Therapy for Black Girls
The Therapy for Black Girls podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible version of ourselves.
Episodes
I Have Some Thoughts Minisode | Lauryn Hill, Muni Long, & North West
Welcome back to our minisode series, "I Have Some Thoughts." These short episodes are designed to contextualize the pop culture moments we're currently paying attention to through a mental health lens. Pop culture isn't just fun to chat about, it can reveal important information about how we relate, cope, and understand ourselves. Join us each Friday to hear Dr. Joy share her thoughts about the ha
Session 470: Parasocial Relationships
What do we actually get from following someone who will never know we exist? Dr. Maia Niguel Hoskin has spent her career studying that question, and on this episode she breaks down parasocial relationships: the one-sided bonds we form with influencers, celebrities, and increasingly, AI. Dr. Joy and Dr. Hoskin trace how these relationships move differently for Black women, who are often expected to
I Have Some Thoughts Minisode | Serena & Venus Return to Wimbledon, Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross, and Lil Nas X's Return
Welcome back to our minisode series, "I Have Some Thoughts." These short episodes are designed to contextualize the pop culture moments we're currently paying attention to through a mental health lens. Pop culture isn't just fun to chat about, it can reveal important information about how we relate, cope, and understand ourselves. Join us each Friday to hear Dr. Joy share her thoughts about the ha
Session 469: The Problem with Pretty
When Dr. Allycin Powell-Hicks wanted to write her dissertation on Black women and beauty, her graduate program told her the topic wasn't serious. Her research went on to reveal something the field didn't expect: Black women reported a stronger sense of control over their bodies than white women, and the more connected a Black woman felt to her culture, the stronger that sense of control became. Mo
I Have Some Thoughts Minisode | NY Knicks, Michelle Obama, & Zahara Jolie
Welcome back to our minisode series, "I Have Some Thoughts." These short episodes are designed to contextualize the pop culture moments we're currently paying attention to through a mental health lens. Pop culture isn't just fun to chat about, it can reveal important information about how we relate, cope, and understand ourselves. Join us each Friday to hear Dr. Joy share her thoughts about the ha
Session 468: The Albums That Raised Us
In honor of Black Music Month, Dr. Joy sits down with two women who experienced twenty years of Black music from opposite sides of the industry. Shanti Das spent over 25 years as a marketing executive at labels like LaFace and Universal Motown, working with artists from OutKast to Prince, before founding the mental health nonprofit Silence the Shame. Ivie Ani came of age alongside the music itself
I Have Some Thoughts Minisode | Scary Movie 6, Latto's Postpartum, & Russell Wilson's Retirement
Welcome back to our minisode series, "I Have Some Thoughts." These short episodes are designed to contextualize the pop culture moments we're currently paying attention to through a mental health lens. Pop culture isn't just fun to chat about, it can reveal important information about how we relate, cope, and understand ourselves. Join us each Friday to hear Dr. Joy share her thoughts about the ha
Session 467: Eating While Black
If you listened to last week’s episode, we explored soul food as a living tradition. We talked about how it continues to evolve, and how we’ve used it as a tool of expression across generations.This week, we’re continuing that conversation by looking at soul food from a wider scope. I’m happy to be joined by one of the leading voices in Black food studies, Dr. Psyche A. Wil
I Have Some Thoughts Minisode | Jay-Z at the Roots Picnic, Love Island Contestant Kicked Out, MIA sues Kid Cudi
Welcome back to our minisode series, "I Have Some Thoughts." These short episodes are designed to contextualize the pop culture moments we're currently paying attention to through a mental health lens. Pop culture isn't just fun to chat about, it can reveal important information about how we relate, cope, and understand ourselves. Join us each Friday to hear Dr. Joy share her thoughts about the ha
Session 466: Reclaiming Soul Food
When you think about the Black American experience, soul food is interwoven throughout its fabric. It carries stories and traditions across generations, and marks memories shared with people you love. And through the years, its definition has evolved and even been misunderstood by those who don’t understand its significance. Today, we’re unpacking all of that with Sierra Reece. Si
I Have Some Thoughts Minisode | Love Island Star Gets Married, Boosie Continues to Have No Sense, Yung Miami's Thoughts on Marriage
Welcome back to our minisode series, "I Have Some Thoughts." These short episodes are designed to contextualize the pop culture moments we're currently paying attention to through a mental health lens. Pop culture isn't just fun to chat about, it can reveal important information about how we relate, cope, and understand ourselves. Join us each Friday to hear Dr. Joy share her thoughts about the ha
Session 465: Toni Bravo On Beauty, Boundaries, & Balance
What does it look like to build a creative career online without completely losing yourself in the process? Today I’m joined by creator and beauty influencer Toni Bravo for a conversation about creativity, visibility, rest, and the evolving relationship many of us have with work in the age of social media. During our conversation, Toni shares what it’s been like navigating visibil
I Have Some Thoughts Minisode | 10 years of Insecure, Drake & The White House, James Charles, Cheyenne Bryant
Welcome to our new minisode series, "I Have Some Thoughts." These short episodes are designed to contextualize the pop culture moments we're currently paying attention to through a mental health lens. Pop culture isn't just fun to chat about, it can reveal important information about how we relate, cope, and understand ourselves. Join us each Friday to hear Dr. Joy share her thoughts about the hap
Session 464: All About Colon Health
When was the last time you really thought about your colon health? For many of us, conversations about digestion, gut health, and colorectal cancer can feel uncomfortable or easy to put off—but the reality is that colorectal cancer rates are rising among younger adults, and Black communities continue to face significant disparities when it comes to diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Today,
I Have Some Thoughts Minisode | Latto, Allyson Felix, & Hantavirus
Welcome to Episode 1 of our new minisode series, "I Have Some Thoughts." These short episodes are designed to contextualize the pop culture moments we're currently paying attention to through a mental health lens. Pop culture isn't just fun to chat about, it can reveal important information about how we relate, cope, and understand ourselves. Join us each Friday to hear Dr. Joy share her thoughts
Session 463: A Love Letter from Tiffany Cross
What does it mean to feel fully seen, valued, and loved—especially as a Black woman navigating relationships, ambition, and self-worth? In today’s conversation, I’m joined by journalist, political analyst, and author Tiffany Cross to discuss her new book, Love Me. Tiffany opens up about the inspiration behind the book, the complexities Black women face in dating and relationships
Session 462: Going No Contact
This week I’m joined by licensed psychotherapist Dr. Natalie Jones for a thoughtful conversation about what it really means to go “no contact” with people in your life who may be causing harm. Dr. Jones brings deep expertise in trauma, boundaries, and emotional wellness, and she shares from both her clinical work and her passion for helping people build healthier relationships. I
Session 461: New-Age Black Rom-Coms
This week, we’re talking all things ‘The Drama,’ and ‘You, Me, and Tuscany.’ For different reasons, both of these films, starring beloved Black women, have taken over the conversations we’re having on social and in our own circles. What do these new-age black rom-coms say about how we currently look at love and relationships? And who gets to tell those stories?
TBG University: My Dream Job as a Filmaker
For this episode of TBG U, council member Mikayla Weary, who’s been dreaming of a career in storytelling and documentary work connects with someone who’s already blazing that trail—filmmaker Taylor Hosking. In their conversation, Mikayla and Taylor explore what it really looks like to build a creative career from the ground up, how Taylor found her voice as a filmmaker, and
Session 460: Self-Worth, Reinvention, & Realness
This week we’re back for another session of “Ask Dr. Joy, our exclusive Patreon segment where I answer questions submitted by our community members. Today, we’re talking about the journey of getting back to yourself. If you’ve ever wondered, “Who am I when I’m not performing?” If you’re learning to trust your voice, reclaiming your worth, or finally
Session 459: The Postpartum Conversation You Need to Hear
This week, I’m joined once again by Dr. Sharon Malone for an important conversation in honor of Black Maternal Health Week. We’re digging into the realities of Black maternal health—from the historical roots of medical bias to the ways those patterns still shape our experiences today. Dr. Malone and I talk about why Black women are so often left out of the center of maternal
Session 458: Hair, Identity & Choice
Hair always seems to be a hot topic, doesn’t it? From what style is “acceptable” to wear at work, to the politics of what’s considered “going natural,” hair is, no pun intended, always on the brain. And as Black women especially, there is so much tied to our hair–it can dictate how we’re perceived in certain spaces, signal lifestyle choices, and can
Session 457: Exploring Sober Curiosity
At the start of a new year, it’s common to see people vow to take a month-long break from alcohol. But as research continues to uncover the toll that alcohol can take on our overall health, Dry January has evolved from a yearly challenge into a full-on lifestyle change towards mindful drinking. Now, a lot more of us are asking, “What does it look like to invite more sober moments into
TBG University: Spring Break Edition
Our Advisory Council members, Fatima, Jya, and Mikayla joined us this week for a lively and insightful group chat about what Spring Break really looks like at different stages of the college journey. They also discussed Black Spring Break Houston; the joy, the community, and the misconceptions; and how to approach it with safety, intention, and authenticity. We also talked about the financial real
Session 456: The Realities of High Functioning Depression
When we think about depression, there’s a common image that comes to mind–sleeping all day or not enough, withdrawing from responsibilities, and feeling an overall inability to function. And while that image is accurate, it doesn’t tell the whole story of what depression can look like. For many people, especially Black women, depression can show on the complete opposite end
Session 455: TBG Rewind, Black Women Navigating the Glass Cliff
Lately, it feels like a lot of people are being asked to do more and more at work. Teams are stretched thin, responsibilities keep expanding, and many of us are finding ourselves carrying workloads that don’t always match the support, resources, or recognition we receive. For Black women in particular, these dynamics can show up in some very specific ways. One of them is the glass cliff, the
Session 454: Black Single Mothers
Black single mothers have long been the subject of stereotypes, political debate, and cultural criticism. For decades, narratives in media and public discourse have framed them as the root of social problems rather than recognizing the complex realities of their lives, families, and communities. Today’s guest is writer and cultural critic Jamilah Lemieux, whose work has helped shape con
Session 453: What Speech-Language Pathologists Actually Do?
The ability to express ourselves through speech remains one of the most important ways we communicate. It’s at the root of how we connect, understand each other, and even how we explore our own identities. From childhood, we learn that what we say and how we’re able to say it can impact how we move through the world. Speech pathologists help those of us who experience challenges in exp
Session 452: Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing Now? Romance, Identity & Online Culture
Where were you when the “Is Having A Boyfriend Embarrassing Now?” article dropped? Late last year when the piece dropped, it immediately took internet discourse by storm and had a lot of people in heterosexual relationships questioning and taking a deeper look into their relationships. This week we're joined by the woman behind the article, London-based writer and digital content
Session 451: Student Loan Forgiveness & Reclassifying Degrees
Student loans have been a source of stress for many of us—but with recent policy changes, shifting repayment requirements, and proposed funding cuts to certain graduate programs, that stress has reached a new level. From confusion about repayment restarting, to fears about forgiveness programs disappearing, to conversations about “reclassifying” degrees like nursing, psychology,
Session 450: Reproductive Psychiatry
Reproductive health is often discussed in terms of our physical bodies, but what about our mental and emotional well-being across the reproductive lifespan? In today’s session, I’m joined by Dr. MiMi Sanders, a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in reproductive psychiatry, to help us better understand the unique mental health needs that can show up during menstruation, preg
Session 449: Environmental Racism & Toxic Products Explained
From wellness products, to fragrances, to the haircare many of us grew up using, Black women are routinely exposed to harmful chemicals in products marketed directly to us. So what do we do when our everyday routines are shaped by systems that often put our health at risk? These exposures don’t happen in isolation; they build over time, contributing to serious and sometimes chronic health co
Session 448: Who Are You, For Real?
