• Caring for Your Mental Health in Pandemic Times with Cynthia, Tracie, and Dr. Mark
    Apr 11 2021

    Welcome to The Two Sisters & The Doc Podcast, the official podcast of Two Sisters & The Doc LLC. Each week your hosts will tackle discussions on race, trauma, resilience, love, core values, relationships, and anywhere else the stories take them.

     

    Cynthia, Tracie, and Dr. Mark are talking about the importance of mental health, recognizing the signs and symptoms that point that you might need to reach out for help. They are sharing personal insights on how they have been able to maintain their own mental health through the global pandemic.

     

    Key Takeaways:

    [1:33] How the pandemic affected our mental health.

    [3:23] Cynthia shares how her family and herself were impacted by the restrictions the pandemic brought.

    [5:02] Dr. Mark talks about his personal experience during the pandemic.

    [7:54] Tracie talks about how challenging it was for the educators.

    [10:00] All external distractions have been taken away from people.

    [11:38] The vaccine came to ease things and allow us to have more interaction with others.

    [12:01] Give yourself permission to grieve.

    [12:40] How to grieve in a healthy way.

    [15:05] There is nothing that can take the place of face-to-face interactions, especially in the education roam.

    [17:00] We need to address the mental health of the students.

    [17:38] The isolation gave us time to reflect on the importance of our relationships.

    [20:05] It is not just about the pandemic, it is about how we, as human beings need to grow to be better.

    [22:10] Talking openly about your emotions is a way of improving your mental health.

    [25:30] Race and ethnicity.

    [26:29] Can you just listen?

    [29:18] What is active listening?

    [32:29] It is hard for people to admit that they are struggling, let’s normalize fear, vulnerability, and anxiety.

    [33:20] Feel honored if someone trusts his or her problems on you.

    [34:11] What to do when you see that someone has gone through changes that impact their ability to function.

    [36:55] We are all going to go through challenges.

    [38:22] Be concerned about others.

     

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC

    The Two Sisters & The Doc Podcast

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC on Instagram

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC on Twitter

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    41 mins
  • Parenting, Communication, and Boundaries with Cynthia, Tracie, and Dr. Mark
    Mar 28 2021

    Welcome to The Two Sisters & The Doc Podcast, the official podcast of Two Sisters & The Doc LLC. Each week your hosts will tackle discussions on race, trauma, resilience, love, core values, relationships, and anywhere else the stories take them.

     

    Today, Cynthia, Tracie, and Dr. Mark are discussing parenting, communication, and boundaries, based on a viral video that recently appeared on social media — from Kirk Franklin and one of his children — which has given The Two Sisters and The Doc a lot to talk about. This conversation is about how we express ourselves as parents, how our children are expressing themselves, and the expectations around these forms of communication in different stages of life.

     

    Key Takeaways:

    [2:50] Dr. Mark shares his thoughts about this audio.

    [4:38] Tracie shares her point of view.

    [9:06] Cynthia talks about her perspective about the audio.

    [10:33] That was a conversation among two adults.

    [14:03] The initial reaction to first listening to the audio was from the ego: “How does he dare to talk that way to his father?

    [16:15] Children do not necessarily have to respect their parents because of their relationship.

    [19:05] If there is a toxic relationship, how do you heal it?

    [20:02] Parenting a grown child is impossible.

    [24:34] My children’s experience of being parented by me is not the same experience I have parenting them.

    [26:06] Cynthia talks about expectations in relationships.

    [26:45] What is the cut-off point in the relationship with your children?

    [28:57] Dr. Mark shares a personal experience.

    [33:20] Tracie talks about how sometimes parents try to compensate with material things.

    [36:10] Children do not owe their parents anything.

    [39:10] Dr. Mark shares an experience he had with parents struggling with his grown child.

    [41:18] “I wish you love.”

    [41:35] Tracie brings up the culture piece in regards to this discussion.

    [45:18] When someone constantly brings pain into our lives, we have the right to set a limit.

    [47:43] Once we have done all we could do as parents, we are not responsible for our grown-up children’s actions and choices.

     

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC

    The Two Sisters & The Doc Podcast

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC on Instagram

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC on Twitter 

     

    Read more about the audio from Kirk Franklin and his son

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    51 mins
  • Self Care with Cynthia, Tracie, and Dr. Mark
    Feb 7 2021

    Welcome to The Two Sisters & The Doc Podcast, the official podcast of Two Sisters & The Doc LLC. Each week your hosts will tackle discussions on race, trauma, resilience, love, core values, relationships, and anywhere else the stories take them.

     

    Cynthia, Tracie, and Dr. Mark are talking about self-care in today’s episode. Many people are suffering from emotional and psychological difficulties as a result of 2020 and the impact that COVID has had on our world. Some of our usual ways of dealing with stress have been taken away from us, such as getting together with our loved ones or going out to socialize.

     

    In difficult times, more than ever, you need to prioritize yourself, putting “you” at the top of the list and to do that, the two sisters and the doc are giving you tips and suggestions on how to care for yourself first to be able to serve others later.

     

    Key Takeaways:

    [3:12] Tracie shares her definition of self-care.

    [4:04] Dr. Mark explains how we tend to occupy the place of caregivers and consequently neglect ourselves.

    [5:55] Cynthia talks about self-care.

    [7:14] Can you identify your emotions and feelings?

    [8:13] Self-care is self-awareness.

    [9:50] Tracie and the Doc share their self-care tips.

    [11:36] It is important to surround yourself with positive people.

    [12:18] Schedule time for yourself.

    [15:40] Cynthia shares her daily self-care practices.

    [18:47] The difference between happiness and joy.

    [21:33] Joy comes with spirituality.

    [25:46] Sometimes you have to talk yourself into joy.

    [28:33] Are you connected to the right people in your personal life?

    [32:10] When was the last time that you had fun?

    [35:22] Sometimes you have to be able to laugh at yourself.

    [37:27] Dr. Mark talks about the importance of having control over the people you surround yourself with.

    [40:03] Be careful of what you feed your spirit.

     

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC

    The Two Sisters & The Doc Podcast

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC on Instagram

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC on Twitter 

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    43 mins
  • Reflections on the 2021 Storming of the US Capitol with Cynthia, Tracie, and Dr. Mark
    Jan 24 2021

    Welcome to The Two Sisters & The Doc Podcast, the official podcast of Two Sisters & The Doc LLC. Each week your hosts will tackle discussions on race, trauma, resilience, love, core values, relationships, and anywhere else the stories take them.

     

    Today, Cynthia, Tracie, and Dr. Mark talk about the events that took place on January 6th, 2021, the day that was set aside for Congress to certify the election results. The two sisters and the doc share their educated perspectives, feelings, and thoughts in regards to this unfortunate event, where hate met violence at the hands of many who were reluctant to accept the truth.

     

    Key Takeaways:

    [2:08] Cynthia shares her point of view.

    [4:01] Cynthia compares the Black Lives Matter movement to the storming of the Capitol.

    [7:14] Dr. Mark talks about what he saw and felt on January 6th, 2020.

    [10:45] We have to stand up when we see hatred.

    [13:28] Social media and television fed hate.

    [14:46] Tracie talks about how the truth should not be revolutionary.

    [16:38] Tracie explains why people tend to believe certain lies.

    [19:05] What are the conversations we need to be having in order to prevent more situations like this?

    [20:10] Dr. Mark reflects on the right to free speech.

    [21:33] There is an impact behind what we say.

    [25:37] Does America follow the idea that “All men are created equal”?

    [27:58] Can America include all people?

    [31:08] Listen to marginalized groups.

    [32:33] You don't have to go through the pain to acknowledge it.

    [33:56] Are you willing to destroy democracy?

    [35:01] Imagine that the group of people storming the Capitol were black.

    [38:07] America is a beautiful mess.

    [39:11] What does it take for Americans to step out on the edge?

    [43:08] Be who you say you are.

    [44:43] If nobody stands up and changes the pattern the cycle will continue.

     

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC

    The Two Sisters & The Doc Podcast

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC on Instagram

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC on Twitter

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    47 mins
  • Creating Vulnerable Spaces with Cynthia, Tracie, and Dr. Mark
    Jan 10 2021

    Welcome to The Two Sisters & The Doc Podcast, the official podcast of Two Sisters & The Doc LLC. Each week your hosts will tackle discussions on race, trauma, resilience, love, core values, relationships, and anywhere else the stories take them.

     

    Cynthia, Tracie, and Dr. Mark are talking in today´s episode about creating vulnerable spaces, developing an atmosphere where a person can feel safe to share and talk about anything. Listen to this episode to learn more about vulnerability in organizations, the needed ground rules to sustain and honor a safe space by practice active listening, valuing trust, and being honest about confidentiality.

     

    Key Takeaways:

    [2:45] Dr. Mark talks about what a vulnerable place is and how it should feel.

    [4:13] Tracie shares her definition of vulnerability.

    [5:01] Cynthia talks about emotional safety as the main aspect of vulnerability.

    [6:07] Perception and expectation.

    [6:45] Tracie talks about the necessary ingredients for safety in an organization.

    [7:37] The importance of active listening to create a space that welcomes vulnerability.

    [9:33] Trust is everything.

    [10:02] Cynthia, Tracie, and Dr. Mark talk about confidentiality.

    [11:50] We need to be aware of the damage that gossip does to people in organizations.

    [15:33] Cynthia talks about confidentiality in a supervisor role vs trusting someone’s personal information as it is done in friendships.

    [18:21] Why do organizations struggle in creating vulnerable spaces?

    [22:14] The fear of being open can be legitimate.

    [26:32] What does it mean to be a “good fit” in an organization?

    [28:45] In order to be successful, you need different points of view at the table.

    [30:30] Avoid a culture that promotes “them against us”.

    [31:19] What has to be available in an organization for vulnerability to exist?

    [33:52] To understand people you have to listen to them.

    [35:46] Developing empathetic listening.

    [40:34] Leadership cannot be driven by ego.

     

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC

    The Two Sisters & The Doc Podcast

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC on Instagram

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC on Twitter 

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    42 mins
  • Leading with Love with Cynthia, Tracie, and Dr. Mark
    Jan 3 2021

    Welcome to The Two Sisters & The Doc Podcast, the official podcast of Two Sisters & The Doc LLC. Each week your hosts will tackle discussions on race, trauma, resilience, love, core values, relationships, and anywhere else the stories take them.

     

    In today’s episode Cynthia, Tracie, and Dr. Mark are talking about the necessary ingredient everyone needs in their life: love and intention.  All you approach in your life needs to be led by love and intention. The work you do every day, your smallest daily interactions can be led by love, but what does it mean to lead from a place of love? Listen to today’s episode for an insightful perspective about bringing love to your workplace.

     

    Key Takeaways:

    [2:26] Cynthia shares what leading from love means for her.

    [3:33] Dr. Mark shares why love is an action word.

    [5:13] Love is the golden rule.

    [6:01] Love is sometimes setting healthy boundaries.

    [8:11] What does love look like when you are interacting with colleagues?

    [9:20] Dr. Mark shares his experience working with difficult colleagues and remaining in a place of love and kindness.

    [12:14] Love is the most powerful force.

    [13:30] You have to build love in yourself in order to be able to give it to other people.

    [15:10] Boundaries, boundaries, boundaries.

    [17:05] Understand your purpose.

    [19:55] Tracie highlights the importance of being passionate about what you do every day.

    [24:22] Tracie shares words of encouragement for people who are going through transitions.

    [27:30] Sometimes your passion might diminish but your purpose is always there.

    [34:45] What are you loving right now?

    [37:40] Dr. Mark talks about the value of family and friendship.

    [40:10] Cynthia shares her words of gratitude.

     

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC

    The Two Sisters & The Doc Podcast

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC on Instagram

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC on Twitter 



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    45 mins
  • A Conversation on Core Values with Cynthia, Tracie, and Dr. Mark Subtitle: Who Are You When Nobody Is Watching?
    Dec 13 2020

    Welcome to The Two Sisters & The Doc Podcast, the official podcast of Two Sisters & The Doc LLC. Each week your hosts will tackle discussions on race, trauma, resilience, love, core values, relationships, and anywhere else the stories take them.

