She's So Lucky

In today’s Feel Good Friday episode, we’re talking about incorporating rest and recovery into your fitness routine. While moving your body is important, in order to make progress, the magic is in the rest. If you don’t adequately recover from your workouts, your body isn’t able to repair and become stronger. This episode breaks down what signs to look for to help you decide when to recover, and how to determine when it’s time to take your fitness routine down a notch. RESOURCES: To hear future Feel Good Friday episodes, support Balanced Black Girl Podcast on Patreon. 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.

Today’s episode is a solo one, with host Lestraundra doing a recap of the April/May 2019 Balanced Black Girl Book Club pick, Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower. Released in 2018, Eloquent Rage is authored by Brittney Cooper, Associate Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies and Africana Studies at Rutgers University and co-founder of the Crunk Feminist Collective. The book is considered a Black feminist’s manifesto, and challenges the idea of Black women’s anger being a detriment to the nation. In fact, in the book it is suggested that Black women’s anger can be a source of power that can help us all. In mid-May, several members of the Balanced Black Girl Book Club met in Seattle to discuss the book, and it was a lively, powerful discussion. Today’s episode serves as a discussion point for anyone who wants to continue the conversation, or who wasn’t able to meet IRL. RESOURCES: Get your copy of Eloquent Rage HERE Sign up for book club updates: https://www.balancedblackgirl.com/book-club/ Get your copy of our June/July book club pick Queenie HERE   This episode was sponsored by Sound Craft Seltzer Co. Sound Craft Seltzer Co. elevates hard seltzer to another level. Find your local Sound Craft Seltzer Co. retailer here. 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.

In today’s Feel Good Friday episode, we are talking about getting back into a workout groove after taking time off. Whether you took a step back from fitness because of an injury, lack of time, or you just weren’t feeling it, you can definitely get back at it. Here are five tips to keep in mind (including a mindset tip that is essential). These tips were inspired by my own fitness journey. After taking the first few months of the year off from consistently exercising, I recently got back in the swing of things using the five steps outlined in the episode. 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.

Kayla A. Greaves is an award-winning journalist who currently works at Bustle as the fashion & beauty features editor. She was previously a lifestyle editor at The Huffington Post, and her work has appeared in BuzzFeed, Teen Vogue, ELLE, Blavity, FASHION magazine, Upscale magazine, S/magazine and more. Using an intersectional and inclusive approach, her pieces focus mainly on women's issues, culture, beauty, and fashion. Kayla has interviewed the likes of Academy award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, Naomi Campbell, TIME 100’s Most Influential People and women’s rights activist Jaha Dukureh, Kelly Rowland, and Tess Holliday among others. Earlier this year, Kayla created a series for Bustle called “Good Hair” which explored the joys of having 4C hair. Though the natural hair movement is alive and well, it hasn’t necessarily been inclusive of all textures. We discuss hair texture discrimination in the natural hair space and celebrate the beauty of 4C hair. In this episode, we talk about… The importance of representation in journalism and media. Kayla’s natural hair journey. Why representation and celebration of 4C hair is so important. The history of hair texture discrimination. This episode is sponsored by Black Girl Sunscreen. Finally, a sunscreen designed to protect your melanin without the white residue. Use the code “BBG20” for 20% off your order at blackgirlsunscreen.com.   RESOURCES: Kayla’s Good Hair series on Bustle From Bustle: How Black People Came to Believe 4C Hair Was A “Bad Hair" Texture Follow Kayla on Instagram: @KaylaAGreaves Visit Kayla’s website Follow Kayla on Twitter: @KaylaAGreaves 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.

Today’s Feel Good Friday episode is about a topic nearly everyone has struggled with at some point: making friends as an adult. When you’re a kid, making friends is all about proximity, but as you get older it gets a little more complicated. After you finish school and are no longer surrounded by people your same age, or from your same area, how’s a Balanced Black Girl supposed to make friends? Let’s discuss some tips to help you meet an amazing squad. 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.

Today, we’re talking to Harmony Tamaalevea, the founder of The Literacy Lounge. The Literacy Lounge is a monthly subscription box that highlights Black literature while promoting reading as a means to a less stressful life. Getting diagnosed with Lupus at age 18 shaped her outlook on life, and helped her shift her perspective on all things health and wellness. This episode will inspire you to see self-care in a whole new way. In this episode, we talk about… The importance of promoting and celebrating Black literature. How an autoimmune diagnosis inspired The Literacy Lounge. Why reading is so important for self-care. How to make your business idea come to life (even if you’re young!) RESOURCES: The Literacy Lounge Website Follow The Literacy Lounge on Instagram: @literacyloungebox Like The Literacy Lounge on Facebook Follow The Literacy Lounge on Twitter: @litloungebox Join the Balanced Black Girl Book Club 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.

In this Feel Good Friday episode, we’re talking about a hot topic: side hustles. The internet is constantly telling us we all need to start side hustles and seek entrepreneurship - but do we really? Entrepreneurship isn’t a glamorous path to take, especially while you are working another job to pay the bills. If you’re on the fence about side hustling, or have a side hustle and want to take it to the next level, this episode is for you. In this episode, we talk about… How to know if side hustling is or isn’t for you. Time management tips for side hustlers. Delegation tips for side hustlers. How to make time for self-care while balancing multiple hustles. RESOURCES: Follow Balanced Black Girl Podcast on Instagram: @balancedblackgirlpodcast Like Balanced Black Girl on Facebook Follow Balanced Black Girl onTwitter: @balancedblkgirl If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, 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.

Today, we’re talking to Mary Vin Rose, host, producer, and actor based in New York City. Mary is best known for her limited talk cable series Healthy Living in The Bronx, where she highlights people and organizations that are helping Bronx residents live a healthier life. Mary is a self-love and mental health advocate who is dedicated to promoting wellness through art and media. We had an inspiring conversation about the power of promoting healthy living in marginalized communities, practicing self-care when we need it the most, and overcoming the obstacles life throws our way. In this episode, we talk about… How Healthy Living in the Bronx started. The intersection of wellness and art. The importance of representation in wellness and media. Self-care for introverts. RESOURCES: Visit Mary’s Website Follow Healthy Living in the Bronx on Instagram: @healthylivinginthebronx Watch Healthy Living in the Bronx 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.

In this week’s Feel Good Friday episode, we’re talking about letting go of things that no longer serve you. For many of us, the main thing holding us back is our mindset, and the limiting beliefs we repeat to ourselves over and over. Limiting beliefs are thoughts or stories we repeat to ourselves that constrain or hold us back in some way. Today we’re breaking down what five limiting beliefs you can let go of to live your best life. RESOURCES: Listen to Feel Good Friday #12: You Are Enough Visit our website, balancedblackgirl.com. Join the Balanced Black Girl Book Club. Like Balanced Black Girl on Facebook. Follow Balanced Black Girl on Twitter. 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.

Conversations around mental health are always a top request, and this episode delivers. Today, we’re talking to Alicia Tetteh. Alicia is a mental health therapist practicing in Charlotte who sincerely believes in the power of change. She completed her education at Virginia Commonwealth and Howard University. She is a new mom of twins and loves learning how to best nurture them. Alicia owns Building Endurance, where her focus is decreasing the stigma around mental health and recently created a mental health mobile application, ATTUNE. Additionally, Alicia teaches social work at the collegiate level and co-hosts a podcast with a friend and colleague, 2 Elephants in the Room. She loves laughing, silence, books and anything outdoors. In this episode, we talk about… How to decide if therapy is right for you. What strengths-based therapy entails. How to overcome common barriers to entry when it comes to seeking mental health services. How to find the right therapist. RESOURCES: Check out Alicia’s app, Attune: https://getattune.com/en/ Follow Alicia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_aliciaoctavia Follow Building Endurance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingendurancepllc Listen to Alicia’s Podcast, 2 Elephants in the Room 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.