Cultivating H.E.R. Space: Uplifting Conversations for the Black Woman

Hey lady! Are you ready to step in the future? Well, even if you are not the future is here.Artificial Intelligence, once only imagined in sci-fi movies, is now a part of daily life. Whether it’s speaking into Siri for basic information or prompting ChatGPT to write your emails and official communications, AI is here and it looks like it is here to stay.So, is this a good thing? Dr. Dom and Terri explore their apprehensions about the technology and offer a few perspectives on the evolution of technology from the analog days until now where technology drives innovation. Still, questions linger about job security, privacy concerns, and keeping the use of data ethical. Lady, this is going to be an ongoing conversation and we want to hear from you about your stance on AI! Find us on Instagram and let us know are you ready for the technological revolution or does the idea of AI make you feel uneasy? Quote of the Day:"AI is not about man versus machine, but rather man with machine, complementing our strengths and compensating for our weaknesses." -ChatGPT  Wisdom Wednesdays with TerriCultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary  Resources:Dr. Dom’s Therapy PracticeBranding with TerriMelanin and Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Psychology TodayTherapy for QPOC  Where to find us:Twitter: @HERspacepodcastInstagram: @herspacepodcastFacebook: @herspacepodcastWebsite: cultivatingherspace.com

Hey lady! Are you ready to expand your perspective? This week Terri and Dr. Dom welcome Esther Ikoro and Darren Calhoun, hosts of the podcast Second Sunday, an Ambie-nominated podcast about Black queer people finding, keeping, and sometimes losing faith in the Black church. The hosts gather to dive deep into all of the issues that Queer folk have as they navigate their relationship with faith, religion, and building community. Esther and Darren tackle nuanced conversations with depth and skill while also managing to keep it fun and sexy. Not sure what we mean by that? You’ll have to wait until the OhYouBlatchet! segment to find out.The two hosts offer strategies for overcoming church hurt, insight as to why finding community in church is as important an issue as ever, and possible solutions on how churches can energize their offerings to attract a younger crowd. Can we get an Amen? Tap in and find out how you can grow your faith community or support someone who is looking to find more like-hearted people with whom to fellowship! Quote of the Day:"The saints ain't ready for this...but we're still gonna talk about it." – Second Sunday  Where to find Second Sunday:Podcast: Second SundayInstagram: @secondsundaypodInstagram: @estheralreadyInstagram: @heydarren  Wisdom Wednesdays with TerriCultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary  Resources:Dr. Dom’s Therapy PracticeBranding with TerriMelanin and Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Psychology TodayTherapy for QPOC  Where to find us:Twitter: @HERspacepodcastInstagram: @herspacepodcastFacebook: @herspacepodcastWebsite: cultivatingherspace.com

Hey lady! Have you ever been gaslit and traumatized by a toxic, narcissistic so-and-so who abused your trust, violated your boundaries, and caused you to doubt yourself? Does that sentence trigger you? Well, if it does then tune in to this week’s episode so Dr. Dom and Terri can help take the sting out of those words and give you the context around what certain terms mean so you can accurately assess and process events in your life.The Internet is a wonderful tool, but certain words and phrases can catch on and become buzzy and slowly their meaning can become distorted. This week, Terri and Dr. Dom identify terms that are trendy and provide accurate definitions and examples so that you don’t confuse lovebombing with something more benign. And, if you want to dive deeper into some of these concepts check out these previous episodes: ✓ S10E2: Is Your Partner a Narcissist? Diving into Dr. Ramani Durvasula's Narcissism Quiz✓ S10E3: How to Finally Leave Your Narcissistic Partner with Dr. Ramani Durvasula✓ S11E1: Getting Back to Dating After a Toxic Relationship✓ S17E3: What Gaslighting, Red Flags, and, Manipulation Sound Like✓ S17E4: How to Stand Your Ground and Hold Gaslighters Accountable✓ S23E1: Trauma Bonding: Protecting Yourself From Unhealthy RelationshipsWords to Use Instead:1. Gaslighting→ Manipulating, lying2. Toxic→ Unhealthy, difficult3. Traumatized→ Upset, embarrassed4. Triggered→ Activated, reminded5. Narcissist→ Selfish, self-centered6. Boundaries → Limit, rule, guidelineQuote of the Day:“Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.” – Rita Mae Brown  Wisdom Wednesdays with TerriCultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary  Resources:Dr. Dom’s Therapy PracticeBranding with TerriMelanin and Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Psychology TodayTherapy for QPOC  Where to find us:Twitter: @HERspacepodcastInstagram: @herspacepodcastFacebook: @herspacepodcastWebsite: cultivatingherspace.com

Hey lady! Doesn’t it seem like 2024 took off in a full sprint? This year has moved rather quickly, which is why this week Terri and Dr. Dom invite Ashley Menzies Babatunde, host of the No Straight Path podcast, to discuss the power of the pause, and why honoring the moments when life slows you down can be your biggest asset and opportunity to find and strengthen your authentic self. Ashley shares her inspirational story of advocating for herself after a major life event showed her the beauty in her present, albeit difficult, circumstance so that she could create a life rich with meaning. Her decision to embrace where her life took her next with curiosity and wonder opened possibilities that were better than she could have imagined. Join Dr. Dom and Terri for a motivating conversation about finding the blessings and beauty in your life stage.Quote of the Day:"The pauses in life taught me how to live." – Ashley Menzies Babatunde  Where to find Ashley Menzies Babatunde:Website: ashleymenzies.comPodcast: No Straight PathInstagram: @ms_menziesInstagram: @no_straight_pathLinkedIn: Ashley Menzies  Wisdom Wednesdays with TerriCultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary  Resources:Dr. Dom’s Therapy PracticeBranding with Terri Melanin and Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Psychology TodayTherapy for QPOC  Where to find us: Twitter: @HERspacepodcastInstagram: @herspacepodcastFacebook: @herspacepodcastWebsite: cultivatingherspace.com

Hey lady! This week, Dr. Dom and Terri step in their bag and talk about the tender topic of trauma bonding and why it can cause serious harm to you if you let it go unchecked. What is trauma bonding? Social media has a way of amplifying new trends and concepts, but sometimes those new concepts are buzzy but inaccurate. Dr. Dom and Terri delve into what trauma bonding actually is so that you have a framework of how to navigate situations where the potential for harm is high. Break out your Cultivating H.E.R. Space journal, located in the Cultivating H.E.R. Space shop, and create a safe space for you to identify the areas where you can heal so that those who aim to trauma bond with you have nowhere to hook into you. And, remember take care and go at a pace that feels supportive while you listen – we love you, lady!Quote of the Day:"Our virtues are wrapped inside of our limitations. It is only when we are in close proximity to others that we begin to intimately explore the boundaries of our virtues by slamming into our limitations."– Resmaa Menakem  Wisdom Wednesdays with TerriCultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary  Resources:Dr. Dom’s Therapy Practice Branding with TerriMelanin and Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Psychology TodayTherapy for QPOC  Where to find us:Twitter: @HERspacepodcastInstagram: @herspacepodcastFacebook: @herspacepodcastWebsite: cultivatingherspace.com

Hey lady! Have you ever heard the saying you are who you say you are? Well, this week Terri and Dr. Dom dive deep into the power of our thoughts and what we say and why having a healthy relationship with both is the key to living the life of your wildest dreams. Dr. Dom and Terri have tips on how to get to the root of what’s blocking you from living your most fulfilled life. Rewiring your brain through positive self-talk is a major undertaking, but the reward is a clear vision of who you are authentically and worth the work involved. Grab your Cultivating H.E.R. Space journal and join in this interactive episode. Tap in with us on Instagram and let us know how you're doing the work to manifest your best life!Techniques to Change Beliefs 1. Cognitive restructuring: Identifying negative thoughts, challenging their validity, and replacing them with positive, realistic thoughts.2. Affirmations and positive self-talk: Affirmations are powerful in reprogramming the subconscious mind and provide examples of effective affirmations.3. Visualization and mental rehearsal: Visualizing desired outcomes can reinforce new beliefs and increase motivation.Practical Tips and Exercises: Daily practices to reinforce new, empowering beliefs 1. Start each day with positive affirmations.2. Keep a gratitude journal to focus on positive aspects of life. 3. Surround yourself with supportive and positive influences.4. Practice patience and be persistent as changing deeply held beliefs takes time and effort.Quote of the Day:“Life is about the management of energy, where you place your attention, is where you place your energy." – Dr. Joe Dispenza  Wisdom Wednesdays with TerriCultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary  Resources:Dr. Dom’s Therapy PracticeBranding with TerriMelanin and Mental Health Therapy for Black Girls Psychology TodayTherapy for QPOC  Where to find us:Twitter: @HERspacepodcastInstagram: @herspacepodcastFacebook: @herspacepodcastWebsite: cultivatingherspace.com

