The Black Woman's Confidant

On this week's episode of The Black Woman's Confidant, we are joined by Taneshia Yerby to explore the journey of converting natural talents into sustainable income. Taneshia Yerby, the founder of the Christian Entrepreneur Organization (CEO For Women), is a dedicated wife, mother, and author committed to empowering Christian women through faith-based mentorship in both life and business. As she prepares for the release of her upcoming book, From Dreams to Drive, Taneshia continues to motivate an expanding community to lead lives of purpose, bold intention, and courage. Drawing from her own professional and personal experiences, she provides listeners with actionable strategies to define their purpose, overcome deep-seated fears, and cultivate an unshakeable confidence grounded in their unique God given gifts.

On this week's episode of The Black Woman's Confidant, Dr. Nicole addresses a listener's question on cultivating inner peace. Dr. Nicole emphasizes the importance of building a steady peace that is not rooted in avoidance, especially in a constantly changing world. As a psychiatrist, Dr. Nicole provides practical guidance on creating cognitive flexibility and developing the space between an event and your reaction to it. Listeners will also learn valuable strategies for pivoting instead of panicking, and how to safely challenge the boundaries of their peace.

This week, The Black Woman's Confidant features Courtney Ramsey, Founder and Lead Photographer of Courtney Ramsey & Co., a luxury portrait studio dedicated to celebrating women at every stage of life. She joins the show to discuss how photography can be used to celebrate the woman you are beyond the titles you hold in the world. As an expert in transforming meaningful milestones into tangible artwork, Courtney shares insights on why Black women should celebrate small victories and offers the perspective that there is no such thing as a bad image.

In a culture obsessed with 'protecting your peace,' it's remarkably easy to let self-preservation turn into self-isolation. This week on The Black Woman's Confidant, Dr. Nicole breaks down why boundaries should be gates, not unscalable walls. As a psychiatrist, Dr. Nicole explores the thin line between healthy limits and emotional exile, helping you identify if your rules are actually protecting you—or just helping you avoid the growth that comes with conflict.

This week on The Black Woman's Confidant, Dr. Nicole reflects on the America's Next Top Model Documentary controversy, examining how the passage of time often exposes the problematic aspects of the past. Dr. Nicole also encourages listeners to look back at things once considered normal and to appreciate society's positive progression beyond those outdated perspectives.

On this week's episode of The Black Woman's Confidant, Dr. Nicole addresses a listener's concern about being perceived as "meaner" since beginning their trauma healing journey. Drawing on her expertise as a psychiatrist, Dr. Nicole explores the underlying reasons for this shift in perception among those around you and offers guidance on managing this newfound assertiveness.

This week on The Black Woman's Confidant, we feature Dr. Adiaha Spinks-Franklin for a conversation about preparing for non-traditional families. Dr. Spinks-Franklin is an African American cis-gender woman, a board-certified Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician, wife, mother, and grandmother. As a lifelong anti-oppression/pro-liberation child advocate and social justice warrior, Dr. Spinks-Franklin offers her expertise on the role of a developmental pediatrician, as well as how factors like genetic loads and prenatal environments can impact children. Dr. Spinks-Franklin also offers insights about the common mistakes adoptive families make, signs of trauma to watch for in your children and why not every unique behavior is a disorder.  

On this week's episode, The Black Woman's Confidant welcomes Dr. Nikia Smith to share her journey with burnout and how she healed from the exhausting hustle culture. Dr. Nikia is a practicing, board-certified anesthesiologist, a wellness coach, and the founder of She Is Fire Forged, a wellness brand supporting high-achieving women of color through burnout recovery and radical rest. After over a decade in medicine, she knows firsthand what it's like to chase the dream, hit every milestone, and still struggle with self-worth. Dr. Nikia shares vital insights on sustainable goal-setting, reclaiming personal autonomy, achieving success without sacrifice, and the core belief that rest is a fundamental right, not a reward.

On this week's episode of The Black Woman's Confidant, Dr. Nicole takes a look back at the past year. As she reflects, Dr. Nicole shares her biggest lessons, favorite moments, and most cherished memories from 2025. Looking ahead, Dr. Nicole also outlines her goals for the upcoming year and reveals her chosen "word of the year."

This week on the Black Woman's Confidant we welcome Dr. Christina Clark, a child psychiatrist, parent coach, and founder of aPARENT.world to discuss authoritative vs authoritarian parenting styles . Dr. Clark is board-certified in both Adult and Adolescent Psychiatry and brings decades of experience to her work supporting children, teens, and adults through consultation, therapy, and coaching. Dr. Clark also offers practical tools through aPARENT.world—a digital learning space designed to help parents strengthen emotional regulation and deepen family connection. As a child psychiatrist and parent, Dr. Clark breaks down common misconceptions about gentle parenting, explaining what it truly is and how parents can implement it into their own parenting style.

This week on The Black Woman's Confidant, Dr. Nicole welcomes Robyn Malone, CEO and Chief Partner Officer of RJ Communications, to delve into her journey as a Black woman in health and wellness PR. Robyn's distinguished career is defined by her ability to spearhead major campaigns for international organizations such as Pfizer and P&G, while leading large, diverse teams with empathy and purpose. She prioritizes storytelling and humanity, even in fast-paced industries that often focus on metrics. Her work includes impactful initiatives like the "You Don't Know Jack About MS" awareness campaign and successful brand relaunches with a focus on heart. As a seasoned industry veteran, Robyn shares invaluable wisdom on holding space as a leader and how to cultivate healthy, empathetic corporate cultures, particularly within high-pressure environments.

Black women navigate the difficult intersection of sexism and racism, a combination that has serious consequences for our health. On this week's episode of The Black Woman's Confidant, Dr. Nicole explores the concept of "weathering" and how the chronic stress of societal complexities affects Black women's bodies. She details how continuous exposure to stress, a constant state of fight-or-flight, and the burden of supporting our families' social and economic needs can manifest physically in health problems. Dr. Nicole also offers actionable insights and strategies for Black women to combat weathering as we live in a world not designed with our well-being in mind.

This week on The Black Woman's Confidant, Dr. Nicole concludes her parenting conversation with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart. As a pediatric psychologist and parent coach, Dr. Lockhart shares her expertise on why removing yourself from the parenting equation is important, how self-care can improve your parenting as well the importance of individualized parenting for each of your children.

This week, The Black Woman's Confidant welcomes Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, a pediatric psychologist, parent coach, speaker, and author. Driven by her own experience of disconnect with her mother during her teenage years, Dr. Lockhart wrote "Love the Teen You Have" to help parents foster stronger connections with their teens. In the first part of our conversation, Dr. Lockhart shares her insights on how to embrace the teen you have, how to create an environment that nurtures healthy adults, and how you can equip your children with essential coping strategies for daily life.

On this week's episode, Dr. Nicole reflects on her 30-year high school reunion and the emotions it evoked. She explores how events like reunions, homecomings, visits to one's hometown, or even chance encounters with old friends can trigger past feelings. Dr. Nicole also shares strategies for reframing these emotions and memories positively by fostering gratitude for the past, present, and future.

On this week's episode of The Black Woman's Confidant, Dr. Nicole explores the intricate emotions and difficulties parents encounter when experiencing an empty nest. Having recently navigated this personal journey, Dr. Nicole offers guidance on managing the emotional shifts as children leave home. She also provides insights on how to reassess personal aspirations, reignite forgotten interests, and embrace a renewed sense of self.

This week on The Black Woman's Confidant, Dr. Nicole discusses the relationship between introverted parents and their extroverted children. Drawing from her own experience as an introverted parent, Dr. Nicole offers advice on nurturing your child's confidence and social abilities while also preserving your own need for quiet time. She also provides strategies for balancing the distinct worlds of introversion and extroversion.

On this week's episode, Dr. Nicole delves into the intricate dynamics of relationships with toxic parents. As a psychiatrist, Dr. Nicole uses her expertise to explore various forms of parental toxicity and how it could be impacting both your physical and mental well-being. Dr. Nicole also offers practical tips and coping strategies that can be used when dealing with a toxic parent.

On this week's episode, Victoria Gichohi joins The Black Woman's Confidant to discuss empowering young Black Girls and Women. As the Co-Founder of the non profit, Black Girls Leadership Academy, Victoria provides mentorship programs to young Black Girls and Women aged 11-24 nationwide. Currently, Victoria serves as the Program Manager for the Compton Community Health Professionals Partnership where she and her team are developing a pipeline of the next generation of health professionals in the city of Compton and surrounding areas. As someone who is engaged deeply within her community, Victoria shares insights on how we can support young Black Girls and Women in developing self-confidence and leadership skills as well as how they can empower themselves and others.

On this week's episode, Dr. Nicole Bryan, a certified leadership career coach, organizational consultant, and psychotherapist, joins the Black Woman's Confidant to discuss how introverted Black women are transforming the workplace culture. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Bryan, who describes her journey as from the 'Block to the Boardroom', specializes in empowering introverted women by helping them to define success on their own terms, lead with confidence, and skillfully navigate company politics. As an introvert herself, Dr. Bryan provides unique insights on leveraging introverted qualities as strengths and how you can use these qualities to maximize your income, influence and impact in the corporate world. 

Do you constantly feel like you're the one holding everything together, both emotionally and financially, for yourself and those around you? Is it often the case that you perceive yourself as the sole stable individual in your family? This week on The Black Woman's Confidant, Dr. Nicole delves into the emotional and physical toll of being the most stable person in your life. She also provides valuable advice on how to safeguard your mental health and manage this burden through establishing boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and reassessing certain relationships.

On this week's episode, Shanice Watson joins The Black Woman's Confidant to discuss her journey with navigating grief after child loss. Shanice Watson is a devoted wife, loving mother, licensed therapist under supervision, and faith-driven business owner. Drawing strength from her personal experiences and her walk with Christ, Shanice Watson has made it her life's mission to help others navigate pain, find healing, and discover purpose in the midst of hardship. As someone who has experienced tragedy, Shanice gives insight into how she managed her own grief and mental health, while helping her family navigate their own.

On this week's episode, Dr. Kristi Johnson joins The Black Woman's Confidant to discuss her journey in dance and how she was able to find her rhythm on and off the dancefloor. Dr. Johnson is a debut children's book author and seasoned dance educator, dedicated to inspiring young learners through movement. With over 20 years of experience as a dance educator and performing artist, Kristi's work has been presented on national and international stages, including festivals, community theaters, university programs, and film. As someone who was able to achieve her dreams in the arts, Dr. Kristi gives insight on how you can find your own artistry and turn your dreams into reality.

On this week's episode, Dr. Sophia Grant joins The Black Woman's Confidant to discuss reclaiming your narrative and finding the strength to pivot. Dr. Sophia Grant is a board-certified pediatrician in general pediatrics and child abuse pediatrics. She is also the co-host of The 2 Sisters of a Certain Age Podcast with her sister Judy Grant where they explore life with intellect and humor through a medical and therapeutic lens. As someone who has pivoted many times in her life, Dr. Sophia Grant gives insight how she handled the curve balls life sent her way as well as why you don't have to be known by your trauma.

On this week's episode, Dr. Nina Joy Mena joins The Black Woman's Confidant to discuss finding your joy, as well as her Inspire Joy Method. Dr. Nina Joy Mena, known as Dr. NJoy, is an Atlanta-based community psychiatrist, author, podcaster, and motivational speaker dedicated to promoting mental wellness and reducing mental health stigma in the Black community. As the founder of NJoy LIFE Living In Full Empowerment, LLC, and host of the Journey to Joy Live podcast, Dr. NJoy inspires resilience and joy through her work. As psychiatrists, Dr. Nicole and Dr. Nina Joy break down how focusing on your mental, physical, financial, social and aspirational health can help lead to a more balanced and joyful life.

On this week's episode, Dr. Tracee Short joins The Black Woman's Confidant to discuss Co-Living, the new housing option that is becoming extremely popular. Dr. Tracee Short is a celebrated burn surgeon, highly requested speaker, best-selling author, entrepreneur and creator of Dr. Shortee's Burn Butter. As a self proclaimed co-living expert, Dr. Tracee debunks common myths about co-living as well as some major benefits you may not expect.

On this week's episode, Nkem Ndefo joins the Black Woman's Confidant to discuss the intersection of trauma, healing and resilience. Nkem Ndefo, MSN, CNM, RN, is the founder of Lumos Transforms and creator of The Resilience Toolkit. She is a skilled practitioner, dynamic speaker, and valued strategist. As mental health professionals, Dr. Nicole and Nkem break down how not to over respond to your traumas as well as tips on how we can navigate the turbulent climate of the next four years.

On this week's episode, Shirria McCullough joins the Black Woman's Confidant to discuss dealing with mom guilt. Shirria is a licensed Clinical social worker and the founder of Mental Wellness Clinical CCS, a virtual private practice dedicated to helping millennial moms navigate anxiety, depression, and burnout while balancing their careers, families, and personal growth. As mental health professionals, Dr. Nicole and Shirria give insight on why as moms of color we may be conditioned to experience mom guilt as well as why we set unrealistic expectations on ourselves. They also give tips on how you can bridge the disconnect between other people's expectations and who you want to be as a mother as well as how you can navigate being a career woman and having a family without feeling guilty.

On this week's episode, Dr. Nicole breaks down navigating friendships as an adult and why you might find it difficult to make or keep friends at your current stage. Dr. Nicole also gives you tips on how to maintain and nurture your childhood friendships as well as tips on how you can cultivate new friendships in your adult life.

On this week's episode, Dr. Nicole discusses being a Black Woman in the workplace and the unique difficulties that we face at the intersection of being black and a woman. Dr. Nicole also gives tips on how to navigate a space that was never meant for you and how you can preserve your mental health along the way.

On this week's episode, Dr. Nicole answers one of your questions about the difference between social anxiety and introversion. Dr. Nicole also dives into what social anxiety looks like, how it can be confused with being an introvert and what you can do to help.  

On this week's episode, Dr Nicole dives into the aftermath of the 2024 Presidential Election and how Black women are moving forward after the results. Dr. Nicole also gives insight on how you can preserve your mental health as well as tips on how we can stay in the fight.

On this week's episode, Dr. Nicole discusses dealing with grief during the holiday season and why there is no right or wrong way to do it. Dr. Nicole also gives insight on how to recognize if you are experiencing prolonged grief disorder as well as tips on how to get through the holiday season while grieving. 

On this week's episode, Dr. Nicole dives into New Year's Resolutions, why they can be intimidating and how you can set yourself up for success when choosing your goals. She also gives insight on how you can frame your resolutions so they don't seem as overwhelming as well as tips on how you can start preparing for your resolutions now. 

On this week's episode, Dr. Nicole discusses the common stressors that may appear during the holiday season as well as how to deal with them. Dr. Nicole gives insight on why boundaries are important during the holiday season and tips on how you can set them for others as well as yourself. She also discusses why self care and keeping your therapy appointments are vital to a successful holiday season.  

On this week's episode, Dr. Nicole discusses how the current political atmosphere can impact your mental health and how you can deal with the anxiety and stress that may come with it. She also breaks down how the compounding stress of previous elections may still be affecting you as well as how this current election cycle is hitting Black women particularly hard.

On this week's episode, Dr. Jessi Gold joins the Black Woman's Confidant to discuss finding humanity in medicine. Dr. Jessi Gold is the Chief Wellness Officer of the University of Tennessee System, an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and the author of How Do You Feel? One Doctor's Search for Humanity in Medicine. As psychiatrists, Dr. Nicole and Dr. Jessi also give insight on how you can care for yourself when you are busy taking care of others and how you can be an ally to your fellow doctors.

On this week's episode, Kellee Knighten Hough joins the Black Woman's Confidant for part 2 of our discussion on political activism and its effects of your mental health. Kellee Knighten Hough is an intellectual interrogator, defiant debater, and champion of common sense. Through her political takes on social media, Kellee has created her brand "Vote, Heaux" which focuses on raising voter awareness and participation in America. On this second part, Dr. Nicole and Kellee discuss the current political space, how it can be mentally taxing as well as tips on how you can handle the toll it might take.

On this week's episode, Kellee Knighten Hough joins the Black Woman's Confidant to discuss political activism and its effect on your mental health. Kellee Knighten Hough is an intellectual interrogator, defiant debater, and champion of common sense. Through her political takes on social media, Kellee has created her brand "Vote, Heaux" which focuses on raising voter awareness and participation in America. Dr. Nicole and Kellee give insight into how Kellee got into the political space, the importance of getting your message out and why you don't have to be perfect to get your point across.

In this week's episode, Dr. Nicole discusses some of the more common sayings in the Black community that might actually be signs of mental health disorders. She also gives insight into how we can identify if someone might be dealing with a mental health disorder and how we can support each other in our community.

If you have been on social media in the past year I am sure you have heard the term "Nepo Baby". On this week's episode, Dr. Nicole discusses what the viral term "Nepo Baby" means, and if it's a bad thing. Dr. Nicole also gives insight into why black people might be resistant to nepotism and why they should start participating in it more often.  

On this week's episode, Quisha Umemba joins The Black Woman's Confidant to discuss maneuvering the intersection of purpose and profit. Quisha Umemba brings over 20 years of diverse experience to her roles as a Registered Nurse, Public Health Practitioner, and Entrepreneur. Dr. Nicole and Quisha give insight on how you can make impact and income and not feel bad about it, as well as signs that you might be an entrepreneur and you just don't know it yet.

Perimenopause is a normal part of the aging process for women, so why isn't it talked about? On this week's episode, Dr. Kerri Anthony, a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist with over 20 years of experience, joins Dr. Nicole to discuss everything from the misconceptions of when perimenopause starts to the common symptoms that are often overlooked.      

On this week's episode, Dr. Danielle Hairston joins The Black Woman's Confidant to discuss Minority Mental Health Month. Dr. Hairston is a double board certified psychiatrist, mental health advocate and a psychiatry residency program director. As Black psychiatrists, Dr. Nicole & Dr. Danielle give insight into the history of Minority Mental Health Month, why the month is named after Bebe Moore Campbell, her contributions to the Black Mental Health Community and why its important to seek help with those in your community.

Have you ever found yourself defending a celebrity on social media or finding comfort in your favorite influencer? Well, you just might be in a parasocial relationship. On this week's episode, Dr. Nicole discusses the history of parasocial relationships, whether they are good or bad, and how they may even help with your mental health.

People often use low motivation as a reason to explain why they aren't able to accomplish certain goals. In this throwback episode, Dr. Nicole talks about whether motivation is required for action and the theory that it may be the other way around.

There is being a child, and there is being a Black child. In today's episode, Dr. Nicole breaks down the history behind why black kids aren't allowed to just be kids, how Adultification Bias plays a part and how it all impacts their mental health. Dr. Nicole also gives a few tips on how we as Black parents can help our children navigate a world that has biases against them. 

On this week's episode, Dr. Nicole discusses what the "Soft Life" is and if Black Women should be living it.  Dr. Nicole breaks down how the term "Soft Life" started, the common misconceptions and how it can be beneficial to your mental health.

On this week's episode, Dr. Nicole discusses social media and self diagnosis. In a world where social media and personal experiences are widely available, more and more people are turning to social media to diagnose themselves. Dr. Nicole breaks down when it's okay to listen to social media and when you should turn to the professionals.