The Motif Podcast: Recent Episodes
Shanetta McDonald
Feel connected to women of color who are navigating the world just like you on The Motif Podcast. Every week, host and Black creative, Shanetta McDonald will have relatable conversations with women of color, sharing their stories and journeys throughout life, with an emphasis on improving our overall wellness in our mental, physical and spiritual health. We women of color deserve to control our own narrative, and we're starting here.
The holidays can bring up a lot. Food overwhelm, family dynamics, old wounds, and the pressure to be “on” when our bodies are asking for something entirely different. In this episode, I’m sharing my honest experience with holiday gatherings growing up, how Thanksgiving became especially difficult during my eating disorder, and why the season still feels complicated for me today — especially being estranged from my parents and living far from my family.
Whether you love holiday gatherings or dread them, this conversation offers grounded ways to move through the season with more agency and nervous-system peace. I walk you through practical tools to help you support yourself around food, family, and social expectations — from envisioning your ideal holiday, to setting a plan before you walk into a gathering, to honoring your “no” without guilt.
Sign-up for Out-Of-Office: https://luma.com/0cdadd7j
Connect with me:
- Resources: https://www.shanettamcdonald.com/free
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshanettamcdonald/
- Newsletter sign-up: https://shanetta.substack.com/
This week, our guest is someone whose honesty is transforming how we talk about recovery, shame, and self-acceptance.
Laura Cathcart Robbins is the best-selling author of Stash: My Life in Hiding, a memoir about her journey through addiction to alcohol and Ambien, and the courage it took to tell the truth about it. She’s also the host of The Only One in the Room podcast, where she’s shared stories of other voices who’ve felt unseen or alone in their experiences.
In our conversation, Laura and I talk about how storytelling becomes a vehicle for recovery, what self-evolution actually looks like, and why truth-telling can be one of the most healing acts of all.
If you’ve ever felt like you had to keep it together or play a part just to be loved, this episode is for you. Laura’s story is a reminder that freedom begins where hiding ends, and that recovery, in all its forms, starts with radical self-honesty.
Connect with Laura:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauracathcartrobbins/?hl=en
Connect with me:
- Resources: https://www.shanettamcdonald.com/free
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshanettamcdonald/
- Newsletter sign-up: https://shanetta.substack.com/
Today’s guest is someone who isn’t afraid to strip away the fluff and tell the truth about what healing really takes.
Aycee Brown is a psychic channel, Human Design expert, and spiritual guide who’s spent over 15 years helping people dismantle illusion, release conditioning, and reclaim their intuition as their greatest power. She’s the host of Is My Aura On Straight? and the forthcoming author of Embody Your Magic (February 2026), a guide to unlocking your psychic and spiritual gifts.
In our conversation, Aycee and I talk about the dark side of “love and light” spirituality, what real awakening requires, and why manifestation without accountability never lasts. We explore what it means to integrate every part of ourselves — even the messy, uncomfortable ones — so we can stop performing healing and start living it.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the right things but still not feeling free, this episode is your invitation to wake up.
Connect with Aycee:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayceebrown
Pre-order Embody Your Magic
Connect with me:
- Resources: https://www.shanettamcdonald.com/free
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshanettamcdonald/
- Newsletter sign-up: https://shanetta.substack.com/
In this solo episode, I share a story I’ve never told publicly—the moment I realized that being the most prepared, most helpful, most “good” employee still didn’t guarantee being seen.
Years ago, after co-hosting a work event, I found myself blindsided when a vendor lied about my role, and my boss believed them. That experience taught me something powerful about visibility, trust, and what happens when we rely on others to validate us.
In this episode, I unpack what it means to feel unseen at work, how that experience shaped my relationship with self-worth, and why learning to take up space (without apology) is the foundation of my upcoming group program, SEEN.
If you’ve ever felt overlooked or misunderstood in your career, even when you’re doing everything “right,” this conversation is for you.
Sign-up for 1:1 SEEN Coaching Sessions: https://calendly.com/shanetta-mcdonald/beseen
Connect with me:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshanettamcdonald/
- Newsletter sign-up: https://shanetta.substack.com/
- Resources: https://www.shanettamcdonald.com/free
There’s a certain magic in watching someone move as if they’re completely at home in their body. Sammy Picone embodies that magic.
Known worldwide for her distinctive blend of strength and fluidity, Sammy is a pole dancer, instructor, and movement artist who invites people to rediscover confidence, pleasure, and creative freedom through their bodies. Her work has been celebrated by The New York Times, Essence, and Vogue, but more importantly, by the thousands of students who’ve learned from her authenticity and artistry.
Together we talk about the power of sensual movement, what it means to liberate yourself from old narratives, and why embodiment is about much more than physical skill—it’s about coming back to yourself.
Connect with Sammy:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sammypicone/?hl=en
Connect with me:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshanettamcdonald/
- Newsletter sign-up: https://shanetta.substack.com/
- Resources: https://www.shanettamcdonald.com/free
In this solo episode, I’m diving into a question so many of us avoid asking: Am I settling? Whether it’s in your relationships, your career, or the way you show up for yourself, settling can feel safe — but it often means we’re living out of alignment with what we truly want.
I’ll walk you through three powerful questions to help you spot where you might be accepting less than you deserve, and how to shift back into alignment with your worth. We’ll explore why we settle in the first place, how to know if fear is driving your choices, and what it looks like to create space for the life you actually want.
If you’ve been feeling that quiet nudge that there’s more for you, this episode is your reminder. Your body always knows when you’re settling and it’s safe to want more.
Connect with me:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshanettamcdonald/
- Newsletter sign-up: https://shanetta.substack.com/
- Resources: https://www.shanettamcdonald.com/free
What happens when the body asks us to slow down — and we finally listen?
In this episode, I sit down with Arielle Díaz, a Peabody and GLAAD-nominated television writer and producer whose career has spanned Netflix, Prime Video, FOX, and Disney+. She’s also an angel investor, former Googler, and passionate advocate for inclusive wellness.
After stepping away from the grind of a high-performing career to heal from chronic illness, Arielle found herself on a deeper journey—through plant medicine, family constellation therapy, nervous system repair, and reconnecting with her roots in Mexico.
