the GIFTS of 2nd CHANCES Podcast

Dr. Rak shares his journey from being a hospital doctor to pursuing a career in lifestyle medicine. He discusses the influence of his Indian culture and the challenges he faced in choosing a career in medicine. Dr. Rak discovered the importance of lifestyle changes through his own health journey and realized his passion for helping others make similar changes. He navigated the uncertainties and fears associated with transitioning t...

In this episode, Melinda talks to her children about their experience being raised by her as a young mother. They discuss the challenges and joys of their childhood, the importance of community support, and the lessons they learned along the way. In this conversation, Melinda, her daughters Nikki and Tootie, and her son Tyrone discuss their experiences and reflections on parenting. They talk about the challenges of being a single p...

This conversation explores the lifelong friendship between Melinda and Vickie. They discuss the importance of support during challenging times. They also reflect on the power of letter writing and the need to ask for support from friends. The conversation highlights the reevaluation of their friendship and the importance of communication. They emphasize the significance of creating your own family and the strength of their bond. Th...

In this episode, Melinda and her cousin Tiffany Benson discuss the importance of STD and HIV testing, particularly among teenagers. Tiffany shares her experience as a nurse, highlight the high rates of STDs and HIV in Mississippi, and the role of education in addressing these issues. They also discuss the impact of COVID-19 on STD and HIV rates and the need for individuals to take responsibility for their sexual health. They emphas...

In this episode, Melinda interviews Ashley Browning, a community crusader and sexual health educator. Ashley discusses her work in promoting self-care, self-love, and sexual health through her platform, She's Selfish. They also delve into the importance of having open conversations about safe sex with teens and young adults. They highlight the need to address the emotional and mental aspects of sexual health, as well as the importa...

In this conversation, Melinda introduces her guest, Alicia Savage, and discusses the importance of giving. Alicia shares her upbringing in a family with southern roots that emphasized the value of charity and giving back. She talks about her experiences volunteering, highlighting the power of human touch, and the joy of giving. Alicia's shares her personal experience of donating a kidney to her brother, showcasing her selflessness ...

Tiffany Flowers, an entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare and early childhood education fields, shares her journey of starting and transitioning between businesses. She began her entrepreneurial journey by opening a childcare facility and later expanded into the party rental industry, including bounce houses and yard card rentals. Tiffany emphasizes the importance of using your knowledge to overcome challe...

The conversation is an introduction to the Gifts of a Second Chances podcast, hosted by Melinda. Melinda shares her background as a single mom of four and her journey from being a teen parent to becoming a medical social worker and therapist. She discusses her passion for helping teen moms and at-risk youth. Melinda also highlights the challenges of homelessness and the need for community support. She introduces the podcast as a pl...