Belonging Reimagined

In this reflective season finale of Belonging Reimagined, Dr. Mona welcomes her friend Pip Davidson — a seasoned publicist, influencer strategist, and familiar voice from “Belonging While Gender Expansive.” In a thoughtful twist, Pip gently turns the conversation inward, inviting Dr. Mona to share how podcasting has shaped her journey and transformed her sense of self. Their dialogue is intimate and sincere, exploring themes of connection, personal growth, and the art of storytelling. Join them for an episode that offers genuine insights and heartfelt reflections on finding belonging in unexpected places. Follow Pip Davidson on TikTok: @nymandgravyandpip, and read his Substack newsletter, Pen Pals: For Writers Who Mean Business here, at penpalsforwriters.substack.com. Learn more about the Belonging Reimagined Podcast: www.drmonanour.com/podcast Connect with Dr. Mona Nour: www.drmonanour.com

In this episode, Dr. Mona sits with her Nour Counseling colleagues Kristin Reddick, LCMHCA, and Danay Scott, LCMHC, to discuss the profound connection between hair and belonging. Join as they explore how hair serves as a powerful medium for self-expression, a source of cultural pride, and an essential element of personal and communal identity. Tune in now to learn about: -The cultural messaging that has traditionally linked “good” hair with eurocentric and racist beauty standards - Learning to separate what society considers beautiful from one’s own beauty values - Perfectionism as the opposite of belonging - The concept of hair as a “mask,” a way to hide from the world what’s going on internally - Hair as a reflection of one’s mental state - The notion there’s an energy people carry with their hair - Hair as a source of freedom and creative expression Learn more about the guests: Danay: www.nourcounseling.com/danay-scott Kristin: www.nourcounseling.com/kristin-reddick Learn more about the Belonging Reimagined Podcast: www.drmonanour.com/podcast Connect with Dr. Mona Nour: www.drmonanour.com

Part two of Belonging + Ethical Non-Monogamy picks back up with game designer and ENM practitioner Ian Riutta. Dr. Mona and Ian expand on their initial conversation to cover topics such as misconceptions about ethical non-monogamy, family dynamics in ENM relationships, and resources like books for those wanting to discover more. Tune in now and explore: - Misconceptions about ENM, including that ENM is all about sex - Acknowledging and meeting needs in ENM relationships - The potential for toxicity in relationships that incorporate concepts like veto powers, couples privilege, and unicorn hunters - Family dynamics in ethically non-monogamous relationships, including coparenting and teaching kids about ENM - The difference between ENM practitioners and ‘swingers’ - Books like “The Ethical Slut” that lay out ENM structures for those seeking more information Learn more about the Belonging Reimagined Podcast: www.drmonanour.com/podcast Connect with Dr. Mona Nour: www.drmonanour.com

Part one of Belonging + Ethical Non-Monogamy features Ian Riutta, a game designer and single dad who has been practicing ethical non-monogamy (ENM) for seven years. Dr. Mona and Ian demystify the relationship dynamic and dive into the unique set of challenges, expectations, and boundaries in ethically non-monogamous relationships. Tune in now and explore: - What type of person thrives in an ethically non-monogamous relationship - Discourse around feeling pressured to make your partner happy, and the freedom of removing those expectations from a relationship - Abundance vs. scarcity mindsets in relationships - Making the leap from jealousy to “compersion” in ethically non-monogamous relationships - The importance of informed enthusiastic consent in ENM relationships - The difference between ethical non-monogamy and polyamory Learn more about the Belonging Reimagined Podcast: www.drmonanour.com/podcast Connect with Dr. Mona Nour: www.drmonanour.com

This episode features Khalida Himes, a certified EMDR therapist and trauma-informed school social worker you may recognize from Instagram and TikTok as @sassyblacksocialworker. Dr. Mona and Khalida discuss the challenges of belonging in public schools, highlighting how the current national climate affects students, teachers, and administrators. Tune in now and explore: - How to advocate for trauma-informed practices to support students - What increasing rates of teacher burnout means for public school students - The concept of “Wellness Thursdays,” where students and teachers engage in activities that promote mental health - How students are slowly regaining social skills and connections post-COVID - How celebrating diverse cultures in classrooms fosters connection and reduces isolation - The necessity of active parental involvement to support a student’s wellbeing Learn more about Khalida by following her on IG and TikTok: @sassyblacksocialworker Learn more about the Belonging Reimagined Podcast: www.drmonanour.com/podcast Connect with Dr. Mona Nour: www.drmonanour.com

This episode is Part 2 of Dr. Mona’s conversation with Sylvester McNutt III, host of the Free Your Energy podcast, a public speaker, a course creator, and a father. Sylvester is the author of the new book “Live The Life You Deserve: How to Let Go of What No Longer Serves You and Embody Your Highest Self” and has used storytelling to teach people how to introspect, gain confidence, and sustain self-love. Sylvester shared a touching story of his personal journey where an educator demanded the greatest of him when he was at his lowest vibration. He then created for himself what he wanted and took ownership of his decisions and actions. Listen now and gain wisdom on: - Thinking big in the micromoments - Creating what you deserve instead of being entitled - Taking actions aligned with your visions - Tapping into the generational blessings in your family - Identifying the people in your life who will call you higher Learn more about Sylvester McNutt III: www.sylvestermcnutt.net Follow Sylvester on Instagram @sylvestermcnutt and Tiktok @sylvestermcnutt Purchase Sylvester’s new book “Live The Life You Deserve: How to Let Go of What No Longer Serves You and Embody Your Highest Self”: www.sylvestermcnutt.net/preorder-live-the-life-you-deserve Learn more about the Belonging Reimagined Podcast: www.drmonanour.com/podcast Connect with Dr. Mona Nour: www.drmonanour.com

In this episode, Dr. Mona speaks with Sylvester McNutt III, host of the Free Your Energy podcast, a public speaker, a course creator, and a father. Sylvester is the author of the new book “Live The Life You Deserve: How to Let Go of What No Longer Serves You and Embody Your Highest Self” and has used storytelling to teach people how to introspect, gain confidence, and sustain self-love. Sylvester points out that letting go is the empowerment of knowing "I get to decide today" and inspires us to be honest with ourselves, let go of what is holding us back, and give ourselves permission to dream. Listen now and gain wisdom on: - Identifying places to start letting go - Developing compassion for yourself in the present moment - The power of demarcation - Honoring your intuition and visions - Acknowledging the grief and loss in the process of letting go Learn more about Sylvester McNutt III: www.sylvestermcnutt.net Follow Sylvester on Instagram @sylvestermcnutt and Tiktok @sylvestermcnutt Purchase Sylvester’s new book “Live The Life You Deserve: How to Let Go of What No Longer Serves You and Embody Your Highest Self”: www.sylvestermcnutt.net/preorder-live-the-life-you-deserve Learn more about the Belonging Reimagined Podcast: www.drmonanour.com/podcast Connect with Dr. Mona Nour: www.drmonanour.com

In this episode, Dr. Mona chats with Clinical Mental Health Counseling student Mark Stone about belonging in the gaming communities and the potential benefits of gaming to our mental health. Tune in now and explore: - How gaming communities can provide safe spaces for kids - Cultural representation and stereotypes in games - Warning signs when gaming starts to impact daily functioning - How to find a balance between real life and online world - How games can bring joy and human connections in life Learn more about Mark: cc-betterworks.com/mark-stone Learn more about the Belonging Reimagined Podcast: www.drmonanour.com/podcast Connect with Dr. Mona Nour: www.drmonanour.com

