Conversations with Toi

This conversation highlights the power of education, representation, and community in the wine and hospitality industry. Michelle shares her inspiring journey from a federal career to hospitality, discussing how major life and career transitions led her to pursue a new path fueled by passion and purpose. She explains why scholarship opportunities are so critical, making professional wine education and in-person training accessible when costs might otherwise be out of reach.

Michelle also reflects on the cultural significance of wine, describing it as a symbol of connection, gathering, and community rooted in her upbringing. She discusses how specialized...

In this episode, I sit down with Ashlee Hollis, founder of Helm Creative Studio and Story Factory, for an insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, storytelling, leadership, and company culture.

Ashlee shares the journey behind building her businesses, the values that drive her work, and her approach to creating meaningful stories that connect with audiences. We also dive into what makes a great workplace culture, how she prioritizes her team, and why treating employees with respect and trust has been a key factor in her success.

What stood out most during our conversation was Ashlee's refreshing perspective...

In this episode of Conversations With Toi, we’re welcoming the radiant Ashia Collins, who brings the character Carol Evans to life in the Broadway‑bound musical Boop! — coming to Ensemble Arts Philly from November 17–29. Ashia joins us to talk about stepping into a role rooted in joy, friendship, and the kind of bold energy that makes Boop! such a vibrant, modern reimagining of an icon.

We dive into her journey as a performer, the heart behind Carol Evans, and what it means to be part of a production that blends nostalgia, empowerment, and pure theatrical fun. Ashia sh...

This week on Conversations with Toi, we’re unpacking the Cornell 57 and the very real ways men need to do better — not just in theory, but in practice. This story isn’t just a headline; it’s a mirror. It forces us to look at how accountability, empathy, and emotional maturity are still lacking in spaces where they’re needed most. I’m breaking down why these patterns keep showing up, how they impact our communities, and why we can’t afford to ignore them.

I’m also talking about the importance of taking a mental health day — especially...

This season opener of Conversations with Toi is all about preparing your mind, your heart, and your emotional toolkit for fall therapy — whether you’ve been in therapy for years or you’re considering starting for the very first time

As the days get shorter and the pace of life shifts, fall brings its own emotional landscape. In this episode, I’m breaking down the key themes you should bring into your therapy sessions this season: noticing early signs of seasonal depression, navigating holiday pressure, naming grief that resurfaces, slowing down with intention, and building a fall self‑car...

In this bonus episode of Conversations With Toi, we sit down with Dr. Susan Lloyd, retired Superintendent of Schools, whose extraordinary commitment to one student changed the way an entire community understood compassion, advocacy, and educational access. Her relationship with the Massi family began when their daughter, Makenna, was diagnosed with cancer in elementary school — and instead of treating her education as a logistical challenge, Dr. Lloyd made it her mission to preserve Makenna’s connection to her classmates, her learning, and her sense of normalcy.

Long before virtual learning became part of everyday life, Dr. Lloyd coll...

A cancer diagnosis can turn a young adult's world upside down in an instant. In this episode, we highlight the inspiring work of the Stephen E. Codella, MD Memorial Foundation and its mission to bring comfort, support, and human connection to young adults undergoing cancer treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.

After the loss of Stephen E. Codella, MD, who was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma at age 31 and passed away in 2022, his family transformed their grief into meaningful action. Dr. Catherine Codella, Stephen's mother and Co-Founder and Vice President of the Foundation, partnered with her sister, Christie Nicolaides...

In this episode of Conversations With Toi, we’re sitting with a story that’s heartbreaking, infuriating, and deeply familiar to anyone who has lived through postpartum depression or supported someone who has. Hayden Panettiere’s death has reopened conversations about how poorly society responds to postpartum mental health — not just in the moment, but long after the headlines fade.

I talk about the resurfaced clips of Hayden being fired from Neutrogena because she was struggling with postpartum depression, and how even now, the public response feels muted, sanitized, and disconnected from the real weight of what she endu...

In this episode of Conversations with Toi, we’re breaking down functioning depression — what it is, how it shows up, and why so many people miss the signs in themselves and others. We talk about emotional masking, over-functioning, the invisible load people carry, and accessible ways to begin supporting your mental health with intention. This is a reminder that even when you’re “doing it all,” you still deserve care.

For more mental health and wellness content, follow me on Toitime.org and on all social platforms as @toitimeblog

This week on Conversations with Toi, we’re getting real about what it means to be the face of mental health. Perez Hilton’s recent public breakdown has the internet buzzing, but it also reminds us of a deeper truth: mental health doesn’t have a “look.” There’s no single face, no single narrative. We are the face of mental health — every one of us navigating our own battles, breakthroughs, and healing journeys.

I’m also sharing why doing things alone has become one of my greatest blessings. From attending the Jill Scott concert solo to taking a spontan...

