Reclaim and Lead

In this solo episode, Brandi Wheeler reflects on her personal growth as she approaches her 39th birthday, offering a deep and authentic "Vibe Check" on life, wellness, and identity. She talks about the importance of time management—how, even though you're not running out of time, every moment still counts—and why it's crucial to move intentionally toward your goals. Brandi shares insights on surrounding yourself with supportive people, from those who challenge your thinking to those who are by your side through both the highs and the lows, reminding us that relationships are built on love, accountability, and presence.

She also explores the impact of social media on our self-perception and the need to disconnect from curated perfection. Brandi challenges the idea of a “one-size-fits-all” wellness journey, encouraging listeners to embrace their multi-hyphenate selves—whether you’re a mom, entrepreneur, creative, or wellness advocate—and to stop shrinking to make others feel comfortable. She delves into her own experience with wellness, including her hyaluronic acid routine, the joy of sunlight and movement, and the importance of rest, reminding us that it’s okay to take a pause and just be.

Alongside these reflections, Brandi dives into a discussion of Ryan Coogler’s film Sinners. She highlights the historical, sci-fi, and symbolic layers in the film, particularly the way it explores identity and the powerful connection to family and culture. Brandi shares how the film resonated with her, especially in relation to her own roots in Mississippi, and how music and storytelling create spiritual bonds across generations.

The conversation transitions into a heartfelt exploration of wellness, as Brandi lays out her personal wellness wishlist—one that blends relaxation, fun, and strength—and emphasizes the need for individualized self-care routines that feel authentic to you. She closes the episode by reminding listeners to prioritize their joy, invest in their health, and create space for themselves without the guilt of "earning" it. Dream big, take up space, and don't forget: your joy is non-negotiable.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

02:48 The Importance of Time and Goals

05:56 Surrounding Yourself with the Right People

08:52 Nurturing Meaningful Relationships

12:00 The Illusion of Social Media

14:49 Embracing Your Multi-Hyphenate Identity

18:02 The Value of Travel and Experiences

20:58 Health and Wellness Journey

23:55 Setting Goals and Dreaming Big

27:05 Pop Culture Reflection: Ryan Coogler's Sinners

31:19 The Deep Roots of Family and Community in Mississippi

34:09 Music as a Spiritual Force and Community Connector

38:52 Exploring Identity Through Storytelling and Representation

48:57 Redefining Wellness: Personal Journeys and Trends

01:00:12Creating a Personal Wellness Wishlist

Summary:In this enlightening episode, Dr. Q a renowned pelvic floor therapist, delves into the often-overlooked realm of pelvic health. She sheds light on the significance of pelvic floor therapy, especially for women during and after pregnancy. Dr. Q addresses common misconceptions, emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment plans, and shares transformative patient stories that highlight the profound impact of proper pelvic care.

Key Topics Covered:

• Understanding the pelvic floor's role in women's health

• Debunking myths surrounding Kegels and pelvic therapy

• The interplay between stress, breathing techniques, and pelvic health

• The influence of diet and nutrition on pelvic function

• Addressing core weakness and diastasis recti postpartum

• The importance of bowel health and tools like squatty-potties

• Collaborating with mental health professionals for holistic care

• Encouraging women that it's never too late to seek help

Takeaways:

• Pelvic floor therapy is essential for postpartum recovery.

• Many women remain unaware of pelvic issues until symptoms arise.

• Breathing techniques and stress management are pivotal in pelvic health.

• Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining pelvic floor function.

• Individualized treatment plans yield the most effective results.

• Addressing pelvic health can significantly enhance overall well-being.

  🕰️ Episode Chapters:

• 00:00 – Introduction to Pelvic Floor Therapy

• 03:14 – Understanding the Pelvic Floor

• 06:02 – The Importance of Pelvic Floor Health

• 09:00 – Common Misconceptions and Challenges

• 11:53 – Breathing and Pelvic Floor Connection

• 15:03 – Impact of Stress on Pelvic Health

• 18:10 – Kegels: Myths and Realities

• 21:08 – Diet and Pelvic Floor Health

• 31:25 – The Importance of Proper Bowel Health

• 34:20 – Understanding Core Weakness and Diastasis Recti

• 39:32 – It's Never Too Late for Pelvic Health

• 42:03 – Effective Exercises for Postpartum Recovery

• 45:48 – Breathing Techniques for Pelvic Floor Health

• 51:01 – Transformative Patient Stories

• 54:20 – Myths and Facts About Pelvic Health

Episode Summary:
This week on Reclaim and Lead, we’re talking grown woman healing, high-value dating, and the beauty of becoming whole again after heartbreak. Brandi is joined by Erika—former corporate sales exec turned full-time entrepreneur and founder of Corporate Amerikā Designs—for a powerful, funny, and soul-stretching conversation about what it means to date as a healed, high-powered woman in today’s world.

From the realities of dating after divorce to recognizing red flags, setting new standards, and making self-love non-negotiable, Erika keeps it real about the journey to showing up fully, authentically, and unapologetically.

What We Cover in This Episode:
💬 Healing after divorce and learning to be alone
💬 Dating as a single mom and ambitious woman
💬 Why emotional intelligence > income when it comes to partnership
💬 Recognizing red flags, beige flags, and letting go of fixer-upper love
💬 Dating with intention vs. dating for fun (and what a “bench” really means)
💬 The importance of self-love, therapy, and confidence in every season
💬 Why you can’t be someone’s lifeguard if they don’t want to swim

Erika reminds us that confidence is currency, self-care is strategy, and healed women date differently. Period.

Connect with Erika:
📲 Follow on Instagram: @corporateamerika
📲 Follow on TikTok: @corporateamerika

Join the Conversation:
What’s been your biggest shift in dating since healing? Use the hashtag #ReclaimAndLead and let us know!

Don’t forget to:
✔️ Download this episode
✔️ Subscribe so you never miss a drop
✔️ Leave a review—it helps more women find this space
✔️ Share with your group chat, your sister-friends, or anyone navigating love and leadership on their own terms

In this engaging conversation, Brandi and Miko discuss Miko's journey to becoming a licensed medical esthetician, focusing on the importance of skincare for melanin-rich skin. Miko shares her personal experiences with rosacea and emphasizes the need for consistency in skincare routines. The discussion highlights the importance of education in skincare, particularly for people of color, and encourages listeners to seek professional advice for their skincare needs. In this conversation, Miko and Brandi delve into essential skincare practices, emphasizing the importance of proper makeup removal, understanding different skin types, and the impact of diet on skin health. They explore various clinical treatments, including the innovative lemon bottle dissolve, and discuss the role of aesthetic procedures in enhancing skin appearance. The conversation also addresses common skincare myths, particularly regarding sunscreen, and highlights effective products for treating hyperpigmentation. Overall, the discussion provides valuable insights into maintaining healthy skin and the significance of a consistent skincare routine. In this engaging conversation, Miko and Brandi delve into various aspects of skincare, debunking common myths and emphasizing the importance of personalized skincare routines. They discuss the significance of UV protection, the impact of lifestyle on skin health, and the necessity of proper hydration. The duo also explores the benefits of waxing, both for hygiene and aesthetic purposes, while maintaining a light-hearted and informative tone throughout. Miko shares her professional insights and encourages listeners to prioritize self-care as an essential part of their beauty regimen.

Takeaways

Miko has over 20 years of experience in the medical field.

Skincare education is lacking for melanin-rich skin individuals.

Less is more when it comes to skincare products.

Consistency in skincare routines is crucial for results.

Chemical peels can help with hyperpigmentation and textured skin.

Hyaluronic acid is essential for hydration and skin health.

Miko offers customized facials tailored to individual needs.

Lifestyle choices significantly impact skin health.

It's important to recognize when to seek professional skincare treatments.

Miko emphasizes continuous learning in the skincare field. Be honest, everybody's not gonna do it all the time.

Clean pillowcases are a must for skincare.

Coconut oil is great for dry skin but can clog pores.

Sugar inflames acne and should be avoided.

Sunscreen is essential for all skin types.

Vitamin C and retinol are key for anti-aging.

Consistency in skincare routines is crucial for results.

Hyaluronic acid can enhance skin glow.

Diet plays a significant role in skin health.

Aesthetic procedures can complement skincare routines. Acne is influenced by hormonal and lifestyle factors, not just oil.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Excitement

03:02 Miko's Journey to Skincare

06:01 Understanding Skincare for Melanin Skin

08:54 Services Offered at Cafe Skin Studio

11:58 The Importance of Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid

15:01 Dealing with Rosacea and Skincare Consistency

18:00 Chemical Peels and Their Benefits

21:07 Recognizing When to Seek Skincare Treatments

24:21 Skincare Essentials: The Importance of Makeup Removal

27:10 Understanding Skin Types: Dehydrated vs. Dry Skin

28:20 The Impact of Diet on Skin Health

29:40 Exploring Clinical Treatments: Lemon Bottle Dissolve

31:23 The Role of Aesthetic Procedures in Skincare

39:25 Addressing Hyperpigmentation: Treatments and Products

42:24 The Myths of Sunscreen and Skincare Routine

48:36 Understanding UV Rays and Skin Protection

49:59 Debunking Skincare Myths

51:58 The Importance of Personalized Skincare

54:01 Essential Skincare Tips

56:01 Consultation and Services Overview

57:01 The Benefits of Waxing

01:00:02 Professionalism in Skincare Services

In this conversation, Brandi Bridges and Tianna James explore the significance of menstrual cycle awareness and fertility education. Tianna shares her personal journey of moving away from hormonal birth control and embracing natural fertility awareness methods. They discuss the four phases of the menstrual cycle, how to align daily activities with these phases, and the importance of understanding one's body. Tianna emphasizes the need for holistic health practices and the role of nutrition in maintaining hormonal balance. The conversation highlights the lack of education surrounding women's reproductive health and the importance of sharing this knowledge within communities. In this enlightening conversation, Tianna James and Brandi Bridges delve into the intricacies of women's health, focusing on the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, the importance of nutrition, and the impact of whole foods versus processed foods. They discuss meal timing, hydration, and the role of supplements, emphasizing the need for awareness and understanding of one's body. The conversation also touches on common health myths and provides valuable resources for women looking to enhance their health and well-being.

• Fertility awareness involves understanding your menstrual cycle phases.
• Personal experiences can shape one's mission in health education.
• Women should align their activities with their menstrual phases.
• Tracking menstrual cycles helps identify health changes.
• Holistic health practices can improve reproductive health.
• Nutrition plays a crucial role in hormonal balance.
• Education on reproductive health should be more accessible.
• Self-awareness is key to managing menstrual health.
• Women are often conditioned to ignore their physiological differences from men.
• Support groups can provide valuable information and community. The luteal phase requires nutrient-dense meals due to higher metabolism.
• Quality proteins, like pasture-raised eggs, are essential for women's health.
• Eating heavier meals in the morning allows for better digestion.
• Hydration is crucial, and snacking should be minimized for better health.
• Processed foods are often cheaper and more accessible, impacting health negatively.
• Supplements should be obtained from whole foods whenever possible.
• Menstrual cycle awareness can serve as a personal health coach.
• Cold drinks can exacerbate period cramps according to traditional medicine.
• Dark chocolate can alleviate PMS symptoms due to its magnesium content.
• Recommended books include 'Taking Charge of Your Fertility' and 'Her Blood is Gold'.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Tiffany Bishop and Whitney Coble., licensed mental health therapists specializing in Black maternal mental health. We dive deep into the realities of Black motherhood—navigating pregnancy, postpartum struggles, loss, and the systemic barriers that often leave Black moms unheard.

Tiffany and Whitney share their journey into this work, the disparities Black women face in maternal healthcare, and the importance of creating safe spaces for Black moms to heal, be heard, and receive culturally competent care. We also discuss:

✨ The difference between baby blues, postpartum depression, and anxiety
✨ Why Black women are often overlooked in maternal healthcare—and how we can advocate for ourselves
✨ The importance of mental health support for Black fathers & partners
✨ Practical coping strategies and wellness toolkits for postpartum recovery
✨ How to build a support system that actuallysupports you

This episode is a must-listen for Black mothers, families, and anyone passionate about advocating for Black maternal health.

🔗Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Tiffany & Whitney’s Maternal Health Toolkit
• Shades of Blue
• Sis, You’re Pregnant by Keisha Reaves

🎧Listen now and share with a friend who needs this conversation.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Maternal Loss and Health Advocacy

03:01 The Journey to Maternal Mental Health Awareness

06:02 Understanding the Unique Challenges of Black Mothers

09:00 The Importance of Support Systems in Maternal Health

12:09 Breaking Down Barriers to Mental Health Care

15:04 Therapeutic Approaches for Maternal Mental Health

17:56 Coping Strategies for the Fourth Trimester

20:57 Preparing for Grief and Loss in Parenthood

23:49 Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations about Loss

26:57 Empowering Mothers Through Self-Care and Support

30:04 The Role of Partners in Maternal Mental Health

32:54 Honoring Lost Children and Navigating New Parenthood

35:43 Understanding Postpartum Mental Health

37:22 Recognizing Signs of Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression

42:56 Building a Wellness Toolkit for New Parents

48:55 Navigating Loss and Postpartum Care

54:03 Resources and Support for Maternal Mental Health

In this episode, Brandi discusses the significance of Black History Month and the current state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

She highlights the alarming trend of corporations scaling back DEI commitments and the implications of this shift for marginalized communities. The conversation delves into the definitions of diversity, equity, and inclusion, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive environments in workplaces. Brandi shares real-world examples of inclusion in media and the business implications of DEI rollbacks, urging listeners to advocate for change and support diverse businesses.takeaways

Chapters

00:00Celebrating Black History Month and Setting the Stage

03:05The Rise and Fall of DEI Initiatives

06:09Understanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

09:00The Importance of Inclusion in the Workplace

11:46Real-World Examples of Inclusion

15:06The Business Side of Inclusion

17:58Navigating Corporate DEI Rollbacks

21:01The Future of DEI and Community Responsibility

In this episode of "Reclaim and Lead," Brandi, leads the discussion by drawing insights from public figures such as Michelle Obama and Naomi Osaka.

The episode focuses on themes like setting personal boundaries and prioritizing mental health over societal expectations. Brandi's expertise lies in integrating leadership, culture, wellness, and societal issues into relatable discussions for personal development.

It's a journey through the landscapes of leadership, authenticity, and self-care where Brandi passionately argues why protecting your peace is not just a personal act but a radical act of self-preservation, especially for Black women.

Brandi draws correlations between societal expectations and personal wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries as exemplified by Michelle Obama choosing to forego Donald Trump's inauguration. The episode highlights how these acts of defiance against traditional expectations can, in fact, be powerful statements of self-worth and integrity.

By lifting the veil on cultural stereotypes and the pressure cooker of public scrutiny faced by many, particularly Black women, Brandi urges listeners to examine their own lives—encouraging them to prioritize authenticity over obligation.

Embark on this enlightening episode to understand the essence of true leadership that starts from within. Listen to this empowering narrative from Brandi as she guides you on a path to reclaim your personal space and lead with purpose. Stay tuned for more insightful content and transformative discussions in upcoming episodes of "Reclaim and Lead."

Timestamp Summary

0:03 Michelle Obama's Decision as a Blueprint for Self-Care

2:51 Reclaiming Personal Freedom by Setting Boundaries

4:20 Intersectionality and Mental Health Advocacy for Black Women

8:27 Lessons on Self-Prioritization and Boundaries from Osaka and Obama

13:03 Protecting Peace and Setting Boundaries as Acts of Resistance

What does it mean to reclaim your life, your voice, and your power? Join Brandi Bridges-Wheeler as she explores leadership and wellness from a bold, unapologetic perspective.

In this trailer, get a taste of what’s to come on Reclaim & Lead—a podcast that celebrates the stories, strategies, and insights that inspire intentional living and powerful action. Whether you’re learning from extraordinary women, visionary entrepreneurs, or passionate creatives, this podcast is your space to redefine leadership on your own terms.

Ready to reclaim your narrative, set boundaries, and lead with purpose? Hit play and get ready to be empowered.

This is Reclaim & Lead. Let’s get started.