Keep Hope Alive starring Tony Da Realest

Back at it again with a Double Upload. This bonus content was so much I had to break it into 2 parts! Here's Dareth's Info again if you'd like to connect with her: https://www.instagram.com/its_dareth/ Enjoy part 2!

Hey all, how's it going? I have a returning guest Dareth who shares more about her frustrations with the system, her feelings around staying strong in care, and much more we delve into a deeper dive of one of the most articulate warriors who survived foster care. To know more about Dareth check out her IG on https://www.instagram.com/its_dareth/

Wassup! Today one of my nearest and dearest friends Ericka returns to share how passion fatigue caused a toll on her and the ways that she's been navigating it since. Ericka shares how difficult it was to say no to panels and Youth Advisory Councils, not putting up a boundary, and the revolving door of opportunities but kept her community exclusively about foster care. I can't wait for all of you to hear her trial and error of being in foster care and pivoting to blaze her own path.  

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Today I have my guest Melanie, a speaker, activist, and leader in the global fight to end sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. In this episode Melanie discusses the misconception of kidnapping, the breaking down of decriminalization, systems of marginalization, and working through physical, physiological, and sexual trauma.  Disclaimer: This is a very sensitive topic and I advise everyone that some of the content can be triggering for people surviving Sexual Assualt. If you are experiencing or know someone who is going through sexual violence reach out to https://www.rainn.org/resources. 

Hey all, I am excited to introduce my next guest this episode, Felicia Wilson. I consider Felicia a mentor and friend who has been so innovative in the foster care space here in NYC. Felicia is a mother of 2 young boys, has her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration and Masters of science in Human and Social Services.  Felicia is also the Founder and CEO he is also CEO and Founder of Fear Everything and Rise, LLC. This episode is a interview of her book: Fear Everything and Rise. She describes the struggle of being isolated from her parents, learning to love herself, surrounding herself with positive energy, and putting up walls when people continuously let you down. This was hugely inspirational and I encourage everyone to check out her book here: https://www.amazon.com/FEAR-EVERYTHING-RISE-journey-poverty-ebook/dp/B07G3TQMGQ

Welcome to another Podcast episode where I have my esteemed guest, No Ordinary Liz. Liz shares her upbringing of navigating neglect as a young girl, having a loss of identity being isolated from her family, what blackberries mean to her, adjusting to living independently at the tender age of 18, rekindling her relationship with her siblings, and why she chooses happiness. 

I kick it with longtime friend and mentor Desiree who shares her experiences with healing from trauma, being true to herself, and her trip to Florida that changed her life. 

Hey! Glad to be back and welcome to Season 3. =) In this first episode of Season 3 I sit down with Jai who talks about her faith with God, the enlightenment with finding other black peers who help her push forward, a troubling upbringing, and faith in the unseen. Enjoy!

Hey what's going on Podcast, this is the final episode of Season 2!!! Super excited for everyone to be dropping by. With my boy Suga Ray interviewing me I reflect on the progress made from Season 1 to Season 2, things I would like to change going into Season 3, and the guest that came in to share their testimony. You won't want to miss this, be safe and be blessed, and most importantly, Keep Hope Alive. Thank you.

Hey what’s going on Podcast, the new year is almost here!! Speaking of things that are about to end Season 2 of the Podcast is almost finished as well. Dareth’s story is the last (and also the longest) story told this season about her struggle of fighting for her life in and out of care, finding hope in God, the injustice of seeing marginalized groups being oppressed, and a lot more. Thank you for dropping by and catch you in the very last episode of Keep Hope Alive!

Hey wassup Podcast, Tony Da Realest back at it again. It's almost the Holidays!!!! It's supposed to be the greatest time of the year right??! Well, not so fast. You see, when young people are in care they tend not to be with their biological family or may have experienced some abuse/neglect and spending what's typically a joyous holiday with absolute strangers. It's not a fun experience at all, in fact, it can be alienating and lonely. In today's episode, I break down why instead of celebrating with laughter some kids find themselves more lonely than ever.....

Hey, what's happening Podcast, Tony Da Realest back here again. My apologies if my day ones have seen this already, I had to redo this episode from Season 1. This episode talks about my honest feelings on Queensbridge, my experiences, and my future plans afterward.

Hey Podcast, Tony Da Realest back with another episode. I have not just any guest but Mike Veny here as a guest!! Not only is he one of the most influential speakers in mental health, but he's also a great friend of mine and a mentor that has been showing me the ropes. Words cannot describe how honored I am to have him on my Podcast as the man I've looked up to. In this heavy topic, we share our stories about suicide, time in the hospital, how to self-care, and the process of recovery. Disclaimer: The subject matter may be triggering for individuals with a similar background.  For more information on Mike Veny check out his website at: https://www.mikeveny.com/ .  You can also find his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Transforming-Stigma-Become-Wellness-Superhero/dp/0692048626/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=transforming+stigma&qid=1603159857&sr=8-1

Hey wassup Podcast, Tony Da Realest, back here with another episode. Also, my birthday was yesterday so show me some love y'all! In any case, this is a special episode where I talk about the profound impact that City Living has had on me. Having the support, resources, and reliability that someone is always there for me has meant the world to me. Liz has shown me what real support looks like, celebrating victories, and making my apartment feel like a home when I had no way of doing so. I encourage everyone who would like to donate to the cause and/or learn more information check out: https://www.citylivingny.org/#home-section

Hey what's happening Podcast, I have another special guest with me today. I sit down sit Gabriel talking about how she overcame the system and used it to her advantage. From knowing her throughout the New Yorker's for Children Youth Advisory Board come up with innovative solutions to seeing her interview the ACS Commissioner about racism and how it intersects with Foster Care Gabby has been a selfless and tireless warrior for change. Gabby talks of extension to policy, changing the scope of how young adults in care are perceived, her aspirations to be a teacher. Come listen as she talks about overcoming the odds and being one of the strongest advocates in NYC.

Hey wassup Podcast, Tony Da Realest back here with another episode! In today's episode, I have Ericka François, an amazing friend of mine who has been through many hardships and shares her expertise in tutoring. Ericka goes in-depth with her personal journey, creating herself, blazing her own path, and balancing expectations when in college. You won't want to miss this episode! If you want to find out more about Ericka connect with her here: linkedin.com/in/ericka-françois-a427aa12b

Hey Podcast, this is Tony Da Realest back here with another episode! Today's guest is an amazing couple that has an incredible list of accomplishments including starting their own entrepreneurial ventures, traveling across many different countries, proud graduates of Western Michigan University, among many others. In their inspiring and authentic autobiography, Redefining Normal: Two Foster Kids Beat The Odds and Discovered Healing, Happiness, and Love. This memoir speaks about abandonment, mental health struggles, self love, and childhood trauma. The book is honest, raw, and beautiful written and that's what I deep dive into today. To help support check out: To contact Alexis and Justin about media appearances, coaching or speaking at your event, email press@redefiningournormal.com. To subscribe to their email list to learn more about their journey, information on healthy relationships and stay tuned for their upcoming books, visit re-definingnormal.com or listen to our ROSE From Concrete podcast at www.rosefromconcrete.buzzsprout.com To connect with Justin and Alexis on Facebook @redefiningnormal Instagram @redefiningnormal Justin’s Blog: akidfromdetroit.com ROSE Empowerment Group, a youth-serving organization on the importance of self, community and impact. For more info, go to roseempowermentgroup.com Contact: roseempowermentgroup@gmail.com 

Hey what's going on Podcast, I hope everyone is doing well. In today's episode I have an amazing women who is shaping change in the Foster care system at a rapid rate and has been doing so for a long time now. Angela is the new author of The Black Foster Youth Handbook, helping young people successfully age out of foster care and beat these, as well as other statistics placed upon them. This Handbook is also to support work being done by their supportive adults (Foster parents, therapist, etc)book : To show support check her out at: www.blackfostercareyouthhandbook.com as well as her website www.originalsoulflower.com

Hey wassup Podcast, this is Tony Da Realest back here with another episode. Today's guest is Ella, a long time friend who has been through her share of difficult times. She shares her story of getting into the Foster Care system, what made her run frequently from placements, going into therapy, and tips that she would give her younger self among other things.