Live and Be Great

Are you stuck in the cycle of trying to be the perfect parent? In this transformative episode of Live and Be Great, host Latonya McDonald sits down with Todd Sarner, renowned Marriage and Family Therapist and founder of Transformative Parenting, to explore how perfectionism, pressure, and digital distractions silently shape family life — and how to break free for good.Together, they unpack what it means to lead with calm, build emotional connection, and raise resilient kids in today’s overstimulated world. You’ll discover practical, science-based tools for emotional regulation, secure attachment, and conscious parenting — without losing your sanity or yourself.🌿 Topics Covered:The Myth of the Perfect Parent — Why striving for flawlessness creates more disconnection than love.Breaking Generational Cycles — How self-awareness and healing transform your family system.Alpha Leadership in Parenting — Calm authority vs. control or permissiveness.Parenting in the Digital Age — Protecting emotional bonds and setting tech boundaries that work.Gentle Parenting Misconceptions — Balancing empathy with healthy structure.Emotional Regulation for Parents — Becoming the “thermostat” of your home.Rebuilding Connection — “Collect before you direct”: how presence changes everything.Whether you’re dealing with toddler tantrums, teenage rebellion, or your own inner critic, this episode offers grounded insight, humor, and heartfelt wisdom. Learn how to replace control with connection, guilt with grace, and chaos with calm.✨ You’ll Learn:The neuroscience of attachment and why presence matters more than perfection.Tools to create emotional safety and trust at home.How to repair ruptures after conflict.Simple daily rituals to reduce tech overwhelm and increase connection.💬 Featured Guest:Todd Sarner, MFT — Author of The Calm & Connected Parent: An Attachment-First Guide to Raising Resilient Kids in the Age of Screens and AI (coming November 18, 2025). Todd has helped thousands of families shift from anxiety and control to calm, confident leadership.📘 Learn More:Website: https://www.transformativeparenting.comYouTube: Transformative ParentingInstagram: @tparentingFacebook: Transformative ParentingLinkedIn: Todd Sarner💫 About Live & Be GreatHosted by Latonya McDonald — Spiritual Psychological Life Coach, intuitive astrologer, and former therapist — Live and Be Great bridges the worlds of psychology, spirituality, and generational healing to help you create deeper relationships, emotional freedom, and inner peace.💎 Bonus Resource:Start your energetic reset with The Digital Soul Cleanse:👉 https://liveandbegreat.com/digital-soul-cleanseconscious parenting, attachment parenting, emotional regulation, generational healing, mindful parenting, calm connected parenting, break parenting perfectionism, alpha leadership in families, gentle parenting boundaries, parenting in the digital age, screen time balance, emotional intelligence, family healing podcast, trauma-informed parenting, resilience in children, Live and Be Great podcastKeywords: conscious parenting, attachment parenting, emotional regulation, generational healing, mindful parenting, calm connected parenting, break parenting perfectionism, alpha leadership in families, gentle parenting boundaries, parenting in the digital age, screen time balance, emotional intelligence, family healing podcast, trauma-informed parenting, resilience in children, Live and Be Great podcast

You ever have that moment when everything you’ve ever done suddenly makes sense?That moment when your whole life starts connecting the dots?In this powerful and deeply personal 71st episode, I share how discovering that I’m a Life Path Number 1 in numerology changed the way I saw myself — and my purpose.This isn’t about ego. It’s about energetic truth. Life Path 1s are the leaders, the initiators, the pioneers — the ones who go first. But being first comes with lessons: loneliness, surrender, and learning to trust your own divine direction.✨ In this episode, I talk about:How to calculate your Life Path Number (and what it reveals about your destiny)What the energy of “1” really means — independence, innovation, and courageMy real-life stories of leadership, burnout, and rebirthHow ADHD, anxiety, and perfectionism shaped my leadership journeyWhy leadership for Black women often means building outside the linesReflections on famous Life Path 1s like Martin Luther King Jr., LeBron James, and Steve JobsWhat it means to lead with love, rest, and purpose — not pressure🎧 Whether you’re a fellow Life Path 1 or just someone on your self-discovery journey, this episode will help you find power in your path, confirmation in your calling, and peace in your leadership.Because truth is — I was born to do it.And so were you.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Cinematic intro: The moment everything made sense01:19 – What is a Life Path Number? How to calculate yours02:27 – What Life Path 1 means (the pioneer energy)03:34 – My high school dance team story: leadership in action06:01 – The weight of being “the one” who always leads07:52 – Leadership as a Black woman in healing spaces09:01 – Manifesting Generator & astrology connection (Mars in Sagittarius)10:37 – Burnout, family healing, and surrendering control13:08 – The inner critic vs. the receipts14:10 – Redefining leadership through rest and grace15:21 – ADHD, anxiety, and perfectionism as strengths15:55 – Celebrity reflections: MLK, LeBron James, Steve Jobs17:08 – The college dance team lesson: presence vs. absence19:24 – Message to Life Path 1s: you are the assignment20:52 – Letter to my younger self21:34 – Mic-drop truth: You are the door22:43 – Closing message & next episode teaser23:16 – Numerology resources and “Numbers and You” by Lloyd Strayhorn23:59 – How numerology helps you understand yourself and others24:29 – Free eBook + website + how to connect with me24:57 – Final message: Give yourself permission to live and be great💫 Mentioned in This Episode:Book: Numbers and You by Lloyd StrayhornFree eBook: Digital Soul CleanseWebsite: liveandbegreat.comInstagram: @liveandbegreatwithlatonyaYouTube: @liveandbegreatwithlatonyaTikTok: @liveandbegreat_LatonyaKeywords: life path number 1 meaning, life path 1 traits, numerology life path, numerology for beginners, life path 1 leadership, spiritual numerology podcast, how to calculate your life path number, life path 1 career purpose, divine feminine leadership, black women healing podcast, manifesting generator life path, latonya mcdonald podcast, live and be great podcast

Grief touches every single one of us—but how do we move through it with honesty, compassion, and hope? In this powerful episode of Live and Be Great, host Latonya McDonald, Spiritual Psychological Life Coach, sits down with grief coach and nonprofit leader Marcia Earhart to explore what it truly means to heal after loss.Together, they unpack:The difference between healthy vs. unhealthy griefHow to support someone through grief without crossing boundariesSurvivor’s guilt and how to process feelings of relief after lossTalking to children about death in age-appropriate waysWhy platitudes like “I understand what you’re going through” can do more harm than goodPractical grief tools: thought journals, gratitude practices, and the 5-6-7 breathing techniqueHow grief reshapes holidays, anniversaries, and family relationshipsA Christian-based but non-preachy perspective on grief and spiritualityMarcia also shares her personal story of loss, offering listeners both validation and practical tools for healing. This conversation is a reminder that grief is not about getting over it—it’s about transforming through it and carrying the love of those we’ve lost into our lives moving forward.📚 Resources & Links:Marcia’s book Gripping Grace in the Garden of Grace: A Place for the HeartAs an accomplished author, her powerful new book, "Gripping Grace in the Garden of Grief, A Place for the Heart," is a deeply personal and emotional journey through devastating loss and raw, unrelenting grief. More than a chronicle of loss, it is a testament to the God-given hope that slowly, tenderly rebuilds a life forever altered. Through a vulnerable sharing of her family's story—which also encompasses the loss of her mother and her youngest son's mental health battles—Marcia explores the fragile threads of love and pain that hold us together when life unravels.Marcia’s writing is an extension of her heart—informed by years of wisdom, lived experience, and a profound desire to see others step into the fullness of their created design. She writes not just to inform, but to usher in deep, lasting healing.You can purchase on amazon: https://a.co/d/i5sy85MMarcia’s nonprofit and social media https://www.instagram.com/thesterlingrosesanctuary/www.thesterlingrosesanctuary.ushttps://www.facebook.com/TSRS21/https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcia-earhart-the-sterling-rose-sanctuary-943a8410b/https://www.youtube.com/@marciaearhart6328Connect with Latonya for coaching: psychology, astrology, human design, and generational healing to help you transform grief into growth✨ If you’ve ever struggled with loss, grief triggers, or knowing how to show up for someone who’s grieving, this episode will give you practical strategies and real hope.

What if the relentless pursuit of perfection is the very thing blocking your growth?In this deeply personal episode, host Latonya McDonald (spiritual-psychological coach & founder of Live & Be Great) drops the armor. Struggling with ADHD overwhelm, societal pressure, and the suffocating weight of her own perfectionism, Latonya gets radically honest about what it truly takes to give yourself grace, release the need for control, and show up authentically—even when it’s gloriously messy.✨ You’ll Walk Away With:✓ The "Myth of Worthiness": Unpacking why we tie our self-value to flawless performance (and how to break the cycle)✓ ADHD as Your Secret Weapon: Reframing neurodivergence from a burden to a creative, intuitive superpower✓ Boundaries with Empathy: How to say "no" without guilt and protect your energy in a draining world✓ Authenticity > "Professionalism": Why being real is your greatest asset in life and business✓ Practical Tools: Immediate strategies to quiet anxiety and manage the mental load when everything feels heavyTimestamps :00:00 - Introduction to Therapeutic Coaching & Emotional Growth03:45 - Mental Health Tips for Perfectionism & ADHD10:20 - Life Coaching Advice: Letting Go of Control17:05 - Spiritual Awakening & Personal Transformation Stories24:40 - Relationship Boundaries & Family Therapy Techniques32:30 - Mindfulness Practices for Authentic Living🔮 Free Resource: Download the "Digital Soul Cleanse" Ebook → LiveAndBeGreat.com/digital-soul-cleanse(Your guide to decluttering your mind, releasing what doesn’t serve you, and reclaiming your peace.)💌 WORK WITH LATONYA:→ 1:1 Coaching: Ready to trade burnout for aligned action? Explore Coaching Options→ Follow for Daily Insights: @liveandbegreatwithlatonya on IG & YouTube→ Join the Conversation: @liveandbegreat_Latonya on TikTok🪐 Keywords: ADHD, perfectionism, authenticity, letting go of control, growth mindset, self-acceptance, overcoming perfectionism, neurodiversity, mental health, emotional well-being, imposter syndrome, mindfulness, self-compassion, inner critic, grace, building, confidence, vulnerability, real talk, healing journey, prioritizing self-care, breaking old, patterns, embracing imperfection, navigating overwhelm, coping with ADHD, finding balance, personal growth, unlocking potential, staying true to yourself, setting boundaries, transforming self-doubt

"I fell in love with my psychiatrist and he knew... and he kept me for four years." This viral TikTok confession from an ADHD coach named Kendra sparked a firestorm. But beyond the 25-part saga lies a crucial lesson about obsession, blurred lines, and why we chase love that hurts us.In this essential episode, Latonya McDonald (a spiritual-psychological coach and former therapist) goes beyond the gossip to provide a nuanced, professional breakdown of the situation. This isn't about shaming Kendra, but about using her story as a mirror to examine our own patterns of toxic attachment and the critical importance of mental health boundaries.✨ We Unpack:The Psychology of Obsession: How traits of Borderline and Histrionic Personality Disorders can manifest in therapy and relationships.Blurred Lines vs. Professional Boundaries: Why the psychiatrist likely acted ethically, even when his silence was misinterpreted as secret affection.The Dangers of AI "Therapy": How using chatbots like ChatGPT for mental health validation can fuel psychosis and dangerous delusions.5 Signs It's Time to Seek Professional Help (beyond self-diagnosis): From persistent paranoia to loved ones expressing concern.The Pisces Projection: An astrological lens on why we fall in love with fantasies, not people.Breaking the Cycle: How to rewrite your "love script" from chaos to safety.💎 This episode is a masterclass in critical thinking, empathy, and self-awareness. Whether you were captivated by the saga, horrified by it, or saw your own patterns in it, this discussion will leave you empowered to choose safe, nourishing love.🔗 RESOURCES & NEXT STEPS:Work with Latonya: Ready to break your toxicity cycle? Explore 1:1 coaching at → LiveAndBeGreat.comFollow for Daily Insights: @liveandbegreatwithlatonya on IG & YouTubeListen on TikTok: @liveandbegreat_latonya🪐 Keywords: Toxic Love, Therapist Ethics, Mental Health, Obsession, Borderline Personality Disorder, AI Therapy, Psychosis, Spiritual Psychology, Astrology, Human Design, Setting Boundaries, TikTok Drama, Kendra Story, Podcast

