Share
JADONNA, LIVE!
From Strangers to Neighbors: The Community Program Changing Local Life
Ep. 67
•
In a time when many of us don’t even know our neighbors, one community program is changing how people connect locally.
In this episode, Jadonna and Dr. Elissa Lee of the California Volunteers Neighbor to Neighbor program, explore how a neighborhood-based program is helping strangers become neighbors, encouraging real relationships, and rebuilding a sense of community at the local level. They talk about why community connection matters, what actually helps people show up for each other, and how small programs can make a big difference in neighborhood life.
Topics include:
– Getting to know your neighbors
– Community-building programs
– Neighborhood engagement
– Local connection and belonging
– Why community matters more than ever
Website: https://www.californiavolunteers.ca.gov/neighbor-to-neighbor/
Organizations Referenced throughout the Episode:
Weave: The Social Fabric Project: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/weave-the-social-fabric-initiative/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22337449436&gbraid=0AAAAA-vx0GENCk0kSSylQm3KF_A5Bsc0r&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhaHMBhD2ARIsAPAU_D4YQ56m37DU_AiRPbpvdhavxXZVGQI-ZQIdR_oXLk2aSDK80LdA6akaAnIPEALw_wcB
Sam Pressler Connective Tissue Substack Newsletter: https://connectivetissue.substack.com/
WHO Coalition on Social Connection: https://www.who.int/groups/commission-on-social-connection
Othering and Belonging Institute: https://belonging.berkeley.edu/
More episodes
View all episodes
69. Spring Equinox Reset: Postpartum Life, Job Searching & Personal Reinvention
43:59||Ep. 69One month postpartum and stepping back into real life, Jadonna sits down with returning guest Bailey Sims, LMHC, for a spring equinox conversation about change, growth, and starting over. They talk postpartum recovery, job searching, building a business, and what it actually looks like to reinvent yourself in a new season—without having it all figured out. From “fail fast” mindsets to finding alignment in your career and life, this episode is a real-time look at navigating transition with honesty, humor, and intention.Bailey Event Links:Creativy and Confidence Group TherapyThe Rested Mother Workshop68. Home Birth & Hypnobirthing: My Natural Birth Story + Postpartum Recovery (LA vs Indiana)
27:41||Ep. 68In this solo episode of Jadonna, LIVE!, Jadonna shares the story of her two very different birth experiences — one in a hospital in Los Angeles and one at home in Indiana. She talks about discovering hypnobirthing, how the practice helped her stay calm and confident during labor, and why preparation and support made such a huge difference.Jadonna also reflects on the power of having an all-Black female birth team, the realities of navigating birth as a Black woman in the healthcare system, and what postpartum recovery actually looked like in the weeks after giving birth. From dilation surprises to staying upstairs to heal, she shares the honest details of what worked, what didn’t, and what she’s grateful for.This episode explores hypnobirthing techniques, home birth vs. hospital birth, postpartum recovery, and the importance of support and advocacy during pregnancy and motherhood.Topics include: hypnobirthing • natural birth • home birth • postpartum recovery • Black maternal health • pregnancy preparation • birth support66. The Traitors, Nesting for Baby, and Navigating Activism Without Burnout
26:28||Ep. 66In this episode of Jadonna, LIVE!, Jadonna reflects on life lately — from watching The Traitors and His & Hers to having a nesting party while preparing for a new baby. She talks honestly about activism, self-care, burnout, and capacity, especially during major life transitions. This episode explores how to stay engaged with social justice without guilt, and finding balance through rest, community, and TV.65. Leading Without Burning Out: Wellness, Leadership, and the Power of 1:1 Coaching
31:00||Ep. 65What if leadership didn’t have to come at the cost of your well-being?In this episode of Jadonna, LIVE!, Jadonna is joined by Jess Boots, CEO & Founder of Lead and Be Well, leadership and wellness coach, former educator, yoga teacher, author, and mama, for an honest conversation about leading with impact while staying well.Jess talks about her journey from education into coaching, why 1:1 coaching has become such a powerful support for leaders and caregivers, and how to tell the difference between surface-level advice and transformative coaching. They explore who coaching is for, when it’s most helpful, and how to find the right coach for where you are in life.This episode is for anyone who cares deeply, leads often, and is learning how to show up for themselves with the same love they give to others.✨ Topics include wellness, leadership, coaching, burnout, self-trust, and sustainable impact.Visit Jess' website64. 2025 in Pop Culture: Marty Supreme, Nicolandria, Tyler, The Creator & More
59:08||Ep. 64In this 2025 pop culture wrap-up, we break down the moments that actually shaped the year — from Marty Supreme and Nicolandria to Tyler, The Creator’s cultural impact and the internet’s hateful conversations. We’re talking movies, TV, music, press tours, fandoms, and more. What did pop culture say about us in 2025, and do we care? Jadonna chats with frequent guests, Keenan and Daniel, and a time is had, indeed.Follow Keenan on Letterboxdpop culture 2025, 2025 pop culture recap, Marty Supreme, Paradise series, Tyler The Creator, movies 2025, TV shows 2025, music culture, internet culture, pop culture commentary, Jadonna LIVE63. Decision-Making during the Winter Solstice
29:16||Ep. 63Jadonna brings back her favorite returning guest, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Bailey Sims. They discuss using the winter solstice for decision-making and using values to guide processing.Bailey's' Writing Your Wilderness Class *Reach out to Bailey through her site for the discount code*62. Building a Climate-Neutral Food Brand: Alter ECO’s Journey in Regenerative Agriculture & Supply Chain Transparency
34:45||Ep. 62Jadonna chats with Keith Bearden, CEO of Alter ECO Foods, about the company's commitment to sustainability through ethical sourcing, innovative practices, and a focus on community welfare. Bearden highlights the importance of certifications, the impact of climate change on agriculture, and shares personal motivations behind his work. Keith also offers valuable advice for businesses looking to enhance their sustainability efforts.Alter Eco website61. Do Better Segment: SNAP Updates, Working Families Party, and Support for Jamaica
28:09||Ep. 61Jadonna introduces the first Do Better segment highlighting ways to give back through education and outreach, donations, and/or time. She focuses on supporting food-serving organizations, the Working Families Party's support of Zohran Mamdani, and Walk Good LA's fundraising efforts for Jamaica.SNAP info: https://www.npr.org/2025/11/03/nx-s1-5596121/snap-food-benefits-trump-government-shutdownhttps://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/11/08/what-does-snap-appeal-mean-for-those-already-waiting-for-benefits/87145465007/Working Families Party:https://workingfamilies.org/about/Jamaica support: https://givebutter.com/walkgoodjamaica