Could rediscovering your style be the key to regaining self-confidence after motherhood? Join us on Melanin Combos as we explore this question with Bree, a talented image consultant and style coach. Bree shares her personal journey of embracing postpartum changes and the importance of a supportive community—a concept that challenges the Western idea of isolated parenting. We both open up about our own experiences, from tackling the mental load of motherhood to healing childhood wounds, all wh...

What does it take to turn a steady nine-to-five into a flourishing creative career? Meet Titi Lope, the former Poet Laureate of Edmonton, who shares her remarkable journey from the corporate world to becoming a celebrated poet. We begin on a light note, exchanging humorous parenting tales that remind us of the unpredictable joys and challenges of raising children. Titi opens up about her prestigious role, detailing the art of storytelling for a city and the profound responsibilities that come...

What happens when a love story unfolds on Twitter and blossoms into a thriving marriage and parenthood journey? Join us on this special Melanin Combos episode as we invite Nigel, my husband, to share our unique journey from our serendipitous meeting in 2015 to navigating the complexities of marriage and Black fatherhood. Ever wondered how to balance returning to school right after a wedding? Nigel offers his firsthand insights into our first year of marriage, filled with challenges, milestone...

Navigating pregnancy during the height of COVID-19 was an extraordinary experience, filled with challenges and unexpected turns. In this episode of Melanin Convos, I sit down with my midwife, Nicole Waite, to recount my personal birth story and the exceptional support she provided throughout my pregnancy. Together, we explore the differences between midwifery care and traditional OBGYN care, emphasizing the holistic and emotional support that midwives offer, which proved invaluable during suc...

Can you imagine how much of your daily behaviour stems from patterns inherited from your family? Join us for an enlightening discussion on breaking these generational cycles with our esteemed panel, including Pastor Racquel, Dr. Andrew, Nigel, and Senait. We kick off with relatable insights as our guests share personal stories about their breakfast routines and how generational influences shape their lives. You'll learn to identify these inherited patterns and understand how they affect your ...

Have you ever felt alone as you paddled against the current of traditional parenting norms? On Melanin Convos, I, Nikita, invite you to discover how Christian values beautifully intertwine with the gentle parenting approach, moving away from punitive measures to a more nurturing strategy. Our latest episode delves into the profound impact of scriptures from Psalms and Galatians on raising children with grace and strength. I discuss the often misunderstood necessity of self-control and compass...

When I uprooted my life and moved to a kaleidoscope of a new city, the task of knitting a new social fabric seemed daunting. Yet, what unfolded was a journey of exploring the vibrant hues of diverse friendships, and in this episode, I'm sharing every shade of that experience with you. From the tentative 'shooting your shot' with potential friends to the intricate dance of networking in a fresh environment, I bring you along on my personal quest for community. I shed light on why embracing a v...

Have you ever felt a wave of anger so intense during motherhood that it took you by surprise? You're not alone, and you're not at fault. Motherhood is a profound journey that reshapes every aspect of your life, including your emotions. This week on Melanin Convos, I peel back the layers on 'mom rage' and share my own candid experiences with the beast. From sleepless nights to the seemingly endless dance of soothing an infant, parenthood tests us in unimaginable ways. I bring light to resource...

Have you ever caught yourself eyeing someone else's success with a tinge of envy, wondering when your own big break would come? We've all been there, and in our latest heartfelt episode, we delve into the nitty-gritty of patience, the toxic habit of comparison, and how these issues can skew our path to personal fulfillment. I open up about the trials of learning to wait gracefully, sharing stories that reveal the underlying factors fueling our impatience and our inclination to measure our wor...

Have you ever caught yourself sounding just like your parents during a heated moment with your child? You're not alone. On today's episode of Melanin Convos, I take you on a deeply personal journey, confronting the generational patterns that shape our parenting styles. Together with our host Nikita Bucknor, we dissect the challenges of breaking free from the reluctance to apologize to our children, the tendency to escalate confrontational situations, and the culture of undervaluing rest. It's...