Psychology of Black Womanhood: Where Research Meets the Real World
This bi-weekly podcast explores mental health, psychology, and social issues affecting Black women. Hosted by Dr. Dionne Stephens, it connects academic research with real-world experiences, featuring conversations with scholars and community experts. Topics include black feminist theory and the lived experiences of African American women. The show bridges academic insights with everyday life, inspired by 'The Psychology of Black Womanhood Book.'
Episodes
Beyond Surviving... Black Women Thriving at Work
Black women are one of the most educated and fastest-growing segments of the U.S. workforce—yet they continue to face some of the most persistent challenges on the job. Across industries, Black women report higher levels of workplace dissatisfaction driven by pay inequity, limited advancement opportunities, racial and gender bias, and a lack of psychological safety. They are more likely to be unde
Sisterhood on our Screens
Many of the most culturally resonant television shows and films centering the lives of Black women place our friendships at the heart of the story—think Survival of the Thickest, Girlfriends, Waiting to Exhale, Hidden Figures, Living Single, and Insecure. These narratives remind us that sisterhood is not a side plot but a central force: a space where Black women find joy, affirmation, conflict, he
Black Women, Brazilian Butt lifts (BBL), and Social Media
The Brazilian butt lift, or BBL, is described by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, as a type of fat transfer designed to shape and enhance the buttocks. Basically during this cosmetic surgery fat is taken from one part of your body and moved to your butt to make it fuller and more lifted — no implants involved. While people of all backgrounds get cosmetic work done, BBLs have become especial
Black Femicide: The Ultimate Health Disparity
In the wake of the of the murders of dentist and former First Lady of Virginia Cerina Fairfax, Coral Spring Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen, activist Shyyell Diamond Sanchez-McCray and Pastor Tammy McCollum—along with countless others— a devastating truth remains largely unexamined: Black women in the United States are being killed at alarmingly disproportionate rates. These are not isolated traged
Lady in the Streets & Freak in the Sheets: Navigating Good Girl/ Bad Girl Sexual Scripts
The “good girl/bad girl” sexual scripts Black women are expected to navigate create impossible double binds. From respectability politics and purity myths to hypersexual stereotypes and desirability, these scripts shape how Black women are seen, judged, and treated in intimate relationships and public life. Public figures like Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B make this tension especially visible—th
Hungry for Healing: Black Women & Eating Disorders
Eating disorders have long been portrayed as issues affecting mostly young, White women, but research shows that Black women are also impacted—often in different ways and with less recognition. Studies reveal that while anorexia and bulimia are less common, binge eating disorder (BED) is a significant concern. For example, one national survey found BED to be the most common eating disorder among B
Smiles & Side-Eyes: Navigating Frenemies at Work
We’ve all had one at work. That person.The one who hypes you up in meetings… but “forgets” to cc you on the important email. The one who congratulates you on your promotion — with just a little too much emphasis on “Wow, that’s surprising.” The one who says, “I’m just being honest,” right before they absolutely are not.Your workplace frenemy.In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Wendi Williams, co
When Strong isn't Enough: Suicide & Black Womanhood
For too long, suicide and mental health struggles have been shrouded in silence within our communities. Yet the statistics tell a sobering truth: suicide rates among Black women have more than risen—they have accelerated, doubling among young Black females aged 15 to 24 over the last two decades, and continuing to climb during the pandemic years. To explore this public health concern we are talkin
Influence with Intention: Plus Sized Instagram Models and the Politics of Visibility
The digital sphere, notably Instagram, has birthed a vibrant movement: plus‑size Black women are emerging not just as fashion influencers but as powerful agents of representation, rewriting beauty norms with courage and creativity. Before hashtags defined the era, trailblazers like Mia Amber Davis, Gabi Fresh, and Chastity Garner Valentine were already forging the path—bringing plus‑size beauty in
Prescribed Masculinity: Who's swallowing the Black Manosphere's Brown Pill
From the legacy of Kevin Samuels, to the rise of the Passport Bros Movement, to the viral dominance of platforms like the Fresh and Fit podcast, the Brown Pill represents a unique blend of cultural commentary, relationship dynamics, and reactionary politics known as the manosphere. While most of us are familiar with the "Red Pill" — often associated with traditional gender roles, hyper-m
Science of Beauty: Spelman's Cosmetic Science Program
The beauty industry loves to profit from Black women—but too often ignores our unique skincare, haircare, and wellness needs. Spelman College is changing that through its Cosmetic Science programs, creating space for Black women to lead in beauty, science, and innovation—not just consume it.Students study cosmetic chemistry, skincare science, and product formulation while unpacking how beauty stan
Camming, Camscores & Color Lines: Black women's negotiations of Camming cultures
As camming continues to grow in mainstream culture, more Black women are entering the industry—not only as performers, but as digital entrepreneurs taking ownership of their image, income, and visibility in spaces that have historically profited from Black women’s labor without protecting them. Camming offers flexibility, financial opportunity, and a sense of control that many traditional workplac
Minding Mama: Protecting Mental Health Before Birth & Beyond
Pregnancy and the postpartum year are deeply transformative experiences that can impact every aspect of a woman’s emotional, physical, and psychological wellbeing. For Black women, maternal mental health is shaped not only by the demands of motherhood, but also by systemic inequities, medical racism, cultural stigma, and the pressure to remain strong despite overwhelming challenges. Too often, Bla
Lives on the Line: Addressing Violence Against Black Transgender Women
In conversations about Black women's femicide some of the most urgent and devastating issues remain under-discussed—among them, the epidemic of violence against Black transgender women. The statistics are harrowing: 56% of Black transgender women experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime, 65% of transgender gun homicide victims were Black trans women, and nearly 75% of identified
Swimming's New Wave: How Black women are reclaiming space in the water
For decades, Black women have faced barriers to swimming shaped by segregation, limited access to swim instruction, cultural fears surrounding water, and beauty standards tied to hair care and maintenance. From concerns about chlorine damage to the lack of inclusive swim gear, many Black women have been made to feel unwelcome in aquatic spaces. These disparities have serious consequences, contribu
Blackfullness: Where Mindfulness Meets Cultural Connection
Mindfulness has long been praised for reducing stress, supporting emotional balance, and improving mental health—but traditional wellness practices often fail to reflect the lived experiences and cultural realities of Black women and Black communities. This episode explores Blackfullness, a culturally responsive mindfulness platform created to center healing, rest, self-care, and holistic wellness
Fathers fighting Black Maternal Mortality
Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications, a crisis shaped by medical racism, implicit bias, and systemic healthcare inequities. But an often-overlooked part of the maternal health conversation is the role of fathers and partners in supporting Black women throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.This episode explores Black maternal health t
Unpacking Swirl: Black Women, White Men, & Modern Love
We’ve all seen the viral “Black Wife Effect” trend across social media—before-and-after photos celebrating the perceived glow-up of white men partnered with Black women. While often framed as humor and relationship entertainment, the trend also reflects broader conversations about interracial dating, desirability, love, and the evolving relationship experiences of Black women. As more Black women
Black Women on OnlyFans: Empowerment or Exploitation?
The ways African American women navigate the intersection of music, performance, and labor, while managing the emotional and relational demands placed on them, are deeply complex and closely tied to mental health and wellbeing. African American women rappers, in particular, often exist at the crossroads of artistic expression and societal expectations. Many of these women, who have gained signific
Culture & Cognitive Decline in Maturing Black Women
Wendi Williams, Barbara “B.” Smith, and Rosa Parks- these are some Black women who publicly faced their experiences with cognitive decline. This is not surprising as women- no matter race or ethnicity- are twice as likely to develop dementia than men. And Black individuals are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop dementia than white individuals. This places Black women at a critical intersection of
Negotiating Racial Erotic Capital: Challenging Inequalities across strip club cultures
With the rise in popularity of of shows like P-Valley and public figures like Cardi B, NeNe Leakes, and Azealia Banks, Black women in strip club culture have become more visible in mainstream conversations about sexuality, labor, and empowerment. But behind this visibility lies a more complex reality shaped by racism, sexual stereotypes, exploitation, and inequality within desire industries.This e
Raising Resilient Kids: Black Mothers' Discipline Strategies
Disciplining children is an important part of motherhood, but for Black mothers, parenting often comes with added layers of judgment, pressure, and stereotypes that portray them as overly strict, aggressive, or controlling. In reality, research shows that Black mothers’ approaches to discipline are deeply rooted in love, protection, cultural values, resilience, and historical experiences shaped by
Flowing with Confidence: Periods, Panties, and Powerful Knowledge!
For many, issues like leaking and the heaviness of periods are just accepted as part of the deal, but they don’t have to be. Whether it’s worrying about leaks during exercise, at work, or while we’re out with friends, period-related anxiety can be exhausting. It’s something that many women experience in silence, feeling like they’re alone in dealing with these challenges. But the truth is, period
Intersectional Injustice: Race and the Sex Trafficking of Black Women
In this powerful episode, we explore the intersection of race, gender, and human trafficking, centering the lived experiences and vulnerabilities of Black women and girls. Research shows that race significantly shapes a woman’s risk for sex trafficking, exploitation, and abuse, while also influencing the structure of trafficking networks and the experiences of survivors, traffickers, and consumers
Like Lizzo: Intersections of Fatness, Blackness, & Femininity
Lizzo’s body-positive stance has sparked powerful conversations about Black women’s body image, self-love, mental health, and empowerment. Much of her messaging challenges what fat studies scholars describe as “body terrorism,” confronting harmful beauty standards, anti-fat bias, and the policing of Black women’s bodies. At the same time, some critics question whether mainstream body positivity pr
Good Sex: From Unseasoned to Fully Flavored
This episode introduces Dr. Candice Nicole Hargons debut book Good Sex. This book shares how we can redefine intimacies ways that works for us individually and collectively. Using a flavorful receipe approach, her research outlines how to build a sex life that’s authentic, pleasurable, and deeply connected. From intimacy and fun to kink and connection, Dr Hargons's shows us how to season our s
Shifting from Silence
Pregnancy termination trends among Black women are influenced by various social, economic, and healthcare factors. However, less is known about the ways in which Black women negotiate the decision making process around terminating pregnancies. With nearly two decades of mental health research and clinical experience, Dr. Marckdaline Johnson helps men and women find strength and empowerment as they
Roots of Renewal: Psychedelic Therapy for Black Women’s Well-Being
The Black community has been largely overlooked in the evolving landscape of psychedelic research, both in terms of participation in clinical trials and representation among researchers in the field. This lack of inclusion is particularly troubling when considering the profound potential of psychedelics to address and heal deep-seated traumas that are often a result of systemic racialization and d
Therapist Spotlight: Drive By Therapy with Dr. Tasha
Incorporating Black identities and Black culture into therapy is essential for creating a therapeutic space that is not only effective but also respectful and validating. By understanding and embracing these elements, therapists can significantly enhance the therapeutic experience for Black clients, leading to better outcomes and a more profound sense of healing and empowerment. Integrating these
Fading in the Feed: Black Girl creators' Invisibility across Social Media
Black girls are not receiving the recognition they truly deserve for their remarkable creativity, influence, and achievements on social media platforms. Despite their powerful contributions to digital culture, storytelling, and trendsetting, Black girls are often overshadowed and overlooked when it comes to monetization opportunities, brand partnerships, and access to resources that could fairly r
Decoding Misogynoir: A Conversation with Dr. Moya Bailey
Misogynoir is a term that describes the unique intersection of misogyny and anti-Black racism that Black women face. Coined by scholar Moya Bailey, it highlights how societal attitudes toward Black women are shaped simultaneously by gender and race, producing a distinct form of discrimination that differs from the experiences of white women and Black men.This episode explores how misogynoir shows
Untangling Research with The Hair Psychologist
The relationship between Black women’s hair and mental wellbeing is deeply personal, cultural, and complex. Many Black women navigate societal pressures, beauty standards, and workplace expectations that can shape how they feel about their natural hair, sometimes impacting self-esteem, identity, and mental health. This episode explores the journey toward self-love, authenticity, and empowerment th
Actualizing Afrofuturism: Black women Cultivating Our Future in the Present
Emerging in the late 20th century, Afrofuturism is a powerful cultural movement that blends science fiction, African mythologies, imaginative storytelling, and visions of sociopolitical liberation. For Black women, Afrofuturism offers a transformative space to reimagine identity, possibility, and the future through creativity, empowerment, authenticity, and self-expression. Influential figures suc
Pleasure, Power & Pride: Embracing Positive Sexuality
Black women’s positive sexuality encompasses rich, multifaceted understandings of sexual identity, desire, intimacy, and self-expression. This framework affirms Black women’s sexual autonomy, pleasure, and agency while actively challenging and dismantling long-standing stereotypes that have historically shaped and constrained Black womanhood. This episode explores what positive sexuality research
A Black Girl's Guide to Graduate School
In this episode, we explore the key factors that contribute to a successful and affirming graduate school experience for Black women entering psychology programs. From diverse faculty representation and culturally responsive curricula to strong mentorship networks, sisterhood, and tailored support systems, we break down what it truly takes to foster belonging, empowerment, and authenticity in acad
Belongingness: Black Sexual & Gender Minority Women's experiences across communities
Black sexual and gender minority (SGM) women often navigate layered experiences of stigma, discrimination, and invisibility—not only within broader society but also within their own racial, sexual, and gender minority communities. These intersecting realities can deeply impact mental health, emotional wellbeing, and holistic wellness, often contributing to feelings of isolation and disconnection.
Turning the Pages: Black women's Dating Scripts Research
While we love amplifying the voices of other Black women researchers, we are also going to have some episodes featuring excerpts from the Psychology of Black Womanhood book to explore together. In this episode, Dr. Dionne Stephens, co-author of the book and Professor of Psychology at the Florida International University, reads from the Black Love section of Chapter 8: Watering Our Roots: Black Wom
AI, Algorithms & Online Dating
In today’s digital age, online dating, AI-driven apps, and algorithm-based matching have become central ways people seek love, connection, and intimacy. But for Black women, this landscape can often feel exhausting, complicated, and deeply frustrating to navigate. Research shows that these experiences are shaped not only by stereotypes about Black womanhood, but also by the hidden influence of alg
Culturally Competent Death Care: A Conversation with the Grave Woman
Black women have long played a crucial role in providing compassionate, culturally grounded end-of-life care within our communities, often serving as caregivers, advocates, and emotional anchors. Research highlights the many ways Black women offer emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals and families navigating the final stages of life. In many Black communities—where conversatio
Black Women's unique Psychological Abuse experiences
A report from the National Center for Victims of Crime found that 53.8% of Black women have experienced psychological abuse, highlighting a critical but often overlooked issue affecting mental health and wellbeing. Although psychological abuse does not leave visible bruises, it can have deep and lasting impacts on emotional health, self-esteem, and overall wellness. This form of abuse includes har
Writing Black Girls and Women's Health Science: Documenting our Wellbeing Practices
One of the current critical issues in healthcare research is the glaring gap in research that delves into the health experiences of Black women specifically from non-deficit and wholistic positionalities. By not addressing these unique challenges and experiences, we risk perpetuating systemic biases and overlooking crucial insights that could lead to more effective and targeted supportive health a
Black Womanhood on Reality TV: Exploring the Intersection of Ratings & Representation
In the glittering world of reality TV—where drama, relationships, identity, and conflict often take center stage—the portrayal of Black women has long been a topic of both fascination and controversy. This episode dives into how Black women are represented on screen, exploring the impact of these portrayals on mental health, self-image, and public perception. We center conversations around authent
#Black Don't Crack: Social Media Presentations of Mature Black Women
“Black Don’t Crack” is a widely known colloquialism celebrating the idea that Black people appear to age more slowly, often attributed to melanin and bone structure differences. This phrase has taken on a life of its own in viral memes and social media clips that highlight Black beauty, radiance, and aging across generations. This episode goes beyond the surface to explore Black women’s experience
Friendship & Fitness Online: Black Women's Digital Wellbeing Networks
Amid the explosion of social media fitness, wellness, and self-care content, a critical question remains: where is the representation of Black women and their culturally specific concerns in these digital spaces? For many Black women, wellness is not just about fitness trends—it is deeply connected to mental health, holistic wellness, body image, stress, and everyday survival in environments that
