Black and EMPOWERed Podcast

In this powerful episode of the Mirror Mirror series, Dr. Isha Metzger sits down with Amari K. Jones to explore the journey of thriving as a Black student at a predominantly white institution (PWI) and carving out your space beyond the campus walls. They dive deep into navigating identity, overcoming microaggressions, cultivating confidence, and finding your voice in environments that weren’t always designed for you. This conversation is full of insight, reflection, and actionable strategies for Black students, young professionals, and anyone looking to show up as their full, authentic self in spaces where they might feel unseen. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about resilience, empowerment, and stepping fully into your story.

This episode is part three of the Mirror Mirror series—conversations with friends who illuminate my soul! This series is rooted in reflection on how we show up, grow, and build lives that align with our values. We’re unpacking identity, wellness, motherhood, money, and more. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Maryam Jernigan-Noesi, a powerhouse psychologist, educator, and mother. We dive into the unique lens of Black motherhood as a psychological process, what it means to parent with liberation in mind, and how Maryam’s personal and professional worlds inform one another.

In this installment of the Mirror Mirror Series, host Dr. Isha W. Metzger sits down with Gretchen “Gigi” Fletcher to trace her evolution from high‑level executive assistant to sought‑after retreat producer. Together, they delve into how Gigi’s knack for organization and her commitment to self‑development have shaped transformative experiences for retreat participants.

This conversation explores:

How Gigi leveraged her executive assistant skill set—organization, anticipation, relationship‑building—to launch a retreat production career

The pivotal role of personal growth and self‑development in making bold professional pivots

Why retreats can catalyze profound personal and professional breakthroughs for attendees

The core traits of a successful retreat producer: flexibility, compassion, and the ability to foresee and meet unspoken needs

Strategies for forging strong, values‑aligned partnerships with clients

Why retreat production is as much about crafting meaningful experiences as it is about flawless logistics

The lessons Gigi learned from early challenges and how they inform her current approach

Gigi’s upcoming training course for aspiring executive assistants and retreat producers

Preview of future wellness‑focused retreats and a community‑impact initiative—a back‑to‑school drive for children in Ghana

This is more than a podcast—it’s a mirror to your journey of growth and impact.

🎧 Subscribe and share with someone ready to create transformative retreat experiences.

In the premiere of the Mirror Mirror Series, host Dr. Isha W. Metzger welcomes powerhouse psychologist and entrepreneur Dr. Quiana M. Shamsid-Deen to reflect on how Black women with doctorates can monetize their degrees with purpose and power.

This conversation unpacks:

How to leverage your doctorate beyond academia

The emotional, cultural, and financial intersections of identity and income

Strategies for turning your expertise into generational wealth

This is more than a podcast—it's a mirror to your potential.

🎧 Subscribe and share with someone ready to turn their doctorate into dollars.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Keisha White Makinde to discuss the vital topic of caregiving - including what becoming a family (informal) caregiver can look like for Black individuals and why caregiver well being is so important. 

If you have questions or want to connect, contact us at [email protected].

In this episode, Dr. Isha Metzger is joined by Heather and Khandis, two psychology graduate students at Georgia State University, to talk about the relevant and important topic of getting involved in your community. Together, they will discuss what community means, where to look for opportunities to get involved in advocacy, and how to transfer and adapt your existing skills and resources to support the causes and communities you care about.

If you have questions or want to connect, contact us at [email protected].

How to connect with today's guest:

Isha Metzger

Instagram: @drishametzger

Lab Instagram: EMPOWER Instagram

In this episode, Dr. Metzger is joined by Tnisha Poe, an incredible mom, business owner, and professional, who is raising a resilient black teen. Together, they will dive into the crucial topic of raising resilient children, exploring culturally relevant parenting approaches within African-American communities.

If you have questions or want to connect, contact us at [email protected].

How to Connect with our Guest today: 

Tnisha Poe 

Instagram: @TPoe__

[email protected]

EMPOWER Instagram

In this episode, we explore the nuances of reshaping trauma treatment with Dr. Isha Metzger. Discover how Dr. Metzger recognized the potential for a more effective TF-CBT tailored for Black youth and families, emphasizing the impact of racial stressors and trauma; this is a recent episode with the National Children's Alliance, where Dr. Metzger dives deeper into her work. 

If you have questions or want to connect, reach out to us at: [email protected].

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In this episode, Dr. Metzger provides valuable insights on racial trauma and racial stress. She is joined by Melanie, a 4th-year Doctoral Student in Clinical Psychology at Wheaton College, for an in-depth interview. The episode explores the motivations behind Dr. Metzger's work, focusing on healing, addressing microaggressions, and offering valuable guidance for clinicians working with clients who have experienced racial stress and trauma. Be sure to stay engaged throughout the entire episode to uncover these invaluable insights and gems.

In this episode, we talk about preparing for graduate school in clinical psychology. We will focus on tips and insights for pursuing your dream clinical psychology Ph.D. program. Ashanti Brown and Dominque Laberrie, graduate students in Clinical Psychology Ph.D. programs, will also give some invaluable insight from their vantage points. Stay tuned through the whole episode!

Send questions or reach us at: [email protected] 

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