Black and Diagnosed
Season 1
Radical Honesty: Bipolar Disorder, Blackness, and the Gay Identity
At Least I Brushed My Teeth Today
by Gerron Scott
Host Gerron Scott welcomes Ron Alexander (@roniscozy) to the sanctuary for an unflinching look at living with Bipolar 1 Disorder. Ron, an international traveler and higher education professional, explores the complex intersection of being Black, gay, and neurodivergent. This episode explores the "pre-medicated" vs. "post-medicated" life, tackling heavy themes of hypersexuality, impulsivity, and the trauma of mandatory hospitalization. Ron and Gerron share a powerful moment of honesty regarding how untreated bipolar symptoms can fracture friendships and the work required to make amends and build a stable, "cozy" life. Key Topics Covered: The Mask of Professionalism: Managing bipolar disorder in the workplace and high-level careers. Coming Out Twice: The parallels between revealing one's sexuality and one's mental health diagnosis. The Hospitalization Wake-Up Call: A transparent look at the reality of a 72-hour psych hold and losing your rights to the state. Breaking Patterns: Moving away from repeated destructive behaviors toward radical self-love and consistency. Connect with our Guest: Follow Ron Alexander on Instagram @roniscozy. Join the Conversation: The garden is always growing, and your voice is a vital part of this sanctuary. Whether you have a story to share, a question to ask, or just want to tell us how an episode touched your heart, we want to hear from you. Follow the Journey: Connect with us on Instagram @gdotscott or @blackanddiagnosed for behind-the-scenes moments and reflections. Get in Touch: For guest inquiries, partnerships, or deep dives, email us at info@gerronscott.com. Remember: You aren't just diagnosed; you are seen, you are heard, and you are whole.
This episode of Black and Diagnosed features a deep, soulful conversation with Marcus Owens, the host of the Implicitly Awkward podcast. Marcus joins host Gerron Scott to share his complex journey of navigating a rare physical autoimmune disease alongside Major Depressive Disorder. The discussion pulls back the curtain on the double mask of managing the visible reality of a physical disability while privately tending to the internal weather of depression. From the heartbreak of a five-year misdiagnosis to the radical act of asking for help, Marcus offers a masterclass in resilience, humor, and the importance of finding your own rhythm. In this episode, we explore: The Weight of Misdiagnosis: Marcus shares the emotional toll of being misdiagnosed with muscular dystrophy for five years before finding the right treatment for necrotizing myopathy. The "Shadow" and the Light: How medication like Zoloft helps keep "the darkness at bay" and the necessity of clinical support alongside spiritual practice. Deescalating the Self: Breaking the cycle of negative self-talk and learning to "grit it out" on the days when basic self-care feels like an uphill battle. The Power of Community: The life-saving impact of finding a "Sanctuary" in support groups like Myositis Support and Understanding. Cultural Staples: A lighter look at the "do-nothing rituals" that sustain us—from NBA basketball and Curb Your Enthusiasm to the healing power of a perfect New Balance sneaker. Connect with our Guest: Follow Marcus Owens on Twitter and Instagram @tribecalledflex and listen to his podcast, Implicitly Awkward, on all major streaming platforms. Join the Conversation: The garden is always growing, and your voice is a vital part of this sanctuary. Whether you have a story to share, a question to ask, or just want to tell us how an episode touched your heart, we want to hear from you. Follow the Journey: Connect with us on Instagram @gdotscott or @blackanddiagnosed for behind-the-scenes moments and reflections. Get in Touch: For guest inquiries, partnerships, or deep dives, email us at info@gerronscott.com. Remember: You aren't just diagnosed; you are seen, you are heard, and you are whole. Stay rhythmic.
Black and Diagnosed: The Trailer The "Strong Black Person" script is exhausted. Welcome to Black and Diagnosed, a sanctuary for the mind where we move past the clinical whispers to have honest, grounded conversations about the lived reality of neurodivergence. From the day-to-day navigation of a mental health disorder to the radical act of tending to our own joy, this is a space built for our stories and our healing. Pull up a seat, catch the vibe, and join us in the garden. Connect with the Mission: Email: info@gerronscott.com Follow the Journey on Instagram: @gdotscott or @blackanddiagnosed