 "They told you they were toxic... and you stayed. Why?"In this raw and necessary episode, host Latonya McDonald (spiritual-psychological coach & founder of Live & Be Great) dismantles the painful cycle of choosing partners who are bad for us—even when they wave their red flags proudly.If you’ve ever confused chaos for passion, prioritized potential over reality, or felt deep down that dysfunction was all you deserved, this is your intervention.✨ You’ll Discover:✓ The 4 Psychological Reasons we ignore upfront warnings (hello, attachment wounds & love addiction)✓ How Your Inner Child mistakes toxicity for familiar love—and how to reparent them✓ Astrology & Human Design Insights: What your Venus, Mars, and chart placements reveal about your attraction patterns (it’s not an excuse to stay!)✓ The 4-Step Framework to Break Free: From radical acceptance to reframing loneliness as power✓ How to Set Non-Negotiables that actually protect your peace (Latonya shares hers)💌 This episode is your permission slip to stop earning love and start embodying it. True, soul-nourishing connection becomes magnetic the moment you stop chasing toxicity.🔗 WORK WITH LATONYA:→ Heal Your Attachment Wounds: LiveAndBeGreat.com→ Decode Your Love Chart: ⁠https://liveandbegreat.com/relationship-compatibility-reading⁠→ Follow for Daily Insights: @liveandbegreatwithlatonya on IG & YouTube, tiktok @liveandbegreat_latonya🪐 Keywords: Toxic Relationships, Red Flags, Healing Attachment, Inner Child Work, Astrology Love Advice, Human Design Relationships, Setting Boundaries, How to Stop Settling, Self-Worth, Loneliness

"You’re not lazy, inconsistent, or flaky—you’re SCARED. And your Human Design chart knows why." — Latonya McDonaldIn this raw, ADHD-perfectionist-friendly episode, spiritual-psychological coach Latonya McDonald (a Manifesting Generator) confronts the gap between knowing and doing—and how "research addiction" masks deep fear of being seen.✨ You’ll Discover:✓ Why your open Head + Ajna centers (Human Design) trap you in analysis paralysis✓ Astrology’s role: How Virgo/Capricorn placements + 12th House planets feed perfectionism✓ The "ugly start" framework: Move forward before you feel ready (Latonya’s podcast confessional)✓ ADHD ≠ broken: Trauma-aware strategies to halt overthinking spirals✓ Journal Prompt: "What have I tried to perfect instead of starting?" ⏱️ TIME-STAMPED WINS:00:21:06: "You are not inconsistent—you are scared."00:24:10: The affirmation that cuts perfectionism at its roots00:28:15: How to leverage your chart to build non-rigid systems🎧 Listen now and reclaim your ability to act — even before it feels perfect.🔗 Work with Latonya: liveandbegreat.com📲 IG & YouTube: @liveandbegreatwithlatonya🎵 TikTok: @liveandbegreat_Latonya

What happens when society demands your silence and your softness?In this powerful comeback episode, Latonya McDonald—spiritual-psychological life coach and founder of Live & Be Great—unpacks the emotional toll of being a Black woman in a world that misreads your strength and punishes your honesty.From the racialized narratives in Love Island USA to her own lived experience with ADHD, anxiety, and perfectionism, Latonya explores how empathy can be weaponized, why binary thinking keeps us stuck, and how reclaiming your truth is the first step toward healing.✨ Topics Covered:The emotional cost of being “the strong one”How media frames Black women’s emotionsWhy empathy isn’t immunity from accountabilityNavigating perfectionism and analysis paralysisLiving in the duality: two truths can exist at onceAstrology + self-study for emotional clarity🌀 Journal Prompt:Where have I confused being “too much” with simply being honest?💌 Ready to reclaim your voice, understand your chart, or heal generational patterns?Book your session or browse offerings at:🌐 LiveandBeGreat.comFollow Latonya on:📺 YouTube & Instagram: @liveandbegreatwithlatonya🎵 TikTok: @liveandbegreat_Latonya

This one’s for the adult children navigating guilt, grief, and quiet heartbreak. It’s also for the parents asking, “What did I do wrong?”In Part 2 of this powerful series, Latonya unpacks what happens when adult children step away from their parents—not out of hate, but out of survival. She explores the deep tension between “They did their best” and “I’m still hurting”—and how both of those statements can live in the same truth.You’ll learn why we simplify family roles to protect our hearts… and what real healing asks of us instead.🖤 This episode will validate your experience, give language to your boundaries, and remind you that distance can be a form of self-respect—not betrayal.Topics include:The emotional truth behind family estrangementGenerational trauma, enmeshment, and internalized guiltSpiritual + psychological tools for dual-truth healingHow to honor your parents’ effort without denying your pain🔗 Ready to reclaim your peace? Visit LiveAndBeGreat.com for one-on-one coaching, astrology tools, and new healing resources.🎧 Listen now and share this with someone who’s learning to love without losing themselves.

In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers of the gender war—what it really reveals about us, and why so many of us are addicted to blame.Latonya explores the emotional and psychological reasons we cling to “good guy vs. bad guy” narratives, especially in male vs. female dynamics. You’ll learn why this survival mechanism may be protecting your heart—but also blocking your healing.We talk dual truths, the burden of being “the strong one,” and why spiritual growth requires learning to hold space for complexity. Because yes—someone can be hurting and still harmful. And yes—both things can be true.🌀 This is your permission to feel, to question, and to reclaim your power without shame.Topics include:Emotional survival vs. emotional maturityWhy gender wars keep us stuckHow binary thinking hurts everyoneUsing astrology & human design to understand emotional complexity🔗 Want to go deeper? Explore coaching, chart readings, and exclusive offers at LiveAndBeGreat.com🎧 Listen now and share this with someone who’s tired of picking a side and ready to find peace in the middle.

In today’s episode, I’m diving into a conversation that’s been sitting heavy on my spirit — how stories like Tyler Perry’s Straw highlight the real trauma Black women face, but often leave us with narratives that can unintentionally do more harm than healing.I explore the dangerous normalization of Black women’s pain, the cultural conditioning that makes people numb to our struggles, and how the constant image of strength leaves too many of us unprotected.We’ll also touch on Tyler Perry’s Virgo nature — how the gift of service can manifest as anxiety, overthinking, and trauma-stacking in storytelling, without giving the characters (or the audience) space to breathe, process, or heal.This is not just about movies — it’s about real life, real healing, and the importance of telling our stories with care, balance, and restoration.✨ You’ll want to sit with this one. Share it with a sister who needs it. ✨

After a powerful pause, I’m back—and this time, it’s deeper, wiser, and more aligned than ever. In this comeback episode of The Live & Be Great Podcast, I’m sharing where I’ve been, what’s shifted, and why returning to the “study of you” is more important than ever in today’s world.We’ll explore how rest can be revolutionary, the truth about transformation, and how media, trauma, and spiritual awakening all shape our healing journeys. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unseen, or ready for more—this episode is your invitation back to your own greatness.✨ I’m also sharing the new direction of the podcast, including intuitive teachings, cosmic tools, and exclusive resources to help you Transform, Thrive, and Truly Live—mind, body, and soul.Welcome home. Let’s rise—together.

