Episode 147: Emotional Fitness & Black Joy
Theme: Joy as Resistance — Healing as Discipline
What does it mean to be emotionally fit in a world that constantly demands resilience from Black communities—without offering rest?
In this powerful episode of Conversations with Coach LA, we explore Emotional Fitness & Black Joy as intentional practices for mental health maintenance, resilience, and liberation. Joy is not framed as escapism or denial, but as a discipline, a protective factor, and a form of resistance against chronic stress, trauma, and systemic harm.
Coach LA is joined by Joseph Bennett, CEO of Yardtime Inc., a Roxbury-born community advocate whose lived experience with wrongful incarceration has shaped his commitment to transformative justice, healing, and breaking cycles of mass incarceration affecting Black and Brown communities.
Together, they discuss:
What emotional fitness looks like beyond crisis response
How joy rituals support nervous system regulation and stress reduction
Why Black joy is both radical and necessary
The long-term emotional impact of systemic injustice on individuals and families
Healing without minimizing pain—and purpose without romanticizing suffering
📊 Research Highlight:
CDC data shows that Black adults who engage in consistent joy-based rituals report 25% lower stress levels, underscoring joy as a critical mental health maintenance strategy—not a luxury.
This episode invites listeners to rethink healing as something we practice daily, not something we postpone until life slows down.
BET ON SELF™ Reflection
What joy ritual are you willing to protect as part of your healing discipline?
About the Guest
Joseph Bennett is the CEO of Yardtime Inc. and a dedicated advocate for inner-city youth and men of color in Boston. After spending 22 years incarcerated following a wrongful conviction—and later being granted bail while continuing to fight for exoneration—Joseph has committed his life to community healing, mentorship, and justice reform. His work focuses on addressing the long-term effects of incarceration on individuals, families, and communities.
About the Show
Conversations with Coach LA is a live, interactive radio show and podcast focused on mental health, personal growth, social impact, and real-life solutions.
✨ Industry Recognition:
Conversations with Coach LA has been selected by FeedSpot panelists as one of the Top 90 Boundaries Podcasts on the web, recognizing its impact in mental health dialogue, emotional wellness, and boundary-centered conversations.
🔗 https://podcast.feedspot.com/boundaries_podcasts/
🎙️ Host: Coach LA (Lakisha R. Austin, LICSW, MBA)
📻 Airs on: Urban Heat 98.1FM
🎧 Available on: iHeartRadio & all major podcast platforms
🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!
Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 10PM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.
Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at admin@weroclives.com to be considered as a future guest.
This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you’re looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we’re here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.
Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.
Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent www.daniellaurent.com
Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media