Embracing the Fight is a podcast that was designed to normalize the conversation surrounding physical and mental health. I, Erica Lamar, share my journey as I fight thyroid cancer. I pray that my story gives you hope and the strength to fight. By His stripes, we are healed. You have to speak it, as words have power. Manifest your healing. Don't worry about being judged. Just because a disease may add a label, it does not define who or Whose you are. Won't you Embrace the Fight With me?
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The Neurological Disorder Podcast is a podcast created by Mridula Bharathi, a young changemaker and advocate for neurological disorders. In this podcast, she interviews people who are affected by neurological diseases, and they share their incredible stories as a fighter of the disorder. She also talk with doctors and surgeons who are experts on these disorders, researchers who are working to find cures for them, and more! Through this podcast, she hopes to spread awareness for these neurolo ...
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**🎙️ Walking in Your Purpose | Embracing the Fight** In this powerful and personal episode, Erica opens up with an update on her thyroid journey—a path that began in 2022 and is now shifting direction in 2025. She shares candid reflections on how her health challenges have shaped her spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Then, Erica dives into …
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🎧 Embracing the Fight | Episode 130: This Woman’s Work ft. Malaika Bagoudou 💫 In this powerful episode of Embracing the Fight, Erica sits down with Malaika Bagoudou—Certified Integrative Health Practitioner, Menopause Wellness Coach, Nutrition Consultant, Herbalist, and founder of L’es Graines de Vie—to shed light on a topic too often overlooked: m…
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🎙️ Embracing the Fight – Episode 128: Her Fight 🎙️ Guest: Yulia Korotkova | Real Estate Agent, The Mercer Group – Keller Williams In this powerful episode, Erica Lamar sits down with Yulia Korotkova—a fearless real estate professional and breast cancer warrior—for an inspiring and candid conversation about her personal battle with Ductal Carcinoma,…
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Welcome back to *Embracing the Fight*! In this powerful episode, **"Healing is not Weakness,"** we dive deep into why taking time to heal—mentally, physically, and emotionally—is *never* a sign of weakness. So often, we rush ourselves to "get back to normal" because of how others may perceive us during our healing journey. But here's the truth: **H…
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In this episode, Erica reconnects with an old friend, Leviticus—someone she met over 20 years ago in Mobile, AL. Now, he's walking in his purpose: creating safe spaces for young men to ask questions, seek guidance, and feel seen. Raised by his grandparents of the silent generation, Leviticus often found himself searching for understanding, mentorsh…
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In this powerful and transparent episode, Erica opens up like never before—sharing her personal journey of starting over after 22 years in the mining and minerals industry. Why walk away now? Because purpose is calling. She dives deep into what it means to feel stuck, to grieve—not just the loss of loved ones, but also the loss of jobs, identity, a…
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In this episode, we dive into the powerful connection between music and your mood. Did you know that the type of music you listen to can shape your emotional and physical well-being? Whether you're pushing through a tough workout or navigating a tough season in life, music can either weigh you down or lift you up. Upbeat music during exercise doesn…
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In this powerful episode, Erica Lamar delivers a bold reminder: you don’t have to be perfect to pursue your purpose. Whether you’re launching a business, starting a podcast, or simply trying to make your voice heard — you just have to keep showing up. 💥 Stop waiting for the “perfect moment.” 💥 Stop hiding because your hair isn’t done or your plan i…
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Perimenopause and Midlife Eating Disorders
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24:44Welcome to Episode 121 of Embracing the Fight! This week, we’re diving deep into a topic that many women silently struggle with—perimenopause and its unexpected companion: midlife eating disorders. From hot flashes and irregular periods to the emotional and physical rollercoaster caused by hormonal changes, this episode unpacks it all. Although Eri…
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In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of Embracing the Fight, Erica Lamar dives deep into the moment "When Reality Sets In" —and how it shows up in the most personal areas of our lives. With her signature honesty and heart, she explores the raw truths behind: ✨ Aging – The physical, mental, and emotional changes we face, and how they shape…
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In this heartfelt episode, digital creator and host Erica Lamar reflects on the power of self-reliance—not in isolation, but in alignment with God’s divine purpose for our lives. 💐 She opens the episode with a touching tribute to mothers in honor of Mother’s Day, acknowledging their strength, guidance, and resilience. From there, Erica dives into a…