Together we talk about what it really means to pivot from achievement to alignment, the courage it takes to untangle old narratives of worth, and the radical clarity that comes from allowing the body to lead. Arielle’s story is an invitation to honor our rhythms, trust the pauses, and remember that healing is its own form of success.
Connect with Arielle:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/she.is.that/?hl=en
Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshanettamcdonald/
Newsletter sign-up: https://shanetta.substack.com/
Crystal Jones is a licensed therapist, Internal Family Systems (IFS) Trainer, and the founder of Life Source Counseling Center in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Her work creates sacred spaces where BIPOC women can feel truly seen, valued, and supported on their healing journeys.
As an IFS trainer and consultant, Crystal has mentored therapists and practitioners worldwide, guiding them toward deeper self-awareness and inner harmony. She is also a clinical supervisor, Master Reiki Practitioner, and advocate for holistic healing—integrating tools like prayer, sacred movement, and meditation into her practice.
In our conversation, Crystal and I explore what it means to listen to the parts of ourselves we often silence, the unique power of IFS in BIPOC healing spaces, and how honoring every part of who we are—even the ones we’ve judged or pushed away—can be a revolutionary act of self-love.
Connect with Crystal:
Website: https://lifesourcecounselingcenter.com/staff/about-crystal-jones/
Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshanettamcdonald/
Newsletter sign-up: https://shanetta.substack.com/
Therapy resources:
- Loveland Foundation: https://thelovelandfoundation.org/
- Clinicians of Color: https://www.cliniciansofcolor.org/
- Therapy For Black Girls: https://providers.therapyforblackgirls.com/
- Manhattan Alternative: https://www.manhattanalternative.com/
In this solo episode, I’m breaking down two of the questions I get asked the most: What is somatics? and What’s the difference between coaching and therapy? We’ll explore how your body communicates with your brain (spoiler: it’s way more than you think), why I weave somatic practices into life coaching, and how coaching and therapy can work beautifully together. If you’ve ever wondered which one you need, or how to listen to your body’s wisdom more deeply, this one’s for you.
Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshanettamcdonald/
Newsletter sign-up: https://shanetta.substack.com/
Chrissy King is a writer, educator, and former strength coach whose voice is helping to redefine wellness—not as a destination, but as a practice rooted in liberation, identity, and radical self-acceptance. In this powerful conversation, Chrissy opens up about her personal path to body liberation and the experiences that inspired her book, The Body Liberation Project.
Together, we explore what it really means to feel at home in your body, the illusion of arriving at "confidence," and why unlearning societal messages about worth and appearance is a lifelong process. Chrissy’s work sits at the intersection of race, body image, and justice, reminding us that healing is both personal and political—and that we are already enough, exactly as we are.
If you’ve ever felt like your body was a problem to solve, this episode will meet you with compassion, truth, and a powerful invitation to take up space.
Connect with Chrissy:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamchrissyking/
Website: https://www.chrissyking.com/
Purchase The Body Liberation Project: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-body-liberation-project-how-understanding-race-identity-and-culture-compounds-the-shame-we-feel-and-how-to-shift-the-narrative-to-reclaim-our-worthiness-chrissy-king/18835036
Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshanettamcdonald/
Newsletter sign-up: https://shanetta.substack.com/
Daria Burke has lived many lives—fashion executive, C-suite leader, trauma survivor, and now, debut author. In this powerful conversation, Daria opens up about the moments that shaped her new memoir Of My Own Making and the healing journey that unfolded in the process. From growing up in poverty with an absent father and a mother battling addiction, to finding freedom through therapy, neuroscience, and deep self-examination, Daria reminds us that we are not our origin stories, we are who we choose to become. This episode explores trauma, resilience, reparenting, and the science behind post-traumatic growth. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can rewrite your story, Daria is proof that you can.
Connect with Daria:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dariaburke/
Website: https://www.dariaburke.com/
Purchase Of My Own Making: https://www.amazon.com/My-Own-Making-Memoir/dp/1538766809
Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshanettamcdonald/
Newsletter sign-up: https://shanetta.substack.com/
Tapping back in!
Find out what I've been up to and what's in store for the next phase of the podcast.
Thank you for hanging tight and staying loyal.
Stay tuned for more updates on Substack and Instagram.
Listen in as host Shanetta McDonald shares insights into a quick personal story of Surrender and how we can all invite the shift/perspective into our lives, in the season 3 finale of The Motif Podcast.
Thank you for your support and for being a vital part of keeping this community alive. We can’t wait to share more with you in season 4. In the meantime, don't forget to check out some of our older episodes that you may have missed from previous seasons. And , be sure to visit our Instagram for highlights from some of our favorites.
Connect with us:
Instagram: @ourmotif
Twitter: @ourmotif
Facebook: @ourmotif
Newsletter sign-up: ourmotif.co
Feel free to leave us a rating + review if you’ve enjoyed this episode. + remember to subscribe to receive alerts on our upcoming episodes.
Award winning executive marketer, investor and educator Tiffany Hardin inspires women of color to become conscious hustlers, as founder of Gild Creative Group, an influencer marketing agency that focuses on bringing conscious marketing to big ideas.
Some of Tiffany’s client work has included: Airbnb, WeWork, Target, Microsoft, Cobble, Ovia, HBO, Wethos, Black Girl in Om, Heal Haus and more. Additionally, she’s worked with hundreds of influencers and celebrities on branded social campaigns.
Tiffany considers herself and her team 'Conscious Hustlers' who spend time focused on serving clients who are innovating and elevating the well-being of culture through strategy, influencer marketing, and partnerships.
In this week’s episode, Tiffany and host Shanetta McDonald get deep about:
- Discovering and using our voices to express our experiences as Black women in America.
- The glorification of entrepreneurship + Tiffany’s advice for women of color embarking on the journey.
- Following our spiritual calling and allowing ourselves to be guided to true alignment.
