Session 409: Bibliotherapy

If you’re on #BookTok or any book-obsessed corner of the internet, especially amongst Black women, you know that there’s always a Kennedy Ryan book at the center of the conversation. Kennedy is no stranger to crafting characters that feel real and fully formed and her stories linger with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Her newest book, ‘Can't Get Enough,’ is no exception. The third and final book in her Skyland series explores shifts in family dynamics, deep love, and the kind of healing that feels both tender and powerful. Today Kennedy joins us on the podcast to dive further into her writing process and talk about how she brings these stories to life. About the Podcast The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. Resources & Announcements After years of growing, connecting, and healing together, the Therapy for Black Girls Community is now officially live on Patreon—and let’s just say, it’s giving everything it needs to give! From exclusive content and weekly chats to live events and deeper convos with sisters who just get it, this is your space to show up fully and be poured into. Learn more and join us here.  Did you know you can leave us a voice note with your questions for the podcast? If you have a question you'd like some feedback on, topics you'd like to hear covered, or want to suggest movies or books for us to review, drop us a message at memo.fm/therapyforblackgirls and let us know what’s on your mind. We just might share it on the podcast. Grab your copy of Sisterhood Heals. Where to Find Our Guest Instagram -  @kennedyryan1 Grab your copy of Can't Get Enough.  Catch Kennedy on her book tour.    Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox. If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory. Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop. The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession.   Make sure to follow us on social media: Twitter: @therapy4bgirls Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls   Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Senior Producer: Ellice Ellis Producers: Tyree Rush & Ndeye ThioubouSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we're joined by educator, writer, and bibliotherapist Emely Rumble, LCSW who's here to share the powerful story behind her debut book, Bibliotherapy in the Bronx. In this inspiring and deeply resonant conversation, Emely explains how the books we read can be a lifeline, a mirror, and a healing balm, especially for young people navigating complex emotional landscapes. From growing up in the Bronx to creating reading circles for healing in underserved schools, Emely has reimagined what therapy can look like for Black and brown communities, centering literature, community, and voice. We’re talking representation, literacy as liberation, and the magic that happens when you see yourself on the page. About the Podcast The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. Resources & Announcements After years of growing, connecting, and healing together, the Therapy for Black Girls Community is now officially live on Patreon—and let’s just say, it’s giving everything it needs to give! From exclusive content and weekly chats to live events and deeper convos with sisters who just get it, this is your space to show up fully and be poured into. Learn more and join us here.  Did you know you can leave us a voice note with your questions for the podcast? If you have a question you'd like some feedback on, topics you'd like to hear covered, or want to suggest movies or books for us to review, drop us a message at memo.fm/therapyforblackgirls and let us know what’s on your mind. We just might share it on the podcast. Grab your copy of Sisterhood Heals.   Where to Find Our Guest Instagram - @literapy_nyc Grab your copy of Bibliotherapy in the Bronx.   Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox. If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory. Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop. The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession.   Make sure to follow us on social media: Twitter: @therapy4bgirls Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls   Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Senior Producer: Ellice Ellis Producers: Tyree Rush & Ndeye ThioubouSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re back with another episode of TBGU and joined by another very special guest. Nia Symone is a powerhouse who knows all about pivoting with purpose. A former D1 athlete turned rising star in sports broadcasting, she is proof that your story doesn’t end when the game clock runs out, it evolves. In this episode, Nia opens up about the identity shift that came with stepping away from competitive sports, how she built a new lane in media, and the importance of showing up as her full, authentic self in an industry that hasn’t always made space for voices like hers. We’re talking about self-discovery, representation, and redefining what it means to be a woman in sports. So whether you’re an athlete, a creative, or someone standing at the edge of your next chapter, this one’s for you. Where to Find Nia Instagram: @niaonair   Make sure to follow us on social media: Instagram TikTok Interested in being a part of a future TBG U episode or suggesting a topic for us to discuss, send us a note HERE.  