Black Women Amplified Podcast

By Monica Wisdom

Black Women Amplified is a podcast for Black women over 40 who are navigating a midlife pivot and ready to step into their next chapter with clarity and confidence.

For seven seasons, the sho

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4.9

1515 ratings

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FAQs about Black Women Amplified Podcast:

How many episodes does Black Women Amplified Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 175 episodes available.

Black Women Amplified Podcast episodes:

February 26, 2026 Author Vanessa introduces her new book, Fire, Sword & Sea
Vanessa Riley on Fire, Sword, and Sea, Women Pirates, Caribbean History, and Reinvention
In this episode, I sit down with bestselling historical fiction author Vanessa Riley while she is on tour for her powerful new novel, Fire, Sword, and Sea.
We go deep.
We talk about women pirates in the Caribbean, hidden history, the real cost of piracy, the sugar economy, and how the transatlantic slave trade shaped the world we are still living in. Vanessa shares the extensive research behind the novel, from Port Royal Jail to colonial archives, and how she brings erased stories back to life.
We also talk about her personal journey. From earning a PhD in mechanical engineering at Stanford University to becoming a twenty-nine-time published author. The pivots. The discipline. The courage. The craft.
This is a conversation about history, identity, moral choice, love as survival, and what it means to tell stories that were almost lost.
If you love historical fiction, Caribbean history, women pirates, or conversations about reinvention and creative success, this episode is for you.
About Vanessa Riley
Vanessa Riley is an acclaimed historical fiction author known for novels including Island Queen, a Good Morning America Buzz Pick, and Queen of Exiles, an ABC View Lit Pick. She was honored as the 2024 Georgia Mystery and Detective Author of the Year for Murder in Drury Lane and the 2023 Georgia Literary Fiction Author of the Year for Sister Mother Warrior.
Her work has been praised by The Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, Publishers Weekly, and The New York Times.
With more than twenty-five novels to her name, Vanessa combines rigorous historical research with immersive storytelling rooted in the Caribbean, Georgian, and Regency eras. She is also an advocate for diverse voices and Sickle Cell Anemia awareness.
In This Episode We Discuss
• Fire, Sword, and Sea book tour
• Jacquotte Delahaye and women pirates in the Caribbean
• Port Royal Jail and the real history of piracy
• The sugar economy and colonial wealth
• Early forms of enslavement before the transatlantic slave trade
• Caribbean history and its connection to American history
• Writing historical fiction with modern language
• Vanessa Riley’s journey from Stanford engineer to bestselling novelist
• Publishing over twenty-five books
• Reinvention and choosing passion over expectation
Vanessa Riley interview, Fire Sword and Sea podcast, Women pirates, Caribbean history, Jacquotte Delahaye, Historical fiction author interview, Black women historical fiction writers, Caribbean piracy history, Stanford engineer turned author, Season 8 Episode 160 podcast, Historical fiction podcast episode
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56min
February 26, 2026Boundaries and Balance in a Chaotic World | Lisane Basquiat
There is a lot happening right now. Culturally. Politically. Personally. And if we are not intentional, the noise will start shaping our reactions, our boundaries, and even our identity.
In this episode of Black Women Amplified, I sit down with Legacy Healing Strategist and founder of Shaping Freedom, Lisane Basquiat, for a grounded conversation about boundaries, balance, focus, and leadership in uncertain times.
This is not a surface conversation about self-care. This is about clarity. Discipline. And protecting your energy without losing yourself.
Lisane is a board-certified NLP Master Practitioner and teacher, certified professional coach, former corporate executive, and entrepreneur. She also serves as steward of her late brother Jean-Michel Basquiat’s estate, carrying one of the most significant artistic legacies of our time while continuing to build her own work and voice.
What stands out in this conversation is her steadiness. She understands that boundaries are not emotional reactions. They are strategic decisions. And balance is not passive. It is intentional.
In this episode, we explore:
Is balance realistic in a world that feels upside down?
The hidden cost of over-accessibility in leadership and public life.
Why focus is a discipline in a distracted culture.
Listening as a practice, not a performance.
The impact of inherited family patterns on how we say yes and no.
How to remain whole while navigating visibility and responsibility.
If you have ever felt stretched thin, overly responsible, or pulled in too many directions, this episode will resonate.
This conversation is about staying steady when everything feels loud.
Learn More
Lisane will also be hosting an upcoming virtual intensive focused on identifying inherited patterns that shape how we respond and set boundaries.
For more information about her work and upcoming offerings, visit:
www.shapingfreedom.com
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1h 1min
November 22, 2025 She Wrote Her Own Story 4 Part Series W/ Monica Wisdom
SHE WROTE HER OWN STORY
A Podcast by Monica Wisdom

There comes a moment in a woman’s life when she knows she cannot keep living by the script she inherited. Something shifts. Something breaks open. Something whispers that she is meant for more truth, more peace, more joy, and more of herself.

She Wrote Her Own Story is a four-part podcast series about that moment of awakening. It is a celebration of the women who are remembering who they are and choosing to design lives that reflect their truth instead of society’s expectations.

Through storytelling, cultural commentary, humor, and soulful reflection, Monica Wisdom explores the quiet revolution happening inside today’s woman. From the pressure to be chosen to the rise of self-discovery, softness, and emotional clarity, this series walks listeners through the shift from performing to living.

You will hear stories about the lies we were taught, the identities we outgrew, the peace we are claiming, and the freedom that comes when a woman decides to become the author of her own life.

This is a space for truth. A space for laughter.

Please Subscribe, Share, and Review.

www.blackwomenamplified.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/black-women-amplified--6590667/support.
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20min
November 08, 2025How I Wrote a Whole Book in 72 Hours (and What Happened Next)
In this special episode of the Black Women Amplified Podcast, I’m taking you behind the scenes of how I wrote and self-published my book Have We Lost the Plot? in less than a week. Yes, you read that right. Seventy-two hours, one laptop, and a whole lot of truth. This is not a story about going viral. It’s about completion.

It’s about trusting your voice, honoring your story, and finally saying what needs to be said without waiting for permission. I’m sharing the real deal. Why I decided to stop overthinking and just start. What happened when I let go of “perfect”? How the book evolved from a business idea to a cultural commentary on AI, identity, and staying human in a digital world. And why authorship still matters, especially for Black women with something to say.

So if you’ve ever said, “One day I’ll write a book,” this episode is for you. If you’ve got a story, a solution, or a lived experience that could help someone else, this is your invitation to get it on the page. Whether you want to write a how-to, a personal reflection, or a bold thought piece like mine, it starts with one decision. Start.

🖤 Ready to read the book I’m talking about?

Grab your copy of Have We Lost the Plot? right here:
👉🏽 www.blackwomenamplified.com/book

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Why I finally decided to write the book after years of putting it off
How the topic shifted from storytelling to social commentary
The myth of the “perfect” writing process and what actually worked
Behind the curtain of best-seller campaigns and the publishing industry
Why authorship adds power to your voice and legacy
The difference between content and contribution
What it really means to finish something

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/black-women-amplified--6590667/support.
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25min
October 21, 2025Jayne Allen on The Best Man, Black Women in Fiction, and Building Her Literary Universe
In this episode of Black Women Amplified, we sit down with Jayne Allen, the bestselling author of the acclaimed Black Girls Must trilogy, a series that has captured the hearts of readers around the world. Jayne shares her journey from Harvard-trained attorney to bestselling novelist, turning her brilliance, purpose, and creativity into a powerful storytelling career.

You will hear about her collaboration with Malcolm D. Lee, the visionary filmmaker behind The Best Man franchise, and what it was like joining forces to expand one of the most beloved stories in Black culture into a new literary experience. Jayne also opens up about what is next in the Jayne Allen Universe, from new projects to empowering the next generation of authors through her education platform, Book Genius.

This conversation is for every Black woman who is ready to own her story, claim her voice, and build a legacy rooted in creativity and courage. In this episode, you will hear:
Jayne’s journey from Harvard Law to bestselling author
The creative collaboration with Malcolm D. Lee on The Best Man book series
How she built the Black Girls Must Die Exhausted trilogy into a global phenomenon
The business and purpose behind her storytelling empire
Insights into Book Genius and how she helps aspiring authors navigate publishing
What is next in the Jayne Allen Universe
About Jayne Allen:
Jayne Allen is the bestselling author of Black Girls Must Die Exhausted, Black Girls Must Be Magic, Black Girls Must Have It All, and The Most Wonderful Time. She is also the co-author of The Best Man book series, inspired by the beloved film and television franchise created by Malcolm D. Lee.

A graduate of Duke University and Harvard Law School, Jayne is the founder of Book Genius, where she helps authors master the art and business of publishing. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Essence, Good Morning America, USA Today, and more.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your favorite shows.
Visit BlackWomenAmplified.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/black-women-amplified--6590667/support.
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53min
October 10, 2025How Stephanie Perry Built a Global Movement of Black Women Living Abroad
Stephanie Perry is a force of nature. What started as her personal leap of faith to move abroad has grown into a global movement of nearly 30,000 Black women redefining what freedom looks like. In this inspiring episode of Black Women Amplified, we dive into Stephanie’s story, from house-sitting across continents to co-founding the powerful ExodUS Summit, a worldwide community helping Black women create sustainable lives overseas.

