Lotus Flower Podcast

by Dr. Pamela R. Robinson

Welcome to The Lotus Flower Podcast, a Christian-based global platform that blooms with high-quality audio and video interviews. I'm your host, Dr. Pamela Robinson, a licensed clinical social worker associate (LMSWA), author, entrepreneur, and ordained minister. Inspired by Mulan, our tagline is "The Flower that blooms in adversity is the greatest of them all."

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Podcast episodes

  • Season 3

  • The Impact of Technology on Mental Health

    The Impact of Technology on Mental Health

    The Lotus Flower Podcast, where we explore life's challenges with resilience. I’m Dr. Pamela Robinson, your host—a licensed clinical social worker associate, ordained minister, and mental health advocate. Join me as we delve into comedy, religion, music, mental health, fitness, and more, with a focus on African American voices. Each episode is packed with helpful tips, useful tools, and vital discussions. Tune in during your commute, on a walk, or even during your lunch hour. Join us on this journey toward mental wellness and personal development. Blooming through difficult situations is a metaphor for navigating life's trials without being overwhelmed by fear and anxiety. In Matthew 17:7-8, Jesus reassures his disciples, saying, "Don't be afraid," reminding us to trust in divine presence even in our darkest moments. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about mental health and behavioral health issues, and to reduce stigma. The 2024 theme is "Take the Moment," which encourages open dialogue, empathy, understanding, and sharing resources to support individuals and families on their journey towards mental wellness. Our aim this month is to educate the public, fight stigma, provide support, advocate for policies that support mental illness, remove treatment barriers, celebrate recovery, and raise awareness of the impact of trauma. Tonight we will have another esteemed guest, my cousin Ms. Amber Roberts, MSW, RCSWI discussing "The Impact of Technology on Mental Health." Ms. Roberts is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern in the state of Florida. Amber has been working as a social worker since 2011, specializing in at-risk teenagers. She obtained her Bachelor in Social Work (2011) and Master in Social Work (2016) from the University of South Florida. Throughout her career, she has served in various roles including case manager, school social worker, care advocate, counselor, and school-based mental health therapist. Amber is passionate about instilling hope in those who have lost their sense of hope due to past experiences. ______________________________________________________________________________________ Resources Headspace: A mindfulness and meditation app that helps reduce stress and anxiety. Calm: Provides guided meditation, sleep stories, and relaxation techniques. BetterHelp: An online counseling platform connecting individuals with licensed therapists. Common Sense Media: Provides reviews and advice on age-appropriate media and technology usage for children and teens. Child Mind Institute: Offers resources and articles on how technology affects children's mental health. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Guidelines on screen time and media usage for children and adolescents. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Information on the impact of technology and screen time on mental health. Tools for Managing Screen Time Family Link by Google: Allows parents to set screen time limits and monitor app usage on their children's devices. Apple Screen Time: A built-in feature on iOS devices that helps monitor and control screen time. Bark: A parental control app that monitors texts, emails, and social media platforms for signs of cyberbullying and other issues. Website Helplines and Hotlines National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 – Provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress. Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741 – Offers free, 24/7 support via text. Local Mental Health Services: Contact local hospitals, clinics, and mental health organizations for resources and support in your area. School Counselors: Utilize school-based counselors and psychologists for additional support and resources.

  • Take Your Meds & Say Your Prayers

    Take Your Meds & Say Your Prayers

    Greetings, beloved listeners! I'm Dr. Pamela Robinson, your host on the Lotus Flower Podcast, where we embark on a journey of enlightenment, empowerment, and profound healing. Tonight, as we gather in the spirit of understanding and compassion, we shine a spotlight on a crucial yet often overlooked issue: mental health within the African American community. In honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, our May episodes are dedicated to raising awareness and fostering dialogue around this pressing topic. It's a moment to confront sobering realities, such as the fact that the suicide rate among Black individuals now exceeds that of whites—a poignant reminder of the urgency of our conversation. At the heart of tonight's discussion is the powerful narrative of resilience and recovery. Dr. Robinson brings her personal journey to the forefront, having tragically lost her sister, Kimberly Haymon, due to a misdiagnosis of schizophrenia in 2015. Through her experiences and her book "African American Mental Health in the Church," Dr. Robinson illuminates the systemic challenges and underscores the critical need for greater understanding and support within our communities. Joining us as our esteemed guest is J. Barrett Lee, MACS, BA, an esteemed healthcare chaplain based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, whose multifaceted career includes roles as a pastor, college professor, and counselor. Mr. Lee is deeply committed to destigmatizing mental illness, drawing from his own experiences living with Clinical Depression and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder to advocate for societal understanding and acceptance. Mr. Lee's dedication to community involvement extended far beyond academia. He actively participated in various workshops, including several held at the Annual Emerging HOPE Ministries Community Mental Health Forum in Kalamazoo, Michigan, hosted by Dr. Robinson and her late husband, Reverend Curtis L. Robinson, Sr. Through his dynamic presentations, he ignited engaging conversations and inspired action, contributing to enhanced awareness and backing for mental health concerns. In summary, Mr. J. Barrett Lee's diverse contributions reflect his unwavering dedication to promoting understanding, compassion, and positive change in the realm of mental health advocacy. Together, we'll delve into a range of thought-provoking topics: Dismantling Stigma: How can we challenge the stigmas and misconceptions surrounding mental illness, particularly within communities of color? Reclaiming Narratives: In a world where external narratives often dictate our self-perception, how can we reclaim our own stories? Intersectionality: Recognizing the intersectionality of identities— How can we ensure that mental health resources are accessible and inclusive for all? Holistic Healing: "Take Your Meds & Say Your Prayers" How can we integrate medical and spiritual practices to nurture the health of body, mind, and spirit? So, join us on this transformative journey as we illuminate the path toward healing and empowerment. And remember, you are never alone—your journey toward wholeness begins here, with us, on the Lotus Flower Podcast. Remember to like, comment, and subscribe to the Lotus Flower Podcast.

  • A Temporary Inconvenience for a Permanent Improvement

    A Temporary Inconvenience for a Permanent Improvement

    The Lotus Flower Podcast is more than just a podcast; it's a multimedia, biblically-based platform that sparks unfiltered conversations covering a myriad of topics including comedy, religion, music, mental health, and fitness. We're proud to provide a platform that amplifies African American voices and interests, delivering high-quality content and thought-provoking discussions. Tonight's episode promises to be exceptional as we delve into the topic: "A temporary inconvenience for a permanent improvement." Get ready for an empowering and life-changing conversation! Special Guest Spotlight: Minister Doris Hope Tonight, we celebrate the birthday of a remarkable individual, Minister Doris Hope. Join us in wishing her a blessed day! Minister Doris is not only my ministry colleague and sister in the Lord but also an incredible Special Education Teacher for Accomack County Schools. Her heart of flesh and compassion for serving others truly inspire us all. Tune in to hear her invaluable insights and wisdom. About Minister Doris Hope: As an ordained Elder and CEO of Doris Hope Ministries Inc., Minister Doris is dedicated to empowering and encouraging others through her prayers, teachings, and writings. Her dedication to her faith and community is truly commendable. Learn more about her journey and explore her inspiring works on her website: www.dorishope.com. Join Us Live for an Enlightening Experience! Don't miss out on this opportunity to engage in enriching discussions and connect with like-minded individuals. Remember, if you can't catch the live broadcast, you can always watch the replay 24/7 on The Lotus Flower YouTube Channel or listen on your favorite podcast platform. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to The Lotus Flower YouTube Channel to stay updated on our latest episodes and content! Let's come together to bloom and thrive in the face of adversity, just like the lotus flower. Warm regards, Dr. Pamela Robinson Host, The Lotus Flower Podcast @lotusflowerpodcast

  • What Does it Mean to be an Adult in 2023?

    What Does it Mean to be an Adult in 2023?

    My special guest Mr. Wayne L. Bond II, MA. is the Assistant Director for Campus Engagement at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Wayne Bond joined Career and Student Employment Services in 2017 as a Career Development Specialist. He brings experience of collaborating with people from all over the world. In that role, Wayne sought to establish a culture in which the decisions and roles taken on by students at Western Michigan University could be refined to prepare them for their aspirations after graduating from WMU. Prior to joining CSES, Wayne spent over six years coordinating events, programs, and activities with WMU’s Haenicke Institute for Global Education. In 2022, Wayne took on a higher role as the Assistant Director for Campus Engagement. He is responsible for the shared development, implementation, and supervision of a comprehensive campus engagement program that promotes student development and meets the needs of a diverse university community. He completed his undergraduate degree at Albion College, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity and the Collegiate Basketball team. Wayne completed his master's degree in 2015 within the political science department with a focus on international administration development. When he is not working or studying, Wayne can be found relaxing with a book or catching up on his favorite shows like Game of Thrones or My Hero Academia, writing and directing online video essays and going on all kinds of amazing adventures. Mr. Bond’s Specialties: Budget Management, Organization, Office Management, International Relations, Problem Solving, Event Coordination, Creative writing, Student Worker Supervision, Schedule Coordination, Proposal Development, Career Coaching, Presentation Development, Oral/Written Communication, Student Evaluation and Development Programs, Program Assessment, Networking & Leadership. Wayne's YouTube Channels:Runaway Warlords Anime Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RunawayWarlords Wayne Reads Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WayneReads Dr. Pamela's Contact information: Dr. Pamela Robinson via email: emerginghope@gmail.com or via Dr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghope Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reginavituou... Facebook: Emerging HOPE Ministries https://www.facebook.com/emerginghopefsp Instagram: dr_pamela_robinson Twitter: @HopeEmerging WEBSITE: https://www.emerginghopefsp.org/

  • Building Community

    Building Community

    My special guest today is Joyce A. Brown, Ph.D. Dr. Brown established ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT SOLUTIONS, a consulting firm specializing in enhancing the effective management, governance, and leadership capabilities of organizations through program development, evaluation, assessment, and training. Dr. Brown has worked as a counselor, President/CEO of the Southwestern Michigan Urban League, and Regional Director, Kellogg Youth Initiative Partnerships for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Dr. Brown has more than forty years of experience working in diverse community settings, nonprofit organizations, and philanthropy. She has a broad range of nonprofit management skills including team building, staff development, budget development and monitoring, assessing and preparing for future needs. Joyce A. Brown is a motivational speaker and author who uses her creative energy to give voice and meaning to the challenges women face in all walks of life. She grew up in Rockford, Illinois in a household of strong women, but her professional career expanded her reach into Peoria and Battle Creek, Michigan. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and has served as a direct services worker, executive director, program director for a major foundation, and entrepreneur. Joyce has experienced many uplifting moments as a professional and as a dedicated parent and strives to bring those events and lessons to life through her characters in the contemporary fiction novels she pens. Dr. Brown served as part of the project management team using an approach that democratizes research, planning, and decision-making. The process included more than 40 African American leaders’ participation in goal setting, information-gathering, analysis, and decision-making. She learned that community issues are extraordinarily complex and embedded in the dynamics of the social, economic, political, and environmental systems. She also learned within communities there are complexities of values, perceptions, and the relative power of the various stakeholder groups affected by these decisions, as well as uncertainties and urgency surrounding issues. They developed a theory of change to guide the work, a shared values statement and covenant agreements to guide the participants’ behavior during the development of the Community Renewing Agenda. EDUCATION and CREDENTIALS: Ph.D Research, Measurement, and Evaluation Educational Studies; Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI M.A. Counseling and Guidance Bradley University, Peoria, IL B.S. Psychology Bradley University, Peoria, IL To purchase Dr. Brown's books you may reach out to her via email @ Joycebrown.ods@gmail.com or by searching on Amazon under her name - Joyce A. Brown. Garden Spice Magazine - a bi-monthly magazine that Dr. Brown writes for. The topic for this issue was "Building Community."https://www.gardenspicesmagazine.com/post/creating-and-sustaining-community Thank you for joining us! In wellness, grace, and humility,Dr. Pamela RobinsonDr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghope