Black Women Amplified Podcast

Black Women Amplified Podcast

by Monica Wisdom
Society & Culture
Season 8

Life, Unedited: The Journey to Yourself

Black Women Amplified Podcast What if the work was never about fixing who you are, but remembering who you are? In this episode of Life, Unedited, Monica Wisdom explores the journey back to yourself, the power of imagination, and what becomes possible when you give yourself permission to envision a life beyond the expectations and obligations that have shaped you. This is a conversation about identity, Black womanhood, creativity, desire, and the part of you that still knows how to dream without immediately explaining why the dream is impossible. In this episode, we explore: Why believing something is wrong with you can change the way you experience your life What happens when you begin reconnecting with the parts of yourself you have quieted or forgotten The creative and transformative power Black women carry naturally Why imagination matters when you are thinking about the life you want next A simple exercise for envisioning the life you want to be living ten years from now Take some time after the episode to imagine without editing yourself. Write the life you envision and let yourself take the dream as far as you can. Go Deeper with The Envision Code™ The Envision Code™ takes this work further, offering a guided process for women who are ready to consciously envision and begin creating the next chapter of their lives. Explore The Envision Code™ Listen to more episodes of Life, Unedited: www.blackwomenamplified.com
S8 · E184
Oct 5, 2026
29:32

Life, Unedited: Episode 3: The Dreams We Never Start

What happens when you’ve spent so much of your life caring for everyone else that you can no longer answer the question, What do I want for myself? In this episode, Monica Wisdom explores care giving, self-neglect, perfectionism, ambition and the dreams women keep postponing for “one day.” She looks at why so many women, especially Black women, become deeply skilled at showing up for everyone else while quietly putting their own lives on hold. The conversation also explores finding yourself again in midlife, reclaiming your imagination, and creating the time, space and focus to begin living the life you keep imagining. In this episode: Why so many women reach midlife wondering what they actually want The relationship between care giving, achievement and self-neglect Why putting yourself first can feel uncomfortable What happens when your dreams remain in the journal instead of becoming your life Finding yourself again after years of responsibility Reclaiming your imagination and your ability to envision something different The emotional, physical and financial cost of continually deferring your own life Continue the conversation Join the Black Women Amplified email list for more conversations about Black women, identity, reinvention, visibility and what it means to create a life that belongs to you. Join us at www.blackwomenamplified.com . Ready to do something with what you’ve been imagining? The Envision Intensive is Monica Wisdom’s private experience for women who are ready to give shape to what comes next. Through guided reflection, vision and intentional action, the experience creates space to clarify what you want and begin moving toward it. Learn more about The Envision Intensive at www.blackwomenamplified.com .
S8 · E183
Sep 29, 2026
46:41

I Don't Want To Fix Myself Anymore

Life, Unedited with Monica Wisdom | Part 2 What if some of the things you believe about yourself are stories you learned to live inside? In Part 2 of Life, Unedited, Monica Wisdom takes a deeper look at the stories we tell ourselves, where those stories come from, and how experiences from our past can continue to influence how we think, feel, and make decisions today. We often talk about healing, fixing ourselves, and moving forward, but Monica asks us to consider something different: What if becoming more fully ourselves requires us to examine the narratives we have carried for years? In this episode, Monica explores the relationship between memory, emotion, triggers, and the stories we create around our experiences. She shares personal stories about discovering the source of her own fear and silence, and a conversation with her godson that revealed how an old story could still feel very much alive decades later. This conversation is not about examining trauma. It is about becoming curious about the stories we continue to tell ourselves and recognizing when the past is influencing the present. Because what happened then is not necessarily what is happening now. And sometimes the first level of freedom is recognizing the story. In This Episode • The stories we tell ourselves and how they shape the way we live • Why feelings are real, but feelings are not always facts • How memory can preserve the feeling of a moment long after the moment has passed • The connection between our past experiences and present-day triggers • Why certain behaviors can feel almost automatic • Understanding the difference between who we were then and who we are now • Monica's personal experience discovering the genesis of her silence • How old stories can influence the decisions we make today • Why “new year, new me” cannot change what we have never taken the time to understand • What it means to unravel old programming and make room for who we are becoming A Note From Monica There is a difference between constantly trying to fix yourself and taking the time to understand yourself. Sometimes becoming is not about creating an entirely new version of yourself. Sometimes it is about unraveling the stories that were never fully true, releasing what no longer belongs to you, and becoming immersed in yourself from a more centered perspective. Continue the Work If this episode resonates with you, explore Reframe Your Story, created to help you examine the narratives you carry and begin seeing your story from a new perspective. blackwomenamplified.com/reframeyourstory About Life, Unedited Life, Unedited with Monica Wisdom is an honest exploration of identity, transition, becoming, and the complicated space between who we have been and who we are now. Because sometimes the next version of your life begins with telling yourself the truth about the one you're already living.
S8 · E182
Sep 14, 2026
32:44

Why Don't I Feel Like Myself?