We hope you’ve enjoyed our January Jumpstart series so far, and that you’ve been able to step into the new year with ease and intention. To wrap up the series, we're excited to share a few conversations that we had with some amazing women. Today, we’re talking about identity. You’ll hear from Nina Westbrook, LMFT and Oludara Adeeyo, LCSW on what it looks like to ask yoursel
Session 447: Getting Through Friendship Breakups
Friendships are a life line for us. Friends keep our secrets, they celebrate our wins and hold us up during the difficult times. So when a friendship ends, for whatever reason there is an acute grief associated with no longer having this life line and sadly this grief is often misunderstood and minimized. Today I’m sharing some thoughts on why friendship breakups are so difficult to navigate
Session 446: Should I Go Back to School? Rethinking the Grad School Urge
For many Black women, higher education has long been framed as both a pathway to security and a form of social currency. But when does the pursuit of another degree serve our growth—and when does it distract us from the work we actually want to do? In this episode, I'm joined by Melissa Ifill, LCSW for a thoughtful conversation about the “grad school urge,” credential collecting,
Session 445: Eliminating Your Digital Footprint
Whether you’re chronically online, or only log on to post a quarterly dump, it’s important that you know where and how the data you’re sharing on the internet is being used. Oftentimes, we accept, we say yes, and we check a box on the screen just to get to what we were looking for, but exercising choice in those moments is a crucial way to protect your identity and take control o
Session 444: End-of-Year Wisdom from Devi Brown & Dora Kamau
You may remember hearing from Dora Kamau and Devi Brown on the show, and we’re bringing back some beautiful end-of-year warmth and wisdom to help usher you into 2026 with ease. Consider this an invitation to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and gently close out the chapter of this year. Whether you’re listening on a walk, during your morning routine, or winding down at night, we hop
Session 443: What Do the Lonely Do At Christmas?
For so many, the holiday season can bring about feelings of depression, complicated family dynamics, grief, or the quiet ache of being alone when joy feels mandatory. In this solo episode, I’m talking about why loneliness can feel heavier this time of year, the many reasons we may find ourselves alone, and how to care for ourselves through a season that can be emotionally demanding. About th
Session 442: Healing, Grief, & Community After Netflix’s 'The Perfect Neighbor'
Content Warning: There are mentions of racial violence in this episode. If you have sensitivities around this subject, I urge you to take breaks as needed, or step away if it becomes too difficult. In 2023, the murder of Ajike “AJ” Owens shook the country–another Black mother taken too soon in a moment of senseless and unnecessary violence. In the years since, AJ’s story as
TBGU: Reclaiming Autonomy with Kiana Ledé
For this conversation we're joined by singer-songwriter and actress Kiana Ledé for a deeply honest and heartfelt conversation about her journey with bipolar disorder, how she’s learned to navigate her diagnosis with compassion, and the ways therapy, boundaries, and connection have supported her along the way. Kiana and I also explored the emotional world of her deluxe album, Cut
Session 441: What the Stars Said in 2025 and Looking to 2026 With Mecca Woods
It’s that time of year again where we reflect on all of the astrological insights we got heading into 2025 as well as get a sneak peak of what to look forward to in 2026. Our favorite Astrologer, Mecca Woods is back with her annual astrological report. From transits to retrogrades to major planetary shifts, she’s here to unpack it all. About the Podcast The Therapy for Black Girl
SESSION 440: Producer’s Chat: Reflections, Rest & the Last Stretch of 2025
It’s that time again. Today I’m kicking back with our wonderful producer team as we reflect on 2025–what we learned, what we’re leaving behind, and dive into what it looks like to balance rest during the holiday season. As the year comes to a close, I encourage you to check in with your own circle to reflect on your year. What moments stuck with you? What was your big
Session 439: ICYMI - Steadying Yourself for the Holidays
The holidays can be beautiful, stressful, joyful, and overwhelming—sometimes all at once. As we step into this season, I wanted to revisit a conversation that so many of you have told me was helpful in years past. In this throwback episode, I'm talking about the holiday blues. I break down what it actually is, why it happens, and how to tell the difference between holiday blues and major dep
Session 438: Black Memory Work & Healing
As we head into the holidays, many of us will encounter old memories and create new ones. You may spend time recounting stories from your childhood, learning a new line dance, or even taking orders in the kitchen on how to make a family recipe. Memory-keeping has long been a practice for humans across the globe, but for Black people, those traditions look different. And in the age of technology, t
Session 437: Cookies, Healing, & Legacy with Sarah and Rev. Shawn Amos
This week on the Therapy for Black Girls podcast, we’re wrapping up the Sibling Sit-Down limited series with a heartfelt and nostalgic conversation featuring Sarah Amos and Reverend Shawn Amos. We explored the depth of their sibling bond, how their shared history shaped their identities, and the ways they’ve supported one another through both grief and growth. The conversation als
Session 436: The Sibling Sit-Down w/ Skylar Marshai & Sunlyn Chiraya
Welcome back to another episode of our sibling sit-down series. I hope you’ve been enjoying it so far. We’ve answered sibling questions, broken down various sibling dynamics, so it’s only right that we sit down to chat with some actual siblings. This week, we're excited to welcome Skylar Marshai and Sunlyn Chiraya, a sister duo finding new ways to learn and love each other. We di
Session 435: Breaking Down Sibling Dynamics
Welcome back to the second episode of our “Sibling Sit-Down” series, where we’re exploring sibling relationships and all the factors that shape the emotional dynamics created between them. Today, we're joined by Támara Hill, licensed clinical child and family therapist who has built an online platform by making mental health information accessible to the masses. We&r
Session 434: Ask Dr. Joy - The Sibling Sit Down
This week, we're kicking off a new mini-series here on the podcast that we're calling The Sibling Sit Down. Over the next couple of weeks, we will be digging into the bonds that have formed us and shaped us, the relationships that challenge us, and everything in between. We have found that the relationship with our siblings is often very formative — some of the most formative relationships w
Session 433: Erykah Badu x Jill Scott- 25 Years of Mama’s Gun & Who Is Jill Scott?
