BLK FLNGS Podcast

This episode, Ilia and Monica discuss how therapy is portrayed in television, from dramas like A Million Little Things and This is Us  to reality shows like The Real Housewives. They continue to unravel layers of themselves by comparing their own therapy sessions to those on TV, and also express their mutual adoration for Sterling K. Brown.If you are listening to this episode, we thank you for your continued support and for sticking with us! While we don't know what life holds, we're looking forward to reconnecting.Are you looking to collaborate, connect, or just need some advice? We are here for you!  Please feel free to reach out to us here:blkflngspodcast@gmail.com.Don't forget to check out our social media:IG - @blkflngspodcastFacebook - @blkflngspodcast

Welcome back! This episode, Ilia and Monica discuss taking the time to reflect on their accomplishments rather than always pushing forward, and rekindle the conversation on setting boundaries when it comes to caring for family and friends. As well, they share a tip from Mel Robbins on why it is necessary to "High 5" yourself to help release positive hormones during a very sensory-deprived pandemic. The girls also share a moment when they reflect on the people they've lost in the past couple years, and put action to their words when it comes to showing support and strength for one another.Check out Mel Robbins' interview with The Breakfast Club here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-breakfast-club/id1232428553?i=1000539202932If you are listening to this episode, we thank you for your continued support and for sticking with us! While we don't know what life holds, we're looking forward to reconnecting.Are you looking to collaborate, connect, or just need some advice? We are here for you!  Please feel free to reach out to us here:blkflngspodcast@gmail.com.Don't forget to check out our social media:IG - @blkflngspodcastFacebook - @blkflngspodcast

Annnnnnnnddd we're back.After a brief (re: long) hiatus, we are back for season 4! We catch y'all up on what has been going on in our lives, our recent therapy sessions, and our goals for season 4.If you are listening to this episode, we thank you for your continued support and for sticking with us! While we don't know what life holds, we're looking forward to reconnecting.Are you looking to collaborate, connect, or just need some advice? We are here for you!  Please feel free to reach out to us here:blkflngspodcast@gmail.com.Don't forget to check out our social media:IG - @blkflngspodcastFacebook - @blkflngspodcastYouTube- @blkflngspodcast 

Happy New Year!On the season finale of Blk Flng Podcast, we catch up on our latest therapy session(s),  and reflect on the year that was 2020! Ilia discusses birthday blues turning 30 during the pandemic and Monica shares her hope for our society turning a new leaf after the attempted coup on the Capitol. We discuss what we hope this new year will bring, and talk about the future of Blk Flngs Podcast and plans for our break!Thank you so much for your continued support and sticking around for this ride! We will be back very soon with new episodes and content for you!In the meantime, if you are  looking to collaborate, connect or you just need some advice? We are here for you!  Please feel free to reach out to us here:blkflngspodcast@gmail.com.Don't forget to check out our social media:IG - @blkflngspodcastFacebook - @blkflngspodcastYouTube- @blkflngspodcast 

This week, we catch up on our latest therapy session(s), but mainly talk about the new furry additions to our households! We get very candid about puppy parenting woes (also known as puppy blues), the joy our pups bring into our lives, and things we have learned about ourselves through this journey of being first-time dog owners.   Hopefully, our dog talk doesn't tire you out as much they do us. TRIGGER WARNING: We do discuss briefly domestic violence after  FKA Twigs opened up about the abuse she experienced from Shia LaBeouf. Domestic violence is never okay and you are not alone, here are some hotlines you can contact if you or someone you know needs help:The National Domestic Violence Hotline:1-800-799-SAFE (7233)Are you looking to collaborate or connect? Need some advice, want to share a story or some tips? We are here for you!  Please feel free to reach out to us here:blkflngspodcast@gmail.com.Don't forget to check out our social media:IG - @blkflngspodcastFacebook - @blkflngspodcastYouTube- @blkflngspodcast 

