
The Black Effect Podcast Network and iHeartPodcasts·48 episodes·Bi-weekly
This podcast is not just about understanding mental health; it’s about taking actionable steps toward healing and growth. Whether you’re just starting your mental health journey or looking to deepen your understanding. "Just Heal with Dr.
Jay" provides the resources and inspiration you need to thrive.
Latest Episode

April 21, 2026 · 1h 1m
In this episode of Just Heal, Dr. Jay Barnett sits down with Pretty Vee for an honest and inspiring conversation on personal growth, healing, and navigating the pressures of the entertainment industry. Pretty Vee opens up about breaking free from societal limitations, embracing her unique gifts, and doing the inner work required to evolve in real time. The discussion highlights the importance of setting boundaries, protecting your energy, and staying aware of external influences while building a career and identity in the public eye. The conversation deepens into self-discovery, relationships, and the ongoing journey of healing, with Pretty Vee sharing personal stories about parental guidance, community support, and learning to trust her inner voice. From balancing giving and receiving to redefining freedom and resilience, this episode offers powerful insight into mental health, self-awareness, and spiritual growth. It’s a reminder that healing is a continuous process—and that embracing your journey can reshape your life and impact those around you. Rate, subscribe, comment and share. Follow Just Heal on IG: @kingjaybarnett @yesimprettyvee See for privacy information.
More Episodes

Apr 14 · 41m
In this episode of Just Heal, Dr. Jay sits down with Crystal Stewart—former Miss USA and actress—for a powerful conversation about mental health, resilience, and navigating the entertainment industry. Crystal opens up about tapping into personal trauma to bring authenticity to her acting roles, while sharing the emotional challenges that come with vulnerability on and off screen. She reflects on her journey from pageantry to Hollywood, highlighting the discipline, setbacks, and growth that shaped her path. The conversation also explores faith, healing, and personal evolution, as Crystal discusses her transition from acting to producing and the lessons learned through failure and perseverance. Together, they emphasize the importance of mental health awareness, patience in the healing process, and trusting God through adversity. Rate, subscribe, comment and share. Follow Just Heal on IG: @kingjaybarnett @crystalstewartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 9 · 1h 1m
In this episode of Just Heal, Dr. Jay Barnett sits down with IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Ken Jones for a powerful conversation about faith, masculinity, and emotional healing. From growing up as a preacher’s kid to becoming a professional athlete and gym owner, Ken shares how spirituality shaped his journey and the challenges men face when navigating vulnerability, identity, and success after sports. The discussion highlights the importance of creating safe spaces for men to express emotions and break through societal expectations around strength. The conversation also explores fatherhood, legacy, and mental health in ministry, emphasizing the need for open communication and holistic wellness in both personal and spiritual leadership. Ken reflects on relationships, the pressure of providing, and the importance of taking time to heal while trusting God’s process. Rate, subscribe, comment and share. Follow Just Heal on IG: @kingjaybarnett @ifbbpro_kjonesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 31 · 1h 2m
In this episode of Just Heal, Dr. Jay Barnett sits down with actor and martial artist Michael Jai White for a powerful conversation about healing, masculinity, and emotional growth in the Black community. Michael reflects on his life journey, the influence of mentorship, and how trauma and anger can shape behavior if left unaddressed. Together, they explore the balance between strength and vulnerability in men, emphasizing the importance of emotional awareness, presence in family life, and breaking cycles of learned violence. The conversation also dives into relationships, emotional leadership, and communication, highlighting the challenges men face in expressing themselves and the importance of listening, forgiveness, and accountability. Michael shares personal insights that influenced his creative work, including themes reflected in his film The Secret Between Us, which centers on love, family, and healing. Through honest dialogue, the episode underscores the power of emotional regulation, understanding, and intentional growth in building stronger relationships and healthier communities. Rate, subscribe, comment and share. Follow Just Heal on IG: @kingjaybarnett @officialmichaeljaiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 10 · 51m
In this episode of Just Heal, Dr. Jay Barnett engages in a profound conversation with Pastor Sara Conner about the complexities of living a life of faith, particularly for women in ministry. They explore the challenges of navigating divorce while in ministry, the societal expectations placed on women, and the silence that often surrounds their struggles. Sara shares her personal journey of self-discovery and the importance of trusting oneself and God amidst doubt. The discussion emphasizes the need for women to reclaim their voices and destinies in faith communities. Rate, subscribe, comment and share. Follow Just Heal on IG: @kingjaybarnett @iamsaracoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 3 · 1h 2m
In this episode of Just Heal, Dr. Jay Barnett sits down with transformational coach Dr. Sheniska Johnson for a powerful conversation on faith, identity, and emotional maturity. Drawing from her upbringing in the Bahamas, Dr. Johnson shares how prayer, spiritual grounding, and understanding one’s identity through God shaped her journey of self-discovery. The discussion explores how clarity of purpose influences life decisions, particularly in relationships and personal growth. Dr. Johnson emphasizes the dangers of entering partnerships without self-awareness, the importance of waiting for alignment rather than rushing into love, and the role of spiritual revelation in choosing the right partner. Together, they unpack how surrendering trauma, embracing accountability, and pursuing transformation lead to true healing—reminding listeners that wholeness begins within before it can thrive in any relationship. Rate, subscribe, comment and share. Follow Just Heal on IG: @kingjaybarnett @dr.sheniskajohnsonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 24 · 45m
In this episode, Dr. Jay Barnett welcomes sports performance trainer Mo Wells to Just Heal to discuss Mo’s journey from running 400-meter hurdles at McNeese State and LSU to working in LSU football strength and conditioning and building a career training elite athletes. The conversation focuses on the unseen “off the field” burdens athletes and trainers carry—pressure to appear strong, difficulty with vulnerability, and how identity can unravel when the applause stops. He also reflects on grief and how it intensified his commitment to checking in deeply with athletes, and the need to collaborate with mental health professionals when issues fall outside his scope. Mo’s message to athletes is that “it’s okay” to feel, speak up, and get help, and he defines healing as facing what you’re trying to heal from rather than pushing it aside. Rate, subscribe, comment and share. Follow Just Heal on IG: @kingjaybarnett @moknowzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 17 · 47m
In this powerful episode of Just Heal with Dr. Jay, Dr. Jay Barnett sits down with former NFL Pro Bowl cornerback Jason Verrett for a raw and deeply personal conversation about mental health, identity, and resilience beyond football. Verrett shares his journey from junior college to TCU and the NFL, opening up about the early career pressure, public criticism, and depression he faced after a difficult national debut that led to isolation and suicidal thoughts—interrupted by a life-changing call from his brother and critical support from his coach. He also reflects on the emotional and psychological toll of repeated injuries, including multiple knee surgeries and an Achilles tear that sidelined him for years. Verrett discusses recovery, mentorship, fatherhood, faith, and rebuilding purpose after retirement, crediting daily self-affirmation, gratitude, and perspective for saving his life. His message to young men is clear: trust your path, protect your mental health, and remember that healing is a continuous journey shaped by truth, support, and self-belief. Rate, subscribe, comment and share. Follow Just Heal on IG: @kingjaybarnett @feeva_22See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 10 · 41m
In this deeply moving episode of Just Heal with Dr. Jay, Dr. Jay Barnett sits down with a very special guest — his mother, Mama Mary — for an intimate conversation about love, healing, faith, and family legacy. Together, they explore the power of vulnerability in relationships, the importance of affirmation, and how unconditional love shapes emotional resilience across generations. Mama Mary shares her personal journey through divorce, single motherhood, spiritual grounding, and rediscovering love later in life. She reflects on raising children with purpose, overcoming hardship through faith, and learning self-love and renewal in her 60s. This episode delivers powerful insights on parental sacrifice, emotional healing, healthy relationships, and the lifelong journey of growth — offering listeners heartfelt wisdom on how to love better, heal deeper, and live more intentionally. Rate, subscribe, comment and share. Follow Just Heal on IG: @kingjaybarnettSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 3 · 50m
In this episode of Just Heal with Dr. Jay, Dr. Jay sits down with celebrity stylist Jay Bolin. They discuss themes of love, healing, and personal transformation. Jay opens up about his journey from unhealthy habits and fear to self-awareness and fitness. He shares his struggles with weight, self-esteem, and the pressures of societal norms, especially in the Southern Black community. Jay details his professional journey moving from Mississippi to Dallas and the breakthroughs that came from following his passion despite adversity. This episode highlights the importance of transparency, the dangers of the 'persona', and the transformative power of self-reflection and faith. Rate, subscribe, comment and share. Follow Just Heal on IG: @kingjaybarnett @stylistjbolinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.