Element Q Podcast: Empowering LGBTQ+ Voices, One Story at a Time

Element Q Podcast: Empowering LGBTQ+ Voices, One Story at a Time

by TJ Woodward

Self-Improvement Mental Health

Season 1

If There Is Breath In The Body There Is Hope With Brian Whisenant

In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host @TJWoodward sits down with Brian Whisenant, Clinical Outreach Coordinator at Breathe Life Healing Center. They explore the transformative power of therapy in mental health and addiction recovery, with a special focus on how creativity intersects with healing. Brian shares insights from his work in residential treatment and his personal journey as an actor, writer, director, and producer. With roots in Mississippi and experience in both New York and Los Angeles, Brian brings a unique perspective shaped by years in indie film, theater, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. He also served as a programmer for the Oxford Film Festival and has written for Awards Daily, AwardsWatch, and his own site. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful conversations on consciousness, therapy, and community. 👉 Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on consciousness, therapy, and community. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: http://www.tjwoodward.com Brian Whisenant: https://www.brianwhisenant.com/

Kathleen Murphy: Why Is This Ally So Important to the LGBTQ+ Community?

🎙️ In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host @TJWoodward sits down with Kathleen Murphy, a passionate advocate and ally for the LGBTQ+ community. As the Chief Clinical Officer at Friendly House LA, Kathleen shares insights into her decades of experience supporting individuals through trauma, addiction recovery, and relational healing. The conversation highlights her deep commitment to creating inclusive, trauma-informed care spaces and her ongoing advocacy for queer individuals. With over 35 years of clinical experience, Kathleen F. Murphy, LMFT, has held leadership roles at top treatment centers across the country. She helped shape trauma recovery programs at Onsite Workshops, Breakthrough at Caron, and The Meadows, where she studied under trauma pioneer Pia Mellody. In addition to her role at Friendly House, Kathleen continues her private practice in Santa Monica and offers clinical supervision for Onsite’s Healing Trauma Workshop. 👉 Be sure to subscribe for more conversations on consciousness, therapy, and community. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: http://www.tjwoodward.com Kathleen Murphy: https://friendlyhousela.org/womens-rehab-team-la

Insight LGBTQ+ Community Needs To Know About Radical Self Care

In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host Tj Woodward welcomes Stephen Washington, who shares his journey as a recovery advocate and his work in the LGBTQ+ community, with a focus on radical safe care and how it isn't selfish. Steven is a Movement Master, Author, and Recovery Advocate who is deeply passionate about guiding others toward a happier, healthier life. A former Broadway performer and professional dancer with credits including Disney’s The Lion King, the New York City Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera, Steven used movement as a foundation for his spiritual fitness. However, to cope with anxiety and self-doubt, he turned to drugs and alcohol. Twenty years ago, he chose sobriety and discovered his true calling—helping others heal through mindful movement and connection. A Certified Qigong Instructor, Pilates teacher, and Neuromuscular Massage Therapist, Steven integrates his knowledge of the body’s energy systems into his teaching. His book, Recovering You: Soul Care and Mindful Movement for Overcoming Addiction, blends his recovery journey with the healing power of Qigong. He also shares insights through his Heart/Mind Moments YouTube series, which has garnered over a million views, offering practical tools for emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. 👉 Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on consciousness, therapy, and community. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: http://www.tjwoodward.com Steven Washington: https://www.stevenwashingtonexperience.com/

Focusing On the LGBTQ+ Community Needs for Recovery Success

🎙️ In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward welcomes Paulo Arranaga-Grayson, CEO of No Matter What Recovery, for an empowering conversation centered on Focusing On the LGBTQ+ Community Needs for Recovery Success. Together, they explore what truly makes recovery work for LGBTQIA+ individuals, how Paulo's personal and professional journey informs inclusive care, and why affirming spaces are critical to long-term healing and sobriety. Paulo Arranaga-Grayson is a trauma-informed recovery professional, sober companion, and interventionist with deep roots in the recovery community. With a degree in Behavioral Health Science and years of hands-on experience in crisis management and client care, Paulo brings a compassionate, community-driven approach to treatment. Through his leadership at No Matter What Recovery—and alongside his husband Anthony—Paulo has built a safe, affirming space where queer individuals can begin their healing journey. He’s also an active member of AA and CMA, a committed advocate for LGBTQIA+ health, and a participant in the AIDS LifeCycle with the sober cycling team “Trudging Buddies.” 👉 Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on consciousness, therapy, and community. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: http://www.tjwoodward.com Paulo Arranaga-Grayson: https://nomatterwhatrecovery.com/

LIFE-CHANGING Facts About Neurodivergence in LGBTQ+ Community

🎙️ In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward welcomes Dr. Shannon Franklin, co-founder of Element Q Healing Center, for a powerful conversation on healing, identity, and inclusion. Together, they explore the mission behind Element Q, share inspiring stories from the mental health community, and unpack how therapy can serve as a transformative tool—especially for those within historically marginalized groups. Dr. Shannon Franklin is a Black and queer-identified licensed psychologist who specializes in working with the LGBTQIA+ community, gender identity and gender-affirming care, multiculturalism, anti-racism, and trauma recovery. With a strong focus on collaboration, empowerment, and identity-centered therapy, Dr. Shannon brings deep insight into how social structures and power dynamics influence mental health. 👉 Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on consciousness, therapy, and community. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: http://www.tjwoodward.com Dr. Shannon Franklin: https://elementqhealingcenter.com/team/shannon-franklin/ Intro 00:00 What Is Neurodivergence 01:10 Can The Myers Briggs personality test help prosperity 04:30 Unique Needs For Healing In The LBGTQ+ Community 13:15 Recovery, Treatment & Healing IS About Safety 20:43 Communicating Through Energy? 24:11

