What does it really cost to be “her”?

We celebrate the modern woman — educated, independent, resilient, accomplished. We applaud the CEOs, the mothers, the entrepreneurs, the wives, the single women building empires on their own. But behind the degrees, the promotions, the smiles, and the strength… there is a cost.

In this deeply personal and generational conversation, LaShanda honors the women who came before us — from grandmothers born in the 1920s and 30s who endured silent suffering without protection, to mothers who sacrificed dreams to provide stability, to today’s women balancing careers, motherhood, marriage, singleness, and survival in an economy that demands everything.

And then she shares her own truth.

From iron deficiency anemia that nearly required a blood transfusion… to preparing for a hysterectomy… to returning to work exhausted because bills don’t pause for healing — this episode pulls back the curtain on what strength really looks like.

But beyond the physical and financial cost, there’s another burden we don’t talk about enough:

Why do women tear down other women who are already carrying so much?

Why the competition? The gossip? The silent comparisons? The judgment?

With faith, vulnerability, and bold truth, this episode calls women higher — to healing, to maturity, to sisterhood, and to self-love. Because the cost of being “her” is already expensive.

Let’s stop adding to the bill.

If you’ve ever:

• Shown up strong while secretly struggling

• Carried trauma no one sees

• Fought health battles in silence

• Felt judged by other women

• Or learned to love yourself later in life

This conversation is for you.

It’s time to heal.

It’s time to evolve.

It’s time to honor the weight we all carry.

The cost of being her is real — but so is the grace that holds us together.

In this inspiring episode, LaShanda M. Loughridge reflects on 44 years of life, love, and self-discovery. From growing up searching for acceptance, to marriage, motherhood, career success, and ultimately pressing reset in 2020, she shares how healing began when she stopped seeking validation from others and started choosing herself.

This episode is a powerful reminder that you don’t need permission to be who you are. Walk in your truth, embrace your uniqueness, and understand the impact your greatness can have when shared with the world. You don’t need permission to be you!

This episode challenges traditional New Year’s resolutions, calling them “reso-lies” that often lead to overcommitting and disappointment. Instead of drastic promises, the host encourages a simpler, more realistic approach: just do better—one choice at a time.

Author, LaShanda M. Loughridge, shares her story of overcoming triumph as she navigated her educational journey. Her story is inspirational and warmly heartfelt, as well as a true testimony that you can accomplish your dreams! There is a personalized and exclusive congratulatory message for graduates! This podcast is an excellent idea for a graduation gift from parents, family, friends, and/or loved ones. Having the support of a village can boost confidence and encourage students to press forward to reach their goals. Allow the podcast to be a blessing to those you feel can use the extra push, support, and encouragement!

Officially announcing LaShanda Loughridge’s new book: I Graduated! Now What? - A WORKBOOK THAT GIVES GUIDANCE TO GRADUATES WHEN PLANNING FOR THEIR FUTURE

Available for pre-orders at WWW.LASHANDALOUGHRIDGE.COM

Life can be even more beautiful when you are in a loving and thriving relationship. On this episode, you will hear the stories of strong women who married their first love, one married 3 times, one widowed, remarried, and married/divorced once. Prioritize yourself as a whole person first and take these words of wisdom. Apply what fits your needs and be the best you for you before you can be ANYTHING to someone else. Heal before you commit your life to another person. Prayer, support groups, counseling, ministry, journaling, and inspirational reading are just some suggestions to start. Let your pain be a light in your sky! Do you want to be made whole? Love y’all!

April 2018 changed my life forever when it was identified that my youngest heartbeat had autism at the age of 4. Originally, I grieved the diagnosis, but I was reminded that God is great and that I am a special educator for a reason. Immediately, I used my tools of knowledge to try intervention. It is trial and error, but Jaxon is so amazing to us. We will do anything to protect him, keep him safe, keep him happy, and love him SO MUCH! Some battles are won, and some are lost. Happy Autism Awareness Month to all of my dear hearts on this journey with us! I have cousins, my sunday school classmate, coworkers, and friends who have children with autism. Autism is more common and prevalent today than ever before. Schools are not always equipped to provide all necessary accommodations to meet their needs, due to staff shortages, overcrowding, inconsistent staff, constant demands, and change. They are always made to adapt to what is uncomfortable and rarely have opportunities of environments adapting to them. Jaxon is my mission, and I gladly accept to defend his honor!

Spiritual wellness is a part of wholesomeness. Just as we addressed mental and physical in the first two episodes, we are now talking about our spiritual well being. It all works together. Maintaining spiritual wellness can include journaling, meditation, prayer, speaking affirmations, group therapy, having an accountability partner, or reading (just to name a few things). Your wellness is your responsibility! God wants us to be whole and live abundant lives! Tune in to gain insight on how we can be more intentional about making church a safe space to address our mental health.

Physical wellness is a vital part of your wholesomeness. The body will tell you when something is not right. Preventative measures, such as wellness exams and physicals are covered by insurance at 100%. Dental checkups and eye exams are also important. You can find out a lot about the way you feel by listening to what your body tells you. I am super excited to have joining me and one who was a critical part of my healing and wholeness, my brother cousins - Dr. Loverous Whittaker and Dr. JP Whittaker, as well as a recent divine connection with Felicia Smith, who is a licensed professional counselor! In being made whole, we have to address all aspects of our lives - mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional! Mind, body, and spirit!

It is my hope and goal in going forth with podcasting to bring awareness to dark subjects that we as a community don’t like to discuss.  The stigma of the negativity associated with mental health and professional counseling has got to go!  It all works hand in hand - your physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health. Nobody wants to discuss mental health until something tragic happens.  By then it’s too late.  Access your resources.  Be a safe space and don’t sit in judgement of those in need. Do you want to be made whole?

Life is hard and can make or break you! In dealing with the pressures of life, have you found yourself unable to get past what happened? Are you tired of the way you feel? Does your situation seem hopeless? This is a podcast that encourages you to heal, dare to dream, and be the best you for you! Life is meant to be lived! Tune in and let your pain be a light in your sky!

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