Order a copy of Sisterhood Heals for you and your girls HERE.    Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Senior Producer: Ellice Ellis Producer: Tyree Rush & Ndeye ThioubouSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It can often feel like healing should look a certain way. Meditating, journaling, saying your affirmations—these are surely all factors of the healing process. But what happens when you know you need to dig deeper, but can’t figure out how?  Sometimes healing isn’t as aesthetic or straightforward as it looks online. It’s messy. It’s nonlinear. It’s showing up to do the hard work when you’d rather keep it light.  Today I'm excited to have Devi Brown joining us again. Devi is a Well-Being Educator, Multidisciplinary Healer, author, and Host of the Deeply Well podcast. As the founder of Devi Brown Well-Being, she has dedicated her career to helping leaders, artists, and athletes navigate healing, self-discovery, and personal growth through mindfulness, spiritual psychology, and holistic wellness practices. In today’s conversation, we explore this deeply introspective and thorough guide to emotions and values, cultivating self-connection, and unlocking one’s highest potential to build a stronger foundation rooted in holistic healing. About the Podcast The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. Resources & Announcements After years of growing, connecting, and healing together, the Therapy for Black Girls Community is now officially live on Patreon—and let’s just say, it’s giving everything it needs to give! From exclusive content and weekly chats to live events and deeper convos with sisters who just get it, this is your space to show up fully and be poured into. Learn more and join us here.  Did you know you can leave us a voice note with your questions for the podcast? If you have a question you'd like some feedback on, topics you'd like to hear covered, or want to suggest movies or books for us to review, drop us a message at memo.fm/therapyforblackgirls and let us know what’s on your mind. We just might share it on the podcast. Grab your copy of Sisterhood Heals.   Where to Find Our Guest Instagram - @devibrown   Get a copy of ‘Living In Wisdom’ - https://www.devibrown.com/book    Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox. If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory. Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop. The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession.   Make sure to follow us on social media: Twitter: @therapy4bgirls Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls   Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Senior Producer: Ellice Ellis Producers: Tyree Rush & Ndeye ThioubouSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NATAL podcast, executive-produced and hosted by Gabrielle Horton and Martina Abrahams Ilunga, is an audio docuseries centering Black parenthood and reproductive justice in America. Since launching the show, Gabrielle and Martina have brought us deeply personal stories, sharing the lived experiences of Black women, gender-expansive people, and families navigating the reproductive care space. Through that storytelling, they not only educate their audiences and raise awareness, but they also push for real, systemic change in maternal healthcare—advocating for a future where Black families have access to care that is truly equitable and rooted in compassion. In honor of Black Maternal Health Week, they joined us this week to share a behind the scenes look at what it looked like to bring Season 3 to life.  About the Podcast The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. Resources & Announcements After years of growing, connecting, and healing together, the Therapy for Black Girls Community is now officially live on Patreon—and let’s just say, it’s giving everything it needs to give! From exclusive content and weekly chats to live events and deeper convos with sisters who just get it, this is your space to show up fully and be poured into. Learn more and join us here.  Did you know you can leave us a voice note with your questions for the podcast? If you have a question you'd like some feedback on, topics you'd like to hear covered, or want to suggest movies or books for us to review, drop us a message at memo.fm/therapyforblackgirls and let us know what’s on your mind. We just might share it on the podcast. Grab your copy of Sisterhood Heals.   Where to Find Our Guests Instagram - @natalstories  Website - www.natalstories.com    Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox. If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory. Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop. The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession.   Make sure to follow us on social media: Twitter: @therapy4bgirls Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls   Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Senior Producer: Ellice Ellis Producers: Tyree Rush & Ndeye ThioubouSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving and getting your license is generally considered a milestone achievement of adolescence and early adulthood but for many the prospect of driving can lead to anxiety. This was the case for our first guest today, Hey Fran Hey. Fran is a wellness advocate, influencer, and most famously co-host of The Friend Zone podcast. In a recent episode she opened up about her struggles with getting her license and learning how to drive as an adult. During our conversation Fran shares some of her experiences with anxiety about driving and how she's been managing. And later in the episode I'm joined by Licensed Psychologist, Dr. Jameeka Moore who specializes in treating anxiety disorders using evidence based treatment approaches. About the Podcast The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. Resources & Announcements We are preparing to launch our Patreon community! Sign up now at therapyforblackgirls.com/joinpatreon to get exclusive updates and be the first to know when we launch. We can’t wait to see you inside! Did you know you can leave us a voice note with your questions for the podcast? If you have a question you'd like some feedback on, topics you'd like to hear covered, or want to suggest movies or books for us to review, drop us a message at memo.fm/therapyforblackgirls and let us know what’s on your mind. We just might share it on the podcast. Grab your copy of Sisterhood Heals.   Where to Find Our Guests Hey Fran Hey Instagram - @heyfranhey    Dr. Jameeka Moore Instagram - @jam_sessionz   Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox. If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory. Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop. The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession.   Make sure to follow us on social media: Threads: @therapyforblackgirls Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls   Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Senior Producer: Ellice Ellis Producers: Tyree Rush & Ndeye ThioubouSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morgan DeBaun is a visionary entrepreneur, strategist, and the powerhouse founder and CEO of Blavity, Inc., a digital media empire dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black millennials and equipping them with the tools to thrive. Over the past decade, she has redefined what it means to create economic equity, using storytelling, wealth-building, and advocacy to uplift underrepresented communities. Morgan continues to inspire as a mentor, investor, and speaker. And with her new book, Rewrite Your Rules, she’s guiding professionals to create a bespoke frame for their success—one that prioritizes authenticity, ambition, and financial empowerment on their own terms. About the Podcast The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. Resources & Announcements We are preparing to launch our Patreon community! Sign up now at therapyforblackgirls.com/joinpatreon to get exclusive updates and be the first to know when we launch. We can’t wait to see you inside! Did you know you can leave us a voice note with your questions for the podcast? If you have a question you'd like some feedback on, topics you'd like to hear covered, or want to suggest movies or books for us to review, drop us a message at memo.fm/therapyforblackgirls and let us know what’s on your mind. We just might share it on the podcast. Grab your copy of Sisterhood Heals.   Where to Find Our Guest Instagram Order Your Copy of Rewrite Your Rules The Journey By Morgan DeBaun Podcast   Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox. If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory. Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop. The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession.   Make sure to follow us on social media: Twitter: @therapy4bgirls Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls   Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Senior Producer: Ellice Ellis Producers: Tyree Rush & Ndeye ThioubouSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of the #MeToo movement, it became clear that film and television sets needed stronger regulations around intimate scenes. Since then, intimacy coordinators have been on the rise, ensuring that actors feel safe and respected while bringing vulnerable moments to life on screen. Thanks to their work, we can enjoy our favorite shows and movies without questioning whether boundaries were crossed behind the scenes. Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Dr. Tiff Henry, an expert in sex and mental health and a leading intimacy coordinator. With a Master’s in Psychology and a Doctorate in Human Sexuality, she brings a deep understanding of human connection to her work. Since earning her certification with the Intimacy Professionals Association, Dr. Tiff has become a go-to intimacy coordinator for TV and film productions across Metro Atlanta. You may have seen her expertise in action in productions like TILL and Tell Me Lies, or caught her insights on Good Morning America and CNN. Through her careful choreography of intimate scenes, Dr. Tiff creates environments where both passion and safety can coexist. Beyond the screen, she dives even deeper into conversations about self-discovery, relationships, and intimacy on her podcast, Intimate Details with Dr. Tiff. About the Podcast The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. Resources & Announcements We are preparing to launch our Patreon community! Sign up now at therapyforblackgirls.com/joinpatreon to get exclusive updates and be the first to know when we launch. We can’t wait to see you inside! Did you know you can leave us a voice note with your questions for the podcast? If you have a question you'd like some feedback on, topics you'd like to hear covered, or want to suggest movies or books for us to review, drop us a message at memo.fm/therapyforblackgirls and let us know what’s on your mind. We just might share it on the podcast. Grab your copy of Sisterhood Heals.   