Mocha Message Podcast

It's the Season 2 Finale of the Mocha Message, and we had to have a convo about identity. As minorities, we are constantly navigating a world that tells us to dim our light and hide what makes us unique. Some of us straighten our hair for a job, others may remove Ebonics from our vocabulary in the classroom. How do we shut off the autopilot on disassociating ourselves from our culture? When can we step up & say our identity is no longer an obstacle? Weight in on the conversation on Instagram, and tell a friend to tune in!

Mocha Mavens, can you believe we are almost to our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of the Mocha Message? We still get people who sing our "January 9th" chant!

We wanted to take a step back and reflect, not only on the podcast so far but how we each got to where we are today as hosts of the best podcast of 2019. Check out this episode where we talk about our individual backgrounds and journeys that led us to meeting each other and starting the Mocha Message. We're getting to full circle and it's crazy!

As always, tell a friend to tell a friend about your favorite episode(s), and don't forget to check out our new website! www.mochamessage.com

Alexa, play "Video" by India.Arie!

Today's episode is all about body image. You know we're passionate about a topic when you can hear Jackie's pen tap-tapping on the table... If you listen close enough, you'll catch it!

Grab your squad and tune in as we talk about being confident in whatever hips, thighs, & waist God gave you. How is the social media culture of being "picture perfect" affecting our daughters, little sisters, and nieces/cousins? Can YOU shut out the negative opinions when you look in the mirror?

Be sure to like and subscribe - and visit our new website (www.mochamessage.com)to sign up for insider exclusives!

Okay, okay, okay. We know what y'all are probably thinking. Earlier this season didn't you all tell us to "say yes, more"?? We most certainly did! But with everything in life, there is balance. The Mocha Mavens dive into the power of saying no.

A lot of times women, especially women of color, are conditioned to say yes and take on more than they need to, personally and professionally. But we are putting our foot down and saying no. No to things that hinder work-life balance, mental health, and personal goals and aspirations. If you are having a tough time mustering up the courage to say no to people who are often times used to hearing yes...this one is for you!

Hit the subscribe button, share the episode if you appreciated it, and join us on Facebook and Instagram for continued conversation.

How do you know it's time to sever ties with someone? Your favorite cousin growing up, the childhood homies, or maybe a significant other you have been in a relationship with for quite some time. When they start taking away more than they add to you THAT is one clear sign it is time to go!

With the holidays right around the corner, Jackie and Shani felt it was important to bring you Toxic•ish. An episode all about how to recognize toxic traits and create healthy distance from your loved ones in effort to protect your spirit and peace in mind... no matter how tough it may be.

You already know what to do: Share with a friend and subscribe! Leave a review, let us know what you think.

In episode 15 Jackie and Shani chat about the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone into uncharted territory. It can be scary to embrace new opportunities; especially if you have no ability to control the outcome. Fear, doubt, and even comfort are a few things that compel us to say no, even when there's something beneficial for us on the other side.

There are only two things, we can think of, that can come from saying yes: growth or learning. Fear of the unknown can FEEL so real, but we are here to encourage you (and ourselves) to say yes more. You never know what it could lead to, it could change your life!

Of course, don't forget to leave a review, subscribe, and share the Mocha Message Podcast with a friend.. or two!

**DISCLAIMER** This episode was recorded in late September. It is NOT a response to recent events involving Botham Jean and Amber Guyger.

What's up Mocha Mavens? In this episode, Shani & Jackie get CANDID as they speak about reconciliation and the power it's played throughout their lives. Is there such a thing as an unforgivable act? Does forgiving really mean you're the weaker person?? Tune in as your hosts reflect over the times that people have wronged them and how their reactions have changed over time... You just may get introspective on this episode!

As always, don't forget to subscribe and tell a friend!

*cue Solange track*

Fresh from ATL's Curlfest, we had to celebrate our own kinks and curls - Yes, ya'll, natural hair is here to stay! Or is it?

In Episode 13, Shani and Jackie get real about their personal hair journeys and the path to accepting the hair that grows naturally from their scalp. Is natural hair just a "wave" for right now? Where is the media representation of ALL hair types? And the hot button topic - Edges: to lay or not to lay?

Don't forget to subscribe and tell all your Curlfriends about the Mocha Message! Join in on the conversation on Instagram and Facebook.

The art of self-care: Some say it's about bath bombs and face masks; for others, it can be journaling, coloring, and creating. But does it include boundaries? Saying no to other people or things that you have no interest in? Managing your time?

With hectic work schedules starting up in August, Shani and Jackie take a second to identify their signs of burn-out and how to combat it with good self-care practices. The Mocha Mavens also ponder whether self-care is synonymous with self-love.

As always - don't forget to review, share, & subscribe and engage with us on social media!

In professional settings, black people are criticized for being introverts, extroverts, just THEMSELVES as a whole. There are many times where we feel like nothing we do is "enough". Coming into work every day and running through the silent checklist of how to conduct yourself is physically and mentally exhausting. How many times has a coworker told you that you were hard to read? What about, "Are you okay?" when you're just sitting there minding your business?

In the Season 2 premier, Shani and Jackie discuss the pressure of being black in a professional world. The act of always having to be "more than" and yet "not too much" can really wreak havoc on your mental health. What are some methods that you can use to alleviate the stress of trying to constantly color within the lines?

Join the discussion on Instagram and Facebook @mochamessagepodcast & The Mocha Message Podcast! Tell a friend, to tell a friend - it's okay to be yourself no matter what environment you are in!