianté’s expertise in addressing historical injustices and promoting racial equity through her work at SHARE. Learn about her innovative initiatives, like collecting oral histories, setting law enforcement standards, and building wellness programs for her team.

    This conversation is a powerful reminder that resilience, intentionality, and connection can create lasting change. Whether you’re an aspiring advocate, leader, or someone looking for inspiration, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom on living a life of purpose and impact.

    Ways to Connect with Chianté Lymon-Hamilton:
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • "Practice Makes Progress, Not Perfect"

    "Practice Makes Progress, Not Perfect"
    Dec 14 2024
    🎙️ Episode 36: Practice Makes Progress, Not Perfect
    🌟 Featuring Guest: Stephanie M.V. Popper
    🔗 Guest Professional Titles: Farm Social Worker | MSW Student | Foster Youth Advocate

    In this inspiring episode of the Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, Michael D. Davis-Thomas sits down with the dynamic and compassionate Stephanie M.V. Popper to explore the profound resilience required to turn life’s adversities into opportunities for growth. Stephanie shares her deeply personal journey, transitioning from a challenging childhood into becoming a powerful advocate and a future clinical social worker. Her work as the Community Program Coordinator at Allaire Community Farm highlights how unique, therapeutic environments—like those involving rescued animals—can foster healing and hope for at-risk youth, veterans with PTSD, and families battling cancer.

    Throughout their heartfelt conversation, Stephanie and Michael discuss pivotal themes, including:

    ✅ Overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing your true value
    ✅ The role of self-care and mental health in building resilience
    ✅ Breaking cycles of adversity through faith, community, and advocacy
    ✅ The therapeutic power of individualized support and positive reinforcement

    Stephanie also sheds light on her advocacy work shaping child welfare policies at both the state and federal levels, emphasizing the importance of incorporating lived experience into systemic reform. Michael reflects on his own journey, from homelessness to authoring the inspiring book "Resilient Faith", as well as his ongoing mission to uplift underserved communities. Together, they explore how progress—not perfection—fuels the path to resilience and empowerment.

    🔑 Key Highlights:

    • Stephanie’s experiences with EMDR therapy and the significance of allowing the body to process trauma
    • Michael’s practical tips on self-publishing and writing as a form of healing
    • The transformative impact of supportive communities in advocacy and personal growth
    • Actionable insights for finding small moments of peace and self-care in daily life

    🌟 Quote from the Episode: "Resilience isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up for yourself every day and trusting the process."

    📚 Ways to Connect with Stephanie:

    👉 LinkedIn
    👉 Social Media: Facebook, Instagram @stephaniepopper

    Listen Now: Be inspired by Stephanie and Michael as they share their hard-won wisdom and actionable advice for embracing progress over perfection.
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    52 mins

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