Where to Find Our Guest Instagram - @drtiffanietv Podcast - https://www.drtiffanietv.com/podcast   Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox. If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory. Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop. The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession.   Make sure to follow us on social media: Twitter: @therapy4bgirls Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls   Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Senior Producer: Ellice Ellis Producers: Tyree Rush & Ndeye ThioubouSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With over 3.5 million Black-owned businesses in America, we continue to see the landscape of Black entrepreneurship grow and expand. And as a Black entrepreneur myself, I know firsthand the importance of seeking out support in order to take your business to the next level. That’s why today, I am so happy to have Jewel Burks Solomon on the podcast. She is the managing partner at Collab Capital, an early-stage venture capital fund she launched to close the funding gap for Black entrepreneurs. Prior to that, Jewel was Head of Google for Startups US, where she created initiatives that have deployed over $45M in non-dilutive capital to Black and Latino-led businesses since 2020. She was also the Founder/CEO of Partpic, a startup acquired by Amazon in 2016, which streamlined the purchase of maintenance and repair parts using computer vision technology.  Jewel is a seasoned expert in the venture capital space. And whether you are a business-owner looking for funding, a Black woman wanting to fund businesses you believe in, or you just want to make sense of the industry, Jewel drops a ton of gems in our conversation. About the Podcast The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. Resources & Announcements We are preparing to launch our Patreon community! Sign up now at therapyforblackgirls.com/joinpatreon to get exclusive updates and be the first to know when we launch. We can’t wait to see you inside! Did you know you can leave us a voice note with your questions for the podcast? If you have a question you'd like some feedback on, topics you'd like to hear covered, or want to suggest movies or books for us to review, drop us a message at memo.fm/therapyforblackgirls and let us know what’s on your mind. We just might share it on the podcast. Grab your copy of Sisterhood Heals. HBCUVC  Black VC Consortium - www.bvcc.vc BLCK VC - www.blckvc.org    Where to Find Jewel Instagram LinkedIn Collab Capital   Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox. If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory. Take the info from the podcast to the next level by joining us in the Therapy for Black Girls Sister Circle community.therapyforblackgirls.com Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop. The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession.   Make sure to follow us on social media: Twitter: @therapy4bgirls Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls   Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Senior Producer: Ellice Ellis Producers: Tyree Rush & Ndeye ThioubouSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kyrstin Johnson is a talented gymnast at Temple University, known for her dedication, resilience, and passion for the sport. After transferring to Temple, she quickly became a standout athlete, consistently pushing the boundaries of her performance while balancing the physical and mental demands of being a college gymnast.  Beyond her impressive athletic abilities, Kyrstin is deeply committed to mental health advocacy, recognizing the importance of managing anxiety and prioritizing well-being as much as physical discipline in sports. As a Black woman in gymnastics, she remains determined to break through barriers, handling unjust rulings with grace and continuing to push for representation and fairness in the sport. With aspirations to make a lasting impact both in gymnastics and in her community, Kyrstin serves as an inspiration to younger athletes, showing that strength comes from both perseverance and self-care. During our conversation, we get into her transferring from an HBCU to a PWI and learn how she has learned to deal with stressors that come with competing in a sport that is still grappling with how to make space for Black women within it.   Where to Find Kyrstin Instagram: @kyrstin_johnson   Make sure to follow us on social media: Instagram TikTok Interested in being a part of a future TBG U episode or suggesting a topic for us to discuss, send us a note HERE.  Order a copy of Sisterhood Heals for you and your girls HERE.    Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Senior Producer: Ellice Ellis Producer: Tyree Rush & Ndeye ThioubouSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.