Black Woman Be Whole Podcast
By Black Woman Be Whole
Each episode contains tools and resources to help listeners work on their journey to good mental health.
They talk about real Black girl $h!t y'all
Black Woman Be Whole PodcastMay 23, 2023
Welcome Dr. LaWanda Hill!
Join Marquia, Ednesha, and Kim for a great discussion with Dr. LaWanda Hill Bout burnout.
“Burn-out is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one's job, feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job, and reduced professional efficacy. Burnout can show up in a lot of different ways
Dr. Hill is the owner of Dr. LaWanda Hill, LLC, and Hill Psychological and Consultation Services. Dr. Hill holds both a Doctorate of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology and a Masters's degree in Professional Counseling from the University of Houston as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Southern University and A&M College. Dr. Hill is a licensed psychologist in California and Texas, a consultant, and a curator of transformative spaces. She is a proud native of northern Louisiana and possesses an enduring love for assisting others, specifically Black women, in their journey of self-discovery and holistic growth.
You can find Dr. Hill at the following link: drlawandahill.com
Let us know what you think of this episode!
Run It Back: Self-Care is a Verb
They examine what is it like being a Black woman who chooses to focus on self-care, while trying to not feeling selfish, and the many ways they access self-care.
Lastly, they talk about their decision to be self-care advocates and what they want Black women to know about the importance of taking care of themselves.
For more information on Black Woman Be Whole, check out the links below:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/blackwomanbewhole/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/blackwomanbewhole/
Welcome Kimberly Thomas, LPC!
Join Ednesha, Marquia, and Kim for a great discussion with Kimberly Thomas, is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in sex therapy practicing in the state of Virginia. She has a post graduate certificate from the Instutute for Sexuality Education and Enlightenment and is pursuing AASECT certification. Kimberly is the owner of Transformation Space Therapeutic Services where she focuses on helping individuals and those who are partnered navigate the impact of anxiety, depression and sexual dysfunctions. Her goal is to help her clients achieve a full pleasure centered sex life. Kimberly releases a monthly newsletter with tips and tools to help people navigate sex and to improve their relationships overall. The newsletter can be found on her website at Www.transformationspacets.com.
Let us know what you think of this episode on our social media!
Check out our website!
www.blackwomanbewhole.com
Money and Mental Health: Our Money Values
Join Kim, Marquia, and Ednesha as they discuss money!
We thought it would be fitting to discuss money because April is tax season and whether you’re an individual or have a business, you have to holla at the I-R-S because they want their money! So we’re all thinking about money. What’s our values around money, our relationship with money, how we are using it to support our quality of life, and how capitalism is impacting us.
Let us know what you think of this episode on our social media!
Check out our website!
www.blackwomanbewhole.com
Welcome Dr. Brenda M. Greene!
Join Marquia, Ednesha, and Kim for a great discussion with Dr. Brenda M. Greene the founder and executive director of the Center for Black Literature (CBL), director of the National Black Writers Conference (NBWC), and professor of English at Medgar Evers College.
She has taught at the Board of Education before becoming director of the Right to Read Program at Malcolm King College Harlem Extension; served on many committees at Medgar Evers College; has served as director of literacy and writing programs for youth and adults; through the Center for Black Literature, Dr. Greene has pursued her passion for expanding, broadening, and enriching the public’s knowledge and aesthetic appreciation of the value of the literature produced by Black writers. She is the visionary behind groundbreaking public and academic programs that support Black Writers. She also hosts the long-running weekly program, Writers on Writing, heard on New York airwaves (WNYE, 91.5 FM) and globally via YouTube.
The program features writers of the African Diaspora discussing their lives, their creative process, and their work (novels, poems, plays, nonfiction, and more). Currently, she is preparing to host the 2023 National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium, “Diasporic Visions: Celebrating Black Speculative Fiction,” Happening this weekend at Medgar Evers College. Dr. Greene is the proud mother of two sons, Talib Kweli Greene (an internationally known hip-hop artist) and Jamal K. Greene (Professor of Constitutional Law at Columbia University), and the proud grandmother of Amani, Diani, Riya, Ayan, Kian, and Justice.
Let us know what you think of this episode!
Welcome Nina Westbrook!
Join Ednesha, Marquia, and Kim for a great discussion with Nina Westbrook a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, mother of three children and married to NBA All-Star, Russell Westbrook.
Do Tell! Was created to inspire personal growth and meaningful connection. Everything in the card game is meant to serve as a positive tool designed to spark new and ongoing reflection practices. Even though nobody technically wins, everyone who plays benefits socially and emotionally!
Bene by Nina was founded by Nina to serve as a safe digital environment that offers a wealth of resources and e-workshops meant to help cultivate wellness in every area of life.
Her refreshingly candid insight on the topics of mental health and the importance of personal and interpersonal growth are regularly highlighted by trusted outlets nationwide, including the New York Times, TED, Goop, Good Housekeeping, and ABC13.
Let us know what you think of this episode!
Did You Miss Us? We're Back!
Season 2 Issa Wrap!
Join Marquia, Ednesha, and Kim as they talk about season 2 of the podcast and their vision for themselves and Black Woman Be Whole!
They answer the following questions:
What was it like making the podcast? Did it give what it was supposed to gave? What was your favorite episode of season 2? What do you see in the future for the next season?The next segment asks the questions:
Has your vision for yourself or idea of your future self, changed since the pandemic and what’s your vision for Black Woman Be Whole?
For more information on Black Woman Be Whole, check out the links below:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackwomanbewhole/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackwomanbewhole/
***We want to hear from YOU!***
Drop us a note and let us know your thoughts about this episode.
Intuition and Mindfulness
Join Marquia, Kim, and Ednesha as they talk about the importance of mindfulness!
Since COVID has hit you may or may not have noticed a big shift in folks focusing on spirituality. Folks have been leaning heavily into different forms of spirituality or religion or a higher power to make it through all the changes we’ve been navigating these last few years.
Intuition has always been called a trait unique to women and today we’re going to talk about using that intuition to guide you as you navigate life. By definition, intuition is “the ability to understand something, immediately without the need for conscious reasoning” When you lean into your intuition, you learn to trust yourself more and when you trust yourself you can help alleviate a lot of stress that comes with anxiety and depression.
Go Lay Down: The Importance of Rest for Black Women
Join Kim, Marquia, and Ednesha as they talk about the importance of rest!
Quote from an article written by Ralinda Watts
“Rest in the form of resistance can include naps because our bodies benefit from sleep and relaxation. However, it also encompasses removing ourselves from environments, institutions, practices, and people that are unsafe and toxic, where it's evident that our presence and voices aren't respected, listened to, loved, and cared for. Rest is our protection and our superpower, inviting us to reimagine, reinvent, and rebuild new systems of accountability.”
Do you know that there are 7 different types of rest?
Physical, mental, spiritual, social, emotional, sensory, and creative.
Physical, can be sleeping and napping and it also yoga, massages, and stretching
Mental which is basically quieting your mind and not having those racing thoughts.
Spiritual is feeling like we belong and we’re contributing to the great good
Social is being with people who feed you and not drain you
Emotional rest is when you can be open and honest about your feelings and not keep how we really feel in check.
Sensory is notifications constantly going off on your phone, too much zoom, too much light and noise
Creative rest has to do with nature, and art.
What do ya’ll think of that quote? Do you consider rest to be radical or an act of resistance? Did you know about these different types of rest?
Black Girl Anxiety
Join Ednesha, Marquia, and Kim as they talk about anxiety!
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorder in the United States. Data show that for Black women, anxiety is more chronic and the symptoms more intense than their White counterparts. A couple of factors are: The strong Black woman trope forces Black women into caregiver roles where we shoulder the burdens of others but rarely share our own.
Black women are generally not "allowed" by society to be vulnerable or display too much emotion; when we do let our feelings show, it's often regarded as a threat—which is where the angry black women trope comes from. Anger and/or aggression feel like safer emotions to portray. (The angry Black woman is familiar, while the anxious, depressed, or traumatized Black woman is unknown and scary.) Therefore, it's common for Black women and girls to act out anxiety in the form of aggression or anger, emotions that are socially expected and in many cases acceptable to the mainstream.
Are we really out here showing anger or aggression instead of showing anxiety? Or, do we see anxiety as a weakness so that's why we dont show it?
Self-Love is the Best Love
Join Marquia, Kim, and Ednesha as they talk about self-love!
Travel as Self-Care
Join Kim, Ednesha, and Marquia as they talk about the benefits of travel!
When we talk about travel as self-care, this is not new for Black women. There are numerous stories of Black women using travel as a tool for a better quality of life and an opportunity for deep reflection. There are more and more Black women solo traveling and treating themselves (in ways they don't normally) due to work and family stress.
Do you consider travel as self care? What was the most transformative trip you have ever taken? They say you can learn so much about yourself and who you think you are while traveling. Have you or would you do a solo trip? Where would you go and why? Does travel give you the freedom that you desire in your life? Do you have a desire to be free of the US and live abroad?Takeaways for women who want to use travel as a form of self care
Try following a couple of black bloggers so you can get some ideas for where you want to go and what you want to do: @oneika the traveler- she encourages black women to travel, @hey_Ciara- gives great advice to solo travelers, @thesophislife- she shares affordable luxury travel tips, @willdrinkfortravel-she shares where to eat and get good cocktails while traveling Movements and organizations that focus on black travel: Nomadness tribe cultivates trips for the BIPOC community, Black Girls Travel Too curates travel experiences to enrich black women’s lives and Outdoor afro whose mission is to get black people outside and building connections through nature. Join Black travel groups on facebook- The Black Travel Movement, Black Folks Travel Too, You can also find groups specifically for Black women travelers, such as Black Women Travel and She Travels the Globe.We're Back & Playing as Adults
Join Marquia, Ednesha, and Kim as they talk about where they have been and why it's important to play as adults!
Play can:
● Add joy to your life
● Relieve stress- play is fun and can trigger the release of endorphins(bodies natural feel good chemicals). They can temporarily release pain and promote an overall sense of well-being
● Help you stay connected to others
● Improve brain function- chess, puzzles and other games can help prevent memory problems...the social interaction piece can help ward off stress and depression
● Stimulate the mind and boost creativity
Let us know what you think of this episode on our social media!
Check out our website!
www.blackwomanbewhole.com
Run Me My Money! I Need My Coins
Join Ednesha, Marquia, and Kim as they talk about money during Financial Literacy Month!
Black women in the US are paid 38% less than white men and 21% less than white women. The messages society sends BIPOC people around money can be damaging…we are blamed for our spending decisions while ignoring the legacy of housing and lending policies, the effects of costly double standards around personal appearance and the bias in the labor market.
The team discusses money, values, negotiating, and quality of life:
Do you have any anxiety, concerns or fears in your relationship with money? What messages did you receive around money growing up? Did your family talk about money growing up? Who taught you the importance of money and how it should be used? What is your biggest money regret or mistake? How has the pandemic changed how you think about your finances?Let us know what you think of this episode on our social media!
Check out our website!
www.blackwomanbewhole.com
Stop Body Shaming!
Join Marquia, Kim, and Ednesha as they talk about Women's History Month
The team discusses how body shaming manifests in many ways:
Criticizing your own appearance, through a judgment or comparison to another person. Criticizing another’s appearance in front of them Criticizing another’s appearance without their knowledge.They then answer the following:
When was the first time you experienced body shaming? When did you realize what was considered the ideal body for Black women? The pressure to be the ideal body typeLet us know what you think of this episode on our social media!
Check out our website!
www.blackwomanbewhole.com
It's Women's History Month!
Join Kim, Marquia, and Ednesha as they talk about Women's History Month
The team answers some questions about what it means to be a woman:
Who taught you what it was to be a woman? Who have you been during the different stages of womanhood from puberty until the present? Childhood? Puberty? Young adulthood? Adulthood? What have you learned during each cycle? What would you identify as your biggest life stressor in your teens, 20s and 30s? What would you identify as your biggest brag as a woman?Let us know what you think of this episode on our social media!
Mask On, F#ck It Mask Off: Code Switching
Join Ednesha, Marquia, and Kim as they talk about Code Switching!
We’re talking about code switching today because the way we communicate intersects with our identity in so many ways. Since it's still Black History Month, why not talk about the ways in which culturally black people are asked or forced to code switch. For some, code switching has been viewed as a survival tactic in the corporate world. Many people have returned or will be returning to work, and they are dreading the thought of code switching in order to be accepted. Have you had to code switch and if so, what did that look like?
How does that impact your mental health? Does it lead to emotional exhaustion, burnout, second guessing yourself and your worth?
Let us know what you think of this episode on our social media!
It's Black History Month!
Join Marquia, Ednesha, and Kim as they talk about Black History Month
BHM was created to be the antithesis of who we’re told we are because we know we are more than how we are viewed in society.The team answers some questions:
Malcom X famously said “the most disrespected person in America is the Black women. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman. What does that quote mean to you? Do you see that being relevant in 2022 the same way it was in 1962? Who have been some famous black women that have demanded respect in our society that you appreciate? Ida b. Wells, Fannie Lou Hamer, Serena Williams (looks and body), Michelle Obama (looks), Tarana Burke (looks), Lizzo (weight), Simone Biles (mental health). How do we own our power when we are being diminished by others? Loving who we are, accepting compliments, acknowledging your talents and skills, creating spaces where we are prioritized and celebrated, and don’t internalize others' judgments etc. What are some ways to celebrate black women in general and especially the women in our families and communities during this month?Let us know what you think of this episode on our social media!
Speak Kinder to Yourself in 2022
Join Ednesha, Kim, and Marquia as they talk about how to speak kinder to yourself in 2022!
We are used to thinking that communication is between people, that we need to express our feelings and ideas to create bonds. We are told communication is the key to success in life as well as in relationships. But do you ever think about the importance of having good communication with yourself? Whose voice do you hear when you self-talk? What does your inner critic say to you? How loud is that voice? What are the positive things you say to yourself? Do you actually listen to the positive stuff? Research shows that how you think about yourself can have a powerful effect on how you feel. How can we practice using words that promote feelings of self-worth? How do we be more aware of what we're taking in. What music are you listening to… are you hyping yourself up or it making yourself sad? What are some tools our listeners can take away about how to be kinder to themselves in 2022?Let us know what you think of this episode on our social media!
What Are Your Intentions for 2022?
They're back!
Join Ednesha, Kim, and Marquia as they talk about their intentions for the new year
Recap of what the rest of 2021 was like and what we would like to be intentional about in 2022. How do you set intentions to ensure success? What's your word, phrase or mantra that sums up your intentions for the year? Some tools and resources that listeners can use to help them set intentions for the year?For more information on Black Woman Be Whole, check out the links below:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackwomanbewhole/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackwomanbewhole/
***We want to hear from YOU!***
Drop us a note and let us know your thoughts about this episode.
I can See Clearly Now: Vision for the Future
Join Ednesha, Kim, and Marquia as they talk about season 1 of the podcast and their vision for themselves and Black Woman Be Whole!
They answer the following questions:
What was it like making the podcast? Did it give what it was supposed to gave? What was your favorite episode of season 1? What do you see in the future for the next season?The next segment asks the questions:
Has your vision for yourself or idea of your future self, changed since the pandemic and
What’s your vision for Black Woman Be Whole?
They discussed some tools, resources, and/or advice for listeners:
Wheel of life (Assessment) Join groups and engage Write a letter to your future self Have deep conversations with peopleFor more information on Black Woman Be Whole, check out the links below:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackwomanbewhole/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackwomanbewhole/
***We want to hear from YOU!***
Drop us a note and let us know your thoughts about this episode.
Dating and Mating in COVID
Join Ednesha, Kim, and Marquia as they talk about dating and mating in COVID
Has the way you look at dating changed in the last 18 months since Covid has become a part of our lives? Has your views on relationships changed due to the pandemic? Has your views on sex changed since the pandemic? Are people trying out a particular relationship more?Some tools and resources that listeners can use to help them on their journey with sex, dating, and relationships:
Listen to our podcast from February with Marla Renee Stewart
Websites
https://www.kinkly.comSocial Media
Sex with Ashley Marla Renee Stewart (Velvet Lips) AfrosexologyFor more information on Black Woman Be Whole, check out the links below:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackwomanbewhole/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackwomanbewhole/
***We want to hear from YOU!***
Drop us a note and let us know your thoughts about this episode.
Hell Naw! The Power of No
Join Ednesha, Kim, and Marquia as they talk about the power of no.
Why is it so hard to say no?
As women are we hardwired to be agreeable?
When did you learn to say no and is it something you're still working on? Has it become a form of self care for you? Is it essential to your mental health?
For more information on Black Woman Be Whole, check out the links below:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackwomanbewhole/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackwomanbewhole/
***We want to hear from YOU!***
Drop us a note and let us know your thoughts about this episode.
Communication: Say it With Ya Chest
Join Ednesha, Kim, and Marquia as they talk about Communication
Where/who gave you messages about communication (conflict, affection, etc.)
How did they communicate? Tone, rate of communication, verbal/body language
As a child were you allowed to communicate how you felt or were you just supposed to be “seen and not heard?”
For more information on Black Woman Be Whole, check out the links below:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackwomanbewhole/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackwomanbewhole/
***We want to hear from YOU!***
Drop us a note and let us know your thoughts about this episode.
Black Girl Joy!
Join Ednesha, Kim, and Marquia as they talk about Black Girl Joy!
What does Black Girl Joy mean to you?Who or what brings you joy?
How did you maintain your joy during the pandemic?
For more information on Black Woman Be Whole, check out the links below:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackwomanbewhole/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackwomanbewhole/
***We want to hear from YOU!***
Drop us a note and let us know your thoughts about this episode.
Sistership Is A Verb!
Join Ednesha, Kim, and Marquia as they talk about sistership (sisterhood)
Who taught you how to be a friend? Did you receive negative messages about being friends with girls? What does a healthy friendship look like for you? How do you know when a friendship is worth saving? Has your definition of friendship changed over the years?For more information on Black Woman Be Whole, check out the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackwomanbewhole/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackwomanbewhole/ ***We want to hear from YOU!*** Drop us a note and let us know your thoughts about this episode.
Unpacking the Strong Black Woman Trope
Join Ednesha, Kim, and Marquia as they talk about the harmful and unsustainable Strong Black Woman trope.
As a result, we are suffering from depression and anxiety, and sacrificing our mental, emotional, and physical health trying to live up to this unrealistic expectation.
Black women need support from their families, and communities, to be vulnerable and to redefine what "strong" really means.
For more information on Black Woman Be Whole, check out the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackwomanbewhole/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackwomanbewhole/ ***We want to hear from YOU!*** Drop us a note and let us know your thoughts about this episode.
Where Are Your Safe Spaces?
Join, Ednesha, Kim, and Marquia as they talk about the importance of safe spaces for Black women. We need places of refuge from all the shit that gets thrown at Black women and knowing where our safe spaces are and who we consider safe spaces are important. We talk about why we created BWBW, what is considered a safe space for us, spaces where we have felt unsafe, and tools and resources that listeners can use to help them find their safe spaces. For more information on Black Woman Be Whole, check out the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackwomanbewhole/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackwomanbewhole/ ***We want to hear from YOU!*** Drop us a note and let us know your thoughts about this episode.
Sh*t be Happening. Navigating Life Events
Join, Ednesha, Kim, and Marquia as they talk about navigating life events cause sh*t be happening.
When we look at our lives, at each stage of life, there are events that have impacted us (negatively and positively) and these events have a significant effect on who we are.
It's the event itself, and the meaning we assign to the event that shapes the story we tell ourselves and others about these experiences.
For more information on Black Woman Be Whole, check out the links below:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackwomanbewhole/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackwomanbewhole/
Identities and Labels
Join, Ednesha, Kim, and Marquia as they discuss identities and labels
They examine their roles as the "Strong Black Woman" and how it has impacted them.
For more information on Black Woman Be Whole, check out the links below:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackwomanbewhole/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackwomanbewhole/
Your Origin Story
Join, Ednesha, Kim, and Marquia as they discuss their origin stories or what makes them, them.
They examine their taught lessons & values and how they impact them today.
Lastly, they talk about how they have worked through negative lessons and how they are crafting their stories today.
For more information on Black Woman Be Whole, check out the links below:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackwomanbewhole/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackwomanbewhole/
The Rona Got Me Fuc**d Up!
Join, Ednesha, Kim, and Marquia as they discuss how they have been impacted by The Rona!
They've been working, trying to maintain their mental health, battling weight gain, re-evaluating their lives, and missing outside.
But it wasn't all bad, and they share some positives they've experienced during the pandemic like making new friends, reconnecting with people, and finding their joy.
For more information on Black Woman Be Whole, check out the links below:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackwomanbewhole/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackwomanbewhole/
Run It Back Tuesday w/ Alex Elle
Intro: Black Woman Be Whole Podcast
For more information on Black Woman Be Whole, check out the links below:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/blackwomanbewhole/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/blackwomanbewhole/
Run It Back Tuesday w/ Marla Renee Stewart, MA
Run It Back Tuesday w Anzala Alozie, JD
We're doing truth-telling about #IntimatePartnerViolence, and its impact on #BlackWomen, families, friends, and communities for this week's episode of The Black Woman Be Whole podcast takeover of the BeReal podcast.
Thank you to Executive Director, Anzala Alozie, for joining us for this important discussion, and thank you for the work you do at _____
We HAVE to make space for these conversations if we want to move towards healing in our communities.
There are resources available if you, or anyone you know, is in an intimate partner violence relationship:
National Domestic Violence
www.thehotline.org/get-help/local-resources/
800-799-SAFE
National Coalition against Domestic Violence
ncadv.org/
National Dating Abuse Helpline
1-866-331-9474
www.loveisrespect.org
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
1-800-537-2238
www.nrcdv.org and www.vawnet.org
BWBW Takeover of The BeReal Podcast
The Black Woman Be Whole team is taking over the BeReal Podcast for the month of February!
Join, Ednesha Saulsbury (LCSW) Kim Moore, and Marquia Farmer, over the next 4 episodes, for a sneak peek into what you can expect to hear leading up to the launch of The Black Woman Be Whole podcast on March 3rd.
The team talks about how they got started, their relationship with one another, current events, and issues that are relevant to Black women, self-care, and mental health.
Listen to the BeReal Podcast Takeover on Tuesdays.
Follow Black Woman Be Whole on Instagram or Facebook @BlackWomanBeWhole