1 10 Fighting Disinformation and Elevating Diverse Voices with Martina Guzman

• Verdad - An AI tool that monitors Spanish-language radio for mis/disinformation

Change the Reel website

Martina Guzman

CHANGE THE REEL with Piper and Monique

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Executive Producers: Monique Velasquez and Piper Kessler

Producer: Arielle Morten

Director/Editor: Simon Beery

Copyright 2025 Monique & Piper

From her childhood in Southern California where she first recognized social disparities, to serving in the military, and now leading Onyx Therapy Group, Dr. LaNail Plummer's journey embodies what it means to create safe spaces through authentic representation. In this powerful episode, we explore how building community and staying true to yourself can transform mental health services for marginalized communities.

In a time of social uncertainty and increased mental health awareness, Dr. Plummer's approach to creating psychologically safe spaces for both clients and practitioners is revolutionary. Her work demonstrates how representation in mental health isn't just about visibility—it's about creating environments where Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ individuals can heal and flourish.

Building from Natural Gifts

Growing up as a military brat with a single father, Dr. Plummer's entrepreneurial spirit emerged early when she started a school store in middle school and developed a buddy program for military children relocating to new bases. Her curiosity about decision-making (sparked by a childhood misunderstanding about "serial killers") led her to study psychology, where she found her natural analytical abilities aligned perfectly with her desire to help others.

Creating Impact Through Visibility

Initially hiding her identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community during her military service and early career, Dr. Plummer eventually recognized that authenticity was essential to her purpose. When she came out at age 33, she embraced this aspect of herself as a gift that enhanced her ability to connect with and serve clients. This visibility extended beyond personal freedom—it created representation for others seeking therapists who understood their lived experiences.

Building Community Through Mental Health

One of Dr. Plummer's proudest achievements has been creating Onyx Therapy Group as a psychologically safe haven where both clients and staff can be their authentic selves. By focusing on making her staff feel "good and safe and seen and heard," she creates a ripple effect: "What I give to my staff, they give to their clients, and the clients give that to their community."

Authentic Leadership

The person behind the business matters as much as the services offered. Dr. Plummer's experience demonstrates how building psychological safety in the workplace creates better outcomes for everyone involved. Her approach includes giving staff direct access to leadership, flexibility in scheduling, and the freedom to use their voices without fear.

Building Sustainable Success

Creating balance through boundaries is crucial for sustainable success. Dr. Plummer manages multiple roles—CEO, department chair, therapist, and author—by setting clear boundaries around media consumption, time management, and energy allocation. This grounding allows her to lead effectively while continuing to grow personally and professionally.

Looking Forward

Change the Reel isn't just about sharing success stories—it's about changing the narrative of what healing looks like. Through Dr. Plummer's journey from curious child to celebrated mental health leader, we see how embracing your authentic self can create ripples of change throughout an industry. Each safe space she creates becomes an opportunity to honor ancestral wisdom while creating new pathways to healing.

Stories and Examples Featured:

Throughout this episode, Dr. Plummer shares personal stories about her childhood entrepreneurial ventures, her time in the military, her experience coming out at age 33, her approach to supporting staff during difficult times, and her journey to

S1 E8 Going Live: How to Leverage Video Streaming for Real Business Impact

In this episode of Change the Reel, Monique and Piper dive into the world of live video streaming – sharing compelling statistics, practical strategies, and overcoming the common objections that keep many business owners from embracing this powerful tool. Whether you're a nonprofit, small business, or service provider, this conversation offers valuable insights on connecting authentically with your audience through live content. #LiveStreaming #ContentStrategy #VideoMarketing

The statistics don't lie – video continues to dominate digital engagement. With 99% of marketers saying videos help increase customer understanding of their products and services, and live content creating deeper audience connections, now is the time to incorporate live streaming into your business strategy. As Monique shares, "Brands get the most video views in quarter one and quarter four," making this the perfect moment to plan your live content approach. #BusinessStrategy #DigitalEngagement #VideoStats

Live streaming is video or audio broadcast in real-time (or near real-time), differentiating it from on-demand content. This immediacy creates authentic connections with audiences who increasingly prefer the spontaneity and transparency of live interactions. Whether you're hosting a Q&A, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, or providing expert commentary, live content offers versatility traditional media can't match. #RealTimeContent #DigitalCommunication #AuthenticVideo

Live streaming isn't limited to one format. From interviews and talk show-style presentations to behind-the-scenes glimpses and live field reports, the possibilities are endless. Piper explains that behind-the-scenes content "gets your audience excited and they can see what it is you're doing...it has a different feel to it." These real-time peeks into your process build both interest and trust with your community. #ContentIdeas #BehindTheScenes #LiveEvents

The most powerful aspect of live streaming is its ability to facilitate real-time, two-way communication. Unlike traditional content, live video allows for immediate audience engagement through comments, questions, and reactions. This interaction builds community and provides valuable insights – including unexpected ways customers might be using your products or services that you hadn't considered. #AudienceEngagement #CommunityBuilding #InteractiveContent

"I can hear some of you thinking, I don't have time for this. I can't do this. Ain't nobody got time for this." Monique addresses the fears and objections that typically prevent business owners from embracing live video – from concerns about being camera-shy to worries about technical difficulties. By acknowledging these valid concerns and offering practical solutions, she demonstrates that these barriers are often more psychological than practical. #OvercomingFear #BusinessGrowth #ComfortZone

Many professionals worry that going live makes the content "about me, me, me." However, as Monique explains, "Your voice is important to push that message out." When you focus on your mission and how you serve others, live video becomes about your audience, not you. This mindset shift can transform how you approach content creation and help overcome self-consciousness. #MissionDriven #PurposefulContent #BusinessMessaging

Taking that first step requires courage, but the potential impact is worth it. By focusing on your mission, who you serve, and the problems you solve, you can move past hesitation and embrace live...