Hey lady! This week it’s game time! That’s right, this week Dr. Dom and Terri play the classic game “Never Have I Ever” as a way to discuss their decision-making processes and how they keep a growth mindset in their self-development toolbelt. Life is full of lessons and can be a beautiful adventure if you allow yourself to apply them. So, how are you adding dimension and color to your story? And, how can you expand your point-of-view in a way that removes judgment and expands your capacity to have a psychologically rich experience?Terri and Dr. Dom offer powerful insights for increasing your ability to make solid decisions, but they spill hot tea in the Aftershow about where some of those decisions have taken them. Check them out on Patreon! 1. Embrace New Experiences     "Never have I ever" moments often highlight things we've never tried. Step out of your comfort zones and try new activities. Lesson: Life is enriched by new experiences. Don’t be afraid to try something new, even if it seems daunting at first.2. Learn from Missed Opportunities Reflect on things you haven’t done and consider why. Was it fear, lack of opportunity, or something else?    Lesson: Understanding the reasons behind your "never" moments can provide insight and help you overcome barriers in the future.3. Value of Shared Experiences     Sharing “Never Have I Ever” stories can foster connections and understanding. It can be surprising to see how much you have in common with others. Lesson: Shared experiences, even those you haven't had yet, can bring people together and create a sense of community.4. Growth Through Challenges Identify times when trying something new led to personal growth or overcoming a challenge. Lesson: Challenging yourself to try new things, even if they’re outside your comfort zone, can lead to significant personal growth.5. Appreciate Individual Journeys Everyone's list of "Never Have I Ever" will be different. Appreciate and respect each person's unique journey.     Lesson: Everyone’s life path is unique, and that's what makes our stories rich and diverse.6. Reflect on the Past, Plan for the Future Reflect on things you’ve never done and consider making a list of things you’d like to try in the future.    Lesson: Reflecting on the past can help set meaningful goals for the future.Quote of the Day:"I don't have to be perfect. All I have to do is show up and enjoy the messy, imperfect, and beautiful journey of my life." — Kerry Washington  Wisdom Wednesdays with TerriCultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary  Resources:Dr. Dom’s Therapy PracticeBranding with TerriMelanin and Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Psychology TodayTherapy for QPOC  Where to find us:Twitter: @HERspacepodcastInstagram: @herspacepodcastFacebook: @herspacepodcastWebsite: cultivatingherspace.com

Hey lady! Do you know what your love language is? You know, the behaviors and actions that make you feel heard, seen, and understood? This week, Terri and Dr. Dom delve into the popular book by Gary Chapman to discuss how they express love and receive love; and what these concepts mean in modern-day relationships.The dynamic duo explore their quiz results and compares those results to when they initially took the quiz to measure their growth as people. They also reflect on how knowing their love languages and any changes over time help them navigate their relationships. Understanding your love language can be useful in how you show up for others and most importantly how you show up for yourself. In this episode, Dr. Dom and Terri share their insights on the nuances that can help you amplify how you love your partner, your friendships, and your most important relationship – the one with yourself! They also offer strategies to help you communicate how you feel loved to those most important to you. Tap in!Quote of the Day:"Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place"— Zora Neale Hurston  Wisdom Wednesdays with TerriCultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary  Resources:Dr. Dom’s Therapy PracticeBranding with TerriMelanin and Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Psychology TodayTherapy for QPOC  Where to find us:Twitter: @HERspacepodcastInstagram: @herspacepodcastFacebook: @herspacepodcastWebsite: cultivatingherspace.com

Lady! This week Dr. Dom and Terri shine some light on an important topic that impacts our society. Byron Dean Tolson is a former NBA player with an inspiring story of overcoming odds and never giving up on your dreams. Dean shares his journey of leaving the only career he knew with a significant deficit. At the age of 32-years-old, he still could not read.  Illiteracy is a nationwide problem that handicaps the quality of life for the nearly 1 in 4 Americans who live with the condition. This timely episode explores the importance of literacy, how you can increase your desire to become more literate, and how you can help the young people in your life develop a lifelong love of learning! Tune in for some impactful tips to help you become more informed and think critically about the world you live in. Knowledge is power so tune in today’s episode!  Quote of the Day:"You only fail if you quit and give up." – Dean Tolson  Where to find Dean Tolson:Website: Dean TolsonBook: Power ForwardInstagram: @dean_tolsonTwitter: @dean_tolsonFacebook: Dean Tolson  Wisdom Wednesdays with TerriCultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary  Resources:Dr. Dom’s Therapy PracticeBranding with TerriMelanin and Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Psychology TodayTherapy for QPOC  Where to find us:Twitter: @HERspacepodcastInstagram: @herspacepodcastFacebook: @herspacepodcastWebsite: cultivatingherspace.com

Hey lady! This week, Dr. Dom and Terri take you on a journey with their guest, lauded journalist Tiffany D. Cross, as she explores the richness of Black women's relationships with each other across generations. In her new podcast ACross Generations with Tiffany Cross, the host gathers women older and younger than her to discuss their life experiences and find the thread that ties us all together.  Cross uses her storytelling skills and keen insight to offer gems for women to hold onto as they navigate their journeys. In this episode, though, Cross gives game on how women need to show up and move to make meaningful and impactful connections that can take them far in life. It doesn’t matter where you perceive yourself in your life, we could all use some straight talk from a straight shooter sometimes.  So, girlfriend, tune in and find out some of the major keys Tiffany shares to tighten up your professional image and go out there and do the damn thing! You got this!  Quote of the Day:"The journey to womanhood is precious and the beauty of the bruises shapes us and our choices make us." – Tiffany D. Cross  Where to find Tiffany D. Cross:Website: Tiffany D. CrossPodcast: ACross Generations with Tiffany CrossInstagram: @tiffanydcrossTwitter: @TiffanydcrossFacebook: Tiffany D. CrossLinkedIn: Tiffany D. Cross  Wisdom Wednesdays with TerriCultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary  Resources:Dr. Dom’s Therapy Practice Branding with TerriMelanin and Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Psychology TodayTherapy for QPOC  Where to find us:Twitter: @HERspacepodcastInstagram: @herspacepodcastFacebook: @herspacepodcastWebsite: cultivatingherspace.com

Hey lady! We’re nearing the halfway point of the year, which is always a good time to take a beat, reflect on how the year is going and pivot if you need to. This week, Kara Stevens, aka the Frugal Feminista, joins Terri and Dr. Dom to discuss how we can make small adjustments in our mindsets that can result in big shifts in our material world.  Kara talks about her journey from impressive academic achievement and leadership in secondary education to leaving that world behind and journeying into a life that is full of passion and financial freedom. She outlines the blueprint for organizing your money to achieve financial freedom and focus on the things that matter to you so you can have sustainable wealth. And, the good news is that budget does not have to be a dirty word. In fact, a good budget is one that does not one that exists in deprivation rather gives you a roadmap to your life of comfort and joy.  So, take a deep breath and set some intentions to help you get your mind right for the gems Kara drops. The keys to your financial future reside there first!  Quote of the Day:"No amount of money in your bank account will make you feel safe unless you feel safe in your mind first."– Kara Stevens  Where to find Kara Stevens:Website: The Frugal Feminista Instagram: @frugalfeministaTwitter: @frugalfeministaFacebook: The Frugal FeministaPinterest: The Frugal FeministaLinkedIn: Kara Stevens  Wisdom Wednesdays with Terri Cultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary  Resources:Dr. Dom’s Therapy PracticeBranding with TerriMelanin and Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Psychology TodayTherapy for QPOC  Where to find us:Twitter: @HERspacepodcastInstagram: @herspacepodcastFacebook: @herspacepodcastWebsite: cultivatingherspace.com

Lady! You might want to put your headphones on for today’s episode because our guest this week is determined to get you hot, hot, hot in all of the right ways. Bel Di Lorenzo is the author of The Goh!ddess Method and owner of goh!ddess, an online school dedicated to helping women unlock the sexual goddess that lives within them. She stops by Cultivating H.E.R. Space to talk to Terri and Dr. Dom about how they can spice up their bedroom using the ancient art of pompoir. What is pompoir you ask? It is a sexual practice with origins in the Far East used to enhance a woman’s sexual pleasure with or without a partner.  Dr. Dom and Terri offer their perspectives having both read the book and tried the course and Bel peels back the layers that keep women from owning their sexual power. Lady, if you’re ready to radiate undeniable feminine confidence you have to tune in to this week’s episode!  Quote of the Day:"Do NOT use what you learn on men you don't care about." –Bel DiLorenzo  Get a 25% discount on The Gohddess Program with the code CULTIVATE at www.gohddess.com.  Where to find Bel Di Lorenzo:Website: gohddess.comBook: The Goh!ddess MethodInstagram: @goh.ddess  Wisdom Wednesdays with TerriCultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary  Resources:Dr. Dom’s Therapy PracticeBranding with TerriMelanin and Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Psychology TodayTherapy for QPOC  Where to find us:Twitter: @HERspacepodcastInstagram: @herspacepodcastFacebook: @herspacepodcastWebsite: cultivatingherspace.com

Hey lady! Are you ready to step into your power in a way that is authentic to you? Are you ready to move in the direction that spirit tells you it’s time to move in? Are you ready to shine your light as bright as possible for the world to see? If you are ready for all of that then grab that journal, warm up that tea and prepare yourself for a powerful episode with Sarah Jakes Roberts.  Sarah Jakes Roberts is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, philanthropist, copastor of One Los Angeles, and founder of Women Evolve. This multimedia platform provides women with the tools to make lasting changes and lead empowered lives. Sarah’s calm nature drops a dose of serenity in Cultivating H.E.R. Space as she talks about how she transcended the challenges that come with being a teen mom and daughter of world-renowned pastor, T.D. Jakes, to stake her claim as an empowered woman with something to say.  She dives deep into what inspired her to write Power Moves, her newest offering, and why it is important for women to take all of the pieces of their lives – past and present – and remove judgment to step forward into their futures confidently. Lady, if you are ready to bless up your life, you won’t want to miss this dope conversation!  Quote of the Day:“May you discover the power of being yourself and release the gift of you every place you go.” – Sarah Jakes Roberts    Where to find Sarah Jakes Roberts:Website: Sarah Jakes RobertsX: @SJakesRobertsInstagram: @sarahjakesrobertsFacebook: Sarah Jakes Roberts TikTok: @realsarahjakesrobertsPodcast: Women Evolve  Wisdom Wednesdays with TerriCultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary  Resources:Dr. Dom’s Therapy PracticeBranding with TerriMelanin and Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Psychology TodayTherapy for QPOC  Where to find us:Twitter: @HERspacepodcastInstagram: @herspacepodcastFacebook: @herspacepodcastWebsite: cultivatingherspace.com

Get ready to hear your favorite stories remixed with beats and hooks that you can’t find in books! In Once Upon a Beat, host DJ Fyütch and his sidekick/turntable Baby Scratch drop the needle on classic stories, spinning them up with a hip-hop twist. They’re turning the tables on your favorite fables – putting the Rap in Rapunzel, letting Goldilocks rock out, and helping the Ugly Duckling march to his own beat! Where hip hop and fables meet, It's Once Upon a Beat! Listen to new episodes of Once Upon a Beat here.

Hey lady! Are you ready for a good time? Well, tap in because Dr. Ansel Augustine stops by Cultivating H.E.R. Space to discuss his unique perspective on the importance of religion and how his faith has sustained him over the years. Dr. Augustine is an Emmy-nominated Producer, author, and the former Director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministries for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He shares his knowledge as a culture bearer of New Orleans history with Terri, and shares some familial jokes with Dr. Dom, someone he's known for more than 20 years as they discuss the intersection of religion and ratchet. Tune in and feel inspired as Dr. Augustine talks about the ways he has allowed his faith to put him in places where he is both a servant and a leader. You won’t want to miss it!  Quote of the Day:"The message is the same but the delivery needs to change." – Dr. Ansel Augustine  Where to find Dr. Ansel Augustine:Website: Holyhotboy.infoWebsite: BlackFaithMatters.com Instagram: @preach504  Wisdom Wednesdays with TerriCultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary  Resources:Dr. Dom’s Therapy PracticeBranding with TerriMelanin and Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Psychology TodayTherapy for QPOC  Where to find us:Twitter: @HERspacepodcastInstagram: @herspacepodcastFacebook: @herspacepodcastWebsite: cultivatingherspace.com