All too often, our formative experiences with our bodies and sensuality are tied to shame. That can lead to us feeling disconnected from ourselves and confused about what we want or need from intimacy.In this episode, we’re continuing our series on intimacy as we delve into the topic of physical intimacy with Krystal Taylor. Together, we talk about unpacking sexual shame and feeling more comfortable in our bodies and relationships.Krystal is a certified tantra yoga instructor who specializes in educating and supporting individuals towards sexual wholeness. Her unique coaching approach involves sharing ancient yogic philosophy, ancestral practices, as well as her own sensual, get down to earth techniques.We Also Talk About… Working through learned shame around sexuality and pleasure Why sex and intimacy are two different things Reconnecting with your body, intuition, and voice What Tantra really is How to begin exploring your sensuality Resources: The difference between sex and intimacy: https://www.instagram.com/p/CmxFg4wBdCl/ Visit Krystal’s Website (and sign up for her newsletter!) Follow Krystal on Instagram Watch & Learn from Krystal on YouTube Join Krystal for Tantric Training Sponsors:LMNT | LMNT is a tasty electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don’t. Right now LMNT is offering my listeners a free sample pack with any purchase. Get yours at drinklmnt.com/balancedles.Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Join Club Balanced, our community on Geneva Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Follow on IG: @balancedblackgirlpodcast @balancedles Follow on TikTok @balancedblackgirl @balancedles Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyOur Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As adults, building and maintaining friendships is a challenge. What felt so easy as kids, now feels like an overwhelming task full of rejection, uncertainty, and confusion. But connection plays a huge role in our overall health and well-being. Studies show that it’s even more important than regular exercise!So in today’s episode, we’re diving into platonic intimacy with Dr. Marisa Franco. Dr. Franco is a psychologist, international speaker, and professor. She’s also the author of The New York Times best seller Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make and Keep Friends.Together, we discuss the importance of friendship, the science behind our need for platonic connection, and how simple it can be to make friends as an adult.We Also Talk About… How friendship is acted out across gender lines Loneliness as a stress experience & critical longevity indicator Treating our friendships with as much care, excitement, and celebration as our romantic partnerships How healthy conflict in relationships can lead to deeper intimacy and understanding Friendships throughout times of transition Resources: Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make – and Keep – Friends by Dr. Marisa Franco Visit Dr. Marisa Franco’s Website Follow Dr. Marisa Franco on Instagram Sponsors:Zocdoc | Find and book a top-rated doctor in your area today with Zocdoc. Visit zocdoc.com/balanced to download the app for free. Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Join Club Balanced, our community on Geneva Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Follow on IG: @balancedblackgirlpodcast @balancedles Follow on TikTok @balancedblackgirl @balancedles Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyOur Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s February, and around here that means celebrating Black History Month, Aquarius season, and (at least in this episode) very reluctantly love.If you’ve been listening to Balanced Black Girl for a while, you know I loathe talking about modern dating and the way relationships are discussed online right now. However, we can’t talk about living a healthy lifestyle without talking about building and maintaining healthy relationships.Join me in this safe container, free from discussions about who’s fixing whose plate, to explore the connections between relationships and our wellbeing.I also talk about… The hurtful marketing strategy that relationship content thrives on Recognizing connection as a skill Why relationships are so important to happy, healthy lives Emotional intimacy, physical intimacy, mental intimacy, and spiritual intimacy The value in not being defensive to questioning Resources: Physical Contact and Loneliness: Being Touched Reduces Perceptions of Loneliness Spiritual Intimacy: Talking as "Soul Mates" Strengthen relationships for longer, healthier life Sponsors: Zocdoc | Find and book a top-rated doctor in your area today with Zocdoc. Visit zocdoc.com/balanced to download the app for free. Open | Move, meditate, and breathe in community with Open. Get 30 days free when you go to go.o-p-e-n.com/balancedles. Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Join Club Balanced, our community on Geneva Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Follow on IG: @balancedblackgirlpodcast @balancedles Follow on TikTok @balancedblackgirl @balancedles Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyOur Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Tara Zinnamon, a neuroscientist and yoga teacher, discusses the four types of attention, the impact of overworking on our focus, capitalism's effect on self-focus, adjustable goals, benefits of meditation, and the intersection of science and ancient wisdom in wellness.

For this week’s Reframing the Reset episode, we’re talking about alcohol, and exploring this sometimes-sensitive subject in a non-judgmental, open, and educational way.Join in as I share my personal journey with alcohol consumption — from my not-so-inspiring first drinking experience to my somehow less inspiring last. We’ll also dive into some pretty surprising heath information and the cultural connotations of drinking for women.I also talk about… The false sense of confidence alcohol can provide The art of sneaking kombucha into the club The dreaded Saturn Return and why it’s really nothing to be scared of Getting comfortable sitting in your discomfort The actual science behind wine’s health benefits Resources: No Level of Alcohol Consumption Improves Health — The Lancet Alcohol’s Effects on the Body — https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohols-effects-body#:~:text=Drinking too much can weaken,do not drink too much. How Alcohol affects your sleep patterns — https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/effects-on-the-body/alcohol-and-sleep#:~:text=Regular drinking can affect the,drinking disrupts your sleep cycle.&text=Some people may find alcohol,sleep quality through the night. Alcohol and Anxiety — https://www.healthline.com/health/alcohol-and-anxiety#consequences More young women are drinking to cope — https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/06/09/1003980966/women-now-drink-as-much-as-men-and-suffer-health-effects-more-quickly Sex differences in alcohol-related alcohol use — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6430711/ Women’s response to alcohol suggests need for gender-based alcohol programs — https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/womens-response-alcohol-gender-specific-treatment/ Substance Abuse Treatment Entry, Retention, and Outcome in Women: A Review of the Literature — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3532875/#FN1 Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Join the Reframing the Reset Challenge Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Join Club Balanced, our community on Geneva Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Follow on IG: @balancedblackgirlpodcast @balancedles Follow on TikTok @balancedblackgirl @balancedles Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyOur Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Starting a new year often gets people interested in improving or revisiting their exercise regimens. But workout culture is so fraught with harmful weight loss narratives that the critical benefits of movement often get overshadowed.In this episode, I share my knowledge of cardio, mobility, and strength training, and my own life-changing fitness journey. I also explain my strategy for building a health-focused routine rooted in building strength and longevity as an act of kindness to your future self.I also talk about… The unique benefits of strength training for women What a healthy fitness routine could look like Understanding basal metabolic rate Nutrition and sleep basics Some tactical tips for understanding your strength workouts Resources: Join the Reframing the Reset Challenge Check out these physical activity guidelines for Americans Hormonal responses and adaptations to resistance exercise and training: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15831061/ Exercise programming for Insulin Resistance: https://journals.lww.com/nsca-scj/fulltext/2011/10000/exercise_programming_for_insulin_resistance.5.aspx#:~:text=Resistance Muscle Mass Index As a Predictor of Longevity in Older Adults: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002934314001387 Get ClassPass for two weeks free and try workout classes in your area Alive App by Whitney Simmons: https://aliveapp.co/ Uplift with Jibby: https://uplift.plankk.com/ Nike Training Club: https://www.nike.com/ntc-app Alexis Moore, flexibility coach: https://instagram.com/stretchwithlex?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Sponsors: Open | Open is a mindfulness app built to transform your life. Experience the power of combining breathwork, meditation, sound, and movement to strengthen your mind-body connection. Visit https://go.o-p-e-n.com/balancedles for 30 days free. Zocdoc | Finding a doctor you trust doesn’t have to be hard. Check out Zocdoc’s free app to find patient-recommended care providers in your area. Nuuly | Nuuly is a subscription clothing rental service that I absolutely love. Get $20 off your first month when you sign up with the code BALANCED20. Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Join Club Balanced, our community on Geneva Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Follow on IG: @balancedblackgirlpodcast @balancedles Follow on TikTok @balancedblackgirl @balancedles Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyOur Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Screen time has a way of sneaking up on us, and before we know it, our time for the things we really want to do is gone. So this week, we’re continuing the Reframing the Reset series with a topic we’ve all struggled with at some point — digital self-care.In this episode, I discuss some best practices to help keep you in the driver’s seat on your devices. And I share some tools I’ve used to help organize my digital world that I hope will be helpful to you as well.I also talk about… Cultivating awareness of how you spend your time Curating your social media feeds Staying out of the comments section of toxic posts Having creative outlets to get you out of constant consumption Strategies for healthier screen time management Resources: Join the Reframing the Reset Challenge Get the Smart Cleaner App Sponsors: Nuuly | Nuuly is a subscription clothing rental service that I absolutely love. Get $20 off your first month when you sign up with the code BALANCED20. Zocdoc | Zocdoc is the only FREE app that lets you find and book doctors who are patient-reviewed, take your insurance, and are available when you need them. Visit zocdoc.com/balanced to download the app and find a care provider near you. Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Join Club Balanced, our community on Geneva Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Follow on IG: @balancedblackgirlpodcast @balancedles Follow on TikTok @balancedblackgirl @balancedles Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyOur Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happy New Year, and welcome to our first episode of 2023! To kick off the year, I’m revisiting last year’s Reframing the Reset series with even more clarity and actionable items.We’ll be exploring ways that we can reset in the new year to feel our best all year long. This week, I focus on the idea of strengthening our habits in sustainable and stackable ways that affirm us as the version of ourselves we want to be.I also talk about… Investing time upfront to free you up for what’s most important to you Directing your energy Choosing when to face inevitable discomfort Making decisions with the best version of yourself in mind The big impact of small, incremental steps Resources: Join the Reframing the Reset Challenge Order the Almanack of Naval Ravikant Join Club Balanced on Geneva Sponsors:Open | Join me in the Meditation + Breathwork Challenge on Open - it’s totally free for the month of January, go to www.withopen.com/balancedles to sign up.Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com Join Club Balanced, our community on Geneva Subscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes Follow on IG: @balancedblackgirlpodcast @balancedles Follow on TikTok @balancedblackgirl @balancedles Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyOur Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join us for the Reframing the Reset series and challenge kicking off on January 2, 2023. Each week in January we'll be releasing a new episode to inspire you to refresh your habits. As a community, we'll be participating in weekly challenges for accountability to help you apply what you hear on the podcast. Visit balancedblackgirl.com/reset to sign up for the challenge, and join Club Balanced, our community in Geneva to connect with other Balanced Black Girl listeners. Our Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before we start talking about 2023, I think it’s important to look back and reflect on 2022.So in this solo episode, I’m sharing my process for conducting a life audit. I explain what a life audit is, why you might benefit from doing one, and how it can help you find deeper satisfaction next year.I also talk about… Our upcoming Reframing the Reset series + challenge Checking in with how you feel vs how you want to feel Celebrating the areas of life where you feel satisfied Showing love to the parts of your life where there’s a gap between how you feel & how you want to feel Implementing changes for the year ahead Resources: Sign up for Reframing the Reset 2023 Join the Balanced Black Girl community on Geneva balancedblackgirl.com ◉ IG: @balancedblackgirlpodcast @balancedles 〆Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyOur Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.