Normalize The Conversation by Inspiring My Generation

Brenda Sarai Zuniga is a mindfulness coach, comedian, and philanthropist, determined to create positive change in this world. An exceptional and compassionate leader, Brenda is an active member in giving back on a global scale. In the last few years, she’s raised over $100,000 for children in need through her humanitarian efforts.  A true queen, in 2019 she won the title of Miss Burbank USA and is the co-creator of the innovative charity campaign “Brenda’s Dress”, making its onstage debut at Miss California USA 2020. This never-before-seen charity campaign raised funds for children in need by having donors names printed on her pageant dress. “Brenda’s Dress” was featured in the LA TIMES, raised $10,000, and became the first-ever charity art piece at a pageant for the Miss Universe Organization.  She regularly speaks at schools, hospitals, and corporate events on the topics of mental health, mindfulness, and her incredible life story of adversity and triumph.   Brenda is living proof of the American dream. At one year old, she was smuggled into the US and raised by teenage parents. Growing up she attended 11 schools, lived in 15 different homes, and wasn't diagnosed with ADHD until the age of 25. She credits her adversity filled upbringing for having developed incredible resilience and empathy; and humor.  In 2018, she became a U.S citizen, a triumph 25 years in the making. That same year she founded Sweet Thoughts Travel Inc., a mindfulness coaching company. Using practical tools, backed by neuroscience, she helps clients optimize their ability at handling life’s inevitable difficulties.   A passionate mental health activist, Brenda is a nationally certified speaker for NAMI, the nation’s largest grass-root mental health organization.  She recently launched her video podcast titled “Getting Mental with Brenda Sarai Zuniga”, bringing mental health education in a fun and relatable way. A true creative, she has found a way to blend her comedy, music, and mental health all in one. “Getting Mental with Brenda Sarai Zuniga” can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.  An inspirational woman of many talents, Brenda Sarai Zuniga is a shining example of what can be achieved taking care of one's mental health, having grit, and being kind.

Alexa Curtis is the host of the weekly podcast, "The New Unfiltered," Founder of Be Fearless Summit, and host of "Fearless" of Localish.  In this episode, Alexa shares her journey that started from a blog at 12 years old. From learning how to handle rejection to discovering your identity, Alexa shares all.

Herbie Mack is a multi-time suicide survivor, which led him to become a suicide prevention speaker. Herbie is also a mental health first aider, QPR gateKeeper, and the Just Believe Podcast host. The Just Believe Podcast gives insight into how people overcome their mental health challenges, seek professional help & provide alternative ways to tackle anxiety and depression.

Dr. Michelle Chung is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety-related, mood, ADHD / executive functioning challenges and building resiliency. She also leads parenting workshops and consults with parents individually. Additionally, she specializes in working with recovering perfectionist types. Using a CBT, DBT, and Biofeedback model, Dr. Chung works with youth, families, and adults.     Dr. Chung graduated from Carnegie Mellon University and received a doctorate in clinical psychology at Long Island University - C.W. Post. She is the recipient of numerous fellowships, grants. Dr. Chung published articles and book chapters on 9/11 trauma, suicidal ideations, engagement of families, complex trauma, and working with Asian American families. Her workshops include topics on burnout, self-care, parenting, gifted and talented children, ethnic identity development, and resiliency. Additionally, Dr. Chung has a specific interest in promoting mental health awareness within the Asian-American community. She speaks annually at the Korean music (K-pop) and culture festival, KCON.      Currently, Dr. Chung heads a boutique group practice in New York City and teaches at Mt. Sinai Medical Center.

Dr. Monica is a Clinical Pharmacist With over 19 years of experience. She currently works for Walmart Health & Wellness. Dr. Monica is a huge MH advocate and began her public speaking engagements in 2018. Her mission is to help in the powerful work needed in De- Stigmatizing Mental Health topics. She is currently a Medical Writer for an MH platform called PSYCOM, where she brings a monthly column on MH real case scenarios. Dr. Monica feels strongly in this area of health care because she’s gone through the trauma and grief herself. In 2011 she lost her husband to cancer and battled depression for many years. She faced stigma from Society and friends. I knew I wanted to be a voice for all who have dealt with loss, grief, and depression- which is something every single person will face at some point in life. Dr. Monica is a cohost with Dr. Gandhi on their IG live talk show called Grow and Glow. Dr. Monica is also the creator and cohost with the pharmacy podcast network where she helped create the MH series. Dr. Monica is a single mom to two beautiful teens girls and enjoys quality time with them. Dr. Monica is also doing Media appearances and you will find her on TV on the new GoodRx Commercials.

