Do Tell Relationship Podcast

A’ja Wilson — WNBA champion & MVP, author of Dear Black Girls, founder of the A’ja Wilson Foundation, and entrepreneur (Burnt Wax Candle). We cover: mental health post-bubble, therapy, boundaries vs public expectations, NIL’s upside and pressure, building authentic brand deals, designing a sell-out signature shoe, dyslexia advocacy, and what a “good life” actually looks like.Highlights Walk Away/Walk Through: burnout, toxic group chats, and Beyoncé-level opportunities “My peace is my spirit”: separating work from joy without losing either NIL & the college experience: grace while your brand is still forming Authentic partnerships: why the right brands let her be fully herself Dear Black Girls: embracing complexity — powerful and gentle Dyslexia: getting certified support into classrooms; tech that helps Coaching: how Staley & Hammon built trust, fun, and excellence • Burnt Wax Candle: a scent line named after A’ja’s accolades “Wealthy in more ways than money”: stability across every cylinderLinks Watch on YouTube: A’ja’s book — Dear Black Girls - https://a.co/d/bw2eQj4 A’ja Wilson Foundation (dyslexia awareness) - https://www.ajawilsonfoundation.org/ Burnt Wax Candle Co. - https://www.burntwaxcandle.com/Related Do Tell episodes Sinead Bovell — AI & digital boundaries: https://youtu.be/wnN7Yw2-Q34Etienne Maurice — activism & community: https://youtu.be/0F4O8bkWm_g Latham Thomas — motherhood & intuition: https://youtu.be/vdVkJkg4c-8

Real talk on modern friendship. 👯‍♀️ Nina sits down with Trinity Mitchell (Friend Fusion) to unpack the “low-maintenance friend” myth and reframe it as self-sufficient friendships—connections rooted in honesty, effort, and healthy boundaries. From group-chat drama and ghosting to unspoken rules (don’t share your friend’s business!), they cover how to address conflict without chaos, offer grace without giving unlimited access, and let go with acceptance—not resentment.📚 You’ll learn:· “Walk away or walk through it?”—a simple framework for sticky moments· Why self-sufficiency beats “low-maintenance” (and how to build it)· The difference between being cautious vs. being cold· How to invite clarity when a new friendship feels weird· Navigating values differences (religion, politics) without losing the friendship· Practical language for setting quiet boundaries and supporting friends well🎯 Who this helps: high-capacity women, moms building community, recovering people-pleasers, and anyone ready to upgrade their friendship toolkit.—Related Episodes (watch next)Neha Ruch on Motherhood & Identity — Mother Untitled: https://youtu.be/OFRfbhFoSmMSinead Bovell on Digital Boundaries & Tech + Human Connection: https://youtu.be/wnN7Yw2-Q34Latham Thomas on Community, Care, and the Village We Need: https://youtu.be/vdVkJkg4c-8

What if our obsession with “boundaries” is actually making us lonelier? In this episode of Do Tell, Nina sits down with psychotherapist Helen Marie to unpack modern boundary culture, co-regulation, attachment, PTSD showing up around the holidays, and the healing power of rupture and repair. They explore the difference between capacity vs. desire in love, why love languages can mislead us, and a simple nervous system reset you can use anywhere (hand-on-chest ventral vagal cue).Whether you’re a parent navigating the 0–7 window, a partner hoping to be seen, or someone heading into tricky family dynamics, this conversation is a gentle, practical roadmap back to connection.What you’ll learnHow therapists think through “walk away vs. walk through it” momentsWhy boundaries ≠ rigid rules (and what to do instead)A simple somatic regulation technique to exit fight/flight or shutdownHow to spot capacity limits (even when desire is high)Why repair matters more than perfection in parenting & partnershipCo-regulation and community as antidotes to isolationKey topics & keywords psychotherapy, marriage & family therapy, boundaries, co-regulation, polyvagal ladder, ventral vagal, PTSD triggers, holidays & family, attachment styles, rupture and repair, capacity vs desire, love languages critique, parenting 0–7, nervous system regulation, relationship communication

