Spring is here—and so is the pressure to do more, fix more, glow up, and hustle your way into a “better” version of yourself. But what if this season didn’t require you to bloom on command?

In this solo episode of Joyfully Black, Joy shares a soul-centered invitation to reset without rushing. This episode is especially for women who are always holding it down—at work, at home, in the community—women who do the most.

You’ll hear reflections on:

• Why spring can trigger burnout, not just motivation
• What a “soft reset” actually looks like (and why it matters)
• Gentle questions to help you align with your pace—not the pressure
• A loving reminder that you don’t have to do it all… even if you can

Listen now and share this with a friend who’s ready for a gentler spring.

—

Joyfully Black is the podcast that helps high-capacity Black women and women of color stay in the Black—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—without burning out. Learn more at www.joyfullyblk.com or follow us on Instagram @joyfullyblk.

Success shouldn’t come at the cost of your well-being. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor the resilience of the women who came before us—but let’s be honest, many of them pushed through exhaustion and burnout just to survive.

In this episode of Joyfully Black, I’m sharing how we can flourish without burnout by embracing a healthier, more sustainable path to success. We’re diving into the Flourish Framework, a powerful guide to setting boundaries, reclaiming joy, and thriving without overextending yourself.

If you’ve ever felt drained from doing all the things—this episode is for you!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to break free from the success-burnout loop
• Why we need to unlearn the “Strong Black Woman” mindset
• A step-by-step breakdown of the Flourish Framework
• Practical ways to balance ambition, rest, and self-care

• Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram → @joyfullyblk
• Get on the list! Sign up for self-care tips + updates → www.joyfullyblk.com

• Loved this episode? Share it with a friend who needs to hear it!
• Drop a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—your support means the world!
• Tag me in your IG stories with your biggest takeaway → @joyfullyblk

Job searching in today’s economy? Whew. Between mass layoffs, hiring freezes, and the silent treatment (aka ghosting) from recruiters, it’s easy to feel discouraged, anxious, or even burnt out. If you’ve been struggling with rejection, uncertainty, or just the emotional toll of looking for work, this episode is for you.

In today’s conversation, we’re getting real about the mental health challenges of job hunting and how to protect your peace during the process. I’ll share practical ways to stay grounded, keep your confidence up, and take care of your mind, body, and spirit while navigating the job market.

• How to handle job rejections (without spiraling)
• Why being "ghosted" by recruiters is not a reflection of you
• Practical mental wellness strategies to keep your confidence up
• How to set boundaries around job hunting burnout
• And most importantly—why your career does not define your worth!

• Follow Me on Instagram: @joyfullyblk
• More Episodes on Self-Care & Burnout Recovery: [Podcast link]
• Tell Me Your Thoughts! DM me on Instagram & let me know how you’re managing job hunting stress.

• Share it! Send this episode to a friend who needs encouragement during their job search.
• Leave a Review! Your reviews help Joyfully Black grow & reach more people.
• Tag me on IG! Take a screenshot while listening & tag @joyfullyblk so I can shout you out!

What happens when you go from the bright lights of Broadway to a journey of deep self-care and personal transformation? In this episode of Joyfully Black, host Joy Dixon Paul sits down with Dan’yelle Williamson Brown, a Tony Award-winning actress turned wellness advocate, to discuss her journey from center stage to centering herself.

Dan’yelle shares how her career in musical theater, from playing Nala in The Lion King to starring in Memphis, shaped her passion for storytelling—but also the importance of prioritizing mental wellness and self-care. She opens up about her pivotal experience in Australia during the pandemic, how yoga became her healing practice, and why she’s dedicated to helping others find balance through her business, ZenFlow Fitness.

If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, finding time for self-care, or making a major career pivot, this conversation is for you. Plus, Joy shares an exciting update about Flourish & Feel Good: A Self-Care Gathering for Women Who Do the Most, happening on Saturday, March 8th!

