She's So Lucky

#315: If you’ve ever felt underestimated, this episode is for you.Taylor Rooks is one of the most respected sports journalists in the game — and not because she plays it safe. She's built her career on asking fearless questions, trusting her gut, and refusing to shrink herself to fit into anyone else's idea of who she should be.In this conversation, Taylor and I talk about what it means to be a woman who takes up space and why the pressure to be palatable isn’t worth giving in to.We talk about ambition, integrity, reinvention, and the deep self-trust it takes to keep showing up when you have a big vision for your life. Taylor doesn’t just bring her voice to the table — she brings her values. And you can feel it in everything she does.We talk about:How the experiences of women in sports mirror broader societal beliefsWhy it’s powerful not to respond to every criticThe art of asking better questions (in life and interviews)Knowing your value, even when others want you to shrinkBuilding a career that reflects your values, not just your resumeHow to trust yourself when the opinions of others become too loudEpisode Links:Follow Taylor on InstagramWatch NBA on Prime VideoLearn more about the Taylor Rooks FoundationSponsors:LMNT: LMNT is a zero sugar electrolyte drink mix with a research-backed ratio of electrolytes. To try it out go to drinkLMNT.com/balancedles to receive a free LMNT sample pack with any purchase.Cotton: Cotton is the fabric of our lives. Learn more at thefabricofourlives.com.Bumble: Start your love story on Bumble.Vimergy: Vimergy makes liquid vitamins that are clean, potent, and actually easy for your body to absorb. Visit vimergy.com and use code LUCKY for 20% off your first order.Headspace: Visit Headspace.com/solucky to try headspace for free for 30 days.IM8: IM8’s Daily Ultimate Essentials is my go-to drink for getting all the nutrients I need. Go to IM8health.com/lucky and use code LUCKY for a free welcome kit, five free travel packs, and 10% off your order.Connect with Les:Follow Les on IG @lesalfredFollow She’s So Lucky on IG @shessoluckypodFollow Les on TikTokFollow She’s So Lucky on TikTokSubscribe to the She’s So Lucky Newsletter: https://shessolucky.kit.com/bestcaseVisit our website at shessoluckypodcast.comPlease note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#314: If you've ever felt like you're supposed to be everything for everyone—while somehow also building a career, maintaining relationships, and taking care of yourself—this conversation is for you.Nina Westbrook is a licensed marriage and family therapist, founder of the mental wellness app Nebbi, host of the Do Tell Relationship Podcast, and a wife and mom of three. She's also someone who knows what it's like to push through challenging seasons including launching a business while navigating a debilitating injury.We talk about what happens when you stop making yourself smaller to keep everyone else comfortable. Nina shares how she navigates the tension between being fully present for her family and building something that matters to her, why difficult conversations don't have to feel like confrontations, and what it actually looks like to let people see your full humanity—even when it's messy. If you've been shrinking yourself to make room for everyone else, or waiting for the "right time" to prioritize what you actually need, this episode will leave you feeling inspired to show up for yourself fully.We also talk about:Recognizing when you're in a difficult season vs. when it's just your lifeHow to teach the people in your life that you're a whole person, not just their support systemWhy prioritizing yourself first isn't selfishHow to build self-care moments into small moments of your dayResources:Follow Nina on Instagram @ninawestbrookSubscribe to Nina’s podcast, Do Tell Relationship PodcastDownload Nina’s app Nebbi, a cognitive behavioral therapy app that offers daily self-care tools.Get your She’s So Lucky MerchSponsors:Grüns: Grüns are comprehensive nutrition packed into a snack pack a day. Visit gruns.co and use the code LUCKY for 52% off your first order.Mood: Visit mood.com and use code LUCKY for 20% off your first order of functional gummies.Nutrafol: Get stronger, healthier hair with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering $10 OFF your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to nutrafol.com and enter promo code BALANCEDLES.Quince: Quince is the go-to for elevated basics at affordable prices. Visit quince.com/balancedles for free shipping and 365-day returns.Shopify: Start your online business with Shopify. Sign up for your $1 per month trial at shopify.com/balancedblackgirl.Keep in touch:Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfredFollow on TikTok @shessoluckypod @balancedlesJoin the newsletter: https://shessolucky.kit.com/bestcaseVisit our website at shessoluckypodcast.comPlease note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#313: If you’ve ever