Nina sits down with Molly Shaheen and Huw Collins to unpack how they scaled Maison Wheat from a single boutique into a lifestyle brand—while staying married and mostly sane. They dig into the “walk away vs. walk through it” decision filter, the realities of brick-and-mortar in 2025 (location, terms, team, and story), why saying yes accelerates growth, and how to set boundaries when you live, travel, and build together.Topics: partner dynamics, pivots, creative control, hospitality retail, date nights, and leading a team when you disagree.Chapters: 00:00 Intro + LA launch high 01:15 Meet Molly & Huw (Maison Wheat origin) 03:15 Icebreaker: Walk Away or Walk Through It 04:04 Prime retail opportunity—take it or pass? 05:34 Collabs vs. creative control 06:45 Vacation vs. “dream” opportunity 07:51 When your work misses—iterate or quit? 09:30 Working with your spouse (complementary strengths) 12:08 Biggest surprise after opening store #1 19:27 Keys to rapid growth in hospitality retail 23:22 Boundaries & intention in marriage + business 28:10 Making time: date nights, stop times, travel 31:13 Seasons of hustle (family support & presence) 32:05 Goal-setting, discipline, and different gears 36:25 Knowing when to pivot (instinct vs. forcing) 40:39 Disagreeing in front of the team (and fixing it) 42:18 Brick-and-mortar advice (location, terms, story, team) 45:02 Should you go into business with your partner? 50:19 Do Tell: Couples Edition game 53:06 WrapLinks: Maison Wheat - https://maisonwheat.com/Watch the full video on YouTube - https://youtu.be/NV8E6Vm815M

On this episode of Do Tell, Nina sits down with Dr. Raquel Martin to unpack the difference between boundaries vs. rules, why “ignoring my ‘no’ is aggression”, and how to rebuild community without cutting everyone off. They also talk parenting (respect > control), friendship “bat signals,” and Dr. Raquel’s Burn the Cape movement creating mental-health spaces for Black women. If you’re navigating conflict, consent, or capacity in relationships, this one’s for you. 👤 Guest: Dr. Raquel Martin — Licensed psychologist & founder of Burn the Cape, building practical tools and community for Black mental health. 🎯 You’ll learn:A simple test for boundaries vs. rules (and why most people confuse them). Why “no” doesn’t mean “convince me” (consent at home, work, and online). How to downgrade a one-sided friendship without burning bridges. Practical ways to build community as a mental-health resource. Parenting reframe: respect builds relationships; obedience builds resentment.

Conflict doesn’t have to be scary—or destructive. In this solo episode, licensed marriage & family therapist, Nina Westbrook shares a practical, therapist-backed playbook to turn conflict into connection across romantic partnerships, parenting, family, and work. You’ll learn why conflict often triggers fight/flight, how your family history shapes your responses, when to let things go vs. stand your ground, and a simple 3-step framework to repair and move forward—without resentment.What you’ll learnThe hidden upside of conflict (why reps build resilience & trust)How to “serve the relationship,” not your egoTiming, tone, and language that lower defenses (“I feel…”> “You always…”)Active listening made easy (reflect, validate, then respond)A clear litmus test for what to address vs. what to releaseNina’s 3-Step Conflict PlaybookGet grounded before you go in (self-awareness regulates the room)Communicate to connect, not to win (seek to understand first)Repair & move forward (what you do after the talk matters most)Resources & linksNina’s emotional wellness app Nebbi: available in the App Store.Contact the show: DoTellPodcast@gmail.com or Follow on @benexnina

Entrepreneur + investor Sharndre Kushor (Crimson Education co‑founder; NZ unicorn) joins Nina Westbrook on the Do Tell Relationship Podcast to talk about building purpose‑driven tech, co‑creating the Nebbi emotional wellness app, and leading with clarity, courage, and compassion. We get into founder decision-making, values‑aligned investing, designing simple tools that actually help, and why privacy and safety matter in mental health tech.You’ll hear:⚪️ How Sharndre’s upbringing during post‑apartheid South Africa shaped her lens on equity, access, and impact⚪️ The whirlwind story behind partnering with Nina to build Nebbi⚪️ Simple, daily practices for emotional self‑efficacy (checking in, naming feelings, and taking small actions)⚪️ Why Nebbi is not built to keep you on your phone—and what real success looks like for wellness apps⚪️ A pragmatic approach to copycats, misaligned investors, and holding your vision through scale⚪️ Concrete steps Nebbi takes to protect user data and earn trustIf you’re launching something new, navigating fast growth, or trying to stay grounded while you build—this one’s for you.Download Nebbi on iOS & Android: open your app store and search “Nebbi – Emotional Wellness”Subscribe: @DoTellRelationshipPodcast Follow Nina: @DoTellPodcast @ninawestbrook & @benexnina

Ever wondered how an NBA superstar and a licensed marriage & family therapist keep their relationship thriving amidst crazy schedules, three kids, and constant travel? In this candid sit-down, Russell Westbrook and Nina Westbrook peel back the curtain on:Why open communication and vulnerability are the real MVPs in dating and marriageThe difference between providing for your family and actually connecting with themSetting boundaries with flaky friends, toddler meltdowns, and spoiler-happy partnersHow childhood examples shape our adult relationships—and what to do if you didn’t have onePractical “reset” rituals that keep you saneWhether you’re single and swiping, newly engaged, or ten years deep like the Westbrooks, you’ll leave with actionable tips for nurturing a partnership that wins on and off the court.Like, comment, and subscribe for more real-talk on relationships, mental health, and personal growth. 🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss an episode!Social & ResourcesFollow Nina: @ninawestbrookFollow Russell: @russwest44Podcast IG: @dotellpodcast

Discover how bestselling author Kennedy Ryan is transforming lives through the power of romance fiction. In this raw and inspiring interview, Kennedy opens up about how her newest book Can’t Get Enough has inspired real-life breakups, radical self-love, and relationship revelations.Women everywhere are re-evaluating their standards and walking away from emotionally unavailable partners. Why? Because Kennedy’s novels go beyond fantasy, they reflect what women truly deserve in love and life.✨ In this conversation, we dive into: How Kennedy’s books sparked a wave of breakups The truth about emotional evolution in men (and why it matters)Why “dating yourself” is essential before dating anyone elseHer thoughts on boundaries, reconnection, and friendship dynamicsThe non-negotiable standards women should stop apologizing forDrop a comment:What’s a moment - book, movie, or convo; that made you realize you were settling?🔗 Kennedy Ryan’s latest novel, Can’t Get Enough — Available now wherever books and audiobooks are sold!🎧 Available on Audible, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more.

Actor, activist, and WalkGood LA founder Etienne Maurice joins Nina Westbrook for a raw conversation on trauma, purpose, and building a wellness movement for communities of color. From surviving gun violence to launching LA’s biggest Black-led yoga collective, Etienne shares how breathwork, therapy, and community turned pain into purpose. Nina opens up about couples therapy, app entrepreneurship, and the realities of public versus private love.What you’ll learn✅ How WalkGood LA was born out of the 2020 protests and grew to 500+ person yoga gatherings.✅ Practical tips for Black men’s mental health, sobriety, and setting boundaries.✅ Why couples therapy before marriage can save relationships.✅ Managing burnout when your work is mission-driven.✅ Etienne’s “You Good?” healing circles and advice to his younger self.#YogaInThePark #CommunityWellness #BlackYoga #WalkGoodLA #HealingTogether#OutdoorYoga #BreatheGood #LAEvents #MindfulMovement #YogaCommunity #SocialImpact#EtienneMaurice

Meet Ron Robinson, the cosmetic chemist who left med-school, pumped $400 K of his own cash into one patented idea, and turned it into BeautyStat - one of the most trusted vitamin C brands on the planet.What you’ll learn:✅ Credibility vs. celebrity: Why ingredient science converts repeat buyers while celebrity launches often stall.✅ Patent power: How stabilizing pure vitamin C won him retail shelf space and press love.✅ Funding realities: The brutal truth of hearing “no” 100+ times - and the traction metrics that finally unlocked capital.✅ Listening loops: His system for mining consumer frustration to spot the next million-dollar gap.✅ Founder fitness: The 2-hour daily routine that keeps him innovating at 60.💬 Let us know your favorite moment from this episode in the comments, and don’t forget to share it with a friend who needs a little encouragement today.🔔 Subscribe for more raw, real conversations about relationships, motherhood, personal growth, and mental wellness.

Career breaks for moms don’t stall your career, they can supercharge it. Nina Westbrook sits down with Neha Ruch (Mother Untitled, author of The Power Pause) to reveal how a strategic pause after kids unlocks new skills, confidence, and flexible income pathways.What you’ll learn:● ROI of a well-planned pause: translate “invisible labor” into résumé-ready leadership skills● Re-entry playbook: craft a 2-day workweek, freelance platform, or phased return that fits 2025 hiring trends● Money, identity & mental health: crush mom-guilt, negotiate real support, and protect your earning power● Build your “mom brain-trust”: curate mentors, sponsors, and peer networks that propel your next chapter

Feeling like you don’t belong or burned-out from saying “yes” too often?Designer & ME-brand founder Melody Ehsani joins host Nina Westbrook for a candid sit-downon The Do Tell Relationship Podcast, unpacking the mental work behind success, motherhoodand crystal-clear boundaries. Drawing on personal stories, quietly declaring “I have nocompetitors”  , the rapid-fire “Walk Away or Walk Through It” boundary game  , and the shockof losing her creative spark after childbirth. Melody shows how reframing identity can turn self-doubt into decisive action.What You’ll Learn:1. Boundary Mastery – Melody’s real-time answers to scenarios where money, deadlinesor copycats test her integrity .2. Motherhood-Driven Focus – why nursing fatigue forced her to guard time and energyand to say “no” without guilt.3. Imposter Syndrome Reframed – journaling & spiritual practice that help her own roomswhere she once felt “out-matched”.4. Choosing Reciprocal Community – spotting agendas, cultivating give-and-takefriendships, and teaching that lesson to her child.5. Mental & Physical Discipline – lessons she borrows from Russell Westbrook’s “everyminute counts” lifestyle to scale her own mission.

Are smartphones rewiring our need for real connection? In this episode, futurist & UN speaker Sinead Bovell joins Nina Westbrook to expose the hidden links between AI “companions,” the loneliness epidemic, and today’s explosion of deepfake scams. You’ll leave with five boundary rules you can start tonight.What we cover:AI girlfriend apps: why they top the App Store and what they’re doing to empathy.240 notifications a day: the data behind screen-induced anxiety in teens.Sinead’s “no-phone-until-breakfast” routine that resets your dopamine cycle.How deepfake voices & video avatars are weaponized in dating and business scams plus four instant red-flag checks.Simple privacy settings that cut your scam risk by 80 %.

🎙 Do Tell Podcast with Nina Westbrook | Building Boundaries, Finding Balance & Reclaiming Joy with Brooke DeVardOn this episode of the Do Tell Relationship Podcast, Nina Westbrook sits down with Brooke DeVard, entrepreneur and host of the hit podcast Naked Beauty, for a powerful, honest conversation about womanhood, motherhood, boundaries, and self-discovery.Brooke opens up about the challenges of maintaining your identity while raising a child, balancing a demanding career with personal growth, and learning to set boundaries without guilt. Together, Nina and Brooke explore what it means to live intentionally—and to create space for joy, creativity, and authenticity.🔍 In This Episode, We Cover:The emotional identity shift that comes with motherhoodHow Brooke protects her time and energyUnlearning perfectionism and redefining successWhy setting boundaries is essential for peace and productivityThe beauty of doing less and being more present🎧 Whether you’re a mom, creative, entrepreneur—or all of the above—this episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to balance ambition with grace.💬 Let us know your favorite moment from this episode in the comments, and don’t forget to share it with a friend who needs a little encouragement today.🔔 Subscribe for more raw, real conversations about relationships, motherhood, personal growth, and mental wellness.#DoTellPodcast #NinaWestbrook #BrookeDeVard #NakedBeautyPodcast #Motherhood #Boundaries #SelfCare #PersonalGrowth #WomenWhoInspire #IntentionalLiving

In this episode of the Do Tell Relationship Podcast, Nina sits down with her husband, NBA superstar Russell Westbrook, for a deep and vulnerable conversation about growth mindset, overcoming self-doubt, and navigating inner criticism.From reflections on childhood lessons and societal pressures to hilarious family stories (including a Disneyland trip) and real talk about gender expectations, Nina and Russell dive into what it truly means to grow, heal, and thrive—individually and as partners.🔥 Key topics covered:How to develop a growth mindset and reframe failureThe impact of societal and generational expectations on self-worthHow self-doubt shows up differently for men and womenBalancing ambition, parenting, and self-careThe role of vulnerability in relationshipsWhy not to invest in “potential” in relationships or businessPlus, they end the episode with a fun round of Do Tell: Couples Edition and drop some hilarious and touching moments about marriage, resilience, and being “cool” parents.🎧 Whether you’re navigating your own journey of personal growth or just love honest relationship convos—this one’s for you.💬 Have thoughts or questions? Leave us a comment, DM Nina on Instagram @benexnina, or email us at thedotellpodcast@gmail.com.👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs a little mindset shift today.#DoTellPodcast #NinaWestbrook #RussellWestbrook #GrowthMindset #SelfDoubt #PersonalGrowth #MarriageGoals #MentalHealth #Relationships #SelfCare #BlackLove #Parenting #CouplesPodcast

Welcome to another powerful episode of Do Tell with Nina Westbrook! This week, Nina sits down with Latham Thomas, founder of Mama Glow, for a deeply inspiring and soul-nourishing conversation about healing, motherhood, ambition, and self-connection.Latham shares her personal journey of transformation through motherhood, her work as a doula, and how women can reclaim agency over their bodies and stories. This episode is rich with wisdom on setting boundaries, slowing down, and living in alignment with your true self. Whether you’re a new mom, an entrepreneur, or just someone craving deeper connection—this one's for you.✨ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this message today.🔔 New episodes every week on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.⏱️ Chapter Breakdown00:00 - Welcome + Intro to Latham Thomas02:20 - The journey into motherhood & transformation05:45 - What is a doula? Supporting birthing people08:10 - Creating Mama Glow and building community13:30 - The power of slowing down and being still17:15 - Learning how to be, not just do21:40 - Healing trauma and embracing softness26:00 - Redefining power and feminine energy31:10 - Setting boundaries with love and clarity36:45 - Why rest is resistance42:00 - Self-care as soul care46:50 - Final thoughts + Latham’s message to women49:00 - Outro & where to find LathamLatham Thomas, Mama Glow, Nina Westbrook podcast, Do Tell podcast, healing through motherhood, doula journey, feminine energy, women’s health, boundaries, self-care, slow living, healing trauma, conscious parenting, Black maternal health, women empowerment podcast, mental health, holistic wellness, inner healing

On this episode of the Do Tell Relationship Podcast, host Nina Westbrook sits down with Emmy-winning journalist, talk show host, and author Tamron Hall for an inspiring and heartwarming conversation about motherhood, identity, reinvention, and the power of embracing your true self.Tamron opens up about the real-life inspiration behind her new children’s book, Harlem Honey: The Adventures of a Curious Kid, and how her son’s quiet strength helped shape the story. From the challenges of parenting post-pandemic to the lessons she learned from her own parents and career in television, Tamron and Nina explore what it means to raise confident, curious kids while staying grounded in community and joy.Whether you’re a parent, a fan of Tamron’s work, or just someone navigating life’s ever-changing seasons, this episode is full of laughter, real talk, and powerful moments that will stay with you.📘 Pre-order Tamron's new children's book Harlem Honey – https://www.amazon.com/Harlem-Honey-Adventures-Curious-Kid/dp/0063244845🔗 Follow Nina: @ninawestbrook🔗 Follow Tamron: @tamronhall⏱️ Chapter Markers:00:00 – Behind-the-scenes banter & setup01:27 – Nina introduces Tamron Hall02:40 – Nina’s talk show experience with Tamron04:10 – Meet Tamron Hall: Journalist, Author, Mother06:15 – Tamron on launching her show & leading with intention09:26 – Lessons from Tamron’s family & grounding perspectives13:07 – Why Tamron wrote Harlem Honey15:40 – Raising a child through fear, curiosity & confidence19:43 – Embracing quiet kids & parenting different personalities22:00 – How food, community & childhood memories shape us28:52 – Moses walks into a party... backwards (heartwarming story alert)36:58 – From shy toddler to dancing crayon: Moses comes out of his shell38:38 – What Tamron hopes her son remembers about her41:29 – The “Do Tell” Card Game – Tamron’s guilty pleasure revealed43:10 – Where to get Harlem Honey + Book tour dates!

Welcome back to Season 3 of the Do Tell Relationship Podcast! Nina Westbrook, is back with a fresh new studio, exciting guests, and even more insightful conversations. This season, we’re bringing you bi-weekly episodes filled with deep discussions about relationships, self-growth, career shifts, and navigating life’s big moments. For the first episode of the season, we’re joined by author and creative powerhouse Victoria Hutchins—founder of The Daily Victorian and author of the highly anticipated book Make Believe. Victoria shares her journey from international law to creative storytelling, how childhood nostalgia shapes our adult perspectives, and why embracing joy is a radical act.We also explore: The power of storytelling and imaginationLetting go of past narratives to become your true self The beauty of nostalgia & reconnecting with childlike wonderLearning to embrace authenticity in love & friendshipsMaking difficult life transitions with confidenceDon’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! 🎙️🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music Follow Nina on Instagram & TikTok: @NinaWestbrook Order Victoria’s Book Make Believe Here: tinyurl.com/makebelievebook Chapter Markers for Easy Navigation:01:37 - Welcome to season 304:40 - Meet Today’s Guest: Victoria Hutchins08:12 - The Power of Nostalgia & Childhood Joy19:25 - The Wake-Up Call That Led Victoria to Change Careers22:34 - Unpacking Childhood Narratives & Overcoming Shame26:03 - The Life-Changing Power of Play & Wonder 28:40 - Choosing to Believe in Purpose & Meaning30:17 - Love, Fantasy, and Expectations: How Society Shapes Us35:14 - Letting Go of ‘Perfect’ & Showing Up as Your True Self40:28 - Introvert or Extrovert? Rethinking Social Identity41:53 - How the South & Religion Shaped Victoria’s View of Love50:56 - If Love is a Mirror, What Do We Hope Others See in Us?54:28 - Final Thoughts: Embracing Your Authentic SelfJoin the Conversation! Leave a comment if you loved the episode! Send your questions for future guests to @Benexnina on Instagram! Subscribe & hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode! Next week: Nina sits down with Tamron Hall! Don’t miss this incredible conversation.

Nina Westbrook is back and the Do Tell Relationship Podcast is back are back for Season 3! Get ready for candid conversations with incredible guests like Tamron Hall, Victoria Hutchins, Brooke DeVard, Latham Thomas and a special recurring guest of the show. Catch new episodes on bi-weekly on Tuesdays.