<![CDATA[Sunshine & Rain]]>6a7e8dcf-5af3-5023-bd09-c975475af1b0Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:54:51 +0000Captivate.fmVictoria Fortunehttps://artwork.captivate.fm/b34288c2-47f8-4efe-9eee-161042a13d6b/4694cdf02ed6cfe4b08ffd5a77f3ae4c.jpgSunshine & RainVictoria FortuneVictoria FortuneSunshine & Rain is a podcast normalizing conversations around the joys and pains of critical life moments while highlighting the good that can come from giving yourself the time and space to heal. https://www.sunshinenrain.org/falseepisodichttps://feeds.captivate.fm/sunshine-rain/nopodcastEp 13: Body Image and Fat Liberation With Maya FinohEp 13: Body Image and Fat Liberation With Maya FinohIn this episode of Sunshine & Rain, Maya Finoh—plus-sized model and fat liberation advocate—shares her journey of learning to love her body after years of judgment and internalized shame.

Maya reflects on growing up under constant scrutiny, what it took to unlearn those messages, and how they moved from survival to self-acceptance. Together, we explore how body image is shaped, how healing happens, and why self-love is an ongoing practice.

Maya also offers guidance for allies and parents of plus-sized children, sharing what real support and affirmation can look like.

At its core, this conversation is about reclaiming your sense of self—and choosing to see your body with compassion and power.

]]>In this episode of Sunshine & Rain, Maya Finoh—plus-sized model and fat liberation advocate—shares her journey of learning to love her body after years of judgment and internalized shame.

Maya reflects on growing up under constant scrutiny, what it took to unlearn those messages, and how they moved from survival to self-acceptance. Together, we explore how body image is shaped, how healing happens, and why self-love is an ongoing practice.

Maya also offers guidance for allies and parents of plus-sized children, sharing what real support and affirmation can look like.

At its core, this conversation is about reclaiming your sense of self—and choosing to see your body with compassion and power.

]]>6b83f3cb-43ce-4385-abb3-538faefedbf1Thu, 02 Jul 2026 08:50:00 -040039:09falsefull2332Ep 12: A Touch From God: Vitiligo, Health and Faith with Jae MurphyEp 12: A Touch From God: Vitiligo, Health and Faith with Jae MurphyDJ to the Stars Jay Murphy has played stages around the world, but behind the scenes he's been navigating something far more personal, a vitiligo diagnosis, a near-fatal car accident, and the quiet, daily work of staying grounded when everything is moving at full speed. In this candid and deeply moving conversation, Jay opens up about processing his vitiligo diagnosis as an adult, why he calls the skin condition "a touch from God," the moment he walked away from a major accident without a scratch, and the 40-day annual fast he's been committed to for over a decade that he credits with unlocking a level of spiritual clarity that no industry could give him. This one is equal parts testimony and toolkit. Don't miss it.

]]>DJ to the Stars Jay Murphy has played stages around the world, but behind the scenes he's been navigating something far more personal, a vitiligo diagnosis, a near-fatal car accident, and the quiet, daily work of staying grounded when everything is moving at full speed. In this candid and deeply moving conversation, Jay opens up about processing his vitiligo diagnosis as an adult, why he calls the skin condition "a touch from God," the moment he walked away from a major accident without a scratch, and the 40-day annual fast he's been committed to for over a decade that he credits with unlocking a level of spiritual clarity that no industry could give him. This one is equal parts testimony and toolkit. Don't miss it.

]]>1e2eb076-d359-4612-af91-6d093cc70454Wed, 01 Jul 2026 22:55:00 -040050:15falsefull2222Ep 11: Dr. Raquel Martin on Healing in a Traumatic AgeEp 11: Dr. Raquel Martin on Healing in a Traumatic AgeIn this episode of Sunshine & Rain, host Victoria Fortune sits down with psychologist, author, and educator Dr. Raquel Martin to discuss what healing looks like for Black people in a traumatic age. From navigating systemic oppression and protecting your peace to finding the right therapist and reclaiming joy, Dr. Martin shares practical wisdom and powerful insights on caring for your mental health in difficult times. Together, they explore how grief, boundaries, and community can open the door to deeper healing.

]]>In this episode of Sunshine & Rain, host Victoria Fortune sits down with psychologist, author, and educator Dr. Raquel Martin to discuss what healing looks like for Black people in a traumatic age. From navigating systemic oppression and protecting your peace to finding the right therapist and reclaiming joy, Dr. Martin shares practical wisdom and powerful insights on caring for your mental health in difficult times. Together, they explore how grief, boundaries, and community can open the door to deeper healing.

]]>23b62deb-2849-44b9-8469-c1e14d3147e6Wed, 01 Jul 2026 22:50:00 -040049:34falsefull2112Season Two Trailer: Sunshine & Rain Is Back!Season Two Trailer: Sunshine & Rain Is Back!Annnd we're back! After a little hiatus Victoria Fortune is back with a sneak peak of the new guest lineup and slate of topics on grief and healing for season two of Sunshine & Rain. New episodes dropping every Thursday starting June 18th.

]]>Annnd we're back! After a little hiatus Victoria Fortune is back with a sneak peak of the new guest lineup and slate of topics on grief and healing for season two of Sunshine & Rain. New episodes dropping every Thursday starting June 18th.

]]>68557437-5c57-4867-89e3-8706c7739dafWed, 01 Jul 2026 18:55:00 -040003:00falsetrailer111111Ep 13 - Body Image and Fat Liberation With Maya FinohEp 13 - Body Image and Fat Liberation With Maya FinohIn this episode of Sunshine & Rain, Maya Finoh—plus-sized model and fat liberation advocate—shares her journey of learning to love her body after years of judgment and internalized shame.

She reflects on growing up under constant scrutiny, what it took to unlearn those messages, and how she moved from survival to self-acceptance. Together, we explore how body image is shaped, how healing happens, and why self-love is an ongoing practice.

Maya also offers guidance for allies and parents of plus-sized children, sharing what real support and affirmation can look like.

At its core, this conversation is about reclaiming your sense of self—and choosing to see your body with compassion and power.

]]>In this episode of Sunshine & Rain, Maya Finoh—plus-sized model and fat liberation advocate—shares her journey of learning to love her body after years of judgment and internalized shame.

She reflects on growing up under constant scrutiny, what it took to unlearn those messages, and how she moved from survival to self-acceptance. Together, we explore how body image is shaped, how healing happens, and why self-love is an ongoing practice.

Maya also offers guidance for allies and parents of plus-sized children, sharing what real support and affirmation can look like.

At its core, this conversation is about reclaiming your sense of self—and choosing to see your body with compassion and power.

]]>5c41a70e-e2f1-4826-aed0-45e109e19f27Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -040039:09falsefull2332EP 10: Finding Community and Victory in Cancer Diagnosis with Shatina and ShenaeEP 10: Finding Community and Victory in Cancer Diagnosis with Shatina and ShenaeShanae and Shatina are two close friends who met because they both found themselves in the incredibly rare position of fighting breast cancer in their late twenties and early thirties. Shanae’s social media post about her diagnosis prompted Shatina to get checked out in the first place. 


In this moving season finale, the two sit down with host Victoria Fortune to talk about the grief of going on a grueling isolating health journey at the prime of their lives and the positive developments that have come from it–including their newfound sisterhood. They touch on how their diagnosis impacted their friendships, dating lives, spirituality, and how they found the hope to keep on going. This episode is filled with so many wise words, tears, and laughs in their epic story.

]]>Shanae and Shatina are two close friends who met because they both found themselves in the incredibly rare position of fighting breast cancer in their late twenties and early thirties. Shanae’s social media post about her diagnosis prompted Shatina to get checked out in the first place. 


In this moving season finale, the two sit down with host Victoria Fortune to talk about the grief of going on a grueling isolating health journey at the prime of their lives and the positive developments that have come from it–including their newfound sisterhood. They touch on how their diagnosis impacted their friendships, dating lives, spirituality, and how they found the hope to keep on going. This episode is filled with so many wise words, tears, and laughs in their epic story.