Healing LGBTQ+ Trauma Through Polyvagal Therapy | Dr. Mel Pohl

🎙️ In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host @TJWoodward welcomes Dr. Mel Pohl, Senior Medical Consultant at The Pointe Malibu Recovery Center and renowned expert in pain recovery and addiction medicine. A bestselling author and Distinguished Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Dr. Pohl shares powerful insights on chronic pain, addiction, and healing. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on culturally competent care, therapeutic transformation, and creating inclusive spaces where all identities are seen and supported. 👉 Be sure to follow, rate, and review for more conversations centered on transformation, consciousness, and community. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: http://www.tjwoodward.com Dr. Mel Pohl: https://www.drmelpohl.com/ Intro 00:00 Deeper Healing In The LBGTQ+ Community 01:23 Secrecy, Silence & Judgement Cause Shame To Thrive 05:30 Layers Of Shame 12:40 What Is Coregulation? 19:44 An Exchange of Energy, The Power Of Coregulation 26:09

STOP Ignoring Signs of Empowerment in the LGBTQ+ Community

🎙️ In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host @TJWoodward sits down with Dr. Lauren Costine, a licensed clinical psychologist, author, relationship coach, and international presenter, for a powerful conversation on The Power of Therapy for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Communities. Known as “Dr. Lauren,” she brings a wealth of wisdom to the conversation—drawing from decades of experience working with LGBTQ+ clients and a passionate commitment to holistic, intersectionally-oriented healing. Dr. Lauren is the CEO and Clinical Director of Awaken Therapy Center, a group practice she co-founded with her wife, Vanessa Costine. She was also a founding member of Antioch University Los Angeles' LGBT Specialization and is the author of Lesbian Love Addiction: Understanding the Urge to Merge and How to Heal When Things Go Wrong. In this heartfelt and affirming dialogue, Dr. Lauren shares insights from her clinical work, her journey, and her mission to help queer women break free from dysfunctional relationship patterns and awaken their authentic selves. Don’t miss this empowering conversation that highlights culturally competent care, the transformative power of therapy, and what it means to create spaces where all identities are deeply seen and supported. 👉 Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations centered on transformation, consciousness, and community. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: tjwoodward.com Dr. Lauren Costine: http://www.lovedrlauren.com/ Intro 00:00 Dr. Lauren's Passion for Serving Others 01:28 Unblocking Your Radience 05:36 Stop Pretending To Be Someone You Aren't 12:23 We Meditate To Have An Expanded Awareness 19:34 Safe Space: Where We Disagree? 24:23 Feeling Fear & Doing It Anyway 26:50 What Is The Rubberband Effect? 29:24

LBGTQ+ Self Care vs. Community Care With Beck Gee

In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward interviews Beck Gee, the CEO of Breathe Life Healing Centers. With over 17 years in mental health and addiction recovery, Beck is a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion and transformative care. A seasoned clinician, educator, and keynote speaker, Beck has trained teams nationwide, developed inclusive treatment programs, and led vital conversations on trauma, gender, and sexuality. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on LBGTQ+ Self Care vs. Community Care. ✨ Join us for an insightful and deeply human conversation about leadership, healing, and the power of inclusion. 👉 Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations centered on transformation, consciousness, and community. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: tjwoodward.com Beck Gee: https://breathelifehealingcenters.com/

LGBTQ+ Relationships & Creating Lasting Love

In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward ‪sits down with the insightful and inspiring Tom Bruett, LMFT — a therapist, consultant, trainer, and author who works extensively with the queer community. Tom is the founder of the Queer Relationship Institute, which offers affirming therapy for queer individuals and couples, as well as training for therapists working in queer relationship dynamics. With advanced training under Drs. Ellyn Bader and Peter Pearson in the Developmental Model of Relationship Therapy, Tom now teaches this transformative approach to fellow clinicians. He is also the author of The Go-To Relationship Guide for Gay Men and maintains a thriving private practice in Denver, Colorado. Together, TJ and Tom explore powerful themes around lasting love, connection, and conscious relationships in the LGBTQ+ community. Their heartfelt conversation offers valuable insights into healing, empowerment, and the journey to living authentically. ✨ Don’t miss this meaningful and motivating episode! 👉 Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations centered on transformation, consciousness, and community. 🔗 Learn more: Tom Bruett: tombruetttherapy.com Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: tjwoodward.com

Exploring Ethnic and Social Diversity Within the LGBTQ+ Community

In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward welcomes the inspiring Janae Borrego (she/ALL), LMFT, CCTP, CIMHP, C-EMDR — a Licensed Psychotherapist, Empowerment Coach, and Mental Performance Coach — for a powerful conversation on Exploring Ethnic and Social Diversity Within the LGBTQ+ Community. Drawing from her personal, professional, educational, and athletic background, Janae offers a unique perspective on the intersection of identity, wellness, and empowerment. Join us as we dive into discussions around the mind-body-soul connection, healing trauma, the impact of diversity within LGBTQ+ spaces, the importance of holistic health, and how movement, creativity, and self-care fuel personal growth. ✨ Don't miss this inspiring and heartfelt conversation that explores healing, empowerment, and thriving authentically. 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes focused on transformation, consciousness, and community! For more information on Janae Borrego: https://janaeborregolmft.com/ For more information on Element Q Healing: https://elementqhealingcenter.com/ For more information on TJ Woodward: https://www.tjwoodward.com/

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