It’s a new month, so you know that means a brand new series! This May, we're talking about expanding our minds, changing our thoughts, and taking care of our brain health.So, in this episode I’ve invited two previous guests back on the podcast — Erica Dickerson and Jamilah Mapp of Good Moms Bad Choices podcast. Erica and Milah are podcasters, writers and parents who host world-wide retreats and live shows that help you feel more connected to your authentic self and the women around you.Together, we talk about the importance of mindset, meeting our needs, overcoming guilt, and the power of plant medicine.We Also Talk About… How important mindset work is when we’re in a good place Tools for overcoming limiting beliefs The importance of the company you keep How our needs are not that different from when we were children Taking time to notice and feel the things we’ve accomplished Not feeling guilty about getting what you want Plant medicine as a means to grounding and connecting with what’s real Resources: The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation Visit the Good Moms Bad Choices Website Listen to the Good Moms Bad Choices Podcast Get the book: A Good Moms Guide to Making Bad Choices Join the next Good Moms Bad Choices Retreat See Good Moms Bad Choices on Tour Sponsors: Anima Mundi Herbals | Anima Mundi Herbals offers incredible plant-based and organic tonics, wellness blends, and skincare products. Visit their website and use the code BALANCED15 for 15% off your order. ZocDoc | Zocdoc | Find and book a top-rated doctor in your area today with Zocdoc. Visit zocdoc.com/balanced to download the app for free. BiOptimizers | Magnesium Breakthrough by BiOptimizers has the seven types of magnesium your body needs. Get 10% off your order at magbreakthrough.com/balanced. Tru Earth | Tru Earth offers eco-friendly laundry detergent strips that are compact and make doing laundry so much easier. Visit tru.earth/balanced for 12% off your order. 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.

This week in our Level Up series, we’re going all in on the topic of confidence.If you’re like me, you probably spent a lot of your life misunderstanding what confidence is all about. So I’m here to tell you that it’s not as complicated or mystical as we often make it seem.Tune in to learn how why confidence matters, common misconceptions about confidence, and how confidence is a skill you can build everyday in small, accessible ways.I also talk about… How action breeds confidence, not the other way around How our nervous systems are related to our confidence The importance of having and understanding your plan Ways to make deposits into your confidence account Identifying what’s draining your confidence account Resources: Your Brain on Confidence Training the Brain to Boost Self-Confidence Podcast episode: Healing Through Rest: Creating Balance for Your Nervous System Sponsors: Foria | Try Foria’s intimacy bestsellers including their Awaken Arousal Oil. Get 20% off your first order by visiting foriawellness.com/BALANCED or use code BALANCED at checkout. MudWtr | MudWtr is a coffee alternative with 4 adaptogenic mushrooms and ayruvedic herbs with way less caffeine than coffee. Get 15% off your first order at mudwtr.com/balanced. ZocDoc | Zocdoc | Find and book a top-rated doctor in your area today with Zocdoc. Visit zocdoc.com/balanced to download the app for free. Alo Moves | Reach your fitness and wellness goals with Alo Moves. Visit alomoves.com and use the code BALANCED for a free 30-day trial and 50% off an annual membership. 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.

This week on our journey of Leveling Up, we’re talking about how to know when you need to let go of your routines and try something new.I love my routines. They’ve helped me accomplish so many things my 23-year-old self dreamed of. But as much as they served me to get here, they aren’t helping me move to the next level. My routines don’t fit my new dreams, so I’m shaking things up!Tune in to learn how your routines can hold you back when it’s time to refresh your habits and the small changes you can make to level up your life.I also talk about… Developing the skills that prepare you for the life you want Why I’m releasing routines, even though I’m a routine-oriented person Doing a life audit to evaluate if your routines are serving you Small changes that help you get out of a rut The power of decluttering Why change is an opportunity for so much more The financial outcomes of our habits The importance of support for building momentum when you’re getting out of a rut Resources: Podcast Episode: How To Do a Life Audit Podcast Episode: Reframing Our Relationship with Stuff Podcast Episode: Digital Self-Care and Decluttering Book: The Science of Stuck Sponsors: ZocDoc | Zocdoc | Find and book a top-rated doctor in your area today with Zocdoc. Visit zocdoc.com/balanced to download the app for free. Alo Moves | Reach your fitness and wellness goals with Alo Moves. Visit alomoves.com and use the code BALANCED for a free 30-day trial and 50% off an annual membership. 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. BiOptimizers | Magnesium Breakthrough by BiOptimizers has the seven types of magnesium your body needs. Get 10% off your order at magbreakthrough.com/balanced. Tru Earth | Tru Earth offers eco-friendly laundry detergent strips that are compact and make doing laundry so much easier. Visit tru.earth/balanced for 12% off your order. 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.

