Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual abuse, suicidal ideation, and incarceration.

What happens when the pain of your past tries to define your future—but you refuse to let it? In this gripping and emotionally charged episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Daniel Westbrooks, a community leader whose life journey embodies resilience, redemption, and radical transparency.

Daniel opens up about surviving childhood sexual abuse, battling depression, addiction, incarceration, and the devastating loss of his younger brother to suicide. With raw honesty, he shares how he transformed from a traumatized child and justice-involved teen into a mental health advocate, youth mentor, and recovery specialist changing lives across juvenile centers, prisons, and hospitals.

This episode goes beyond trauma—it's a masterclass in courage. Daniel doesn’t just tell his story—he reclaims it, offering hope and healing to anyone who has ever felt voiceless, broken, or unseen. From the power of owning your pain to helping others find purpose in theirs, this conversation will leave you forever changed.

Contact Information:

Instagram: @daniel.westbrooks

Facebook: Daniel Westbrooks

039 - Men Aren’t Supposed to Be Talking About This: Surviving CSA, Prison, and Suicidal Thoughts

Listen to the full episode now and ask yourself: What would it look like to give yourself permission to feel good, right here, right now?

What if the key to healing isn’t hustling harder, but slowing down and savoring the sweetness of life? In this soul-stirring episode of The Vulnerability Muscle, Reggie D. Ford sits down with the radiant Erica Wiederlight—confidence coach, speaker, and spiritual firestarter—for an unfiltered conversation about embodiment, burnout, and the radical act of reclaiming pleasure.

Erica opens up about her evolution from class clown to confidence coach, the shame she carried around learning disabilities and body image, and how performing masked a deep disconnection from self-worth. She shares how her journey through acting, grief, and healing led her to teach others how to embrace sexual empowerment, presence, and pleasure—not as luxuries, but as lifelines.

Together, Reggie and Erica explore:

 * Why vulnerability is a process, not a moment
 * How pleasure helps reset the nervous system and heal anxiety
 * The myth of constant self-improvement and why rest is sacred
 * How to check in with yourself through sensory awareness
 * The spiritual depth of sexual empowerment and how it’s often misunderstood

This conversation is a masterclass in living out loud, embracing imperfection, and choosing self-love in every season—even the crunchy ones.

Listen now to learn how to move from burnout to brilliance by tapping into your body, your breath, and your birthright to feel good.

Contact Info:

Guest – Erica Wiederlight
Website: wethelight.org [http://wethelight.org/]
Instagram: @wethelight_llc [https://www.instagram.com/wethelight_llc]

038 - From Perfectionism to Pleasure: Embracing Confidence & Self-Love with Erica Wiederlight

“Being real with yourself—it may be hard, but it’s great for your health.” — Scott Grace

In this unforgettable episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with the one-of-a-kind Scott Grace—poet, speaker, musician, and self-described "Spiritual Dr. Seuss." Through soul-stirring songs, radical honesty, and humor that disarms and heals, Scott invites listeners into a transformative dialogue on masculinity, vulnerability, emotional healing, and human connection.

Scott opens up about his journey from selling LSD and hiding behind “rusty walls of pride” to becoming a master of musical storytelling and emotional truth. With songs like “Teach Me How to Love” and spontaneous improvisations that will make you laugh, cry, and think, Scott redefines what it means to be masculine and emotionally whole.

The conversation dives deep into:

 * The intersection of masculinity and vulnerability
 * Why asking for help is a powerful act of courage
 * How he uses music and humor to depolarize politics and spark connection
 * His experience in Mexico and what he learned about peace, community, and presence
 * The healing power of breathwork, mindfulness, and storytelling
 * The journey of writing his book Mindful Masculinity and how it helped him heal his own wounds

Don’t miss Scott’s jaw-dropping live musical freestyle inspired by the episode’s theme: cutting through your own bullsh*t—a raw and beautiful performance you’ll want to replay.

This episode is more than a conversation. It’s an experience.

Listen if you're ready to:

 * Rethink what strength and vulnerability truly mean
 * Laugh and reflect through poetic truth-telling
 * Be inspired to show up more honestly in your life
 * Connect across difference with more compassion

Resources & Guest Contact Info:
Website: scottsongs.com [https://www.scottsongs.com/]
Book: Mindful Masculinity
YouTube: Scott Grace [https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=scott+grace]
Facebook: Scott K. Grace [https://www.facebook.com/scott.k.grace]
 

Interested in collaborating, coaching, or social media help? Scott welcomes outreach!

