Just Chai

We are focusing on women and leadership, speaking with the incredible Julia, a high-powered executive who leads with authenticity. How can we grow our careers and find purpose and power in our work journey? How can we bounce back from a challenging performance assessment? What lessons have served us in leadership? Your two favorite brown girls are discussing all that and more with Julia in this transformative conversation.  In this episode, we discuss: Julia's career journey The value of a good mentor Not feeling represented The qualities of a good leader How Brené Brown has helped encourage vulnerability The double bind that women face in careers Showing emotion at work A shift in the workplace The role of personal values Recognizing a toxic environment The immigrant mentality and how we show up The process of unlearning The difference between men and women in applying for jobs The impact of the workplace environment Finding your personal values and how those intersect with your career Knowing what lights you up and why you want a particular job “You can learn from any situation as long as you are being open and flexible” How to grow from feedback “The whole point of life is to grow, evolve, mutate” Dealing with fear of failure X-women! How women and men may define success differently Our messages to our younger selves Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.

In our second season, we are bringing some popular guests back. Crystal joins us in this episode to discuss how what you think and feel play a big role in your physical health as well. We share some good stories, tips for going to the doctor, and how to tune into your body and experience greater wellness.  - Catching up on binge-worthy TV shows - University of Michigan study - Empowered patient - Back to the basics - Amy shares a story on using food as medicine - Using neurofeedback loops to heal  - The body knows what it needs - Addressing physical and emotional injuries - The deeper meaning of what ails us, and Louise Hay - What happens when Amy is reading hands - Getting the body in flow - Embracing play - Medicine embracing mind-body connection - Amy's tip for the next time you visit the doctor - The power of curiosity in the power of healing - Focusing on one area can help another - Being your own health advocate - "Everyone benefits when we share our health stories" - An affirmation for healing Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.

We start a new season with this episode and are taking a look at the new year in February. New Year's resolutions or goals may feel like they are in the rearview mirror already, but don't lose heart. Your two favorite brown girls are here to help you reassess your goals and plans for 2022, and tap into energy to head in the direction of your dreams. Join us for a re-energizing conversation.  In this episode, we discuss: Reconnecting and the weather When does the new year start? Relieving ourselves of the pressure from setting goals a certain way The Four Tendencies (from Gretchen Rubin) Being okay with changing your mind Establishing the attitudes to reach our goals Old lists and vision boards Visualizing your dreams  Course correct “bad” behavior with incremental changes The winding path to success Having space for your dreams Knowing what you need A recent yoga experience as analogy for life Sharing our words for 2022 Keep moving Amy opines on moodiness Going into a place of lightness Being led by how you feel Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.  

We heard a lot from you about your questions, and advice, on “adulting”--from career to marriage to therapy. It was too good to not share, so we are bringing you a second conversation. This episode also concludes our first season, and we hope to come back to you with new episodes soon. Stay tuned and make sure to subscribe so you don't miss anything.  In this episode, we discuss: We're doing stuff and making it happen Currently four planets in retrograde---lots of things outside our control Amy dishes proverbs The importance of showing empathy to one another Social media gives you a window inside peoples' lives Other people aren't owed an explanation of what's going on in your life Some people use empathy as a crutch Whose responsibility is it to employ boundaries? Empathy isn't sympathy Ask people how they want you to show up right now for them. The power of therapy for trauma and how the stigma has changed Going through therapy gives us language and tools our parents didn't have A question about strict upbringing and learning boundaries as an adult Defining what healthy boundaries are A lot of us are raised with “do's” and “don'ts” but sometimes that was for efficiency It's tough to be a parent--it's helpful to have compassion Learning to be confident and trust in your dreams “You're never fully formed.” “It's important to follow your passions, but you gotta pay the bills” “You can't always have the things you want happen at once” The truth about marriage? It's important to learn to disagree respectfully “It's a choice you make everyday to choose that person.” The build up and expectations are part of the problem The four types of trust (Jay Shetty) "You can't get every need met by one person but you can talk about your needs with your partner" Things don't always mean what you think they mean There are so many different kinds of relationships available Sharing listener advice Career advice The best part of being an adult Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.

