Black Girl Burnout

In this unfiltered and vulnerable episode of the Black Girl Burnout podcast, Kelley shares her personal experience of hitting an emotional and physical wall—and choosing not to push through. Recording from a space of softness, Kelley opens up about caregiving for her mother, work exhaustion, and the long-standing cultural pressure for Black women to "keep going no matter what."Kelley challenges the toxic belief that struggle is a badge of honor, and that doing things the hard way is the most admirable path. She invites listeners to opt out of hustle worship and instead opt into softness, rest, and sacred ease.If you’ve ever felt guilty for resting or struggled with letting go of your “strong Black woman” armor, this episode will speak directly to your soul.KEY TAKEAWAYSHard doesn’t equal holy – You don’t need to earn your peace or prove your worth through struggle.The glamorization of hustle is harmful – Constantly pushing through burnout isn’t strength, it’s unsustainable.Rest is a radical choice – Saying no and choosing ease is a powerful act of self-love and resistance.Letting go makes space for new you – Releasing the “old version” of yourself is necessary for real joy and healing.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS00:42 – Kelley records in real-time from a space of softness and transparency02:10 – Balancing professional demands with a family emergency05:40 – Letting go of the version of self that pushes through everything08:15 – Naming and rejecting the myth of “holy hardness”12:45 – How pop culture glamorizes Black women’s pain and struggle17:20 – Why “pushing through” is no longer virtuous or sustainable22:58 – An invitation to release the performance of strength26:10 – Closing: Choosing rest and presence over perfectionSUPPORT THE SHOWAre you stepping into a “Summer of No”? Whether you're canceling plans for rest, setting fresh boundaries, or saying no to what drains you, you don’t owe anyone guilt. Take a moment this week to capture what freedom looks like for you. Snap a pic or video of your joy and tag us:📱 @blackgirlburnout📧 Subscribe to our newsletter: www.blackgirlburnout.com📺 Watch the episode on YouTube💌 Show some love—don’t let Kelley’s mama be the only one dropping hearts!Have a question for July's Q &A episode click here to submit your questions.STAY IN TOUCHIf you’re looking for more ways to connect with the Black Girl Burnout community, we’ve got you covered:Join our Substack family! Think of it as a modern-day online magazine (Tumblr-coded for the millennial hearts). We share weekly reflections, tips, tools, and deeper insights into each podcast episode—plus personal notes from Kelley’s life.Become a paid Substack subscriber for just $8/month (about the cost of a fancy latte) and access exclusive content like digital tools, apps, and free resources that are valued far beyond that.OUR SPONSORSCheck out Global Healing: https://globalhealing.com/healAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyOur Sponsors:* Check out Global Healing: https://globalhealing.com/healAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this energizing episode of Black Girl Burnout, host Kelley invites us into July with a powerful reminder: true freedom often begins with one simple word, no. As we continue embracing our "Summer of Yes," Kelley gets honest about what it really takes to say yes to joy, ease, and delight. Sometimes, that means first saying no to exhaustion, overcommitment, and emotional labor that’s not yours to carry. This episode sets the tone for a month of liberation by exploring boundaries as a daily freedom practice and encouraging listeners to opt into rest without guilt. If you’ve been feeling burnt out from being the go-to person or struggling to say no without guilt, this episode is your permission slip.Key TakeawaysFreedom requires boundaries. Saying "no" is not about rejection—it's redirection toward peace and personal capacity.Performative ‘yes’ leads to burnout. If your yesses are rooted in obligation instead of joy, it’s time to reevaluate.Permission to stop performing. You don’t have to do the most to prove your worth—freedom is choosing rest over performance.Episode Timestamps00:00 – Setting the Tone for JulyKelley introduces the theme “Freedom Looks Like This” and previews upcoming guests and topics.03:00 – Why “No” Matters More Than EverKelley reframes saying no as a form of freedom and empowerment rather than rejection.05:00 – Honoring CapacityShe challenges listeners to reflect on how often they override their emotional and physical limits out of obligation.07:00 – The Weight We CarryA discussion on the invisible labor Black women often bear and how it keeps us from freedom.10:00 – From Performer to TwirlerKelley shares a beautiful metaphor between performers and twirlers—those choosing rest, beauty, and softness.13:00 – The Cost of Saying YesA reflective moment about how past people-pleasing and overextension came at a high emotional cost.15:00 – Emotional Permission SlipKelley offers a loving call to opt out of guilt and into peace, giving listeners full permission to reclaim their energy.Support the ShowAre you stepping into a “Summer of No”? Whether you're canceling plans for rest, setting fresh boundaries, or saying no to what drains you, you don’t owe anyone guilt. Take a moment this week to capture what freedom looks like for you. Snap a pic or video of your joy and tag us:📱 @blackgirlburnout📧 Subscribe to our newsletter: www.blackgirlburnout.com📺 Watch the episode on YouTube💌 Show some love—don’t let Kelley’s mama be the only one dropping hearts!Have a question for July's Q &A episode click here to submit your questions.Stay In TouchIf you’re looking for more ways to connect with the Black Girl Burnout community, we’ve got you covered:Join our Substack family! Think of it as a modern-day online magazine (Tumblr-coded for the millennial hearts). We share weekly reflections, tips, tools, and deeper insights into each podcast episode—plus personal notes from Kelley’s life.Become a paid Substack subscriber for just $8/month (about the cost of a fancy latte) and access exclusive content like digital tools, apps, and free resources that are valued far beyond that.Our Sponsors:Check out Global Healing: https://globalhealing.com/healAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyOur Sponsors:* Check out Global Healing: https://globalhealing.com/healAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Black Girl Burnout, Kelley explores the transformative power of play and how Black women can reclaim joy and resilience through active rest. In a world that constantly demands output and performance, Kelley breaks down why play isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. She dives into the science of joy, the healing impact of non-productive rest, and the cultural pressure that often robs Black women of their right to be playful. With heartfelt honesty and practical insights, this episode is a powerful reminder that silliness, spontaneity, and delight are not just allowed, they’re essential for thriving.Key TakeawaysActive rest—joyful, non-productive activities—can boost creativity, reduce stress, and improve emotional resilience.Black women are uniquely in need of play due to chronic stress and societal expectations to perform strength and competence.Incorporating even five minutes of play into your day can help you reclaim joy, connection, and mental clarity.Episode Timestamps 1:00 — What is active rest and why does it matter?Kelley introduces the concept of play as a form of rest and outlines how it differs from traditional ideas of productivity.4:00 — The science behind joyful livingResearch shows that play lowers cortisol, raises endorphins, and supports cognitive flexibility—vital tools for navigating life’s stressors.10:30 — How play creates emotional resets and connectionPlay not only improves your mood but also enhances your relationships by making you more open and connected to others.15:00 — Micro-moments of play that actually workKelley shares her go-to ideas for quick, joyful play: spontaneous dance breaks, coloring, stretching, and more.23:00 — The courage to be silly and softBy saying yes to small acts of joy, we challenge the narrative that Black women must always be strong. Play is a revolutionary act of healing.SUPPORT THE SHOWAre you creating your Summer of Yes?Whether it’s sleeping in, brunching solo, or finally saying no to that thing, you deserve joy without permission or guilt.✨ Snap a pic or video of how you're saying YES to joy, rest, and ease✨ Tag @blackgirlburnout✨ Use the hashtag #SummerOfYes📩 Subscribe to the newsletter: blackgirlburnout.com📱 Follow on socials: IG + TikTok: @blackgirlburnout🎥 Watch the episode on YouTube and show some love. Don’t let Kelley’s mama be the only one dropping hearts!Have a question for July's Q &A episode click here to submit your questions.STAY IN TOUCHIf you’re looking for more ways to connect with the Black Girl Burnout community, we’ve got you covered:Join our Substack family! Think of it as a modern-day online magazine (Tumblr-coded for the millennial hearts). We share weekly reflections, tips, tools, and deeper insights into each podcast episode—plus personal notes from Kelley’s life.Become a paid Substack subscriber for just $8/month (about the cost of a fancy latte) and access exclusive content like digital tools, apps, and free resources that are valued far beyond that.Work with Kelley directly: If you’re in New York State, Kelley is also accepting short-term therapy clients with select insurance and private pay options. Sessions are designed to be focused and transformational within 90 days. Book a Consultation.Our Sponsors:* Check out Global Healing: https://globalhealing.com/healAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this heartfelt and healing episode of Black Girl Burnout, Kelley explores the radical power of joy in the midst of grief, burnout, and emotional overwhelm. Drawing from personal reflections and powerful psychological insights, she introduces the concept of micro-joys—small, intentional moments of delight that can help rewire our emotional landscape and bring peace, even on the hardest days. Listeners are invited to shift their perspective, claim joy as a birthright, and participate in a 7-day challenge to notice and name one micro-joy each day.KEY TAKEAWAYSJoy is not a luxury—it’s a healing tool. Even in sorrow, we can access delight in small, meaningful ways.Micro-joys are your emotional reset button. A good song, a bite of fruit, a moment of sunlight can restore more than you think.Choosing joy daily helps us reclaim power. It reminds us that we’re still here, still worthy, and still allowed to feel good.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Welcome & Intention SettingKelley shares the emotional backdrop for this episode and why joy matters, especially now.03:30 – What Is a Micro-Joy?Defining micro-joys and why they’re essential tools for emotional resilience.09:10 – Personal Stories of Everyday JoyKelley shares real-life examples of delight that brought light into dark moments.15:00 – The “One Delight a Day” ChallengeIntroducing a 7-day challenge to help you practice intentional joy daily.21:20 – Final Reflection & Journal PromptsQuestions to deepen your connection to joy and anchor it in your routine.SUPPORT THE SHOWAre you creating your Summer of Yes?Whether it’s sleeping in, brunching solo, or finally saying no to that thing, you deserve joy without permission or guilt.✨ Snap a pic or video of how you're saying YES to joy, rest, and ease✨ Tag @blackgirlburnout✨ Use the hashtag #SummerOfYes📩 Subscribe to the newsletter: blackgirlburnout.com📱 Follow on socials: IG + TikTok: @blackgirlburnout🎥 Watch the episode on YouTube and show some love. Don’t let Kelley’s mama be the only one dropping hearts!Have a question for July's Q &A episode click here to submit your questions.STAY IN TOUCHIf you’re looking for more ways to connect with the Black Girl Burnout community, we’ve got you covered:Join our Substack family! Think of it as a modern-day online magazine (Tumblr-coded for the millennial hearts). We share weekly reflections, tips, tools, and deeper insights into each podcast episode—plus personal notes from Kelley’s life.Become a paid Substack subscriber for just $8/month (about the cost of a fancy latte) and access exclusive content like digital tools, apps, and free resources that are valued far beyond that.Work with Kelley directly: If you’re in New York State, Kelley is also accepting short-term therapy clients with select insurance and private pay options. Sessions are designed to be focused and transformational within 90 days. Book a Consultation.Our Sponsors:* Check out Global Healing: https://globalhealing.com/healAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this uplifting and informative episode of Black Girl Burnout, host Kelley sits down with Kisha, a seasoned traveler and founder of Travel Niche Kisha, who has explored over 70 countries. Together, they discuss how travel can be a radical act of self-care, joy, and rest for Black women.Whether you're hopping on a plane or dreaming from your living room, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on how travel—both near and far—can reset your spirit. They discuss everything from budget-friendly luxury to embracing rest over hustle while exploring new places.This conversation is part of our Summer of YES series—an invitation to say YES to joy, rest, and meaningful experiencesKey Takeaways & Timestamps:[04:00] Travel as Self-Care for Black WomenWhile working in social work, Kisha shares how travel became her antidote to burnout. Travel isn’t just about escape—it’s a form of healing and restoration, especially for Black women who carry so much weight.[10:00] “Chase the Deal, Not the Destination”Kisha reveals her game-changing travel hack: prioritize deals over dream destinations. She breaks down how she’s visited places like Curaçao and Peru for under $300, proving that luxury and joy don’t have to break the bank.