Today’s episode brings a powerful conversation with someone who embodies mindfulness from the inside out — Pax Tandon. Pax is a mindfulness expert, wellness educator, and positive psychology practitioner whose work blends science, spirituality, and everyday emotional intelligence. She’s the author of Mindfulness Matters: A Guide to Mastering Your Life, a book that breaks mindfulness down into practical, accessible tools you can use to feel more grounded, present, and empowered.

You can explore more of Pax’s work, offerings, and teachings at PaxTandon.com. Her book Mindfulness Matters is available through her site and major retailers, and you...

In this episode of Conversations With Toi, we dive into a growing and often misunderstood conversation: the belief that therapists are “encouraging” no‑contact and somehow fueling selfish behavior in the people who choose it. I unpack where this narrative is coming from, why it’s gaining traction, and what’s actually happening inside therapeutic spaces when no‑contact is discussed.

We explore the difference between setting boundaries for emotional safety versus cutting people off to avoid accountability, and how the public conversation is blurring those lines. I also share real‑world context about how therapy supports healing, not i...

In this episode of Conversations with Toi, I’m diving into a topic that so many people quietly wrestle with: whether to medicate or not when it comes to mental health. There are a lot of negative stereotypes and heavy judgments attached to medication, and today I’m unpacking why those narratives exist and how they impact real people trying to heal.

I talk about medication as a tool—not the only tool, not the magic fix, and not something to be ashamed of. I briefly walk through the different categories of mental health medications, without naming specif...

In this episode of Conversations with Toi, I'm unpacking the recent drama surrounding Dr. Cheyenne Bryant—not to add fuel to the fire, but to highlight a deeper conversation we don’t have often enough: why working with a licensed, qualified therapist matters, and why your own clarity and flexibility matter just as much.

When public figures in the mental‑health space become the center of controversy, it can shake people’s trust in therapy altogether. But the truth is this: your healing is too important to hand over to anyone who isn’t trained, licensed, and accountabl...

In this episode of Conversations With Toi, we’re unpacking what it really means to have Type A tendencies—the drive, the structure, the ambition, and yes, the pressure we quietly put on ourselves. We talk about how these traits can be both powerful and overwhelming, and how unlearning perfectionism becomes a necessary part of any real wellness journey. Because being “on” all the time isn’t sustainable, and it definitely isn’t the path to becoming a better version of ourselves.

We also shift into a heartfelt conversation about Mother’s Day—the joy it brings for some, the he...

In this episode of Conversations With Toi, we’re joined by the incredible Amy Impellizzeri to talk about her work with BLOCS and the powerful ways the organization is investing in the next generation of men and women. We dig into the mission behind BLOCS, the importance of educational access, and how community support truly changes futures.

We also highlight the upcoming BLOCS Speaker Series happening May 6th at the Rittenhouse Hotel from 6–8 PM, featuring bestselling author Marie Benedict as she shares insights from her newest book, Daughter of Egypt. Amy gives us a behind‑the‑scenes look at...

This week on Conversations With Toi, we’re starting with a real check‑in — the kind that goes beyond “I’m fine.” I’m sharing where I am mentally and emotionally as we move through a heavy news cycle and try to stay grounded in our own lives.

From there, we’re diving into the rise in viral violence against women and the emotional toll it’s taking on all of us. These stories aren’t just headlines — they’re reminders of the fear, exhaustion, and hyper‑vigilance women carry every day. We’re talking about the impact, the desensitization...

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sexual violence, abuse of power, and the recent CNN “Rape Academy” investigation. Please listen with care and step away if you need to. Your wellbeing comes first.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most disturbing and necessary conversations of our time. The CNN “Rape Academy” report has shaken many, and we unpack why these patterns of abuse continue to surface — and why the phrase “it’s never all men, but it’s always men” reflects a painful, recurring reality. We talk about accountability, culture, and the responsibility we all share in calling o...

Spring is here, but that doesn’t mean our minds and bodies automatically shift into bloom mode. In this episode of Conversations With Toi, I'm talking about the emotional reality of spring — the mood swings, the pressure to “be outside,” the social re‑entry anxiety, and the messy middle between wanting to grow and wanting to rest.

Let's explore why seasonal transitions hit so differently, how winter survival mode follows us into spring, and what it looks like to rebuild routines gently instead of forcing a glow‑up.

I’m sharing practical grounding tools, sensory resets, and sm...

There’s a particular kind of heartbreak that happens when you walk into therapy carrying wounds someone else created, yet the work ahead is yours alone. Healing Without the Apology explores that quiet, complicated space where personal accountability meets unresolved hurt.

Each episode dives into what it means to rebuild yourself without closure, to take responsibility for your reactions without excusing someone else’s actions, and to grow even when the words “I’m sorry” never come.

