#281: In this episode, I sit down with the amazing Gabrielle Union—actress, producer, entrepreneur, and bestselling author—about what leaning into vulnerability really looks like.

From fertility to relationships to creating a life full of love and creativity, Gabrielle shares the lessons she wishes she’d known sooner—and wisdom to inspire you to get more curious and vulnerable.

We also talk about:

• How reading fosters creativity and curiosity
• Why the on-screen adaptations of your favorite reads often differ from the book
• How to express creativity without worrying about who will consume it
• What Gabrielle would tell her 30-year old self

Resources:

• Check out Gabrielle’s new movie Riff Raff in theaters now
• Follow Gabrielle on Instagram
• Atonement by Ian McEwan
• Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
• Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with Les

Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:

• Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merch
• Watch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirl
• Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast
• Follow on TikTok @balancedles
• Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com

Sponsors:

• Timeline Nutrition | Mitopure® promotes cellular renewal and mitochondrial health to address common signs of aging. Go to timeline.com/BALANCEDLES for 10% off your order.
• Deinde | Fight inflammaging with Deinde skincare. Go to deinde.com and use code BALANCEDLES at check out for 15% off your first purchase.
• Seed | Take care of your gut health with Seed. Go to Seed.com/balancedles and use code BALANCEDLES to get 25% off your first month.
• Rocky Money | Rockey Money 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
• Honeylove | Treat yourself to the most comfortable bra on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/BALANCEDLES
• NOCD offers accessible OCD treatment. Go to Learn.NOCD.com and schedule a free 15-minute call with their team.

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.

#280: Today I’m popping in for a long overdue solo catch-up session!

Join me for a casual solo episode where I’m catching you up on life so far in 2025. I discuss everything from no longer feeling like a “wellness girly,” to reflections of my first year living in New York, to the upcoming podcast rebrand.

Make a cup of tea, and cozy up to this intimate chat.

Resources:

• Check out my new brand Spacious Rituals and get your virtual planner for 2025!
• Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with Les

Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:

• Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merch
• Watch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirl
• Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast
• Follow on TikTok @balancedles
• Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com

Sponsors:

• Charmin | You can tell a lot about a date based on what kind of toilet paper they use. Check out Charmin’s socials, @charmin on TikTok and Instagram, to learn more about how Charmin is helping Prevent the Dump!
• Seed | Take care of your gut health with Seed. Go to Seed.com/balancedles and use code BALANCEDLES to get 25% off your first month.
• SKIMS | Check out the SKIMS Fits Everybody Collection to find your new favorite pieces. Shop at skims.com or at the New York Flagship on Fifth Ave.

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.

#279: What does it really mean to lead when you're stepping into the unknown?

In this episode, I sit down with Kara Brothers, President of Starface World, to explore what it takes to lead in uncharted territory in your career. We discuss everything from balancing business goals with personal growth, to battling imposter syndrome and making fearless decisions.

Kara takes us behind the scenes of what it truly means to lead with intention, build confidence, and foster a culture of creativity and innovation in the fast-paced beauty industry—all while stepping into a leadership role of this magnitude for the first time.

We Also Talk About…

• Kara’s career journey to becoming the President of Starface World
• How to navigate imposter syndrome when stepping into a leadership role
• How corporate culture influences the way you lead and make decisions
• Strategies for combating decision-making fatigue and maintaining clarity in challenging situations
• The difference between how you are perceived and how you truly lead in leadership roles

Resources:

• Check out my new brand Spacious Rituals and get your virtual planner for 2025!
• Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with Les
• Follow Starface on Instagram
• Follow Kara on Instagram
• Check out Star Balm

Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:

• Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merch
• Watch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirl
• Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast
• Follow on TikTok @balancedles
• Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com

Sponsors:

• Neuro Gum | If you’re ready for better sleep, head to www.neurogum.com and use code BALANCEDLES for 15% off your first order of Sleep & Recharge melt away mints.
• YNAB | YNAB is a life-changing budgeting app that helps you do what you want with the money you have. Visit www.ynab.com/balanced to get an exclusive three-month trial.
• LMNT | LMNT is a zero sugar electrolyte drink mix with a research-backed ratio of electrolytes. To try it out go to drinkLMNT.com/balancedles to receive a free LMNT sample pack with any purchase.
• Nutrafol | Get stronger, healthier hair with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering $10 OFF your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to nutrafol.com and enter promo code BALANCEDLES.
• Veracity | Support your metabolism with Veracity Self Care’s Metabolism Ignite. Visit veracityselfcare.com and use code BALANCEDLES for 15% off your first order.
• Deinde | Fight inflammaging with Deinde skincare. Go to deinde.com and use code BALANCEDLES at check out for 15% off your first purchase.

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.

#278: How well do you understand fertility?

In this bonus episode, I sit down with Dr. Amanda Adeleye of Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine (CCRM) to break down the biggest myths about reproductive health, from egg quality to the male factor in fertility. We explore how aging, social stigmas, and today’s political landscape impact fertility choices from our 20s to our 40s.

Whether you're considering egg freezing or just want to take charge of your reproductive health, this conversation is packed with essential insights!

We Also Talk About…

• The difference between fertility and infertility—and the signs to look for.
• Common reasons why some people struggle to conceive.
• How egg quality impacts fertility.
• The effects of endometriosis on fertility and reproductive health.
• How to determine if egg-freezing is right for you.
• What to expect from fertility treatments like IVF.

Resources:

• Check out my new brand Spacious Rituals and get your virtual planner for 2025!
• Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with Les
• Learn more about CCRM’s offerings and find a clinic near you
• Follow Dr. Amanda on Instagram
• Whether you’re looking to find a fertility specialist, learn more about a fertility evaluation, or read personal stories from others, you'll be able to find what you're looking for at FertilityOutLoud.com.
• For more information on fertility, treatment, and reproductive health visit www.ccrmivf.com

Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:

• Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merch
• Watch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirl
• Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast
• Follow on TikTok @balancedles
• Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com

Sponsors:

CCRM | Visit CCRMivf.com to learn more about fertility preservation.

Ferring Pharmaceuticals | Go to FertilityOutLoud.com to help you feel empowered on your fertility journey.

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.

#277: 30 and thriving or 30 and doubting—where do you stand?

In this episode, I’m welcoming back entrepreneur, Nike trainer, and founder & CEO of Spiked Wellness, Briana Thompson, for a real girls' chat about owning your confidence, wellness, and career in your 30s.

Briana shares how she’s overcoming self-doubt, balancing ambition and motherhood, and leveling up in both business and life—giving you the inspiration to keep pushing forward and make the changes you need to live life to the fullest.

Resources:

• Check out my new brand Spacious Rituals and get your virtual planner for 2025!
• Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with Les
• Follow Briana on Instagram
• Follow Spiked Wellness on Instagram
• Episode 26: Making Boutique Fitness More Inclusive

Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:

• Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merch
• Watch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirl
• Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast
• Follow on TikTok @balancedles
• Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com

Sponsors:

• Quince | Get quiet luxury without luxury prices at Quince. Go to quince.com/balancedles for free shipping and 365-day return on your next order.
• Rocket Monkey | Rocket Money is the app that finds and cancels your unwanted subscriptions and helps lower your bills. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to www.rocketmoney.com/balancedles
• Lume | Get Lume’s Starter Pack to try all their bestsellers. Use code BALANCEDLES for 15% off your first purchase at www.lumedeodorant.com.
• Veracity | Support your metabolism with Veracity Self Care’s Metabolism Ignite. Visit veracityselfcare.com and use code BALANCEDLES for 15% off your first order.
• Deinde | Fight inflammaging with Deinde skincare. Go to deinde.com and use code BALANCEDLES at check out for 15% off your first purchase.
• Shopify | Get your online business up and running with Shopify. Sign up for $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/balancedblackgirl.

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.

#276: Have you ever felt like you need to be “fixed” before you can let others in?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Thema Bryant—psychologist, author, minister, and host of the Homecoming podcast—for a soulful conversation on healing relationships, starting with the most important one: your relationship with yourself.

Dr. Bryant shares how self-isolation can hold you back from growth and offers insights on how opening up to others is key to feeling truly healed.

We Also Talk About…

• The balancing act of the healing process
• The hidden risks of self-isolation
• How to spot toxic patterns in romantic relationships
• How emotional dependency can affect your friendships
• How to identify what your relationship patterns for growth
• How faith and mental health support can work together for healing

Resources:

• Check out my new brand Spacious Rituals and get your virtual planner for 2025!
• Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with Les
• Follow Dr. Thema on Instagram
• Read Dr. Thema’s new book “Matters of The Heart: Healing Your Relationship with Yourself and Those You Love”
• Listen to The Homecoming Podcast hosted by Dr. Thema

Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:

• Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merch
• Watch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirl
• Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast
• Follow on TikTok @balancedles
• Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com

Sponsors:

• YNAB | YNAB is a life-changing budgeting app that helps you do what you want with the money you have. Visit www.ynab.com/balanced to get an exclusive three-month trial.
• Nutrafol | Get stronger, healthier hair with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering $10 OFF your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to nutrafol.com and enter promo code BALANCEDLES.
• LMNT | LMNT is a zero sugar electrolyte drink mix with a research-backed ratio of electrolytes. To try it out go to drinkLMNT.com/balancedles to receive a free LMNT sample pack with any purchase.
• Honeylove | Treat yourself to the most comfortable bra on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/BALANCEDLES.
• Hero Bread | Enjoy your favorite breads with fewer net carbs and more fiber. Hero Bread is offering 10% off your order. Go to hero.co and use the code BALANCED at checkout.
• Neuro Gum | If you’re ready for better sleep, head to www.neurogum.com and use code BALANCEDLES for 15% off your first order of Sleep & Recharge melt away mints.

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.

#275: Are you training for life or just going through the motions?

In this episode, I sit down with Olympian and gold medal-winning heptathlete Louise Hazel to chat about fitness, goal-setting, and what it takes to build a winning mindset.

If you’ve ever struggled with consistency in the gym, breaking unhealthy habits, or staying locked in on your goals, Louise’s insights will inspire you to tap into your fullest potential.

We Also Talk About…

• Louise's journey from teen athlete to gold medal-winning heptathlete
• Louise’s career pivot from sports to entertainment to business owner of SLAY
• What it means to train for success
• Tips for staying consistent with your fitness and wellness routines
• How to go after your goals with confidence and focus
• The mindset it takes to show up every day and keep moving forward

Resources:

• Vote for Balanced Black Girl in the “Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle / Self-Help” category of the 2025 NAACP Image Awards!
• Check out my new brand Spacious Rituals and get your virtual planner for 2025!
• Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with Les
• Follow Louise on Instagram
• Follow SLAY Athletic Club
• Watch the SLAY podcast on YouTube
• Episode 253: How to Win at Life: The Mindset Shift You Need To Level Up

Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:

• Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merch
• Watch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirl
• Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast
• Follow on TikTok @balancedles
• Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com

Sponsors:

• Timeline Nutrition | Mitopure® promotes cellular renewal and mitochondrial health to address common signs of aging at the root. Go to timeline.com/BALANCEDLES for 10% off your order.
• Quip | The Quip 360 oscillating tooth brush literally revolves around you. Go to www.quip.com/balanced for 20% off and a FREE travel case and countertop stand.
• Rocket Monkey | Rockey Money is tje app that finds and cancels your unwanted subscriptions and helps lower your bills so that you can grow your savings. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to www.rocketmoney.com/balancedles
• Veracity | Veracity is revolutionizing health by addressing the root cause of energy and weight challenges through drug-free, clinically proven, doctor-formulated, solutions. Visit veracityselfcare.com and use code BALANCEDLES for 15% off your first order.
• Shopify | Get your online business up and running with Shopify. Sign up for $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/balancedblackgirl.
• Seed | Support your gut health with DS-01® Daily Synbiotic by Seed. Go to Seed.com/BalancedLes and use code ‘balancedles’ to get 25% off your first month.

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

#274: What would your life look like if you prioritized wellness and set boundaries like a CEO?

Today, I’m sitting down with Michele Y. Smith, CEO of the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), to explore the various ways pop culture influences our creativity and how we can all invite wellness into the workplace.

We Also Talk About…

• Michele’s career journey to become a CEO
• Signs it’s time to pivot into your next big role
• Tips for setting boundaries and protecting your time
• Ways to set yourself up for a productive week
• How to be a wellness-minded leader and set the tone for your team
• Unique ways to give back to your community

Resources:

• Vote for Balanced Black Girl in the “Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle / Self-Help” category of the 2025 NAACP Image Awards!
• Check out my new brand Spacious Rituals and get your virtual planner for 2025!
• Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with Les
• Follow the Museum of Pop Culture on Instagram
• Visit mopop.org to plan your museum visit
• Read Forbes: “The Power Of Pop Culture’ Spotlights MoPOP’s New Leadership Focus”
• Read: “The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About” by Mel Robbins

Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:

• Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:
• Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merch
• Watch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirl
• Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast
• Follow on TikTok @balancedles
• Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com

Sponsors:

• Neuro Gum | If you’re ready for better sleep, head to www.neurogum.com and use code BALANCEDLES for 15% off your first order of Sleep & Recharge melt away mints.
• YNAB | YNAB is a life-changing budgeting app that helps you do what you want with the money you have. Visit www.ynab.com/balanced to get an exclusive three-month trial.
• Calm | Stress less, sleep more, and live better with Calm. Visit calm.com/balanced for 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription.
• Lume | Get Lume’s Starter Pack to try all their bestsellers. Use code BALANCEDLES for 15% off your first purchase.
• SKIMS | If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your Valentine or for yourself - SKIMS just launched their best Valentines shop ever! You can shop now at SKIMS.com and SKIMS New York Flagship on Fifth Ave. 
• Seed | Support your gut health with DS-01® Daily Synbiotic by Seed. Go to Seed.com/BalancedLes and use code ‘balancedles’ to get 25% off your first month.

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

#273: Taking risks in your career can lead to big rewards, but what does it really cost you in the end?

In this episode, I chat with Tori Bell, founder and CEO of Inclusion Unpacked, about the real challenges of pivoting, taking risks, and betting on yourself.

From her time at Meta to starting her own business, Tori gets real about burnout, inequalities, and the stigmas founders face. She also shares how she’s championed DEI and inclusion every step of the way—both in her career and her life as a founder.

We Also Talk About…

• Tori’s transition from employee to founder
• The truth behind the venture-backed process and why it’s not always as smooth as it seems.
• Career steps to take when becoming a founder
• How to navigate self-doubt and stay confident as a new founder.
• Tips for balancing a 9-5 job while building your own business.
• How to push past self-doubt and shame while creating something meaningful from scratch.

Resources:

• Vote for Balanced Black Girl in the “Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle / Self-Help”  category of the 2025 NAACP Image Awards!
• Check out my new brand Spacious Rituals and get your virtual planner for 2025!
• Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with Les
• Follow Tori on Instagram
• Follow Inclusion Unpacked on Instagram

Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:

• Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:
• Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merch
• Watch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirl
• Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast
• Follow on TikTok @balancedles
• Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com

Sponsors:

• YNAB | YNAB is a life-changing budgeting app that helps you do what you want with the money you have. Visit www.ynab.com/balanced to get an exclusive three-month trial.
• LMNT | LMNT is a zero sugar electrolyte drink mix with a research-backed ratio of electrolytes. To try it out go to drinkLMNT.com/balancedles to receive a free LMNT sample pack with any purchase.
• Oura Ring | Oura Ring is the revolutionary smart ring that delivers personalized health data, insights, and daily guidance. Visit www.ouraring.com
• Quince | Get quiet luxury without luxury prices at Quince. Go to quince.com/balancedles for free shipping and 365-day return on your next order.
• Lifestraw | Lifestraw Home Studio is the only water filter dispenser that removes over 30 contaminants, including microplastics, bacteria, and PFAs. Use code BALANCEDLES for 15% off.

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

#272: Ready to find the love you deserve?

In this episode, I sit down with dating coach and relationship guru, Anwar White, for a conversation on how to date with intention.

We’ll talk about how to set boundaries, manage finances in relationships, and navigate tough conversations.

Plus, we’ll answer relationship questions straight from the DMs, offering tips and insights to help you build a healthy, lasting connection.

We Also Talk About…

• How to put yourself out there in 2025
• How to expand your options in the dating pool
• How to set boundaries on the first date
• The difference between wants and needs in a relationship
• How masculine and feminine energy play a role in relationships
• Tips for healing from past relationships

Resources:

• Vote for Balanced Black Girl in the “Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle / Self-Help”  category of the 2025 NAACP Image Awards!
• Check out my new brand Spacious Rituals and get your virtual planner for 2025!
• Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with Les
• Follow Anwar on Instagram
• Follow Anwar on TikTok
• Book a free consultation with Anwar here

Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:

• Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:
• Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merch
• Watch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirl
• Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast
• Follow on TikTok @balancedles
• Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com

Sponsors:

• LifeStraw | Use code BALANCEDLES for 15% off the purchase of any LifeStraw home product at LifeStraw.com. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer. 
• Nurtafol | Get stronger, healthier hair with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering $10 OFF your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to nutrafol.com and enter promo code BALANCEDLES.
• YNAB | YNAB is a life-changing budgeting app that helps you do what you want with the money you have. Visit www.ynab.com/balanced to get an exclusive three-month trial.
• Oura Ring | Oura Ring is the revolutionary smart ring that delivers personalized health data, insights, and daily guidance. Visit www.ouraring.com

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.