Episodes

  • “Life is not what happens to you, but how you respond to it.”

    “Life is not what happens to you, but how you respond to it.”
    Apr 19 2025
    Season 3, Episode 46

    Title: “Life is not what happens to you, but how you respond to it.”

    Subtitle: Stepping Into the Call: From Surviving to Surrendering

    In this transformative episode of the Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas (MDDTSpeaks) reconnects with long-time friend and fellow advocate Ashley Watkins—and what unfolds is nothing short of sacred. Together, they journey through Ashley’s powerful testimony of resilience, healing, and divine surrender.

    Ashley Watkins, a spoken word poet, therapist, foster care advocate, and founder of Her Untold Stories Heard, opens up about her evolution—from surviving childhood trauma, navigating the foster care system, and enduring abuse, to stepping boldly into the woman God called her to be. In this vulnerable yet victorious dialogue, Ashley shares how she moved from living in the shadows of her pain to reclaiming her voice, redefining her worth, and helping other women heal through truth and transparency.

    Key Conversation Highlights:
    • The journey from surviving abuse and abandonment to discovering divine identity
    • Choosing surrender over striving, and trusting God in the midst of uncertainty
    • Why healing isn’t linear—and how to stay the course when the process hurts
    • The importance of self-trust, faith-led obedience, and emotional accountability
    • Ashley’s founding of HUSH (Her Untold Stories Heard) and her mission to help women evolve through their truth
    • The spiritual tension of being called but not yet prepared—and what it means to wait well
    • The reality of mental health battles, faith fatigue, and learning how to pray when words run out
    Throughout the episode, Michael and Ashley exchange reflections on surrendering ambition for purpose, embracing God’s timing, and answering the call to be light—even when life has tried to extinguish that light. Their conversation is raw, rich, and soul-deep—reminding us that our response to adversity defines our resilience.

    If you’re in a season of questioning, healing, or trying to find your footing after brokenness, this episode is your invitation to stop surviving and start surrendering.

    Guest: Ashley Watkins
    • Spoken Word Poet | Therapist | Foster Care Advocate
    • Founder & CEO of Her Untold Stories Heard (HUSH)
    Connect with Ashley:
      • @soulevessel__
      • @heruntoldstoriesheard_
      • LinkedIn
      • Facebook
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” – Colossians 3:23 (NLT)

    “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” – Colossians 3:23 (NLT)
    Apr 19 2025
    Season 3, Episode 45

    Title: “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” – Colossians 3:23 (NLT)

    In this deeply moving episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas is joined by author, advocate, mother, and lived experience leader Kayann Foster—a woman whose life and work exemplify faith, resilience, and radical healing.

    From surviving childhood trauma, homelessness, domestic abuse, and aging out of foster care, to becoming a Lived Experience Consultant for the Department of Children and Families in New Jersey, Kayann’s journey is one of extraordinary transformation. She shares her story with humility and honesty, reflecting on the path that led her from survival mode to sustainable healing—both for herself and for the communities she now serves.

    In this episode, Kayann opens up about:
    • Healing from childhood trauma and domestic abuse while navigating motherhood
    • The power of faith, transparency, and self-compassion in breaking generational cycles
    • Why embracing her scars instead of hiding them has become a cornerstone of her healing
    • Her work as a PACEs (Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences) trainer, creating trauma-informed spaces across New Jersey
    • Balancing advocacy and motherhood while raising five beautiful children
    • Publishing her book “Water in the Wilderness”—a reluctant but powerful act of obedience and courage
    Kayann also reflects on the emotional weight of being a mother determined to parent differently—choosing connection, honesty, and grace over reaction and shame. She and Michael explore the importance of naming our survival-mode behaviors, reframing pain as purpose, and stepping out of isolation into healing-centered community.

    If you’ve ever struggled with trauma, faith, parenting after pain, or finding your voice through adversity—this episode will meet you exactly where you are. Kayann’s story is a beacon for anyone ready to stop hiding their story and start living healed.

    Key Themes:
    • Resilience through motherhood
    • The intersection of faith and healing
    • Self-care beyond survival mode
    • Systemic advocacy rooted in lived experience
    • Owning your truth and sharing it with others
    Order Kayann’s Book:
    Water in the Wilderness – [Available on Amazon] Follow Kayann Foster:
    • LinkedIn: Kayann Foster
    • Email: [fosterkk.4404@gmail.com]
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • "Your Story Is Your Superpower—Own It, Share It, and Let It Open Doors for You."

    "Your Story Is Your Superpower—Own It, Share It, and Let It Open Doors for You."
    Apr 12 2025
    Episode Title: "Your Story Is Your Superpower—Own It, Share It, and Let It Open Doors for You."

    Season 3, Episode 44

    In this transformative episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas sits down with powerhouse speaker, author, trauma expert, and former foster youth Dr. Danisha Keating for a deeply authentic conversation about healing, identity, and turning pain into purpose.

    From living in her car while navigating college, to raising her siblings while building a life rooted in impact, Dr. Keating’s story is one of resilience, grit, and radical self-determination. She shares how her experiences in the foster care system and with generational trauma shaped her—but didn’t define her. Instead, she reclaimed her narrative and has since dedicated her life to empowering others to do the same through storytelling, education, and systemic advocacy.

    As the author of Faith Through the Desert, From Foster to PhD: Letters from a Suitcase, and Taking My Voice Back: Healing What Broke Me, Dr. Keating is a leading voice in the foster care reform space and a nationally recognized coach for speakers and authors. Her mission is clear: to help others own their voice, craft their message, and step into spaces they were once told they didn’t belong.

    In this episode, Michael and Dr. Keating explore:
    • Navigating homelessness and foster care while pursuing higher education
    • The emotional toll of systemic disconnection and budget cuts
    • How to recognize and break generational trauma and learned helplessness
    • The power of community and finding just one person who believes in you
    • Turning your story into your platform: authentic storytelling as advocacy
    • The importance of self-care, celebration of small wins, and setting boundaries
    This conversation is a reminder that your story is not a liability—it’s leverage. For every listener who's struggled with feeling unseen, unheard, or unworthy, this episode is your invitation to reclaim your voice, rewrite your narrative, and realize your worth. Connect with Dr. Danisha Keating:
    • Website: www.danishakeating.com
    • Instagram: @drdanishakeating
    • Facebook: Dr. Danisha Keating
    • LinkedIn: Danisha Keating, PhD
    • YouTube: The Dr. Danisha Keating Show
    • TikTok: @drdanishakeating
    Explore her books on Amazon:
    • Faith Through the Desert
    • From Foster to PhD: Letters from a Suitcase
    • Taking My Voice Back: Healing What Broke Me
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    52 mins
  • “Live life to the fullest, excel despite challenges, and never let those who wish you harm dictate your path.”

    “Live life to the fullest, excel despite challenges, and never let those who wish you harm dictate your path.”
    Apr 5 2025
    Episode Title: "Live life to the fullest, excel despite challenges, and never let those who wish you harm dictate your path."

    Season 3, Episode 43

    In this raw and transformative episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas is joined by Maegan “Mae” Mason, a resilient advocate, mentor, and lived experience expert who shares her powerful story of survival, self-discovery, and growth.

    Mae opens up about her early life—navigating a turbulent home environment that led her into the juvenile justice system by the age of 13. Through 12 years of personal turmoil, system involvement, and institutionalization, she encountered abuse, neglect, and the emotional weight of being misunderstood. Her story reflects the harsh realities many youth face when systems fail to meet their needs with compassion and care.

    But Mae didn’t let that become her final chapter. She speaks openly about the turning points in her journey—missing key family moments while incarcerated, the comfort of institutionalization, and how writing, therapy, and mentorship helped her begin healing. Mae found her voice through poetry and began giving back, mentoring girls in similar situations, and building genuine relationships with youth at her job site.

    In this episode, Michael and Mae discuss:
    • The emotional impact of growing up in the system
    • The importance of having even just one supportive adult
    • The healing power of writing, poetry, and creative expression
    • How mentorship and lived experience shape better youth services
    • Reintegration challenges after incarceration and aging out
    • The urgency of community-based alternatives to institutional settings
    • Self-care and coping strategies for those working within youth-serving systems
    Mae's message is one of radical truth, vulnerability, and empowerment. Her story reminds us that no matter how deep the wounds, growth is always possible—and that no one’s past should define their future. Mae is living proof that you can excel despite challenges, heal through expression, and build purpose from pain.
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    58 mins
  • “Love is the work.”

    “Love is the work.”
    Apr 2 2025
    Episode Title: "Love is the Work.”

    Season 3, Episode 42

    In this deeply enriching episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas welcomes the dynamic State Representative Stephanie A. Young, a legislator, community leader, ordained minister, and fierce advocate for children and families. With over two decades of service in both public and private sectors, Rep. Young brings her unmatched heart, faith, and legislative impact to the forefront—guided by her life mantra: “Love is the work.” During this powerful conversation, Rep. Young opens up about her journey from aspiring nurse to one of Michigan’s most influential lawmakers. She candidly shares how her passion for justice and care for the most vulnerable led her to the Michigan House of Representatives, where she now serves as the Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and Chair of the Detroit Caucus, among many other leadership roles. Drawing from her lived experience and unwavering faith, Rep. Young reflects on:
    • The real-life challenges in Michigan’s foster care and juvenile justice systems
    • The significance of kinship care and the urgent need for diverse, better-supported foster parents
    • Her legislative work aimed at improving education, mental health, transportation, and housing for foster youth
    • The transformative power of one adult showing up for a child in crisis
    • The spiritual and emotional toll of public service—and how she grounds herself in faith and self-care
    This episode goes beyond policy—it speaks to purpose. From her early work as a caregiver to her present-day efforts as a policymaker and minister affectionately known as Elder Steph, Rep. Young embodies what it means to lead with compassion, truth, and determination. Her voice is a clarion call for advocates, lawmakers, and everyday people to show up with intention and do the hard, often unseen work—because love truly is the work. Key Takeaways:
    • One caring adult can change the trajectory of a child’s life.
    • Legislative change requires compassion, clarity, and community input.
    • Faith and advocacy are not mutually exclusive—they often go hand in hand.
    • Supporting foster youth means more than policy—it means partnership, presence, and purpose.
    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • " It only takes one adult to make a difference."

    " It only takes one adult to make a difference."
    Feb 1 2025
    Episode Title: "It Only Takes One Adult to Make a Difference."

    Season 3, Episode 41

    In this powerful episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas welcomes Jacob Holley, a Certified Trauma-Informed Trainer, Lived Experience Leader, and passionate foster care advocate. With firsthand experience navigating 27 different placements within Arizona’s foster care system, Jacob shares his deeply personal journey of resilience, advocacy, and the impact of trauma-informed care.

    Jacob opens up about his challenging upbringing in foster care, including his struggles in group homes, being written up for crying, and the lack of support from caseworkers—until one case manager, Rebecca, changed his life. Her guidance helped Jacob excel academically and in extracurricular activities, proving that just one caring adult can make all the difference.

    Now a youth board member at Fostering Advocates Arizona and certified trauma trainer with the Arizona ACEs Consortium, Jacob works tirelessly to promote trauma-informed policies, extended foster care programs, and better resources for older foster youth. He discusses his role in shaping policy, training nonprofits, and collaborating with organizations like Free Arts of Arizona to bring systemic change.

    In this deeply insightful conversation, Michael and Jacob discuss:
    • The impact of cycling through 27 foster care placements
    • Why trauma-informed care is essential in child welfare
    • How one caseworker changed Jacob’s life and led him to advocacy
    • Misconceptions about foster care and the stigma youth face
    • Balancing personal healing while advocating for others
    • The power of community, mentorship, and giving foster youth a voice
    Jacob’s story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of just one caring adult to change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Whether you’re a foster care professional, advocate, or someone seeking to better understand the foster care system, this episode provides invaluable insights into the realities of foster youth and the changes needed to support them.

    Ways to Connect with Jacob Holley:
    • Instagram: @cajuncowboy99
    • Facebook: Jacob Holley
    • LinkedIn: Jacob Holley
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • "Hurt People Hurt People”

    "Hurt People Hurt People”
    Jan 25 2025
    Episode Title: "Hurt People Hurt People"

    Season 3, Episode 40

    In this moving episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas is joined by the inspiring Victoria “V” DeHart, a 24-year-old adoptee, advocate, motivational speaker, and social work student, to discuss her incredible story of resilience and healing. Born in a prison in Kaliningrad, Russia, and adopted as a baby, Victoria’s life has been marked by immense challenges, but her journey serves as a testament to the power of faith, self-love, and perseverance.

    Victoria shares her deeply personal experiences growing up in an abusive environment, including the physical, emotional, and sexual trauma she endured as a child. Feeling like a black sheep in her adoptive family, she faced self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and cycles of hurt. Despite her struggles, Victoria refused to let her past define her. Instead, she chose to reshape her life, finding hope and purpose through faith and personal growth.

    A turning point came in 2022 when Victoria attended a Jesus Night event, felt the Holy Spirit, and got baptized. This moment solidified her commitment to healing and advocacy. Today, she is an active member of the Traverse Place/REACH Board, a college student pursuing social work, and a motivational content creator on TikTok. Through her advocacy, public speaking, and mentoring, Victoria empowers others to find joy, embrace their stories, and discover that healing is possible.

    In this episode, Michael and Victoria discuss:
    • The impact of adoption and childhood trauma
    • Overcoming cycles of hurt and embracing healing
    • The role of faith and self-care in personal growth
    • The power of sharing lived experiences to inspire others
    • Finding joy and purpose in small, meaningful moments
    Victoria’s story is a powerful reminder that although hurt people may hurt others, healing is within reach for everyone. Her raw honesty, strength, and dedication to changing the world will leave you inspired and motivated to take steps toward your own healing journey.
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it"

    "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it"
    Jan 18 2025
    >Episode Title: "Life Is 10% What Happens to You and 90% How You Respond to It"
    Season 3, Episode 39

    In this powerful episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas sits down with Tristian W. Smith, MSEM, a retired Army officer, published author, and advocate for foster youth. Tristian shares his extraordinary journey of resilience, from overcoming the challenges of a tumultuous childhood in the foster care system to achieving success as a military professional, emergency management specialist, and author of the memoir Against All Odds.

    Tristian opens up about his childhood in Columbus, Georgia, where he faced the devastating loss of his mother, abuse from family members, and the instability of multiple foster homes. Despite these hardships, Tristian’s determination to succeed never wavered. His story reflects the importance of resilience, education, and mentorship in navigating life’s challenges.

    Listeners will gain insight into Tristian’s remarkable military career as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Defense Officer, where he served with distinction in South Korea, Germany, and Fort Hood. Tristian also discusses the transition to civilian life after a medical retirement and how he turned his focus toward advocacy and writing. His book, Against All Odds, chronicles his inspiring journey and offers hope to those facing adversity.

    Throughout the episode, Michael and Tristian explore the importance of creating support systems for foster youth, the mental health toll of overcoming trauma, and the power of sharing lived experiences. Tristian shares his strategies for building resilience, the significance of surrounding oneself with the right people, and his commitment to improving the foster care system through advocacy.

    This episode serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the impact of resilience in shaping one’s future. Whether you are a foster youth, advocate, or someone seeking inspiration, Tristian’s story will empower you to take ownership of your life and face challenges with courage and determination.

    Ways to Connect with Tristian W. Smith:
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram > undeterred_anomaly
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    52 mins