Episodes

Ever found yourself tangled in beliefs that no longer serve you? This Freedom Friday, my best friend, Jaquetta Ross, joins me for a transformative discussion on the liberating journey of unlearning—an odyssey that is reshaping our personal narratives. We'll dive into the insights Jaquetta has gained from her recent speaking engagements, particularly during Black History and Women's History months, and how sharing these experiences enrich our community. We muse on the art of intertwining life's s...

In a recent episode of "The Unlearned Podcast," host Ruth Abigail engages in a rich conversation about the significant shift from mastering a skill to teaching it. This episode uncovers the intricacies of unlearning the mindset of an expert to adopt the patience and humility required of an educator. Through personal anecdotes and shared stories, Ruth explores how this transition is not just about changing roles but about enhancing one's ability to lead creatively and empower others. If you're in...

Imagine if America's entire population sat on a therapist's couch, facing the mirror of our collective mental health—what would we discover? Phyllis Levitt, a psychotherapist with profound insight into the nation's psyche, joins me to unravel this question. Together, we venture into uncharted territories, discussing how the dysfunctions within our personal family lives often echo in the corridors of our society. Phyllis doesn't just outline the issues; she advocates for a therapeutic revolution,...

Unlock the secret to compelling meetings with Ashton Rodenheiser's insights on visual storytelling. Transform your tedious talks into dynamic visual narratives that captivate and retain attention, whether they're happening across the boardroom or bridging continents online. Ashton's artistic prowess and quick-thinking synthesis of conversations into meaningful visuals is not just a skill to behold—it's a revolution in how we engage with ideas and each other during strategic planning sessions and...

This episode takes a deep dive into the art of self-compassion, comparing our adult struggles with the untainted innocence of our inner child. We unpack the transformative nature of kindness, how it battles insecurities, and the ways it can shift the immediate conclusions we all too often jump to. From the biblical understanding of ourselves as 'children of God' to the practical steps for disrupting snap judgments with a dose of curiosity, we navigate the complexities of internal dialogue and th...

Feeling stretched thin by trying to excel at everything? Join us as we share insights and strategies for focusing on what really matters. Our latest Freedom Friday episode is an invitation to break free from the conventional chains of multitasking and to find liberation in mastering the skills that resonate with our soul's calling. We delve into the importance of honing one single skill and the profound sense of freedom that follows. Listen and be encouraged to continue the journey of unlearning...

As we explore the fine line between knowing oneself and becoming self-absorbed, we confront the potential dangers of personal assessments. It's easy to brandish our results like a shield against the world, expecting others to conform to our self-declared identities. But what if we viewed these insights as a guide to personal growth, a chance to move beyond our comfort zones for the sake of deeper connections with others? Together, let's discuss how embracing the shadow side of our strengths can ...

Ever caught yourself treating precious moments with loved ones as just another item on your to-do list? Join me, Ruth Abigail, for a liberating episode of the Unlearned podcast this Freedom Friday that shakes the very foundation of our 'box-checker' mentality. We're unpacking why life's interactions shouldn't be reduced to mere tasks and how this shift can profoundly enrich the fabric of our relationships. It's a candid journey, one that might just inspire you to trade your checklist for deeper ...

We're tearing down misconceptions left and right in this episode, starting with the idea that strength training is a no-go zone for women. Spoiler alert: it's not! I get real about my own skirmishes with self-discipline, particularly when sweets are on the line, and the power of setting achievable health targets. As Joy shares her expert advice, you'll discover how transforming your fitness and nutrition habits can rejuvenate not only your body but also your relationships and overall happiness. ...

Say hello to a year of embracing our talents and leaning into what makes us unique. During this inspiring session, we'll unravel the concept of New Year's resolutions and give it a fresh, positive spin. No guests this time, just us and our thoughts, discussing the power of focusing on what we're already good at and how that can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful year ahead. Join me, RA, on this thought-provoking ride as we set the tone for a 2024 brimming with self-affirmation and the celebrat...

There was a time when the mere thought of taking a break felt like surrender, a silent admission of defeat or inability to keep up with life's relentless pace. But as I, Ruth Abigail aka Ra, have discovered and eagerly share with you this Freedom Friday on the UnlearntPpodcast, rest is not the end of activity but the beginning of rejuvenation. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of rest - a concept so often misunderstood and undervalued. Listen as I unravel my personal transformation, from v...

Do you find it hard to accept periods of rest and unproductivity? Are you always striving to be productive, equating usefulness with constant activity? This Freedom Friday episode of the UnlearnT Podcast with your host Ruth Abigail (RA) addresses these struggles head-on. RA reflects on her own struggles with allowing herself to rest, particularly during the fall and winter seasons when nature itself is in a state of shedding and resting. Throughout the episode, she delves into the idea of life m...

Imagine, shaking off the chains of past experiences to step into a future of growth and liberation. That's what we are journeying into on this Freedom Friday episode of the Unlearned Podcast. I, Ruth Abigail, will take you through my personal stride of understanding that past experiences do not define future outcomes. We'll dive into the critical role that self-awareness and self-care play in liberating ourselves from the ghosts of our past relationships. Remember, change isn't about us; it's a...

Ever felt shackled by the constant pressure to plan, project, and predict your future? In our latest conversation, we unravel this very issue with the incredibly insightful Kara Rogers. We dive into an enlightening discussion about the liberating act of unlearning and the profound impact of living in the present moment. Kara opens up about her personal journey and how she uses her creativity as a tool to stay grounded in the now, offering a refreshing perspective on overcoming the anxiety that o...

Do you find it tough to open up and be vulnerable, especially in therapy? Discover why vulnerability is the key to profound change. Kevin Palmieri shares his ingredients to embracing vulnerability and how therapy has helped him be more honest with himself. We reflect on the rising popularity of therapy and how it can help us all to open up and be more honest with ourselves. Our environment and the people we surround ourselves with can have a profound impact on our personal development. Kevin sh...

Have you ever considered how sarcasm, often seen as witty or humorous, can be a veil for deeper emotions? Or how it might impact your relationships more than you realize? RA shares her personal revelations about sarcasm's place on the spectrum of anger and the importance of authenticity in communication. But it's not just about self-awareness; it's about the power of words. We dive into how words can shape realities, impact emotions, and even influence physical environments, as seen in the fasc...

Our guest, Paul Zolman, has an inspiring story about unlearning a life of anger and adopting the practice of love. Born into an anger-driven environment, Paul embarked on a transformative journey to break free from this cycle, and his reimagining of the Five Love Languages (originated by Dr. Gary Chapman) as a tool for doing so forms the crux of our fascinating conversation. This episode aims to expose you to the real essence of love and how to practice it daily. We journey through concepts of ...

Ever wonder how politics directly impacts your community? Or how an ordinary citizen can create meaningful change? Today, we untangle these complexities with Cardell Orrin, Executive Director of Stand for Children. Cardell's fascinating transition from a non-voter to the founder of a Political Action Committee (PAC) is a tale that exemplifies the significance of grassroots leadership. As we journey through Cardell's experiences, we delve into the daunting world of politics and power dynamics. W...

Have you ever stopped to consider that personal growth is more than just a solo journey? This episode is a deep-dive into the popular phrase "do your own work" and its critical implications for personal transformation. I'll share personal insights on why "doing your own work" goes beyond amassing knowledge to consciously shaping our surroundings. We'll also explore the importance of aligning ourselves with individuals and environments that mirror our desired future. Remember, unlearning isn't...

Ever pondered the complex world of local politics? This riveting episode offers a rare opportunity to engage with our esteemed guest, Robert Hill. Memphis' political landscape has undergone significant transformations, particularly with a demographic shift following the white flight of the 1950s and 1960s. Hill and I dissect this seismic shift, its effect on the quality of elected officials, and its implications on the city's intellectual capacity. We also critically analyze the economic dispari...

It's another Freedom Friday episode! Have you ever been so overwhelmed in the moment, you were ready to throw in the towel and let it all go? You don't have to do that, because stress doesn't last forever. Don't ever let the stress of the moment keep you from the joy of assignment. Unlearn that! Get free!

Ever felt disillusioned by the idea that your single vote doesn't make a difference? Let's debunk that myth together as we tread into the world of voting, underlining why your vote indeed matters. Our vibrant guest, Ayanna Watkins, Executive Director of Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action Hope (MICAH), exposes the real power of voting, throwing light on the gravity of each vote and how it can tip the scales in an election. She also unpacks the importance of staying politically active post-el...

In this episode creator the UnlearnT Podcast, Ruth Abigail (aka RA) talks about unlearning fear and she brought a friend to help her do it. She doesn’t love talking about herself, but we got her to do it this time!

Ever wondered about the intricacies of school board politics and the drama it entails? Strap in for a captivating conversation with our guest, Kristina Garner, a seasoned political figure and former executive director for the Republican party of Shelby County in Tennessee. Christina’s journey into the political arena is as insightful as it is unexpected, revealing the fiery zeal that fuels decisions affecting our daily lives. Our conversation spans a range of thought-provoking topics, from the ...