[18:00] Rest as a Travel Intention, Not an AfterthoughtKelley and Kisha discuss the trap of over-scheduling trips and offer tips on curating restful, joy-filled itineraries. From scheduling downtime to savoring slow mornings, they invite listeners to plan for peace, not pressure.[27:00] Romanticize Your Travel Experience—Big or SmallYou can still embrace a travel mindset even if you're not getting on a plane this summer. Keisha explains how to bring vacation energy into your everyday life with intention, local adventures, and a spirit of curiosity.Support This ShowAre you creating your Summer of Yes?Whether it’s sleeping in, brunching solo, or finally saying no to that thing, you deserve joy without permission or guilt.✨ Snap a pic or video of how you're saying YES to joy, rest, and ease✨ Tag @blackgirlburnout✨ Use the hashtag #SummerOfYes📩 Subscribe to the newsletter: blackgirlburnout.com📱 Follow on socials: IG + TikTok: @blackgirlburnout🎥 Watch the episode on YouTube and show some love. Don’t let Kelley’s mama be the only one dropping hearts!STAY IN TOUCHIf you’re looking for more ways to connect with the Black Girl Burnout community, we’ve got you covered:Join our Substack family! Think of it as a modern-day online magazine (Tumblr-coded for the millennial hearts). We share weekly reflections, tips, tools, and deeper insights into each podcast episode—plus personal notes from Kelley’s life.Become a paid Substack subscriber for just $8/month (about the cost of a fancy latte) and access exclusive content like digital tools, apps, and free resources that are valued far beyond that.Work with Kelley directly: If you’re in New York State, Kelley is also accepting short-term therapy clients with select insurance and private pay options. Sessions are designed to be focused and transformational within 90 days. Book a Consultation.Our Sponsors:* Check out Global Healing: https://globalhealing.com/healAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on the Black Girl Burnout podcast, Kelley kicks off June with a powerful declaration: this is the Summer of Yes. In this deeply affirming episode, she explores what it means to embrace radical rest, joy, and ease, especially for Black women who are often taught that they must hustle to be worthy. As she reflects on grief and healing, Kelley also reminds listeners that joy is not the absence of struggle, but the resistance to it. This episode is both a soft invitation and a bold call to action: to reclaim summer not as a season of over-productivity, but as a sacred space to say YES to softness, delight, boundaries, and fun.What You’ll LearnHow to shift from survival mode into intentional joy.Why rest is not optional—it’s essential.Ways to say "yes" to joy and "no" to energy drainers.The radical act of celebrating yourself without guilt or apology.Key Takeaways & Timestamps:[04:00] Say YES to Radical Rest: Instead of hustling through summer, Kelley challenges listeners to redefine rest as a revolutionary act—and make space for true rejuvenation in everyday moments.[07:03] Joy Is Resistance: Kelley reframes joy as an act of defiance in a world that conditions Black women to glorify struggle. She invites us to consider how delight can coexist with grief.[08:11] Boundaries Are Beautiful: Whether it’s people, places, or obligations, Kelley emphasizes the power of saying no to what drains you—and yes to what restores you.[10:55] Design Your Summer With Intention: Listeners are guided to reclaim their time, whether that’s through slower mornings, sacred Sundays, or committing to just one restful ritual each week.Support This ShowAre you creating your Summer of Yes?Whether it’s sleeping in, brunching solo, or finally saying no to that thing—you deserve joy without permission or guilt.✨ Snap a pic or video of how you're saying YES to joy, rest, and ease✨ Tag @blackgirlburnout✨ Use the hashtag #SummerOfYes📩 Subscribe to the newsletter: blackgirlburnout.com📱 Follow on socials: IG + TikTok: @blackgirlburnout🎥 Watch the episode on YouTube and show some love. Don’t let Kelley’s mama be the only one dropping hearts!STAY IN TOUCHIf you’re looking for more ways to connect with the Black Girl Burnout community, we’ve got you covered:Join our Substack family! Think of it as a modern-day online magazine (Tumblr-coded for the millennial hearts). We share weekly reflections, tips, tools, and deeper insights into each podcast episode—plus personal notes from Kelley’s life.Become a paid Substack subscriber for just $8/month (about the cost of a fancy latte) and access exclusive content like digital tools, apps, and free resources that