In this episode, Natasha is joined by Dr. Barbara Peacock, a Spiritual Director and author of the award-winning book Soul Care in African American Practice and several other books. She is the Founder of Barbara L. Peacock Ministries and the Peacock Soul Care Institute.In this conversation, Dr. Peacock helps us as Black women get back to spiritual disciplines to help us navigate grief and this grief filled life in which we live.Come and sit with us and join the conversation, Sitting with Black Woman Grief, an exclusive podcast series on the Can You Just Sit With Me? Podcast. Please let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Understanding Black Woman GriefThe Power of Spiritual DisciplinesPrayer and Its Vital RoleCreating Space for Soul CareHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Black Woman GriefGet your copy of Soul Care in African American PracticeConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Dr. Barbara Peacock (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner
In this episode, Natasha sits with Aubrey Sampson, author of several books on grief, lament, and hope including The Louder Song, Known, her best-selling kids book Big Feelings Days and her newest book What We Find in the Dark. Aubrey is a church planter and teaching pastor at Renewal Church, a multiethnic congregation in the Chicagoland area, the co-host of the Nothing is Wasted Podcast, and leads The Louder Song Community, an online gathering for grievers and those walking with the hurting. I am so very honored to know her.In this conversation, Aubrey shares what it means to be an ally, how the church can better support and come alongside Black Women and how to encourage our hearts when we experience grief from her latest work What We Find In the Dark. Come and sit with us and join the conversation, Sitting with Black Woman Grief, an exclusive podcast series on the Can You Just Sit With Me? Podcast. Please let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Understanding Grief and AllyshipThe Role of the Church in Addressing GriefNaming Grief as a Path to HealingA Companion in DarknessHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Black Woman GriefGet your copy of What We Find in the DarkConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Aubrey Sampson (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner
In this episode, Natasha sits with Ekemini Uwan, a public theologian, international human rights activist, and co-author of the 2023 NAACP Image Award Nominated book Truth’s Table: Black Women’s Musings on Life, Love, and Liberation. She co-hosts the award-winning podcast Truth's Table and Get In The Word With Truth’s Table. Her writings have been published in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The Huffington Post Black Voices, and Hallmark Mahogany, and more. As one who is passionate about theology, Ekemini has a fierce commitment to the gospel and its implications for issues pertaining to reparations, racial injustice, anti-black racism, and white supremacy.In this conversation, Ekemini shares the grief that many Black women experienced during the last presidential election—and continue to carry in its aftermath. It’s a collective grief, often held in silence, yet deeply felt. A grief that deserves space, care, and healing. Come and sit with us and join the conversation, Sitting with Black Woman Grief, an exclusive podcast series on the Can You Just Sit With Me? Podcast. Please let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Understanding Black Woman GriefEmbracing Activism and AdvocacyIntersectionality in Grief and HealingPractical Ways to Support Black WomenHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Black Woman GriefGet your copy of Truth's TableConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Ekemini Uwan (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner
In this episode, Natasha sits with Liv Dooley, a Bible teacher and the podcast host of The Best Kept Secret with Liv Dooley, which has featured some of the leading teachers and burgeoning ministry leaders of our day. Liv is passionate about helping people enjoy greater intimacy and authority in Christ Jesus through prayer. She shares her heart about the church, grief and sisterhood.Come and sit with us and join the conversation, Sitting with Black Woman Grief, an exclusive podcast series on the Can You Just Sit With Me? Podcast. Please let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Creating Safe SpacesNavigating Church and GriefThe Role of CollaborationThe Power of Community and AccountabilityHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Black Woman GriefGet your copy of Selah-Bible Study Guide with Video Access: A Study of 1 and 2 Samuel Connect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Liv Dooley (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner
In this episode, Natasha sits with Dawn Mann Sanders, an associate minister and has written and taught extensively on overcoming adversity and creating a new life, and she is the author of When Your World Ends: God’s Creative Process for Rebuilding.Come and sit with us and join the conversation, Sitting with Black Woman Grief, an exclusive podcast series on the Can You Just Sit With Me? Podcast. Please let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Unspoken GriefBreaking the SilenceNavigating Cultural and Societal ForcesRebuilding Through Faith and CommunityHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Black Woman GriefGet your copy of When Your World EndsConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Dawn Mann Sanders (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner
In this episode, Natasha sits with Christina Patterson, Founder of Beloved Women, author, speaker. and bible teacher. Christina walks alongside women everyday encouraging them in the Word of God and in this episode she shares Biblical Encouragement for Black Women navigating grief. Come and sit with us and join the conversation, Sitting with Black Woman Grief, an exclusive podcast series on the Can You Just Sit With Me? Podcast. Please let us know what resonates with you. Main points:The Power of Presence in GriefFinding Peace in ScriptureEmbracing Emotional AuthenticityThe Importance of Community SupportHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Black Woman GriefJoin Beloved WomenConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Christina Patterson (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner
In this episode, Natasha sits with Jodi Grubbs, Slow Living Advocate and author of Live Slowly: A Gentle Invitation to Exhale. In this conversation, we talk about the power of living slowly and what it means to come alongside Black Women. Come and sit with us and join the conversation, Sitting with Black Woman Grief, an exclusive podcast series on the Can You Just Sit With Me? Podcast. Please let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Understanding Through PresenceEmpathy as a StrengthThe Power of Living SlowlyIntentional Listening and AllyshipHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Black Woman GriefGet your copy of Live SlowlyConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Jodi Grubbs (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner
In this episode, Natasha sits with Dr. Natasha Sistrunk Robinson, a writer, speaker, leadership consultant, and mentoring coach. A former Marine Corps officer and U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Natasha has nearly 2 decades of experience in leadership and discipleship across military, government, church, and nonprofit spaces. She’s the founder of Leadership LINKS, Inc., author of Mentor for Life and Hope for Us, and editor of Voices of Lament. In this powerful conversation we dive into discipleship, mentorship, sponsorship, and how we can faithfully walk through Black Woman Grief with God and community. Come and sit with us and join the conversation, Sitting with Black Woman Grief, an exclusive podcast series on the Can You Just Sit With Me? Podcast. Please let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Understanding Black Woman GriefThe Role of Community in HealingMentorship and Leadership with PurposeCreating Safe Spaces for Grief and LamentHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Black Woman GriefGet your copy of A Sojourner's TruthConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Dr. Natasha Sistrunk Robinson (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner
In this episode, Natasha kicks off Season 7 with this ten-episode series with Dr. Quantrilla Ard. The episode serves as a rallying cry for Black women to embrace their full emotional spectrum and to create a balanced life filled with rest, resilience, and joy. Dr. Ard's vulnerability and insights remind us all that the journey through grief and strength is personal, and there is power in sharing and living our truths. Come and sit with us and join the conversation, Sitting with Black Woman Grief, an exclusive podcast series on the Can You Just Sit With Me? Podcast. Please let us know what resonates with you. Main points:The Strong Black Woman StereotypeNavigating Expectations and Setting BoundariesDeconstructing and Reframing StrengthHonoring Resilience Without PressureHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Black Woman GriefJoin the It's All Grief To Me Community Connect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Dr. Quantrilla Ard (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner
In this episode, Natasha sits with Sheila Wise Rowe, MEd, author of award winning "Healing Racial Trauma" and "Young Gifted and Black," to explore the complexities of identity formation, trauma, and the journey towards healing. Come and sit with us and join the conversation, Sitting with Black Woman Grief, an exclusive podcast series on the Can You Just Sit With Me? Podcast. Please let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Understanding Racial and Ethnic TraumaThe Exhaustion of Identity ChallengesCoping Mechanisms and Community SupportThe Path to Healing and HopeHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Black Woman GriefGet your copy of Healing Leadership TraumaConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Sheila Wise Rowe, MEd (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner
Every loss is worthy of the space and grace to grieve. Sitting With Black Woman Grief is an exclusive podcast series dedicated to giving space and voice to the specific loss and grief experienced by Black Women. Black woman grief is real and it is valid. In this ten-episode series, host Natasha Smith, author of Black Woman Grief (and Can You Just Sit With Me) sits with guests and invite them to share their Black Woman grief experience as a Black Woman or ally. Offering solidarity, compassion, hope, and support for those navigating Black Woman grief and those who come alongside us. Dear Black Woman,My hope is that as you listen to this series, you will feel seen, heard, and understood. And that you will sense the hand of the Lord covering you with love, hope, and strength.And for those who serve and support Black Women, I pray you find this series informative, helpful, and hope filled. Get Black Woman Grief book here or wherever books are sold. Subscribe and listen to past seasons of the Can You Just Sit With Me? Podcast hereAbout the Host:Natasha Smith (here)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/can-you-just-sit-with-me-with-natasha-smith--4123861/support.
In this episode, Natasha sits with Chelsea Ohlemiller. She is the author of the new book Now That She's Gone, a book about her own journey of grief at the loss of her mother. Known for her blog, Happiness, Hope & Harsh Realities, Chelsea's work can be found featured in the national bestseller “So God Made a Mother” and two Chicken Soup for the Soul books, also published online by platforms such as Her View From Home, (in)Courage, Love What Matters and more. You don't want to miss this special episode, closing out Season 6. Come and sit with us and join the conversation. Please let us know what resonates with you. Main points:The Continuing Journey of GriefThe Role of Faith in HealingCoping with Holidays and TraditionsHope and EncouragementHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Can You Just Sit With Me?Get your copy of Now That She's GoneConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Chelsea Ohlemiller (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner
In this episode, Natasha sits with Corine E. Phillips, a wife and mom, originally from Cameroon, she now calls the US home. She is the author of When I Lost My Son to Him, where she shares her heartfelt story of losing her 2-year-old son Caleb, a story of loss and love that she hopes will bring comfort to parents who have experienced similar heartbreak. Come and sit with us and join the conversation. Please let us know what resonates with you. Main points:A Story of Reckless LoveHonoring our loved onesNavigating uncertainty and trusting GodFaith amid heartbreaking lossHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Can You Just Sit With Me?Get your copy of When I Lost My Son To HimConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Corine E. Phillips (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner
In this episode, Natasha sits with George Ackerman, PhD, Sharon’s son, works in the fields of law, police, and education. George lost his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman on 1/1/2020 due to Parkinson’s Disease.He wanted to honor his mother and continue to help in the Parkinson’s awareness cause and did not know how to bring change. TogetherForSharon® was started as a family for the purpose of keeping his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman’s, memory alive and to share the message of Parkinson’s Awareness and hope for a cure.Come and sit with us and join this important conversation. Please let us know what resonates with you. Main points:George's Personal Story and advocacy workImportance of unity in the fight against Parkinson's diseaseImportance of raising awarenessThe broader impact of Parkinson'sHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Can You Just Sit With Me? Connect with Together For Sharon organizationConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)George Ackerman (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner
In this episode, Natasha sits with Dawn Sanders, an associate minister at First Baptist Church of Glenarden (FBCG), where she serves as the director of the sermon-based life groups ministry. Dawn has written and taught extensively on overcoming adversity and creating a new life and she includes a roadmap of just how to do this in her new book When Your World Ends: God’s Creative Process for Rebuilding a Life.So come and sit with us and join the conversation. This is part 2 of 2 of our conversation. Be sure to listen to part 1 to get the full conversation. Please let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Embracing the creative process of rebuildingImportance of witnessing griefImportance of supportGod's presence during difficult timesHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Can You Just Sit With Me? Get your copy of When Your World EndsConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Dawn Sanders (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner
In this episode, Natasha sits with Dawn Sanders, an associate minister at First Baptist Church of Glenarden (FBCG), where she serves as the director of the sermon-based life groups ministry. Dawn has written and taught extensively on overcoming adversity and creating a new life and she includes a roadmap of just how to do this in her new book When Your World Ends: God’s Creative Process for Rebuilding a Life.So come and sit with us and join the conversation. This is part 1 of our conversation. Be sure to listen to part 2 to get the full conversation. Please let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Embracing the creative process of rebuildingImportance of witnessing griefImportance of supportGod's presence during difficult timesHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Can You Just Sit With Me? Get your copy of When Your World EndsConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Dawn Sanders (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner
In this episode, Natasha sits with Sara Schneider, a 3x NICU mom to three boys, two on earth and one in Heaven. She is the founder of Bowen Walker Foundation, a national nonprofit serving grieving and bereaved children after trauma and loss, and author of the new book One Mother of a Miracle.As always, you will find this conversation both helpful as well as hopeful, so come and sit with us and join the conversation. Please let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Challenges of Sustained Support in GriefParenting While GrievingThe Importance of Honest CommunicationFaith as a Foundation of StrengthHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Can You Just Sit With Me? Get your copy of One Mother of a MiracleConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Sara Schneider (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner
In this episode, Natasha sits with Kelsey Scism, a wife, mother, former language arts teacher, and author of her new book One Year With Jesus. Kelsey shares her personal story of loss and grief and how her new book will help young readers in their faith.Come and sit with us and join the conversation and let us know what resonates with you. Main points:The power of presenceTransforming tragedy into purposeDeveloping spiritual muscles early onBuilding community and conversationHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Can You Just Sit With Me? Connect with One Year With JesusConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Kelsey Scism (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner
In this episode, Natasha sits with Alisha Reginal. She is a faith-filled Christian, wife, and mother of two boys. After the stillbirth of their first son, Travis Jr., she and her husband founded Remembering My Child, an organization that helps bereaved parents grieve and cherish their children's memories.Come and sit with us and join the conversation and let us know what resonates with you. Main points:The emotional and mental challengesThe role of faith and the support systemsPractical advice and personal anecdotes to offer hope and guidanceHelpful organizations for remembering your child after lossHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Can You Just Sit With Me? Connect with Rememering My ChildConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Alisha Reginal (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner
In this epiosde, Lea Turner, author of The Freedom To Feel, joins Natasha for a conversation on how to find God in the midst of grief and trauma. Leah graciously shares her experiences navigating multiple losses including her father's cancer, her mother's cancer diagnosis, a tragic house fire, and her son's struggle with addiction. This episode is chalked with so many truths about the harsh realities of grief as well as the hope we can find in the midst of it.Come and sit with us and join the conversation and let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Navigating Multiple LossesConfronting GriefImportance of CommunityFinding Strength Through FaithHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Can You Just Sit With Me? Get your copy of The Freedom to FeelConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Lea Turner (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner