Play to Win

Our Foundation: What are bonds built on?

Many of us have probably heard of the term “trauma bond,” but I feel like it’s one of those buzzwords that people overuse. We don’t truly understand the depth of trauma bonds. Being connected to another person because of all the negative experiences you both share is the most exhilarating, yet toxic thing we can do. But what does the alternative even look like? Well, that’s what we’ll be tackling in this episode, and I hope my amazing guests came ready to “Play to Win!” Panelist includes my father, Shawn Artson and Mental Health fairy godmother, @anxiousblackgirlcomics alongside her amazing husband, @brainofbriancomics.

Our Tribe: What keeps us Connected?

For this special 6-month anniversary episode, our panelist is live from NYC where all of us grew up as kids. These are my friends, from school, church, and da block. I wouldn’t be able to win at this game of life without them, so thank you for #StayingDown. Last episode we spoke about staying together in our relationships, and for this special celebration, I came home to talk to my friends about the work that goes into maintaining friendships. Romantic relationships aren't the only connections worth saving...our friendships matter too! Y’all know, as with most of these topics, my track record isn’t the best…I kinda suck at keeping in touch, but these people love me anyway. Since I really appreciate the way they love me and admire how they handle their loved ones, I'm here to learn from them. Panelist includes my good friends, Desirae Owens, Brandon Woods, and Olivia Crosby.

Our Commitment: How do we Maintain our Connection?

They say getting together is easy, but staying connected is hard to do. Today, we’re going to dive into some best practices for keeping our relationships alive. Through good times, or bad, how do we stay together? It’s easy to become complacent, but anything of great value will require upkeep…including our most intimate and personal relationships. Today, we’re gonna dive into the some best practices and postures to maintain peace in our relationship(s). In this new world, a lot of us can easily give up when things get hard, but we want to talk about how we can stay together. Panelist includes my father, Shawn Artson. With special guest, the beautifully-educated wife, skincare enthusiast, and entrepreneur, Erika Nicole! Her beauty brand @silkennco offers a luxurious self-care experience for the everyday person. She’s also the host of Behind the Silk podcast, where conversations around beauty and self care are beyond skin deep.

OUR Physical Pleasures: What are we practicing?

Let’s talk about sex baby, let’s talk about you and me, let’s talk about all the good things & the bad things that can be. Let’s talk about SEX! I love sex, but the reality is that hasn’t always been the case. Yes, physical pleasures feel great with proper consent and safe practices. But, there’s also a lot of trauma tied to people’s sexual experiences. Today, we’re gonna dive into the best and worst parts of our sexual histories in hopes of spreading knowledge and light to anyone who may be struggling with intimacy in their relationship(s). Panelist includes my father, Shawn Artson. With special guest, entrepreneur and father, Thomas Cobbs!

OUR Differences: How do we become one?

As an author, words mean a lot to me. In relationships, I much prefer the word compromise over sacrifice. Why? Because one requires both parties to make adjustments in pursuit of a common goal. Whereas the other usually entails one individual going out of their way to accommodate the other. This episode we uncover some of the easiest and hardest things we had to cut ties with for the betterment of our relationships. Also, how do we compromise in love while still honoring our individual needs in the process? Panelist includes my father, Shawn Artson. With special guests, Licensed Professional Counselor, LaQuinta Milson, and her wife, Web designer and Brand Strategist, Carla Iris.