Being The Balance

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[cue the evening news instramental] Reporting live from our metro Atlanta "studios", we're back with another episode. Although we're celebrating Black history all year, it's the end of Black History Month. We've been sharing Black history/herstory facts and new monumental moments making current headlines over on Beyonce's internet. And we're blackity, black, black over here all day every day. How did you celebrate #BHM? Did you learn something? If so, did you share the wealth? Let's commit to learning something about our heritage every month and then you know what to do... "each one, teach one."Straight outta the #HR corner, we're discussing a recent article that says your manager has a lot of influence on your mental health. Callie provides helpful tips and takeaways on what to do if your manager is causing you to feel uncomfortable or weighed down in your work environment. #Advocate for your wellness. You are supported.S-peaking of work and areas of improvement, we discuss common terms we use at work that may have violent under or overtones. Are you using any of these phrases and will you make a few minor tweaks to things that you say in meetings or emails? Drop us a line and let us know if we left any phrases off the list.Next up, we're talking about #joy and #journeys, people. Joy is all around us. Don't let the negative narratives fool you. When you see the positive being highlighted, it makes you stop and take it in. It's uplifting and cleansing for your timeline. Now for a #spiritual cleanse, our Dope Friend, Naturally Just Nikki is here to explain #holistic healing. This interview was enlightening, and if it sparks questions about your healing journey connect with Naturally Just Nikki for a consult. Set your intentions and be well, dope friends.

We ain't gone hold ya. #January was full of emotions. New year, new beginnings. Then there were the moments of genuine saddness. More mass shootings than days in the year and Tyre Nichols' murder. It's been a heavy month. And we want to be honest about how we're feeling.Dope friends, take a breath and then tell a friend how you're doing. Wholeheartedly. Candidly. It's good to confide in people. That's the beauty of #community.Speaking of togetherness, Black History Month starts today. It's the shortest month, but we don't take it lightly. We're aware of the #journey that led our ancestors' greatest dreams here. They endured and we honor them. Tune in as we share perspectives and stories - new and old.Share your story and the stories of others all month - really all year - long. There's #growth in understanding. And our collective story is one that deserves to be told for eons. Let's lift each up other all year long. ✊

Happy 2023, Dope Friends! We missed you. We hope you enjoyed the #holidays and listened

It's #December and this is the last episode of the year. But don't worry, we came through for you! "We are gathered here today to..." discuss 1) the end of an extremely long #electionszn, 2) untimely #layoffs and what to do if you or someone you know is impacted in the HR Corner, and 3) shadow work, understanding the orgins of your #triggers, and it's benefits. Have you done shadow work? Drop us a line and let us know how the process in going. And our Dope Friend, Candice Benbow, came through and effortlessly closed out a year full of ah-mazing interviews. Listen, she did not disappoint! We're here for her journey, her accomplishments (come on new book with raving reviews and writing gigs with #ESSENCE and The Grio

Hi Dope Friends. Tis the season to think about presence and what you're #grateful for. Callie said it best, we're grateful for you guys! ❤ Thank you for rocking with us! Now, the ministry of #presence is definitely a conversation starter if you need one this week. lol What does it mean to you? How has someone showed up for you in a way that was impactful? What can we learn from the gift of presence? *whispers "see what I did there?* Being there for people and supporting them in good and challenging times speaks volumes for your relationship with them. Amen.

Dope friends, we took an extended Fall Break. And we'll admit it's already been a long November and today is the 9th!

Hi Dope Friends! Every episode is story time, right?! Sooooo we have updates on local #Atlanta extravaganzas - heavy on the extra. Don't come for us. We always mean well. Just keeping our dope friends in the loop. lol Then we need to delve into "HBCU culture isn't black culture." Ooohhhhh, let's get into it because people feel some type of way about the young lady at a #PWI creating a dance

We're not going to hold you on this one. Mrs. Sheryl Lee Ralph!! We're giving her a standing ovation from our home studios. We STAN!! The black girl magic on the 2022 #Emmys was just... legit everything.

Goodbye #summer break and

It's Mental Health Awareness Month, and we're taking some time to honor things that make us happy and be realistic about some of the heaviness happening around us. That's what being the balance means to us at this moment. A tv show aptly named “Atlanta” gets all of the love for the characters and the storyline. And can we take a moment to say, Shari is CAUGHT up on the episodes, people! Issues centered around race, blackness, traditions, tragedy, self-reflection, and introspection are gift-wrapped in the script and delivery. Don't mind us... We're just a couple of fans gushing over the way the episodes are presented. Watch it for the first time or catch up on a few episodes from this season. Time well spent. You're welcome. We'd be remised if we didn't check in with each other after the violent events over the weekend. Once again, a mass shooting is causing us to consider our lives and how they intersect with others. Grief and anguish sit with all of us as we process what's unfolding. And we're grateful that we spoke to our dope friend, Ti, to ground us. Sadness is real and you have every right to feel it. But his story is a testament to transforming the trauma and finding authentic purpose after a life-changing loss. What an incredible testimony of honoring your person, their wishes, and their memory. These dope friends have shown up and shown out this season! Thank you to each one for being vulnerable and sharing your truths. Those truths continue to help our dope friends know they're not alone.For more details about mental health awareness, self-care, professional help in getting over the hurdles, or facts that can help you or someone you know, go to the National Institute of Mental Health's site. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/We hope the takeaways from this episode and the season are: There's room for transformation on the other side of what feels like an unbearable reality. You are supported.

Y'all... It feels like this week has been hectic with the news

Hey Dope Friends! We're back from spring break, and we've got some things to catch up on. #Travel, sand, sun, #politics and lodging, and THE thing that everyone's seen and talked about all month... You know you were waiting to hear our commentary. LOL we've got you covered. Have you made a life change and received differing advice from your village? Have you been the person to question your friend about #exercise, #diet, #dating, etc.? We share our perspectives on change and why it seems to put people in a space. What's your experience? We want to know. Side note: Folks can judge and offer opinions all they want. Shari's still vegan, and Callie's fam still doesn't eat pork. End of story. Ooohhh did it feel like that pushed a button or two? [insert a nod and a shrug] Change is good, guys. Now that that's out of the way, drop us a line and tell us what you've got planned for the #summer. We're going back on break in a few weeks, but we will leave you a listening list to keep you entertained. We promise!

As Women's Her-story Month wraps, we wanted to talk about women making monumental moves.Salute to Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for being the first Black woman to be nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court. She's shining in those confirmation hearings. Come on #blackgirlmagic!! We'll let you decide how you want to categorize the 2nd group. Sooooo you'll just have to listen and decide for yourself. No spoilers on that one. And our dope friend, athlete and bodybuilder extraordinaire came by to share her journey and the moments of clarity she's had along the way. We're rooting for you, girl!! Drop us a line and share something you learned this month about an inspiring woman.P.S. We're taking spring break off! Check out some our oldie but goodie episodes while we're out. ✌

Listen we know you're carrying a lot. And without sounding like a huge cliché, it's important to take a breath, speak your truth, lean on your people aka your #tribe and take things one thing at a time and one day at a time. As adults we know that, but how do you help kids understand the often-slow journey of processing difficult topics. Callie's #Mommy Corner paints a picture of how her family is processing a personal #loss, and how they explained it to their little ones. Even in difficult times, there are profound moments that will last for years to come. The #memories that will live on and the memories you're creating are a beautiful testament to what feels "lost" but will always have a special place. Go on that trip! Bradley is right. #Mexico is a great idea to create more amazing memories that will honor their loved one. How do you process and explain tough subjects to your little ones? Do you remember how any of those conversations from your #childhood? That's that. And then on a scale of 1 to 5, how are you feeling about being outside in these streets these days? 1 is "nah, I'm good" and 5 is "meet us at the spot, we got the first round!" You know what to do... drop us a line and tell a friend to... you got it!!Friendly reminder: "You are supported."

As we close out #BHM, we're talking real-world issues from #Putin and politics to resilience and retail. #Sanctions, gas prices, and intense tension overseas. We're #adulting and working through what it means to us and the world around us. For example, what's the first word you think of when you hear the word resilient? Is it strong? Is it unbreakable? Or is it synonymous with struggle? Let's debunk the connection between resilience, strength, and struggle. We're definitely unearthing some truths about our perceptions in this episode. [Enter Dope Friend, Elisha.] This episode was a great fit for Elisha to discuss her journey to being an #entrepreneur and what it means to her to be a balanced, boutique boss. Here's a hint: The keyword is #authenticity. And it resonates seamlessly with not working to be resilient/tough all of the time. Be vulnerable and be you. The people will #love you for it. Take it from a boss in this episode.

OK. Real quick, tune in because we're here for #BHM, the #tatas, love, and #sex. Ladies, schedule your #mammograms. Callie is giving you all of the descriptors you need to prep for your first one.Salute to #blacklove and the awesome black sex therapist (and dope friend) that joined us to talk about helping people understand their perspectives on relationships. Those perspectives, in turn, shape our broader views and behaviors. Now y'all know we aren't therapists, but we will bring one into chat and share some common (and perhaps not-so-common) themes around a (saucy) topic. Would you expect anything less than an interview with a sex therapist in #February?! Unless you're a NEW dope friend, you know the drill. You're welcome.*bows head* Lord, we thank you for mental health professionals. They are very, special blessings. And we know people need unbiased counsel and connections to ground them, help them heal, navigate the ups and downs, and thrive. We joke, but we take the healing and self-improvement journey seriously. Dope friends, if you don't hear it anywhere else: #Therapy is a part of #self-care. There's no stigma or shame in seeking help in its many forms. "You are supported." ❤

Dope friends, tune in. Our melanated peeps already know what half of the title means. #Omicron aka #Omarion is outchea, and we're letting you know how feel about it the only way we know how. And while we're talking about Omarion's cold antics, we're going to dive into The #Iceberg Method/Theory. #storytime What are the characteristics you reveal to others? And what's below the surface? Do you consider the differences and how people interact with you depending on which layer of the iceberg they see? Whew chile. Introspection can be beautiful and transformative. Drop us a line about your thoughts about the theory AND share your one good thing. We want to hear your positive moments because... #balance.

So long, 2021! As we wrap up this year, we're wishing our dope friends and family happy holidays and a safe and prosperous #2022.

Tune in to BTBP this week as we remember Virgil Abloh's contributions to the fashion industry. Per usual, Callie is spilling the beans about the latest #Insecure episode. Dear Molly, It's OK to take a break and to ask for help. Delegating is a skill and it can be your friend. *note to self* Now #Issa, why are you throwing newborns like 3-point shots?!

Listen... We ain't gone hold you because you've got podcasts to listen to and share! We're still talking about #COVID because it's STILL here. [insert extra-long, obnoxious eye roll] We're unraveling current topics, and it's basically a rundown of the rappers in the news this week. And then get into our interview with dope friend and #entrepreneur, Andrea Polk. She's candid about her journey, her #transformation, and her passion to share gems with her customers. If you don't learn another thing today, you can thank her later for that caterpillar quote. That's a BTBP classic. Let the people know, Andrea!!

Hot off the press: Cheers to the home team!! ⚾️ #Atlanta will be going UP for the rest of the week to celebrate their new #WorldSeries Champs. #BattleATL *fireworks and possibly rounds explode in the background (true story) It's time for your fav dope friends lively chat. Let's go! It's #homecoming szn and neither of us went.

Hi dope friends! It's S2:E4 and we're dropping gems for our favs. We're discussing #meditation, #goals with intention, and the spectrums of fixed, growth, and benefit mindsets. Y'all know we're on this journey to be in the space to embrace growth. Our recent convo with Sistas of the Soil intertwined the beauty in physically growing and harvesting something and the mental and emotional correlations. And of course, gardening is about more than growing food. Our dope friends shared their beautiful mission, cleared up some misconceptions about urban #farming, and helped us (i.e. Shari) understand the errs of her gardening (or lack thereof) ways.#plantlove

In the spirit of @_lyneezy and all of her dopeness, "...I'ma keep it brief." You know we're here for the people, so consider the first segment a PSA. Stay safe out there, dope friends. And then... we know why you're here. LOL pull out your

Would you believe this season we're sharing EVEN more of our lives and journeys with our dope friends?! Seriously. Peeling back more layers.

Dope friends, we're coming in hot!

We're baaaaacccckkkkkkkk! The #summer is coming to an end and we're coming back to keep you entertained, enlightened, and laughing through it all. We have a lot of fun things on the horizon for our dope friends. So tune in for S2:E1 (all of our fellow #Netflix, #Hulu, and #Prime binge-watchers know to translate that) on September 8! In the meantime, and in-between time, go back and listen to a few of the BTBP oldies but goodies! See ya soon!

This is end of season 1 and spoiler alert... j/k there are no cliffhangers. We covered soooo much: Mother's Day celebrations, that viral post about the lame bf who didn't want to get his gf a Mother's Day gift

Tune in hear about #vacationing in "Trump Country", a fitting review of #Amazon Prime Video's "Them", and how we are feeling about the Chauvin trial verdict. Whew. And... for the balance part of Being the Balance, we chatted it up with Rick Pace, a dope friend (of course) about #investing. Hint: Listen out for the gems he's dropping about life!Rick is breaking down the business of investing, #bitcoin, and he shares his biggest wins and losses. Only a dope friend would share alla that. We learned some things; we hope you do as well. Maybe this investing thing isn't so convoluted after all. Now, if you become millionaires, don't forget us over here at BTBP!!

April is #Stress Awareness Month. We’re checking on our stress levels during the national trial coverage. You know whose. We don’t need to say that guy’s name. But we will never forget #GeorgeFloyd. Please check your stress levels and remember to protect your peace by logging off of social media sometimes. But… during your breaks, download new and old episodes of BTBP.

Listen... There are legit times to apologize. By now, you've definitely seen the memes of a current, awkward #apology that includes #infidelity admissions and a black #beanie. So let's get into why women are trusting *certain* sources for the keys to relationships. Do these influencers on Al Gore's internet really know the secrets to #relationships or have they created personas that 1) appeal to the masses but 2) are not reflected in their own lives? Hmmm... And then there are moments that the professionals agree we shouldn't apologize. We can all take this advice, rephrase that apology, and adjust accordingly to the audience. Basically, you're "sorry, not sorry". You can thank us later.

It's Women's History Month, and we're here for it. We honor women of the past who forged a path for us to stand in and own our space. Among an infinite list of women creating new paths forward, Cardi B, Amanda Gorman, Megan Markle and Oprah are all doing impactful work to ensure women of tomorrow can stand tall, tell their unabashed truth and own it. And... who else would combine Bodak Yellow, #royalreality, and #selflove in one episode?! Admit it, you're here for it too. Our interview with Confidence & Self Love Coach, Natasha Marie, was right on time. She's empowering her clients, and she's offering our listeners 1 free 30-minute consultation to help you find your balance. "You deserve to thrive, sis. We all do." - @mspackyetti

We're closing out February with more love for black-owned businesses, black movies and a black woman in Atlanta who can pivot with the best of them. We're always here for #blacklove (in its many facets) and black history, so we took a moment to get our Siskel and Ebert on. To our Gen Z crowd, Google it. And per usual, a dope friend is sharing insights on the beauty nestled in change. Follow her, support a black business long after BHM ends and spread some kindness in your sphere of the world. Cheers (in Callie's "British" voice)!--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/beingthebalancepodcast/message

It's February and you already know... Black History Month, #blacklove and black businesses get love over here (every month). To commemorate all things heartfelt and mushy, we're highlighting love and relationships of all kinds, all month long. For starters, do you prioritize your spouse above your kids? We don't want smoke, fam. Just asking. lol Back to business, we also had a heartwarming convo with our dope friend about his family's experience with adoption. Their story and his #girldad perspective is powerful. Friendly reminder: Did you buy your boo a gift for Valentine's? We got you! Tune in for a few gift ideas. You're welcome.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/beingthebalancepodcast/message

We're well into the first month of 2021, and we're digging in. What's growth look like in your life? Hard stop. What about bigotry? Put it and it's staunch believers in their place, it feels good. Just ask Callie. We're also tackling our feelings about the woman who was violently attacked while on a wine run. Wtf, man. Whew. That first half was heavy. Luckily, we talked to a dope friend about holistic wellness so we can recenter, focus on the positive, and look for different types of therapy and #selfcare. And after the episode - and not a second before - drop us a line about a topic you'd like to hear on the podcast.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/beingthebalancepodcast/message

Happy new year, good people. We're back from the holiday break, and we're recapping our quaint celebrations. We're also shouting out all of the amazing people near and far who helped GA flip the U.S. Senate. And... then "if entitlement was an extremist group of 45 supporters breaking laws and getting away with it after taking selfies and videos as evidence" tried to steal our joy. Luckily, we're staying on track with #goals for the year. After goals, why not discuss an article on COVID cufffing season?! Of course, we will get into that just for you.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/beingthebalancepodcast/message

We're happily bidding 2020 adieu as we share Christmas plans, memories of Santa, lessons learned and an inspiring interview with a dope friend. Donnie Curtis, Founder of Soul Programs, and his team are mentoring the youth and providing safe spaces for them on two coasts. Btw, happy holidays and cheers to 2021! We'll be back in January with more BTBP fun, laughter, our perspectives, and fresh interviews with dope friends.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/beingthebalancepodcast/message

We're back from the holiday break, well rested and reminiscing on pies, plates and palettes. Aside from the food coma memories, Callie gives us an update from the Mommy Corner. And we delve into some of the - brace yourselves - positives on social media. We revisit several uber transparent posts from Humans of NY, Chrissy Teigan and Laverne Cox and how their multi-tiered vulnerabilities are schooling the people on compassion, inclusion and equality in an era of change.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/beingthebalancepodcast/message

You know why we're here... to give you the scoop on our experiences and perspectives. In this episode, we look back at an anxiety-inducing election week, the results, and the memorable reactions. Callie explains her experience helping to cure GA ballots, and she shares important tips to know and share for the upcoming runoff elections. And after a crazy year and rollercoaster election season, we're looking forward to some much-needed R&R next week. Thanksgiving is around the corner and we're mapping out our socially distant holiday plans.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/beingthebalancepodcast/message

Tune in as we share all the feels on election night (with strong cocktails in hand). We're sharing ways to break away from all of the turmoil. And our dope friend, Dr. Marcia is dropping gems on trusting the science during flu + COVID szn. We're all in this together - drop us a line and let us know how you're feeling about all of the things in this episode.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/beingthebalancepodcast/message

In this episode, we caught up with our dope friend and political campaign guru, Rob West. Tune in to hear our conversation about the presidential candidates, what undecided voters want to hear, voting down the ballot, and how to stay engaged and involved when election season ends. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/beingthebalancepodcast/message