]]>3c974d0a-7078-11ef-ac25-0316bd2a2a56Thu, 12 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -040051:44falsefull110101Ep 9: Turning the Grief of Career Setbacks into Success with Don Peebles Ep 9: Turning the Grief of Career Setbacks into Success with Don Peebles Don Peebles is arguably the most successful Black real estate developer and one of the most successful entrepreneurs in America. But as he worked his way up from being a property appraiser in Washington D.C., he’s had to navigate his fair share of false starts, betrayal, and adversity. In this episode, he sits down with host Victoria Fortune to talk about how he’s gotten through early career setbacks and the ways that dealing with grief in his personal life has given him a healthier perspective on business challenges. Plus, he discusses the heartache of fighting to decrease the racial wealth gap in today’s tough landscape, and shares the music that helps him stay positive. This motivational story is not one to be missed!

]]>Don Peebles is arguably the most successful Black real estate developer and one of the most successful entrepreneurs in America. But as he worked his way up from being a property appraiser in Washington D.C., he’s had to navigate his fair share of false starts, betrayal, and adversity. In this episode, he sits down with host Victoria Fortune to talk about how he’s gotten through early career setbacks and the ways that dealing with grief in his personal life has given him a healthier perspective on business challenges. Plus, he discusses the heartache of fighting to decrease the racial wealth gap in today’s tough landscape, and shares the music that helps him stay positive. This motivational story is not one to be missed!

]]>e7fffdbe-6b09-11ef-93ec-77fa22432674Thu, 05 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -040058:36falsefull1991Ep 8: Healing Grief Through Breathwork with Kathleen BookerEp 8: Healing Grief Through Breathwork with Kathleen BookerIn this episode, host Victoria Fortune sits down with certified Conscious Connected Breathwork coach Kathleen Booker, also known as the Jedi of Calm. Kathleen came to breathwork after a tough period in her life and found a renewed purpose through it to teach as many people as she can the power of the breath. Kathleen explains the many ways that breathwork can be used to heal trauma and stress, and what she’s learned from teaching it through the years.

]]>In this episode, host Victoria Fortune sits down with certified Conscious Connected Breathwork coach Kathleen Booker, also known as the Jedi of Calm. Kathleen came to breathwork after a tough period in her life and found a renewed purpose through it to teach as many people as she can the power of the breath. Kathleen explains the many ways that breathwork can be used to heal trauma and stress, and what she’s learned from teaching it through the years.

]]>3b794142-65a8-11ef-a27d-c7c15c5f7988Thu, 29 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -040049:14falsefull1881Ep 7: The Grief of Losing a Parent with Chris Thomas Ep 7: The Grief of Losing a Parent with Chris Thomas Chris Thomas has been dealing with disproportionate loss from a young age growing up in Philadelphia where he started losing people he knew at a young age. But when his older cousin and father passed away in short succession, his world was turned upside down. In the wake of their transitioning, Chris has been reflecting on what it means to lose male role models while coming into manhood, especially when some have set good examples while others have shown him some behaviors he doesn’t want to replicate. Chris talks with host Victoria Fortune about his experiences navigating consecutive loss, periods of desensitization, and the very particular experience of losing his father.

]]>Chris Thomas has been dealing with disproportionate loss from a young age growing up in Philadelphia where he started losing people he knew at a young age. But when his older cousin and father passed away in short succession, his world was turned upside down. In the wake of their transitioning, Chris has been reflecting on what it means to lose male role models while coming into manhood, especially when some have set good examples while others have shown him some behaviors he doesn’t want to replicate. Chris talks with host Victoria Fortune about his experiences navigating consecutive loss, periods of desensitization, and the very particular experience of losing his father.

]]>ef7df534-6008-11ef-932c-97ae59b84cbaThu, 22 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -040055:52falsefull1771Ep 6: The Grief of Navigating the Healthcare System w/ Ashlee Wisdom Ep 6: The Grief of Navigating the Healthcare System w/ Ashlee Wisdom Ashlee Wisdom is the founder of Health in Her Hue, a platform that connects women of color to culturally competent health care providers. But before starting her own company, she struggled with stress-related health complications related to racism and microaggressions at work. This experience  led her to rethinking her original career path. Ashlee sits down with host Victoria Fortune to talk about how she’s navigated the grief of realizing her former work life was harming her health, the stresses of becoming a founder, and the unwavering support of Black women who’ve helped her through it all. 

]]>Ashlee Wisdom is the founder of Health in Her Hue, a platform that connects women of color to culturally competent health care providers. But before starting her own company, she struggled with stress-related health complications related to racism and microaggressions at work. This experience  led her to rethinking her original career path. Ashlee sits down with host Victoria Fortune to talk about how she’s navigated the grief of realizing her former work life was harming her health, the stresses of becoming a founder, and the unwavering support of Black women who’ve helped her through it all. 

]]>65e3ca5a-5aa5-11ef-be3f-83a953ebe019Thu, 15 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -040037:48falsefull1661Ep 5: Grief & Relief of Coming Out in the NBA w/ Jason Collins Ep 5: Grief & Relief of Coming Out in the NBA w/ Jason Collins Jason Collins is a retired 12-year NBA veteran who’s played for franchises like the New Jersey Nets, the Boston Celtics and the Brooklyn Nets. He was also the first active player in any of the big four leagues–the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL–to come out as gay. His coming out on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2013 was a rare moment in sports history let alone the NBA–where there has yet to be another active player to come out as gay since. Host Victoria Fortune sits down with Jason to talk about what it was like for him to navigate life in the closet in his adolescence and later as an NBA player. Jason discusses how he got the courage to come out, homophobia baked into sports culture, the supporters who surprised him, and rebuilding his relationship with church.

]]>Jason Collins is a retired 12-year NBA veteran who’s played for franchises like the New Jersey Nets, the Boston Celtics and the Brooklyn Nets. He was also the first active player in any of the big four leagues–the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL–to come out as gay. His coming out on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2013 was a rare moment in sports history let alone the NBA–where there has yet to be another active player to come out as gay since. Host Victoria Fortune sits down with Jason to talk about what it was like for him to navigate life in the closet in his adolescence and later as an NBA player. Jason discusses how he got the courage to come out, homophobia baked into sports culture, the supporters who surprised him, and rebuilding his relationship with church.

]]>8637bdca-552d-11ef-9282-afa85e427400Thu, 08 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -040059:58falsefull1551Ep 4: Grief’s Effect On the Body with Asha Tarry Ep 4: Grief’s Effect On the Body with Asha Tarry Asha Tarry is a trauma-informed psychotherapist, life coach and consultant who has been helping clients overcome mental and spiritual roadblocks to live more freely. In this episode, host Victoria Fortune sits down with Asha to talk about the many ways that grief impacts our bodies and how we can prevent ourselves from developing new health issues while grieving. They talk about the healing power of music and dance, Somatic therapy (aka body-focused therapy), and other tips to keep our health up amidst other traumas. She also warns against the overuse of the word “trauma” and teases out some important nuances on how to recognize what trauma really is.

]]>Asha Tarry is a trauma-informed psychotherapist, life coach and consultant who has been helping clients overcome mental and spiritual roadblocks to live more freely. In this episode, host Victoria Fortune sits down with Asha to talk about the many ways that grief impacts our bodies and how we can prevent ourselves from developing new health issues while grieving. They talk about the healing power of music and dance, Somatic therapy (aka body-focused therapy), and other tips to keep our health up amidst other traumas. She also warns against the overuse of the word “trauma” and teases out some important nuances on how to recognize what trauma really is.

]]>c5ddd668-4f9b-11ef-8f10-b3fa1cd37999Thu, 01 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -040042:15falsefull1441Ep 3: The Grief of Shifting Careers with Cory TownesEp 3: The Grief of Shifting Careers with Cory TownesCory Townes is a celebrated Brooklyn-based DJ, son of DJ Jazzy Jeff, and a good friend of host Victoria Fortune’s. But it hasn’t been easy getting to where he is today. On this episode, Cory talks about his experience navigating a period of unemployment and career uncertainty after early successes in advertising and media. He opens up about his mental health journey during that time, and what it was like for him to share his struggles online for the first time, especially as a Black man in a more public family. On this episode, Cory gives listeners words of wisdom as he reflects on his experience getting back to himself and finding stability.


If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, they can call the 24 hour suicide prevention hotline at 988-suicide. We hope everyone stays safe and that you find this episode uplifting.


]]>Cory Townes is a celebrated Brooklyn-based DJ, son of DJ Jazzy Jeff, and a good friend of host Victoria Fortune’s. But it hasn’t been easy getting to where he is today. On this episode, Cory talks about his experience navigating a period of unemployment and career uncertainty after early successes in advertising and media. He opens up about his mental health journey during that time, and what it was like for him to share his struggles online for the first time, especially as a Black man in a more public family. On this episode, Cory gives listeners words of wisdom as he reflects on his experience getting back to himself and finding stability.


If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, they can call the 24 hour suicide prevention hotline at 988-suicide. We hope everyone stays safe and that you find this episode uplifting.


]]>7d91f07e-49f1-11ef-9d50-e3b1acf4609cThu, 25 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -040044:18falsefull1331Ep 2: Getting Back to Joy After Loss with Yvette Noel-SchureEp 2: Getting Back to Joy After Loss with Yvette Noel-SchureMany know Yvette Noel-Schure as Beyoncé’s publicist and co-founder of Schure Media Group. But she’s also a Grenadian mom who developed an intergenerational close friendship with a sweet young man, Jonty, who she met in Grenada one fateful day. Host Victoria Fortune talks with Yvette about how she’s coming back to herself and learning to find the joy of life again after losing her “bonus son” at such a young age in 2023. Yvette shares her story of experiencing this life-altering loss while on the Renaissance tour, navigating grief with a busy schedule, and what it was like to be visited by Jonty’s spirit.

]]>Many know Yvette Noel-Schure as Beyoncé’s publicist and co-founder of Schure Media Group. But she’s also a Grenadian mom who developed an intergenerational close friendship with a sweet young man, Jonty, who she met in Grenada one fateful day. Host Victoria Fortune talks with Yvette about how she’s coming back to herself and learning to find the joy of life again after losing her “bonus son” at such a young age in 2023. Yvette shares her story of experiencing this life-altering loss while on the Renaissance tour, navigating grief with a busy schedule, and what it was like to be visited by Jonty’s spirit.

]]>a8974c24-44b5-11ef-b28f-2bd410492a99Thu, 18 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -040001:01:50falsefull1221Ep 1: Learning to Process Childhood Grief with Millen TesfaldetEp 1: Learning to Process Childhood Grief with Millen TesfaldetIn this special first episode, host Victoria Fortune sits down with her childhood friend Millen Tesfaldet to talk about the loss of her older brother Nathaniel aka Nati. Millen shares what it was like to experience this big loss as a high school student doing her best to live a normal life. Millen talks about her challenges navigating her grief while her family was able to express their grief more openly through practices unique to their Habesha heritage. 

]]>In this special first episode, host Victoria Fortune sits down with her childhood friend Millen Tesfaldet to talk about the loss of her older brother Nathaniel aka Nati. Millen shares what it was like to experience this big loss as a high school student doing her best to live a normal life. Millen talks about her challenges navigating her grief while her family was able to express their grief more openly through practices unique to their Habesha heritage. 

]]>8fdccd86-44b4-11ef-b1e4-636b1845b67bThu, 18 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -040041:09falsefull1111Season One TrailerSeason One TrailerHost Victoria Fortune introduces Sunshine and Rain, a podcast about the good things that can come from giving yourself the time and space to heal.

]]>Host Victoria Fortune introduces Sunshine and Rain, a podcast about the good things that can come from giving yourself the time and space to heal.

]]>ba568b4c-3e1a-11ef-ad2f-1fd3d8705664Tue, 09 Jul 2024 17:41:21 -040001:38falsetrailer1111