Black Women North of 50

In this insightful interview, Tamela Floyd, LCSW explores the transformative power of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, its relevance to intergenerational trauma, and its impact on Black women's mental health. Discover how understanding parts, healing ancestral wounds, and cultivating curiosity can lead to profound personal growth.

As we come to the close of 2025, some conversations deserve to be revisited.This episode, originally published earlier this year, returns as our final episode of the year. In this episode, Wynn talks with therapist and author Stevon Lewis about the inner bully. This is that critical, relentless voice that questions our worth, our choices, and our right to rest or succeed.In this episode, they also explore how this inner bully evolves as we age, how it’s shaped by intergenerational survival, and why Black women over 50 often carry it more heavily than they realize. You’ll Hear About:• The difference between intuition and self-criticism• Intergenerational survival patterns that shape self-doubt• Why naming the inner bully creates distance and power• The role of community, belonging, and accountability• Letting go of perfection while staying committed to becoming🔔 Subscribe + Connect:YouTube: @BlackWomenNorthof50Instagram / Facebook: @BlackWomenNorthof50Email: [email protected]: blackwomennorthof50.com

Some conversations stay with you long after the microphone turns off. This is one of them.Originally released on June 1, 2025, this powerful episode returns for the holiday season on December 9, 2025, because the truths shared here about depression, silence, stigma, and healing continue to matter deeply, especially for Black women navigating life north of 50.In this encore episode, psychiatrist Dr. Rhonda Williams and host Wynn Helms have an honest, compassionate conversation about what depression actually looks like, how it hides in plain sight, and why so many of us normalize symptoms we should never have to carry alone.Together, they break down the difference between “a rough patch” and a clinical depressive episode, how hormonal shifts and life transitions amplify emotional strain, and the complex ways spirituality, community, and generational silence shape our mental health.✨ You’ll Hear About:• How to recognize when sadness becomes a clinical crisis• Why Black women over 50 are especially vulnerable and often overlooked• The emotional weight of menopause, caregiving, and life reassessment• The spiritual tension between faith, prayer, and seeking professional help• The stigma around antidepressants, and why they’re not a sign of weakness• The generational impact of untreated depression in Black families• How therapy, connection, and daily habits form a healing toolkit🔗 Resources Mentioned:• Psychology Today – therapist directory• American Psychological Association – mental health resources• Therapy for Black Girls – directory for Black female therapists• BlackFemaleTherapists.com – community and therapist listings• Your primary care doctor or insurance panel for referrals🔔 Subscribe + Connect:YouTube: @BlackWomenNorthof50Instagram / Facebook: @BlackWomenNorthof50Email: [email protected]: blackwomennorthof50.com

What makes a story worth telling? In this solo episode of Black Women North of 50, Wynn opens up about what she truly wants this podcast to be: a home for real stories told by real women north of 50.As we're approaching the New Year, Wynn reflects on what it means to live with authenticity, curiosity, and courage as a black woman navigating life beyond 50. This episode is about the messy, beautiful, non-linear paths that brought us here.✨ You’ll Hear About:• What the podcast Black Women North of 50 is truly becoming• Why our unpolished stories matter more than ever• Learning from “mistakes” that actually shaped who we are• The courage it takes to live, learn, and begin again• How community and conversation become healing spaces• Wynn’s hopes for the next season of the podcast🔔 Subscribe + Connect:YouTube: @BlackWomenNorthof50Instagram / Facebook: @BlackWomenNorthof50Email: [email protected]: blackwomennorthof50.com

What does it take to believe there’s still more waiting for you, even after life has thrown every curveball imaginable?In this episode of Black Women North of 50, Wynn chats with Dana Bell, Licensed Professional Counselor and founder of "Let’s Talk with Dana Bell". Dana shares her experiences in her early days as a welfare fraud investigator and real estate agent, to her years serving as a parole agent in Michigan’s correctional system. She opens up about ignoring her calling (at first), finding her way back to counseling, and how loss, resilience, and obedience to that “still small voice” brought her to where she is now: helping others believe in their better. ✨ You’ll Hear About:• Why we sometimes take the long road to our true calling.• How grief and faith can become turning points toward purpose.• The power of believing in your ‘better’, no matter your age or past• Dana’s journey from corrections to counseling and podcasting• What it means to bring compassion and structure to healing work• Finding courage to start something new, even when it’s scary🔗 Connect with Dana Bell: Website: letstalkwithdanabell.com🎙️ Podcast: Believe in Your Better — launching January 2026 on YouTube and Spotify📍 Based in Michigan | Licensed Professional Counselor | Speaker & Mentor🔔 Subscribe + Connect:YouTube: @BlackWomenNorthof50Instagram / Facebook: @BlackWomenNorthof50Email: [email protected]: blackwomennorthof50.com

What does it really mean to tell the truth, especially when the truth is messy, uncertain, or still unfolding? In this solo episode, host Wynn Helms reflects on her 30-day journey to rediscover the deeper purpose behind Black Women North of 50.Wynn opens up about her own creative crossroads, the fear of vulnerability, and her desire to move beyond surface-level success stories. Instead, she’s creating space for real conversations, about the journeys, the stumbles, the lessons, and the quiet victories that often go unseen.✨ You’ll Hear About:• Why authenticity can feel risky, but worth it• The beauty of sharing the journey, not just the highlight reel• How vulnerability creates deeper human connection• Letting go of perfection and embracing the learning curve🔔 Subscribe to Black Women North of 50 for more stories and real talk: YouTube: @BlackWomenNorthof50 💌 Want to share your story or suggest a topic? Connect with WynnInstagram / Facebook: @BlackWomenNorthof50 Email: [email protected] Website: blackwomennorthof50.com

What if the very pain you’ve been running from is the thing that can heal you? In this episode of Black Women North of 50, Wynn sits down with Denise James, psychotherapist and author of Back to Love, to explore how looking into our own story—without fear—can open the path to transformation.Denise shares her deeply personal journey from a childhood marked by absence and survival to a woman who reclaimed her worth, spirit, and calling through the power of self-reflection and truth. Her story reminds us that healing is about returning to our past with love, understanding, and compassion for the self that endured it all.✨ You’ll Hear About:How facing your story can become a sacred act of healingThe connection between mental breakdowns and spiritual breakthroughsHealing childhood wounds and rewriting generational storiesWhat it means to live authentically in a world obsessed with perfectionUsing writing and reflection to return “back to love”How therapy, spirituality, and creativity can work together to guide us homeListener Reflection / Invitation:Take a moment to ask yourself—what part of your story still aches to be heard? Your pain isn’t your ending; it may be your invitation to rise into purpose....🔔 Subscribe to Black Women North of 50 for more stories and real talk: YouTube: @BlackWomenNorthof50 💌 Want to share your story or suggest a topic? Connect with WynnInstagram / Facebook: @BlackWomenNorthof50 Email: [email protected] Website: blackwomennorthof50.com

What does spirituality look like when you stop trying to define it—and simply live it?In this candid solo episode of Black Women North of 50, host Wynn Helms opens up about a deeply personal topic she’s kept quiet for years: her spiritual journey. From a childhood home where religion wasn’t part of daily life, to discovering her own faith through curiosity, books, and lived experience, Wynn shares the story of how she found her connection to something greater, and on her own terms.She reflects on growing up with questions about truth and belief, exploring different religious paths, and eventually finding a spiritual home in the Church of Religious Science and Agape International Spiritual Center in California. She also talks about how spirituality now shapes her work as a psychotherapist and her vision for this podcast as a space for connection, authenticity, and dialogue.💬 “People don’t have to believe what I believe—it’s the dialogue that matters.” — Wynn HelmsYou’ll hear about:Wynn’s early curiosity about faith and her mother’s surprising advice on beliefWhat drew her to spiritual communities like Agape and the Church of Religious ScienceThe difference between spirituality and organized religion—and why she left the “business” of itHow her understanding of the mind-body-spirit connection shapes her work and lifeThe power of conversation, connection, and finding meaning beyond doctrineAt its core, this episode is an invitation to be curious about your own spiritual path, to embrace what resonates with your soul, and to keep the conversation open.🔔 Subscribe to Black Women North of 50 for more stories and real talk: YouTube: @BlackWomenNorthof50 💌 Want to share your story or suggest a topic? Connect with WynnInstagram / Facebook: @BlackWomenNorthof50 Email: [email protected] Website: blackwomennorthof50.com

Before social media and before hashtags, there was Soul.In this episode of Black Women North of 50, host Wynn Helms sits down with Regina Jones, a true trailblazer who carved out her place in history as the first Black woman to publish an entertainment newspaper about black artists in the U.S. Through her work with Soul, Regina became a voice for Black music and culture in the 1970s, spotlighting legends when mainstream media wouldn’t.She opens up about the reality behind her rise: getting pregnant at 15, surviving hardship, and refusing to be defined by anyone else’s expectations. Regina shares stories of walking into male-dominated rooms with her head held high, creating opportunities when none existed, and working with icons like the Jackson 5. Her journey is a lesson in resilience, vision, and power.You’ll hear about:- How Regina turned early hardships into fuel for her ambition- Navigating a male-dominated industry as a young Black woman in the ‘70s- Why self-belief and resilience are non-negotiable- The legacy she hopes to leave for future generations of Black women entrepreneursThis episode is more than a look back at history — it’s a celebration of what’s possible when a Black woman decides to bet on herself.🔔 Subscribe to Black Women North of 50 for more stories and real talk: YouTube: @BlackWomenNorthof50 💌 Want to share your story or suggest a topic? Connect with WynnInstagram / Facebook: @BlackWomenNorthof50 Email: [email protected] Website: blackwomennorthof50.com

Let's reframe menopause as the beginning of a whole new stage of life!In this episode of Black Women North of 50, host Wynn Helms talks with Dr. Rashida N’gouamba, a gynecologist and obstetrician, to break down the facts, myths, and real-life experiences of menopause. From hot flashes and mental fog to bone density and belly fat, Dr. N’gouamba explains why menopause is a process as powerful and complex as puberty, only in reverse.This conversation gets real about hormone replacement therapy (HRT)—the fears, the facts, and the shift toward safer bioidentical hormones. Dr. N’gouamba also dives into often-overlooked symptoms like joint pain, dry eyes, and mood swings, reminding us that this is a stage of real changes that deserve care and understanding.At the heart of this episode is empowerment: knowing your options, asking the right questions, and remembering you don’t have to go through in silence. You’ll hear about:Why menopause is best understood as “the reverse of puberty”Overlooked symptoms: muscle aches, mental fog, dry eyes and mouthHow menopause impacts bone health—and how HRT can helpThe truth about HRT and breast cancer, plus the rise of bioidentical hormonesEmotional and mental changes, from mood swings to brain fogWhy belly fat appears and what really works to manage itHolistic tools: whole food diets, strength training, and finding joy🔗 Resources & Links:Connect with Dr. Rashida N’gouamba: Simply OBGYN PasadenaEmail: [email protected]🔔 Subscribe to Black Women North of 50 for more stories and real talk:YouTube: @BlackWomenNorthof50💌 Want to share your story or suggest a topic? Connect with Wynn:Instagram / Facebook: @BlackWomenNorthof50Email: [email protected]: blackwomennorthof50.com

What happens when you pause, look around at life after 50, and wonder, “What’s next?”In this solo episode of Black Women North of 50, host Wynn Helms shares her own story of starting the podcast and the deeper “why” behind it. How the idea started? Over brunch with lifelong friends, Wynn felt the whisper of something missing—a desire for connection with other Black women navigating midlife and beyond. Out of that longing, this community was born.In this episode, Wynn talks about loneliness, courage, and the parts of herself that almost said no to creating this show. She opens up about spirituality (without labels), her fascination with internal family systems, and how she’s learning to “do it scared” anyway.This isn’t just an episode. It’s an invitation: to show up, to connect, to add your voice to the conversation, and to remember that life north of 50 isn’t the end of the road. It’s the beginning of another one.You’ll hear about:How Black Women North of 50 began with a single brunch conversationWhy Wynn believes connection is the cure for lonelinessThe spiritual side of midlife and anchoring yourself in something greaterA gentle reminder to be present and not let anxiety steal your energy💡 North of 50 doesn’t mean slowing down, it means reimagining what’s next.🔔 Subscribe to Black Women North of 50 for more stories and real talk:YouTube: @BlackWomenNorthof50💌 Want to share your story or suggest a topic? Connect with Wynn:Instagram / Facebook: @BlackWomenNorthof50Email: [email protected]: blackwomennorthof50.com

What if being single wasn’t something to “fix” but something to celebrate?In this episode of Black Women North of 50, our host Wynn Helms interviews Dr. Kris Marsh, a tenured professor and sociologist at the University of Maryland, to unpack what it really means to be single, Black, and thriving in today’s world.Throughout her years of research and most recent publication, "The Love Jones Cohort", Dr. Marsh challenges the old story that fulfillment only comes through marriage. Instead, she shines a light on the richness of friendship networks, the power of independence, and the joy of living life on your own terms.In this episode, you’ll hear about:👉 Why singlehood deserves celebration, not stigma👉How racism and economics shape dating pools for Black women👉Black women as trailblazers in redefining independence and success👉The practical side of aging well—estate planning, caregiving, and menopause👉Why choosing joy is an act of resistance and self-love🔗 Resources & Links:Connect with Dr. Kris Marsh:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkrismarsh/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkrismarsh🔔 Subscribe to Black Women North of 50 for more stories and real talk:YouTube: @BlackWomenNorthof50💌 Want to share your story or suggest a topic? Connect with Wynn:Instagram / Facebook: @BlackWomenNorthof50Email: [email protected]: blackwomennorthof50.com

From the church plays of St. Louis to the sets of Hollywood, Pam Trotter’s story is one of grit, faith, and determination.In this episode of Black Women North of 50, Pam opens up to our host, Wynn Helms, about what it really takes to carve out space in an industry that hasn’t always made room for Black women, especially those over 50.Pam reflects on the influence her sister had, who first inspired her love for acting, the shy girl she once was, and the confidence she found on stage. She shares how health challenges and the grind of survival jobs shaped her path in Los Angeles, and why community has always been her anchor in a business that can feel isolating.This isn’t just a conversation about acting, it’s about resilience, representation, and the urgency of creating more diverse roles for Black women in film and television. Pam’s journey is a love letter to persistence and a call to the next generation of artists to dream bigger, push harder, and never lose sight of their purpose.💬 “There’s still so much room for us in Hollywood—but we have to keep showing up.” — Pam TrotterYou’ll hear about:Balancing auditions with “survival jobs” in Los AngelesOvercoming shyness and health challenges on the way to the stageWhy community support makes all the differenceThe urgent need for more diverse roles for Black women in HollywoodEncouragement for the next generation of artists to keep going🔗 Connect with Pam Trotter:Instagram: @pammytrotter🔔 Subscribe to Black Women North of 50 for more stories and real talk:YouTube: @BlackWomenNorthof50Spotify: Listen on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Listen on Apple💌 Want to share your story or suggest a topic? Connect with Wynn:Instagram / Facebook: @BlackWomenNorthof50Email: [email protected]: blackwomennorthof50.com

What if everything you’ve heard about diabetes only told half the story?In this episode of Black Women North of 50, host Wynn Helms is joined by Abio McCray—a registered nurse and diabetes expert—to separate myth from truth about one of the most misunderstood health conditions in our community. From A1C confusion to dietary conversations, this episode is a real talk guide to reclaiming your health, one informed choice at a time.Abio walks us through the everyday changes that can transform how we manage—or even prevent—type 2 diabetes. And most importantly, he reminds us: your diagnosis doesn’t define you.You’ll hear about:The real difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetesWhy your blood sugar might be high even if you feel “fine”Why sugar isn’t the only culprit—and how alcohol fits inHow to build a support system that helps—not judgesReclaiming your health through food, education, and consistency💡 Your health is yours to reclaim. You don’t need permission to feel better—you need the right tools.🔗 Resources Mentioned:Connect with Abio McCray on Facebook🔔 Subscribe to Black Women North of 50 for more real talk:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackWomenNorthof50Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2nKFK1EXhig9cPKFGDCZgfApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-women-north-of-50/id1793933300💌 Want to share your story or suggest a topic? Wynn would love to hear from you:IG/FB: @BlackWomenNorthof50Email: [email protected]: www.blackwomennorthof50.com

What if grief isn’t something to “get over”, but something to make room for?In this episode of Black Women North of 50, our host Wynn Helms welcomes Dr. Loree Johnson, a seasoned psychotherapist and expert in reproductive mental health, to explore the many faces of grief. From fertility struggles to caregiving burnout, Dr. Loree shares personal and professional insights on how grief shows up in ways we rarely name, and why it deserves our compassion, not our silence.Together, they unpack why grief is more than just sadness. It's a sacred response to love, dreams deferred, and lives that unfolded differently than we expected. This episode is a hand to hold for anyone grieving, and for those who love them.From Dr. Loree's wisdom: "Joy and grief can coexist. I didn’t believe it until I had to live it." In this episode, you’ll hear about:What disenfranchised grief is, and why so many Black women carry it aloneHow reproductive struggles, caregiving, and aging intersect with unspoken griefWhy crying is not weakness, and how we can re-learn emotional vulnerabilityThe myth of “moving on” and how grief actually lives in waves💡 Remember: Grief isn’t a straight line, and you’re not broken for still feeling it.Connect with Dr. Loree Johnson:Instagram: @drloreejohnsonWebsite: drloreejohnson.com🔔 Subscribe to Black Women North of 50 for more real talk:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackWomenNorthof50Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2nKFK1EXhig9cPKFGDCZgfApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-women-north-of-50/id1793933300💌 Want to share your story or suggest a topic? Wynn would love to hear from you:IG/FB: @BlackWomenNorthof50Email: [email protected]: www.blackwomennorthof50.com🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode: Our House Grief Support Center (Los Angeles)RESOLVE: The National Infertility AssociationReturn to Zero: Hope (Pregnancy & Infant Loss)

What if joy isn’t something you find, but something you have to reclaim as a birthright?In this episode of Black Women North of 50, host Wynn Helms is joined by psychotherapist Dr. Beverley Boothe to explore the deep well of joy that lives within us, especially as we navigate the shifting terrain of being women north of 50. Together, they unravel the myths that confuse joy with happiness and talk about how to return to joy even when life feels overwhelming.Dr. Boothe reminds us that joy is not a fleeting feeling but a steady companion, rooted in purpose, spiritual connection, stillness, and the wisdom of our lived experiences.In this episode, you’ll hear about:The difference between joy and happiness, and why it mattersFinding peace in stillness, nature, and spiritual practiceLearning to retreat inward, even while raising children or leading othersThe value of supportive communitiesReclaiming purpose and identity after giving so much to others💡Remember: Joy is not something you chase. It’s who you are when the outside noise fades.🔔 Subscribe to Black Women North of 50 for more real talk:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackWomenNorthof50Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2nKFK1EXhig9cPKFGDCZgfApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-women-north-of-50/id1793933300💌 Want to share your story or suggest a topic? Wynn would love to hear from you:IG/FB: @BlackWomenNorthof50Email: [email protected]: www.blackwomennorthof50.com

What if the first step to building generational wealth isn’t budgeting, but healing your money stories?In this episode of Black Women North of 50, Wynn Helms sits down with Ruby Taylor, founder of Financial Joy School, to unpack the emotional and cultural roots of our financial decisions as a black community. Ruby's story is quite inspirational: From surviving a traumatic brain injury to teaching thousands about long-term investing, Ruby’s journey is both powerful and personal, and doesn't hold back on this interview!Together, they explore the impact of generational trauma, the myth of being "bad with money," and why true financial stability starts with knowing your worth. Whether you’re raising grandkids, managing midlife transitions, or simply trying to reclaim your financial joy, this conversation is a balm, a guide, and a rally cry.A quote from Ruby that we loved: “If I had been emotionally healed, I would’ve used my money differently.”In this episode, you’ll hear about:Why emotional healing is foundational to financial growthReframing budgeting as “directing your money”Teaching kids about money without passing on scarcityThe power of building community and rejecting shameBreaking the cycle of over-giving and enabling💡 Financial empowerment is not about being perfect, but about being present, prepared, and proud of your journey.🔔 Subscribe to Black Women North of 50 for more real talk:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackWomenNorthof50Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2nKFK1EXhig9cPKFGDCZgfApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-women-north-of-50/id1793933300💌 Want to share your story or suggest a topic? Wynn would love to hear from you:IG/FB: @BlackWomenNorthof50Email: [email protected]: www.blackwomennorthof50.com

What if the heaviness you carry isn’t "just life"—but a silent thief stealing your joy, sleep, and voice?In this episode of Black Women North of 50, psychiatrist Dr. Rhonda Williams sits down with host Wynn Helms to dissect depression’s grip on Black women over 50. In this episode, our experts talk from a deeply human and clinical perspective about why "pushing through" when experiencing depression is a dangerous myth, and how to spot the line between sadness and a crisis stealing your ability to function.Dr. Williams pulls back the curtain on depression’s hidden grip:"Depression isn’t sadness—it’s a thief." She breaks down the stark line between normal emotions ("I’m having a rough day") and clinical depression ("I can’t get out of bed for weeks").Menopause’s silent role: How hormonal shifts after 50 amplify depression risk—and why "it’s just aging" is a dangerous myth.Stigma vs. survival: Why Black women delay seeking help (privacy, spirituality, generational trauma) and how the pandemic cracked open doors for honesty."Antidepressants aren’t weakness—they’re tools." Dr. Williams dismantles fears about medication and therapy: "Healing is active. Pray and have a plan."🔔 Subscribe to Black Women North of 50 for more real talk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackWomenNorthof50Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2nKFK1EXhig9cPKFGDCZgfApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-women-north-of-50/id1793933300Have a story to share? A comment that resonated? Or a podcast idea you’d love Wynn to explore? Connect with her directly:IG/FB: @BlackWomenNorthof50Email: [email protected]: blackwomennorthof50.com

What if the loudest voice holding you back is your own?In this raw, deeply personal episode of Black Women North of 50, host Wynn Helms sits down with psychotherapist and imposter syndrome expert Stevon Lewis to confront the inner bully—that relentless voice whispering, “Who do you think you are?”—and how to reclaim your unshakable truth.Stevon Lewis, author of Silencing Your Inner Bully, pulls back the curtain on why even the most accomplished Black women feel like frauds. From the generational shame rooted in survival (“We were taught to distrust our intuition”) to the gut-punch of hearing “You’re not enough” from your own mind, they unpack:Why Imposter Syndrome isn’t a flaw—it’s a trauma response.How to spot your inner bully’s lies (hint: “If you wouldn’t tolerate it from a stranger, why let it live rent-free in your head?”).The intergenerational roots of self-doubt: “We’ve been taught to distrust our intuition to survive.”Men vs. Women North of 50: How societal expectations shape the inner bully’s attacks—and why men’s unspoken shame runs just as deep.Remember:Your inner bully doesn’t get the final word, and your worth isn’t negotiable. 👉 Grab Stevon’s transformative workbook, Silencing Your Inner Bully,  with the discount code BWN50 here.🔔 Subscribe to Black Women North of 50 for more real talk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackWomenNorthof50Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2nKFK1EXhig9cPKFGDCZgfApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-women-north-of-50/id1793933300Have a story to share? A comment that resonated? Or a podcast idea you’d love Wynn to explore? Connect with her directly:IG/FB: @BlackWomenNorthof50Email: [email protected]: blackwomennorthof50.com

What if caring for a loved one with dementia means grieving them while they’re still here? In this raw and deeply personal episode of Black Women North of 50, host Wynn Helms sits down with dementia care expert Denese Taylor to unpack the invisible battles of caregiving—and how to find strength in the storm.Denese Taylor, a seasoned memory care coordinator, pulls back the curtain on dementia’s rising tide in Black communities. From the gut-punch of early symptoms to the heartache of hearing “Who are you?” from a parent, she breaks down why education and safety-proofing homes are non-negotiable first steps. For every Black woman balancing grief, guilt, and grace in the caregiving trenches, Denese offers a radical truth: Your strength isn’t measured by how much you sacrifice, but by how fiercely you protect your peace. Dementia may steal memories, but it can’t erase the legacy of care you’re building—one day, one breath, at a time.👉 Access to Denese Taylor's Book: “Dealing With Dementia: A Guide For 15 Million Caregivers” Click this link to buy it: https://app.thebookpatch.com/BookStoreResults?search=Dealing%20With%20Dementia&ddl=any🔔 Subscribe to Black Women North of 50 for more real talk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackWomenNorthof50Spotify: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-women-north-of-50/id1793933300Apple Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2nKFK1EXhig9cPKFGDCZgfHave a story to share? A comment that resonated? Or a podcast idea you’d love Wynn to explore? Connect with her directly:IG/FB: @BlackWomenNorthof50Email: [email protected]: blackwomennorthof50.com

What happens when society’s norms for Black women—marriage, motherhood—don’t fit your life? In this episode of Black Women North of 50, host Wynn Helms sits down with Meta King, a former Soul Train dancer turned educator, to unpack the unspoken truths of being a Black woman north of 50 with no husband and no kids.From battling societal shame (“Why aren’t you married yet?”) to navigating dating apps and redefining purpose, Wynn and Meta get vulnerable about:The challenges of defying expectations in a culture that ties Black women’s worth to relationships and motherhood.“Am I enough?” – Confronting internalized guilt and finding joy in chosen family, students, and fur babies.Dating after 50: Why “organic connection” feels impossible—and how the rules have changed since the Soul Train era.Whether you’re childfree by choice, circumstance, or still questioning, this conversation is a lifeline for Black women asking: “Where do I belong in a world that measures my value by roles I never chose and not by who I am?”🔔 Subscribe to Black Women North of 50 for more real talk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackWomenNorthof50Spotify: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-women-north-of-50/id1793933300Apple Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2nKFK1EXhig9cPKFGDCZgfConnect & Share Your Story:IG/FB: @BlackWomenNorthof50Email: [email protected]

In this unfiltered conversation, Wynn Helms sits down with her nephew, Noah Wiggins, to explore the beautiful, messy, and sometimes frustrating dance between generations in our tech-driven world. This episode isn’t just about smartphones or AI—it’s about us. It’s about the love, patience, and resilience required to bridge gaps, protect our communities, and honor our stories in an era where screens often replace even eye contact!💬 What You’ll Feel & Learn:Generational Wisdom Meets Modern Tech: Wynn and Noah swap raw, relatable stories about teaching, learning, and the moments when “I don’t get this app” turns into “Let’s figure it out together.”Digital Safety & Our Legacy: Why protecting our privacy isn’t just about passwords—it’s about safeguarding our history, our families, and our peace.The Quiet Loneliness of a Connected World: Noah opens up about the numbness younger generations face, and Wynn reflects on how we can all reclaim humanity in a world of DMs and algorithms.When to Ask for Help: A vulnerable look at pride, patience, and why saying “I don’t know” is an act of courage—not weakness.🔥 For the Culture:This is more than a tech talk. It’s a love letter to Black women who’ve weathered decades of change, yet still show up with grace, curiosity, and the audacity to grow.💌 Join the Sisterhood:If you’ve ever felt overlooked, overwhelmed, or underestimated by the pace of technology—press play. Let’s laugh, sigh, and rebuild bridges together. Because our stories, our struggles, and our wisdom? They’re worth passing down.🔔 Subscribe + Stay ConnectedRing the bell for more raw, real talks that honor the voices of Black Women North Of 50. Drop a comment below—we want to hear your tech triumphs, frustrations, and generational gems.

In this episode of Black Women North of 50, I sat down to get my hair done with Roni Jones, Professional Hair Stylist, Specializing in Curly Hair. Roni is based in Pasadena, CA and together we talked about some of the complexities, history, and the cultural significance of Black hair. Roni shared her path to becoming a curly hair specialist, the challenges Black women face in hair care, and the impact of societal perceptions…I talked about how as a child I was tender-headed!What were your hair experiences as you were coming up? Who does your hair now and what does it express about who you are? In my youth I mostly wanted to look nice no matter how long it took to do my hair. North of 50—I want to be attractive in the easiest way possible!How about you? Hope to hear from you. Be well. Be safe. Stay with me!@blackwomennorthof [email protected] Connect with Roni Jones, Professional Hair Stylist & Curly Hair Specialist @curl.jones

In this conversation, I speak with Dr. Zoe Shaw about the complexities of navigating divorce and co-parenting, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by Black women over 50. We discuss the importance of viewing co-parenting as a business transaction, the social stigmas surrounding single motherhood, and the necessity of self-care during and after divorce. She emphasizes the significance of communication with children about divorce, the process of grieving, and the empowerment that comes from embracing change. We conclude with encouragement for women to pursue new beginnings and prioritize their well-being.You can find Dr. Zoe at drzoeshaw.com, on Instagram @drzoeshaw or on her podcast, Stronger In Difficult Places.

Life keeps happening, and I keep learning - twists, turns, and lessons along the way. Thanks for joining me on this journey. Be sure to come back for the next episode - I can't wait to keep exploring with you! And if there are any topics you'd like discussed, drop it in the comments below. In the meantime, let's keep it real, embrace the joy and find the funny. Thanks for joining me on Black Women North of 50.

Welcome back to Black Women North of 50! In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeshana Johnson, a psychologist specializing in sex, sexuality, and trauma. She is a Los Angeles-based psychologist specializing in sex therapy and is dedicated to helping women break free from shame and rediscover their sexual well-being. We dive into the complexities of intimacy, desire, and body changes as we navigate life after 50.Dr. Jeshana brings warmth, wisdom, and honesty to this conversation, offering practical insights for embracing our sexuality with confidence.Join me for this powerful and enlightening conversation about self-acceptance, pleasure, and intimacy beyond 50. Listen now!Let me know your thoughts on this [email protected]

Welcome to the very first episode of Black Women North of 50! I’m Wynn Helms, a licensed psychotherapist, and now—surprise—I’m a podcaster too. I never imagined I’d be here, but life has a way of nudging us toward the unknown.So, why this podcast? Because Black women over 50 deserve a space where we feel seen, heard, and valued. Too often, society dismisses us, but I know we still have so much to give, learn, and experience. This podcast is about embracing that journey—together.This isn’t therapy (though therapy is a wonderful thing!). This is a space for community, conversation, and curiosity. So, if you’re a Black woman north of 50 looking for a place to learn and hopefully find the funny in life, you’re in the right place.A new episode will drop next “Wynnsday”- get it Wednesday, February 12, 2025; I’ll be joined by Dr. Joshanna Johnson. She’s an established radio host and experienced sex education instructor—just in time for Valentine’s Day!Let’s do this together. Follow the show, and let’s keep the conversation going! Black Women North of 50—because we’re not done!Connect with me:Instagram: @blackwomennorthof50LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wynn-helms-lmft-27b655139/