This week we’re celebrating two iconic albums that have shaped the sound and soul of a generation, Erykah Badu’s Mama’s Gun and Jill Scott’s Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1, both turning 25 this year. Joining us for this nostalgic and soul-filled conversation is Taryn Finley, journalist and founder of the Unbothered platform. During this conversation, we explore
BONUS: How Traveling Alone Can Spark Self-Discovery
Seeing the world as a solo traveler pushes you to show up in a way only you can, as your most authentic self. And while the experience can be daunting, it welcomes opportunities for self-exploration and discovery. To be pushed out of your comfort zone in a place that’s not your home is a gift filled with moments that are sure to sharpen and evolve your mental health. In new and unfamil
Session 432: The Impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s transforming how we understand public health education in this country: childhood trauma and its lifelong impact on the brain and body. For decades, adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, like abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence, were often seen as just social or emotional issues. But research has revealed the science of something much deepe
TBGU: Meet the TBG U Advisory Council
This season, we’re excited to bring you something brand new for TBGU. I’m so thrilled to introduce you to the inaugural TBGU Advisory Council. You’ll get to meet Jya, Fatima, and Mikayla, three brilliant young people who will be helping us shape the TBGU experience this year. We’ll hear about what excites them, the topics they’re passionate about, and how they hope to
BONUS: Navigating Friendship Dynamics on Group Trips
Group travel can create incredible memories and deeper friendships, but it also exposes relationship dynamics that usually stay hidden. When you're sharing rooms and splitting costs, those little friendship quirks get magnified. The indecisive friend becomes a bigger challenge when deciding dinner plans. Budget conversations can't be avoided anymore. Here's the thing: when done thoughtfully, group
Session 431: Understanding Personality Disorders
This week we’re diving into a conversation about personality disorders with psychiatrist Dr. Tracey Marks. Dr. Marks breaks down what personality disorders are, how they differ from other mental health conditions, and some of the common misconceptions people have about them. We also talk about how personality disorders can impact relationships, what treatment can look like, and ways to show
BONUS: Reclaiming Joy Through Solo Travel
In this episode, Dr. Joy explores the cultural and societal messaging that tells Black women they must constantly prove their worth through productivity and self-sacrifice. She shares how travel, particularly solo travel, can be a radical act of self-care and joy. This episode is a reminder that rest is not something to be earned—it is a right. Whether you're planning your next trip or simpl
Session 430: Re-Living Single with Erika Alexander & Kim Coles
This week we’re joined by cultural icons Erika Alexander and Kim Coles, two of the stars of the beloved 90s sitcom Living Single. Now co-hosts of the Re-Living Single podcast, Erika and Kim are taking a walk down memory lane, revisiting the episodes that made us laugh, cry, and feel seen. During this conversation, they share what it’s been like to reconnect with their characters and ea
Session 429: The Double Tax
When it comes to marginalized intersectional identities, Black women and women of color are no stranger. But if we zoom out, what does that experience look like across systems, access, and paychecks? Today we're excited to be joined by economist, advocate, and author Anna Gifty. She’s here to talk about her new book, ‘The Double Tax: How Women of Color Are Overcharged and Underpaid,&rs
Session 428 ICYMI: Increasing Sexual Confidence
We can't let September go by without acknowledging Sex Positive September. Over the years, we've done dozens of episodes exploring sexual liberation, sexuality, and sexual health, so we wanted to pull from our archives to bring you this essential conversation. In this episode, Dr. Pia Goff joins us to get real about what chips away at our sexual confidence, why some of us struggle with arousal and
Session 427: Immigration Justice
This week, we’re discussing a crisis that’s disrupting lives across the country: the escalating wave of deportations tearing families apart and dismantling the fragile sense of safety many immigrants cling to. For this conversation I’m joined by Catherine Labiran, a writer, organizer, and research manager whose work lives at the intersections of immigration justice, Black li
Session 426: Understanding GLP-1s
This week, Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford joins us for a compassionate conversation about weight, health, and healing. We're exploring why obesity should be understood as a chronic disease, not a moral failing, and discussing new treatment options like GLP-1 medications that are changing lives. Dr. Stanford is an obesity medicine Physician-Scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Me
Session 425: Understanding OCD
Have you ever heard someone casually say “I’m so OCD” just because they like things neat and organized? That kind of language often oversimplifies a serious mental health condition and can make it harder for those living with OCD to be seen and understood. Today, we’re digging into what Obsessive Compulsive Disorder actually is and how it uniquely impacts Black women.
Session 424: Autoimmune Conditions & Community Health Advocacy
This week we're bringing attention to a topic that doesn’t always get the space or care it deserves: the mental, emotional, and physical toll of living with a severe autoimmune condition. Joining me for this conversation is Dr. Martine Hackett, a public health expert and the host of the podcast "Untold Stories: Life with a Severe Autoimmune Condition". In her show, she shares her own ex
Session 423: Building A Creative, Family-Centered Life
Balancing a career and family life isn’t always easy, but it is possible. Today, I’m joined by actor, producer, author, and podcast creator Tika Sumpter. A true multi-hyphenate, her career continues to thrive. Since becoming a mother, she’s embraced her creativity even more, defying the societal expectation that women should scale back their ambitions after motherhood. Through he
Session 422: The Work of Mental Health Co-Responders
This week’s guest is Renée Bryan, a Licensed Professional Counselor and educator with a Master's in Education from Mercer University and a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Richmont Graduate University. What makes Renée's work particularly compelling is her role as a mental health co-responder with law enforcement. This growing field many mental health professi
TBG U: Disability & Desirability
Nila Morton is a graduate of Howard University where she earned her Masters in Social Work and a passionate disability advocate born with Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy, a rare condition that requires her to use a wheelchair. Her advocacy work focuses on challenging ableism and promoting inclusivity within the disability community. In this episode, Nila opens up about the strugg
Session 421: PsychoHairapy, Exploring Hair & Mental Health
This week, we are joined by Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka, a clinical psychologist, hairstylist, professor, and the founder of “PsychoHairapy,” an innovative approach that uses hair care as an entry point into mental health in the Black community. As Black women, our hair is more than just what’s at the surface. It shapes identity, signals care, and holds cultural memory. In our conversat
Session 420: Play Theory
This week we're joined by award-winning scholar, ethnomusicologist, and cultural anthropologist Dr. Kyra Gaunt to explore the powerful intersections of music, play, and identity in the lives of Black girls and women. Dr. Gaunt, author of The Games Black Girls Play: Learning the Ropes from Double-Dutch to Hip-Hop, offers a brilliant breakdown of how musical play, like hand games, cheers, and j
Session 419: ICYMI | Some Thoughts On Playing Small
Today, we’re throwing it back to Session 321 — Some Thoughts On Playing Small. This quick episode was inspired by a line from Issa Dee, the beloved character played by Issa Rae in Insecure: “How much different would your life be if you actually went after what you wanted?” It’s a question that feels especially relevant now as we head into summer. The days are longer,
Session 418: Navigating Flight Anxiety
We’re stepping into summer, and vacation season is in full swing. For many, that means excitement, adventure, and a packed travel itinerary. But for others, especially when it comes to flying, it can stir up a lot of anxiety. With everything we’ve seen in the news this year, those feelings might be new, or more intense than ever. In today’s episode, we’re talking about how
Session 417: Black Music Month - Artists Redefining the Norm w/ Mankaprr Conteh & Delisa Shannon
