Black At It: The Next Adventure

Today, we dive into the unique experiences of celebrating birthdays during the holiday season. We’re Gayle and Tia and today we’re talking all about our unique birthday experiences. Our birthdays, intriguingly, fall during the busiest time of the year: Gaye’s on December 30, just before New Year's Eve, and Tia's on Christmas Day, December 25. Throughout our lives, we've often felt overlooked, as our special days were overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. In this episode, we'll explore how we've adapted to celebrating our birthdays amidst holiday festivities, and the adjustments we've made to ensure our days feel special. We understand that organizing birthday parties during this time can be challenging, with friends and family often busy with their own holiday plans. This reality has led us to find unique and meaningful ways to celebrate, focusing more on the significance of the day rather than large gatherings or extravagant gifts. We'll also discuss how these experiences have shaped our perspectives on celebrations, family, and the joy of giving. As we enter a new phase of our lives, where our responsibilities have shifted, we’re approaching our birthdays differently. It’s time for us to get what we want, so we are just going for it. If we don’t spoil ourselves a little bit now, we may never get the chance. Are we being selfish? Or are we long overdue for a bit of spoiling? Join us and decide for yourself. And if you’re really serious - join us in going for it too! Show Highlights: Self-care and spoiling oneself during the holiday season. A different kind of birthday celebration this year Guilt and indulgence in a 20-year pursuit of a luxury purse. Prioritizing personal goals during this season of life. It’s time to go for it - if not now, when? New events will be coming up in January - stay tuned! Resources: Want more Gayle and Tia? Join our Vibe Tribe on Facebook. Vibe Tribe members, we challenge you to post a solo adventure and show us how you are out and about, enjoying your own company! Find us on Instagram. Visit our new website:  www.blackatitpodcast.com

Why do we struggle to be treated with respect in the workplace? Why do we, as Black women, feel like we have to constantly prove our worth, expertise, and value? It is a constant fight for us against being disrespected, devalued, unseen, and unheard. Using DEI language is just not enough! Let’s talk about it. Show Highlights: Why the myth of the “Angry Black Woman” is because we are covering up our hurt, frustration, and annoyance What it feels like to be micromanaged and questioned in the workplace–day after day How disrespectful comments about our hair, and even attempts to touch our hair, catch us off guard Why the extra stress of dealing with disrespect causes our physical illnesses  The value of fun and self-care routines to help us deal with “life” Why we need to immediately call out people for their offensive and disrespectful behaviors How daily positive affirmations can help us realize that the problem isn’t with us Join us for our next adventure in Annapolis, Maryland, on October 7: Chillin’ on the Chesapeake Why we have started BAI Entertainment, LLC, a Black- and woman-owned company to promote adventures and positive, uplifting interactions and events  Resources: Our first show sponsor is Dr. J. Brown at Progressive Dental Solutions in Glenn Dale, Maryland. Schedule your appointment today at www.smilesofbowie.com.  Visit Eventbrite, search for Chillin’ on the Chesapeake, and sign up to join us on October 7! Early-bird pricing is available NOW!   Want more Gayle and Tia? Join our Vibe Tribe on Facebook. Vibe Tribe members, we challenge you to post a solo adventure and show us how you are out and about, enjoying your own company! Find us on Instagram. Visit our new website:  www.blackatitpodcast.com Quotes:

Whether you are preparing for a momentous occasion, a formal event, or a night out on the town, we all want to look good. We want our hair, skin, and overall appearance to look as beautiful as when we were younger, and it is tough keeping up with all that maintenance as the years keep rolling by. We not only want to look good, but we want the energy and vibrancy to enjoy our lives and feel good. Let’s learn more with our two guests for this episode! We are joined by two sisters, Dr. Onyeka Ihezie and Dr. Amaka Ugbome. They are pharmacists by day who have a passion for all things natural by night. Their interest comes from their bloodline and their commitment to natural hair care. They found little information and products on the market that catered to our natural tresses, so they began doing extensive research and educating themselves on how to create amazing products for our delicate strands. Their love of hair care blossomed into a passion with a mission to create quality, natural, healthy products–but they didn’t stop there. They spend time and resources educating women to care for their hair and skin, and they volunteer in various capacities to help others. At one time, they partnered with the Black Girl Tribe, a nonprofit organization aimed toward empowering and developing young black women. They even supplied over $2000 worth of handmade products to support the women in this organization. Their online store makes products available in many different countries around the world, and we are thrilled to have them on the show! Show Highlights: How they bridged the gap between pharmacy and skin/hair care How their personal hair experiences led them to rethink “good hair” and “bad hair” Why everyone has to come to the point on their own to embrace their natural hair What to consider about safe/unsafe products How their products are unique, natural, and formulated especially for black hair, using ingredients from nature and avoiding harmful chemicals The sisters’ advice about a hair care regimen and what products are the most essential Why your skin care regimen should include a good hydrating cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and serum How to fight aging skin, aging hair, hair thinning, and hair loss Why aging hair, processed hair, and gray hair have drastic changes in texture How to approach hair care and skin care with consistent changes over time The sisters’ take on trendy ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, collagen, and retinols How supplements (a multivitamin, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin E, and Omega-3s) can support healthy hair and skin How to find their products

No matter how diverse a workplace may be, we are always working on these issues and fighting for inclusion—and sometimes that is really tough. Our guest today has firsthand experience in these challenges as she works in a field in which there are not many black women. Join us for the conversation! Jehnae Linkins is the Chief Technology Officer at Breezeshare, Inc and is a proud graduate of Lincoln University with a degree in physics. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. Outside of her educational pursuits, she also volunteers in her community, always believing in the importance of giving back and making a difference in the world around her. Through some difficult challenges, she has found great comfort in advocating for inclusive, equitable, and diverse spaces for women in historically underrepresented communities. Jehnae competes in beauty pageants and promotes a platform entitled, “Don’t Adjust Your Crown.” She also sings in her church’s gospel choir and plays the drums and percussion in the First State Symphonic Band.  Show Highlights: Why Jehnae adopted the platform, “Don’t Adjust Your Crown” Why so many black women “dim their lights” and struggle to have confidence in themselves Why Jehnae found the courage to remove herself from situations that tried to dim her light How to react when someone dishonors who you are because of the color of your skin Why Jehnae wants to help young black students not have to go through what she endured Why it’s important to advocate for yourself and use your voice How Jehnae went through health challenges in a healthcare system that wasn’t built for her How she got into pageantry as another opportunity to present her platform  Jehnae’s best lessons learned Resources: Connect with Jehnae: Email Our first show sponsor is Dr. J. Brown at Progressive Dental Solutions in Glenn Dale, Maryland. Schedule your appointment today at www.smilesofbowie.com.    Want more Gayle and Tia? Join our Vibe Tribe on Facebook. Vibe Tribe members, we challenge you to post a solo adventure and show us how you are out and about, enjoying your own company! Find us on Instagram.

As we age gracefully, it’s important to keep our energy and fitness levels up for optimal health and wellness. We can’t be there for our loved ones if we don’t feel good and have good health. Don’t you want to be a strong and healthy woman even as the years pass? Join us to learn more from today’s guest!  We are excited to be joined by Anissa McCall Wilson, a true lover of health. As a certified health coach, she helps women create and sustain healthier lifestyles. She shares highlights of her ten-year fitness journey that began with a simple walking routine and developed into a holistic lifestyle that allows her to be the best version of herself. Her overall message is one of bio-individuality, meaning that each person is on a health journey to find what works best for them. Show Highlights: How Anissa got into health and fitness–and found mental health and peace Why Anissa began lifting weights in addition to her running routine to become stronger and take care of her “temple” How your WHAT and WHY can motivate you to be fit and keep up with a healthy diet and lifestyle How working with a personal trainer helped Anissa know how to lift weights and prevent injury while becoming a stronger person Why exercise has become an essential part of Anissa’s life–for both physical fitness and mental health How Anissa has learned to prioritize her self-care for physical health, mental wellness, and spirituality How Anissa learned about nutrition, which accounts for about 80% of your health and fitness How eating theories can help with certain aspects of life as we age Why it’s important in nutrition and fitness to find what works best for YOU Why it’s valuable to find accountability and realize that good health is a journey How drinking water and tracking nutrition and fitness can make things easier Resources: Connect with Anissa: Instagram Our first show sponsor is Dr. J. Brown at Progressive Dental Solutions in Glenn Dale, Maryland. Schedule your appointment today at www.smilesofbowie.com.    Want more Gayle and Tia? Join our Vibe Tribe on Facebook. Vibe Tribe members, we challenge you to post a solo adventure and show us how you are out and about, enjoying your own company! Find us on Instagram. Visit our new website:  www.blackatitpodcast.com

As women in our 50s who have both just celebrated birthdays and the rollover to a new year, we realize that the focus on wellness, well-being, and mental health is crucial. We are having to pay more attention and be more intentional in taking care of ourselves now that we have reached this phase of life. Because we want to stay as active as we can for as long as we can, we remain committed to trying new things and saying YES to new adventures as we kick off this new season of the podcast. We hope you’ll join us for all the Season 3 shows where we will talk to amazing women about taking on life with energy, confidence, and more fun! Join us!  Show Highlights: Why we are in awe of “women of a certain age” like Cher, Angela Bassett, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Michelle Yeoh, Jane Fonda, Sally Field, and more—because they look fantastic and are still working and achieving Why it is important to keep moving forward and learning new things to stimulate your brain What we miss when we don’t take advantage of new opportunities and new connections How it energizes our bodies and minds when we create new memories Why our focus for 2023 is on wellness, mental health, preserving cognitive abilities, skincare/haircare, physical health, etc. Why it is important to accept our aging with grace Resources: Our first show sponsor is Dr. J. Brown at Progressive Dental Solutions in Glenn Dale, Maryland. Schedule your appointment today at www.smilesofbowie.com.    Want more Gayle and Tia? Join our Vibe Tribe on Facebook. Vibe Tribe members, we challenge you to post a solo adventure and show us how you are out and about, enjoying your own company! Find us on Instagram. Visit our new website:  www.blackatitpodcast.com

In the month of October, one thing comes to mind: Homecoming! Homecoming season at HBCUs is a BIG deal! We gather to celebrate the great times and friends we enjoyed so much during our college days, and the fun never stops! The days and nights are filled with parties, tailgating, football games, bazaars, fundraisers, alumni events, and much more. It’s wonderful to catch up with many old friends, but there are definitely some do’s and don'ts to remember, and we have the scoop on it all. Let’s talk more about homecoming! Show Highlights: How to prepare properly for homecoming: What to wear:  Remember how old you are and dress appropriately for your age. You aren’t 20 or 25 anymore! That ship has sailed! Wear shapewear garments. Check your outfit in the mirror to see what you look coming AND going. Gather your outfits now and get them cleaned and tailored. (Check out S1, Ep. 15 for more fashion tips.) Don’t plan on wearing the same outfit for multiple events. Stay fresh! Pack an emergency bag with water, sunglasses, tape, safety pins, breath mints/gum, fan, blotting cloth, Advil, tweezers, etc. What to do to stay safe at parties: Beware of those with excessive “liquid courage” who may forget their relationships–or ask you to forget yours! Listen for the warning bells when someone tries to rekindle an old flame or tries pickup lines on you. (Run!) Consider your shoes–and choose wisely for the amount of walking/activities you’ll do. Plan ahead to take the following Monday off work to rest and recover. Think about your pre-homecoming appointments for hair, nails, waxing, etc.  What to do when you forget someone’s name What to do when you run into someone with whom the relationship ended badly (Check out S2, Ep. 1 about forgiveness and healing.) Some of our fondest memories of our college days at Hampton Picture-taking tips from Gayle and Tia

Single and satisfied–is it a real thing or a myth? We absolutely believe that there are many single and satisfied women out there, and we have met a lot of them over the summer. We are thrilled to explore this topic further with today’s guest. Join us! Jeanetta Churchill is a focused research data analyst who is skilled in survey methodology and geographic information systems. She has over 20 years of experience using the SAS statistical software as a tool for data management, statistical analysis, and quality control. In addition to the public health and K-12 educational sectors, she has worked on several projects which manage community-level indicator data, emphasizing the importance of using measurable outcomes to assess social justice factors.  Show Highlights: How a life-changing move from Baltimore to Cambridge, Maryland, is an example of the single and satisfied lifestyle that Jeanetta lives What it takes to have the courage and confidence to do things on your own Why society tells women that they shouldn’t want to travel and enjoy life on their own How Jeanetta fell into the trap of marrying the wrong person because she felt pressured and rushed into the relationship Why not consulting someone else about your decisions can be a benefit to being single How living in independence and singleness has pros and cons to it Why many married women wish their relationship allowed them to have a certain level of independence, freedom, and self-expression Jeanetta’s advice to those who are terrified to do anything on their own Why young women today need to be encouraged to be confident in spending quality time by themselves—and not always feel like they have to be with someone Resources: Want more Gayle and Tia? Join our Vibe Tribe on Facebook. Vibe Tribe members, we challenge you to post a solo adventure and show us how you are out and about, enjoying your own company! Find us on Instagram. Visit our new website:  www.blackatitpodcast.com   

We remember the earlier days of motherhood when we depended on family and friends to step in and help out with childcare, babysitting, etc. Every parent knows that these people can be lifesavers! Today’s conversation takes a look at the people known as “Super Aunts” or “Auntie-Armies,” as they are sometimes called. Join us for a closer look with today’s guest! Shari Curtis is one such Super Aunt who has been a close friend of Gayle’s family for many years. Shari is a Strategic Communications Consultant and Government Program Manager in the DMV who has lived in many places both in the US and abroad. Her career began in New Jersey and moved her to Los Angeles, New York City, and the Virgin Islands. Shari is currently located in Washington, DC, where she holds down leadership positions that allow her to travel extensively. She enjoys the love of her amazing family, a supportive village of extended family members, and a host of true and genuine friends.  Show Highlights: Why Shari shares a close relationship with her nieces and nephew, being engaged in their lives from the beginning and loving them as her own How Shari navigates her family relationships in being a “welcome member of the tribe”  Why Shari has built her life around children, even though she is a childless aunt How Shari views her auntie role as an advisor, mentor, and confidante Why an aunt or uncle should share stories from the past to give greater perspective on the family How Shari made a pact with her nieces and nephew to encourage their good behavior and reward them with a trip anywhere in the world for their 13th birthday How Shari helped cultivate the “foodies” in her nieces and nephew by helping them learn about other cultures, cuisines, and customs–always teaching them to view the world through an equity lens Shari’s advice to others about the role of a Super Aunt How childless aunts and uncles can help “fill in the gaps” and provide extra things for nieces and nephews Why a childless person should never feel like they are falling short of the expectations and family heritage How Shari has received many benefits in her life through her closeness with her nieces and nephew, always looking for opportunities to “hang out” Why most of us don’t know that National Aunt and Uncle Day is the third Sunday in July How Shari processes the information her nieces and nephew share with her–and decides what needs to be shared with their parents Why the best way to engage with your nieces or nephews is to ask questions Why Shari doesn’t look at her past interactions as an aunt with regret but knows that every word and piece of advice came from a place of love and care Resources: Want more Gayle and Tia? Join our Vibe Tribe on Facebook.  Find us on Instagram. Connect with us to learn about upcoming summer events!

It’s the time of year again when we think of our fathers and honor their influence in our lives. Those who have lost their fathers might feel sadness, but we can all remember what our fathers taught us. Join us for a closer look at daddy-daughter relationships. We are joined by three of the co-authors of the new book, Daddy Daughter Love Stories: Celebrating African American Fathers. Join us for this inspiring and enlightening conversation with Denise Grant, Kimberly Varner, and Quand Robinson Thomas.  Show Highlights: How the book idea came to Denise after her father passed away How the book concept is for each of the seven co-authors to share memories of their fathers and lessons learned from their fathers, highlighting some of the characteristics of God that are represented by fathers How Quand contributed to the book as a 100% “Daddy’s Girl” to find healing through the pain of losing her father How Kim views the expectations that her father placed on her as she grew up The importance of the relationship between a Black father and his daughter How we can feel the presence of our fathers who have passed on How writing the book brought up memories Why the challenge for Kim was in writing and sharing about her father’s frail moments due to illness How a relationship with a father can still continue when he isn’t physically present any longer How Denise recommends bringing the Heavenly Father into lives when a physical father isn’t present How the ladies remember and pay tribute to their fathers for Father’s Day Resources: Want more Gayle and Tia? Join our Vibe Tribe on Facebook.  Find us on Instagram. Connect with us to learn about upcoming summer events!

There are many nuances to a long and happy marriage, and it seems that everyone has a different opinion about what makes a successful marriage. What should dating or courtship look like? Is a long “getting to know each other” period necessary? Join us as we talk to today’s guest about the key ingredients to a lasting marriage. Dr. Dionne Ledford is a marriage veteran with almost 33 years under her belt. She is the superintendent of the Roseville Community Charter School District in New Jersey. She’s a proud mother of two who has invested over 32 years of her life in the field of education. Show Highlights: The story of Dionne’s courtship and marriage, which began in her college years at Hampton University Why it’s important not to lose yourself and your ambitions because you fall in love; “Know yourself first.” Why young women need to understand their value as a person and realize that a man doesn’t make their value or bring fulfillment to their lives How Dionne and her husband both understand how to give each other the space to be themselves and achieve their dreams How to balance expectations and reality with a partner in life How to achieve longevity in your marriage by “choosing marriage” EVERY day through all the ebbs and flows How to handle times that seem routine and unexciting, like being stuck in a rut with the day-to-day grind How family relationships and friendships can change when you get married Why no marriage is immune to life’s twists and turns Marriage advice from Dionne that she has given her own daughter, who is getting married soon How to prepare for being “empty-nesters” in your marriage (Dionne and her husband approach this stage of life in different ways!) What marriage has taught Dionne over the years about herself and what it takes to make a committed, sustained partnership How to handle differences in parenting styles with your spouse, learning when to step back and when to push forward Why marriage is a firm foundation for family, love, and partnership—something that benefits our community in many ways Resources: Want more Gayle and Tia? Join our Vibe Tribe on Facebook.  Find us on Instagram. Connect with us to learn about upcoming summer events!

We’re back, still Black, and still at our adventures! After a hiatus, we are ready to bring you Season 2, which will focus on relationships. Today’s guest teaches us how to think deeper about healing, forgiveness, and letting go. Join us to learn more! Rev. Krista Forbes received her calling into ministry in 2006 and immediately began serving as an associate minister. She earned her Master of Divinity with a concentration in Women’s Studies from Princeton Theological Seminary and was ordained through the Progressive National Baptist Convention. Rev. Krista has a diverse ministerial background in serving as a worship liturgist, preacher, and community outreach/healthcare chaplain. As a chaplain, she provided spiritual support to patients in crisis, along with their families and hospital staff. Her chaplaincy journey includes a tour in geriatric care, the VA hospital, a skilled nursing facility, and hospice. She gets her greatest joy from leading Bible study classes and spiritual formation discussions with women to empower them and help them grow and heal. She currently serves as the director at Pyxis Partners Health Equity Consulting Firm, where she focuses on outreach and engagement for community stakeholders in the “All of Us” research program, a research database project supporting precision and medicine initiatives coordinated by the NIH. Show Highlights: How to view a loved one’s loss through a healing lens by remembering the lessons learned Why women find it difficult to SIT with healing because we refuse to slow down and assess the damage How a relationship with God factors into our experiences and our healing (This is much more important than how people THINK we should act!) What it means to “let go” in your healing journey Why Black women have felt pressure to be strong and live up to the stereotypes put upon them How sharing our stories and testimonies helps others (“So, put away your Wonder Woman cape–and be real!”) How to start the healing process: Sit down, acknowledge God, and assess the damage and the feelings. Determine “the care plan,” which starts with forgiveness. Love your imperfect self. Why you can’t put a time limit on healing Why we hold onto things that we need to let go so healing can begin Key takeaways from Gayle, Tia, and Krista Resources: Want more Gayle and Tia? Join our Vibe Tribe on Facebook.  Find us on Instagram. Connect with us to learn about upcoming summer events!

We know it’s important to be a good role model for those who are watching us–and they are always there whether we see them or not. Today’s conversation highlights a wonderful non-profit that resulted from a desire to help young women BE better and DO better. It’s a program that should be available to young people all across our country! Join us to learn more about this inspiring project! Leana Walcott has a career in finance, but she worked for many years with young people through summer youth programs in Brooklyn. She believes that young women need a safe and nurturing space that can be a sounding board for their fears, a developmental haven for their professional interests and goals, and a prism that allows them to see and connect to positive and progressive women. Her vision led to the creation of The Chrysalis Project in 2014. This nonprofit creates avenues allowing young women to be nurtured and prepared to go through high school and be ready to face their college years with confidence and goal readiness.  Show Highlights: Leana’s professional background in finance and her lifelong passion to have a positive impact on kids How and why she started her non-profit to help young women How Leana decided on the name for her program, which is based on the transformation story of the beautiful butterfly How Leana’s organization works with young women through their high school and college years How the program focuses on teaching the principles of financial health, health and wellness, the arts, and how to dress for success How the “one word” system works within the program, along with bringing in professionals to teach and train the young women How Leana works to get the community involved in the Chrysalis Project Leana shares specific examples of the success of the program in the lives of young women The importance of young women learning to be who they are in their space without being apologetic about it How the Chrysalis Project works with parents of the young women and partners with schools to identify the girls who would benefit from the program Leana’s advice about starting a non-profit from a basic idea to help others Leana’s best advice to those who mentor young women: “Be honest and be caring. Giving of yourself to help someone else requires honesty. Find a way to create a bond with them, and be a friend who loves on them.” What’s next for Leana and the Chrysalis Project Resources: Connect with Leana and the Chrysalis Project:  www.chrysalisprojectinc.com   Email: thechrysalisprojectinc@gmail.com or call 908-566-6402 Want more Gayle and Tia? Join our Vibe Tribe on Facebook.  Find us on Instagram.

Alicia Boateng designs unique and beautiful mugs. Her mugs are statement pieces of art that show us we are important and worthy, and we need to take good care of ourselves. Join us today to hear Alicia’s inspiring story! Alicia has always loved being creative! After leaving her career as a wedding planner, she thought about turning her designs into a full-time gig. Her morning cup of coffee inspired her to bring her line of hand-crafted mugs to life! Now, she runs Alicia Boateng Designs alongside her husband. They create festive mugs, in a range of different styles, from afro glam to seasonal cups to a collection highlighting different cultures from around the world. Alicia is determined to get her cups into the hands of as many women as she can! Show highlights: What prompted Alicia to move on from being a wedding planner? Why Alicia decided to start designing cups. How Alicia knew she had reached her target market with her mugs. How the Afro Glam collection was born. How Alicia and her husband work together as business partners.  Alicia offers advice for women starting their own businesses. The fears and obstacles she had to overcome in the process of becoming successful. How to use failure as a lesson. Good customer service is essential! Why Alicia places a message straight from her heart into her cups. (She also includes a Black Lives Matter bracelet or pin with every cup.) Alicia talks about the cup collection she designed for this year’s Black History Month. Alicia attributes her biggest success to date- having her collection featured on the Today Show, to building relationships. Having a good support system is important for achieving your goals. Alicia talks about her unique custom collection. Finding balance in her busy life. Resources: Alicia’s website   Alicia on Instagram and Facebook Alicia will help us with a custom design for those attending our events and listeners in our Vibe Tribe. Want more Gayle and Tia? Join our Vibe Tribe on Facebook. Find us on Instagram

If you are a “woman of a certain age,” you know that hot flashes can make us crazy. They are just one of the challenges that come with age. These challenges affect how we dress and how we feel about ourselves, but we can still be fashionable! Join us to learn more with today’s guest! Christa Edwards is a friend and fashionista who is passionate about empowering women to look and feel their best. She is a genius who is here to share some of her style secrets with us.  Show Highlights: How Christa learned style and fashion very early in life What your overall appearance says to others about how you feel about yourself Why you have to put in the work to be healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally to figure out what clothes work best for you How sugar intake can affect hot flashes How the pandemic has affected us, and how we can help each other in our “sister circle” Why you will feel better when you look better; “You don’t have to look like what you are going through.” Why you need a “sister circle” of friends who will tell you the truth Common style mistakes that people make: over accessorizing, too much frosty makeup, and wearing colors that don’t complement your skin tone Christa’s fashion tips: Wear proper undergarments. Find a good tailor. What Christa wants women to know about the makeup styles you see in magazines Why Sam’s Club is one of Christa’s favorite places to find clothes that fit well Why it is important to wear clothes in the right size for you Parting thoughts from Christa, Gayle, and Tia: “If you love yourself, clean yourself up and take pride in yourself. If you don’t start with your mentality, what you wear doesn’t matter. Invest some time in yourself.”  Resources: Join us for “Adventure at the Spa” on March 20 if you are in our area! Email us for more information: blackatitadventures@gmail.com.  Want more Gayle and Tia? Join our Vibe Tribe on Facebook. Find out about our spa adventure in the Facebook group, too.  Find us on Instagram.

In the middle of our stress-filled, busy lives, we have to find ways to decompress. That’s where self-care comes in, and it can be in the form of so many things that help us take care of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual selves. Are you taking good care of yourself? Join us to learn more! Nickia “Nicki” Liggins owns and operates Nicki’s Place Salon in Laurel, Maryland. She is a beautiful person who is also Gayle’s hairdresser. She takes self-care very seriously and wants her clients to do the same! Show Highlights: How Nicki’s business and clientele were affected by COVID How Nicki views her work at the salon and the importance of bringing clients into the family atmosphere Why Nicki turned to her faith during the sadness and uncertainty of the pandemic How yoga brought Nicki to a new self-care routine to nourish and feed her soul Why stretching and spa visits have been lifesavers for Nicki and have brought renewed clarity How Nicki’s self-care routine has helped her be a better mom and grandma Nicki’s advice for getting started in building a self-care routine, which may be different for every person (Start by admitting that something is wrong!) Why a holistic approach is beneficial (Look at what you need inwardly and outwardly.) How stress can affect the health and beauty of your hair (Nicki shares a client’s story as an example.) How to get started: “Admit what’s wrong, and find the things that will feed your mind, your soul, and your body.” Resources: Connect with Nicki: Instagram or call Nicki’s Place Salon at 301-237-3218 Join us for “Adventure at the Spa” on March 20 if you are in our area! Email us for more information: blackatitadventures@gmail.com.  Want more Gayle and Tia? Join our Vibe Tribe on Facebook. Find out about our spa adventure in the Facebook group, too. 

Everyone loves a good story, and those who are blessed with the gift of storytelling can capture the attention of every person around them. Storytelling paints a picture for us and helps us become aware of different people and cultures while allowing us to understand the experiences of others. A good story is much more than giving information but evokes an emotional response. Join us to hear from a gifted storyteller in today’s episode! Jill Collins is New Orleans’ hottest mystery writer and creator of the Morgan Jane Winters murder mystery series. Her books tell great stories and communicate a message. Her first two books of the series are available now, Surrender and Hide and Seek. Jill is currently working on the third installment, which is titled, Liar. She is a clinical research coordinator by day, author by night, and a flutist on the side.  Show Highlights: Jill’s take on the importance and value of storytelling Jill’s story as a New Orleans native as one of four siblings in a musical family; she started writing as a preteen and went on to get a degree in sociology at Tulane and a degree in drafting/engineering The inspiration to create Jill’s main character, Dr. Morgan Jane Winters, who represents smart, black women who are clever and savvy Why Jill chose to have a psychiatrist as her series’ main character  The concept behind Jill’s third book, Liar, and a brief intro to the storyline How Jill’s books entertain, bring readers into the story, and convey a spiritual message Jill’s views on why human beings tell lies and believe lies How we train ourselves not to be deceived by others Why you can’t move forward until you learn to stop the internal negative chatter in your life What makes Jill want to keep on writing (Her current series is composed of five planned books!) Why Jill firmly believes that she is obeying God’s voice in her life by writing her books Parting words from Jill:  Resources: Connect with Jill:  www.jillcollins.net Find Jill’s books:  Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold Want more Gayle and Tia? Connect with us on Facebook.

Many women feel uncomfortable around guns, and even fewer women have proper firearm training. Our guest today is on a mission to change that! If you have questions about gun control, gun safety, and gun education, you will want to hear what she has to share. Join us to learn more! Javondlynn Dunagan is the founder and CEO of JMD Defense, located in Chicago. She retired as a US Probation Officer in 2016 after a distinguished 25-year career. As a safety educator, Javondlynn is passionate about training professionals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations in workplace safety and emergency operations procedures. She is a certified firearms instructor, range safety officer, and distinguished expert shooter with the NRA Marksmanship Program. As our friend from college, Javondlynn has an amazing background in gun education as someone who is committed to offering services to customers and clients with an uncompromising level of integrity. She is considered a trailblazer in the firearm community and safety industry who has received several awards for empowering women in the area of safety, education, and responsible firearm ownership. In addition to her appearance on BAI, she has been featured in other radio and print media interviews.  Show Highlights: How Javondlynn became committed to helping others solve the mystery of responsible gun ownership How Javondlynn became aware of the need for firearm education, especially for women Why “things are changing” in society today about more women buying firearms for personal safety Why Javondlynn’s gun club, Ladies of Steel, has become so popular in Chicago with over 550 members  Why any woman is never too young or too old to take part in gun education and safety classes Why the subject of firearms is a hot button topic in schools and communities Why the education piece is essential for any gun owner and their family Why Javondlynn won’t teach gun classes to everyone if she thinks they aren’t ready Why every gun owner should be trained, educated, and committed to practicing their firearm skills regularly How to practice safety and awareness even if you aren’t carrying a firearm How women evolve and change after taking JMD Defense classes and becoming empowered Examples of how women from the gun club usually react in potentially violent situations–and how their reactions differ from those of most men Javondlynn’s advice for women about staying safe while out in public, traveling, and at home Why you should evaluate the outdoor lighting and landscaping around your house Why always being alert and aware of your surroundings and the people around will be your best defense  Resources: Connect with Javondlynn: JMD Defense Facebook and Instagram Check out the Citizen app that Javondlynn mentioned. Connect with us on Facebook.

Here we are, going strong into Episode 11! We are so grateful for the feedback we have gotten from our first ten episodes, as we do our best to inspire and motivate our listeners. We feel blessed to be on this journey with you! As we all look forward to spring coming soon, stay with us to learn about upcoming events as we plan exciting new adventures. In today’s show, we have fun reliving some of the most memorable ups and downs of our life adventures together. Join us! Show Highlights: Why we are thankful for our struggles in life that have humbled us and made us grateful How Gayle came through her cancer experience with confidence, grace, and class How Tia came through a troubling divorce experience with two small children Why the voice of experience has great value in helping others How Tia dealt with a low point in life when she didn’t know if she could keep going Why it’s important to evolve and learn to feel comfortable with change Highlights of some of our crazy adventures to Puerto Rico and Los Angeles More adventures are being planned–and you’ll be invited to join us! Our wish for you: “Be resilient and shine in your space. Keep listening!” Resources: Connect with us on Facebook

Today’s show features a special guest who doesn’t fall short when it comes to inspiration. She is loving life and living it to the fullest–and who wouldn’t want that? Join us for a conversation with a treasured lady. Gladys Allen is Gayle’s mom. She is the mother of six, grandmother of five, and great-grandmother of one, and she is ready to celebrate her 90th birthday. Having been through life’s ups and downs, her positive energy and vibrancy amazes everyone she meets, including her doctors! She loves to travel and is always up for the next adventure. Show Highlights: How Gladys stays so young–besides drinking red wine Why staying positive is important in life, along with spending time with younger people How Gladys has noticed changes in today’s young people having more drive and motivation How Gladys views her role as a mom, having to reinvent herself as a widow at age 58 Why grieving doesn’t mean you stop living and loving life How Gladys stays physically and mentally active How Gladys has seen the evolution of black women over her lifetime Why Gladys credits water aerobics 3x/week with keeping her active and fit Why having grandchildren is different (and way more fun) than raising your own children How Gladys moved temporarily from Maryland to New York to take care of things when her son, Clifford, passed away unexpectedly Gladys’ advice to her younger self How Gladys dealt with COVID restrictions and precautions What Gladys wants her legacy to be: “That I lived independently to this age in reasonably good health, even after losing my husband. I hope I’ve been helpful and an inspiration to others.  Gladys’ advice to Gayle and Tia as they move to the next chapters of life: “As long as you choose to be happy with whatever you’re doing, that’s a gift you can pass on to others.” Resources: Join our Black At It Vibe Tribe on Facebook!