Be Well Sis: The Podcast

Too many women are told that painful periods, heavy bleeding, and exhaustion are “just part of being a woman.” They’re not. In this episode, Dr. Kameelah Phillips, OBGYN and author of The Empowered Hysterectomy, breaks down the truth about fibroids, hysterectomies, and perimenopause—and why informed choices matter for every woman’s health. Dr. Phillips shares why nearly 80% of Black women will experience fibroids by age 50, how medical gaslighting keeps too many of us suffering in silence, and what real informed consent should look like in the exam room. With honesty and humor, she also opens up about her own journey through perimenopause, the power of hormone therapy, and why even world-class athletes like Serena Williams aren’t immune from poor medical advice.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to recognize the overlooked signs of fibroids (beyond heavy bleeding)Alternatives to hysterectomy: from hormonal therapies to minimally invasive proceduresWhat perimenopause really is (and why it can last up to 10 years)How hormone therapy works, who it helps, and where plant-based supports fit inPractical ways to advocate for yourself and push back against medical gaslightingResources & LinksCLICK to PURCHASE The Empowered Hysterectomy by Dr. Kameelah Phillips Follow Dr. Phillips on Instagram: @DrKameelahSays Learn more at Cala Women’s Health, NYCWant more? I share unfiltered reflections, bonus wellness tools, and behind-the-scenes stories from Be Well, Sis on my Substack. Come hang out there →Bewellsis.substack.comWe’re supporting St Jude’s- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact.Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show!Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. This episode was edited by Victoria Marin. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Grammy-nominated harpist Brandee Younger reminds us that joy isn’t a luxury—it’s survival. In this episode, we dive into her latest project Gadabout Season, the realities of life on tour, and the intentional ways she’s learned to rest and replenish.We also get real about navigating fibroids, the body’s quiet signals of exhaustion, and how art can be both medicine and resistance. From savoring good food to embracing naps and stillness, Brandee shares the everyday practices that keep her grounded—and how joy itself can be a radical act of healing.Whether you’re an artist, wellness seeker, or just trying to find peace in the middle of chaos, this conversation will remind you to slow down, listen to your body, and claim joy in the small moments. In this episode, we talk about:The inspiration behind Gadabout Season and what it taught her about slowing downHow touring impacts the body, mind, and spiritLiving with and talking about fibroids The small but powerful rituals that restore joy📌 Resources & LinksConnect with Brandee at brandeeyounger.comFollow her on Instagram: @harpistaStream/Buy Gadabout Season wherever you listen to music💌 If this episode resonated with you, join my Substack community where I share more reflections, wellness insights, and behind-the-scenes conversations.We’re supporting St Jude’s- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact.Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show!Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. This episode was edited by Victoria Marin. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s the start of a new school year so we thought we’d reshare this essential episode, in case you missed it! We’re joined by Dr. Chinwe Williams, a licensed professional counselor, to explore the nuanced landscape of children's and adolescents' mental health. Dr. Williams breaks down how today's unique challenges – from digital overwhelm to academic pressures – are shaping our youth's mental well-being. Through practical insights and professional expertise, she guides us through recognizing the early signs of mental health struggles while offering tangible strategies for creating supportive, nurturing environments where our children can thrive.Episode Takeaways:Your child's irritability and anger might be signs of deeper mental health struggles, not just typical teen behaviorToday's kids navigate unique mental health challenges from their digital lives and academic pressuresResilience can be taught and strengthened through intentional parenting strategiesWhen parents prioritize their own mental wellness, they show their children what healthy coping looks likeStrong emotional bonds between parents and children create the safety net needed for mental wellnessRelevant links: Connect with Dr. Chinwe  on Instagram and visit her website! Connect with me on socials- join the Be Well,Sis tribe on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube , and subscribe to the newsletter or buy me a coffee!If this episode resonated with you- share with a friend!We’re supporting St Jude’s- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact.Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show!Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this solo episode, I’m wrapping up our Summer of Joy series with personal reflections, wellness updates, and what’s been inspiring me lately. From navigating heavy world events to rediscovering my gym groove, tending my garden, and diving into some incredible reads, I’m sharing the everyday joys that have been keeping me grounded.Plus, I’m inviting you to join the conversation over on my Substack — whether you want to contribute your own reflections or simply read along.On My Radar:Solo Travel with Tracee Ellis Ross (Roku) — joyful, soulful solo adventuresLove Radio by Ebony LaDelle — a sweet, quick read for light escapeLiving in Wisdom by Devi Brown — reflections on authenticity and healingNo Holes Barred by Mandii B & Weezy — bold, unapologetic storytellingBraiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer — on reciprocity and gratitudeWant more? I share unfiltered reflections, bonus wellness tools, and behind-the-scenes stories from Be Well, Sis on my Substack. Come hang out there →Bewellsis.substack.comResources & LinksBrowse every book mentioned: My bookshop.org/bewellsis storefront (Affiliate Disclosure: As a Bookshop.org affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through the links provided. Every purchase also supports local independent bookstores)Follow Be Well, Sis on Instagram: @bewellsis_podcastWe’re supporting St Jude’s- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact.Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show!Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

 When ambition meets authenticity, everything changes.In this episode, I’m joined by writer, former attorney, and media strategist Faye McCray for a conversation about career pivots, parenting, and finding yourself beyond the grind. We talk about navigating predominantly white spaces, raising kids with intention, and why authenticity (not hustle) should be our measure of success.Faye also shares her journey from law to media and consulting, how storytelling can build true connection, and the boundaries that help her protect her peace. If you’ve been rethinking your career path, craving more balance, or just wanting to feel more like yourself in every space you occupy, this one’s for you.In this episode we discussed:Your career path doesn’t have to be linear to be successful.Connection and empathy are essential in both life and business.Parenting is a lesson in flexibility, patience, and introspection.Boundaries protect your energy and purpose.Authenticity is the new measure of success.Want more? I share unfiltered reflections, bonus wellness tools, and behind-the-scenes stories from Be Well, Sis on my Substack. Come hang out there →Bewellsis.substack.comResources & LinksConnect with Faye McCray on Instagram: @heyfayemccray Read her newsletter https://whatifitallworksout.substack.com/Learn more about her work: fayemccray.com Follow Be Well, Sis on Instagram: @bewellsis_podcastWe’re supporting St Jude’s- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact.Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show!Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert.Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Your authentic self isn’t found- it’s created moment by moment.  What does it really mean to live authentically  beyond the social media buzzwords? In this episode, wellness educator and author Devi Brown joins me to explore the lifelong work of becoming your truest self.We talk about:Why “authenticity” is more than a social media trendHow to hold joy and grief in the same breathThe role of patience and process in self-masteryPractices to ground you in who you really areWant more? I share unfiltered reflections, bonus wellness tools, and behind-the-scenes stories from Be Well, Sis on my Substack. Come hang out there →Bewellsis.substack.comResources & Links Mentioned:📖 Living in Wisdom: A Path to Embodying Your Authentic Self, Embracing Grief, and Developing Self-Mastery by Devi Brown → (Buy your copy here!)🌐 Connect with Devi: Instagram | Website🎧 Listen to Devi’s Podcast: Deeply WellIf you’re ready to peel back the layers and live in deeper alignment, this conversation will meet you right where you are.We’re supporting St Jude’s- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact.Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show!Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Racial trauma. Misdiagnosis. Medical gaslighting.This episode explores how racism becomes a public health crisis—especially when it comes to the mental health of Black communities.I’m joined by Dr. Ingrid Waldron—professor, researcher, and author of From the Enlightenment to Black Lives Matter—for a powerful and unfiltered conversation about the systemic forces that shape how mental illness is diagnosed, treated, and too often ignored in Black bodies.Originally recorded for National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, this conversation is more timely than ever.We discuss:Why schizophrenia is disproportionately diagnosed in Black menHow the “strong Black woman” trope blocks empathy and access to careWhat medical gaslighting actually looks like in clinical settingsThe physical toll of racial stress and internalized traumaResources Mentioned: 📘 From the Enlightenment to Black Lives Matter (click link to purchase) 📗 The Protest Psychosis – Dr. Jonathan Metzl (click link to purchase on our Bookshop.org shelf)Was this episode meaningful to you?Leave a review, share with your community, and don’t forget to hit follow—it helps this show reach the people who need it most.We’re supporting St Jude’s- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact.Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show!Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

 You’re doing the skincare, taking your probiotics, checking the boxes-but still feeling off? You might be skipping the most important parts of self-care: safety, rest, connection, and stability.In this episode, I sit down with Ericka Nicole—founder of Silken and host of Boss Babe Reset—to explore the five levels of the Self-Care Pyramid and why burnout often stems from neglecting the basics, not just doing too much.We discuss: The 5 levels of the Self-Care Pyramid (based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs)Why so many of us feel unsafe—and how that affects our mental healthThe importance (and difficulty) of building community as an adultReal talk on burnout, financial insecurity, and finding joy anywayThis conversation is hilarious, honest, and full of wisdom for anyone navigating adulthood with big dreams and low energy. Mentioned in this episode: – Ericka’s brand: Silken Co. – Ericka’s podcast: Boss Babe Reset – Ericka’s personal IG: @theerickanicoleIf you’ve ever felt like your life is “on paper” great but still not quite right—this episode is for you.Guest Spotlight: Sign up to my summer of joy journey through my substack hereConnect with me on socials- join the Be Well,Sis tribe on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube , and subscribe to the newsletter or buy me a coffee!If this episode resonated with you- share with a friend!We’re supporting St Jude’s- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact.Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show!Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

 Have you ever sat down to “relax” only to realize your jaw is clenched, your mind is racing, and your body is still bracing for impact? What if the real reason you can’t rest… is because stress has become your comfort zone?In this episode, we sit down with Tracie Braylock- nurse, wellness educator, and author of Radical Relaxation—to explore why stillness feels so foreign and how we can rewire our nervous systems to embrace it.We unpack:How chronic stress becomes part of our identityWhat it means to practice relaxation like a muscleFaith, healing, and the burdens we were never meant to carryPractical rest rituals (that don’t require a plane ticket or a perfect day)🔗 Mentioned in the episode:– Radical Relaxation: Releasing the Stress You Were Never Meant to Carry by Tracie Braylock– Insight Timer app for daily meditation– Calming rituals: lavender, jasmine, and chamomile– Music that soothes: Spirit Earth: Relaxing Native FluteGuest Spotlight: Tracie Braylock is a holistic nurse educator, wellness consultant, and the author of Radical Relaxation. She is a mother of 4 and a former operating room nurse. She’s seen the inner workings of the human body and is on a mission to help people release the stress they’re embodying.**Sign up to my summer of joy journey through my substack here**Connect with me on socials- join the Be Well,Sis tribe on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube , and subscribe to the newsletter or buy me a coffee!If this episode resonated with you- share with a friend!Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. This episode was edited by Victoria Marin. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re halfway through the year—and it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and realign. In this solo check-in, Dr. Cassandre shares where she is with her 2025 goals, what she’s been reading for fun (no self-help in sight!), and how a guided meditation challenge is helping her unlearn toxic habits and visualize her next chapter—with science to back it up.She also shares a few things on her radar, including the Insight Timer app, a powerful 7-day meditation series by Justin Michael Williams, the joy of writing on Substack, and the underrated beauty of slow foods. In this episode, we discussed:A transparent look at Be Well, Sis’ mid-year goals + where we standBooks on her summer reading list: Happy Land, Matriarch by Tina Knowles, Love RadioThe Insight Timer app + 7-Day “Stop Holding Yourself Back” meditation challengeThe power of visualizationWhat “slow foods” are teaching her about mindfulnessA listener DM that came right on timeA “Not Well, Sis” letter about choosing to live child-free Connect with me on socials- join the Be Well,Sis tribe on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube , and subscribe to the newsletter or buy me a coffee!If this episode resonated with you- share with a friend and leave a 5 Star Rating on Apple Podcast and Spotify!We’re supporting St Jude’s- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact.Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show!Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.