Life is a Motha

Black hair is diverse and versatile. Each woman has her own story or "hair journey" often marked by past experience - positive or negative. In this episode, we explore the hair journey and share tips on how to foster a healthy hair journey or experience.

Joyce Shale shares the best tips for a healthy hair journey! Leramino Cosmetics, her labor of love is a whole VIBE and a solid product out there that helps with the hair care journey. A brand that embraces personal stories, experiences and journeys in their products!

Instagram: @leramino_cosmetics

Motherhood is a special feeling and along with the joy of bringing light to a new life comes a barrage of emotions. 

One of the things that is often forgotten, by even the mother herself, is her own mental and physical wellbeing!

In this episode, Natacha reminds us of the importance of prioritizing our mental health and speaks to the role that others can play in maintaining a mother's mental health:

- Natacha Pennycooke is an award winning psychotherapist, workshop facilitator and the clinical director of Natacha Pennycooke Psychotherapy (NPP). NPP is a private group practice consistent of therapists who help high achieving professionals who struggle with fear and self-doubt from trauma, anxiety and depression, and who have been historically racialized and marginalized in their quest for success, to heal, thrive and live their very best life. Our therapy services are guided from an anti-oppressive, healing focused, trauma informed, anti-Black racism lens and social justice framework, to support the mental health needs of individuals, couples, families, and youth 16+.

- As a consultant, Natacha specializes in providing corporate, organizational and leadership wellness workshops that focus on the mental health aspects of building emotional safety and trust; while addressing the importance of creating an anti-racist environment, of inclusion and belongingness, to support the creation of equitable and sustainable workspace practices. Natacha has shared her expertise at international and national psychological conferences, and is sought after for her passionate speaking style to speak at various corporate and community events worldwide. Natacha has volunteered with a number of community organizations, is the recipient of the ByBlacks People’s Choice Award for Best Canadian Counsellor of 2020, and was again nominated for the award in 2021.

Instagram: @natachapennycooke.therapy

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart” - Helen Keller

Adrian died almost three years ago, and his mother Wendy continues to keep his memory alive. In this episode, Wendy and I explore:

- The grief journey and the healing process

- How to show up and support others' in their healing

Let us connect and talk some more @lifeisamotha

AK Okubs reinforces how being a #girldad is enough for him. He loves being a father to girls and shares his insight and perspective from a very thoughtful lens!

Instagram: @sidehustlefit

Books mentioned in this episode:

How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie

The 7 habits of highly effective people by Stephen R. Covey

Tatiana talks about her experience being a single mother to three beautiful girls. A transparent episode that will allow you to gain perspective as you walk in her shoes! She is such a vibe too :)

 Instagram: @mamaolivek

Morgan shares with Nimu her experience with miscarriage during her first pregnancy. She is so open and vulnerable and her positive outlook is such an inspiration! This episode contains a beautiful ending with a rainbow baby :)

Instagram: @morganreneemcintyre

Books mentioned in this episode:

It’s not supposed to be this way by lysa Terkheurst

Winning the war in your mind by Craig Groeschel

What are your little ones learning from their father figure(s)?

Nimu enjoyed Part I so much that she decided to do a bonus episode with other father figures in her life - same questions but a different flavor with different guests. Grab a seat and enjoy the vibes! 

Books mentioned in this episode:

The Autobiography Malcolm X

The Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela 

The Bible 

Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach

A Grain of Wheat by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o

What did you learn from the father figure(s) in your life?

In this first episode of season three of LIAM, Nimu invites her father figures to share their outlook on fatherhood - a personal touch as you get a bit of insight into how she grew up! 

Books mentioned in this episode:

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal by Ayn Rand 

Life is a Motha returns for a third season exploring a host of various topics and introducing new guests. Subscribe to LIAM and look out for new episodes every second Friday, starting June 24.

Cultural differences when raising children and the effect on child rearing!