Through honest conversations, reflective storytelling, and grounded psychological insight, this podcast guides listeners through the messy, courageous process of reclaim...

In this episode of Conversations With Toi, I'm getting real about something far too many of us normalize—survival mode. It’s that constant state of pushing, grinding, and functioning on fumes, where you’re doing everything except actually living. But here’s the truth: survival mode may help you get through a moment, but it was never meant to become your lifestyle.

We’ll break down what survival mode really is, the subtle and not-so-subtle ways it shows up in your daily life, and how it quietly steals your joy, peace, and presence. From emotional numbness to over-fu...

In this episode of Conversations With Toi, I'm talking about what it really means to pour from an empty cup — not the cute Instagram version, but the real-life, real-time signs that you’re running on fumes while still trying to show up for everyone else. We’ll break down how to recognize when your cup is drying out, the subtle ways burnout disguises itself as “being strong,” and the emotional toll of constantly giving without replenishing.

I’m also sharing practical, grounded ways to pour back into your own cup — not the generic “take a bubble bath” advice, but the in...

This week on Conversations with Toi, we’re digging into what it really means to reframe your wellness journey—not from perfection, pressure, or comparison, but from honesty, curiosity, and compassion. Wellness isn’t a straight line, and this episode explores how to pause long enough to ask: What is this moment trying to teach me?

We also get into a necessary and layered conversation about therapy, faith spaces, and the narratives that keep people from getting the support they need. From the idea that “therapy is the devil” to the recent story of a therapist walking away from...

In this inspiring episode of Conversations With Toi, I sit down with the “People’s Bishop,” Bishop Kevin Foreman, for a conversation rooted in faith, wellness, mental health, and everyday common sense. Bishop Freeman opens up about why he embraces the title “The People’s Bishop” and how his mission is grounded in accessibility, authenticity, and serving people where they truly are.

We talk about the importance of emotional and spiritual wellness, the need for honest mental health conversations in faith spaces, and how practical wisdom and faith can coexist in a powerful way. This episode is heartfelt, g...

In this episode of Conversations with Toi, I'm diving into the concept of weaponized incompetence—calling out the ways people use it to dodge responsibilities and how we can set better boundaries.

We'll also touch on celebrating Black History Month, sharing clear Valentine's Day wishes with your partner, self-care tips for anyone flying solo, and a quick update on my latest adventures with my Hatch.

Plus, I sprinkled in some thoughts on how big cultural moments—like 50 Cent's Super Bowl DoorDash commercial—get us all talking about what really matters in our relationships and our commun...

This week on Conversations With Toi, we’re talking about what it really looks like to take a bold leap — the kind that shifts your entire life. I’m sharing the lessons I learned moving from a small town to Philadelphia, and how that transition forced me to grow, stretch, and trust myself in new ways.

We’re also getting into the truth about fear: how it convinces us to stay still, shrink, or wait for “perfect timing.” Spoiler — that timing rarely comes. Sometimes you have to move and shake somethin’, even when your knees are knocking. This episode is...

In this episode of 'Conversations With Toi,' we're unpacking the idea of 'running a tight program' in relationships. Are we really as in control as we think? We'll also talk about processing grief following the loss of my aunt, and the complexities of navigating a relationship—or the absence of one—with my biological father.

And with winter on the way, we're wrapping up with some tips on prepping for the upcoming snowstorm—because a little preparation goes a long way.

Tune in, and don't forget to follow along at toitime.org and on social...

In this episode of Conversations With Toi, we’re diving into the non‑traditional ways to check in on the “strong friend”—the one who always shows up, always holds it together, and rarely gets asked how they’re really doing. We’re talking about the subtle check-ins, the intentional gestures, and the everyday ways you can support the people who seem the most unshakeable.

This conversation is all about wellness, emotional honesty, and creating space for the people who pour into everyone else. If you’re ready to rethink how you show up for your circle—and yourself—this...

In this episode of Conversations With Toi, we're stepping into the new year with intention, clarity, and a commitment to growth. I’m diving into what it really means to leave spaces—and people—better than you found them. This isn’t just a cute saying; it’s a mindset shift that shapes how you move, how you love, and how you show up in every room.

We’re also talking about refusing to be anyone’s “build-a-bear”—no more letting people mold you into what works for them while abandoning what works for you. This year is about honoring yo...

In this festive episode of Conversations with Toi, we’re celebrating the holidays and then diving headfirst into how to make 2026 your year of radical self-honesty. Forget the usual resolutions—we’re owning the hiccups that stand in our way and making personal development the main character of our story

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If you’re ready to move past surface-level resolutions and start doing the work that truly transforms you, this conversation is for you.

Follow me on all socials @toitimeblog and visit the blog at www.toitime.org for more intentional living, wellness, and real-lif...

The holidays bring out the cozy traditions—matching pajamas, family photos, and curated moments that flood our timelines. But behind the festive snapshots, not every couple or family fits the picture-perfect mold. In this episode, we unpack the envy and pressure that can come with outward displays of “togetherness,” and why matching spirits matter far more than matching fabrics.

I also share my thoughts on the recently released Diddy documentary—why it left me far from disappointed and what it reveals about resilience, reinvention, and truth-telling in the public eye.

Finally, we’ll explore the best gifts...

Welcome back to Conversations with Toi. The holidays can be a season of light, laughter, and togetherness—but they can also bring up feelings of grief, loneliness, and the holiday blues. In this episode, I’m opening up about what it means to be honest with ourselves during this season, how to acknowledge the hard moments, and why embracing simple joys can help us reconnect with what matters most.

We’ll talk about:

• The reality of holiday blues and how to recognize them

• The importance of being honest about your feelings instead of masking th...

As Thanksgiving approaches, boundaries matter more than ever. In this heartfelt episode of Conversations with Toi, I dive into the real talk around setting and honoring boundaries—with yourself and with others. Whether you're navigating family dynamics, protecting your peace, or redefining what the holiday means to you, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and actionable insight.

🎙️ What I cover:

• Why boundaries are essential for emotional wellness

• How to communicate your needs without guilt

• Tips for creating space for joy, rest, and reflection

• Real-life examples of boundary-setting during the holidays

This episo...

In this episode, we dive deep into the moments when life shakes our inner stillness—unexpected conflict, emotional overwhelm, or simply too much noise. How do we respond when our peace is disrupted? I share grounded strategies for reclaiming calm, setting boundaries, and honoring your emotional truth without losing yourself. Whether you're navigating a tough season or a tough conversation, this episode offers soulful reminders and practical tools to help you reset, realign, and protect your peace with intention.

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In this episode, we dive deep into the tension between emotional triggers and personal responsibility. From Kevin McCall’s raw revelation that wealth doesn’t shield you from life’s unpredictability, to Gucci Mane’s candid conversation with The Breakfast Club about his mental health journey—we explore how healing begins with honesty.

I also reflect on the books I’ve read this week: Kamala’s 107 Days, A Promised Land by Barack Obama, and Matriarch by Tina Knowles. Each story offers a unique lens on leadership, legacy, and the emotional labor of showing up—especially when triggered.

Three ways...

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that your self-care might be slipping through the cracks. From the glorification of overworking and never taking a break, to constantly saying “yes” when your soul is screaming “no,” we’re unpacking the habits that masquerade as productivity but actually drain your emotional and physical well-being.

We’ll explore red flags like:

• Feeling guilty for resting

• Ignoring your body’s signals (hello, burnout!)

• Equating your worth with your output

• Using busyness to avoid emotional discomfort

• Neglecting joy, cre...

In this episode of Conversations with Toi, I'm diving deep into what it means to feel stuck—emotionally, creatively, and collectively. From navigating the weight of a government shutdown to the everyday chaos that almost had me checking somebody’s child in these Philly streets (yes, it got real), we’re unpacking reactive behavior, emotional regulation, and the power of pause.This isn’t just venting—it’s a sensory-rich, emotionally honest conversation about reclaiming your calm, even when the world feels loud. Whether you’re parenting through pressure, advocating through fatigue, or just trying to make it through the week witho...

In this soul-nourishing episode, we explore sleep not just as a biological necessity—but as a radical act of self-care. When life feels heavy, chaotic, or uncertain, going to bed can be one of the most powerful tools in your mental health toolkit. We’ll unpack how quality rest helps regulate emotions, restore clarity, and build resilience during hard times. Whether you're navigating grief, burnout, or just the everyday overwhelm, this episode reminds you that rest is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline.

Tune in for honest reflections, science-backed insights, and gentle encouragement to honor your body’s n...

In this episode of Conversations with Toi, we’re diving deep into the power of accountability and the role character plays in how we show up—in our homes, communities, and online. From parenting through the chaos of the first week of school to navigating the emotional weight of public figures making headlines, we’re unpacking it all.

🖤 We reflect on the passing of fashion legend Giorgio Armani and the legacy he leaves behind 🔥 We discuss Kelly Price’s controversial outburst and the importance of responsible dialogue 🎒 Plus, a candid look at back-to-school transitions and how they test our patience...

This week, I’m opening up about a deeply personal struggle—episodic depression. It’s not always visible, and it doesn’t always make sense. One moment I’m thriving, the next I’m navigating a wave of sadness, fatigue, and disconnection that seems to arrive unannounced. In this episode, I share what these episodes feel like, how they’ve shaped my self-care practices, and the tools I’ve leaned on to find clarity when the fog rolls in.Whether you’ve experienced this yourself or know someone who has, I invite you into this honest conversation. Let’s break the silence, b...