Grown and Growing Podcast: Recent Episodes
Sonia Hamlin
Grown and Growing is a relatable, safe space for women who are growing in their 40s and beyond. We discuss relationships, kids, health, career, sex, travel - and everything in between. It’s not an advice podcast…it’s a fun, casual conversation about life from the perspective of a black woman who is both grown...and growing.
In this solo episode, Sonia talks about the importance of and anxiety around rest.
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When was the last time you checked in with yourself on what makes YOU happy? Big or small, it all adds up!
If you haven’t checked on you in a while, I strongly encourage you to pick up Chianti Lomax’s @chiantilomax new book Evolving While Black: The Ultimate Guide to Happiness and Transformation on Your Own Terms.
Chianti joins me on #GrownandGrowing to talk about what it takes to achieve authentic happiness that will sustain you through the ups and downs of life.
Chianti has studied the emotion of happiness from all angles, and has curated a guide that puts the perspectives and experiences of Black women at the center. Yes, she has coached countless women, but she also lives by these principles herself.
The convo is great. The book is great. There are no bad choices here.
About Chianti
Chianti Lomax is a sought-after international speaker and certified mindset coach who thrives at the intersection of mindfulness, technology, and transformative coaching. She is the author of Evolving While Black: The Ultimate Guide to Happiness and Transformation on Your Own Terms. As a registered yoga instructor and positive psychology practitioner, Chianti teaches doable habit changes to help increase our well-being and elevate the overall human experience.
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There is no shortage of stories, warnings and predictions about how your quality of life will decline as you grow into your golden years.
I get that it may be someone’s testimony, but I don’t want it to be mine! Asara Tsehai, holistic wellness teacher, is an example of how life can stay juicy in your 60s…and she plans to live this to 100 and beyond.
I could literally listen to her stories for hours. She is so full of life and passion that you can’t help but feel inspired.
About My Guest
At 65 years of age, Asara Tsehai boldly declares, "I plan to be fine, fit & fabulous even beyond 100 years young, and so can you!” She is the visionary founder of The Juicy to 100 Nation, a dynamic sisterhood of women who refuse to let age define them. These women are not only dedicated to aging gracefully, but dedicated to aging outrageously, living juicy and delicious lives to 100 years and beyond.
Asara has 40 years of experience in wellness and leadership and has inspired over 10,000 women on their wellness journey. As CEO of Ancient Treasure, she offers her clients an exclusive combination of ancient health rituals, lifestyle changes that promote radiant health, and holistic skincare for ageless glowing skin.
For a FREE digital copy of her wellness guide visit: https://bit.ly/keepthemguessingpage
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We all know we need self-care. But how much thought do you put into your routine? How deep does it go? When is the last time you’ve re-evaluated if your routine is working for you?
I get into that and more in this episode with master life coach, Cassandra Hill. There is no better time than the present to prioritize caring for yourself. Self-care isn’t just an excuse to get a mani-pedi, massage or take a bubble bath. Not hating on those methods as long as we have self-care actions that penetrate deeper.
Connect with Cassandra Hill
@live.healthyforlife
www.cassandrahill.com
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Before I interviewed @carolynskincare, I asked for listener questions.
✅ What are the best procedures for facial sagging?
✅ How do you get rid of darkness in your underarms?
✅ Can chemical peels get rid of acne scars?
✅ I have eczema, so I’m hesitant to get facials. Is this fear unfounded?
✅ How to reduce eye puffiness and dark circles under your eye?
✅ And more…
Head over to Apple or Spotify to hear rapid fire skincare Q&A.
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If skincare hasn't been a priority for you, maybe it's time to reprioritize. Having a consistent, healthy skincare routine in your 40s can set you up for great skin in the decades to come.
My guest this week is Carolyn Cyprian, a licensed esthetician and medspa owner. We discuss how to take care of your skin as your body is undergoing hormonal changes (hello perimenopause).
About My GuestCarolyn did not let the struggles of being a teenage mother sway her determination for success – she always knew God had a bigger plan for her life. Years later, while at a nail salon, a stranger planted a seed that allowed her to envision herself in a different career. The woman presumed Carolyn was an esthetician, when in fact, she didn’t know what an esthetician was. This set her on a path to learn more.
Today, Carolyn is a licensed esthetician of 16 years, owner of Carolyn Skincare Medspa in Central Florida and has curated her skincare line Skin Salvation by Carolyn. Additionally, she has an online course “The Aesthetics Tool” to teach other professionals how to develop and grow their business.
Connect with Carolyn:@carolynskincare
www.carolynskincare.com
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They say knowledge is power, right? Well, I want to keep talking about menopause so we all feel powerful, not powerless. It’s coming, so let’s figure this out…together.
This week, I’m in conversation with board certified OBGYN, Dr. Cheryl Johnson, and I want to know how she helps her patients through this stage of life.
You’ll definitely learn a thing or two.
What we discussed:
- The benefit of a long-term relationship with a gynecologist
- What is happening in the body during the 3 stages of menopause
- Common – and not so common – symptoms of menopause
- How doctors navigate the changing landscape of menopause research and treatments
- How genetics and lifestyle play a huge part in menopause will affect you
About Dr. Cheryl Johnson
Cheryl J. Johnson, M.D. is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, and obtained her medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health. Most recently, she was appointed to sit on the Ohio Commission on Minority Health-Medical Expert Panel. Dr. Johnson leads the population health response to alleviate infant mortality through programing at Summa’s Center for Health Equity. The goal is to impact the health of our most vulnerable patients that in time will reduce the infant mortality rate.
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What, if anything, would make you pack your bags and move to another country? You wouldn’t be alone – the State Department estimates that 9 million US citizens live abroad.
On this episode, my guest, Zarah Charm @zarahcharm has spent the last few years living internationally, most recently Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Prior to taking the leap, she owned a successful natural hair salon in Baltimore, and sold it all to pursue something deeper.
About My Guest:
Zarah Charm is a natural hair stylist and salon owner who sold it all to move abroad and to better understand the body-mind connection. Now as a world-traveler and NLP Practitioner, she helps others heal while still being able to share her passion for hair and all things beauty.
Connect with Zarah:
Instagram: @zaracharm, @blackinchiangmai Website: www.zarahcharm.com International hair show: www.fluidityhair.com Hair collection: www.allurehaircollection.com
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Resentment is on my mind this week on the #GetToGrowing MiniPod. I feel like resentment in relationships isn’t talked about enough. It’s something I had to learn to deal with…or my marriage wasn’t going to make it.
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Boundaries…how many of us have them? Healthy boundaries that is.
Yes, we all have boundaries, but when is the last time you’ve checked-in to see if your boundaries are still effective.
Dr. Nicole Monteiro (@iamdrnicole) is a clinical psychologist and researcher who has helped women with establishing healthy boundaries for over 10 years.
If you’re feeling stressed or burned out, still battling with people-pleasing, or you want a different dynamic in one of your relationships, this episode is for you.
About My Guest:
Dr. Nicole Monteiro is a licensed psychologist, life transformation coach, and author/speaker. After her own run-in with burnout, she decided to take her message of holistic well-being to a wider audience. After years of working with women from diverse backgrounds as a therapist, she branched out to teaching in higher education, writing, training, and public speaking.
Dr. inspires people from all walks of life to take care of their mental health and live fulfilling lives. Dr. Monteiro earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Howard University. She has trained at Columbia University, Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma, and the Washington School of Psychiatry.
Connect with Dr. Nicole:
@iamdrnicole
Boundaries to Bliss Society
Center for Healing and Development
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I am a realist through and through. It served me pretty well up to this point in my life. But now I want to see how the other half lives.
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In my last episode (epi 60), we focused on recovering from a divorce or breakup. This week, it’s only right that we discuss what it takes to restore a marriage.
My guest is certified life and relationship coach Jeanell Greene @jeanellgreene77. She is a true believer in marriage, and uses her compassionate (but intense) approach to help couples who want to stay married.
Even if you’re not married, I think there is something for everyone who wants more loving relationships.
About My Guest:
Jeanell is a certified life and relationship coach who's on a mission to save marriages and heal families from generational trauma. With over 20 years of experience, she is well known for helping couples return from the brink of separation and ultimately divorce. She loves to help her clients live their best lives NOW and to strive to be better parents, partners, and people. Her amazing marriage of 17 years is one of my greatest achievements. Having an extraordinary life and partner has brought so much joy, love, and peace to her life.
Connect with Jeanell:
https://jeanellgreene.com/
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Divorce and bad break-up can leave you reeling for days, months or even years. My guest is Tonya Carter, a marriage and relationship exit strategist, author and podcast host. We discuss Tonya's own experience with divorce nearly 10 years ago, and how she is now helping women overcome baggage connected to a divorce or break-up.
About My Guest
Tonya Carter teaches women how to navigate the process of uncoupling by providing support, advice, resources and tools that will help mitigate interruptions in their business, work performance, household obligations, and families.
Since being called to do this work, Tonya's clients have excelled in their personal and professional lives. From financial increases, debt reduction, co-parenting consciously, building healthier relationships, managing conflict intelligently, discovering their natural gifts/talents, prioritizing their health and needs, and cultivating stronger bonds with their children, parents, friends and family.
In addition to being marriage and relationship exit strategist, Tonya is the author of "Divorcing Your Story" and host of the podcast Purposely Thriving.
Connect with Tonya Carter
Website: https://www.tonyacarter.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtonyacarter/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mstonyaspeaks
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mstonyacarter/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyWknAeYLmdbWdMfGcP0tiA
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Welcome to Get to Growing. I want to connect with my listeners more frequently than every other week when full new episodes of Grown and Growing drop. I have a lot of great interviews coming up on important topics, but it doesn’t give me time for solo episodes. Get to Growing will be short takes - about 5 minutes or so - about small steps to grow or sharing ways I've grown. So full episodes of Grown and Growing will drop on Tuesdays of one week, and a short episode of Get to Growing the next week. Let’s see how it goes, ok?
This week, I'm sharing what I've learned having a birthday on Valentine's Day.
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Most times, it's easy to spot when obstacles are in your way, but are you aware when you are the obstacle? This episode is about getting out of your own way. There are many ways you can become a barrier to your own success or growth. I breakdown a few ways we tend to get in our own way and how we can break the cycle.
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Dr. Lexx talks about why sex positive parenting in a shame-free environment offers more benefits than just educating about the act of sex. It's a discussion benefits both adults -- whether you're a parent or not -- and children.
About My Guest:
Dr. Lexx Brown-James, LMFT, CSE, CSES is a phenomenal sex therapist and sexuality educator who created The Institute for Sexuality & Intimacy, LLC where she features her education skills, therapy services, keynotes, research and sex positivity training for caregivers. She has a best-selling children’s book These are My Eyes, This is My Nose, This is My Vulva, These are My Toes that is also featured in a curriculum for kindergarteners and first graders in the New York City School District.
Dr. Lexx also serves on the board of The American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) and is primed to be the first Black woman president of the organization in 2024. She has been featured on podcasts like NPR, ScaryMommy, Therapy for Black Girls, and New York Pix 11 news. Her column, Better Sex with Dr. Lexx for SheKnows has been picked up numerous times by yahoo.com and other news outlets. Dr. Lexx has been featured in articles from MindBodyGreen, Essence Magazine, BuzzFeed, and The American Journal of Family Physicians.
Connect with Dr. Lexx:Website: lexxsexdoc.com
Instagram: @lexxsexdoc
Facebook: @lexxsexdoc
LinkedIn: @lexxsexdoc
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Plastic surgery isn't taboo - and hasn't been for a while. It's not uncommon to see a curvy woman and wonder “did she or didn’t she?” I have no problem with women (or men) who decide to have work done. I’m a part of the do you crew.
If you’re considering or just curious, this episode is for you. I’m joined by board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Chukwuemeka Onyewu @therealdr.o, and I asked as many questions as possible.
This was fun.
About My Guest:
Dr. Chukwuemeka Onyewu, aka Dr.O, is a seasoned surgeon who has successfully performed thousands of procedures for patients seeking to enhance their beauty, correct defects, or improve function. As owner of Jamachi Plastic Surgery and Medispa in Maryland, Dr. Onyewu is one of the nation’s leading plastic and reconstructive surgeons.
Born in Washington, DC, Dr. Onyewu graduated from Boston University cum laude at the age of 19. He then attended Boston University School of Medicine as a Commonwealth Scholar, completed his general surgery residency at Howard University Hospital, and completed his plastic surgery fellowship at Georgetown University Hospital.
Dr. Onyewu has a special interest in body sculpting using liposuction and fat transfer and breast surgery, including augmentations, reductions, lifts, and reconstruction for breast cancer.
Connect with Dr. O.
@therealdr.o
Jamachi.com
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In this bite-sized episode, I’m checking-in to wish you a happy new year, share my intention for 2024, and let you know what’s in store for January!
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At 43 years old, Devine Overton @welltrainedhair, decided it was time to follow her passion: healthy hair! Now as a licensed cosmetologist she’s making plans to pivot from her career as a financial analyst for the FAA.
We talk about her decision to do what she loves…and about all things HAIR. Relaxers. Braids not being a protective style (huh?). Is healthy hair genetic? We discuss a lot.
About My Guest:
Devine Overton has been a full-time financial analyst for FAA for 20+ years and recently pivoted into cosmetology in the Washington DC Metro. Devine owns and operates Well Trained Hair, a healthy hair-conscious brand devoted to helping women of color proudly embrace their hair, whether chemically straight or natural, by implementing simple, healthy hair practices.
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If you've been feeling stuck, this is your sign that it's time to do something about it. Whether it's your career, relationship, or personal development, you owe it to yourself to get UNSTUCK.
My guest this week, certified professional coach, Daniela de la Piedra, specialized in helping people transition to a more fulfilled life.
Life will sometimes get you stuck. You owe it to yourself not to stay there too long.
About My Guest:
Daniela de la Piedra is an attorney and Certified Professional Coach. For 13 years, Daniela represented low-income seniors in Washington, DC in public benefits and Social Security cases at Legal Counsel for the Elderly, an affiliate of AARP.
At the height of the pandemic, Daniela left her legal career and launched Everyday Daniela Professional Coaching Services. Daniela is a helper at heart and now runs a coaching practice dedicated to helping busy professionals take positive and sustainable action to create a more joyful and fulfilling life. Daniela works with private 1:1 clients and presents trainings and workshops to companies and organizations.
Daniela received coach training through the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). She is trained in the proprietary Core Energy Coaching methodology, which empowers people to dig deeply, honestly, and objectively into their energy and unconscious thought patterns, to assess who they are, and who they want to become, at any given moment. Daniela helps her clients establish and achieve new goals, raise their level of awareness, and open up to new possibilities. The result is sustainable, long-lasting transformation.
Daniela holds a BA from the University of Virginia, a JD from American University, Washington College of Law, and a MPA from George Mason University. She also holds a Certified Professional Coach Certification from iPEC. She lives in Gaithersburg, MD with her husband and two young children.
Website: www.everydaydaniela.com
Instagram: @everydaydanielacoaching
LinkedIn: Daniela de la Piedra
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While student loans are easy to get, they aren’t easy to understand or easy to pay off. It doesn’t help that interest rates keep the balance growing despite consistent payments.
It is predatory and unfair.
Natalie Jean-Baptiste (@slaystudentloandebt), a wellness advocate and student loan relief attorney, who got her start by getting her own $120,000 in student loans discharged in bankruptcy. Today, she helps other borrowers manage and eliminate their student loans.
We talk about bankruptcy, the new loan repayment programs, loan forgiveness, and one-time account adjustments, and so much more.
About My Guest:
Natalie Jean-Baptiste is a financial wellness advocate who works with student loan borrowers to manage and eliminate debt.
Prior to launching her consumer bankruptcy practice, Natalie worked for many years in the music industry where she handled various contracts for superstar acts like Alicia Keys & Janet Jackson. Her personal struggle with student loan debt led her to become a bankruptcy attorney.
After nearly a decade in private practice, Natalie joined The Legal Aid Society as a Staff Attorney where she represents low-income New Yorkers burdened with debt. Natalie is committed to economic empowerment and advocacy for student loan borrowers. She has had a lot of success with discharging student debt in bankruptcy, which is notoriously difficult to do.
Natalie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Fordham University, where she majored in Communication and Media Studies and minored in Business Administration, and her J.D. from New York Law School. When she’s not advocating for student loan borrowers, Natalie enjoys event planning, the beach, matcha lattes, 90s R&B, traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Connect with Natalie:
Website: slaystudentloandebt.com
LinkedIn: Natalie Jean-Baptiste
Instagram: @slaystudentloandebt
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I share a few key life experiences that shaped my perceptions and philosophies about money. Share how my money management style has evolved, leading me to feel the most comfortable, confident, and secure with money than I’ve ever been in my life.
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We live in a chaotic world. That’s why I feel it’s the perfect time to have my next guest, Celine Kheir @celine_kheir_, on the pod to talk about how we can relieve ourselves of overthinking, procrastination and anxiety.
Celine takes us through her journey and shares techniques on how she achieved a calm mind, which is detailed fully in her book “How to Calm Your Mind: The Ultimate Guide to Overcome Overthinking, Procrastination and Anxiety.”
About My Guest:
Celine Kheir is the founder of Celine Kheir Life Coaching, the author of How to Calm Your Mind and Declutter Your Home, Declutter Your Life, and an advocate of female empowerment through self-care. In the past, Celine was trapped in a cycle of overthinking, procrastination, and anxiety. As an overthinker, she was obsessed with planning every detail of her life. Procrastination prevented her from carrying out her plans and when plans failed, anxiety and depression took over. The sheer weight of her anxiety caused her heart to pound and made it hard to breathe.
Celine explored various tools and techniques to start calming her mind and took back control of her life. By taking what she has learned from her personal life and combining it with her professional training and qualifications, Celine wants other women to gain the same empowerment as they discover the root causes of their chaotic minds, reveal their inner strengths, find inner peace, and lead a fulfilling life.
Connect with Celine Kheir:https://www.celinekheir.com/pages/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celine_kheir_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091482481916
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/281194654001257
Buy book: How to Calm Your Mind: The Ultimate Guide to Overcome Overthinking, Procrastination and Anxiety
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The way life is setup, sometimes it can feel like you spend all of your time reacting to what life throws at you - instead of building the life that you want.
It is difficult, but entirely possible to design your life on your terms. It involves vision, persistence and the ability to pivot.
My guest, Yadira Santana-Dowling @myintentionaljoy has handcrafted a life that she loves, despite the challenges. We talk about how she has done it, and provide inspiration and some practical steps for you to do it too.
About My Guest:
Yadira Santana-Dowling, M.A.
Yadira is a Director of Strategy & DEI, well versed in the areas of branding and strategic communications, having led strategies for almost 20 years for clients such as: AARP, The Lincoln Motor Company, Dunkin’ Donuts, Walgreens, SCJohnson, Verizon & Buick. Winning awards and recognition for her work, most recently having won an Effie Award for having developed strategies for AARP’s Multicultural Response to COVID-19, she has provided expert analysis and consultation for various national and global brands.
She is passionate about building meaningful relationships between brands and people, and has extensive expertise in the US Hispanic and Urban markets. Yadira is the author of "The Four Day Creative Brief" and an effective communicator with affinity for training, developing talent and passionate about diversifying minds and places.
Having earned her bachelor of science in organizational behavior management from the Miami University of Ohio, a master’s degree in strategic planning from the Virginia Commonwealth University Brandcenter, and most recently teaching at the Miami Ad School in Punta Cana, DR, her keen insight and understanding help broaden her ability to teach from experience in an easy and approachable way.
A native of the Dominican Republic, Yadira resides in Miramar, FL while doing the work she is most proud of - raising her three children: Josiah, Joshua and Eden, alongside her husband Elvin.
Interested in crafting your own life of intentional joy? Sign up to be the first to know when her new guided journal “Journey to Joy” launches later this month.
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This week, I’m making the case for quitting…anything. That job. That friendship. That relationship. That diet.
Some things are not worth “toughing it out.”
I break it down in this episode.
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This week, #GrownAndGrowingPodcast welcomes S e x Therapist and Pleasure Coach, ChantaBlue (nj_sextherapist).
I started this podcast for women who are interested in evolving, discovering more about themselves, and becoming freer in all aspects of life. It’ couldn’t be ‘grown and growing’ without conversations about sexuality, intimacy and pleasure.
There are so many layers to this subject, and we start to peel some of those layers back in this conversation with Chanta.
About My Guest
Chanta Blue is an author, speaker and certified s e x therapist. She specializes in working with women of color, and people in romantic relationships who are interested in improving their self-esteem, experiencing sexual difficulties, premarital counseling, and exploring BDSM/kink and consensual non-monogamous relationship styles. She is the Co-Founder and Director of Therapeutic Services at Blue Counseling & Wellness Center, a nutrition and mental health wellness center aimed at empowering, educating, supporting, and guiding those who are looking to transform their lives. She has been featured and worked with several brands including Well + Good, XONecole, Shape, Bustle and Netflix.
Connect with Chanta:
IG: @NJ_SexTherapist
IG: @BlueWellnessCtrNJ
FB: Blue Counseling & Wellness Center
FB: Chanta Blue, LCSW, CST
Websites:
www.BlueWellnessCenter.com
bit.ly/forcoloredgirlsbook
Chanta's Recommendations:
fetlife.com
Love's Not Color Blind: Race and Representation in Polyamorous and Other Alternative Communities
Playing Well with Others: Your Field Guide to Discovering, Exploring and Navigating the Kink, Leather and BDSM Communities
The Color of Kink: Black Women, BDSM, and Pornography
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Confidence. It’s a trait that I’ve pondered over so many times in my life. I’ve read books on it. Took trainings on it. Talked about it in therapy. Prayed about it.
In this episode, I’m breaking down what I believe are the three layers of confidence, and how we can tap into each layer individually or collectively to get through any stage of life.
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Mid-life means you're also mid-career. In this episode, I bring my friends Yadira Santana-Dowling, Roberta Hatchett, and Emanuel Basnight back to discuss nearly 25 years of working in our careers. We share lessons and insights that will hopefully take us into the next 20 years -- whatever that happens to look like.
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My previous weight loss attempts were based in vanity. I wanted to fit into a specific size and look good in my clothes. I was chasing the 20-something version of myself.
This year, though, I FELT like crap. My blood pressure was borderline high. And I was tired of trying different diets.
Then I met Coach Netra Shettleworth, owner of Butterfly Transformation Nutrition Coaching, and decided to try something different.
This week, Coach Netra and I talk about my experience doing her 15-week nutrition and wellness plan.
Connect with Coach Netra:
IG: @nutritionwithnetra
FB: @nutritionwithnetra
Website: https://www.nutritiontransformed.com
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There a lots reasons people fail at new ventures, goals and hobbies. One reason I feel gets overlooked is consistency. This week I'm revisiting an episode that first ran last year about consistency's vital link to success.
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This week, I’m talking divorce 💔 with my guest, attorney Sondra Douglas, a family law and personal injury attorney.
While I know a lot of people who are divorced, I wanted to have this conversation with someone who has seen many divorces up close. Based on her experience, Sondra shares insights that may help those considering divorce or who are trying to avoid it.
Sondra has been practicing for over 20 years and shares her perspective on all the hot button issues that come up during divorce.
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This week, we're revisiting episode 1: Fear After 40. Though I recored this episode a year and a half ago, I needed to hear it again. It reminded me I have blueprint to move past fear... and sometimes - even at this big age of 45 - I need to be reminded. Hopefully, it will bless you like it blessed me.
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We're all familiar with the saying the only constant is change. This is true, but knowing this doesn't help deal with the changes that life throws our way. Now that I'm older, I'm trying to deal with life changes in a completely different way. It doesn't mean the process is less difficult or stressful -- I just have better coping mechanisms. Today, I'm sharing.
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Did you know that 1 out of 2 adults admit that they're lonely on a regular basis -- and this was before the pandemic. Why is this? There's so much time spent dissecting and critiquing romantic relationships, but do we place enough value on platonic relationships? I'm talking about it on this episode.
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Plastic surgery isn't taboo - and hasn't been for awhile. It's not uncommon to see a curvy woman and wonder “did she or didn’t she?” I have no problem with women (or men) who decide to have work done. I’m a part of the do you crew.
If you’re considering or just curious, this episode is for you. I’m joined by board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Chukwuemeka Onyewu @therealdr.o, and I asked as many questions as possible.
This was fun.
About My Guest:
Dr. Chukwuemeka Onyewu, aka Dr.O, is a seasoned surgeon who has successfully performed thousands of procedures for patients seeking to enhance their beauty, correct defects, or improve function. As owner of Jamachi Plastic Surgery and Medispa in Maryland, Dr. Onyewu is one of the nation’s leading plastic and reconstructive surgeons.
Born in Washington, DC, Dr. Onyewu graduated from Boston University cum laude at the age of 19. He then attended Boston University School of Medicine as a Commonwealth Scholar, completed his general surgery residency at Howard University Hospital, and completed his plastic surgery fellowship at Georgetown University Hospital.
Dr. Onyewu has a special interest in body sculpting using liposuction and fat transfer and breast surgery, including augmentations, reductions, lifts, and reconstruction for breast cancer.
Connect with Dr. O.
@therealdr.o
Jamachi.com
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I have a front row seat watching my sister’s, Sharon @shaydplace, journey with sickle cell. Today, she’s sharing HER story on the pod. This episode is personal. But I wouldn’t share it if I didn’t think it would help someone in some way. Her resilience and self advocacy are inspiring.
This episode, I’m in conversation with my sister as well as NIH physician scientist, Dr. Nicole Farner, and Professor and biologist, Dr. Fatimah Jackson. We talk about sickle cell - what it is, its origins, and the healing power of plants to help manage symptoms.
It’s a great conversation for anyone, but if you know someone with sickle cell, please share with them.
About My Guests
Dr. Fatimah JacksonDr. Fatimah Jackson received her Ph.D., M.A., and B.A. from Cornell University. Her doctoral dissertation research was on The Relationship of Certain Genetic Traits to the Incidence and Intensity of Malaria in Liberia, West Africa. She has conducted research on and is particularly interested in: human-plant coevolution and population substructure in peoples of African descent. Trained as a human biologist, Dr. Jackson has published extensively in journals and her research has been funded by multiple organizations. Jackson has taught at Cornell University, University of California - Berkeley, University of Florida, University of Maryland - College Park, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and now at Howard University.
Dr. Nicole FarmerDr. Nicole Farmer is currently a Physician Scientist at the NIH Clinical Center and the Acting Section Chief of the Dietary Behaviors and Biopsychosocial Health Section. Dr. Farmer is involved in both community-based and patient research exploring the role of cooking in chronic disease prevention and psychosocial health. Prior to joining the NIH, she was a well-established primary care clinician and routinely engaged her patients in nutrition education through cooking classes.
Dr. Farmer is an alumnus of Howard University College of Medicine, received her internal medicine training from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, and held a prior appointment at Johns Hopkins University Hospital. She has also completed fellowship training in Integrative Medicine from University of Arizona and Duke University. In addition, Dr. Farmer was named a Harvard Macy Fellow in 2021 for her work on incorporating humanities into culinary medicine education and research.
Sharon Martin
Mom. Wife. Sister. Friend. Sickle Cell Warrior. At 48 years old, Sharon has learned to thrive with her sickle-beta thalassemia diagnosis.
Sickle Cell Study: Dietary Intake and Dietary Behaviors in Adults With Sickle Cell DiseaseAbout the Study:https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05170412
To participate, contact: Nicole.Farmer@nih.gov
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Feminine energy and the soft life. What does it mean to you, if anything? There are lots of opinions about whether tapping into your feminine energy is a lost art or hype. I was curious, so I asked Dr. Nicole Monteiro to come on the podcast to discuss.
Dr. Nicole is a licensed psychologist and life coach who teaches women to harness their feminine energy and set boundaries that align with their goals.
She breaks down how women, particularly Black women, can benefit from tapping into their feminine energy to achieve the life they want. We also delve into the soft life and softer communication.
This was a great conversation, and Dr. Nicole seems to practice what she preaches.
About My Guest:Dr. Nicole Monteiro is a licensed psychologist, life transformation coach, and author/speaker. After her own run-in with burnout, she decided to take her message of holistic well-being to a wider audience. After years of working with women from diverse backgrounds as a therapist, she branched out to teaching in higher education, writing, training, and public speaking.
Dr. inspires people from all walks of life to take care of their mental health and live fulfilling lives. Dr. Monteiro earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Howard University. She has trained at Columbia University, Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma, and the Washington School of Psychiatry.
Connect with Dr. Nicole:
@iamdrnicole
Boundaries to Bliss Society
Center for Healing and Development
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Think back: how did you learn about “the birds and bees”? Would you teach your kids in the same way? Or, do you want to do something different? I think we live in a world that REQUIRES a different approach. And that’s where Dr. Lexx comes in.
In this episode, Dr. Lexx talks about why s e x positive parenting in a shame-free environment provides so much more than learning about the act itself. I learned so much, and I’m sure you will too.
About My Guest:
Dr. Lexx Brown-James, LMFT, CSE, CSES is a phenomenal sex therapist and sexuality educator who created The Institute for Sexuality & Intimacy, LLC where she features her education skills, therapy services, keynotes, research and sex positivity training for caregivers. She has a best-selling children’s book These are My Eyes, This is My Nose, This is My Vulva, These are My Toes that is also featured in a curriculum for kindergarteners and first graders in the New York City School District.
Dr. Lexx also serves on the board of The American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) and is primed to be the first Black woman president of the organization in 2024. She has been featured on podcasts like NPR, ScaryMommy, Therapy for Black Girls, and New York Pix 11 news. Her column, Better Sex with Dr. Lexx for SheKnows has been picked up numerous times by yahoo.com and other news outlets. Dr. Lexx has been featured in articles from MindBodyGreen, Essence Magazine, BuzzFeed, and The American Journal of Family Physicians.
Connect with Dr. Lexx:Website: lexxsexdoc.com
IG: @lexxsexdoc
FB: @lexxsexdoc
LI: @lexxsexdoc
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Wills and estate plans aren’t just for wealthy people. This. Is. A. MYTH. 67% of all Americans - and 77% of Black people - die with no will or estate plan, and there are so many unintended consequences to this decision.
This episode I’m talking to Sahmra A. Stevenson (@officewithoutwalls), an attorney and founder of Stevenson Law Offices, about the basics of estate planning.
About My Guest:Sahmra A. Stevenson is the founder and CEO of S.A. Stevenson Law Offices, with offices located in Columbia, Maryland, where she and her staff are focused on fighting for happy families one day at a time. Sahmra approaches her work with a philosophy that whole and complete families begin with whole and complete people. Her practice focuses on the areas of family law litigation, trusts & estates, and business law and formation. In 2016, Sahmra launched Wills On Wheels, Inc., the first mobile and virtual estate planning business model in Maryland.
Sahmra has received several awards and accolades, including an induction into the Maryland Bar Foundation in 2014. She has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers for both Maryland and the District of Columbia every year since 2016. The Super Lawyers Rising Stars list recognizes no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state.
Connect with Sahmra A. Stevenson:
Website: saslawoffices.com
FB: sastevensonlawoffices
IG: @officewithoutwalls
Phone: 301-795-2728
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As women, there is no shortage of things that we worry about. But we’re no good to others if we’re not at the top of the list. On the podcast, I talk a lot about being in a good mental space, but our physical health is just as important.
In this episode, I’m talking to Dr. Nicole Farmer, NIH physician scientist and internal medicine doctor, about women’s health and how we can ensure we’re health-conscious.
And because she’s a researcher, I ask her about the importance of medical research, and how history prevents Black Americans from fully benefiting from clinical advancements.
About My Guest:Dr. Nicole Farmer is currently a Physician Scientist at the NIH Clinical Center and the Acting Section Chief of the Dietary Behaviors and Biopsychosocial Health Section. Dr. Farmer is involved in both community-based and patient research exploring the role of cooking in chronic disease prevention and psychosocial health. Prior to joining the NIH, she was a well-established primary care clinician and routinely engaged her patients in nutrition education through cooking classes.
Dr. Farmer is an alumnus of Howard University College of Medicine, received her internal medicine training from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, and held a prior appointment at Johns Hopkins University Hospital. She has also completed fellowship training in Integrative Medicine from University of Arizona and Duke University. In addition, Dr. Farmer was named a Harvard Macy Fellow in 2021 for her work on incorporating humanities into culinary medicine education and research.
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Spoiler alert: There's no cheat code...at least not for a sustainable healthy lifestyle.
Okay, now that we got that out of the way, in this episode Coach Netra explains what it really takes to have a healthy, sustainable lifestyle, which leads to weight loss and many other benefits. She knows as she has been walking the talk for over 20 years. This episode is full of gems.
About My Guest:
Arnetra Shettleworth, was born and raised in Miami, FL and now resides in the city of Orlando. She is a graduate of the University of Florida, with an MBA from Nova Southeastern University and a Certified Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach. She has had an extensive corporate career in both Retail and Healthcare. However, her passion and mission lie in helping others reach their personal health and performance goals.
As a Nutrition Coach, Arnetra has been able to advise a diverse range of clients. She has assisted Executive women and men wanting to improve their overall health, reduce disease risk, have better and more sustained energy, while helping them fall back in love with the person they see in the mirror!
Her mission is to help clients reach their goals through lifestyle behavior modifications that include: stress management, sleep, consistent exercise and fitness regimen, while establishing a realistic relationship with food. The objective is teaching others how to achieve the health, performance, and physique they aspire to have, while eating in a sustainable way for a lifetime.
Through her company, Butterfly Transformation Nutrition Coaching, she helps clients live and perform at their best!
Connect with Coach Netra:Instagram
Facebook
Butterfly Transformation Nutrition Coaching
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To celebrate one year of podcasting, I reflect on what I learned on this journey. Hopefully it helps someone who wants to start something new.
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This is a special episode in two ways. First, it marks the last episode in my first year of podcasting. Second, I’m in conversation with the person who challenged me to launch this podcast, Professional Coach Deborah McIver.
This conversation is a sneak peak into what one-to-one coaching is like - in case you’re considering it - and it’s also the origin story of the Grown and Growing Podcast. It’s a good one!
About My Guest:
Deborah McIver is the founder and CEO of McIver Enterprises/CORE Concept Consulting. She’s a self-described maverick who is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of others in the areas of business consulting and professional coaching.
She has spent the last 25 years of her career developing professionals in the areas of business consulting, strategic planning, leadership development, sales performance and training, personal development, financial management – and she is more passionate than ever.
Previously, Deborah has led an impressive career at American Home Mortgage as a top mortgage banking and sales management executive for 16 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Morgan State University.
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For many years, I looked forward to setting New Year's resolutions. I loved picking new goals for the year, and working to bring them to fruition. But cut to mid 2022, and my hectic personal and professional life had caught up to me.
In this episode, I discuss what I'm choosing instead of outlining a list of SMART goals to accomplish in 2023.
Sign up for free, virtual Monday Morning Meditation with Ase Yoga and Meditation:
aseyogaflow.com
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Yoga. It was something I avoided because it was hard and slow and I felt awkward. Now that I’m older the slow, stretching and stability aspects of yoga appeal to me. But I still didn’t have a place where I felt comfortable.
In comes Kia Lee (@yogab4tacos), a new yoga instructor whose approach to yoga seems to be exactly what I need in this period of my life.
In this episode, Kia talks about her style of yoga and meditation, and her new studio, Ase’ Yoga and Meditation. I asked a lot and learned a lot.
About My Guest
Kia's love for yoga has spanned for over fifteen years, and it was at Sankofa Yoga and Wellness Center located in Laurel, Maryland, where she completed her 200-Hour Certification.
Kia's vision is to promote all aspects of a journey to wellness, while highlighting indigenous self-care tools that helps bring balance and ease into our daily lives. She uses compassion and playfulness to help others build awareness and self-confidence. Her classes are closely linked to music, which guides you to move and flow fluidly.
Off the mat, Kia loves to participate in community outreach, travel, read, listen to music, and discover new resale and vintage boutiques locally and abroad.
Ase' Yoga and Meditation: aseyogaflow.com
Kia's recommendations for quality yoga mats:
Liforme Yoga Mat
Jade Yoga Mat
Manduka Yoga Mat
Lululemon Yoga Mat
Gaiam Yoga Mat
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Confession: I am not a wine lover. But my guests on today’s episode want to change my mind about that. #MoniqueColeman, a certified sommelier, and #RobertaHatchett, a bohemian lifestyle curator, are the owners of VinBoheme, a wine and decor shop based in Washington, DC.
I’ll be honest, I walked away from our conversation with a greater appreciation for the “art” of drinking wine. It was fun and I learned so much.
This episode starts with a great discussion and ends with a mini-wine tasting.
About My Guests:VinBohême is based in Washington, D.C. and owned by two women of color. The concept of “Vin” represents our love of good wine and “Bohême” is the easeful home life we all desire and deserve. We offer select wines and accessories that make for a warm and inviting home, and feature women, BIPOC and sustainable/low intervention wine and décor makers. Each item is personally selected by us and can be found on our website vinboheme.com.
Monique Copelandis co-owner and resident certified sommelier of VinBohême. She is also certified in food and wine pairing and enjoys educating wine lovers looking to elevate their palate with wine at reasonable price points.
Roberta Hatchetthas spent the last 20 years working in marketing and advertising and has decided to add entrepreneur to her resume. She’s both an aficionado of wine and décor, but holds a special passion for making a house (or apartment!) a home.
Wines Featured in Episode:
2018 Scotty Boy Big Tang Syrah
2021 Where’s Linus? Sauvignon Blanc
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Let Target, Walmart and other retailers tell it, the holiday season starts before Halloween. That’s when you’ll see your first Santa sighting.
To me, the holiday season starts with Thanksgiving and goes until New Year’s Day. In this solo episode, I’m talking about the holidays mean to me.
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In my last Girl Chat, it was all about the single ladies. This time I'm talking to a few of my girlfriends about marriage. 👰🏾🤵🏾♂️
The internet is always good for a “hot take” on marriage and relationships, so I’m talking to actual married women about their very real experiences.
Thanks to Sharon (@shaydplace), Erica (@ericageneen) and Nyree (@nywilk) for a great convo.
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After learning about the child and adolescent mental health crisis in the US, I wanted to talk to a clinical expert to learn more and better equip myself with tools for my own children. The conversation is enlightening and helpful. This conversation with Dr. Jari @doctor.jari gave me hope.
About My Guest:
Dr. Jari Santana-Wynn is a child and family therapist, parent coach, international speaker, and certified LGBTQI+ trainer with over 20 years of clinical experience. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Miami University (OH) and has worked in community mental health clinics, hospitals, and schools. Her clinical expertise is focused on child and adolescent mental health, trauma informed care, immigrant mental health, and acculturation stress. Dr. Jari's own experiences as an Afro-Latina immigrant child drive her commitment to culturally competent mental health services for minority communities and make her a tenacious advocate for their social, economic, health care, and educational needs.
Special Offer for Listeners:
For listeners of Grown and Growing, Dr. Jari is offering 50% off of her video series Decolonizing Parenting, a series where Dr. Jari and her sister discuss non-coercive and non-violent parenting strategies that are consistent with the Afro-indigenous child rearing practices of our ancestors.
Visit: https://doctorjari.com/
Use the code: grown&growing
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This week I’m talking with Dionne Watts-Williams @workwithdionne branding messaging consultant and personal branding coach. She helps women figure out how to shine professionally to help them climb the corporate ladder or stand out as an entrepreneur. The conversation is enlightening and real.
Meet My Guest:
As a shy, nervous child, Dionne Watts-Williams hated public speaking - but writing came naturally. Being laid off from her six-figure job when she was five months pregnant and at the height of her corporate career, left her feeling lost and devastated. But that “rock bottom” experience made her rededicate herself to her God-given abilities, and vow to never let anyone take her for granted or cause her to second-guess her worth. Today, as a brand messaging consultant and personal branding coach, Dionne has helped hundreds of brilliant, ambitious Black women CEOs and corporate climbers shed fear and anxiety, confidently share their stories, come out of obscurity, and shine professionally - and in life. She’s discovered that by embracing her inherent gifts, she doesn't have to struggle - and neither do her clients. Learn more about Dionne at www.workwithdionne.com.
Attend Brunching and Branding EventIn every area of life, there are a select few who are designed, called and destined to reach the top faster than anyone else.
Dionne Watts-Williams’ one-day experience, Brunching & Branding, is for that group of people. If you KNOW you were created for more professionally, meet her in Philadelphia, PA for this exclusive VIP training!
You’ll walk away with:
- A deeper understanding of personal branding…
- An irresistible #LinkedIn profile that showcases your dopeness...
- Connecting with other bright CEOs & corporate climbers...
- The five-star treatment with catered brunch, mimosas, door prizes, and TWO free professional headshots...
- ... and leveling up in your industry
It's going down Saturday, November 12, 2022.
More at www.brunchingandbranding.com.
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I'm happy to talk with Dr. Jennifer Edwards (@drjennewards) about planning for retirement. I recently learned that women, on average, have 30% less income in retirement than men.
So it's an important conversation. Dr. Edwards offers great perspective and tools to help women prepare to have the retirement they want.
FREE TOOLS:
Dr. Edwards wants you to prioritize retirement and that starts with looking at your finances today. Go to her website JenniferJEdwards.com to get your free budget and vacation planner.
About My GuestDr. Jennifer Edwards helps high-performing women leaders protect and secure their finances. As a fourth-generation business owner and third-generation financial professional, she is an advocate for economic equity and safer savings strategies for marginalized women. An expert in strategy and training, she is happy to sit down or virtually review your financial plans with personalized care. Jennifer has managed a multi-million dollar portfolio serving communities throughout her career. She earned a PhD from Howard University, an MBA as a working mom from Walden University, and BS from Florida A&M. You are welcome to join her for a hike or yoga session anytime you're in Dallas where she lives with her husband and two children.
This was a fun episode. I learned so much…and revealed a couple of my craziest beauty faux pas. We often tout the natural beauty and longevity of melanated skin, but there are things we can do to ensure that the magic is maintained as we grow older.
Joy @Joyofbeautybrand is so informative and breaks down the ways we can properly care for our skin. All the resources she mentioned are in the show notes.
Listen and I promise you’ll learn something new.
About My GuestJoy Johnson is a renowned beauty expert in the Washington, DC area. Joy is a multi-licensed beauty professional and sole proprietor of Nails & Faces of Joy, LLC, the parent company of Joy of Beauty™, a diabetic-friendly body care line.
Joy has been in the beauty business since 2007 and is a licensed esthetician, global educator and licensed nail technician, specializing in diabetic pedicures. For the last 11 years, she has lectured, spoken, and managed conferences domestically and internationally for clients like Sally’s Beauty Group and Salon Centric as well as Ardell Lashes, Gigi Wax, China Glaze Nail Polish, Refectocil, and many others.
Resources from Episode
Market Place: BlkGrn (natural beauty products)
Sunscreen: Black Girl Sunscreen
DMV Esthetician: ICFacesBeauty.com
DMV Dermatologist: drcherifrey.com/
FREE SHIPPING from Sept 20- Sept 30 at Joy of Beauty™ Joyofbeautybrand.com Use Code: GROWNANDGROWING
This week, I’m excited to have Jenna Lockett as a guest. She is an incredible interior designer and is the founder of Heaven Sent Design & Decor. She literally transformed my last house from drab to fab.
About Jenna Lockett
Jenna Lockett is an interior designer and founder of Heaven Sent Design & Décor. She takes pride in her ability to transform spaces by bringing ideas, concepts, and inspiration to life. Jenna has a keen eye for creating awe-inspiring surroundings while finding creative ways to help budget-conscious clients design their dream spaces. Her detail-oriented, client-focused approach makes her flexible and fun to work with. Jenna’s personal design style is a balance of modern contemporary, with a flair of the eclectic, natural materials, and bold colors. When not working, you can find her spending quality time with her husband, working out, or enjoying her friends and the San Diego sunshine.
Connect with Jenna:
Website: www.heavensentdecor.com
IG: @heavensentdesign
FB: @heavensentdesigndecor
YT: Heaven Sent Design & Decor
LinkedIn: Jenna Lockett
This week, I'm back with a solo episode, and I'm talking about being 'comfy and cozy' in my own skin. It's a journey that many women reach in their 40s. I talk about what that looks like for me, and how I arrived at this space.
In this episode, I’m talking to three single women in their 40s about dating. There are a lot of (ahem) opinions about how women over a certain age should date, but I wanted to hear directly from women about their experiences. I'm glad they were open to share. It's a great discussion.
About My Guests:
Roberta Hatchet is a marketing veteran who decided to pivot to celebrate her love for wine and interior design. She started VinBoheme (@vinboheme), a wine and home goods retailer that honors women and minority-owned wine makers and designers.
Joy Sutton is a former TV journalist and current talk show host, with over 20 years of media experience. She hosts “Addiction Talk,” a Facebook Live show, and serves as the director of corporate communications for a national company. Joy is also a certified life and media coach, and has her own media consultancy, Sutton Impact, LLC (@joysuttonmedia)
Myranda Stephens (@myrandastephens) is a former reporter turned REALTOR® with a passion for people! For more than 12 years, she’s helped others tell their stories in the world of television news. Since 2016, she has successfully helped buyers and sellers write the next chapter of their lives in their new home.
This week, I'm in conversation with Maya Guy -- stay-at-home mom of five, wife, and founder of the 200,000+ member Facebook group, Suburban Women for the People -- a Black-women led space where ALL women are celebrated and uplifted. The group was started for women who support (then Senator and VP nominee) Kamala Harris, but it has evolved.
Maya uses her voice and platform to educate and shine a light on racial inequity, gender inequality and the plight of marginalized people in this county. Basically, she’s helping people become better humans, and doing her part to save our democracy. Lastly, she is an elected member of her County's School Board.
For parents, it’s a rite of passage: raising teenagers! For the parents who are past this stage, you deserve your flowers. To the rest of us, may the odds forever be in our favor.
This week, I am asking all of the questions to help understand teens. My goal is not to just “get through” this stage, but to forge meaningful, lasting connections with my son and daughter.
If you have teens in your life, you don’t want to skip this episode.
About My Guest:
Amanda Morgan-Henry, LCSW-C (@daughtersofwinnie) is a licensed clinical social worker and creative visionary with a passion for growing competent liberation-focused social workers.
With 20 years of experience in various areas of social work practice, her expertise with parents and teens primarily come through working with foster youth and in her former therapy practice. Currently, she is a PhD student in social work, and her research interests include African-centered approaches to parenting in Black families and the elevation of Black motherhood.
A 40-something B-more girl, Amanda loves herbal tea and swanky office supplies, and adores being an auntie.
Author, Eveyln Logan, talks about her new children's book On the Streets of Ondo, and her 20-year journey to finally pursue the career that aligned with her purpose and brings her joy.
About Evelyn Logan
Evelyn is a Nigerian American storyteller and author of the new children’s book, On the Streets of Ondo. Evelyn enjoys everything about her culture and loves the idea that her books could be a child’s first introduction to Nigerian and African culture. Evelyn is passionate about improving literacy, education, and mental health – and when she writes, it is with these things in mind. She loves writing for children, but also enjoys screenwriting. When she is not writing, she enjoys meditating, yoga, teaching, spending time with family, reading, and traveling.
To get your copy of On the Streets of Ondo and book resources, go to evelynloganwrites.com
Connect with Evelyn Logan:
FB – @evelynloganwrites
IG – @evelynloganwrites
Twitter – @evelynloganwrts
It's been awhile, but I'm back with a solo episode. I'm talking about how critical consistency is to success, but how it's a struggle to maintain during the various seasons of life. Specifically, I talk about my commitment to this podcast, and the steps to make sure I remain consistent - even when I'm exhausted, busy, traveling, unsure...
No doubt it's easier to be more of your authentic self in the workplace, particularly for POC. But everyone's comfort level is different and microaggressions are still a thing. What's the right balance? Is code-switching still a thing? Do DEI initiatives, designed to make this easier, actually work?
This week, three of my friends and colleagues joined me to discuss these questions and more. They have 20+ years of branding, marketing and communications experience, and are small business owners.
Emanuel Basnight, is the owner of two companies aligned with spiritual wellness: BrandsbyBashight (@brandsbybasnight), a handmade herbal skincare company, and Bless The Roads (@blessed.theroads) , a spiritual goods company devoted to black spirituality.
Yadira Santana-Dowling is a director of strategy at a Miami ad agency and the owner of Inspira Communications (@insparacommunications). She is passionate about building meaningful relationships between brands and people, particularly in US Hispanic and Urban markets.
Roberta Hatchett is a marketing veteran who decided to pivot to celebrate her love for wine and interior design. She started VinBoheme (@vinboheme), a wine and home goods retailer that honors women and minority-owned wine makers and designers.
Intro - 00 - 7:30
Bozoma Saint John Netflix Exit- 7:30
Is authenticity at work possible and sustainable? - 18:30
How much of yourself do you bring to work? - 21:45
Code-switching - 32:45
Do DEI initiatives work? - 46:45
HoneyPot - 1:03:00
Money. Money. Money. One of my favorite topics to discuss. I’ve made my share of financial mistakes, got a financial education, and I’m never going back. In this episode, I’m in conversation with Meltrice Sharp, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and managing partner of Creating Leading Enterprises, an accounting, tax, and business consulting firm. She not only helps businesses retain wealth, but she is also passionate about helping black women do the same.
We discuss:
- Why it’s important for women to feel empowered with money
- Where to start when you’re ready to get your finances in order
- How you should prepare for a recession
- What to do if you’re behind on saving for retirement
Connect with Meltrice:
Instagram: @meltricesharp
This week (just in time for Mother's Day) I'm talking about my motherhood journey. Even though I'm 12 years in, there are times I still feel like a new mom. I share what brings me joy as well as the moments that are hard AF, including that one time I tried to teach my son a lesson and got schooled instead.
Plus, my mom, Linda Cotton, joins me for the second half of the podcast. She shares her experience raising three daughters and what I was like growing up (Lordt).
Where to live. It’s never a decision taken lightly, no matter your age. When your parents need more help as they grow older, is assisted living a part of the plan? After listening to Kelli’s journey, episode 10 Returning the Favor, I wanted to learn more about assisted living. I spoke with Kelly Fields, an Executive Director at an Assisted Living Facility in Maryland, to find out more.
In this episode, I spoke with my close friend, Kelli Witt, about how she is caring for her mother after a serious health diagnosis. It’s an act of love that is also complicated, hard to navigate and stressful. Have you discussed with your parents or loved one about their wishes for their later years? Have you thought about it for your future self? My hope is that Kelli's story will help.
There is nothing like a solid tribe who is there to hold you down. Who makes up your tribe? If it only consists of family and close friends, listen to my take on why and how you should expand it. There are layers to this!
If you're 40 and over, you've probably thought about menopause at least once - even if it was fleeting and you've refused to think about it again. I'm right there with you. But every day brings us closer to the inevitable, so let's face it together. Luckily, there are experts like Sharee McCants, a health professional turned menopause coach, to help us along the way. In my first real conversation about menopause, Sharee answers breaks down the stages of menopause and answers our questions. Let's get into it.
In episode 4: Gimme a Break, I spoke making room in my life to prioritize my needs, wants and desires. Outsourcing some aspects of cleaning, cooking and laundry were a part of helping me meet that goal. While prioritizing yourself is a necessity, it doesn't come without some discomfort -- for you and those around you. In this episode, I talk about what keeps us stuck in a harmful cycle of putting ourselves last, and the tools we need to break that cycle. Let's talk about it.
In this episode, I talk to the fabulous Lerkia Lee, owner of Modage Style (Where Modern Meets Vintage). Modage Style is based in Washington, DC, and is an online vintage boutique, personal lifestyle management and style concierge service firm that specializes in curated and reconstructed vintage fashion for modern day wear.
We talk about shopping ethically, the importance of vintage fashion in a fast fashion world, tips on how to dress for your body, and the foundations of building a wardrobe.
After two years of craziness, it's time to reevaluate some things in my life. In 2022, I am retiring my superwoman cape to prioritize myself. In this episode, I discuss three things I'm giving up in the pursuit of more joy.
The cost of college continues to rise at a rapidly and there's a serious student loan crisis. So, what’s the average parent to do if you weren’t born with a silver spoon or don’t have a fat 529 plan? Well, I say I am not paying for my kids to go to college. Find out what I mean in this episode.
In the first episode, I talked about my own journey with fear. In this bonus episode, I talk to my bestie, Myranda Stephens, one of the most "fearless" people I know. She's been a news anchor, started a chef service and now's she's building her real estate empire. We discuss why she's not afraid to pivot and how she manages fear.
Fear is present in everyone's life. In big and small ways. Overt and disguised. In this episode, I talk about the fears that hold us back from our highest level of being and doing. For me, after I turned 40, fear hit different...and I talk about it.
Sonia Hamlin is a mom, wife, and professional in her mid-40s. In a world that centers young voices and viewpoints, she talks about relationships, health, finances, career and everything in between from the perspective of a black woman who is both grown and growing.