

She's So Lucky
She's So Lucky
She’s So Lucky is a chart-topping weekly podcast dedicated to women who create their own luck against all odds. Join host Les Alfred and special guests for compelling conversations that will inspire you to live life on your terms. Les and her guests are giving you a sneak peek into the minds and habits of successful women sharing their wins, losses, and lessons that you can apply to your own life. From entrepreneurs, to creatives, to wellness experts, She’s So Lucky is a space for women to feel free and inspired to live up to their fullest potential. Each episode will help you uncover new ways to create your own luck and harness the magic you already have.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 31, 2020 • 42min
63 | Making Pilates Accessible with Patty Dean
Today’s guest Patty Dean, also known as Patty Pilates, has been teaching classical Pilates for 20 years. Through her teaching, she has worked with celebrity clients, athletes, children of all abilities and everyone in between. Patty Pilates Style actually started when she was a fashion stylist assistant for a celebrity stylist and fell in love with the method. After being a stay at home Mom she decided to go back to teaching Pilates by making it a little more affordable to Black folks and my Inglewood community. Her motto is, “if you have a spine, a stomach and breath you can do Pilates...I can work with you”. She has witnessed endless life-changing testimonies when a client is committed to the Pilates method. She has worked with a vast spectrum of bodies and is grateful to continue working with more -- especially with Black folks. In this episode, we talk about… Building community through genuine connections. The origins, mental, and physical benefits of Pilates. Making Pilates accessible. Modeling self-care for our children and communities. RESOURCES: Follow Patty on Instagram to stay updated on her virtual class offerings: @pattypilatesstyle
LA-Area Folks: Contact Patty at pattypilatesstyle@gmail.com for special pricing on private Pilates sessions. Balanced Black Girl Partners: BLK+GRN | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blkgrn.com
Black Girl Sunscreen | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blackgirlsunscreen.com
Methodology | Use code BALANCEDBLACKGIRL30 for 30% off your first Methodology shipment
Organifi | Use the code BBG for 15% off Organifi supplements
Skinny Dipped | Use the code BBG for 15% off your order at skinnydipped.com
Balanced Black Girl is edited by Bex Carlos. If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook. PS: If you really want to take your year to the next level, snag our free glow-up guide. This free guide has everything you need to implement a self-care practice that works. You’ll get daily journal worksheets, inspiring quotes, affirmations, and a bonus workout. Get the guide HERE.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.

Mar 17, 2020 • 42min
62 | Creating Change Through Storytelling with Bridget Todd
Today we’re talking to Bridget Todd, political strategist, media personality, and co-host of AFROPUNK’s Solution Sessions Podcast where she focuses on amplifying Black stories globally. Bridget has had an extensive career in media, education and politics. The former Howard University educator is a trained human rights activist and coordinated digital strategy for organizations such as MSNBC, Planned Parenthood, and the Women's March. She also facilitated a training program for political operatives that the Washington Post called “the Hogwarts of the Democratic Party.” Bridget joined the podcast world as a producer for MoveOn.org’s flagship podcast in 2012. She also cohosted iHeartMedia’s “Stuff Mom Never Told You” podcast, where she discussed feminist issues and activism to over 2 million subscriber’s month. Paper Magazine named Bridget as one of their top women in Politics to follow, and she received a Webby Award nomination for her role on AFROPUNK’s Solution Sessions Podcast. Her work has been featured in Teen Vogue, Refinery 29, Policy Mic, The Daily Show, The Atlantic, the Huffington Post, BuzzFeed, and more. In this episode, we talk about… The importance of telling Black stories in a loving, authentic way. How to get comfortable using our voices. Owning and protecting our creative ideas and contributions to popular culture. Navigating burnout, and why rest is essential. RESOURCES:
Check out AFROPUNK Solution Sessions. Follow Bridget on Instagram: @bridgetmarieindc
Follow Bridget on Twitter: @bridgetmarie
Balanced Black Girl Partners: BLK+GRN | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blkgrn.com
Black Girl Sunscreen | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blackgirlsunscreen.com
Methodology | Use code BALANCEDBLACKGIRL for 20% off your first Methodology shipment
Organifi | Use the code BBG for 15% off Organifi supplements
Skinny Dipped | Use the code BBG for 15% off your order at skinnydipped.com
Balanced Black Girl is edited by Bex Carlos. If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook. PS: If you really want to take your year to the next level, snag our free glow-up guide. This free guide has everything you need to implement a self-care practice that works. You’ll get daily journal worksheets, inspiring quotes, affirmations, and a bonus workout. Get the guide HERE. 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.

Mar 3, 2020 • 45min
61 | Stress Management + Everything You Need to Know About Adaptogens
Today’s guest is Nadine Joseph, founder and CEO of Peak and Valley, a conscious company that combines ancient wisdom and modern science to make everyday wellness essentials. Nadine has a unique background entrenched in both the worlds of wellness and that of the scientific community. She combines the experiences gleaned from her time studying and conducting neuroscience research at both Johns Hopkins and UCSF with her holistic wellness upbringing. In this episode, we talk about… How stress impacts the body. Practical tips for managing stress. What adaptogens are, and how they can help us manage stress. Ways to make exercise nourishing, not stressful. RESOURCES: Visit the Peak and Valley Website
Peak and Valley Adaptogen Blend -- use the discount code “balancedblackgirl” Follow Peak and Valley on Instagram: @peakandvalleyco
Follow Nadine on Instagram: @itsanadine
Balanced Black Girl Partners: BLK+GRN | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blkgrn.com
Black Girl Sunscreen | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blackgirlsunscreen.com
Methodology | Use code BALANCEDBLACKGIRL for 20% off your first Methodology shipment
Organifi | Use the code BBG for 15% off Organifi supplements
Skinny Dipped | Use the code BBG for 15% off your order at skinnydipped.com
Balanced Black Girl is edited by Bex Carlos. If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook. PS: If you really want to take your year to the next level, snag our free glow-up guide. This free guide has everything you need to implement a self-care practice that works. You’ll get daily journal worksheets, inspiring quotes, affirmations, and a bonus workout. Get the guide HERE.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.

Feb 18, 2020 • 42min
60 | Black History: Preserving Our Legacy with Toya Coleman
Today’s guest is Toya Coleman, creator of Toya from Harlem. Toya From Harlem is an online platform for millennials of color who want to learn more about Locs, history, art and culture without boring pretentious language. Born and raised in Harlem, with a BA in African-American studies, Toya was inspired to create her platform as a way to capture the historical places in Harlem that were being erased in the name of gentrification. Currently, she lives in LA and has expanded her message from Harlem to cover black history nationwide. One of her proudest accomplishments was her feature on BET.com titled,“See This Artist's Recreations of Iconic Imagery For Black History Month” where she recreated iconic photos of Black men in history. In this episode, we talk about… Underrated moments in Black history. The best social media accounts to follow to learn about Black history. Black women’s stories that aren’t often told. Gentrification’s impact on Black history. RESOURCES: Visit Toya’s Website Follow Toya on Instagram: @toyafromharlem Subscribe to Toya’s YouTube Channel Sign up for Toya’s Newsletter Follow Blvck Vrchives on Instagram: @blvckvrchives Follow Blk Mkt Vintage on Instagram: @blkmktvintage Learn about The Heroines of American Black Press Balanced Black Girl Partners: BLK+GRN | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blkgrn.com MBlack Girl Sunscreen | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blackgirlsunscreen.com Methodology | Use code BALANCEDBLACKGIRL30 for 30% off your first Methodology shipment Organifi | Use the code BBG for 15% off Organifi supplements Skinny Dipped | Use the code BBG for 15% off your order at skinnydipped.com Balanced Black Girl is edited by Bex Carlos. This episode was recorded with Inclusive Media Podcasting Network. If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook. PS: If you really want to take your year to the next level, snag our free glow-up guide. This free guide has everything you need to implement a self-care practice that works. You’ll get daily journal worksheets, inspiring quotes, affirmations, and a bonus workout. Get the guide HERE. 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.

Feb 4, 2020 • 44min
59 | Listener’s Choice: Manifestation, Making Moves, Handling Life Transitions, and What’s Next for Balanced Black Girl
In today’s episode, Les is holding it down solo discussing listener-submitted topics. Starting off with some reflection on 2019 and a renewed mindset for 2020, this episode gets deep down and personal about family, relocating, dating, manifestation, and more. Whether you’re considering a relocation and are afraid to take the leap, you’re feeling stuck in a situation that you aren’t sure how to navigate, or you’re interested in creating a meditation routine, this episode has something for you! The tea is hot today. In this episode, we talk about… Goal setting for 2020. Relocating to a new city: preparing financially, taking the leap, building community. How to get unstuck. The single life and dating in a new city. Creating a meditation routine. Overcoming the winter blues. Manifestation and how to get out of your own way. RESOURCES: Get the show notes for all episodes at balancedblackgirl.com
Follow Les on Instagram: @balancedles
Follow Balanced Black Girl Podcast on Instagram: @balancedblackgirlpodcast
Liberate Meditation App Calm App Episode 54: Wholehearted Living with Shirin Eskandani Les’ Top Reads from 2019:
The Game of Desire by Shan Boodram
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Eloquent Rage by Brittney Cooper
More than Enough by Elaine Welteroth
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown Balanced Black Girl Partners: BLK+GRN | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blkgrn.com
Black Girl Sunscreen | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blackgirlsunscreen.com
Methodology | Use code BALANCEDBLACKGIRL30 for 30% off your first Methodology shipment
Organifi | Use the code BBG for 15% off Organifi supplements
Skinny Dipped | Use the code BBG for 15% off your order at skinnydipped.com
Balanced Black Girl is edited by Bex Carlos. If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook. PS: If you really want to take your year to the next level, snag our free glow-up guide. This free guide has everything you need to implement a self-care practice that works. You’ll get daily journal worksheets, inspiring quotes, affirmations, and a bonus workout. Get the guide HERE.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.

Jan 21, 2020 • 35min
58 | Democratizing Wellness with Sinikiwe Dhliwayo
Today’s guest is Sinikiwe Dhliwayo, a creative and public speaker who for the last decade has made a home at the intersection of wellness and publishing. Sinikiwe has worked in all facets of the photo and magazine publishing industry and oversees photo and video shoots from inception and conception to execution and delivery. Her skills include casting, producing and art direction as well as creative problem solving and most importantly, creating meaningful and impactful connections with target audiences. Sinikiwe is also the founder of NAAYA, which roots people of color in their wellness. Whether making yoga accessible to those who need the practice most or telling the stories of marginalized folx through elevated photo and video, Sinikiwe is dedicated to changing the conversation around what it looks and feels like to be well. Her work and efforts to make the wellness space more equitable. Later this year, Sinikiwe is kicking off NAAYA’s first 200-hour yoga teacher training, created specifically for people who identify as BIPOC. Head to the NAAYA website to learn more. In this episode, we talk about… The importance of mindfulness practices for people of color. Cultural appropriation in yoga. The intersection of wellness and media. Advice for beginning your yoga journey. RESOURCES:
Visit the NAAYA Website to subscribe to the newsletter Follow NAAYA on Instagram: @naaya.wellness
Follow Sinikiwe on Instagram: @sinikiwe.stephanie
Balanced Black Girl Partners: BLK+GRN | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blkgrn.com
Black Girl Sunscreen | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blackgirlsunscreen.com
Methodology | Use code BALANCEDBLACKGIRL30 for 30% off your first Methodology shipment
Organifi | Use the code BBG for 15% off Organifi supplements
Skinny Dipped | Use the code BBG for 15% off your order at skinnydipped.com
Balanced Black Girl is edited by Bex Carlos. If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook. PS: If you really want to take your year to the next level, snag our free glow-up guide. This free guide has everything you need to implement a self-care practice that works. You’ll get daily journal worksheets, inspiring quotes, affirmations, and a bonus workout. Get the guide HERE.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.

Jan 7, 2020 • 45min
57 | Bodyful Healing with Jennifer Sterling
Today, we’re talking to Jennifer Sterling, Registered Dance/Movement Psychotherapist and Holistic Nutritionist. She is also the Creator of Bodyful Healing, a wellness platform that offers body-based, holistic support to Black women living with depression. In 2019, Jennifer’s book Dear Strong Black Woman: Letters of Nourishment and Reflection from One Strong Black Woman to Another was published. Dear Strong Black Woman is a collection of 31 letters of nourishment and connection from one strong Black woman to another. In this episode, we talk about… The importance of safe spaces for Black women living with depression. Breaking down the myth of the strong Black woman. Learning about dance/movement psychotherapy. How nutrition and mental health are interconnected. RESOURCES: Check out Jennifer’s book, Dear Strong Black Woman
Jennifer’s Website: bodyfulhealing.com
Follow Bodyful Healing on Instagram: @bodyfulhealing
Like Bodyful Healing on Facebook Follow Bodyful Healing on Twitter: @bodyfulhealing
Balanced Black Girl Partners: BLK+GRN | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blkgrn.com
Black Girl Sunscreen | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blackgirlsunscreen.com
Methodology | Use code BALANCEDBLACKGIRL30 for 30% off your first Methodology shipment
Organifi | Use the code BBG for 15% off Organifi supplements
Skinny Dipped | Use the code BBG for 15% off your order at skinnydipped.com
If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook. PS: If you really want to take your year to the next level, snag our free glow-up guide. This free guide has everything you need to implement a self-care practice that works. You’ll get daily journal worksheets, inspiring quotes, affirmations, and a bonus workout. Get the guide HERE.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.

Dec 23, 2019 • 52min
56 | Breaking Unhealthy Relationship Cycles and Healing Within with Shena Tubbs of Black Girls Heal
Today we’re talking to Shena Tubbs, a Relational Trauma and Attachment Specialist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Love Addiction Coach based out of Houston, TX. She is the founder of Black Girls Heal, an online community dedicated to helping women of color break the cycles of unavailable relationships and feeling not enough by healing what's within. In addition to Black Girls Heal, Shena has a private practice where she specializes in helping women heal from unresolved childhood relational trauma, love addiction, and changing relationship patterns. She also hosts the Black Girls Heal podcast which talks about all things intimacy, attachment and healing internal wounds. In this episode, we talk about… How we repeatedly get into unhealthy relationships and how we can break the cycle. Understanding and overcoming love addiction. Learning your attachment style, and the origins of your attachment style. Unpacking relationships with unavailable people. RESOURCES: Visit Shena’s Website, BlackGirlsHeal.org Check out the Learn to Thrive course Check out the Healed and Loved Woman Mentorship program Follow Black Girls Heal on Instagram: @blackgirlsheal_
Like Black Girls Heal on Facebook Episode Sponsor: Skinny Dipped | Use the code BBG for 15% off your order at skinnydipped.com
Balanced Black Girl Partners: BLK+GRN | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blkgrn.com
Black Girl Sunscreen | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blackgirlsunscreen.com
Methodology | Use code BALANCEDBLACKGIRL30 for 30% off your first Methodology shipment
Organifi | Use the code BBG for 15% off Organifi supplements
If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook.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.

Dec 10, 2019 • 55min
55 | Choose Your Own Adventure: Traveling As A Black Woman with Sojourner White
Today, we’re talking to Sojourner White. Sojourner is a traveling scholar whose experiences as a Fulbright Fellow in Spain and service year as a Pubic Ally with AmeriCorps led her to become an International Social Worker. Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, her travel journey started in the U.S. with her family, however studying Spanish opened her eyes to the world of international travel. Since studying abroad in 2015, she has traveled from Mexico to Morocco and many European countries in between. Sojourner is living up to her name all while pursuing her Master’s degree and writing her way through the world on her blog “Sojournies.” She offers tips and resources to other students, professionals, or anyone interested in making travel part of their lives too. Her adventures have shaped her views of Blackness, womanhood, and wellness, no matter where she may be in the world. In this episode, we talk about… How Sojourner’s study abroad experience sparked her love for travel. Ways Black women can benefit from traveling internationally. Travel tips for Black women. Practicing self-care and prioritizing wellness as a grad student. The importance of crafting your own life journey. RESOURCES: Download Sojourner’s travel guide: 5 Things You Should Never Forget Before Your First Trip Abroad
Visit Sojourner’s website, Sojournies Follow Sojourner on Instagram @thesojournies
Like Sojournies on Facebook Follow Sojourner on Instagram Twitter @sojournies
Self Explored, Self Restored Journal Becoming Journal Episode Sponsor: Skinny Dipped | Use the code BBG for 15% off your order at skinnydipped.com
Balanced Black Girl Partners: BLK+GRN | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blkgrn.com
Black Girl Sunscreen | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blackgirlsunscreen.com
Methodology | Use code BALANCEDBLACKGIRL30 for 30% off your first Methodology shipment
Organifi | Use the code BBG for 15% off Organifi supplements
If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook. PS: If you really want to take your year to the next level, snag our free glow-up guide. This free guide has everything you need to implement a self-care practice that works. You’ll get daily journal worksheets, inspiring quotes, affirmations, and a bonus workout. Get the guide HERE.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.

Nov 26, 2019 • 56min
54 | Wholehearted Living with Shirin Eskandani
Today, we’re talking to Shirin Eskandani, life coach, public speaker, and writer who specializes in mindfulness and mindset work. She has been a featured wellness expert on the Today Show and Cosmopolitan Magazine. Certified by the International Coach Federation, her holistic approach to transformation is influenced by her background in guided meditation, spirituality, and the arts. Prior to building her successful coaching business, she was an award-winning opera singer, performing at Carnegie Hall and The Metropolitan Opera. She is the co-founder of Brown Girl Brunch and has been a featured speaker at ALT Summit, Well Summit, the Assemblage, and Soho House. In this episode, we talk about… Overcoming feelings of perfectionism. Figuring out what comes next after reaching your goals. How to perform mindset work. The importance of practicing self-compassion. Living wholeheartedly. RESOURCES: Learn more about Shirin’s Wholehearted Women Program Visit Shirin’s Website Follow Shirin on Instagram: @wholeheartecoaching
Like Wholehearted Coaching on Facebook Balanced Black Girl Partners: Skinny Dipped | Use the code BBG for 15% off your order at skinnydipped.com
BLK+GRN | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blkgrn.com
Black Girl Sunscreen | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blackgirlsunscreen.com
Methodology | Use code BALANCEDBLACKGIRL30 for 30% off your first Methodology shipment
Organifi | Use the code BBG for 15% off Organifi supplements
If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook. PS: If you really want to take your year to the next level, snag our free glow-up guide. This free guide has everything you need to implement a self-care practice that works. You’ll get daily journal worksheets, inspiring quotes, affirmations, and a bonus workout. Get the guide HERE.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.