Fascinated with human biology and performance, Dr. Sonners is always working to integrate new knowledge and practical experience. In addition to his Doctor of Chiropractic, he earned his Diplomate of the Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition (DCBCN) and his Diplomate of the International Board of Applied Kinesiology (DIBAK).  He is currently earning his PhD in molecular biology with a concentration in regenerative medicine at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Dr. Sonners published an Amazon best-selling book in 2020, Oxygen Under Pressure, describing the science and benefits of using hyperbarics for a variety of indications, longevity and performance enhancements. He is also on the Board and Faculty of the International Hyperbarics Association (IHA), the International Board of Undersea Medicine (IBUM), the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MedMaps) and the Age Management Medicine Group (AMMG). A popular speaker at functional medicine conferences all over the country, Dr. Sonners also teaches the first and only HBOT certification course designed specifically for functional medicine doctors and HBOT technicians. Those who successfully complete the IHA-approved course are awarded Certified Hyperbaric Practitioner status by the IBUM which has been certifying practitioners, operators and clinics for more than 25 years. Dr. Sonners and his wife, Dr. Melissa Sonners, are co-owners of Core Therapies Family Wellness Center, a multidisciplinary clinic in Northern New Jersey.  They also own two hyperbaric clinics—NJ HBOT and PA HBOT—as well as HBOT USA, a business designed to help other practitioners obtain hyperbaric equipment and education, develop their business protocols, and earn HBOT certification. CONTACT DR. SONNERS: drjasonsonners@hbotusa.com

Dr. Zoe Shaw is a licensed psychotherapist, motivational speaker, radio show host, life coach and fitness fanatic. She is a mom to 5 and a wife. She is passionate about helping women who struggle in difficult relationships, especially that sometimes difficult relationship with themselves.    After 15 years in traditional psychotherapy practice, Dr. Zoe jumped off the couch and now helps women using a different modality with a mix of virtual therapy, coaching services and programs, through a lens of psychology, faith and a dash of feminism,  designed specifically for women struggling in difficult relationships.    Dr. Zoe is the author of the Ask Dr. Zoe Column in the Grit and Grace Project women’s magazine, She has been published in Oprahmag.com,  Recovery Today magazine and is a frequent contributor to Your Tango. She writes about helping women redefine their Strength. You can find her in the media on Instagram: @Drzoeshaw and in most social places at the handle DrZoeShaw

Joy Larkin is a life coach, executive director, public speaker, mentor, and counselor.  She’s the Founder and CEO of Live Narc Free, an organization that helps individuals learn how to reclaim their well-being, self-esteem, love, relationship, and how to breakfree from narcissist abuse. Joy believes in a society of strong, beautiful, and powerful people who can accomplish anything by overcoming any struggles in their way and maintaining high standards for themselves.  She’s a narcissist mentor who has established a unique approach in sharing her true-life experience in a way that transforms young teenagers and narcissist victims with lessons that can reignite their mindset and potential. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in general studies. Joy is a life coach in the world of a narcissist and has made several appearances on television and radio as well as featured in notable magazines for her outstanding awareness against victims of a narcissist.     She distinguished herself with the ability to identify and develop a winning potential that can help individuals to achieve core mission and to believe that our past life journey does not dictate our life,  we cannot change the events that have occurred in our past – in some instances, we may not have had much choice in them but we do have the power to create our future.     As a life coach, she has helped her clients recognized their unique capabilities by addressing negative strongholds and move forward unapologetically in power and purpose. Joy is gifted to inspire every individual with a vision that portrays the image of who you are and what you want to achieve from  inside out. She attributes her success to her sincere desire to help the victim of narcissist abuse to get free and stay free to move on to a better stronger you.     With 5+ years of experience as a life coach, she has transformed thousands of lives through her training and coaching. Joy is willing to share her experience with others who have the aspiration to become a better stronger version of their selves. She applies her coaching and experience with holistic principles in offering victims of narcissists practical tips and tools that can be used and implemented to achieve immediate results.

Candice Davis is a middle school Special Education Teacher in Washington, DC, with a background in film. Candice started her career in education as a Curriculum and Personnel Specialist, writing grants and proposals. Due to her desire to have more of a direct impact with disadvantaged students, she transitioned into teaching. "Melanin Brown Discovers America" is Candice’s debut book. She holds a M.Ed. in Educational Psychology with a focus in Social Foundations from the University of Virginia and a BA in Film and Video Studies from George Mason University.   In this episode of Normalize The Conversation, Candice Davis opens up about the inspiration and purpose behind her debut book, Melanin Brown. In this episode, we tackle how the lack of conversation among the youth about social issues is negatively impacting their mental health.

Charlotte Wasserman is the teen founder of It's A Girl's Life 501(c)(3) dedicated to empowering young women to become the creators of their own stories and be confident taking control of their world. She is also the co-host of  It's A Girl's Life, a module-based learning podcast for young women to recognize the power they have inside. Charlotte also occasionally speaks to groups of young women about the importance of finding their purpose and empowerment.    In this episode of Normalize The Conversation, Charlotte Wasserman shares the journey that led to It's A Girl's Life. Charlotte also opens up about two main struggles she has faced as a teenager and advice for others whom are struggling as well.    Want empowerment from young women your age right now? We’ve got you covered. Listen to our podcast (https://www.itsagirlslife.org/podcast) and meet her (https://www.instagram.com/itsagirlslifeorg/)!