DJ Donya Shares How Depression, Sobriety, and Faith Completely Changed Her Life | Tray of Truths #43

DJ Donya Shares How Depression, Sobriety, and Faith Completely Changed Her Life | Tray of Truths #43

In this powerful episode of Tray of Truths, Tray sits down with DJ, entrepreneur, yoga instructor, and creative Donya for an honest conversation about the realities behind success. Donya shares her journey through depression, grief, sobriety, motherhood, and rediscovering her relationship with God after recently being baptized. Together, Tray and Donya discuss healing, mental health, identity, purpose, vulnerability, community, and the daily decisions that lead to lasting transformation. This episode is a reminder that healing isn't about perfection—it's about continuing to move forward even through life's gray seasons. If you're searching for hope, purpose, or encouragement, this conversation will remind you that your greatest testimony often comes after your greatest struggle. Topics Covered: Mental Health • Depression • Sobriety • Faith • Christianity • Baptism • Motherhood • Entrepreneurship • Yoga • Music • Personal Growth • Purpose • Healing • Community --------------------------------------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction & Meeting Donya 03:12 - Feeling "Gray" Despite Life's Blessings 08:46 - Mental Health, Self-Care & Building Healthy Habits 15:24 - Learning Mental Strength Through Life's Challenges 20:48 - Donya's Sobriety Journey & Finding Yoga 28:17 - Tray Shares His Battle With Depression 37:08 - From DUI to Discovering Purpose Through DJing 44:31 - Motherhood, Music & Community 49:26 - Finding Faith Again & Getting Baptized 56:12 - The Biggest Lesson Life Kept Repeating 58:45 - Final Reflections, The Cozy Corner & What's Next 60:00 - Closing Remarks Leave a review here [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442227/fan_mail/new] Follow Tray of Truths Podcast: INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/trayoftruths?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== TWITTER | https://x.com/1realtray?s=21 TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@1realtray?_t=ZT-8yF4tmKCZ3e&_r=1 FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/share/16NLuKUrxb/?mibextid=wwXIfr SPOTIFY | https://open.spotify.com/show/5bDb2kPVu7sIzaqTb4tOJz APPLE PODCAST | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tray-of-truths/id1794656555 Join the Lounge Family (Free Guides, Merch, & More): Website | www.trayoftruths.com Extras | https://linktr.ee/TrayofTruths

Breshauna Riley on Becoming a Mom at 15, Building a Business & Beating the Odds | Tray of Truths #42

Breshauna Riley joins Tray of Truths for an inspiring conversation about resilience, entrepreneurship, motherhood, faith, and building a business from the ground up. After becoming a mother at just 15 years old, Breshauna refused to let her circumstances define her future. Instead, she graduated with honors, discovered her passion for cooking, launched The Famous Spot, and continues to pursue her dream of owning multiple restaurants while attending UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management, where she is majoring in Lodging and Restaurant Management. Throughout this episode, Breshauna opens up about overcoming adversity, balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, navigating setbacks after a serious car accident, learning patience through business, protecting her peace, trusting God's timing, and why energy matters in every area of life. If you've ever wanted to start a business, chase your dreams despite difficult circumstances, or need motivation to keep going through life's challenges, this conversation is for you. This episode explores entrepreneurship, hospitality management, restaurant ownership, personal growth, faith, resilience, leadership, motherhood, mental health, discipline, networking, business strategy, and what it truly takes to build something meaningful from nothing. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, hospitality student, small business owner, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode will challenge you to stop comparing your journey and start believing in your own. Subscribe for more authentic conversations that inspire growth, purpose, and truth. ------------------------------------------------------ 00:00 Introduction & Meet Breshauna Riley 02:45 Mental health check-in and recovering from a car accident 06:05 Becoming a mother at 15 and how it shaped her life 10:45 How cooking became her escape and passion 15:18 Launching The Famous Spot and early business challenges 20:10 Culinary school vs. self-taught cooking 24:30 Why she chose entrepreneurship over working for someone else 29:05 Her vision for multiple restaurants and food trucks 33:12 Pricing, customer expectations, and knowing your worth 37:10 Handling criticism, protecting your energy, and social media 40:35 Cooking with love and why passion matters 43:45 Balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and personal growth 47:20 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and food business owners 50:10 The importance of genuine friendships and support systems 52:45 Life lessons, faith, energy, and protecting your peace 54:15 Final questions, future goals, and where to find Breshauna Leave a review here [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442227/fan_mail/new] Follow Tray of Truths Podcast: INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/trayoftruths?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== TWITTER | https://x.com/1realtray?s=21 TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@1realtray?_t=ZT-8yF4tmKCZ3e&_r=1 FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/share/16NLuKUrxb/?mibextid=wwXIfr SPOTIFY | https://open.spotify.com/show/5bDb2kPVu7sIzaqTb4tOJz APPLE PODCAST | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tray-of-truths/id1794656555 Join the Lounge Family (Free Guides, Merch, & More): Website | www.trayoftruths.com Extras | https://linktr.ee/TrayofTruths

Isaiah Jones Gets Candid About D1 Basketball, Injuries, Faith & Finding Purpose | Tray of Truths #41

Former Division I basketball player Isaiah Jones joins the Tray of Truths Podcast to discuss his journey through college basketball, overcoming adversity, navigating injuries, protecting his mental health, and building his clothing brand, Star Worthy. Isaiah shares powerful insights about leadership, faith, entrepreneurship, resilience, and why success is about much more than statistics. This conversation is for athletes, entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone determined to build something bigger than themselves. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 00:00 Introduction & Welcome Back 02:15 Meeting Isaiah Jones & First Impressions 04:45 Mental Health After Stepping Away From Basketball 09:10 Transferring Between Division I Programs 14:40 Adapting to New Teams & New Coaches 19:30 Why Winning Is Bigger Than Individual Stats 24:05 Advice for High School & College Athletes 28:10 Overcoming Injury & Finding Purpose Beyond Basketball 34:15 Faith, Growth & Building Strong Relationships 39:05 Starting the Star Worthy Clothing Brand 44:20 Fashion, Creativity & Entrepreneurship 49:10 The Meaning Behind "Star Worthy" 52:15 Final Advice, Socials & Closing Thoughts Leave a review here [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442227/fan_mail/new] Follow Tray of Truths Podcast: INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/trayoftruths?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== TWITTER | https://x.com/1realtray?s=21 TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@1realtray?_t=ZT-8yF4tmKCZ3e&_r=1 FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/share/16NLuKUrxb/?mibextid=wwXIfr SPOTIFY | https://open.spotify.com/show/5bDb2kPVu7sIzaqTb4tOJz APPLE PODCAST | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tray-of-truths/id1794656555 Join the Lounge Family (Free Guides, Merch, & More): Website | www.trayoftruths.com Extras | https://linktr.ee/TrayofTruths

DJ Dollaz Talks Grief, Music Therapy, Club Culture & The Truth About People | Tray of Truths #40

