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The Unexpected Detour ❤️

The Unexpected Detour ❤️

By Frances Hammond

In the quiet corridors of life, where paths twist and turn, there lies a podcast, a journey to discern, "The Unexpected Detour", hosted by Frances Hammond, A beacon of courage, a voice that won't be silenced.
Frances, a warrior, shares her tale so raw, Breast cancer, the adversary she faced with awe, she unravels the threads of diagnosis and treatment, Side effects unspoken, a realm of enlightenment.
Life's detours, those unexpected bends, they find us all, like secret messages life sends, Frances invites others to join her quest, to converse about twists, turns, and life's unrest.
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The Beginning of my Journey

The Unexpected Detour ❤️Jan 16, 2020

00:00
04:23
Thank You

Thank You

We're so grateful for the voices who joined us this Black History Month. A special thanks to Steven Lewis, Octavia SoulSista Cohen, Andrea C, Dwayne Graham, Eric Benson, Danielle Atherton-Bonner, Kimberly Policano, Selena Cherry and Ranelle Wilson for sharing their powerful detours. Please check out The Unexpected Detour podcast available across podcast platforms.

Mar 01, 202416:45
Ranelle Wilson - The Art of Contouring
Feb 22, 202450:58
Selena Cherry- The Aroma is Breathtaking
Feb 18, 202438:49
Kimberly Policano- Second Chances

Kimberly Policano- Second Chances

Today I had the pleasure of speaking with Kimberly Policano. Kim and I met and worked when she was eighteen years old. Although she may have left, we reconnected in 2005.

Kim was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of twenty-five, but as time went by, she her kidneys would no longer function properly. Determined to keep living, she went on kidney dialysis for seven years when she would receive her new kidney. She was on her way back to normalcy and a detour hit she never expected. She was dealing with an old wound on her left foot that became infected sepsis. The sepsis was in her blood system and began to travel to the upper portion of her leg and to save her she had her leg amputated below the knee.

Despite this whole ordeal she has remained upbeat and encourages those who may be on this journey. If you or anyone you know may be going through detours like her reach out to her and hopefully her journey will encourage you.

Contact her via Facebook Messenger: Kimberly Policano

Instagram-misspolimoore

 

Feb 17, 202450:51
Danielle Atheron-Bonner “Mrs. Makes It Happen”

Danielle Atheron-Bonner “Mrs. Makes It Happen”

I had the pleasure of interviewing Danielle Atheron-Bonner who hails from The Bronx, NY.She is a force to be reckoned with and a powerhouse of a woman.I met her while attending church with my mother and my mother who always spoke highly of her. Danielle is a wife, a mother and a woman who is her own boss. She is a teacher; she is licensed to sell real estate in three states and currently works on her license in a fourth state. She not only sells real-estate she also owns a few real estate properties.While speaking with her she made an awesome comparison of why Baby Boomers stay at the same job: whereas her generation knows when to fold and move forward. As she calls it the “POWER OF QUITTING”. As you listen to her you’ll understand that power.Facebook: Dani Does Real Estate Facebook: Dani Does Law & Policy: In PracticeYouTube: danidoesthisandthat#danidoesrealestate #powerinquitting #danidoeslaw #teacher #enterpreneur #lawandpolicy

Feb 11, 202452:19
Eric Benson-It's Time To Live

Eric Benson-It's Time To Live

Today's guest is Eric Benson who I've known all his life because he is my cousin. Eric grew up in the Bronx in the streets selling drugs not to his liking, but it was a way of survival. As Eric got older, he became very good at what he did being a hustler until that fateful day when he killed someone. At the time of the killing, he was a young father of a son. The next time I heard about Eric, he was sentenced to life in prison for murder. He served 27 years and 6 months behind bars, but those 27 years and months were not in vain. He decided he wanted to better his life and by that he went to school in prison. He took advantage of those opportunities that some prisoners wouldn't to better himself. He got his associate degree, bachelor’s degree and his master’s degree. The day came when he was released and he was reformed and a changed man. Since returning to life outside of bars he along with his fellow inmates have a show podcast. SUCCESS AFTER LOCKDOWN. Website: www.successafterlockdown.com YouTube: https://youtu.be/qjbzFit0wWQ?si=7Gd8yY1uEcqhAwWT YouTube: https://youtu.be/vXvFFiVyBZo?si=u-Uj56ox-5GBYL1v Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericbenson355?igsh=dXFuNDRpMml3aXJn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-benson-0a3661263 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-benson-0a3661263 AllMyLinks: https://allmylinks.com/successafterlockdown Email: successafterlockdown@gmail.com Father Tries to Raise His Son from Prison | Mashable Docs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9XSLHddcdY #successafterlockdown #ericbenson

Feb 10, 202452:00
Dwyane Graham - A Life Transformed

Dwyane Graham - A Life Transformed

"When we learn from experience, the scars of sin can lead us to restoration and a renewed intimacy with God." Charles Stanley Dwayne Graham is my special guest on this episode of The Unexpected Detour. Dwayne is a husband, father, Reverend, author, coach and motivational speaker. He journey began in a home where both parents when visible and active in he and his siblings’ lives. Life was turned upside down when his father transitioned. As he saw his mom struggling to take care of four children, he had to do something to help. At the age of fifteen he sought the street to make easy money. As with all seeking to street for fast money his time ended when he was caught selling drugs to an undercover police officer. Under, The Rockefeller Law in New York he was given a sentence of 5 to life in prison. He used that time to obtain his GED. While in prison this was his first encounter with GOD. That one encounter would be the beginning of his journey with God. I invite you sit back and enjoy Rev Dwayne Grahams’ detour. Here is a list of his following books: When GOD Becomes Enough – Dwayne Graham Don’t Drop Out on You – Dwayne Graham and Whitney Smith Meeting Your Authentic You – Dwayne Graham and Whitney Smith Gospel Culture Center Website: Gospel Cultural Center | Tarrytown | New York Contact information: D.grahambooking@gmail.com #dwaynegraham #lifetransformed #pastorD #author #God #reformed

Feb 07, 202441:51
Andrea C- Educator and Businesswoman
Feb 05, 202424:16
Octavia SoulSista Cohen -Advocate and Artist"

Octavia SoulSista Cohen -Advocate and Artist"

Octavia Cohen Founder/

Lead Designer Copper Cohens

Shade of Blue: Alopecia Awareness

Octavia SoulSista Cohen is an Alopecia Advocate who I met on Facebook. Not only is she an advocate for alopecia she's a jewelry designer, a writer and model.

My first encounter with her I remember was during the time she created a calendar for Alopecia Awareness month and she asked me to send her a picture of myself in blue. To my surprise I made the cut and my picture was in the calendar. Thank you OctaviaThen I found out she made jewelry. All her accessories are handmade and painted. I guarantee you have a piece that no one has even seen before. They are unique like Octavia.

Octavia stated that as a young child she enjoyed writing poems and has written several books that can be found on Amazon.

What I loved about her is her drive to have a passion that's not work but enjoyable.

She is passion driven and I celebrate her this Black History Month.

Website Shades of Blue

www.shadesofblueaa.comemail: shadesofblueaa@gmail.com

Website Copper Cohenswww.coppercohens.com

Feb 03, 202429:14
Steven Lewis From Corporate to Entrepreneur
Feb 02, 202428:21
Karis Meier- With God All Things Are Possible
Dec 21, 202326:46
But GOD- Angie Denise Jesse

But GOD- Angie Denise Jesse

Angie Denise Jesse and I have men friends for over twenty years. Shortly after I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, I received a message from Angie to contact her. After contacting her she informed me that she was also diagnosed with this illness.
It wasn't until tonight the I learned the full extent of her journey. I invite you to listen to how she dealt with her journey. . It's her relationship with GOD that has kept her. AS she said," If you don't know HIM you need to!"


Dec 21, 202333:20
The Study of Crystals with Somer Thomas -Part 1
Nov 14, 202319:49
The Process

The Process

For one month I went through the process of trying to deal with my breast cancer diagnosis after 6 years of being in remission.
While reading an article I stumbled across the word Toxic Positivity. My curiosity got a hold of me and as I looked up the definition I saw me in the description.
"Toxic positivity happens when people believe that negative thoughts about anything should be avoided."
The book I was referring to is When God Becomes Enough" by Dwayne Graham
This is a 40 day devotional that will help you find peace within. When God Becomes Enough: Devotional messages designed to ... https://g.co/kgs/cZxKpy
Nov 08, 202318:03
My Body Your Body Transparency

My Body Your Body Transparency

We listen to the voice of God but how often do we listen to our bodies. Today there was no holding back or sugar coating my truth. The fight is over and i no longer have to wrestle with the voice with my heads. Peace and Blessing.

Thank you to all those who have known my past and I am now set FREE
Sep 04, 202320:32
The Lie Told Around the World

The Lie Told Around the World

I wanted to discuss the lie told where all concerned citizens prayed for the well being of Carlee Russell. I am happy that she's safe but I feel she owes an apology to Hoover, Alabama the local authorities and the world.
The question we all want to know is WHY. The hoax that you did has made you the joke. I hope she stops hiding behind her attorney and makes her apology PUBLIC. I want an apology from her.
"One can be absolutely truthful and sincere even though admittedly the most outrageous liar. Fiction and invention are of the very fabric of life." Henry Miller
Jul 26, 202310:26
Nicole Lane And Her Detour
Mar 30, 202332:51
Why I Talk about Breast Cancer?

Why I Talk about Breast Cancer?

I don't want anyone to think I have abandoned the reason why I began my Podcast because I didn't. At times when I tell my story painful and depressing memories I chose the forget resurface. I can't bring awareness to Breast Cancer it I hide all aspects of my journey. I have learned to be transparent about MYSELF.

Mar 24, 202316:27
It's Time
Feb 22, 202301:14
Torment and Torture

Torment and Torture

We’re not discussing this but theirs is NO race card to play in this beating. The five officers who are all BLACK just gave people something to talk about when it comes to black-on-black shootings and beatings. DAMN SHAME.

Where are the Activists now who show up for everything else? They better show up for Tyre Nicholas ‘family. PERIOD

Where’s The Black Lives Matter People???????

The “Scorpion” police squad stands for Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhood. These members of the squad did nothing to restore peace but cause the death of Tyre Nichols. On January 7th,2023 @10:33 the camera on the pole begins to capture footage of the l on Castlegate Lane. For thirty-one minutes and five seconds you view the beating the kicking, hitting by the officer's baton. While viewing the video I noticed some other officers arrived and they didn’t seem to care about the incident. What I did notice was one officer who I am sure wasn’t part of the SCORPION squad looking around the ground with his flashlight as though he were looking for something. After the torture eight officers are now on the scene. If they were calling for backup the crime would have already taken place. About 10:43 the paramedics arrive and appear to be just as heartless as the officers who tortured Tyre. The torture that Tyre sustained was heartbreaking but to watch the video as he lay on the ground, and NO one gave a Damn. They gazed upon him as though he were a specimen. Tyre’s beating was a reminder of the torture of the runaway slaves who were tortured by their master and killed.  At 11: 03 Tyre was placed in the ambulance by the paramedics. So, everyone stood about talking and looking without any regard to Tyre Nicholas Life. Three days after the torture he passed.

I will say the police chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis acted expeditiously handling the investigation. She viewed the video before releasing it to the public. The five officers were relieved from their duties, arrested, and charged with second degree murder. All five need to spend the remainder It their lives under the jail.

Nothing will bring back Tyre Nicholas, but it will bring awareness to stop saying police brutality has a color. Brutality has no color because it affects all races. Defunding the police is not a solution what may work is weekly evaluation mental and emotional stability of the police officers. Police brutality is just one states problem but it’s the nation’s problem. All police chiefs in the nation need to come together and produce a system to improve the police departments. I pray that it will work because it's time to stop living in a world where violence is the new normal that we have become desensitized to violence.

My prayers go out to the family of TYRE NICHOLAS. I pray that God will watch over and protect our children whether they are young or old because we are all somebody's child or children.

Peace and Blessings

Feb 02, 202310:47
She and The Mirror

She and The Mirror

My infatuation with a mirror was something that would aways capture my attention. This was not just any mirror but one that hung on the wall in my mother's bedroom. Daily I would look in the mirror from a young child until my adulthood. When I began to wear makeup, I would do that in the bathroom mirror. One would have thought I would check my makeup in the wall mirror since it was almost the size of the wall. I remember my mother telling me that I was the vainest person she ever knew. Wow to her my say one would have thought my feelings would have been hurt not me, why should I let those words bother me. What was I really looking at in that mirror? My Hair

Dec 11, 202212:05
It's Stage 2B
Oct 29, 202219:49
Only You Can Tell Your Own Story

Only You Can Tell Your Own Story

It's time you tell your story because only you are the author of your life.
Oct 02, 202211:43
Bill C Potts Author of Up For The Fight
Aug 24, 202231:03
She Reclaimed Her POWER.

She Reclaimed Her POWER.

The Merriam Dictionary has four definitions of power, but I am only going to point out two that I can relate to:
1.possession of control, authority, or influence over others.
2.the ability to act or produce an effect It's in your power to change things
It's been two months since I have Podcasted or blogged, I began reflecting on the word POWER.
Throughout those two months I noticed that I began to surround my personal space with toxic people that I had given access to my power without realizing the toxic energy they were bringing with them toxicity that affected me in such a way that I no longer focused on my passion but took up residency in their space of emptiness and nothing that was not worth my energy.
My time off was wasted on those toxic people who were more concerned about themselves and didn’t care about my passion. As I watched the selfishness of others it was then I realized that I had given others access to my power and they were renting space in my head. Two months of this was more than I could endure, and it was time to take back my power.
After a two-month hiatus and clearing out the toxic energy I have awakened and reclaimed my POWER. I am back with more passion to continue my podcasts and blogging not just bringing awareness to Breast Cancer but the other detours that come with LIFE.
Aug 23, 202203:30
The Most Powerful Weapon

The Most Powerful Weapon

"Watch your thoughts for they become your words Watch your words for they become actions Watch your actions for they become habits Watch your habits for they become your character Watch your character for it becomes your destiny." Lao Tzu
Words can either heal us or break us.
We use them to build one another up or tear each other down.
The words that we so easily use roll off the tongue attacking from all angles.
They fly here and there, never caring who they will hit and how they'll make a person feel.
We use words to get the things we want in life. We use the tongue to destroy our children's self-esteem. We can speak words that can destroy a person leaving them to feel useless and unwanted. We say things out of anger because the triggers have caused us to lose self-control.
We have all been in that space where our words are used in the most thoughtless ways. Words that can never be retracted because once said they are spoken the damage has been done.
That tongue is the culprit behind those hurtful or kind words. Before you spoke the thought was already in your mind. Your tongue’s delivery is like a sword that can destroy or soothe a person’s spirit.
James 3:5-6 It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell. MSG Bible
I have been there occasionally and would ask God for directions as I prepare my comeback. That was my process, I would rehearse as though I was giving a stage performance. I had to make sure that my words were articulated and understood because there was no room for error. At least that’s what I thought, the joke was on me. Those thoughts were there, and my tongue let loose and the things that came out could not be retrieved. No more dress rehearsals from now on I will address situations as they occur and not get caught up my feelings.
Hurt people hurt people and we live in a world where caring is no longer a priory but going out of one’s way to hurt one another with the tongue is and always be the world. We have all harmed so many people, even ourselves, with the words we have spoken and now is the time to STOP. If you don’t think it, you won’t say it.
"Talk with your mind before you talk with your tongue.” Anonymous
Aug 14, 202209:23
Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

I am your host Frances Hammond who has decided to step out of her comfort zone. Yes, could you believe that I was shy as a little girl who carried that shyness into her adult life. So here I am so you can put a face behind the voice and give a brief summary about my cancer journey and other journeys of have Unexpectedly travelled on. I invite you to be a guest on The Unexpected Detour, where in Life detours are INEVITABLE. Contact me at theunexpeceteddetour17@gmail.com. 

May 28, 202208:47
Is Obedience Better Than Sacrifice?

Is Obedience Better Than Sacrifice?

“Whatever truth we feel compelled to withhold, no matter how unthinkable it is to imagine ourselves telling it, not to is a way of spiritually holding our breath. You can only do it for so long.”Mark Nepo

Since my healing began, I returned to a place where I found peace. The place where I could have my private conversations with the One who knew me best. He never left me, but I left Him. At times I would hear His voice whispering in my ear not to do something but out of hurt and anger I became the disobedient child. Funny how He spoke so clearly to me on consistently, and I chose to do things MY WAY.

In 1 Samuel 15:22 there is a verse which reads "Obedience is better than sacrifice." I took the words lightly and never gave the words a second thought. I figured that God is a forgiving God so if prayed He would forgive me. As I would learn later in my life every wrong decision that I would make came with consequences. I lived the life I wanted doing what I wanted never knowing those words would come back to bite me and bite me HARD. My choices left me an emotional hot mess. Dating the wrong men was truly an emotional roller coaster ride that I decided to go on not realizing the effects of the toxic situationships.

“Anything or anyone that asks you to be other than yourself is not holy, but is trying only to fill its own need.”Mark Nepo

I married a man because I was tired of living with my mother, and he was tired of living with his family. So, after six months of dating, we got married and what a big mistake. He professed to know God and love Him but after marriage this was all a lie. He wanted nothing to do with God or church. A marriage doomed to fail because it was not God's will nor did I receive the blessings from my family. This guy would become my worst nightmare when the police were called due to domestic violence. The last altercation I had enough became and I had to fight for my life. Thank God for the neighbors who lived on my floor because they got me off him and he was asked to leave by my mom.

Five years passed, and I met a well-dressed man who happened to work in the same building my office was in. The warning signs were but I ignored the signs and continued to date him. Then one day I remember my coworker informed me that he was married. After hearing that I did ask him, he said no I believed the lie and continued the situationship. He said that my coworker was lying he was not married but did have a roommate who had children. Although I was apprehensive, I continued seeing him. I remember coming home and my mother's exact words were “If this guy hasn't given you a phone number introduced you his family and his children, he's either married or living with someone." She was right! I continued with the situationship for seven years only to uncover the truth. I recall asking him why did you lie to me all those years? Why didn’t you just tell me the truth and let me decide if I want to be in a situationship with you? You could hear a pin drop and I knew it was time to go. I prayed for God to end this situationship, and he gave me the strength to say goodbye without any regrets.

“We waste so much energy trying to cover up who we are when beneath every attitude is the want to be loved, and beneath every anger is a wound to be healed and beneath every sadness is the fear that there will not be enough time.” Mark Nepo

May 23, 202224:48
Healing from Within

Healing from Within

"There's a beginning and an end to everything. Each one is born into this world with a purpose in life. One will never know their purpose until they experience life. Those experiences are stored away in the abyss of the mind and heart." FLH
I don't know about you, but I have indeed experienced my share of difficulties. Deciding to be transparent about myself is liberating. Don't judge me because many will not know the feeling of being liberated from your past discretion. Opening to be vulnerable is something that has caused me heartache and heartbreak. We repress so much that we have built a wall so deep thick and high to cover up the hurt.
Sixty-five years around the sun I have become skeptical when it comes to dating. Damn was there something wrong with me that each man I dated had issues that I didn't realize until the situationship was over. Was I that blinded by the fact that having a BOYFRIEND was a good thing? I was far from blind and knew the warning signs and leaped right into these situations thinking I could make a difference in their life. Not realizing how those SITUATIONSHIPS would affect my life my mindset and instead of moving forward I sunk deeper and deeper into bull shit. The men I attracted were handsome well-dressed educated men who knew the right words to pull me into their web of deceit. Then the regular guy who perpetrated a fraud by promising to give me the world and never giving but always looking to receive. I sat around having a pity party blaming myself until I analyzed what each man had in common deep unresolved issues.
I came from a matriarch family who showed me love but when it came to the men in my family, I never saw them show affection to their wives. So, what examples did I have in my life when it comes. My ideas of love were the words I heard in love songs and those juicy love stories. Those were the words I wanted to hear from a man. As life would be I was living in a world of fantasy only to wake and see life is not that way.
I revisited my past relationship with my father and uncovered so much about my father and how that shaped my interaction with men. A father who refused to accept me as his child because of my name. A father who I saw briefly at my family members funeral still didn't acknowledge me. A father whom I met again at the age of twenty-one at another family tragedy. The father who had multiple children from multiple women. I realized that meeting him was a big disappointment. Not only was he an alcoholic he was a womanizer' from there I vowed to NEVER date or marry a man like him. I wanted a man who knew how to give and receive love. Surprise, surprise that would not be the case unfortunately I would get involved with men who possesses the same characteristics as the father.
It took me a while to figure out what was going on in my world of dating therefore it was time to seek professional help. I can honestly say I have stopped blaming myself. I have addressed the unresolved issues and I am on the road to HEALING FROM WITHIN.
May 14, 202217:28
Just A Talk
May 01, 202206:52
Triggers

Triggers

"Be sure you positively identify your target before you pull the trigger. "Tom Flynn On Sunday March 27,2022 we witnessed The Slap that Shocked the WORLD. If you missed it by now you have seen Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the 94th Oscars. We all looked on in shock, I am sure we all wondered what was going through Will Smith's mind to make him do such a thing on national television and in the presence of his peers. While watching I noticed that Will laughed at Chris's joke but then Jada gives him the side eye. That's when he took the opportunity to get out of his seat to walk up on stage and slap Chris.  As Chris Rock says, "OH wow Will Smith just slapped the shit out of me!" I thought it was part of the show until the explicit words spewed from Will's mouth. "Keep my wife's name out of your f*cking mouth.  I am sure, like most of you were surprised at Will Smith. In my opinion the slap stemmed from past hurts. To witness your mom being abused by your father left a deep hurt within Will's mind. Then their marriage is public for all the world to see and no matter how much it hurts due to infidelity he stayed. Your wife loves a deceased Rapper, and you know about it. Your wife behaving badly with your son's friend and having sex because her husband no longer satisfied her.   Your wife tells the world about their OPEN MARRIAGE. Here's Will loving a woman who in my opinion doesn't know how to love him back the same way. What we witnessed was exactly what society sees in the Black Communities Black on Black crime. But we have the nerve to put all the blame on the police killing us when we are out here killing our own people. We witnessed a comedian getting assaulted which is an open door for other comedians to be assaulted because they are offended by the jokes, and it sets off a trigger. Many conversations have taken place about THE SLAP. This was written the day after, but I preferred to wait just to hear from others. Many that I have spoken to felt that Will Smith was wrong.  If he was offended by the joke, I felt he should have waited to address Chris Rock backstage. The triggers hid deep within and on that night, Will Smith finally found someone to take out his frustrations on. I pray that he seeks physiological help to deal with and heal from his past hurts. Chris Rock I commend him for holding his composure. We can look and reflect on The Slap Heard Around the World and when things trigger us to think back to that night walk away hold your head high leave it where you meet it. "We all have a trigger built into our head... Not aware of its existence whatsoever. But a single word can pull the trigger. Forcing us to feel numb, allowing the shadows to sip through the cracks in our build up shell." Kate O'Grady

Apr 11, 202210:26
Take A Page Out of History

Take A Page Out of History

African Americans who complain about how tough life is don't take advantage of the opportunities that are readily available. If you only knew your history and all the accomplishments of African Americans who came before us, you'd no longer sit around and complain but would take a page out of history and rebuild the integrity of our heritage.
I was browsing thru Amazon Prime, and I came across a documentary titled "Uncle Tom.". My first thought was why would anyone make a documentary with a title about Black people who kiss ass? My reluctant self said No Way my inquisitive self said Why Not. While viewing the documentary and when I saw the featured individuals in my mind, I said it figures. Yes, the African Americans that I was familiar with included Candace Owens, the late Herman Cain and Larry Elder. First thought was it figures because they were the epitome of the phrase Uncle Tom in my eyes.
After watching the documentary, I learned those I despised were in fact far removed from what my ignorance considered "Uncle Tom's". Those individuals didn't come from a place of wealth and riches but didn't depend on the system to make the best of life. They used all resources available to get ahead in life. I was convicted because my thought process was wrong about these people. How did I fall into using such a derogatory way of thinking about successful African Americans? Too much news and not each reading too much believing in those who say they were for us but have done nothing to change the trajectory but just TALK.
I watched the documentary three times to soak up the information like a sponge, I dissected and researched the information like a mad scientist. I walked away more knowledgeable about choosing a political party, how African Americans went from being Republicans to Democrats. The inception of the welfare system. Learning about economists Thomas Sowell and Walter Williams. How successful African Americans were as entrepreneurs. I realized that a lot of things African Americans should have known about was due to a lack not wanting to know more and the desire to explore and place blame their shortcomings on other races. The importance of getting ahead in life requires the determination to want more and expand our thinking by using all resources available to us.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER and that’s where we will uncover the hidden stories about African American history and how we shaped America then maybe we will do BETTER.
Mar 21, 202213:25
It's The New Generation

It's The New Generation

“The fact is no one can achieve success by themselves. They say successful people read that's a fact and they learn from others that's another fact, but life comes with one manual. The learned behaviors and the people who are in our circle are our instructors. “Frances Hammond
When I was a child cartoons were something I would look forward to every Saturday morning. Today the new generation has no idea who characters like Tom and Jerry, Popeye the Sailor, Betty Bop, Top Cat, Magilla Gorilla, The Flintstones, The Jetsons and of course Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Road Runner, and Willy Coyote. After completing my chores, I went outside and played with my friends. We would jump rope, roller skate, bike ride, hopscotch, Hide and Seek, Red Light Green, stick ball, Handball, Jack’s so many games I can't name them all. What I can say is that they were great memories.
On the days when the weather was bad and in the winter months it was the board games. I didn't always need friends to play with because my mother was always willing to play with me. I remember playing Scrabble with my mom, it helped me to learn unfamiliar words and build a better vocabulary. Then we played Monopoly where I was always losing because I was too cheap to buy property. I realized later that owning property was how the rich lived. You pay their mortgage when you land on the other players’ property and don’t let them build houses and hotels because you will be paying double and triple.
I can honestly say as an only child l learned to play by myself with my imaginary friend. I don't know if that's an only child thing, but it stimulates the child's brain to use their creativity. The new generation of parents today no longer interact with other children but prefer to hand them a tablet and phone and that's their friends. It's interesting to see how impressed the parents are when they see how well their children can use technology but forget what they taught them. Has technology and social media become the new way to create social skills? Crazy they and are they interacting with other children (if they are really children) and playing games with complete strangers.
First why do parents think it's acceptable to have children constantly using technology daily? Secondly, what is the continuous usage doing to children and adolescents physically, mentally, and socially? I wonder what effect it has on their eyes. I use a computer daily and from daily use my eyesight has changed to where I now wear progressive glasses. Mentally I personally can get so absorbed as to what I read online the I too can become disconnected with what is false and what's not. Every now and again I must pause and take time to regroup, unwind and read a book. By taking breaks I can work on my podcast and blogs and be creative. As an adult my social skills diminished even when I was out with friends and family because my curiosity had me consumed with the world of social media, now that's phatic. If this is what I was dealing with just imagine the children and adolescents.
Social detachment from reality may be a contributing factor to the rise in mental health issues. It's time that we all took a break from social media and went back to a time when we used our minds to be creative. Use our time to rebuild our social skills and work on mental health issues.
For the parents who think about giving their children technology because it will keep them quiet and occupied that’s a danger. As your children retreat to the rooms for solitude do you know what's going on behind the closed doors? You know the term cut the cord well is time to cut the technology. What you have read is my opinion about technology from seeing today’s youth and their social skills.
Mar 04, 202213:16
The Missing Pieces

The Missing Pieces

It Black History Month and so many hidden gems are now being told. Why? Because of the omissions of the contributions of Black people we were cheated of the many important facts about history. Listen instead of buying the up to date sneakers and video games spend time with your children and teach them about the contributions that Black people made to the world. What would the world look like if we all knew about the contributions different cultures made to made America what it is today. Reading is fundamental and KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.
Feb 21, 202212:08
Let Me Reintroduce Myself

Let Me Reintroduce Myself

Let Me Reintroduce Myself Many have not heard of The Unexpected Detour podcast well let me reintroduce myself. I am Frances Hammond, your host of the podcast as well as a blogger with the exact same title. In 2017 I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Triple Positive breast cancer and hearing news was a nightmare. I had just turned 60, had negative mammograms for twenty years, then cancer.  Talking about the body going numb at the time that was me. It was back then that I would begin to write down the procedures and treatment I would have to deal with eighteen treatments and twenty rounds of radiation. While going through this ordeal it was then I gave my journey The Unexpected Detour.  So, I had a name for the journey but how would I get my story out and share what I learned about breast cancer? Honestly, I had no idea what Triple Positive meant although my oncologist explained my diagnosis to me it was all like a foreign language. Have you ever been there where those words sound like gibberish? Therefore, at each chemotherapy treatment I asked the nurses questions. What was good about asking the nurses it that you had different nurse, but I got the same answer and words of encouragement. Then I would go home and do research to get a better understanding that helped but it just wasn’t enough. Then I would revert to my medical records in the portal and look up each word. It was not until I attended seminars online that I finally got the big picture. I was on a mission to open a platform for women who had breast cancer to tell their journey, but I kept hitting a brick wall. I thought that if I would be able to share my journey with other women if would encourage them to come on my podcast and share their journey. I can honestly say it was only one survivor who was willing to tell their story. After asking various women I decided to focus on life’s detours. I concluded that life is full of unexpected detours, that’s when I decided to open my podcast to others and let them share their detours. If you have a detour that you would like to share email theunexpecteddetour17@gmail.com Our sponsor today is We Healing Over Here Candel These candles are hand poured, made with 100% coconut wax and the most important ingredient is love! The Collection consists of 3 candles, or you can purchase them individually! They are great for Stress, mediation, cleansing your home, refocusing after a tough day and even date night! Try them: LET GO LET GOD: (eucalyptus & Sage), VIBE WIT ME: (Black Amber & Lavender) BS Repellent: (White Sage & Lavender). You will not be disappointed! The Collection: $55 (3 candles) Sold Individually: $22 Pre-order Yours Now/Payments can be made to our $WeHealingOverHere Cash App
Feb 11, 202209:15
Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety

“Separation anxiety is a universal phenomenon; indeed, it is such an intimate and familiar emotion that we almost have to make a special effort to realize that it is a concern which accompanies every instant of our everyday lives.” – Jean-Michel Quinodoz

Separation Anxiety is a form of mental health issues. Whether we want to accept it or not we all have or will deal with separation anxiety sometime in our life. The question is how will we manage it? If we pay close attention to our own behavioral patterns, you’ll see that you have experienced separation anxiety. A while back I recall listening to a women explain why she would go from one relationship to the next. She stated that she didn’t like solitude and would always have a new boyfriend. As soon as one relationship ended, she would fill that empty space with a new boyfriend. I thought about men and that made sense why they are always on the prowl. They deal with this issue just like women and had a need to fill the empty void. It takes a lot to learn to live with ourselves or love ourselves , instead we settle for what we assume what makes us happy but, it’s just a disguise. Having experienced separation anxiety I found the struggle was real. I struggled emotionally, mentally, financially and spiritually before the realization hit me that I was in denial. I had to take a good look in the mirror and realize I am affirmed by God and loved by many but most importantly loving me came first. Having weathered the storm and came out on top, I encourage you to do the same. No one will ever love you unless you learn to love yourself FIRST. For you cannot receive what you cannot give.


Jan 16, 202207:43
New Year 2022 with S.O.S (same old shit)

New Year 2022 with S.O.S (same old shit)


Welcome to The Unexpected Detour
Where Detours in Life are Inevitable
I am your Host Frances Hammond

Happy New Year to all my listeners and sponsors.
I have been on many Unexpected DETOURS in my life but now I share one with everyone. COVID 19,the Delta and Omicron variant is now a detour that either have or may encounter. Many roadblocks have kept us from living a normal and productive life. Question is will we ever experience normal living ?
Jan 03, 202212:03
What The Heck?

