In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with the dynamic Dr. JaNee Mobley—pharmacist, speaker, author, coach, mom, and mentor—to unpack her extraordinary journey from homelessness to building a purpose-driven life and business.

Dr. Mobley opens up about the emotional toll of living unfulfilled despite achieving academic and professional success. She vulnerably shares how losing her job and home—while pregnant—became the turning point that launched her into entrepreneurship and deeper self-discovery.

Together, Reggie and Dr. Mobley explore:

 * What vulnerability truly means and how it creates emotional safety.
 * Why success without purpose leads to burnout and dissatisfaction.
 * How Dr. Mobley turned a season of homelessness into the foundation for a bestselling book and thriving coaching business.
 * The five-part coaching framework she uses to help women move from mindset to movement: Mindset, Management, Mastery, Message, and Marketing.
 * Real stories of self-sabotage, imposter syndrome, and the fear of success.
 * How women can give themselves permission to profit from their purpose while maintaining their integrity and peace.
 * The power of showing up—especially when it’s hard.
 * How vulnerability is her superpower—and can be yours too.

This is a must-listen for any woman sitting on a dream, navigating burnout, or battling self-doubt. It’s also a reminder for all of us that vulnerability is the gateway to personal freedom, transformation, and true power.

 * Website: https://www.drjanee.com/
 * Instagram: @DrJaNeeMobley [https://www.instagram.com/DrJaNeeMobley]
 * Coaching & Speaking: Success & Wealth Institute

052 - From Homelessness to Purpose: A Journey to Empower Women Through Radical Resilience

In this soul-stirring episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Dame Clarissa Burt—former supermodel turned award-winning author, media powerhouse, and self-esteem advocate. From gracing 250 magazine covers to being knighted and standing proudly beside the likes of Brené Brown and Deepak Chopra on bookstore shelves, Clarissa shares her incredible journey through generational healing, emotional resilience, and radical self-acceptance.

Clarissa gets candid about growing up with deeply rooted family shame, finding her voice in Europe’s fashion world, and ultimately stepping into her purpose as the founder of The Self-Esteem Regime. She opens up about how modeling transformed her confidence, why baking cookies grounds her spirit, and how witnessing the struggles of her mother and grandmother ignited her mission to redefine worth for women everywhere.

You’ll learn the four pillars of self-esteem (Look Good, Feel Good, Be Good, Greater Good), why self-work is a sacred duty, and how to flex your own vulnerability muscle in pursuit of inner strength. If you've ever struggled with self-image, imposter syndrome, or breaking free from your past, this episode is your permission to heal and rise.

Contact Info:

 * Website: https://clarissaburt.com [https://clarissaburt.com/]
 * Instagram: @clarissaburt [https://instagram.com/clarissaburt]
 * Book: The Self-Esteem Regime – available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and major booksellers

051 - From Supermodel to Self-Esteem Advocate: Breaking Cycles and Building Confidence

"I don't believe everything is forgivable... but I do believe everything is connected."
In this stirring episode of Vulnerability Muscle, Reggie D. Ford sits down with writer, mother, and poetic truth-teller Fatima-Ayan Malika Hirsi, whose work is rooted in world-building, social change, and collaborative liberation.

Based on the unceded lands of the T’Sou-ke Nation, Fatima is a Black mother and artist whose poetry appears in MAYDAY, Torch, Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora, and beyond. She brings fierce conviction and emotional clarity to topics many avoid—grief, rage, justice, and the sacred role of feeling deeply in a numbed world.

From a dream visitation with her late mother to crying as a sacred act of surrender, Fatima opens her heart and reveals the raw edges of what it means to live fully and love radically. She shares how her upbringing shaped her lifelong commitment to justice, the roots of her poetic activism, and why society's fear of emotion is a systemic tactic of control.

Together, she and Reggie explore:

 * Why crying is not weakness, but a portal to healing
 * How motherhood deepens empathy and fuels global love
 * Why true change demands action beyond art, voting, or performative allyship

Fatima closes the conversation with an unforgettable reading of her poem, This is the Soul of My Soul, a eulogy and indictment born from the crisis in Gaza. Through it all, she invites us to see each other—not as strangers or enemies—but as kin.

🎧 Call to Action:
This episode will stir your soul and ask more of your heart. Listen now—and let it move you into feeling, into action, and into kinship.

📇 Contact Info:

Guest – Fatima-Ayan Malika Hirsi
🌐 Website: fatimaayanmalikahirsi.com
[https://fatimaayanmalikahirsi.com/] 📱 Socials: @fatimawritingdoula

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

📌 Key Quotes / Takeaways for Social Media or YouTube Description:

 * "Crying is a portal. I’m not the same person after the tears come."
 * "We are kin—not just by blood, but by being alive, by feeling."
 * "Art is not enough. If you read my poems and don’t take action, then what’s the point?"

050 - What We Lose When We Forget We're Family with Fatima-Ayan Malika Hirsi

In this raw and resonant episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Kevin Palmieri, founder and co-host of the globally-ranked Next Level University podcast, for an unforgettable conversation about how vulnerability saved his life.

