Mocha Message Podcast

For the Season 5 finale, Jackie and Shani speak on one thing your time on this earth is going to guarantee: Change. From its ebbs and flows, there aren't only changes on an introspective level, but also interpersonal levels to match. The Mocha Mavens are here to discuss some ways to anchor your friendships where life's waves often clash and collide.

Social media. A gift and curse. A gift because it is quick and easy to share information. But what happens when the wires get crossed, misinformation spreads just as fast, if not you can be the result of scam culture. Jackie and Shani are here to encourage you to slow down, take a beat, and fact check. We'd never want our good people to be the victims of a scam.

The Mocha Mavens are back from their mid-season Spring Break, and ready to get into another great topic! Season 5 has had an overarching theme around sisterhood, and this episode is no different. Jackie and Shani discuss how important it is to help those around you, as well as give personal experiences where a sister reached their hand out to us and the positive impact it resulted in. As always, we encourage you to continue the conversation in our comments and on all forms of social media!

Jackie and Shani have been in their book bags (get it

What is it with content nowadays? Nothing seems genuine, everything appears to be a push for engagement - whether negative or positive, true or glorified truth. It's exhausting. And it makes it harder to consume content on your favorite platforms for enjoyment anymore. In this episode, Jackie and Shani chat about some ways to recognize when you're being baited into clicks and views, as well as how to attempt to curate your feeds to remove that activity from crossing your path altogether.

There seems to be a tendency to want to question, minimize, or altogether erase the impact of Black women's accomplishments and contributions. However when this happens, it is important to advocate for yourself, hold your own, and also be your sister's keeper if need be whenever you witness it. In this episode Jackie and Shani give some encouragement on what to do to keep your head up, remain encouraged, and review systems that can be put in place to make sure you get your just due. For other dope conversations like these, be sure to subscribe to the Mocha Message on Youtube and all podcast platforms!

We, the Gatekeepers of the Mocha Message Podcast, in order to form a more uniform Culture, establish Boundaries to ensure a fierce Protection for all things sacred to the African-American, otherwise known as, Black community. Jackie and Shani delve into their personal thoughts, feelings, and ideas around imaginary cookout handouts, pandering to white people, and preserving recipes in this episode of the Mocha Message Podcast.

Its officially 2024! Happy New Year! By the time you receive this second part of our two-part Holiday special, we will be 3 days fresh into 2024! But before we embrace the new year, we're going to take a walk down memory lane to chat about some of the highlights of 2023. Disclaimer: This episode was filmed before the Renaissance film, The Color Purple 2023 Musical Movie, and some other stand out moments we would have mentioned otherwise. Nevertheless enjoy!

Last year we gifted y'all with a little Holiday treat with our "Good Tidings and Cheer" episode, and you all absolutely ate it up! It is one of our most watched episodes and we had gotten some requests to run it back. We may as well make it an annual tradition at this point! Join us as we unpack all things 2023. We chat about the good, the bad, and the everything in between. This year we brought you all the gift of gab as this is only part 1 of our 2 part episode recapping the year! If you like what you hear, make sure to subscribe to the Mocha Message on Youtube and follow us on Instagram! Happy Holidays!

In the words of one of our favorite music artists, Durand Bernarr: We're setting boundaries. During the hiatus Jackie and Shani dove into some books penned by Black Women authors. One book they instantly knew they had to share with the Mavens was Dr. Nedra's Glover Tawabb's book Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself. From the minute they cracked it open, it was evident this would be an essential nightstand read that wouldn't be leaving the bedside. Self care is a priority (and work in progress) at the Mocha Message Pod, and REAL self care involves boundaries. If you like what you hear, please follow us on IG and subscribe to our Youtube channel!

Have you ever known a relaxed woman? For the season 4 finale, Jackie and Shani uncover why this question is profound and uncover the importance of pausing, sitting with it, and processing... Why the likelihood of your answer to that question is probably "no", what that means for Black women specifically, and what we can do to change that. This is a WRAP for Season 4 and we can't head outta here without showing our appreciation for you Mocha Mavens! Please continue to share with a friend and interact with us on Youtube comments, social media, and in person! :)

In this episode, Jackie & Shani chat ALL about what it means to release. It's so unhealthy - mentally and physically - to hold in stress, anger, and negativity. So how can you release the bad feelings in a productive way, to make room for the great ones? As always, be sure to follow us on IG and subscribe to our Youtube channel! Happy 2023, Mocha Mavens!

Happy Holidays! We figured it would be fun to gift you all with the Mocha Message, special edition since our last episode of the year lands right before the Holiday rush. Join Jackie and Shani as they bring a mini year in review by going over what they achieved this year, are looking forward to accomplishing for next year, and highlight some stand out pop culture moments!

Have you ever pushed yourself for a particular job title or positions or had dreams of climbing the corporate ladder? At one point that was us, but as Jackie often says “We off that!” It is okay to have dreams, goals, and aspirations for the future but never at the expense of taking care of self, quality time with friends and family, and your own interests. Jackie and Shani share how they re-evaluated the way they think about work and where it fits into grand scheme of this thing called life.

Insecurities. How many of us have them?? In this episode, we get candid about underlying insecurities that we ALL have a tendency to have. Sometimes apparent, other times overlooked. We're here to tell you that it's normal to have them, it's important to acknowledge them, and realizing that you can grow comfortable with them is the first step to overcoming them. Give us a like, leave a comment, and subscribe! Hit that notification bell to be on the lookout for more from the Mocha Message!

In this episode, we chat about the importance of lifting your voice. As Black Women - our voices are often minimized. Some of it has been learned over the years and some of it... unfortunately has been taught. But as we've grown over the years, we've realized the best way to find your voice is to practice using it! As always, catch us on Youtube and continue the conversation under our video!

Have you ever been curious about what it would be like to start a therapy journey? Faced any resistance around the matter? Even wondered how to start?? Listen, we've BEEN there! Jackie & Shani dive into their unique therapy journeys while reflecting on what made them start, explaining the process to obtain a therapist, and sharing the benefits reaped as a result of the hard work that is called healing. Be sure to catch us on your TV/phone screens on Youtube! Subscribe to our channel so you don't miss a beat.

This episode is a treat - because it's a call back to an oldie but goodie. In Shani & Jackie's introduction to the world as the Mocha Message, they spoke about the importance of having a tribe: a group of people that hold you down through whatever. But what happens when life gets in the way? Jackie & Shani share tips and tricks on how to stay in touch with your people, despite life's curveballs. Don't forget to continue the convo on IG: @mochamessagepodcast! We love our Mocha Mavens!

Well hello world! We are back... and on YouTube?! With three whole seasons on audio, the dynamic duo has returned and decided to leap out of their comfort zones by giving their followers something they have been asking for, for a long time... VIDEO! Listen to PART TWO of Season 4's inaugural episode as the co-hosts chat about working through their reservations of going video, addressing why their hiatus was a bit longer than usual, and the ways they navigated every curve ball life threw at them in 2021 to rise victoriously & be better than ever in 2022!

*Originally released September 14, 2022* Well hello world! We are back... and on YouTube?! This may be Jackie and Shani's 1st intro to the world behind the screen, but these two are no strangers to spreading light, laughs, and inspiration. With three whole seasons on audio, the dynamic duo has returned and decided to leap out of their comfort zones by giving their followers something they have been asking for, for a long time... VIDEO! Listen as the co-hosts chat about working through their reservations of going video, addressing why their hiatus was a bit longer than usual, and the ways they navigated every curve ball life threw at them in 2021 to rise victoriously & be better than ever in 2022!

*Originally released February 3, 2021* After the attack on the Capitol, and then watching AOC's Instagram live recounting her experience, we had to end Season 3 of the Mocha Message venting about the White Hypocrisy shown in law enforcement, government, honestly EVERY part of life. It's exhausting, and we (the black community) are tired. Continue the conversation on our Instagram @mochamessagepodcast. Happy Black History Month!

*Originally released January 13, 2021* What happens when the people who are supposed to protect and care for you cannot be trusted? We already know this to be true with police, but there are other instances where people (such as physicians) cannot & should not act upon their own biases. Jackie and Shani speak about the importance of being able to uncover bias in believing Black people, specifically Black women, in this week's episode. Make sure you follow us on IG and subscribe on your favorite pod platform so you can give us your thoughts and reviews, as well as stay in the know about all things Mocha Message!

*Originally released on December 9, 2020* In this episode, Jackie & Shani chop it up about the pressure that social media - namely IG - places on women and their looks. Having to be "on" all the time can surface a lot of insecurities, and our two Mocha Mavens unpack and process where it all stems from. Is it the male gaze? Patriarchy? Feeling the need to one-up the next woman? Let's navigate ways to build confidence and affirm one another (and ourselves) to filter out the noise of trends, crazes, and short-lived popularity.

*Originally released on November 25, 2020* What do we do in a world that makes snap judgments about us strictly based on the color of our skin? In this episode, Jackie & Shani get deeply into respectability politics. We chat about running across skin folk who ain't kinfolk, and what to do when they try to tell you to "sit down and play nice." Are there times where respectability can be an advantage? Or are you simply selling out? Continue the conversation on IG: @mochamessagepodcast

*Originally released on November 11, 2020* Isn't it interesting how we sometimes struggle to extend the same grace we give to other people... to ourselves? It is imperative to hold space to be kind to yourself just as you would to others. In this episode, Shani and Jackie explore questions such as, When is it appropriate to take a break, take a step back, or even just stop and be still? We need to be reminded from time to time: you're human and nothing good comes from running on E! Your greatest accomplishment will only be as good as you are to yourself. Follow the conversation on our IG: @mochamessagepodcast

*Originally released on July 29, 2020* In this episode, Shani & Jackie muse on why black women can't seem to get their flowers in the industry? From music (Jazmine Sullivan), to television/film (Viola Davis), and even politics (Michelle Obama) - black women are constantly criticized, torn down, and celebrated less. Why is it that when you don't fit the image of what's "in", the recognition for your hard work and talent completely goes out the window? How many times can you count a male in any of these fields getting the same treatment? For more content like this, follow us on IG and FB @mochamessagepodcast!

*Originally released on June 17, 2020* Being black in this world, you understand the balancing act. Hearing about police brutality, but having to go to work and put on a brave space. Feeling guilty about how much/little you post. The WEIGHT that drowns down your mental health. Join Jackie & Shani as we chat about fighting the fight within yourself, which is just as important as the external battles. As always, check out our conversations on Instagram and Facebook.

*Originally released on June 3, 2020* Black Lives Matter. Period. For resources on how to help, support, and heal, visit www.mochamessage.com.

*Originally released on May 27, 2020* Should a woman have a home cooked meal ready every night for her man? What is considered a "man's job" in the household? In this episode, Jackie and Shani break down those TIRED gender roles that you see everywhere on social media debates. We chat about upbringings, expectations before (and after) marriage, and what is it about no one liking to wash dishes?! Join in on the hot conversation on our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

*Originally released on May 13, 2020* And we're back! Shani and Jackie hold some space during the S3 premier to check in with each other and update the listeners on how we've been handling the effects of the pandemic. We chop it up on the importance of extending grace, experiencing survivors guilt, and productivity during quarantine... or lack thereof. As always, subscribe and turn on your notifications so you don't miss a beat of the Mocha Message!

After the attack on the Capitol, and then watching AOC's Instagram live recounting her experience, we had to end Season 3 of the Mocha Message venting about the White Hypocrisy shown in law enforcement, government, honestly EVERY part of life. It's exhausting, and we (the black community) are tired. Continue the conversation on our Instagram @mochamessagepodcast. Happy Black History Month!

What happens when the people who are supposed to protect and care for you cannot be trusted? We already know this to be true with police, but there are other instances where people (such as physicians) cannot act upon their own biases.  Jackie and Shani speak about the importance of being able to uncover bias in believing Black people, specifically Black women, in this week's episode.  Make sure you follow us on IG and subscribe on your favorite pod platform so you can give us your thoughts and reviews, as well as stay in the know about all things Mocha Message!

In this episode, Jackie & Shani chop it up about the pressure that social media - namely IG - places on women and their looks.  Having to be "on" all the time can surface a lot of insecurities, and our two Mocha Mavens unpack and process where it all stems from.  Is it the male gaze? Patriarchy? Feeling the need to one-up the next woman? Let's navigate ways to build confidence and affirm one another (and ourselves) to filter out the noise of trends, crazes, and short-lived popularity.

What do we do in a world that makes snap judgments about us strictly based on the color of our skin? In this episode, Jackie & Shani get deeply into respectability politics.  We chat about running across skin folk who ain't kinfolk, and what to do when they try to tell you to "sit down and play nice." Are there times where respectability can be an advantage? Or are you simply selling out? Continue the conversation on IG: @mochamessagepodcast

Isn't it interesting how we sometimes struggle to extend the same grace we give to other people... to ourselves? It is imperative to hold space to be kind to yourself just as you would to others.  In this episode, Shani and Jackie explore questions such as, When is it appropriate to take a break, take a step back, or even just stop and be still? We need to be reminded from time to time: you're human and nothing good comes from running on E! Your greatest accomplishment will only be as good as you are to yourself. Follow the conversation on our IG: @mochamessagepodcast  

In this episode, Shani & Jackie muse on why black women can't seem to get their flowers in the industry? From music (Jazmine Sullivan), to television/film (Viola Davis), and even politics (Michelle Obama) - black women are constantly criticized, torn down, and celebrated less.  Why is it that when you don't fit the image of what's "in", the recognition for your hard work and talent completely goes out the window? How many times can you count a male in any of these fields getting the same treatment? For more content like this, follow us on IG and FB @mochamessagepodcast!

Y'all. These past couple of weeks have been ROUGH - mentally and emotionally! We've found ourselves split down the middle when it comes to the fight for social justice. Should we constantly engage, lock in, and keep ourselves informed? Or is it too much 24/7? We're being bombarded & overwhelmed with images of violence inflicted on people who look like us.  When and where do you draw the line? When do you know it's time to close your app? Jackie & Shani give full transparency about how they've maintained the balance of staying informed and also staying healthy - inside and out - during these trying times.  Subscribe and follow @mochamessagepodcast on social media for more updates and inspiration!

Black Lives Matter. Period. For resources on how to help, support, and heal, visit www.mochamessage.com.

Should a woman have a home cooked meal ready every night for her man? What is considered a "man's job" in the household? In this episode, Jackie and Shani break down those TIRED gender roles that you see everywhere on social media debates.  We chat about upbringings, expectations before (and after) marriage, and what is it about no one liking to wash dishes?! Join in on the hot conversation on our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

And we're back! Shani and Jackie hold some space during the S3 premier to check in with each other and update the listeners on how we've been handling the effects of the pandemic.  We chop it up on the importance of extending grace, experiencing survivors guilt, and productivity during quarantine... or lack thereof. As always, subscribe and turn on your notifications so you don't miss a beat of the Mocha Message!

It's the Season 2 Finale of the Mocha Message, and we had to have a convo about identity. As minorities, we are constantly navigating a world that tells us to dim our light and hide what makes us unique. Some of us straighten our hair for a job, others may remove Ebonics from our vocabulary in the classroom. How do we shut off the autopilot on disassociating ourselves from our culture? When can we step up & say our identity is no longer an obstacle? Weight in on the conversation on Instagram, and tell a friend to tune in!

Mocha Mavens, can you believe we are almost to our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of the Mocha Message? We still get people who sing our "January 9th" chant! We wanted to take a step back and reflect, not only on the podcast so far but how we each got to where we are today as hosts of the best podcast of 2019. Check out this episode where we talk about our individual backgrounds and journeys that led us to meeting each other and starting the Mocha Message. We're getting to full circle and it's crazy! As always, tell a friend to tell a friend about your favorite episode(s), and don't forget to check out our new website! www.mochamessage.com

Alexa, play "Video" by India.Arie! Today's episode is all about body image. You know we're passionate about a topic when you can hear Jackie's pen tap-tapping on the table... If you listen close enough, you'll catch it! Grab your squad and tune in as we talk about being confident in whatever hips, thighs, & waist God gave you. How is the social media culture of being "picture perfect" affecting our daughters, little sisters, and nieces/cousins? Can YOU shut out the negative opinions when you look in the mirror? Be sure to like and subscribe - and visit our new website (www.mochamessage.com)to sign up for insider exclusives!

Okay, okay, okay. We know what y'all are probably thinking. Earlier this season didn't you all tell us to "say yes, more"?? We most certainly did! But with everything in life, there is balance. The Mocha Mavens dive into the power of saying no. A lot of times women, especially women of color, are conditioned to say yes and take on more than they need to, personally and professionally. But we are putting our foot down and saying no. No to things that hinder work-life balance, mental health, and personal goals and aspirations. If you are having a tough time mustering up the courage to say no to people who are often times used to hearing yes...this one is for you! Hit the subscribe button, share the episode if you appreciated it, and join us on Facebook and Instagram for continued conversation.

How do you know it's time to sever ties with someone? Your favorite cousin growing up, the childhood homies, or maybe a significant other you have been in a relationship with for quite some time. When they start taking away more than they add to you THAT is one clear sign it is time to go! With the holidays right around the corner, Jackie and Shani felt it was important to bring you Toxic•ish. An episode all about how to recognize toxic traits and create healthy distance from your loved ones in effort to protect your spirit and peace in mind... no matter how tough it may be. You already know what to do: Share with a friend and subscribe! Leave a review, let us know what you think.

In episode 15 Jackie and Shani chat about the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone into uncharted territory. It can be scary to embrace new opportunities; especially if you have no ability to control the outcome. Fear, doubt, and even comfort are a few things that compel us to say no, even when there's something beneficial for us on the other side. There are only two things, we can think of, that can come from saying yes: growth or learning. Fear of the unknown can FEEL so real, but we are here to encourage you (and ourselves) to say yes more. You never know what it could lead to, it could change your life! Of course, don't forget to leave a review, subscribe, and share the Mocha Message Podcast with a friend.. or two!

**DISCLAIMER** This episode was recorded in late September. It is NOT a response to recent events involving Botham Jean and Amber Guyger. What's up Mocha Mavens? In this episode, Shani & Jackie get CANDID as they speak about reconciliation and the power it's played throughout their lives. Is there such a thing as an unforgivable act? Does forgiving really mean you're the weaker person?? Tune in as your hosts reflect over the times that people have wronged them and how their reactions have changed over time... You just may get introspective on this episode! As always, don't forget to subscribe and tell a friend!

*cue Solange track* Fresh from ATL's Curlfest, we had to celebrate our own kinks and curls - Yes, ya'll, natural hair is here to stay! Or is it? In Episode 13, Shani and Jackie get real about their personal hair journeys and the path to accepting the hair that grows naturally from their scalp. Is natural hair just a "wave" for right now? Where is the media representation of ALL hair types? And the hot button topic - Edges: to lay or not to lay? Don't forget to subscribe and tell all your Curlfriends about the Mocha Message! Join in on the conversation on Instagram and Facebook.

The art of self-care: Some say it's about bath bombs and face masks; for others, it can be journaling, coloring, and creating. But does it include boundaries? Saying no to other people or things that you have no interest in? Managing your time? With hectic work schedules starting up in August, Shani and Jackie take a second to identify their signs of burn-out and how to combat it with good self-care practices. The Mocha Mavens also ponder whether self-care is synonymous with self-love. As always - don't forget to review, share, & subscribe and engage with us on social media!

In professional settings, black people are criticized for being introverts, extroverts, just THEMSELVES as a whole. There are many times where we feel like nothing we do is "enough". Coming into work every day and running through the silent checklist of how to conduct yourself is physically and mentally exhausting. How many times has a coworker told you that you were hard to read? What about, "Are you okay?" when you're just sitting there minding your business? In the Season 2 premier, Shani and Jackie discuss the pressure of being black in a professional world. The act of always having to be "more than" and yet "not too much" can really wreak havoc on your mental health. What are some methods that you can use to alleviate the stress of trying to constantly color within the lines? Join the discussion on Instagram and Facebook @mochamessagepodcast & The Mocha Message Podcast! Tell a friend, to tell a friend - it's okay to be yourself no matter what environment you are in!

We luh the kids! In the season finale of the Mocha Message, Shani and Jackie take some time to pay homage to our youth. These amazing individuals are not only young, gifted, and black... but also female, and all under the age of 18! These powerful black girls are making boss moves in the literacy, philanthropy, and food industry - from their local communities all the way to Hollywood! As we break down each girl's journey, they give us hope for a brighter future and better tomorrow. Do you know a black girl doing great things that you want to shout out? Let us know!