037 - Cutting Through the Bullsh*t: Scott Grace on Vulnerability, Music, and Mindful Masculinity

The Dance of Masculine & Feminine: Unlocking Gender Intelligence with André Paradis

On this captivating episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford engages in an eye-opening conversation with André Paradis—a former professional dancer turned relationship expert renowned for his insightful teachings on gender dynamics and relational harmony.

Born from challenging childhood experiences, André Paradis’ global journey—from the dance floors of Japan and Bangkok to the classrooms of acclaimed programs such as The Mankind Project and PAX—has given him unparalleled expertise in male-female relationships. Through years of deep personal development and study under masters like Dr. John Gray and Dr. Pat Allen, André has become a powerful voice, championing gender intelligence and empowering men and women to build meaningful, thriving relationships.

In this honest and thought-provoking dialogue, André shares profound insights, including:

 * The Truth About Vulnerability: Exploring why vulnerability looks different for men and women and how to approach it healthily in relationships.
 * Navigating Masculine & Feminine Energies: Understanding how these natural dynamics influence romantic partnerships, career trajectories, and personal fulfillment.
 * Why Gender Intelligence Matters: Discovering how learning about the opposite sex's instinctual drives can transform relationships and workplaces.
 * Leadership & Gender Dynamics: Examining common workplace conflicts and misunderstandings rooted in differing masculine and feminine communication styles.
 * Overcoming Past Trauma: André candidly discusses his personal struggles, healing journey, and how he uses authenticity and vulnerability as powerful tools for connection and growth.

Reggie and André challenge each other, diving deep into sensitive topics with authenticity and openness. Their exchange will leave listeners reflecting on their own relationships, their understanding of gender roles, and the courage it takes to live authentically and vulnerably.

If you’re ready to better understand yourself, your partner, and the hidden dynamics at play between men and women—this episode will illuminate, inspire, and equip you to build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

036 - The Dance of Masculine & Feminine: Unlocking Gender Intelligence with André Paradis

In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle, I sit down with Olivier Mankondo, a renowned weight loss and wellness coach, speaker, and author. Olivier shares his life-changing journey of losing 77 pounds (35 kg), reversing high blood pressure, chronic pain, and fatigue, and slowing the aging process—all through a plant-based diet and holistic lifestyle changes.

Since adopting plant-based nutrition in 2016, Olivier has not been sick a single day and has helped hundreds of people achieve optimal health and vitality. His approach combines mindset, nutrition, and intermittent fasting to help others lose weight naturally, boost energy, and eliminate chronic diseases.

If you’ve struggled with hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, or low energy, this episode provides scientifically-backed insights and practical strategies to reclaim your health and longevity—without medication.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

📖 Plant-Based Nutrition: How It’s Going to Change Your Life by Olivier Mankondo – Available on Amazon: https://oliviermankondo.com/my-book-funnel-ebook-sales-page [https://146331cf-fc5c-435f-8e69-02547d58b9c8.pipedrive.email/c/qkvjjgmqkp/j4ngep2mrk/n84l5gozk0/1?redirectUrl=https%3A%2F%2Foliviermankondo.com%2Fmy-book-funnel-ebook-sales-page&hash=X2xkMD2o8wCWB4Yf5nLyArWL-rKn18gWj3UP5rnYyoA]



FREE GIFT: Lose Weight Naturally & Improve Your Health!

Olivier Mondo’s Three-Step Weight Loss & Wellness Program:

1️⃣ Adopt a Winning Mindset: Shift from willpower to “why” power—find a meaningful reason to change.
2️⃣ Eat a Whole-Food, Plant-Based Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds.
3️⃣ Incorporate Intermittent Fasting: Give your body time to heal and regenerate naturally.

👉 Download Olivier’s 7 Proven Tips for Weight Loss & Wellness: https://oliviermankondo.com/opt-in [https://146331cf-fc5c-435f-8e69-02547d58b9c8.pipedrive.email/c/qkvjjgmqkp/j4ngep2mrk/n84l5gozk0/0?redirectUrl=https%3A%2F%2Foliviermankondo.com%2Fopt-in&hash=ir6BMdq374_qVpTUE57RJ8Eb7Kk5ysjzzXQzl_B3lvY]

Work With Olivier Mankondo & Start Your Health Journey Today

🌍 Website: https://www.oliviermankondo.com/www.oliviermankondo.com [http://www.oliviermankondo.com/]
📞 Book a Free Discovery Call: https://tidycal.com/oliviermankondo/discovery-call [https://146331cf-fc5c-435f-8e69-02547d58b9c8.pipedrive.email/c/qkvjjgmqkp/j4ngep2mrk/n84l5gozk0/2?redirectUrl=https%3A%2F%2Ftidycal.com%2Foliviermankondo%2Fdiscovery-call&hash=kOhCa6FqUk6uvoBMFc76NfZhVtlxpo0_4xMdFnxs4YU]

