Black Girls Have Anxiety Too

Host, Ashley sits down with Alisha Chelsea Jones as she shares her journey growing up in the church and the way that it impacted her view on religion, acceptance, and spirituality. We get into different paths to healing from therapy and medication to tarot, psychedelics and Ayahuasca.

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Podcast Guest: Alisha Chelsea Jones aka “Tricky Vibes”, Published Author, Independent Musician, and Spiritual Advisor

*Trigger Warning*- Eating Disorders

Host, Ashley sits down with Registered Dietitian and Nurse, Whitney Trotter to have a candid conversation about eating disorders and the misconceptions within the Black community. Ashley shares about her struggles with an eating disorder and how it shaped the way she viewed her relationship with her body and with food.

Host, Ashley catches up with Dr. Chandra Smallwood to talk about how she's managing this unexpected new chapter of motherhood. Dr. Chandra also shares how she is dealing with her own relationship anxiety while co-parenting and looking after her own mental health.

Host, Ashley sits down with social worker and BGHA2 listener, Stacy Brice to talk about how she navigates life with Bipolar Disorder Type 2. We talk about life looked differently life before and after her diagnosis. She also shares how she uses boundaries, medication and communication to prioritize her mental health while also helping those in her community.

Host, Ashley sits down with Software Engineer and BGHA2 Listener, Taylor "Tay" Fortune. We dive into how events throughout her childhood affected her mental health. Tay also opens up and shares her coming out story and how reactions of her loved ones affected her both positively and negatively.

Host Ashley sits down with fellow podcaster, Kelley Bonner (Host of Black Girl Burnout) to talk about what to do when life starts to burn you out. Kelley and Ashley discuss a little compassion and the small moments of joy can shift your mindset.
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Host, Ashley is joined by singer/songwriter and fellow yogi, Solana "Sol" Blu. Sol talks about the journey to finally becoming her truest self. She talks about the ebb and flow of her healing journey and how she finds peace in the turbulence of life.

Host, Ashley does a mental health check-in, has a moment of gratitude and shares some life updates. She also announces some upcoming changes to the podcast.

Host, Ashley is joined by Chynna Miley, Founder of Motivate Your Mind. Chynna shares how she manages her mental health as an entrepreneur and a mental health advocate.

This week, I sat down with Morgan SanDiego, Psych Nurse Practitioner (NP) to talk about her own personal experience being diagnosed with ADHD and Major Depressive Disorder. We also get into why she chose to become a Psych NP and how she curated a work environment that she can thrive in and encourages other Nurses to do the same. Morgan educates us about the misconceptions and unpopular side effects about medications. We also get into her advocacy, education and travel adventures on social media.

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Host, Ashley is joined by licensed psychologist and BGHA2 regular, Dr. Xuan Stevens. We sit down for a much-needed conversation about Christianity, church, and mental health. Dr. Stevens talks about what it looks like to be a mental health advocate within your church community and the importance of seeing value in professional mental help.

-------Special Guest: Dr. Xuan Stevens

Dr. Xuan Stevens is a board-certified licensed psychologist and the Program Director and founder for Ultimate Thinking Psychological Consultants. Dr. Stevens appears frequently on the podcast and is our invaluable "in-house" mental health professional!

Today, I'm joined by a VERY, VERY special guest, my Mom!  My Mother, Trish, jumped on the mic with me for an intimate conversation that started off about her outlook on the link between fitness and mental health. It morphed into my Mom sharing about her experience dealing with abandonment caused by the ripple effects of our family immigrating from Jamaica to England and then to America. We talk about the generational differences in how we talk (or don't) about mental health. I learned so much about my Mother in this episode. I hope you enjoy this very personal conversation and hope it inspires you to give grace to those who came before us.  

*Please excuse the occasional echos that you may hear! The technology wasn't teching that day!

Host, Ashley is joined Anxiety coach and Pharmacist Dr. Chandra Smallwood. Dr. Chandra returns to the pod to take us through a step-by-step walk-thru of breathing exercises that you can use in your everyday life! We also talk about how anxiety affects your nervous system and how breathing techniques can help bring your hormones back in balance. Make sure to save this one!

---------Dr. Chandra Smallwood

If you'd like to reach out to our guest, you can contact them using the information below. 

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Akeya Fortson-Brown, content creator, young entrepreneur and owner of The Hustle Lab. She recalls her experience learning how to exist in 2 different worlds while navigating predominately white institutions (PWI) and trying to overcome Imposter Syndrome. We also get into the pressures of always having to "measure up" and the importance of representation.  We also talk about how she balances hustle culture and self-care.

-------- Podcast Guest: Akeya Fortson-Brown
If you'd like to reach out to our guest, you can contact them using the information below.
Email: blackvanitycompany@gmail.com
Instagram: @blackvanitycosmetics
Tiktok: @blackvanitycosmetics
Facebook: Black Vanity Cosmetics
Website: shopblackvanitycosmetics.com

Today, host Ashley sits down with Pharmacist & Anxiety Coach, Dr. Chandra Smallwood. We learn about Dr. Chandra's career as a Pharmacist and the pressures of working managing a Pharmacy while working with underserved communities. She shares her experience having panic attacks and how she deals with them. She shares breathing techniques, cold water and other tools in her coping toolbox that she uses to navigate her own anxiety. Dr. Chandra also shares how she is helping others in her new career as an Anxiety Coach.

With Valentines Day around the corner, we sit down with Shamaree Brissett, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist turned Intimacy Coach & Relationship Expert. As a sexual assault survivor, a modern Black woman, millennial wife, and a therapist Shamaree talks about how she combines her personal and professional experience to help women gain confidence and unapologetically own their sexuality. We discuss the need for more Black female intimacy coaches and the type of support that they provide. Shamaree also shares how intimacy coaching can help repair relationships, combat the effects of trauma on intimacy and restore confidence in the bedroom. 

*I was having mic issues during this episode. Please excuse any fuzziness or diminished sound quality! 

Today, host, Ashley sits down with Certified Holistic Health Practitioner known as the “Endo Educator,” Samantha Denäe. Samantha and Ashley talk about their personal journeys with Endometriosis. Samantha discusses navigating the Western medical system and what inspired her to study holistic health and herbs. We also talk about her health advocacy work with the youth in her community.

*Please excuse the audio in this episode! I was having mic issues. Stick around because this conversation is definitely worth listening all the way through!
-------- Podcast Guest: Samantha Denäe, CHHP

If you'd like to reach out to our guest, you can contact them using the information below:
Instagram: @_samanthadenae_
Tiktok: @theendoeducator
Facebook: Samantha Denäe, CHHP
Twitter: @samanthadenae08

Guess who's back! Licensed Psychologist and Black Girls Have Anxiety Too Regular, Dr. Xuan Stevens returns to the pod to talk about Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder. We get into the symptoms, the misconceptions and the genetic link between the two.

-------Special Guest: Dr. Xuan Stevens

Dr. Xuan Stevens is a board-certified licensed psychologist and the Program Director and founder for Ultimate Thinking Psychological Consultants. Dr. Stevens appears frequently on the podcast and is our invaluable "in-house" mental health professional!

Today, we are talking about the big, scary "D" word. No, not that one. We're talking about Divorce! Host, Ashley is joined by Janine Bell, Writer, Entrepreneur, and Mother. Janine tells us about the untraditional and refreshing views that she has about divorce and gets into how she navigated her own divorce. She tells us why it's important for Black Women to "Wear The Silk" both literally and figuratively.  

Guess who's on the pod this week? Entrepreneur, Singer, Mother, Fashion Show Producer, Runner-up for America's Next Model and my sister from another mother, Kiara Belen! Join us for a transformative episode about mental health, internal validation, and growth. Kiara gives us insight into how she is choosing to show up in relationships, in motherhood and most importantly, for herself. We also talk about how she navigated the "Land of The Narcissists" and the evolution of the modeling industry.

We are kicking of the new year with a new coping tool, Art Therapy! Pierra D.B., Certified Art Therapist sits down with host, Ashley to talk about different settings Art Therapists work in, who they work with and how to find one in your area. We also get into the benefits of Art Therapy for your mental health. Stick around, there's a little surprise at the end! 

-------- Podcast Guest: Pierra D.B., Certified Art Therapist

Today, we get in our bag with the "Cookie", Host of The Dirty Bag Podcast. We chat about being content creators, social media breaks and balancing the pressure to "keep up." We also get into raising kids, conquering your fears and starting a podcast in the middle of a pandemic. 

Today, host Ashley is joined by Domonique Louis MSN, APRN-C, PMHNP-BC. Domonique gives us an inside look at the headway that a Psychedelic called "Ketamine" is making in the mental health industry. What was once taboo (and illegal!), is now being touted for its treatment benefits for some of the most prevalent mental health conditions.

Today, we talk to Ashley Farrish, a therapist based in Ohio who specializes in treating trauma with EMDR. We learn about EMDR, the different ways that it's used in sessions and how it can be used as a tool for healing from trauma.

-------- Podcast Guest: Ashley Farrish

If you'd like to reach out to our guest, you can contact them using the information below.

Instagram:  instagram.com/ashleyjfarrish 

Email:  www.ashleyjfarrish.com

Today, Ashley sits down with Master Your Mindset Coach, Ryane LeCesne to talk about mindfulness and how it can be used to conquer perfectionism and distractionism. We talk about the ebb and flow of life and how to manage the chaos without losing yourself. Ryane describes what a "high-achieving woman" is and gives us permission to claim that title as our own. 

-------- Podcast Guest: Ryane LeCesne

If you'd like to reach out to our guest, you can contact her using the information below.

Today, we are joined by one of my favorite guests, Dr. Xuan Stevens (licensed Psychologist.) We sit down to talk about the different types of family environments and dynamics during the holidays. We discuss how to navigate dysfunctional families, how to maintain your boundaries and knowing when to take some "me-time." 

-------Special Guest: Dr. Xuan Stevens

Dr. Xuan Stevens is a board-certified licensed psychologist and the Program Director and founder for Ultimate Thinking Psychological Consultants. Dr. Stevens appears frequently on the podcast and is our invaluable "in-house" mental health professional!

Today, we sit down with Kurtis Lee Thomas, a corporate mindfulness trainer, best-selling author and founder of Breathwork Detox. We get into the power of our breath and Host, Ashley, recalls her own personal experience during her Breathwork Detox session. Kurtis explains how this intense form of diaphragmatic breathing can help induce a cathartic release and a state of euphoria.

-------- Podcast Guest: Kurtis Lee Thomas

If you'd like to reach out to our guest, you can contact them using the information below.

My good friend and former co-host, Alluria, is back! Okay, she's just back for one episode but join us as we catch-up on life and talk about dealing with anxiety when we were kids. We also get into how we deal with social anxiety, navigating big crowds and understanding our triggers.

-------- Podcast Guest:

Alluria Nixon, Loctitian & Entrepreneur 

If you'd like to reach out to our guest, you can contact her using the information below.

*TRIGGER WARNING: Domestic Violence and Assault*

Today, I sit down with Chantelle Branch, Certified Domestic Violence and Abuse Specialist, Survivor, Mentor and Author. Chantelle shares her story of how she redefined love after her transformation and how she made the shift from from victim to survivor and thriver. We discuss the importance of community and understand how you want to be loved.

-------- Podcast Guest:

Chantelle Branch, Certified Domestic Violence and Abuse Specialist, Survivor, Mentor, Author

If you'd like to reach out to our guest, you can contact her using the information below.

Email: chantellenbranch@gmail.com

This episode, we sit down with Lounise "Lou"  Blaise to learn more about her career as a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA). She talks about what inspired her to choose this path and how she uses her creativity to connect with children with Autism. She also talks about the importance of tapping into her community of BCBAs and how behavioral health can supplement mental health support. We also get into how Lou broke through the cultural and family pressures of choosing a "safe successful career" to find her true passion.

-------- Podcast Guest: "Lou" Lounise Blaise, Board Certified Behavior Analyst & Dog Mom

If you'd like to reach out to our guest, you can contact her using the information below.

Email: lounise.blaise@gmail.com

Today, we sit down with Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Wife, Mother, & Author, Dr. Jennifer Morgan. We talk about parent training, what anxiety looks like in children and the best time to take your child to therapy. Dr. Morgan also talks about how she entered motherhood and became a psychologist at the same time and how it has helped her connect with the families that she works with. We also talk about Dr. Morgan's first children's book, "1, 2, 3 Self-Care Is Important To Me: A Rhyming, Colorful, and Counting Book" and the release of her most recent book, "Melody, the Music Queen: A Story About Coping with Anxiety."

-------- Podcast Guest:

If you'd like to reach out to our guest, you can contact her using the information below.

Dr. Jennifer Morgan

Licensed Psychologist, Wife, Mother, and Author

Today, we welcome back writer, storyteller, cannapreneur and teacher, Hannah Eko joins us for another episode. This time, we get into how "Writer's Anxiety" can interrupt the creative process ad how we can reshape our relationship with anxiety. Hannah talks about how to "move" through the shame that can come with anxiety and reclaim it as a source of power. We also talk about dating as a tall, black woman with anxiety and getting banned from Tinder. 

-------- Podcast Guest:

If you'd like to reach out to our guest, you can contact her using the information below.

Hannah Olabosibe Shokoya Eko

Today, we spend some time with Dr. Claire Ellerbrock, a Doctorally-trained Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PsychNP.) She breaks down how a PsychNP can play an integral part in your mental health treatment plan. She also gives us a peak into what questions may be asked during an appointment and what high-quality adjunct therapy looks like.

-------- Podcast Guest:

If you'd like to reach out to our guest, you can contact her using the information below.

Dr. Claire Ellerbrock DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Founder & CEO of Nurtured Path for Nurse Practitioners

Join us for a conversation with Ashley Johnson L.A.P.C. about identities, how they are shaped and how they can be tied to our self-worth. We also talk about tackling your subconscious fears, building a relationship with your inner-child and peeling back the layers to your authentic self.

-------- Podcast Guest:

If you'd like to reach out to our guest, you can contact her using the information below.

Ashley Johnson

Join us for a special sit-down with returning self-love enthusiast and PMDD warrior, Deyjianna. This time, she's accompanied by a circle of women that she is closest too. Deyjia, Nakita, Kim, Shardae and "Honey" cuddle up on couches and giant bean bags with glasses of wine, surrounded by tall white candles. We start off with a Bucket of Questions about dealing with hormones and mental health through different stages in life. As the evening goes on, the conversation evolves into a deep dive of why we all deserve grace. I'm extremely grateful to be able to share this intimate peak into a sisterhood, friendships and beautiful relationships between black women.  

*Please excuse the sound quality.
-------- Podcast Guests: If you'd like to reach out to our guests, you can contact/follow them using the information below. 

This episode, we chat with student therapist, recent graduate and entrepreneur, Abigale "Abby" Thomas. Abby dives into how she choose her graduate program and what inspired her to become a therapist. She also opens up about her journey with her own mental health and how her experiences in grad school have helped shape her into the therapist that she's always dreamed of.

-------- Podcast Guest:

If you'd like to reach out to our guest, you can contact her using the information below.

Abigale Thomas

Today, we sit down in-person with corporate professional, mother and wife, Nickee Taylor and learn about how she navigated 10 years of depression, loss and a lifetime of ups and downs. She talks about how and why she is committed to waking up with peace every single day.

-------- Podcast Guest:

If you'd like to reach out to our guest, you can contact here using the information below.

Nickee Taylor

Email: nickee313@gmail.com

-------- Follow BGHA2 to stay up to date!

Guess who's back?! Sex Therapist and Relationship Expert Amber Johnson, returns to the pod to talk all things attachment styles. Amber and BGHA2 host, Ashley discuss how your attachment style are connected to your childhood and how your navigate relationships as an adult. We also get into the latest dating shows and the attachment styles of our favorite characters! 

Tune in!

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Amber Johnson is a therapist whose expertise includes couples therapy, sex therapy, post-affair recovery, and relationship conflict. She also works with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, and relational problems. If you're interested in contacting her, please use the information below.

Ever wondered if your therapist has anxiety too? Well today, we are getting to know Melissa M.L., LMHC & Content Creator. She shares how she manages her anxiety and talks about the importance of keeping your own mental health in balance while helping those in your community. We get into the nuances of being a mental health professional and get some helpful insight into working in the mental health field and some of the less glamorous sides of the industry. She also talks about how she's turning her hobbies into side hustles and what she keeps in her "coping toolbox." 

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Guest: Melissa M.L., LMHC, Digital Content Creator & Natural Hair, Beauty and Self-Care Influencer

Have you ever felt rejected or neglected at work? In your relationships? By your parents? This episode, we dig into how rejection and neglect and examine how it affects our mental health and how we perceive the world around us. 

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Dr. Xuan Stevens is a board-certified licensed psychologist and the Program Director and founder for Ultimate Thinking Psychological Consultants. Dr. Stevens appears frequently on the podcast and is our invaluable "in-house" mental health professional!

If you've ever struggled to find a therapist or maybe you didn't know where to start, this is the episode for you! We sit down with our favorite psychologist and podcast regular, Dr. Xuan Stevens, to get a step-by-step guide on how to find a therapist.

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Dr. Xuan Stevens is a board certified licensed psychologist and the Program Director and founder for Ultimate Thinking Psychological Consultants. Dr. Stevens appears frequently on the podcast and is our invaluable "in-house" mental health professional!

Dr. Stevens joins us again for a candid conversation about setting boundaries, using silence as a tool and the negotiated "YES."

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Dr. Xuan Stevens is a board certified licensed psychologist and the Program Director and founder for Ultimate Thinking Psychological Consultants. Dr. Stevens appears frequently on the podcast and is our invaluable "in-house" mental health professional!

Our favorite sex therapist is back! Amber Johnson, APC, MAMFT joins us for a conversation about relationships, couples therapy, and a whole lot of red flags!

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Amber Johnson is a therapist whose expertise includes couples therapy, sex therapy, post-affair recovery, and relationship conflict. She also works with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, and relational problems. If you're interested in contacting her, please use the information below.

This episode, we're talking all things sex with Amber Johnson APC, MAMFT! She talks about her work as a Sex Therapist and how anxiety can show up in in the bedroom. 

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Amber Johnson is a therapist whose expertise includes couples therapy, sex therapy, post-affair recovery, and relationship conflict. She also works with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, and relational problems. If you're interested in contacting her, please use the information below.

This time, we chat with Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Denise M. Williams who is also the Founder of Well-Play Counseling and Wellbeing Center. Denise talks about how she combines social wellness, psychotherapy and the concept of play at her Wellness Center and in her own life.  

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Denise M. Williams, is an Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, based in Los Angeles, California. She runs a group private practice where they focus on woman of color who suffer from depression, anxiety, phase-of-life issues and existential crisis. 

Email: dwilliams@denisepsychotherapist.net 

This episode, we chat with Professor and Spiritual Coach, Akua T.J. Robinson about her journey to exploring Africana-based Psychology. She talks about how African-centered traditions can help provide a new road to healing and how her retreats help create safe spaces for that healing to flourish.

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Akua T.J. Robinson is a Professor and Certified Life & Spiritual Coach for T.J. Wellness Coaching. Akua is the Founder and Executive Director of Natural-WE Community, a non-profit which focuses on the healing, empowerment and celebration of Black/African people and culture. Akua holds an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Africana Psychology. She is currently pursuing her PhD at Cultural Studies Program and has obtained certificates in Africana Studies and Applied Women and Gender Studies.

Email: tjrobinson22@gmail.com

Our in-house Licensed Psychologist, Dr. Xuan Stevens joins us again! This time, we sit down for a conversation about Psychotropic Medication. We learn about the physiological affects it has on our brain, possible side effects and some tips on how to use medication safely.

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Dr. Xuan Stevens is a board certified licensed psychologist and the Program Director and founder for Ultimate Thinking Psychological Consultants. Dr. Stevens appears frequently on the podcast and is our invaluable "in-house" mental health professional!

This episode is Part 2 of the 2-part series, Living With PMDD. This time, we sit down with Deyjianna Turner, poet, Light Worker, and Patient Advocate for The International Association For Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD.) Deyjia talks about living with Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), managing her mental health and relentlessly advocating for herself and others. 

--------- Follow Deyjianna at:

This episode is Part 1 of the 2-part series, Living With PMDD. This time, we chat with Laura, Director of Education and Awareness at The International Association For Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD.) We talk about Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), it's symptoms and it's effects on mental health. Laura dives into why the work at IAPMD is so important and how they support people living with PMDD.

--------- Follow IAPMD at: