What does it actually cost to choose peace in a world that keeps demanding violence?In this powerful episode of The Real Room Podcast, host Lacretia Mitchell sits down with a community leader who lives this question every day. This conversation goes beyond statistics and soundbites to explore what violence prevention really looks like on the ground. It is about presence, accountability, healing, and the unseen weight carried by those committed to protecting their communities.This episode unpacks the emotional toll of violence intervention, the pressure placed on leaders in underserved communities, and the reality that peace is not passive. It requires sacrifice, courage, and consistency. The discussion challenges performative leadership, exposes systems that profit from chaos, and highlights why community must be led by those who understand it from the inside.In this episode, we discuss:• What it truly costs to choose peace• Community violence prevention beyond programs and policies• The emotional and mental weight carried by frontline leaders• Why presence matters more than publicity• Healing trauma while still showing up to lead• Accountability, integrity, and real impact• The role of community in breaking cycles of violence• Why sustainable change must come from withinThis is a raw, honest, and necessary conversation for leaders, advocates, parents, and anyone who cares about building safer, healthier communities.If this episode challenged or encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Watch more episodes of The Real Room Podcast for real conversations about leadership, healing, community, and purpose.

In this powerful episode of The Real Room Podcast, host Lacretia Mitchell sits down with Paula Rae Jones, author, trauma informed coach, creative, and YouVersion content partner, for a deeply honest conversation about trauma, faith, healing, and covenant.

Paula shares her personal journey through childhood sexual abuse, abandonment, identity struggles, and the long road toward emotional and spiritual healing. She explains how trauma shaped her relationships, motherhood, and view of God, and how understanding covenant changed the way she sees love, trust, and belonging.

This episode explores covenant not as religion or performance, but as presence, protection, and unconditional love. It speaks directly to survivors, seekers, creatives, leaders, and anyone who has struggled to trust God after pain.

In this episode, we discuss:
• Healing from childhood trauma and abuse
• Faith after betrayal, pain, and loss
• Understanding covenant as love, not religion
• How trauma affects identity and relationships
• Breaking generational cycles through healing
• Motherhood after trauma
• Grace, obedience, and trusting God without clarity
• Emotional healing and self awareness
• Finding purpose through pain
• Why your obedience may be tied to someone else’s healing

This conversation is raw, compassionate, and deeply encouraging. It reminds us that healing is possible, identity can be restored, and no one is abandoned, even in the hardest seasons.

If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to know they are not alone.

Watch more episodes of The Real Room Podcast for real conversations about faith, healing, identity, leadership, and purpose.

Some people chase titles. Others build purpose.In this episode of The Real Room Podcast, host Lacretia Mitchell sits down with Dr. Charles Loftus to explore a journey rooted in discipline, faith, and follow-through. Timeline 1Born and raised in Oklahoma, Dr. Loftus shares how balancing academics and athletics at Dell City High School led to a full-ride scholarship to Langston University, a doctorate in physical therapy, and a career that includes working with NBA athletes, opening his own gym, and building an independent practice in a demanding industry.This conversation goes beyond credentials. Dr. Loftus opens up about fear, identity, injury, mental health in sports, entrepreneurship, leadership, mentorship, and what success truly looks like behind the scenes. From late nights in professional sports to the faith required to step into private practice, this episode highlights what it really takes to build something meaningful over time.In this episode, you’ll hear about:• Growing up in Oklahoma with strong educational roots• Balancing basketball, track, and academics• The mental toll of athletic injuries and recovery• Transitioning from athlete to healer• Working behind the scenes with professional athletes• The reality of entrepreneurship as a solopreneur• Faith, risk, and building a business from vision• Leadership lessons learned in high-pressure environments• Protecting peace while living a demanding lifestyle• Redefining success beyond titles and accolades• The legacy Dr. Loftus hopes to leave behindThis episode is for athletes, professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating the tension between ambition, faith, and purpose.If this conversation resonated with you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs encouragement to trust their vision and take the next step forward.Watch more episodes of The Real Room Podcast for honest conversations about leadership, healing, entrepreneurship, and impact.