This week, we are joined by Listiner Inspires, organizer of the Healing is a Journey  conference.  We talk about personal mental health issues and overcoming difficult obstacles, such as Listiner's fight with breast cancer (which is thankfully now in remission!). Healing is a Journey  is a quarterly conference where the attendees learn how to work through their pain and trauma from their past, and restructure it in order to live a brighter future. We were so blessed to have such a vivacious, enlightening soul join us in conversation, and hope you will feel the same after listening!To learn more about Listiner Inspires and her many works in mental health and self-healing, visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter at: https://www.listinerinspires.com/You can find out more about the Healing is a Journey conference and purchase tickets here:http://hiajlive.com/Are you looking to collaborate or connect? Need some advice, want to share a story or some tips? We are here for you!  Please feel free to reach out to us here:blkflngspodcast@gmail.com.Don't forget to check out our social media:IG - @blkflngspodcastFacebook - @blkflngspodcastYouTube- @blkflngspodcast 

This week the ladies sit down with writer, creator, and overall woman of many talents Jagger Blaec. They discuss her personal journey to mental wellness through therapy, yoga, medication, and meditation.  They talk about finding the perfect therapist after many failed attempts, possibly being in love with your therapist and unrequited love for Shia LeBeouf.  Jagger also discusses her passion project Red Jasper which serves as a mutual aid fundraiser for black femmes/women/trans folx.This conversation was very vulnerable and insightful, we hope you enjoy it as much as we have!Be sure to follow Jagger Blaec on social media!IG:@redjaspersocial (formerly @BeyondBlackBoxes)@basic.blaec.girl@shialabeoufthirstTwitter:@ basicblaecgirlPatreon:https://www.patreon.com/jaggerblaecAre you looking to collaborate or connect? Need some advice, want to share a story or some tips? Ilia & Monica are here for you!  Please feel free to reach out to us here:blkflngspodcast@gmail.com.Don't forget to check out our social media:IG - @blkflngspodcastFacebook - @blkflngspodcastYouTube- @blkflngspodcast 

This week, the ladies catch up on their recent therapy sessions regarding everything coming to a tipping point as the election draws near and COVID-19 fatigue sets in. Ilia shares how her need for control has her actually wanting to intentionally contract coronavirus to "get it over with".  The ladies continue to discuss the election, possible future ramifications and their safety plan after November 3rd. Lastly, Monica talks about how setting boundaries with family is hard, and shares an article on how to navigate those problems.Today is Election Day; please make your voice count and VOTE. As always, stay safe!Are you looking to collaborate or connect? Need some advice, want to share a story or some tips? Ilia & Monica are here for you!  Please feel free to reach out to us here:blkflngspodcast@gmail.com.Don't forget to check out our social media:IG - @blkflngspodcastFacebook - @blkflngspodcastYouTube- @blkflngspodcast 

Welcome to the BONUS episode!For this week's BONUS episode  the ladies sit down with music artist One Swayze. They discuss the importance of voting in the black community and why this election is critical.  They  talk about encouraging  family and friends to vote without sounding like a preacher and share their voting plans.How are you planning to vote? Have you  done so already? Let us know!Be sure to check out One Swayze on all social media:@oneswayzeDon't forget to check out our social media:IG - @blkflngspodcastFacebook - @blkflngspodcastYouTube @blkflngspodcast 

Thanks for tuning in!This week, the ladies catch up on everything that's been going on the past couple months. They discuss  anxieties  surrounding the upcoming election, and the ongoing pandemic mounting on top of the  daily anxiety they already feel. There is also a special discussion about the roles that black women play in American society, and why the continue to be disrespected and unheard (not for lack of trying, surely!).Are you looking to collaborate or connect? Need some advice, want to share a story or some tips? Ilia & Monica are here for you!  Please feel free to reach out to us here:blkflngspodcast@gmail.com.Don't forget to check out our social media:IG - @blkflngspodcastFacebook - @blkflngspodcastYouTube @blkflngspodcast 

We're back baby! Season 3 is here!This week the ladies sit down with singer and songwriter Stephan Marcellus. They discuss his passion for music, leading up to him being a contestant on The Voice (Season 13). They talk about managing expectations after disappointments, sense of self as you get older, and the ongoing unrest that comes with being Black in America.We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did! We know the audio is a little shaky (sorry!), but it will get better !Be sure to follow Stephan Marcellus @stephanmarcellusmusic.Outro Music: Candlelight by Stephan Marcellus (In Honor of the late Breonna Taylor). Are you looking to collaborate or connect? Need some advice, want to share a story or some tips? Ilia & Monica are here for you!  Please feel free to reach out to us here:blkflngspodcast@gmail.com.Don't forget to check out our social media:IG - @blkflngspodcastFacebook - @blkflngspodcast

