Best Complicating The Narrative Podcasts (2024)

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36 | ¡Azúcar! | Celia Cruz: The Queen of Salsa 45:37

1h ago45:37

45:37

Celia Cruz, dubbed the "Queen of Salsa" is one the the biggest Latin music stars of all time. From her humble beginnings in Cuba to her rise as a global icon, Celia’s voice and energy changed the game for Latin music. Fran and Conscious explore her journey, the racial barriers she broke, and the vibrant spirit she left behind. We’ll also dig into h…

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Breaking the Diet Culture Narrative and the Truth About Weight Loss Surgery 35:43

1d ago35:43

35:43

In this episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya dive deep into their frustration with the diet culture narrative. They discuss the harmful misconception that obesity is simple to solve and the need to dismantle the stigma surrounding weight loss surgery. Frustrated by the belief that weight loss surgery is just "taking the easy way out," t…

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35 | Hate It Or Love It | For Real, For Real 37:59

8d ago37:59

37:59

Black people’s accomplishments aren’t usually celebrated without creating some discomfort in the white cultural zeitgeist. There’s something about Black Excellence that often leads to knee jerk criticisms. From the complicated Jack Johnson, to the modern-day struggles of Serena Williams and Colin Kaepernick, this question in sports keeps popping up…

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Overcoming Childhood Obesity, Weight Loss Surgery Complications, and Breaking the Stigma with Lashandria Peek 38:48

8d ago38:48

38:48

In this impactful episode of Transform Your Life, Lashandria Peek shares her weight loss journey that began in 2018. She opens up about her weight loss surgery, the complications she encountered, and the importance of finding a surgeon she could trust. Lashandria also discusses the challenges of childhood obesity, including having her mouth wired s…

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Recalibration

12d ago

—

By Rabbi Ari Kahn

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Listen Now - Criminal Attorney 7:32

11d ago7:32

7:32

Paul Bergrin is a hotshot criminal defense attorney in Newark, New Jersey. Seemingly unstoppable and with unorthodox methods, he’s built a reputation for getting his clients off the hook. But as Paul's legend grows, so do the suspicions swirling around him. When FBI Agent Shawn Brokos starts investigating a major drug ring, she makes a shocking dis…

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34 | The G.O.A.T | Serena Williams: Love The Serve 41:56

12d ago41:56

41:56

“Luck has nothing to do with it, because I have spent many, many hours, countless hours, on the court working for my one moment in time, not knowing when it would come.” Serena Williams said those words knowing how many perceived a young Black girl in a predominantly white sport. Her career might appear defined by luck on the outside, but the kid w…

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The Complicated Case of Lot's Family

16d ago

—

By Rabbi Ari Kahn

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Transforming Recovery Care: How Pop Recovery Supports Weight Loss Surgery and Plastic Surgery Patients with CEO Laura Alexis 54:55

15d ago54:55

54:55

In this episode of the Transform Your Life podcast, Teresa and Tonya welcome special guest Laura Alexis, CEO and founder of Pop Recovery Systems, to discuss her passion for improving recovery care for weight loss surgery and plastic surgery patients. They explore how Laura is inspiring surgeons to join the Pop Recovery movement, driven by their des…

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A Mutual Coronation

19d ago

—

By Rabbi Ari Kahn

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33 | Bad and Bougie | Complicated Champion Jack Johnson 36:00

19d ago36:00

36:00

Jack Johnson, the Galveston Giant, is known for two things: his brutal fists and fearless audacity. Before Muhammad Ali, Johnson shocked the world with his unrivaled boxing skills, shattering racial barriers and igniting racial tensions. On July 4th, 1910, in "The Fight of the Century," he defeated Jim Jeffries, the "Great White Hope," becoming the…

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Navigating Post-Op Success: Essential Tips and Breaking Weight Loss Surgery Stigma 37:07

23d ago37:07

37:07

In this episode of the Transform Your Life podcast, Teresa and Tonya dive into the critical aspects of post-op care after weight loss surgery. They discuss how to avoid complications, the importance of following your surgeon’s guidelines, and the role of the PopRecovery team in ensuring a smooth recovery process. The episode also tackles the stigma…

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A Message Without a Messenger pt. 1 34:35

25d ago34:35

34:35

This episode is the first in what I hope will be a series in which I present and critique *Being and Nothingness: An Essay on Phenomenological Ontology* by Jean-Paul Sartre, published in French in 1943. In writing these episodes, I hope to join a venerable tradition in philosophy in which a critique is not so much a negative review but rather a tho…

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32 | Standing on Business | Renaissance Man Paul Robeson 38:32

26d ago38:32

38:32

Witnessing someone achieve greatness in multiple areas of life is pretty rare. Paul Robeson’s a rare type of man. Almost like Beyonce, he’s a Renaissance man. There isn’t a color line he can’t cross and excellence is his middle name. By the 1930’s, Paul’s graduated college as valedictorian, played professional football, and become the first Black a…

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Breaking the Silence: Ken’s Journey Through Weight Loss, Plastic Surgery, and Men's Health Challenges 31:42

30d ago31:42

31:42

In this enlightening episode, Tonya and Teresa welcome Ken, a new member of the PopRecovery group, who offers a valuable male perspective on weight loss and plastic surgery. Ken discusses the challenges men face with obesity and the often unspoken struggles of dealing with weight issues. He shares his journey through multiple weight loss procedures…

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31 | Is It The Braids? | Colin Kaepernick’s Protest 45:43

1M ago45:43

45:43

Football season’s back, and it’s still missing one of the game’s best quarterbacks: Colin Kaepernick. Colin grows up loving athletes like basketball player Allen Iverson, but he dreams of making it to the NFL. When the dream finally comes true, he takes the NFL world by storm in 2012 as quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. Almost four years lat…

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From Struggle to Triumph: Amanda’s 600-Pound Weight Loss Success and Plastic Surgery Transformation 35:02

1M ago35:02

35:02

In this powerful and motivating episode, Tonya and Teresa, ambassadors for PopRecovery, are joined by the incredible Amanda Register, who has triumphed over a 600-pound weight loss journey. Amanda shares her inspiring story of overcoming unimaginable challenges, including undergoing the duodenal switch surgery to lose the weight necessary to receiv…

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Complicity and the Palestinian Genocide 35:49

1M ago35:49

35:49

On February 25th of this year, Airman Aaron Bushnell of the United States Air Force lit himself on fire outside of the Israeli embassy in Washington D.C. Prior to his self-immolation, he posted a message on Facebook: Many of us like to ask ourselves, "What would I do if I was alive during slavery? Or the Jim Crow South? Or apartheid? What would I d…

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30 | Smile | For Real, For Real 35:50

1M ago35:50

35:50

You ever see someone laugh so hard it makes you crack a smile? Even though you’ve got no idea what they are laughing about? Contagious joy helps people survive. Especially Black people, because Black joy is a revolutionary act. In this bonus episode, Franchesca and Conscious discuss how reclaiming spaces for happiness and expression is vital when b…

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Transforming Lives: Navigating Weight Loss and Plastic Surgery with Dr. Chen and Tori 34:41

2M ago34:41

34:41

In today’s inspiring and deeply personal episode, we are joined by the courageous weight loss warrior Tori, who shares her remarkable weight loss journey and the preparations for her upcoming skin removal surgery with Dr. Charlie Chen. Tori opens up about the emotional highs and lows of her transformation, the meticulous planning involved, and the …

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29 | Sink or Swim | Battle for the Beach 39:15

2M ago39:15

39:15

You never think a simple day by the water can turn deadly. Young Eugene Williams never thought his day at the beach would end in tragedy, either. But, his death at a segregated beach in Chicago sparks a fight to desegregate all American beaches. Activists like Dr. Gilbert Mason, take a courageous stand to transform public spaces across the nation. …