Kevin shares his powerful journey from early financial instability and the absence of his father to climbing the ranks of success—only to find himself spiraling into depression and near suicide at the peak of his external achievements. From bodybuilder to podcaster to transformational coach, Kevin recounts the moment he hit rock bottom in a New Jersey hotel room and the brave call to a trusted friend that altered the course of his life forever.

Together, Reggie and Kevin explore:

 * What true success feels like beyond money and metrics
 * The meaning of vulnerability as strength—and the difference between sharing scars vs. open wounds
 * How the Compound Effect and sustainability apply to podcasting, personal growth, and belief
 * The emotional toll of overachievement and fear of success
 * Building a purpose-driven business without sponsors or ads
 * The secrets behind monetizing a podcast by solving real problems
 * The inner work required to develop unshakable self-worth
 * Healing the father wound: Kevin’s unexpected Facebook message and reunion with his estranged dad
 * Identity, alignment, and how to chase goals while feeling whole now

This episode is a masterclass in transformation, mental wellness, entrepreneurship, and emotional intelligence—all grounded in personal truth. Whether you’re an aspiring podcaster, a high achiever seeking deeper meaning, or someone working through past wounds, this episode offers insight, hope, and practical wisdom.

Contact Info:

 * 🎙️ Founder & Chief Success Officer, Next Level University
 * 🌍 Podcast streams in 175+ countries
 * 📊 Over 2,000 episodes & 1.3M listens
 * 💼 Services: Podcast coaching, group coaching, personal development consulting
 * 🌐 Website: www.nextleveluniverse.com [https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/]
 * 📧 Email: kevin@nextleveluniverse.com
 * Facebook - Kevin Palmieri [https://www.facebook.com/kevin.palmieri]
 * Instagram: @dontquitkidhttps://www.facebook.com/kevin.palmieri

049 - The Compound Effect of Vulnerability: Kevin Palmieri on Success, Scarcity, and Self-Worth

In this heartfelt episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Sukhvinder Kaur, a mental health advocate, counselor, and author of There is Light at the End of the Tunnel of Loneliness. Together, they explore the profound impact of loneliness on mental and physical well-being, shedding light on how isolation can be a silent yet deadly struggle.

Sukhvinder shares her deeply personal journey—from experiencing loneliness after a major life transition to becoming a beacon of hope for others. She opens up about how writing, community, and faith played vital roles in her healing and how she now dedicates her life to helping others navigate their own feelings of isolation. Through this conversation, she emphasizes the importance of acceptance, seeking support, and taking actionable steps toward connection and healing.

Listeners will gain practical tools for managing loneliness, including the power of journaling, meditation, and reframing vulnerability as a strength. Reggie and Sukhvinder also discuss the post-pandemic loneliness epidemic, the stigma surrounding mental health in different communities, and the life-saving impact of human connection.

If you've ever felt lonely, disconnected, or struggled with mental health, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for a compassionate and insightful discussion that reminds us all: You are not alone, and there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

Contact Info:

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sukhvinder-kaur-91227a2b8

048 - Breaking Through Loneliness: Finding Light at the End of the Tunnel with Sukhvinder Kaur

In this gripping episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Ryan Christensen—a hypnotist, peak mental performance coach, and former military intelligence and counterterrorism expert—to explore a mind unlike any other. Diagnosed with ADHD, bipolar disorder, and autism at age 48, Ryan takes us on a riveting journey through classified counterterrorism operations, mental breakdowns, and ultimately, self-discovery.

We explore how Ryan uses hypnosis to help clients overcome deep-rooted emotional resistance, reframe limiting beliefs, and unlock peak performance. He dives deep into the neurodiverse mind, explaining how autism became his superpower and why bipolar disorder is both a curse and a compass.

This episode is a masterclass in emotional reframing. Ryan reveals why emotions are not pain, but questions—powerful signals asking for attention and solutions. He shares how reframing internal conflict transforms lives and why his mission is to end human suffering by unlocking human potential.

If you’ve ever struggled with emotional overwhelm, felt unseen in your neurodivergence, or wondered how to truly heal—not just cope—this episode will leave you transformed.

Topics Covered:

 * Ryan’s diagnosis journey: discovering ADHD, bipolar disorder, and autism at 48
 * Why emotions aren’t pain—they’re questions your mind is asking
 * Reframing trauma and emotional wounds through hypnosis
 * The dangers of masking and emotional suppression in high-stakes environments
 * How counterterrorism experience shaped Ryan’s mindset and resilience
 * Weaponized insight: leveraging pattern recognition for emotional and mental clarity
 * The difference between psychedelics and hypnosis in healing trauma
 * Building a relationship with your subconscious mind
 * The philosophy behind his book Winter Peace: How to End Inner Conflict and Make Success Inevitable
 * How to turn “I’m not good enough” into “I already am enough”
 * Daily strategies for emotional regulation and peak mental performance
 * The power of authenticity when vulnerability is no longer a risk

Guest Book:

Title: Winter Peace: How to End Inner Conflict and Make Success Inevitable
Available on: Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/]

🔗 Guest Contact Info:

Website: www.ryanthehypnotist.com
[http://www.ryanthehypnotist.com/] Free Consultation: 45-minute session to uncover and resolve emotional blocks

047 - Weaponized Insight: From Military Intelligence to Mental Mastery with Ryan Christensen

In this soul-stirring episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Silvia Garcia-Romero, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Sentara Health, for a raw and revelatory conversation about immigration, identity, and inclusion. At just 10 years old, Silvia crossed the U.S.–Mexico border undocumented, guided only by faith, love, and the hope of family reunion. What unfolded afterward is a journey of resilience—growing up in a trailer with eight children, learning English as a second language, and rising above systemic barriers to become a powerful voice for equity in healthcare.

