Can You Hear Me Now?

Self Care vs Self Tendering | Dr. Marcus Folkes and Kevin Overton-Hadtot | Mental Health

In this episode of Can You Hear Me Now?, Lady Madelyn and Vicki Merriwether are joined by Dr. Marcus Folkes and Kevin Overton-Hadnot for a powerful conversation that challenges how we think about self-care. Together, they unpack the difference between self-care as an activity and self-tendering as a way of life. The discussion centers on awareness, intentional focus, and recognizing our own mental capacity—understanding when to pause, when to push, and when to protect our energy. Rather than viewing wellness as an occasional act or checklist item, this episode invites listeners to embrace self-tendering as a lifestyle rooted in honesty, boundaries, and sustainability. Through reflection and real conversation, the group explores how tending to ourselves consistently can lead to healthier relationships, clearer thinking, and long-term emotional well-being. This episode encourages listeners to move beyond quick fixes and toward a deeper, more compassionate relationship with themselves.

Third Spaces, Community & Celebrate Black Austin } Guests Bryan and Jane

In this episode of Can You Hear Me Now?, Lady Madelyn and Vicki Merriwether sit down with Bryan and Jane, the founders of Celebrate Black Austin Tours and Third Spaces, to discuss community, culture, and the importance of preserving Black history in Austin. After relocating to Austin, Bryan and Jane wanted to learn more about the city's Black community but found limited resources and visibility. In response, they created Celebrate Black Austin Tours to intentionally share the rich, often overlooked stories of Black Austin—particularly the history rooted in East Austin, where Black residents historically lived and built thriving communities. The conversation also explores Third Spaces, a curated, community-focused experience designed to bring people together in meaningful ways. With the Black population spread across Austin and surrounding areas, finding places to connect, fellowship, and build relationships can be challenging. Third Spaces creates a welcoming environment—often described as a family-reunion-style gathering—where people can simply show up, be seen, and build community. This episode highlights the power of storytelling, the need for spaces of belonging, and the work being done to restore, preserve, and celebrate Black history and culture in Austin.

Love and Relationships | A Multigenerational Conversation | Relationship Card Game

In this episode of Can You Hear Me Now?, Lady Madelyn and Vicki Merriwether are joined by special guest Dakeyona Jones, a young college graduate, for a thoughtful and engaging conversation about love and healthy relationships across generations. Using an interactive game that posed thought-provoking questions, the group explored how each person would respond to relationship scenarios—revealing both the differences and similarities between generations. From evolving social norms to timeless relationship values, the discussion highlights how love is navigated differently depending on age, experience, and the era we're living in. The episode also dives into building relationships in the digital age, dating and connection at various stages of life, and recognizing the signs of a healthy relationship. At its core, this conversation centers on the foundation of love—communication, respect, boundaries, and self-awareness—no matter where you are on your journey. Honest, reflective, and relatable, this episode invites listeners to examine their own beliefs about love and what it truly means to build healthy connections.

Choices and Consequences | Kiounis Williams and Lady Madelyn | Three Young Kids Share Their Experiences

Episode Title: Chances & Choices In this episode of Can You Hear Me Now?, Lady Madelyn is joined by Kiounis Williams for an honest and eye-opening conversation with three young people about choices and consequences —and how the decisions we make can lead to positive or challenging consequences. Together, they explore real issues youth face every day, including challenges at school, navigating friendships, mental health, and the impact of choices made at home and in the community. Through open dialogue and reflection, the conversation highlights how awareness, accountability, and support can help young people make healthier decisions and feel empowered in their environments. This episode creates space for youth voices to be heard, validated, and guided—offering insight and encouragement for students, parents, educators, and community members working to support the next generation.

Healthy Habits - Kiounis Williams | Black Men's Health Clinic | Lady Madelyn & Vicki Merriwether demonstrate how emotional cards can be leveraged to spark difficult conversations.

Healthy Habits features Kiounis Williams of the Black Men's Health Clinic, offering practical health tips and culturally grounded conversations for the Black community. From mobility and strength—especially for seniors—to healthy eating and preventative care, the show addresses real health challenges while breaking down stigma around screenings and tests among Black men. Informative, encouraging, and community-centered, Healthy Habits empowers listeners to take charge of their wellness—one habit at a time.