"They labeled me with a learning disability… but I knew I was smart."
In this powerful and emotional episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford reconnects with childhood friend Martrell Williams, whose life story is both a gut punch and a masterclass in resilience. Martrell shares how he was wrongfully placed in special education due to behavioral issues stemming from a chaotic home life—and how that decision nearly derailed his future.

From being medicated and isolated in portable classrooms to teaching himself how to read in middle school, Martrell reveals the deep emotional cost of being mislabeled, misunderstood, and underestimated. Yet, his story is one of unlearning, self-reclamation, and rising above systemic failure through therapy, faith, and grit.

He dives into:

 * How grief and unprocessed trauma impacted his mental and physical health
 * The role of therapy in helping him reconnect to emotions he'd long suppressed
 * Why he now uses fasting, prayer, and fitness to maintain mental clarity

Martrell’s testimony is a wake-up call to parents, educators, and policymakers—because what we label in childhood can last a lifetime… unless someone dares to unlearn it.

🎧 CALL TO ACTION:
If you've ever been underestimated, mislabeled, or told you weren’t enough, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear how Martrell turned pain into purpose—and how you can too. Subscribe, rate, and share this episode of Vulnerability Muscle wherever you listen to podcasts.

📬 CONTACT INFO:
Guest – Martrell Williams
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trel_dior/
[https://instagram.com/trell_or] Facebook: Martrell Williams

Host – Reggie D. Ford
Website: reggiedford.com
[https://reggiedford.com/] Socials: @reggiedford on all platforms

🔑 QUOTES & TAKEAWAYS:

 * "I didn’t have a learning disability. I had a chaotic home life."
 * "They gave me pills like I was an animal—but never asked why I was angry."
 * "Grief tore my Achilles. I tried to outrun pain instead of feeling it."

043 - Misdiagnosed and Misunderstood: What Happens When the Education System Gets It Wrong

In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Will Acuff, co-founder of Corner to Corner, a Nashville-based nonprofit that fueled $37 million in neighborhood economic activity in 2024. Will opens up about the spiritual and emotional breakdown that led him to redefine success, the deep-rooted challenges of being a white faith-driven changemaker in historically underserved Black communities, and how adopting a mindset of curiosity, compassion, and vulnerability changed everything.

Will shares his personal mental health crisis that began on his honeymoon and led to a misdiagnosis, psychiatric hospitalization, and a years-long recovery process. He explains how he and his wife Tiffany, through deep pain and radical honesty, found purpose and healing in proximity to the pain of others. Their work birthed Corner to Corner—a thriving entrepreneurial training ground for underestimated communities—and his latest book No Elevator to Everest, a memoir and guide for self-awareness, spiritual healing, and unlocking joy in the midst of adversity.

Tune in to hear:

 * How trauma and spiritual exhaustion manifested in Will’s life—and how he rebuilt from it
 * The role of faith and mystical experiences in his healing
 * His 4AM morning routine and spiritual practices that help him parent through difficulty
 * The difference between “capital-G” and “lowercase-g” gentrifiers
 * How Corner to Corner equips Black entrepreneurs to close the opportunity gap
 * The life-changing impact of Onsite Workshops and internal family systems therapy
 * What it means to live your life as a “joy lab”

This episode is for anyone wrestling with burnout, parenting through pain, starting over, or seeking deeper purpose in their leadership journey. Get ready to be moved, challenged, and inspired.

Guest Bio:

Will Acuff is a nonprofit founder, speaker, and author of No Elevator to Everest. He co-founded Corner to Corner with his wife Tiffany in Nashville, TN—a social enterprise that helps underestimated entrepreneurs turn their dreams into income. In 2024 alone, Corner to Corner graduates generated $37 million in economic activity. Will holds a master’s from Reformed Theological Seminary and is passionate about God’s radical grace, justice, and joy. He is a proud father and an advocate for trauma healing, inclusion, and spirit-led awareness.

Resources & Contact:

 * Book: No Elevator to Everest – Available on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZTWLJ3Q]
 * Nonprofit: www.cornertocorner.org [https://www.cornertocorner.org/]
 * Contact: Will@cornertocorner.org
 * Instagram: @CornerToCorner [https://www.instagram.com/cornertocorner/]

🌳 Learn about Onsite Workshops: www.onsiteworkshops.com
[https://www.onsiteworkshops.com/]

042 - No Elevator to Everest: Will Acuff on Faith, Failure, and the Fight for Economic Equity with Will Acuff

In this heartfelt episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Brenda Do, a seasoned copywriter turned children's book author, to explore the power of vulnerability, self-compassion, and the journey of embracing our true selves. Growing up as a Chinese girl in 1970s America, Brenda rarely saw characters who looked like her in books, making her feel unseen and unworthy. This experience planted a deep seed of self-doubt—one she later sought to uproot through storytelling.

Now, as the author of It’s Okay Not to Know, Brenda crafts inclusive narratives that help children—and adults—unlearn limiting beliefs and embrace the beauty of curiosity, mistakes, and self-acceptance. She and Reggie dive into conversations about cultural conditioning, overcoming subconscious barriers, and why self-love is the key to unlocking a more fulfilling life.

Throughout the episode, Brenda shares insights on the societal narratives that hold us back, the impact of childhood messages on our self-worth, and how shifting our mindset can transform not just our personal lives but also our professional and creative endeavors. Whether you’re a parent, an educator, or someone on a journey of self-discovery, this episode will inspire you to embrace uncertainty, rewrite your inner dialogue, and recognize that you are enough—just as you are.

Contact Info: 

https://www.brendado.com/

041 - It's Okay Not to Know: Embracing Vulnerability, Growth, and Self-Compassion with Brenda Do

What if the violence, division, and dysfunction in our nation weren’t just political problems—but psychological ones?

In this soul-stirring episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with psychotherapist and bestselling author Phyllis E. Leavitt to explore how healing personal trauma can transform not only individual lives, but also the collective soul of a nation. Drawing from over three decades of clinical experience and her latest book, America in Therapy, Phyllis shares how unhealed childhood trauma reverberates into adulthood, relationships, and even systems of power.

Together, Reggie and Phyllis unpack:

 * The critical distinction between repression vs. suppression of trauma
 * How trauma shows up in our behaviors, leadership, and culture
 * Why the U.S. needs a psychological overhaul rooted in empathy and nonviolence
 * The emotional impact of incarceration and systemic punishment
 * How inner child healing can dismantle shame and self-hatred
 * The importance of safe, compassionate spaces for transformation
 * How to recognize the humanity inside perpetrators and victims alike

Phyllis speaks candidly about her own healing journey, growing up in a home of unspoken pain, and how therapy helped her reclaim her voice. Her call to action is clear: to heal America, we must first heal ourselves.

Guest Resources
Learn more about Phyllis and her work:
Website: www.phyllisleavitt.com [https://www.phyllisleavitt.com/]
Books: America in Therapy, Into the Fire, A Light in the Darkness
Contact: info@phyllisleavitt.com
Social: @phyllisleavitt (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Substack, YouTube)

Tune in for a masterclass in emotional truth, intergenerational trauma, and national healing.

040 - America in Therapy: Healing Personal Trauma to Repair a Nation with Phyllis E. Leavitt

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

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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