Content warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide. "If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the ⁠⁠988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline⁠⁠ at⁠ 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call 911 in life-threatening situations. If you are worried about a friend’s social media updates, you can ⁠⁠contact safety teams at the social media company⁠⁠ . They have processes to reach out to connect the person with the help they need."

In this episode of We’re Not OK: A Community of Healing, we sit down with Dr. Shanéa Thomas, Ed.D, LICSW (He/She/Dr.), a bold lecturer, seasoned scholar-practitioner, and LGBTQ+ training specialist with over 20 years of clinical social work experience.

Through his organization, Thomas Consulting and Therapeutic Services, Dr. Thomas trains and strategizes withsocial workers, educators, and service providers to create safer therapeutic, educational, and workplace spaces — especially for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. He has facilitated over 120 workshops on diversity, equity, and inclusion, grief and loss, mental health, sex and gender, and LGBTQIA+ populations.

Dr. Thomas shares insights on the intersections of death, identity, and healing, exploring how grief,suicide prevention, and inclusive care are shaped by gender, sexuality, and marginalized identities. He also draws on his TEDx talk, “Everybody Feels Sad”, discussing mental health, grief, and the universality of human emotion.

This conversation offers powerful guidance for anyone seeking to understand grief, support healing, andhonor identity in times of loss, while centering marginalized voices and creating inclusive spaces.

Connect with Dr. Thomas:

Facebook: Shanéa Thomas

Instagram: drkchocolatnoir (main), drshaneathomas (professional)

Tiktok: drkchocolatnoir

Carrd Site: https://drshaneathomas.carrd.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drshaneathomas/

Interactive VisualCatalog: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGr4xJvb8c/_rfSAYTrG08MUT-18c9_Uw/view?utm_content=DAGr4xJvb8c&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hd346a42b74

Connect with us:

Follow ⁠@notokbookproject⁠

Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thenotokpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@antijaallen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@justwrite_stewart87⁠⁠

Content warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide. "If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the ⁠988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline⁠⁠ at 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call 911 in life-threatening situations. If you are worried about a friend’s social media updates, you can ⁠contact safety teams at the social media company⁠ . They have processes to reach out to connect the person with the help they need."

This week, we sat down with Dr. Pamela Buchanan, the visionary behind Strong Medicine, to examine the often-unspoken toll that stress and mental health challenges take on healthcare professionals—especially those working in the ER. Together, we explore the silent crisis facing those on the frontlines of care and what it truly means to reclaim wellness, resilience, and balance in demanding environments.

With a mission to empower physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and women leaders, Dr. Buchanan guides others to master stress, discover their purpose, and create lives rooted in health, wealth, and fulfillment. Through her signature programs and coaching, she helps women heal from within, prevent disease, and thrive with clarity, confidence, and conviction.

This conversation challenges us to rethink how we care for ourselves, especially those on the frontlines of care.

For more info visit: drbstrong.com.

Connect with us:

Follow @notokbookproject

Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@thenotokpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@antijaallen⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@justwrite_stewart87⁠⁠

We’re Back – Welcome to Season 5!

In the season opener, hosts Dr. Antija Allen and Justin Stewart sit down with Dr. Alford Young Jr.—University of Michigan professor and founding director of The Scholars Network on Masculinity and the Well-Being of African American Men—to explore the complexities of Black male identity.

Together, they unpack the burdens, expectations, and societal pressures that shape how Black masculinity is perceived and lived. From emotional repression to distorted public narratives, the conversation examines how these forces impact mental health, relationships, and self-worth. Dr. Young offers powerful insight into how healing begins—not just through research, but through honest, community-centered dialogue.