Softly Unfiltered

Stop Caring What People Think They Don't Live in Your Shoes Oct 14, 2026 35:22 Everybody has an opinion about your life, but they are not the ones who have to live with the consequences of your choices.In this episode, Blake and Ashlyn talk about self-trust, discernment, projection, people-pleasing, intuition, and what it actually looks like to stop asking other people to approve a life they will never have to live. We get into the subtle ways people sow doubt, why success c

I'm Not Who I Was, And That's the Point | Celebrating Growth, Change & Becoming Oct 7, 2026 44:18 Episode 100. Almost two years of showing up, evolving, changing our minds, changing our standards, and becoming women our episode-one selves might not fully recognize.In this episode, Blake and Ashlyn reflect on what has changed since the beginning of the podcast — from relationships and friendships to career, confidence, generosity, dating standards, and the way they see themselves.We talk about

Feel It, Don’t Become It | How to Manage Your Emotions Without Letting Them Control You Sep 30, 2026 49:21 Softly Unfiltered is a podcast exploring Black womanhood, identity, relationships, healing, self-worth, friendship, career, and the unspoken experiences of modern Black women.Your feelings are valid, but that does not mean every emotion needs to become an immediate reaction. This week Blake and Ashlyn are talking about emotional maturity, anger, hurt, boundaries, self-awareness, and what it actual

Who The Hell Was That? Outgrowing Old Versions of Yourself, Red Flags & Self Trust Sep 23, 2026 39:06 Softly Unfiltered is a podcast exploring Black womanhood, identity, relationships, healing, self-worth, friendship, career, and the unspoken experiences of modern Black women.Have you ever looked back at an old version of yourself and thought, who the hell was that? This week Blake and Ashlyn are laughing lovingly at the things they used to tolerate, believe, excuse, and over explain while unpacki

Who Really Leads? | Unlearning Patriarchy, Submission & What Leadership Actually Means Sep 16, 2026 34:21 Softly Unfiltered is a podcast exploring Black womanhood, identity, relationships, healing, self-worth, friendship, career, and the unspoken experiences of modern Black women.Who gets called a leader, who is actually doing the leading, and how many of our beliefs about men, women, submission, and power did we inherit without ever questioning them?This week Blake and Ashlyn use the dynamics of the

Never Lose Yourself | Why Choosing Yourself Is Self-Preservation Sep 9, 2026 31:31 Softly Unfiltered is a podcast exploring Black womanhood, identity, relationships, healing, self-worth, friendship, career, and the unspoken experiences of modern Black women.In this episode, Blake and Ashlyn are talking about what it really means to make yourself your number-one priority — especially as Black women who have been taught to carry, care, show up, and put everybody else first. They g

Stop and Smell the Roses | High Achievers, Rest Guilt & Being Present Sep 2, 2026 34:05 Softly Unfiltered is a podcast exploring Black womanhood, identity, relationships, healing, self-worth, friendship, career, and the unspoken experiences of modern Black women.In this episode, Blake and Ashlyn are talking about how easy it is to spend your whole life chasing the next milestone and completely miss the life happening in between. For high achievers especially, slowing down can feel un

Does Independence Protect Black Women, or Is It Keeping Us Lonely? Aug 26, 2026 27:38 Softly Unfiltered is a podcast exploring Black womanhood, identity, relationships, healing, self-worth, friendship, career, and the unspoken experiences of modern Black women.In this episode, Blake and Ashlyn unpack a question many Black women know intimately: did independence protect us, or has it started keeping us from receiving the support and connection we actually want? For many of us, indep

Why Is It So Hard for Black Women to Be Average? | Twice as Good, Rest & Overachieving Aug 19, 2026 39:10 In this episode, Blake and Ashlyn are asking a question that sounds simple but carries a lot of weight: why is it so hard for Black women to be average? From childhood, many Black women are taught to be twice as good, overly prepared, polished, resilient, and constantly improving. We talk about what happens when those lessons follow us into adulthood and excellence stops feeling like a choice and

The Good Black Girl | How Being Good Follows Black Women Into Adulthood Aug 12, 2026 42:15 Softly Unfiltered is a podcast exploring Black womanhood, identity, relationships, healing, self-worth, friendship, career, and the unspoken experiences of modern Black women.In this episode, Blake and Ashlyn are unpacking the “Good Black Girl” identity and what happens when the traits that earned you praise growing up start following you into adulthood. Being responsible, accomplished, dependable

Finish the Damn Thing. Stop Starting. Start Finishing. Aug 5, 2026 39:02 In this episode Blake and Ashlyn are talking about the thing nobody wants to admit. The half-finished projects. The goals that started strong and lost steam. The new ideas that keep replacing the old ones before any of them get finished. This episode is about the psychology of starting without finishing, and why finishing the damn thing is one of the most powerful things you can do for your confid

Keep the Promises You Make to Yourself | Coach Zha on Pilates, Self-Trust & Discipline Jul 29, 2026 50:06 Softly Unfiltered is a podcast exploring Black womanhood, identity, relationships, healing, self-worth, friendship, career, and the unspoken experiences of modern Black women.In this episode, Blake and Ashlyn sit down with Coach Zha, Nike Well Collective trainer, certified Pilates instructor, marathoner, founder of The League, and creator of Black Girl Pilates Club.What starts as a conversation ab

Knowing When to Walk Away | Jobs, Friendships & Relationships Jul 22, 2026 37:26 Softly Unfiltered is a podcast exploring Black womanhood, identity, relationships, healing, self-worth, friendship, career, and the unspoken experiences of modern Black women.In this episode Blake and Ashlyn are talking about knowing when to leave. A job. A relationship. A friendship. And why so many of us stay way longer than we should, waiting for some dramatic event to justify the exit. The tru

Strong or Struggling? | Why Black Women Struggle Asking For Help Jul 15, 2026 29:50 In this episode Blake and Ashlyn are talking about something that a lot of women, and especially Black women, have a really hard time with. Asking for help. Why do we resist it so much? What does it actually cost us to always say we are fine? And what does it look like to finally let people in without losing ourselves in the process?We got into:• The difference between being genuinely strong and j

All I Need to Do Is Stay Black and Die | The Pressure to Make Everyone Else Comfortable Jul 8, 2026 31:18 In this episode Blake and Ashlyn are talking about something that every Black woman in a predominantly white space has felt but does not always have the language for. The invisible labor of performing palatability. The exhaustion of scanning every room. The pressure to shrink yourself, over-explain yourself, and apologize for taking up space. And the very real question of how you stay pro-Black wh

What If Changing Direction Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened to You? Jul 1, 2026 33:34 Welcome to Season 3 of Softly Unfiltered. Formerly known as Suburban Black Girl Podcast, we're back with a new name, the same mission, and a season opener that felt only right. Because what better way to kick off a rebrand than by talking about what happens when life forces you to change direction?In this episode, Blake and Ashlyn unpack the pivots, redirections, fear, and even grief that come wit

Why Are Girls Low Key Weird? | The Truth About Female Friendships and Female Rivalry Jun 24, 2026 42:49 In this episode Blake and Ashlyn are getting into something every woman has experienced but rarely says out loud. Why do female friendships sometimes come with unspoken competition instead of pure support? Why does the energy shift the moment you start surpassing someone? They get into jealousy, passive aggression, social media as a hater detector, and what it actually means to protect your peace

You're Not Asking for Too Much, You're Just Done Settling | Standards vs. Settling Jun 17, 2026 34:23 In this episode Blake and Ashlyn are getting into something a lot of women have felt but couldn't always name. The difference between being fed up and being truly done. What settling actually looks like in real life, not the dramatic version but the quiet everyday version where you're pretending you're happy and dimming your light to keep the peace. And why you were never asking for too much. You

She Has Everything But A Man | Why a Woman's Life Is Never Allowed to Just Be Enough on Its Own Jun 10, 2026 36:18 In this episode Blake and Ashlyn are talking about something that does not get said enough. Why is a woman's life never allowed to just be enough on its own? Why does a successful, accomplished, thriving single woman still get treated like she is missing something? And why is it always a man that is supposed to complete the picture? They get into the double standards, the societal pressure, the da

You Can Be Confident and Still Have Low Self-Worth | Why We Accept Less Than We Deserve Jun 3, 2026 32:07 In this episode Blake and Ashlyn are breaking down something that a lot of high achieving women have felt but could never fully name. You can be the most confident, accomplished, successful woman in the room and still not believe you deserve the things you have built. That is the difference between self-esteem and self-worth. And in this episode they get deeply personal about where that gap comes

