Unapologetically Black Unicorns
Have you ever chatted with an Unapologetically Black Unicorn- someone who symbolizes freedom, power, strength and is a true force of nature and thought, ‘WOW people need to hear this’? Now you can and learn how to be a U.B.U. too! Join the weekly conversation with host Keris Jän Myrick, an unapologetically Black unicorn in their own right, and nationally recognized mental health advocate chatting with amazing U.B.U. folk who are advancing all things mental health, racial justice, and anything cool to enhance human existence.
“A Conversation with Medicaid”
On the eve of Independence Day, the House passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, a $4.5 trillion package. Inside that bill…over $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and Medicare over ten years. So Keris has a conversation with ‘Medicaid’ to see how it felt about the bill passing.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Contact the show: UBU@UnapologeticallyBlackUnicorns.info
Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.
“Random Recollections”
Keris celebrates a birthday, her late father’s birthday. Keris shares how she found a journal that she got her dad for a Father’s Day in 1997 and she reads a story that her dad wrote in that very journal on his birthday June 22, 1997.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Contact the show: UBU@UnapologeticallyBlackUnicorns.info
Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.
“Collective Elevation” with Elizabeth Morrison
Elizabeth Morrison PhD, LCSW, MAC (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a certified Master Addiction Counselor, the Co-Creator of the LCA and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Elizabeth talks about the Lay Counselor Academy and why lived experience is key. They talk about tapping into people’s core gift, supporting employee mental health and why we don’t need to fix people when they share their struggles with you.
For more information on the Lay Counselor Academy: https://www.emorrisonconsulting.com/
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisi...
“Chasms of Care” with Lauren Clark
Lauren Clark (She/Her), PhD, RN, FAAN, is a Professor of Nursing at UCLA, a teacher in the Disability Studies Department, and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. In this episode, Lauren shares insights from her work and reflects on the groundbreaking legacy of Judy Heumann, a trailblazer in disability advocacy. She discusses how they aim to continue Judy’s work through their community partnership project at the Judy Heumann Lab, focusing on the intersectionality of disability, mental health, and immigration/citizenship, and its impact on the campus community. They also explore the concept of “chasms of care,” the importance of langua...
“The Ghost Network”
Keris celebrates a birthday, along with her birthday triplets, which also marks the anniversary of the release of the podcast. This episode is about the hauntings of the ghost network and how we can fight back against its evil ways.
Tell your story about ghost networks:
PERSONAL (patient and or family members):
https://app.storyprompt.com/reply/VNszzRw78dtaNiOfWw3atp
PROVIDER:
https://app.storyprompt.com/reply/ezEfe7sWZnJWJhcobOgM
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Contact the show: UBU@UnapologeticallyBlackUnicorns.info
...
“What it Takes: Wisdom from Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors” with Dr. Jonathan Edwards and Rita Cronise
Dr. Jonathan Edwards (he/him) and Rita Cronise (She/Her) are editors for the book “What it Takes: Wisdom from Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors” and they are Unapologetically Black Unicorns. Jonathan and Rita explain how the book came about and the history of Peer Support. They talk about who the target audience is for the book, why this book is needed and remembering their colleague Steve Harrington.
For more information about the book “What it Takes: Wisdom from Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors” visit: https://www.peersupportworks.org/naps-members-author-guide-to-peer-support/
The National Suicide Preventio...
“Rest is Resistance”
Keris talks about living in an overwhelming world and the importance of implementing the quiet part of the work. This episode is about just listening and pausing but more importantly getting the rest you need and the rest you deserve. Keris pulls cards for the collective all of which pushes against the grind culture narrative.
Rest is Resistance A Manifesto (audiobook): https://tinyurl.com/mr3pmd8d
The Rest Deck: https://tinyurl.com/mr3pmd8d
Rest is Resistance: Free Yourself from Grind Culture and Reclaim Your Life: https://tinyurl.com/2xf5ak8...
