Dr. LaNail R. Plummer is not just a mental health powerhouse—she’s a revolution in motion. In this rich and intentional conversation, we dive into how she’s built a life aligned with her values as a veteran, CEO of Onyx Therapy Group, Chair of Counseling at Trinity Washington University, and a proud bisexual Black woman.

Topics we cover:

• The power of intentional communication

• Parenting with purpose and presence

• Her personal and spiritual journey to coming out

• How core beliefs are shaped—and reshaped—in therapy

• The alchemy of feminine energy and why it’s so transformative

Dr. Plummer’s clarity, strength, and compassion are truly unforgettable.

🧠 “You always know how to circle it back,” her father once told her—and in this episode, she does just that.

🔗 Subscribe and listen now for a deeply moving, deeply human conversation.

With guest Steven Lowell on How I Ally with Lucinda Koza

What happens when you stop hiding the hardest part of yourself—and start leading with it instead?

In this deeply human, candid conversation, Lucinda Koza sits down with career coach and reverse recruiter Steven Lowell, who shares how a late diagnosis of epilepsy reshaped his life. From collapsing on the job in Times Square to navigating the shame and silence that often surrounds invisible disabilities, Steven doesn’t just open up—he reframes the narrative.

This episode explores how living with epilepsy taught him to speak up, accept help, and ultimately turn what once felt like a weakness into his greatest strength.

• Why invisible disabilities often go unspoken—even in families

• How stress can impact neurological health in profound ways

• What it’s like to have a seizure in public (and be misjudged for it)

• The vital role of Steven’s wife in his journey to diagnosis and stability

• How naming the hard thing can bring connection, not rejection

• The power of blunt honesty in healing shame

Steven is a New York City–based reverse recruiter and career coach who’s worked across six industries and four countries. His coaching style is no-nonsense, deeply empathic, and grounded in lived experience—especially when it comes to helping others navigate their own nontraditional paths.

• Learn more about Steven’s reverse recruiting work

• Epilepsy Foundation: epilepsy.com

👉 Subscribe to How I Ally for honest, hopeful conversations about disability, identity, and resilience.

⭐️ If this episode moved you, please leave a rating or review—it really helps!

Discover the lighthearted side of postpartum recovery, traumatic birth, and infertility with expert insights and real conversations on How I Ally.

As a single mother by choice, Lakia Holmes bravely turned to IVF after being diagnosed with infertility, reshaping her life and dreams in unexpected ways. In this laid-back chat with host Lucinda Koza, Lakia opens up about the challenges and triumphs of balancing her career in sports production with the joys of motherhood, all while contemplating her future as a fertility coach. We dive into the societal pressures surrounding motherhood and career paths, the importance of community support, and how Lakia's journey is paving the way for others facing similar struggles. So grab your coffee, kick back, and join us for a heartfelt conversation filled with candid reflections and light-hearted banter that reminds us we’re all just doing our best.

Stepping into the world of single motherhood can feel like diving into the deep end—no floaties and no lifeguard in sight. In this episode, Lakia Holmes opens up about her transformative journey from sports producer to single mother, sharing her heartfelt story of overcoming infertility through IVF and donor sperm. Lakia’s candid reflections on her unexpected path are woven with humor and warmth, as she grapples with the societal pressures and personal challenges that come with raising a child alone. The balancing act of career and motherhood is no easy feat, but Lakia navigates it with grace, humor, and a dash of chaos, revealing her day-to-day realities that resonate with many parents. Beyond her personal narrative, Lakia’s aspirations to become a fertility coach highlight her dedication to uplifting others within the community. This episode beautifully illustrates the power of resilience, the importance of creating supportive networks, and the unique joy of forging one’s own path to parenthood, making it a heartfelt conversation that invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys.

Takeaways:

• Lakia's journey to motherhood highlights the emotional toll of infertility, showcasing the strength it takes to navigate through IVF and donor sperm decisions.
• The balance between a demanding career in sports production and single motherhood reveals the sacrifices and adjustments required in both personal and professional realms.
• Creating a supportive community is essential for both mothers and their children, as it fosters connections and shared experiences, particularly for those navigating similar paths.
• Lakia's transition into fertility coaching illustrates her desire to empower others facing infertility, demonstrating the importance of sharing knowledge and emotional support in the journey to parenthood.
• Societal pressures regarding motherhood often conflict with personal aspirations, leading to feelings of guilt and self-doubt, particularly for women focused on career growth before family.
• The conversation emphasizes that every family is unique, and being honest about one's journey can create a nurturing environment for children, regardless of traditional family structures.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Warner Brothers Discovery
• TNT
• MLB
• tbs
• New York Mets

