Beats & Balance Podcast

by Tinora Locke Terrefe

Season 1

Reclaiming Land, Lineage, and Community Care with Pampi of the Neighborhood Grow Plan | Beats & Balance Podcast

In this episode of the Beats & Balance podcast, host Tinora Locke-Terrefe sits down with Pampi—a land steward, food justice organizer, and founder of the Neighborhood Grow Plan—to explore the deep connections between land, lineage, food, and community care. Born in India and raised in Texas, Pampi shares how their personal history and lived experiences shaped their commitment to cultural sovereignty, mutual aid, and building systems that nurture rather than extract. Together, they discuss the challenges of sustainable community organizing, navigating burnout as an artist and activist, and the importance of relationships rooted in reciprocity. The conversation also highlights the spiritual and political dimensions of food justice, the power of returning to land-based practices, and how communities can reclaim agency through collective stewardship. Support Pampi’s ongoing work: Connect with Pampi on Instagram: @thirdeyefell | @neighborhoodgrow Neighborhood Grow Plan fundraiser + year-end report: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRyTR7QDOyS/ Feb 28 — Diasporic Herbal Transmission workshop (NOFA/Mass): https://www.instagram.com/p/DRw62jVDtAj/ IN DIVINE COMPANY — meditative dance song-opera for whales and humans: https://www.instagram.com/indivinecompany_dance Follow their artistic journey into folk metal: #ne0gaan

S1 · E14

Dec 4, 2025

41:36

Rebuilding Through Grief, Motherhood, and Community with Emerlyn Deline-Johnson | Beats & Balance Podcast

In this week’s episode of the Beats & Balance Podcast, Tinora Locke-Terrefe sits down with Emerlyn Deline-Johnson, a Jersey City native, entrepreneur, creative, youth advocate, and the founder of Mommies & Mocktails. Emerlyn’s story is rooted in resilience. After losing her husband in 2019, she found herself navigating profound grief while raising two young boys and continuing her work in community service and youth development. Instead of collapsing under the weight of loss, she transformed her pain into purpose—building multiple businesses, leading impactful programs for young people, and creating spaces for healing and connection. In this conversation, Emerlyn opens up about: • Motherhood while healing from grief • Building a business from lived experience • How community support shaped her journey • Youth development, creativity, and service in Jersey City • Lessons learned while growing Mommies & Mocktails • What it means to rebuild your life with intention, heart, and faith Emerlyn is the creative force behind Mommies & Mocktails, a growing movement and event series supporting mothers through community, connection, and creativity. She also oversees youth programming in Jersey City, supports year-round recreation initiatives, and continues to expand her impact as an entrepreneur. Upcoming Event: DIY Cocktail + Whipped Body Butter Experience https://www.mommiesandmocktails.com/event-details/diy-cocktail-whipped-body-butter-experience Use code BNB for $5 off. Follow Emerlyn: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/edeline Instagram: @i_em_thecreative

S1 · E13

Nov 20, 2025

31:25

From Nightmare Rentals to Housing Transparency: LP on Building the Houstory App | Beats & Balance Podcast

This week on the Beats & Balance Podcast, host Tinora Locke-Terrefe speaks with LP (@sirpenelope), founder and managing director of Houstory (@HoustoryApp), a platform built to bring transparency, trust, and equity to the rental market. LP’s story began in New York City, where a decade-long career in human resources with the City of New York and Columbia University gave her deep insight into how people navigate systems—and how much those systems often fail them. After experiencing her own rental challenges in New York and helping others through similar struggles in Baltimore, LP founded Houstory, a tech-driven platform designed to empower renters with verified rental histories, honest reviews, and key insights into landlords, maintenance issues, and neighborhood realities. At its heart, Houstory is about giving renters the tools to make confident, informed decisions—and ending the days of renting in the dark. Follow on IG: LP: @sirpenelope Houstory: @HoustoryApp Learn more at houstoryapp.com Listen now anywhere Podcasts are available or watch the full episode on YouTube. #BeatsAndBalancePodcast #Houstory #HousingEquity #TransparencyInHousing #TenantAdvocacy #WomenInTech #SocialImpact #HousingJustice #RentingInTheDark

S1 · E12

Nov 13, 2025

38:26

ESE on Healing, Community & The Art of Wellness in Nigeria through NAPPYESE | Beats & Balance Podcast

Explicit

This week on the Beats & Balance Podcast, host Tinora Locke-Terrefe sits down with ESE — an Afro-Soul artist, wellness entrepreneur, and founder of NAPPYESE Wellness and nkà ọgwụgwọ: The Art of Healing Festival in Lagos, Nigeria 🇳🇬 ESE blends music, mindfulness, and movement to create safe spaces for African empaths, creatives, and highly sensitive people to reconnect with their highest selves. Through NAPPYESE Wellness, she offers yoga, meditation, retreats, and holistic wellness programs that elevate physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In this powerful conversation, ESE opens up about her personal journey of trauma, growth, and purpose — and how she’s transforming the wellness landscape across Nigeria. We talk about: 🌿 Healing through yoga and self-care in Nigeria 💫 The cultural shift around mental health and emotional expression 🪷 Building community and authenticity through collaboration 🤝 Protecting your energy and navigating wellness work as a woman 🔥 The power of collective healing and grassroots festivals Support the mission of nkà ọgwụgwọ: The Art of Healing Festival and help expand access to wellness and mental health programs across Nigeria: 👉 GoFundMe.com/f/nka-ogwugwo-festival 🌍 Learn more: nappyese.com Follow: @nappyese on IG and Tiktok 🎧 Watch now on YouTube or listen wherever Podcasts are available. Linktr.ee/BeatsNBalance #BeatsAndBalancePodcast #ESE #Nappyese #nkàọgwụgwọ #TheArtOfHealingFestival #AfricanWellness #HolisticHealing #CommunityHealing #YogaInNigeria #MentalHealthAwareness #WellnessJourney #HealingThroughArt

S1 · E11

Oct 30, 2025

31:28

Lighting the Way: Jenna Pantin Bermudez on Wellness, Sustainability & Chaconia Candles | Beats & Balance Podcast

This week on the Beats & Balance Podcast, host Tinora Locke-Terrefe sits down with Jenna Pantin Bermudez, founder of Chaconia Candles — a sustainable wellness brand inspired by her Trinidadian roots and love for Caribbean culture. After more than 18 years in corporate marketing, communications, and DEI leadership, Jenna made the bold transition into entrepreneurship — building Chaconia as a bridge between cultural heritage, mindfulness, and mental wellness. Through her handcrafted, eco-conscious candles, Jenna invites people to slow down, breathe, and experience a sensory escape to the Caribbean. Beyond products, Chaconia offers free wellness services like yoga, meditation, and sound baths to ensure that healing and mental health resources are accessible to all. In this inspiring conversation, we explore: The journey from corporate life to creative entrepreneurship Sustainability, safe products, and community-driven impact The role of cultural storytelling in wellness Building generational wealth and teaching children about entrepreneurship 🌍 Making wellness accessible and authentic, not exclusive Jenna reminds us that authenticity, cultural appreciation, and community care are at the heart of true success. Follow Jenna on IG: @chaconia_candles chaconiacandles.com 🎧 Listen now everywhere podcasts are available or watch the full episode on YouTube. #BeatsAndBalancePodcast #ChaconiaCandles #JennaPantinBermudez #CaribbeanHeritage #Entrepreneurship #Sustainability #Mindfulness #MentalHealth #WellnessForAll #GenerationalWealth #CommunityImpact #CulturalStorytelling

S1 · E10

Oct 23, 2025

44:59

Heal Her Way: Vibha Vinodrai on Awareness, Leadership & Feminine Power

This week on the Beats & Balance Podcast, host Tinora Locke- Terrefe sits down with Vibha Vinodrai — a Women’s Mindset & Leadership Coach from Toronto, by way of Dubai. Vibha helps women lead from truth instead of performance. After over a decade in the corporate world navigating burnout, bias, and toxic work culture, Vibha chose to rewrite her story — leaving behind the pressure to prove herself and building Heal Her Way, a coaching practice designed to help women reconnect with their bodies, embrace their emotions, and lead from self-trust. In this powerful episode, we explore: Learning to observe your thoughts and biases with compassion Healing from burnout and redefining success beyond perfectionism How “good girl” conditioning holds women back in leadership The importance of body awareness and emotional intelligence Why real empowerment starts with community, support, and courage Through her SEED Circle framework, Vibha helps women unlearn patterns of over-giving and self-doubt, guiding them toward embodied confidence and soul-aligned purpose. Her message is clear: deep transformation begins with awareness. Learn more about Vibha’s work at healherway.ca Follow her on IG: @healherway 🎧 Listen now on anywhere podcasts are available or watch the full episode on YouTube. #BeatsAndBalancePodcast #VibhaVinodrai #HealHerWay #MindsetCoach #FeminineLeadership #HealingJourney #SelfAwareness #EmpoweredWomen #GoodGirlDetox

S1 · E9

Oct 16, 2025

48:45

Bigger and Better to Come: Dr. Nakeisha Owens-Griffin on Healing, Resilience, and Finding Serenity | Beats & Balance Podcast