On the season finale of Blk F'lngs Podcast, the ladies catch up on their recent sessions in therapy and spoke about their personal growth. Ilia talks about how she deals with personal triggers and faces them head on, as well as an update on her volunteer work as a crisis counselor. Monica talks about re-purposing social media for good, and reminding herself to stay present in times of uncertainty. Lastly, the ladies weigh in on Kanye West and why we should have compassion for him. Thank you all for staying loyal and riding this out with us! This will unfortunately be the end of season 2. We hope you enjoyed listening to the pod as much as we enjoyed recording it! We have a lot of surprises in store for season 3, and we look forward to sharing more of our journey with you!As always, if you're in need for connection or community Ilia & Monica are here for you! If you want to connect with us with a story, self-care tips, questions/comments or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us here:blkflngspodcast@gmail.com.Don't forget to check out our social media:IG - @blkflngspodcastFacebook - @blkflngspodcast

This week, the ladies invite comedian, Ted X speaker, and host of 'Before You Kill Yourself' podcast Leo Flowers to their mental health discussion. They talk about a range of topics from suicide prevention, to Harriet Tubman, to growing your own vegetables. Leo lets everyone know why he doesn't say he's 'good' anymore when people ask how he's doing (it's better if you ask him how he's pooped and slept), and why store bought tea leaves are crap.Be sure to check out his podcast 'Before You Kill Yourself' wherever you play Podcast, and be sure to follow him @leoflowers2000 As always, if you're in need for connection or community Ilia & Monica are here for you! If you want to connect with us with a story, self-care tips, questions/comments or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us here:blkflngspodcast@gmail.com.Don't forget to check out our social media:IG - @blkflngspodcastFacebook - @blkflngspodcast

Hey guys!There's no new episode this week, so we decided to flashback to when we were guests on Sunday Sense with the Sisters In Life Blog, on Facebook Live. The video can be found on our IGTV if you would like to see the discussion! We talk about normalizing conversations about mental health, starting our podcast and cultivating our sisterhood! Hope you guys enjoy this episode! As always, if you're in need for connection or community Ilia & Monica are here for you! If you want to connect with us with a story, self-care tips, questions/comments or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us here:blkflngspodcast@gmail.com.Be sure to check out our social media:IG - @blkflngspodcastFacebook - @blkflngspodcast

Ever since the killing of George Floyd, protesters and activists alike have been marching for justice and fighting for an overhaul of a system that allows these incidents to keep happening. De-funding the police and prison reform are topics that everyone is weighing in on. In this week's episode we sit down with Vince Serrano to discuss his time in a federal prison, being in solitary confinement for 2 years and what his thoughts are on prison reform. This was a powerful conversation that was much needed. We hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed recording it. Vince Serrano can be found at : @iamvinceserranoYou can also check out his podcast 'Rel8table Podcast' with his fiancee on YouTube Monday and Thursdays at 8pm.As always, if you're in need for connection or community Ilia & Monica are here for you! If you want to connect with us with a story, self-care tips, questions/comments or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us here:blkflngspodcast@gmail.com.Be sure to check out our social media:IG - @blkflngspodcastFacebook - @blkflngspodcast

Rest In Peace George Floyd.In this week's episode the ladies discuss the impact of living in a climate where there are two Pandemics: Racism & Covid-19.They discuss their feelings surrounding George Floyd's murder and the subsequent protest that followed. This is only the tip of the iceberg of issues and injustices plaguing the black community. Justice and equality is way overdue--that must change in this country. Black Lives Matter and if one of us can't breathe, ALL of us can't breathe.While we are still facing challenging times, it's important for us to be kind to ourselves and one another. More importantly, we must find balance in our fight for justice and equality while taking care of our minds and souls. We strive to find this middle ground and hope you'll fight with us.As always, if you're in need for connection or community Ilia & Monica are here for you! If you want to connect with us with a story, self-care tips, questions/comments or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us here:blkflngspodcast@gmail.com.Be sure to check out our social media:IG - @blkflngspodcastFacebook - @blkflngspodcast

This week the ladies have an amazing conversation with Melanie Reid, LCSW of Talking For Wellness, and her own practice Therapy On the Move. They discuss why people should go to therapy-- specifically black people and shares what she does for her own mental well-being and self-care. She provides tips on how to manage anxiety about going back to work during this "new" normal and also provides tips on how to keep love alive and fresh during quarantine with your significant other. This was such a great episode, hope you enjoy listening to the episode as much as the ladies enjoyed recording it. You may want to hear this at a slower speed--many gems were dropped!  If you would like to reach out to Melanie you can contact her                             at: reid.LMSW@talkingforwellness.comWe'd like to also remind you that if you are in need of community or you would like to share your story, Ilia and Monica are here for you! Don't be afraid to slide in the DM's or email us at blkflngspodcast@gmail.comBe sure to check out our social media:IG - @blkflngspodcastFacebook - @blkflngspodcast

The ladies hold nothing back in this week's episode!Ilia and Monica give their latest updates surrounding COVID-19, and hold a moment of silence for the lives lost due to the Coronavirus and other causes. They express feeling helpless and the actions they are taking to combat it. They then discuss Race-Based Stress/Trauma after the disturbing video of Ahmaud Arbery's tragic murder was released early last week. Monica shares tips on how to deal with race-based stress, based on information in the article below:https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/24/magazine/racisms-psychological-toll.htmlAs mentioned in the episode the Crisis Text Line number is 741741.The book  mentioned by  is Ilia:"The Unapologetic Guide To Black Mental Health" by Dr.Rheeda Walker.Although we are still going through some unprecedented times, finding your inner peace and creating structure can help get you through however long our lockdown lasts. Be healthy and safe, and please, stay inside!Lastly, finding someone to talk to is a challenge--but don't give up! You don't have to go through anything alone. Ilia & Monica are here for you if you are in need of a community! If you'd like to possibly be a guest on our podcast to share tips on maintaining normalcy, or if you'd just like to vent or tell your story during this time, reach out to us here: blkflngspodcast@gmail.com.Be sure to check out our social media:IG - @blkflngspodcastFacebook - @blkflngspodcast

This week the ladies are joined by friend of the show Mookie, who was on a few episodes back (S2:E7: "You Can't Save Everyone"). He tells his story as a step-down nurse from ICU facing the pandemic, Covid-19, as a frontline worker. He discusses what it's like in the midst of the chaos, as well as the impact on his mental well-being, and what encourages him during these trying times.We hope you enjoy this conversation we had with Mookie. More importantly, we hope that you are staying inside, safe, and healthy during these unprecedented times.We'd like to also remind you that if you are in need of community or you would like to share your story, Ilia and Monica are here for you! Don't be afraid to slide in the DM's or email us at blkflngspodcast@gmail.comBe sure to check out our social media:IG - @blkflngspodcastFacebook - @blkflngspodcast

This week, the ladies give their latest updates surrounding Coronavirus/ COVID-19, and how they are continuing to manage their well-being while looking forward to the light at the end of the tunnel. They also discuss who they would like to be during the crisis and how this will shape them for the rest of their lives.The article that was briefly mentioned in today's episode but wasn't discussed is below:https://hbr.org/2020/03/that-discomfort-youre-feeling-is-griefAlthough we are still going through some unprecedented times, finding your inner peace and creating structure can help get you through however long our lockdown lasts. Be healthy and safe, and please, stay inside!Lastly, finding someone to talk to is a challenge--but don't give up! You don't have to go through anything alone. Ilia & Monica are here for you if you are in need of community! If you'd like to possibly be a guest on our podcast to share tips on maintaining normalcy or If you'd just like to vent or tell your story during this time reach out to us here blkflngspodcast@gmail.com.Be sure to check out our social media:IG - @blkflngspodcastFacebook - @blkflngspodcast