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Katlyn Foster on Finding Confidence and Building a Business After Massive Weight Loss 36:55

2M ago36:55

36:55

In today's uplifting and deeply personal episode, we are joined by the inspiring Katlyn Foster, who shares her heartfelt journey of massive weight loss. Together, we dive into the emotional struggles, vulnerability, and the relentless pursuit of self-acceptance that come with being part of the weight loss community. Teresa, Tonya, and Katlyn open u…

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28 | Summertime | Battle for the Beach 43:05

2M ago43:05

43:05

Summertime, and the livin’s easy. Unless you’re Black, and trying to hit up the beach, in early 19th-century America. Beaches, like the rest of the nation, are segregated by race. And of course Black people only have access to the most dangerous sands and waters. That begins to change when Frederick Douglass’ bougie son, Charles, buys land on the s…

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A Chef’s Perspective on Healthy Cooking Post-Surgery With Chef Rich 31:18

2M ago31:18

31:18

We dive deep into the inspiring story of Chef Rich and his remarkable weight loss journey. Once weighing over 600 pounds, Chef Rich made the courageous decision to undergo weight loss surgery and dedicate himself to a healthier lifestyle. Now, having shed over 300 pounds, he shares the physical and emotional transformations he’s experienced, includ…

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27 | Everyday I'm Hustlin' | For Real, For Real 32:57

2M ago32:57

32:57

“I’ll sleep when I die.” That’s usually the sentiment of a laborer on the perpetual grind. Sure, hard work pays off, but when do we declare it’s time to rest? In this special episode, our hosts have a candid conversation about the drawbacks of hustle culture and how prioritizing high productivity puts pressure on workers. Franchesca Ramsey and Cons…

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Empowering Stories of Weight Loss and Self-Love with Teresa and Tonya 36:23

2M ago36:23

36:23

Welcome to another empowering episode of Transform Your Life with Teresa and Tonya! In this episode, our dynamic duo dive deep into the complexities of the weight loss and healing journey, sharing their personal experiences and offering steadfast support to those on similar paths. With a combined weight loss of over 800 pounds, Teresa and Tonya can…

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26 | Locked Up | Samuel L. Jackson Vs. Morehouse College 33:57

2M ago33:57

33:57

Martin Luther King, Jr. is dead, and Samuel L. Jackson’s taken the entire Morehouse College Board of Trustees hostage. This includes the recently assassinated Civil Rights icon’s father – Martin Luther King, Sr. Soon, MLK, Sr’s. heart problems force them to make a stark choice: sacrifice his life for the Movement, or spare him out of a decency. Pol…

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Dr. Eric Smith's Insight: Nutrition, Bariatric Surgery, and Compassionate Care 34:03

2M ago34:03

34:03

In this 20th episode, we are thrilled to be joined by the dedicated and compassionate bariatric surgeon, Dr. Eric Smith. Today’s discussion dives deep into the world of bariatric surgery, recovery, and holistic wellness. Dr. Smith sheds light on his journey to develop his supplement line, Bari Balance, and the meticulous effort involved in ensuring…

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25 | School Daze | Samuel L. Jackson Vs. Morehouse College 38:14

3M ago38:14

38:14

Samuel L. Jackson’s got big plans when he arrives at Morehouse College in the late 1960s. He loves movies and he’s dreaming of a bright future as a marine biologist. But the world’s dreaming of other things.Tensions around the Civil Rights Movement are only increasing and protests against the Vietnam War are erupting on campuses around the nation. …

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Celebrating Non-Scale Victories: Teresa and Tonya's Weight Loss Triumphs 43:38

3M ago43:38

43:38

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of Transform Your Life with Teresa and Tonya! Today, we dive deep into the heart of weight loss journeys by celebrating the often-overlooked milestones—non-scale victories (NSVs). With decades of personal experience, our hosts share transformative wins that go beyond the numbers on the scale, such as fittin…

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24 | Go Tell’em | For Real, For Real 56:42

3M ago56:42

56:42

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Fannie Lou Hamer had her voting rights and reproductive rights infringed upon, but she stood on business to improve things for the future. So, why are we still fighting the same battles? Franchesca Ramsey and Conscious Lee make the connections between what Hamer went through over 50 years ago, an…

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How To Survive Social Events 34:40

3M ago34:40

34:40

Teresa and Tonya, your hosts, reflect on their incredible experiences traveling and attending events. They open up about their ongoing struggles with insecurities and the mindset shifts necessary to overcome their past weight issues. You'll hear practical tips on how to navigate social events, how to avoid overindulging, and focus on meaningful soc…

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23 | I’m Different | Fannie Lou Hamer’s Voting Revolution 42:36

3M ago42:36

42:36

After getting arrested by racist police and being beaten to near death, Fannie puts her fight for voting rights into high gear. With the help of fellow activists, Fannie forms her own political party, the MFDP (Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party), and appears on live television - telling her story to millions of Americans. She wants to protect Bl…

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Dana's Journey: Food Addiction, Emotional Eating, and Devotion Nutrition 41:16

3M ago41:16

41:16

We sit down with Dana from Devotion Nutrition to explore how their innovative products are transforming the way we satisfy our sweet cravings while staying devoted to a healthy lifestyle. We'll dive deep into Dana's personal journey with emotional eating and food addiction, discussing how she overcame childhood struggles and found hope through ther…

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22 | Stand Up | Fannie Lou Hamer’s Voting Revolution 44:27

3M ago44:27

44:27

Fannie Lou Hamer’s been a fighter her entire life. Growing up as a poor Black girl in Jim Crow Mississippi leaves her no other choice. Fannie’s not just fighting for herself, but for all Black people in the deep south. To her, the path to freedom lies at the ballot box, and the road she walks ain’t easy. Racists will do anything to stop her march f…

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Finding the Courage to Evolve: Jessica's Weight Loss Journey 32:10

3M ago32:10

32:10

Welcome back to another empowering episode of "Transform Your Life with Teresa and Tonya"! In this episode, our hosts, Teresa and Tonya, dive deep into their personal experiences and the emotional and physical challenges of embarking on a weight loss journey. They share their milestones, fears, and the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zo…

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21 | Tend to Your Own Business | Motown Vs. Stax 41:01

3M ago41:01

41:01

Motown has finally found its groove. The Jackson Five add their bubblegum soul to the company’s more traditional sound. And albums from Motown artists rocket to the top of the Billboard charts. The record label is churning out hit record after hit record. Things at Stax Records ain’t too bad either. They’ve finally figured out how to capture some o…

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April's Story of Resilience: Overcoming Obesity 31:34

4M ago31:34

31:34

In this powerful and inspiring episode, we sit down with our incredible guest, April, as she bravely shares her extensive weight loss journey. April opens up about her experiences with bariatric and plastic surgery, and the challenging recovery that followed, including severe medical complications. Despite these hurdles, she has triumphed, transfor…

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20 | What’s Going On? | Motown Vs. Stax 53:15

4M ago53:15

53:15

The Civil Rights Movement is at its peak. Trouble’s brewing in the streets and inside Motown and Stax records. Stax artists watch in disbelief as Los Angeles burns during the Watts’ uprising. Things get worse when soulful singer Otis Redding is dealt a tragic hand by Lady Luck. Meanwhile, Motown is slapped with a lawsuit from Dr. Martin Luther King…

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Things Noone Talks About Bariatric Surgery Edition 43:33

4M ago43:33

43:33

Welcome back to "Transform Your Life with Teresa and Tonya," your go-to podcast for real talk and support on the weight loss and transformation journey. In today's episode, we're diving deep into the personal challenges faced by Teresa and Tonya during their battle with obesity. From the impact excess weight had on their bodies—including bladder is…

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19 | Knock on Wood | Motown Vs. Stax 45:18

4M ago45:18

45:18

Motown and Stax are on the come up. Acts like Diana Ross and Isaac Hayes are helping redefine what it means to sing with soul, and their sound captures hearts in America and beyond. Even The Beatles want in on the action. The record labels' successes come with their own set of pitfalls. Money’s tight and artists and musicians are pushing back again…

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Maintaining Healthy Routines While Traveling Post-Weight Loss 34:56

4M ago34:56

34:56

In today's episode, we dive into the art of maintaining a healthy lifestyle while traveling and eating out—especially after a weight loss journey or bariatric surgery. Tonya and Teresa share their personal tips and tricks for staying on track with their health goals, from carrying protein snacks and drinks to researching menus for the best low-carb…

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The War in Heaven 39:50

4M ago39:50

39:50

Today we'll be tracing the influence of dualistic cosmologies on the development of religious thought. In examining these historical narratives, we'll see how ancient beliefs influence modern religious thought. From there, we'll pivot to an examination of the concept of mind as it is understood in both historical and modern contexts. Challenging th…

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18 | Square Biz | Motown Vs. Stax 1:04:45

4M ago1:04:45

1:04:45

Before Michael Jackson became the King of Pop, or Otis Redding claimed his place as one of the greatest singer-songwriters in American popular music history, their talents had to be discovered and shared with the world. Enter the competing labels Motown and Stax Records. In the early 1960s, Berry Gordy’s Motown and Jim Stewart’s Stax pioneered the …

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How To Stop Binge Eating 35:05

4M ago35:05

35:05

Welcome back to another episode of Transform Your Life with Teresa and Tonya! In today's episode, we're diving deep into the struggles and triumphs of overcoming binge eating and food addiction. Join us as Teresa and Tonya share their innovative strategies for tackling binge eating and battling the "inner fat brain". Our hosts explore practical tip…

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17 | Picasso Baby | For Real, For Real 44:47

4M ago44:47

44:47

When it comes to works of art, “Picasso” is synonymous with brilliance and innovation. Spanish painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso is famously known for spearheading the Cubist movement during the 20th century art revolution. What most people don’t know is that Picasso was heavily inspired by Africans and the African diaspora. One of his most famous…

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Bariatric Surgery: Reality Vs. Expectations 34:22

5M ago34:22

34:22

In today's episode, hosts Teresa and Tonya dive deep into the topic of bariatric surgery: comparing their expectations vs. the realities. They open up about the unexpected changes in their food tolerances, from suddenly disliking certain foods like lettuce and meat to navigating the evolving nature of their diets. They reflect on hidden health issu…

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16 | America Has A Problem | For Real, For Real 33:50

5M ago33:50

33:50

Black culture is a pivotal pillar of broader American culture. From fashion, to language, to being the sonic foundation to much of American music. In this special episode, our hosts do a deep dive into country music and how its roots are grounded in Black music. Using Beyoncé’s latest effort, Cowboy Carter, as a springboard, Conscious Lee and Franc…

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Finding Confidence in New Clothes Post-Weight Loss 35:42

5M ago35:42

35:42

In this empowering episode of "Transform Your Life with Teresa and Tonya", we dive deep into the emotional and transformative journeys of weight loss, body acceptance, and shopping. Our hosts, Teresa and Tonya, open up about their personal struggles with body image, from feeling self-conscious about loose skin and being overweight, to facing societ…

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15 | I Got A Story To Tell | Black Wall Street 53:18

5M ago53:18

53:18

The Tulsa Race Massacre is by far one of the most horrific events in American history. Although it took place over 100 years ago, the effects still ripple through the country to this day. During this time, the Oklahoma media suppressed the truth of what really happened. However, one brave resident of Greenwood documents the reality. Mary E. Jones P…

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