are valued far beyond that.Work with Kelley directly: If you’re in New York State, Kelley is also accepting short-term therapy clients with select insurance and private pay options. Sessions are designed to be focused and transformational within 90 days. Book a Consultation.Our Sponsors:* Check out Global Healing: https://globalhealing.com/healAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What if the exhaustion you’re carrying… is actually grief? In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Kelley Bonner opens up about the layered, often invisible nature of grief—and how it has quietly shaped her healing. From the loss of her father to unexpected feelings around legacy, motherhood, and slowing down, this episode is a compassionate invitation to feel what’s real, honor what’s hard, and still choose expansion. Grief doesn’t have to shrink you. It can soften you, grow you, and gently guide you into a more grounded version of yourself.What You’ll LearnHow grief shows up beyond death—through broken dreams, career changes, and shifting identitiesWhy slowing down can be a sacred and necessary act of healingHow to listen to your body’s cues during a season of lossGentle tools to transform grief into personal growthKey Takeaways & Timestamps:[00:03:00] – Naming the Hidden Grief Beneath BurnoutKelley reframes anxiety, anger, and burnout as signs of unacknowledged grief.[00:10:35] – Grief Will Slow You Down (And That’s a Gift)Kelley shares how loss forced her into stillness, softness, and deeper presence.[00:14:49] – Grief Expands More Than PainUnexpected emotions can rise—career regret, lost dreams, and shifting identity.[00:22:15] – Three Invitations for Healing Through GriefIn the final section, Kelley shares three powerful practices to process grief: (1) honor the pause, (2) let your body lead, and (3) allow buried feelings to surface gently. Each tip is an invitation to let grief expand—not harden—your heart.Be part of our upcoming Q&A Episode:Got a question you’ve been holding onto? Ask me anything, life, healing, boundaries, burnout.Click to fill out our google form or DM @blackgirlburnout to be part of our upcoming Q&A episode.Support This ShowIf this episode held space for your grief, send it to someone who’s grieving too. Share it in a group chat, post a moment that resonated, or tag @blackgirlburnout on social. We’re not just sharing stories—we’re building a sanctuary. One rooted in healing, softness, and radical self-compassion.Remember: You’re not broken—just breaking open. Let grief grow you.📩 Subscribe to the newsletter: blackgirlburnout.com📱 Follow on socials: IG + TikTok: @blackgirlburnout🎥 Watch the episode on YouTube and show some love. Don’t let Kelley’s mama be the only one dropping hearts!STAY IN TOUCHIf you’re looking for more ways to connect with the Black Girl Burnout community, we’ve got you covered:Join our Substack family! Think of it as a modern-day online magazine (Tumblr-coded for the millennial hearts). We share weekly reflections, tips, tools, and deeper insights into each podcast episode—plus personal notes from Kelley’s life.Become a paid Substack subscriber for just $8/month (about the cost of a fancy latte) and access exclusive content like digital tools, apps, and free resources that are valued far beyond that.Work with Kelley directly:If you’re in New York State, Kelley is also accepting short-term therapy clients with select insurance and private pay options. Sessions are designed to be focused and transformational within 90 days. Join the waitlist now.Our Sponsors:* Check out Global Healing: https://globalhealing.com/healAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this heartfelt episode, Kelley invites us to redefine expansion. What if the quiet seasons in your life—the ones that feel like stillness or even failure—are actually seasons of rooting? Drawing wisdom from nature, Kelley shares that true bloom only comes when the roots are strong. With personal reflections, cultural critique, and deeply practical insights, this episode explores how Black women can opt out of performative growth and instead root into authenticity, softness, and sustainable joy.What You’ll LearnWhy rooting is essential before blooming—and how it can be a form of powerful expansionHow to recognize when you’re asking the wrong questions and reframe them for deeper alignmentThree practical ways to build roots in your daily life: community, movement, and moneyWhy performative success (aesthetic, financial, social) often leads to burnoutHow Kelley is embodying rooted expansion in her own life and creative workKey Takeaways and Timestamps[00:00:22 – 00:02:09] Rooting is unseen but essential — Just like in nature, real growth happens beneath the surface. True expansion starts with internal clarity, not constant visibility.