035 - Transform Your Health with a Plant-Based Diet: Olivier Mankondo's Journey to Reversing Chronic Disease & Losing 77 Pounds

What happens when your childhood identity is wrapped in competition, perfection, and performance—and then it all ends? In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with entrepreneur, event architect, and TEDx organizer Amanda Banks to unpack the emotional rollercoaster of life after elite athletics, the spiritual depths of entrepreneurship, and the courage it takes to simply start.

Amanda opens up about the vulnerable transition out of competitive gymnastics, how grief and identity loss shaped her teenage years, and how those experiences became fuel for her mission-driven career today. From building TEDxOldHickory into a national gem to helping athletes and entrepreneurs find their voice and stage, Amanda shares hard-earned lessons on resilience, self-worth, and starting before you feel ready.

Together, Amanda and Reggie reflect on the power of community, the fear of being seen, and the sacred value of integrity in a world obsessed with instant results. Whether you’re thinking about launching a business, sharing your truth, or stepping onto your own metaphorical red dot—this is your sign to hit the damn button.

Contact Information:

Email: amanda@createandinnovatesolutions.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-banks/https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-banks-9945502b/

034 - Hit the Damn Button: Taking Bold Action to Create, Innovate, and Inspire

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with the legendary Ron Johnson—a man whose life story is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the power of impact over income. From growing up in North Memphis as the fifth of ten boys, to excelling as a college football star, to facing unimaginable loss and incarceration, Ron’s journey is one of struggle, redemption, and purpose.  

Ron shares intimate details about losing his best friend to violence, the tragic murder of his mother, and how these traumas shaped his path. He opens up about channeling his pain into sports, his time playing football at Tennessee State University, and the pivotal moment when he found himself facing a 40-year federal prison sentence. But his story doesn’t end there. Instead of letting his circumstances define him, Ron found faith, education, and a new mission: helping others break free from cycles of trauma and despair.  

Now a speaker, mentor, life coach, and advocate, Ron has dedicated his life to serving others. He talks about the importance of therapy, meditation, and faith in healing from grief—including the recent heartbreaking loss of his daughter. His mantra, “Impact over income,” underscores his belief that true wealth comes from changing lives.  

If you’ve ever struggled with adversity, questioned your purpose, or needed inspiration to rise above your circumstances, this episode is for you. Tune in for a raw, unfiltered conversation about pain, perseverance, and the undeniable power of transformation.

033 - Impact Over Income: Ron Johnson on Overcoming Trauma, Loss, and Finding Purpose

What happens when a Harlem Globetrotter takes off the jersey and steps fully into his truth? In this deeply moving episode of Vulnerability Muscle, Reggie D. Ford sits down with Herb “Flight Time” Lang—former Globetrotter, three-time Amazing Race competitor, speaker, and kindness advocate—to explore the life behind the highlights.  

Herb opens up about growing up in Brinkley, Arkansas, the powerful role his grandmother played in his life, and the emotional journey of sending her a care package she never received. He shares the pivotal moments that shaped his 18-year Globetrotter career, how travel reshaped his worldview, and the spiritual lessons that came from surviving a traumatic car accident just months before this recording.  

Together, Reggie and Herb unpack themes of vulnerability, masculinity, gratitude, therapy, and the power of manifestation. Whether you're a student, leader, athlete, or anyone seeking hope, this episode is a reminder that kindness is free, vulnerability is strength, and your story matters more than your resume.  

You’ll walk away inspired to embrace your humanity, show up authentically, and carve your own path—one vulnerable step at a time.  

📲 Connect with Herb 

Herb Lang’s Website & Speaking Inquiries: www.iamherblang.com 

Social Media: @iamherblang on Instagram and across platforms 

Book: Projects, Popes & Presidents by Herb Lang 

Merchandise: Kindness Is Free gear via Herb's website 

 📲 Connect with Reggie 

IG - https://instagram.com/reggiedford LI - https://linkedin.com/in/reggiedford Website - https://reggiedford.com Podcast’s IG - https://instagram.com/vulnerabilitymuscle

032 - Herb Lang Talks Therapy, Vulnerability, and Why Kindness is Free

In this raw and uplifting episode of Vulnerability Muscle, Reggie D. Ford sits down with mental health advocate, performer, and Miss Middle Tennessee, Jana Hahn, for a deeply personal conversation about navigating life with OCD. Diagnosed as a child, Jana battled obsessive rituals, contamination fears, and depression—fighting silent monsters that controlled her daily life. But through treatment, exposure therapy, and an unwavering commitment to healing, Jana turned her pain into purpose.

