Black Lady Adulting Podcast

In this episode of Black Lady Adulting, Joakina sits down with Gayani Ekanayake, founder of Consult Karuna and a Learning & Development Manager, to discuss money matters. Specifically, the two discuss how to be more intentional with saving and investing coins to build wealth. Several gems are dropped so tune in!

On this episode of Black Lady Adulting, Joakina discusses Black women's faith and spirituality with social activist, public theologian and author, Rahiel Tesfamariam. They discuss their faith journeys, how spirituality aligns with social justice work and how to lean on faith during trying times. Join them for the rich discussion!

On the Season 2, Episode 1 Intro, host, Joakina, shared the challenges in getting Season 2 launched, and gives readers an idea of what to expect in this coming season.

On the final episode of season one, Joakina sits down with special guest Delan Stone to talk about Black Love. Delan shares what he loves about Black love (3:13), and the Black woman (5:12). Joakina also shares why Black love is important to her (6:31) and her feelings about what makes Black love revolutionary (6:48). The couple go on to discuss the power of being in a Black union (10:40) and how Black people can show up better for one another (14:36). They chat about the incident that happened to Meg the Stallion (15:00) and ponder whether Black men are responsible for protecting Black women (17:36). Joakina gives her take on what both Black men and Black women can do to better support one another (24:49), while Delan gives advice to single people trying to create a union (27:10). The couple discusses the importance of not intentionally triggering partners and not taking advantage of how men are socialized (30:03). Final thoughts are shared on Black love and what it takes to have a thriving relationship (41:04). The episode concludes with a special message to the listeners (45:43).

Join Joakina as she discusses Black women in the work force with Chief HR Officer, Briana Ekandem. Briana shares her take on the McKinsey and Company women in the workplace report (4:55) and the importance of centering Black women's voices and experiences (8:52). The pair also discuss the experiences of Black women in the workforce pre-COVID (12:03), Black women's labor (12:26) and how companies can better support Black women and women of color (14:28). Briana also shares some gems on how to advocate for yourself when receiving a job offer (18:10) and within a current position (22:00). The interview process can be tough and negotiating salary can be even harder. Listen as Briana and Joakina share tips in navigating that process (27:25) and also recommendations for organizations on how to retain Black women (37:25). As the episode ends, Briana shares what she loves about being a Black lady adulting (43:30) and Joakina closes out with a My Girlfriends segment (45:38) that acknowledges the potential “classist and egregious” nature of their conversation.

On this episode of Black Lady Adulting, Joakina is joined by media extraordinaire, Ashlei Stevens who has appeared on TV One, CNN, BET, ID and more (2:05). Together, they discuss how the media impacts our understanding of politics (3:54). Ashlei and Joakina explore how the media elevated the 45 president's platform in a harmful way (5:00), the mutual obsession between the press and the 45th president (5:54) and how it created an alternate reality for some folks (7:30). Ashlei gives her take on how the "pot boiled over" during the insurrection (10:05) and the media's role in the events of January 6th (12:50). Further, they discuss how they media can and should do better to provide accurate news (19:38) and why Black women should care about this topic (25:34). We conclude with Ashlei sharing what she loves about being a Black lady adulting (34:10) and the My Girlfriends segment with a special passage by Toni Morrison (37:02).

On this episode, Black Lady Adulting explores the concept of impostor syndrome. She breaks down the development of the concept (2:00), defines it (3:00) and describes various impostor attitudes (4:45). Examining the concept through a racial lens, Joakina explores why minoritized groups may suffer from impostor syndrome more than others (7:05), the potential effects it can have on folks (11:20), and tips to overcome it (14:20). She digresses and gives a nod to Bomani Jones (18:32) and gets back on track by examining the Dunning Kruger Effect (21:19), who most likely suffers from that (23:55) and reminds us to do the work to let go of things that do not serve us (26:10). The episode concludes with a shout out to Black women in the My Girlfriendsss segment (30:28) and a salute to one amazing Black woman in particular.

Join Dr. Nere Ayu, professor at Howard University and 2x graduate of HBCUs, in a discussion about HBCUs or PWIs. Learn why Joakina thinks the term PWI is problematic (5:50), the importance of being intentional about creating community (10:00) and the historical underfunding of HBCUs (12:31). Both Dr. Ayu and Joakina share how funding impacts education (20:51) and the importance of finding an institution that aligns with your values (23:15). Joakina shares her issue with the perception of Black students who attend HWIs (29:50) and the two discuss Greek life and student involvement at each institution (40:15). Lastly, Dr. Ayu sharing advice on things to consider when choosing an institution, HWI or HBCU (52:55). The episode concludes with the My Girlfriends segment (56:50).

Learn about Black women's womb challenges. From birth control being prescribed as a bandaid (2:37) to Grave's disease (4:00) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (10:00), join Joakina as she uncovers her womb journey. She shares statistics on Black women's various womb challenges (11:47) and talks about how she moved past shame to healing (16:35). She offers tips on how folks can be supportive of women with womb challenges (19:45) and concludes with a very special My Girlfriends segment (23:38).

Join Dr. Meag-gan and Joakina as they discuss Black mental health and wellness. Learn why "if anyone needs therapy, it's Black folks" (4:00) and how Black women aren't actually that strong (9:54). Dr. Meag-gan also outlines the four foundational things needed for wellness (16:33)and how hustle culture can be harmful (20:00). We wrap up by discussing joy (26:09) and Dr. Meag-gan shares what she does to maintain wellness and peace (30:31). The episode concludes with a My Girlfriends segment (37:45).

On this episode of BLA, Joakina sits down with creator and founder of the Black Creative, Paige, to have a lively discussion about cancel culture. Listen as Paige shares why she is against cancel culture (3:10) while Joakina is here for it but thinks people get canceled for the wrong things (4:30). Get a good laugh when you hear why Paige thinks Solange should maybe be cancelled for "attacking" Jay-Z (15:15) and learn why some people find difficulty in cancelling celebrities (25:32). Later in the conversation we discuss Queen Bey and Black is King (29:30) and the difference between being critical and being a hater (35:15). The episode concludes with the My Girlfriendsss segment dedicated to Beyonce.

Joakina and her dear friend & line sister, Amber, discuss managing friendships in adulthood (3:56) while using Molly & Issa from Insecure as a guide. Joakina and Amber touch on the fear of losing friends (4:58), compartmentalizing friendships (5:25) and dealing with losing friends (12:45). They also share tips on what they would do differently with some past friendships (20:00). Last but not least, these two girlfriends discuss the challenges of cross-racial friendships (24:57) when anti-Blackness is alive and well. The show wraps with the My Girlfriends segment (37:45).

Join Joakina, the host of Black Lady Adulting (BLA), as she introduces you to her new podcast that centers around being an adult and a Black lady.