Therapy for Black Girls
iHeartPodcasts and Joy Harden Bradford, Ph.D. 557 episodes Nov 11, 2026
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
Session 489: The Revelation of Dionne Daphne with Mara Brock Akil
Mara Brock Akil spent 30 years building worlds on screen, and her debut novel asked her to go somewhere screenwriting never did. Mara joins Dr. Joy to talk about The Revelation of Dionne Daphne, the story she first tried to tell in the ’90s, and what it took to give a character her own experience with childhood sexual abuse. She also gets into the friendships that hold us until we can hold o
Kristy Sarah & Bryson Tiller Dating, Angel Reese's Confidence, & The Lip Bar | I Have Some Thoughts Minisode
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 488: Understanding Infertility & IVF
In this episode, we’re talking about infertility and IVF with family medicine physician Dr. Chi Johnson. At 33, in the middle of residency, Dr. Chi was diagnosed with primary ovarian insufficiency and told by her first specialist that no one would freeze her eggs. She kept the diagnosis to herself for two years. Dr. Chi joins Dr. Joy to talk about the AMH test that caught it, why she kept lo
Jalen Hurts' Health, Yung Miami's New Song & Coco Jones In New York | I Have Some Thoughts Minisode
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 487: Elective Health Screenings
Return guest Dr. Uché Blackstock joins us to help us make sense of the growing popularity of elective health screenings and the wellness trends shaping how we approach our health. We’re discussing how to find credible health information, make informed decisions about testing, and navigate the potential risks of unnecessary screenings. Plus, Dr. Blackstock shares how we can prioritize
I Have Some Thoughts Minisode | Glorilla & Her Sister Talk Money, the Atlanta Dream in the Finals
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 486: Cree Summer & Kennedi Reece on the A Different World Reboot
Cree Summer has played Freddie Brooks since 1988, and in Netflix's A Different World sequel, Freddie is back at Hillman as a professor. This week, Dr. Joy talks with Cree and Kennedi Reece, the Howard musical theater student Debbie Allen discovered and cast as Hazel, about what Freddie and Hazel share and what it took to bring a beloved show back for a new generation. Cree revisits filming the ori
I Have Some Thoughts Minisode | Chris Rock, Zendaya, & Druski
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 485: Kerry Washington on Animals and Why She Keeps Playing Therapists
This week Dr. Joy talks with Kerry Washington about her new Netflix thriller Animals, where she plays Abigail, a therapist and mother who believes her son has been abducted. They get into how fear shapes our decisions, what Kerry has learned from individual, group, couples and family therapy, and how her family worked through the secret at the center of her memoir, Thicker Than Water. Kerry also s
I Have Some Thoughts Minisode | Savannah James, Cornell, & Da’Vinci
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 484: What Your Menstrual Cycle Wants You to Know
Your menstrual cycle is about so much more than your period. This week, Dr. Joy talks with Dr. Charis Chambers, aka The Period Doctor, about PMS, PMDD, hormones, period tracking, and understanding what’s actually happening in your body throughout the month. They also discuss how to advocate for yourself when something doesn’t feel right and why there’s no such thing as a “n
I Have Some Thoughts Minisode | VMA's, Migos AI Trend, Kirk Franklin & Glorilla, & A Different World Reboot
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 483: "You'll Change Your Mind" and Other Things to Stop Saying to Child Free Women
"You'll change your mind." "Who's going to take care of you when you're older?" Black women who say they don't want children hear some version of this constantly, and the decision often gets treated as a betrayal of family and community. Today we're joined by licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Lana Holmes to talk about why a personal choice draws so much outside commentary. Dr. Lana and I chatted
I Have Some Thoughts Minisode | Tisha Campbell, Nikole Hannah-Jones, & Iced Coffee
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 482: The Lessons We Weren't Taught About Love
This week we're back with another Ask Dr. Joy episode and today all of your questions are about the unspoken gaps in how many of us were raised to think about love. Dr. Joy discusses getting back into dating after years away, feeling a quiet disconnect with your spouse, and finally naming why relationships often feel so hard to navigate. These are the kinds of realizations that can sit with
I Have Some Thoughts Minisode | Kandi & Todd's Divorce, Karmelo Anthony's Past, & the Job Market for New College Grads
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 481: What Worth Actually Means with Dr. Marisa Franco
Dr. Marisa Franco is back, and this time she's turning her attention from friendship to something underneath it: self-worth. Her new book, Worth: The New Science of Self-Esteem and Secure Attachment, starts with a confession. While her relationship was falling apart, she was performing security, saying all the right things, staying calm, doing everything the books tell you to do, while quietly aba
I Have Some Thoughts Minisode | U.S. Open, Raven Symone, Vic Mensa, & Chance the Rapper
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 480: Introducing Psychedelics Into Therapy
