Rebel Love: Guest Panel Edition E6 P2

In the final episode of No Filter Femme Season 1, Melia and Kelli continue the powerful discussion with their inspiring guest panelists, Lavi and Pam. This heartfelt conversation delves into evolving intimacy, the dynamics of relationships, and the importance of rediscovering oneself as a Black woman over 40. Through honest dialogue, the group explores how societal norms, personal growth, and intentional communication shape the love we give and receive. Join us as we celebrate resilience, empowerment, and the journey toward living life unapologetically.

Show Notes:

00:00:00 - 00:05:00

• Pam begins the discussion by sharing insights on how her long-term marriage has evolved into a partnership defined by patience, kindness, and understanding.

00:05:01 - 00:10:00

• Lavi shares personal reflections on rediscovering herself after major life transitions and how this has impacted her relationships.

00:10:01 - 00:15:00

• The panel discusses how societal expectations often lead Black women to prioritize others' needs, neglecting their own self-discovery and fulfillment.
• Melia emphasizes the value of intentionally creating space for new experiences and self-care in the face of evolving life demands.

00:15:01 - 00:20:00

• The conversation shifts to the dynamics of intimacy in long-term relationships, with Kelli reflecting on how shared moments and connection have deepened her connection with her partner.
• Lavi adds her perspective on balancing individuality and partnership, stressing the importance of maintaining personal identity.

00:20:01 - 00:25:00

• Melia opens up about the challenges of maintaining intimacy while managing the "sandwich years" of parenting young children and supporting aging parents.
• The group explores how open communication about needs and expectations can strengthen relationships during life’s busiest seasons.

00:25:01 - 00:30:00

• Melia and Lavi speak candidly about the importance of reclaiming self-worth and finding joy in individuality after periods of personal loss or stress.
• Kelli discusses the role of forgiveness and the ability to move past conflicts to foster stronger, more fulfilling partnerships.

00:30:01 - 00:35:46

• The panel reflects on how conversations like these help Black women redefine their lives and relationships, modeling authenticity for future generations.
• Melia and Kelli close the season with gratitude, encouraging listeners to embrace vulnerability, self-love, and fearless expression.

Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey through Season 1 of No Filter Femme! This season has been a celebration of love, growth, and resilience, with each episode offering a space for Black women over 40 to connect, reflect, and redefine what it means to thrive. Your support and engagement have made these conversations meaningful, and we can’t wait to bring you even more in Season 2. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your community. Follow us on social media @NoFilterFEM for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Until next season, keep loving boldly, living unapologetically, and embracing your truest self. See you soon!

Welcome to Episode 6, Part 1 of No Filter Femme! In this special season finale, we’re diving deep into the themes of love, intimacy, and self-discovery with our incredible guest panelists, Lavi and Pam. Together, we explore what it means to communicate needs, break generational cycles, and embrace vulnerability in relationships after 40. Get ready for raw, unfiltered stories that empower and inspire, all with the signature warmth and honesty you’ve come to love from No Filter Femme.

0:00 - 5:00

• Melia and Kelli kick off the episode with a toast, celebrating love, growth, and the end of Season 1 of No Filter Femme.
• They introduce tonight's theme of exploring love and intimacy after 40, with a focus on empowering Black women through honest, unfiltered conversations.

5:01 - 10:00

• Lavi shares her perspective on communicating needs in relationships, emphasizing clarity and directness in both new and long-term partnerships.
• Kelli discusses societal pressures that often silence Black women and the importance of teaching children to respectfully voice their opinions.

10:01 - 15:00

• Lavi reflects on how being a middle child shaped her need to assert herself and find her voice, even from a young age.
• Melia adds that cultural norms often suppress Black girls’ confidence, leading to challenges in adulthood around self-expression and self-worth.

15:01 - 20:00

• Pam opens up about learning to embrace her voice and shares her personal growth journey after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
• The panel discusses the power of affirmations and making "I am" statements as a tool for self-love and empowerment.

20:01 - 25:00

• Lavi and Melia discuss the lasting impact of childhood experiences, such as being silenced by authority figures, and how they influence adult relationships.
• Kelli highlights the importance of breaking generational cycles and creating space for children to develop their voices.

25:01 - 30:00

• Pam shares how she uses affirmations to reclaim her self-worth, noting how this practice has helped her in both family and romantic relationships.
• Kelli discusses the importance of separating from enmeshment with parents to develop a strong sense of self and healthy adult relationships.

30:01 - 35:00

• The group explores the challenges of intimacy during the "sandwich years," balancing parenting, supporting aging parents, and maintaining romantic relationships.

35:01 - 40:00

• Pam reflects on the evolution of her 36-year marriage, emphasizing patience, kindness, and the importance of mutual understanding.
• Lavi shares her perspective on the importance of prioritizing personal needs within relationships to create balance and fulfillment.

40:01 - 46:36

• The panel closes with reflections on the power of vulnerability and communication in redefining intimacy and love over 40.

Thank you for joining us for this unforgettable episode of No Filter Femme! We hope the stories and insights shared by Lavi, Pam, and the team have sparked conversations and inspired you to embrace your voice unapologetically. If you loved this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share your thoughts with us—your feedback means the world! Follow us on social media for updates, and don’t miss Part 2 as we continue this powerful discussion. Until next time, stay bold, stay unfiltered, and keep loving fearlessly!

Welcome back to No Filter Femme, the podcast where we have real, unfiltered conversations by Black women, for Black women. In Part 2 of this special No Filter Flash Questions Edition, co-hosts Kelli and Melia continue exploring what it means to redefine love over 40. They tackle listener-submitted questions about intimacy, vulnerability, and letting go of societal expectations, offering relatable stories and actionable insights.

Show Notes:

[00:00:00 - 00:03:30] Opening and Introduction Kelli welcomes listeners back to Part 2, expressing gratitude for the community’s participation and thoughtful questions. Melia highlights the focus of this episode: diving deeper into redefining intimacy, love, and connection.

[00:03:31 - 00:05:00] Redefining the "Soft Girl Era" Kelli shares her personal take on the “Soft Girl Era,” encouraging women to define rest and ease on their own terms. Melia discusses how embracing help and gratitude reshapes traditional views of strength for Black women.

[00:05:01 - 00:10:00] Navigating Intimacy During the Sandwich Years The hosts explore the complexities of maintaining intimacy while balancing caregiving for both children and aging parents. Melia opens up about her challenges and how communication is key to sustaining emotional connection.

[00:10:01 - 00:15:30] Vulnerability and Emotional Storage Space Kelli reflects on clearing emotional “storage space” through journaling and self-reflection, creating room for honest conversations. Kelli adds that vulnerability is foundational for deep intimacy and prevents resentment in relationships.

[00:15:31 - 00:25:00] Gratitude and Letting Go of Struggle The hosts discuss rejecting the societal narrative that Black women must thrive through constant struggle. Melia emphasizes finding joy in moments of ease and embracing help to reduce life’s burdens.

[00:25:01 - 00:30:00] Listener Q&A on Intimacy Kelli and Melia answer a listener question about maintaining intimacy during the “sandwich years,” offering practical advice and relatable anecdotes. They highlight the importance of mutual understanding and compromise in relationships.

[00:31:01 - 00:32:10] Closing Reflections Kelli shares a transformative moment of clarity and gratitude from her personal self-reflection journey. The episode wraps up with encouragement to embrace the ongoing process of redefining love and connection at any age.

Thank you for joining us for Part 2 of No Filter Flash Questions Edition. We hope this candid conversation inspires you to redefine love and intimacy with honesty, gratitude, and courage.

If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave us a rating or review. Your support helps us continue these important conversations. Don’t forget to follow us on social media @nofilterfemme for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more ways to connect with our growing community.

Until next time, keep loving boldly and believing in your worth—because love can be redefined at any age. No filter, just real talk. Goodbye!

