VS Grenier ~ Award-Winning Author, Speaker & Podcaster

In a recent episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of featuring Buffy Bratt, a trans hip-hop artist whose life narrative intertwines with her musical creations, forming a mosaic of experiences that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. Her story is one that encapsulates the struggles, resilience, and eventual triumphs of a transgender individual navigating through the complexities of life and identity. As the hosts of the podcast, we had the opportunity to delve deep into Buffy's journey, her upcoming EP "A Different Type of Gangster," and the broader context of transgender issues in society today. Buffy Bratt is an embodiment of tenacity. Her music serves as a vessel for her emotional voyage from a childhood marked by the loss of her mother and time spent in foster care to the solace and empowerment she discovered in her craft. Throughout our conversation, it became clear that Buffy's music is more than just sound; it's a chronicle of her relent...

Journaling is a profoundly effective practice for enhancing mental health, fostering self-discovery, and managing stress. Its roots in therapeutic processes are profound, with extensive research supporting its benefits in emotional expression and psychological well-being. This article delves into how journaling is a multifaceted tool for personal growth, supported by scholarly studies, and outlines various journaling techniques that cater to different needs and preferences. At its core, journaling is a form of expressive writing linked to significant emotional and physical health improvements. Studies by Pennebaker & Beall (1986) highlight that writing about feelings and experiences can lead to measurable health benefits, such as reduced stress levels and improved immune function. Journaling helps individuals process emotions and experiences, organize thoughts, and clear mental clutter, contributing to a healthier mind and body. One of the primary benefits of journaling is its abil...

The magical world of 3D animation and game development has been a driving force behind the captivating experiences that gamers around the world have come to love. On our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Ryan Chenye, a seasoned 3D modeler, animator, and co-founder of indie game studio Nevergreen Games, who took us behind the scenes of this fascinating realm where art and technology intertwine. With a decade of experience working for mobile gaming powerhouses like Zynga and Disney, Ryan has seen firsthand the breathtaking advancements in technology that have fueled the gaming industry. Creating 3D models for games is a complex process that requires a balance of technical knowledge and creative prowess. But for Ryan, the technical aspects are not just a means to an end, but a tool to enhance the artistic elements of the game. One of the most intriguing aspects of our discussion was the power of storytelling in games. Video games offer a unique form of storytell...

In our fast-paced world, mindfulness has become more than just a practice—it's an essential skill for managing stress, enhancing concentration, and improving overall well-being. Mindfulness involves being fully present at the moment and aware of our thoughts and feelings without distraction or judgment. This article explores practical mindfulness techniques that anyone can incorporate into their daily routine to foster a sense of peace and balance. Mindfulness originates from Buddhist meditation practices but has been integrated into Western medicine and psychology due to its benefits in managing psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, defines mindfulness as "the awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally" (Kabat-Zinn, 1994). Research in clinical psychology co...