In this episode, Dr. Mona chats with Asha Frost, an Indigenous (Ojibwe) healer, best-selling author, speaker, and guide. Asha invites us to find humility, peace, and grace through nurturing our connections and relationships with all the creations that we interact with every day. Tune in now and explore: - Intergenerational joy and gifts in Indigenous communities - Re-indigenizing as reclamation - The intersection and merging of culture and spirituality - Trauma around belonging in Indigenous communities - Cultural appropriation v.s. appreciation - Indigenous practices for fostering connection and belonging Learn more about Asha: ashafrost.com Follow Asha on Instagram @asha.frost and TikTok @ashafrost Learn more about the Belonging Reimagined Podcast: www.drmonanour.com/podcast Connect with Dr. Mona Nour: www.drmonanour.com

In this episode, Dr. Mona speaks with Lindley Cherry, licensed therapist and owner of C&C Betterworks Counseling and Therapist Learning Center. Lindley shares her work on adult ADHD assessment and counseling and advocates for seeing, embracing, and celebrating ADHD traits. Tune in now and learn: - How an ADHD diagnosis can foster self belonging - Issues in assessing ADHD in adults - Social Media and ADHD - Self-accommodation and self-advocacy for ADHD adults - How to support ADHD friends and family members Learn more about Lindley: cc-betterworks.com/lindley-cherry-lcmhc-qs-lcas-ccs-ncc Follow C&C Better Works on Instagram @ccbetterworks Follow Therapist Learning Center on Instagram @therapistlearningcenter Learn more about the Belonging Reimagined Podcast: www.drmonanour.com/podcast Connect with Dr. Mona Nour: www.drmonanour.com

In this episode, Dr. Mona speaks with licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Shelby Kittinger about religious trauma, its impact on one’s belonging, and how to heal from it. Dr. Shelby invites listeners to create authentic connections with oneself and others by staying curious and releasing black-and-white thinking. Listen now and learn about: - What is religious trauma? - Religious trauma and the lack of trust in self - The importance of “trying things out” - The unique challenges of religious trauma that Queer folx face - The power of the question “why do YOU…?” Learn more about Dr. Shelby: www.compassionatecollectivepw.com Follow Dr. Shelby on Instagram @dr.shelbykittinger Learn more about the Belonging Reimagined Podcast: www.drmonanour.com/podcast Connect with Dr. Mona Nour: www.drmonanour.com

In this episode, Dr. Mona speaks with Julius Shepard-Morgan, an experienced media professional and producer of the Belonging Reimagined podcast. Julius is also the Creator and Host of the new podcast “Hey You, Yes You”, a show dedicated to inspiring listeners to reach new heights and become their best self. Julius shares how he fosters belonging in his creative journey and inspires the listeners to get creative in everyday life. Tune in and discover: - The fun and liberating power of creativity - How to bring a creative spirit into various life spaces - The joy of being a podcast producer - Julius’s experience of working in the media industry in New York Follow Julius on IG @Jujubeez5 Listen to Hey You, Yes You wherever you get your podcasts Learn more about the Belonging Reimagined Podcast: www.drmonanour.com/podcast Connect with Dr. Mona Nour: www.drmonanour.com

In this episode, Dr. Mona speaks with Chavi Khanna Koneru, co-founder and Executive Director of North Carolina Asian Americans Together (NCAAT), a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to supporting equity and justice and fostering community among Asian Americans and allies in North Carolina. A daughter of Indian immigrants, Chavi shares how her bicultural upbringing and lived experiences in both India and the U.S. have shaped her identity and sense of belonging. Tune in now and learn about: - How pop culture can impact one’s belonging - The important role languages play in shaping bicultural identities - The experience of code-switching, fragmentation, and being othered among bicultural folx - Bicultural folx’s complicated relationships with food, school cafeterias, and sleepover Learn more about North Carolina Asian Americans Together: www.ncaatogether.org Learn more about the Belonging Reimagined Podcast: www.drmonanour.com/podcast Connect with Dr. Mona Nour: www.drmonanour.com

In this episode, Dr. Mona speaks with Matteo Pistono, a meditation teacher, conscious breathing guide, and author of the book “Breathe How You Want to Feel: Your Breathing Toolkit for Better Health, Restorative Sleep, and Deeper Connection.” Matteo explains the importance of conscious breathing and offers practical breathing techniques for improving overall wellbeing. Listen now and learn about - Conscious breathing and breath awareness - The AIR method of breathing for managing stress - Implications of shallow breathing and other poor breathing habits - Benefits of nasal breathing 1:06 - Dr. Mona introduces today’s guest, Matteo Pistono. 2:25 - Matteo's journey and the concept of breathing for emotional regulation. 7:54 - The power of breath in everyday life and while writing the book. 9:32 - The impact of breathwork on ADHD and autism. 11:22 - Unpacking the AIR Method. 22:21 - Preparing for inevitable stressors. 27:14 - The cycle of shallow breathing and stress. 29:24 - How modern technology inhibits breathing. 32:50 - The influence of maternal anxiety on children. 37:06 - The importance of nasal breathing. 45:20 - Connecting breath with mortality and grief. 52:44 - Breathing techniques for clarity, alertness and to alleviate brain fog. 56:51 - What belonging means to Matteo. Learn more about Matteo at www.matteopistono.com Follow Matteo on Instagram @matteopistono Purchase Matteo’s book Breathe How You Want to Feel Learn more about the Belonging Reimagined Podcast: www.drmonanour.com/podcast Connect with Dr. Mona Nour: www.drmonanour.com

In this episode, Dr. Mona speaks with internationally recognized psychic, author, and cosmic coach Dougall Fraser about toxic positivity and its impact on our belonging. Dougall encourages us to embrace discomfort, reflect on our privileges, and find a balance between negativity and positivity. Tune in now and explore: - Toxic positivity in the spiritual communities - Motivators behind toxic positivity - How internalized toxic positivity shows up everyday life - How to observe all emotions and embrace their wisdom - How to resist toxic positivity Learn more about Dougall at dougallfraser.com Follow Dougall on Instagram @dougallfraser and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/theofficialdougallfraserfanpage Learn more about the Belonging Reimagined Podcast: www.drmonanour.com/podcast Connect with Dr. Mona Nour: www.drmonanour.com

In this episode, Dr. Mona chats with Ca’ren Hudson, a licensed therapist, certified Reiki practitioner, and registered Yoga teacher. Ca’ren develops the concept of systemic pleasure that explores pleasure beyond just the body and the senses. She encourages us to form a relationship with pleasure in a new way and discover pleasure in all the different layers and systems in our day-to-day life. Listen now and learn: - What systemic pleasure means to Ca’ren - How to be in communion with our bodies - The overlapping between belonging and pleasure - How to have a healthy relationship with pleasure - The importance of acknowledging displeasure 0:39 - Dr. Mona introduces today’s guest 1:38 - How have your personal and professional journeys led you to explore the topic of pleasure? 7:01 - What does systemic pleasure mean? 14:41 - What is a healthy relationship with pleasure and how can we be aware of whether or not it is healthy? 34:14 - What does belonging mean to Ca'ren? Learn more about Ca’ren Hudson: www.floweringheartwellness.com Follow Ca’ren on Instagram @flowering_heart_wellness and Tiktok & Facebook @floweringheartwellness Learn more about the Belonging Reimagined Podcast: www.drmonanour.com/podcast Connect with Dr. Mona Nour: www.drmonanour.com

In this episode, Dr. Mona chats with basketball legend Mr. Phil Ford about his esteemed career as a basketball player and coach in the ACC and NBA and what he learned about belonging and sportsmanship from these experiences. Tune in now and hear: - How family and childhood experiences shaped Mr. Ford’s view on sportsmanship - What he learned from playing for North Carolina Tar Heels under Coach Dean Smith - How he created community and belonging for his team as a coach - His battle with alcoholism and its impact on the relationships in his life Learn more about Phil Ford: www.philfordbasketball.com Learn more about the Belonging Reimagined Podcast: www.drmonanour.com/podcast Connect with Dr. Mona Nour: www.drmonanour.com

In this episode, Dr. Mona talks to Jen Garrett, a mental health therapist and clinical supervisor who explores the field of social health and its impact on mental health. Jen shares her personal journey of self-discovery, including growing up in a conservative, evangelical home in the South as a queer woman and her recent autism diagnosis. Listen now and explore: - The the nuances of autistic experiences - How an autism diagnosis impact one’s interpersonal relationships - The challenges and triumphs of living with autism - The importance of self-compassion and understanding - How to build supportive relationships 0:39 - Dr. Mona introduces today’s guest, Jen Garrett. 4:23 - What other identities are relevant for you right now? 6:24 - What has that journey been like for you in getting those diagnoses? 9:58 - After realizing one is autistic, how does the interpersonal relationship change within themselves? 13:22 - What is autistic shutdown/meltdown? 17:58 - Interoceptions in our bodies. 25:00 - What was so important to you about getting the official diagnosis? 30:06 - What misconceptions do people have about autism? 34:13 - What would reciprocity mean for an autistic person? 40:49 - What guidance do you have about exploring a diagnosis? 42:16 - What does belonging mean to Jen? Learn more about Jen Garrett: resilientmindcounseling.com/jennifer-garrett-ma-lcmhc-s-lcas-ccs Check out Jen’s Social Health Facilitation Training (www.seekhealing.org/shft ) and Connection Practice Meetings (www.seekhealing.org/calendar). Learn more about the Belonging Reimagined Podcast: www.drmonanour.com/podcast Connect with Dr. Mona Nour: www.drmonanour.com

In this episode, Dr. Mona sits down with psychic medium and intuitive Royale Heart for a candid conversation about spirituality, faith, and personal transformation. Royale shares her extraordinary journey from a religious upbringing to embracing her psychic abilities, overcoming challenges, and finding her place in the world. Listen as Royale discusses her experiences in the military, the process of faith deconstruction, and the profound impact these experiences have had on her life and spiritual path. Discover how Royale gained belonging and a new sense of community after leaving her religious community and how she helps others navigate their own journeys of self-discovery and spiritual growth. 0:20 - Dr. Mona introduces today’s guest, Royale Heart. 2:33 - Royale’s psychic abilities and initial challenges. 7:00 - Royale’s early religious involvement and awakening 17:59 - Royle’s military service and spiritual growth. 20:02 - Royale’s experiences in the army. 25:16 - Eye-opening experiences and shifting perspectives. 32:20 - Losing community to find her spirituality. 36:15 - Advice for navigating religious deconstruction and trauma. 39:04 - Creating safe spaces. 41:32 - What belonging means to Royale. Learn more about Royale Heart: www.royaleheart.com Follow her on IG @Royale.Heart and TikTok @Royale_Heart Learn more about the Belonging Reimagined Podcast: www.drmonanour.com/podcast Connect with Dr. Mona Nour: www.drmonanour.com

In this episode, Dr. Mona dives into the complexities of the Asian American experiences with mental health therapist Lys Lin. Born and raised in Taiwan, Lys was the first person in her family to move from Taiwan to the United States. She decided to stay in the US for her career and love. Listen now and explore: - The diversity within the Asian American community - Common mental health challenges among Asian Americans - The importance of language in belonging and cultural connection - Asian American stereotypes as portrayed in media and their harmful impact - Practical steps to create a more inclusive environments 0:39 - Dr. Mona introduces today’s guest, Lys Lin. 3:50 - What did a person of color in your mind look like? 14:12 - What are the common themes your clients have who are Asian or bicultural? 21:59 - What are the barriers for feeling proud of our descendents? 23:47 - The stereotypes of Asian Americans in pop culture. 27:58 - Are these stereotypes something you see in your client sessions? 30:19 - What are ways to create more belonging for Asian Americans? 38:08 - What does belonging mean to Lys? Learn more about Lys Lin: www.nourcounseling.com/lys-lin Learn more about the Belonging Reimagined Podcast: www.drmonanour.com/podcast Connect with Dr. Mona Nour: www.drmonanour.com