Welcome back to No Filter Femme, where we have real, unfiltered conversations about the lives of Black women over 40. In this episode, co-hosts Melia Arnett Archie and Kelli Mason take a deep dive into "Rebel Love" with a No Filter Flash Question edition. Through rapid-fire questions, they reflect on the lessons they’ve learned about love, evolving priorities, navigating intimacy, and redefining self-worth. Tune in to hear personal stories, humor, and thought-provoking insights that will empower you to embrace and redefine love on your terms.

Show Notes:

[00:00:00 - 00:03:30] Introduction to Rebel Love Edition

• Melia and Kelli welcome listeners, introducing today’s topic and explaining the No Filter Flash Question format.

[00:03:31 - 00:10:00] Lessons Learned in Love

• Both hosts reflect on how childhood and societal influences shaped their early views on love.

[00:10:01 - 00:15:00] Shifting Romantic Priorities

• Kelli shares how her priorities in relationships evolved from following traditional models to defining what works best for her.

[00:15:01 - 00:22:30] Navigating the Influence of Expectations

• Melia and Kelli explore how breaking free from external definitions has helped them find peace and fulfillment.

[00:22:31 - 00:30:00] Valuing Reciprocation in Friendships

• Kelli reflects on releasing friendships that no longer serve a mutual purpose, discussing the importance of reciprocal energy.

[00:30:01 - 00:36:30] Clearing Space for New Relationships

• The hosts discuss the emotional work of letting go and the peace that comes from freeing up “storage space” for new connections.

[00:36:31 - 00:45:00] The “Soft Girl” Era: What Does It Really Mean?

• Melia and Kelli discuss the nuances of the “Soft Girl” era and emphasize finding rest and ease in ways that feel genuine, debunking rigid ideas around what “softness” should look like.

[00:45:01 - 00:50:00] The Sandwich Years and Intimacy

• The hosts talk about the challenges of maintaining intimacy while balancing responsibilities to both parents and children.

[00:50:01 - 00:55:10] Embracing “I Don’t Know” Moments

• Kelli encourages listeners to sit with these moments of “not knowing,” reminding them that it’s okay to be in a place of discovery.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through love, intimacy, and self-discovery on No Filter Femme. We hope today's episode has inspired you to reflect on your own relationships and priorities, reminding you that it’s okay to define love on your terms. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating, and share with friends. Follow us on social media @nofilterfemme for more updates, and stay tuned for our next episode as we continue to have real, unfiltered conversations by Black women, for Black women.

Welcome back to No Filter Femme, the podcast where we have real, unfiltered conversations by black women, for black women. This episode is Part 2 of “Rebel Love,” exploring the journey of redefining love and relationships for women over 40. Hosts Melia Arnett Archie and Kelli Mason dive deep into love, sexuality, and self-discovery, breaking down barriers and reshaping perspectives on romance at this stage of life. From navigating intimacy to overcoming societal expectations, this episode provides bold and empowering insights.

Show Notes:

[00:00:00 - 00:03:30] Introduction to Part 2

• Melia and Kelli welcome back listeners and recap Episode 4 Part 1, setting the stage for continued discussions on redefining love over 40.

[00:03:31 - 00:08:00] Exploring Sexuality Over 40

• The hosts reflect on conversations with previous guests who discussed how sex changes with age, both within and outside marriage.
• Kelli shares how open dialogue with others has helped her better understand her own needs and desires.

[00:08:01 - 00:13:00] Communication as a Path to Fulfillment

• Kelli and Melia emphasize the importance of honest communication with partners about intimacy and preferences.
• They share examples where simple adjustments in communication led to greater satisfaction in relationships.

[00:13:01 - 00:18:00] Freedom in Redefining Connections

• The hosts discuss how age brings freedom to define relationships based on personal needs rather than societal expectations.
• They explore the ability to separate physical and emotional connections, and the empowerment it brings.

[00:18:01 - 00:23:30] Hormones and Their Impact on Sexuality

• Discussion on the effects of menopause and hormonal changes on intimacy, including varying impacts on sex drive among women over 40.
• Kelli shares her personal experience with low libido and the relief in learning it’s a common issue that can be addressed.

