 What inspired you to start Zholistic Life, and what does the name represent for you?
The inspiration for Zholistic Life came from my personal journey of healing and transformation. After experiencing firsthand the profound benefits of holistic health, I felt a deep calling to share this knowledge and empower others to take control of their well-being. My struggles with chronic pain, mental health challenges, and the side effects of conventional medicine led me to explore holistic alternatives, and the results were life-changing. The name "Zholistic Life" holds special significance. "Zho" is my nickname, given to me by a highly influential professor at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. By combining "Zho" with "holistic," I wanted to emphasize the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit—a philosophy at the core of my approach. Zholistic Life represents a commitment to balanced, intentional living and the pursuit of true wellness. Through Zholistic Life, my mission is to create a supportive platform where individuals can access resources, guidance, and encouragement to achieve their health goals. It’s about empowering people to reclaim their well-being and embrace a lifestyle rooted in vitality, balance, and faith. How does your approach to health and wellness differ from what's already out there? My approach to health and wellness is deeply personal and rooted in lived experience. What makes Zholistic Life unique is its emphasis on the synergy between mind, body, and spirit, all framed within a Christ-centered perspective. Here’s what sets it apart: First, I bring a deep level of empathy to my work because I’ve walked this journey myself. I understand what it’s like to battle chronic pain, mental health struggles, and the overwhelming frustration of ineffective treatments. This firsthand experience allows me to connect with others on a deeper level. Second, Zholistic Life takes a holistic, faith-based approach to health. Many wellness programs focus on physical health alone, but I believe true wellness must also address mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. My approach integrates biblical principles with holistic health practices, ensuring that spiritual alignment plays a crucial role in healing and growth. Third, I emphasize practical and sustainable lifestyle changes. Instead of promoting temporary fixes, I help individuals implement lasting habits, such as plant-based nutrition, mindfulness practices, and faith-based affirmations, that create long-term wellness. Lastly, my focus is on empowerment. I provide education, tools, and support, but I also encourage self-discovery and personal accountability. Healing isn’t about relying on external solutions—it’s about reclaiming your power to make informed choices for your health.
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From Battlefield to Lab Coat: One Veteran's Mission to Revolutionize Healthcare| Marc-Antoine Harris2/6/2025  Science and art may seem like two distant worlds—one driven by logic and the other by emotion—but at their core, both are about curiosity, creativity, and discovery. For centuries, Black men in science have defied odds, pushing boundaries not only in laboratories but also in the way we understand and shape the world. In this feature, we spotlight Marc Antoine, a visionary whose work bridges the gap between scientific innovation and artistic inspiration. His journey challenges the notion that science is rigid and art is fluid, proving that the two are deeply interconnected, shaping culture, community, and the future in ways we have yet to imagine.
What inspired you to pursue a career in science? During my career, many commanders encouraged me to pursue my education and utilize my leadership skills to aid humanity. However, I had no clue what I wanted to do while I was in. After my retirement from the military, I was compelled to help my comrades who were battling post-retirement issues like PTSD, chronic diseases, rehabilitation from injuries, and reintegration into civilian life. What was your journey through the education process like to get to where you are today? My journey began while I was still in the military, taking classes to see what interested me. As time passed, I gravitated towards science, first kinesiology coaching, then AS general psychology, BS exercise physiology, MS kinesiology, and human performance, and then onto PHD: Health Sciences: Healthcare Leadership program. As an African American in STEM, what challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? For me, the biggest challenge is creating a lane that has not been navigated yet. I am an interdisciplinary healthcare provider that utilizes multiple disciplines to achieve my goal of holistic functional healthcare. Most of the practitioners are steadfast in their discipline and do not incorporate other techniques to enhance the effectiveness of an intervention. The statistics for African Americans in STEM fields are often disheartening. What do you believe needs to change to increase representation? The main thing that needs to change is that AA STEM representatives need to be highlighted and celebrated in the AA community so the children can see people who look like them achieving greatness in other areas of society, outside of sports and entertainment. How can early exposure to STEM education and resources shape the futures of underrepresented students? As stated above, this will allow children to open their minds to other avenues of society muted in the last 40 years.  Rod Warner is a man of dual passions—by day, he is a dedicated psychotherapist, guiding individuals toward healing and self-discovery. By night, he is a steadfast supporter of the arts, recognizing its transformative power in shaping culture, identity, and community. For Warner, the arts are not just entertainment; they are a vital expression of history, resilience, and creativity—especially within the African American community. He passionately stresses the importance of Black support for the arts, understanding that investing in creative expression not only preserves heritage but also paves the way for future generations to thrive. Through his work in mental health and his unwavering commitment to the arts, Warner bridges the gap between healing and inspiration, reminding us all that both are essential for a thriving, empowered community.
What inspired you to pursue a career in clinical mental health therapy? I have always had a deep desire to help others navigate their personal struggles with mental health. My fascination with human behavior and the complexities of the mind further fueled my passion for this field. Why did you decide to focus your work specifically on Black men and their mental health? I chose to focus on Black men’s mental health because of the unique challenges we face in today’s society. There is often an expectation for us to be strong and self-reliant, leaving little room to acknowledge our pain—whether voluntary or involuntary. Many Black men struggle with expressing vulnerability due to societal and cultural pressures. I wanted to create a safe space where we can feel heard, understood, and supported by another man without fear of judgment or competition. What unique challenges do Black men face when it comes to acknowledging and addressing their mental health? The stigma surrounding mental health among Black men varies across generations. Younger generations, such as Millennials and Gen Z, are more open to therapy and understand its value. However, Gen X often associates therapy with weakness and tends to believe in figuring things out independently. Baby Boomers, on the other hand, largely dismiss therapy altogether, relying instead on faith and the belief that prayer alone can resolve struggles. While some Baby Boomers do embrace therapy, they remain a small minority. These generational attitudes create barriers that make it difficult for many Black men to seek the help they need.  The human body is one of the most dynamic and expressive forms of art. Like a masterpiece shaped by time, effort, and intention, it tells a story—one of strength, resilience, and transformation. Every muscle sculpted, every curve defined, and every movement executed is a reflection of creativity and discipline. Just as painters use brushes and sculptors use chisels, we shape our bodies through dedication, movement, and self-care. In this conversation, we’ll explore the artistry of the human form, the evolving ideals of beauty, and how fitness is not just about aesthetics but about self-expression and personal evolution.
How do you perceive the human body as a form of art?I believe the human body is a true work of art—just like a painting, a photograph, or even a ball of clay. It starts as one thing and, through intention and effort, can be transformed into whatever the artist envisions. Furthermore, the body is interpreted differently by each person who observes it. While mainstream media often promotes a singular standard of beauty, the reality is that beauty—like art—is subjective. The saying holds true: beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. Could you share insights into how ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, portrayed the human body in their art? Ancient Greek art often idealized the human body, portraying strength and symmetry as the pinnacle of beauty. Their sculptures reflected a pursuit of perfection, influenced by philosophical ideals and a deep understanding of anatomy. In contrast, Egyptian art depicted the human body in a more symbolic and structured way, emphasizing spirituality and order over realism. Roman art, however, leaned toward realism, showcasing flaws, age, and individuality—especially in portraiture, which captured the raw authenticity of the human form. In many ways, the ways we present ourselves on social media today—whether through carefully curated images, memes, or even "thirst traps"—mirror these historical portrayals. Just as ancient civilizations used art to convey ideals, we use digital spaces to tell our own evolving stories of self-image and identity. How have societal standards of the "ideal body" evolved, and what impact does this have on modern fitness practices? The concept of the "ideal body" is ever-changing. There was a time when the Baywatch physique—lean, toned, and tanned—was the gold standard. Then, ultra-thin figures became the trend. Today, the BBL aesthetic and gym-built physiques dominate as the sought-after look. The challenge with chasing trends is that they are fleeting. The best approach is to focus on creating the best version of yourself—one that genuinely makes you happy when you look in the mirror. Societal ideals may shift, but true confidence comes from embracing your own journey and goals. Are there specific works of art or historical figures that inspire your approach to fitness and body development? For me, one of the most inspiring figures is none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger. He is a living testament to the idea that the body can be sculpted into something truly extraordinary with dedication and vision. His physique, discipline, and influence on the fitness world have motivated countless bodybuilding enthusiasts, including myself. Of course, I recognize that our bodies are different canvases, but his legacy continues to push me to strive for excellence in my own journey. |
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