Jana opens up about the emotional toll OCD took on her family dynamics, the struggle of being a twin with different mental health paths, and the internal resistance she had to overcome before embracing support. She also reads a powerful letter she wrote to herself during the darkest moments of her recovery—a letter full of pain, hope, and the will to survive.

From being hospitalized to competing in Miss Tennessee, Jana’s story is one of courage, transformation, and the strength found in sharing our truth. Together, she and Reggie reflect on the importance of storytelling, the power of community, and the slow, sacred process of healing. Whether you're battling OCD, PTSD, or the weight of invisible pain, this conversation reminds you: you are not alone, and your pain has purpose.

031 - OCD, Anxiety & the Miss America Stage: A Mental Health Story You Need to Hear

In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with 11-year NFL veteran and Vanderbilt legend Jordan Matthews for a deeply moving conversation on what it means to live with purpose beyond the game. From early memories of his father cheering him on in Little League to his reflections on fatherhood, humility, and faith, Jordan opens up about the highs and lows of professional sports, mental resilience, and becoming a man of impact.

Jordan shares untold stories from his football career—including being the 42nd pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, switching from wide receiver to tight end, and navigating multiple team cuts—all while balancing faith, family, and service. He reflects on the importance of special teams as a metaphor for life, the misconceptions about the NFL, financial literacy, and why vulnerability is the foundation of real relationships.

We also dive into:

 * How to thrive in a competitive, high-pressure environment
 * The role of consistent father figures in building self-worth
 * Breaking free from toxic hustle culture in sports and life
 * The power of spiritual grounding and learning Hebrew
 * The truth about fame, finances, and fulfillment in pro sports

Plus, Jordan talks about the Vanderbilt Legends Charity Softball Game happening July 11 at Hawkins Field, benefitting Eli’s House, a nonprofit supporting women and children affected by poverty and the foster care system.

This conversation is packed with truth, wisdom, and humor—and is not just for athletes. It’s for anyone seeking to build a legacy rooted in love, humility, and vulnerability.

📲 Contact & Event Info:

 * Instagram: @jmatt3x
 * Charity Event:
   Vanderbilt Legends Charity Softball Game
   📍 Hawkins Field, Vanderbilt University
   📅 July 11 – Doors open at 5 PM
   🎗️ Proceeds support Eli’s House: a nonprofit dedicated to keeping families together through housing, therapy, and job readiness programs.

030 - Inside the Mind of Jordan Matthews: NFL, Faith, Family, and Financial Wisdom

Welcome to "Vulnerability Muscle with Reggie D. Ford," the empowering podcast that challenges societal norms and invites you to explore the transformative power of vulnerability. Hosted by bestselling author and motivational speaker Reggie D. Ford, this show is your guide to finding strength, connection, and personal growth through embracing vulnerability.

In a world that often portrays vulnerability as a sign of weakness, Reggie D. Ford believes it is a source of tremendous strength and authenticity. Through insightful conversations and thought-provoking interviews, "Vulnerability Muscle" aims to redefine vulnerability and help listeners develop a new perspective on their own lives.

Reggie D. Ford, renowned for his bestselling book "Perseverance Through Severe Dysfunction" and his captivating motivational speeches, brings his unique expertise and personal experiences to the forefront. With a deep understanding of the impacts of trauma, the importance of mental health, and the power of vulnerability, Reggie inspires and empowers his audience to embrace their own vulnerabilities as catalysts for growth and change.

Each episode of "Vulnerability Muscle" delves into a variety of topics, such as mental health, social issues, and mindset shifts. Reggie and his guests explore the power of vulnerability in healing, building resilience, and fostering meaningful connections. They provide practical tools and strategies to navigate life's challenges, overcome adversity, and create more inclusive and just environments for all people.

Whether you're seeking personal growth, struggling with your mental health, or looking to create a positive impact in the world, this podcast offers a safe space for deep exploration and transformation. Reggie's compassionate and engaging style invites you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace vulnerability as a path to personal empowerment.

Join Reggie D. Ford and his inspiring guests on "Vulnerability Muscle" as they illuminate the path toward self-discovery, authenticity, and true strength. Prepare to be inspired, uplifted, and equipped with the tools to unlock your full potential through the power of vulnerability.

@reggiedford

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