Wendi Williams, Barbara “B.” Smith, and Rosa Parks- these are some Black women who publicly faced their experiences with cognitive decline. This is not surprising as women- no matter race or ethnicity- are twice as likely to develop dementia than men. And Black individuals are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop dementia than white individuals. This places Black women at a critical intersection of vulnerability. This episode features Dr. Tanisha Hill-Jarrett, PhD, discussing the intersecting factors shaping Black women's cognitive decline. A neuropsychologist and an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of California San Francisco Memory and Aging Center, her research applies intersectionality theory to understand how psychosocial stressors and structural racism and sexism impact Black women’s cognitive aging and confer risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). 

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In recent years, Black women have become increasingly visible in the world of strip clubs, with mainstream media and celebrity culture contributing to a shift in perception. Shows like P-Valley and high-profile figures like Cardi B, Nene Leakes, and Azealia Banks have brought the lives of Black dancers into the spotlight, portraying them as empowered, savvy businesswomen who take ownership of their bodies and their labor.

But beneath the surface of this newfound visibility lies a complex reality where race, sexual stereotypes, and commodification continue to shape the often inequitable experiences of Black and other women of color dancers in these “desire industries”. From wage gaps to violence, to the ways that dancers are pigeonholed into specific roles based on their racialized erotic capital, the commodification of race and desire shape the experiences of Black women across these spaces.

Unfortunately, few people have critically examined how Black women navigate, resist, and negotiate the powerful forces at play in this sex industry space. In this episode, we dive deep into Dr. Siobhan Brooks' groundbreaking research exploring the intersection of race, sexuality, and labor in strip clubs across New York City and Oakland, California. Dr. Siobhan Brooks is a Professor of African American Studies at California State University- Fullerton whose research examines Black feminism, Sex Worker Studies and Black LGBT Identity formation. She is the author of Unequal Desires: Race and Erotic Capital in the Stripping Industry (SUNY Press, 2010), and Everyday Violence against Black and Latinx LGBT Communities (Lexington Press, 2020).

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Disciplining children is an essential part of motherhood, and the methods used vary across cultures and families. Black mothers often face pressures to carefully examine their approaches due to stereotypes that portray them as overly strict or controlling. 

he reality is that research has found Black mothers' discipline approaches often center discussion and intertwine cultural values and historical experiences. This episode features Dr. Carla Adkison-Johnson, a Professor in the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology at Western Michigan University. She is the current Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, the official journal of the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD), a division of the American Counseling Association. Her 2021 book, African American Child Discipline: Culturally Responsive Policies critically examines the child disciplinary practices of African American mothers and fathers with school age children in the home. 

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For many, issues like leaking and the heaviness of periods are just accepted as part of the deal, but they don’t have to be. Whether it’s worrying about leaks during exercise, at work, or while we’re out with friends, period-related anxiety can be exhausting. It’s something that many women experience in silence, feeling like they’re alone in dealing with these challenges. But the truth is, period knowledge — and access to the right resources — can make a world of difference in how we manage our cycles and feel about our bodies.

This is where SANXTUARY MD was born — a company with a mission to educate women of all ages about their bodies, provide products to manage their periods with confidence, and celebrate women breaking barriers in STEM. Today, we’ll talk to Dr. Amber Robins- Hickson MD, MB. She is a board certified family physician, lifestyle medicine doctor, and the creator of Sanxtuary MD-a period product that caters to girls and women with heavy periods. 

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In this powerful episode, we explore the intersection of race and sex trafficking. Studies have noted that race affects a woman's risk for sex trafficking vulnerability and exploitation. Relatedly,it also shape the structure of trafficking networks and the personal experiences of trafficker, victims and male consumers. Overall, the research points to the need for deeper understandings and action to address these systemic issues, and their unique impact on Black women's experiences. 

Dr. Jacquelyn C. A. Meshelemiah joins us in this episode to break down how racialized histories of violence continue to shape the experiences of sex trafficked Black women today. Dr. Jacquelyn C.A. Meshelemiah is a licensed social worker in the State of Ohio and an Associate Professor in the College of Social Work at The Ohio State University.

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Lizzo’s body-positive stance is particularly focused on challenging what the fat studies research define as body terrorism, while some audiences view it as a neoliberal model of self-love that does not confront systemic issues. And how does her recent weight loss play into her narrative of body love and Black women embracing their bodies at any size.

This episode explores how Black fat women's bodies are consumed and utilized for their utility, while broader interactions with other Black fat individuals remain unchanged. Dr. Mary Senyonga is an Assistant Professor of Black Feminisms in Women’s and Gender Studies at Sacramento State University. Her research investigates racial violences in the university, Black student organizing, and the Black fat figure in society.

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This episode introduces Dr. Candice Nicole Hargons debut book Good Sex. This book shares how we can redefine intimacies ways that works for us individually and collectively. Using a flavorful receipe approach, her research outlines how to build a sex life that’s authentic, pleasurable, and deeply connected. From intimacy and fun to kink and connection, Dr Hargons's shows us how to season our sexual menus with the ingredients that bring true joy and satisfaction.

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Pregnancy termination trends among Black women are influenced by various social, economic, and healthcare factors. However, less is known about the ways in which Black women negotiate the decision making process around terminating pregnancies. With nearly two decades of mental health research and clinical experience, Dr. Marckdaline Johnson helps men and women find strength and empowerment as they navigate the pain of abortion, miscarriage, loss of self, and relationship or marital conflicts.

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The Black community has been largely overlooked in the evolving landscape of psychedelic research, both in terms of participation in clinical trials and representation among researchers in the field. This lack of inclusion is particularly troubling when considering the profound potential of psychedelics to address and heal deep-seated traumas that are often a result of systemic racialization and discrimination. One person working to change this is Dr. Monnica T. Williams, whose research focuses on BIPOC mental health, racial trauma, cultural competence, structural racism, and advancing psychedelic therapies.

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Incorporating Black identities and Black culture into therapy is essential for creating a therapeutic space that is not only effective but also respectful and validating. By understanding and embracing these elements, therapists can significantly enhance the therapeutic experience for Black clients, leading to better outcomes and a more profound sense of healing and empowerment. Integrating these realities are central to Dr. Tasha's "Drive-By Therapy" approach. Dr. Tasha addresses the heart of an issue with remarkable speed. Through her innovative approach she will LITERALLY appear in your living room virtually or simply make a drive-by. Dr. Tasha will assist you in resolving the unresolved issues that have kept you stuck. She is renowned for her group sessions, couples sessions, individual sessions, and family interventions.

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