The Freedom Collective Podcast is a mental health podcast that blends together interviews, social commentary, politics, and all things mental wellness. Hosted by Shahem Mclaurin a full time trauma therapist and public educator with 1.2 million followers across platforms. Shahem is a Brooklyn based therapist whose demographic primarily focuses on women, queer, and other patriarchy-impacted people.
Host Donyae Asante interviews guests about embracing disruption in mental health, fostering authenticity, and building community while challenging systemic injustices for transformative change.
12 May 2026
How To Survive Being A Caregiver | Ep. 15
In this episode of the Freedom Collective Podcast, Shahem and guest Dawn Shedrick explore the themes of caregiving, mental health awareness, and the importance of community. Dawn shares her personal journey, highlighting her mother's influence as her North Star and the challenges faced in the caregiving role. The conversation delves into the emotional intelligence required in caregiving, the current crisis affecting caregivers, and the significance of finding moments of presence in daily life. The episode emphasizes the power of community support and the necessity of empathy in a divided society, ultimately offering hope and resilience through shared experiences and history.
21 Apr 2026
No Such Thing As A Transphobic Baddie | Ep. 14
Join Yves on a rollercoaster ride of self-discovery and laughter as she spills the tea on embracing her true self with flair and fabulousness! From dodging societal norms like a pro to turning awkward dating moments into comedy gold, Yves shares her journey with humor and heart. This episode is a delightful mix of giggles and wisdom, proving that being yourself is the ultimate act of resistance and a whole lot of fun.
14 Apr 2026
I Hope The President K*lls Himself | Ep. 13
In this episode, Shahem discusses current political chaos, societal issues, and ways to maintain mental health amidst overwhelming news. Topics include political critique, societal manipulation, and personal strategies for finding joy and staying grounded.
7 Apr 2026
Bullying + Antiblackness in the Asian Community | Ep. 12
Join us as Sylvia, a dedicated social worker and community organizer, shares her journey from Taiwan to America, her insights on bullying, racial identity, and the importance of community in healing. This episode explores cultural shifts, racial solidarity, and decolonizing therapy, offering deep reflections and practical advice.
31 Mar 2026
Gay Men Have A Misogyny Problem | Ep. 11
In this episode of the Freedom Collective Podcast, Shahem dives into a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of misogyny and the LGBTQ+ community, particularly focusing on gay men. By defining key terms like patriarchy and misogyny, Shahem establishes a foundation for understanding the systemic nature of these issues. The conversation is enriched with personal anecdotes and cultural references, including a critique of public figures and media consumption habits that perpetuate misogynistic attitudes. Shahem emphasizes the importance of empathy and unity among marginalized groups, advocating for a collective effort to dismantle oppressive systems. The episode also touches on astrology as a tool for self-reflection and personal growth, offering a holistic view of Shahem's perspectives on societal dynamics and personal development.
24 Mar 2026
Iran, Epigenetics, OCD & Political Grief | Ep. 10
In this episode of the Freedom Collective Podcast, Shahem engages in a deep conversation with fellow clinician Tara Montazeri about mental health, grief, and the impact of generational trauma. They explore personal journeys in mental health, the significance of understanding OCD, and the importance of feeling emotions authentically. The discussion also touches on the challenges of navigating systemic issues as therapists, the dangers of toxic positivity, and the necessity of self-compassion in the grieving process. Tara shares her insights on how cultural backgrounds influence mental health experiences and the importance of addressing both micro and macro issues in therapy. In this engaging conversation, Tara Montazeri and Shahem explore the complexities of self-awareness, therapy, and emotional regulation. They discuss the importance of self-compassion, the misconceptions surrounding therapy, and the need for therapists to be lifelong learners. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of body awareness, the challenges faced by people pleasers, and the impact of guilt versus resentment in relationships. They also discuss the role of creativity in therapy and share personal anecdotes about using music as a tool for mental health.
17 Mar 2026
No, Being A Jealous Friend Isn't Normal
Some people kill their best relationships by misunderstanding jealousy and envy, and it's important to understand the emotional codes behind these feelings and how learning to process them can prevent erosion of said connections. If you've ever felt deep insecurity or seen jealousy tear friendships and romances apart, this episode is a guide to understanding what's really going on. We dive into the subtle differences between jealousy and envy, why they matter, how they show up in your life, and the cognitive distortions that amplify these feelings. Whether you're struggling with internalizing emotions or externalizing them, this will hopefully help you to understand how to process your reactions and use emotional regulation techniques like the RAIN method to break free from being a hater (kidding).
10 Mar 2026
I Don't Care If My Dad Dies
In this episode of the Freedom Collective Podcast, Shahem welcomes their sister, Montana, for a heartfelt and humorous discussion about their shared experiences growing up, the impact of their family dynamics on their mental health, and the importance of sibling relationships. They reflect on cherished memories, navigate the complexities of their childhood trauma, and explore the themes of forgiveness and acceptance. The conversation emphasizes the significance of support systems, coping mechanisms, and the journey of personal growth within the context of family. The episode concludes with practical advice for maintaining healthy sibling relationships and the importance of self-care.
