IJS (I's Just Sayin) 2 Black Women with Opinions

In this episode, host Janette Robinson Flint will talk to performer Jessabelle Thunder. Jessabelle will be in conversation about how burlesque intersects with reproductive justice, body autonomy, and Black women’s joy. Learn how Black Women for Wellness is working to combat food insecurity in our communities and provide resources.Guest BioJessabelle Thunder is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning burlesque performer with nearly a decade of experience and a dance background that blends glamour with powerful neo-burlesque influences. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she began her burlesque journey in 2009 and quickly rose to prominence, earning recognition such as being named one of LA’s Top Performers by Time Out Magazine in 2013. She has headlined festivals worldwide, competed at the Burlesque Hall of Fame and New Orleans Burlesque Festival, and appeared in productions by Dita Von Teese, including Strip! Strip! Hooray! and Von Follies. In 2018, she was named 1st Runner Up (Princess of Burlesque) at the Miss Exotic World Competition and consistently ranked among the Top 50 Most Influential Figures in 21st Century Burlesque, reaching #8 in 2020. Known for her flirtatious, heartfelt, and commanding performances, Jessabelle Thunder continues to captivate audiences as a true force of nature.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessthndr/Website: https://www.jessabellethunder.com/

In this episode, hosts Janette Robinson Flint and Adjoa Jones have a timely conversation about food as a tool for healing and liberation. As we step into a new year, we’ll  discuss building healthy and realistic eating habits. Learn how Black Women for Wellness is working to combat food insecurity in our communities and provide resources.

I’m Just Saying Podcast — Season 3, Episode 5: Breast Health Awareness MonthIn this powerful and heartfelt episode, Jan and Adjoa are joined by survivors Chelsea Carter and LaQuinta Jones to honor Breast Health Awareness Month. Together, they share their personal journeys, the importance of early detection, and how breast cancer uniquely impacts Black women.The conversation also highlights the upcoming Bra Party hosted by Black Women for Wellness — a celebration of sisterhood, self-care, and support for women in our community. 💗Tune in for an inspiring discussion filled with truth, love, and healing energy.💬 Join the conversation:Drop your thoughts, stories, or words of encouragement in the comments below.#ImJustSayingPodcast #BreastHealthAwareness #BlackWomenForWellness #SurvivorStories #BraParty #BlackWomen #HealthAndWellness #Podcast

In this episode, we dive into the world of Environmental Justice (EJ) with two incredible mentors from Black Women for Wellness’ inaugural EJ Fellowship: Talia Dotson and Marie-Alise Recasner de Marco.Talia and Marie-Alise guided our EJ fellows, Camille and Sophie, from September 2024 through June 2025, sharing their expertise, experiences, and deep commitment to community care. Talia has long been involved in equity and environmental education in LA, including the Kenneth Hahn Bowl revitalization, and shares a passion for food justice and sustainable land use. Marie-Alise, with her roots in South LA, a theater background, and leadership at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Farmer’s Market, brought her love for arts, community organizing, and cultural care into the fellowship experience.

In this episode, Janette Robinson Flint continues the Black in Solidarity conversation with two powerful voices from the BWW team: Lakisha Cames and Rober Akil Bell.🖤 But first, a quick recap:If you missed Episode 1, we kicked off the season with a live taping of the Black in Solidarity Press Conference at the Black Women for Wellness headquarters. The panel featured powerful community leaders like Nana Gyamfi, Baba Akili, Torrence Brannon-Reese, Elice Hennessee, Vanessa Aramayo, Angelica Salas, and Kevin Cosney — and sparked an urgent conversation about the rise in ICE activity, immigrant justice, and the connection to Black liberation.That foundation brings us here. Today’s episode digs into what’s unfolded since the press conference, what’s happening now in Los Angeles, and what solidarity looks like in practice — from our own backyard to broader movements for justice.Tap in for another unfiltered, deeply rooted conversation from Two Black Women with Opinions.🎧 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop.#BlackInSolidarity #IJS #TwoBlackWomenWithOpinions #ReproductiveJustice #BWWLA

In this episode, Meron Shita, Civic Engagement Manager at Black Women for Wellness, and Ruth Mayfield, a community health outreach worker and fierce advocate within the Fierce Aunties campaign as special guest contributors to the Podcast.Together, they discuss the critical role Black women play in shaping their communities, especially during times of political unrest. Meron and Ruth dive deep into the challenges of voter mobilization, particularly around local issues that directly affect the community. They reflect on the importance of grassroots engagement, the fierce dedication of aunties in protecting the future of Black women and girls, and how this power can change the trajectory of our political landscape.

