Melanated Conversations

Welcome to the season 5 wrap-up! We are so thrilled we were able to pull off an amazing season, even during difficult times. In today's wrap-up, we will be speaking about all of the fantastic guests we had on Melanated Conversations including how we were able to talk about Black education, beauty-line systems, pushing boundaries, Black women as the face of hospitality, among so many other subjects! Thank you for another amazing Season! Special Thanks to: Kalish Nesbitt Sable Mensah Fulmore and Brooklyn Pham Dianne Plummer Trenette Wilson Victoria Timpo Andrianne Lind Steve from Blues Clues for coming back with the apology we needed! and the movies that we watched within this past year! We want to give a special shout out and thank you to our podcast management team Crackers in Soup! Who knows if there would have been a Season 5 without them! Lastly, THANK YOU our incredible listeners for letting us tell unique stories for Black women! See you next season. ......................................................................................................... Our Narrative from our perspective! Connect with us Click here to join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: www.melanatedconvos.com  Instagram: www.instagram.com/melnatedconvos/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/literallyyana Instagram: www.instagram.com/terrian4reel  DON'T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts. [music: “Fly” Produce by Makaih Beats]  

COVID has definitely got us thinking about grief, hasn't it? In today's episode, we are going to be talking about journeying through grief. Grief is a dark subject to speak about, but it also feels good to talk about it! We tend to relate grief with someone's passing, but truthfully different types of grief exist. Join us as we speak to your Season 5, Episode 78 guest Adrianne Lind in this important conversation! In this episode, we chat about: What role COVID plays in grief The different types of grieving Why transitioning is so important The importance of living the phases during grief Where can you find Adrianne Lind? https://blog.blackwomenineurope.com/ https://www.instagram.com/agonthednc/ https://www.facebook.com/AdrianneGeorgeDADNC/ Honorable Mention Listen to Episode 78 featuring Adrianne Lind We also want to share with you some of the resources mentioned during the episode: Coping with Grief and Loss - HelpGuide.org Helplines: In the U.S.: Crisis Call Center at 775-784-8090 UK: Cruse Bereavement Care at 0808 808 1677 Australia: GriefLine at (03) 9935 7400 Other support: Find a GriefShare group meeting near you – Worldwide directory of support groups for people grieving the death of a family member or friend. (GriefShare) Find Support – Directory of programs and support groups in the U.S. for children experiencing grief and loss. (National Alliance for Grieving Children) Chapter Locator for finding help for grieving the loss of a child in the U.S. and International Support for finding help in other countries. (The Compassionate Friends) If you're feeling suicidal… Seek help immediately. Please read Suicide Help, talk to someone you trust, or call a suicide helpline: In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255. In the UK, call 08457 90 90 90. In Australia, call 13 11 14. Or visit IASP to find a helpline in your country. ......................................................................................................... Our Narrative from our perspective! Connect with us Click here to join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: www.melanatedconvos.com  Instagram: www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/literallyyana Instagram: www.instagram.com/terrian4reel  DON'T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts. [music: “Fly” Produce by Makaih Beats]  

This week, we decided to do something a little bit differently. We are turning our mics over to our sisters in podcasting Bethany and Sharoline. We were a guest on their podcast Chatting Over Chowder. They are also the minority magic behind our podcast!   In this episode, we chat about our journey into podcasting, our origins and insight of our joined connection, and so much more! This is such a great conversation and we're so excited for you to hear it! In this episode we chat about: The history of Yana and Terrain with podcasting Building the brand and audience of Melanated Conversations The art of being you when it comes to podcasting Chatting Over Chowder can be found here: https://crackersinsoup.com/chatting-over-chowder/ Or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chattingoverchowder/ ......................................................................................................... Our Narrative from our perspective! Connect with us Click here to join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: www.melanatedconvos.com  Instagram: www.instagram.com/melnatedconvos/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/literallyyana Instagram: www.instagram.com/terrian4reel  DON'T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts. [music: “Fly” Produce by Makaih Beats]  

Sometimes ya'll, we just need to take a moment and to just be. That's what we're doing in today's episode. We are settling down for a moment and checking in on our lives and seeing how you are doing in this place we call Earth. It's been a minute since we have our separation in real life so we're going to just be today. Sit back, relax, and let's chill. In this episode we chat about: Our kids and how fast time is flying by If you had the choice to stay at home, would you feel more impactful for being in your child's life in their teen years or early in their developmental years How cancel culture becoming a silencer and not allowing us to be true to who we are ......................................................................................................... Our Narrative from our perspective! Connect with us Click here to join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: www.melanatedconvos.com  Instagram: www.instagram.com/melnatedconvos/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/literallyyana Instagram: www.instagram.com/terrian4reel  DON'T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts. [music: “Fly” Produce by Makaih Beats]  

In this week's episode, we amplify the voices of Kalish Nesbitt. Kalish helps beauty and wellness eCom brands scale quickly with ease while leveraging the best systems and team support. Do you have a business that you feel overwhelmed with and need help? In this episode, Kalish is here to help you create automated, functioning systems for your business to run smoothly. With her wisdom, knowledge, and “get shit done” attitude, she will provide all the necessary steps to grow your business. In this episode we chat about: Kalish's roots and her role as CEO in her company The importance of self awareness in owning a business Kalish's first business in owning a subscription box company Kalish's process in creating a full, flowing and function system for businesses Where you can find more of Kalish Nesbitt:  https://wellrunretail.com/  https://www.instagram.com/kalishnesbitt/  https://www.instagram.com/wellrunretail/  Podcast: https://wellrunretail.com/the-proactively-present-podcast/  ......................................................................................................... Our Narrative from our perspective! Connect with us Click here to join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: www.melanatedconvos.com  Instagram: www.instagram.com/melnatedconvos/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/literallyyana Instagram: www.instagram.com/terrian4reel  DON'T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts. [music: “Fly” Produce by Makaih Beats]  

In this week's episode, we amplify the voices of Sable Mensah Fulmore and Brooklynn Pham. Sable is the founder and CEO for Equitable Outcomes, LLC which helps school systems disrupt unconscious bias in instructional decision making to close the opportunity gap and systemize equity for all black children. Brooklynn is a senior managing director of Leadership Development at Teach for America California Capital Valley, which works towards excellence and equality for all. Both women want to create systems that disrupt unconscious bias and cultivate high-quality instructional practices for educating our children. In this episode we converse about: How Sable and Brooklynn met The deep roots that Brooklynn has in her family regarding education What happened when Sable honestly called out her school for reinforcing racism and misogyny Why equitable outcomes is at the intersection of instruction and equity Ways to advocate for our Black children while they are in school Where can you find Sable Mensah Fulmore: https://www.equitableoutcomesllc.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sablemensah/ Where can you find Brooklynn Pham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooklynn-pham-m-a-28247820/. Ordinary Brilliance Podcast ......................................................................................................... Our Narrative from our perspective! Connect with us Click here to join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: www.melanatedconvos.com  Instagram: www.instagram.com/melnatedconvos/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/literallyyana Instagram: www.instagram.com/terrian4reel  DON'T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts. [music: “Fly” Produce by Makaih Beats]  

In this week's episode, we amplify the voice of Dianne Plummer. Growing up in Jamaica, Dianne always knew she wanted to be involved in science. Falling in love with science started when her mom bought her a toy chemistry set. Now as a  STEM professional,  her passion is to incorporate innovation in energy to help safeguard the environment.  While living in Sweden, Dianne ran out of makeup and could not find makeup in her shade anywhere! So what does a STEM professional do? She created her own! In this episode we chat about: What sets "Your True Shade" apart from other product lines; Why it is important to use natural products on your skin and hair; Black women in the field of science;  Why she chooses to lecture at a university and impact young minds.   Where can you find Dianne Plummer? http://dianneplummer.com/ https://www.yourtrueshade.com/ https://www.instagram.com/yourtrueshade/ https://www.facebook.com/trueshadecosmetics/ https://twitter.com/yourtrueshade ......................................................................................................... Our Narrative from our perspective! Connect with us Click here to join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: www.melanatedconvos.com  Instagram: www.instagram.com/melnatedconvos/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/literallyyana Instagram: www.instagram.com/terrian4reel  DON'T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts. [music: “Fly” Produce by Makaih Beats]  

In this week's episode, we amplify the voice of Trenette Wilson, professionally known as Lady T. Lady T is a powerhouse of a woman who is all about etiquette. She's a confidence catalyst, social historian and business booster, ghostwriter, former teen parent and the founder of National Association of Urban Etiquette Professionals (NAUEP). With Lady T's expertise, she provides in depth knowledge of the etiquette space and her new book, “Royal, Black and Elite”.  In this episode we chat about: Lady T's  pivotal moment that led her to the etiquette space “Royal, Black and Elite”: Lady T's passion for exposing these incredible Black individuals in history The pathway to break into the etiquette industry Lady T's tips for proper etiquette Where you can find more of Trenette https://www.nauep.com/ https://www.nauep.com/royalblackandelite https://www.urbangirlz.org/?fbclid=IwAR2yPyREP1p9i6wx_aoNpU7NNlhGqpckK8HHsHlxtuWJ5CDlZqIMQtVvmHQ https://www.facebook.com/nauep https://www.facebook.com/LadyTrenette https://www.instagram.com/lady_trenette/ ......................................................................................................... Our Narrative from our perspective! Connect with us Click here to join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: http://www.melanatedconvos Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/melnatedconvos/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/literallyyana Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/terrian4reel  DON'T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/melanated-conversations/id1476387478 https://www.stitcher.com/show/melanated-conversations https://open.spotify.com/show/4HR78lP5hOhDcUcPCfsEEC Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts. [music: “Fly” Produce by Makaih Beats]

In this week's episode, we amplify the voice of Victoria Timpo. Victoria is a walking, talking, breathing form of art. As a first generation Ghanaian American, she likes to call herself a curator of experiences! Being a trained artist, she works for a non-profit youth art center as an art coordinator. Victoria also created Kindred Creatives Collectives, a program for empowered black women creatives to retreat into the world of art. In the conversation, you will hear: How the desire for Victoria to have deeper connections, shaped the structure for her business Why collaboration over competition is one of her core values The different ways in which art is embraced in Ghana and American society. Ways you can connect with artists and purchase their creations The importance of community Where can you find Victoria Timpo? https://www.kindredcreativesco.org/ https://www.facebook.com/africanwomencreatives https://twitter.com/victoriatimpo?lang=en https://www.kindredcreativesco.org/retreat-details https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1952559 https://www.instagram.com/victoria_yawa/?hl=en Honorable Mentions Creatives Making Moves Podcast ......................................................................................................... Our Narrative from our perspective! Connect with us Click here to join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: www.melanatedconvos.com  Instagram: www.instagram.com/melnatedconvos/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/literallyyana Instagram: www.instagram.com/terrian4reel  DON'T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts. [music: “Fly” Produce by Makaih Beats]  

In this week's episode, we amplify the voice of Adrianne Lind.  Adrianne Lind is connecting black women in Europe and Beyond. After moving to Europe in 2000 and to Sweden in 2006, she felt the strong need to make connections to black women in Europe. There, her idea was born: Black Women in Europe (B.W.I.E). After 15 years, B.W.I.E is continuing to shine and now includes an annual Black Women in Europe Power List that features and gives special recognition to black women who set the blue print for others. In this episode, we talk about: Being a black woman in this world trying to find peace How interacting in different sections of the world can have you second guessing yourself BLM being a global movement What "Fighting For Us" means to Adrianne Experiences of being black in other parts of the world Where can you find Adrianne Lind? https://blog.blackwomenineurope.com/ https://www.instagram.com/agonthednc/ https://www.facebook.com/AdrianneGeorgeDADNC/ Honorable Mentions https://www.democratsabroad.org/ https://www.the-prestige-magazine.com/2021/04/13/7-ways-the-new-georgia-voting-law-affects-minority-voters/ http://blackexpat.com/new/ https://www.facebook.com/womenoftheafricandiaspora ......................................................................................................... Our Narrative from our perspective! Connect with us Click here to join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: www.melanatedconvos.com  Instagram: www.instagram.com/melnatedconvos/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/literallyyana Instagram: www.instagram.com/terrian4reel  DON'T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts. [music: “Fly” Produce by Makaih Beats]  

Welcome to our first episode of our FIFTH season! We cannot believe we have met with so many amazing women and created so much important content. We could not have done any of this without our listeners and we are grateful! We are going to be diving into a little inside scoop of the wonderful women we've had the pleasure of connecting and speaking with during this season. We are also having a solo episode today as we are discussing why we've gone our separate ways and what's been new in our lives since our last season.  In this episode we chat about: Changes in our lives and how COVID affected our podcast. Home buying horror stories!? Thanking our loving friends for their friendship and support. How we adjusted getting back out into the world. Equal access for voting rights and Juneteenth . Recognizing and honoring incredible Black women on their achievements so far this year. Our future guests for this season.  ......................................................................................................... Our Narrative from our perspective! Connect with us Click here to join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: www.melanatedconvos.com  Instagram: www.instagram.com/melnatedconvos/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/literallyyana Instagram: www.instagram.com/terrian4reel  DON'T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts. [music: “Fly” Produce by Makaih Beats]  

Season Closer by Sophia Lenore Everything has its season – with opportunities to transcend or descend Although every season has it’s beginning and end - by His Grace, each season provides another chance to reascend As we reflect on this past season filled with thoughtful conversations, new collaborations and 2-year milestone celebrations.  We continue to embrace, uplift & amplify each other’s voices while pushing the culture forward We do this to inspire & enlighten. To help educate the unaware & ill informed lost at sea due to systematic circumstance – a beacon leading you safely shoreward Thus everything has its season – with opportunities to transcend or descend And every season has its beginning and end Although sadden by its end - I rejoice because by His Grace, next season provides another chance to reascend - so until then Welcome to our final episode of season 4! We are so thankful to all of our guests this incredible season for their time, knowledge and wisdom. In this week’s episode, we chat with our recurring co-host, Sophie Lenore about the highlights and our takeaways from our guests. Thank y'all for your continuous support and love this season! We can’t wait to show you what we are bringing in you in season 5!  In this episode we chat about: Summaries of our previous guests and what to expect when listening to their episode. The episodes that left us in deep thought and had Yana almost shed a tear.  Why we have this platform that uplifts our women and all the great things they do.  Our Narrative from our perspective! Connect with us Click here to join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: www.melanatedconvos.com  Instagram: www.instagram.com/melnatedconvos/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/literallyyana Instagram: www.instagram.com/terrian4reel  DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts. [music: “Fly” Produce by Makaih Beats]  

Pushing The Culture & People Forward by, Sophia Lenore What is Blackness? Is it a state of mind - or, a state of being? Do you love your Blackness? Or, is it just a fleeting feeling? Do you stand proudly in your Blackness? Or, are you quietly Black – not trying to intimidate, or shine too bright Self imposed flatness What is Black culture? Can you identify? Or, have you recused yourself? If so, why? Can you appreciate the beauty & uniqueness of Black culture? Or, do you disassociate, denounce and deny?  Do you refrain from the culture because of public opinion? Or, due to self imposed cultural discrimination? A process of elimination The whole world covets & appropriates Black culture – cause our swag is undeniable Simply said – we are not perfect but “We Are The Shit” – Our people are so Godly & Spiritually lit Instead of practicing indifference – make a difference! Push the culture forward - Instead of peddling conformed deference. Are you in this to Win this with Us? Then claim it! Take accountability – push the culture forward! Are you setting a good example? Are you doing the work within & without? Or, just focusing on yourself while pushing northward? When you disassociate by turning a blind eye to the degradation of your own culture you leave yourself & your people open for total disintegration And without the people can We, You & Me really move forward? Do you really want to take that chance? Do you really want to avoid taking a stance? What does that future look like? At first glance – inaction may seem harmless Your just distancing from the group But when you just focus on yourself – instead of pushing the culture forward by exuding Black pride and personifying Black excellence you may find success, but like Kanye said then you’re always just be a Nigger in a coupe No social advance – is this how low your willing to stoop? Ep. 75: Pushing Our Culture and People Forward In this week’s episode, we are amplifying the voice of our beloved recurring guest, Ms. Sophia. Now, this conversation may trigger some people but this episode is filled with THE REAL: real deep, real heavy, real hard! In order for true change to happen, this is a must. Let's dive in and begin the discussion about moving forward as a collective. In this episode we chat about: Living your life outside of stereotypes Educating yourselves on the importance of black history and our culture The idea of having a leader and what that looks like for our people.  Where you can find more of Sophie Lenore Sophia Lenore of Prestige Artists https://www.instagram.com/sophialenore/ https://www.instagram.com/prestigemaginternational/?hl=en https://twitter.com/Prestige_Mag Prestige Magazine https://www.the-prestige-magazine.com/   Honorable Mentions The Good Lord Bird John Brown Our Narrative from our perspective! Connect with us Click here to join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: www.melanatedconvos.com  Instagram: www.instagram.com/melnatedconvos/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/literallyyana Instagram: www.instagram.com/terrian4reel  DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts.   [music: “Fly” Produce by Makaih Beats]  

DO IT AFRAID! by, Sophia Lenore Where do you find the courage to lead? Is it hidden in the place where you store your passion to succeed? How do you push past fear? Do you simply keep the faith and hope to preserver? Why not stand in that fear – embrace it Turn it into motivation – Face it! We need leaders & politicians who are willing to take the leap – “To Do It While Afraid”. There is no time to waste – our communities are dying. A choice needs to be made. Are we just gonna keep waiting for someone else to some save us? Who would be more qualified to lead us then one of us? Who would have more empathy and concern for us than one of us? We need to put fear & self doubt to the side and just step up! Who said that our leaders & politicians can’t descend from our neighborhoods – step up! Who said for the people by the people is dead – step up! To hell with qualifications To hell with past infractions – step up! Nowadays everyone is a hustler of some sort with a air-tight plan to succeed, but no courage to lead – step up! Where do you find the courage to lead? How do you push past fear? Stand in it – embrace it Turn it into motivation – Face it! Believe me, the best part of waking up isn’t Folgers in your cup! It’s realizing that you have the power to save yourself and your community. All you need to do is realize it - and just step up! ********************************************************************* Ep. 74:  The Future of Politics with Christina Romelus   In this week’s episode, we amplify the voice of Christina Romelus.  Christina is not your typical politician!  She is the cheerleader that every community needs.  Her family is her nuclear center that helps her go through day by day. With their love and support, she has found a passion for politics and wanting to change the world for good for her sons. She is a powerhouse and leader for stepping up in changing in the black and brown communities and giving the people what they need. In this episode, we talk about: How being a "boys' mom" started her political career. Christina’s mission to bring the right people in office to bring the changes that are promised from the start.  Why mental health is the key to balancing life. Where can you find Christina Romelus? https://www.instagram.com/romelus_c/?hl=en https://twitter.com/romelus_c?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/CLRomelus https://www.politicalm.com/  OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ https://www.instagram.com/literallyyana/ https://www.instagram.com/terrian4reel/ DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts. 