This week on the Beats & Balance Podcast, Tinora Locke- Terrefe is joined by Dr. Nakeisha Owens-Griffin (Ed.D.) — educator, advocate, speaker, and author of The H.A.H.-H.A.H. Guide: A Four-Way Strategy to Shine in the Midst of Shade and Insult to Injury: A Memoir of a Christian Wife Scorned. With over 27 years in education and child welfare, Dr. Owens-Griffin has trained educators and administrators in more than 200 schools, earning recognition from the Tennessee Senate for her powerful advocacy on behalf of foster youth. She is also the President of her Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® chapter and a proud champion for resilience, self-belief, and transformation. Dr. Owens-Griffin reminds us that healing doesn’t always look like stillness — sometimes it looks like joy, play, and rediscovering yourself after the storm. 🌐 Connect with Dr. Nakeisha Owens-Griffin Facebook: Nakeisha Owens-Griffin YouTube: The H.A.H.-H.A.H. Guide Read Her Books on Kindle The H.A.H.-H.A.H. Guide Insult to Injury: A Memoir of a Christian Wife Scorned 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream — and don’t forget to subscribe to the Beats & Balance Podcast on YouTube for more stories of creative survival and transformation. #BeatsAndBalancePodcast #NakeishaOwensGriffin #HealingJourney #FosterYouthAdvocate #SelfCare #Resilience #MentalHealth #Education #BiggerAndBetterToCome #HAHHAHGuide #InsultToInjury

S1 · E8

Oct 9, 2025

48:33

Healing & Trauma-Informed Yoga in Ireland with Tara Thompson | Beats & Balance Podcast

In this episode of the Beats & Balance Podcast, host Tinora Locke-Terrefe is joined by Tara Thompson, a trauma-informed yoga teacher and the founder of The Quest Yoga in Ireland. Tara shares her personal journey through trauma and how it inspired her to create safe, empowering spaces for others. She reflects on the staggering reality that 1 in 4 people in Ireland have been victims of abuse, and 1 in 3 women, underscoring the urgent need for trauma-informed care and healing-centered practices in wellness. With honesty and compassion, Tara talks about the challenges of balancing personal healing while supporting others, the importance of safety and choice in trauma-informed yoga, and her vision of making these practices mainstream in Ireland. 🌿 Tara is also hosting her Rest and Restore Retreat in May 2026, set in a historic hunting lodge in the Wicklow Hills, just an hour from Dublin—a weekend of rest, restoration, and pressing pause in breathtaking scenery. Learn more at www.thequestyoga.com. 🎧 Tune in now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and RSS.com. #TaraThompson #BeatsAndBalancePodcast #TraumaHealing #TraumaInformedYoga #QuestYoga #MentalHealthAwareness #RestAndRestore

S1 · E7

Oct 2, 2025

45:15

Angela Montijo on Autism, Emergent Strategy & Living the Soft Life | Beats & Balance Podcast

In this episode of the Beats & Balance Podcast, host Tinora Locke-Terrefe is joined by Angela Montijo (she/they) a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, writer, and educator rooted in youth justice, community care, and liberation. Angela shares their story as a first-gen Latine from Inglewood, navigating neurodivergence and receiving an autism diagnosis to access workplace accommodations, and how that journey shaped their vision of living a soft, ease-filled life. With over a decade of experience in juvenile justice, mental health, and education, Angela reflects on what it means to practice from an anti-oppressive, liberatory framework—centering those most impacted, ✨ In this episode you’ll hear: Angela’s journey with autism and neurodivergence Why workplace accommodations and self-advocacy matter How emergent strategy guides their work and life Why softness and ease are acts of resistance and liberation The role of imagination and community in building a better future This is a conversation about resilience, authenticity, and the liberatory power of living life on your own terms. 🎧 Watch now on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and RSS.com. #AngelaMontijo #BeatsAndBalancePodcast #AutismAcceptance #Neurodivergence #SoftLife #CommunityCare #LiberationWork

S1 · E6

Sep 27, 2025

40:57

Positive Masculinity, Vulnerability, and Building Community with Staxxx Facts | Beats & Balance Podcast

Explicit

In this week’s episode of the Beats & Balance Podcast, host Tinora Locke-Terrefe is joined by Staxxx Facts, founder of the Black Status Social Network, and a powerful voice at the intersection of Black culture, healing, and empowerment. As a motivational speaker and community organizer, Staxxx sparks raw, necessary conversations that challenge stereotypes while building spaces for authenticity and growth. In this conversation, Staxxx opens up about his journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way, including: What it means to distinguish between negative and positive masculinity How community and solidarity can transform lives The importance of mental health and self-reflection in healing Why unapologetic Blackness is at the center of his work How his platform, Black Status Social Network, creates mentorship, resource-sharing, and collective action. Follow Staxxx and learn more at: linktr.ee/BlackStatusSocialNetwork Follow Beats & Balance and learn more at: linktr.ee/beatsnbalance 🎧 Listen now on RSS.com, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, or watch the full episode on YouTube. #StaxxxFacts #BeatsAndBalancePodcast #BlackMasculinity #HealingJourney #CommunityCare #UnapologeticBlackness

S1 · E5

Sep 18, 2025

43:55

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