✔️ How Dan’yelle transitioned from a demanding Broadway career to the wellness space

✔️ The impact of the pandemic and isolation on mental health & self-care practices

✔️ Why saying "no" is a form of self-care and empowerment

✔️ How yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can support high-stress professionals

✔️ The importance of having a self-care toolkit for major life transitions

• Flourish & Feel Good: A Self-Care Gathering for Women Who Do the Most – RSVP here: bit.ly/FlourishFeelGood
• The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
• Unfuk Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life* by Gary John Bishop
• ZenFlow Fitness – Learn more at www.zenflowfitness.com

• Instagram: @dubsLove (Artist Page) | @flowswithdubs (Yoga Page) | @zenflowfitnessllc (Business)
• Website: ZenFlowFitness.com

• Follow us on Instagram: @joyfullyblk
• Subscribe & Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share to help others discover the Joyfully Black community!

In this episode of Joyfully Black, host Joy Dixon Paul sits down with Patricia Patton, the visionary behind Cannaboomer and a passionate advocate for wellness, cannabis education, and intergenerational dialogue. Patricia shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, how she navigates societal shifts, and the lessons she’s learned about trusting herself, embracing reinvention, and challenging stigma—especially when it comes to cannabis.

Together, they explore:

✅ The evolving landscape of cannabis education and why it matters for older adults

✅ How Patricia built a business that aligns with her values and interests

✅ Intergenerational wisdom & why our parents NEED to hear this

✅ Why reinvention is a form of self-care

✅The importance of self-trust & creating the life you actually want

✅ The critical role of representation, advocacy, and policy in the cannabis industry

This conversation is packed with wisdom, empowerment, and practical insights on self-care, wellness, and the power of owning your journey. Whether you're multi-passionate, exploring new career paths, or simply curious about cannabis and wellness, this episode is for you!

Patricia Patton is a wellness advocate, entrepreneur, and the founder of Cannaboomer, a platform dedicated to helping older adults navigate the cannabis industry. She is also the founder of the Cannabis Business Alliance (CBA), which supports historically under-resourced entrepreneurs in non-plant-touching cannabis ventures. Patricia sits on multiple advisory boards, including the U.S. Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation and MJH Life Sciences, and is currently training to become a certified Pilates instructor while also working toward becoming a master gardener.

In addition, she is the host of the podcast "Me & Mary Jane," where she speaks with industry leaders about cannabis, culture, and policy.

🌍 Website: www.patriciaapatton.com

📸 Instagram: @Cannaboomer | @DreamYourselfAwake

🌱 Cannabis Business Alliance: www.cannabisbusinessalliance.com

🎙 Podcast: Me & Mary Jane

• Morehouse University Thatcher Health Leadership Institute
• U.S. Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation
• The Parabola Center for Law and Policy
• Recommended Reading: On Being by Krista Tippett, works by Howard Thurman

If you loved this conversation, let's keep it going!

✨ Follow us on Instagram: @JoyfullyBlk

✨ Visit our website: www.joyfullyblk.com

✨ Leave a 5-star review: If this episode resonated with you, rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps us reach more listeners!

🎧 Subscribe for more empowering conversations on self-care, mental wellness, and thriving as Black women and women of color.

Until next time—let’s stay in the black, y’all!

In this episode, we get a life update from Joy since her hiatus. Plus, we have a conversation with Dr. Kourtney Bell on the myth of earning self-care, non-traditional forms of self-care, and balancing professional image with personal pursuits as a Psychotherapist and lifestyle blogger. Today she also shares what to do when the inner dialogue gets negative, choosing to be authentic, and her foray into sports statistics as a way to recharge.

We're about to get real cozy in this episode of Joyfully Black. Ever wonder why some of us toss and turn at night more than others? Dr. Dayna Johnson is dropping truths on why sleep isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity, especially in black and brown communities. We're talking night owls, early birds, and everyone in between getting shafted on shuteye and how it's messing with our health big time. Plus,  we'll share tips on beating those sleep-stealing villains like insomnia and sleep apnea, with tricks to turn your bedroom into a dreamland. So plug in, unwind, and let's get to the bottom of catching those Z's for a change. 