“Be Visible as your Fully Authentic Self” with Dr. Jei Africa
Dr. Jei Africa (he/his/him) is the first openly transgender county behavioral health director in California and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Africa shares his experience being raised in the Philippines and the disparities he saw when he came to the United States. They talk about bringing people together to create change, cultural humility and the importance of being visible.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Contact the show: UBU@UnapologeticallyBlackUnicorns.info
Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.
“The Met Gala & Black Dandyism”
Following the Met Gala, Keris talks about why fashion interests her and who influenced her style. She speaks on the origin of the Met Gala’s theme this year – “Black Dandyism” and how it was a tool of rebellion, joy and self-definition.
Keris’ Met Gala “Look Book” - bit.ly
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Contact the show: UBU@UnapologeticallyBlackUnicorns.info
Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.
“To Protect and Defend: Part II”
This is Part II, a continuation of Keris reading an excerpt from her father’s book “Protect and Defend: the U.S.’ Promise and Performance (In an Age of Uncertainty).” Howard A. Myrick took an oath upon being commissioned as a young U.S. Army officer, pledging to “…protect and defend the Constitution of the United States … against all enemies – foreign and domestic” and here is a portion of his account read by his daughter.
“Protect and Defend” by Howard A. Myrick Ph. D. - https://www.amazon.com/Protect-Defend-Howard-Myrick-Ph/dp/B0C1DJ42V6
The National Suicide P...
“To Protect and Defend: Part 1”
Keris reads an excerpt from her father’s book “Protect and Defend: the U.S.’ Promise and Performance (In an Age of Uncertainty).” Howard A. Myrick took an oath upon being commissioned as a young U.S. Army officer, pledging to “…protect and defend the Constitution of the United States … against all enemies – foreign and domestic” and here is a portion of his account read by his daughter. This is Part 1.
“Protect and Defend” by Howard A. Myrick Ph. D. - https://www.amazon.com/Protect-Defend-Howard-Myrick-Ph/dp/B0C1DJ42V6
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 S...
“Do It Afraid” with Preston Mitchum
Preston Mitchum (he/him) is the Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs with The Trevor Project and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Preston shares what The Trevor Project does as an organization and how they try to reach and support LGBTQ young people. They talk about how Preston always wanted to support people and fight for their access, how The Trevor Project crisis counselors are trained to meet the needs of LGBTQ young people and how everyone has a voice.
For more information on The Trevor Project visit: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Th...
“You Are Far from Insignificant” with Nicole Kwan
Nicole Kwan (she/her) is a mental health advocate and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Nicole talks about how mental health was stigmatized in her own culture and how she found people to talk to and support her. They talk about the focus on immigrant mental health, getting more young people to the table and the importance of compassion, kindness and empathy.
Listen to the "Youth on Mental Health" playlist on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxolYqklWoEM8QTc8hJirgeeeQvctkn3j
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide a...
“Mindfuling” with Nandini Nema
Nandini Nema (she/her) is a gap year student who is making an impact in mental health and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Nandini shares the work she’s done as a youth representative with UNICEF by help building child friendly cities. They talk about how mindfulness is a process, working in tech as a Google summer scholar, what they would do encourage people to get into the field of mental health and they share some of their healthy coping mechanisms.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
For more in...
“CADRE Policy Academy”
Keris had a dream about this thing called “CADRE” and her dream has become a reality. CADRE stands for Collective Action Democratized by Relevant Experience, and it is both a policy academy and it is a movement. Keris speaks on where the CADRE Policy Academy will be housed and we’ll hear from some participants who talk about their personal experience with the program.
To access the online CADRE training : go.mydrkatz.com/cadre-program
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Contact the show: UBU@UnapologeticallyBlackUnicorns.info
Tr...
Episode #200!
200 episodes! Keris started the podcast wanting to only do 15 episodes capturing people’s stories and it has grown into a movement. She shares some highlights over 200 episodes and where the podcast is going to go from here.