We couldn’t let this month go by without having a conversation about one of my favorite things, music. While we’re only halfway through the year, there have already been so many major moments, from iconic performances to albums that push past genre limitations. These culturally-defining moments have all been sparked by artists we love, and we’d be remiss not to celebrate the ongo
TBG U: Post Graduate Pause, Let's Talk About the In Between
This episode is dedicated to all of the newly minted college graduates! You're likely feeling a mix of emotions as you step into what's next, and we invite you to take a moment to process what you're feeling. We also want to make sure you're not so busy focusing on what's next that you don't celebrate the huge accomplishment you've achieved. Make sure to follow us on social media: Ins
BONUS: Pop Culture Catchup
In this special bonus episode, I’m joined by our incredible producers for a fun and insightful conversation about some of the pop culture moments that have been giving us life lately. We're diving into Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour and what it means for how we understand Black womanhood and creativity, unpacking the emotional and spiritual layers of the new film Sinners, and refl
Session 416: Navigating BDSM & Kink As A Black Woman
Dr. Lana Holmes, who you may remember from Session 222: How Horror Films Help Us Process Life, joins us again to explore sexuality through the lens of kink and BDSM practices often misunderstood but rich with opportunities for healing, agency, and reclaiming pleasure. We unpack common myths, discuss how these communities prioritize communication, boundaries, and consent, and challenge the ra
Session 415: Black Panther Woman
This week we’re joined by Mary Frances Phillips, a scholar-activist, public intellectual, and Associate Professor of African American Studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her interdisciplinary research agenda focuses on race and gender in post-1945 social movements and the carceral state. Her scholarly interests include the Modern Black Freedom Struggle, Black Feminism, an
Session 414: Parenting a Trans Child
In this deeply moving episode, we’re joined by Lisa Price, founder and CEO of Carol’s Daughter, for an intimate conversation about parenting, identity, and unconditional love. Lisa opens up about her journey as a mother to a transgender child, sharing the lessons she’s learned, the challenges she’s faced, and the transformative power of showing up with empathy and authentic
Session 413: All About Gut Health
Gut health is one of those wellness terms we hear all the time, and honestly, it’s popular for a reason. Our gut isn’t just about digestion. Like the rest of our organs, it’s connected to the brain, which means it can both reflect and impact our mental well-being. The gut-brain connection shows up in everyday life. Feeling queasy before a big meeting? Or so stressed you don&
TBG U: Understanding Entrepreneurship
Alyssa Ashley, founder of In Real Life Skin, was raised in a traditional West Indian household where self-care was embraced as a holistic lifestyle rather than a simple routine. From a young age, she incorporated natural ingredients like pomegranate extract, magnesium, and vitamin E into her diet and skincare, discovering their powerful benefits for both physical and emotional well-being. Al
Session 412: How to Spend Time Alone
These days, we talk a lot about community, and for good reason. But it’s important to remember that spending time alone is just as important. So what does it actually look like to enjoy your own company? Alone time isn’t just about being by yourself, it’s about slowing down, reconnecting, and noticing what comes up when you’re not in constant dialogue with the world around
Session 411: Drink Water & Mind Your Business with Dr. Donna Oriowo
Today we’re joined by the brilliant and unapologetically authentic Dr. Donna Oriowo, licensed clinical social worker, certified sex and relationship therapist, and author of the bold new book, Drink Water & Mind Your Business. Known for her unique blend of cultural insight, therapeutic expertise, and straight-no-chaser delivery, Dr. Oriowo returns to the show to share the inspiration beh
Session 410: Can't Get Enough with Kennedy Ryan
If you’re on #BookTok or any book-obsessed corner of the internet, especially amongst Black women, you know that there’s always a Kennedy Ryan book at the center of the conversation. Kennedy is no stranger to crafting characters that feel real and fully formed and her stories linger with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Her newest book, ‘Can't Get Enough,’
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