Highly Melanated Podcast

Have you ever wondered what the big deal is about Mercury Retrograde and why everyone seems to be in a tizzy when it's on? Tune in as we unravel the complexities of this astral event and its fascinating effects on our lives - it's not all doom and gloom, promise! Learn to embrace the chaos and positively navigate through retrograde while also finding time for self-care. Oh yes, we're talking about that infamous lotion struggle - the importance of skin moisturization and those hard-to-reach places, we've all been there. 

What's a good conversation without some humorous anecdotes? We've got plenty - from our family time chronicles to a rather hair-raising encounter with pigeons, and our most recent trips to the dentist with the mystery of shifting teeth. Ever been to the West Indian Day Parade? We'll take you through our experience, filled with life lessons, fence-jumping, and the wonky walk. And of course, a timely reminder of God's love and protection, especially if you're afraid of birds like we are!

The real meat of our chat, however, lies in our exploration of human behavior and relationships. Ever thought about the difference between excuses and explanations? How they shape our perceptions and affect our connections with others? Join us as we dissect this intriguing topic with real-life examples and challenge ourselves, and you, to rephrase and reevaluate. And, we tread on the delicate topic of why people have sex - from pleasure to darker motives, we've got it all covered. Lastly, we delve into the art of apologies and their potential to either harm or heal relationships. So come, let's enlighten, entertain, and engage together in this episode packed with wisdom, laughter, and personal experiences.

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Are you ready to redefine your health and wellness journey? Join us as we delve into an enlightening conversation with the knowledgeable Dr. Tiffany M Smith, exploring everything from the distinct joys and challenges of being a black DJ to the art of becoming an empty nester. This episode is a profound reminder of our diverse experiences as black individuals and a celebration of our unique stories. We are not a monolith, and our conversation echoes this truth.

Venture with us into the world of holistic health as we discuss topics like aromatherapy, functional medicine, mental health, nutrition, and self-care. We highlight the power of lifestyle modifications and root cause treatments in managing chronic pain. Dr. Tiffany M Smith helps us understand the need for affordable, organic options and the fundamentals of nutrition that can lessen supplementation. We address depression, anxiety, and other diagnoses, and how functional medicine can reveal the real story underneath these labels.

Explore the significance of being your own health advocate, tracking your health progress, and becoming your own best health detective. We discuss the need for open communication with our healthcare providers and honesty about our symptoms. We celebrate the transition of becoming an empty nester and discuss how to make the most of this life stage. Join us for this enriching discussion on wellness, self-care, and holistic health. This episode is sure to leave you with a new perspective on your health journey.

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Ever wondered whether extraterrestrials could not only visit us, but also take over Earth? Or whether we could end up having an 'alien date night'? Our latest episode takes you on a cosmic journey as we ponder these questions and more. We dive straight into a lively discussion about our experiences as black DJs, the radiant beauty of melanin, and the crucial role of self-care in our lives.

As we navigate through our conversation, we recall a recent event with Iotify, highlighting the organization's remarkable growth over the past 20 years. We also share an amusing tale about a delayed flight that left us drained. But that's not all! We venture further into the realms of humor and hilarity as we examine Mike Tyson's comedic genius and recount how his daughter's veganism led to the creation of a memorable acronym. 

Our discussion takes a thrilling turn as we contemplate the exciting, yet daunting possibility of aliens visiting Earth. We wonder whether they'd speak English, or bring new technology that could change our lives drastically. We even consider what it would mean if we left Earth and became aliens ourselves. 

As we wrap up, we take a moment to appreciate one of our original members, Ushi, and her adorable baby boy. 

So, join us for a laughter-filled, thoughtful conversation that promises to be out of this world!

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Ever wondered how the world of hip hop music connects to the essence of being unapologetically black? That's where PJ, Blair and Red, come in. We're here to navigate you through a journey, from personal anecdotes about our week to paying tribute to the late DJ Casper, creator of the Cha Cha Slide, and even discussing the recent Twitter logo change. 

You see, this isn't just about us, it's about the Melanated community. We talk about the recent dock brawl in Alabama, exploring how conflict can bring about unity and solidarity. Then we're back to the music, looking at how hip hop music, from artists like Eric B and Public Enemy, has been a melting pot of creative expression and freedom. We take you through our earliest memories of hip-hop and its diverse influences, and even discuss how authenticity within the genre impacts an artist's respect and credibility. 

But wait, there's more. We scrutinize the importance of the black internet and its power in creating its own universe of memes and t-shirts. Plus, we reflect on the power of black joy in music and how it's a source of resilience and strength. And as we wrap up, we invite you all to join the discussion on Twitter about where hip hop begins and ends. So, are you ready for an episode filled with joy, unity, and nostalgia? Tune in and join us on this fun-filled journey.

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What if the words we use to describe our swimwear were more than just words? What if they carried implications that we might not even be aware of? This week on Highly Melanated, we ponder this very question, teasing out the nuances of swimwear terminology and exploring whether the term 'bathing suit' is appropriate for both genders. Our laughter-filled chats skirt around the edges of political correctness, and just when you think we've exhausted the topic, we dive into the nostalgic waters of childhood memories.

Joining us on our linguistic and nostalgic exploration is our special guest, Arielle, fellow podcaster and host of Black Adoption Tea.   Arielle enriches our discussions with her unique insights, contributing to our understanding of nostalgia's potent ability to evoke vivid memories. We explore the fascinating Mandela effect and its manipulative power over our memories, unearthing the role of TV shows, movies, and songs in the process. Trust us, it's a conversation you won't want to miss!

To keep the conversation going outside of the podcast, be sure to connect with us on our social media platforms. We love to hear from our listeners and it's the perfect place to stay up-to-date with the latest Highly Melanated episodes. Come join us for an episode filled with introspection, camaraderie, and yes, a whole lot of laughter. It's a melting pot of light-hearted banter and deep introspection that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next episode.

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Ever got a random WhatsApp message from a suspicious number? You're not alone, Melanated fam! We're cracking up about the perils of phone number security and sharing our bizarre experiences of finding explicit images on public transport. Trust us, you'll want to hear these tales and learn how to protect your data too. 

But there's more, fam. We're raising eyebrows at the rise of AI in our lives, particularly its impact on student learning. Imagine a world where chatbots write term papers - it's already happening and we're not sure how to feel. We're discussing the appeal and risks of having AI do the work for us. Could the reliance on AI in classrooms be a ticking time bomb for skills development?

Green flags in relationships - ever heard of them? Well, we're wrapping up the episode by exploring this intriguing concept. We're getting personal, sharing our insights on recognizing signs of a healthy relationship, the secret languages of love, and the importance of supportive communication. Don't miss out on these highlights! And remember, join us on social media for all the latest updates.

Melanated Self Care Tip 
Stop focusing so much on the red flags & ask yourself, "What are the green flags of...?"

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We breakdown some interesting red flags we have noticed in different aspects of not just our lives but life in general.  

Question of the Week:
How do you feel about prom season and the way the younger generation dresses for prom?

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In this episode we just talk about music and think of some songs that make us proud in several different aspects of our day to day lives

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In this episode we are joined with Ritha Pierre to discuss her recent documentary, "For Anxious Girls".  

We have an in depth conversation on how anxiety and depression effects professional Black women and ways that we can help as a society and a friend of someone who is suffering

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In this episode we are joined with someone's auntie Tanisha Malcom to have an in-depth conversation on Mental Health & the disparities from the personal perspective of lived experience. 

Welcome Tanisha Malcom to the Highly Melanated Family 

Managing a mental health diagnosis for almost 20 years, our guest, Tanisha Malcom, is a staunch mental health advocate, not only for herself, but for the mental health community at large. Tanisha was just featured this week in a CBS News segment sharing her mental health journey and how attending support groups at NAMI NYC in 2019 saved her life. 

Since 2020, she has been a volunteer at NAMI NYC facilitating several support groups, one specifically she holds near and dear called Black Minds Matter, which she helped create.  "Being Black and living with a diagnosis can be very lonely, so to have this supportive space for our community is vital."

Tanisha is currently employed at a mental health nonprofit organization as a Peer Specialist, providing collaborative support and case management to people transitioning from an inpatient psychiatric setting back into the community. 

She sits on the Consumer Advisory Board of New York City's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Bureau of Mental Health

"I am being the person for others that I needed throughout my life. I'm still here, and for that, I am grateful."

It's "Queens All Day" for Tanisha as this is the borough she was born and raised in. 

Tanisha's an old-school Rap/Hip-Hop nerd, obsessed with beaches, documentaries, and the University of South Carolina's Women's Basketball team.

As of late, she's been crafting a solo show highlighting the humor in life pre and post diagnosis.

--- QUOTE OF THE DAY ---

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." - Audre Lorde

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IF YOU WANT TO BE A GUEST OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO WOULD BE A GREAT CHOICE, HIT US UP!!!

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