Be Well Sis: The Podcast

We’re excited to bring you a special feed drop from Rom Com Vom, a miniseries from Sex Ed with DB that dives into the messy, funny, and sometimes uncomfortable themes in our favorite romantic comedies.This clip comes from their episode on How Stella Got Her Groove Back, where host Danielle Bezalel is joined by Dr. Candice Nicole — award-winning psychologist, associate professor at Emory University, and author of Good Sex: Stories, Science, and Strategies for Sexual Liberation. They dig into how the film handles sexuality, age gaps, grief, and what it means for Black women to prioritize pleasure and joy.Listen to the full episode here and find Sex Ed with DB wherever you get your podcasts.Learn more about Dr. Candice Nicole: drcandicenicole.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Black women are reimagining wellness on their own terms—beyond trends, beyond performance. In this episode, we explore what it really means to opt out, slow down, and live well.In today’s conversation, Dr. Cassandre Dunbar is joined by Dominique Fluker, contributing lifestyle editor at Essence, writer, interior designer, and wellness storyteller. Together, they unpack the evolution of wellness for Black women, the pressure to perform self-care online, and how community, authenticity, and creativity are helping us reclaim what it means to be well.You’ll hear about:Dominique’s bold leap from tech to journalism (without a backup plan)How Essence is shifting the narrative around Black women and wellnessThe rise of revolutionary rest and opting out as resistanceWhy “soft life” is about healing, not consumptionWellness trends to be cautious of—including AI therapy and TikTok fadsThe impact of curated home spaces on emotional well-beingAnd why human connection is still our most powerful medicineThis episode is a love letter to self-trust, slowing down, and designing a life that reflects who you truly are.Guest Spotlight: Dominique B. Fluker is a nationally recognized multimedia journalist, editor, content marketer, and interior design storyteller based in Los Angeles. She currently is the Contributing Lifestyle Editor at ESSENCE Magazine. She has created purpose-driven and multicultural content for iconic web and print publications like ForbesWomen, Glamour Magazine, ESSENCE Magazine, Travel & Leisure, Business Insider, Women’s Health, Variety, and more. As a culture and entertainment enthusiast, she's interviewed legendary celebrities such as Oprah, Toni Braxton, John Legend, Tracee Ellis Ross, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Robin Roberts, Serena Williams, and more. As an established advocate for diversity and inclusion within the tech and entertainment industries, she's also a noted public speaker, moderator, host, on-camera talent, red-carpet correspondent, and thought leader. Dominique has found solace in curating physical spaces while creating a name for herself at the intersection of digital content curation and editorial storytelling. She believes interior design is an extension of thoughtful storytelling. 2021 marked Dominique's official foray into professional interior styling with the launch of her first business, DBF Interiors. She has been featured as an interior design expert in Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, and more. Connect with Dominique: Follow her on  Instagram @dominiquebflukerConnect with her on LinkedIn 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.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the “right” things—showing up for work, taking care of everyone, checking all the boxes—but inside, you feel numb, disconnected, or just... not okay, this episode is for you.This week on Be Well, Sis, I’m joined by the brilliant Dr. Judith Joseph, a board-certified psychiatrist and researcher, to talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: high functioning depression.We often associate depression with what we see—sadness, withdrawal, tears. But what happens when it looks more like achievement, perfectionism, and over-functioning? When the pain hides behind productivity? That’s where this conversation begins.Dr. Judith breaks down what high functioning depression actually is, why it’s often missed in clinical settings, and how trauma, societal pressure, and internalized expectations can all contribute to emotional burnout, anhedonia (the loss of joy), and disconnection.She also introduces her powerful framework, the Five V’s to Thriving—a model that prioritizes validation, venting, values, vitals, and vision to support true emotional well-being.In this episode, we explore:What high functioning depression really looks and feels likeThe link between trauma, anhedonia, and collective numbnessHow societal expectations can mask mental health struggles in high-achieving womenWhy validation and venting are essential for healingThe Five V’s to Thriving and how to use them as tools for personal growthWhy joy is an experience, not an achievementHow to stop chasing external validation and start doing the inner work of self-careDr. Judith also speaks candidly about how mental wellness is deeply connected to relationships, rest, and reimagining what success and happiness truly mean—especially for Black women and women of color who are often taught to suppress their feelings to survive.This episode is for you if:You feel emotionally drained, even when everything looks “fine” on the outsideYou’ve normalized burnout and high stress as your baselineYou’re curious about new ways to think about healing and emotional regulationYou’re doing the work, but still feel like joy is just out of reachYou want to understand your mental health through both a clinical and compassionate lensAbout Dr. Judith Joseph: Dr. Judith Joseph is a board-certified psychiatrist, media expert, and mental health advocate whose work bridges the gap between clinical research and culturally competent care. Her mission is to empower people—especially those in marginalized communities—to prioritize their mental wellness with evidence-based, heart-centered tools.🔗 Learn more about here 📲 Follow Dr. Judith on InstagramMentioned in this episode:Click here to purchase Dr. Judith’s  High Functioning: Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy!More on High Functioning Depression here and here Looking to go deeper?✨Join Replenished audio wellness series here✨ Subscribe to Be Well, Sis wherever you listen to podcasts💌 Subscribe to the newsletter!📱 Follow me on Instagram: @bewellsis_podcastIf this episode hit home, I’d love for you to leave a review or share it with someone who needs to know they’re not alone.-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.

Feeling burned out, stuck in survival mode, or constantly on edge? In this vulnerable solo episode, Dr. Cassandre shares the moment she realized that what she had accepted as “normal” was actually survival mode. High-functioning. Always “on.” But beneath the surface? Exhausted, disconnected, and stretched way too thin.We explore:What survival mode really looks like (even when you're "doing fine")The science of chronic stress and how it affects your body and brainSymptoms of a dysregulated nervous system you might be ignoringSmall but powerful ways to begin feeling safe, soft, and regulated againWhy joy, rest, and boundaries are essential—not indulgentIf you’ve been stuck in go-mode for way too long, this is your invitation to breathe deep, unclench, and begin your journey back to yourself.📌 Mentioned in This Episode:Join the waitlist for Replenished, a guided, audio-based wellness experience for women ready to move from survival to restoration, here.Got a Not Well, Sis submission? Click here to send it into the show!✨ Subscribe to Be Well, Sis wherever you listen to podcasts💌 Subscribe to the newsletter!📱 Follow me on Instagram: @bewellsis_podcastIf 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!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.

Navigating the healthcare system as a woman, especially as a Black woman, can feel like a battle. A battle to be heard, believed, and treated with the care and respect we deserve. In this affirming and eye-opening episode of Be Well, Sis, I’m joined by Dr. Bayo, a physician and patient advocate who’s using her voice to challenge bias in medicine and close the gap on maternal health disparities and healthcare inequities.Together, we dive into what it really takes to build trust in healthcare- not just between patient and provider, but within ourselves as we learn to speak up, ask questions, and challenge the harmful systems we’ve been taught to accept.Dr. Bayo shares her own journey into medicine and advocacy, including the influence of family, personal experience, and generational knowledge that shaped her commitment to making healthcare safer and more human.We explore the power of self-advocacy, the necessity of community, and why curiosity is one of the most powerful tools we can bring into any medical setting. This episode is for you if:You’ve ever felt dismissed or gaslit in a medical settingYou’re curious about how to become a stronger advocate for yourself or your familyYou’re a provider seeking to understand and confront your own biasesYou believe in the power of community-based healing and generational wisdomYou’re ready to reclaim agency over your body, your choices, and your careWhether you're a patient trying to make sense of conflicting medical advice, a new mom seeking support, or a provider looking to serve with more empathy and equity—this conversation is your reminder that you deserve to be seen, heard, and cared for.Mentioned in this episode:Why Black patients don’t trust the healthcare system | Bayo Curry-Winchell | TEDxRenoDo No Harm | Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell | TEDxRutgersAbout Dr. Bayo: Dr. Bayo is a physician and passionate advocate for health equity, especially within maternal health. Her work centers around patient empowerment, provider accountability, and breaking cycles of harm in medicine. She believes in treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—with intention, respect, and curiosity.📲 Follow Dr. Bayo on Instagram: @doctor.bayo 🌐 Learn more about her work: https://doctorbayo.comStay connected with me:✨ Subscribe to Be Well, Sis wherever you listen to podcasts💌 Subscribe to the newsletter!📱 Follow me on Instagram: @bewellsis_podcast💬 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!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.

We’re passing the mic to another podcast you may like: Say More with Tulaine Montgomery. Each episode features conversations with changemakers who are making the world a better place- while also prioritizing self-care and community support.In this episode, Tulaine sits down with CeCe Olisa, founder of beauty brand Cocoa By CeCe and theCURVYCon, to discuss why self-love is essential, not frivolous. They dive into the ways we can show up confidently for ourselves and our communities.Follow Say More for more episodes!  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you often forget to take a moment to just pause and take a breath? This week I thought I’d sit down and catch you up properly on how I’m doing and where I’m at right now. This time of year we remember those goals we set ourselves on New Years Eve and realise we may have bitten off more than we can chew! So let’s take a moment to reflect, readjust and restart. 💌 Got something you need to get off your chest?Send in your story, rant, or “Not Well, Sis” moment to be featured on the show! Because sometimes, life is a lot- and venting is self-care too. Click here to send in your submission or slide into my DMs on IG @bewellsis_podcast with “Not Well, Sis” in the subject. You can stay anonymous if you’d like!Let’s normalize saying, “Nope, I’m not okay- and here’s why”.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.

I sit down with Amanda Miller Littlejohn for a deep and necessary conversation about rest, self-care, and the societal pressures that often lead to self-betrayal, especially for us. We talk about how overworking becomes ingrained in our muscle memory, making it hard to slow down, and how the “strong Black woman” trope pushes us to constantly prove ourselves.Amanda and I explore the cultural perspectives that shape our relationship with rest and why it’s so important to incorporate daily practices that help us reconnect with ourselves. We also discuss the challenges of navigating midlife while balancing responsibilities and how identifying our sacred work can bring more joy, ease, and fulfillment into our lives. This episode is an invitation to redefine rest- not as a reward, but as a revolutionary act of self-preservation.In this episode, we discussed: How the "strong Black woman" trope creates unrealistic expectationsWhy overworking becomes ingrained muscle memory- and how to break freeThe importance of daily self-care practices for staying groundedHow self-betrayal manifests and leads to burnout, especially in midlife The role of cultural perspectives in shaping our understanding of rest Why identifying and embracing sacred work is key to a fulfilling lifeHow rest can be a revolutionary act against a productivity-obsessed cultureThe connection between joy, authenticity, and pursuing personal passionsGuest Spotlight:Amanda Miller Littlejohn explores burnout, our relationship to work, and how to find alignment at work and in life. She is a sought after executive coach and brand strategist whose clients span the globe from San Francisco to Singapore. An accomplished freelance journalist, Amanda is a 2024-2025 Rosalynn Carter Mental Health Journalism Fellow. Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Forbes and explores the mental health challenges and opportunities of high-achieving midlife professionals.How to Connect  with Amanda:X - @amandamogulIG - @iamamandamillerlittlejohnin - in/amillerlittlejohnFB - @AmandaMillerLittlejohnConnect 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 have a Not Well Sis rant or a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! 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 looked in the mirror and thought, “Wow, I look older than I feel?” Or maybe a birthday has made you rethink your entire self-image. If so, this episode is for you! Today, we’re diving into the science behind aging- what actually happens at the cellular level, why some people seem to age in reverse, and how we can embrace aging while optimizing our health and vitality.In this solo episode, I discuss: Why aging is not the enemy but a privilegeThe myths about aging that we've been led to believeThe real science behind metabolism, muscle loss, and genetics in agingHow stress and systemic factors contribute to accelerated aging in Black womenThe role of telomeres in aging and how we can protect themActionable strategies to slow down aging and remain as vibrant as our Hollywood faves ( we see you Tracee Ellis Ross, Gabrielle Union, and Halle Berry!)Listen to our episodes with Jasmine Marie here, and Dr Romie here.Ways to Support the Podcast✔️ Leave a 5-star rating & review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify – Let’s hit 500 reviews!✔️ Subscribe on YouTube – We’re growing our community there, so hit like & subscribe!✔️ Screenshot this episode, tag @bewellsis_podcast, and share on your IG stories!💌 Want to stay connected? Join us on Substack for updates, resources, deep dives, and community!Until next time, Be Well, Sis.- Want to get in touch? Maybe you have an AITA you need solving or a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! 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 episode, I sat down with Toya Coleman to explore the powerful intersection of wellness, self-care, and activism through the lens of the Black Panther Party's legacy.  Our conversation highlighted the often-overlooked contributions of women in the Black Panther Party and examined holistic approaches to health that address the historical mistrust in Western medicine. We also explored how activism extends beyond traditional protesting, embracing community involvement like beach cleanups and gardens as legitimate forms of political resistance.In this episode, we discuss:The Black Panther Party’s wellness legacyRedefining activism Accessible wellness practices The power of community and connectionGuest Spotlight: Toya is a podcaster, writer, speaker, novice surfer (kindergarten level), juggler, plant mom, tattoo enthusiast and historian. You might know her as  Toya From Harlem, a former blog mostly instagram destination for millennials of color to uncover historical places they pass by every day, learn the history that wasn't in their textbooks, see dope art by people of color, and find cultural events in LA and NYC. In 2020 she launched That Wasn’t In My Textbook-a bi-weekly podcast that helps us uncover the things we always wished we learned from the boring bulky textbook.Whether you call her your Historian Homie, Trap Historian, Historian Hottie, or your Griot, Toya is essentially the Anthony Bourdain of history.Connect with Toya-Listen to her podcast!Visit her website!Follow her on Instagram here and here!***Connect with me on socials- join the Be Well,Sis tribe on Instagram and YouTube!***Want to get in touch? Maybe you have an AITA you need solving or a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! 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.