She's So Lucky

In this engaging discussion, Alencia Johnson—an award-winning cultural commentator and author of 'Flip the Tables'—dives into the essence of being a cultural disruptor. She shares insights on balancing personal joy with societal challenges and the transformative power of creativity for personal growth. Alencia emphasizes the importance of resilience, supportive friendships, and self-care in navigating life’s uncertainties. Listeners will appreciate her practical tips for advocacy without burnout and the courage to embrace vulnerability in public.

#281: In this episode, I sit down with the amazing Gabrielle Union—actress, producer, entrepreneur, and bestselling author—about what leaning into vulnerability really looks like.From fertility to relationships to creating a life full of love and creativity, Gabrielle shares the lessons she wishes she’d known sooner—and wisdom to inspire you to get more curious and vulnerable.We also talk about:How reading fosters creativity and curiosityWhy the on-screen adaptations of your favorite reads often differ from the bookHow to express creativity without worrying about who will consume itWhat Gabrielle would tell her 30-year old selfResources:Check out Gabrielle’s new movie Riff Raff in theaters nowFollow Gabrielle on InstagramAtonement by Ian McEwanSeven Days in June by Tia WilliamsSubscribe to my Substack, Balance with LesKeep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merchWatch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirlFollow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcastFollow on TikTok @balancedlesVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSponsors:Timeline Nutrition | Mitopure® promotes cellular renewal and mitochondrial health to address common signs of aging. Go to timeline.com/BALANCEDLES for 10% off your order.Deinde | Fight inflammaging with Deinde skincare. Go to deinde.com and use code BALANCEDLES at check out for 15% off your first purchase.Seed | Take care of your gut health with Seed. Go to Seed.com/balancedles and use code BALANCEDLES to get 25% off your first month.Rocky Money | Rockey Money is a personal finance app that finds and cancels your unwanted subscriptions, monitors your spending, and helps lower your bills so that you can grow your savings. Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to www.rocketmoney.com/balancedlesHoneylove | Treat yourself to the most comfortable bra on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/BALANCEDLESNOCD offers accessible OCD treatment. Go to Learn.NOCD.com and schedule a free 15-minute call with their team.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.

#280: Today I’m popping in for a long overdue solo catch-up session!Join me for a casual solo episode where I’m catching you up on life so far in 2025. I discuss everything from no longer feeling like a “wellness girly,” to reflections of my first year living in New York, to the upcoming podcast rebrand.Make a cup of tea, and cozy up to this intimate chat.Resources:Check out my new brand Spacious Rituals and get your virtual planner for 2025!Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with LesKeep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merchWatch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirlFollow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcastFollow on TikTok @balancedlesVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSponsors:Charmin | You can tell a lot about a date based on what kind of toilet paper they use. Check out Charmin’s socials, @charmin on TikTok and Instagram, to learn more about how Charmin is helping Prevent the Dump!Seed | Take care of your gut health with Seed. Go to Seed.com/balancedles and use code BALANCEDLES to get 25% off your first month.SKIMS | Check out the SKIMS Fits Everybody Collection to find your new favorite pieces. Shop at skims.com or at the New York Flagship on Fifth Ave.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.

#279: What does it really mean to lead when you're stepping into the unknown?In this episode, I sit down with Kara Brothers, President of Starface World, to explore what it takes to lead in uncharted territory in your career. We discuss everything from balancing business goals with personal growth, to battling imposter syndrome and making fearless decisions.Kara takes us behind the scenes of what it truly means to lead with intention, build confidence, and foster a culture of creativity and innovation in the fast-paced beauty industry—all while stepping into a leadership role of this magnitude for the first time.We Also Talk About…Kara’s career journey to becoming the President of Starface WorldHow to navigate imposter syndrome when stepping into a leadership roleHow corporate culture influences the way you lead and make decisionsStrategies for combating decision-making fatigue and maintaining clarity in challenging situationsThe difference between how you are perceived and how you truly lead in leadership rolesResources:Check out my new brand Spacious Rituals and get your virtual planner for 2025!Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with LesFollow Starface on InstagramFollow Kara on InstagramCheck out Star BalmKeep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merchWatch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirlFollow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcastFollow on TikTok @balancedlesVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSponsors:Neuro Gum | If you’re ready for better sleep, head to www.neurogum.com and use code BALANCEDLES for 15% off your first order of Sleep & Recharge melt away mints.YNAB | YNAB is a life-changing budgeting app that helps you do what you want with the money you have. Visit www.ynab.com/balanced to get an exclusive three-month trial.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.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.Veracity | Support your metabolism with Veracity Self Care’s Metabolism Ignite. Visit veracityselfcare.com and use code BALANCEDLES for 15% off your first order.Deinde | Fight inflammaging with Deinde skincare. Go to deinde.com and use code BALANCEDLES at check out for 15% off your first purchase.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.

#278: How well do you understand fertility?In this bonus episode, I sit down with Dr. Amanda Adeleye of Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine (CCRM) to break down the biggest myths about reproductive health, from egg quality to the male factor in fertility. We explore how aging, social stigmas, and today’s political landscape impact fertility choices from our 20s to our 40s.Whether you're considering egg freezing or just want to take charge of your reproductive health, this conversation is packed with essential insights!We Also Talk About…The difference between fertility and infertility—and the signs to look for.Common reasons why some people struggle to conceive.How egg quality impacts fertility.The effects of endometriosis on fertility and reproductive health.How to determine if egg-freezing is right for you.What to expect from fertility treatments like IVF.Resources:Check out my new brand Spacious Rituals and get your virtual planner for 2025!Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with LesLearn more about CCRM’s offerings and find a clinic near youFollow Dr. Amanda on InstagramWhether you’re looking to find a fertility specialist, learn more about a fertility evaluation, or read personal stories from others, you'll be able to find what you're looking for at FertilityOutLoud.com.For more information on fertility, treatment, and reproductive health visit www.ccrmivf.comKeep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merchWatch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirlFollow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcastFollow on TikTok @balancedlesVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSponsors:CCRM | Visit CCRMivf.com to learn more about fertility preservation.Ferring Pharmaceuticals | Go to FertilityOutLoud.com to help you feel empowered on your fertility journey.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.

#277: 30 and thriving or 30 and doubting—where do you stand?In this episode, I’m welcoming back entrepreneur, Nike trainer, and founder & CEO of Spiked Wellness, Briana Thompson, for a real girls' chat about owning your confidence, wellness, and career in your 30s.Briana shares how she’s overcoming self-doubt, balancing ambition and motherhood, and leveling up in both business and life—giving you the inspiration to keep pushing forward and make the changes you need to live life to the fullest.Resources:Check out my new brand Spacious Rituals and get your virtual planner for 2025!Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with LesFollow Briana on InstagramFollow Spiked Wellness on InstagramEpisode 26: Making Boutique Fitness More InclusiveKeep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merchWatch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirlFollow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcastFollow on TikTok @balancedlesVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSponsors:Quince | Get quiet luxury without luxury prices at Quince. Go to quince.com/balancedles for free shipping and 365-day return on your next order.Rocket Monkey | Rocket Money is the app that finds and cancels your unwanted subscriptions and helps lower your bills. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to www.rocketmoney.com/balancedlesLume | Get Lume’s Starter Pack to try all their bestsellers. Use code BALANCEDLES for 15% off your first purchase at www.lumedeodorant.com.Veracity | Support your metabolism with Veracity Self Care’s Metabolism Ignite. Visit veracityselfcare.com and use code BALANCEDLES for 15% off your first order.Deinde | Fight inflammaging with Deinde skincare. Go to deinde.com and use code BALANCEDLES at check out for 15% off your first purchase.Shopify | Get your online business up and running with Shopify. Sign up for $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/balancedblackgirl.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.

#276: Have you ever felt like you need to be “fixed” before you can let others in?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Thema Bryant—psychologist, author, minister, and host of the Homecoming podcast—for a soulful conversation on healing relationships, starting with the most important one: your relationship with yourself.Dr. Bryant shares how self-isolation can hold you back from growth and offers insights on how opening up to others is key to feeling truly healed.We Also Talk About…The balancing act of the healing processThe hidden risks of self-isolationHow to spot toxic patterns in romantic relationshipsHow emotional dependency can affect your friendshipsHow to identify what your relationship patterns for growthHow faith and mental health support can work together for healingResources:Check out my new brand Spacious Rituals and get your virtual planner for 2025!Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with LesFollow Dr. Thema on InstagramRead Dr. Thema’s new book “Matters of The Heart: Healing Your Relationship with Yourself and Those You Love”Listen to The Homecoming Podcast hosted by Dr. ThemaKeep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merchWatch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirlFollow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcastFollow on TikTok @balancedlesVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSponsors:YNAB | YNAB is a life-changing budgeting app that helps you do what you want with the money you have. Visit www.ynab.com/balanced to get an exclusive three-month trial.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.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.Honeylove | Treat yourself to the most comfortable bra on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/BALANCEDLES.Hero Bread | Enjoy your favorite breads with fewer net carbs and more fiber. Hero Bread is offering 10% off your order. Go to hero.co and use the code BALANCED at checkout.Neuro Gum | If you’re ready for better sleep, head to www.neurogum.com and use code BALANCEDLES for 15% off your first order of Sleep & Recharge melt away mints.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.

#275: Are you training for life or just going through the motions?In this episode, I sit down with Olympian and gold medal-winning heptathlete Louise Hazel to chat about fitness, goal-setting, and what it takes to build a winning mindset.If you’ve ever struggled with consistency in the gym, breaking unhealthy habits, or staying locked in on your goals, Louise’s insights will inspire you to tap into your fullest potential.We Also Talk About…Louise's journey from teen athlete to gold medal-winning heptathleteLouise’s career pivot from sports to entertainment to business owner of SLAYWhat it means to train for successTips for staying consistent with your fitness and wellness routinesHow to go after your goals with confidence and focusThe mindset it takes to show up every day and keep moving forwardResources:Vote for Balanced Black Girl in the “Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle / Self-Help” category of the 2025 NAACP Image Awards!Check out my new brand Spacious Rituals and get your virtual planner for 2025!Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with LesFollow Louise on InstagramFollow SLAY Athletic ClubWatch the SLAY podcast on YouTubeEpisode 253: How to Win at Life: The Mindset Shift You Need To Level UpKeep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merchWatch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirlFollow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcastFollow on TikTok @balancedlesVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSponsors:Timeline Nutrition | Mitopure® promotes cellular renewal and mitochondrial health to address common signs of aging at the root. Go to timeline.com/BALANCEDLES for 10% off your order.Quip | The Quip 360 oscillating tooth brush literally revolves around you. Go to www.quip.com/balanced for 20% off and a FREE travel case and countertop stand.Rocket Monkey | Rockey Money is tje app that finds and cancels your unwanted subscriptions and helps lower your bills so that you can grow your savings. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to www.rocketmoney.com/balancedlesVeracity | Veracity is revolutionizing health by addressing the root cause of energy and weight challenges through drug-free, clinically proven, doctor-formulated, solutions. Visit veracityselfcare.com and use code BALANCEDLES for 15% off your first order.Shopify | Get your online business up and running with Shopify. Sign up for $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/balancedblackgirl.Seed | Support your gut health with DS-01® Daily Synbiotic by Seed. Go to Seed.com/BalancedLes and use code ‘balancedles’ to get 25% off your first month.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#274: What would your life look like if you prioritized wellness and set boundaries like a CEO?Today, I’m sitting down with Michele Y. Smith, CEO of the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), to explore the various ways pop culture influences our creativity and how we can all invite wellness into the workplace.We Also Talk About…Michele’s career journey to become a CEOSigns it’s time to pivot into your next big roleTips for setting boundaries and protecting your timeWays to set yourself up for a productive weekHow to be a wellness-minded leader and set the tone for your teamUnique ways to give back to your communityResources:Vote for Balanced Black Girl in the “Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle / Self-Help” category of the 2025 NAACP Image Awards!Check out my new brand Spacious Rituals and get your virtual planner for 2025!Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with LesFollow the Museum of Pop Culture on InstagramVisit mopop.org to plan your museum visitRead Forbes: “The Power Of Pop Culture’ Spotlights MoPOP’s New Leadership Focus”Read: “The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About” by Mel RobbinsKeep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merchWatch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirlFollow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcastFollow on TikTok @balancedlesVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSponsors:Neuro Gum | If you’re ready for better sleep, head to www.neurogum.com and use code BALANCEDLES for 15% off your first order of Sleep & Recharge melt away mints.YNAB | YNAB is a life-changing budgeting app that helps you do what you want with the money you have. Visit www.ynab.com/balanced to get an exclusive three-month trial.Calm | Stress less, sleep more, and live better with Calm. Visit calm.com/balanced for 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription.Lume | Get Lume’s Starter Pack to try all their bestsellers. Use code BALANCEDLES for 15% off your first purchase.SKIMS | If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your Valentine or for yourself - SKIMS just launched their best Valentines shop ever! You can shop now at SKIMS.com and SKIMS New York Flagship on Fifth Ave. Seed | Support your gut health with DS-01® Daily Synbiotic by Seed. Go to Seed.com/BalancedLes and use code ‘balancedles’ to get 25% off your first month. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#273: Taking risks in your career can lead to big rewards, but what does it really cost you in the end?In this episode, I chat with Tori Bell, founder and CEO of Inclusion Unpacked, about the real challenges of pivoting, taking risks, and betting on yourself.From her time at Meta to starting her own business, Tori gets real about burnout, inequalities, and the stigmas founders face. She also shares how she’s championed DEI and inclusion every step of the way—both in her career and her life as a founder.We Also Talk About…Tori’s transition from employee to founderThe truth behind the venture-backed process and why it’s not always as smooth as it seems.Career steps to take when becoming a founderHow to navigate self-doubt and stay confident as a new founder.Tips for balancing a 9-5 job while building your own business.How to push past self-doubt and shame while creating something meaningful from scratch.Resources:Vote for Balanced Black Girl in the “Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle / Self-Help”  category of the 2025 NAACP Image Awards!Check out my new brand Spacious Rituals and get your virtual planner for 2025!Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with LesFollow Tori on InstagramFollow Inclusion Unpacked on InstagramKeep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merchWatch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirlFollow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcastFollow on TikTok @balancedlesVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSponsors:YNAB | YNAB is a life-changing budgeting app that helps you do what you want with the money you have. Visit www.ynab.com/balanced to get an exclusive three-month trial.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.Oura Ring | Oura Ring is the revolutionary smart ring that delivers personalized health data, insights, and daily guidance. Visit www.ouraring.comQuince | Get quiet luxury without luxury prices at Quince. Go to quince.com/balancedles for free shipping and 365-day return on your next order.Lifestraw | Lifestraw Home Studio is the only water filter dispenser that removes over 30 contaminants, including microplastics, bacteria, and PFAs. Use code BALANCEDLES for 15% off.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.