Connect with Tiffany Hardin:
https://www.gildcreativegroup.com/
Gild Creative Group’s Instagram: @gildcreativegroup
Tiffany’s Instagram: @tiffany_hardin
Connect with us:
Instagram: @ourmotif
Twitter: @ourmotif
Facebook: @ourmotif
Newsletter sign-up: ourmotif.co
Entrepreneur Telsha Anderson-Boone encourages women of color to confidently enter spaces that lack our representation, as founder and owner of t.a., a luxury boutique based in New York City in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District.
A former social media consultant for Food & Wine, Hypebeast, and Atlantic Records, and an influencer manager at a Fashion PR firm, Telsha began ideating on the launching t.a., while pursuing her master’s in brand management from NYU. A series of minor thoughts led her to the final moment of creating t.a., including how she was treated in the workplace, her interest in entrepreneurship, and ultimately her desire to share the dialogue surrounding Black ownership. So, she took a leap and allowed her hard work to guide her towards success.
In this week’s episode, Telsha and host Shanetta McDonald get into:
- The evolution of Black and brown women being a part of the changing narrative in fashion.
- Using spirituality as a tool for moving through fear.
- Tips for entrepreneurs in their season of growth.
Connect with Telsha:
https://shop-ta.com/
t.a’s Instagram: @t.a.newyork
Telsha Anderson’s Instagram: @telshaanderson
Connect with us:
Instagram: @ourmotif
Twitter: @ourmotif
Facebook: @ourmotif
Newsletter sign-up: ourmotif.co
Feel free to leave us a rating + review if you’ve enjoyed this episode. + remember to subscribe to receive alerts on our upcoming episodes.
Silicon Valley’s first female African American CEO Shellye Archambeau invigorates women of color to live unapologetically ambitious–in our personal and professional lives.
An experienced CEO and Board Director with a track record of accomplishments building brands, high performance teams, and organizations, Shellye currently serves on the boards of Verizon, Nordstrom, Roper Technologies, and Okta.
She is the author of 'Unapologetically Ambitious: Take Risks, Break Barriers and Create Success on Your Own Terms,' a book that will help professionals achieve their aspirations and create the life they want. Shellye is also a sought-after speaker on governance, risk and compliance as well as marketing and entrepreneurship and has guest lectured at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business and The Wharton School of Business. She has been featured or referenced in major publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Forbes and the Financial Times.
In this week’s episode, Shellye and host Shanetta McDonald cover:
- How living with intention every day can get us closer to our goals.
- Creating a life in which we are ready for opportunities when they present themselves.
- The leverage we have as women of color in the workplace and how we can use it to our advantage.
Get Shellye’s videobook for free w/code: LITMOTIF
https://litvideobooks.com/unapologetically
Code expires on 4/6.
Connect with Shellye:
https://shellyearchambeau.com/
Shellye’s Instagram: @shelarchambeau
Shellye’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shellye-archambeau/
Connect with us:
Instagram: @ourmotif
Twitter: @ourmotif
Facebook: @ourmotif
Newsletter sign-up: ourmotif.co
Feel free to leave us a rating + review if you’ve enjoyed this episode. + remember to subscribe to receive alerts on our upcoming episodes.
Founder and creative Maricel Sison encourages women of color to move past their fear, take risks and embrace their unique journey as Principal and Marketing Director at California's premier DJ school, the Beat Junkie Institute of Sound and founder of Ladies of Sound LA, the official womxn’s division of the Beat Junkie Institute of Sound.
A first-generation Filipino, Maricel’s creative journey began as a photographer with her playing a major role in documenting Los Angeles’ underground music scene for over 15 years. And her experience thus far has elevated her into leadership roles at one of the most sought after DJ schools in the United States, within her own company, Ladies of Sound, and in future business development projects. Today Maricel executes from a place of community, and firmly believes that there is room for all of us to grow to our full potential.
In this week’s episode, Maricel and host Shanetta McDonald discuss:
- Resilience bestowed up those who are first-generation.
- Recognizing and leaning into divine purpose and being divinely led.
- The ability women of color have to adapt and problem solve better than others.
Connect with Maricel:
https://campsite.bio/ladiesofsound
Ladies of Sound LA Instagram: @ladiesofsound.la
Maricel’s Instagram: @msison
Connect with us:
Instagram: @ourmotif
Twitter: @ourmotif
Facebook: @ourmotif
Newsletter sign-up: ourmotif.co
Feel free to leave us a rating + review if you’ve enjoyed this episode. + remember to subscribe to receive alerts on our upcoming episodes.
Educator, activist and community organizer, Alex Purple inspires women of color to lean into community and sisterhood as a part of their healing journey as founder of Women of Color (WOC) Sister Collective, a platform for creating community and collaboration with BIWOC through circles, events, workshops, healing, & empowerment.
Born first-generation in Los Angeles, Alex grew up with limited beliefs around what it meant to show emotion and express her feelings. As a young adult, she began to heal after being invited to attend a women’s circle, and understood how the power of sisterhood, vulnerability and being seen and heard by others could spark growth from within. This of course led her to create WOC Sister Collective.
In this week’s episode, Alex and host Shanetta McDonald dive into:
- The power of connecting with other women of color.
- Finding our voice and stepping into our power.
- Breaking generational bondages through community and connection.
Connect with Alex/WOC Sister Collective:
https://linktr.ee/wocsistercollective_
WOC Sister Collective Instagram: @wocsistercollective_
Alex Purple Instagram: @alex_purple
Connect with us:
Instagram: @ourmotif
Twitter: @ourmotif
Facebook: @ourmotif
Newsletter sign-up: ourmotif.co
Feel free to leave us a rating + review if you’ve enjoyed this episode. + remember to subscribe to receive alerts on our upcoming episodes.
Congolese-American writer, mother, and advocate for women Chloe Dulce Louvouezo empowers women of color to move past discomfort to embrace their divine purpose as author of Life, I Swear, in which she explores nuances and insights around intimate topics of identity, mental wellness, and healing, told through the lens of women from the Black diaspora.
Raised by a single mother and a host of other families from across diasporas, Chloe grew up in Niamey, Niger, West Africa and lived in 10 other cities around the world. She has experienced life from a unique lens; one that anchors her conviction to question and explore identity, privilege, connection and healing. Because of this, and as a mother, Chloe champions women's autonomy to live, heal, and process unconventionally.