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Tray of Truths, DJ Dollaz opens up like never before. From navigating the loss of both parents to finding healing through music, this conversation goes far beyond the DJ booth. Dollaz shares how grief shaped his mindset, how music became his therapy, and what it really takes to keep going when life gets dark. He speaks on building his career from Connecticut to Atlanta and Florida, the importance of relationships, and why staying genuine is key in both life and business. This episode also dives into the realities of the nightlife scene, the evolution of club culture, and the mindset required to survive and grow in today’s world. With raw honesty, DJ Dollaz breaks down loyalty, self-reliance, time management, and the importance of doing right by people. If you are an artist, entrepreneur, or anyone going through life transitions, this episode will challenge your perspective and remind you to stay grounded, stay real, and keep going. --------------------------------------------------------------- 0:00 – Introduction & Meeting DJ Dollaz 2:10 – Mental Health Check & Coping With Dark Times 4:30 – Losing Both Parents & Life After Loss 7:15 – How Music Became Therapy 9:30 – Background: From New York to Connecticut to Atlanta 12:00 – Life Without His Mom as Manager 14:10 – Importance of Relationships & “Face Card” 17:00 – Goals: Real Estate & Building Wealth 19:00 – How DJing Started (Influence From His Father) 22:00 – Music as Motivation & Emotional Connection 24:30 – “Nobody Got You Like You” Mentality 27:00 – Trust Issues, Circle & Letting People In 30:00 – Moving Smart & Reading People 32:30 – Transitioning to Atlanta & Homesickness 35:00 – Nightlife Culture & Club Scene Evolution 38:00 – Advice for Artists & Entrepreneurs 40:30 – Three Truths: Loyalty, Being Yourself & Doing Right 43:00 – Final Message: Faith, Staying Grounded & Purpose Leave a review here [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442227/fan_mail/new] Follow Tray of Truths Podcast: INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/trayoftruths?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== TWITTER | https://x.com/1realtray?s=21 TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@1realtray?_t=ZT-8yF4tmKCZ3e&_r=1 FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/share/16NLuKUrxb/?mibextid=wwXIfr SPOTIFY | https://open.spotify.com/show/5bDb2kPVu7sIzaqTb4tOJz APPLE PODCAST | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tray-of-truths/id1794656555 Join the Lounge Family (Free Guides, Merch, & More): Website | www.trayoftruths.com Extras | https://linktr.ee/TrayofTruths

Zachary Bell Reveals How to Turn Setbacks Into Purpose, Trusting God & Purpose | Tray of Truths #39

In this powerful episode of Tray of Truths, we sit down with entrepreneur and visionary Zachary Bell, founder of Black Is Arts, to unpack a transformative season of faith, uncertainty, and self-discovery. Zachary opens up about navigating four months without a job, battling self-doubt, and ultimately using that time to strengthen his faith, redefine his purpose, and build something meaningful from the ground up. What many would see as a setback became a pivotal turning point that reshaped his mindset, priorities, and approach to life. This conversation dives deep into the realities of post-college transitions, the pressure of corporate expectations, and the courage it takes to walk away from comfort in pursuit of purpose. Zachary also shares the inspiration behind his “30 for 30” content series, where he documented his journey in real time, highlighting the power of authenticity, consistency, and vulnerability. If you’ve ever questioned your path, struggled with setbacks, or felt stuck between stability and purpose, this episode will challenge your perspective and inspire you to move forward with faith and intention. --------------------------------------------------------------- 00:00 – Introduction to Zachary Bell & Black Is Arts 03:15 – Life Without a Job: Turning Pressure Into Purpose 08:40 – Faith vs Doubt: Trusting God in Uncertain Seasons 14:20 – The Reality of Corporate America After College 20:10 – Rejection, Interviews & Staying Mentally Strong 26:45 – Choosing Purpose Over Comfort & Security 32:30 – The Power of Community & Brotherhood (J5) 38:15 – Learning to Give Yourself Grace 44:00 – The “30 for 30” Journey: Consistency & Vulnerability 50:20 – Documenting vs Creating: A Mindset Shift 55:10 – Why This Season Was Necessary for Growth 59:30 – Saying No to Opportunities That Don’t Align 01:03:45 – What’s Next for Zachary Bell & Black Is Arts 01:07:20 – Three Truths to Live By (Faith, Perspective, Discipline) Leave a review here [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442227/fan_mail/new] Follow Tray of Truths Podcast: INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/trayoftruths?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== TWITTER | https://x.com/1realtray?s=21 TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@1realtray?_t=ZT-8yF4tmKCZ3e&_r=1 FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/share/16NLuKUrxb/?mibextid=wwXIfr SPOTIFY | https://open.spotify.com/show/5bDb2kPVu7sIzaqTb4tOJz APPLE PODCAST | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tray-of-truths/id1794656555 Join the Lounge Family (Free Guides, Merch, & More): Website | www.trayoftruths.com Extras | https://linktr.ee/TrayofTruths