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 

There are so many stereotypes about Single Black Motherhood.  In this episode, Kim Williams, host of the Single Black Motherhood Podcast,gets real about Black Single Motherhood.  We chat about anti-Black sentiment around single mothers, the challenges and triumphs and we also chat about how stereotypes about Black Mothers, affect Black Fathers.

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 

Jeff Martin, Author, Police Officer, Father and Motivational Speaker chats about his new book, Brothers/Sisters from the 6: Role Models in my Community, the importance of giving back, wh he decided to be a police officer and why representation matters. 

Jeff is doing amazing work. You can find him at:jeffadmartin.com

"Hi Auntie"   We are talking, aunties in the Black community, particularly Aunties without children of their own, the role they play in the Black family, the complicated family dynamics, the toll that role takes on them and why Aunties are so important to the Black community. 

This week, I am joined by Judie Powell, a friend and colleague who is an Auntie to 4 little and little-ish people, and Maria Daniel, my sister, who is an Auntie to two little people.