In this, our 20th episode, we introduce our new Momma: Carla Brown, a poet, writer and photographer and very funny fellow SGI Buddhist from the Bronx, New York, who will share a lifetime of struggles, experiences and insights.

On "From Despair to Hope" we discuss causes and symptoms of despair and how to pull ourselves out of despair to lead a fulfilling life filled with hope and confidence for the present and the future. We openly share our and other's experiences and how we were able to accomplish overcoming one of the most difficult mental states. We emphasize that hope is always a decision, and the right one at that!

Keywords: despair, hope, courage, self-love, friendship, AI, suicide, depression, foryou, antidepressants, diversity welfare, poverty, negativity, obstacles, stagnation

According to recent research, none of us are truly grown up, but rather we are constantly growing up. In this episode, Johnnie and Arlaana go into detail using common indicators such as: family harmony, self-control, emotional regulation, resilience, independence and interdependence, and rational decision-making, drawing from our individual experiences and societal expectations.

One of Arlaana's Black's most intellectually gifted students from her high school AP Psychology class returns from college and her current on-line master's program from John Hopkins University to share how, as a Gen Z, college classes and college life has shaped her into the person she is today. Sarah aspires to become an attorney and emphasizes the importance of her liberal arts college and master's degrees as the way to develop and prepare her life for a career in Law. She also stresses the importance of respecting other career choices and those who choose to follow a different path that does not involve a college degree.