Be Bonita Podcast

Your labs say "normal" but you feel awful? Dr. Khadija Douglas breaks down the real hormone truth behind perimenopause, burnout, and skin health on this episode of Be Bonita Podcast.

What does it really take to rebuild yourself after someone tried to break you?

In this episode of Be Bonita, I sit down with Irene Lovett — author of Naked With My Scars, advocate, and Program Director for All Mentees On Board — for an honest conversation about surviving narcissistic abuse and finding the strength to start again.

Irene opens up about the slow, intentional work of healing: leaning on faith, doing the therapy, and learning to see her scars not as shame, but as proof of survival. If you've ever questioned your own worth after a relationship that left you smaller than you started, this one's for you. 💛

In this episode: • What narcissistic abuse really looks like (and why it's so hard to name) • Rebuilding self-worth from the ground up • How faith and therapy worked together in Irene's healing • The mission behind All Mentees On Board

Connect with Irene: 📖 Naked With My Scars

🌐 https://www.growingstrengthinc.com/ 🎵 TikTok: @ThatHippieJawn

▶️ Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Di231slPy7M

In this soul-stirring episode of B'Bonita, host Viviane Aires sits down with Coach Ja — Philadelphia-based Pilates instructor, Nike-signed athlete, wellness entrepreneur, and founder of the Black Girl Pilates Club — for a conversation that is equal parts masterclass and medicine.

Zha's story doesn't start with success. It starts with responsibility — caring for her autistic little brother at age eight while her single mother worked multiple jobs. It runs through the hallways of Spelman College, the Nike World Headquarters in Portland, and a Juneteenth run that drew over a thousand people to the streets in the name of Black lives. And it arrives at its most honest, most human chapter: becoming a single mother, losing herself in postpartum depression, and making the quiet, life-changing decision to take herself back.

In this episode, Coach Zha opens up about:

• The moment she considered ending her life at eight months pregnant — and the reason she chose to stay
• How postpartum depression showed up in silence and why Black women are rarely given the space to talk about it
• Leaving a six-figure career to bet on herself — and why the universe confirmed she made the right call
• How Pilates became the portal back to her body, her identity, and her joy
• Building the Black Girl Pilates Club and the Love Letters series to create the representation she never saw
• Co-parenting with peace, releasing the ego, and choosing love over conflict
• The abundance mindset that shifted everything — and how to start accessing it now
• Her upcoming Greece wellness retreat and what it means to take healing international

This is not a highlight reel. This is the real story of a woman who was stripped down to nothing and chose to rise — with grace, with grit, and with her children watching.

If you are navigating motherhood, rebuilding your identity, searching for community, or simply ready to stop waiting for someone to come save you — this episode is for you.

I hope you enjoy it, as much as I did.

Viviane

In this conversation, Viviane Aires and Jennifer Dent Brown explore the transformative journey of health coaching, focusing on the intricate relationship between mental health, emotional eating, and weight loss. Jennifer shares her personal struggles with weight and how she transitioned into coaching, emphasizing the importance of mindset and self-awareness in achieving lasting change. They discuss the impact of societal pressures on body image, the significance of intentional eating, and the role of community support in fostering healthier habits. The conversation also touches on practical strategies for women, particularly those over 40, to navigate their health journeys amidst life's challenges.

In this episode of the Be Bonita podcast, host Viviane Aires speaks with Dr. Arina Chesnokova, a menopause specialist, OBGYN and health service researcher, about menopause and women's health. They discuss the stigma surrounding menopause, the importance of hormone replacement therapy, and the positive changes that can come with midlife. Dr. Chesnokova shares her personal experiences and insights on how cultural perspectives influence women's experiences of menopause. The conversation emphasizes the need for reliable information and support for women navigating this transition in their lives. Positive messaging around menopause can help shift the narrative and empower women.

Let’s talk about something that’s so important but often overlooked—pelvic floor health for women over 40.

As we age, our bodies go through significant changes, and understanding what’s happening beneath the surface is key to staying healthy and confident. In this video, I share the secrets every woman must know about pelvic floor dysfunction, how menopause and aging impact your muscles, and why things like tightness, weakness, and even chronic infections can affect your quality of life.

Pelvic floor health isn’t just about physical strength—it’s about empowering women to prioritize their well-being and feel confident in their bodies at every stage of life. Whether it’s addressing symptoms of incontinence, changes caused by estrogen depletion, or the effects of childbirth, I’ve got you covered with insights and tips to help you take charge of your health.

In this engaging conversation, Viviane Aires shares her brother musician Japa System, his profound connection to his music and the influence of his family, and the cultural significance of Timbalada. They discuss his journey as a musician, the importance of education and discipline, and his aspirations to innovate within traditional frameworks. The dialogue highlights the power of music to connect people across cultures and the personal growth that comes from pursuing one's artistic identity.

Takeaways

- Music creates a contagious happiness that connects performers and audiences.

- Family memories and connections are vital for personal and artistic growth.

- Timbalada serves as a powerful cultural reference in Brazilian music.

- Innovating within traditional music can lead to unique artistic expressions.

- Cultural experiences abroad enrich an artist's perspective and creativity.

- Education and discipline are essential for success in the arts.

- Creating opportunities requires understanding one's unique artistic signature.

- Success in music is not just about money, but about fulfilling one's artistic dreams.

-The main instrument for any artist is themselves, not just their equipment.

- Pursuing one's passion in music can lead to global opportunities and connections.

Chapters

00:00 A Special Reunion: Family and Music

02:11 The Journey to Becoming a Musician

07:07 The Influence of Timbalada and Cultural Roots

12:13 Innovating with Electronic Music

17:08 The Power of Performance and Connection

22:04 Purpose and Spirituality in Music

PORTUGUES

Nesta conversa envolvente, Viviane Aires compartilha sobre seu irmão músico Japa System, a profunda conexão com música e a influência de sua família, além da importância cultural da Timbalada. Eles discutem a jornada como músico, a importância da educação e disciplina, e suas aspirações de inovar dentro de estruturas tradicionais. O diálogo destaca o poder da música para conectar pessoas de diferentes culturas e o crescimento pessoal que vem da busca pela própria identidade artística.

Principais pontos:

- A música cria uma felicidade contagiante que conecta artistas e público.

- Memórias familiares e conexões são vitais para o crescimento pessoal e artístico.

- Timbalada serve como uma poderosa referência cultural na música brasileira.

- Inovar dentro da música tradicional pode levar a expressões artísticas únicas.

- Experiências culturais no exterior enriquecem a perspectiva e criatividade do artista.

- Educação e disciplina são essenciais para o sucesso nas artes.

- Criar oportunidades requer entender a própria assinatura artística única.

- Sucesso na música não é apenas sobre dinheiro, mas sobre realizar os próprios sonhos artísticos.

- O principal instrumento para qualquer artista é ele mesmo, não apenas seu equipamento.

- Perseguir sua paixão na música pode levar a oportunidades e conexões globais.

Follow Japa System on IG: https://www.instagram.com/japa_system/

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Khadijah Douglas, a naturopathic doctor, discusses her journey into women's health advocacy, emphasizing the importance of individualized care and the need for a deeper understanding of women's health issues, particularly around menopause and hormonal changes. She highlights the racial disparities in healthcare, the significance of self-care, and the differences between naturopathic and conventional medicine. The discussion also covers gut health, hormonal replacement therapy, and the importance of investing in one's health for long-term wellness.

Candace Johnson, the creator of Touchy Feeling Intimacy Card Game, discusses the importance of communication and touch in relationships. The game is designed to facilitate deep conversations and non-sexual touch between individuals.

It is divided into four levels, each representing different types of relationships. Level one focuses on getting to know strangers and children, level two explores relationships with coworkers and exes, level three delves into close friendships and new romantic relationships, and level four centers around long-term partnerships. The game encourages vulnerability, self-discovery, and the exploration of pleasure and sensuality. The conversation explores the importance of communication and connection in relationships, both romantic and platonic. It highlights the value of checking in on married friends and the need for meaningful conversations regardless of relationship status.

The Touchy Feely game is introduced as a tool for fostering deeper connections and understanding between individuals. The game allows for different levels of intimacy and touch, providing a safe space for exploration and vulnerability. The conversation also touches on the power of scent and the therapeutic nature of the game.

Overall, the episode emphasizes the significance of open communication, self-awareness, and the role of love in personal growth.