Black Women Amplified Podcast

Black Women Amplified Podcast

by Monica Wisdom
Society & Culture
Season 5

The Soft Life Is Political: Redefining Power, Rest, and Self-Definition

In this opening episode of a new series, Monica Wisdom sets the tone for a deeper conversation about what it truly means to live well in a world that has long demanded more than it gives. This is not a conversation about aesthetics or escape. It is about choice. It is about the right to define your life on your own terms. The idea of the soft life has been reduced to images of luxury and ease. Monica reframes it as something far more grounded and necessary. A shift in how you move, how you protect your energy, and how you decide what your life requires. At its core, this is about stepping out of roles that were never sustainable. It is about releasing the expectation always to be the strong one and recognizing the cost of carrying that identity for too long. Monica explores the connection between rest and power, boundaries and clarity, and why choosing a different way of living is both personal and consequential. There is an invitation here to reconsider what strength looks like and to understand that ease is not something to earn. It is something to allow. This episode is a call to begin again. Not from pressure, but from truth. In this episode, we discuss: Why the soft life is not a trend but a shift in how we live The hidden cost of always being the strong one The connection between rest, boundaries, and personal power Choosing ease as a conscious and grounded decision Rewriting your life with clarity, intention, and self-definition Expanding your understanding of what power looks like Key Takeaways: Ease is not weakness. It is a form of awareness and alignment Boundaries create the space for a sustainable life Strength without rest leads to depletion You have the authority to define how you live A different way of living requires a different set of choices Listen and Stay Connected Visit: www.blackwomenamplified.com Instagram: @blackwomenamplified
S5 · E130
Apr 8, 2025
14:32
Season 4

Midlife Is Not a Crisis, It’s a Crown

I’m your host, Monica Wisdom, and this episode is part of our powerful series, The Soft Life Is Political. It’s a conversation about what it means to live differently, intentionally, and on your terms—especially when the world has asked so much of us.Today, we’re honoring something that doesn’t get enough shine: your age, not as a burden, not as a clock ticking down, but as one of your greatest assets. Sis, you’ve held it all. The career. The caregiving. The community. You’ve been the glue, the guide, the quiet force behind so much. And now? It’s your time. Not just to rest—but to reclaim. This episode is about recognizing the wisdom you’ve earned and using it to shape what’s next.I’ll share how the stillness of the pandemic helped me hear myself again, really hear, and how saying yes to my voice changed the direction of everything. We’ve been taught that visibility has a deadline. That after a certain age, we’re supposed to shrink, stay quiet, fade out. But that’s a lie.You are not running out of time—you’re standing at the start of something beautiful. There’s no limit on your brilliance.No expiration on your gifts.No ceiling on what you can create from here.Let this be your reminder:✔︎ Your age is not a limitation—it’s a launchpad✔︎ Wisdom is the foundation of your next chapter✔︎ Visibility is a choice—and you still get to choose you✔︎ I’ll guide you through a reflection to reconnect with your power and possibilityVisit blackwomenamplified.com to listen to more episodes, join our community, and explore the Amplified Shop.With deep love,Monica WisdomBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/black-women-amplified--6590667/support.
S4 · E134
May 6, 2025
27:17

Jazmine Erving and Ivy Welburn: Building Legacy from the Ground Up

Jazmine Erving and Ivy Welburn: Ownership, Vision, and Building Legacy from the Ground Up In this compelling and forward-moving conversation, Monica Wisdom sits down with Jazmine Erving and Ivy Welburn, two visionary founders who are reshaping what ownership looks like in an industry few ever consider. As HBCU graduates, Jazmine and Ivy have made history as the first Black women to own a crystal mine, a site once held by Tiffany & Co.. Their journey did not begin with a strategic plan or industry background. It began with a moment. A single weekend during the pandemic that opened a door neither of them expected. What followed was not luck. It was discernment, courage, and the willingness to step into something unfamiliar and build it with intention. Jazmine brings a legacy rooted in excellence as the daughter of Julius Erving, while Ivy’s career as a celebrated floral designer has placed her in rooms with some of the most recognized names in entertainment. Together, they combine vision and creative discipline in a way that is both grounded and expansive. This conversation moves beyond inspiration and into execution. They share what it takes to recognize opportunity, move without hesitation, and build something that has the potential to outlast them. At its core, this is a story about ownership, alignment, and the decisions that shape a different future. In this episode, we discuss: Becoming the first Black women to own a crystal mine Recognizing opportunity and acting without a clear roadmap The role of intuition and timing in major life decisions Building a business across industries and experience levels Legacy, ownership, and long-term vision Expanding what is possible when you trust your instincts Key Takeaways: Opportunity rarely arrives in perfect form. You have to recognize it Ownership changes how you move, think, and build You do not need permission to enter new spaces Legacy is created through bold, aligned decisions The right partnership can accelerate what you build About Jazmine Erving and Ivy Welburn Jazmine Erving is a philanthropist and entrepreneur with a legacy rooted in leadership and cultural impact. Ivy Welburn is a renowned floral designer whose work has been sought after by top names across entertainment and fashion. Together, they are pioneering a new chapter in the crystal mining industry through ownership, innovation, and vision. Listen and Stay Connected Visit: www.blackwomenamplified.com Follow: @blackwomenamplified
S4 · E129
Apr 3, 2025
1:13:28

