f you want to learn about the real history of Jamaica, formerly Xamayca, the "land of wood and water" listen to this first of several episodes with Dr. Bertrand Bonnick. This fascinating historical perspective reveals how Jamaican history was forged by West Africans, Arawaks, Tainos, and Carib Indians who were living in Jamaica long before Christopher Columbus was commissioned by the Queen of Spain to travel there.

Did you know the Vikings were in North America before the Spanish and Portuguese? The Spanish converted Catholics (some were Portuguese Jewish), and those who served Spain, along with Africans (some were maroons and could not be enslaved) were in Jamaica along with the indigenous people (some of whom intermixed).

Later came the British, some East Indians, Chinese, Scottish, Irish, Syrians, Germans, and others. If you are a history buff, you are going to love this episode. Comment below and let us know what you think.

We sat down with DJ 'Lefty' Hernandez recently to have a very deep and healing conversation about his struggles with substance abuse and his ultimate recovery. He passionately shares his story from a place of vulnerability, fear, and triumph. 'Lefty' shares how, as a child of the sixties, living and growing up in Greenwich Village and how misfortune changed the trajectory of his family's life from the West Village to the Lower Eastside. Facing a new world where he goes from being Puerto Rican American, a minority, living in The Village, with European features. Although he was considered 'a minority' he was able to 'blend in' with other children of European descent. He now has to adapt and change when his family is forced to move into public housing in the Lower Eastside, where his family is now one of many Puerto Rican American families, but 'Lefty' is lost as a pre-teen who learns the mores of the other kids in his new community. He talks about how he picked up bad habits, is introduced to marijuana, booze, and sex at a very young age, and how it takes him off track. Later in the interview, 'Lefty' shares his painful memories of how becoming addicted to cocaine, takes a toll on him and takes him away from his family who loves him, whom he loves, but the influences are so strong he turns his back on his family. We share his story as a way to help others who are currently struggling with their own addictions. 'Lefty' learns how to survive during difficult times, spends a long-time in the darkness, and eventually finds redemption through the light through NA and through his relationship with Christ.

For more information on resources available to individuals struggling with addiction to substances please visit the National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

For information on where to find a Narcotics Anonymous Meeting near you, we invite you to visit: https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/

We recently sat down with Nathalie Heywood-Smith, founder of Heywood-Smith Consulting, and Duncan Tree Foundation board member to hear what she had to say about job hunting strategies in a post-pandemic world, social distanced world. We think you'll enjoy learning from the insights Nathalie provides and are curious to hear your main takeaway from this important episode.

In this episode Dr. Odis McKinzie helps us understand why it's important to understand "family of origin"; including a family history of suicide, the spiritual elements we need to pay attention to and how the church, families and society can play a more significant role in identifying when someone is in crisis, considering self-harm and needs immediate mental health intervention.

If you or someone you know is considering self-harm and suicide, we implore you (and them) to call: 800-273-8255.

Dr. Odis McKinzie Jr., Ed.D, NCC, LPC (VA), LMHC (HI), ACS, CSAT

Dr. Sachin Shah, Neurosurgeon, speaks with our founder Ouida Duncan, about the intersection of Eastern traditions and Western medicine and how we benefit from having a combined approach to healing. He treats tumors of the brain and spine with stereotactic radio surgery as well. Being from India led to having an open minded about the path to healing, including your aura, the functioning of the cells, he had the benefit of embracing and practicing Eastern and Western medicine to treat his patients in a holistic way so they can live rich and fulfilling lives.

Duncan Tree's podcast is aimed at uplifting minds, finances and souls.

In this episode Ouida speaks with Mark A. Smith about his journey as a young athlete from Jamaica who landed a scholarship at Adelphi University. He became a banker who ultimately became a wealthy insurance broker, who remained humble and focused.

In this episode, Sheila Campbell-Forrester, MD, former Chief Medical Officer of Jamaica (a position similar to the surgeon general of the United States) sheds light on how to remain vigilant and safe during the pandemic and why it's important to be compassionate toward those who are fearful and hesitant about being vaccinated.

Episode Two is titled 'unhealthy earth'. Today's guests are Ouida Duncan, MBA, the founder of Duncan Tree Foundation, and Lem "Lefty" Hernandez, our musical consultant. With our host for this episode Jenny DeLeon.

In this episode our founder, Ouida Duncan, shares how God inspired her to use her life to heal physically, emotionally, spiritually & financially. Listen in and tell us how her story resonates with you.