The Community Couch

TCC S1E5 - Breaking the Silence! Child Abuse Awareness in a Troubled Time

Welcome to this episode of The Community Couch, where real life meets real conversations! Ray Castillo and Shacoya Graham are joined by Verónica Santiesteban, for a conversation on child abuse awareness in recognition of April as Child Abuse Awareness Month. They discuss what child abuse is, its impact on mental health and families, and how communities can better recognize, prevent, and respond to it. The conversation also highlights the importance of trauma-informed care and accountability in protecting children and supporting survivors. This episode is a reminder that awareness and action start with all of us. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out: * Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) * National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673) * 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 * Emergency Services (Police / Fire / Medical): 911

TCC S1E4 - Community Leadership and Representation

In this special episode of The Community Couch, where real life meets real conversations, Ray Castillo and Shacoya Graham sit down with their guest, Councilman Juan Diego “JD” Mazuera Arias, Charlotte City Council representative for District 5 and a proud son of East Charlotte. They talk about JD’s journey into public service and the work he is doing to bring East Charlotte’s voice to City Hall and the power of City Hall back to East Charlotte. The conversation explores the importance of Latino representation, civic engagement, and the work still needed to build a stronger and more united community through diversity. They also reflect on generational trauma, the challenges many communities face, and how coming together with purpose can help create a more connected and resilient Charlotte. This isn’t politics as usual. It’s a conversation rooted in community, understanding, and hope.

TCC S1E3 - Mental Health and the Community (Part 2)

Welcome back to The Community Couch, where real life meets real conversations! In this episode, Ray Castillo and Shacoya Graham continue the dialogue on how political tension, financial stress, and social division impact our mental health. Through a therapy-informed lens, they explore survival mode, emotional burnout, and the toll of living in constant uncertainty, while offering reflection and hope for collective healing. This isn’t therapy; it’s a conversation rooted in care and community. You’re not alone on this couch.

TCC S1E2 - Mental Health and the Community (Part1)

Welcome back to The Community Couch, where real life meets real conversations! In this episode, Ray Castillo and Shacoya Graham dive into how today’s political climate, financial pressure, and community division are affecting our mental health. Through a systemic lens, they unpack chronic stress, survival mode, emotional numbness, and the toll of living in a constant state of crisis on our bodies and our relationships. This is a therapy-informed, not therapy, conversation rooted in care, reflection, and community healing. You’re not alone on this couch.

TCC S1E1 - Why We Built This Couch

Join Ray Castillo and Shacoya Graham, two systemic therapists, as they introduce The Community Couch! A warm, honest, and culturally aware space for real conversations about family, love, identity, and healing. In this first episode, they share their personal stories, why they started this podcast together, and what listeners can expect each week: therapy-informed, not a therapy session, with humor, transparency, and heart. Tune in and join the conversation. What topics do you want on the couch?