Vanessa Daniel (@vanessapriyadaniel) discusses her new book, *Unrig the Game: What Women of Color Can Teach Everyone About Winning*. She explores how philanthropy can shift from gatekeeping to solidarity, and what it means to fund liberation, not just programs.Watch the video: youtu.be/xLihehvT7XQ#UnrigTheGame #VanessaDaniel #PhilanthropyJustice #WomenOfColorLead #IJSThePodcastHosts: @his_joujoub @flintjanette

Meet @kaweloku, a Zen priest, strategist, and visionary. This conversation bridges Indigenous wisdom, political organizing, and spiritual practice. If you're feeling the weight of this moment, Norma offers clarity and calm.

In this transformative episode of IJS: 2 Black Women with Opinions, Jan and Adjoa welcome the incredible Cheyenne Pierce, a Healer at Blessed and Abundant Healing and an experienced Social Worker. Together, they dive into the powerful world of healing, discussing everything from navigating mother-daughter wounds to the healing properties of sound baths.Cheyenne shares her unique approach to sonic healing techniques and how they can help manage menopause symptoms, offering our listeners not only spiritual guidance but also practical tools for self-care and emotional well-being. She also shares her passion for the creation of ethical wills within the Black community. This conversation is filled with wisdom, laughter, and tangible practices that can be applied to everyday life.

🎤🔥 Dive into our latest episode of IJS! Join our fierce aunties in “Men, Masks, and Mayhem: ZADDY WHO?” as they unpack everything from dating through the decades to the true meaning of a “zaddy.” Laugh along as they share candid insights about the masks we wear—both literal and figurative—and navigate the hilarity of menopause with wisdom and wit. Don’t miss out on this empowering and hilarious conversation—hit play now! 🌟#IJS #MenMasksMayhem #ZaddyWho #FierceAunties #WomenTalk #Empowerment #LaughWithUs #MenopauseLaughs

In this raw and reflective episode of IJS, our host takes you on an emotional journey through the eve of election night—sharing real-time thoughts, hopes, and anxieties as the nation stood at a crossroads. As the devastating results rolled in, the conversation shifts to the immediate aftermath: a mix of grief, resilience, and determination.Recorded at Black Women For Wellness’ Sisters@8 program, this episode captures the candid reactions of community leaders and members as they process the outcome together. Through heartbreak and hope, they explore how to navigate resistance in the face of adversity, redefine what victory means, and reclaim the power of rest as a revolutionary act.This is more than a post-election analysis—it’s a testament to the strength of Black women and the communities they uplift, even when the world feels like it’s unraveling.

Black women show up, but who shows up for Black women? In this powerful episode of IJS, @Bw4wla’s Jan Robinson Flint and maternal health advocate Gabrielle Brown share how they chose rest as resistance after disappointing election results. 💪🏽✨ They explore the tension between fight or flight, the future of their activism, and the necessity of investing in self-care to sustain the movement. Because sometimes, saving the world starts with saving ourselves. 💜✊🏾 #RestAsResistance #BlackWomenLead #SelfCareRevolution #IJS #MaternalHealth #BW4WLA #BlackExcellence #ResistanceAndRest

On a recent Friday morning, a group of Black women with pregnant bellies step onto a party bus in Leimert Park.They’re headed on a tour of birthing centers and hospitals around Los Angeles, in style: leather seats, good music, mood lighting that shifts colors.“This program is essentially an opportunity for you all to get resources, connect, build a village… because it takes a village,” says guide Gabrielle Brown as the group takes off. Brown is the maternal and infant health program manager with Black Women For Wellness, which created the expedition.

In this special Earth Month episode, Janette Robinson Flint, Executive Director of Black Women for Wellness, goes solo as she sits down with Cheryl Johnson, daughter of the legendary Hazel Johnson, known as "The Mother of Environmental Justice." Cheryl shares her unique perspective on the journey her mother took to fight for environmental justice, creating a legacy that has inspired activists across the globe.Together, they explore the work of People for Community Recovery, a pioneering Chicago-based organization founded by Hazel Johnson. Learn about the group's ongoing efforts to tackle environmental pollution, advocate for safer housing, and promote community health, all while elevating the voices of those most impacted by environmental challenges.

Hold onto your headphones for the spectacular debut of "RJ Minded" with the spellbinding episode, "Be Who You Are For Your Pride - Breaking HIV Stigma + Building RJ Together." As Pride unfurls its vibrant colors, we plunge headfirst into a dynamic exploration of wellness through the prism of reproductive justice, shining a spotlight on the subject of HIV awareness and prevention.Your fearless guides, co-hosts Miyana, Gabrielle, and Lonnell, come together as a dynamic trio of empowerment. Miyana, an unwavering program coordinator for Get Smart B4U Get Sexy at Black Women for Wellness, ignites the conversation. She's joined by the formidable Gabrielle and Lonnell, torchbearers of Black Women for Wellness' commitment to rectifying health disparities.Gabrielle, the ingenious Maternal & Infant Health program coordinator, unfurls the tapestry of reproductive justice entwined with HIV prevention, and the staggering revelation that 54% of new HIV diagnoses among U.S. women are Black women. The urgency for reproductive justice rings clear.At the heart of this magnetic episode lies a captivating interview with Robin Barkin, the visionary founder of TRUST (To Restore, Unite, Support, Transform). Guided by Lonnell's expertise, this conversation unveils Robin's journey as an HIV advocate, weaving the essence of reproductive justice into the fabric of HIV education, prevention, and intervention.In candid exchanges, the trio dismantles HIV myths and forges pathways to fortify care and backing for Black women living with HIV. Robin's personal odyssey spotlights the transformative prowess of reproductive justice in dismantling stigma and nurturing an equitable future.Join us on this voyage as "RJ Minded" amplifies voices, challenges conventions, and sculpts a path towards a world where reproductive justice thrives!

Black Women for Wellness EJ session for the 2023 Reproductive Justice Conference

We discuss the time between the intersection between Environmental Justice and Reproductive Justice.

Adjoa Jones and Janette Robinson Flint chat with Dr Beth and Dr Precious on being medical students at UCLA during 5th Annual Black Momma's Health Week 2022. Being Black, woman and medical student challenges, solutions and visions for the future. Seeking mentors and preparing to serve the community of Black women. 

Adjoa and Jan celebrate Jan's Birthday - 

 International Women's Day - IJS 2 Black Women w/ Opinion - one - no Adjoa - chatting with Carmen Taylor Jones on what happening  - talking about SuperBowl/ Ukraine/ State of the Union address/ Ketanji Brown Jackson 

Jan & Adjoa chatting it up with Tori Brannon Reese about the state of Black men 

joinJan & Adjoa as we gain insights and wisdom from a brother deeply embedded with the Khemet Traditions

Janette @ Adjoa chat with Lorenzo Frank, Torrence Brandon Reese and Di Amen Di Mere on celebrating Father's Day, Black Dads, Juneteenth sharing local resources and movements in Los Angeles. 

Adjoa Jones & Janette Robinson Flint chatting on the anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, how we keep the names of Breona Taylor elevated, simply chatting on current events 

Jan Robinson Flint & Adjoa Jones are joined by Granny Midwife Maat and Nappily Natural Apothecary  owner Sharon Williams-Norwood to discuss womb health 

Adjoa Jones and Janette Robinson Flint are joined by Sierra Smith (Executive Director of Open Paths) and Nakeya Fields (Founder of Therapeutic Play Therapy) speak on mental health. It was a good week for Black maternal health and another horrible week for Black folks being traumatized by police violence

IJS 2 Black Women w/ Opinions Adjoa Jones and Janette Robinson Flint turn the mic over to Pastor Juanita Matthews and Shaunelle Good to speak on grief. Black infant and maternal death (health inequities) are quite high, which should mean there is a considerable amount of grieving happening in our community - how is it expressed? how do we console? who are the people and resources we turn to when - Pastor (referred to often as Doctor) Juanita and Shaunelle share from their hearts, from their experiences and with great love their journeys through grief. 

Janette Robinson Flint & Adjoa Jones chat with  Ashley Thonpson & Tiana Brown (Sanctuary of Hope)- what is wrong with dem chillen or whose children are those were questions on our minds - but we got a little push back from those millennials and gen Y & Z - all for better communication so we can more forward rather than in circles with in Black communities. 

Tiffany Saucer & Myson Way join Adjoa Jones and Jan Robinson Flint to explore concepts of Black Love, the influences, images and relationship goals  influencing our behavior and lives when it comes to LOVE

Looking Good Girl explores the question of toxic exposures via our beauty routines - the chemicals in our cleaning products and shares practical tips on looking good while expecting 

Adjoa Jones and Janette Robinson Flint chat with Alicia Bonaparte PhD on the history of Black maternal health in the United States, including key figures who brought us into the work of the Underground Railroad to new life. 

Andria Hancock Crear (Black Women for Wellness Action Project), Nicole Vick (author Pushing Through), Adjoa Jones (Visionary) and Janette Robinson Flint (Black Women for Wellness Executive Director) share wisdom learned via our elders on money and finances, through observation, at the kitchen table and in the thick of the lesson.