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The Secret Lives of Black Women
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Join close friends Charla Lauriston and Lauren Domino on their hunt for the ‘secrets’ that have helped black women flourish through the bullsh*t. They connect with guests over shared experiences by wading through everything from sex and self-care to rage and anxiety. Each conversation centers on creating a space for joy with some newfound besties while asking: how do the black women we admire stay incredibly phenomenal?
39 Episodes
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In this very special season finale episode we’ve got some personal news for you all that we’ve been getting ready to share for some time. Let’s get into it.
1Charla and Lauren get a lot of questions from listeners about how to sell a podcast. They might not have all the answers, but in this episode Stitcher Senior Producer Stephanie Kariuki comes on to share her words of wisdom for getting a project off the ground. She also throws in tips on finding work life balance and finessing all aspects of life with a self-starter attitude.
You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/
Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw
Follow Stephanie Kariuki on Twitter @StephKariuki or Instagram @steph.kariuki
We may recognize the political symbolism of an afro or a “future is female” shirt, but cultural historian Tanisha Ford sees a political meaning in nearly everything Black women wear--whether they’re trying to make a statement or not. In this episode, she takes a step back to explain the origin stories of some of the most popular fashion items for Black women and girls. And she breaks down the little-known ways that “high fashion” gatekeepers have been apropriating Black aesthetics from slavery to today. You’re not going to want to miss this.
You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/
Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw
Follow Tanisha Ford on Twitter @SoulistaPhD and buy her book 'Dressed In Dreams: A Black Girl’s Love Letter to the Power of Fashion.'
Growing up in Agusta County Georgia, Raquel Willis didn’t find the language for what was so different about her gender experience until young adulthood. But in just a few years since her gender transition, she’s become a leading thinker on gender politics and feminism with her journalism and non-profit work. In this episode, Raquel fills us in on how she became a key player in the movement for LGBTQ rights, where she thinks it’s going, and why she thinks Black womanhood is inherently gender non-conforming.
You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/
Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw
Follow Raquel Willis on Twitter @RaquelWillis_
Charla and Lauren are tired of environmentalism constantly being associated with white activists. This week 18-year-old climate justice organizer Elsa Mengistu (our future president) fills us in on what it’s been like to fight for the environment at Howard University and bring her race-conscious approach to the national stage. Her insights show there are big divides between the youth movement and adult organizers. But like a true future president, she outlines a way for each of us to fight climate justice like the function of white supremacy that it is.
You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/
Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw
Follow Elsa Mengistu on Twitter @elsamengistu and Instagram @elsamengistu
In this second installment of our two-parter on managing grief, Charla and Lauren talk with Detroit community leader Espy Thomas aka Etta Fly. She started her own grief management circle run out of her family’s sweet potato restaurant called “Where Do Black Women Go to Grieve?” And she’s here to discuss how she helped Black women in her community break through the cultural barriers and red tape around seaking therapy, to talk through their deepest losses together. But because she’s Etta Fly, it’s actually a very uplifting conversation.
You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/
Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw
Follow Etta Fly on Instagram @Ettaflyy or join her virtual community on the “Where do Black Women Go to Grieve?” Facebook group
Black women are constantly exposed to death in our private lives and in the media, but we rarely talk about the process of grieving. Lauren has been grappling with her own grief for decades after losing her father at nine and Charla is hoping to learn new ways to support her loved ones through unfathomable losses. In this episode, they talk with licensed grief counselor Keisha Wells about ways to manage the various manifestations of grief, and whether it’s even possible to truly overcome a loss.
You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/
Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw
Follow Keisha Wells @kwellslpc and pick up her book “From Three Heartbeats to One: A Gentle Companion in Grieving Pregnancy and Infant Loss”
These days it seems like everyone is trying to channel their inner spirituality or witchiness. Charla and Lauren have gotten increasingly curious about what new rituals they could develop on their own journeys, but there are so many traditions one could consider and so many ways to get scammed. In this episode, spiritual guide Ayanna Maia gives an inside-look at how she helps her clients develop their own spiritual intuition, avoid hustlers, and find a practice they can feel empowered by.
You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/
Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw
Check out Ayanna Maia’s practice at www.selfcareworks.com
Lauren has been waiting for this episode since the day this podcast was conceived. This week we’re unpacking the increasingly popular lifestyle philosophy of pleasure activism. And we have queer fantasy book writer, performance artist, and self-proclaimed soul sweetener Junauda Petrus here to let us in on the magic. This episode is a meditation on the limitless potential of Black women embracing their wild side and following their most “out there” curiosities. Our conversation starts with Junauda’s story about mending a broken heart by going to the forest and putting her bare vag on the earth.
You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/
Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw
Follow Junauda Petrus on Twitter @junaudaalma and pick up her book “The Stars and the Blackness Between Them”
In the past few years pole dancing has become more visible than ever in movies, on social media, and at concerts for artists like Summer Walker and Lizzo. Charla and Lauren may have never tried pole dancing before, but they’re eager to learn why it’s become such a key vehicle for Black women’s joy and wellness today. In this episode, pole dancing instructor Dalijah Franklin sheds some light on the meaning of the phenomenon as she explains how her organization, Black Girls Pole, created an international community.
You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/
Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbwFollow Dalijah Franklin @DalijahAmelia and Black Girls Pole @Blackgirlspole on Instagram
Charla and Lauren may be exhausted by the state of Black pandering in the 2020 election but we’ve tapped a big wig in electoral politics to explain what keeps her going. Camonghne Felix is a celebrated poet, writer and political communications wiz who most-recently managed all Black media content for the Elizabeth Warren campaign. She’s here to explain how she's found hope and genuine connection in politics, and why an accomplished artist like herself keeps signing up for such stressful jobs.
You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/
Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw Follow Camonghne Felix on Twitter @CAMONGHNE and grab her poetry book "Build Yourself a Boat"
When Teen Vogue editor-in-chief Lindsay Peoples Wagner told her mother she wanted to leave Brown Deer, Wisconsin to build a career in fashion, her mom said she would have to be the change she needed as a kid. Now, she’s seen a lot she wants to change from exlusive white spaces to Black leaders dissapointing her. In this episode, Lindsay dishes about her behind-the-scenes journey to speak her truth and tell inclusive stories as the youngest EIC in Teen Vogue history. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/
Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw Follow Lindsay Peoples Wagner on Instagram @lpeopleswagner
Third time's the charm, we'll be back with season 3 March 12th!
In the season two finale, we talk Black Liberation and activism. With the election year in full swing, how do we maintain a sense of hope as black women? Charla and Lauren are joined by academic and civic leader Melina Abdullah. As a self described member of the ‘Panther cub generation’ Abdullah talks about her work within the Black Lives Matter movement and where she finds joy while fighting in the frontlines.
We’ll be back soon with Season 3!
You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/
Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw
Find Melina Abdullah @DocMellyMel on Twitter
Angela Davis on Black Communism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hai2viOKyBk&feature=youtu.be
Success can often be used against black women, especially while dating. Charla and Lauren have experiences that have left them being labeled as ‘intimidating’ or ‘ a lot.’ These descriptions are familiar to Author and Space Launch Quality System Engineer Dr. K. Renee Horton. Working for NASA is something that Dr. Horton loves but people rarely ask about what it’s like to thrive in all the other aspects of life. In this conversation, Dr. Horton talks about her love for science and relationships, sharing hilarious stories that illuminate one experience of dating whole being a rocket scientist.
You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/
Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw
Find Dr. K. Renne Horton @Reneehortonphdon Twitter
When did you realize how much physical space you took up? Lauren first became aware of her body after an awkward childhood encounter. Self described ‘larger than life’ comedian Chloe Hilliard had a different story, but also was cognizant of the space her body took up at a young age. Chloe talks about the journey to holistic self worth and how vulnerable humor allowed her to be honest when she needed it most.
You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/
Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw
Find Chloe Hilliard @chloe_hilliard on Instagram and Twitter
Charla and Lauren love a good scam. They bring on the Scam Goddess Laci Mosley to give tips on what it takes to be an ethical scammer, especially as a black woman. She shares hilarious insights from her experiences as an actor and comedian while speaking the truth to the power in scams.
You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/
Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw
Find Laci Mosley @DivaLaci on Instagram and Twitter
When Charla learned more about budgeting and finances, it changed how she talked about money forever. After all, who hasn’t made ‘getting better with money’ a new years resolution? In this episode Tiffany ’The Budgetnista’ Aliche gives advice on financial management, sheds light on her own struggles and talks about the issues black women in particular have to overcome.
You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/
Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw
Find Tiffany The Budgetnista @thebudgetnista on Instagram and Twitter
For the Live Richer Academy, go to JoinLRA.com
Mikki Kendall is an author, activist, cultural critic and more. She’s written several books and created the viral Twitter hashtag #Solidarityisforwhitewomen which Lauren distinctly remembers following. The hashtag started a conversation about intersectional feminism which we get into during this episode. We also chat about living in your purpose and what happens when you don’t listen to your body.
You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/
Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw
Find Mikki Kendall @Karnythia on Twitter
Charla started this podcast in hopes to have conversations she wanted more of when it felt like the country was falling apart. Talking to fellow black women has given both Charla and Lauren hope. Writer, producer and host of Crooked Media’s What A Day podcast, Akilah Hughes says that her hope comes from the local level. Akilah dishes on what she thinks the democratic party needs, where she’s specifically found joy and her personal journey along the way.
You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/
Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw
Find Akilah Hughes @AkilahObviously on Twitter and @akilahh on Instagram
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Thank you for this episode. Love the energy and vibe.
why are y'all ending???
I really enjoy your show! It’s awesome. I am a fan🙌 you make this seem so easy lol. I have been hosting my show for 6 months & do everything myself and I truly enjoy it, it’s not as easy as you make it appear😊 it’s rewarding. Keep up the greatness!
thank you. you are of service. podcasting is a service.
love. love. love. I loved this episode and immediately began listening to the next w episode. ♥️
So far this is my fav episode. I feel the same about my mom.
Awesome episode!
Thank you for this segment. I just discovered Tank and the Bangas. I love them. Love you ladies too. I so needed this show. Powerful!
This episode was on point. Enjoyed every minute of it.
"Nothing will work unless you do" ~ Maya Angelou 💕 love this podcast
So many gems in this episode. Loving this show!!
This...I'm SO glad I found this show. Passing on to my fellow sistahs!
People will really not talk to you for not being linked to them, so sad. Any age, all environments, race, etc.
As the only black woman teacher at this middle school with a new school year starting, I needed this! thank you!
I really enjoyed your show being this is my first experience with Podcasts. You guys are great and I'm looking forward to episode to come. 💙🤗
Omg..I was looking for a new podcast. Within 2 mins, I already knew. This is definitely on my list now. You both really tell the truth and I feel great knowing other Black people are going through it and we do so together. We can all relate to the foolishness (fu****y) lol. I cannot wait for the next episode!
loved this first episode
Good show.
this episode gave me life on my way to work 😍
whoop whoop