In this week’s episode, we amplify the voice of Taiwo Aloba.  Taiwo is an amazing author, poet, model, dancer; y'all, she does ALL.THE.THINGS! In 2016, Taiwo chose to leave Nigeria and move to the United States to follow her dreams.  She has written a book of poetry and pose, Surulere Lagos, which encapsulates the essence of the vibrant, heaving city in which she grew up. Listen as we discuss her multi-faceted talents and how she uses them all to express herself. In this episode we chat about: Why it was important for her to write her story from her personal and deep experiences living through historic moments in Nigeria. Taiwo’s favorite artistic influences that spark her creativity.  Why she was raised to "taste the world" since birth. Where can you find Taiwo Aloba? Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modelvoss/?hl=en  Book Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surulerelagoschapbook/  Purchase book from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Surulere-Lagos-Taiwo-Aloba/dp/B08HBKJY41  Honorable Mentions Niyi Osundare Wole Soyinka  Taiwo Aloba Showreel YouTube Video OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE!  Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ https://www.instagram.com/literallyyana/ https://www.instagram.com/terrian4reel/ DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts.  [music: "Fly" Produced by Makaih Beats]    ......................................................................................................................   Are you ready to start your very own podcast? Check out our 70+ page comprehensive guide that walks you through every step to get your show launched and ready for the world.  We’ve taken our professional knowledge and experience in strategy, recording, editing and presenting into this comprehensive guide so you don’t have to spend months making mistakes you can avoid before you get started. Receive full-on support ranging from mindset shifting, content development, technical setup, recording & editing, and ongoing (strategies) after launch. Let's take you from dreaming to streaming so that you can powerfully share your message while achieving your next level of success. Get your copy at: https://gum.co/launchpad-ebook

Oral Manifestations by, Sophia Lenore To my melanated family My Black and Brown people – My minorities Why are we so misguided and ignorant to what’s really important? Where are our priorities? We must take responsibility for our own health and well being – while simultaneously dismantling the institutional racism within the healthcare system – we must make a fuss! Because ‘the powers that be’ are on a covert mission to kill you, me & us! Dental health disparities continue to have detrimental effects on the Black and Brown communities – causing sever health problems and even death. Your mouth is apart of your body - So oral hygiene is a vial part of your overall health. Bacteria, infections and disease can build up and invade your bloodstream through your mouth with every breath. So we must remain vigilant while taking accountability and responsibility for our health & oral hygiene – which is tremendously more important than our hair Our skin Our nails Our eyebrows And our fashion obsessions We must reprioritize our lives to focus on what’s most important – this includes placing your health before vanity and material possessions. This includes remaining educated and well versed This includes putting your life & health first …  Ep. 72: A Mouthful of Wisdom with Sheriese Ferguson  In this week’s episode, we amplify the voice of Sheriese Ferguson, RDH!  Sheriese Ferguson knows oral health is overall health.  From a young age, her parents taking her to the dentist regularly made a lasting impression.  She knew then she wanted to work in dental health.  When she found herself working in finance for twelve years, she began getting burnt out and decided it was time to do what she always wanted to do: work in the dental field.  In this episode, we conversate about:  The percentage of dentists that are minorities  The correlation of oral and heart health How your medical history presents itself in your mouth Where can you find Sheriese Ferguson?  https://www.amouthful.net/ https://www.instagram.com/_mouth.ful_/ https://www.facebook.com/mouthfulrdh/ https://www.facebook.com/sheriese.ferguson/ Honorable Mentions Brown Girl, RDH: https://browngirlrdh.org/ The Global Foundation For Dental Healthcare & Awareness https://gfdha.org/   OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE!  Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ https://www.instagram.com/literallyyana/ https://www.instagram.com/terrian4reel/   DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS!  Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts.    [music: "Fly" Produced by Makaih Beats]    ......................................................................................................................   Are you ready to start your very own podcast? Check out our 70+ page comprehensive guide that walks you through every step to get your show launched and ready for the world.  We’ve taken our professional knowledge and experience in strategy, recording, editing and presenting into this comprehensive guide so you don’t have to spend months making mistakes you can avoid before you get started. Receive full-on support ranging from mindset shifting, content development, technical setup, recording & editing, and ongoing (strategies) after launch. Let's take you from dreaming to streaming so that you can powerfully share your message while achieving your next level of success.   Get your copy at: https://gum.co/launchpad-ebook  

Descendants Of Freedom's Journal by, Sophia Lenore Where are our Black voices? Voices of intellectual, financial, and spiritual freedom – for which we bled & fought? Did they just disappear with united Black consciousness and progressive Black thought? Who is writing for us? Where are our Black journalists? Our Black media armies – and brave woke writers that swing their pens like a mighty sword? Where are the descendants of “Freedom's Journal”?  The first Black newspaper launched in the 1820’s – when our voices roared! Who’s ensuring that we’re protected & well represented? Who will personify my voice? Your voice Our voice? While writing stories about Black joy, Black camaraderie and how we uniquely congregate to rejoice! We need and depend on Black writers Black researchers  And Black commentators to fight the multitude of covert wars waged against us.  Our stories & experiences are beautiful and vast – collectively we’ve healed from trauma –and have evolved our past.  So, calling all young Black voices equipped with ready pens – to write stories that highlight Black excellence, perseverance & health awareness en masse - Because we’ve progressed past stories of “The Back of The Bus”. And now we need Black voices that represent Me as We - They as Us. - Pan Africa In this week’s episode, we amplify the voice of Quiana Darden!  Quiana Darden is an elementary school teacher turned full time copywriter. She had established her authority in content marketing by helping multi-million dollar corporations and industry experts with their business content.  She now helps solopreneurs confidently create content with connects and coverts.   In this episode, we conversate about:  Quiana’s journey from side hustle to full time copywriter What does she do if she hits the dreaded “writer’s block” Why it’s important to develop your marketing and strategy systems to run your business Where can you find Quiana Darden?  https://www.quianadarden.com/ https://www.facebook.com/QuianaADarden/ https://www.instagram.com/quianaadarden/ WOC discount code:  MELANATED CONVOS OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ https://www.instagram.com/literallyyana/ https://www.instagram.com/terrian4reel/   DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS!   Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts.    [music: "Fly" Produced by Makaih Beats]    ......................................................................................................................   Are you ready to start your very own podcast? Check out our 70+ page comprehensive guide that walks you through every step to get your show launched and ready for the world.  We’ve taken our professional knowledge and experience in strategy, recording, editing and presenting into this comprehensive guide so you don’t have to spend months making mistakes you can avoid before you get started. Receive full-on support ranging from mindset shifting, content development, technical setup, recording & editing, and ongoing (strategies) after launch. Let's take you from dreaming to streaming so that you can powerfully share your message while achieving your next level of success.   Get your copy at: https://gum.co/launchpad-ebook  

Between Us By Sophia Lenore If I fall - she catches me. When I stumble - she grabs my hand. She’s my confidant My safety net My right-hand woman My number one fan When I don’t know the way - she does the research to guide me. Through triumphs and failures During moments of embarrassment or disgrace - she’s right there beside me. When the pain and self doubt becomes too great - she knows just what to say More importantly, she knows just what to do to ward negativity away. She’s my support system My Angel My Sister from another Mother My other significant other My kindred spirit My Sister Circle - to whom I owe much merit Ep. 70: Aligning Your Sister Circle with Bethany & Sharoline In this week’s episode, we amplify the voices of Bethany & Sharoline!  Bethany and Sharoline is the team behind, Crackers In Soup, a podcast production company. Crackers In Soup help women of color and true allies of women of color’s up-level their podcast so the podcast host can focus on their genius, recording the episodes while they focus on everything else: editing, show notes, graphics, etc.  Bethany & Sharoline are also the cohosts of Chatting Over Chowder - a podcast where they concentrate on women of color in the podcasting industry and what podcasts they listen to….while we eat chowder.   In this lovefest episode, we conversate about:  How Bethany left the corporate world to begin Crackers In Soup, a podcast production company The Universe always bringing you the people you need The gorgeousness of Women supporting Women Where can you find Crackers In Soup?  Website: https://crackersinsoup.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcrackersinsoup/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/crackers_in Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1oxEb8jQlDIpLP_t87y_AA   Chatting Over Chowder: Melanated Conversations Interview Website: https://crackersinsoup.com/chatting-over-chowder/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chattingoverchowder/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChowderOver   Honorable Mentions Support is Sexy Mastermind Melanated Conversations Elayne Fluker episode WOC Podcasters  Melanated Conversations Danielle Desir episode Podcast in a Box with Angie Jordan & Crackers In Soup   OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE!   Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ https://www.instagram.com/literallyyana/ https://www.instagram.com/terrian4reel/   DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS!   Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts.    [music: "Fly" Produced by Makaih Beats]    ......................................................................................................................   Are you ready to start your very own podcast? Check out our 70+ page comprehensive guide that walks you through every step to get your show launched and ready for the world.  We’ve taken our professional knowledge and experience in strategy, recording, editing and presenting into this comprehensive guide so you don’t have to spend months making mistakes you can avoid before you get started. Receive full-on support ranging from mindset shifting, content development, technical setup, recording & editing, and ongoing (strategies) after launch. Let's take you from dreaming to streaming so that you can powerfully share your message while achieving your next level of success.   Get your copy at: https://gum.co/launchpad-ebook  

In this week’s episode, Sophia Lenore is back!  Sophia Lenore was featured in Episode 64 in Persistence, Hope and Thrive. If you didn’t get a chance, go back and listen.  In addition to being a recurring guest, she has been dropping all of our poems this season in the beginning of each episode! Sophia Lenore is an Executive Producer, she is also the founder and creative director of Prestige Artists, Prestige Models and Prestige Magazine! Sophia is a true artist from New York who is a celebrity hair and make-up artist and has worked with the likes of Oribe, Billy B., Brad Pitt, Eve Mendes, Uzo Aduba and so many others! In this episode, we conversate about:  How friendships change as your life transitions The friendship effect Friendships mirroring inner problems Where can you find Sophia?  Sophia Lenore of Prestige Artists https://www.instagram.com/sophialenore/ https://www.instagram.com/prestigemaginternational/?hl=en https://twitter.com/Prestige_Mag The Prestige Magazine ......................................................................................................... Friends & Friendships, by Sophia Lenore What is a friend?Someone to laugh and converse with?A drinking partner?A self-prescribed therapist to fill the void?An incognizant martyr?What is a friend in its truest form?Someone who will encourage your dreams and share in your experiences?A loyal companion - who helps weather the storm. Truly ask yourself Do you have friends?Or well - acquainted fans? Confidants?Or gossip circles, that console you with pity parties involving tequila shots & beer cans/Or do you have healing circles? Equipped with prayer warriors and the laying of hands?True friendships are supposed to add value to your life. A true friend will remain loyal, reliable and respectful - while providing wisdom, encouragement, and a sense of refuge. So, if your friendships aren’t lifting you up - they could be tearing you down. You must be wise Assess your circle Restructure your relationships and REVER your crown  ........................................................................................................ OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ https://www.instagram.com/literallyyana/ https://www.instagram.com/terrian4reel/ DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS!  Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts.    [music: "Fly" Produced by Makaih Beats]   

In this week’s episode, we amplify the voice of Hannah McCall.  Hannah stumbled into clean beauty when she was introduced to Beautycounter. It exposed her to a world of information about the beauty industry & the lack of regulation surrounding our personal care products.  Especially as black women.  She created Clean Beauty for Black Girls because more than 75% of the products marketed to black women contain ingredients known to be harmful or potentially dangerous.  Hannah McCall has built her brand on the following belief: “We deserve the truth because our health matters”! What you’ll learn: How Hannah becoming a wine ambassador led her to create sustainable change in the beauty industry What transitioned this former tomboy to speak to Congress about beauty products The exposure to black women in the beauty industry Connect with Hannah McCall: https://www.cleanbeautyforblackgirls.org/ https://www.facebook.com/cleanbeautyforblackgirls https://www.instagram.com/cleanbeautyforblackgirls/ https://www.instagram.com/sippinhannah/ Recommended App:  EWG Healthy Living App  ..................................................................................................................... Opening poem written & recited by Sophia Lenore of Prestige Artists & The Prestige Magazine Toxic Beauty, By Sophia Lenore Do you know what’s in it? Do you even care? Hence – do you love yourself? Value your health – nurture & protect every melanated cell? Or is it just hair? Failure to educate yourself about products you put on, or in your body will leave you with burdens to bear.  Like early on-set puberty, fibroids, cysts, and more aggressive cancers – in our community none of this is rare. Poor choice of food & beauty products can be our deadliest culprits – or did you think Black specific malignancies & diseases just came from the air?  We must remain vigilant as Black consumers in a White centered beauty industry.  An industry that has yet to uphold a standard of care that is inclusive to the benefit & health of Black women. So, shouldn’t you know what’s in it? Your life could depend on it. The truth is whatever you place on your skin, or in your body ends up in your bloodstream.  So, making the connection between healthcare and beauty care is about protecting your self – nothing extreme. So, let’s educate ourselves, choose better products, demand regulations and make vigilant brand awareness the new mainstream. ..................................................................................................................... OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ https://www.instagram.com/literallyyana/ https://www.instagram.com/terrian4reel/  DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts.   [music: "Fly" Produced by Makaih Beats]   

In this week’s episode, we amplify the voice of Sarah Carmele McGriff. Sarah is a full-time registered nurse who in addition to having a passion for helping people, she always had a passion for writing. Her aspirations include being a screenwriter as well as a movie director. In her first novel, Mind Under Troubled Waters, Sarah takes you on an adventure with Big T juggling his desire to join the NBA like his dad and his need to understand his autistic brother, Manny.  What you'll learn: How being a cardiac nurse led her to write her book. Why taking care of your emotional and mental needs is just as important as taking care of your physical needs. What motivated Sarah to create a production company CONNECT WITH: Sarah Carmele McGriff Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsarahcarmele Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahcarmele/ & https://www.instagram.com/feelthereelproductions/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/s_carmele & https://twitter.com/feelthereelproductions Click here to purchase: Mind Under Troubled Waters  ...................................................................................................................... Opening poem written & recited by Sophia Lenore of Prestige Artists & The Prestige Magazine  "Who", by Sophia Lenore Am I my Sister's keeper? Am I my Brother's keeper? If I am not, Who is? Who will lift me up? Who will lift them up? When we are all seeking love & support,  Without extending love & support,  Who is there to provide it? But why does this Who person that's coming to keep Us, uplift Us and support Us, love Us more than We love Us? And how long are we willing to collectively wait on this "Dr. Who" to come save Us while We continue to die mentally, spiritually and physically? Am I my Sister's keeper? Am I my Brother's keeper? I am NOT, because I am my Sister and I am my Brother - Who is within me and We keep each other!   ...................................................................................................................... OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ https://www.instagram.com/literallyyana/ https://www.instagram.com/terrian4reel/  DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS!  Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts.    [music: "Fly" Produced by Makaih Beats]    ...................................................................................................................... Are you ready to start your very own podcast? Check out our 70+ page comprehensive guide that walks you through every step to get your show launched and ready for the world.  We’ve taken our professional knowledge and experience in strategy, recording, editing and presenting into this comprehensive guide so you don’t have to spend months making mistakes you can avoid before you get started. Receive full-on support ranging from mindset shifting, content development, technical setup, recording & editing, and ongoing (strategies) after launch. Let's take you from dreaming to streaming so that you can powerfully share your message while achieving your next level of success. Get your copy at: https://gum.co/launchpad-ebook

In this week’s episode, we amplify the voice of Tasha Randle. Tasha is a black woman in corporate America who previously struggled to show up authentically and often felt like she needed to wear a mask to thrive.   After taking three months off work to truly dive deep and develop her relationship with herself, her reality and God’s purpose, she found herself drawn to having conversations with Black women who were having remarkably similar experiences.  The result:  Real Talk Tasha!: a business where she helps Black women professionals find clarity, confidence and helps to create the action plan to get the things they want in their career.    What you'll learn: What Tasha’s mother valued the most that helped Tasha get ahead in life How her experience as “the only one” was the foundation of Real Talk Tasha When she knew she had to get ride of “The Mask” What is your driving motivation for clarity and confidence for a meaningful career   CONNECT WITH: Tasha Randle Website: https://realtalktasha.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msrealtalktasha Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realtalktasha/   Click here to get Tasha’s 5 step checklist to overcome overwhelm at work!  OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ https://www.instagram.com/literallyyana/ https://www.instagram.com/terrian4reel/   DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS!   Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts.    [music: "Fly" Produced by Makaih Beats]    ...................................................................................................................... Are you ready to start your very own podcast? Check out our 70+ page comprehensive guide that walks you through every step to get your show launched and ready for the world.  We’ve taken our professional knowledge and experience in strategy, recording, editing and presenting into this comprehensive guide so you don’t have to spend months making mistakes you can avoid before you get started. Receive full-on support ranging from mindset shifting, content development, technical setup, recording & editing, and ongoing (strategies) after launch. Let's take you from dreaming to streaming so that you can powerfully share your message while achieving your next level of success. Get your copy at: https://gum.co/launchpad-ebook

In this week’s episode, we amplify the voice of Candle Lockett. When Candle was born, her mother said she was the light of her life.  She wants to be that for you:  in real estate.  In CandeLockett.com, she documents her journey in real estate as an investor, as well as her journey to improve her finances.  She is on the quest to start a FIRE (Financial Independence through Real Estate)! Join us in our melanated conversation and see when her passion for real estate began! What you'll learn: How property income created memories with her father What gentrification is doing to families Is HGTV really your dream  CONNECT WITH: Candle Lockett Website: https://www.candlelockett.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CandleLockettBlog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candlelockett/ Click here to enroll in Candle University! Listen to Lighting Up Real Estate on Apple or wherever you listen to your podcasts!   OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ https://www.instagram.com/literallyyana/ https://www.instagram.com/terrian4reel/ DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts.  [music: "Fly" Produced by Makaih Beats]    ...................................................................................................................... Are you ready to start your very own podcast? Check out our 70+ page comprehensive guide that walks you through every step to get your show launched and ready for the world.  We’ve taken our professional knowledge and experience in strategy, recording, editing and presenting into this comprehensive guide so you don’t have to spend months making mistakes you can avoid before you get started. Receive full-on support ranging from mindset shifting, content development, technical setup, recording & editing, and ongoing (strategies) after launch. Let's take you from dreaming to streaming so that you can powerfully share your message while achieving your next level of success. Get your copy at: https://gum.co/launchpad-ebook

Season 4 is all about deep and powerful conversations! The main theme: finding your voice for ourselves and our culture! Kicking it off is our amazing guest:  Sophia Lenore! Sophia Lenore’s superpower kicked into overdrive WAY before December 21, 2020!  What doesn’t Sophia have on her resume! In addition to being an Executive Producer, she is also the founder and creative director of Prestige Artists, Prestige Models and Prestige Magazine! Sophia is a true artist from New York who is a celebrity hair and make-up artist and has worked with the likes of Oribe, Billy B., Brad Pitt, Eve Mendes, Uzo Aduba and so many others! Sophia Lenore has been looking for an audio section to add to Prestige Magazine and she chose your girls from Melanated Conversation to collaborate and highlight our voices.  WE.COULD.NOT.BE.MORE.EXCITED! Stay plugged into our social media to see how we are connecting with Sophia! In this episode, you will learn: What made TERRIAN (yes, Terrian and not Yana) cry Why we are inserting poetic justice into the episodes this season The reason Sophia purposely doesn’t have any besties! Where can you find Sophia? Sophia Lenore of Prestige Artists https://www.instagram.com/sophialenore/ https://www.instagram.com/prestigemaginternational/?hl=en https://twitter.com/Prestige_Mag Prestige Magazine https://www.the-prestige-magazine.com/ OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us  OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ https://www.instagram.com/literallyyana/ https://www.instagram.com/terrian4reel/ DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts. 

In this week’s episode, we take a moment to reflect on our conversations this season, shed a few highlights of the year, and end with some holiday cheer. 2020 has been a rocky ride but we made it. We look forward to bringing you more beautiful Black voices next season & possibly a few new surprises. Happy Holidays to you and yours. We'll see you on the other side of 2021.  [music: "Fly" by Makaih Beats]    ...................................................................................................................... Are you ready to start your very own podcast? Check out our 70+ page comprehensive guide that walks you through every step to get your show launched and ready for the world.  We’ve taken our professional knowledge and experience in strategy, recording, editing and presenting into this comprehensive guide so you don’t have to spend months making mistakes you can avoid before you get started. Receive full-on support ranging from mindset shifting, content development, technical setup, recording & editing, and ongoing (strategies) after launch. Let's take you from dreaming to streaming so that you can powerfully share your message while achieving your next level of success. Get your copy at: https://gum.co/launchpad-ebook     This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts.  LOVE THIS EPISODE? PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LEAVE US A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS!  [music: "Fly" by Makaih Beats

In this week’s episode, we amplify the voice of Achea Redd. Achea is a Mental health activist and an award winning Author.  As the daughter of a pastor and wife of NBA legend and Olympian Michael Redd, Achea suffered from atypical anorexia throughout her teens and was diagnosed with depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder in 2016. The stigma and shame associated with mental illness led Achea to hide her conditions from the world and her loved ones, which exacerbated her issues to the point of a full-blown breakdown, even contemplating suicide. Thankfully, this inspirational mother of two got help and is now not only thriving, but helping others, especially women and POC, make their mental health a priority.  Achea, has been featured in Reader's Digest, Huffington Post, Thrive Global and Shondaland, is also the author of Be Free. Be You and the upcoming Authentic You: A Girl's Guide to Growing Up Fearless and True, which inspires young girls to find their voices, let them out and love themselves unconditionally.

In this week’s episode, we take a moment to discuss our plans for the Thanksgiving holiday and give thanks to each of you (our listeners). What you'll learn: What's poppin' in our kitchens this holiday. How to virtually connect with friends and family this Thanksgiving for free with no time limit constraints. How to practice Zoom etiquette with your family and prepare for virtual gatherings. An activity you can do with your family near and far this season.  [music: "Fly" by Makaih Beats]    ...................................................................................................................... Are you ready to start your very own podcast? Check out our 70+ page comprehensive guide that walks you through every step to get your show launched and ready for the world.  We’ve taken our professional knowledge and experience in strategy, recording, editing and presenting into this comprehensive guide so you don’t have to spend months making mistakes you can avoid before you get started. Receive full-on support ranging from mindset shifting, content development, technical setup, recording & editing, and ongoing (strategies) after launch. Let's take you from dreaming to streaming so that you can powerfully share your message while achieving your next level of success. Get your copy at: https://gum.co/launchpad-ebook     This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts.  LOVE THIS EPISODE? PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LEAVE US A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS!  [music: "Fly" by Makaih Beats

In this week’s episode, we check-in with one another to reflect on recent developments this year. We get candid with our feelings and share our personal stories of health, explore our emotional well-being, and offer up a few lessons to encourage you in this season. Listen in as we speak about our journey in amplifying the voices and stories of black women. What you'll learn: Raw feelings around maintaining a podcast. How leading with a service and servant mindset can take you far. Health Check moment -- Hear both Yana & Terrian share their personal experiences with breast health scares. Finding the joy and good in life and leading with empathy.  [music: "Fly" by Makaih Beats]    ...................................................................................................................... Are you ready to start your very own podcast? Check out our 70+ page comprehensive guide that walks you through every step to get your show launched and ready for the world.  We’ve taken our professional knowledge and experience in strategy, recording, editing and presenting into this comprehensive guide so you don’t have to spend months making mistakes you can avoid before you get started. Receive full-on support ranging from mindset shifting, content development, technical setup, recording & editing, and ongoing (strategies) after launch. Let's take you from dreaming to streaming so that you can powerfully share your message while achieving your next level of success. Get your copy at: https://gum.co/launchpad-ebook     This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts.  LOVE THIS EPISODE? PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LEAVE US A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS!  [music: "Fly" by Makaih Beats

In this week’s episode, we amplify the voice of Imani Jones. Imani is the founder and CEO of Find Your ID NYC.   Find Your ID NYC is a global creative agency that specializes in brand development and strategy, talent representation, and content curation.  We develop brands for both our clients and our talent by helping them establish their unique voice, competitive advantage and essentially developing how consumers know, feel, and experience their product and/or service in its entirety.  Our talent includes designers, artists, models, musicians, performing artists, makeup artists, and hairstylists.  The company's new project, Shop Local Designers, provides an eCommerce platform that allows local brands around the world to sell their products online and share their brand stories with an international online market.

In this week’s episode, we amplify the voice of Dr. Riana Elyse Anderson. Dr. Anderson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education at the University of Michigan's School of Public Health. She earned her PhD in Clinical and Community Psychology at the University of Virginia and completed a Clinical and Community Psychology Residency at Yale University's School of Medicine and a Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship in Applied Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. An inaugural Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health leader, Dr. Anderson uses mixed methods in clinical interventions to study racial discrimination and socialization in Black families to reduce racial stress and trauma and improve psychological well-being and family functioning. Dr. Anderson is the developer and director of the EMBRace (Engaging, Managing, and Bonding through Race) intervention and loves to translate her work for a variety of audiences, particularly those whom she serves in the community, via blogs, video, and literary articles. She has published dozens of peer-reviewed articles and contributed to a range of print and live media, including The New York Times, The Times London, Huffington Post, Psychology Today, Women’s Health, WebMD, CBS, and NBC. Dr. Anderson is involved nationally as an appointed member of the American Psychological Association’s Children, Youth, and Families committee, the Society for Research in Child Development’s Equity & Justice committee, and the Society for Research on Adolescence’s Anti-Racism Task Force. Dr. Anderson also serves as the co-host of Our Mental Health Minute, a vlog and podcast geared towards reducing mental health stigma in the Black community.   What you'll learn: Her personal and professional work around the study and impact of racial discrimination & socialization in Black families. Fostering dialogue around race & racism with children (young and older). Her EMBRace program initiative and purpose The notion that critical race theory and racial sensitivity training is “racist.”  Her podcast and vlog – Our Mental Health Minute CONNECT WITH: Dr. Riana Elyse Anderson  Website: https://www.rianaelyse.com/ Personal Facebook : @rianaelyse  Personal Twitter: @rianaelyse  Personal Instagram: @rianaelyse CONNECT WITH: Our Mental Health Minute Website: www.OurMHM.com Twitter: @OurMHM Instagram: @OurMHM Facebook : @OurMHM Additional Names/Resources Mentioned in Episode: Pastor Michael Walrond -- First Corinthian Baptist Church Dr. Eric Mason -- Epiphany Fellowship (Woke Church) .................................................................................................................... Are you ready to start your very own podcast? Check out our 70+ page comprehensive guide that walks you through every step to get your show launched and ready for the world.  We’ve taken our professional knowledge and experience in strategy, recording, editing and presenting into this comprehensive guide so you don’t have to spend months making mistakes you can avoid before you get started. Receive full-on support ranging from mindset shifting, content development, technical setup, recording & editing, and ongoing (strategies) after launch. Let's take you from dreaming to streaming so that you can powerfully share your message while achieving your next level of success. Get your copy at: https://gum.co/launchpad-ebook     This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts.  LOVE THIS EPISODE? PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LEAVE US A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS! 

In this week’s episode, we amplify the voice of Dr. Kalisha Waldon. Dr. Waldon is the CEO and Principal Consultant at Transformation by Design Consulting, LLC.  Dr. Waldon has a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction and is committed to using her expertise to empower and support educators and organizations in the creation of transformative spaces- where self-reflection and action are encouraged and where the voices and experiences of individuals are valued. These transformative spaces create environments for people to work and grow into the & versions of themselves through self-reflection, honest dialogue, and experiences that push them to think beyond the status quo and to open their minds to actionable growth opportunities. Dr. Waldon also has experience in instructional design and curriculum development for schools and organizations, and mentoring/coaching. She builds capacity by offering professional development opportunities on topics such as fostering equity in the classroom and your company, self-reflection as a catalyst for growth.

In this week’s episode, we amplify the voice of Shauna Smith.  Shauna is Founder of TMM360 Marketing or The Marketing Muse 360. TMM360 Marketing is a small branding and business development firm that primarily helps aspiring entrepreneurs. TMM360 assists with jump-starting their business activity through effective marketing and branding strategies. She recently launched a new business called “Virtualocity” with her business partner Joie De Luzuriaga from the Philippines, where they have essentially become global virtual assistant matchmakers. She has written two books “How to Brand Yourself” and “How to work Virtual Assistants.”    What you'll learn: Being compassionate with ourselves and having a balanced life as an entrepreneur. Following the flow of your support rather than competing for spaces that don't want to acknowledge your awesome. How she can help match you with the needs of your business through her company Virtualocity. How she is on a mission to leave a legacy of 25 homes around the world. CONNECT WITH: Shauna Smith Website: www.howtoworkwithvirtualassistants.com Free Branding workbook:  https://bit.ly/2O5sLL5 .................................................................................................................... Are you ready to start your very own podcast? Check out our 70+ page comprehensive guide that walks you through every step to get your show launched and ready for the world.  We’ve taken our professional knowledge and experience in strategy, recording, editing and presenting into this comprehensive guide so you don’t have to spend months making mistakes you can avoid before you get started. Receive full-on support ranging from mindset shifting, content development, technical setup, recording & editing, and ongoing (strategies) after launch. Let's take you from dreaming to streaming so that you can powerfully share your message while achieving your next level of success. Get your copy at: https://gum.co/launchpad-ebook     This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts.  LOVE THIS EPISODE? PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LEAVE US A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS! 

In this week’s episode, we amplify the voice of Dr. Kortney Floyd James.  Dr. Kortney is a nurse scientist with research interest in maternal-child health disparities, specifically maternal mortality and maternal mental health. Dr. Kortney Floyd James is a nurse scientist and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She holds a Ph.D. in Nursing from the Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing & Health Profession at Georgia State University. Dr. Floyd James has an extensive background in leadership, public health policy, and primary care as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. While practicing as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in a well-baby nursery on a postpartum unit, Dr. Floyd James' research interests related to maternal/child health disparities were born. Her dissertation explored the racial identity of Black mothers and its relationship with their maternal functioning, postpartum depressive symptoms, and bond with their infants.  Dr. Floyd James aims to secure a postdoctoral opportunity or Assistant Professor position at a university that will foster her desire to educate future nurses and be the foundation on which she builds her research career. Her future research will explore the influence of perceived discrimination, racial identity, and biochemical markers on maternal and newborn health outcomes.

