This week I’m kicking things off with a life update before going into big sister mode and answering your questions on how to navigate exes coming back, finding the right friend group, your most wanted advice on how to get through your 20s, and more.

Have a question you want answered on an upcoming episode? You can share them anonymously with me here.

I also talk about…My Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T and life updates


ResourcesListen to How to Get Unstuck: My 25 by 25 Case Study episodeListen to Intimacy In Friendships: Having Healthier Friendships and Making Friends As An Adult episodeRead Reach Out: The Simple Strategy You Need to Expand Your Network and Increase Your InfluenceRead Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make--and Keep--Friends by Dr. Marisa FrancoRead Songs of Irie by Asha BromfieldRead The Neighbor Favor by Kristina ForestDownload the Alive App for workout programs and moreShop all my beauty favorites hereNeed holiday gift ideas? Check out my 2023 holiday gift guide


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


Sponsors:Try Notion AI for free when you go to Notion.com/balancedOpen | Need a daily routine? Get 30 days FREE withopen.com/BALANCEDLES 


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.

Ask Les: Getting Back with An Ex, Making New Friends, Feeling Lost in Your 20s

Balanced Black Girl is a podcast dedicated to helping you feel your best. Tune in for approachable health, self-care, personal development, and well-being advice.

Health & Fitness

#232: What does it look like to be in your power? In some instances, power can be a bold proclamation, and at other times it can be a calm, quiet knowing. When we aren’t in our power, we can feel stuck, burned out, or like we aren’t living up to our potential. However, we can learn how to reframe our relationship with power to use it as a tool for growth.

Today I’m sitting down with entrepreneur, author, and founder of Woman Evolve, Sarah Jakes Roberts for a powerful conversation on how to build confidence, embrace flexibility, and make power moves.

We Also Talk About…Sarah’s experience stepping into her power in each area of her lifeWhat inspired Sarah’s new book “Power Moves: Ignite Your Confidence and Become a Force”The difference between being prepared and trying to control the outcomeFinding power in vulnerability and how to identify what you’re afraid ofWays to improve your decision-making skills when you’re feeling anxious or depressedHow to create a vision for yourself and find opportunities that empower youIntention setting and giving yourself permission to restTips for approaching burnout and ways to embrace flexibility


Resources:Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merchFollow Sarah on Instagram @sarahjakesrobertsFollow Sarah on Tiktok @realsarahjakesrobertsSubscribe to Sarah’s YouTube channel @SarahJakesRobertsGet Sarah’s book “Power Moves: Ignite Your Confidence and Become a Force”Listen to the Woman Evolve podcast hosted by Sarah Jakes RobertsFrom Sarah’s YouTube Channel — POV: I took my wig off while I was preaching


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


Sponsors:Maidenform | Visit www.maidenform.com and use code BBG20 at checkout for 20% off your first purchase.Hinge | Download Hinge and try voice prompts today! Then, find someone worth deleting the app for.Lipton Green Tea | Drinking two cups of Lipton Green tea daily is a great ally for wellness and a simple way to up your everyday wellness habits. Try New Lipton Green Tea!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 www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. One-time use only.Biosil | Biosil helps you generate your own collagen for healthier hair, skin, nails. Get 30% off your first product order when you visit www.biosil.beauty and use code BALANCEDLES.Cora | Cora offers affordable organic period care products. Get 20% off at www.cora.life/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.

How to Step Into Your Power, Build Confidence, and Align Yourself with Purpose with Sarah Jakes Roberts

Feel confused about all of the conflicting nutrition and wellness information out there? You’re not alone! It can be really overwhelming and confusing to figure out what will work best for you. Thankfully, nutrition can be a lot simpler than we think.

In today’s bonus episode I’m sitting down with registered dietitian and CEO of Culina Health, Vanessa Risetto for pro tips on how to make nutrition simple.

From protein intake to gut health issues, Vanessa and I get to the bottom of nutrition trends, and discuss ways you can improve your eating habits and relationship with food for a healthier lifestyle.




We Also Talk About…Vanessa’s experience as a Black woman running a venture-backed startup.Why working with a dietitian is more accessible than you thinkHow to understand and alleviate common gut health issues through dietThe pros and cons of taking weight loss medications like OzempicHow to avoid falling into the trap of fad diets and nutrition trendsHow to get health and nutrition assistance at a lower cost


Resources:Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merchFollow Vanessa on Instagram @vanessarissettordFollow Culina Health on Instagram @culinahealthVisit start.culinahealth.com to sign up for insurance-covered nutrition care! If your insurance does not cover Culina, mention Balanced Black Girl for a special discount.


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


Sponsor:

Culina Health’s award-winning nutrition care is trusted by 7,500+ patients and 600+ providers nationwide. Our diverse, multilingual team of registered dietitians provides nutrition care for sustainable weight loss, diabetes and prediabetes, gastrointestinal health, eating disorders, general healthy eating, and more. We accept all major insurance plans, and we offer affordable out-of-pocket options. Sign up today at www.culinahealth.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.

Debunking Nutrition Myths, How Much Protein You Actually Need, and the Truth About Ozempic with Vanessa Risetto, RD [BONUS]

#230: We’ve heard the term “girl’s girl” before and understand what in means in theory to support other women. But what does it actually look like putting it to practice?

Today I have the pleasure of sitting down Dr. Joy Harden Bradford. Dr. Joy is a licensed psychologist and the host of the award-winning podcast Therapy for Black Girls. We have an in-depth conversation on sisterhood, why community is vital for our well-being, and how to create meaningful connections with other women in our lives.

We Also Talk About…What inspired Dr. Joy to become a licensed psychologist and create Therapy for Black GirlsWhy female friendships are beneficial to our healthThe differences between friendship, community, and sisterhood and why they aren’t interchangeableHigh-maintenance vs. Maintenance friends and the role of reciprocityHow attachment styles shows up in friendshipsThe benefits of intergenerational friendshipsNormalizing therapy and exploring different types of therapeutic modalities


Resources:Follow Dr. Joy on Instagram @hellodrjoyListen to the Therapy for Black Girls podcastListen to the “What Does It Mean to Be A Girl’s Girl?” episode on Therapy for Black GirlsNeed someone to talk to? Check out the Therapy for Black Girls Directory to find a therapist near youJoin the Therapy for Black Girls Sister CircleRead Dr. Joy’s book “Sisterhood Heals: The Transformative Power of Healing in Community”Read “Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make--and Keep--Friends” by Dr. Marisa G. Franco


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 | Find your feel with Nike Bras & Legging that deliver supportive flexibility and comfort for whatever your day brings. Shop now at Nike.comMaidenform | Visit www.maidenform.com and use code BBG20 at checkout for 20% off your first purchase.Alo Moves | Unlock your personal wellness routine with Alo Moves. Visit alomoves.com and use code BALANCED30 for an exclusive 30-day free trial and enjoy 20% off an annual membership.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 judgement 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.

High-Maintenance vs. Low-Maintenance Friends, Supporting Women in Your Circle and the Benefits of Being a Girl’s Girl with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford of Therapy for Black Girls

#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.

How to Live Seasonally, Be in Tune with Your Reproductive Health, and Knowing When to Change Your Wellness Routines with Latham Thomas

#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.

Ask Les: Getting Back with An Ex, Making New Friends, Feeling Lost in Your 20s

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