3 Mar 2026
Dear White People
In this episode, we explore the deeply rooted social and historical constructs of whiteness, their origins in European history, and their ongoing impacts on society and individual well-being. We analyze how whiteness functions as a social contract that dehumanizes, perpetuates trauma, and sustains white supremacy culture.
24 Feb 2026
Social Anxiety & Social Media
In this episode of the Freedom Collective Podcast, host Shahem Mclaurin speaks with social media influencer and labor doula Jamila Bell about her journey with mental health, social anxiety, and the importance of community support. They discuss misconceptions about Jamila's public persona, the complexities of forgiveness, and the roles of family and friends in healing. Jamila shares her coping strategies, including hobbies and self-care practices, and emphasizes the importance of authenticity and pursuing what brings joy. The conversation highlights the challenges of navigating public life while managing mental health, as well as the importance of finding a supportive community.
17 Feb 2026
The DL Man Crisis
In this episode of the Freedom Collective Podcast, Shahem discusses the DL crisis, exploring its implications within the queer community and the intersection of homophobia and misogyny. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context of queerness, the manipulation of fears surrounding DL men, and the need for solidarity among marginalized groups. Shahem encourages listeners to engage with the youth for inspiration and to challenge societal norms that perpetuate discrimination.
10 Feb 2026
A Cop?? Homophobinoir?!
In this episode of the Freedom Collective Podcast, Smith Woods delves into a rich conversation about identity, mental health, and the complexities of being a queer person in the military. Smith shares personal experiences that highlight the intersectionality of race, gender, and sexuality, emphasizing the importance of self-care and representation in media. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by marginalized communities and the impact of societal expectations on mental health. Smith offers candid advice for future generations considering military service, advocating for understanding and compassion in navigating these complex issues. In this engaging conversation, Smith and Shahem explore the complexities surrounding Black and Brown individuals in the military, the importance of mental health, and the nuances of confronting indirect homophobia within family dynamics. They discuss the significance of self-advocacy and the role of confrontation in fostering personal growth. The conversation also touches on the power of music and media as sources of comfort and resilience, culminating in a toolkit for mental health that emphasizes spirituality and community support.
3 Feb 2026
America Has A Cult Problem
In this episode of the Freedom Collective Podcast, Shahem discusses various pressing social issues, including the actions of ICE, the rise of fascism in America, and the impact of corporate power on society. The conversation also delves into the cult mentality present in politics, particularly in relation to celebrity figures like Nicki Minaj. Shahem emphasizes the importance of community care and personal responsibility in the face of these challenges, advocating for self-care and active engagement in social justice efforts.
27 Jan 2026
F*CK ANXIETY
In this episode of the Freedom Collective Podcast, Shahem Mclaurin and Christina Brown delve into the complexities of mental health, exploring personal journeys, the impact of family dynamics, and the importance of community support. They discuss the therapeutic benefits of creative outlets, the significance of music in healing, and practical tools for managing anxiety. Christina shares her experiences with grief, anxiety, and the journey towards self-acceptance, emphasizing the need for open conversations about mental health. The episode concludes with a focus on actionable strategies for listeners to incorporate into their own mental health toolkit.
20 Jan 2026
Welcome To The Freedom Collective!
In the inaugural episode of the Freedom Collective Podcast, host Shahem Mclaurin shares their vision for the podcast, emphasizing the importance of community, mental health, and storytelling. They discuss their personal journey, including their fears about launching the podcast, their experiences with mental health, and the challenges they faced in becoming therapists. The episode highlights the significance of shared narratives in healing and the need for accessible mental health resources. Shahem encourages listeners to embrace their fears and take risks, while also introducing segments that will feature guests sharing their own stories and insights.
14 Jan 2026
Freedom Collective Podcast Teaser
I’m Shahem Mclaurin, LCSW, and this podcast is a space for honest conversations about mental health. Each week, we start gently, share real stories, offer meaningful advice, connect through music, and leave you with a resource to support you in your own journey. This is a reminder that healing is not linear, you are not broken, and you do not have to do it alone.
Inside a recent episode
How To Survive Being A Disruptor | Ep. 16
Published 26 May 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] So but I finished my program in 2017. It wasn't really a fun time to be a journalist, as we know. Yeah. Independent journalism wasn't a thing for like wasn't really like there wasn't a lot of safety. And I think as a black and brown person at a PWI, there was always kind of like having to navigate like my career on my own and so i really dove into artistry when i graduated college and i think that i was putting out music i was doing musical theater in new orleans and i recognized how much also we see the what's happening on like with nickelodeon and america's next time model all these things that are coming out with the entertainment industry and knowing that there should be clinicians on these sets there should be clinicians working with these production companies i did musical theater my whole entire life and the things that have happened in musicals with regards to mental health i think just actors need to be supported especially when they're playing Very traumatic roles. […]
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