This conversation is an invitation to dream bigger, live bolder, and take your place in the world. We explore what it means to live abroad with intention and how to build the mindset, systems, and income streams that make global freedom possible. In this episode, we discuss:
How Stephanie supported herself while house-sitting full-time across multiple countries
What it really takes to transition from a nomadic lifestyle to planting roots in Bogotá
How ExodUS Summit helps women earn money online, retire early, and sustain a life abroad
The mental, emotional, and practical preparation needed to thrive overseas
This isn’t just about moving away. It’s about expanding your vision, reclaiming your time, and living life on your own terms anywhere in the world.

🌐 Join the Movement:
Over 1,500 women have already registered for ExodUS Summit, happening virtually October 10–13.

If you’re ready to learn how to fund your freedom and design a sustainable life overseas, this is where your journey begins. 🎟 Sign up at: www.blackwomenamplified.com/freedom

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/black-women-amplified--6590667/support.
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55min
September 30, 2025Marisha Wallace: Broadway, London's West End, and the Journey to Live in London
Join us as we welcome the incomparable Marisha Wallace, Broadway and West End star, powerhouse vocalist, and trailblazer in theatre. From her debut in Aladdin to starring roles in Dreamgirls, Waitress, Hairspray, Oklahoma!, and Guys and Dolls, Marisha has built a career that defies limits.

We dive into her journey from North Carolina to London’s West End and Broadway, her return to Broadway in Cabaret, and her groundbreaking performances that have earned Olivier Award nominations. Discover the story behind her new live album, Live in London, recorded at the legendary Adelphi Theatre, and hear about her collaborations with top songwriters, performances for royalty, and on-screen appearances in Netflix’s Jingle Jangle and Disney’s Aladdin.

Marisha shares her insights on resilience, faith, and the courage it takes to pursue your dreams on the world’s biggest stages. This episode is packed with inspiration for theatre lovers, Broadway fans, and anyone chasing their creative dreams. Listen now to experience Marisha Wallace’s story, music, and artistry.

Links & Resources:
Listen to Live in London: [Available on all digital platforms]
Join the Queens Clubhouse on Patreon: queen.blackwomenamplified.com
Explore merch, blog, and newsletter: www.blackwomenamplified.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/black-women-amplified--6590667/support.
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1h 1min
August 15, 2025 Bloom: The Society on Patreon.
Welcome to Bloom: The Society.

Black Women Amplified now has a membership community on Patreon, and I would love for you to join. You will be a founding member and will have access to all the goods once you join.

Imagine your favorite after-party. The conversation flows, the music is just right, and you feel seen, heard, and amplified.

That is BLOOM. Inside BLOOM, our private Patreon community, we go beyond the podcast. You will get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, early access to episodes, VIP invites to live monthly hangouts with me, and special discounts on merch that speaks your language.

We also have The Bloom Book Club, a curated experience to inspire and connect without pressure or rules, just authentic conversation. Join us on Patreon and step into a space where your voice matters and your presence is celebrated.

See you soon,

Monica Wisdom,
Host and Producer, Black Women Amplified

www.blackwomenamplified.com/join

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/black-women-amplified--6590667/support.
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1min
August 15, 2025 Episode Rewind. Jasmine Nevels: Mogul in the Making
Episode Rewind

Jasmine Nevels is a rising mogul. From executive to entrepreneur, she has made her mark in the coffee industry.

Tune in to hear her story as she embodies what it means to bet on yourself, especially during this renaissance era for Black women.

Don’t forget to check out and purchase our journals, t-shirts, and caps at www.blackwomenamplified.com.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/black-women-amplified--6590667/support.
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1h 11min
July 11, 2025The Power of Being Around Your People
In this episode, Monica Wisdom explores the importance of finding an aligned community as part of living a soft, purposeful life. Too often, we stay connected out of history, tradition, or guilt, but not alignment. Monica invites listeners to reflect on the people around them and consider: Are these my people, or just the ones I’ve always known? Through personal stories, cultural insights, and thoughtful critique, this conversation examines how technology, social shifts, and emotional disconnection are shaping our relationships and how we can return to the sacred act of community-building with clarity, care, and gentleness. In This Episode:
Why longevity isn’t always the same as alignment
How nostalgia can keep us stuck in old identities
Why community rooted in shared direction, not shared history, matters more than ever
The impact of digital culture and the loneliness epidemic
How softness invites reconnection, realignment, and soul-rooted belonging
Mentioned in This Episode:

Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation – U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy (2023)

Softlife Reset – Audio Workshop
Reconnect with your inner voice and reclaim your truth.
[audio workshop]

The Soft Life Blueprint Journal
A guided journal to help you reflect, align, and live with purpose.
[journal]

Today’s LifeCode™ Questions:
You don't have to walk alone. Your people are your mirror, your medicine, and your momentum. Like this episode?
Please forward it to someone who’s been walking with you, or someone you’re ready to walk beside.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/black-women-amplified--6590667/support.
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27min

FAQs about Black Women Amplified Podcast:

How many episodes does Black Women Amplified Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 175 episodes available.