[00:05:00 – 00:09:00] Ask deeper questions — Instead of chasing aesthetics or metrics, ask what your soul is truly craving: peace, visibility, joy, or ease.[00:20:00 – 00:28:00] Live, don’t perform — Whether it’s friendships, fitness, or finances, choose presence over perfection and connection over curation.[00:18:37 – 00:37:18] Hold contradictions with grace — You can love who you are and still want more. Expansion doesn't have to cost your well-being.Support the ShowIf this episode touched something in you, share it with a friend, text it to a sister, or post a screenshot to social and tag @blackgirlburnout. We’re not just building a podcast—we’re creating a movement. One rooted in peace, softness, and collective bloom.You don’t need to perform your way into bloom. You only need to root. CHECK OUT OUR PARTNERS:Happy Mammoth and use my code BGB for a great deal: www.happymammoth.comRevolve and use code BGB for a great deal: https://www.revolve.com/bgbSTAY IN TOUCHIf you’re looking for more ways to connect with the Black Girl Burnout community, we’ve got you covered:Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @blackgirlburnout — Each platform offers something different, so come vibe with us where it feels right for you.Join our Substack family! Think of it as a modern-day online magazine (Tumblr-coded for the millennial hearts). We share weekly reflections, tips, tools, and deeper insights into each podcast episode—plus personal notes from Kelley’s life.Become a paid Substack subscriber for just $8/month (about the cost of a fancy latte) and access exclusive content like digital tools, apps, and free resources that are valued far beyond that.Work with Kelley directly:Book a 90-minute Clarity Catalyst Coaching Session — a deep-dive roadmap session to bring clarity and strategy to your next life move (not therapy, just powerful support).If you’re in New York State, Kelley is also accepting short-term therapy clients with select insurance and private pay options. Sessions are designed to be focused and transformational within 90 days. Join the waitlist now.Our Sponsors:* Check out Global Healing: https://globalhealing.com/healAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this soul-centered solo episode, Kelley Bonner returns to the mic with a personal and powerful reflection on the radical value of softness. She shares why she's shifting the podcast to a weekly cadence and how this decision reflects a deeper commitment to her values of rest, sustainability, and truth. As we move through seasons of blooming and expansion, Kelley invites you to reject hustle culture and embrace a new form of wealth—ease, softness, and alignment. Because softness isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. And it might just be the richest thing you own.What You’ll Learn:Why “soft is the new rich” is more than a mantra—it’s a movementHow Kelley is aligning her life and work with values of sustainabilityThe role of nervous system regulation in Black women’s wellnessWhy expansion often means doing less, not moreA call to embrace your voice and show up unapologeticallyKey Takeaways & Timestamps:[00:01:00] – Softness Is the Currency of the FutureKelley introduces the theme of the episode—why softness is the “new rich”—and how it connects to nervous system regulation, healing, and sustainability for Black women.[00:11:00] – Softness Cannot Be Bought She unpacks how the aesthetics of success—money, body goals, relationships—are not what create real softness. Instead, she encourages listeners to reject performative growth and anchor into internal healing.[00:13:00] – The True Definition of Wealth Kelley redefines richness as being able to sit in your home and feel peace. She encourages listeners to set boundaries, name their preferences, and hold space for emotional safety.[00:24:45] – Three Ways to Build a Soft Life She shares three actionable tips:Romance the ordinaryProtect your peaceWalk your talk—live soft without performative pressure[00:35:00] – Reclaim Rest as Pleasure & Presence Kelley wraps with a powerful call to reject exhaustion and show up in softness—even if imperfectly. She names softness as sustainability, not weakness.Support the Show:If this podcast speaks to you, consider sharing it with a friend, leaving a 5-star review, or shouting us out on social media. Help amplify the message that Black women deserve softness, rest, and radical joy.Softness is your inheritance. Rest is your rebellion. And joy? That’s your revolution.DM us on Instagram and let us know—what are you choosing to take off your plate this season?CHECK OUT OUR PARTNERS:Happy Mammoth and use my code BGB for a great deal: www.happymammoth.comRevolve and use code BGB for a great deal: https://www.revolve.com/bgb💬 STAY IN TOUCHIf you’re looking for more ways to connect with the Black Girl Burnout community, we’ve got you covered:Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @blackgirlburnout — Each platform offers something different, so come vibe with us where it feels right for you.Join our Substack family! Think of it as a modern-day online magazine (Tumblr-coded for the millennial hearts). We share weekly reflections, tips, tools, and deeper insights into each podcast episode—plus personal notes from Kelley’s life.Become a paid Substack subscriber for just $8/month (about the cost of a fancy latte) and access exclusive content like digital tools, apps, and free resources that are valued far beyond that.Work with Kelley directly:Book a 90-minute Clarity Catalyst Coaching Session — a deep-dive roadmap session to bring clarity and strategy to your next life move (not therapy, just powerful support).If you’re in New York State, Kelley is also accepting short-term therapy clients with select insurance and private pay options. Sessions are designed to be focused and transformational within 90 days. Join the waitlist now.Our Sponsors:* Check out Global Healing: https://globalhealing.com/healAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this powerful episode, Kelley is joined by Daria Burke for a truth-filled, liberating conversation about breaking up with performative ambition and reclaiming what success feels like, rather than how it looks. Together, they explore how Black women can move beyond hustle culture, make room for joy, and embrace post-traumatic growth. This episode invites you to stop waiting for “later” and start living on your own terms now.What You’ll Learn:Why it’s time to stop mistaking ambition for identityThe quiet danger of "performing wellness"How to move from self-improvement to self-examinationThe signs and power of post-traumatic growthWhy tending to your joy isn’t optional — it’s essentialKey Takeaways & Timestamps:[06:10] – From Self-Improvement to Self-ExaminationDaria explains why self-improvement can become another form of hustle—and how self-examination invites softness, clarity, and truth.[14:50] – Burn the Bucket ListThis is the moment that names the episode: a rallying cry to abandon achievement checklists and start asking, “Does this feel good?”[21:00] – There Is No LaterA mic-drop reminder that deferring joy is a trap. The life you want isn’t down the road—it’s in your daily decisions now.[25:00] – The Power of Post-Traumatic GrowthDaria introduces PTG and unpacks how growth after hardship is not only possible but already happening for many Black women.[33:00] – Joy Is Not a Luxury, It’s MedicineA bold truth: chronic stress is harming us. Prioritizing joy, rest, and pleasure is not selfish—it’s survival.🔗 Connect with Daria Burke:Instagram: @dariaburkedariaburke.comLinkedIn newsletter: The Power of PossibilityBuy her debut memoir, "Of My Own Making."CHECK OUT OUR PARTNERS:Happy Mammoth and use my code BGB for a great deal: www.happymammoth.comRevolve and use code BGB for a great deal: https://www.revolve.com/bgb💬 STAY IN TOUCHIf you’re looking for more ways to connect with the Black Girl Burnout community, we’ve got you covered:Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @blackgirlburnout — Each platform offers something different, so come vibe with us where it feels right for you.Join our Substack family! Think of it as a modern-day online magazine (Tumblr-coded for the millennial hearts). We share weekly reflections, tips, tools, and deeper insights into each podcast episode—plus personal notes from Kelley’s life.Become a paid Substack subscriber for just $8/month (about the cost of a fancy latte) and access exclusive content like digital tools, apps, and free resources that are valued far beyond that.Work with Kelley directly:Book a 90-minute Clarity Catalyst Coaching Session — a deep-dive roadmap session to bring clarity and strategy to your next life move (not therapy, just powerful support).If you’re in New York State, Kelley is also accepting short-term therapy clients with select insurance and private pay options. Sessions are designed to be focused and transformational within 90 days. Join the waitlist now.What are you ready to burn from your bucket list? DM us on IG @blackgirlburnout or share your thoughts in the comments.Our Sponsors:* Check out Global Healing: https://globalhealing.com/healAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy