Be Well Sis: The Podcast

What happens when your best day collides with your worst? In this conversation, we sit down with poet and author Rachel Eliza Griffiths to discuss her memoir The Flower Bearers. Rachel shares the story of her wedding day, which became both the best and worst day of her life when she learned of her closest friend Aisha's sudden passing. Together we explore the physical and emotional toll of grief, the power of our chosen sisterhood, and what it looks like to survive multiple traumas within months. Rachel opens up about navigating anger, shame, and eventually healing, while honoring the love that sustains us through unimaginable loss. We talk about resilience and the courage it takes to choose joy even in the midst of profound grief. Find out more about Rachel here: https://www.rachelelizagriffiths.com/ Buy The Flower Bearers here: https://bookshop.org/a/18086/9780593730201 Connect with Be Well, Sis: Instagram – @bewellsis_podcast Substack – bewellsis.substack.com Follow, rate, and share this episode! We’re supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact. Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have your own Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show! Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve all dreamt of starting fresh somewhere new, perhaps a sunny beach or bustling city or blissful countryside- but what do those dreams look like in reality? And are they actually attainable? Joining us today is Christine Job- host of Flourish in the Foreign, to talk all about her move to Spain and why living abroad was always her dream. Christine offers honest insights about gentrification, housing markets, cultural integration, and what it really takes to build a sustainable, intentional life abroad. Whether you're seriously considering a move or simply curious about what life beyond borders looks like, this conversation will get you to think deeper about migration, wellness, and what true liberation might mean… Find out more about Christine and Flourish in the Foreign here! Connect with Be Well, Sis: Instagram – @bewellsis_podcast Substack – bewellsis.substack.com Follow, rate, and share this episode! We’re supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact. Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have your own Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show! Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stepping into any physical wellness class is intimidating, especially when the rest of the room doesn’t look like you. This week we’re joined by co-founder of The Underbelly Yoga, Jessamyn Stanley, for a refreshing conversation on re-connecting with yourself- mind, body AND spirit. We dive into shifting the wellness landscape and why we all deserve to show up for ourselves. If you added “Do Yoga Every Day” to your New Year resolutions or have always been curious about what this wellness practice can do for you, then this episode is for you. Check out The Underbelly Yoga (from the comfort of your own home!) here. Connect with Be Well, Sis: Instagram – @bewellsis_podcast Substack – bewellsis.substack.com Follow, rate, and share this episode! We’re supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact. Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have your own Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show! Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

 If you’ve been navigating hot flashes, mood swings and starting to not give a damn- then this one, is for you. This week we’re joined by People’s 2025 Creator of the Year, Melani Sanders- author and founder of the We Do Not Care Club for a truly unfiltered conversation about the realities of perimenopause. We dive into Melani’s journey- and how being candid online led to a vital community- the We Do Not Care Club. Follow Melani and her journey at @justbeingmelani, and find out more about her book, the Do Not Care Club at https://wedonotcareclub.com/   Connect with Be Well, Sis: Instagram – @bewellsis_podcast Substack – bewellsis.substack.com Follow, rate, and share this episode! We’re supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact. Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have your own Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show! Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Certified breathwork facilitator and founder of The Self-Care Suite Tara Pringle Jefferson joins us to reframe self-care beyond consumerism. Drawing from her new book Bloom How You Must: A Black Woman’s Guide to Self-Care and Generational Healing, Tara unpacks the “strong Black woman” narrative, shares what was happening in her life when her doctor literally prescribed rest as medicine, and points out practical ways to build support, not just stamina. We get into social and professional wellness (hello, sabbaticals), the power of “third places,” why it’s important to indulge creative rituals that aren’t rooted in perfectionism, and the intergenerational wisdom she gathered from talking to 100 Black women ages 19–99. Plus: Toni Morrison’s lesson on boundaries, Coretta Scott King’s vocation-as-service, and a simple mandate for 2026 (remember you’re human). For more from Tara: Bloom How You Must (book + tour dates) The Self-Care Suite (Tara’s community) Tara on social: @WearWomenBloom (IG / Facebook / Threads) Connect with Be Well, Sis: Instagram – @bewellsis_podcast Substack – bewellsis.substack.com Follow, rate, and share this episode! We’re supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact. Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have your own Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show! Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. This episode was edited by Victoria Marin. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

 In this special New Year’s Eve episode, we’re looking back on 2025 and reflect on rest, rejection, joy, grief, and community. We revisit some of the conversations, cultural moments, and personal lessons that shaped the year, while naming what we’re proud of for simply making it through. What are we leaving behind? And what are we carrying forward into 2026? This episode is an invitation to release what no longer serves us and step into the new year with more intention, softness, joy, and more of ourselves. Connect with Be Well, Sis: Instagram – @bewellsis_podcast Substack – bewellsis.substack.com Follow, rate, and share this episode! We’re supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact. Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have your own Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show! Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join us as we take a look back on some of our favorite chats with Love, Sex & Relationship Experts! We’re joined by Dr Donna Oriowo, Mandii B, Dr Candice Nicole and Francesca Hogi. Together we cover everything from why you should always drink your water to how to find true love and intimacy in the digital age! More About The Guests: Dr Donna Oriowo - award-winning therapist, educator, and author of Drink Water & Mind Your Business Mandii B - co-host of the Decisions Decisions podcast and co-author of No Holes Barred: A Dual Manifesto of Sexual Exploration and Power. Dr Candice Nicole- award-winning psychologist and author of Good Sex: Stories, Science, and Strategies for Sexual Liberation.  Francesca Hogi- Host of Dear Franny Podcast and author of How to Find True Love: Unlock Your Romantic Flow and Create Lasting Relationships Connect with Be Well, Sis: Instagram – @bewellsis_podcast Substack – bewellsis.substack.com Follow, rate, and share this episode! We’re supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact. Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have your own Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show! Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we’re taking a look back on what it means to prioritise joy- and how to live that soft life. We’re joined by EbonyJanice, Brandee Younger, Alana and Samra from She Well Read and The TV Doctor’s Dr. Michele Foss and Ashley Johnson. Together we cover everything from the revolution of rest, to what it REALLY means to be well read.  Join us for an episode packed full of laughter, honesty and light! More About The Guests: EbonyJanice | Founder and CEO of The Free People Project and author of All The Black Girls Are Activists  Brandee Younger | Grammy-nominated Harpist, check out her latest album Gadabout Season Alana and Samra | co-hosts of the She Well Read Podcast Dr. Michele Foss and Ashley Johnson | The TV Doctor Podcast Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have your own Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show! Connect with Be Well, Sis: Instagram – @bewellsis_podcast Substack – bewellsis.substack.com Follow, rate, and share this episode! We’re supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact. Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Independent audio producer and creative powerhouse TK Dutes joins us to share the story behind her new audio documentary; The Secret Life of TK Dutes- a project born from burnout, medical dismissal, and the pressure to shrink herself to be palatable. We talk about unlearning a “be small and quiet” upbringing, how we navigate the industry and about rebuilding a life rooted in joy, creativity, and visibility. Find out more about TK and the podcast here. Connect with Be Well, Sis: Instagram – @bewellsis_podcast Substack – bewellsis.substack.com Follow, rate, and share this episode! We’re supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact. Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show! Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re celebrating the season by bringing you a special holiday episode featuring never-before-heard clips from some of our recent guests. From favorite seasonal dishes to nostalgic moments and new traditions, join us as we hear from: Anela Malik, Maya Elious, Adell Coleman, Hannah Eko, Octavia Morgan, and members of the Be Well, Sis team! This episode is a celebration of culture, comfort and connection – however you spend the season, we hope this episode brings a little joy to your day! Connect with Be Well, Sis: Instagram – @bewellsis_podcast Substack – bewellsis.substack.com Follow, rate, and share this episode! We’re supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact. Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show! Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Palliative care nurse turned fragrance founder and CEO Octavia Morgan joins us to share how scent became both a healing practice and a business, ultimately leading to Ulta Beauty’s first Black- and woman-owned prestige fragrance house. Octavia breaks down practical layering, budget-friendly ways to customize your signature scent, and how she created her first fragrance, Legendary, for her hospice patients. We also get personal about the leap from nursing to entrepreneurship, fear vs. obedience, and the one non-negotiable that keeps her centered: a daily hour of self-devotion. Stay for her holiday recs and a rapid-fire on unexpected notes (hello, oud), “soft life” accords, and the power of pouring into yourself first, so you can better show up for everyone else around you. In this episode we discuss: Layering 101: build from the heaviest scent, then medium, then light Clean, sensual scents that don’t read “essential oil” Founder wellness: the one-hour daily ritual & how to move stagnant energy Taking the leap: getting contracts, “burning the boats,” and betting on your calling Holiday picks: Dark Rose, Vanilla Supreme, and 4- and 8-piece discovery sets Connect with Octavia: https://octaviamorgan.com/ https://www.ulta.com/  Connect with Be Well, Sis: Instagram – @bewellsis_podcast Substack – bewellsis.substack.com Follow, rate, and share this episode! We’re supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact. Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show! Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. This episode was edited by Victoria Marin. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we’re catching up on what it means to show up as our best selves, even when life feels full. We talk about getting older (and making peace with it), investing in the little things that make us feel good, and finding beauty in the smallest everyday rituals. So grab your tea and let’s catch up, sis to sis. What's On My Radar 🔗 A Happy Pocket Full of Money: Infinite Wealth and Abundance in the Here and Now by David Cameron Gikandi Less Is Liberation by Christine Platt YSL Concealer  LTK (LikeToKnowIt) Storefront  My Everyday Makeup Staples Connect with Be Well, Sis: Instagram – @bewellsis_podcast Substack – bewellsis.substack.com Follow, rate, and share this episode! We’re supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact. Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show! Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this nourishing conversation, we sit down with author and creator Hannah Eko to explore what it means to choose bliss in a world that glorifies burnout. Drawing from her book Honey Is the Knife, Hannah unpacks how Black women can transform wounds into wisdom and reclaim pleasure as both a birthright and a spiritual practice. Together, they explore the beauty of softness as protection, and how embracing joy can be a radical, healing act. If you’ve ever felt guilty for wanting ease or joy, this episode is your permission slip to rest, feel, and return to yourself. In this episode we discuss: Why choosing bliss is not escapism, but a form of resistance and liberation The importance of curating environments that allow Black women to stay soft and whole Hannah’s journey from self-sacrifice to self-honoring — and what being a “punk spiritualist” really means How pleasure connects us to our ancestors and offers a pathway to healing generational pain Reframing wellness: moving beyond constant self-improvement toward true self-acceptance Connect with Hannah: Website: hannaheko.com Instagram: @hannah.eko Substack: hannahekwrites.substack.com Connect with Be Well, Sis: Instagram – @bewellsis_podcast Substack – bewellsis.substack.com Follow, rate, and share this episode! We’re supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact. Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show! Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s episode, personal trainer and future pelvic floor physical therapist Röbynn Europe demystifies all things pelvic floor health: what it is, why it matters, and how to get help when needed. Röbynn breaks down the “core as a box” (diaphragm, abs, back, pelvic floor), explains Kegels beyond the basics (the dreaded/loved “elevator” holds), and shares signs something needs attention: from incontinence to painful sex, low-back/groin pain, and post-birth changes (including after C-sections). We also dig into why men, too, should train their pelvic floors (especially lifters), and how much knowledge and representation are power when it comes to pelvic health.  In this episode, we discussed: The “core as a box” model and why pelvic floor strength anchors it Kegels, including progressive “elevator” reps and timed holds Red flags to look out for: different types of incontinence, incomplete emptying, painful sex, pelvic/low-back pain Postpartum & the value of pelvic floor therapy even after a C-section The importance of pelvic health for men The value of representation and knowledge in improving Black health outcomes through pelvic floor care 📌 Resources & Links Röbynn Europe, PT Find a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist (APTA Pelvic Health Directory) Pelvic Floor Disorders Overview (U.S. Office on Women’s Health) Prostate Cancer Info & Support (American Cancer Society) Urology Care Foundation: Pelvic Floor Conditions Connect with Be Well, Sis: Instagram – @bewellsis_podcast Substack – bewellsis.substack.com Follow, rate, and share this episode! We’re supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact. Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show! Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. This episode was edited by Victoria Marin. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does it mean to work hard AND live soft? In this episode, Messaging Expert & Business Strategist Maya Elious joins us to talk about building a life rooted in purpose, not pressure. Maya shares her journey from the first entrepreneurial project of designing MySpace pages in college, to leading successful coaching programs for women of faith and ambition. Together, they unpack what it looks like to balance hustle with healing, and how discernment, discipline, and a touch of serendipity, all play a role in creating a softer life. In this episode we discussed:  Building purpose-driven businesses through faith and discernment. How to create systems that support peace. Shifting the mindset from scarcity to abundance. Finding strength and community in friendships and asking for help without guilt. Find out more about Maya’s community and podcast; Work Hard Live Soft here and follow her on Instagram @mayaelious Connect with Be Well, Sis: Instagram – @bewellsis_podcast Substack – bewellsis.substack.com Follow, rate, and share this episode! We're supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact. Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show! Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When award-winning executive producer and creator Adell Coleman lost her mother to violence, her world changed forever. In this deeply moving conversation, she shares how her new project, Echoes of Her: To Mom, With Love, helps Black women navigate grief, honor their mothers, and find healing through community. In this episode, we discussed: • The story behind Echoes of Her and why Adell felt called to create it • Navigating trauma, motherhood, and grief while learning to ask for help • Why community and storytelling are essential for healing • How grief evolves—but never fully disappears • Finding joy and remembering loved ones through shared stories 📌 Resources & Links CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT the Echoes of Her crowdfunding campaign  Connect with Adell on Instagram→ @iamadellcoleman Listen to the Echoes of Her podcast Connect with Be Well, Sis: Instagram – @bewellsis_podcast Substack – bewellsis.substack.com Follow, rate, and share this episode! We're supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact. Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show! Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. This episode was edited by Victoria Marin. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Author and creator Anela Malik joins Dr. Cassandre Dunbar to explore American Soul: The Black History of Food in the United States. Together they unpack the wellness wisdom in Black food traditions—and how honoring soul food can be a radical act of self-care. In this episode, we discussed: • How National Geographic discovered Anela Malik and sparked American Soul • Why Black and Indigenous foodways were the first “farm-to-table” movement • The real story behind soul food and wellness • Writing a book while running a business + navigating ADHD 📌 Resources & Links   Follow Anela Malik – @feedthemalik | feedthemalik.com BUY book – American Soul: The Black History of Food in the United States Connect with Be Well, Sis:  IG – @bewellsis_podcast Substack – bewellsis.substack.com 🎧 Follow & rate the show wherever you listen. We're supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact. Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show! Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

 Shame is heavy—and most of us carry more of it than we realize. Therapist and author Dr. Zoe Shaw joins me to unpack complex shame and share what it really takes to heal, reclaim your worth, and show up fully as yourself. Therapist and author Dr. Zoe Shaw introduces the concept of complex shame—a deeper, more persistent form of shame that can’t be erased with outside compassion alone. Dr. Zoe opens up about her own story of teenage pregnancy, being sent away to a maternity home, and the years of overachievement she used to mask her pain. She explains how complex shame develops, the many ways it shows up—racial, generational, religious, body, gender—and why real healing requires self-compassion, accountability, and forgiveness. At the heart of her message: you are worthy to show up exactly as you are. ✨ In this episode, we cover: The difference between “simple” shame and complex shame Dr. Zoe’s personal journey through secrecy, grief, and overachievement The many forms of shame and how to recognize them Why self-compassion is non-negotiable for healing Tools for forgiveness and rewriting your story How releasing shame creates freedom, authenticity, and hope 📌 Resources & Links Connect with Dr. Zoe: drzoeshaw.com | @drzoeshaw CLICK HERE to buy her book Stronger in Difficult Places Recommended read: Black Woman Grief by Natasha Smith 💌 If this conversation resonated, join my Substack community for reflections, resources, and behind-the-scenes insights. We're supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact. Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show! Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So many of us have been taught to ignore our bodies—to overwork, overgive, and override our intuition. In this episode, I’m joined by intuitive psychic medium and author Aycee Brown, who shares how human design, astrology, numerology, and ancestral wisdom can guide us back home to ourselves. Aycee Brown brings a refreshing, grounded perspective to the world of spirituality. As a psychic medium and teacher, she uses tools like human design, numerology, and astrology not as rigid labels, but as pathways to self-trust and healing. In our conversation, Aycee reflects on growing up in a family of healers, healing from emotionally immature parents, and what it means to shed the weight of respectability politics. We talk about the traps of capitalism and hustle culture, how projectors often get mislabeled as “overnight successes,” and the importance of honoring your design in relationships.  In this episode, we cover: How human design, numerology, astrology, and cardology intersect The truth behind “overnight success” and why projectors feel it most Healing the wounds of eldest daughters and emotionally immature parents The ways capitalism disconnects us from intuition—and how to resist Using your human design to navigate love, work, and friendships Resources & Links Connect with Aycee: ayceebrown.com | @ayceebrown CLICK HERE to Pre-order her forthcoming book Embody Your Magic Explore Aycee’s courses and workshops on human design, astrology, and numerology 💌 Want more conversations like this? Join my Substack community for behind-the-scenes insights, reflections, and resources. We're supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact. Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show! Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. This episode was edited by Victoria Marin. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does it mean to truly belong? Author Ebony LaDelle joins me to talk about her new anthology You’ve Got a Place Here Too, a collection of love stories set on HBCU campuses that remind us how affirming it is to see yourself reflected in the pages of a book. In this episode, Ebony opens up about her own journey to Howard University, the teacher who changed her life, and why representation in literature is not just entertainment but a radical act of healing and affirmation. We explore the ways a place becomes its own character in storytelling, what it means to raise emotionally intelligent boys, and how Black teens can learn to see themselves as worthy of safe, expansive, joyful love. In this episode, we talk about: The inspiration behind You’ve Got a Place Here Too Why HBCUs are such powerful backdrops for stories of love and identity Raising boys who grow into safe, emotionally intelligent men How literature can expand what’s possible for Black youth and communities Resources & Links Connect with Ebony LaDelle: @ebonyladelle CLICK HERE to buy You’ve Got a Place Here Too and Love Radio on our Bookshop.org storefront Visit Ebony’s site for tour dates: ebonyladelle.com/events 💌 If this conversation resonated, join my Substack community for more reflections, wellness insights, and behind-the-scenes conversations. We're supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact. Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show! Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.