We want to hear from you. What ideas or topics do you have for the next 200 episode? Contact the show: UBU@UnapologeticallyBlackUnicorns.info
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Transcripts are also available on Apple Podcasts.
“Start the Conversation” with Fajr DeLane
Fajr DeLane (she/her) is the CEO of F^3: Fun. Fit. Fabulous! Health & Wellness Mentoring Program and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Fajr shares her inspiration for starting the “Fun. Fit. Fabulous!” program and how her camp was about inspiring the girls/women in her community. They talk about making time for self-care, how her work intersects with mental health and taking the time to start the conversation about mental health and so you can help support others.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
For more information on “F^3: Fun. F...
“Everyone Matters Equally” with Kana Enomoto and Reina Chiang
Kana Enomoto (she/her) is the director of brain health for the McKinsey Health Institute and Reina Chiang (she/her) is a college student and a mental health advocate and they are Unapologetically Black Unicorns. Kana and Reina discuss their personal experiences when crisis showed up in their home and why the emergency room could do more to support mental health crisis. They talk about why mental health and medical conditions should be treated with the same care, Reina’s vision for her non-profit “u matter” and the importance for parents to seek support for their children in crisis as wel...
“Break With Conformity” with Jose Caballero
Jose Caballero (he/him) is a mental health advocate, blogger and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Jose talks about his “why” and his experiences growing up in Nicaragua and immigrating to the United States. They talk about having conversations about mental health with their families and in their communities, the impacts of emotional intelligence, trying to incorporate mental health education into school’s curriculum and beauty standards in social media.
For more information visit https://www.intouchblog.com/
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
“It Takes a Village to Raise a Child but it Takes an Entire Community to Save One” with Ayaan Moledina
Ayaan Moledina (He/Him) is the Federal Policy Director at SEAT and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Ayaan shares how he knew he wanted to get into the advocacy space at a young age and how it led to him getting in front of Congress to discuss mental health and suicide prevention. They talk about why it’s important to discuss suicide with students in schools and colleges, ways in which students can be aware of the resources that are available to them and empowering young people by letting them share their stories.
For more information on...
“Don’t Give In, Don’t Give Up and Don’t Give Out” with Dr. Andre Johnson
Dr. Andre Johnson (he/him) is the Founder/CEO of the Detroit Recovery Project (DRP), and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Johnson talks about the ideas in his book “The Recovery Ecosystem: A Wholistic Approach to Recovery” which is a guide for healing and progress in the journey of addiction recovery. They talk about the organization being a peer-run Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, (CCBHC) the significance of supportive housing and the components of the recovery ecosystem.
For more information on Dr. Andre Johnson and his book “The Recovery Ecosystem: A Wholistic Approach to Recovery” visit: w...
Navigating Loss: The Gaps in Hospice Care
Keris talks about an experience that profoundly affected her and her family and that is navigating the hospice care system in the final days of her father’s life. She talks about the system defaulting to medication, no consideration for a death doula and reimaging hospice care with more mental health support.
To hear the episode with Jess Stohlmann Rainey on her experience as a death doula, listen here:
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-tpy9w-16a77bc
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Con...
“Decolonizing Research: Diversify the Evidence Base” with LaMont Green and Rachel Post
LaMont Green (he/him/they) is the Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at the Technical Assistance Collaborative and Rachel Post (she/her/hers) is a Senior Consultant at the Technical Assistance Collaborative and they are Unapologetically Black Unicorns. Lamont and Rachel explain how they are attempting to decolonize research and providing emotional capacity building support. They talk about how the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is taking a bold step and why we need to ensure that we’re impacting the communities that we are serving.
For more information about the RWJF Grant-
Systems for Action, a...
“Empowering Ourselves for Our Future” with LaVerne Miller, JD
LaVerne Miller (she/her) is an attorney with a focus on the employment of people with lived experience and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. LaVerne shares her experience starting the first forensic peer specialist training program and how proud she is of its expansion. They talk about the peer workforce movement and the importance of Estate Planning, taking advantage of employee benefits and empowering ourselves for our future.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
“Housing First is All About People” with Sam Tsemberis
Sam Tsemberis (he/him) is a community psychology practitioner, the Founder/CEO of the Pathways Housing First Institute and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Tsemberis shares how Housing First got started and why it’s a person-centered program. They talk about the decimation of our public housing system, the questions to ask if you’re entering a housing program and steps for advocates to encourage more housing first models.
For more information on Pathways Housing First: https://www.pathwayshousingfirst.org/
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
UBU Live: The Alliance for Rights and Recovery Annual Conference
This is a live Unapologetically Black Unicorns podcast recorded with special guests Chyrell Bellamy (Director, Yale Peer Support Services & Research), Felecia Pullen (Founder & CEO, Pillars NYC) and Rupi Legha (Psychiatrist, Scholar, Anti-Racists Activist). On this panel they have a discussion on “anti-racism”, examples of anti-racism in the workplace and community and how you can commit to anti-racism work.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
For a transcript of this episode visit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D4atNycmO736j4LORTnsFzF-tJ2p0DAK/view
“A Discipline of Hope” with Vesper Moore
Vesper Moore (they/elle) is a mad liberation and disability justice activist, and they are an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Vesper defines mad liberation and neurodiversity and how they got involved in the field. They talk about opening Respites and the complications with funding, using advocacy in their peer training and learning lessons in everything and everyone.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
For more information visit:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vespermoore
Book Drop The Disorder: Second Edition - https://adisorder4everyone.com/
“Recovery is Real and Recovery is Possible” with Dr. Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon
Dr. Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D. (she/hers) is the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Administrator of SAMHSA and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Delphin-Rittmon reflects on her roles before joining SAMHSA and some of her mentors through the course of her career. They talk about mental health promotion and early intervention, the data behind the increase in use of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, equity focus work including the Black youth suicide summit and why SAMHSA offers hope with their funding of support and...
“Magical Black Santa”
Keris recorded this podcast on Christmas and shares a Christmas memory from her childhood. She shares the struggles people have during the holiday season and the magic of a picture she saw of a Black Santa when she was young. Keris remembers the sacrifices her dad made and she wants you to know that it gets better.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
“Homelessness is Solvable and Preventable” with Jeff Olivet
Jeff Olivet (he/him) is the executive director of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Jeff shares how housing is healthcare, and that homelessness is solvable and it’s preventable. They talk about how homelessness is a cross-systems failure and how it requires cross-systems solutions, the importance of having the safety of a place to stay with a door that locks behind you and the cross section of homelessness and mental health.
A message from outgoing USICH Director Jeff Olivet: https://usich.gov/news-events/news/message-outgoing-usich-director-jeff-olivet-despite-challenges-homelessness
Th...
"Creating a Mentally Healthy Workplace Culture"
We talk a lot about the importance of creating supportive environments and it’s one thing to say it but it really only counts if you truly put it into action. After Keris’ personal experience of recently losing her father, she gives her personal takeaways of how other organizations can help ensure their employees can feel supported not just in theory but in practice.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Contact the show: UBU@UnapologeticallyBlackUnicorns.info
“Experience Over Expertise” with DJ Chuang
DJ Chuang (he/ him) hosts the Erasing Shame podcast (erasingshame.com), the director of Christian Asian Mental health (camh.network), a moderator at Subtle Asian Mental Health and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. DJ talks about his personal experiences with the challenges around finding a safe space and the lack of communication around mental health in the Asian community. They talk about trying to get more than just spiritual wellness in the churches, leaning in on experience over expertise and why the church was the perfect place for DJ to reach other Asian Americans about mental health.
<...A Tribute to Howard A. Myrick
Today’s episode is deeply personal, as it serves both as a tribute and a memorial to Keris’ father, Howard A. Myrick, who passed away on November 12, 2024, at the age of 90. In his honor, we’re excited to introduce a special playlist on this podcast: Conversations with My Father. This collection brings together episodes of heartfelt conversations and moments, alongside stories Keris has written and shared about her father and their family. It’s a celebration of his life, his wisdom, and the Myrick family legacy.
Howard A. Myrick playlist, obituary and donations: https://linktr.ee/KerisWithaK?utm_sourc...
Unapologetically Black Unicorns: Live and in Living Color.
UBU was recorded live on September 21, 2021, during the Annual Conference for the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (NYAPRS). In this workshop leading mental health leaders from diverse backgrounds featured on the Unapologetically Black Unicorns podcast join in a lively discussion about lived experiences, leadership, showing up as our authentic selves and addressing equity in behavioral health plus much more. The panelists include:
Khatera Aslami Tamplen (she/her), BS, Certified Advanced WRAP Facilitator
Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services
Office of Peer Support Services Manager
Jei Africa, (he/h...
“Let Your Freak Flag Fly” with Sylvie Trevena
Sylvie Trevena (she/her) is a writer and Program Associate and Executive Assistant at Well Being Trust and she is also an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Sylvie shares why being a parent is so important to her and her experiences raising her transgender son Jake. They talk about checking in with your friends and also taking your own temperature, trying to speak with kids about school safety and having hope for the next generation surrounding mental health.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Contact the show: UBU@UnapologeticallyBlackUnicorns.info
“What it Takes: Wisdom from Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors” with Dr. Jonathan Edwards and Rita Cronise
Dr. Jonathan Edwards (he/him) and Rita Cronise (She/Her) are editors for the book “What it Takes: Wisdom from Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors” and they are Unapologetically Black Unicorns. Jonathan and Rita explain how the book came about and the history of Peer Support. They talk about who the target audience is for the book, why this book is needed and remembering their colleague Steve Harrington.
For more information about the book “What it Takes: Wisdom from Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors” visit: https://www.peersupportworks.org/naps-members-author-guide-to-peer-support/
The National Suicide Preventio...
“Cognitive Liberation” with Katherine and Rebecca Grainger
Katherine Grainger (she/her) is a Managing Partner at Civitas Public Affairs Group and Rebecca Grainger (she/her) is a Distinguished Educator and they are both Unapologetically Black Unicorns. Katherine and Rebecca both discuss understanding and moving policy to fix and change systems. They talk the history of Critical Race Theory and the language behind it, the work they’re doing with The Black Policy Institute as well as Black Futures Lab and the freedom of cognitive liberation.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Contact the show: UBU@UnapologeticallyBlackUnicorns.info
“Say What, You Did Not Vote?”
Keris is joined by her dad, Howard Myrick who just recently turned 90 years old and cast his early vote in Florida. Keris and her dad discuss an article he wrote about the importance of voting and how as a Black person it is crucial to vote considering its history. Keris then reads the article her dad wrote entitled “Say What, You Did Not Vote?”
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Contact the show: UBU@UnapologeticallyBlackUnicorns.info
“The Family Royal”
Keris tells a story about a typewriter that’s been passed down through the family and the memories it holds. She talks about the significance of the typewriter to her family, how it brings her joy whenever she looks at it and she discusses the positive impact memories can have on your mental health.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Contact the show: UBU@UnapologeticallyBlackUnicorns.info
“Chasms in Care” with Lauren Clark
Lauren Clark (She/Her), PhD, RN, FAAN, is a Professor of Nursing at UCLA, a teacher in the Disability Studies Department, and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. In this episode, Lauren shares insights from her work and reflects on the groundbreaking legacy of Judy Heumann, a trailblazer in disability advocacy. She discusses how they aim to continue Judy’s work through their community partnership project at the Judy Heumann Lab, focusing on the intersectionality of disability, mental health, and immigration/citizenship, and its impact on the campus community. They also explore the concept of “chasms in care,” the importance of langua...
