Resilient Black Women

We welcome back our producer Leah Grant for the “Producers Corner” series!

In this episode, we're diving deep into transitions that have occurred for us in 2025—

Welcome back to our new segment called “Producer's Corner”.In this episode our producer, Leah will interview Deneshia about how she got into therapy and why she continues to pursue her passion in the mental health and wellness community.

Welcome back to our new segment called “Producer's Corner”!In this episode our producer, Leah will interview Joi about how she got into therapy and why she continues to pursue her passion in the mental health and wellness community.

Lakisha Bradley is no stranger to the podcast. She has been a consistent friend and community partner for us. We are excited to have her back! In this episode she shared her passion for art as it stems from both her father and her mother. She traces the early civil rights activism her father had as one of many Black children desegregating schools back in the day. As she reflects with Joi & Denshia it shows that the legacy of social activism started with her father and continues with her work now with MYTBYDESIGN. Lakisha Bradley, is finishing up her Master's in Counseling and a Certification in Art Therapy. She is currently interning with Cartsen Counseling where she is able to offer free Art Therapy for the community. Lakisha reports how she wants to continue to offer therapy for free or at a discounted price once she is licensed. Lakisha shares with us her journey! We hope you all gain something from her!

This episode is a reflection of what has happened since 11/5. Joi, Dr. Jordan and Dr. Silena share their reflections of the election. This episode is all about helping us find our way in during a Trump Presidency! We deal with issues of feminism versus womanism. Dr. Jordan reminds us all that we have permission to ALL of our FEELINGS. Dr. Silena reminds Black women to care for their WHOLE SELF. For the next four years, take care of you. Create when you can. And never give up hope.

On this podcast, we often hear the Black woman's perspective but we also want to listen to Black Men. In this episode, Deneshia and Joi want to pause to interview a Black man on how he has allowed his passion to fuel his healing journey.Nate Walls has been a pillar in the Northwest Arkansas community by using his career in the food industry to service people from all walks of life since 2017. He uses his catering business, SecondHand Smoke to bring healing and dignity to those who exist in underserved communities.Throughout this episode, Nate shares experiences about how he healed himself among/with Black Women despite the tension that exists in the Black community and how Black women encouraged him to seek support through therapy.We really hope you enjoy the message of resilience and hope that Nate shared with us!Find out more about Nate Walls by visiting his website. https://www.secondhandsmokenwa.co

SPECIAL EPISODE FOR THE CULTURE: In this episode you hear Joi McGowan talking with special guests Dr. Silena Scott and Dr. Jordan Harris all things ELECTION! As we know this year is election year, tensions are high and yet this election is so monumental to have a Black woman running for president. We hope you can grab some tangible skills for how to manage emotions regarding the election. We also hope you can celebrate with us that a Black woman is running for president!Dr. Silena is the executive director of Hearts for Healing Therapeutic Services in NWA. A member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Dr. Scott works tirelessly to uphold Zeta's tenant of being a “community-conscious, action-oriented minority leader!” Additionally, Dr. Scott remains deeply invested in nurturing the next generation of clinicians, enriching the field through her role in training aspiring therapists at John Brown University.Jordan Harris, Ph.D., LMFT-S, LPC-S is the lead author of the book Deliberate Practice in Multicultural Therapy. Dr. Harris is also co-developer of the Private Practice Incubator, a coaching program teaching therapists how to leave community based work and start their own solo counseling practices. Dr. Harris runs a solo counseling practice (Harris Couples Counseling, Marriage Therapy, & Private Practice Coaching) in Northwest Arkansas where he specializes in working with couples.

Deneshia and Joi had a chance to sit down with Na'Tosha Devon to talk about her way of finding healing through the arts. She reminds us that our resilience is not just about out strength. She asserts that our resilience has a lot more to do with our ability to be vulnerable and deeply connected. Na'Tosha shares ways that the arts have been healing for her. Na'Tosha discusses how she navigates telling the messiness of the middle, triumph of our stories, and the softness of who we are and who we get to be as Black women. You can learn more about what Na”Tosha is doing by visiting her website: https://www.natoshadevon.org/aboutLet us know what you are taking away from this episode! Na'Tosha has two poetry books out that you can purchase if you want to support her work at https://www.natoshadevon.org/category/all-products

Our Producer Leah Grant is an artist in her own right. Leah is a passionate artist based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, who brings a personal touch to her craft. She graduated with her MFA in Studio Art from the University of Arkansas' School of Art program in 2021 and her BFA from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas in 2016. Leah's art practice is all about building intimacy in public spaces by incorporating reflective thought processes in mediums such as print, photo, audio, and writing.This season she graces us with her presence in our new segment called “Producer's Corner” , where Leah bring's a topic or question she has about mental health. In today's episode, We talk about how you can implement care with each other while navigating our attachment styles,managing expectations on assigned roles, and giving yourself permission to show up “messy”.We hope you love this one! Let us know your thoughts!

Larissa Ramey is a multi-disciplinary maker, entrepreneur, and arts organizer. Deneshia & Joi invited Larissa for a conversation on the intersection of art and mental health. Larissa, shares her unique perspective within her own healing journey, motherhood, and the development of her artistry. We hope this episode leaves you feeling INSPIRED! Tell us what you think in the comments!

Welcome to Season 5! You will catch Deneshia and Joi sharing their heart behind the intersection of mental health and art. Season 5 of RBW is all about learning from the local artists in NWA! Deneshia and Joi share how they use art in the therapy room. They share their thoughts on what's been happening culturally in the art arena. We hope this episode is a reminder that art can be used as a way to release what has been locked up inside of you. Art can be a way to witness your own growth. Art is an avenue toward healing. Tell us what you think about this episode and as always share with a friend!

Welcome Back Dr. James Hawkins, LPC, Certified EFT Trainer/Supervisor! We talked with James about therapy and Black Men. James shared light on how to encourage and support Black Men to take care of themselves by prioritizing their own mental health. He gave us so many tips on how to just be a more empathetic and understanding/supportive present for the Black Men in our lives! Share this episode with a Black Man you know and love. Remind him he is worthy of love, care, and support. Listen to him. Give him enough space to be strong and fall apart. Tell us how this episode helped you support a Black Man. Tell us about your story in the comments!

Tšhegofatšo Ndabane is a writer, podcast publicist for mental health practitioners, and Master of Arts in clinical psychology candidate at the University of Cape Town. Her words have been featured in various international publications including Refinery29, Well + Good, Life & Thyme, and APL Media, amongst others. Deneshia and Joi hopped on a zoom call to record this one! Tšhegofatšo shares her view of resiliency and belonging from a Black South African woman perspective. This conversation is ultimately led by the words of Dr. Maya Angelou who defines Belonging for herself. Dr. Angelou says in A Bill Moyers interview: You are truly free when you realize you belong nowhere, no place, but everywhere. Most importantly I belong to myself. I'm very concerned about Maya. This episode is an exploration of belonging to safe people, places and things. Tšhegofatšo, Deneshia and Joi share some research on belonging and personal loved experiences. What's your definition of belonging? Where do you belong? How do you cultivate this? Share this episode with a friend! Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Dr. James Hawkins, is a dear friend, colleague and something like a big brother to Joi and Deneshia. James is a certified trainer in EFT COUNSELING/Supervisor. He is the host of The Leading Edge Podcast for therapists and the host of a marriage podcast with his wife, called A More Excellent Way. Deneshia and Joi stopped by his studio to talk all about vulnerability in the Black Community. Together we share the definition of vulnerability and the function of this term. We understand vulnerability is risky. But we all agree it's necessary. We know that the Black Community has good reasons for walking away from vulnerability and depending on others within our community and outside our community. Deneshia, Joi and James would encourage the Black community and society at large to take a risk on vulnerability. James drops some gems. We love recording in his fancy studio in his office. Tell us one thing you learned about vulnerability from this episode? Drop your lessons in the comments!

Tiara Hudson, LCSW, LISCW is a therapist located in NWA and seeing clients virtually! She stopped by to talk to us all about HEALTH AND PLEASURE. Tiara shared her story and journey with her own health. She redefines pleasure as the guide to her healthy living lifestyle. She says, she allowed pleasure to guide how she would change her lifestyle. For Tiara stress and mental health sparked some scary health concerns. This motivated her to find a routine that would work with her life. It wasn't displined that helped her be consistent. It was her connecting to all her resources from work, doctors, personal trainers. And her success was led by what she really enjoyed doing in her body, like walking, hiking etc. Deneshia and Joi were so impressed by Tiara's ability to ensure that whatever new habits she started would be sustainable overtime. Tiara dropped so many nuggets today! Tell us your fave ?!?

Nicole is the host of the Nicole Please Podcast streaming on all major platforms! Joi and Deneshia had the privilege of hearing more of Nicole's passion and purpose. She shares why she started her podcast and more of her story of learning how to set boundaries and prioritize her own health. She talks about mental health, relationship boundaries, and speaking life from a REAL TALK perspective on her podcast. Joi says, “Nicole has a style of speaking that is relatable, inviting and challenging. You know she will keep it real with you and also want what's best for you.” We hope y'all love this episode! Share it with a friend who needs some encouragement to start their own podcast! Tell us in the comments what how Nicole may have inspired you?!?

Shakira Eaksins, LCSW stops by the studio this week to tell us more about her journey with failure. We often consider failure to be negative or even life threatening. Shakira redefines failure as a way to help refocus one's goals and aspirations. Her spin on failure helps us to tell a better story to ourselves and our body when things don't go as intended. In this episode, Joi and Deneshia reflect on how failure is oftentimes a tool to help us reposition and refocus on what's really important. Failure can bring clarity to what you need to prioritize and what you really want in certain seasons of your life. We are so glad Shakira came back for another episode! Share this episode with a friend who may also be struggling with failure! Tell us how this episode helped you!

Nicola Hawkins is a Licensed Associate Counselor who works at The Joshua Center in Northwest Arkansas. She is also hosting her own podcast called, Healing for Her, which is streaming everywhere! Deneshia and Joi really appreciated the authenticity of this interview. Deneshia says, “Nicola is one of those women who always drops little golden nuggets of wisdom.” This episode is not saying you have to do it all. But is a reminder that no matter how many hats you wear, you must slow down and ask “What do you need?” It's a reminder for all of us as women and humans that it's okay to have needs, it's okay to care for self, it's okay to dream. Let us know what sticks out to you! We would love to hear more from our listeners!!

Dequishia Prude Wheeler, the owner and founder of Prude Legacy Law Group PLLC. Prude Legacy Law Group is a premiere modern law firm focused on providing business and estate planning services to communities of color. She talks to us passionately about her practice and the importance for all of us to understand the basics of ESTATE PLANNING. This episode is for ALL OF US! Black, White, Asian, Latinx. This is for all of us! Married, Single or Divorced! Deneshia and Joi feel that Dequishia came to the studio to teach us so much about the importance of planning what happens to your body and your stuff when you die! Listen to this! Share with a friend! And if you need Dequishia's services visit her website! She works statewide and nationwide! https://prudelegacylaw.comLet us know what your TAKEAWAYS are in the comments!

Gina is the founder and director of The Essie Justice Group is on a mission to harness the collective power of women impacted by mass incarceration and empower these women to help end mass incarceration. Deneshia and Joi were so grateful to talk with Gina! In this episode you will learn ways you can partner with the Essie Justice Group by nominating yourself or another woman who may have been impacted by mass incarceration. Gina mentions some research she did to further understand the impact that mass incarceration has on women and Black women. You can find that research here.We hope you feel as empowered as we did when we talked with Gina! This episode is about empowerment! Get connected! Get active! You are an important part of healing the world! Thanks for listening!Tell us your story! If you would like to share how this episode impacted you please message us on instagram @resilientblackwomen_org or email us here resilientblackwomen@gmail.comYou can learn more about the Essie Justice Group by following them online via instagram @Essie4justice

Happy New Year! This is the first episode of season 4! Deneshia and Joi make some space to identify how they feel about the New Year and how they are trying to tackle this year. One thing to note is that this is the only LIVE recording for this season due to Joi's upcoming delivery of her 4th child. Pre-recording season 4 was done to help support Joi's Maternity Leave. So we find our co-hosts excited to be sharing an IN REAL TIME episode for this season. You will notice some more authenticity from the cohosts. As they start discussing their list of IN's and OUT's they start recognizing how hard it is to identify the things they want to be OUT in their 2024 year. This is really good news because there is some hope for at least one or two more IN REAL TIME episodes for this season. So, share with us below! What's the mindset you are bringing into your 2024? Which parts of this episode really challenged or encouraged you? Email us! DM us on Instagram! We can't wait to hear from you! Remember to give yourself GRACE, COMPASSION, and TIME. It is okay to have a slow starting year…

Kim Bell talks with Deneshia and Joi all about her new book, Accept and Embrace it All! Kim's honest about her life and what helps sustain her. Kim talks about acceptance helped her to embrace even the most difficult things that have happened in her life. She left our hosts Deneisha and Joi feeling inspired. In this episode Kim mentions her life's motto! Tell us what's yours? You can find her book online at amazon, search for Accept and Embrace it All by Kim Bell. See you in the New Year!

Heidi Dennis,MS, LPC is a therapist and author of her new book Hello Anxiety! Deneshia and Joi invited Heidi to come into the studio to tell us all about her new book! In this episode Heid defines anxiety as she discusses so many tangible ways to help you deal with your own anxious thoughts! Deneshia and Joi share some of their takeaways from the book! You can order your copy of Hello Anxiety at amazon.com or by visiting Heidi's website here! www.heididennislpc.com You can follow Heidi on instagram for more insight into how to comfort your body when anxiety shows up. Thanks for stopping by!

Deneshia and Joi share a little about why boundaries are so important in your life when there has been trauma in your family, friendships or even dating relationships.Deneshia and Joi really wanted to take time to recognize that the holidays are not always good for all of us. They hope you give yourself permission to put distance between you and those who don't love or celebrate you well. They hope you find community and connection all around you. Remember you are not alone! You are more than enough!@resilietblackwomen_org @joimcgowan_lpc *Deneshia does not have a instagram

Deneshia and Joi were so honored to talk with Shakira about this topic. Trauma is all too common for many of us. Sometimes it is difficult to heal. We hope this episode serves as a reminder that you are more than the trauma that has happened to you. We hope you find the tangible tools discussed in this episode helpful. If you need help reach out! You can visit https://www.arcrisis.org to find out about ways to seek immediate crisis support. If you need to talk to someone ASAP dial 988. It's the 24/7 crisis/suicide hotline. Don't stay quiet. Reach out! You are not alone!

Dr. Candice is an award-winning associate professor of counseling psychology at the University of Kentucky, where she studied sexual wellness and liberation. She is the host of F*ck the System: A Sexual Liberation Podcast, as well as How to Love a Human, a liberation podcast that asks people with multiple marginalized identities what the world would be like if it loved them. She has published over 50 research articles, been featured in HuffPost,Women's Health, Cosmopolitan, the New York Times - among others, and featured on podcasts like The Homecoming Podcast with Dr. Thema and Sex with Dr. Jess.

In this episode Deneshia and Joi tackle the issue of Imposter Syndrome! Today's topic is all about dispelling the lies we tell ourselves regarding imposter syndrome! Joi shares the research on how these cognitive schemas get us stuck as Black Women. All people probably from time to time struggle with Imposter Syndrome! Here they discuss the role of institutionalized racism that continues to impact the Black Community and Black Women altogether.

Deneshia and Joi begin a new season with a discussion about honoring life's transitions! Joi shares some big news with the listeners! Deneshia talks about the importance of guarding our emotional energy. Deneshia shares that transitions are maybe not always so exciting. She hopes our listeners make space for all the emotions that come up with transitions. Joi tells us more about boundaries and how to define them.

Joi and Deneshia reflect on their time at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff earlier this Spring, where they led a presentation on Black girls and mental health.

Trigger Warning - This episode discusses child sexual abuse, assault, and trauma. Joi and Deneshia talk with Bricia Tatiana Mayombo, a certified Healing and Transformation Coach. She is on a divine mission to help women on their journey of healing from past trauma and become the best version of themselves! She is the author of, “The Power of Forgiveness: How to Overcome Unforgiveness.” In her book, Bricia shares the awakening that led to her own healing journey.You can find more from Bricia on her YouTube channel here. And you can find her book for sale here.

Continuing the series on Black Women's Health in March, this episode features Joi and Dr. Bri. Dr. Bri specializes in perinatal care, pediatric care, and athletic care. Originally from Edmond, Oklahoma, she graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and minors in Spanish and Biology. She then attended Cleveland University in Kansas City, where she became a Doctor of Chiropractic. You can learn more about Dr. Bri's pratice, Essence Chiropractic, here. When out of the office, Dr. Bri enjoys tending to her houseplants, drinking a good cup of coffee, and spending quality time with her husband Bijhon and their dog Basil.

Joi and Deneshia speak with Dominique Blake. A standout athlete since childhood, Dominique has written her goals, stuck to her game plan of success, and committed herself to become the very best she can be in every facet of life. Her mission has always been to motivate others to understand that we can be, do, and have anything we desire. Being an Olympic professional athlete, international motivational speaker, and multi media expert has given Dominique the platform to touch hearts and minds far and wide.

Joi and Deneisha are releasing an episode each week in March to highlight Black Women's Health. This week's episode features an interview with Dr. Gabi, a gynecologist based in the UK who is on a mission to save black women's wombs, by addressing the root cause of genecology disease, a disease that disproportionately affects black women worldwide. This racial disparity in health outcomes means that black women are more likely to suffer with genecology conditions that cause chronic pain and heavy bleeding. Black women also experience higher rates of infertility, maternal mortality and a final point of losing their wombs via hysterectomy compared to women of other races. Dr. Gabi shares her advice on specific reproductive health issues impacting Black Women, such as fibroids and endometriosis, as well as advice for all women on how to proactively take care of their reproductive health. To learn more about Dr. Gabi and her work, visit her website here.

On this episode, Joi and Deneshia reflect on Dr. Cornel West's visit to Northwest Arkansas, brought here by the Northwest Arkansas MLK Council for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January, 2023. They especially reflect on Dr. West's message of "Disruptive Love" and how in being vulnerable, sharing our stories, and truly listening, we can find the common humanity we share and how that is a beginning place for healing.

In the first new episode of 2023, Joi and Deneshia talk about resolutions, for themselves personally and for their nonprofit organization, Resilient Black Women. Providing assistance, to black women and women of color especially, to access mental health care is a central tenet of RBW. Joi and Deneshia discuss how they will reach and work with women seeking therapy and counseling in 2023, as well as how you the listener can help support this work. If you would like to leave feedback or ask a question about the podcast, you can leave a comment on the RBW page on Apple Podcasts here. Or if you'd like inquire about receiving help, you can reach us at kuafinfo@uark.edu.

The podcast begins the new year with a meditation from Joi, on taking it one day at a time. Use this 20-minute guided meditation to slow down, to check in with your body, to practice gratitude for your body, and to remember all you have to do is take it one day at a time.

For the final episode of 2022, Joi leads us in a quick end of the year meditation moment with co-founder and co-host, Deneshia, and few other guests. We hope this meditation moment allows you to reflect, let go, and breathe. This year is almost over. You have done enough. Now just take a moment to breathe…Meet Joi McGowan, LPC, co-founder/co-host of Resilient Black Women nonprofit and podcast! She has been a therapist for the last 8 years. She believes that meditation is a time for breath to take up ALL THE SPACE. There's no room for criticism. Just compassion.Meet Deneshia Simpson, LPC! She's been in the mental health field for over 10 years. She believes meditation is so soothing. It's a beautiful time to slow down, listen to our bodies, and attune more deeply to ourselves.Meet Alma Kivi, LAC! She's a bilingual-licensed therapist who loves working with immigrant families to better understand mental health. She is from Mexico and has been in the counseling field since 2013. She believes meditation allows us to slow down and check in with our bodies exactly where we are in that moment.Meet Angel Arnold, LPC! She's a licensed therapist in the Chicagoland area and has known Joi since 2009. Angel believes that representation matters. She supports her client develop the skill of asking for help. She believes this is the first step toward healing.Meet Lindsey Mason, LAC! She is a licensed therapist in Northwest Arkansas. She believes that meditation is an old sacred form of…

For the final episode of Resilient Black Women's second season, Joi and Deneshia discuss the stresses that often come up during the holidays, the importance of giving yourself and others permission to be your authentic self and to break traditions if necessary.

Joi and Deneshia welcome two guests to the podcast in this episode, Lakisha Harper-Bradley, CEO and owner of Mytbydesign and Lauren Gray, owner of Gray Lotus Counseling, to talk about the role of art in counseling and in processing emotions.

Joi and Deneshia continue their discussion about emotions, focusing on sadness for this episode. Starting with the story of Elizabeth Eckford - who at 15 years-old was harassed, yelled at, and spit on, as she attempted to attend Central High School, as one of the first nine students to integrate the school in 1957 - Joi and Deneshia explore what sadness can tell us if we give ourselves permission to feel it and give others permission to see it.

Throughout Season 2, Joi and Deneshia have been discussing what you might expect from therapy and what our emotions can tell us if we allow ourselves to sit with them and feel them. In episode 6, Joi and Deneshia discuss women and emotions and the trope of the angry Black woman.

On Episode 5, Joi and Deneshia continue to answer listener questions about what it means to be in therapy. This time, Deneshia and Joi discuss emotions, what they are, what they mean and how there are no "good" or "bad" emotions.

For this episode, Joi guides us through three mental health mindfulness moments - the first is a holistic check-in, the second is on self-compassion and the third is on rest.

For the third episode of Season 2, Joi and Deneshia answer listener questions all about therapy - How do you even find a therapist? What happens if the therapist you like doesn't take your insurance? What do you do if you're not vibing with your therapist? How do you know you're done with therapy? Joi and Deneshia tackle all of these problems and more in episode 3. You can find resources at the websites listed below that were mentioned by Joi and Deneshia.Psychology Today Therapist FinderTherapy for Black Girls

In episode 2, we hear more of Joi and Deneshia's conversation with professional licensed counselor Ms. Dorothy Marcy. She shares her wisdom on the power of Black women to persevere and to flourish under the hardest circumstances.

On the first episode of the second season of Resilient Black Women, Joi and Deneshia welcome Ms. Dorothy Marcy, licensed professional counselor, educator, mentor, mother and proud Black woman. She shares insight and stories from her own life and recent trip to Egypt and celebrates the resiliency and beauty of Black women.

To wrap up Season 1, Joi and Deneshia have a thank you message for all of their listeners and reminder to get rest this summer.

In our final episode of the first season, Joi and Deneshia welcome back Dustin McGowan to discuss Black men supporting Black women, what are the obstacles in the way of this support and how we can move forward celebrating and supporting all women, but especially Black, Indigenous and women of color.

For our fifth episode, Joi and Deneshia welcome Joi's husband, Dustin, to the podcast to discuss the origin and history of Juneteenth. A celebration of freedom, Juneteenth also has elements of sorrow, as it commemorates the freeing of enslaved African-Americans in Galveston, Texas, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery in the rest of the country. Plus, Joi and Deneshia honor the dozens of Black men and women who have perished at the hands of or in custody of police officers. Hosts: Joi McGowan and Deneshia Simpson, PLCsProducer: Leigh Wood

In our fourth episode, Joi and Deneshia discuss the importance of rest - what obstacles keep us from getting rest, how women and especially Black women may not feel like they deserve to rest and how when we prioritize rest, we prioritize our overall health.