Resources

• The Quest for Sleep documentary
• The Nap Ministry
• Sleep clinics in your area

Stay In Touch With Joyfully Black

Have a-ha moments from today's episode? Let us know! DM us on Instagram @joyfullyblk or text at 850 -404-2712

Want to support our show?

• Go ahead and click "subscribe" on Spotify and Audible(bonus shimmy for anyone who leaves a five-star review)

In today's episode, our guest has always had a way with words, which was an asset in her over 20-year corporate marketing career at Fortune 100 companies. She is now living her brand story and helping professionals, entrepreneurs, and businesses write theirs. Her own brand story has a plot twist - she’s also a mixologist, completing bartending school in 2019. If you're contemplating the next step, this is the episode for you.

What To Listen For:

• How to pick the one or two things you want to do
• How to effectively plan your pivot 
• How to pivot planning can soften the whiplash of transition
• What’s in Lynn’s self-care tool-box?
• Books, resources, and podcasts of people who have overcome challenging scenarios

Resources

• Finding Me by Viola Davis
• We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers
• Believing Bigger by Marshawn Evans Daniels
• The Year of Yes, Shonda Rhymes

Connect with Lynn

• Website
• LinkedIn
• IG: @thelynnestokes

Stay In Touch With Joyfully Black

Have a-ha moments from today's episode? Let us know! DM us on Instagram @joyfullyblk or text at 850 -404-2712

Want to support our show?

• Go ahead and click "subscribe" on Spotify and Audible(bonus shimmy for anyone who leaves a five-star review)

In this very special episode, we are joined by Jasmine Golden, a Reiki healer and sound bath practitioner, who's here to enlighten us on the transformative powers of these ancient practices. We'll explore the mysterious and beautiful world of energy healing and sound therapy, uncovering how they can help us find balance, peace, and a deeper connection to ourselves. 

Whether you're familiar with Reiki and sound baths or hearing about them for the first time, today's episode promises to be a journey of discovery, protecting your energy, and healing.

What to Listen For:

• What chakras are and which colors enhance them
• How to get yourself energetically back into alignment
• How she transitioned from being an empath to practicing empathy
• Finding the type of meditation that works for you
• How to safely release challenging energy
• Navigating the opinions of loved ones on her spiritual journey
• How to create spaces for protecting your energy

Connect with Jasmine Golden:

Facebook

Instagram

Stay In Touch With Joyfully Black

Have a-ha moments from today's episode? Let us know! DM us on Instagram @joyfullyblk or text at 850 -404-2712

Want to support our show?

• Go ahead and click "subscribe" on Spotify and Audible(bonus shimmy for anyone who leaves a five-star review)

This week, Desiree Cocroft joins us! As a coach who's passionate about transforming leaders, Desiree dives deep into how we can step away from the relentless hustle and overwhelm to embrace what truly matters in both our personal and professional lives.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to increase their impact, performance, income, and joy, all while being authentically human. Tune in to discover how you can give yourself permission to be and have what you truly desire.

What to Listen For:

• The strategy of consulting your older, wiser self
• Surprising pitfalls and challenges among women leaders
• Strategies to overcome overthinking and analysis paralysis
• Success stories of leaders who have transformed their leadership approach and outcomes through incorporating self-care practices
• How dance and creativity play a role in self-care practices
• How StrengthFinders strengths help Desiree in her mental wellness and self-care journey

Resources Mentioned:

• Get Your Life Today by Desiree Cocroft 
• TEDx Talk: Dancing Your Way to Better Leadership
• The Body Keeps Score by Bessel van der Kolk
• Get Your Life Today by Desiree 
• 4 Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris
• Essentialism by Greg McKeown
• The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
• Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
• Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine

Connect with Desiree Cocroft:

Website

LinkedIn: @desireecocroftmba

Youtube: @desireecocroft

Stay In Touch With Joyfully Black

Have a-ha moments from today's episode? Let us know! DM us on Instagram @joyfullyblk or text at 850 -404-2712

Want to support our show? Go ahead and click "subscribe" on Spotify and Audible(bonus shimmy for anyone who leaves a five-star review)