How I Ally

Claudia Charles-Sardine is a powerhouse appellate court attorney, but her most personal case? Advocating for her son, Justin, who is on the autism spectrum. In this deeply moving and inspiring conversation, Claudia shares how her legal training, faith, and Afro-Caribbean roots shape the way she mothers, fights systems, and builds community. From winning appeals to make sure her son gets the support he needs, to creating inclusive spaces in school and church, Claudia’s story is a masterclass in grace and grit.
 
Whether you’re a parent, professional, or both—this one will stay with you.
🔑 Topics We Cover:
What it means to be an Afro-Caribbean woman in the legal field
Navigating the special education system as a parent and attorney
How advocacy begins at home—and extends to every child
Letting go of shame and asking for help
Creating access to faith, friendship, and belonging for neurodivergent kids
The importance of sharing knowledge: “Each one, teach one”
🕰️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Meet Claudia Charles-Sardine: attorney, mother, advocate
02:00 – Growing up in Brooklyn in an Afro-Caribbean family
06:30 – Inside the appellate court system—and how it works
10:15 – Justin’s autism diagnosis: fear, faith, and fierce advocacy
14:45 – Winning an appeal for occupational therapy services
17:30 – The unseen burdens parents carry—and why we need safe spaces to vent
22:00 – A powerful moment of divine reassurance
26:00 – Why she celebrates the smallest milestones
30:00 – Empathy for all parents—and how her perspective has changed
34:00 – The social power of inclusion: from after-school to sacraments
42:30 – Building trust and support with your child’s school
46:00 – Her favorite mantra: “If I want my child to talk, I have to give him something to talk about”
👂 Listen If You’re…
Parenting a child with disabilities
Feeling overwhelmed in the IEP or therapy maze
A professional learning to hold space for families
Looking for real talk, spiritual grounding, and radical hope
📝 Connect with Claudia:
Want to reach out to Claudia? She welcomes connections from fellow parents and advocates.
📧 Email: [email protected]

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Lucinda Koza is joined by Dr. Lisa De La Rue—licensed psychologist, trauma specialist, and Chief Education and Research Officer at Urban Alchemy—for a candid conversation about parenting through trauma, the stigma surrounding formerly incarcerated mothers, and how healing becomes possible when we give ourselves permission to stumble.
Together, they explore the realities of reparenting yourself while raising children, the hidden mental health crisis in the fourth trimester, and the need to normalize delayed postpartum anxiety and depression. Dr. De La Rue also shares how Urban Alchemy is redefining community care—employing people with lived experience to lead the work of transformation in their own neighborhoods.
Whether you’re a parent, a survivor, or simply someone trying to understand the invisible barriers others face, this episode will move you, ground you, and remind you of the radical power of compassion.
🔑 Topics Covered:
Reparenting while parenting: breaking generational cycles
Trauma, addiction, and the incarceration pipeline
The long shadow of postpartum anxiety
Fatherhood and the subtle stigma against involved dads
How Urban Alchemy is led by people with lived experience
Creating systems rooted in dignity, not judgment
What post-traumatic growth really looks like

Lucinda Koza welcomes Will Acuff—entrepreneur, author, and co-founder of Corner to Corner—for a rich conversation about parenting, purpose, and what it means to truly ally with your community. From playing the Apollo to launching 1,600+ small businesses, Will’s journey defies the expected—and reveals the radical power of showing up with curiosity, compassion, and a theology of neighbor.
Will also opens up about parenting a son with disabilities, his wife’s journey with trauma, and how personal healing has reshaped everything from their marriage to their mission. This episode is a masterclass in turning hardship into joy, over-functioning into empowerment, and burnout into deep, grounded presence.
🔑 Key Topics Covered:
Will’s transition from rock musician to nonprofit co-founder
The power of proximity: what it means to “do life together”
Starting a movement for underestimated entrepreneurs
Parenting a child with autism and rare disease
Trauma work and healing within a marriage
How to stop over-functioning and let others own their journey
Creating space for joy—even when life feels like Everest
📚 Mentioned in This Episode:
Will’s book: No Elevator to Everest (available on Amazon)
Corner to Corner nonprofit: cornertocorner.org
📌 Memorable Quotes:
“When people have the tools to thrive—they thrive.”
“You don’t know what kind of seed you’re holding until you nurture it.”
“Joy and suffering are not opposites—they’re companions.”
🔗 Connect with Will Acuff:
Instagram: @willacuff
Website: cornertocorner.org
Book: No Elevator to Everest
🎧 Listen + Subscribe:
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share with someone who needs to hear it. New episodes every week.

In this candid and eye-opening episode of How I Ally, Lucinda Koza is joined by relationship coach and therapist Rich Heller, founder of Rich in Relationship. With decades of experience—and deep personal insight—Rich helps parents navigate high-conflict relationships, rekindle emotional connection, and restore safety within their homes.
Together, they explore:
Why new parenthood often becomes a flashpoint for relational stress
How childhood wounds resurface in marriage—and what to do about it
The evolution of modern masculinity and the need for emotional fluency
Practical tools for fighting fair and building connection (hello, “I” statements!)
The deep and often unspoken fear women carry in emotionally unsafe homes
What real emotional safety feels like—and why it’s essential for healthy parenting
This conversation is raw, validating, and essential listening for any couple trying to stay connected in the midst of sleep deprivation, identity shifts, and unhealed emotional baggage.
Favorite quote:
“We pick our partners because we feel safe enough to unpack our stuff around each other. But the problem is—we didn’t give each other that heads up.” – Rich Heller
Connect with Rich:
Website: www.richinrelationship.com
Instagram: @richinrelationship
Podcast: Rich in Relationship – Available on all major platforms
Resources mentioned:
“I” statements framework
The concept of emotional fluency in relationships
Postpartum rage, hormone detox, and parenting dynamics
✨ If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review or share it with someone in the early stages of parenting or partnership. You’re not alone—and you deserve safety and support.

In this deeply resonant episode of How I Ally, Lucinda Koza is joined by Navi Hughes—a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, therapist, and emotional intelligence coach. Navi opens up about her journey from teen motherhood and widowhood to becoming a fierce advocate for mental health and emotional literacy.
Together, they explore:
How emotional intelligence transforms parenting, relationships, and self-worth
The dangers of ego-led parenting and the myth of the “mini-me”
Raising children—especially neurodivergent children—with emotional safety instead of control
What true empowerment looks like (and how to teach it to your kids)
Why Navi created an emotional intelligence blueprint for those navigating trauma, overwhelm, or autism
How stigma and fear are setting back progress in autism diagnoses and care
The value of saying “I don’t know,” even as a parent or professional
This conversation is an emotional masterclass—equal parts grounding and galvanizing. Whether you’re a parent, practitioner, or simply someone who wants to live with more clarity, this episode is a must-listen.
Guest:
Navi Hughes
Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Emotional Intelligence Coach
Instagram: @thenavihughes
Connect with Lucinda Koza:
Instagram: @lucindarogerskoza
Website: www.i-ally.com
Resources Mentioned:
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Myers-Briggs Personality Indicator
Navi’s Emotional Intelligence Program (coming soon to her website)
Takeaways:
💡 Emotional intelligence isn’t a trend—it’s the foundation for peace, presence, and power.
🧠 Our children don’t need us to be perfect—they need us to be emotionally aware.
❤️ Real connection happens when we show up without an agenda.
Subscribe + Review:
If this episode moved you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps How I Ally reach more people who are navigating big feelings, big changes, and big growth.

Dr. LaNail R. Plummer is not just a mental health powerhouse—she’s a revolution in motion. In this rich and intentional conversation, we dive into how she’s built a life aligned with her values as a veteran, CEO of Onyx Therapy Group, Chair of Counseling at Trinity Washington University, and a proud bisexual Black woman.
 
Topics we cover:
The power of intentional communication
Parenting with purpose and presence
Her personal and spiritual journey to coming out
How core beliefs are shaped—and reshaped—in therapy
The alchemy of feminine energy and why it’s so transformative
 
Dr. Plummer’s clarity, strength, and compassion are truly unforgettable.
 
🧠 “You always know how to circle it back,” her father once told her—and in this episode, she does just that.
 
🔗 Subscribe and listen now for a deeply moving, deeply human conversation.

With guest Steven Lowell on How I Ally with Lucinda Koza
 
What happens when you stop hiding the hardest part of yourself—and start leading with it instead?
 
In this deeply human, candid conversation, Lucinda Koza sits down with career coach and reverse recruiter Steven Lowell, who shares how a late diagnosis of epilepsy reshaped his life. From collapsing on the job in Times Square to navigating the shame and silence that often surrounds invisible disabilities, Steven doesn’t just open up—he reframes the narrative.
 
This episode explores how living with epilepsy taught him to speak up, accept help, and ultimately turn what once felt like a weakness into his greatest strength.
 
💡 In this episode:
Why invisible disabilities often go unspoken—even in families
How stress can impact neurological health in profound ways
What it’s like to have a seizure in public (and be misjudged for it)
The vital role of Steven’s wife in his journey to diagnosis and stability
How naming the hard thing can bring connection, not rejection
The power of blunt honesty in healing shame
 
🧠 Notable quotes:
 
“If you wait 25 years to solve a problem, you spend 25 years miserable. But the day after you solve it? You’re free.”
“Shame is the most insidious thing. It makes you choose isolation. Speaking is the only way through.”
 
🙋‍♂️ About Steven Lowell:
 
Steven is a New York City–based reverse recruiter and career coach who’s worked across six industries and four countries. His coaching style is no-nonsense, deeply empathic, and grounded in lived experience—especially when it comes to helping others navigate their own nontraditional paths.
 
📌 Resources & Mentions:
Learn more about Steven’s reverse recruiting work 
Epilepsy Foundation: epilepsy.com
👉 Subscribe to How I Ally for honest, hopeful conversations about disability, identity, and resilience.
⭐️ If this episode moved you, please leave a rating or review—it really helps!

Discover the lighthearted side of postpartum recovery, traumatic birth, and infertility with expert insights and real conversations on How I Ally.

Navigating the emotional and psychological landscape of fertility challenges doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle. That’s where fertility coach Becky Ackerman comes in, sharing her candid experiences and insights from her own journey through infertility. With a focus on stress management and a positive mindset, Becky emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of one's fertility experience and exploring alternative therapies that can make a significant difference. We dive deep into the complexities of shame, the critical role partners play, and the societal pressures that often weigh heavily on those trying to conceive. This conversation is a vital resource for anyone facing similar struggles, filled with encouragement and practical advice to help lighten the load.Fertility challenges can feel like a never-ending rollercoaster, but in this episode, we sit down with fertility coach Becky Ackerman, who really gets it. Becky opens up about her own journey through infertility, which she navigated two decades ago when resources were scarce and the conversation around it even scarcer. She shares how she fought against the tide of stress and negative thinking, emphasizing that mindset plays a crucial role in the fertility journey. It's not just about the eggs and the science—it's about how you feel. Becky dives into the importance of managing stress, the sometimes surprising benefits of alternative therapies, and the significance of taking control of your own experience. She talks about the emotional weight of shame and guilt that often accompanies fertility struggles, and how partners can sometimes feel lost in the mix. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone feeling isolated in their journey, reminding us that taking ownership of our story can lead to empowerment and healing. Plus, there's a light-hearted exchange about the weirdness of social media during this journey, and Becky’s advice is refreshingly candid. Whether you're knee-deep in treatments or just starting to explore your options, this conversation isn't just a resource; it's a lifeline.Navigating the turbulent waters of fertility can feel like an uphill battle, and in this episode, we welcome Becky Ackerman, a fertility coach who brings both expertise and empathy to the table. As she shares her personal saga of infertility, Becky reveals how the landscape of resources has evolved over the past twenty years, highlighting the critical role of emotional support and mindset in the process. We explore the ins and outs of stress management—because let's face it, stress is like that uninvited guest that shows up at every fertility appointment. Becky’s approach isn’t just about the medical side of things; she advocates for exploring alternative therapies, which she credits with helping her transform her experience and ultimately find success. The conversation digs deep into the shame and guilt often felt by those undergoing fertility challenges, alongside the unique perspectives of partners who may feel sidelined in the emotional rollercoaster. By the end of the episode, listeners will find themselves equipped with actionable insights and a sense of community, knowing they’re not alone in the struggle.In a candid and heartfelt conversation, we chat with Becky Ackerman, a fertility coach with a personal story that resonates with many. From her own trials with infertility to her current role helping others, Becky sheds light on the emotional and psychological complexities tied to the journey of conception. She illustrates how vital it is to manage stress and maintain a positive mindset, especially when the path to parenthood seems rocky. Becky offers practical advice about alternative therapies that can complement traditional methods, emphasizing that taking charge of one’s experience is empowering. We touch on sensitive topics like the feelings of shame and guilt that can cloud the journey, and how partners often navigate this landscape differently. With humor and warmth, Becky encourages listeners to let go of the pressure surrounding their fertility journey and to embrace the possibility of a fulfilling life, regardless of the outcome. This episode serves as a reminder that while the road may be fraught with challenges, there’s always room for hope, community, and personal growth.Takeaways: Becky Ackerman emphasizes that stress management is crucial in the fertility journey, impacting both emotional well-being and potential outcomes. During her journey, Becky discovered that alternative therapies like acupuncture and hypnosis can significantly help in reducing stress and enhancing fertility. The conversation highlights the importance of taking control of one's fertility experience, advocating for personal agency over medical protocols. Shame and guilt often accompany fertility struggles, but addressing these feelings is vital for emotional healing and support. Becky shares that letting go of rigid expectations about parenthood can ironically increase chances of success and improve overall mental health. Partners play a significant role in the fertility process, yet their emotional experiences often go unrecognized, necessitating open dialogue and support. You can reach out to Becky via email: [email protected]

As a single mother by choice, Lakia Holmes bravely turned to IVF after being diagnosed with infertility, reshaping her life and dreams in unexpected ways. In this laid-back chat with host Lucinda Koza, Lakia opens up about the challenges and triumphs of balancing her career in sports production with the joys of motherhood, all while contemplating her future as a fertility coach. We dive into the societal pressures surrounding motherhood and career paths, the importance of community support, and how Lakia's journey is paving the way for others facing similar struggles. So grab your coffee, kick back, and join us for a heartfelt conversation filled with candid reflections and light-hearted banter that reminds us we’re all just doing our best.Stepping into the world of single motherhood can feel like diving into the deep end—no floaties and no lifeguard in sight. In this episode, Lakia Holmes opens up about her transformative journey from sports producer to single mother, sharing her heartfelt story of overcoming infertility through IVF and donor sperm. Lakia’s candid reflections on her unexpected path are woven with humor and warmth, as she grapples with the societal pressures and personal challenges that come with raising a child alone. The balancing act of career and motherhood is no easy feat, but Lakia navigates it with grace, humor, and a dash of chaos, revealing her day-to-day realities that resonate with many parents. Beyond her personal narrative, Lakia’s aspirations to become a fertility coach highlight her dedication to uplifting others within the community. This episode beautifully illustrates the power of resilience, the importance of creating supportive networks, and the unique joy of forging one’s own path to parenthood, making it a heartfelt conversation that invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys.Takeaways: Lakia's journey to motherhood highlights the emotional toll of infertility, showcasing the strength it takes to navigate through IVF and donor sperm decisions. The balance between a demanding career in sports production and single motherhood reveals the sacrifices and adjustments required in both personal and professional realms. Creating a supportive community is essential for both mothers and their children, as it fosters connections and shared experiences, particularly for those navigating similar paths. Lakia's transition into fertility coaching illustrates her desire to empower others facing infertility, demonstrating the importance of sharing knowledge and emotional support in the journey to parenthood. Societal pressures regarding motherhood often conflict with personal aspirations, leading to feelings of guilt and self-doubt, particularly for women focused on career growth before family. The conversation emphasizes that every family is unique, and being honest about one's journey can create a nurturing environment for children, regardless of traditional family structures. Companies mentioned in this episode: Warner Brothers Discovery TNT MLB tbs New York Mets