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Melanin & Me

Melanin & Me

By Melanin & Me

Melanin and Me explores all things health, wellness and self improvement. Covering topics such as mental health and career progression through the lens of two womxn navigating the complexities of womxnhood and the Black British experience. Rae is an educator and sports enthusiast of African descent, born in Zanzibar and raised in the UK. Ash is a sport development professional and fitness expert of mixed Caribbean and British heritage, born in the Cayman Islands and raised in the UK. Ash & Rae met whilst studying at Loughborough. Follow us on Instagram: Melanin_and_me
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Introduction to Melanin and Me

Melanin & MeJul 15, 2020

00:00
36:11
Creating your sanctuary: Independent living as a woman, Feng Shui & Wellbeing at Home.
Aug 25, 202236:32
Imposter syndrome: Self doubt, Comparison & Sabotaging your success
Jul 14, 202238:52
Natural Hair with Dionne: Transitioning, YouTube Tutorials & Embracing your Crown.
Jun 09, 202257:21
Mental Health with Kadra: Tackling Inequalities, Intersectionality & Promoting wellbeing
May 26, 202251:28
Tackling Racism with Martha: Building racial literacy, code switching & decolonisation.
May 12, 202254:10
Body Confidence with Jess Jones aka 'The Fat Funny One': Owning it, loving yourself & positive self talk.
Apr 28, 202240:36
Smear tests & Cervical Screening with Teju: Facing your fears, breaking down HPV & keeping your dignity in the doctor's room!
Apr 19, 202248:57
Living your life with Passion & Purpose with Vee: Reframing your mindset, taking risks & being unapologetically you.
Mar 31, 202229:03
LGBTQIA+ Mental Health with Dr. Tomi: Suicide, stigmatisation & getting help

LGBTQIA+ Mental Health with Dr. Tomi: Suicide, stigmatisation & getting help

In this episode Ash and Rae talk to Dr. Tomi about mental health challenges that can arise in the LGBTQIA+ community. The episode discusses the most common conditions and the impact that they can have on an individual. Dr Tomi shares advice and recommended resources for those who may experience such challenges to help them on their journey. 

NHS 5 steps to mental wellbeinghttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/improve-mental-wellbeing/

NHS apps library: mental health https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/filter/?categories=Mental%20health

Mind LGBTIQ+ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/lgbtiqplus-mental-health/useful-contacts/

Mind www.mind.org.uk

PAPYRUS, Young suicide prevention society, www.papyrus-uk.org

Samaritans 116 123 (freephone)

Shouthttps://www.giveusashout.org/, Text Shout (YM if under 19) to 85258

BAATN (The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network) https://www.baatn.org.uk/ a community of counsellors and psychotherapists of Black and Asian heritage

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Apple Music Playlist: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/melanin-and-me-playlist/pl.u-rE2sevJZ6P

Check out our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanin_and_me/

Like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MelaninAndMeUK/

Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melaninandme?

More about Ash

https://www.instagram.com/ashlea.jade_/

https://twitter.com/ashleajsmith?lang=en

More about Rae

https://www.instagram.com/raisha123/

https://twitter.com/missomarpe 

Mar 17, 202237:37
Fibroids and Uterus health with Dr. Stacey: Understanding Fibroids, Self Assessment & Myth Busting
Mar 03, 202243:28
Intro to Season 2: MORE VIBES TO COME

Intro to Season 2: MORE VIBES TO COME

Queens, are you ready for Season 2!? Ash and Rae introduce 2022's season to remind you how to stay up to date with all the latest content. Rest assured there will be more lessons and plenty of laughter! 

Mar 03, 202201:46
Contraception and sexual health with Dr. Gbemi: Trusting your GP and tackling medical inequalities
Dec 09, 202155:26
Queens corner with Rae: Representation in Education featuring Rhia
Nov 25, 202138:16
Queens corner with Ash: Holistic Health featuring Amy
Nov 07, 202154:49
Queen’s corner corner with Rae: Prioritising Number 1 featuring Maya

Queen’s corner corner with Rae: Prioritising Number 1 featuring Maya

In this episode Rae speaks with Maya about being true to yourself and exploring your passions in life. The pair also discuss the incredible platform that Maya has co-created 'think.insync', which brings people together to challenge, inspire, listen and connect. 

To find out more about Maya, find her on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayafirerai/  

Think.insync: https://www.instagram.com/think.insync/  

Check out our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/melanin_and_me/ 

Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MelaninAndMeUK/ 

Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melaninandme? 

More about Rae https://www.instagram.com/raisha123/ https://twitter.com/missomarpe 

Oct 14, 202145:40
Queens corner with Ash: Taking your power back after Sexual Assault featuring Charis Betts
Sep 23, 202101:10:18
Looking Back: Reflecting on 1 Year of Melanin & Me!
Sep 02, 202136:51
Queens corner with Ash & Rae: Speaking English as your Second Language
Aug 19, 202143:25
Postnatal Depression with Simone Riley: Affirmations, Motherhood & Mental Health

Postnatal Depression with Simone Riley: Affirmations, Motherhood & Mental Health

In this episode, Ash and Rae talk to BBC Radio Manchester's Simone Riley about her journey entering motherhood and the impact that this had on her mental wellbeing. Simone shares the effects of postnatal depression, spotting the signs & coping mechanisms to positively navigate life as a new Mum. 

To find our more about Simone Riley aka Miss Diva: https://www.instagram.com/simoneriley_missdiva/ or on twitter https://twitter.com/srileymedia Or tune in on Legacy FM frequency 90.1 FM The Bad Parent Club: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0933zxm Sista Collective: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06ptdhf/episodes/downloads  Caribbean African Health Network: https://www.cahn.org.uk/ MIND: https://www.mind.org.uk/ For more information about this and other episodes... Check out our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/melanin_and_me/ Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MelaninAndMeUK/ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melaninandme? More about Ash https://www.instagram.com/ashlea.jade_/ https://twitter.com/ashleajsmith?lang=en More about Rae https://www.instagram.com/raisha123/ https://twitter.com/missomarpe 

Aug 05, 202146:04
Queens corner with Ash: Bullying & Building Confidence with Tia Antonia
Jul 22, 202143:03
Safe Spaces for Black Women with Dr Leyla and Fatima: Group Therapy for Black Women, Mental Health & Wellbeing & discussing FGM.

Safe Spaces for Black Women with Dr Leyla and Fatima: Group Therapy for Black Women, Mental Health & Wellbeing & discussing FGM.

In this episode, Ash and Rae talk to the Co-Founders of 'Safe Spaces for Black Women', Dr Leyla Hussein OBE and Fatima Hajji. We chat about what inspired the pair to initiate the therapeutic platform, dive into their own personal experiences, discussing the importance of Mental Health & wellbeing. In this episode we open up a conversation raising awareness of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM); discussing the facts & sharing information on how to support our fellow Queens. To find our more about Safe Space for Black Women: https://www.instagram.com/safespaces4blackwomen/ https://www.safespacesforblackwomen.com/ To find out more about Dr. Leyla Hussein: https://www.instagram.com/leylahusseinuk/ To find out more about Fatima: https://www.instagram.com/miss.hajji/ For more information about this and other episodes... Check out our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/melanin_and_me/ Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MelaninAndMeUK/ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melaninandme? More about Ash https://www.instagram.com/ashlea.jade_/ https://twitter.com/ashleajsmith?lang=en More about Rae https://www.instagram.com/raisha123/ https://twitter.com/missomarpe 
Jul 08, 202151:46
Queens corner with Rae: Life as a Black Student Athlete featuring Mariam Olawoyin
Jun 24, 202122:44
Nutrition with Claudine Thornhill: Plant based diets, cultural carbs & Snoop Dogg adverts.
Jun 10, 202147:56
Queens corner with Ash: Living Mixed Raced featuring Grace
Jun 01, 202139:14
Travelling with Sherilyn: Life as a Disney princess, travel memes & tips for your post lockdown adventures.
May 13, 202159:24
Queen’s Corner with Rae: Building sisterhood through Charity featuring Chacha
Apr 29, 202131:44
Black Girl Finance with Selina: Busting finance myths, saving your coin & helping women make smart investments.
Apr 15, 202149:22
Queen's Corner with Ash: Maintaining a positive mindset with Stephanie Rosita
Apr 01, 202141:43
Coaching and Mentoring with Dr Susan Ozer: The benefits of Coaching, Mentoring & lifelong learning, finding your tribe, & explaining the science behind the COVID-19 vaccination.
Mar 18, 202151:34
Queen's corner with Rae: Growing up as a minority in the UK - Asking for permission to go out, takeaways and sibling bravery
Mar 04, 202101:06:45
Entrepreneurship with Flossy: Featuring in Vogue, getting support from Maya Jama, and touching Anthony Joshua’s face!
Feb 18, 202141:28
Queen's corner with Ash: Black Females in Tech Featuring Shaquilla Johnson

Queen's corner with Ash: Black Females in Tech Featuring Shaquilla Johnson

In this ‘Queens corner’ segment, Ash discusses life as a ‘techie’ with her pageant sister Shaquilla. The episode explores the challenges faced when entering the tech industry, debunking myths about coding and Shaquilla shares support platforms that have helped her with her own career development.

  • Black Girls Code: https://www.blackgirlscode.com
  • Follow Shaquilla on Instagram: @shaquillaevelyn


Feb 04, 202144:44
Exploring culture through pageantry: Walking in heels, self improvement and diversity in the pageant world.

Exploring culture through pageantry: Walking in heels, self improvement and diversity in the pageant world.

In this episode, Rae chats with Ash about her experience as a Miss Caribbean UK 2020 contestant, and learns more about how this aided her personal development and what she will be taking from pageantry into her future life.

  • Miss Caribbean UK - https://instagram.com/misscaribbeanuk?igshid=1hd3g1t780fi2
  • https://www.misscaribbeanuk.com
  • KenVee Clothing - https://instagram.com/kenvee_clothing?igshid=1dqm08y527rju
Jan 21, 202144:04
Queen's corner with Rae: life as a Physiotherapist featuring Grace

Queen's corner with Rae: life as a Physiotherapist featuring Grace

In this ‘Queens corner’ segment, Rae explores with her good sister friend Grace, what it is like being a physiotherapist, how its like working for the NHS and they discuss what being a Melanated Queen means to both of them. 

Jan 07, 202125:26
Let's talk friendships: Long distance relationships, sleepovers, change, growth and 'ride or die' friends

Let's talk friendships: Long distance relationships, sleepovers, change, growth and 'ride or die' friends

In this episode, Ash and Rae discuss friendships from primary school to adulthood, and reflect on the complexities, evolution  and varying roles of the gift that is friendship.

Dec 24, 202042:03
Queen's corner with Ash: Tackling procrastination

Queen's corner with Ash: Tackling procrastination

In this ‘Queens corner’ segment Ash explores why we procrastinate, helps you discover what type of procrastinator you are & provides tips on how to be more productive in your personal and professional life.

Dec 10, 202022:55
Managing your relationship with social media: WhatsApp group anxiety, algorithms and Nokia 3310

Managing your relationship with social media: WhatsApp group anxiety, algorithms and Nokia 3310

In this episode we reflect on our social media usage, the positives and potential downfalls of social media. We also discover what were Ash's and Rae's first phones.
Nov 26, 202036:41
Queen's Corner with Rae: Life as a Black female PE Teacher

Queen's Corner with Rae: Life as a Black female PE Teacher

In this 'Queen's corner' segment Rae chats to her colleague turned friend Shanice about life as a PE teacher including, how to take up spaces as a black Educator, what inspired Shanice to become a PE teacher and her experiences to date.

Nov 12, 202050:11
Coping with the Rona: Panic buying, Zoom fatigue and self-care

Coping with the Rona: Panic buying, Zoom fatigue and self-care

In this episode we reflect on how the Corona virus has impacted on our daily lives, the struggle we have faced since the initial lockdown and we offer tips on how to positively move forward with life in this new world.

Oct 31, 202035:15
Queen's Corner with Ash: Discussing Domestic Abuse featuring Cheniel Henderson

Queen's Corner with Ash: Discussing Domestic Abuse featuring Cheniel Henderson

In this Queen's Corner episode Ash interviews Cheniel Henderson, finalist in the 'Young European Miss International' Pageant representing South London. Cheniel shares information of her platform raising awareness of all forms of domestic abuse. Cheniel shares tips on how to spot the signs of those who may be experiencing domestic abuse, and how to support those around you.

https://www.solacewomensaid.org/
https://www.womensaid.org.uk/
https://instagram.com/allgirlsrockuk?igshid=1cxfk3caulokd

Follow Cheniel at: https://www.instagram.com/officialcheniel/

Oct 01, 202021:36
Moving as a minority: Lockdown workouts, underrepresentation and self care
Sep 27, 202027:37
Queen’s corner with Rae: working smarter, building relationships and learning to know when to stop
Sep 17, 202012:35
Queen's Corner with Ash: LinkedIn Stalking, fake eyelashes and positive vibes

Queen's Corner with Ash: LinkedIn Stalking, fake eyelashes and positive vibes

In this 'Queen's corner' segment Ash provides tips to help you prepare for your next job interview.

Check out our instagram: https://instagram.com/melanin_and_me?igshid=1ld6jm16wuxoj 

Tweet Ash: @AshleaJSmith

Sep 04, 202031:02
Career development: Our journeys, Mentoring & Imposter syndrome

Career development: Our journeys, Mentoring & Imposter syndrome

In this episode we reflect on our career journeys, discuss how we have overcome barriers in the workplace, and inform on mentoring programmes supporting womxn of colour.

Lets Talk about Race: https://youtu.be/B1JDzPbXJaU 

One2OneMentoring Website: https://one2onementoring.com/ 

One2OneMentoring Instagram: https://instagram.com/one.2onementoring?igshid=1ka82poi8yen2 

Check out our instagram: https://instagram.com/melanin_and_me?igshid=1ld6jm16wuxoj 

Tweet Ash: @AshleaJSmith 

Tweet Rae: @MissOmarPE 

Aug 27, 202033:57
International Projects: Chickens riding the bus, Beyoncé and African Nando's

International Projects: Chickens riding the bus, Beyoncé and African Nando's

In this episode, we reflect on our involvement in international sport development project ‘Volunteer Zambia’ formerly ‘Zambia IDEALS’. We chat about how we got involved, lessons learnt, and what we took away from our experiences.

International Citizen Service (ICS) which is an international volunteering programme: https://www.volunteerics.org 

Check out our instagram https://instagram.com/melanin_and_me?igshid=vbnu3m98jhi5

Tweet Ash: @AshleaJSmith 

Tweet Rae: @MissOmarPE 

Aug 09, 202031:08
Introduction to Melanin and Me

Introduction to Melanin and Me

Learn more about your hosts Rae and Ash, get more insight into why they created Melanin and Me, the processes they went through and their aspirations for the platform.
Jul 15, 202036:11