Erika J. Kendrick: From Courtside Cheers to Cultivating Mental Fitness

Epic Spotlight Podcast

Erika J. Kendrick is a bestselling author, national speaker, and mental fitness expert. With a psychology degree from Stanford and an MBA from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Erika's diverse career includes being an NBA cheerleader for the Chicago Bulls and writing novels like Confessions of a Rookie Cheerleader and Appetite. She’s currently touring her bestselling middle grade books Squad Goals and Cookie Monsters, with her next novel, Instafamous, set to release on October 1, 2024.

After overcoming personal struggles, Erika founded Mental Fitness for Life, launching the "Who Moved My Happy?" tour to inspire hope through conversations about mental health. She has spoken at colleges, Fortune 500 companies, and the military, and is a Hall of Fame inductee with the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Erika has been featured on major media outlets like Good Morning America and in publications such as The Huffington Post and The Chicago Tribune.

In this episode, Dante and Erika discuss:

• Transition from cheerleading to mental health advocacy
• Managing depression and anxiety
• Impact of social media on emotional well-being
• Promoting mental wellness in communities of color
• Constructing a mental fitness plan

Key Takeaways:

• Erika's personal narrative sheds light on the power of transformation, revealing how career changes can be catalysts for advocacy and personal fulfillment.
• Recognizing and accepting one's mental health struggles are highlighted as the first steps towards managing depression and anxiety effectively.
• The complex relationship between social media usage and our collective happiness, cautioning against the hidden pitfalls of digital engagement.
• The pressing need for better mental health support in underserved communities, advocating for a more inclusive approach to wellness resources.
• Practical advice surfaces on how to draft your own mental fitness plan, emphasizing support systems and professional guidance as foundational elements.

“It's been incredible to be able to use a lot of my pain for good now that I'm on the other side of it and I'm thriving and not just struggling to survive. It's a tremendous blessing.”

- Erika J. Kendrick

Connect with Erika J. Kendrick:

Website: http://xoerika.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-kendrick-658284127/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erikajkendrick/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikajkendrick/

Connect with Dante Royster:

Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/

Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086

Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086

Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/

“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRP

LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster

YouTube: Epic Spotlight

Email: [e-mail]

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Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.