African American Churches' First Ladies
The First Lady in the African American church is not just a title, but a position of influence, leadership, and deep responsibility within the faith community. In many African American congregations, First Ladies are looked to as spiritual guides who shape worship culture, foster community care, and support the social and emotional wellbeing of the church family. This episode explores the lived ex
Authenticity, Race & Resiliency in the Workplace
Studies have shown that Black women in the workplace are more likely to experience pay disparities, microaggressions, and limited access to leadership and high-ranking positions due to the intersecting impacts of racial and gender bias. Despite these systemic barriers, Black women continue to demonstrate resilience, authenticity, and excellence, often drawing on sisterhood, self-advocacy, and empo
Polyamory & Black Women
While there is an increasing visibility of Black women in polyamorous spaces across popular culture—such as Seeking Brother Husband and music lyrics—research on Black women’s experiences in polyamory, intimacy, and sexual health remains limited. This episode explores how Black women navigate love, relationships, desire, consent, and sexual wellbeing within polyamorous dynamics while confronting st
Trying... Black Women & Infertility
The stigma surrounding infertility within the Black community can prevent many women from seeking the care, support, and safe spaces they need, further intensifying the emotional toll of the experience. Black women are significantly less likely to receive fertility treatments due to overwhelming financial barriers, healthcare inequities, and the mental and emotional burdens associated with inferti
Black & Blindsided by Non Consensual Image Distribution
Image-Based Sexual Abuse—previously known as revenge pornography—is a form of online harassment involving the nonconsensual sharing of intimate images or videos. This episode explores how digital violence uniquely impacts Black women’s mental health, emotional wellbeing, relationships, and sense of safety in online spaces. Through conversations centered on healing, empowerment, authenticity, and r
STEM STORIES: Phenomenal STEM(ist) Maya Byfield
Today we are centering Dr. Maya Byfield's STEM Story. Dr. Maya Byfield passion is bridging innate talent and real-world opportunities. A role model to female and minority students, she helps a wide cross-section of young people chart promising futures. A Professor of Biological Sciences at with Seminole State College, Dr. Byfield has a BS in Biology from Oakwood University, MS in Biomedical Scienc
TRUST: Collaborative Research Supporting Black & Brown Transgender Women
Black and Brown transgender women are particularly vulnerable to being treated as subjects of research rather than empowered collaborators throughout the research process. Challenging this history, the TRUST project—“To Reach Unrestricted Services for Transwomen (TRUST)”—based at University of Central Florida and funded by the National Institutes of Health, centers authenticity, empowerment, and h
Black Girls' Pubertal Development
Given the physical and psychological impact of puberty, research shows that it is critical for girls to navigate this normative stage of development through open discussions with knowledgeable and supportive adults. This is especially important for Black girls, whose earlier experiences with pubertal development can increase their risk for both short- and long-term negative health outcomes, includ
Skin Color as Social Capital for Black Women
How would you score on the paper bag test? Does skin color influence how you are able to move through this world? This podcast explores how skin color influences African American women’s mental health and overall wellbeing, particularly in relation to interpersonal relationships. We examine colorism and the concept of skin color as a form of social capital. This framework explains how beauty stand
Hip Hop Feminism & Psychology
Hip Hop Feminism is a dynamic and critical paradigm that addresses the intersection of race, gender, and class within the context of Hip Hop culture. Emerging in response to pervasive misogyny and the underrepresentation of African American women in the Hip Hop industry, Hip Hop Feminism is a transformative movement that seeks to challenge and reshape the cultural landscape of Hip Hop by centering
Centering the Margins: Why we wrote the Psychology of Black Womanhood Textbook
Mainstream psychology in the U.S. has historically overlooked critical aspects of the lives and experiences of African American women since the foundation of the field. The documented inequities and research biases have contributed to psychological frameworks that fail to authentically capture the realities, mental health experiences, and lived perspectives of Black women, reflecting broader gaps
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