What happens when you combine psychedelics with the therapeutic process? Psychedelic-assisted therapy is gaining attention as more people look beyond more familiar approaches to mental health, but there’s still a lot we’re learning about how it works and what it actually feels like to experience. In this conversation with Dr. Sierra Carter, an Associate Professor of Psychology and Dire
I Have Some Thoughts Minisode | Miguel's New Relationship, Gladys Knight Stops Performing, Miss USA Justus Kelley
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 479: The Work of Being A Girl Dad with Kier Gaines
Most of Kier Gaines’ therapy clients are women, many of whom are working through difficult relationships with their fathers. This week, Kier and Dr. Joy discuss what a father wound can look like, how it affects daughters in adulthood, and why receiving an apology may not resolve years of hurt. He also shares what he had to learn while raising daughters, from ordering underwear online to reco
I Have Some Thoughts Minisode | Jordyn Woods, Coco Jones, NABJ Award, & Food Recalls
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 478: Surviving Middle School: Your Questions Answered
In the final episode of our Surviving Middle School series, we’re answering your questions about navigating this sometimes complicated stage of growing up. Dr. Russell Ledet joins us for a Q&A covering friendships, social media, and newly navigating independence. He shares practical advice and perspective for parents who want to better understand what their middle schoolers are experienc
I Have Some Thoughts Minisode | Maya Boyd is Storm, Tyga's New Album, U of Michigan's New Grade Policy
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 477: Surviving Middle School: The Chaos of Adolescence, Explained
Middle school changes kids in ways that can feel unrecognizable. Dr. Russell Ledet, child and adolescent psychiatrist and father of two Black girls, joins Dr. Joy to explain why. They walk through the psychological stages driving adolescence, industry versus inferiority giving way to identity versus role confusion. They talk through what's actually happening in the brain as the amygdala and prefro
I Have Some Thoughts Minisode | Jools Lebron, Tee Grizzley, & Jacquees
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 476: Surviving Middle School in a Tech-Driven World
In the 1st episode of our “Surviving Middle School” series, we chat with Dr. Whitney J. Raglin Bignall about how to foster a balanced relationship between your middle schooler and technology in a world where tech is at our fingertips around the clock. We get into the real-life effects of group chats, how to integrate technology in a healthy way, and the major importance of building emo
I Have Some Thoughts | Tuskegee's Dress Code, Blade is Cancelled, & Brittney Griner's Divorce
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 475: On the Couch with the Characters of The Five Star Weekend
Today, Dr. Joy is breaking down the emotional journeys of each of the characters of the series, The Five Star Weekend. We’ll dive into their complicated friendship dynamics, how they navigate grief, and the patterns that drive their decisions throughout the series. Think of this as a therapy session for the characters, exploring the wounds, relationships, and reckonings at the heart of the s
I Have Some Thoughts Minisode | Chadwick Boseman, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Ryan Clark, & Gen Z Financial Struggles
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 474: What Weathering Does to Black Women's Bodies
Dr. Joy sits down with neuropsychologist Dr. Tanisha Hill-Jarrett, assistant professor at UCSF's Memory and Aging Center, to talk through what brain health means, why it's broader than mental health alone, and the daily habits that support it: cardiovascular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, stress management, social connection, and quality sleep. They dig into what our phones are doing to us. Dr. H
I Have Some Thoughts Minisode | Angel Reese, Brandy, & Latto
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 473: We Sent Our Director of Podcasts to Jamaica to Do Psilocybin. Meet Hanifa, Who Held the Space
If you've ever been curious about psychedelic-assisted therapy, this episode is for you. Our very own Director of Podcasts and Digital Content, Ellice Ellis, was invited to attend Beckley Retreat's Guided Sanctuary for Black Women Psilocybin Retreat in Jamaica—a week-long experience designed to support healing through guided psilocybin sessions. Ellice chats with Dr. Joy to reflect on her ex
I Have Some Thoughts Minisode | Jay-Z & Blue Ivy, Nolan Wells, Love Island Finale
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 472: Mid-Year Astrology Check-In
The first half of the year may be behind us, but the cosmos still has plenty in store. This week, Dr. Joy is joined by astrologer Camille Michelle Gray to explore the major astrological themes that will shape the rest of 2026. Together, they chat about the biggest transits, retrogrades, and discuss how these cosmic movements may influence everything from our relationships and careers to our person
I Have Some Thoughts Minisode | Nara Smith, Kennedy Ryan, & Young Miami
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 471: America, Post-DEI
When Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley first proposed a Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer role at the State Department, the response from HR was polite and dismissive. Years later, she came back and got the job done — on her own terms, with her own budget, her own staff, and a seat on the committee that assigns ambassadors. What she found when she got inside was not what most people
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
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