In this special season finale episode of "Live and Be Great," join your host Latonya McDonald as we celebrate the journey so far and set the stage for the greatness that lies ahead. Reflect on the profound lessons that 2023 has brought and discover the transformative steps Latonya McDonald is taking to elevate personal growth in 2024. Tune in for an uplifting blend of introspection, insights, and a glimpse into the exciting future of "Live and Be Great." Don't miss this empowering episode as we bid farewell to one season and eagerly anticipate the next chapter of greatness. Follow this link it knows the way 😁 https://linktr.ee/LiveandBeGreatllc

Join host Latonya McDonald in this fascinating episode of "Live and Be Great" as we embark on a cosmic journey through the 12 zodiac signs. In a lighthearted and insightful exploration, discover what each sign can work on to enhance their friendship game. From Aries' fiery enthusiasm to Pisces' compassionate nature, unlock the secrets to becoming a better friend based on astrological insights. Tune in for a blend of cosmic wisdom and practical tips that will elevate your connections and help you create meaningful, lasting friendships. Follow this link it knows the way 😁 https://linktr.ee/LiveandBeGreatllc

In this empowering episode of "Live and Be Great," host Latonya McDonald dives into the liberating journey of discovering and living out your purpose, free from the expectations of parents and society. Join us as we explore the transformative power of authenticity and the courage it takes to break free from societal norms. Learn how to carve your unique path to greatness and fulfillment, embracing the extraordinary life that unfolds when you live according to your true calling. Tune in for inspiration and practical insights on charting a course that aligns with your purpose, passion, and personal greatness. Follow this link it knows the way 😁 https://linktr.ee/LiveandBeGreatllc

Join us in this insightful episode of "Live and Be Great" as host Latonya McDonald explores a powerful perspective on rejection. Discover how those seemingly tough moments of rejection can be your shield, protecting you from potentially harmful situations in your career, social circles, and relationships. Learn to embrace rejection not as a setback but as a redirection towards greater opportunities and a path to your ultimate greatness. Don't miss this transformative conversation on turning setbacks into stepping stones on your journey to living your best life. Follow this link it knows the way 😁 https://linktr.ee/LiveandBeGreatllc

In this compelling episode of "Live and Be Great," we shine a light on the growing trend of "Quiet Quitting" in the workplace. Join host Latonya McDonald as we explore why more people are opting to do only what's in their contracts and the profound importance of knowing your worth. We delve into the significance of making your overall health and spirit a priority, unveiling how it can transform your life and career. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation on finding balance and greatness in a world that demands so much from us. Want more of all things Live & Be Great? Follow this link it knows the way 😁 https://linktr.ee/LiveandBeGreatllc

Join us in this eye-opening episode of "Live and Be Great" as we explore the art of making new friends as an adult. Host Latonya McDonald delves into the profound importance of setting higher standards for your social circle based on your healing journey. Discover how past trauma can lead us to ignore red flags in relationships and how the company you keep greatly impacts your personal growth. Tune in to learn how to curate a circle that supports your journey to greatness and well-being. Want more of all things Live & Be Great? Follow this link it knows the way 😁 https://linktr.ee/LiveandBeGreatllc

In this thought-provoking episode we delve into a topic that resonates with many: the significance of genuine apologies in parenting. Join Latonya McDonald as we explore why saying "I did the best I could" falls short of healing the wounds between parent and child. Discover the transformative power of sincere apologies and how they pave the way for growth, understanding, and a deeper connection in the parent-child relationship. Want more of all things Live & Be Great? Follow this link it knows the way 😁 https://linktr.ee/LiveandBeGreatllc

Welcome to "Live & Be Great," where we dive deep into the raw, unfiltered aspects of the healing journey. In this episode, your host Latonya McDonald takes center stage to vent, share personal insights, and provide a candid look into the transformative path to greatness. Buckle up as Latonya opens up about the highs, lows, and everything in between on the journey of healing and personal growth. From hard-earned lessons to moments of clarity and self-discovery, you'll gain a unique perspective on what it truly means to live and be great. This episode is your backstage pass to the heart and soul of healing. Join us for an authentic and enlightening conversation that reminds us all that greatness is not just a destination but a continuous, deeply personal journey. Want more of all things Live & Be Great? Follow this link it knows the way 😁 https://linktr.ee/LiveandBeGreatllc