Silvia shares the unfiltered truth of what it means to navigate a country where language can be both a barrier and a weapon, and how moments of marginalization became fuel for her purpose-driven leadership. She offers moving reflections on childhood memories, the sacrifices of her parents, and the emotional toll of assimilation—revealing how her life’s hardships laid the groundwork for a mission that’s about more than a job title; it’s a calling.

Together, Reggie and Silvia confront societal misconceptions about DEI work, challenge xenophobic mindsets, and explore what it takes to humanize healthcare—one story, one conversation, one act of inclusion at a time.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the immigrant experience, the real meaning of vulnerability, and the transformative power of compassion.

Contact Information:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silviagarciaromero/

046 - The Land of Opportunity—and Oblivion: What America Misses About Immigrants

"Let the hard things in life be fractions—not racism."

In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle, Reggie D. Ford sits down with Shanera Williamson, host of the Brown Mama Bear podcast, for a deeply moving and necessary conversation about raising Black children in predominantly white schools, reclaiming generational stories, and the spiritual responsibility of parenting with presence, identity, and intention. Shanera shares raw reflections on the intergenerational trauma passed down from a grandfather who survived the Wilmington Massacre of 1898, her own navigation of private Christian schools built on segregationist foundations, and the pain of realizing she once unknowingly prioritized academic prestige over her daughters’ emotional well-being.

With grace and accountability, she details how apologizing to her children for past decisions deepened their relationship and empowered them to thrive—and how now, as a fierce advocate, she equips other mothers to do the same. If you've ever questioned how to raise whole, resilient children in a fractured society, this conversation will meet you where you are and lovingly challenge you to go further.

Call to Action:
This is more than a parenting episode—it’s a blueprint for legacy. Tune in now to hear Shanera’s five-step plan for raising racially conscious, emotionally grounded kids, and why she believes mothers can dismantle racism just like they changed drunk driving laws. Share this episode with a parent, educator, or advocate who needs it—and flex your vulnerability muscle with us.

Contact Info:
Guest – Shanera Williamson
Website: https://brownmamabear.com
Instagram: @brownmamabearpodcast
[https://instagram.com/brownmamabearpodcast] Email: shanera@brownmamabear.com

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

Key Quotes & Takeaways:

 * “Let the hard things in life be fractions—not racism.”
 * “I apologized to my daughters for the harm caused by choosing prestige over protection. That apology changed everything.”
 * “My grandfather survived a massacre by hiding in a cemetery. I honor him by helping other mothers protect their children from invisible violence.”

045 - The Brown Mama Bear: Advocating for Black Children in Predominantly White Schools

"I looked at my son in the mirror and said, 'You want to be like me? I just got fired.'"

This raw and deeply emotional episode of Vulnerability Muscle peels back the layers of identity, purpose, and healing with educator, father, and consultant Dr. Brandon Haskins. Reggie D. Ford and Brandon dive into what it means to break generational cycles and be the adult you needed as a child. From growing up without guidance to becoming a father trying to get it right, Brandon opens up about his journey through college, discovering his calling, and building Branded Consulting to help students find purpose before they lose their way.

They unpack the school-to-prison pipeline, restorative justice in education, and how boxing in creative students sets them up for failure. Brandon reflects on the pressures of parenthood, the haunting absence of a father figure, and what it means to simply make it home as a Black man in America. This episode is an unfiltered masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, emotional intelligence, and real talk that hits straight to the heart.

Call to Action:
If you’ve ever questioned your path or what it means to show up fully for yourself and others, this episode is for you. Tune in, share it with someone who needs it, and keep flexing that vulnerability muscle.

Guest Contact:

 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctahaskins?igsh=MTZ3NTFiaGloOHY5 [https://www.instagram.com/dr.haskins]
 * Consulting: https://www.instagram.com/brandedconsulting https://www.instagram.com/branedd_?igsh=MTVyNXRndWI3eWc2NQ==

Host Contact:

 * Website: https://reggiedford.com [https://reggiedford.com/]
 * Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok: @reggiedford [https://www.instagram.com/reggiedford]
   

Key Quotes/Takeaways:

 * "When you're not operating in your purpose, you're not going to do what's necessary."
 * "Our kids aren't missing anything — we just have to stop boxing them in."
 * "The greatest thing my dad ever did... was come home."

044 - Creating What Was Missing: Safe Spaces, Student Voice, and Educational Equity

"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

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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