I DON’T WANT TO REINVENT MYSELF What if you are not lost? What if you have simply spent so much time comparing, performing, improving, and trying to become a “better version” of yourself that you have lost touch with who you already are? In this episode of Life, Unedited, Monica Wisdom explores the pressure to constantly reinvent ourselves and what happens when personal growth starts to feel more like self-rejection. In this conversation: Why the constant pressure to improve can leave us feeling like who we are is never enough The difference between personal growth and constantly trying to fix yourself How social media comparison can quietly shape the way we see our lives Why inspiration can sometimes disconnect us from our own imagination The pressure to perform a version of ourselves that other people understand Why slowing down can help us reconnect with our own wants, voice, and identity The difference between becoming someone new and removing the edits Why you may not need to find yourself at all The deeper question: Who were you before you became so concerned with being understood? Maybe this chapter is not about reinventing yourself. Maybe it is about remembering who you are and becoming more fully yourself. Life, Unedited with Monica Wisdom is a series about identity, clarity, ambition, life transitions, and what happens when you stop asking where you fit and start asking what fits you. Ready to get clear about what comes next? Learn more about Monica Wisdom Coaching and the Envision Intensive: www.blackwomenamplified.com/coaching Join the email list for new episodes, conversations, updates, and what is coming next: www.blackwomenamplified.com Envision Guided Workbook mentioned in the episode. Download HERE
S8 · E181
Sep 5, 2026
26:55

Felicia Leatherwood: Root Therapy, Natural Hair Icon & the Journey Behind the Chair

Felicia Leatherwood has built the kind of career that becomes part of culture. Known around the world as the Hair Whisperer, the celebrity hairstylist has created unforgettable looks for some of entertainment’s most recognizable names, including Issa Rae, Viola Davis, Jill Scott, Lenny Kravitz, and Kim Coles. Her artistry has taken her from behind the chair to major sets, red carpets, editorial pages, and rooms where beauty history is being made. But before the iconic hair, celebrity clients, and international recognition, a woman was willing to trust her gifts and take a completely different road. In this episode of Black Women Amplified, Felicia takes us inside that journey, from corporate America to building an extraordinary career in beauty, and into the deeper philosophy that has shaped the way she approaches hair, creativity, and the people who sit in her chair. We also talk about her new book, Root Therapy: How to Love Your Hair and Find Yourself, a deeply personal exploration of our relationship with hair and what can happen when caring for what grows from our roots becomes part of caring for ourselves. And this is where the conversation gets GOOD. Felicia shares stories from her career, lessons learned behind the chair, the importance of honoring your natural gifts, and why hairstyling has always been about more than creating a beautiful look. There is trust involved. There is identity. There is transformation. There is the sacred exchange that happens when someone places their crown in your hands. This episode is a celebration of artistry, mastery, purpose, and a woman who turned her gift into an extraordinary body of work. Press play. You’re going to love Felicia. In this episode, we talk about: Felicia’s journey from corporate America into professional beauty, becoming the Hair Whisperer, working with legendary talent, building a career rooted in artistry and service, the deeper relationship between hair and identity, lessons from decades behind the chair, and the story and wisdom behind Root Therapy. Order Felicia's book HERE Order Monica's Journal HERE
S8 · E180
Aug 11, 2026
1:03:10

Sweetness in the Skin: Navigating Identity with Ishi Robinson

Welcome to a very special episode of our podcast, where we dive deep into the world of storytelling and celebrate incredible voices. I'm thrilled to share my conversation with debut novelist Ishi Robinson, whose book "Sweetness in the Skin" has touched my heart in profound ways. Ishi's storytelling is a journey into the soul of a young Jamaican girl, a narrative that resonates with my own teenage years and the quest for understanding life's twists and turns. Her writing is not just about a character; it's about all of us—our hopes, dreams, and the girl within each of us. During our chat, we explored Ishi's remarkable journey from Jamaica to Berlin, her inspirations behind this captivating story, and the deep-rooted impact of colorism that echoes through her narrative. It's more than a book; it's a mirror reflecting our shared experiences and the complexities of identity and belonging. Join us as we savor the flavors of Jamaican cuisine, delve into the complexities of love and family, and embrace the power of following our dreams. Ishi's voice is not just unforgettable; it's transformative, igniting a fire within us to seek our own truths and celebrate our unique journeys. This episode is a celebration of diversity, empowerment, and the magic of storytelling. Let's amplify Ishi's voice and the voices of all storytellers who weave tales that resonate with our souls. Tune in and let's embark on this enriching literary journey together. #BlackWomenAmplified, #IshiRobinson, #SweetnessInTheSkin, #AuthorInterview, #PodcastInterview, #BookPodcast, #BlackWomenPodcast, #JamaicanAuthor, #JamaicanLiterature, #DebutNovel, #ComingOfAgeNovel, #ComingOfAgeStory, #Colorism, #ColorismDiscussion, #BlackWomenAuthors, #WomenWriters, #ContemporaryFiction, #LiteraryFiction, #BooksToRead, #BookClubPick, #Storytelling, #RepresentationMatters, #BlackWomenStories, #DiasporaVoices, #IdentityAndBelonging, #WomenInLiterature, #AuthorConversation, #NewBookRelease, #LiteraryPodcast, #CultureAndIdentity
S8 · E178
Aug 4, 2026
50:18

Broadway Dreams : Marisha Wallace

Marisha Wallace joins the Black Women Amplified podcast to share her extraordinary journey back to Broadway as the leading lady in the iconic musical Cabaret, making history as the first Black woman to portray Sally Bowles. From the pig farms of Goldsboro, North Carolina, to the bright lights of Broadway's biggest stages, Marisha's story is one of unwavering faith, relentless work, resilience, and the courage to believe in a vision long before the world could see it. In this inspiring conversation, we explore the experiences that shaped her career, the discipline behind her success, and the power of manifestation to transform dreams into reality. Listen, share this episode with your tribe, and let Marisha's journey remind you that no dream is too big when purpose meets perseverance. My prayer is that this conversation expands your vision, strengthens your faith, and inspires you to dream even bigger. Many blessings, Monica Wisdom Producer & Host Black Women Amplified SQnDYXEAo5DLPtSsF6g6
S8 · E177
Jul 22, 2026
59:16

Eshe Light on her Hip Hop Legacy and the Women Who Expanded the Culture

There are certain artists whose presence lives beyond the stage. Their work becomes part of the cultural fabric, shaping how we see ourselves, how we move, and what we believe is possible. Eshe Light is one of those artists. Long before conversations about women’s empowerment in hip hop became mainstream, Eshe was already living it. As an original member of Arrested Development, she helped to expand the landscape of hip hop in the early 1990s, one rooted in consciousness, artistry, storytelling, and cultural pride. At a time when the industry often reduced women to one dimension, Eshe moved differently. Through movement, style, creativity, and presence, she expanded what Black women in hip hop could look and feel like. The group would go on to make history, earning two Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, and becoming the first hip hop group to receive the honor. Their music shifted the sound and opened the door for artists who wanted to create from a place of depth, identity, and purpose. But Eshe’s journey stretches far beyond awards and accolades. Raised in the world of dance through her mother’s studio, dance became her language. Over the course of a groundbreaking career spanning more than three decades, she has traveled the world as a performer, creative force, choreographer, director, and visionary, helping shape some of the most memorable moments in music and culture. Her work has intersected with icons, filmmakers, and major cultural movements, including the groundbreaking collaboration between Spike Lee and Arrested Development for the Malcolm X era. But what makes Eshe’s story resonate is not simply where she has been. It is how she has sustained herself creatively while continuing to evolve. In this episode of Black Women Amplified, we talk about the evolution of hip hop over the last fifty years, the power and responsibility of artists, and the women whose contributions helped shape the culture who rarely receive the same level of recognition. We also talk about reinvention, longevity, and what it means to continue creating in a world that is constantly changing. This conversation is layered with wisdom, honesty, artistry, and legacy. It is a reminder that culture is not built overnight. It is shaped by the people courageous enough to create something different before the world is ready to receive it. And Eshe Light has been doing exactly that for decades. Visit blackwomenamplified.com to explore more conversations, sign up for our email list, and shop the Black Women Amplified merchandise collection designed for women who move through the world with intention, creativity, and power. IN THIS EPISODE The evolution of hip hop and its cultural impact over 50 years How Arrested Development changed the sound and direction of hip hop The role of women in shaping hip hop culture and creative expression Longevity, reinvention, and sustaining a creative life Dance, movement, and artistry as forms of storytelling The intersection of music, activism, and cultural identity Building legacy while continuing to evolve creatively
S8 · E176
May 12, 2026
1:08:37

Denny S. Bryce on Ella Fitzgerald, Marilyn Monroe, and “Can’t We Be Friends”

I’m really excited to introduce you to this week’s guest, Denny S. Bryce. She is brilliant, thoughtful, and the kind of writer who knows how to place our stories back where they belong. If you are drawn to the worlds of Bridgerton or The Gilded Age, this conversation will feel familiar, but richer. There is a depth here that goes beyond the aesthetic and into the truth of who we have always been. Fresh off the heels of The Other Princess, Denny joins me to talk about her writing process, her perspective on historical fiction, and her newest book, Can’t We Be Friends, co-written with Eliza Knight. This novel brings to life the unexpected and powerful friendship between Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe. Set in the 1950s, it explores what it meant for two women, both navigating fame, pressure, and limitation, to find connection and understanding in each other. On the surface, they lived very different lives, but beneath the surface, they were both fighting for agency, respect, and the right to define themselves. What I love about this conversation is that it reminds us that a story is that these women are not just famous but dear friends who, despite the times, were there for each other. Take a moment to listen, reflect, and share this episode with someone who has impacted your journey. What We Cover in This Episode: The story behind Can’t We Be Friends and the bond between Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe Denny S. Bryce’s approach to historical fiction and storytelling Why reclaiming narrative matters now The deeper connection between story, identity, and legacy Listen and Subscribe: Available on all major podcast platforms. Share the Conversation: If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend or someone who has helped shape your life. If you are interested in starting your own podcast, please visit www.rethinkpodcasting.com to schedule a discovery call with Monica Wisdom, Podcast Advisor and Strategist.
S8 · E175
Apr 30, 2026
56:17

Elaine Meryl Brown & Rhonda Joy McLean: Empowering Black Women Leaders in Corporate America

The legends are here. Elaine Meryl Brown and Rhonda Joy McLean have spent decades doing the latter. These are not surface-level careers. These are rooms entered, decisions made, systems navigated, and influence built over time. They are pioneers in their respective fields, women who did not simply rise through the ranks but learned how to move within them with precision, strategy, and staying power. In this conversation, Monica Wisdom sits with Elaine Meryl Brown and Rhonda Joy McLean, co-authors of The Next Little Black Book of Success, to talk about what it really takes to build a career that lasts. Elaine Meryl Brown built her career at the highest levels of media, shaping stories and strategy inside HBO and beyond. Rhonda Joy McLean spent decades inside corporate law at Time Inc., advising global brands and leading at the highest levels of decision-making. Together, along with the late Marsha Haygood, they have spent more than a decade documenting what it actually takes to lead, advance, and sustain success. This is a conversation about experience. The kind you only earn by staying in the room. They speak openly about what it required to build their careers, what they had to learn that no one teaches, and how their understanding of success has evolved. The conversation moves through the women who shaped them, the decisions that defined them, and the realities behind navigating professional spaces with clarity and intention. Their latest book, The Next Little Black Book of Success, is not a theory. It is a continuation of a body of work rooted in lived experience, offering direct insight into how to move, lead, and think in today’s workplace. This episode is not about quick wins. It is about perspective. It is about longevity. And it is about learning from women who have done the work and stayed long enough to understand it. What You Will Hear in This Episode ✓ The truth about what is shifting in the workforce and why so many are being forced to pivot ✓ How to navigate authenticity, visibility, and emotional wellness in high-pressure spaces ✓ What it means to begin again and move forward with clarity in uncertain times About the Guests Elaine Meryl Brown is an award-winning writer, producer, and former HBO executive with a career spanning media, storytelling, and leadership development. She has received more than 40 industry awards and has dedicated her work to helping women expand their vision and step into leadership with clarity and intention. Rhonda Joy McLean is President and CEO of RJMLEADS LLC and former Deputy General Counsel of Time Inc., where she advised global brands including Time, Fortune, People, and Essence. She has spent decades working at the intersection of law, leadership, and career advancement, guiding executives, organizations, and entrepreneurs worldwide. Together with the late Marsha Haygood, they are the authors of the Little Black Book of Success series, a body of work that has guided women across industries for more than a decade. Featured Book The Next Little Black Book of Success: A practical and direct guide to navigating leadership, power, and career advancement in today’s evolving workplace. Order your book HERE. If You Are Ready to Start Your Own Podcast If this conversation sparked something in you and you are thinking about building your own platform, your voice matters. Visit www.rethinkpodcasting.com and schedule a one-on-one advising session with Monica Wisdom, Producer and Host of Black Women Amplified.
S8 · E174
Apr 23, 2026
49:35
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