Be Well Sis: The Podcast

In what ways do you consistently cultivate joy in your daily life? Guest Spotlight  In addition to being an author, Dr. Treva B. Lindsey is a Black feminist historian and Associate Professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Ohio State University.  She is the recipient of several awards and fellowships including the inaugural University of Missouri Faculty Achievement in Diversity Award and the inaugural Equity for Women and Girls of Color Fellowship at Harvard University.  She has written for outlets such as The Washington Post, Time, NBC News, Bustle, Al Jazeera, BET, Complex, Vox, The Root, Huffington Post, PopSugar, Teen Vogue, The Grio, Zora, Women’s Media Center, and Cosmopolitan. She has been a featured commentator/expert on MSNBC, Al Jazeera, BET, Black News Channel, PBS, NPR, and CNN. Her work on Black women and girls, race, gender, sexuality, culture, and politics encompasses the far-reaching and often untold effects of current events and pop culture moments on marginalized communities.  Her most recent title, AMERICA, GODDAM , chronicles multiple forms of violence against Black women and girls in the twenty-first century and illuminates their fight for liberation against it. With this book, Treva B. Lindsey compels readers to sit with how the U.S. has failed Black women and girls by interweaving personal accounts, hard-hitting analysis, history, and current events. In today’s episode we discussed: The ways in which the patriarchy fails not only women but also men, The medical-industrial complex and its impact on the Black Maternal Health Crisis, Intercommunal violence, The importance of cultivating joy in spite of the barriers intentionally placed before us,  And so much more! America, Goddam: Violence, Black Women, and the Struggle for Justice is a must-read. Purchase your copy here! Be Well, Sis Partner: Athletic Greens: Redeem your offer of 1 free year of high-quality Vitamin D + 5 free travel packs by visiting athleticgreens.com/bewellsis  _____  Join the tribe on IG!  Join the waitlist for the INNER CIRCLE here!!! Be Well, Sis. *Affiliate link: By purchasing this book (or any other book on our bookshop storefront, the podcast earns a small commission that helps support the production of this podcast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How many ways could your life change if you would commit to creating that thing you’ve been thinking about? Guest Feature:  Dr. Omolara Thomas Uwemedimo is a board-certified pediatrician for over 15 years and an academic faculty for over a decade, mentoring women physicians of color. She is CEO and founder of Melanin and Medicine - a company designed to provide Black women physicians with support through an online community, networking, masterclass events, courses, and coaching. As a life and career strategist, she provides Black women with culturally-informed strategies and systems to reduce burnout, achieve personal and professional fulfillment, rediscover their purpose, and achieve their vision for life without struggle or sacrifice.  In this episode we discussed: How to gain clarity around your purpose How to cultivate a nurturing community to help bring that vision to life, How to regain confidence, and much more! Dr. Omolara's Book Recommendations:  Chillpreneur: The New Rules for Creating Success, Freedom, and Abundance on Your Terms by Denise Duffield-Thomas       The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Your Life to the Next Level by Gay Hendricks (mentioned on the section on clarity)                                           The Future Belongs to Those Who Dare by Priscilla Rose (mentioned on the section on gaining clarity around purpose) How to connect with Dr. Omolara:  Melanin and Medicine website Follow Melanin and Medicine on Instagram! Check out the Melanin and Medicine Podcast here! Be Well, Sis Partners: Athletic Greens: Redeem your offer of 1 free year of high-quality Vitamin D + 5 free travel packs by visiting athleticgreens.com/bewellsis  _____ Join the *Inner Circle*- a virtual community by Be Well, Sis here!!  Join the tribe on IG!  Be Well, Sis. *Affiliate link: By purchasing this book (or any other book on our bookshop storefront, the podcast earns a small commission that helps support the production of this podcast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is your North-Star or guiding principle by which you live your life?    Guest Feature:  Recognized as one of the most brilliant minds in education and business, Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon has transformed the lives of thousands of Black entrepreneurs across the world. Her love of community, paired with her mantra, “Support Is A Verb,” inspires and educates African-Americans to create generational health and wealth. As an award-winning expert in education, business development, plant-based living, she leaves an indelible mark on any business who walks through her door. Dr. Key has developed an economical vehicle that empowers the Black community through cooperative economics. Her ‘key’ to success is her village.  In this episode we discussed: Black entrepreneurship, Authenticity, Seeking joy, Dr. Key’s self-care practices and much more! Dr. Key’s Book Recommendation: All About Love by bell hooks  How to connect with Dr. Key:  Dr. Key’s Instagram Follow the Village Market on Instagram! Check out the Village Market here. Check out Dr. Key’s website here.  Be Well, Sis Partner: Athletic Greens: Redeem your offer of 1 free year of high-quality Vitamin D + 5 free travel packs by visiting athleticgreens.com/bewellsis  _____  Join the tribe on IG!  Join the waitlist for the INNER CIRCLE here!!! Be Well, Sis. *Affiliate link: By purchasing this book (or any other book on our bookshop storefront, the podcast earns a small commission that helps support the production of this podcast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In what ways do you consistently show up for yourself? Zsanai Epps is the Director of the My Sister’s Keeper and Positive Period programs at the Black Women's Health Imperative Organization. The Black Women’s Health Imperative is the nation’s first nonprofit organization created by Black women to help protect and advance the health and wellness of Black women and girls. This organization has been active since 1981 and has been at the forefront of women’s health issues, through comprehensive public education initiatives that promote the overall wellness of Black women.    Guest Spotlight: Zsanai Epps, MPH,CHES is the Director of My Sister’s Keeper and Positive Period at the Black Women’s Health Imperative. Zsanai leads national programming with young Black women ages 18-30 and college students with an emphasis on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Zsanai’s portfolio includes programming around reproductive justice, chronic disease prevention, advocacy, and leadership development.  Today’s conversation highlighted: The importance of granting yourself permission to truly care for yourself/self-care The interconnectedness of stress, lifestyle, and cardiovascular health Grief My Sister’s Keeper Program Period Poverty and Positive Period Program How to connect with the Black Women’s Health Imperative:  Visit their website. To support the Positive Period Program- click here! Learn more about My Sister’s Keeper here! Learn more about Change Your Lifestyle. Change your Life. (CYL2) here! Follow BWHI on Instagram!   Be Well, Sis Partners: Switch Research: use code BEWELLSIS20 for 20% off peer-reviewed Mental Health resources  Athletic Greens: Redeem your offer of 1 free year of high-quality Vitamin D + 5 free travel packs by visiting athleticgreens.com/bewellsis  _____  Join the tribe on IG!  Be Well, Sis. *Affiliate link: By purchasing this book (or any other book on our bookshop storefront, the podcast earns a small commission that helps support the production of this podcast.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How does what you see on social media affect your sense of self and your mental health?  Today’s episode dives into social media, grind culture, and how those two affect how we perceive ourselves and even possibly our mental health.  My conversation with Candice Jones- a professional content creator with over 180k subscribers on Youtube and over 90k on Instagram- delves into what led her to create her brand called Everything She Is.  Everything She Is is a community-driven platform that exists to help girls and young women feel seen, heard, and accepted. They are simplifying self-love to help them embrace who they’re now, to create a healthy and long-lasting relationship with who they’ll become. Guest Feature:  Candice Jones, content creator and influencer, has garnered attention with her expertise in all pillars of self: self-love, self-care and self-confidence. Throughout her adolescent years, her parents instilled in her the importance of hardwork and determination. Jones’ resilience and determination helped her redefine her identity. This journey to self-discovery birthed her community-driven lifestyle platform, Everything She Is Co. This digital safe haven she’s created is the manifestation of her overcoming shame, guilt and uncertainty. Jones is now tackling entrepreneurship with the tools she’s providing with her lifestyle brand in hopes to help young women and girls embrace their journey into womanhood. Jones’ transparency inspires young women to unlearn concepts that don’t align with their beliefs, the importance of forgiveness and gratitude to break the barriers that keep them from being their authentic selves. How to connect with Candice:  Candice’s Instagram Subscribe to her Youtube Channel  Shop Everything She Is Here!  Follow Everything She Is on IG Candice’s Book Recommendation: The Body Keeps Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk Articles Mentioned in Episode: Full article link:here    Helpful article: here    Be Well, Sis Partners: Switch Research: use code BEWELLSIS20 for 20% off peer-reviewed Mental Health resources  Athletic Greens: Redeem your offer of 1 free year of high-quality Vitamin D + 5 free travel packs by visiting athleticgreens.com/bewellsis  _____  Join the tribe on IG!  Be Well, Sis. *Affiliate link: By purchasing this book (or any other book on our bookshop storefront, the podcast earns a small commission that helps support the production of this podcast.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Question: How would your life be different if you accepted yourself wholeheartedly? We’re back with Season4 and I feel it’s only fitting to revisit one of my favorite episodes from season one. One of the conversations that I often think about is the one I had with Nakeia Homer. In my conversation with Nakeia- we explore how her complete honesty about herself and her circumstances, has allowed her to grow and has contributed to the successes she’s had as an author, award-winning songwriter, and much more.  How honest are you, to you about you? Guest Feature: Nakeia Homer is a best-selling author, well-being educator, and self-healing guide. “Navigating life as the product of two teenage parents, becoming the foster-child of my beloved grand(mom), and growing up in the projects inspired a level of strength that helped me realize I didn’t need easy. I’ve survived some hard things in my lifetime. I chose to believe I was who God created me to be and not the product of circumstance, and started my healing process” .   Visit her website to learn more about her offerings! Purchase her book here!   Be Well, Sis Partners: Switch Research: use code BEWELLSIS20 for 20% off peer-reviewed Mental Health resources  Athletic Greens: Redeem your offer of 1 free year of high quality Vitamin D + 5 free travel packs by visiting athleticgreens.com/bewellsis  _____  Join the tribe on IG!  Be Well, Sis. *Affiliate link: By purchasing this book (or any other book on our bookshop storefront, the podcast earns a small commission that helps support the production of this podcast.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Self-care is the daily practice of nurturing yourself. Because we’re naturally social creatures, self-care also involves being part of an authentic community that is truly invested in your wellbeing. Community is a vital part of our self-care.  Guest Spotlight Christina Brown is the founder and Chief Curator of the BabyBrownSugar brand and community. For over a decade, she’s been a champion for women’s empowerment and inclusivity.  In 2009, she created the award-winning blog, LoveBrownSugar to encourage self-love and style inclusivity for women of color. It wasn’t until she was pregnant with her daughter in 2013 that she noticed the lack of online spaces that celebrated moms of color like her. As a response, she launched BabyBrownSugar to celebrate the magic of multicultural moms. With Christina’s background as a digital community curator, she knows first-hand the importance of cultivating digital spaces for marginalized groups.  This episode mainly focuses on the power of community and how having a community is an important part of our self-care practice. We also talked about how she grounds herself as a busy mom and business owner, her upcoming product launch (which I’m geeked about!), and so much more.  Christina's book recommendation: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz To learn more about Christina, visit her blog here and follow her on social media.  Babybrownsugar is launching soon! Sign up for the newsletter to stay in the know!   Listen to the episode below and don’t forget to share it with a friend! Be well, Sis. Be Well, Sis Partners: Switch Research: use code BEWELLSIS20 for 20% off peer-reviewed Mental Health resources  Athletic Greens: Redeem your offer of 1 free year of high-quality Vitamin D + 5 free travel packs by visiting athleticgreens.com/bewellsis  _____  Join the tribe on IG!  Sign up for our newsletter!   Be Well, Sis. *Affiliate link: By purchasing this book (or any other book on our bookshop storefront, the podcast earns a small commission that helps support the production of this podcast.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's Thanksgiving Day here in the U.S. and this episode is for anyone who may not be feeling especially grateful.  With the holiday season among us, this time of year is even harder for those who are struggling with feelings of sadness, disappointment, grief, or loneliness. Yet, our culture stresses gratitude during this and we often find ourselves guilting ourselves into 'gratitude'. If you were raised in the Christian tradition, you were likely taught to be thankful in every circumstance and that 'things could always be worse'.  In this episode, I talk about my own struggles with gratitude during this time of year and help provide an alternative perspective for those who are struggling.  Sending you all so much love - especially if this time of year is particularly painful.      Be Well, Sis Partners: Switch Research: use code BEWELLSIS20 for 20% off peer-reviewed Mental Health resources  Athletic Greens: Redeem your offer of 1 free year of high quality Vitamin D + 5 free travel packs by visiting athleticgreens.com/bewellsis  _____  Join the tribe on IG!  Sign up for our newsletter!   Be Well, Sis. *Affiliate link: By purchasing this book (or any other book on our bookshop storefront, the podcast earns a small commission that helps support the production of this podcast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is there something in the world that you wished existed? Imagine how different things would be if you trusted yourself enough to lean into that?  Today’s conversation features the insightful and incredibly warm spirit that is Olivia Charmaine. She is the creative genius and founder of Black Monarch Entertainment as well as “The Tea” which is an IGTV original series that will be moving to televisions near you at the top of 2022.  I have been a fan of “The Tea” because has been a  breath of fresh air, authenticity, and a pause to a platform that is often overwhelmed with empty content. Guest Feature: Olivia’s professional resume includes "The Last OG" starring Tracy Morgan and Tiffany Haddish, Lena Waithe's "Twenties," and Seth MacFarlane's "American Dad," among others. Olivia has worked with TNT, TBS, Kerry Washington's production company, Sullivan Street. Her full-service production company, Black Monarch Entertainment, recently celebrated its first year. Their goal is to diversify the industry, bring new voices into the fold, and elevate the stories of marginalized individuals who are imagining and telling new narratives.   In our conversation, we discussed: creating your own opportunities,  how to trust your intuition as well as your own expertise,  not being afraid to not have all the answers,  The importance of community, and so much more.    Olivia’s book recommendation: Children of Blood and Bone by Temi Adeyemi How to reach Olivia:  Follow her on Instagram Check out her website   Be Well, Sis Partners: Switch Research: use code BEWELLSIS20 for 20% off peer-reviewed Mental Health resources  Athletic Greens: Redeem your offer of 1 free year of high quality Vitamin D + 5 free travel packs by visiting athleticgreens.com/bewellsis  _____  Join the tribe on IG!  Sign up for our newsletter!   Be Well, Sis. *Affiliate link: By purchasing this book (or any other book on our bookshop storefront, the podcast earns a small commission that helps support the production of this podcast.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is the life you’re living the one that you’ve envisioned for yourself? Do you feel like your life is meaningful and purposeful? Have you ever felt like ditching the conventional and traditional in pursuit of your dreams? Wanda Duncan is doing exactly that. She’s thriving, instead of just surviving, and living her life with intention and full of purpose. In my discussion with Wanda, we chat about Wanda’s unconventional but meaningful life as a digital nomad and what inspired her to live her life on the road. She shares her journey from her failed attempts at digital nomad life, difficult and traumatic experiences, and navigating culture shock to ultimately thriving as an entrepreneur and full-time traveler. Wanda also explains how she stays connected with her community while not being physically present and close to her loved ones. However, she also shares how she manages to connect with a community of like-minded Black women travelers and independent entrepreneurs through her Facebook group. Aside from Wanda’s travels around the world, she has a wealth of knowledge and experience as a successful entrepreneur. Through our conversations, Wanda opens up about her experience with internal and external work as an entrepreneur, and how she has been intentional about her growth and evolution. And for aspiring digital nomads and entrepreneurs, Wanda dives into the several ways in which you can sustain a lifestyle on the road and on your own terms. This episode is for the dreamers and doers out there who strive for a life off the beaten path. Tune in as Wanda shares her wisdom about purpose, community, entrepreneurship, and living a full and sustainable life as a full-time digital nomad and entrepreneur. A Closer Look at the Episode [7:46] What prompted Wanda to live life as a digital nomad [13:51] Thriving, not surviving, and living a life full of meaning and purpose [16:00] How Wanda stays connected while not being physically present with her community [18:19] Wanda’s community for Black women digital nomads and travelers [19:21] The internal and external work of entrepreneurship as a Black woman [22:16] Evolving and working on yourself intentionally [24:36] How Wanda provides for herself as a digital nomad [27:33] Wanda’s upcoming conferences [30:42] Wanda’s book recommendations Episode Resources: Free one-year supply of vitamin D and 5 free travel packs with your first purchase (use code BEWELLSIS): https://athleticgreens.com/ Self-love Journal  (use code BEWELL20 for 20% off) International Black Women Travel Jubilee  Black Women Travel Website  Black Women Travel Pod  Black Women Digital Nomad Entrepreneurs Facebook Be Well Sis Patreon  Be Well, Sis Partners: Join our FREE text community for more wellness info between episodes + to speak directly to me. Text ‘Hey Sis!’ to 973-832-1684.  Get your free Audible trial here! *** The above contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we earn a modest commission which helps support the production of this show. More-- Join the tribe on Instagram!   Be well, Sis. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.