Being The Balance

We ain't gone hold ya. #January was full of emotions. New year, new beginnings. Then there were the moments of genuine saddness. More mass shootings than days in the year and Tyre Nichols' murder. It's been a heavy month. And we want to be honest about how we're feeling.

Dope friends, take a breath and then tell a friend how you're doing. Wholeheartedly. Candidly. It's good to confide in people. That's the beauty of #community.

Speaking of togetherness, Black History Month starts today. It's the shortest month, but we don't take it lightly. We're aware of the #journey that led our ancestors' greatest dreams here. They endured and we honor them. Tune in as we share perspectives and stories - new and old.

Share your story and the stories of others all month - really all year - long. There's #growth in understanding. And our collective story is one that deserves to be told for eons. Let's lift each up other all year long. ✊🏽

[cue the evening news instramental] Reporting live from our metro Atlanta "studios", we're back with another episode. Although we're celebrating Black history all year, it's the end of Black History Month. We've been sharing Black history/herstory facts and new monumental moments making current headlines over on Beyonce's internet. And we're blackity, black, black over here all day every day. How did you celebrate #BHM? Did you learn something? If so, did you share the wealth? Let's commit to learning something about our heritage every month and then you know what to do... "each one, teach one."

Straight outta the #HR corner, we're discussing a recent article that says your manager has a lot of influence on your mental health. Callie provides helpful tips and takeaways on what to do if your manager is causing you to feel uncomfortable or weighed down in your work environment. #Advocate for your wellness. You are supported.

Speaking of work and areas of improvement, we discuss common terms we use at work that may have violent under or overtones. Are you using any of these phrases and will you make a few minor tweaks to things that you say in meetings or emails? Drop us a line and let us know if we left any phrases off the list.

Next up, we're talking about #joy and #journeys, people. Joy is all around us. Don't let the negative narratives fool you. When you see the positive being highlighted, it makes you stop and take it in. It's uplifting and cleansing for your timeline. Now for a #spiritual cleanse, our Dope Friend, Naturally Just Nikki is here to explain #holistic healing. This interview was enlightening, and if it sparks questions about your healing journey connect with Naturally Just Nikki for a consult. Set your intentions and be well, dope friends.

Happy 2023, Dope Friends! We missed you. We hope you enjoyed the #holidays and listened 🎧 to old episodes while you were cooking, shopping, working, or whatever you do when you want to hear your fav co-hosts chitchat about essential topics and sometimes silly things that you know you want to know. Quit playing. In this episode, we're bringing #balance back [catch the Justin Timberlake reference 🎶]. There are two recent research studies - researchers at the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing and #Columbia University School of Nursing are shining a light 🔦on what #depression symptoms look like for black women. It's alarming how many women have gone undiagnosed. Girl, don't sweep those feelings under the rug. Let someone know you're not OK. Contrary to popular belief, you can't pray it away. Don't @ us. We love you as you are, but we want to see you flourish.

On the flip side, many people are living long and full lives. According to the Harvard Study of Adult Development, older people are sharing their secrets. It's long-term, close relationships. The power of the village can help with the tough times and the line dancing, and chuckles as yall reminisce about the good old times. Ms. Edna and Mrs. Cora been down like 4 flat tires for decades and they're keeping each other spry. Come get this free game! 💎

We love you. ❤ You are supported. 🤗

It's #December and this is the last episode of the year. But don't worry, we came through for you! "We are gathered here today to..." discuss 1) the end of an extremely long #electionszn, 2) untimely #layoffs and what to do if you or someone you know is impacted in the HR Corner, and 3) shadow work, understanding the orgins of your #triggers, and it's benefits. Have you done shadow work? Drop us a line and let us know how the process in going. 

And our Dope Friend, Candice Benbow, came through and effortlessly closed out a year full of ah-mazing interviews. Listen, she did not disappoint! We're here for her journey, her accomplishments (come on new book with raving reviews and writing gigs with #ESSENCE and The Grio 🙌🏽), her lit social posts and followers. We're talking role models, religion and spirituality, Beyoncé's internet and #legacy. Chile... I ain't gone hold you. I'll end it here so you can get all the way into the episode! ▶️

P.S. Happy Everything. We love you ❤ and we'll see you in 2023! 

Hi Dope Friends! Every episode is story time, right?! Sooooo we have updates on local #Atlanta extravaganzas - heavy on the extra. Don't come for us. We always mean well. Just keeping our dope friends in the loop. lol Then we need to delve into "HBCU culture isn't black culture." Ooohhhhh, let's get into it because people feel some type of way about the young lady at a #PWI creating a dance 💃🏾team with what some would say are HBCU dance team-inspired vibes. Whew, chile. Drop us a line✍️🏽 and let us know where you landed on this one. And your girl #Meg the Stallion delivered a home run this week. She launched a site that lists mental health resources. If everyone can get behind "Hot Girl Summer," surely they can release the stigma of mental health. We can agree it was a not-so-subtle way to raise #awareness and continually shift the narrative around the topic. And for balance, we chatted with world traveler 🌍 and TV show host - among other titles - Worldwide Nate. His initial inspiration to jet set across the globe is inspiring. Follow him on Al Gore's internet, and take notes of these incredible trips. Take in other scenery. Learn from other cultures. And understand that most people want the same things. Take the leap of faith. Do the big thing. Expand your #boundaries and your perspectives. Book the trip. 🛫 You never know what's on the other side of that bold decision. You can thank the Worldwide Traveler later.

We're not going to hold you on this one. Mrs. Sheryl Lee Ralph!! We're giving her a standing ovation from our home studios. We STAN!! The black girl magic on the 2022 #Emmys was just... legit everything.🤌🏽 PSA: We don't honor a-n-y-o-n-e trying to steal their moments or shine. Make your "jokes" on your own damn time. Periodt.
OK. Back to the regularly scheduled program: Dope friends, do you code switch at work or in other places? Have you overshared any cultural sayings and regretted them immediately? Drop us a line and proverbially whisper what you said in our ear. We can keep a secret... LOL no we can't. But we're all friends here.
After admiration and a quick chuckle, we have serious questions about current concerning events. You know, #balance. In a crazy world, why are some people #victim-shaming a woman, teacher, mom, and wife who went jogging early in the morning in #Memphis?? When can people go about their lives? Can someone point us to the memo that tells everyone when to do what we need to do to thrive AND be #safe? I mean... come on, folks. Stop blaming victims in their own space for doing what they felt they should be safe doing. It's not OK to blame victims. Ever. In my full grandma voice, "Cut it out, before I come in there." Our hearts go out to Memphis and all of the families of the other missing young women and Eliza's family. Real people are grieving the pain and loss of loved ones in every city. And the real truth is women should be safe to mind their business, jog, walk, shop, sing, dance, work, live, love, and be. We need to agree to be more compassionate. Can we shake on that? 🤝🏼 Aight now. We're going to hold you to that.

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and we’re taking some time to honor things that make us happy and be realistic about some of the heaviness happening around us. That’s what being the balance means to us at this moment. A tv show aptly named “Atlanta” gets all of the love for the characters and the storyline. And can we take a moment to say, Shari is CAUGHT up on the episodes, people! Issues centered around race, blackness, traditions, tragedy, self-reflection, and introspection are gift-wrapped in the script and delivery. Don't mind us... We’re just a couple of fans gushing over the way the episodes are presented. Watch it for the first time or catch up on a few episodes from this season. Time well spent. You’re welcome. We’d be remised if we didn’t check in with each other after the violent events over the weekend. Once again, a mass shooting is causing us to consider our lives and how they intersect with others. Grief and anguish sit with all of us as we process what’s unfolding. And we’re grateful that we spoke to our dope friend, Ti, to ground us. Sadness is real and you have every right to feel it. But his story is a testament to transforming the trauma and finding authentic purpose after a life-changing loss. What an incredible testimony of honoring your person, their wishes, and their memory. These dope friends have shown up and shown out this season! Thank you to each one for being vulnerable and sharing your truths. Those truths continue to help our dope friends know they’re not alone.
For more details about mental health awareness, self-care, professional help in getting over the hurdles, or facts that can help you or someone you know, go to the National Institute of Mental Health’s site. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
We hope the takeaways from this episode and the season are: There’s room for transformation on the other side of what feels like an unbearable reality. You are supported.

Y'all... It feels like this week has been hectic with the news 🗞 (per usual). And this episode's dope friend was right on time. Tune in to hear our initial thoughts on the leaked draft of the potential changes to Roe v. Wade. And then we'll talk to Dr. Julie about grief and her grief community. What does it look like to make space for yourself and for others during the grieving process? What is prolonged grieving? How can you integrate grief into your life? I mean... we loved discussing these questions with her. We'll all experience loss at some point, but having a community to work through it with and be vulnerable about your thoughts and feelings with can be life-changing.

You are supported. ❤ 🫂

As Women's Her-story Month wraps, we wanted to talk about women making monumental moves.

1. Salute to Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for being the first Black woman to be nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court. She's shining in those confirmation hearings. Come on #blackgirlmagic!!
2. We'll let you decide how you want to categorize the 2nd group. Sooooo you'll just have to listen and decide for yourself. No spoilers on that one.
3. And our dope friend, athlete and bodybuilder extraordinaire came by to share her journey and the moments of clarity she's had along the way. We're rooting for you, girl!!
4. Drop us a line and share something you learned this month about an inspiring woman.

P.S. We're taking spring break off! Check out some our oldie but goodie episodes while we're out. ✌🏽

As we close out #BHM, we're talking real-world issues from #Putin and politics to resilience and retail. #Sanctions, gas prices, and intense tension overseas. We're #adulting and working through what it means to us and the world around us. For example, what's the first word you think of when you hear the word resilient? Is it strong? Is it unbreakable? Or is it synonymous with struggle? Let's debunk the connection between resilience, strength, and struggle. We're definitely unearthing some truths about our perceptions in this episode. [Enter Dope Friend, Elisha.] This episode was a great fit for Elisha to discuss her journey to being an #entrepreneur and what it means to her to be a balanced, boutique boss. Here's a hint: The keyword is #authenticity. And it resonates seamlessly with not working to be resilient/tough all of the time. Be vulnerable and be you. The people will #love you for it. Take it from a boss in this episode. 

OK. Real quick, tune in because we're here for #BHM, the #tatas, love, and #sex. Ladies, schedule your #mammograms. Callie is giving you all of the descriptors you need to prep for your first one.
Salute to #blacklove and the awesome black sex therapist (and dope friend) that joined us to talk about helping people understand their perspectives on relationships. Those perspectives, in turn, shape our broader views and behaviors. Now y'all know we aren't therapists, but we will bring one into chat and share some common (and perhaps not-so-common) themes around a (saucy) topic. Would you expect anything less than an interview with a sex therapist in #February?! Unless you're a NEW dope friend, you know the drill. You're welcome.
*bows head* Lord, we thank you for mental health professionals. They are very, special blessings. And we know people need unbiased counsel and connections to ground them, help them heal, navigate the ups and downs, and thrive. We joke, but we take the healing and self-improvement journey seriously. Dope friends, if you don't hear it anywhere else: #Therapy is a part of #self-care. There's no stigma or shame in seeking help in its many forms. "You are supported." ❤

Dope friends, tune in. Our melanated peeps already know what half of the title means. #Omicron aka #Omarion is outchea, and we're letting you know how feel about it the only way we know how. And while we're talking about Omarion's cold antics, we're going to dive into The #Iceberg Method/Theory. #storytime  What are the characteristics you reveal to others? And what's below the surface? Do you consider the differences and how people interact with you depending on which layer of the iceberg they see? Whew chile. Introspection can be beautiful and transformative. Drop us a line about your thoughts about the theory AND share your one good thing. We want to hear your positive moments because... #balance.

🍾 Happy #2022, dope friends. How are your new year #resolutions looking?? Be honest! Tune in to hear about our visions and goals. We're chatting about the #VID and the #colorist #podcast hosts that shall not be named. They said they don't date "night riders" and we're not fans of such foolishness. Moving on to more entertaining content... get into a reality-ish guilty pleasure that Shari shared. Wait... did she say...? Yes. Go check out what we're watching and listening to and send us your recommendations. I mean... we've STILL got plenty of time to tune in. Damn you, "2020 too". Just kidding, girl. We are on your side, 2022 boo.

So long, 2021! As we wrap up this year, we're wishing our dope friends and family happy holidays and a safe and prosperous #2022.🥂 

And it's only right to chop it up with a chef right before #Christmas. Chef Justin Dixon dropped by to share his journey and give us the business about play kitchen sets and angry #vegans 🥗 and vegetarians, in no particular order. The takeaways are: Let the kids play 👨🏾‍🍳 and let the chefs cook! We can all hope that kids find a passion that encourages them to build and nourish the community like Chef Justin. He is feeding AND inspiring the people. Google Humble Mumble for the dets and for that old-school reference on that #OutKast album. You can thank us later. #ATL all day.

Last thing for the YEAR, hats off to everyone that kept pushing this year - despite the roadblocks. This one is dedicated to you. Cheers to your #persistence. We see you!

Tune in to BTBP this week as we remember Virgil Abloh's contributions to the fashion industry. Per usual, Callie is spilling the beans about the latest #Insecure episode. Dear Molly, It's OK to take a break and to ask for help. Delegating is a skill and it can be your friend. *note to self* Now #Issa, why are you throwing newborns like 3-point shots?! 🏀🤣 Baby JA didn't do anything to you. And for the "balance" element of the episode... we got you. Our dope friend, Dr. Callie, shared her journey into veterinary medicine. We love her story, her lifelong passion to care for animals, and her #energy. You'll ❤️ 2 Callies in this episode, and how Dr. Callie's advice is impacting Bradley's #holiday plans. 

Hi dope friends! It's S2:E4 and we're dropping gems for our favs. We're discussing #meditation, #goals with intention, and the spectrums of fixed, growth, and benefit mindsets. Y'all know we're on this journey to be in the space to embrace growth. Our recent convo with Sistas of the Soil intertwined the beauty in physically growing and harvesting something and the mental and emotional correlations. And of course, gardening is about more than growing food. Our dope friends shared their beautiful mission, cleared up some misconceptions about urban #farming, and helped us (i.e. Shari) understand the errs of her gardening (or lack thereof) ways.
#plantlove 🌱 #okraobsessions #growthonanotherlevel #feedingthecommunity #feedingyoursoul

In the spirit of @_lyneezy and all of her dopeness, "...I'ma keep it brief." You know we're here for the people, so consider the first segment a PSA. Stay safe out there, dope friends. And then... we know why you're here. LOL pull out your 🍿 and get into part deux of our girls trip convo. Rich aunties, where you at?! We're here for all of the goods the girls are giving!! 🍵 

Tune in to hear about #vacationing in "Trump Country", a fitting review of #Amazon Prime Video's "Them", and how we are feeling about the Chauvin trial verdict. Whew. And... for the balance part of Being the Balance, we chatted it up with Rick Pace, a dope friend (of course) about #investing. Hint: Listen out for the gems he's dropping about life!
Rick is breaking down the business of investing, #bitcoin, and he shares his biggest wins and losses. Only a dope friend would share alla that. We learned some things; we hope you do as well. Maybe this investing thing isn't so convoluted after all. Now, if you become millionaires, don't forget us over here at BTBP!!

April is #Stress Awareness Month. We’re checking on our stress levels during the national trial coverage. You know whose. We don’t need to say that guy’s name. But we will never forget #GeorgeFloyd. Please check your stress levels and remember to protect your peace by logging off of social media sometimes. But… during your breaks, download new and old episodes of BTBP.😊 We’ve also got time to discuss Lil Nas X, his new music video, and his not-so Nike kicks. “We ain’t gone hold you long” on that one. Drop us a line and let us know which side of the spectrum you’re on. And just in case you missed our BIG announcement: We’ve joined the Great Convo Media fam!! So we’re introducing our listeners to our dope friend, Renaissance Man, and the co-founder of this innovative collective for creatives, Lo Matthews. Get into the convo we had with him about #legacy, serial #entrepreneurship, and his insights on maximizing your time “in the dash.” Come on this journey with us and our new fam as we continue to “tell our stories on our terms!” That's A WHOLE WORD!

Listen... There are legit times to apologize. By now, you've definitely seen the memes of a current, awkward #apology that includes #infidelity admissions and a black #beanie. So let's get into why women are trusting certain sources for the keys to relationships. Do these influencers on Al Gore's internet really know the secrets to #relationships or have they created personas that 1) appeal to the masses but 2) are not reflected in their own lives? Hmmm... And then there are moments that the professionals agree we shouldn't apologize. We can all take this advice, rephrase that apology, and adjust accordingly to the audience. Basically, you're "sorry, not sorry". You can thank us later.