There is a big difference between building an audience that’s watching you and building a community that’s engaging with you. So how do we build strong, engaged communities that connect people rather than simply entertaining them?

This week, I’m joined by Kim Johnson, head of community at Geneva, a New York based messaging app. Geneva helps creators, brands and leaders build communities from the ground up. So in this episode we dive deep into all things connection, conversation, and community.

We Also Talk About…
Building organic community that is engaged and passionate about you and your work
The changing landscape of the content creation and audience interaction
How people are getting good at sniffing out inauthenticity
Having your community build content with you
The imperative value of mutual exchange



I am also very excited to announce that we have launched a brand new Balanced Black Girl community on Geneva! Yes, we now have a free community called Club Balanced that you can join to connect with other listeners. The links to download Geneva and join the community are below.

And if that’s not exciting enough, the book club is back and also hosted on Geneva. We will have monthly book picks, share recommendations, and we'll chat about them in the community.




Resources:
Follow Kim on Instagram

Join the Balanced Black Girl community on Geneva
Download the Geneva App

Follow Geneva on Instagram




Sponsors:
BetterHelp | This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BBG and get on your way to being your best self.****
Framebridge | Visit Framebridge.com and use the code “BALANCED” for 15% off your first framing order.



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Why You Need Community, Not An Audience with Kim Johnson

Balanced Black Girl is a podcast dedicated to helping you feel your best. Tune in for approachable health, self-care, personal development, and well-being advice.

Health & Fitness

#235 Over the last decade, ‘girlboss’ culture has convinced us that we’re superwomen who can have it together all of the time. But that’s not always the reality, and we’re ready for open conversations that embrace the REAL qualities that lead to success!

Today, we’re welcoming award-winning journalist, entrepreneur, and author of “Simplify The Hustle,” Sherrell Dorsey for an in-depth conversation on how to simplify your approach to success through reframing productivity, prioritizing self-care, and creating space for yourself to win and reach your goals beyond just hard work.

We Also Talk About…Sherrell’s journey finding balance as a serial entrepreneurThe keys to building and distributing wealth amongst communitiesFirst-generation entrepreneurship and the challenges of building a business from the ground upThe difference between leveling up and selling outIntention-setting and how to practice self-care as an entrepreneurWhat it means to simplify the hustle and embrace efficiency


Resources:Follow Sherrell on Instagram @sherrell_dorseyRead “Upper Hand: The Future of Work for the Rest of Us” by Sherrell DorseyRead “Simplify The Hustle: A 21-Day Guide to Balancing Work With Ease & Intention” by Sherrell Dorsey


Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merchWatch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirlFollow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcastFollow on TikTok @balancedlesVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSubscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes


Sponsors:NPR Black Stories, Black Truths | In NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths you’ll find a collection of some of NPR’s best podcast episodes celebrating the Black experience. Listen here.Lipton Green Tea | Drinking two cups of Lipton Green tea daily an easy hack to support your well-being. Try New Lipton Green Tea!Nike | Find your feel with Nike Bras & Legging that deliver supportive flexibility and comfort for whatever your day brings. Shop now at Nike.comDelta | Delta Air Lines helps you feel at home, even if you’re 30,000 feet above it. Learn more at delta.com.Vionic Shoes | The Vionic Vitals collection has the best essential styles for everyday wear to get you ready for the season. Use code BALANCEDLES at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. One-time use only.Equip Health | Equip offers wraparound support for anyone experiencing disordered eating. Schedule a free consultation at equip.health/balancedblackgirl


Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How to Beat Hustle Culture and Avoid Burnout with Sherrell Dorsey

#234: Are you healing or are you coping? Today I’m sitting down with content creator and host of That Conversation, Tarek Ali for an honest chat about how to prioritize your mental health and take care yourself during hard times.

Whether you are in survival mode or in a season of rebuilding trust, Tarek offers amazing tips and tools on how to set new standards for yourself, be patient with your progress, and learn how to identify what your feeling in order to move forward.

We Also Talk About…Tarek’s career journey from dentistry to content creator to screenwriterWhat it means to come out of survival modeSeed mentality and making time for things that bring you joyHow to use journaling as a healing tool in difficult timesWhy it’s important to identify trust in relationshipsDaily stress and anxiety relieving techniques


Resources:Follow Tarek on Instagram @itstarekaliFollow Tarek on TikTok @itstarekaliSubscribe to Tarek’s YouTube Channel @TarekAliListen to Tarek’s podcast THAT ConversationListen to Tarek’s “Whole lotta SEX — Healing Body Trauma, Sexual Agency, & Growing Beyond Judgement” episodeVisit leapintohealing.com for more tools and resources for healing


Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merchWatch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirlFollow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcastFollow on TikTok @balancedlesVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSubscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes


Sponsors:Nike | Find your feel with Nike Bras & Legging that deliver supportive flexibility and comfort for whatever your day brings. Shop now at Nike.comThrive Market | Save time and money and today at Thrive Market. Go to thrivemarket.com/balancedles for 30% off your first order plus a $60 gift!Vionic Shoes | The Vionic Vitals collection has the best essential styles for everyday wear to get you ready for the season. Use code BALANCEDLES at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. One-time use only


Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mental Health Check-In: Tools to Support Your Healing with Tarek Ali (Part 2)

#233: At the beginning of the year, I moved to New York City and started working as a full-time podcaster and content creator.

In today’s solo episode, I’m opening up about the challenges I’ve experienced so far, what changes I’m making to support my mental health, and how I’m using new wellness tools to spark my next creative endeavor.

Catch up on my other solo episodes:Episode 220: How I Became A Full-Time PodcasterEpisode 222: How to Make Friends in A New City + Am I Oversharing with My Friends? [Q&A]


Resources:Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merchRead The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher CreativityRead the NYTimes article on the Eldest Daughter Syndrome


Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merchWatch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirlFollow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcastFollow on TikTok @balancedlesVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSubscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes


Sponsors:Foria | Experience your juiciest and deepest sensual experience with Foria. Get 20% off your first order by visiting foriawellness.com/balanced or use the code BALANCED at checkout.LMNT | LMNT is a zero sugar electrolyte drink mix with a research-backed ratio of electrolytes. To try it out go to drinkLMNT.com/balancedles to receive a free LMNT sample pack with any drink mix order.NPR Black Stories, Black Truths | In NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths you’ll find a collection of some of NPR’s best podcast episodes celebrating the Black experience. Listen here.


Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[Solo Episode] Mental Health Check-In: Challenges of Entrepreneurship and Life Updates (Part 1)

#232: What does it look like to be in your power? In some instances, power can be a bold proclamation, and at other times it can be a calm, quiet knowing. When we aren’t in our power, we can feel stuck, burned out, or like we aren’t living up to our potential. However, we can learn how to reframe our relationship with power to use it as a tool for growth.

Today I’m sitting down with entrepreneur, author, and founder of Woman Evolve, Sarah Jakes Roberts for a powerful conversation on how to build confidence, embrace flexibility, and make power moves.

We Also Talk About…Sarah’s experience stepping into her power in each area of her lifeWhat inspired Sarah’s new book “Power Moves: Ignite Your Confidence and Become a Force”The difference between being prepared and trying to control the outcomeFinding power in vulnerability and how to identify what you’re afraid ofWays to improve your decision-making skills when you’re feeling anxious or depressedHow to create a vision for yourself and find opportunities that empower youIntention setting and giving yourself permission to restTips for approaching burnout and ways to embrace flexibility


Resources:Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merchFollow Sarah on Instagram @sarahjakesrobertsFollow Sarah on Tiktok @realsarahjakesrobertsSubscribe to Sarah’s YouTube channel @SarahJakesRobertsGet Sarah’s book “Power Moves: Ignite Your Confidence and Become a Force”Listen to the Woman Evolve podcast hosted by Sarah Jakes RobertsFrom Sarah’s YouTube Channel — POV: I took my wig off while I was preaching


Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merchWatch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirlFollow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcastFollow on TikTok @balancedlesVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSubscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes


Sponsors:Maidenform | Visit www.maidenform.com and use code BBG20 at checkout for 20% off your first purchase.Hinge | Download Hinge and try voice prompts today! Then, find someone worth deleting the app for.Lipton Green Tea | Drinking two cups of Lipton Green tea daily is a great ally for wellness and a simple way to up your everyday wellness habits. Try New Lipton Green Tea!Vionic Shoes | The Vionic Vitals collection has the best essential styles for everyday wear to get you ready for the season. Use code BALANCEDLES at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. One-time use only.Biosil | Biosil helps you generate your own collagen for healthier hair, skin, nails. Get 30% off your first product order when you visit www.biosil.beauty and use code BALANCEDLES.Cora | Cora offers affordable organic period care products. Get 20% off at www.cora.life/balancedles.


Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How to Step Into Your Power, Build Confidence, and Align Yourself with Purpose with Sarah Jakes Roberts

Feel confused about all of the conflicting nutrition and wellness information out there? You’re not alone! It can be really overwhelming and confusing to figure out what will work best for you. Thankfully, nutrition can be a lot simpler than we think.

In today’s bonus episode I’m sitting down with registered dietitian and CEO of Culina Health, Vanessa Risetto for pro tips on how to make nutrition simple.

From protein intake to gut health issues, Vanessa and I get to the bottom of nutrition trends, and discuss ways you can improve your eating habits and relationship with food for a healthier lifestyle.




We Also Talk About…Vanessa’s experience as a Black woman running a venture-backed startup.Why working with a dietitian is more accessible than you thinkHow to understand and alleviate common gut health issues through dietThe pros and cons of taking weight loss medications like OzempicHow to avoid falling into the trap of fad diets and nutrition trendsHow to get health and nutrition assistance at a lower cost


Resources:Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merchFollow Vanessa on Instagram @vanessarissettordFollow Culina Health on Instagram @culinahealthVisit start.culinahealth.com to sign up for insurance-covered nutrition care! If your insurance does not cover Culina, mention Balanced Black Girl for a special discount.


Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:Watch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirlFollow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcastFollow on TikTok @balancedlesVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSubscribe to our newsletter, Mirror Notes


Sponsor:

Culina Health’s award-winning nutrition care is trusted by 7,500+ patients and 600+ providers nationwide. Our diverse, multilingual team of registered dietitians provides nutrition care for sustainable weight loss, diabetes and prediabetes, gastrointestinal health, eating disorders, general healthy eating, and more. We accept all major insurance plans, and we offer affordable out-of-pocket options. Sign up today at www.culinahealth.com.




Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why You Need Community, Not An Audience with Kim Johnson

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