There is Power in Your Story with Dr. Veronica Hardy

Do you know Shakeeta Torres?  

Dr. DuBose is currently an Assistant Professor of Social Work and previously served as the Assistant Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Services with the South Carolina Department of Corrections. 

Are you interested in obtaining a doctorate degree in social work? Not sure whether to pursue a DSW or PhD? Concerned about balancing “personal/work” life and “education” life? In this podcast, I am joined by Dr. Kennard DuBose as he discusses these questions and more! To learn more, tune in!  

How many "stress bubbles" are floating around you today? How often do you dwell on the past or the future? Today, I invited Mitch Davidowitz, who has trained intensively in mindfulness practice since 1974. His primary teachers are Jack Kornfield, Joseph Goldstein and Sharon Salzberg. He has also studied extensively with Ram Dass and Stephen Levine. Are you ready to enhance your awareness of the present? Tune in and listen to Mitch share about mindfulness.

Connect with Mitch Davidowitz @

Dr. Battle is an Assistant Professor of Social Work and professional consultant. She is also the co-author of three books, "Real Girls: Shifting Perceptions on Identity, Relationships and the Media", "Real Girls: Reflections" and "Grief, Why Me? Why Not Me?: A Journey of Self-Discovery". Dr. Battle shares her own story of grief and loss and words of wisdom to help us navigate the challenges of loss. Tune in as Dr. Battle engages us in a conversation about internal reflection and self-discovery.

To learn about Dr. Battle, visit her website @

Today, I invited Ashley Elliott, a faculty member at Oakland City University and an expert in building healthy relationships. Ashley encourages us to start by looking in the mirror. In other words, understanding ourselves, our triggers, and recognizing the ways we respond to others. Are you ready to make a switch? Tune in and listen to Ashley share about her creative idea, Switch Theory.

To watch the Becoming Un-Tangled from Grief video with Ashley Elliott, visit YouTube @

Dr. Tonya Armstrong is the CEO and Founder of Armstrong Center for Hope located in Durham and Raleigh, NC, and author of Blossoming Hope: The Black Christian Woman's Guide to Mental Health and Wellness. Dr. Armstrong encourages us to look internally, set boundaries, and focus on our everyday wellness. Tune in as Dr. Armstrong engages us in a conversation about transformation and self-care. 

To learn about Dr. Armstrong, visit her website @

Today I invited someone very special to me, my brother Chaplain (Major) Vincent Hardy, to have a candid conversation about how he coped when diagnosed when Level 5 Prostate Cancer, his mindset during post-surgery recovery, and how he has kept his eyes on Jesus. He stands on the platform #MenGetChecked.

Learn more about prostate cancer @ 

Aisha Beau Johnson is a self-care writer, digital content creator, and speaker, specializing in beauty, wellness, travel, and mental health. In 2016, after being stopped on numerous occasions by fellow women of color inquiring about her makeup and skincare routine, Aisha decided it was time to create her own platform. AishaBeau.com originated as a beauty blog, but slowly manifested itself into a digital destination covering self-care as a whole. From beauty to lifestyle, and personal development, each post emphasizes the importance of internal and external well-being.  With an audience of engaged followers, readers, and subscribers on social media Aisha has developed a community eager to dig deeper into their self-care practices. 

Aisha has spoken at empowerment events as either a panelist or a featured speaker. She’s been featured on Cosmopolitan.com, Refinery29, Allure.com, and more.  In March 2020, Aisha launched her podcast, Re-Written, which covers all things self-love. Aisha’s writing about mental health and personal development has been featured on FastCompany.com, SUCCESS.com, the Shine Text App, Zora Mag, Forge Magazine, Black Girl In Om, and more. Aisha is also working on her debut book.  

To watch the video version of this podcast, visit YouTube @

In this episode we are talking about the challenging experience of grief and coping during loss. It is important to understand the "why" behind your coping skills and to recognize when certain skills no longer "serve" you.  

Ashley Elliott is a professor at Oakland City University and oversees the Psychology and Addictions Counseling Program. Ashley has developed over 17 Psychology courses, conducted original research with students in her classroom, and has developed a Communication Theory that she has presented at universities and businesses across Southern Indiana.

Ashley Elliott, and her husband Chuck Elliott, are grief and relationship specialists who have been working with couples since 2009. As marriage educators for Community Marriage Builders, they gained experience developing and leading small and large workshops. The Elliott’s are certified in eight different psycho-educational programs aimed toward building relational success. Chuck and Ashley have developed and taught multiple marriage programs over the years and love to speak about the topic of relationships.  Ashley is a professor at Oakland City University and oversees the Psychology and Addictions Counseling Program. Ashley has developed over 17 Psychology courses, conducted original research with students in her classroom, and has developed a Communication Theory that she has presented at universities and businesses across Southern Indiana.

To watch the video version, visit YouTube @

Louvenia Locklear, MSW, LCSW, LCAS-A is the owner of Financial Coach at Stable Financial Group and owner of Clinician at Empowered Minds (Mental Health Counseling). She specializes in aiding individuals and families during their journey toward financial wellness. She speaks from lived experience, when there was a period in her life where she was living from paycheck to paycheck. Yet, she learned how having a growth and intentional mindset could lead her into purposeful directions. Ms. Locklear's YouTube videos have reached many with insights about strengthening budgeting habits and building a financial legacy. 

To watch the video version of this podcast, visit YouTube @

This episode is a brief reflection to encourage you to pause for a moment and reflect over the first quarter of this year. What do you see? What have you learned? What do you want to let go of? What would you like to carry forward? Pause and Reflect with Dr. Veronica Hardy.

Get Your Copy of Becoming Un-Tangled: Eight Simple Strategies for Cleaning Up Your Life, Mind, and Habits @

Dr. Leslie Anne Locklear is the Co-Chair of the North Carolina Native American Youth Organization, a Program Coordinator at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke where she trains American Indian teachers and administrators to go back in American Indian schools, as well as a College and Career Advisor for high school Native Youth. She also co-authored a children’s book with Ms. Christina Pacheco titled, It’s Lumbee Homecoming Y’all! Nakoma’s Greatest Tradition (Lumbee Children Stories). Tune in to this special episode of There is Power in Your Story to celebrate National Native American Heritage Month and the beauty of Lumbee culture.

Dr. Rebecca Groves Brannock is an accomplished author in the realm of school counseling and currently developing her next publication. She is also an educator, school counselor and entering into retirement to enjoy what life has next! Join us to hear about reflecting, becoming an author, and how to live life well in a discussion called The Power of Influence featuring Dr. Rebecca Groves Brannock.

Interested in Dr. Brannock's publications? Please visit the following links.

Dr. Art Malloy is a poet, artist, servant leader, and the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Dr. Malloy has such a creative and intentional spirit. He states that you can view barriers in one of two ways, either as an impediment or as something you can climb up on to take you higher. During our conversation, he shares life experiences that he used as opportunities to go higher and how he responded to race-based discrimination. Tune in to learn about the power of remaining focused, staying in alignment with your intentions, and the effects of racism.

If you have enjoyed this episode, please share it with at least two friends and encourage them to tune in. Thank you so much for joining me this week on There is Power in Your Story. 

Mackenzie Kerby made quite a few transitions in her career from a high school teacher to a diversity-based educator and then laid off due to the Covid-19 pandemic. She decided to use that time to pause and explore her interests. Mackenzie realized how her interest in royal families could lead her to become an entrepreneur. It happened, through the use of text messaging. Listen in to be inspired by this story of career shifts, taking a pause, and becoming the co-owner of Your Royal Closet.

Aisha Beau Johnson is a digital content creator, speaker, and founder of AishaBeau.com, a digital destination highlighting all things self-care for women of color. She specializes in writing about beauty, lifestyle, and wellness topics, highlighting the importance of internal and external well-being. Aisha’s writing about mental health and personal development has been featured by outlets such as Fast Company and SUCCESS. Most recently, Aisha launched a podcast, Re-Written, which can be listened to on Apple/iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio or wherever podcasts are available.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (2018), “Many people don't understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to.”

Tina Locklear, MSW, LCSWA is featured in a Missions Mosaic article titled, "Getting to be Me,” by Shelli Littleton. Through Missions Mosaic, Ms. Locklear shared her experience of longterm recovery and the supports that provided her a strong foundation. In addition, Ms. Locklear is currently employed with a non-profit organization focusing on mental health and substance abuse.

The aim of this There is Power in Your Story podcast conversation is to discuss Ms. Locklear’s story of removing the mask and transitioning into longterm recovery.

Shnika Davis, MSW, LCSW, LCAS-A is a clinical professional with a private practice called I Rock Therapy located in Fayetteville, NC. She provides services across the spectrum including relationship counseling, chemical dependency evaluations, and group counseling. She responds to life challenges ranging from anxiety, life adjustments and addictions, to domestic violence and self-esteem. During our conversation today on There is Power in Your Story, she will share about vulnerability from the perspective of strength and freedom.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Occasional anxiety is an expected part of life. You might feel anxious when faced with a problem at work, before taking a test, or before making an important decision. But anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. For a person with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, school work, and relationships.”

Kenneth A. Joyner, MSW, LCSW has vast experience providing direct care services to individuals with mental health and development diagnoses. He has a passion and clinical interest in working with young men who have experienced significant trauma in their lives. Furthermore, he carries extensive experience focusing on anger management, behavioral and trauma-related issues. Mr. Joyner is drawn to enlightening others about overcoming anxiety and the fear of rejection.

The aim of this There is Power in Your Story podcast conversation is to discuss Mr. Joyner’s story of confronting the effects of social anxiety.

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, there are approximately 560,000 persons experiencing homelessness in the United States. This includes individuals, families, veterans, children, and even college students. Many college students do not have a regular place to sleep and this certainly adds stress during the pursuit of education.

The Aspire Program is a mentoring program designed to address the needs of The University of North Carolina at Pembroke students experiencing homelessness. This program is completely supported by generous donations.

The aim of this podcast conversation is to discuss a beautiful effort called the Aspire Program developed by Dr. Tamara Savage, an Assistant Professor of Social Work at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

For more information about the Aspire Program, please email Dr. Savage at tamara.savage@uncp.edu

If you would like to send a gift card, please contact Dr. Savage for mailing information.

What is a DNA exoneration? According to The Innocence Project, "it is a case in which post-conviction DNA testing  results were central to establishing the innocence of the wrongfully  convicted individual, i.e., the DNA testing results were dispositive of  actual innocence and central to vacating the conviction and/or  dismissing the indictment. The indictment must have been dismissed or  the defendant pardoned on the grounds of innocence or acquitted at a  retrial." 

What are the statistics? 365 DNA exoneration cases in the U.S. (2019)