🌿 Oasis: Tribe with the Vibes
✨ When the vibe is pure, you learn, grow, and thrive. ✨
Welcome back, Tribe! Meet our guests, Ja’na and Nichol.
In this episode, we sit down with Ja’na, a doula and creative who believes in the power of community, equity, and play. With a background in Theatre Therapy and Maternal & Child Health, she’s passionate about building spaces where people feel seen and supported.
Nichol is a curious, adventurous thinker and four-time marathoner. Born in Chicago and raised in the Bay Area, she’s committed to exploring stories of health, growth, and the ways we show up for ourselves and others.
Together, they remind us that it’s not just about accomplishments—it’s about essence, connection, and making the world better, one decision, one conversation, and one run at a time.
They also remind us to explore physical wellness, know women’s health–yes, including you men, and emotional wellness. Get ready for stories, healthy insights, and laughter that remind us how community, wellness, and wisdom keep the Tribe thriving.
Content trigger warning: This episode contains discussions and themes of adverse experiences, transitional depression, abandonment, and feelings of belonging and longing which may be difficult to digest. Please listen at your own discretion.
Episode Summary
In this thought-provoking episode of Oasis: Tribe with the Vibes, we explore what it truly means to be health-conscious—not just in body, but in mind, spirit, and community.
Joining us is Nichol, a running coach and avid marathoner. Her story reminds us that movement changes moods, clears the mind, and connects us to our strength. We dive into the myths and truths of physical wellness in the Black community—from hair care barriers to running, to techniques and stretches that help us release stiffness and pain.
The conversation deepens into Black maternal health, with Ja’na highlighting the alarming reality that Black women are still three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Despite overall maternal death rates decreasing for White, Hispanic and Asian women, the rate for Black women remains essentially unchanged, widening the disparity gap. We discuss holistic tools like hypno-birthing and the need for creativity and empathy in healthcare communication with Black families.
We also reflect on transitional depression, the importance of being heard without judgment, and the deep connection between belonging and physical wellness. Being near your people—your tribe, your culture—heals in ways science can’t fully explain. Villages teach us to trust again, release guardedness, and open ourselves to love.
Rounding out the episode, we explore platonic friendships between men and women—Can men and women be friends without crossing lines? Sounds off fellas, and join the conversation too!
We end with the Interconnectedness Challenge—a reminder that when we trust, our spirits align and our universe expands.
Where are you currently aligned?
Leave a ☀️, 🌳 emoji and briefly explain where you are on your Healing or Family/Growth Journey! Vibe deeper and make a post or video! #otwv #itsaligning
The “Interconnectedness” Challenge:
Share a clip of a moment where you connected with yourself or others while traveling. Could be a smile with a stranger, journaling by the ocean, or just vibing in what became your favorite spot. Show how travel creates meaningful connections. Tag: #otwvibes #connecttothrive #travelandthrive
Post your reflections and tag @otwv_pod & so we can feature your journey!
🌍 Connect with the Tribe
📸 Instagram: @otwv_pod
🎵 TikTok: @otwv_pod
🐦 YouTube: @otwv
🎧 Listen & Subscribe
🎙️ Spotify: http://bit.ly/4of4jpF
🍎 Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/490S3om
💻 Patreon: patreon.com/otwv
🌱 Keywords
community healing, joy, thriving, holistic wellness
Tags
#otwv #blackjoy, #thrivetogether, #holisticwellness #healing #otwvibes #connecttothrive #travelformore #travelandthrive #womenshealth
