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Ray of Hope: The Podcast
Dr. Raya, DNP is a registered nurse with a doctorate in nursing practice, a certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and the CEO and Founder of Raya’s Rays of Light Foundation. Her professional background consists of mental/behavioral health, drug & alcohol rehabilitation, cognitive behavioral issues, and more. The Raya’s Rays of Light Foundation was established to provide individuals with the necessary resources, education, and support lacking in our community. *Ray of Hope: The Podcast will discuss overall wellness from a relatable point-of-view to create positive change and improve individual and community relationships. We want to close the gap on financial, mental, and physical health disparities in our community and to encourage favorable wellness outcomes for all. The views and opinions expressed in each episode are intended for educational and encouragement purposes only and are not intended as medical advice.*
Episodes
43 episodes
Season 4 Episode 4: Raya and Antwain from Living with the Lavs
On this episode, Dr. Raya and fiancé Antwain Lavender have a candid conversation about relationships, dispelling stereotypes and spirituality.They have a platform called Living with the Lavs that provides insight into beating the odds, f...
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Season 4 Episode 3 | Coach Anthony Lavender and Antwain Lavender
On this episode, we speak with Father, Pastor and Coach Anthony "Tony" Lavender and his son Antwain Lavender. Coach Lavender has coached 4 sons (Anthony, Antwain, Andrew, Antonio) and a daughter (April) in basketball. All of his sons have creat...
Season 4 Episode 2 Andrew "Drew" Lavender of Drew's Crew Basketball Camp
On this episode, we speak with basketball legend Andrew "Drew" Lavender. Drew was recently inducted into the Xavier University Hall of Fame 2026. He created the Drew's Crew Basketball Training Camp to instill the youth with life skills, knowled...
Season 4 Episode 1 | Mr. Erin Saul of Men's Mental Health Uncaved
On the season 4 premiere, we speak with Men's Mental Health Uncaved founder Mr. Erin Saul. This organization fosters connections, brotherhood, and healing for men in our community. Mr. Saul speaks about the importance of men aligning themselves...
Sports and Mental Health Season 3 Episode 8
On this episode, we talk about the connection between sports, gambling and mental health. Student and professional athletes deserve to have access to mental health services. We speak about providing support to athletes and those who also engage...
Season 3 Episode 7 Coach Eric Bell on School Athletics & Heat Danger
Disclaimer: Sensitive content may be posted. On the next episode of Ray of Hope, we will speak with Eric Bell who lost his daughter Imani Bell after she complained to her coaches about basketball practice in the heat. The heat inde...
Season 3 Episode 6 Adrienne Wilson: Domestic Violence and Justice
On this episode, we speak with Adrienne Wilson about surviving domestic violence and seeking justice against her offender. Adrienne is dedicated to telling her story to inspire others to seek help and justice before it's too late. She is the pr...
Season 3 Episode 5 Dr. Marcie Littlejohn Hill Financial Literacy
On the next episode of Ray of Hope: The Talk Show and Podcast, we speak with Dr. Marcie Littlejohn Hill. Dr. Marcie has a Master’s in Business Administration and Doctorate in Healthcare Administration. She is a licensed financial professi...
Season 3 Episode 4 Quanishia Gibson of Daughter’s Den
We speak with the co-founder of The Daughter’s Den, Quanishia Gibson. Quanishia Gibson is a LPC Intern at Victory Mental Health Services of Columbus, she enjoys working with couples, families, and individuals on relationship issues...
Season 3 Episode 3 Erin Saul AKA DJ Swmpthing, Radio Station Owner
On this episode, we speak with the owner of Allways Working Radio, DJ Swmpthing. He is a native of New Orleans who moved to Columbus, Ohio after being displaced by hurricane Katrina. Erin Saul is a DJ, radio personality, CEO, podcast host, medi...
Season 3 Episode 2 Praying Boldly
On this episode, we speak about why we pray and praying boldly for healing, confirmation, clarity, and more. We also discuss intercessory prayer when dealing with mental health challenges and more. Scripture reminds us that we can pray boldly w...
Season 3 Episode 1 Menopause and Mental Health
Raya and Leslie are back for season 3 and open with a discussion on menopause and mental health issues. The signs and symptoms of menopause can mimic other illnesses and impact mental health stability. Various factors including hormones play a ...
Season 2 Episode 22 A Conversation with Bishop Mel Griffin, Owner of 1580thepraise.com Radio Station
On this episode, we speak with the owner of 1580thepraise.com and his inspiration for having a faith-based platform. Bishop Mel Griffin speaks about his dedication to the faith-based community and ensuring individuals have access to shows that ...
Season 2 Episode 21 Battle Tested & Faith
On this episode, Leslie and I speak about trials and tribulations that test our faith. We all face difficult times that test our patience and faith. We all have battles and have to learn how to maneuver through these tough times. It is often sa...
Season 2 Episode 20 Overdose Deaths
On this episode, we discuss the opioid and overdose crisis in Ohio. There is a influx of overdose deaths related to laced streets drugs. This crisis is impacting all colors, genders, social classes, and races. No one is exempt from this i...
Season 2 Episode 19 Pressures of High School and Saving Our Youth
On this episode, Dr. Raya talks about attending her 30-year class reunion July 2023, and how high school pressure impacts the mental health of our youth. Sound engineer DJ Mike Dickerson joins the conversation to discuss community engagement an...
Season 2 Episode 18 Bobbi Chandler on HIV
On this episode, I speak with Bobbi "Chee Chee" Chandler, the CEO and founder of Healing In Victory. Tune in as she shares her personal story and journey to eradicate the stigma associated with HIV. Learn more about her foundation and upcoming ...
Season 2 Episode 17 Dytania Hudson on Justice
On this episode, I speak with Dytania Hudson aka Tania who is the proud mother of 3. She is a community educator and member of Ohio Family's Unite Against Police Brutality. She is also the founder of S.T.O.P: Start Teaching Our People. Tania is...
Season 2 Bonus Episode with Londale Towns
On this episode, we speak with Mr. Londale Towns, Sr. CLC M.Div. about the power of community and the importance of positive representation for our youth. Londale is a community leader and justice advocate. ✅Mental Health Counselor...
Season 2 Episode 16 Ruben Minor Part II
On this episode of Ray of Hope, the conversation continues with Ruben Minor. Ruben discusses his decision to seek help for his personal mental health issues and how the decision has affected his life. Ruben is candid and transparent about his s...
Season 2 Episode 15 Ruben Minor part I
On this episode of Ray of Hope, Raya and Leslie speak with Ruben Minor who is the founder of F4 Men’s Movement for mental health, recording artist, spin class instructor, and financial expert. Ruben speaks about the importance of bringing aware...
Season 2 Episode 14: Dana Brock Part II
On this episode, Raya and Leslie continue their conversation with the founder of Lives Worth Saving Foundation, Dana Brock. Dana speaks about bringing the community together to collaborate on an effort to combat gun violence. Dana encourages le...
Season 2 Episode 13 | Wrap up of seasons one & two and Mental Health Awareness Month.
On this episode of Ray of Hope, Raya and Leslie talk about reaching a milestone of 2 seasons and 20 episodes. We revisit season one, speak about how we met, and the future of our podcast and foundation. We are grateful for all of the listeners ...
Season 2 Episode 12: Silvia Townsend and Denise Saulsbery, the founders of Phemale Wear and Phemale Safe House
On this episode, Raya and Leslie speak with the founders of Phemale Wear clothing line and the Phemale Safe House. Silvia Townsend and Denise Saulsbery lost their friend to domestic and gun violence. They created their clothing line and safe ho...
Season 2 Episode 11: Mothers and Mental Health
On this episode of Ray of Hope, Raya and Leslie speak about the importance of motherhood, mental health and self care to help with the stress. Resources are available for mothers who need assistance with balancing their own struggles with menta...