What Dr. Candace Pert Discovered About Emotions and Health

UCSF's Community Engagement & Health Ministries Network

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2398360/fan_mail/new] Sometimes the strongest pathway to better health starts within the communities we trust most. In this episode, Gwendolyn Mitchell is joined by Michelle Moseley, Program Manager of Health Education and Community Outreach at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and Marion Harris, nurse, educator, and faith health leader, for an important conversation about the role faith communities can play in improving health outcomes for Black women facing cancer. Together, they explore how partnerships between healthcare institutions and churches can help close gaps in access, education, and support, particularly in communities that have historically been underserved. Michelle shares how UCSF approaches community outreach, health education, and long-term engagement to advance health equity, while Marion reflects on how her own breast cancer journey shaped her commitment to faith-based health advocacy. The conversation also explores the healing role of faith communities, barriers created by systemic inequities, and why community connection can be a powerful part of navigating illness. Listen in for a thoughtful discussion on health, healing, and caring for the whole person.  Key Points From This Episode: •    Introducing today’s guests, Michelle Moseley and Marion Harris. •    An overview of UCSF’s cancer education and cancer information programs. •    The difference between outreach, health education, and long-term community engagement. •    Marion’s breast cancer journey and what led her into faith-based health advocacy. •    How faith communities help improve health outcomes for Black women with cancer. •    The unique role churches play in providing care, support, and community connection. •    Healing versus curing and the importance of supporting the whole person. •    Health inequities and why Black women face disproportionate cancer disparities. •    Finding support and community while navigating a broken healthcare system. •    How faith communities help address barriers to healthier lifestyle changes. •    The importance of meeting people where they are when supporting healing journeys. •    UCSF’s faith-based partnerships and community health education resources. •    Reflections on slowing down, self-care, and caring for mind, body, and spirit. Quotes: “This work is a product of my life. I'm a breast cancer survivor, having had my first diagnosis in my late 20s.” — Marion Harris [0:07:45] “This work is so necessary in my opinion, and I don't even see it as work, as for me it's a mission and a calling, and something that I just have to be involved in.” — Marion Harris [0:10:19] “Sometimes when we're talking healing, we're really saying cure, because we want the disease to just go away, but there's not always a cure. But healing can be threefold: mind, body, and spirit.” — Marion Harris [0:17:15] “Black people have the highest death rate for many cancers: breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, which are some of the most common cancers, and each of them has screening tests for possible early detection, early diagnosis. Unfortunately, we have a broken healthcare system.” — Michelle Moseley [0:23:25] “There are many things against us. There are also many people and resources that can help get us through.” — Michelle Moseley [0:26:01] “The most important thing is to honor the person, meet them where they are.” — Marion Harris [0:35:04]   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Michelle Moseley on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-moseley-ma-mches%C2%AE-0b816212a/] Marion Harris on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marion-harris-147a5768/] UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center (HDFCCC) [https://cancer.ucsf.edu/] UCSF HDFCCC Office of Community Engagement [https://cancer.ucsf.edu/community-engagement] Connect with the UCSF HDFCCC Office of Community Engagement [https://redcap.ucsf.edu/surveys/?s=NPKLPDDML9RHH3JT] UCSF Faith & Health Communities Committee [https://cancer.ucsf.edu/community-engagement/who-we-are/faith-and-health-communities-committee] UCSF Community Advisory Board [https://cancer.ucsf.edu/community-engagement/cab] UCSF Abundant Life Health Ministries Network [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c5381eb7980b325cfcdfbf8/t/62748c86e507fc6faa0ab995/1651805321977/Michelle+Moseley+-+ALHM+UCSF+Handout+4-2022.pdf] Michelle Moseley email [Michelle.Moseley@ucsf.edu,] Love Letters to Our Bodies: Day of Renewal [https://www.tickettailor.com/events/moyoinstituteinc/2112270] Love Letters 2 Our Bodies is sponsored by Moyo Institute, Inc and the Lloyd Symington Foundation Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwendolyn-mitchell-she-her-5179431/] MOYO Institute, Inc [https://www.moyoinstitute.org/] instagram.com/moyoinstitute [https://www.instagram.com/moyoinstitute/]

Jackie’s Journey from Pain to Purpose

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2398360/fan_mail/new] No one should have to face cancer alone. In this episode, Gwendolyn Mitchell welcomes Reverend Jackie Mungo, Founder of the Healing Institute Global Network, to share the personal journey that transformed her life and inspired a decade of service to individuals and families impacted by cancer. Jackie reflects on her own experience with misdiagnosis, the loss of her husband to cancer, and the calling that led her to create a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that no one faces cancer alone. Together, she and Gwendolyn explore the challenges patients encounter at the earliest stages of diagnosis, the importance of advocacy and emotional support, and the health disparities that continue to affect women of color. Jackie also shares how companionship, spiritual support, and community connection can help people navigate uncertainty and find hope throughout the cancer journey. Listen in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, healing, and the power of showing up for one another.   Key Points From This Episode: •    Introducing today’s guest, Reverend Jackie Mungo, and her work within the field of cancer. •    What healing means to Jackie and the vision behind the Healing Institute Global Network. •    Why misdiagnosis remains one of the biggest challenges in cancer care. •    Jackie’s treatment companionship service and the power of having someone by your side. •    How spiritual support helps people navigate a cancer diagnosis. •    Health disparities and barriers that affect women of color. •    Why cultural understanding and humility matter in healthcare settings. •    How the Healing Institute's fashion show empowers cancer survivors. •    Jackie’s message for anyone facing a new cancer diagnosis. •    Reflections on self-love, joy, and living life to the fullest.   Quotes: “I was always told that I had a healing in me—a healing presence.” — Jackie Mungo [0:06:24] “I offer my service to go with them, and I take them, and I sit with them, I take notes, and just be that extra listening ear, and also to ask questions that people don't even think to ask. Because I've been there before, and know the ropes.” — Jackie Mungo [0:10:30] “You don't think sometimes that what you do matters until people come back and say that it really does.” — Jackie Mungo [0:17:18] “I don't want anybody to go through the cancer diagnosis by themselves.” — Jackie Mungo [0:20:07] “Be kind to yourself, enjoy yourself, love on yourself, and just do all the things that make you happy.” — Jackie Mungo [0:21:57]   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jackie Mungo on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-mungo-founder-director-218837209] The Healing Institute Global Network [https://thehealinginstitute.org/] The Healing Institute Global Network | Past Events [https://thehealinginstitute.org/past-events] Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwendolyn-mitchell-she-her-5179431/] MOYO Institute, Inc [https://www.moyoinstitute.org/] Love Letters 2 Our Bodies is sponsored by Moyo Institute, Inc and the Lloyd Symington Foundation Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwendolyn-mitchell-she-her-5179431/] MOYO Institute, Inc [https://www.moyoinstitute.org/] instagram.com/moyoinstitute [https://www.instagram.com/moyoinstitute/]

Let The Heart Do Its Work

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2398360/fan_mail/new] Many of the struggles we carry as adults have roots in the experiences that shaped us as children. In this episode of the Love Letters to Our Bodies podcast, Gwendolyn Mitchell welcomes psychologist, author, and spiritual teacher Dr. Brenda Wade for a deeply personal conversation about healing the lasting impact of trauma and reclaiming a sense of wholeness. An internationally recognized speaker and executive trainer, Dr. Wade combines science, psychology, and personal evolution in her approach to healing and well-being. Reflecting on her own upbringing and decades of work supporting others, Dr. Wade shares insights into the connection between emotional pain, physical health, and spiritual well-being. She and Gwendolyn discuss the effects of harsh parenting, racism, addiction, and intergenerational trauma, while also exploring the role of community and compassionate relationships in the healing process. From learning to regulate the nervous system to developing a more loving relationship with ourselves, this conversation offers powerful reminders that healing is possible at any stage of life. Listen in for an honest conversation about healing old wounds and building a more compassionate relationship with yourself. Key Points From This Episode: •    Introducing licensed psychologist, author, and spiritual teacher Dr. Brenda Wade. •    The childhood experiences that shaped her life's work in healing and psychology. •    How trauma, racism, and family history can affect future generations. •    The lasting impact of harsh parenting on emotional and nervous system health. •    What Dr. Wade learned from reconnecting with Africa and her ancestral roots. •    Why remembering and sharing our stories is part of the healing process. •    Addiction as an attempt to numb pain and the importance of recovery support. •    How unhealed trauma, racism, and stress continue to affect communities today. •    A simple heart-centered practice for finding calm, connection, and support. •    Finding the people who help us heal and see our potential. •    Breaking cycles of harm and creating healthier futures for the next generation. •    The powerful connection between relationship health and physical well-being. •    Learning to embrace your worth and cultivate self-love.   Quotes: “When you have that trauma, first in the family, the grandparents, my parents, there's no way not to feel it. And what it does over time is it creates chronic anxiety. Chronic anxiety turns into chronic depression.” — @drbrendawade [https://x.com/drbrendawade] [0:06:27] “I'm telling my story, because if we don't tell it, we can't heal. It stays inside us, and it's suppressed.” — @drbrendawade [https://x.com/drbrendawade][0:13:36] “I love the 12-step programs, because it's about spiritual wholeness.” — @drbrendawade [https://x.com/drbrendawade] [0:17:21] “We are not stuck with any patterns if we make the choice to address the pattern.” — @drbrendawade [https://x.com/drbrendawade] [0:23:17] “If you have children, you have to do that work. You have to do your work, so you don't harm them and make the next generation suffer.” — @drbrendawade [https://x.com/drbrendawade] [0:28:29] “Just tap your sternum. Let that heart do its work. The heart is a healer if we allow it to do the healing.” — @drbrendawade [https://x.com/drbrendawade] [0:37:21] “We all have possibilities; we all have ways that we can let our light shine.” — @drbrendawade [https://x.com/drbrendawade] [0:44:35]   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Brenda Wade [https://www.drbrendawade.com/about/] Dr. Brenda Wade on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendawade/] Dr. Brenda Wade on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@dr.brendawade1151] Dr. Brenda Wade on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dr.brendawade/] Dr. Brenda Wade on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ModernLoveTraining/] Dr. Brenda Wade on X [https://x.com/drbrendawade] Modern Love & Relationship Training [https://www.drbrendawade.com/] Love Letters 2 Our Bodies is sponsored by Moyo Institute, Inc and the Lloyd Symington Foundation Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwendolyn-mitchell-she-her-5179431/] MOYO Institute, Inc [https://www.moyoinstitute.org/] instagram.com/moyoinstitute [https://www.instagram.com/moyoinstitute/]

Love Letters to Our Bodies: Season Four

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2398360/fan_mail/new] [00:00:00] Hello fam The DNA of the Love Letters to Our Bodies podcast is made up of heart-centered and heartfelt conversations on health, healing, and happiness by, for, and about Black women. As we enter Season 4, I want to thank you all for listening, for sharing with friends and your family members, and ask you to follow us and send us your feedback. What do you want to hear about? What's important to you? If you know of a sister who would make a great guest, let us know. We're slowly building an archive of sisters making important and meaningful [00:01:00] contributions to the lives of others, and there are so, so many unsung sheroes. Help us to put their voices on the map. We'll start Season 4 with a conversation with Dr. Brenda Wade on Healing Childhood Trauma. We'll speak with Jackie Mungo regarding her personal journey that led her to establish the Healing Institute Global Network. We'll be having a conversation with Michelle Mosley and Marion Harris, both of UCSF about the Cancer Education and Community Engagement Program at UCSF. And you'll enjoy a conversation that we'll have with ChyTea of the [00:02:00] Wellness Tribe about Kemetic yoga. We'll be speaking with a young sister by the name of Roshonda Parker of Royal Touch Wellness about massage and healing. And we'll speak with Courtney Watson of Doorway Therapeutics about psychedelic-assisted therapy… and much, much more. In fact, we may even broadcast live from the Love Letters to Our Bodies: Day of Renewal Wellness Summit on Friday, July 17th in Oakland. Our partners for that event are Charlotte Maxwell Clinic, Black Ladies Advocating for Cancer Care, and East Bay Healing House. And our sponsors are the Lloyd Symington Foundation, the Red Oak Opportunity Foundation, and Kaiser Permanente. So, we have quite a [00:03:00] bit of very interesting, information to share with you, beautiful conversations to share with you, and we invite you to join us for Season 4. Remember, this is Love Letters to Our Bodies A podcast of conversations on health, healing, and happiness by, for, and about Black women. We look forward to having you with us for Season 4. Thank you Love Letters 2 Our Bodies is sponsored by Moyo Institute, Inc and the Lloyd Symington Foundation Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwendolyn-mitchell-she-her-5179431/] MOYO Institute, Inc [https://www.moyoinstitute.org/] instagram.com/moyoinstitute [https://www.instagram.com/moyoinstitute/]