In this week’s episode, we amplify the voice of Gloria Ward.  Gloria is an Entrepreneur, Revenue Strategist, Author, and New Thought Leader who has been at the forefront of helping Women and Women Business owners learn, grow, and profit. She’s the revenue strategist that small businesses turn to for guidance. For more than 12 years, clients have enjoyed the confidence, humor, and relatable step by step strategies of her business advice and tactics. Her company, The L.E.A.P. Group LLC, is a personal development and business education company that inspires and empowers women to win the game of life and build a million-dollar business from scratch. Gloria is a software engineer by trade. Receiving her bachelors and masters in Computer Science from Clark- Atlanta University, Gloria caught the entrepreneur bug and started a small IT firm where she started out building and fixing college kids computers and went on to managing and designing computer networks and software for fortune 100 companies. With the success of her IT firm, she found herself in the late 2000’s delving into digital marketing and social media. She found a business mentor who took her under his wing and went on to produce E-books and digital courses that generated over one million dollars in revenue. It was Gloria’s passion for business and down to earth approach that has made her the most sought out female entrepreneur of her era. Gloria is a big lover of music and lives in Atlanta, Georgia, where she’s is a mom of two four-legged creatures. In this episode, Gloria openly shares some personal moments of transformation and how she has triumphed through the journey.  What you'll learn: How Gloria overcame broken moments to get back to loving herself. What sparked her big LEAP from the world of I.T. to personal development and business education. How Gloria teaches women practical strategies to create a life of abundance, regardless of adversity through the I'm Loving Me Project. How we can Learn, Earn, Advance, & Profit through her Girls L.E.A.P. Program. CONNECT WITH: Gloria Ward Website: http://www.imlovingme.net/index.php Instagram: @ImLovingMeProject Facebook: @ImLovingMeProject YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyX1RgkfSFRnsqQ8Vn4rYtw .................................................................................................................... Are you ready to start your very own podcast? Check out our 70+ page comprehensive guide that walks you through every step to get your show launched and ready for the world.  We’ve taken our professional knowledge and experience in strategy, recording, editing and presenting into this comprehensive guide so you don’t have to spend months making mistakes you can avoid before you get started. Receive full-on support ranging from mindset shifting, content development, technical setup, recording & editing, and ongoing (strategies) after launch. Let's take you from dreaming to streaming so that you can powerfully share your message while achieving your next level of success. Get your copy at: https://gum.co/launchpad-ebook     This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts.  LOVE THIS EPISODE? PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LEAVE US A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS! 

In this week’s episode, we amplify the voice of Chanle Johnson.  Chanle is the CEO and founder of Detroit Kindred. Detroit Kindred curates and sells natural and organic products for hair, skin, and even cosmetics. Monthly Chanle creates  a unique box that primarily focuses on a theme. Boxes are distributed monthly then products are moved to Detroit Kindred's online marketplace as they become readily available. The primary function of this beauty brand is to provide affordable beauty without compromising the benefits. In this episode, Chanle shares her story of how she stepped out on faith, began her business, learned to build her self confidence and how she relies on  her faith in God.

In this week’s episode, we gather around the table for another group chat with our friend and former guest of the show -- Jasmine Berry MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CHC. Jasmine is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a background and focus on infectious disease. In this episode, we chat with Jas on the real regarding life behind the scenes as a provider on the front lines battling this pandemic. Jas gets candid about her own mental and physical well-being during this crisis, and we share our thoughts on doing our part together to curve this pandemic. We laugh, we learn, and we share our real thoughts and feelings around being in this moment in history.  What you'll learn: The politicization of a global health crisis. The emotional wear and tear of being a medical professional during a pandemic. One of the most difficult decisions Jas had to make on the front-lines. Our collective thoughts and feelings at this moment in time. ....................................................................................................................... Are you ready to start your very own podcast? Check out our 70+ page comprehensive guide that walks you through every step to get your show launched and ready for the world.  We’ve taken our professional knowledge and experience in strategy, recording, editing and presenting into this comprehensive guide so you don’t have to spend months making mistakes you can avoid before you get started. Receive full-on support ranging from mindset shifting, content development, technical setup, recording & editing, and ongoing (strategies) after launch. Let's take you from dreaming to streaming so that you can powerfully share your message while achieving your next level of success. Get your copy at: https://gum.co/launchpad-ebook This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts.  LOVE THIS EPISODE? PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LEAVE US A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS!  [music: "Fly" by Makaih Beats]  

In this week’s episode, we amplify the voice of Terri Lomax. Terri Lomax is a globally recognized podcaster, speaker, and brand strategist. The founder and visionary for the Mocha Girls Pit Stop blog and co-founder of the H.E.R Space Podcast, she empowers entrepreneurs to leverage social media and personal branding to grow their audience, impact, and bank account. Her lifelong desire to help others overcome adversity was birthed from a place of hurt and pain. As a child, her resilience enabled her to overcome physical and verbal abuse and defy statistics about children with incarcerated parents. In her new book, How to Glow Up As You Grow Up: Your Go-To Guide for Overcoming Obstacles and Making Lemonade, Terri shares her personal story of triumph over tragedy and inspires readers to overcome life’s obstacles while embracing a spirit of resilience. In this episode, Terri shares some personal moments of tragedy and transformation and how she has triumphed through the journey.

In this week’s episode, we amplify the voice of Tershone Phillips.  Tershone is the host of the Right Mistake Podcast where she discusses turning accidental decisions into life-changing moments with her guests. The platform highlights different entrepreneurs, millennials, and people of color stories, along with their stumbles and mistakes that unintentionally became their triumphs.  Her inspiration for creating this podcast began when she realized her major moments professionally and personally were all the catalysts from major setbacks. Embracing and celebrating our letdowns are a part of life and society should have a new outlook on the term 'mistake' for future generations. In her professional career, Tershone is a marketer in the media industry, using her background and skills to promote a positive brand for her culture, community, and ultimately herself. In this episode, Tershone openly shares some personal moments of tragedy and transformation and how she has triumphed through the journey.   What you'll learn: How she's experienced life on both sides of the Black & Blue as the daughter of two (2) retired NYPD Officers. A personal tragic loss as a result of 9/11 events. A discussion on racial diversity in the media industry and the importance of using your professional platform for systemic change.  Her 3 podcast themes for 2020 and how her guests apply these goals to their journey and ultimately how she has applied them for her personal growth. How she is instilling value as a girl scout leader and the importance of impacting young girls of color to have self-confidence and dream big. CONNECT WITH: The Right Mistake Podcast Website: https://therightmistakepodcast.wordpress.com/ & https://linktr.ee/therightmistake Facebook: @TheRightMistakePodcast Instagram: @TheRightMistakePodcast CONNECT WITH: Tershone Phillips Website: https://therightmistakepodcast.wordpress.com/ Facebook: @Tershone Phillips Instagram: @TershoneAshley Brand Ambassador For my Melanin https://formymelanin.com/ - (15% off Discount code  -“tershone”) .................................................................................................................... Are you ready to start your very own podcast? Check out our 70+ page comprehensive guide that walks you through every step to get your show launched and ready for the world.  We’ve taken our professional knowledge and experience in strategy, recording, editing and presenting into this comprehensive guide so you don’t have to spend months making mistakes you can avoid before you get started. Receive full-on support ranging from mindset shifting, content development, technical setup, recording & editing, and ongoing (strategies) after launch. Let's take you from dreaming to streaming so that you can powerfully share your message while achieving your next level of success. Get your copy at: https://gum.co/launchpad-ebook     This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts.  LOVE THIS EPISODE? PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LEAVE US A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS!  [music: "Fly" by Makaih Beats

In this week’s episode, we amplify the voice of Leah Watson. Leah is a Staff Attorney with the ACLU’s Racial Justice Program, where she focuses on the criminalization of poverty. Previously, she was Senior Counsel in the Criminal Justice Project at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, where she led litigation challenging debtors’ prisons and excessive fines and fees practices in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Leah co-authored reports, delivered community trainings and developed policy recommendations for fines and fees reform at the state and local levels. She launched P.R.O.T.E.C.T.: A Guide for Law Enforcement Engagement with Students of Color. Prior to joining the Lawyers’ Committee, Leah was a Senior Associate at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and an Associate at Baker Hostetler LLP. She led cross-border investigations in one of the top ten largest Foreign Corrupt Practices Act settlements. She was a member of the trial team that secured a victory in the largest residential mortgage backed securities trial in history.  Leah obtained Special Immigrant Juvenile status and custody orders for pro bono clients and successfully challenged a pro bono client’s criminal conviction. During a six-month externship at the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, she represented clients in disability rights, police misconduct, fair housing, and wage theft cases. Leah earned her J.D. from Harvard Law School in 2011. Prior to law school, she taught high school in Atlanta, Georgia through Teach for America. Leah earned her B.A. magna cum laude in Communication Studies and Sociology from Vanderbilt University in 2006. In this episode, Leah gets very candid as she sheds light on the vital work that she doing as she is pursuing the charge to help achieve racial justice and she also breaks down pertinent information for us (the average American citizen) to understand how we can stand in the gap and help join the fight for a better country and society. Turn up you the volume, this is a conversation you don't wanna miss!

In this week’s episode, we kick off our season 3 with gratitude. MC is now a year old!! Catch up with your favorite cousins as we reflect on our experiences, growth, and gratitude for an awesome season.  Listen in as we speak about our journey in amplifying the voices and stories of black women. What you'll learn: What Terrian and Yana have been up to since their hiatus. Things you can expect from this season, including a sneak peek of all the wonderful women that will be guests this season. Special love and gratitude to all of our listeners. How you can stay connected with us and get in on some upcoming fabulous giveaways. What's next for Melanated Conversations?  [music: "Fly" by Makaih Beats]    ...................................................................................................................... Are you ready to start your very own podcast? Check out our 70+ page comprehensive guide that walks you through every step to get your show launched and ready for the world.  We’ve taken our professional knowledge and experience in strategy, recording, editing and presenting into this comprehensive guide so you don’t have to spend months making mistakes you can avoid before you get started. Receive full-on support ranging from mindset shifting, content development, technical setup, recording & editing, and ongoing (strategies) after launch. Let's take you from dreaming to streaming so that you can powerfully share your message while achieving your next level of success. Get your copy at: https://gum.co/launchpad-ebook     This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts.  LOVE THIS EPISODE? PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LEAVE US A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS!  [music: "Fly" by Makaih Beats

In this week’s episode, we recap our season 2 show guests and reflect on our  experiences, growth and gratitude for an awesome season.  Listen in as we speak about our journey in amplifying the voices and stories of black women. What you'll learn: Our mission of shining light on our melanated queens and sharing our lessons and celebrating our successes. Recap of all the wonderful women that have been guests to the show.  Special love and gratitude to all of our listeners. Finding  Black joy in the highs and lows of life When you can expect our Season 3 Return. How you can stay connected with us during our brief hiatus. What's next for Melanated Conversations?

In this week’s episode, we amplify the voice of Sidonie Smith. Sidonie is an international leading lady, as well as a violinist and speaker. A multi-lingual artist, she has graced stages all around the world over the past 10 years performing in both English and German.  Most recently, she welcomed the reprise of one of her most celebrated roles— Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar on the historic Roten Tor stage in Munich. Previous to that Sidonie starred in Switzerland’s Premier run of Sister Act the musical as Deloris van Cartier—a role that she is thrilled to now have embodied in three countries.  Sidonie has performed in such well-known large- scale shows as: The Bodyguard (Rachel and Nicki Marron), Jekyll & Hyde (Lucy, Germany), Legally Blonde (Pilar, Austrian Premier), Sister Act (Deloris, Germany, Austrian Premier, Switzerland Premier), AIDA (Aida, Germany), Cabaret (Sally Bowles, Germany) The Bridges of Madison County (Marian, German Premier), Sweeney Todd (Johanna, as the first woman of color to play the role in Germany), Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary Magdalene, Germany), RENT (Maureen, Germany), Little Shop of Horrors (Chiffon, European Tour), Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story Germany), and Love Never Dies (Austria, lauded by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber as the best version of the production he had ever seen). Sidonie's unique talent of playing viola/violin and harmonizing with herself vocally has landed her on many stages of the world, including Broadway and the West End, doing concerts with composers like Scott Alan as well as Oscar/Tony/Grammy award-winning duo Pasek & Paul. Sidonie is also a composer herself, and conducted her first orchestral work, Genesis, as it saw its premier performance when she was just 17 years old. She has since composed for such charitable organizations as: Where Every Child's A Star.  Sidonie more recently has turned her talent to arrangement, and you can see many of her original arrangements on YouTube, where videos she arranged have garnered well over 36 million views. Offstage, Sidonie is most proud of her work as a Mindset Mastery and Social Media Mentor coach for performers, supporting them practically in their pursuits to become the strongest versions of themselves— mind, spirit, and body. Her transformational coaching courses guide artists to heal their hearts in order to create great art.   In this episode, Sidonie sets the stage into her journey into theater and how bolding taking advantage of open doors placed her center stage in some of the biggest roles in her career. We unpack what it’s like being a multi-talented black creative artist in this arena, and how she is holding space for fellow artists to bravely move into their creative passions.  What you'll learn: The opportunity of a lifetime that catapulted her into international theatre. Her personal experience as a black woman breaking into the world of acting & theatre. How your own daring to be excellent as a Black creative is a form of protest Favorite roles pursued in her career. Her latest endeavor as a mindset coach devoted to empowering creatives to follow their passion and authentically connect with their audience. What's next for Sidonie and her brand? [music: "Fly" by Makaih Beats]   CONNECT WITH: SidonieSmith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__.sidonie.__/ Website: https://www.sidoniesmith.com/ ...................................................................................................................... Are you ready to start your very own podcast? Check out our 70+ page comprehensive guide that walks you through every step to get your show launched and ready for the world.  We’ve taken our professional knowledge and experience in strategy, recording, editing and presenting into this comprehensive guide so you don’t have to spend months making mistakes you can avoid before you get started. Receive full-on support ranging from mindset shifting, content development, technical setup, recording & editing, and ongoing (strategies) after launch. Let's take you from dreaming to streaming so that you can powerfully share your message while achieving your next level of success. Get your copy at: https://gum.co/launchpad-ebook     This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts.  LOVE THIS EPISODE? PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LEAVE US A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS!  [music: "Fly" by Makaih Beats

In this week’s episode, we amplify the voice of Terrian Jones. Terrian is a wife of 10 years and mother of 2 beautiful girls. She is also creative in every sense of the word and is an avid world traveler that loves to capture the beauty of life from her lens. Terrian leads every aspect of life with the philosophy that all people were created in the image of God and deserve dignity and respect. Guided by her faith, she strives to serve as a living example of what her faith teaches her and to share it with the world both on and off of the mic. In this episode, Terrian takes us on a  journey as she pulls back the curtain on her life and shares one of her most vulnerable life-changing moments. Walking the path of forgiveness and finding her voice Terrian encourages others to do the same. Listen in as Terrian takes us on a personal journey of self-discovery and healing.  What you'll learn: Terrian's personal story of transformation. Snatching back ownership of your story with a peace of mind. The "study" that helped her forgive others and heal through a traumatic event in her life. How individuals can offer support to many facing similar circumstances. What's next for Terrian and her brand? [music: "Fly" by Makaih Beats]   CONNECT WITH: Terrian Jones   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrian4reel Email: terrian4reel@gmail.com ...................................................................................................................... Are you ready to start your very own podcast? Check out our 70+ page comprehensive guide that walks you through every step to get your show launched and ready for the world.  We’ve taken our professional knowledge and experience in strategy, recording, editing and presenting into this comprehensive guide so you don’t have to spend months making mistakes you can avoid before you get started. Receive full-on support ranging from mindset shifting, content development, technical setup, recording & editing, and ongoing (strategies) after launch. Let's take you from dreaming to streaming so that you can powerfully share your message while achieving your next level of success. Get your copy at: https://gum.co/launchpad-ebook     This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts.  LOVE THIS EPISODE? PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LEAVE US A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS!  [music: "Fly" by Makaih Beats]  

While we stand for justice, dignity and honor of the black life all too often the names of black women senselessly murdered by law enforcement are glazed over. We have a duty and responsibility  as Black women and hosts of a podcast that advocate and amplify the voices of black women to bring awareness and shed light  on the sisters who are no longer with us. We will always and forever SAY HER NAME.  Rekia Boyd Boyd was born on November 5, 1989, in Chicago, Illinois. She moved with her family from Chicago’s Southside to Dolton, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. On March 21, 2012, Boyd was hanging out with friends at Douglas Park on Chicago’s West Side at a party listening to music while having a few drinks.  Around 1:00 am,  22 year old Boyd and some of her friends walk to a nearby cornerstore. Around that same time, Servin who was just finishing his shift on his second job was off duty, heading to a fast food restaurant for a hamburger. Servin drove to Douglas Park after a citizen called police about a noise complaint. Servin saw Boyd and her friends and later claimed they were arguing in an alley.  Whether Servin calmly approached Boyd and her friends or was rude and aggressive is still debated. One of Boyd’s friends, Antonio Cross, claimed that Servin attempted to buy drugs from the group. When Cross told Servin to “get his Crackhead ass out of here,” Servin pulled a gun, stuck it out of the window of his car and fired into the group, hitting Boyd in the head.  She was instantly killed and Cross was wounded in the hand. After the shooting, the Chicago Police Department defended Servin’s actions and arrested Cross. The Police Department claimed that Servin had discharged his weapon after Cross had approached him with a gun.  Upon investigation it was discovered that Cross was holding a cellphone. In November 2013, Servin was charged with involuntary manslaughter but was cleared of all charges two years later on April 20, 2015, by Judge Dennis J. Porter following a non-jury trial. On November 24, 2015, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy called for Dante Servin to be fired by the Chicago Police Board.  On May 17, 2016, Servin resigned from the police force. The city of Chicago also paid $4.5 million to the Boyd family. Boyd’s death at the hands of Chicago Police Officer Dante Servin would help inspire the Black Lives Matter movement. "They don’t talk about women that much when they get killed by the police. They barely talk about women. Why is that? It’s crazy, because you see that even in death, women play the second role."                                                               - Martinez Sutton, Rekia Boyd’s brother  Yvette Smith On the 16th of January 2014, mother of 3 Yvette Smith was shot in her friend’s home by Daniel Willis, the officer coming to settle a disturbance.. She was seemingly trying to act as a peacemaker during a dispute between a father and a son that involved a gun. She called 911 about half an hour after midnight. When Bastrop County police arrived at the house, at least one of the men was in the front yard and the worst of the disturbance had seemed to be over. The disagreement was settled before the officers arrived. The owner of the home Mr. Willie Thomas was outside when police arrived The officers issued verbal commands for the other occupants to exit the property. Yvette Smith was shot three seconds after the door was opened as shown by body camera footage. She was shot twice by the deputy sheriff’s with his personal AR-15 semi-automatic assault rifle. The officers claimed she threatened them with a gun despite no weapons being found within the home. The dispatcher claimed the opposite and Thomas said it was false information. In April 2016 Daniel Willis, a former Texas police deputy, was found not guilty of murder. The family filed for wrongful death suit and settled with 1.22 million in compensation. However, Daniel Willis still walks a free man who killed an innocent unarmed black woman. The case raised broad issues about police accountability and questions about police recruiting standards and the general conduct of the sheriff’s department.    Shantel Davis On June 14, 2012, Shantel Davis, a 23-year-old African-American woman, was fatally shot by New York City,  New York Police Department (NYPD) officer Phil Atkins. She was unarmed, and her death occurred while the national discussion of police brutality was gaining publicity in the wake of similar killings. That debate led to the creation of the Black Lives Matter Movement  the following year. Two plainclothes police officers saw Davis driving erratically and pursued her vehicle. Once her car came to a stop after colliding with a minivan, the officers got out of their car and approached on foot. Davis opened her passenger side door, knocking one officer to the ground. She then got back into the driver’s seat. Believing that Davis was trying to drive away, and with the car moving backwards, Detective Phil Atkins reached into her car and tried to shift it into park. While they struggled for control, Atkins shot her once in the chest. When the officers asked her to exit the car, she stumbled out while bleeding profusely onto the pavement in front of a large crowd. One witness, George Ricketts, said that Davis cried out that she didn’t want to die, and a woman attempted to comfort her. Despite paramedics’ attempts to revive her, Davis was later pronounced dead at Kings County Hospital. According to East Flatbush residents, the officer who killed Davis had a history of brutality.  At the time of her death, her friends and family said that Shantel was trying to get her GED and turn her life around. While police alleged that Davis had been trying to escape when she was shot, several witnesses stated that she was trapped behind an airbag and was not attempting to get away.  In 2017, Shantel’s family reports that there have been no investigations into her death or the officer who killed her, despite multiple attempts to follow up with the Brooklyn District Attorney office.     Atatiana Jefferson Atatiana Jefferson, had been up late playing video games with her 8-year-old nephew, in her final moments leading up to her fatal shot by an officer, Aaron Y. Dean, who was standing in her backyard with a flashlight and a gun. He would go on to resign two days later, hours before the police chief had planned to fire him. Jefferson who was 28 at the time of her death, graduated from Louisiana's Xavier University in 2014 with a degree in biology and worked in the field of pharmaceutical equipment sales. She was planning and saving for medical school. Atatiana was a loving aunt who would play basketball and video games with her nephews, and recently moved in with her mother to care for her as she had health problems. Her (mother) learned about her daughter’s shooting while in a hospital. In the moments leading up to the shooting, one of Ms. Jefferson’s neighbors, called a nonemergency line at 2:23 a.m. on Saturday to check on the safety of the residents after spotting the door open. Two officers responding to the call parked a block away from Ms. Jefferson’s house before unlatching a fence door and entering the backyard. According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Jefferson told her nephew she heard someone outside moments before the shooting, so she got her handgun from her purse and pointed it out a window. Dean, who never identified himself as a police officer despite yelling for Jefferson to put her hands up, according to the affidavit, fired through the window, killing Jefferson. As previously stated, Aaron Dean resigned before he could be fired. He was arrested and in December 2019 he was indicted by the Texas grand jury for murder, however the trial has been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. "My God, I was so happy to know that the man that shot and killed my daughter is going to be indicted for murder," said Yolanda Carr, Jefferson's mother. She went on to say that "Justice was served on that part, but I know we got a long way to go," "I'm so glad that they finally indicted that man on murder because he murdered my baby."  

While we stand for justice, dignity and honor of the black life all too often the names of black women senselessly murdered by law enforcement are glazed over. We have a duty and responsibility  as Black women and hosts of a podcast that advocate and amplify the voices of black women to bring awareness and shed light  on the sisters who are no longer with us. We will always and forever SAY HER NAME.

In memory of #breonnataylor we are releasing a special episode today to honor her life. Before she was a hashtag or became a headline Breonna or Bre’ as she was affectionally known to her friends and family was a then 26-year-old woman who loved her work in healthcare and spending quality time with her aunts playing cards. Phase 10 and Skip-Bo were her favs. Breonna Taylor was born June 05, 1993 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Tamika Palmer and she spent the early part of her life in Grand Rapids, Michigan before moving to Louisville when she was a teen. Breonna graduated from Western High School in 2011, and later went on to experience college at University of Kentucky. She was an accomplished EMT for the city of Louisville. She worked full time as ER Technician for Jewish East and PRN for Norton Healthcare. She served on the front line and dedicated her life to the care of others. On her Facebook page, Taylor described her love for helping others and stated “Working in health care is so rewarding! It makes me so happy when I know I’ve made a difference in someone else’s life!” As an essential worker she put her life on the line daily fighting one of the deadliest pandemics of our time only to have it tragically taken away at the hands of police. In mid-March Breonna went to bed like the rest of us, but she didn’t get to see the light of day as police officers barged into Taylor’s home in Louisville, Kentucky, in the middle of the night and discharged a spray of bullets that struck and killed the 26-year-old EMT. Breonna Taylor was a daughter, Breonna Taylor a granddaughter, Breonna Taylor a sister, Breonna Taylor a niece and a best friend to so many especially Kenneth Walker. But above else Breonna Taylor was a HUMAN. She died before her story could truly unfold. Now it’s our duty to continue to carry the torch and honor her name. We always say her name. . . . #sayhername #birthdayforbreonna #herlifemattered #blacklivesmatter

We are (podcasters/bloggers/youtubers/influencer/etc.) united to condemn the tragic murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and many many others at the hands of police. This is a continuation of the systemic racism pervasive in our country since its inception and we are committed to standing against racism in all its forms.   We believe that to be silent is to be complicit. We believe that Black lives matter. We believe that Black lives are more important than property. We believe that we have a responsibility to use our platforms to speak out against this injustice whenever and wherever we are witness to it.   In creating digital media we have built audiences that return week after week to hear our voices and we will use our voices to speak against anti-blackness and police brutality, and we encourage our audiences to be educated, engaged, and to take action.   Here are three ways you can participate: Share this statement and call to action with others. Donate a portion of your show proceeds and ask audience members to donate to any of the following: George Floyd Memorial Fund: https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd Minnesota Freedom Fund: https://minnesotafreedomfund.org/ Black Visions Collective: https://www.blackvisionsmn.org/ Campaign Zero: https://www.joincampaignzero.org/ Black Lives Matter: https://www.Blacklivesmatter.com Minneapolis NAACP Branch: https://www.paypal.me/mplsnaacp4050B Sign A petition & Ask Your Network To Sign: Text “Floyd” to 55156 to sign a petition a demand justice for George Floyd Sign-up at Color of Change: https://colorofchange.org/ to be notified of more opportunities to take action #podcastersforjustice #WoCPodcasters #BlackLivesMatter #melanatedconversations  

In this week’s episode, we amplify the voices of Vanielle Price-Lewis and Lakrisha Toliver  Vanielle and Lakrisha  are the owners VK Beauty Bar.  These ladies are a duo that came together to offer a upscale relaxing environment inside the salon. Their goal and "why" is to educate women inside as well as outside the salon on hair care, catering to the everyday business woman that is on the go.  VK Beauty Bars first priority is healthy hair and educating clients on how to care for hair outside the salon also. We provide multiple different deep conditioners. We also offer microlinks, wigs, hair color and natural hair care. VK Beauty Bar retails multiple haircare products such as shampoos conditioners and moisturizers for daily care.  Tune in to our special Group Chat episode as we keep it real and discuss all things hair, the good bad and the ugly.

In this week’s episode, we amplify the voice of Brittany Sherell. Brittany is a Power-Packed Speaker, Coach, and Author who helps High-Achieving Women live with meaning and lead with confidence. Brittany is known for her high-energy, engaging approach to learning and development. Her practical approaches to achieving results are easy to incorporate without ever getting overwhelmed. In her 2-in-1 live interactive book/workbook, Brittany challenges readers not to fall victim to the lure of success-chasing, but rather unmask their true identity and use it for meaningful work. She explores the incredible power of tapping into what you perform well to create a life of purpose. Beyond her business, Brittany spends time loving on her close-knit family, two fur babies, and trying new coffee blends. Listen in as we chat with Brittany as she shares her journey of building a mega lifestyle empire.  What you'll learn: Brittany's personal story of transformation. Britany's M.O.V.E. framework that walks you through "How to align your gifts  and abilities to experience the fruits of fulfillment." Getting clear on what you want and what it will take to make it a reality. Snatching back ownership of your time and energy with a peace of mind. Killing self-doubt and building your Confidence. What's next for Brittany and her brand? [music: "Fly" by Makaih Beats]   CONNECT WITH: Brittany Sherell  Website: http://brittanysherell.com/ @Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brittany-Sherell-Coaching-and-Consulting-2953466454694278 @Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittanysherell/ @LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/LinkBritt GET The Fulfillment Factor Book ...................................................................................................................... Are you ready to start your very own podcast? Check out our 70+ page comprehensive guide that walks you through every step to get your show launched and ready for the world.  We’ve taken our professional knowledge and experience in strategy, recording, editing and presenting into this comprehensive guide so you don’t have to spend months making mistakes you can avoid before you get started. Receive full-on support ranging from mindset shifting, content development, technical setup, recording & editing, and ongoing (strategies) after launch. Let's take you from dreaming to streaming so that you can powerfully share your message while achieving your next level of success. Get your copy at: https://gum.co/launchpad-ebook     This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to us on Google Podcasts.  LOVE THIS EPISODE? PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LEAVE US A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS!  [music: "Fly" by Makaih Beats]  

In this week’s episode, We pressed pause on regular scheduled program and take time to  share our personal reflections on our Mother's Day. We also take the opportunity to  have a personal heart to heart and share some of our thoughts and feelings on the current state of our nation in light of recent events.  Listen in to hear our hearts  We will resume back to our regular schedule next Sunday. 

In this week’s episode, we amplify the voice of Sareta Fultcher Sareta, known to her readers as Bible Study Girl, has been in church all her life. Her relationship with God, and the church, was changed after starting a Bible study group with other women. Away from the walls of the church, the women were able to share their true struggles with their faith. Seeing God move mightily in the lives of other Christian women as they tried to live out their faith walk was inspiring. Years later, Sareta was prompted to share her personal struggles with the world, and the Bible Study Girl blog was born. Each day readers of the blog get a glimpse into her intimate struggles with faith and ultimate surrender to the will of God. Listen in as we chat with Sareta as she shares her journey of building a mega lifestyle empire.