Welcome back! This week, we’re continuing the Level Up series with a topic that we can all resonate with—getting back on track after falling off.I’ve needed to do this so many times I’ve lost count, and it can be a vicious cycle. We fall off, then get trapped in a negative thinking pattern and start to internalize beliefs that we lack discipline or drive.But the truth is that those routines just don’t fit us anymore! So tune in to hear my favorite practices for getting out of that cycle and back on track.I also talk about… Identifying what’s getting us off track Not beating ourselves up when we just need to pivot Meeting ourselves where we’re at and adjusting our routines to fit How hitting 50% of your goals still gets you ahead in life Chasing the feeling not the goal Taking small steps that compound over time Sponsors: MudWtr | MudWtr is a coffee alternative with 4 adaptogenic mushrooms and ayruvedic herbs with way less caffeine than coffee. Get 15% off your first order at mudwtr.com/balanced. ZocDoc | Zocdoc | Find and book a top-rated doctor in your area today with Zocdoc. Visit zocdoc.com/balanced to download the app for free. Alo Moves | Reach your fitness and wellness goals with Alo Moves. Visit alomoves.com and use the code BALANCED for a free 30-day trial and 50% off an annual membership. BiOptimizers | Magnesium Breakthrough by BiOptimizers has the seven types of magnesium your body needs. Get 10% off your order at magbreakthrough.com/balanced. Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl: Subscribe to Balanced Black Girl on YouTube 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 a new month and that means a new series! Today we’re stepping into April and focusing on Leveling Up. So stay tuned for conversations about getting unstuck, motivating yourself out of a rut, and busting through plateaus.In this episode, I share my first big experience getting out of a rut with my 25 by 25 list. Spoiler, I didn’t reach all 25 goals, but it DID help me learn what I’m capable of and just how much life can change in a pretty short amount of time.I also talk about… How being stuck could just be misalignment The time I needed a hobby, but got a boyfriend instead The beautiful moment when you realize you have choices The empowering boost of making smart financial decisions How reaching the goals on my list wasn’t even the best outcome of the list How the seeds you plant now are what help you get unstuck tomorrow Resources: The Science of Stuck: Breaking Through Inertia to Find Your Path Forward by Britt Frank Subscribe to Balanced Black Girl on YouTube Sponsors: ZocDoc | Zocdoc | Find and book a top-rated doctor in your area today with Zocdoc. Visit zocdoc.com/balanced to download the app for free. Alo Moves | Reach your fitness and wellness goals with Alo Moves. Visit alomoves.com and use the code BALANCED for a free 30-day trial and 50% off an annual membership. 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. BiOptimizers | Magnesium Breakthrough by BiOptimizers has the seven types of magnesium your body needs. Get 10% off your order at magbreakthrough.com/balanced. 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.

Today, we’re closing out our book club series talking about a very underrated form of self care— hobbies—and how Black women, specifically, need to embrace them for their own wellbeing.Tune in to learn about the research-backed benefits of hobbies and how regardless of your age or skill level, there are so many hobbies out there for you.I also talk about… Re-evaluating why we’re seeking out another degree or business Digging deeper to see what areas we’re truly dissatisfied with The slippery slope from hobby to side-hustle Reading as an accessible and deeply beneficial hobby Reading what makes you feel joy, not just what you think you should Resources: Real-Time Associations Between Engaging in Leisure and Daily Health and Well-Being Reading Is Self-Care Sponsors: ZocDoc | Zocdoc | Find and book a top-rated doctor in your area today with Zocdoc. Visit zocdoc.com/balanced to download the app for free. Alo Moves | Reach your fitness and wellness goals with Alo Moves. Visit alomoves.com and use the code BALANCED for a free 30-day trial and 50% off an annual membership. Hers | At Hers, you can get access to real medical providers who can prescribe trusted anxiety and depression treatment if it’s right for you. Visit forhers.com/spring to get started for $25 off if prescribed. 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.

Continuing our Black author's book club series, this week I’ve invited Lyvonne Briggs back to the show. Lyvonne is the author of the book Sensual Faith: The Art of Coming Home to Your Body. She's an Emmy Award winner, a body and sex-positive womanist, preacher, spiritual life coach, and speaker. She is the host of the Sensual Faith podcast and co-host of Sanctified, a faith-based Spotify exclusive podcast on Jamel Hills’ Unbothered network.Together, we have an incredibly rich and powerful conversation about decolonizing our faith, building our spiritual team, and navigating our personal evolutions.We also talk about… Seeing ourselves in one another’s stories and knowing we aren’t alone How the smallest things can be big shifts toward healing The fact that God doesn’t require our suffering to prove our devotion Letting go of invisible milestones and trusting the timing of your life Unlearning the inclination to earn our self-love Embracing African cosmology and the Black woman as divine The truth about writing a book and getting it published Resources: Visit Lyvonne’s website Read Lyvonne’s Book, Sensual Faith: The Art of Coming Home to Your Body Follow Lyvonne on Instagram Listen to the Sensual Faith Podcast Listen to the Sanctified podcast Sponsors: LMNT | LMNT is my favorite no-sugar electrolyte mix. Get a free sample pack with your order at drinklmnt.com/balancedles.  Alo Moves | Take wellness and fitness classes from anywhere on-demand with Alo Moves. Visit alomoves.com and use the code "BALANCED" for a free 30-day trial and 50% off your annual membership. Hers | Visit forhers.com/spring to get your first month of treatment for just $25 if prescribed. Zocdoc | Visit zocdoc.com/balanced and download the Zocdoc app for free and find a trusted healthcare provider in your area. 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.

We’re continuing our book club series with another conversation with the very first Balanced Black Girl guest, Chrissy King.In celebration of Chrissy’s new book The Body Liberation Project, we have an honest, vulnerable conversation about what body liberation is and how we can work towards it individually and collectively. We also talk about reading and writing as an act of self care.Chrissy King is a writer, speaker, former strength coach, and educator with a passion for creating a diverse and inclusive wellness industry. She empowers individuals to stop shrinking, start taking up space, and use their energy to create their specific magic in the world.We Also Talk About… What diet culture is and what it entails How food is for pleasure, not just fuel The myth that Black women and girls don’t struggle with body image The intersection of racism and diet culture The difference between body liberation and body positivity Reading and writing as an act of self care Resources: Visit Chrissy’s Website Order The Body Liberation Project Follow Chrissy on Instagram Sponsors: ZocDoc | Zocdoc | Find and book a top-rated doctor in your area today with Zocdoc. Visit zocdoc.com/balanced to download the app for free. Alo Moves | Reach your fitness and wellness goals with Alo Moves. Visit alomoves.com and use the code BALANCED for a free 30-day trial and 50% off an annual membership. Clay | Organize your digital connections with Clay. Clay is offering a free 60-day trial to Balanced Black Girl listeners at clay.earth/partners/balanced. 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 a new month, so we have a new theme—Book Club! For the next few weeks you can look forward to conversations with amazing authors from the Balanced Book Club.Today I'm joined by Clarkisha Kent to celebrate the launch of her new book Fat Off, Fat On: a Big Bitch Manifesto. Clarkisha is a Nigerian-American writer, culture critic, former columnist and author. She is also the creator of the Kent Test, an immediate litmus test designed to evaluate the quality of representation that exists for Black women and women of color in film and other media.Together we discuss her new book, how she handled writing such a vulnerable story, the ways humor can support our healing, and why media literacy is a critical skill.We Also Talk About… The value of the public library The dynamic nature of being human How no one knows what they’re doing with their life The many flavors of exploitation The effectiveness of getting mad sometimes The necessity of being critical of the media you’re consuming Resources: Visit Clarkisha’s Website Follow Clarkisha on Instagram The Kent Test Fat Off, Fat On: A Big Bitch Manifesto by Clarkisha Kent Sponsors: ZocDoc | Zocdoc | Find and book a top-rated doctor in your area today with Zocdoc. Visit zocdoc.com/balanced to download the app for free. Alo Moves | Reach your fitness and wellness goals with Alo Moves. Visit alomoves.com and use the code BALANCED for a free 30-day trial and 50% off an annual membership. 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.

We’ve had some incredible episodes on intimacy these past few weeks, and today we're wrapping up the series with licensed marriage and family therapist Kamil Lewis.Kamil’s work focuses on sex therapy and examines intersectional identity specifically with race, sexuality, and gender. She’s the CEO of the therapy practice The Expansive Group and co-host of the podcast Safe Word.In this episode, we discuss ways to connect with ourselves and how the ability to connect with others really starts within. Kamil also shares some great tactical advice to help you build your connection skill set.We Also Talk About… The experience of intimacy as a Black Femme Replacing the narrative that putting yourself first is selfish Creating small, sustainable, moments of care in your life and giving your routines room to change Cultivating a curious and playful relationship with masturbation Having healthy conversations about pleasure with children and not just the dreaded “talk” Kamil’s favorite self-care practices Resources: Visit Kamil’s Website Follow Kamil on Instagram Listen to the Safe Word Podcast Follow Sex Positive Families on Instagram Sponsors: Clay | Clay is an app to help you organize your digital relationships. Clay is offering a free 60-day trial to Balanced Black Girl listeners. Go to clay.earth/partners/balanced to start your free trial. Alo Moves | Reach your fitness and wellness goals with on-demand classes from Alo Moves. Visit alomoves.com and use the code BALANCED for a free 30-day trial and 50% off an annual membership.  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.