The Subtle Power of Healing Touch

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2398360/fan_mail/new] Healing often begins in the moments when someone feels safe, supported, and truly cared for. In this episode of the Love Letters 2 Our Bodies podcast, Gwendolyn Mitchell is joined by Maggie Burgett, a certified Healing Touch practitioner and longtime volunteer supporting people in cancer treatment. She is also trained as a Compassion Ambassador through the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE). Drawing on years of experience volunteering at Stanford Hospital and serving on the board of Charlotte Maxwell Clinic, Maggie shares how energy-based practices can help people reconnect with their bodies and move through illness with greater calm and compassion. Together, they explore what Healing Touch is, how it works with the body’s energetic system, and why practices like Reiki, mindfulness, and Tai Chi can play an important role alongside traditional medical care. The conversation also touches on trauma stored in the body, the importance of intentional listening, compassionate presence, and why healing often begins by slowing down enough to truly pay attention to ourselves. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about energy healing, compassion, and what it means to care for the whole person. Key Points From This Episode: •    Introducing Healing Touch practitioner Maggie Burgett and her journey into energy healing. •    The origins of Stanford’s Healing Partners supportive care program. •    What Healing Touch is and how it works alongside traditional medical care. •    Exploring the similarities between Healing Touch and Reiki. •    How Healing Touch works with the body’s energetic system to support healing. •    The connection between trauma, blocked energy, and physical symptoms. •    Research on Healing Touch benefits, including its role in reducing anxiety and pain. •    What Maggie witnesses in clients during and after healing sessions. •    How Tai Chi, mindfulness, and self-compassion support healing work. •    Charlotte Maxwell Clinic’s commitment to accessible integrative cancer care. •    Reflections on the Love Letters to Our Bodies workshops. •    How compassion training deepened Maggie’s healing and listening practices. •    Maggie’s heartfelt love letter to her own body. Quotes: “In basic terms, healing touch is a relaxing, nurturing energy therapy. It uses gentle touch to assist in balancing the client's physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.” — Maggie Burgett [0:10:47] “Healing touch works with your energy field to support your natural ability to heal. It's safe for all ages and works in harmony with standard medical care.” — Maggie Burgett [0:11:17] “The body is a beautiful machine, and if we get out of the way and let it do what it knows how to do, then there's a better chance that it can heal itself.” — Maggie Burgett [0:22:21] “Healing touch sessions provide healing for the practitioner, as well.” — Maggie Burgett [0:29:39] “Everybody should have access to integrative care because it complements standard medical care and is part of the whole healing of the body.” — Maggie Burgett [0:34:38] “Thank you, dear body, for your strength and resilience, for making me pay attention to you, and setting me straight when I wander.” — Maggie Burgett [0:42:30] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Maggie Burgett [https://charlottemaxwell.org/member/maggie-burgett/] Maggie Burgett on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-burgett-194a901/] Healing Beyond Borders [https://www.healingbeyondborders.org/] San Francisco Bay Area Healing Touch Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1094976208471748/] Stanford Medicine: Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) [https://ccare.stanford.edu/] Charlotte Maxwell Clinic: Integrative Cancer Care [https://charlottemaxwell.org/] Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwendolyn-mitchell-she-her-5179431/] Love Letters 2 Our Bodies is sponsored by Moyo Institute, Inc and the Lloyd Symington Foundation Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwendolyn-mitchell-she-her-5179431/] MOYO Institute, Inc [https://www.moyoinstitute.org/] instagram.com/moyoinstitute [https://www.instagram.com/moyoinstitute/]