felt like you’re not measuring up to where you “should” be—whether that’s finding partnership by a certain age, building lasting friendships as an adult, or navigating the expectations society throws at you—this episode is for you.Today, I’m sitting down with the always insightful Shan Boodram to talk about the real journey of connecting—from romance, to friendship and everywhere in between. Shan doesn’t shy away from the messy, inconvenient parts of connection—whether it’s dating in a world that prizes efficiency, how algorithms influence our decisions and attachment styles, or the challenges of learning how to nurture deep friendships later in life.We dive into why your age or relationship timeline doesn’t define your worth, how to find and nurture love that truly sees you, and why inconvenience might be the secret ingredient to building bonds that last. Shan shares her wisdom on how to show up authentically in both romantic and platonic relationships, break away from rigid dating rules, and live a big, joy-filled life at any stage.If you’ve ever questioned whether it’s too late for new love or genuine friendships—or if you’re simply craving more meaningful connection—hit play on this episode.We talk about:How online algorithms are impacting our attachment styles and preferencesNavigating dating and romance without falling into the efficiency trapThe truth about cultivating friendships as an adultThe power of showing up, even when it’s inconvenientLetting go of dating rules and loving by your own standardsLinks & Resources:Watch Lovers by ShanJoin the Lovers by Shan communityFollow Shan on Instagram @shanboodramGet your She’s So Lucky MerchSponsors:LMNT: LMNT is a zero sugar electrolyte drink mix with a research-backed ratio of electrolytes. To try it out go to drinkLMNT.com/balancedles to receive a free LMNT sample pack with any purchase.Vionic Shoes: Use code LUCKY at checkout for 15% off your entire order at vionicshoes.com.Bumble: Start your love story on BumbleGrüns: Grüns are comprehensive nutrition packed into a snack pack a day. Visit gruns.co and use the code LUCKY for 52% off your first order.Vimergy: Vimergy: Vimergy makes liquid vitamins that are clean, potent, and actually easy for your body to absorb. Visit vimergy.com and use code LUCKY for 20% off your first order.Stay in TouchFollow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfredFollow on TikTok @shessoluckypod @balancedlesSubscribe to the She’s So Lucky Newsletter: https://shessolucky.kit.com/bestcaseVisit our website at shessoluckypodcast.comPlease note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sharing a special episode this week, from Dr. Sharon Malone. On Dr. Sharon’s new podcast, The Second Opinion, women take back the conversation on health with straight talk, real experience, and the care we all deserve. You’ll hear prominent female advocates, experts and patients just like you sharing how they confronted gaps in our healthcare system and got second opinions that saved their lives. Alongside each guest, Dr. Sharon tackles the questions and topics we’ve been conditioned to ignore — the ones we search for at 3 a.m. but never bring up at the doctor’s office. From dismissed symptoms to systemic failures, she pulls back the curtain on what’s really going on in women’s health and gives women the tools to advocate for themselves and each other. In this episode, Dr. Sharon talks to Board Certified Ob/GYN and Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon, Dr. Karen Tang. The two unpack the evolution of Obstetrics Gynecology, the different OB-GYN subspecialties, and surgical options for reproductive health. Plus, Dr. Tang shares experiences patients may have on the surgical table and why you may want to choose a minimally invasive surgery for gynecologic conditions.Find more episodes of The Second Opinion with Dr. Sharon Malone at https://link.mgln.ai/shessoluckySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#312: If you’ve ever felt like you’re too loud, too soft, too opinionated, too emotional, too ambitious—or just too much—this episode is for you.Nicole Walters is back on the podcast, and in true Nicole fashion, she’s not holding anything back. After walking away from a 12-year marriage, becoming a mom again at 40, writing a bestselling memoir, and rebranding her platform, she’s learned exactly what it costs to become your truest self. And why it’s always worth it.We talk about what happens when you stop downplaying yourself to stay likable, why clarity often comes after loss, and how to stop shrinking yourself just because it makes other people more comfortable.If you’ve been tiptoeing around your own evolution—afraid of how it might look, or who it might upset—you need to press play on this episode.We talk about:The cost of shrinking to be palatableUsing your platform when your values are louder than your fearThe difference between responding and reactingHer postpartum experience and why having a baby at 40 changed everythingBeing misunderstood and doing it anywayHow to know when it’s time to leave—your job, your relationship, your old selfLinks & Resources:Listen to Nicole’s podcast, Tell Me MoreCheck out Nicole’s book Nothing is Missing: How to Live Boldly and Step Into Your PurposeFollow Nicole on Instagram @nicolewaltersGet your Clover merch at shop.dearmedia.comSponsors:Vimergy: Vimergy makes liquid vitamins that are clean, potent, and actually easy for your body to absorb. Visit vimergy.com and use code LUCKY for 20% off your first order.Headspace: Visit Headspace.com/solucky to try headspace for free for 30 days.Ritual: Support a balanced gut microbiome with Ritual’s Synbiotic+. Get 25% off your first month at ritual.com/balanced.Keep in Touch:Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfredFollow on TikTok @shessoluckypod @balancedlesJoin the newsletter: https://shessolucky.kit.com/bestcasePlease note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#311: Have you ever hit a wall—mentally, creatively, emotionally—and wondered how you were going to get through it? I have, many times.When I’m low on motivation or facing something that feels bigger than me, I’ve started asking myself a simple question: What would Beyoncé do? Not in a “she’s perfect” kind of way, but because she embodies discipline, reinvention, and showing up even when it’s hard.In this solo episode, I’m sharing why Beyoncé is one of my go-to sources of inspo when I need to recalibrate, plus a few lessons I’ve pulled from her rehearsals, performances, and fearless approach to business. Whether it’s a new creative project, a tough decision, or just getting through a blah week—channeling a little Bey energy can go a long way.If you’ve been needing a mindset reset or a reminder that you’ve got this (even when it feels like you don’t) this episode is for you.Links:Subscribe to the She’s So Lucky newsletter and get my free Best Case Scenario Journal TemplateFollow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfredFollow on TikTok @shessoluckypod @lesalfredSponsors:Today’s episode is brought to you by Bumble, the go-to dating app for finding love. Start your love story on Bumble. #bumblepartnerCotton: Cotton is the fabric of our lives. Learn more at thefabricofourlives.com.Nutrafol: Get stronger, healthier hair with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering $10 OFF your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to nutrafol.com and enter promo code BALANCEDLES.Grüns: Grüns are comprehensive nutrition packed into a snack pack a day. Visit gruns.co and use the code LUCKY for 52% off your first order.Mood: Visit mood.com and use code LUCKY for 20% off your first order of functional gummies.Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#310: Self-love is a popular topic, but what does it actually mean in practice?In this episode I’m joined by content creator and creative powerhouse Simi Muhumuza for a conversation that’s honest, affirming, and full of softness. We talk about what it means to return to yourself, especially after a year that asked you to slow down and start over.Simi shares why 2024 and 2025 have been life-changing years, chronicling her journey of releasing fear, surrendering to joy, and trusting her body again. We also talk about her breast reduction experience, the emotional healing that came with it, and what it means to feel at home in your body after a big shift.If you’re in a season of resetting, reclaiming, or just figuring out what your version of growth looks like, this episode is for you.Resources:Follow Simi on Instagram @simimoonlightFollow Simi on TikTok @simimoonlightSubscribe to Simi’s YouTube ChannelSubscribe to Simi’s SubstackSubscribe to the She’s So Lucky Newsletter and get our Best Case Scenario Journal TemplateSponsors:Quince: Elevate your fall wardrobe essentials with Quince. Go to quince.com/balancedles for free shipping on. your order and 365-day returns.Mosh: Support your brain health with Mosh. Head to moshlife.com/lucky to get 20% off plus FREE shipping on the best sellers Trial Pack or the plant-based trial pack.Shopify: Start your online business with Shopify. Sign up for your $1 per month trial at shopify.com/balancedblackgirl.Grüns: Grüns are comprehensive nutrition packed into a snack pack a day. Visit gruns.co and use the code LUCKY for 52% off your first order.Keep in touch:Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfredFollow on TikTok: @shessoluckypod @lesalfredVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comPlease note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#309: Is it possible to maintain visibility and authenticity at the same time?In this episode I’m joined by content creator and entrepreneur Jaz Smith to talk about what it actually looks like to build a brand around your real life.We get into her evolution from working in real estate to becoming a full-time creator, what shifted when she started treating social media like a business, and how she balances visibility with authenticity in a world that often demands both.Jazmyn shares the behind-the-scenes of growing her platform with intention, the pressure of always being “on,” and why some of the most powerful career moves don’t look like work at all.This conversation is such a refreshing reminder that growth can be strategic and human.We Talk About…Her pivot from real estate to full-time contentThe exact moment she started treating TikTok like a jobHow she planned her dream wedding on her own termsThe parts of her life she doesn’t postNavigating friendship changes in your 20s and 30sResources:Follow Jaz on Instagram @justjazzzyidkFollow Jaz on TikTok @justjazzzyidkListen to Jaz’s podcast Delusional DiariesDownload my free Best Case Scenario Journal TemplateSponsors:Cotton: Cotton is the fabric of our lives. Learn more at thefabricofourlives.com.Nutrafol: Get stronger, healthier hair with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering $10 OFF your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to nutrafol.com and enter promo code BALANCEDLES.Cakes: Sticky Cakes are comfortable, seamless, adhesive nipple covers that can be worn with every outfit. Go to cakesbody.com and use code LUCKY for 20% off your order.Keep in touch:Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfredFollow on TikTok @shessoluckypod @lesalfredVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comPlease note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#308: Is working in fashion as glamorous as it seems?This week, I’m joined by fashion consultant and PR powerhouse Sandrine Charles for a conversation that I know is going to stick with you. From working her way up in the fashion industry to starting her own agency and co-founding the Black in Fashion Council, Sandrine has built a career rooted in intention, integrity, and impact.We talk about what it actually takes to grow a career in fashion PR, how she knew it was time to branch out on her own, and why representation in fashion goes way beyond who’s walking the runway.Whether you’re in a creative industry, figuring out your next career move, or just trying to build something that feels more aligned—you’ll get so much out of this conversation. This episode is for anyone who's craving a more values-aligned path—and wants the inspiration to go after it.We also talk about:How Sandrine broke into the fashion industryThe not-so-glamorous truth about PRWhy she started her own agency (and how she knew she was ready)How the Black in Fashion Council came to beWhy fashion is about so much more than just clothesResources:Follow Sandrine on Instagram @sandrinecharlesLearn more about Sandrine’s agency https://www.sandrinecharles.com/Follow the Black in Fashion Council on Instagram @blackinfashioncouncilDownload my free Best Case Scenario Journal TemplateSponsors:Quince: Elevate your fall wardrobe essentials with Quince. Go to quince.com/balancedles for free shipping on. your order and 365-day returns.Nutrafol: Get stronger, healthier hair with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering $10 OFF your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to nutrafol.com and enter promo code BALANCEDLES.Opill: Opill is birth control in your control, and you can use code BALANCEDLES for 25% off your first month at www.opill.com.Keep in touch:Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfredFollow on TikTok @shessoluckypod @lesalfredVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comPlease note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#307: This week, I’m diving into something that’s been coming up a lot in my own life and in so many conversations with friends, too: the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways we sabotage ourselves.In this solo episode, I’m unpacking why other people don’t actually have the power to block what’s meant for us—but we do. Whether it’s through self-doubt, procrastination, perfectionism, or just plain fear, we can end up being our own biggest haters.I’m also sharing some mindset shifts and honest reflections that have helped me recognize when I’m getting in my own way and how I try to move through it with a little more self-compassion and a lot more clarity.If you’ve ever had that gut feeling that you might be the one holding yourself back… this one’s for you.Resources:Follow me on IG @lesalfredFollow She’s So Lucky on IG @shessoluckypodFollow me on TikTok @balancedlesFollow She’s So Lucky on TikTok @shessoluckypodDownload my free Best Case Scenario Journal TemplateSponsors:Dove & CVS: Let’s keep beauty Positively Real. Learn more at https://creatoriq.cc/3JgXMvECotton: Cotton is the fabric of our lives. Learn more at thefabricofourlives.com.Keep in touch:Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfredFollow on TikTok @shessoluckypod @lesalfredVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comPlease note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.