Gloria Kolb, the brilliant CEO and co-founder of Elida, joins us to chat about her groundbreaking work in women's health, specifically tackling incontinence with her innovative Elitone device. Her personal journey with incontinence spurred her to create a solution that’s not just effective but also non-intrusive, breaking the mold of traditional treatments that often leave women feeling sidelined. We dive deep into the unique challenges female founders face in the notoriously male-dominated medical device industry, especially when it comes to securing funding and societal support. Gloria sheds light on the staggering statistics that show only a fraction of healthcare funding goes towards women's health innovations, and how this impacts early treatment options. With a dash of humor and a whole lot of heart, we explore the importance of open conversations about pelvic floor health and the mission to provide accessible solutions for all women, especially those in underserved communities.

Gloria Kolb's journey to creating Elida is nothing short of inspiring. As a biomedical engineer and a mother of three, she found herself grappling with incontinence after childbirth—something that many women face but often feel too embarrassed to discuss. Gloria shares her personal story of struggle and resilience, which led her to develop the Elitone device, a groundbreaking solution that offers a non-intrusive way to improve pelvic floor health. This conversation dives deep into the challenges faced by female founders in the medical device industry, where funding disparities are stark. Did you know that only 2% of venture capital goes to female founders? Gloria sheds light on the uphill battle for funding and the societal stigma surrounding women’s health issues, emphasizing the need for more awareness and support in this area. The episode also addresses the broader implications of incontinence on women’s lives, from social interactions to mental health, highlighting the importance of early treatment and open conversations about these taboo topics. Through her work, Gloria is not only changing lives but also paving the way for a future where women’s health is prioritized and normalized in society.

Takeaways:

• Gloria Kolb's personal battle with incontinence drove her to create Elitone, a groundbreaking external pelvic floor health device.
• Female founders face a daunting funding landscape, with only 2% of venture capital directed towards women's health innovations.
• Awareness is key; many women suffer in silence for years due to societal stigma surrounding incontinence and pelvic floor health.
• The healthcare system often prioritizes pads over effective treatments, perpetuating a cycle of dependency and embarrassment for women.
• Elitone's approach allows women to regain control of their pelvic health without invasive procedures, promoting early treatment and preventative care.
• Gloria emphasizes the importance of normalizing conversations around women's health issues, encouraging openness and support among communities.

Liz Hilton is revolutionizing postpartum support with her innovative swaddle technology, the Swaddelini, designed to help babies sleep through the night. Host Lucinda Koza delves into Liz's inspiring journey from founding her company, KnitIt, to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship while raising a family. Liz highlights the importance of community feedback in developing her products and discusses the impact of her work on babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome. A significant part of the conversation centers around Liz's new initiative, Project CHIP (Cultivating Health in Postpartum), which aims to provide solutions for postpartum challenges through a documentary that emphasizes the necessity of proactive measures and community support for new mothers. Together, they explore how investing in postpartum care can transform the experiences of mothers and their families, ultimately fostering a healthier society.

Lucinda Koza's engaging discussion with Liz Hilton dives deep into the multifaceted world of postpartum support and innovation. Liz, an accomplished mother and entrepreneur, recounts her journey from launching KnitIt, a company specializing in soft goods, to developing the groundbreaking Swaddelini swaddle solution. This innovative product was born out of Liz's own parenting challenges, particularly the sleepless nights spent with a baby who would escape traditional swaddles. Drawing on her expertise in 3D knit programming, she crafted a swaddle that not only comforts but also addresses the developmental needs of infants, demonstrating how personal struggles can lead to impactful solutions.

Throughout the episode, Liz shares candid insights into the struggles of balancing her entrepreneurial ambitions with the demands of motherhood. She highlights the pivotal role that community feedback has played in refining her products and shaping her business model. This dialogue emphasizes the need for mothers to connect and support one another, illustrating how shared experiences can foster innovation and enhance wellbeing. Liz also introduces her latest initiative, Project CHIP, which aims to shift the conversation around postpartum experiences from one of struggle to one of empowerment and support.

Through a documentary lens, Project CHIP seeks to explore and promote healthy postpartum practices, emphasizing the importance of nourishing mothers and fostering community support. Liz's passion for creating a cultural shift in how postpartum care is viewed resonates strongly throughout the conversation, shedding light on the need for greater awareness and proactive measures in supporting new mothers. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder that with the right tools and community backing, mothers can thrive during the challenging early stages of parenthood.

Takeaways:

• Liz Hilton's journey from a 3D knit engineer to a successful entrepreneur shows the power of innovation driven by personal necessity.
• The viral success of Swaddelini highlights the importance of community feedback in product development.
• Project CHIP aims to redefine postpartum support by focusing on solutions rather than just challenges.
• Empowering postpartum women through community support can significantly improve their well-being and recovery.
• Liz emphasizes the need for proactive measures in postpartum care, advocating for prioritizing women's health after childbirth.
• Cultural practices around postpartum care can play a crucial role in nurturing new mothers effectively.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Knit It
• Swaddelini
• Project CHIP
• Village Postnatal Recovery Center

Check out @swaddelini https://swaddelini.com/

A special thank you to @VETTEDDermlab Backed by science. Created by dermatologists. Effective and ethical ingredients. No gimmicks or fads. Use code LUCINDAK15 for 15% off your purchase: go.shopmy.us/p-11688145

Another special thank you to @kozakh2156 Jewelry. Uniquely on trend designer jewelry that’s waterproof, tarnish-proof, and sustainably handmade in the USA. Use code LUCINDA25 for 25% off: https://shopmy.us/collections/1146101

Navigating the challenges of the NICU and the complexities of grief, Elaine Roth shares her poignant journey as a mother and writer with host Lucinda Koza. After the premature birth of her daughter, Elaine found herself facing the emotional turmoil of an emergency C-section and the uncertainty of her child's health in the NICU. Through candid storytelling, she reveals how writing became a crucial outlet for processing her experiences and emotions. Elaine’s debut book weaves together themes of loss, healing, and the magic that can arise from the depths of sorrow. This heartfelt conversation highlights the importance of self-advocacy in motherhood and the transformative power of storytelling as a means of navigating life's most difficult moments.

Elaine Roth's journey through motherhood is one marked by unexpected challenges and profound resilience. In her conversation with host Lucinda Koza, she candidly shares the emotional rollercoaster of giving birth to her daughter nine weeks prematurely and the subsequent experiences in the NICU. Roth's narrative is both raw and enlightening as she recounts the fears that accompanied her emergency C-section and the subsequent struggle to navigate the complexities of caring for a fragile newborn in a hospital setting. The discussion highlights the critical importance of self-advocacy and intuition, as Roth emphasizes how she learned to trust her instincts amid medical uncertainties.

As the episode unfolds, Roth delves into the healing power of storytelling and how writing became a refuge for her during tumultuous times. She discusses her debut book, which weaves together elements of grief and magical realism, providing insight into her creative process and the cathartic nature of writing. Roth's transition from a NICU mom to an author speaks to the transformative power of sharing one’s experiences, both for herself and for those who resonate with her story. Listeners will appreciate her reflections on balancing the demands of motherhood with her passion for writing, as well as her insights into how creative expression can serve as a powerful tool for healing.

This episode is a celebration of the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of community in navigating life's challenges. Roth's story is a beacon of hope for parents facing similar circumstances, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace their narratives and recognize the beauty in their journeys, fostering connection and understanding through shared experiences.

Takeaways:

• Elaine Roth's journey through her daughter's premature birth highlights the importance of maternal instincts and self-advocacy.
• The emotional challenges of navigating the NICU can lead to long-lasting impacts on parents.
• Writing can serve as a powerful tool for healing and processing grief and loss.
• Elaine's debut book intertwines themes of grief, magical realism, and the human experience.
• The podcast emphasizes that it's crucial to believe in your instincts as a parent.
• Elaine discusses how her experiences in the NICU shaped her writing and storytelling style.

You can find Elaine Roth's recently published book, THE MIDNIGHT GARDEN, at the link below:

https://go.shopmy.us/p-11109513

A special thank you to Vetted Dermlab. Backed by science. Created by dermatologists. Effective and ethical ingredients. No gimmicks or fads. Use code LUCINDAK15 for 15% off your purchase: go.shopmy.us/p-11688145

Another special thank you to KOZAKH Jewelry. Uniquely on trend designer jewelry that’s waterproof, tarnish-proof, and sustainably handmade in the USA. Use code LUCINDA25 for 25% off: https://shopmy.us/collections/1146101