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In this deeply personal episode, Erica opens up candidly and transparently. "Self Inflicted" dives into the raw truth behind her failed marriage, the impact of her own decisions, and the growth that comes from owning your story. This episode isn’t about blame—it’s about accountability. Erica shares candid reflections on what she thought she wanted,…
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You are the counselor. A degreed, highly experienced, and effective mental health counselor. You help people to navigate difficult times in their lives. You are married for 10 years, have a beautiful daughter, and all is well. Then, one day the trust is broken. You experience separation that eventually ends in divorce. As you begin to navigate this…
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You are now married. You've had discussions about having another child with your husband. Your doctors tell you the possibility is slim due to your age and the presence of diabetes. But, this becomes the least of your worries. During a checkup, it is found that you have endometrial cancer. But, at 39/40 years of age, Sayuri Cattouse-Joseph defies t…
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You were fearfully and wonderfully made. You have special talents and strengths manifested in you since birth. You walk in favor and light. But, you find yourself dimming your light so others can feel comfortable. Or you hold in things to protect or preserve others feelings. All the while, you are not living to your true potential. You are literall…
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Imagine thinking that you have a cold. But, you take medication and the symptoms only get worse. You find yourself in the ICU and you are having trouble breathing. The symptoms eventually ease, but they return with what appears to be no rhyme or reason. Little did you know, that the medicine you were administered could have been the catalyst for th…
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With inflation on the rise, tariff wars, economic downturn, and an increase in unemployment, there is cause for concern. Especially those who are experiencing being unemployed and uninsured at the same time. With so much uncertainty, there is no specific place or agency you can turn to for help. Social Security is changing. Everything is different.…
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24. Here's an Ally: ParkingNSites ft. Jawanza Lamar
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31:11Send us a text This week's episode is with Jawanza Lamar, the founder of ParkingNSites, an organization dedicated to breaking down parking barriers and improving accessibility for mobility-challenged individuals. After experiencing a life-changing accident, Jawanza saw firsthand the struggles people with mobility challenges face—especially when it …
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Episode 111: Want to be Sugar Freed? Let Christine Trimpe Show You How!
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30:45In this inspiring episode of Embracing the Fight, Erica Lamar sits down with Christine Trimpe, a life coach and passionate advocate for healthy weight loss. Christine has an incredible story of transformation, having lost 100 pounds and kept it off for good. Her journey wasn't just about shedding weight—it was about rebuilding her mindset, embracin…
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You are at a point where you feel that your world is affected negatively by external factors. What appeared to be good for you, underneath the surface was not. So much so, you penned a book sharing a candid view of your story. For years, people have told you that you have a gift of prose. You write with transparency, honesty, and experience that al…
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You are gifted. So much so, that when you walk, you stand out and it is noticeable. You thrive in creativity. Your contribuition to beauty and artistry is also manifested in your children. However, you had to make a choice between what you loved and helping to sustain your family. Now that your children are virtually grown, the world looks differen…
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You are a good person. You trust and believe in God. But, a time has come where your faith is being tested. Your mother is diagnosed with cancer. You drop everything to tend to her and your family. However, she loses the battle very quickly. COVID is now on the rise and people who have issues are not being seen due to the pandemic. You put off your…
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23. Here's an Ally: Dravet Syndrome Foundation ft. Mary Anne Meskis
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21:48Send us a text This week's episode is with Mary Anne Meskis, a founding member and the Executive Director of the Dravet Syndrome Foundation (DSF)—a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, and funding research for Dravet syndrome. Dravet syndrome is a rare and severe form of epilepsy that begins in early childhood, typically cau…
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You have been the anchor in your family. Everytime something is going on, you are the one who puts out the fire. The world sits on your shoulders. The kids, spouse, neighbors, coworkers, and friends all need you for something, if not everything. You are there for them. But you look up and notice that they are not there for you in that same or great…
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Episode 106: Nutrition and Physical Activity
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22:01Imagine exercising seeing minimal results. Then, stop exercising and focus on your nutrition. You see more results, right? What happens if you put them together? What happens when you are inconsistent? There is a balance between nutrition and physical activity that impacts you both physically and mentally. Consistency is required in the mix. How do…
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High accolades. Excellent job perfomance. Bonus after bonus. You have been in your profession for 20+ years. You are the person that everyone comes to for advice and answers. Then the company goes through a merger and your position is eliminated. What do you do? You immediately think about downsizing and packing. You have to decide what to do and w…
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Episode 103: Learning to Be OK with Being OK
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48:40In life, we experience many obstacles. We learn to build a wall and think of ways to protect ourselves. Whether it is physical or mental, we all need space to breathe and reset. But, if all your life there was no space for this, what did you learn to do? Adversity and pain became your normal. In this episode, our guest, Alise Jones gives a very can…
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22. Here's an Ally: National Brain Tumor Society ft. Tom Halkin
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1:01:27Send us a text This week's episode is with Tom Halkin, the Director of Public Affairs at the National Brain Tumor Society—the largest patient advocacy organization in the United States dedicated to curing brain tumors and supporting patients and their families. In our conversation, Tom sheds light on the harsh reality that, while survival rates for…
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You have a picture perfect family. Husband, two kids, and a grandchild. Your oldest son decides to fight for his country. Your greatest fear is that he will return injured, changed, or not at all. Then, he makes it back home. He is now a veteran. He has served his country and decides to dable in entrepreneurship. He is an upstanding citizen and you…
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Do you want to be great? Can you lay your thoughts and feelings to the side? Can you limit the noise in your mind and heart to hear what God has for you? Are you realistically looking at what you have and setting yourself up for what you could have by leveraging that? This episode is a vulnerable look into Erica's current situation. Sure, she may n…
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Episode 100: Reflections and New Beginnings
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35:30Happy New Year! It is officially the first day of 2025. All of the things that happened in 2024, good or bad, are now history. Will you learn from the history and build or continue to make the same mistakes? When you feel pain, it is what lets you know to avoid going that way. Grief lets you know that you are capable of truly loving someone with yo…
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This episode is about Family. As it is Christmas Day and my family is here to celebrate, I just wanted to see them shortly in action. I have been up since 5 am preparing and cooking dinner. So I wanted to make sure that I came on to tell you all to have a Merry Christmas. Don't spend it alone! Share the joy and the REASON for the season. We are cel…
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Episode 98: Be the Next Natural Weight Loss Transformation
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29:52Weight Loss transformation is a a race for the consistent. It is a marathon. The belief that it can be done is the most important part of the transformation. But, where do you start? Do you need the gym? Are accountability partners enough? How do others do it? Weight loss can be achieved by doing a combination of these things or consistency in just…
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Embracing the Fight was designed to help normalize the conversations surrounding physical and mental health issues and concerns. Episode 97: Today's Choices is speaking directly to young adults starting out - after high school. This group of people will be experiencing stress for the first time in some form or fashion. But, before they do, I want t…
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21. Here's a Warrior: Multiple Sclerosis & Type 1 Narcolepsy ft. Nicole Kenyon
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47:11Send us a text This week's episode is with Nicole Kenyon, head of the National MS Society Community Council in Tampa and a passionate fitness enthusiast. Living with Multiple Sclerosis and Type 1 Narcolepsy, she is committed to empowering others through legislative advocacy, fundraising, and fitness and community initiatives. In our conversation, N…
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Each year, thousands of children are displaced in the foster care system. The ones who are taken into a family are considered lucky if they receive a loving family. Also, people divorce and the kids can sometimes get separated. They may even be joined with a new family - like the Brady Bunch. Or a new child could be born into a blended family. No m…
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It is the holiday season. People are gathering around tables around the world to celebrate Thanksgiving. Some are not celebrating due to the premise of the holiday and the impact it has had on their culture. For those who do celebrate being thankful and not the demise of a culture, this message is for you. It appears to be customary to go around th…
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When you are the one who is doing all the heavy lifting, soon you will find yourself alone. Alone to clean up, complete the work, mend the heartbreak, provide funding, or help protect selflessly. You are the strong one. Being strong doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't ask for help. This episode is designed to help others who are requesting so much …
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On Sunday, November 10, 2024, in the wee hours of the morning, my beautiful Aunt Diane's soul took flight. She no longer has to feel the pain and sufferings of this world. She is healed. She is with the Father. Though her life appeared to be full of pain as of late, I must share that she never complained. She always lived life not worrying or speak…
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Why does how a person feel about themselves projected into their decisions? Healing and self love need to occur before the wrong choices are made. If you are in a place where you cannot see anything other than self hate, extract yourself from there. Hate only begets hate. The greatest gift you can give yourself is one of self love. If you look in t…
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When you are at the end of your rope and decide to pull the trigger, take the pills, jump off the cliff, drive into the river, and end it all - know that you have options. I encourage you to continue to live to watch what God can do to change things. People who have attempted suicide are able to express what got them to the point of no return. This…
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Episode 90: General Health Discussion & Updates
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22:38Do you know someone who is currently on Medicare? Did they receive their Annual Notice of Changes (at the end of September?) This episode provides insight on where you can find information concerning your ANOC. There are some major changes coming in January 2025 and you must be aware of what to expect if you receive Medicare. Also, in the Episode, …
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Imagine being young and athletic and using that as an avenue to overcome child hood trauma. You have perfected a sport that brings people together. A family bond is formed with the people you've met through the game of tennis. However, after many years of playing, the wear and tear wreaks havoc on your body. But, you eat right, you exercise, you st…
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20. Here's a Warrior: Traumatic Brain Injury ft. Erica Renee Walker
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22:37Send us a text This week's episode is with Erica Renee Walker, a TBI survivor and coach who is dedicated to raising awareness and helping others navigate life with brain injuries. In this episode, Erica opens up about her experience with traumatic brain injury (TBI), discussing how she sustained her injury, the hidden symptoms she manages, and how …
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You are beautiful. Intelligence is the epitome of your being. You love STEM related fields, subjects, and education. You master them all. But imagine being a young woman, starting out underpaid in these industries. Then place her in one of the most affluent areas to live. We sometimes do things for survival and bear the cost of living behind the ma…
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You are beautiful. Intelligence is the epitome of your being. You love STEM related fields, subjects, and education. You master them all. But imagine being a young woman, starting out underpaid in these industries. Then place her in one of the most affluent areas to live. We sometimes do things for survival and bear the cost of living behind the ma…
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Imagine having pneumonia and not getting it treated right away. You start to feel fatigued, low energy, and listless. Then imagine waking up in a hospital bed and people peering down at you. They are asking you questions, but you vaguely remember them asking if you knew you had a stroke. You are told you were life flighted because you were in criti…
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Episode 86: From the Rooter to the Tooter
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48:52Imagine walking around feeling like a shell of your former self. You’re tired, listless, extremely fatigued. You have changed to healthier lifestyle, but the symptoms worsen. You find yourself awake for 48 hours and no relief. So, you now have no choice but to go to the doctor. Then, you get a call that tells you that it is an emergency and you mus…
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In this episode of Embracing the Fight, Erica dives into the conversation concerning weight loss. There are so many quick fixes to these issues that people are migrating toward that, rather than healing the source of the problem. The center of your health lies in your gut. This is where you have to start to heal in order to correct the issues and d…
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