Balanced Black Girl Dear Media

#229: In today’s episode we’re celebrating Black Maternal Health week by discussing the ways you can be more attune to the seasons of our bodies. Understanding the power of your hormones, menstrual cycle, and fertility can be a game changer and serve as a guide for how to move with your energy no matter what season you’re in.

Our guest is Latham Thomas, the founder of Mama Glow – a global maternal health and education platform serving women along the childbearing continuum. Latham serves as a visiting Professor at Brown University, where the Mama Glow Doula Training program is incorporated to extend her work as a global advocate for maternal health and education. She also recently opened The Soft Space, a wellness and education center in Brooklyn, NY.

In this episode, we discuss unique ways to be in touch with your reproductive health.

We Also Talk About…Latham’s journey starting Mama Glow and opening a new facility in Brooklyn.Living seasonally and pushing through chaotic seasons of lifeMenstrual depression and finding moments of retreatWhy it’s important to listen to your bodyHow to modulate your life to accommodate your reproductive systemHow aging affects the reproductive system in your 20s, 30s, and beyond


Catch up on these reproductive health episodes:Reframing Fertility with Bri Braggs of Fertile AlchemySexual Health from the Womb to the Tomb with Michelle HopeDemystifying Reproductive Health: Egg Freezing, Fertility Treatments, and the Impact of Fibroids with Dr. Tiffanny JonesSexual and Reproductive Health with Dr. Sara FlowersEnding Generational Trauma with Epigenetics + Preparing to Conceive with Dr. Cleopatra


ResourcesFollow Latham on Instagram @glowmavenFollow the Mama Glow community on Instagram @mamaglowVisit mamaglow.com/gatherings for professional doula training programs and moreHave a question you want answered on an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here.


Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Watch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirlFollow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcastFollow on TikTok @balancedlesVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSubscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes


Sponsors:LMNT | Stay hydrated with LMNT– electrolytes your body needs with no added sugar. Visit drinklmnt.com/balancedles for a free sample pack with any purchase!Thrive Market | Thrive Market is the go-to for affordable healthy grocery and household essentials, and the convenience of getting everything online then quickly shipped to your doorstep is a huge time saver! Go to ThriveMarket.com/balancedles for 30% off your first order and get a FREE $60 gift!Shopify | Get your online business up and running with Shopify. Sign up for $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/balancedblackgirlProse | Each and every bottle of Prose custom hair and skincare is made to order and personalized, with a unique blend of naturally powerful and proven-effective ingredients to meet your needs. Get 50% off your first subscription order at prose.com/balancedles.NPR Black Stories, Black Truths | In NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths you’ll find a collection of some of NPR’s best podcast episodes celebrating the Black experience. Listen here.Hinge | Hinge is the dating app that’s designed to be deleted. Download Hinge and try voice prompts today!


Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#228: Have you ever had a life-altering experience change the way you view friendships and dating? Today’s guests certainly have, and we’re getting every detail of their experience from reality TV to dating on the sidewalk.

Today I’m sitting down with hosts of the new podcast On The Sidewalk, Chelsea Vaughn from Season 25 of the Bachelor, and Cashay Proudfoot from Season 3 of Love Island.

From big chops to experiencing heartbreak, Chelsea and Cash dish about what it’s like to grow, love, and evolve in the public eye.

We also talk about…How Chelsea and Cash navigated public breakups after being on reality TVForming a friendship over shared unique experiencesChelsea and Cashay’s hot takes on working in reality TV as Black womenHow to know if you’re ready for a long-term relationshipHow to manage your dating expectations


ResourcesFollow Chelsea on Instagram @chelseavaughnFollow Chelsea on TikTok @chelseavaughn_Follow Cashay on Instagram @cashayproudfootFollow Cashay on Tiktok @cashayproudfootListen to Chelsea & Cash’s new podcast On The Sidewalk


Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Watch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirlFollow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcastFollow on TikTok @balancedlesVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSubscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes


Sponsors:Nike | Nike’s Indy Bra and Universa Legging offer supportive flexibility and comfort for whatever your day brings. Shop now at nike.com.Foria | Enhance your pleasure with Foria. Get 20% off your first order by visiting foriawellness.com/balanced or use code BALANCED at checkout.Fatty15 | Fatty 15 is on a mission to replenish your C15 levels and restore your long-term health. You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to www.fatty15.com/balancedles and using code BALANCEDLES at checkout.Delta | Delta Air Lines helps you feel at home, even if you’re 30,000 feet above it. Learn more at delta.com.Nurx | Nurx provides reliable reproductive and sexual health that’s accessible right from home – no judgment or stigma attached. Go to nurx.com/balancedles to get started. Results may vary. Not offered in every state. Medications prescribed only if clinically appropriate, consultation required.Vionic Shoes | The Vionic Vitals collection has the best essential styles for everyday wear to get you ready for the season. Use code BALANCEDLES at checkout for 15% off your entire order at vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. One-time use only.


Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#227: Are you living or are you existing? Today, we’re getting back into our wellness girly roots with Peloton instructor Kirsten Ferguson for tips on how to take back control of your life, move through challenging pivots with grace, and learn to enjoy the process of becoming the best version of you.

Kirsten offers amazing advice on evolving alongside your purpose, taking your power back, and the importance of living instead of existing on autopilot.

We also talk about…How Kirsten manifested her dream opportunity to become a Peloton instructorKirsten’s journey with fertility challenges and motherhood.Why intention setting walks and creating personal anecdotes for yourself can be so powerfulThe difference between living and existingOvercoming imposter syndrome and believing you belongTaking pause seasons and ways to celebrate yourself during dark timesHow to tap into purpose and figure out what you really love


Resources:Follow Kirsten on Instagram @iamkirstenfergusonFollow Kirsten on TikTok @iamkirstenfergusonVisit https://www.onepeloton.com/ for workout classes and equipmentJoin Kirsten’s outdoor running series on PelotonSign up for Kirsten’s Intention Setting Sundays. This 60-minute walking class is designed to be low-impact and takes place on the Peloton Tread, making it accessible for people of all fitness levels to reflect and set intentions for themselves. Intention Setting Sunday classes can be taken on the Peloton Tread+, Peloton Tread, Peloton App and live at Peloton Studios NY.Have a question you want answered on an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here.


Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Watch weekly episodes on Youtube @BalancedBlackGirlFollow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcastFollow on TikTok @balancedlesVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSubscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes


Sponsors:LMNT | Stay hydrated with LMNT — electrolytes your body needs with no added sugar. Visit drinklmnt.com/balancedles for a free sample pack with any purchase!Maidenform | Visit www.maidenform.com and use code BBG20 at checkout for 20% off your first purchase.NPR Black Stories, Black Truths | In NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths you’ll find a collection of some of NPR’s best podcast episodes celebrating the Black experience. Listen here.Hinge | On Hinge there’s no rules, times or games. If you’re feeling inspired, give Hinge a try. Download Hinge today and find someone worth deleting the app for.Nike | Find your feel with Nike Bras & Legging that deliver supportive flexibility and comfort for whatever your day brings. Shop now at Nike.com.


Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#226: We often think of creativity as a means to get to an end result. We create for a final product, or create to get good feedback. But what if we reframed how we looked at creativity to see it as a source of healing instead?

Today I have the honor of deep-diving with author and filmmaker of the award-winning memoir and Netflix series From Scratch, Tembi Locke, on ways to stay grounded, take inventory with yourself, and find healing through self-expression and artistry.

We also talk about…Tembi’s transformative journey from actor to author to filmmakerHabit stacking and becoming the person you want to beHow to use creativity as a learning tool in difficult timesHow to find the rest in creative seasonsWhat it means to be vulnerable in creative spacesHow to get over the fear of sharing your creative workResources:Follow Tembi on Instagram @tembilockeSubscribe to Tembi’s YouTube channelWatch From Scratch on NetflixRead Tembi’s memoir: “From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home”Listen to Season 2 of Tembi’s podcast “Lifted”If you’re in the LA area, check out Octavia’s BookshelfFor more of Tembi visit www.tembilocke.comHave a question you want answered in an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here.


Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Watch weekly episodes on Youtube @BalancedBlackGirlFollow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcastFollow on TikTok @balancedlesVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSubscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes


Sponsors:Factor Meal Delivery Kit | Factormeals.com/balancedles50 code balancedles50 for 50% offLMNT | Stay hydrated with LMNT — electrolytes your body needs with no added sugar. Visit drinklmnt.com/balancedles for a free sample pack with any purchase!Fatty15 | Fatty15 is a science-backed, award-winning, vegan-friendly and pure C15 supplement. Fatty 15 is on a mission to replenish your C15 levels and restore your long-term health. You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to www.fatty15.com/balancedles and using code BALANCEDLES at checkout.Delta Airlines | Delta AirLines believes you should feel at home, even if you’re 30,000 feet above it. Learn more at delta.com


Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#225: Today’s episode is dedicated to the literary lover girls.

Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Kennedy Ryan. From spicy characters to strengthening women’s relationships with themselves, Kennedy shows us the parallels between romance fiction and key lessons we’re all learning on our healing journeys. She also takes us behind the scenes of the latest romance novel in her Skyland series, This Could Be Us (Don’t worry, we don’t share any spoilers!) and shares how she’s learned to create impact, reclaim her story, and love herself first through the pages.

Whether you’re a lover of romance fiction, are tapped into BookTok, or are looking for ways to practice more self-love and acceptance, you’ll love the gems that are dropped in this episode from start to finish.

We also talk about…Kennedy’s journey from self-publishing to bestselling authorKennedy’s novel “Before I Let Go” being opted for a television seriesKennedy’s favorite book recommendationsWhy reading romance novels can be beneficial for men and womenWhy reading is such an effective form of self-careFeeling seen in fiction and the importance of nuanced representationSetting the bar for yourself and becoming the love of your own lifeResources:Follow Kennedy on Instagram @kennedyryan1Follow Kennedy on Tiktok @kennedyryanauthorFollow Kennedy on X @kennedyrwritesRead Kennedy’s novel “This Could Be Us”Read Kennedy’s novel “Before I Let Go”Check out Kennedy’s other novels hereHave a question you want answered on an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here.Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Watch weekly episodes on Youtube @BalancedBlackGirlFollow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcastFollow on TikTok @balancedlesVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSubscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes


Sponsors:Alo Moves | Unlock your personal wellness routine with Alo Moves. Go to alomoves.com now and use the code BALANCED30 for an exclusive 30-day free trial and enjoy 20% off an annual membership.Maidenform | Visit www.maidenform.com and use code BBG20 at checkout for 20% off your first purchase.Foria | Foria products are made to help women have fully experience their sexual pleasure– from enhancing sexual connection, to heightened orgasms and more sexual and more sexual comfort. Get 20% off your first order by visiting foriawellness.com/balanced or use code BALANCED at checkoutShopify | Get your online business up and running with Shopify. Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/balancedblackgirlProse | Each and every bottle of Prose custom hair and skincare is made to order and personalized, with a unique blend of naturally powerful and proven-effective ingredients to meet your needs. Get 50% off your first subscription order at prose.com/balancedlesHinge | Hinge is the dating app that’s designed to be deleted. Download Hinge and try voice prompts today!


Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#224: Have you ever felt like you were getting in your own way? Or wondered if you’re undermining your success? That’s what we’re unpacking in this episode.

I’m excited to sit down and chat about all things success and embracing a soft life with this week’s guest, Morgan DeBaun. Morgan is a new mom and the co-founder and CEO of Blavity Inc. overseeing brands like AfroTech, 21Ninety, and Travel Noire. She is also the founder of Mor Matcha and the host of her own podcast “The Journey with Morgan DeBaun” where she delves into the captivating stories of purpose-driven achievers on their quest for living their best lives.

We also talk about…How Morgan’s definition of success has changed throughout her careerMorgan’s journey into motherhood, and self-discoveryNavigating moments of doubt and our relationship to fearThe difference between working hard vs. working smartHow to create capacity for success and minimize your decision making fatigueHow to take advantage of opportunities as a new entrepreneur or professional


Resources:Follow Morgan on Instagram @morgandebaunFollow Blavity on Instagram @blavityListen to Morgan’s podcast “The Journey” or watch on YouTubeListen to Les’ episode on “The Journey”Check out Morgan’s matcha brand Mor MatchaHave a question you want answered on an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here.


Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Watch weekly episodes on Youtube @BalancedBlackGirlFollow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcastFollow on TikTok @balancedlesVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSubscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes


Sponsors:Notion | Notion AI helps you work smarter, write better, think bigger, doing tasks that normally take you hours in just seconds. Try Notion for free when you go to notion.com/balancedNPR Black Stories, Black Truths | In NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths you’ll find a collection of some of NPR’s best podcast episodes celebrating the Black experience. Listen here.LMNT | Stay hydrated with LMNT — electrolytes your body needs with no added sugar. Visit drinklmnt.com/balancedles for a free sample pack with your order.Brooklinen | Get your sleep back on track with Brooklinen’s bedding and essentials. Shop 20% off everything, plus up to 45% off bundles during Brooklinen’s Sleep Week Sale happening right now, in-store or online a www.brooklinen.comRocket Money | Rockey Monkey is a personal finance app that finds and cancels your unwanted subscriptions, monitors your spending, and helps lower your bills so that you can grow your savings. Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to www.rocketmoney.com/balancedles


Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.