Were you handed a manual on how to be an adult? Didn't think so. Your two favorite brown girls are answering listener questions and addressing complaints about adulting--bring it on! And there's so much we heard from you (including advice), that we will have a follow-up conversation! In this episode, we discuss: Amy's first name basis relationship with Jon Bon Jovi Madonna has the answer to everything Life as a musical (and….sound effects) Adulting while still feeling like a kid “Nobody knows what anybody's doing.” Hard work and misery? The subjects on an adulting report card (Dance break) Rearranging the dishwasher -- Mom was right! Answering listener questions Wishing we were more prepared for life (life management classes) Basic financial lessons/buying a house and costs of home ownership Our experiences of money as children Sultana's teaching experience  Amy's financial education It's important to know what money means to you Advice from a listener Fixing things (or dealing with emergencies) The importance of triaging problems “Adult life is not as exciting as you imagine it will be.” “Sex and the City” duped us Drinking at work events “Nothing's really free” Friendships as an adult (“like a game of tetris”) “If I have to betray someone, it won't be me” The importance of communicating expectations and learning how to listen Understand how you make decisions Know thyself Where's my manual? “You never really have it figured out” Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.

As Brown girls, hair is a symbol of strength and a connection to our ancestral roots. And for many people, hair is also tied to identity and phases of life. We are talking with Amy's hairstylist/hair therapist, Priya, in a special episode. When a client is in her chair, she isn't simply trimming away split ends; she's helping people release their worries, concerns, and stories they long to change. And we even talk hair tips! You won't want to miss this one. In this episode, we discuss: The biggest bag of Bugles, ever! “Chop, chop!” Welcoming our guest, Priya (Amy's secret keeper) How hair changes parallel with life transitions The hairstylist “radar” You can't rush a great hairstyle Beauty and the break-up How Priya helped Amy get her proposal “Just try it out” Hair as a way to express yourself Amy's bold hairstyles over the years Priya's hair freedom Accidental therapy A client Priya helped “You just never know what people are going through.” Crown chakra Creating mental space  Hairstylists being there for the journey as a safe space Tips to be a better listener Worst parts of the job Everything you wish you knew about hair and getting your hair done Taking care of your hair Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.

As we have spent the longest time at home since childhood, nostalgia has taken hold of our entertainment options. And we are also looking for new and interesting stories to captivate our attention. Yes, we are talking television. Your two favorite brown girls are dishing what we are watching and the throwback TV that keeps us smiling during tough times. Prepare for lots of laughter. In this episode, we discuss: Amy's Zen vibe Making it to the end of the week Way back when we waited for Netflix DVDs Overheards from Amy's Mom “Sex and the City” stands the test of time The show that makes Amy laugh so much, she can't watch it during the workday The staples in your TV diet Period pieces and a moment for Rege Jean-Page Outlander accents and characters The importance of chemistry between characters “Some days I'm clearly Frankie, and other days, I'm so Grace” The satisfaction of transformational shows Witches, demons, and vampires Getting recommendations from friends and family The magic of Mindy Kaling and the importance of representation Women's vs. dude's shows? Yes to Henry Cavill Suspending disbelief and the escapism of TV Tell us your favorite shows! Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.  

We all have a relationship with our stuff, but as we spend more time than ever living amongst our stuff in pandemic times, the change of seasons welcomes a refresh in the form of spring cleaning. Your two favorite brown girls are discussing how to deal with sentimental attachments to your things, our approach to cleaning, and how to reinvent your space from inside out. In this episode, we discuss: Cinder-Amy Child of the 80s and free weekend labor Not having one's own “stuff” or space The fear of scarcity Amy's sacred utility box The great purge of notecards Holding on to things for the sake of holding on to them Marie Kondo has changed our folding forever Sentimental items Making rules about acquiring new stuff “Money was spent on this, and therefore I must keep it!” Giving things away Swap parties for unused, unloved stuff Sultana's struggle with books Dealing with someone's stuff after… Merging lives with someone's stuff The power of Feng Shui in understanding the energy of your space The legacy of our stuff Reinventing your space Our steps to spring cleaning Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.

We have all said or heard “I'm sorry” before, but forgiveness goes beyond an apology. In this conversation, we are going deep on forgiveness--how to do it well and why it matters (that includes giving yourself grace on the things you didn't accomplish during quarantine). Your two favorite brown girls dish the advice and stories on forgiveness, with a dose of laughter. In this episode, we discuss: Why do we have lawns in the first place? Finishing projects you start Movie and a song What we didn't accomplish during the pandemic Sound effects Sultana's music and Amy's crouton-making adventure It's easy to spiral into shame How we learn forgiveness (forced sibling apology?) The barriers in the way of forgiveness The environment we grew up in The adage of “forgive but don't forget” Spiraled growth and healthy detachment Going to the site of impact and getting clear for yourself “True forgiveness is when you can say ‘thank you for that experience'” - Oprah Winfrey Learning from ending relationships and getting clarity Limiting beliefs that are holding you back The influence of family “We can see two versions of a situation and they can both be right” Repeating patterns from childhood and generational trauma Amy's love language quiz with her parents The power of asking open-ended questions Your "forgiveness starter pack" How to know if you need to forgive someone Ho'oponopono healing technique (from Hawai'i) Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.  

Feeling ready, or not ready, for a change? As the seasons change and we move into Spring, your two favorite brown girls are talking about all the things: mercury retrograde (a little woo-woo for you), finding closure (or not) as seasons shift in life, avoiding burnout, meditation, letting go of perfection, and examining our thoughts. In this episode, we discuss: Checking in Mercury retrograde (and its effects) “Take it all back!” “I've got the power” Vaccine update The illusion of control Inspiration of gardening shows (and a good nature analogy) What the pandemic is teaching us Dealing with unexpected change Giving ourselves permission to rest Cultural influences on being “all the things” The benefit of a meditation practice The spiritual matrix The power of suggestion Metacognition Checking implicit bias “Your thoughts are optional” Email anxiety Letting go of perfection and embracing the beautiful mess Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.

We upgrade this week from two brown girls to three when our friend, Felicia Dhanani, joins us. We chat about her cultural heritage, what traditions she is passing along to her daughter, her take on cultural appropriation (and what that means in places like the yoga studio), her journey to heal, and how she's living her best life as a single Mom (you will want to check out her “Lioness Pride” community for single mothers). In this episode, we discuss: Felicia's quiet space (and cool floor desk!) Her cultural identity -- an Indian girl born in America with a Spanish name whose parents are from East Africa with a more progressive mindset Differences from traditional Indian culture and how she feels about it today Bringing an openness and freedom to raising her daughter when it comes to culture (rather than conflict) Code-switching and connection Meme culture When culture goes mainstream (yoga) -- intention matters “We are grasping for something more” Amy's experience in yoga classes “Yoga instructors make beautiful, magical things happen (but be authentic)” First generation American experience as an Indian The mind-body connection Expectations vs. reality and authenticity Yoga, ayurveda, and asafoetida (and Amy's childhood) Felicia's yoga practice Meditation can show up in different ways "Knowing something doesn't make you better than anyone else" What Felicia is passing on to her daughter (cultural generational connection) A water break Conscious parenting - “having the love of family while ensuring the things she's learning are the things I want her to keep” What motivated Felicia to start a community (“Lioness Pride”) for single mothers following her divorce “We worked on being divorced...how to get to a good place with ourselves, and with eachother” Getting clear so you can focus on what's most important Creating a space for other women struggling with conflict and committed to healing Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.

Prepare to be inspired to think about parenting from a different perspective---and to think about your own childhood and how you would “re-parent” yourself if you could. We talk with Devin Jae Wilber---photographer, entrepreneur, and Mom to two beautiful children, one with autism--about how showing up authentically as a parent and releasing perfection has given her greater joy and the opportunity to contribute to others. And, we laugh a lot too! In this episode, we talk about: Katy Perry and lions Introducing Devin Jae Wilber -- “Mom extraordinaire” + photographer + entrepreneur The “Mom” expectations “If I can't keep a plant alive”  Make up your own rules about parenting The belief that mothers are supposed to be the CEOs of the house Blue hair for picture day Trusting the process of exploration for children “If you're going to fall, learn how to fall the right way” Shame and growth Dealing with different parenting philosophies The fallacy of “Pinterest Mom” Having a special needs daughter “Give everyone a break” Showing up imperfectly The origins of Devin's passion for advocacy Her daughter's autism diagnosis Doing something meaningful with your anger The “First Words Project” at FSU Formulating a plan matters---so does gut instinct Managing anger -- part of the grief process Being a realist and dealing with people that make uninformed remarks Protecting parents' mental health  “There's no playbook” Coping with grief Devin's new plan - not taking “no” as no We have to be our own advocates Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.

We've all heard the adage, “you are what you eat,” but what does that really mean? We discuss how our childhood and culture shaped our food habits, vegetarianism, and how to add intention to your daily diet with some humor, stories, and sass. In this episode, we talk about: Amy's morning oatmeal How our eating in childhood shaped our eating as adults The scarcity mindset The origin story of Sultana's vegetarianism “How did we not know that chicken came from chicken?” The celebratory aspects of meat How parents felt about our food choices Amy's Long Island food memories “Who cares...eat what you want, be happy” It's easier to eat less meat now Ancestry and vegetarianism Book recommendation Eating meatless at restaurants Giving up soda Sharing food in relationships Becoming intentional about sugar consumption The relationship between exercise and food Quarantine and overeating Making small changes in the diet to see how your body responds Suggestions for late night snacking Amy's intermittent fasting experience The value of breakfast Advice for those looking to change food habits Combatting quarantine weight Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.

On this most strange and special of holidays, we are going beyond the greeting card, and supporting our listeners by answering your challenging questions about love and relationships. Your love gurus are here for you! Grab a cup of chai (or coffee or tea) and join us. In this episode, we discuss: Amy's hair + Valentine's Day plans Reversing roles on Valentine's Days (single to coupled, and coupled to single) How Amy made Valentine's Day special when she was single Remembering our “Valentine's Day Sux” party from college Managing Valentine's Day expectations The power of friendship to fill the void Fill up your own bucket Can love overcome political differences? Masters vs. disasters (dealing with minefield topics) The 3 ways you can show up in discussions Setting an intention for difficult conversations  Considering what happened in a person's life that might inform their strong views Recalling Amy's father's experience from 1984 and its impact Should I stay or should I go? You have to invest in yourself Look at the things that are easiest to solve Happiness doesn't look the same to every person Even though you think things cannot change, things inevitably change How have you abandoned yourself? The process of journaling as a feedback loop Engage in a conversation with yourself Struggling with identity issues The “Four Horsemen” - considering toxic dynamics in a relationship You teach your partner how to treat you Dissecting codependency Boundaries are necessary to have healthy relationships Geometry as an analogy for relationships “You have to know where your ‘no' is” Carving out an independent persona True love is made up of two individuals The body is a messenger Everything can change Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.

For our first book club selection, we read Glennon Doyle's memoir, “Untamed.” Direct, compelling, and unapologetic in its delivery, this collection of life snapshots call attention to deeper issues that exist in society, particularly in the way women are taught to behave and move in the world. With Glennon's strong narrative voice, she delivers a powerful punch to all those who seek to have more life in their life. Whether you've read it or not, you will gain a nugget of wisdom from the discussion. In this episode we cover: The structure of the book How the book is inspiring Amy to write Unlearning what isn't working for you A whole family vs. having a specific structure Using the cheetah as symbolism for our “taming” Reframing our relationship with anger  The benefit of listening to an audiobook, especially when it's a memoir Announcing our next book club selection: “The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy” by Dr. Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.

Children with special needs can teach us a lot about paying attention, having patience, and demonstrating understanding. We are speaking with Andy, who has spent his career working with children with behavioral health challenges, and he shares his wisdom that can apply for all children and parents (plus, he's Amy's significant other, so we can hear him spill the tea!) Grab a cup of chai (or coffee or tea) and join us. In this episode, we discuss: Welcoming Andy Amy's annoying habits The personalities of Amy and Andy's doggies Defining special needs  How to approach labels and language matter  “Once you know better, you gotta do better” Systematic changes needed in special education Preparing our kids for “real life” The Importance of being allowed to fail The skills for teaching special education apply to all You can't put kids in a box Andy takes a break, hilarity ensues “One of the best things a school can do, is expose you to people who are not like you” A story of discrimination from another parent The critical need for inclusion, and how poor planning can backfire “I love those kids” Advice for parents with special needs Change has to start from the top-down What COVID-19 has shown us about education Cute lovey dovey talk with Amy and Andy Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.

Have you ever watched a film and felt stunned by the character portrayal or the depth of emotion you felt during a scene? Our friend Crystal knows that experience of memorizing scripts, diving into a role, and going deep within to tap a source of vulnerability. Once an artistic and extroverted child, life led her down a different path. As she became a mother and began thinking how life could look differently for her, she took acting classes, which transformed her. Your two favorite brown girls have a fun and inspiring conversation with Crystal about the process and art of acting, and the empowering decision to create. Grab a cup of chai (or coffee or tea) and join us. In this episode we discuss: How we describe Crystal Friends with "X-Men superpowers" What you learn in acting school Going into a scene with confidence Amy's acting dreams and move to Orlando “You can do that at any point in life” Crystal twinning with Sultana's Mom Amy's model Mama How acting positively affected Crystal's life The impact on Crystal of losing her acting mentor How the Meisner technique can keep you present “The birds are singing again” Motherhood inspired Crystal to pursue acting “We didn't know our parents were human beings with actual desires” How Crystal's parents inspired her creative side Acting as “permission to express” and vulnerability Crystal's favorite movie and how it impacted her The challenge of taking on risky, gritty roles Emotional awareness as empathy and compassion The power of imagination...kids need time to “be bored” so they can create What did you love doing as a child? You can't stop to think when you are doing improv Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.  

Identity is an important part of how we live, who we spend time with, and how we make decisions. Ultimately, it comes to define us...but your two favorite brown girls believe that you have power and choice to shape that direction. While there are certain pieces of identity, including culture, that you take throughout life; you can evolve who you become. Through sharing personal stories of identity, we hope to help you in considering your own (and of course, expect some laughter). Grab a cup of chai (or coffee or tea) and join us. In this episode, we discuss: Amy's Pink Floyd sweater The freedom of aging How identity changes over the years Sultana's fourth-grade writings TV as the “third parent” Amy's active imagination The duality of self and cultural code-switching Faking qualities as you grow up “Just be yourself” as an American concept Who people say they are vs. who they actually are Creating your world  Re-reading old diaries Evolving your identity as you grow The “token brown girl” “Do you lift, bro?" Live Google search Form the clay before it hardens Try on identities to find what fits How Amy's experience in palmistry helped her heal Therapy as unraveling identity The body knows Your permission slip to be yourself Some special effects (and a bhangra break) Relating differently to friends and the grief of loss “Once you see it, you can't un-see it” Permission-based language is new Amy's LA dream We can be all the things Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.

We are featuring a unique conversation on Amy's porch on a windy day (safe and social distanced) recorded over the holiday break with Sultana's mother, Marybeth. As a “clairvoyant” related to other naturally intuitive women, Marybeth has shared spiritual visions and readings to help people over the years. We go behind the cards and astrology charts to talk about intuition and faith. Grab a cup of chai (or coffee or tea) and join us for an interesting, vulnerable conversation.  In this episode we discuss: Introducing Sultana's mother, Marybeth What is intuition? (e.g. “when life slaps you in the face”) Aunt Sophie's spiritual insight “We already know what to do…” Marybeth's religious upbringing and her first vision Intuition and women The body as a messenger “What do I need napkins for?” Lessons learned from her brother Trusting yourself Intuition tools--dreams, palmistry, etc. Dealing with negativity A Pollyana perspective “Let it go” The mind as a filter (and “The Matrix”) Demonstrating compassion toward others Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.

Since we are talking about resolutions, we want to read more this year. Perhaps this thought resonates with you. So your two favorite brown girls are starting a Just Chai "book club." We will select a book to read every month or so and announce it, and then we will discuss it in a special segment in an upcoming episode (and perhaps even invite a special reader to join us!). Our first selection for January is Glennon Doyle's inspiring and fiery memoir, "Untamed." Please read along with us! And we want to hear from you--what books would you like to read in 2021? What are your reading goals? Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/JustChaiPodcast

It's 2021, and it's hard to say what that means for all of us with a rocky start in January. Your two favorite brown girls are back to help you save your “new year.” We talk about New Year's resolutions during tumultuous times and how you can successfully set intentions for your 2021. Grab a cup of chai (or coffee or tea) and join us. In this episode we discuss: New year, new hair Dealing with the unexpected start to 2021 “What am I going to ask of this year?” Pursue the low-hanging fruit--what's achievable now The act of imagining achieving your goals De-programming our mindset Amy's formula for getting something hard done Moving with purpose Don't powerwalk through your life Sharing our “word for the year” Dealing with the waves/slaps of life It all comes back to Julie Andrews Using your word as a compass for the year Creating an environment that supports your intention Random review of Nicolas Cage movies Having a tribe of people who possess strengths you may not have Taking the time to respond Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.

After an “aha” moment, leadership and brand management expert La Toya Hodge overcame a job loss and paid off her student loans and debt in four, short years. Today, she runs a “secret” money tips group for women on Facebook and continues to successfully build wealth. She shares her hard-earned financial wisdom in a fun conversation with your two favorite brown girls. Join us as we show you the money! In this episode we discuss: From flossy, flossy to financial powerhouse Why people struggle to talk about money “Sushi shame” Evolving financial behaviors from what we learned growing up Shifting your money mindset Swinging the financial pendulum La Toya's path to building wealth Managing money through life's transitions--job loss, break-ups, new relationships (“he's cute enough, but I don't know if he fits my vision”) Relationships as money partnerships Money as energy The importance of investing (“saving isn't enough”) COVID-19 pandemic hardships reframed as a catalyst Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.

In the words of Misty Copeland, “Anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.” For many of us, that is our friends--the “extended family” we create over our lives. But friendships can come with their own special challenges and change over time--with life circumstances, relationships, and distance. In this episode, your two favorite brown girls are answering your questions about friendship. Grab a cup of chai (or coffee or tea) and join us for all the hard-earned life advice, along with some laughs.  In this episode we discuss: Scandal in the first two minutes Should friends discuss money? How our childhoods shape how we talk about finances A story of generosity from merry ol' London The power of giving and receiving  Why honesty and vulnerability matter Changing your story so you can change how you relate to others What to do when you perceive a friendship is changing Having tough conversations with friends How to handle that friend who is stewing in negativity COVID-19 and the impact on friendship The key to long-lasting friendships Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.  

We all grow up with beliefs, a faith with certain values, morals we abide by, or even a set of rules. But that faith may look differently as we age, grow, and experience life's unpredictable circumstances. We speak with our mutual friend, Jason, about his upbringing as a Christian, how his window on the world evolved over time, and what he believes today. Grab a cup of chai (or coffee or tea) and join us for an interesting, vulnerable conversation (and a gentle warning: there's sensitive content, so listen when there aren't little ears around) In this episode, we discuss: Highschool football games Chatting on AOL instant messenger (remember those days?) Beliefs as a young person  When Amy and Jason experienced religious conflict as friends Jason's journey into the military and rural America An experience of marriage, kids, and divorce Some friendly advice on self-sacrifice and shame Advocating for others and the concept of privilege What Jason believes today Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.

Superheroes are a staple of our culture. As children, we may have watched them on TV and in movies, dressed up like them, and wanted to become them. But what makes a superhero and how does that change as we grow up? Grab a cup of chai (or coffee or tea) and join us for a fun, vulnerable conversation.  In this episode we discuss: The origin story of Amy's unabashed Superman obsession Unpacking what makes a superhero “Show and tell” of Sultana's vision board A moment for Star Wars fans Everyday heroes Qualities we struggle with and what we admire in others Our secret nicknames The power of vulnerability An inspiring quote Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its host are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.

2020 has been a challenging year, but that doesn't make it a loss. Two American Born Desi friends (brown girls, for short) discuss the deeper meaning of this year--and how to find the silver lining in it all. Grab a cup of chai (or coffee or tea) and join us for a fun, vulnerable conversation.  In this episode we discuss: Things all girls of the 80s had, loved, or envied for (caboodles) An embarrassing "early" career story Secret ingredients for the perfect cup of chai (and childhood memories of chai-making) What 2020 is teaching us Thoughts on mask-wearing Managing difficult emotions during a pandemic Find us at justchai.podbean.com Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its host are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation.