Couch Giggles

This episode contains discussion of mental health struggles, racial injustice, police violence, and death by suicide. Listener discretion is advised. Please prioritize your emotional well-being — pause, step away, or return later if needed.

In this episode of Couch Giggles, we explore the life, activism, and tragic death of Sandra Bland — a 28-year-old Black woman who was stopped for a minor traffic violation and found dead in a Texas jail cell just three days later. We reflect on Sandra’s bold voice in the fight against racial injustice, her mental health journey, and the questions that still remain about the circumstances surrounding her death.

We honor Sandra not only as a headline, but as a whole person — a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a passionate advocate for change.

With care and compassion,

Ashley & Jasmine – The Couch Giggles Crew 💛

Resources

• HBO Documentary: Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland (Dec 3, 2018) .

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This episode of Couch Giggles explores the deeply painful and complex story of Kalief Browder, touching on sensitive topics including:

• Incarceration
• Systemic injustice
• Solitary confinement
• Trauma
• Suicide

We approach this conversation with care, empathy, and respect for Kalief’s life and legacy. However, we recognize that this content may be emotionally intense or triggering for some listeners.

💛 Please take care of yourself. If you need to pause, skip, or return later, that’s okay. Your well-being comes first.

This episode is intended for educational and reflective purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or psychological advice.

With compassion,

Ashley & Jasmine – The Couch Giggles Crew 🛋️✨

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Call or text 988 or visit: https://988lifeline.org
• Solitary Confinement Facts – American Friends Service Committee
• https://afsc.org/solitary-confinement-facts
• Mental Health America – Find Help
• https://mhanational.org

American Friends Service Committee. (n.d.). Solitary confinement facts. Retrieved July 1, 2025, from https://afsc.org/solitary-confinement-facts

Biological Psychiatry. (2024). From social isolation to social justice: The neuroscience of solitary confinement. Biological Psychiatry, 95, e13–e15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.00060-X

Carter, S. [Jay‑Z], & Sandow, N. (Executive Producers). (2017). Time: The Kalief Browder story [TV series]. Netflix. https://www.netflix.com/title/80187052

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Disclaimer

Before we dive into today’s episode, we want to acknowledge that this podcast discusses sensitive and potentially distressing topics, including homicide, assault, and aspects of the legal system. These conversations are intended solely for educational and entertainment purposes.

We are not attorneys or legal experts, and nothing discussed should be interpreted as legal advice.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, please know that help is available. We've listed support resources in the show notes, including 24/7 crisis services.

Please take care of yourselves as you listen. Feel free to pause or skip this episode if it’s not the right time for you.

🆘 Resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 or visit: https://988helpline.org/

If you or someone you care about is in a suicidal, mental health, or substance use crisis, you can talk with a caring, trained counselor. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7.

(Note: The previous number, 1-800-273-8255, still works and routes to the 988 Lifeline.)

• Homicide Disparity:
• Black women are murdered at six times the rate of white women.
• 2020 Homicide Rates:
• Black women: 11.6 per 100,000
• White women: 3.0 per 100,000
• (Source: Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health)
• 
  
• Intimate Partner & Sexual Violence:
• Black women face higher rates of rape, domestic violence, and homicide linked to intimate partners.
• (Source: CDC – National Vital Statistics System)
• 
  
• Missing Persons Disparity:
• In 2022, Black women and girls made up 36% of all missing person reports.
• They represent only 14% of the U.S. female population.
• (Source: National Crime Information Center)

https://thencbeat.com/tag/shanquella-robinson/

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We are back in FULL effect!

It’s your favorite duo, Jasmine and Ashley, are diving into all things true crime, real life, and mental health, with our usual side of laughter, snacks, and probably some wildly off-topic stories.

But before we dive into today’s episode, we’ve got to keep it real for a moment:

Before we dive into today’s episode, we want to acknowledge that this podcast discusses sensitive and potentially distressing topics, including suicide, mental health struggles, and aspects of the legal system. These conversations are intended solely for educational and entertainment purposes.

We are not attorneys or legal experts, and nothing discussed should be interpreted as legal advice.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, please know that help is available. We've listed support resources in the show notes, including 24/7 crisis services.

Please take care of yourselves as you listen. Feel free to pause or skip this episode if it’s not the right time for you.

🆘 Resources

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Call or text 988 or visit: https://988helpline.org/
• If you or someone you care about is in a suicidal, mental health, or substance use crisis, you can talk with a caring, trained counselor. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7.
• (Note: The previous number, 1-800-273-8255, still works and routes to the 988 Lifeline.)
• 
  

🎥 Episode Focus: I Love You, Now Die

Today, we’re spotlighting "I Love You, Now Die", a two-part HBO documentary directed by Erin Lee Carr. This compelling true-crime documentary explores the controversial case of Michelle Carter and the death of her boyfriend, Conrad Roy III.

The case gained national attention in 2014 when Conrad died by suicide. It was later revealed that Michelle, his long-distance girlfriend, had encouraged him via text messages to go through with the act. The resulting trial captivated the public and raised challenging questions about the limits of free speech, mental health, digital communication, and legal accountability.

📚 Additional Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode

• Documentary: I Love You, Now Die (HBO)
• Houston Law Review Article:
• Blurred Lines: How the Court in Commonwealth v. Carter Blurred the Line Between Freedom of Speech and Criminal Liability
• Read here

• Massachusetts Law Definitions:
• Voluntary vs. Involuntary Manslaughter Jury Instructions
• View here

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Jasmine and Ashley on the couch this week as they dive into the "nasty middle," the art of sitting with discomfort, and the real question—can Jasmine actually double dutch? Tune in to find out!

The topics discussed in this episode are for entertainment and informational purposes only. They should not be used as a diagnostic tool or a substitute for professional therapy. The content is based on personal experiences and general discussions. If you need mental health support, please seek guidance from a licensed professional.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Jasmine and Ashley on the couch this week as they discuss the various aspects of going no-contact.

The topics discussed in this episode are for entertainment and informational purposes only. They should not be used as a diagnostic tool or a substitute for professional therapy. The content is based on personal experiences and general discussions. If you need mental health support, please seek guidance from a licensed professional.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Jasmine and Ashley as they navigate burnout, and sadness and tackle a whirlwind of rapid-fire questions.

The topics discussed in this episode are for entertainment and informational purposes only. They should not be used as a diagnostic tool or a substitute for professional therapy. The content is based on personal experiences and general discussions. If you need mental health support, please seek guidance from a licensed professional.

Article on Burnout Prevention & Recovery:

HelpGuide - Burnout Prevention & Recovery

Information on Major Depressive Disorder:

(This is a resource only; please consult a licensed professional for guidance.)

Mayo Clinic - Depression Overview

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.