IJS (I's Just Sayin) 2 Black Women with Opinions

In this episode, host Janette Robinson Flint will talk to performer Jessabelle Thunder. Jessabelle will be in conversation about how burlesque intersects with reproductive justice, body autonomy, and Black women’s joy. Learn how Black Women for Wellness is working to combat food insecurity in our communities and provide resources.

Guest Bio

Jessabelle Thunder is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning burlesque performer with nearly a decade of experience and a dance background that blends glamour with powerful neo-burlesque influences. 

Born and raised in Los Angeles, she began her burlesque journey in 2009 and quickly rose to prominence, earning recognition such as being named one of LA’s Top Performers by Time Out Magazine in 2013. 

She has headlined festivals worldwide, competed at the Burlesque Hall of Fame and New Orleans Burlesque Festival, and appeared in productions by Dita Von Teese, including Strip! Strip! Hooray! and Von Follies. 

In 2018, she was named 1st Runner Up (Princess of Burlesque) at the Miss Exotic World Competition and consistently ranked among the Top 50 Most Influential Figures in 21st Century Burlesque, reaching #8 in 2020. 

Known for her flirtatious, heartfelt, and commanding performances, Jessabelle Thunder continues to captivate audiences as a true force of nature.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessthndr/

Website: https://www.jessabellethunder.com/

In this episode, hosts Janette Robinson Flint and Adjoa Jones have a timely conversation about food as a tool for healing and liberation. As we step into a new year, we’ll  discuss building healthy and realistic eating habits. Learn how Black Women for Wellness is working to combat food insecurity in our communities and provide resources.

I’m Just Saying Podcast — Season 3, Episode 5: Breast Health Awareness Month

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Jan and Adjoa are joined by survivors Chelsea Carter and LaQuinta Jones to honor Breast Health Awareness Month. Together, they share their personal journeys, the importance of early detection, and how breast cancer uniquely impacts Black women.

The conversation also highlights the upcoming Bra Party hosted by Black Women for Wellness — a celebration of sisterhood, self-care, and support for women in our community. 💗

Tune in for an inspiring discussion filled with truth, love, and healing energy.

💬 Join the conversation:

Drop your thoughts, stories, or words of encouragement in the comments below.

#ImJustSayingPodcast #BreastHealthAwareness #BlackWomenForWellness #SurvivorStories #BraParty #BlackWomen #HealthAndWellness #Podcast

In this episode, we dive into the world of Environmental Justice (EJ) with two incredible mentors from Black Women for Wellness’ inaugural EJ Fellowship: Talia Dotson and Marie-Alise Recasner de Marco.

Talia and Marie-Alise guided our EJ fellows, Camille and Sophie, from September 2024 through June 2025, sharing their expertise, experiences, and deep commitment to community care. Talia has long been involved in equity and environmental education in LA, including the Kenneth Hahn Bowl revitalization, and shares a passion for food justice and sustainable land use. Marie-Alise, with her roots in South LA, a theater background, and leadership at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Farmer’s Market, brought her love for arts, community organizing, and cultural care into the fellowship experience.

In this episode, Janette Robinson Flint continues the Black in Solidarity conversation with two powerful voices from the BWW team: Lakisha Cames and Rober Akil Bell.

🖤 But first, a quick recap:

If you missed Episode 1, we kicked off the season with a live taping of the Black in Solidarity Press Conference at the Black Women for Wellness headquarters. The panel featured powerful community leaders like Nana Gyamfi, Baba Akili, Torrence Brannon-Reese, Elice Hennessee, Vanessa Aramayo, Angelica Salas, and Kevin Cosney — and sparked an urgent conversation about the rise in ICE activity, immigrant justice, and the connection to Black liberation.

That foundation brings us here. Today’s episode digs into what’s unfolded since the press conference, what’s happening now in Los Angeles, and what solidarity looks like in practice — from our own backyard to broader movements for justice.

Tap in for another unfiltered, deeply rooted conversation from Two Black Women with Opinions.

🎧 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop.

#BlackInSolidarity #IJS #TwoBlackWomenWithOpinions #ReproductiveJustice #BWWLA

In this episode, Meron Shita, Civic Engagement Manager at Black Women for Wellness, and Ruth Mayfield, a community health outreach worker and fierce advocate within the Fierce Aunties campaign as special guest contributors to the Podcast.

Together, they discuss the critical role Black women play in shaping their communities, especially during times of political unrest. Meron and Ruth dive deep into the challenges of voter mobilization, particularly around local issues that directly affect the community. They reflect on the importance of grassroots engagement, the fierce dedication of aunties in protecting the future of Black women and girls, and how this power can change the trajectory of our political landscape.

Vanessa Daniel (@vanessapriyadaniel) discusses her new book, *Unrig the Game: What Women of Color Can Teach Everyone About Winning*. She explores how philanthropy can shift from gatekeeping to solidarity, and what it means to fund liberation, not just programs.

Watch the video: youtu.be/xLihehvT7XQ

#UnrigTheGame #VanessaDaniel #PhilanthropyJustice #WomenOfColorLead #IJSThePodcast

Hosts: @his_joujoub @flintjanette

Meet @kaweloku, a Zen priest, strategist, and visionary. This conversation bridges Indigenous wisdom, political organizing, and spiritual practice. If you're feeling the weight of this moment, Norma offers clarity and calm.

In this transformative episode of IJS: 2 Black Women with Opinions, Jan and Adjoa welcome the incredible Cheyenne Pierce, a Healer at Blessed and Abundant Healing and an experienced Social Worker. Together, they dive into the powerful world of healing, discussing everything from navigating mother-daughter wounds to the healing properties of sound baths.

Cheyenne shares her unique approach to sonic healing techniques and how they can help manage menopause symptoms, offering our listeners not only spiritual guidance but also practical tools for self-care and emotional well-being. She also shares her passion for the creation of ethical wills within the Black community. This conversation is filled with wisdom, laughter, and tangible practices that can be applied to everyday life.