     

    In today’s episode Cynthia, Tracie, and Dr. Mark dive deep into core values understanding the subjectivity of the topic but addressing how these values show up in our daily lives.

     

    Listen to this episode to learn more about how core values are exhibited in organizations through their leaders and the importance of every team member to be aligned with the organization’s vision and purpose.

     

    Key Takeaways:

    [2:10] Cynthia talks about her core values and how they are the result of her upbringing and other personal experiences.

    [3:52] Tracie shares the definition of core values and how hers show up in her life and her job.

    [5:33] Find opportunities to contribute.

    [7:07] Be an example to others.

    [8:33] Dr. Mark talks about his beliefs in regards to core values.

    [9:10] Do you show respect for other people? Do you respect yourself?

    [9:55] Be accountable for your actions.

    [10:13] Dr. Mark talks about integrity.

    [12:10] The importance of having a vision to get where you want to be.

    [13:33] Compassion, empathy, and kindness.

    [15:30] Teamwork matters!

    [17:33] Tracie talks about the difficulty of dealing with people who have different levels of integrity.

    [18:46] Dr. Mark shares how he struggles with other people’s expectations.

    [21:22] What happens when a leader doesn’t have what it takes?

    [24:02] Leaders show what needs to be done.

    [25:47] Dr. Mark talks about organizations that struggle as a result of poor leadership.

    [28:05] Leaders don't manage people, leaders lead.

    [29:55] Can core values be taught?

    [32:15] Find the people who are qualified from the core for a job, those who are aligned with the organization’s vision.

    [33:54] As a leader is your responsibility to push people into purpose.

    [35:28] What does “having the heart to serve” really means?

    [37:25] Be authentically yourself, let your light shine.

     

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC

    The Two Sisters & The Doc Podcast

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC on Instagram

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC on Twitter

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    39 mins
  • Trauma 101 with Cynthia, Tracie, and Dr. Mark
    Nov 29 2020

    Welcome to the Two Sisters & The Doc Podcast, the official podcast of Two Sisters & The Doc LLC. Each week your hosts will tackle discussions on race, trauma, resilience, love, core values, relationships, and anywhere else the stories take them.

     

    Cynthia, Tracie, and Dr. Mark are discussing a topic today that unfortunately touches almost everyone’s lives: trauma. Research indicates that over half of the population will face at least one traumatic event in their lives that can cause life-long implications. In this episode, you will hear about what trauma means and the most common trauma response strategies that individuals and organizations often use. You are not alone, listen to this episode and be able to connect the dots in your life, knowledge will empower you to reach healing and emotional growth.

     

    Key Takeaways:

    [3:45] What is trauma?

    [6:33] Tracie shares the formal definition of trauma.

    [7:41] When someone that is supposed to love you is causing you harm.

    [8:11] The cases of the historical trauma and the trauma that can be caused by systems.

    [9:11] Tracie talks about the consequences of trauma.

    [12:01] Trauma can change the architecture of the brain. Tracie talks about early childhood trauma. 

    [15:15] The biological response to trauma.

    [19:23] How re-traumatizing works.

    [20:40] Cynthia talks about trauma and education.

    [24:03] The value of relationships when dealing with trauma.

    [26:33] Dr. Mark shares his view on trauma.

    [29:47] The mix between historical and individual trauma.

    [31:09] The ACEs study (Adverse Childhood Experiences).

    [33:34] Trauma is a real thing and most of us need to navigate it.

    [35:44] Can you ask for help?

    [39:18] There is a before and after trauma.

    [40:47] Spirituality is a big portion of who we are.

    [42:30] Allow yourself to lean in the process and remember to have compassion and empathy for the ones processing trauma as well.

    [44:32] Just because a crayon is broken, it doesn’t change the beauty of the coloring.

     

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC

    The Two Sisters & The Doc Podcast

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC on Instagram

    Two Sisters & The Doc LLC on Twitter 

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    46 mins