From Trigger to Truth: What Your Reactions Are Teaching You

In this honest and deeply reflective solo episode, Monica Wisdom returns to a conversation many people experience but rarely examine with intention. What happens when you react from a place that has not fully healed, and what can that moment reveal about how you move through your life? This episode centers on awareness. Monica shares a personal experience of being triggered and unpacks what it revealed about her emotional patterns, stress responses, and the ways we carry unresolved experiences into present moments. She explores the tension between reaction and reflection, and how quickly grace can disappear when you are overwhelmed by what you are holding. This is not a conversation about perfection. It is about understanding. There is space here to pause, to look inward, and to recognize that your responses are not random. They are shaped by what you have lived through, what you have internalized, and what still needs attention. At its core, this episode reframes the way you see your emotional reactions. Triggers are not failures. They are signals pointing you toward something that requires care, awareness, and intention. This is where a different kind of growth begins. In this episode, we discuss: Understanding emotional triggers and what they reveal The difference between reacting and responding Why grace becomes difficult when you are overwhelmed Using self-awareness as a tool for healing Creating space between emotion and action Moving through life with greater clarity and intention Key Takeaways: Your triggers provide information about what needs attention Self-awareness is the foundation for meaningful change Grace requires presence and emotional regulation You have the ability to pause and choose your response Healing often begins in moments you would prefer to avoid Listen and Stay Connected Visit: www.blackwomenamplified.com Follow: @blackwomenamplified Explore new arrivals, including tees and hoodies designed to support your next chapter.
S4 · E128
Mar 28, 2025
24:09

With Love, Meghan: A Self-Love Story

Send us a textWhen Harry met Meghan, it felt like a dream come true—a royal romance that redefined the fairytale. Books were written, movies were made, and the world watched in fascination. But for the first time, a princess on the global stage looked like me. Seeing Meghan be chosen by a man who matched her energy felt surreal, powerful, and deeply affirming.Yet, fairytales don’t always end with a happily ever after. Meghan’s story turned into one of escape, resilience, and, ultimately, a journey back to herself. In this episode, I dive into her new Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, and explore how witnessing her joy, self-love, and reclamation of her own narrative awakened something within me—a soft, dreamy, feminine part of myself that had long been buried.Join me as we unpack the power of Meghan’s journey and what it means for Black women who have been told we are too much, not enough, or undeserving of a love story of our own. Let’s talk about self-love, healing, and embracing our own version of the fairytale.🎧 Tune in now and share with a friend who needs this reminder: You are worthy of a love story—starting with the love you give yourself.Support the showMonica Wisdom is the Founder of Black Women Amplified and a business and life coach. She teaches women how to discover, reframe, and amplify their story. Learn more: www.monicawisdomhq.comThank you for your support Got Merch? Pick up Black Women Amplified t-shirts, journals, and caps. www.blackwomenamplified.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/black-women-amplified--6590667/support.
S4 · E127
Mar 20, 2025
40:22

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant: Purpose, Presence, and Redefining Who Belongs in the Wild

In this powerful and expansive conversation, Monica Wisdom sits down with Rae Wynn-Grant, a scientist, storyteller, and history-maker whose work is reshaping how we see both nature and ourselves. As the first Black woman to host Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, Dr. Wynn-Grant is stepping into a space that has long excluded women who look like her and redefining what leadership in the field can look like. Her journey is both grounded and far-reaching. From her early years in San Francisco and Norfolk to conducting research in some of the most remote environments in the world, she has built a career rooted in curiosity, discipline, and purpose. In her memoir, WILD LIFE: Finding My Purpose in an Untamed World, she offers a deeper look at the path that brought her here and the challenges she navigated along the way. This conversation moves beyond career milestones and into what it takes to persist in spaces where you are often the only one. Dr. Wynn-Grant shares the realities of her work, the importance of representation in science and media, and the connection between identity, belonging, and the natural world. She speaks candidly about forging a path that did not exist and what it means to claim space with both confidence and clarity. At its core, this episode is about access. To opportunity, to environment, and to the idea that the world is larger than what we have been shown. In this episode, we discuss: Becoming the first Black woman to host a major wildlife television series The journey from city life to global ecological research Navigating fields where representation has been limited The role of storytelling in science and public engagement The connection between identity, belonging, and the natural world Building a career rooted in purpose and long-term impact Key Takeaways: You can build a path even when one does not exist Representation expands what others believe is possible Purpose requires both persistence and clarity The natural world belongs to everyone, not a select few Your presence in a space can shift how it evolves About Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant is a wildlife ecologist, author, and television host known for her research and storytelling at the intersection of science, conservation, and culture. Her memoir, WILD LIFE: Finding My Purpose in an Untamed World, reflects her journey navigating identity and purpose while building a global career in ecology and media. Listen and Stay Connected Visit: www.blackwomenamplified.com Follow: @blackwomenamplified
S4 · E123
Feb 27, 2025
1:02:30

Chapel Hart: Faith and Building a Sound That Moves the World

In this vibrant and deeply engaging conversation, Monica Wisdom sits down with Chapel Hart, a powerhouse trio redefining what country music can sound like and who it belongs to. Hailing from Mississippi, sisters Danica and Devynn Hart, alongside their cousin Trea Swindle, have built a career rooted in authenticity, faith, and an unwavering commitment to their craft. Their sound blends traditional country influences with contemporary storytelling, creating music that speaks to lived experience with both honesty and strength. This conversation moves beyond the stage and into the journey. Chapel Hart reflects on their early years traveling across the country with their music, the discipline required to stay the course, and the clarity that comes from building something independently. Their rise to national recognition through America's Got Talent expanded their reach, but their foundation was built long before the spotlight. We also explore what it means to create in a genre where representation has been limited, and how they have carved out space without compromising who they are. Their music carries both power and vulnerability, from bold, unapologetic anthems to songs that speak directly to the emotional realities women navigate every day. At its core, this episode is about ownership. Of your sound, your story, and the path you choose to build. In this episode, we discuss: Building a career as independent artists in country music The journey from local performances to global recognition Navigating a genre with limited representation The role of faith, discipline, and persistence Creating music that reflects real life and lived experience Building a loyal community of supporters Key Takeaways: You can build success outside of traditional systems Consistency and belief in your work create momentum Authenticity strengthens the connection with your audience Representation expands what is possible for others Community plays a critical role in sustaining growth About Chapel Hart Chapel Hart is a country music trio from Mississippi known for their rich harmonies and bold storytelling. As independent artists, they have built an international following, received nominations at the British Country Music Awards, and continue to expand their reach through music that blends tradition with a modern perspective. Listen and Stay Connected Visit: www.blackwomenamplified.com Follow: @blackwomenamplified
S4 · E122
Feb 13, 2025
49:09

Rhonda Ross: Identity, Healing, and the Work of Becoming

In this intimate and deeply honest conversation, Monica Wisdom sits down with Rhonda Ross, an artist, speaker, and woman who has done the internal work to become fully herself. While many recognize her as the daughter of Diana Ross and Berry Gordy, this conversation moves beyond legacy and into lived experience. Rhonda shares what it has taken to navigate identity, visibility, and the emotional weight that often exists behind success. There is a depth here that is not always visible. Rhonda speaks candidly about her experiences with self-doubt, depression, and the internal pressure to measure up. She reflects on the moment she reached a breaking point and the intentional work that followed. The work of shifting negative self-talk, finding emotional balance, and creating a new relationship with herself. This conversation also explores her journey as an artist and what it means to build a life that reflects both creativity and truth. Through music, teaching, and speaking, Rhonda now uses her voice to support others as they navigate their own healing. At its core, this episode is about becoming. Letting go of the versions of yourself shaped by expectation and stepping into a more grounded, honest, and aligned life. In this episode, we discuss: Growing up in the public eye and defining your own identity Navigating self-doubt, depression, and internal pressure The process of shifting negative self-talk Emotional balance and the work of healing Building a life as an artist rooted in truth Using your voice to support and guide others Key Takeaways: Visibility does not eliminate internal struggle Healing requires consistent, intentional work You can change the way you speak to yourself Identity is something you define, not inherit Your voice can evolve as you grow About Rhonda Ross Rhonda Ross is an Emmy-nominated actor, Grammy-nominated songwriter, and motivational speaker whose work spans music, film, and personal development. Through her performances and teaching, she continues to explore identity, healing, and transformation. Listen and Stay Connected Visit: www.blackwomenamplified.com Follow: @blackwomenamplified Explore merchandise, resources, and conversations designed to support your next chapter.
S4 · E121
Feb 7, 2025
56:36

Jazmine Erving and Ivy Welburn: Ownership, Vision, and Expanding What’s Possible

In this powerful and forward-moving conversation, Monica Wisdom sits down with Jazmine Erving and Ivy Welburn, two women who are redefining ownership in an industry few ever consider. As HBCU graduates, Jazmine and Ivy have made history as the first Black women to own a crystal mine, a site once held by Tiffany & Co.. What began as a single moment during the pandemic quickly became an opportunity they chose to act on, without a roadmap or prior experience in the industry. This conversation is not about luck. It is about recognition. Jazmine brings a legacy rooted in leadership as the daughter of Julius Erving, while Ivy’s work as a renowned floral designer has placed her in spaces that demand both creativity and precision. Together, they combine vision and execution to build something entirely new. They share how one decision set them on a path to transform their lives and enter a space that historically has not reflected them. This is a conversation about courage, timing, and the willingness to move when opportunity presents itself. At its core, this episode is about ownership. Not just of business, but of possibility. In this episode, we discuss: Becoming the first Black women to own a crystal mine Recognizing opportunity and acting without a clear blueprint Transitioning into an industry outside of your experience The role of intuition, timing, and partnership Building legacy through ownership and strategic decisions Expanding your vision beyond what feels familiar Key Takeaways: Opportunity often appears before you feel ready Ownership shifts how you think, move, and build You can enter spaces that were never designed with you in mind Vision requires action to become reality The right partnership can accelerate growth and impact About Jazmine Erving and Ivy Welburn Jazmine Erving is a philanthropist and entrepreneur with a legacy rooted in leadership and cultural impact. Ivy Welburn is a celebrated floral designer whose work spans high-profile clients across entertainment and fashion. Together, they are building a new chapter in the crystal mining industry through ownership and innovation. Explore More Learn more about their work: Because I Rock: https://becauseirock.com/ Listen and Stay Connected Visit: www.blackwomenamplified.com Follow: @blackwomenamplified Explore journals, apparel, and resources designed to support your next chapter.
S4 · E120
Jan 28, 2025
1:13:28

Jayne Allen on Story, Success, and Building a Literary Legacy

In this rich and insightful conversation, Monica Wisdom sits down with Jayne Allen, the bestselling author behind the widely celebrated Black Girls Must Die Exhausted trilogy. Jayne’s work has reached readers across the globe, with over 800,000 copies sold and translations in multiple languages. Her storytelling has resonated far beyond the page, leading to a television production deal that continues to expand her reach and influence. In this episode, she introduces her latest novel, The Most Wonderful Time, and offers a closer look at the creative vision behind it. She shares how new characters come to life, how her stories evolve, and what it takes to continue building a body of work that connects with audiences on a deeper level. This conversation moves beyond writing and into the discipline of creating something that lasts. Jayne reflects on her journey from self-publishing to securing major publishing deals, offering a clear and grounded perspective on what it takes to build a sustainable career as a writer. She speaks candidly about persistence, ownership, and the decisions that shape long-term success. At its core, this episode is about storytelling as both craft and strategy. It is about understanding the value of your voice and building something that extends beyond a single moment. In this episode, we discuss: The evolution of her writing journey from self-publishing to global success The creative process behind The Most Wonderful Time Developing characters that resonate with readers Turning a book series into a broader media opportunity Building a lasting literary career with intention The business of storytelling and owning your work Key Takeaways: Success in writing requires both creativity and discipline Ownership and persistence shape long-term opportunities Storytelling is a powerful tool for connection and impact Expanding beyond one platform creates sustainability Your voice has value when you invest in developing it About Jayne Allen Jayne Allen is a bestselling author known for her acclaimed trilogy, Black Girls Must Die Exhausted. Her work has sold over 800,000 copies worldwide, been translated into multiple languages, and is currently in development for television. Her storytelling continues to explore identity, ambition, and the complexity of modern life. Listen and Stay Connected Visit: www.blackwomenamplified.com Follow: @blackwomenamplified
S4 · E119
Dec 19, 2024
56:11
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