Episode Title: Rhythm, Resilience, and Representation: The Story of DOAHL Dance Academy

In this heartfelt episode of the Woke Mommy Chatter Podcast (Season 5, Episode 4), I sit down with Charlene Hines, co-founder of DOAHL Dance Academy (Dance on a Higher Level). Since its humble beginnings in 2003, DOAHL has grown from six students in a community center to a vibrant, multi-disciplinary dance school that’s more than just a place to learn choreography—it’s a sanctuary for Black children and their families.

Charlene shares DOAHL’s journey as a space where children see themselves reflected, feel safe, and thrive in a community built on love, mentorship, and advocacy. We discuss the challenges DOAHL has faced, from breaking racial barriers in competitive dance to pushing for greater equity and representation in the arts.

This episode celebrates DOAHL’s commitment to creating a legacy of joy and belonging while championing the beauty of intentional spaces for Black children to grow, learn, and lead.

Tune in to hear how DOAHL Dance Academy is transforming lives, one step at a time, and join us in celebrating a movement for equity, art, and community.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Follow DOAHL Dance Academy: @doahlacademy

For resources tailored to Black families: Visit the Black Women’s Institute for Health.

#DanceLife #BlackJoy #RepresentationMatters #DOAHL #HipHopDance #BlackGirlsDance #CommunityMatters

In this episode of Woke Mommy Chatter, we delve into the nuanced and often overlooked mental health experiences of Black women. Host Kearie Daniel leads an insightful conversation with two incredible therapists, Amma Gyamfowa and Chantal Gray, who share their expertise and personal reflections on mental health in Black communities.

Amma Gyamfowa, a Ghanaian-Canadian mental health therapist, registered social worker, and founder of Womanist Healing, has spent over a decade supporting Black individuals, families, and communities across the Greater Toronto Area. She provides holistic counseling services and Afrocentric workshops designed to empower Black communities in their healing journeys.

Chantal Gray, a Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist, and co-founder of Winrose Oasis Services Inc. and Healing Sister Circle, focuses on creating spaces of healing for children, youth, adults, and families. Chantal’s work spans addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief, fostering community care and support.

Together, they unpack critical topics, including:

• How depression and anxiety often manifest differently in Black women, such as through high-functioning behaviors or irritability.

• The damaging effects of the “strong Black woman” trope and how it perpetuates emotional suppression.

• The intergenerational and systemic factors, including anti-Black racism, that influence mental health.

• Strategies for recognizing when help is needed, even for those who appear “high-functioning.”

• How family dynamics, societal expectations, and “hustle culture” contribute to mental health challenges.

The episode also explores the role of community care, postpartum depression, and breaking down stigma to promote conversations about mental wellness in Black communities. Both Amma and Chantal emphasize the importance of creating safe spaces, nurturing vulnerability, and fostering joy for Black women and their families.

For more information about their work, visit www.healingsisterscircle.com.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in dismantling stigma and advocating for the mental health of Black women. Join us as we explore what it means to care for our minds and communities with compassion and intention.

In this episode of Woke Mommy Chatter, we delve into the nuanced and often overlooked mental health experiences of Black women. Host Kearie Daniel leads an insightful conversation with two incredible therapists, Amma Gyamfowa and Chantal Gray, who share their expertise and personal reflections on mental health in Black communities.

Amma Gyamfowa, a Ghanaian-Canadian mental health therapist, registered social worker, and founder of Womanist Healing, has spent over a decade supporting Black individuals, families, and communities across the Greater Toronto Area. She provides holistic counseling services and Afrocentric workshops designed to empower Black communities in their healing journeys.

Chantal Gray, a Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist, and co-founder of Winrose Oasis Services Inc. and Healing Sister Circle, focuses on creating spaces of healing for children, youth, adults, and families. Chantal’s work spans addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief, fostering community care and support.

Together, they unpack critical topics, including:

• How depression and anxiety often manifest differently in Black women, such as through high-functioning behaviors or irritability.

• The damaging effects of the “strong Black woman” trope and how it perpetuates emotional suppression.

• The intergenerational and systemic factors, including anti-Black racism, that influence mental health.

• Strategies for recognizing when help is needed, even for those who appear “high-functioning.”

• How family dynamics, societal expectations, and “hustle culture” contribute to mental health challenges.

The episode also explores the role of community care, postpartum depression, and breaking down stigma to promote conversations about mental wellness in Black communities. Both Amma and Chantal emphasize the importance of creating safe spaces, nurturing vulnerability, and fostering joy for Black women and their families.

For more information about their work, visit www.healingsisterscircle.com.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in dismantling stigma and advocating for the mental health of Black women. Join us as we explore what it means to care for our minds and communities with compassion and intention.

Host: Kearie Daniel, Woke Mommy Chatter

Guest Name: Saran James-Vaughan, Menstrual Health Educator

Episode Summary: 

Woke Mommy Chatter Podcast Show Notes

Episode Title: Embracing Our Cycles: From Menstruation to Menopause

Host: Kearie Daniel

Guest: Saran Saran James-Vaughan, Menstrual Health Educator

Episode Summary:

In this empowering episode of Woke Mommy Chatter, host Kearie Daniel welcomes Saran James-Vaughan, a menstrual health educator, to discuss the often-underrepresented topics of menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause in the lives of Black women and girls. 

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Key Topics Discussed:

1. Introduction to Menstrual Health Education:

   - Jameson Spine shares her passion for supporting women and girls in understanding their menstrual cycles.

   - Discussion on the connection between menstrual cycles and various aspects of life, including mental health, cultural identity, and emotional well-being.

2. The Journey of Black Girls into Womanhood:

   - The early onset of menstruation in Black girls and the importance of preparing them through open conversations.

   - The role of mothers and families in supporting young girls through this transition.

3. Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause:

   - The need for increased dialogue and support around menopause.

   - How perimenopause and menopause are perceived and experienced by Black women.

   - Strategies to navigate these changes with understanding and self-care.

4. Breaking the Silence Around Periods:

   - Addressing the stigma and silence surrounding menstruation in the Black community.

   - Sharing personal experiences and the importance of normalizing period conversations.

5. Addressing Period Poverty:

   - The challenges of period poverty and its impact on Black women and girls.

   - Highlighting organizations and efforts aimed at alleviating period poverty.

6. The Connection Between Menstrual Cycles and the Natural World:

   - Exploring the relationship between lunar cycles and menstrual cycles.

   - Understanding the importance of aligning one’s energy with natural rhythms.

7. Empowering Conversations with Young Menstruators:

   - Jameson Spine’s work in educating young girls about their menstrual health.

   - The power of storytelling and creating a comfortable space for discussion.

8. Menopause as a New Beginning:

   - Reframing menopause as a positive, transformative stage in a woman's life.

   - Addressing common misconceptions and preparing for this new chapter.

9. Final Thoughts:

   - Encouraging open discussions about menstruation and menopause to empower the next generation.

   - The importance of community support and sharing stories for collective empowerment.

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Resources Mentioned:

- "The Period Purse" - Organization addressing period poverty.

- "Hey Black Girl" - Initiative focusing on menstrual health education for Black women and girls.

Call to Action:

"Join the conversation and embrace every stage of womanhood. Listen, share, and empower each other through our collective experiences. Tune in to Woke Mommy Chatter for more empowering discussions."

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Listen to the Full Episode: [Insert Podcast Link]

Follow Us:

- Instagram: @WokeMommyChatter

- Twitter: @WokeMommyChat

- Facebook: Woke Mommy Chatter

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Stay tuned for more insightful episodes on Woke Mommy Chatter, where we continue to explore and celebrate the journey of Black womanhood.

Welcome to Season 5, Episode 1 of Woke Mommy Chatter, the podcast where we speak on the raw truths of Black motherhood. I'm Kearie Daniel. In this opening episode, I had the honor of conversing with the incredible Dr. Christiana Awosan, a Marriage and Family Therapist and an Associate Professor, whose work deeply resonates with our mission here. We delved into the heart of racial trauma and its ripple effects on our personal and communal relationships.

My journey, much like many of yours, has been a labyrinth of activism, especially in the aftermath of the George Floyd incident. It’s been a path of emotional exhaustion and the constant battle against systemic racism. Sharing my story, I opened up about the immense weight of this fight, a sentiment that I know many of you can relate to. Dr. Awosan, with her profound insights, shed light on how this racial trauma isn't just a personal battle but one that weaves through the very fabric of our relationships.

Our conversation took a significant turn when we tackled the often-misunderstood topic of Black love and interracial relationships. Dr. Awosan demystified several misconceptions, focusing on the importance of representation and the historical context of Black relationships. It was a refreshing perspective that challenged the stereotypical narratives we often see in the media.

One of the most impactful moments of our discussion was when Dr. Awosan spoke about the importance of not over-functioning in response to racial trauma. She urged us to find balance, to center ourselves, and not push our children or ourselves to overachieve as a means of combating racism. It’s about self-acceptance and doing our best, a message that I believe is crucial for us as Black mothers.

We wrapped up with a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility in addressing racial trauma. It’s not just on us as Black individuals but also on our white counterparts to actively engage and contribute to these crucial conversations.

As always, I’m grateful for the shared stories and wisdom from our guests and from you, our listeners. Here’s to another season of Woke Mommy Chatter, where we continue to uncover, challenge, and grow through our shared experiences of Black motherhood. Remember, in the midst of our struggle, there is incredible strength and resilience. Let's keep the conversation going

Bellamy Shoffner is a social entrepreneur, writer, blogger living in Charlottesville.  Bellamy and I first connected for the podcast, a few years ago to discuss her magazine Hold The Line.  That first conversation has turned into annual check in’s- as we both navigate Black motherhood and social activism. In this conversation Bellamy and I chat about George Floyd, the protest his death have ignited, our frustration with sudden allyship- including the inclusive lessons teachers are now sending home and defunding the police.

BLACK LIVES MATTER 

This week, I am finishing up my chat with Nefertiti Austin, author of Motherhood So White:  A Memoir of Race, Gender and Parenting in America. 

This week, I am chatting to Nefertiti Austin. Author of Motherhood So White:  A Memoir of Race, Gender and Parenting in America. 

Stay tuned at the end for a preview of part two of our conversation. 

I also reference the group Parents of Black Children. You can learn more here: www.parentsofblackchildren.org

I'm so excited to bring you Season 4 of the podcast.

This is a mini epsiode.  Just an introduction to the season and a special chat with the little madam!  She drops some home truths on this woke mommy.

I referenced the advocacy group I started with a number of amazing Black moms, - check out the website.  If you are interested in starting a chapter - connect with me!  Let's take this global!  www.parentsofblackchildren.org

In the Season 3 finale, I continue my chat with Kim Williams, host of the Single Black Motherhood Podcast,gets real about Black Single Motherhood.  We chat about the single Black Fathers she ha interviewed, some of her highs and lows as a single mom and her hopes for the future.

A few articles mentioned in the podcast can be found here:

https://www.thestar.com/life/parent/2016/10/25/please-dont-call-me-a-single-mother.html

Black Dads Involved in Kids Lives 

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/josh-levs/no-most-black-kids-are-no_b_11109876.html