As Told By Gabby

Happy New Year and Happy Black History Month!! I am officially back! Thanks for hanging in there while I was "away".

To kick off my first episode of 2021, I am sharing 20 of the most important lessons I learned in 2020. It was a year full of hardship and pain but also necessary growth! In fact, the last three months alone have been quite life changing for me, in the best way possible! Going into the new year, I knew I wanted to bring back this show but needed some time to properly prepare and to gather my vision for moving forward. After much consideration, I am excited to share that I've decided to extend the horizon of this platform to YouTube! Every Wednesday night, you will be able to watch all upcoming episodes and other Gabby-related content on my channel "As Told By Gabby". You won't want to miss them so go ahead and subscribe!

So, with no further adieu, I give you 20 lessons from 2020! Enjoy, share, and together let's continue to find the light in the midst of life!

Music Produced by Michael Spann. Go check out his music at https://www.reverbnation.com/Spannstrumentals!

This episode shares the dialogue from a conversation held on September 26th, 2020. The conversation is a response to the call to action from last week’s episode in which Gabby openly invited people to join her in discussing the importance of voting in America. 5 individuals of all different backgrounds decided to join the conversation and share their opinions, point of views and perspectives on the topic. As of today, we are 34 days away from the US Presidential election of 2020. If you want to grow in knowledge, this conversation is for you. If you need encouragement in deciding whether or not to vote this year, this conversation is for you too. If you just want to be inspired by the ideas and optimism of others, this conversation is also for you. Everything considered, this is for all of us. We will all be affected by this election in one way or another. Please register to vote, create a voting plan, and get it done. The next four years must be incredibly different from the last four years, and this episode will explain exactly why. 

This episode is an introduction to a conversation titled "When We Vote" about voting in America. 2020 has been an eye opening and monumental year to say the least. As we grow closer and closer to the election, we are beginning to reflect on the past four years we've experienced with this current administration. Gabby sets the stage for next week's episode which will be a full conversation that covers topics ranging from voter suppression to staying involved in political activities after you cast your vote. If you're not registered to vote, get a plan and get it done! This election matters like none other.

"Do you know your love language?" is a question I've been asking all of my friends and loved ones lately! This episode, I talk about my new obsession with love languages. Gary Chapman, author and relationship counselor, shares with the world that there seems to be five fundamental love languages that shape the way we express and receive love. These are words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, physical touch and gifts. They pertain to all relationships that we come across in life! Listen to hear the ranking of my languages and a few deeper details about the practice of each language! 

Hello, I'm alive and well! For the past two weeks, I was relatively quiet on social media as I tried to take in and cope from what's happening all around the world. We are collectively experiencing a season of hurt, pain, and sorrow. Although we're "ready" for 2021 to come and sweep 2020 away, if we don't change a lot of our ways...2021 could just be a carbon copy of this year. Over the past few weeks, I've had a lot changes occur in my own life and I'm excited to share them with you in this free-spirited/free-spoken episode!

Black-Owned Businesses Mentioned:

Sosha Bianca Studios, Golde, Black Girl Sunscreen, Sein Decor, Telfar

This week, Gabby sits down with Tatiana Donaldson,  creator of the "Ambitious Black Girl" platform and community! Tatiana talks to us about finding the light in the midst of her own life to create this special space for Black women's voices to shine. She also shares about her experiences living abroad and how she's been able to stay present in what's happening across the world while staying true to herself and making her peace a priority. 

In this episode, Gabby sits down with Jasmine Mobley, founder and creator of the "Beauty of the Nile" community and podcast! She shares with us the background story behind the creation of this important community and talks about the importance of keeping our skin healthy and beautiful. In addition, Gabby and Jasmine discuss the upcoming first ever "Beauty of the Nile Skin-Health and Beauty Conference" and all that attendees can expect to learn and get from his free event!

She's back after a much-needed week off! This week, Gabby talks about coming to terms with the different transitional stages and seasons of your life. She's sharing a couple of stories about her experiences with this and how she gained better understanding during these stages and seasons. 

Guess who's letting you in on a little life hack/secret! If you've ever seen or heard me use the words "Wellness Wednesday", you're about to find out exactly what that entails. Listen to this short episode to learn more about how you can start to find more peace every week. 

“The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.” - Malcolm X

As promised, this week's episode dives deeper into the topic of Black Womanhood in America. Gabby sits down with six other Black women to have a conversation about their experiences in life and perspectives on the topic. As a collective, we're asking that you continue to listen, learn, and grow!

This episode is an introduction to a conversation about Black Womanhood in America. As we continue to demand justice for Breonna Taylor, more black women have been oppressed, hurt, and killed in America. Gabby shares her perspective on the topic while setting the stage for next week's episode which will be a full conversation with voices of other black women. We must go harder for black women. 

"Who is Gabby?" In this episode, get to know Gabby as she shares a few stories from her past that have helped shape who she is today! Among the variety of topics, she talks about her faith, her love for music, and two hardships that changed the trajectory of her life forever. 

"What if 2020 is the year we've been waiting for?" -Leslie Dwight

I hope that this conversation opens doors for you and encourages you to facilitate your own whether it's with your friends and family or your colleagues at work. Through uncomfortable conversations we get to know each other, understand each other, and learn from each other. Let's come together during this time and change the world.

A special thank you to all of the voices who were involved, Kajal Kaushal for editing and Michael Spann for the music.

Tune in next week for a new episode! 

Listen to part two of the conversation that began in the first episode. We discuss coping and healing mechanisms that are effective in giving you rest while helping you refuel!

The year is 2020 and in the midst of the battle against COVID 19 (aka Coronavirus), a new fight breaks out. A fight against the systemic racism that's existed in the United States for the past 400 years. Listen in to part one of an uncomfortable but important conversation on the topic of race. It's time to talk, learn and grow!

Welcome to As Told By Gabby: The Podcast. Listen as I share and paint stories about finding the light in the midst of life!