The Dating Insecurities You Have When You Grew Up Invisible | Black Girl Dating Experience May 27, 2026 35:32 In this episode Blake and Ashlyn are getting into something deeply personal and rarely talked about. The dating insecurities that come from growing up invisible. They talk about what happens when you grow up as a Black girl in predominantly white spaces, how not feeling chosen early on shapes your confidence, your standards, and your entire approach to love and dating as an adult.We got into:• How

Dating the Potential Rich Man | When Believing in Someone Becomes Emotional Labor May 20, 2026 36:49 In this episode we are getting into something that a lot of women have experienced but not always been able to name. Dating the potential rich man. What happens when you believe in someone so much that you start abandoning your own timeline to help them stay on track with theirs? When does patience become emotional labor? And at what point do you have to look yourself in the eye and say this poten

Confidence, Self Obsession, and Breaking Out of Survival Mode Feat. Erica Ware The Confidence Coach May 13, 2026 53:21 In this episode we sat down with Erica, The Confidence Coach (@theconfidencecoach), for a conversation that had us taking notes from start to finish. Erica is a mindset coach dedicated to helping women build self worth, set boundaries, and show up as their most confident selves. And she did not hold back.We got into:• The difference between being loved and being needed and why real love feels like

Why We'll Spend $500 on Beauty But Feel Guilty About Everything Else May 6, 2026 37:55 In this episode Blake and Ashlyn are getting into something every woman can relate to but Black women feel on a whole other level. Why do we spend $500 on beauty without blinking but feel guilty spending money on anything else? From hair as mental health to corporate America's beauty expectations, to the moment you realize marketing has been manipulating you the whole time, this one hits.We got in

The Money Talk Nobody Wants to Have About Dating | Standards, Finances and Compatibility Apr 29, 2026 36:22 In this episode we are getting into the money talk nobody actually wants to have about dating. We are talking about financial expectations, effort and intention, and whether the real issue is men being under prepared or women raising their standards as they level up. We also get into the transactional nature of all relationships, why equally yoked has to mean more than just financially, and whethe

Building a Personal Brand as a Black Woman Feat. Asya (@conqueringasya) | Beauty, Softness & Success Apr 22, 2026 50:03 In this episode, we sat down with Asya, content creator and founder behind @conqueringasya, to talk about what it really looks like to build a platform as a Black woman in beauty and lifestyle. From navigating double standards with brand deals to unlearning the strong Black woman role in her relationship, Asya kept it real from start to finish.We got into:• How Asya started creating content in 201

Is Success Supposed to Feel This Anticlimactic? | Ambition, Burnout and Finding Fulfillment Apr 15, 2026 30:45 In this episode, Blake and Ashlyn get real about something nobody talks about enough.What happens when you actually get what you worked for and it just feels... flat.We talk about the anticlimactic feeling that comes after achieving a goal, why the chase can feel better than the arrival, and how we have both struggled to sit in wins without immediately moving the goalpost.We got into:• Why re

Becoming a Pretty Wealthy Woman ft. Caitlyn Kumi | Personal Branding, Dating and Corporate Life Apr 8, 2026 59:51 In this episode, we sat down with Caitlyn Kumi, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, founder of Miss Empower Her, and content creator, to talk about building a career, a personal brand, and a full life as an ambitious Black woman. We got into: • Why protecting your peace can sometimes mean you stop seeing red flags • The kind of corporate feedback Black women know all too well • Why your personal brand can

Is Taking Things Slow Healthy or Avoidant? Apr 1, 2026 25:17 In this episode, we’re talking about one of the biggest gray areas in modern dating: taking things slow. Is it emotional maturity and healthy pacing, or is it just avoidance dressed up as self awareness? We unpack the difference between intentional slowness and prolonged confusion, why so many people benefit from undefined timelines, and how easy it is to get stuck in situationships that look deep

Do Women Owe Men Feminine Energy If the Man Isn’t Providing Masculine Leadership? Mar 25, 2026 28:47 In this episode we’re talking about feminine energy and the pressure women feel to stay soft even when the relationship dynamic doesn’t feel supportive. We unpack why survival mode changes how women show up in relationships and how quickly attraction shifts when partnership starts feeling like parenting.What we discuss:• Why feminine energy feels impossible without safety • The survival mode many

Should Black Women Stop Dating Men Who Grew Up on Survival Until They Go to Therapy? Mar 18, 2026 40:40 What happens when one person has done the work and the other hasn't even started? This week we're getting into a conversation that so many women are having behind closed doors but not enough people are saying out loud. In this episode we talk about: • Why survival mode shows up in dating and kills emotional intimacy • The difference between being a supportive partner and mothering a grown man • Ho

Is Loneliness the Cost of Outgrowing Chaos? Mar 11, 2026 44:13 In this episode, we’re talking about a season that does not get glamorized enough: the lonely in-between. What happens when life gets calmer, but your circle gets smaller? When you start choosing peace, setting boundaries, and outgrowing chaos… but the new version of your life has not fully formed yet? We talk about the difference between intentional isolation and loneliness, why peace can sometim

Is Outgrowing People a Natural Part of Adulthood or a Failure of Loyalty? Mar 4, 2026 34:26 In this episode, we unpack a question that hits deeper than people admit:Is outgrowing people a natural part of adulthood… or a failure of loyalty?As you evolve, set boundaries, and prioritize alignment, not everyone can come with you. And when you start choosing growth, people don’t always call it evolution they call it selfish, disloyal, or “you’ve changed.”We talk about the difference between l

Do Black Women From Stable Homes Get Punished for Not Having a “Struggle Story”? Feb 25, 2026 39:11 In this episode, we’re asking a question that might make people uncomfortable: Do Black women from stable homes get dismissed, doubted, or overlooked because they don’t have a dramatic struggle story?We unpack the unspoken expectation that pain equals credibility and trauma equals depth. We talk about how growing up in a healthy environment can sometimes make you feel like you have to downplay you

Why Does Choosing Peace Feel Less Impressive Than Choosing Ambition? Feb 18, 2026 41:56 In this episode, we unpack why choosing peace can feel less impressive than chasing ambition, especially in a culture that glorifies burnout, busy schedules, and visible success.We talk about hustle culture, the pressure to always be “doing something,” and why rest can feel like falling behind, even when your life actually feels better.We also get real about identity, boundaries, and how overachie

Why Is Women’s Confidence Seen as Ego? Feb 12, 2026 44:55 In this episode, we’re getting into why women’s confidence gets mislabeled as “ego” and how that label quietly pressures us to shrink, soften, and apologize for simply knowing who we are.We talk about how insecurity shows up as projection, why confident people aren’t threatened by other confident people, and why “humility” is sometimes just code for likability and compliance.We cover:Why confidenc

Are We Actually Healed or Just Better at Explaining Our Trauma? Feb 5, 2026 41:49 In this episode, we explore what happens when healing starts to disrupt old dynamics especially with people who were most comfortable when you stayed quiet, over-explained, or made yourself smaller for the sake of peace. We talk about the difference between being self-aware and being emotionally regulated, why insight alone doesn’t equal growth, and how healing can feel uncomfortable not just for

Is Healing Making Us Less Tolerable to People Who Benefited From Our Silence? Jan 29, 2026 35:25 As we heal, we change.And not everyone benefits from that change.In this episode, we explore what happens when healing starts to disrupt old dynamics especially with people who were comfortable when you stayed quiet, over-explained, or made yourself smaller for the sake of peace.We talk about the difference between being self-aware and being emotionally regulated, why insight alone doesn’t equal g

Is Sisterhood Making Us Avoid Hard Conversations? Friendship Boundaries, Emotional Honesty & Growth Jan 22, 2026 40:35 In friendships, honesty is often framed as conflict and silence is framed as maturity. But what happens when keeping the peace starts to cost you emotional safety, self trust, and real connection? In this episode, we unpack the difference between healthy sisterhood and relationships that rely on you staying quiet. We talk about why growth is often labeled as “you’ve changed,” how boundaries get mi

Is Independence Actually Emotional Self-Protection For Black Women? Let’s Be Honest Jan 14, 2026 41:29 As Black women, we’re often praised for being strong, capable, and independent ,but at what cost? In this episode, we unpack the difference between healthy independence and emotional self-protection, and how constantly being “the one who’s got it” can quietly turn into isolation, burnout, and emotional guarding. We talk about: How independence is instilled in Black women from a young age Why being

2025 Wasn’t What We Expected: Here’s What It Taught Us About Becoming Her Jan 12, 2026 38:42 As we close out the year, we’re taking a moment to reflect honestly. In this episode, we look back on 2025: the wins we’re proud of, the lessons that humbled us, and the growth that didn’t always come the way we expected.We talk about adjusting to constant change, navigating burnout, learning when to pivot, and what it really means to keep showing up for yourself even when life feels heavy.We get

Love Languages Change When You Heal (And That’s the Point) Jan 7, 2026 35:36 What if the way you want to be loved isn’t the same anymore — and that’s actually a sign of growth? In this episode, we’re talking about love languages through the lens of healing. How what you needed years ago isn’t necessarily what you need now. How acts of service, quality time, words of affirmation, and even physical touch can feel completely different depending on the season of life you’re in

Adulting Is Ghetto: The Truth About Work, Money, Loneliness & Boundaries Dec 29, 2025 42:28 No one tells you that adulthood is mostly improvisation. In this episode of Suburban Black Girl, we get real about the adult problems nobody warned us about — from realizing corporate America isn’t glamorous, to navigating money stress, loneliness, career misalignment, and the emotional labor of being “the empathetic one.” We talk about: Why adulting feels like one long group project nobody prepar

Not Black Enough? Movies, Food & The Unspoken Rules of Blackness Dec 21, 2025 37:33 In this episode, we’re keeping it lighthearted and real as we ask the question everyone jokes about but rarely unpacks: what actually gets your Black card “revoked”? From classic Black movies we still haven’t seen, foods we don’t love, games we don’t know how to play, and music we pretend to know the lyrics to — we laugh through the moments that supposedly make us “less Black.” But beneath the jok

Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing? Privacy, Soft Launching & The Politics of Being Seen in Love Dec 14, 2025 49:35 This week, we’re diving into the viral Vogue article asking a very unserious — yet oddly triggering — question: Is having a boyfriend embarrassing? While the headline is messy on purpose, the conversation underneath it reveals something deeper about modern dating, social media culture, and the way women — especially Black women — are perceived when they choose to love out loud. We unpack the rise

The Truth About Becoming That Girl: Inner Work, Identity & What Social Media Won’t Tell You Dec 5, 2025 32:21 The internet will tell you that “becoming that girl” takes matcha, Pilates, a 10-step routine, and a perfectly curated life. But in this episode, we get honest about what it really takes—and why social media has the whole idea backwards. We talk about the unseen labor behind self-growth: the perfectionism, the comparison, the pressure to show up flawlessly, and the loneliness that comes with doing

The Things That Give Us the Ick: Pet Peeves, Irritations & Random Rants Nov 27, 2025 44:33 This week, we’re stepping firmly into our petty era — because the icks were icking and the irritations were real. From people coughing without covering their mouth, to morning loud-talkers, to men with center-of-attention energy, to chaotic birthday dinners and group chats that should’ve been an email… nothing was off-limits. We get into friendship pet peeves, dating red flags, coworker chaos, clu

Redefining Success as Black Women: Pressure, Burnout & Finding Your Freedom Nov 19, 2025 42:09 In this week’s episode, we unpack what success really looks like for Black women and how often it comes with invisible pressure, perfectionism, and the constant need to overachieve. From corporate America to childhood expectations, we reflect on the moments that shaped our hustle, the burnout that followed, and the healing work it took to redefine success on our own terms. We also talk about compa

The Friendships That Shaped Us — Part 2: Adoption, Identity & Never Feeling “Black Enough” Nov 13, 2025 41:21 In part two of our one-year anniversary celebration, we sit down with our best friends for an open and emotional conversation about identity, belonging, and what it really means to feel “Black enough.” From being adopted by two white moms in a small Pennsylvania town to growing up as the youngest of eleven in Houston, our friends share their stories of family, culture, and self-discovery. We talk

The Friendships That Shaped Us Part One —A Special Anniversary Episode with Our Best Friends Nov 6, 2025 53:33 We’re celebrating sisterhood, growth, and a full year of The Suburban Black Girl Podcast with the women who know us best our best friends. From college memories and fake IDs to growing into healed, confident women, this episode is equal parts laughter, love, and reflection. We talk about what it really takes to maintain adult friendships, how we’ve supported each other through every version of our

Why Do Black Women Have To Be Everything All At Once? Oct 29, 2025 36:21 This week on The Suburban Black Girl Podcast, we’re unpacking what it really means to “do it all.” From the generational roots of the Superwoman complex to the pressure of having to be strong, successful, and soft all at once, we explore the emotional reality behind the phrase “Black women make it look easy.” We talk about masking emotions, redefining strength, and unlearning the idea that rest an

La’Torria Lemon: Building a PR Empire & Making Moves on Heart & Hustle Oct 22, 2025 01:11:47 This week on The Suburban Black Girl Podcast, we’re joined by the incomparable La’Torria Lemon — publicist, entrepreneur, and star of Heart & Hustle on OWN Network. As the founder of Lemon Limelight Media, La’Torria has built an empire rooted in authenticity, hard work, and heart. She opens up about navigating grief, faith, and purpose while breaking barriers in entertainment PR. From working

The Dilemma of a Woman in Her 30's Part Four: Why Love Hits Differently After 30 Oct 16, 2025 42:00 We’re closing out The Dilemma of a Woman in Her 30s series with the topic everyone’s been waiting for — love. From emotional maturity to self-awareness and everything in between, we’re unpacking how dating shifts once you truly know yourself. We talk about avoiding situationships, spinning the block, and recognizing that peace will always compete with love and often win. From the hard lessons of o

The Dilemma of a Woman in Her 30's Part Three: Becoming HER Oct 9, 2025 49:02 In part three of The Dilemma of a Woman in Her 30s series, we’re stepping into our “Becoming Her” era the version of you that’s grounded, healed, and unapologetically evolving. This episode dives into what it really means to grow into yourself: defining your identity beyond your career or relationship, embracing softness and strength, and learning to love who you’re becoming flaws and all. We talk

The Dilemma of a Woman in Her 30's Part Two: The Career Crossroads Oct 3, 2025 54:55 In part two of our Dilemma of a Woman in Her 30s series, we’re diving into the messy, motivating, and sometimes maddening world of careers. From chasing promotions and navigating corporate politics to battling burnout and questioning hustle culture, we unpack what it really feels like to be a Black woman at this stage of life. We share our own stories of advocating for raises, dealing with overwor

The Dilemma of a Woman in Her 30's Part One: The Clock & The Choice Sep 25, 2025 42:19 In Part 1 of our new series The Dilemma of a Woman in Her 30s, we’re diving into the conversation so many women quietly carry: the ticking clock. From love and marriage to motherhood and timelines, society often tells us where we “should” be by now but what if your path looks different? We talk candidly about biological clocks, shifting desires, the stigma of being single in your 30s, and the real

I'm Not Healing For A Man, I'm Healing For Me Sep 18, 2025 50:19 This week on Suburban Black Girl, we’re reclaiming what healing really means. Too often, people assume our growth is about becoming “more dateable” or recovering from a toxic ex — but healing isn’t about proving your worth to anyone else. It’s about choosing yourself, protecting your peace, and becoming the woman you’re proud of. We open up about therapy, spirituality, and finding mentors, plus th

Friendship Red Flags We Don’t Talk About Enough Sep 10, 2025 50:09 Friendships are supposed to feel safe, supportive, and genuine but what happens when subtle red flags start to show? In this episode, we get real about the signs we’ve ignored in the past and how they show up in adulthood. From “playful shade” that cuts too deep, to one-sided emotional dumping, to friends who compete instead of clap we’re naming the patterns that quietly drain our peace. We also u

High Maintenance or Just Well-Cared For? Sep 3, 2025 54:53 What does it really mean to be called “high maintenance”? In this episode of The Suburban Black Girl Podcast, we unpack the stereotypes, backhanded compliments, and insecurities tied to the label. From beauty routines to dating expectations, we ask: is it about being demanding or simply knowing what you like and being intentional about how you want to be treated?We get into:The difference between

She Is Not Stuck Up, She Is Just Selective Aug 26, 2025 50:00 Why is it that when Black women are quiet, reserved, or simply minding our business, the world rushes to call us “stuck up,” “bougie,” or “mean”? In this episode of The Suburban Black Girl Podcast, we unpack the stereotypes and labels that follow Black women who set standards, protect their energy, and refuse to perform for other people’s comfort. We get into: The difference between arrogance and