In this week’s episode, Chloe and host Shanetta McDonald get into:
- Overcoming fear and leaning into vulnerability as writers and artists.
- Owning our identity as multi-faceted women of color.
- Healing from past relationships.
Connect with Chloe:
https://www.chloelouvouezo.com/
Life, I Swear Instagram: @lifeiswear
Chloe’s Instagram: @chloe_dulce
Connect with us:
Instagram: @ourmotif
Twitter: @ourmotif
Facebook: @ourmotif
Newsletter sign-up: ourmotif.co
Feel free to leave us a rating + review if you’ve enjoyed this episode. + remember to subscribe to receive alerts on our upcoming episodes.
Mental health advocate and digital creator, Priscilla Agyeman calls for women of color to seek community as a part of their wellness & mental health practice as CEO & founder of Saddie Baddies™, a virtual safe space for people of color to destigmatize mental health and initiate collective healing.
Born first-generation to African parents, Priscilla grew up feeling the unspoken pressure of needing to succeed, due to the generational hardships of those who’d come before her, in addition to facing societal pressures, specifically in academia. After experiencing anxiety during college and thereafter, she became inspired to share about her struggles. She noticed that there wasn’t a digital platform designed primarily for young Black, Latinx, Asian, Indigenous and multiracial people that educated and unpacked the layers of mental health, and knew that needed to change.
In this week’s episode, Priscilla and host Shanetta McDonald open up to listeners about:
- Identifying the root of our formed notions around mental health as Black women and women of color.
- Tapping into community to seek help, solace and comfort to support our well-being.
- Implementing radical self-preservation and prioritizing self-care.
Connect with Priscilla:
https://www.saddiebaddies.com/
Saddie Baddies Instagram: @saddie_baddies
Priscilla Agyeman Instagram: @priscilla.o.agyeman
Connect with us:Instagram: @ourmotif
Twitter: @ourmotif
Facebook: @ourmotif
Newsletter sign-up: ourmotif.co
Passionate creator, innovator and skilled connector Zoila Darton wants women of color to embrace and own their journey as CEO & creative director of WORD Agency, an LA based creative agency dedicated to culturally rich storytelling, brand elevation & experiential marketing.
A proud afro-Latina, Zoila’s career began more than 15 years ago, with success in the entertainment industry; starting in the music industry where she served as Director of Marketing & Artist Relations at boutique Latin Music Publishing and Distribution company Mayimba Music. After delivering dynamic digital campaigns and events in music, she parlayed her knowledge of relationship building, cultural trends and conceptual ideation into launching the boutique agency WORD, where she builds meaningful marketing campaigns, creative content and consumer experiences for brands like The Los Angeles Philharmonic, HBO, Red Bull, Foot Locker, Nike, Converse & Lululemon.
In this week’s episode, Zoila and host Shanetta McDonald get into:
- Owning your story through storytelling
- Women of color allowing themselves the gift of rest and softness.
- How motherhood can kickstart our personal healing
Connect with Zoila:
https://word.agency/
WORD Agency Instagram: @word.agency
Zoila Darton’s Instagram: @zoiladarton
Connect with us:
Instagram: @ourmotif
Twitter: @ourmotif
Facebook: @ourmotif
Newsletter sign-up: ourmotif.co
Feel free to leave us a rating + review if you’ve enjoyed this episode. + remember to subscribe to receive alerts on our upcoming episodes.
Welcome to Season 3!
We’ve got money on our mind. $$$
Wealth generator Linda Garcia empowers women of color to expand our imagination of what’s possible and to dream big as CEO & founder of In Luz We Trust, kicking off our third season of The Motif Podcast.
A Cali native and proud Latina, Linda Garcia spent 17 years working in the TV and film industry helping well-recognized TV networks, movie studios and streaming services build programming for the U.S. Hispanic market. Despite enjoying the work, Linda knew there was more to life than working to make someone else rich. Eventually, she took the knowledge she’d gained and used it to launch the Let There Be Luz podcast: a weekly podcast aimed to channel one’s spiritual journey.
In 2019 Linda had a spiritual journey that led her to what she considers her life’s purpose: to help the Latinx community heal the generational money wounds that prevent them from achieving wealth.
Here’s what Linda and host Shanetta McDonald cover in the episode:
- How can women of color get started with investing
- Erasing limiting beliefs women of color have when it comes to money
- How healing your wounds can help unlock your purpose to help others.
Connect with Linda:
https://www.inluzwetrust.com/
In Luz We Trust Instagram: @inluzwetrust
Linda Garcia’s Instagram: @luzwarrior
Sign up for WREAM or STACKS investment courses:
https://inluzwetrust.teachable.com/courses
Connect with us:
Instagram: @ourmotif
Twitter: @ourmotif
Facebook: @ourmotif
Newsletter sign-up: ourmotif.co
Feel free to leave us a rating + review if you’ve enjoyed this episode. + remember to subscribe to receive alerts on our upcoming episodes.
Singer, songwriter and musician Mary Akpa empowers women of color to own their gifts and offerings to the universe in the season 2 finale of The Motif Podcast. A Nigerian-American artist with African and jazz influences in her music, Mary’s career has spanned over two decades and four continents, ultimately bringing her home to self and on a healing journey of self-evolution.
Joined by host Shanetta McDonald, Mary sheds light on the inspiration behind her latest project, album Nnoo. She also offers other BIWOC words of wisdom on how to deepen their sense of inner knowing while accepting their pasts and owning their truths.
Connect with Mary:
https://www.maryakpa.com/
Instagram: @maryakpa
Listen to Nnoo: Spotify
Connect with us:
Instagram: @ourmotif
Twitter: @ourmotif
Facebook: @ourmotif
Newsletter sign-up: ourmotif.co
Feel free to leave us a rating + review if you’ve enjoyed this episode. + remember to subscribe to receive alerts on our upcoming episodes.
Entrepreneurs, creators and sisters Donna & Joanne Vo encourage women of color to pursue their creative passions as co-founders of Ladies First, a community helping all women in pursuit of their fullest potential.
Born and raised in the SF Bay area to immigrant Vietnamese parents, Donna and Joanne took on two different professional paths before joining forces to create multiple businesses together, ultimately deciding to hone in on their social media expertise, servicing small business owners.
In conversation with host Shanetta McDonald, Donna and Joanne discuss tapping into their femininity, the value of asking for help and what’s to-come for the next chapter of
Ladies First.
Connect with Donna & Joanne Vo:
https://www.ladiesfirst.co/
Ladies First Instagram: @ladiesfirst.co
Joanne’s Instagram: @itsjoannev
Donna’s Instagram: @lovedonnav
Connect with us:
Instagram: @ourmotif
Twitter: @ourmotif
Facebook: @ourmotif
Newsletter sign-up: ourmotif.co
Feel free to leave us a rating + review if you’ve enjoyed this episode. + remember to subscribe to receive alerts on our upcoming episodes.
Writer, poet and spoken word artist, Dhayana Alejandrina emboldens women of color to hold onto their purpose as author of Agridulce: a poetry and prose collection and combination of emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Born in the Dominican Republic, Dhayana’s story begins with her discovering her passion for writing at the age of nine, influenced by everything from her Caribbean upbringing, to her move and transition to the U.S.
Joined by host Shanetta McDonald, Dhayana shares advice for women of color writers who are building their craft, while sharing how she intends to create a safe space for people to feel their emotions through her work.
Connect with Dhayana Alejandrina:
https://dhayana-alejandrina.square.site/
Purchase Agridulce: https://dhayana-alejandrina.square.site/product/AgridulceBook/1
Instagram: @dhayanaalejandrina
Connect with us:
Instagram: @ourmotif
Twitter: @ourmotif
Facebook: @ourmotif
Newsletter sign-up: ourmotif.co
Feel free to leave us a rating + review if you’ve enjoyed this episode. + remember to subscribe to receive alerts on our upcoming episodes.
Medical expert, speaker and author, Dr. Nita Landry encourages women of color to optimize their health, shatter limiting beliefs, and become the best version of themselves as contributing co-host of the Emmy award-winning talk show, The Doctors. A board certified OB/GYN, Dr Nita’s career trajectory follows a non-traditional path, bridging the gap between her love for health and entertainment to educate millions of women and youth on how to strive for optimal health.
In conversation with host Shanetta McDonald, Dr. Nita also opens up about how listening to your intuition and believing in yourself can lead you to doing the thing you love, the thing that you were called to do.
Connect with Dr. Nita Landry:
https://drnitalandry.com/
Instagram: @drnitalandry
Connect with us:
Instagram: @ourmotif
Twitter: @ourmotif
Facebook: @ourmotif
Newsletter sign-up: ourmotif.co
Feel free to leave us a rating + review if you’ve enjoyed this episode. + remember to subscribe to receive alerts on our upcoming episodes.
Entrepreneur, designer and stylist Karen Perez empowers women of color to stay steadfast in their dreams, as founder and CEO of Second Wind in episode 38 of The Motif Podcast. A first-generation American, Perez opens up about how her family and roots influenced her love and appreciation for fashion and design from a young age.
Joined by host, Shanetta McDonald, Karen shares her inspiring story of being intentional with her work and hustling her way into entrepreneurship. This conversation is an affirming reminder to listen to and follow our divine purpose.
Connect with Karen:
https://shopsecondwind.com/
Second Wind Instagram: @bysecondwind
Karen Perez Instagram: @karenperezstyle
Connect with us:
Instagram: @ourmotif
Twitter: @ourmotif
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Cannabis Educator Cynthia Villamizar empowers women of color to give themselves the grace to explore new possibilities as founder and owner of cannabis education platform 'Cyntivee.' In this week's episode of The Motif Podcast, Cynthia and host Shanetta McDonald join in conversation and get authentic about their journeys to individuality, self-growth and discovering joy when they allowed themselves to try new experiences. A Latina committed to her community, Cynthia hopes to pave the way for others who share her story to break stereotypes and follow their passions leading them to success.
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https://www.cyntivee.com/
Instagram: @cyntivee
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Conscious Influence Strategist, Falyn Satterfield emboldens women of color to be in alignment in all areas of life, especially when it comes to work and our soul’s purpose, as founder of Spiritual Bad Bitch. In this week’s episode of the Motif Podcast, Falyn walks us through her evolution from a sheltered upbringing, to dissolving societal conditions and having an expansive life and life’s work, showing us what the magic of getting out of our own way can add to our lives.
Listen to Falyn’s story as she joins host Shanetta McDonald in conversation focused on personal-growth, spirituality and divine purpose.
Connect with Falyn Satterfield:
Instagram: @falynsatterfield
https://spiritualbadbitch.com/begin/
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Entrepreneur and creative Cleo Ellis encourages collaboration over competition among women of color as Director of Brand Partnerships at creative agency Coco + Cowe, and co-host of the podcast Conversations with Coco + Friends.
Born and raised in Toronto where she’s currently based, Cleo walks us through her non-traditional career trajectory, from her beginnings in Public Relations to entrepreneurship in creating LUXELIFE SOUND, a boutique DJ service that specializes in booking live female DJ talent and to ultimately landing on a path that upholds her mission of partnering and building with like-minded women of color.
Joined by host Shanetta McDonald, the two also touch on being Black women overcoming body image struggles and the freedom they’ve discovered in the process.
Connect with Cleo Ellis:
Instagram: @cleoellis_
Instagram: (Coco & Cowe) @cocoandcowe
Instagram: (Luxelifesound) @luxelifesound
https://luxelifesound.com/
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Business executive, wife and mother, Elizabeth Lascaze inspires women of color to heal at their own pace, as a self-described, postpartum depression warrior. In episode 34 of The Motif Podcast, hear Elizabeth’s story as she lets us into her journey of a complicated pregnancy, followed by a challenging, yet healing postpartum experience. Joined by host, Shanetta McDonald, Elizabeth offers insight into what it means to ask for help, along with the importance of offering kindness and compassion to others, because you never know what someone is going through.
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Instagram: @two_blue_fish
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Host, Actress, Producer and Writer Megan Thomas reminds women of color that no matter what, they are worthy, as Head of Production for All Def and co-host of the podcast, Mommy Needs A Break. Born to an Asian Mother and Black father in Kentucky, Megan’s story touches on the sensitivities of growing up mixed race in the south, and how defining her sense of self at a young age prepared her for how the world would see her. And along with host, Shanetta McDonald, Megan dives into the value of creating consistency and excellence in the work that we do, as a means to success, especially as entrepreneurs in non-traditional career paths.
*Trigger warning - episode contains talk of eating disorders
Connect with Megan Thomas:
Instagram: @megscoop
Mommy Needs A Break
- Instagram: @mnabpodcast
- https://www.mnabpodcast.com/
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Entrepreneur Julissa Prado emboldens women of color to not let anything stop them from giving their gifts to the world, as founder and CEO of Rizos Curls in episode 32 of The Motif Podcast. A Latina born and raised in Mid-city Los Angeles in predominantly Black and brown spaces, Julissa, discusses beauty standards that many women of color face, and how hair is more than just hair, but rather an expression of truth. She further opens up about how divine timing laid the foundation for her business, and encourages all women to proudly embrace and wear their natural hair. Listen to Julissa’s story as she offers advice to women of color looking to become entrepreneurs while reminding them to stay true to who they are.
Connect with Julissa:
https://rizoscurls.com/
Rizo’s Curls Instagram: @rizoscurls
Julissa Prado Instagram: @julissa_prado
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In episode 31 of The Motif Podcast, sex and relationship therapist, Shadeen Francis empowers women of color to embrace and claim their sexual agency and comfort, as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. A first generation Canadian, Shadeen opens up about her intersectionality along with how race and gender expectations shaped her experiences and identity growing up and her journey to becoming a sex therapist. In conversation with host Shanetta McDonald, the two dive into the impact of trauma on the body, and how through healing, we can discover pleasure and intimacy in sex and all areas of our lives.
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https://shadeenfrancis.com/
Instagram: @shadeenfrancis
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On episode 30 of The Motif Podcast, LA-based portrait and lifestyle photographer, Amanda Lopez, opens up about her journey as a creative and how her Mexican-American roots influenced her work. Hosted by Shanetta McDonald, both she and Amanda hone in on the importance of asking for help, encouraging women of color to not be afraid to ask for what they need.
Connect with Amanda:
https://www.amandalopezphoto.com/overview
Instagram: @snapshotlopes
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In episode 29 of The Motif Podcast, award-winning expert in education, business development and plant-based living, Dr. Key Hallmon discusses the journey to discovering her purpose, and how her love for the Black community, shaped by her Mississippi upbringing, evolved into her founding The Village Market Atlanta, a marketplace experience premiering carefully selected diverse Black artisans, makers and service providers from across the country.
In conversation with host Shanetta McDonald, Dr. Key goes into depth about her inspiration and path creating The Village Market, reminding women of color of the power that comes from the strength of the mind and spirit.
Connect with Dr. Key Hallmon:
https://thevillageretail.com/
https://www.thevillagemarketatl.com/
Instagram: @drkeyhallmon
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Healer, artist and creative, Ellen Bowles reminds women of color to practice self-compassion and spiritual autonomy in their healing journey as an astrology and tarot reader, and ancestral healer. Listen to this week’s episode hosted by Shanetta McDonald and hear Ellen’s story as she opens up about her path to embracing her cultural identity, through understanding and accepting her ancestors.
Connect with Ellen:
http://www.ellenbowles.com/
Instagram: @ellensbowles
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Wellness entrepreneur, Kimberly Dillon, reminds women of color that their life is bigger than their work as a cannabis creative and founder of Frigg, a plant-based hair, beauty and wellness line. In episode 27 of The Motif Podcast, Kimberly opens up about everything from experiencing loss at an early age, to coming to terms with her intersectionality, and the trajectory of her non-traditional career path.
In her discussion with host Shanetta McDonald, Kimberly tells listeners about her journey to becoming an entrepreneur in the cannabis industry, the elevation that comes with vulnerability and asking for help, and even provides wisdom for women of color looking to start their own businesses.
Connect with Kimberly:
(Shop Frigg) https://www.getfrigg.com/
http://www.kimberlykaydillon.com/
Instagram: @kimberlydillon
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Singer and multi platinum song writer, Chikk, gets candid about her journey as an artist and path to self discovery while encouraging women of color to trust the God in them in this week’s episode of The Motif Podcast. From facing prejudice within music the industry and working with artists like Iggy Azalea and Chris Brown, to surviving a life threatening car accident, Chikk’s story is one filled with strength, perseverance, and unwavering faith.
In conversation with host Shanetta McDonald, Chikk opens up about her spiritual journey and the multitude of ways it has saved her. Turning her pain, struggles, and words into art, she discusses the breakthroughs and evolution that comes with seeking therapy.
Listen and get reaffirmed of your path, purpose and the role your spirituality plays in your evolution.
Connect with Chikk:
https://www.thechikkexperience.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thechikkexperience
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Award winning actress, writer and author Iman Milner shares about her creative journey along with wisdom on expectations, growth, and acceptance, with us women of color in episode 25 of The Motif Podcast.
With host Shanetta McDonald, Iman discusses her experience growing up in Detroit, a predominately black world at the time, and the culture shock that came after leaving. She lets us into what it was like to grow up as a ‘broadway baby’ with artists as parents, and how that influenced her interest in the arts and her subsequent career in film.
Iman also opens up about her own personal healing journey in overcoming heartbreak and the rediscovery of self, and self-love.
Connect with Iman:
https://www.imannmilner.com/
Instagram: @imannmilner
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Holistic psychotherapist, writer, and healing advocate, Julia Child’s discusses both the vulnerability and power that comes with seeking help in addressing our traumas in this week’s episode of The Motif Podcast. In conversation with host Shanetta McDonald, Julia opens up about the impacts of her childhood experiences, including being a biracial woman in predominantly white surroundings, and how it shaped her purpose in supporting those with intersectional identities.
Together, the two unpack the endless possibilities of creativity, encouraging women of color to redefine what creativity expression means to their individual lives.
Julia leaves listeners with the hope that it’s possible to rewrite our own stories and the reminder that healing our mind, body, and soul is our birthright.
Connect with Julia:
https://www.highlandparktherapy.com/julia-childs
Instagram: @theshadesofhealing
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Digital Creator, Kay Spence helps to remind women of color of their inner strength as a Toronto-based multi-Marketing maven and founder of Feeling Out Loud, a modern day movement created to uplift others through the power of arts. In conversation with host, Shanetta McDonald, Kay opens up about how her encouraging upbringing and interest in the arts shaped her interest in freedom of expression.
Kay’s story is also one filled with strength, perseverance and triumph as a three time cancer survivor. Listen in as she opens up about her journey to the other side, exemplifying resilience and the reminder that we are built to handle more than we think.
Connect with Kay:
https://www.startswithakay.com/
Instagram: @startswithakay
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This episode marks the end of Season 1 of The Motif Podcast. Listen in as host Shanetta McDonald shares highlights from some of the season’s most impactful storytellers.
You’ll hear career advice from conscious creator, Jas Imani, tips on practicing self-care from Claudia Morales, founder of Social Justice Healing, reminders on listening to our intuition from licensed esthetician and owner of Natural Feeling Spa, Adina Diaz, an awakening on unlearning colonialism from Dr. Rocio Rosales Meza, self-acceptance and the value of stillness from creator, Maura Chanz, taking action towards your goals and ideas with VP of Fox Entertainment, Tulani Elisa, and self-empowerment and determination inspiration from Creative Strategist, Stephanie Quintana.
Thank you for your support and for joining this community. We can’t wait to share more with you. See you in two weeks for the launch of Season 2 of The Motif Podcast.
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Model, artist and entrepreneur, Paris Alexandra reminds women of color to live their purpose as co-founder of BK Yoga Club, a Black woman-owned body-positive yoga studio located in Brooklyn. Tune into this week’s episode as Paris and host Shanetta McDonald dive into the challenges of creating art, releasing attachment to results and how the power of staying true to your path and remembering your ‘why’ can help.
Learn more about Paris’ work:
https://www.bkyogaclub.com/
Instagram: @paris_alexandra
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Integrative Nutritionist Selena Ayala, empowers women of color to tap into the connection between their mind, body and soul, as she centers her work around women, wholeness and their well-being. Growing up in a blended family, Selena walks the Motif community through the evolution of her beliefs around wellness and nutrition. And, in conversation with host Shanetta McDonald, Selena also shares insight on cannabis being an integral part of women’s care and how inviting stillness into our lives can help us deepen the relationship with ourselves and others.
Learn more about Selena’s work:
https://www.selenaayala.com/
Instagram: @seaayala
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Self-proclaimed anti-diet dietician, Dalina Soto encourages women of color to end chronic dieting and love their bodies, their food, and their culture as a Registered Dietician and founder of Your Latina Nutritionist. As a first-generation, Dominican-American, Dalina shares her beliefs on how we can incorporate the foods we love into our daily lives with moderation and awareness, in this week's episode. Along with host Shanetta McDonald, Dalina also unpacks the intersectionality of culture, class, and race as it relates to health access.
*Trigger warning - episode contains talk of eating disorders
Learn more about Dalina’s work:
https://yourlatinanutritionist.com/Dietculturedisruptor
Instagram: @your.latina.nutritionist
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Entrepreneur, Business Consultant and Coach, Dr. Tiffany Bowden inspires people to build heart to heart human connections, as an Anti-Racism Educator and Diversity and Communications Specialist. In conversation with host Shanetta McDonald, Tiffany gets vulnerable about her early childhood experiences with race, as well as how it shaped her journey and life’s work in cultural diversity. She also offers insight into how Black women can create agency and show up as their authentic selves in the workplace.
Learn more about Tiffany’s work
https://www.tiffanybowden.com/
Instagram: @rootedgoddess
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On this week’s episode, Annie McDonald encourages women of color to live their lives abundantly as the 91-year old matriarch of host Shanetta McDonald’s family. In conversation with her granddaughter Shanetta, Annie gives the community a glimpse into her coming-of-age journey as a Black woman raised in the deep south who goes on to live a fulfilling life with ‘no regrets’ as she notes. Indulge in this beautiful conversation filled with joy, resilience and self-reflection.
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Professional storyteller, Stephanie Quintana emboldens women of color to bring their own seat to the table, as a Creative Strategist in the fashion industry. Joined by host Shanetta McDonald, Stephanie shares her coming-of-age experiences of growing up multi-racial in Los Angeles, and how allowing play and art into her life led to discovering her purpose.
Learn more about Stephanie’s work
https://studioslquintana.com/
Instagram: @selle_quintana
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Digital Maven, Tulani Elisa, empowers women of color to explore their creative interests, as Vice President of Social Media at Fox Entertainment. In conversation with host, Shanetta McDonald, the two share about the beauty of going with the flow in life and leaning into our abundance by following our curiosities and saying 'Yes' to life.
Learn more about Tulani Elisa and her work:
https://www.tulanielisa.com/
Tulani Elisa on IG: @tulanielisa
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Community builder Leah Gallegos holds space for women of color to uncover their true sense of belonging as co-founder of People’s Yoga in this week’s episode. A self-proclaimed ‘Chicana from Highland Park,’ Leah’s story is one of self-discovery, and 'coming home to one's self' through self-acceptance.
Listen in as Leah and host Shanetta McDonald expand on the benefit of spiritual practices such as yoga, in helping us to be in our bodies, and receive life’s teachings in moments of stillness.
Learn more about Leah Gallegos and People’s Yoga:
https://www.peoplesyoga.org/
Save People’s Yoga’s Scholarship Program GoFundMe
https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-people039s-yoga-in-east-la
Leah Gallegos on IG: @lavidaleahrose
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How willing are you to be fully present and in this moment?
In this week's episode, mindfulness artist, Dora Kamau invites women of color to be in their body and to practice stillness. A 200 hour meditation teacher and wellness artist, Dora Kamau, uses meditation as a tool to awaken individuals to the true experience of who they are.
Joined by host Shanetta McDonald, Dora shares how a string of unhealthy relationships led to her discovering meditation and eventually the calling to help others along their healing path with the practice. The two also offer messages of hope on how other BIWOC can accept themselves more, have faith and trust in their individual journeys, and be intentional with taking care of their mind, body and spirit.
Learn more about Dora Kamau and her work:
https://www.dorakamau.ca/
https://insighttimer.com/dorakamau
Dora Kamau on IG: dora_kamau
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Designer and Creative, Linda Nguyen joins host Shanetta in a free-flowing conversation, opening up about her upbringing as a first-generation Vietnamese daughter, a 15-year fashion industry trajectory, and how she’s living through and protecting her peace with the recent violence against the Asian American community. Linda and Shanetta also swap stories of working in male-dominated industries, along with offering advice to women of color who want to start their own business.
Learn more about Linda Nguyen and her work:
www.love-made.com
LOVE MADE on IG: @lovemade
Linda Nguyen on IG: @linda_lovemade
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Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist, Jordan Madison encourages the Black community to reassess traditional views on therapy as founder of Therapy is My J.A.M. In conversation with host Shanetta, Jordan opens up about how her matriculation at Spelman college ignited her desire to reduce the stigma around mental health in her community. Together, they dive into the intersectionality of being Black women, how it impacts overall wellness and how the two are working on overcoming fears as creators.
Learn more about Jordan Madison and her work:
https://www.therapyismyjam.com/
Jordan Madison on IG: @therapyismyjam
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Multi-talented Maura Chanz empowers women to follow their passions and curiosities as Director of Creative Media at 7th Sun Productions. Joined by host Shanetta, Maura opens up about how a nourishing upbringing led to her trusting her intuition and creative talents, while encouraging other women to do the same. Get inspired to follow your passions and live your fullest self in this episode.
Learn more about Maura’s work
http://maurachanz.com/
Instagram: @maurachanz
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Seer and Healer, Dr. Rosales Meza welcomes BIWOC to unlearn colonial programming by decolonizing their minds and liberating their spirits. Joined by host Shanetta, Dr. Rosales Meza opens up about being a medicine woman by way of DNA, along with how her ancestors and mothers have been her greatest teachers, preparing her for the work she does today. Hear the conversation as they share stories of retooling their thinking around colonial patterns, and prioritizing rest to create a new way of life.
Learn more about Dr. Rosales Meza and her work:
https://www.drrosalesmeza.com/
Dr. Rosales Meza on IG: @drrosalesmeza
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Social justice advocate Evelyn LaChapelle offers the Motif community a glimpse into the impact the War on Drugs has had on people of color. As a board member of The Last Prisoner’s Project, Evelyn and the non-profit are devoted to criminal justice reform for the over 40,000 people incarcerated for cannabis crimes at all stages, including clemency, release, reentry, and record expunging. In her conversation with host Shanetta, Evelyn opens up about the life experiences and relationships, that led to her 87 month prison sentence for a minor role in a marijuana distribution operation, propelling her into her life’s work.
Learn more about Evelyn and The Last Prisoner’s Project: https://www.lastprisonerproject.org/
Evelyn on IG: evelyn_lachapelle
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On this week’s episode, eco-friendly entrepreneur Adina Diaz, invites BIPOC women to dedicate rituals of self-care, patience and love to themselves, as founder of Guided Flame Co. Born to parents of Mexican and Native American descent and raised in Arizona, Adina also takes the Motif community on her journey of paying homage to her ancestral roots and drawing upon her connection to the natural world since an early age.
Support Adina and Guided Flame Co:
https://guidedflame.co/
Guided Flame Co on IG: @guidedflameco
Adina on IG: @natural_feeling_spa
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Black women with eating disorders. We don’t hear these stories enough, but they are out there. On this episode of The Motif Podcast, Lacou Flipse shares her experience with healing from binging, dieting and restricting, and using her learnings from self-work to create Enlightened Munch, an enlightened eating and lifestyle coaching practice. Host Shanetta also opens up about her recovery from disordered eating, and both shed light on how self-acceptance and loving tools helped them along their journeys.
*Trigger warning - episode contains talk of eating disorders
Learn more about Lacou and Enlightened Munchhttps://www.enlightenedmunch.com/pleasure-eating
Lacou on IG: @lacouflipse
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Plant-Based Wellness Boss, Christine Yi is one of the youngest women of color cannabis entrepreneurs in the legal California market. In this episode, Christine takes us through her personal experience with the plant, and co-founding Potli, a premium cannabis brand with a focus on THC and CBD-infused culinary products. Christine and host Shanetta also chat about the shared experiences of growing up in Black and brown households and the lack of representation in essentially all industries for BIPOC folk.
Learn more about Christine and Potli:
https://www.potlishop.com/
Potli on IG: @getpotli
Christine on IG: @christineyi
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Social Justice Healer, Claudia Morales chats with host Shanetta about her life story prior to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and her work as founder of Social Justice Healing, a private counseling and therapy practice based in Los Angeles. You'll also hear Claudia and Shanetta dive into how mental health professionals have their own journeys of healing, the importance of allyship in Latinx and Black communities and how we can all take care of ourselves right now.
Learn more about Claudia’s work
https://socialjusticehealing.com/
Instagram: @socialjusticehealing
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Conscious creator Jasmine Imani joins host Shanetta in a candid conversation, opening up about her 15-year fashion industry trajectory, motherhood, and her new-age beauty practice Jas Imani Beauty. In addition, Jasmine and Shanetta share stories from their 7-year friendship, experiences around accepting failure, the ingrained empathy of Black women and owning their power.
Support Jasmine’s work:https://jasimani.com/
Instagram: @jasimanibeauty
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In this opening message, host Shanetta McDonald introduces the community dedicated to sharing the stories of women of color, The Motif Podcast. A lively, safe space, the series will feature women of color from all walks of like, discussing topics such as career, relationships, sexuality, mental health, body issues, spirituality, self-growth and social justice issues.