[00:23:31 - 00:28:00] Breaking Generational Silence

• Reflection on how past generations avoided conversations about sexuality, creating a need for open dialogue now.

[00:28:01 - 00:32:00] Religion, Spirituality, and Sexuality

• Melia shares her perspective as a pastor on how religion has influenced views on sexuality, often leading to guilt or shame for women.
• They advocate for reframing religious teachings to support sexual freedom and fulfillment.

[00:32:01 - 00:34:30] No Filter Flash Q&A

• Melia and Kelli dive into a rapid-fire Q&A, answering spontaneous questions on their personal goals and experiences over 40.

[00:34:31 - 00:36:02] Closing Thoughts

• The hosts encourage listeners to embrace self-discovery, define love on their own terms, and seek out supportive communities.

Thank you for joining us for another unapologetically real episode of No Filter Femme. We hope today’s conversation has inspired you to redefine love, embrace your unique path, and connect with your desires without hesitation. If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe to our podcast, follow us on social media @nofilterfemme, and share this episode with friends. Your ratings and reviews mean the world to us, so please take a moment to leave one! We look forward to bringing you more unfiltered conversations that celebrate the beauty of being a black woman over 40.

Welcome back to No Filter Femme, the podcast where we have real, unfiltered conversations by black women, for black women. Today’s episode, titled Rebel Love, is all about redefining love, relationships, and intimacy for women over 40. In this unapologetic episode, Melia and Kelli explore how love at this stage in life often defies traditional expectations.

Show Notes:

[00:00:00 - 00:03:30] Introduction

• Melia and Kelli welcome listeners to the episode, introduce the topic: "Rebel Love," and share the purpose of redefining romance for women over 40.
• Both hosts introduce themselves, with Melia and Kelli explaining how they will explore the joys and challenges of love after 40, whether single, dating, or in relationships.

[00:03:31 - 00:10:00] How Love Changes After 40

• Discussion on how love, relationships, and expectations evolve in your 40s, 50s, and beyond.
• Kelli shares her personal experience of being ministry and career-focused in her 30s and navigating relationships before marriage.

[00:10:01 - 00:15:00] The Impact of Life Stages on Love

• Kelli and Melia discuss the importance of open conversations around sex and intimacy over 40, along with navigating new relationship dynamics.

[00:15:01 - 00:22:30] The Quest for Healthy Connections

• Melia talks about the importance of staying true to oneself and redefining what a fulfilling romantic connection means after 40, including how self-awareness plays a role.

[00:22:31 - 00:29:00] Personal Stories on Love, Expectations, and Breaking the Mold

• Kelli shares her past assumptions of what her love life would look like, including once envisioning a life as the co-pastor of a traveling ministry couple. She reflects on how much her expectations have evolved as she’s grown.
• Melia reflects on her own relationship journey, explaining how she initially had a "list" for her ideal partner but found her husband outside of those rigid boxes.

[00:29:01 - 00:34:11] Letting Go of the Checklist

• Kelli talks about how letting go of superficial "checklists" (e.g., six-pack, six-figure salary) allowed her to experience a deeper connection with her husband.

Thank you for joining us on this bold and empowering journey in today's episode of No Filter Femme: Rebel Love Edition. We hope our stories and insights have encouraged you to reflect on how you define love after 40, whether you're single, dating, married, or somewhere in between. Remember, love at this stage is all about what works for you—without filters, without limits.

Be sure to subscribe and join us next time for more real, unfiltered conversations by black women, for black women. Like, follow, and share @nofilterfemme on all platforms if today’s episode resonated with you!

Welcome back to No Filter Femme, the podcast where we have real, unfiltered conversations by black women, for black women. In this episode, Melia and Kelli Mason are joined by four incredible guests (follow them on Instagram): Lavie (@mslavie), Pamela (@pamelarxhaird.o.c), Shenaye (@shenayecreativetouch), and Tomeka (@tomekajames). Together, they continue the powerful conversation on the theme, “Do Black Women Deserve Good Things?” The discussion explores the importance of setting healthy boundaries, reclaiming our narratives, and fully embracing the good things that come our way, especially as black women over 40.

Show Notes:

[00:00:00 - 00:03:30] Introduction

• Melia and Kelli welcome the audience and introduce the guests: Lavie, Pamela, Shenaye, and Tomeka.

[00:03:31 - 00:12:00] Opening Conversations on Boundaries

• The panel begins discussing how the understanding of boundaries evolves over time.
• Pamela shares her experience of learning to set boundaries in her 50s, particularly in her marriage.

[00:12:01 - 00:22:30] Breaking Free from Societal Expectations

• Lavie opens up about how being a middle child shaped her sense of self-worth and led to a lack of boundaries.
• The impact of societal and familial expectations on how black women view themselves.

[00:22:31 - 00:34:00] Sexual Liberation and Self-Discovery

• The conversation shifts to the importance of sexual satisfaction in relationships.
• Tomeka shares how detaching sex from love helped her regain control over her body and choices.

[00:34:01 - 00:47:00] Navigating Love and Relationships in Your 40s + No Filter Flash Q&A Round

• Shenaye discusses her journey through marriage and divorce, and how she rediscovered herself in her 40s.
• The panel discusses the importance of identifying what they want in relationships and not settling for less.
• No Filter Flash Q&A Round:
  • The guests participate in a fun, rapid-fire Q&A session, where they must answer spontaneous questions about their personal experiences and thoughts on love, life, and self-discovery.

[00:47:01 - 01:00:00] Healing and Reclaiming Your Narrative

• Lavie talks about how hypnosis helped her release trauma and reclaim her narrative.
• Shenaye reflects on her own healing journey and how setting boundaries has allowed her to grow.

[01:00:01 - 01:04:25] Closing Thoughts: Do Black Women Deserve Good Things?

• The panel reflects on how their experiences have shaped their understanding of what it means to deserve good things.
• Melia and Kelli wrap up with a call to action for black women to take control of their narratives, set boundaries, and embrace the good things they deserve.

Episode Closing:

Thank you for joining us for Part 2 of this powerful conversation on No Filter Femme. We hope that the stories shared today have inspired you to reflect on your own journey, your value, and the boundaries you set. Remember, as black women, we are worthy of good things—love, success, happiness—and it’s time we claim them unapologetically.

Be sure to subscribe and tune in for our next episode as we continue having real, unfiltered conversations by black women, for black women. Like, Follow, and Share if you've been impacted by our show @nofilterfemme on all platforms.

Welcome back to No Filter Femme, the podcast where we have real, unfiltered conversations by black women, for black women. In this episode, we're diving into Part 2 of our discussion on the question: Do Black Women Deserve Good Things? We continue to explore the truth that black women do deserve good things and delve deeper into the ways in which we define boundaries, contribute to our own life narratives, and embrace the good things that come our way.

Join Melia and Kelli Mason as they guide you through a heartfelt and empowering conversation that is both introspective and actionable. Discover how to take control of your narrative, set healthy boundaries, and recognize the good things you truly deserve.

Show Notes:

[00:00:00 - 00:01:30] Introduction

• Welcome back to Part 2 of Episode 2: Do Black Women Deserve Good Things?
• Recap of the first part and what listeners can expect in this continuation.
• Acknowledgment of the importance of recognizing that black women are deserving of good things in life.

[00:01:31 - 00:10:00] Defining Boundaries

• Discussion on the importance of setting and maintaining healthy boundaries.
• Personal stories from Melia and Kelli about times when they had to set boundaries in relationships, careers, and other aspects of life.
• Understanding that boundaries are a form of self-care and self-respect.

[00:10:01 - 00:22:30] Contributing to Your Own Life Narrative

• Exploration of the concept of life narratives and how we are the authors of our own stories.
• Reflection on the ways in which we may unknowingly contribute to negative narratives and how to shift towards positive, empowering stories.
• Kelli shares a powerful anecdote about rewriting her life narrative to align with her true worth and desires.

[00:22:31 - 00:30:00] Embracing the Good Things We Deserve

• How to recognize and fully embrace the good things that come our way.
• Discussion on the barriers that prevent black women from accepting good things, including societal expectations, internalized beliefs, and past trauma.
• Examples of ways to practice receiving good things, from small daily moments of joy to significant life changes.

[00:30:01 - 00:37:00] Practical Steps for Empowerment

• Strategies for actively contributing to a positive life narrative.
• Tips on how to reinforce boundaries and ensure they are respected by others.
• The role of community and support systems in helping black women thrive and receive the good things they deserve.

[00:37:01 - 00:39:00] Final Thoughts

• Melia and Kelli reflect on the key takeaways from this two-part episode.
• Reaffirmation that black women deserve good things, and encouragement to continue the journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Thank you for joining us for Part 2 of this important conversation on No Filter Femme. We hope that our discussion today has given you the tools and inspiration to set boundaries, take control of your life narrative, and embrace all the good things that you deserve. Remember, as black women, we are worthy of love, success, and happiness, and it’s time we start claiming it unapologetically.

Be sure to subscribe and tune in for our next episode where we continue to have real, unfiltered conversations by black women, for black women. Until next time, KNOW YOU ARE DESERVING OF THE BEST!

Welcome back to No Filter Femme, the podcast where we have real, unfiltered conversations by black women for black women.

Today's topic is: Do Black Women Deserve Good Things?

Key Questions:

How do you see your value and how does it shape your life choices?

In which ways are you contributing to your life narrative?

Are you ready to accept love, success, and happiness as you were created to receive it?

Discussion Points:

1. Recognizing Our Worth High-end brands like Chanel, Prada, Hermes, and Valentino never go on sale, symbolizing intrinsic value. Importance of having an internal conversation about self-worth before considering external opinions. Value is not just physical but also includes time, presence, and essence.

2. Overcoming Trauma and Reassessing Value A crumpled $100 bill still retains its value. Importance of reassessing self-worth after experiencing trauma and challenges. Understanding that life experiences don't diminish intrinsic value.

3. Making Life Choices Based on Self-Worth The impact of feeling valued on life choices, including relationships and career. Personal anecdotes from Melia and Kelli about past relationships and the realization of self-worth. The correlation between self-worth and the types of relationships one attracts and maintains.

4. Societal and Cultural Pressures The societal myth that life ends for women after 40 and its impact on self-worth. The importance of patience and recognizing intrinsic value over rushing through life.

5. Relationship Dynamics and Self-Worth Melia and Kelli discuss the impact of past traumas and absent fathers on their self-worth and relationship choices. The role of patience and distance in building a healthy relationship.

The dangers of trying to manipulate or fast-track relationships based on insecurities.

The necessity of internal work and reassessment of worth to foster healthier relationships and life choices. Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @nofilterfemme

Thank you for tuning into No Filter Femme. We hope today's discussion has inspired you to reflect on your own value and how it shapes your life choices.

Remember, you are worth all the good things in life. Join us for Part 2 of the conversation on our next episode. Until then, stay true to yourself and keep those conversations real and unfiltered.

Continuing our empowering discussion from Part 1, this episode dives deeper into the nuanced world of boundary-setting for women over 40. We explore the ongoing journey of maintaining and adjusting boundaries as life evolves. This segment focuses on the practical steps and emotional resilience required to ensure these boundaries continue to serve our needs effectively.

We'll hear from experts on the psychology of boundary maintenance and guests who share their personal stories about the challenges and victories in keeping their boundaries intact against external pressures and internal doubts. Listeners will learn about the importance of self-reflection in the boundary-setting process, how to handle situations when boundaries are tested, and strategies for reinforcing them without guilt.

Join us as we continue to navigate the essential, yet often challenging, waters of establishing a life where personal boundaries are not only set but also respected and upheld. This conversation aims to provide continued support and guidance for women redefining their limits in pursuit of a more balanced and fulfilling life.