What The Heck?

Living in New York has become a city that's acquired more homelessness than before. More crime than I could ever imagine and the perpetrators not giving a damn about another person's life.
A mayor who feels he can impose unnecessary mandates which makes me question how much jurisdiction he has over NYC none the less private business.

We have been forced to get a vaccine against our own free will, not respecting one's religion or medical history. The scare tactic they use ,take the vaccine or you can get Coivd and die. Really? So this is how we get people to do what we want by installing fear in them.
Sounds like how a parent instills fear into their children.

Seriously are we being used for the sole purpose as a mad scientist experiment? An experiment to see how many people will take this vaccine and we can see how it affects every individual. Or is the human race being annihilated to reduce the population? Or have we become a society that no longer gives a damn ?
Jan 01, 202209:23
Funding Where Does the Money Really GO

Funding Where Does the Money Really GO

I learned that funding is allocated by the number of new cases, mortality years and lost of life. Out of sixty-four types of cancer breast cancer was at the top followed by childhood cancer, leukemia, and lung cancer. At the bottom of the were cancers that affect internal organs like the liver, colon, pancreas, stomach, and the brain.
Dec 16, 202114:58
Its The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Its The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.
I have tried to figure out for years why are people more cheerful around the Christmas season. It’s no longer about the birth of Jesus which through the years we have not quite gotten the correct date. Instead, Christmas has become so commercialized and materialistic that Jesus birth is no longer significant to some people. This is the season when the value of gifts is more important than anything else. Parents will spend and spend just to make sure their children get everything their hearts desire, then when the holiday is over the parents have put themselves in financial debt for one day.
Dec 14, 202113:53
Shock and Numb

Shock and Numb

Life is not promised to us for only God knows the date of our departure. So learn to love better learn to tell those you love how much you love them every day. Don't take life for granted but live each day to the fullest. Peace and blessings always
Nov 16, 202110:30
Time To Take Care of YOU

Time To Take Care of YOU

As Breast Cancer Awareness comes to and end please schedule your yearly mammograms. If you're over the age of 40 and have not gotten one then you should do so asap. Those approaching the age of 40 be sure to get a mammogram. Yearly mammograms just like yearly Pap smears are FREE so there is no reason to not get one. The BRCA gene is heredity therefore some men can get breast cancer. Lets be proactive by knowing your families history regarding health issues. In closing I will not forget my journey but would like to focus on other issues and THE UNEXPECTED DETOURS many have encountered and how they made it through.
As we head into November we will cover Hurt and Healing.
Nov 03, 202107:04
The Tell Tale Signs That Cause Concern

The Tell Tale Signs That Cause Concern

There are many contributing factors that lead to breast cancer. We leave in a world of I will make the appointment tomorrow. Tomorrow may be to late so make your MAMMOGRAM appointment today and save the boobs.
Oct 16, 202112:24
It's Breast Cancer Month

It's Breast Cancer Month

I often wondered if the email I received before my diagnosis was a warning. I wouldn't think a the movie a Christmas Carol and Scrooge and the ghost of the Future. Was it a warning had I abused my body with smoking drinking and being over weight. I will never know but I thank God for seeing me through and the opportunity to share my journey with the world
Oct 07, 202111:44
Conversation with Rachel Massey Coles

Conversation with Rachel Massey Coles

September is Alopecia month and my guest is my sister and friend Rachel Massey Coles. If your dealing with aleopica have a listen and learn how to walk in your BALDNESS UNASHAMED.
Sep 15, 202122:08
Dreams Deferred is Revised

Dreams Deferred is Revised

I would often reflect on the what ifs. If I could only have done things better. I am sure you have all been there now and again wondering had you done the things as you dreamed how would life have turned out?Unbeknownst to me that very dream would be revived through an unexpected illness.
Aug 31, 202110:07
The Pity Party 🎉

The Pity Party 🎉

Every one loves an good party but please don't invite them to your PITY PARTY 😢
Aug 15, 202109:40
Parents It Takes a Village

Parents It Takes a Village

Being a parent never came with a manual. We learn from trial and error. What worked for us may still work but nowadays it seems like some parents don't care. Parents we have tom work on our parenting skills in order to raise our children to be responsible  adults

Jul 15, 202115:31
When God Knocks Answer

When God Knocks Answer

WHEN you ask God for something we never know when it will happen so be prepared to answer the CALL.

Jun 30, 202112:19
A Double Standard Cause

A Double Standard Cause

They say BLACK LIVES MATTER my question is do they really? Is this organization around to bring awareness to the cause “ALL” black lives or maybe its only when a white person has killed a black person? While crime is consistently on the rise in our own neighborhoods it seems to me that those black lives DON’T matter.
Jun 15, 202110:09