The First of Her Kind Part Four: The One Who Doesn’t Come Back Small Aug 18, 2025 40:58 In the final part of our First of Her Kind series, we’re talking about what it really means to outgrow old versions of yourself — and not shrink back down just to make others comfortable. From friendships that can’t handle your growth, to family members who only recognize the old you, this conversation is all about protecting your peace, honoring your healed self, and choosing connections that don

Hailey Kilgore On Authenticity, Living in Your Purpose & Owning Your Power Aug 11, 2025 58:11 This week on The Suburban Black Girl Podcast, we’re joined by the incredibly talented Hailey Kilgore Tony and Grammy-nominated actress, singer, and all-around powerhouse. From making her Broadway debut at 17 to starring in Power Book III: Raising Kanan and Respect, Hailey opens up about growing up as a suburban Black girl, navigating predominantly white spaces, and learning when to stop code-switc

The First of Her Kind Part Three: The One Who Dreams Out Loud Aug 4, 2025 43:08 This is part 3 of our 4 part series "The First of Her Kind" This episode is for the women who dared to want more and didn’t stay quiet about it. We explore the discomfort your ambition brings to others, the envy that success can spark, and how society still polices powerful, attractive, educated Black women who won’t shrink to fit anyone’s idea of “humble.” “Society has always made room for the st

The First Of Her Kind Part Two: The One Who Chooses Herself Jul 28, 2025 46:22 This week on The Suburban Black Girl Podcast, we’re continuing our “First of Her Kind” series with a conversation about what it really means to choose yourself. From ditching people-pleasing habits to setting unapologetic boundaries, we’re unpacking how putting yourself first as a Black woman is revolutionary — especially when the world expects you to shrink. We get into: The guilt of prioritizing

The First of Her Kind Part One: The One Who Breaks The Cycle Jul 21, 2025 41:32 In this episode, we’re kicking off our new series First of Her Kind—all about being the first Black woman in your family, friend group, or community to break cycles and choose a different life. From setting boundaries to choosing therapy to walking away from the 9 to 5 pipeline, this episode is for anyone who’s ever realized, “Wait… I’m the first one doing this.” We get into: How it feels to be th

Girl Code & Loyalty In Adult Female Friendships : What’s Still Sacred? Jul 14, 2025 37:57 From sharing Ubers to sharing secrets, the rules of friendship have changed — but are some still sacred? In this episode, we dive into what girl code means now in 2025. We're unpacking the unspoken boundaries, the silent betrayals, and the ways sisterhood gets complicated in adulthood. Is not showing up to the birthday dinner still a betrayal? Does time equal loyalty? And what’s the line between p

Alone, Not Lonely: The Power of Your Own Company Jul 7, 2025 48:36 Let’s be real — learning to enjoy your own company is a whole journey. In this episode, we’re talking about the real power of spending time alone, not because you have to, but because you want to. As women — especially Black women — we’re often expected to pour into everybody else. But what happens when you turn all that love, attention, and energy inward? What happens when you stop avoiding the s

High Standards or Hard Truths? The Realities of Dating While Successful & Black Jun 30, 2025 53:21 This week on the Suburban Black Girl Podcast, we're unpacking all the discourse around Black women, education, dating standards, and the infamous idea that we’re “least desirable.” We respond to the feedback, the hate, the stats — and the very real feelings Black women carry when it comes to love, ambition, and partnership. From online comments to cultural truths, we're clearing the air and standi

Beauty, Skin & Softness: Our Best Tips for Glowing Up Inside & Out Jun 23, 2025 51:06 In this episode of The Suburban Black Girl Podcast, we’re leaning into softness and self-care because beauty isn’t just about how you look, it’s about how you feel. We’re sharing our favorite skincare, makeup, and beauty tips that help us glow inside and out. This conversation blends the practical with the personal. Because for Black women especially, beauty can be both a form of self-expression a

You Can Be Grateful and Still Want More: Holding Space for Ambition Without Guilt Jun 16, 2025 45:56 In this episode of The Suburban Black Girl Podcast, we’re unpacking a conversation that so many Black women need to hear: It’s okay to want more even when everyone around you is telling you to “just be grateful.” We’re talking about the subtle guilt that creeps in when your ambition makes others uncomfortable. The way society polices Black women’s desires and dreams. The constant tug-of-war betwee

Should Suburban Girls Date Exclusively Within Their Socioeconomic Class? Jun 9, 2025 50:02 In this episode of The Suburban Black Girl Podcast, we’re getting into the real behind romance, money, lifestyle, and love — asking the question: Should suburban-raised Black women date exclusively within their socioeconomic class? We unpack what it means to date across — or within — class lines, especially when you've grown up in middle or upper-middle class environments that come with access, am

Why Am I Always The Only Black Girl Here? Jun 2, 2025 48:36 In this episode of The Suburban Black Girl Podcast, we’re getting honest about the quiet weight of being “the only one” — the only Black girl in the classroom, at work, in the friend group, or at the table. From early moments of invisibility to the complex pressure of being seen as a representative for an entire community, we explore what it feels like to constantly navigate spaces that were never

Would You Rather? Black Girl Edition May 27, 2025 50:07 On Episode 29 of the Suburban Black Girl Podcast, we’re switching things up with a fun and unfiltered game of “Would You Rather: Black Girl Edition.” From beauty dilemmas and cultural moments to career choices and relationship curveballs, we’re putting ourselves in the hot seat with questions only Black women will truly understand. We’re choosing chaos, laughter, and honesty—one tough decision at

The Audacity to Be Yourself: The Power of Confidence as a Black Woman May 19, 2025 57:47 This week on the Suburban Black Girl Podcast, we're talking about the bold act of being fully yourself as a Black woman in a world that often expects otherwise. From breaking free of cultural expectations to redefining beauty and success on our own terms, we explore what it means to show up confidently—without apology. We also dive into setting boundaries without guilt, owning your voice in the wo

Friendship Breakups May 13, 2025 55:37 On Episode 27 of The Suburban Black Girl Podcast, we’re diving into the often unspoken heartbreak of friendship breakups. This week, we’re unpacking how we define friendship, the different roles our friends play in our lives, and what it really means to grow apart. From silent drifts to hard conversations, we’re getting honest about navigating the evolution—and sometimes the end—of friendships.

Kam Williams on Reality TV, Motherhood, and Building a Brand Beyond the Screen May 5, 2025 47:50 This week on The Suburban Black Girl Podcast, we’re laughing, vibing, and getting real with reality TV star Kam Williams. Kam talks reality TV, finding true love, and motherhood as she shares her journey from growing up as a suburban Black girl to landing on national television and embracing life as a new mom. It’s a conversation full of laughs, insight, and heart — you won’t want to miss it.

The Black Woman’s Corporate Struggle Apr 28, 2025 45:51 Today on the Suburban Black Girl podcast, we’re diving into the realities of the Black woman’s experience in corporate spaces — from the constant pressure to be twice as good, to the toll of burnout, and the uphill battle against systemic challenges. We’ll also explore how mentorship and community can be powerful tools for lifting each other up along the way.

The Bad Boy Phase: A Suburban Black Girl Rite of Passage? Apr 21, 2025 49:53 This week on The Suburban Black Girl Podcast, we’re talking about the bad boy phase — that chapter so many suburban Black women go through. What is it about the edge, the chaos, the “fix him” fantasy that feels so familiar? Is it rebellion? Attraction? Or does it trace back to deeper questions around protection, validation, and identity? We’re breaking down the mindset behind the phase, why it hit

Colorism In the Black Community : The Unspoken Divide Apr 14, 2025 44:41 This week on The Suburban Black Girl Podcast, we’re diving into a powerful and necessary conversation: Colorism in the Black Community :The Unspoken Divide.In this episode, we open up about our personal experiences with colorism—both within and outside of the Black community. From the classroom to the workplace to the dating scene, we unpack how colorism shows up in everyday life and the emotional

The Strong Black Woman Label Apr 7, 2025 47:18 This week on The Suburban Black Girl Podcast, we’re diving into the stereotypes that Black women often face—like the "Strong Black Woman" and the "Angry Black Woman." We’ll unpack where these labels come from, how they impact us, and, most importantly, how we navigate and rise above them. Tune in for an honest, thought-provoking conversation on breaking free from these limiting narratives.

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