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In this powerful episode, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Patricia Barbee (Patty), Executive Director of Project Bridging and educator, for an honest conversation about navigating life's transitions.

From morning routines to major life changes, Patty shares her wisdom on helping youth and adults alike move through difficult transitions with grace and intention. They discuss the importance of mentorship, positive reinforcement, love languages, and why sometimes you just need to "be positive or be quiet."

KEY TOPICS:
• Understanding transition in childhood and adulthood
• The power of mentorship and community
• Love languages beyond romantic relationships
• Positive consequences and reinforcement
• Getting out of your own way
• Why asking questions matters
• Building routines that support growth

ABOUT THE GUEST:
Patricia Adrienne Barbee is an educator and the Executive Director of Project Bridging, a program focused on middle school students during their critical transition years. With over 20 years in early childhood education, Patty is passionate about advocating for children and helping them navigate life's changes.

MEMORABLE QUOTES:
"Be positive or be quiet."
"If you care, you will learn."
"Give yourself time to adjust to things."
"You're worth it. Get you some help and get you some people who love you."

RESOURCES:
Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/coreydionlewis
Newsletter: www.healthyprojectmedia.com

Coffee Can't Fix Everything is a mental health podcast that breaks stigma through authentic conversation. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to a mental health professional.

CHAPTER MARKERS:
00:00 - Introduction & Welcome
00:09 - Meet Patricia Barbee: Educator & Advocate
01:39 - The Shoe Game & Personal Style
02:34 - Corey's Journey: Turning 42 & Transitions
03:30 - What Makes Transition So Hard?
04:40 - Learning from Early Childhood: Daily Transitions
05:55 - The Role of Mentorship in Transition
06:36 - Middle School: The Lost Land
08:00 - Love Languages & How We Receive Care
09:45 - Asking the Right Questions
11:27 - "Be Positive or Be Quiet"
12:41 - Fighting Through the Quicksand
14:53 - From Wasting Time to Investing in Yourself
16:41 - It's Okay to Say "This Isn't For Me"
18:04 - Consequences: Positive & Negative
19:52 - Believing in Yourself More Than Outside Voices
20:52 - Patty's Personal Transitions: Loss & Healing
22:00 - The Power of Positive Reinforcement
23:03 - Every Day is a Fresh Start
25:42 - Morning Routines & Self-Care
27:38 - Building Your Village
29:04 - Learning to Be Yourself
30:47 - Not a Morning Person: Embracing Your Process
32:26 - Final Advice: Give Yourself Time
34:11 - Closing Thoughts: You're Worth It

Mental health resources

• https://www.iowahealthieststate.com/back-the-black
• Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
  https://988lifeline.org
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (education and support)
  https://www.nami.org
• Mental Health America screening tools and resources
  https://www.mhanational.org
• Therapy for Black Men directory
  https://therapyforblackmen.org
• Find a therapist near you
  https://www.psychologytoday.com

In this episode, I’m joined by Emili Johnson, creator of the Black Girl Iowa podcast. Emili shares how starting a podcast became a powerful act of self-love and resistance. We talk about finding your voice when you’ve spent years feeling invisible, navigating mental health as a Black woman in Iowa, and the unexpected burnout that comes with podcasting solo.

Emili opens up about her journey with anxiety, depression, and PMDD—and how therapy, journaling, and storytelling helped her reclaim her peace. If you’ve ever questioned your voice, felt unseen, or wondered if your story matters, this episode is for you.

Topics covered:
• Mental health and healing
• Podcasting without a team
• DEI rollbacks in Iowa
• Black women’s voices and validation
• Journaling as self-care
• Building creative confidence

👉 Stay connected and find mental health resources in the show notes.

If You Need Immediate Support
Text or Call: In the U.S., you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Online Support: Many organizations offer chat support, such as the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741).

Support the show - https://buymeacoffee.com/coreydionlewis

Steven Lewis joins the show to talk pressure, identity, and mental health as a creative. From routines to social media stress, we unpack how to stay grounded while building your brand.

Mental Health Resources:

• Therapy for Black Men: https://therapyforblackmen.org
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): https://nami.org
• Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
• The Steve Fund (Supporting the mental health of young people of color): https://www.stevefund.org
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 or visit https://www.crisistextline.org

Stay connected with host Corey Dion Lewis:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreydlewis/
https://www.instagram.com/coreydionlewis/
https://www.tiktok.com/@coreydionlewis

Connect with the guest
https://www.instagram.com/sight_lives/
https://www.instagram.com/sightseyephotography/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw7f8lKeJMxW9mjvhyczTZA

📬 Join the Mental Health Coffee Club newsletter for real conversations, resources, and weekly check-ins: www.healthyproject.co