Grown and Growing Podcast

It’s the last episode of this season, and we’re discussing a tough question as we enter the summer months. With everything going on in the world, is a “soft life” realistic? Is it responsible? We wrestle with what it means to pursue peace and rest in a world that feels anything but soft. We explore how Black women, in particular, can give themselves permission to step back without ignoring the reality around them. Is it possible to protect your peace and still stay engaged in the world? We don’t have all the answers—but it offers a thoughtful, honest look at the balancing act.Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowingpodcast.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

Deb Dennis, an attorney and the moderator of the DMV chapter of Black and Poly, shares her insightful journey into ethical non-monogamy and polyamory. She dismantles common myths, emphasizing that it’s not just about sex but involves deep emotional maturity. Deb discusses the importance of communication and consent in navigating complex relationship dynamics. She also highlights the supportive community around polyamory and how it empowers individuals, particularly women in their forties, to explore love and connection beyond traditional norms.

In part two of this conversation, we dive deeper into spirituality, ancestors, and the personal beliefs that shape our journeys. We’re unpacking what it truly means to connect with our ancestors and exploring how these personal experiences redefine faith. We also chat openly about questioning long-held beliefs, pushing beyond the boundaries of organized religion, and why embracing our roots and community is key to growth. It’s all about finding what resonates deeply and staying true to ourselves.Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowingpodcast.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

In this wide-ranging conversation, Sonia and Roberta are joined by long-time friends Yadira and Emanuel to unpack their evolving relationships with faith and spirituality. They reflect on what it was like growing up in the church, how their beliefs have shifted over time, and the ways culture, community, and personal experience have shaped their spiritual paths. They explore the role of the Black church—both its deep cultural roots and its limitations—and why so many are rethinking what it means to be “religious” versus “spiritual.” It’s a thoughtful look at how faith grows and changes as we do.Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowingpodcast.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

In this fun episode, Sonia and Roberta ask the question: Am I too grown for this?  They talk about the trends, habits, and guilty pleasures they’ve outgrown — and the ones they’re proudly holding onto. From fashion and concerts to dating and slang, they break down what’s still a vibe and what’s getting left behind.Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowingpodcast.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, Sonia and Roberta delve into the complex emotions surrounding regret. They explore how regret differs from disappointment and how it can serve as a catalyst for personal growth. Drawing on a Harvard study and shared experiences, they discuss common regrets, and the lessons learned from them. They remind us that regret isn’t the end of the story—it’s just a sign that we’re still learning, still healing, and still growing.What Roberta is drinking: té Pā Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2022Find it on: vinboheme.com Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowingpodcast.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

In this reflective and heartfelt episode, Roberta and Sonia dive into all the things they wish they'd known back in their 30s—a decade Sonia's calls "The Great Unlearning." It was Inspired by Søren Kiekegaard's quote, "Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards." Sonia and Roberta share relatable stories of divorce, motherhood, career pivots, and self-discovery, they wonder aloud how much smoother life might've been with some timely wisdom from women who've been there.Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowingpodcast.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

Friendship in adulthood isn’t always as effortless as it once was. Sonia and Roberta talk about navigating friendships in adulthood—through life changes, busy schedules, and shifting priorities. They reflect on their own 20+ year bond, the role of honesty, the reality of drifting apart, and whether jealousy has a place in friendship (looking at you, Oprah). Plus, they ask: Who’s your Golden Girls match? Grab your beverage of choice and hit play on this convo.What Roberta is drinking in this episode: Finca Torremilanos Montecastrillo Tempranillo 2020Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowingpodcast.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

Aging—it’s happening whether we like it or not, so why not talk about it? In this episode of The Grown and Growing Podcast, we dive headfirst into all the things that come with getting older—the good, the bad, and the laugh-out-loud moments.We’re breaking down what it really means "age gracefully" (and whether we even want to), how society tries to tell us what aging should look like, and the ever-blurry line between making tweaks and "doing the most." So grab your beverage of choice (Roberta’s is wine) and join us for a fun and honest conversation!Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowingpodcast.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, we dive into the ever-evolving meaning of ambition—especially for Black women navigating midlife. What does ambition look like now? How has it changed over the years? We get honest about our own journeys, unpack the historical and generational forces that shaped our drive, and explore how ambition shifts from chasing career goals to finding personal fulfillment. It’s a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about redefining success on your own terms. Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowingpodcast.comFacebook: @GrownandgrowingpodcastInstagram: @GrownandgrowingpodcastYouTube: Grown and Growing PodcastEmail: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com