A'ja Wilson: From Anxiety to MVP—Authenticity, Brand Deals, and Doing It Her Way

What does it really take to build a career in music today? In this episode, Nina sits down with rising R&B artist Jordyn Simone to unpack the reality behind chasing big dreams—self-trust, authenticity, and navigating an industry that's constantly changing. From The Voice to building her own path, Jordyn shares how she's learning to balance artistry, identity, and ambition without losing herself in the process. This is a conversation about growth, resilience, and becoming who you're meant to be—before the world catches up.

In this episode of the Do Tell Relationship Podcast, Nina sits down with her longtime friend Jada Paul for an honest and thoughtful conversation about identity, motherhood, ambition, and what it really feels like to build something of your own. On paper, Jada's life is filled with impact—entrepreneurship, philanthropy, board leadership, and raising a family alongside a high-profile NBA career. But behind the achievements is a much more nuanced story about invisible labor, self-doubt, sacrifice, and the ongoing process of building a life that feels authentic. Jada shares how she spent years creating stability for her family, what it felt like when her kids got older and she realized it was time to pursue something for herself, and how she's navigating the challenge of building a business while staying true to who she is. The conversation also dives into parenting teenagers, teaching sacrifice, philanthropy, and why success doesn't always quiet the voice inside asking if you're doing enough. This episode is a thoughtful reminder that even the most accomplished women are still figuring it out in real time. In this episode we discuss: • The invisible work of motherhood • Supporting a partner while building your own identity • Raising kids to understand sacrifice and responsibility • Philanthropy and creating impact beyond yourself • The pressure to constantly do more • Building a business without losing your authenticity

If you've ever felt like you were supposed to have love figured out by now… this episode is for you. In this powerful, honest, and often hilarious conversation, Nina sits down with national dating expert, TV host, and author Monique Kelley (creator of Confessions of a Serial Dater in LA) to unpack what nobody tells you about modern dating. From dating apps and "chat fishing" to inconsistency, financial expectations, situationships, and rebuilding after divorce — this episode dives into the emotional realities of love in 2026. Monique brings real insight from her work hosting Married at First Sight: Cast Tell All, her Cocktails & Confessions coaching events, and her novel Reality and Chaos (currently being optioned for television).This isn't surface-level dating advice. This is about healing, discernment, green flags, and having the courage to reflect on your own patterns. If you're dating in the wild, rebuilding after heartbreak, or questioning what you truly want in a partner — press play.🔥 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why inconsistency is the real red flag How social media is sabotaging modern dating Why "stop looking and love will find you" is terrible advice The importance of self-reflection in your dating patterns How to identify green flags early The difference between chemistry and compatibility How friendships carry you through heartbreak Why your dating journey is customized — not copy/paste💌 WORK WITH MONIQUE Follow Monique: @CocktailsAndConfessions Book: Reality and Chaos (Amazon & Barnes & Noble) Coaching: DM her on Instagram for Cocktails & Confessions coaching

In this powerful and deeply grounding episode of the Do Tell Relationship Podcast, host Nina Westbrook sits down with Dr. Jenelle Kim—a 9th-generation doctor of Traditional Oriental Medicine, master herbalist, and founder of JBK Wellness Labs—for a wide-ranging conversation on aging, emotional health, and true longevity. Together, Nina and Dr. Kim unpack what's really happening in our bodies as we age, why wellness trends like GLP-1 medications and quick fixes often miss the bigger picture, and how Eastern medicine views vitality as a whole-life practice, not a single product or protocol. This episode dives into: Menopause, perimenopause, and hormonal balance Emotional clarity and how stress shows up physically The difference between connection and unhealthy attachment Why breathwork and movement are powerful medicine How small, daily habits create long-term vitality Eastern vs. Western perspectives on aging and wellness Dr. Kim also shares her deeply personal philosophy around detachment, energy, and emotional freedom, along with a simple breathwork practice you can use anywhere—before a meeting, during family gatherings, or in moments of stress. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by wellness advice, unsure where to start, or curious how ancient wisdom can support modern life, this conversation will leave you feeling grounded, informed, and empowered. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and walk through it.

Welcome back to a brand-new year of the Do Tell Relationship Podcast. To kick off 2026, Nina Westbrook opens the year with a powerful, honest, and deeply needed conversation about perimenopause, menopause, self-advocacy, relationships, and redefining what it means to thrive in midlife. Joining Nina is Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a board-certified OB-GYN, women's health advocate, and Chief Medical Officer at Hers. With both an MD and an MBA, Dr. Shepherd brings a rare perspective that bridges clinical care, systems-level healthcare change, and real-life lived experience. In this episode, we unpack: 📍 Why menopause is not an ending — but a powerful new beginning 📍 The neurological, hormonal, emotional, and relational shifts women experience in perimenopause 📍 How stigma, silence, and outdated narratives still shape women's healthcare 📍 What women can do right now to advocate for themselves with doctors and partners 📍 How menopause impacts intimacy, libido, and relationships — and what actually helps 📍 Why communication, curiosity, and clarity are essential tools for this season of life 📍 Dr. Shepherd also shares insights from her book Generation M, and explains how women can stop dismissing their symptoms, stop blaming themselves, and start getting the support they deserve. If you've ever felt confused, dismissed, overwhelmed, or alone navigating changes in your body — this conversation is for you. Take a deep breath, unclench your jaw, drop your shoulders… and let's get into it. 📚 Generation M: Living Well in Perimenopause and Menopause - https://amzn.to/3LRQPCE 📩 Stay connectedEmail: [email protected] 🎙 Connect with Nina & Do TellFollow Nina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninawestbrook/Follow Do Tell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dotellpodcast/

Healing gets talked about a lot… but doing the work is where things get real.In this episode of the Do Tell Relationship Podcast, Nina Westbrook sits down with Devi Brown—master well-being educator, multidisciplinary healer, author, and founder of Devi Brown Well-Being. Devi shares what it actually means to live in wisdom, why healing is rarely neat, and how small daily choices (like breathwork, nervous system support, and non-performative time with your body) can radically shift how you show up in your relationships, parenting, and everyday life.You'll hear a powerful "Walk Away or Walk Through It" icebreaker on boundaries, emotional maturity in friendships, and protecting your values—plus a real conversation about the modern "always-on" mindset, comparison, and why inner work is the foundation for real peace.In this episode, we cover:📍 How to reinforce boundaries with grace (without over-explaining)📍 When to walk away from emotionally draining dynamics📍 Why comparison is a waste of your gifts (and your timing)📍 How the "always producing" lifestyle impacts mind + body📍 The importance of slowing down, boredom, and reclaiming an analog life📍 Parenting with intuition: seeing your children for who they are📍 Practical wellness starting points: labs, vitamin deficiencies, breathwork, and body connection📍 A tangible tool you can start today: box breathing + deep belly breathing (nasal breathing)Guest: Devi Brown  @DeviBrownWell-Being  Author of Living in Wisdom + Host of the Deeply Well Podcast

It's been an incredible season on Do Tell with Nina Westbrook! In this special end-of-year recap, Nina looks back at some of the most powerful, funny, and heartfelt moments from Season 3 — featuring inspiring guests like A'ja Wilson, Russell Westbrook, Tamron Hall, Ron Robinson, Sinead Bovell, Melody Ehsani, Dr. Raquel Martin, Neha Ruch, Latham Thomas, Etienne Maurice, Kennedy Ryan, Amber Lyon, and more. From conversations about self-worth, identity, motherhood, mental health, and love — to laughter, tears, and unforgettable "Do Tell" card moments — this episode celebrates the wisdom, vulnerability, and growth that defined Season 3. You'll hear: 💬 Russell's hilarious list of "Nina-isms" 💬 Dr. Raquel Martin's boundary masterclass 💬 A'ja Wilson on pressure, peace, and pink sneakers 💬 Kennedy Ryan inspiring women to stop settling 💬 Melody Ehsani redefining creativity and motherhood 💬 Sinead Bovell on AI, connection, and the future of humanity 💬 Amber Lyon's journey to self-worth and healing 💬 So many more moments of truth, humor, and heart. If you've been with us all season, thank you for being part of the Do Tell family. And if you're new — welcome to a space where honesty meets growth, and where every conversation reminds us we're all a work in progress. 👉 Watch the full recap to relive the best moments from Season 3. 👉 Catch every full episode linked below. 👉 Subscribe, like, and share so you never miss what's coming next.

What if the thing that's really running your life isn't your to-do list or your goals… but your nervous system and your sense of worth?In this episode of Do Tell with Nina Westbrook, Nina sits down with writer, coach, and author Amber Lyon (You Are a Magnet) for a deep, honest conversation about self-worth, nervous system regulation, and what it actually means to become "magnetic" to the life you want. They talk about: ✳️ Growing up around addiction and low self-worth — and how those patterns quietly shape our own beliefs ✳️ Dating as a "battlefield" and the moment you stop waiting to be picked and start choosing yourself ✳️ Why your nervous system tells the truth long before your mind does ✳️ How to build presence in the middle of a busy, ambitious life (especially as a parent) ✳️ The hidden cost of staying the same and why life eventually "comes knocking" ✳️ What it truly means to be a magnet — beyond perfection, aesthetics, or "reinventing" yourself Amber shares simple, grounding micro-practices you can use today — no extra time required — to regulate your nervous system, reconnect with your body, and show up more fully for yourself and the people you love. If you've ever felt stuck in old patterns, exhausted from living in survival mode, or torn between your ambition and being present, this one will hit home. 👤 Connect with Amber Lyon Follow Amber on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernmind___/?hl=en Grab her book You Are a Magnet: https://a.co/d/8vdYO5T 🎙 Connect with Nina & Do Tell Follow Nina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninawestbrook/ Follow Do Tell on Instagram/TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/dotellpodcast/ ▶️ Watch Next from Do Tell 📽️ Latham Thomas on Worthiness, Rest & Listening to Your Body – https://youtu.be/vdVkJkg4c-8 📽️ Trinity Mitchell: "Walk Away or Walk Through It" & Owning Your Story – https://youtu.be/pplfyighQQs 📽️ A'ja Wilson on Mental Health, Pressure & Protecting Your Peace – https://youtu.be/0cOLUl8unfs Watch more Do Tell episodes on YouTube

A'ja Wilson — WNBA champion & MVP, author of Dear Black Girls, founder of the A'ja Wilson Foundation, and entrepreneur (Burnt Wax Candle). We cover: mental health post-bubble, therapy, boundaries vs public expectations, NIL's upside and pressure, building authentic brand deals, designing a sell-out signature shoe, dyslexia advocacy, and what a "good life" actually looks like. Highlights Walk Away/Walk Through: burnout, toxic group chats, and Beyoncé-level opportunities "My peace is my spirit": separating work from joy without losing either NIL & the college experience: grace while your brand is still forming Authentic partnerships: why the right brands let her be fully herself Dear Black Girls: embracing complexity — powerful and gentle Dyslexia: getting certified support into classrooms; tech that helps Coaching: how Staley & Hammon built trust, fun, and excellence • Burnt Wax Candle: a scent line named after A'ja's accolades "Wealthy in more ways than money": stability across every cylinder Links Watch on YouTube: A'ja's book — Dear Black Girls - https://a.co/d/bw2eQj4 A'ja Wilson Foundation (dyslexia awareness) - https://www.ajawilsonfoundation.org/ Burnt Wax Candle Co. - https://www.burntwaxcandle.com/ Related Do Tell episodes Sinead Bovell — AI & digital boundaries: https://youtu.be/wnN7Yw2-Q34 Etienne Maurice — activism & community: https://youtu.be/0F4O8bkWm_g Latham Thomas — motherhood & intuition: https://youtu.be/vdVkJkg4c-8

Real talk on modern friendship. 👯‍♀️ Nina sits down with Trinity Mitchell (Friend Fusion) to unpack the "low-maintenance friend" myth and reframe it as self-sufficient friendships—connections rooted in honesty, effort, and healthy boundaries. From group-chat drama and ghosting to unspoken rules (don't share your friend's business!), they cover how to address conflict without chaos, offer grace without giving unlimited access, and let go with acceptance—not resentment.📚 You'll learn:· "Walk away or walk through it?"—a simple framework for sticky moments· Why self-sufficiency beats "low-maintenance" (and how to build it)· The difference between being cautious vs. being cold· How to invite clarity when a new friendship feels weird· Navigating values differences (religion, politics) without losing the friendship· Practical language for setting quiet boundaries and supporting friends well🎯 Who this helps: high-capacity women, moms building community, recovering people-pleasers, and anyone ready to upgrade their friendship toolkit.—Related Episodes (watch next)Neha Ruch on Motherhood & Identity — Mother Untitled: https://youtu.be/OFRfbhFoSmMSinead Bovell on Digital Boundaries & Tech + Human Connection: https://youtu.be/wnN7Yw2-Q34Latham Thomas on Community, Care, and the Village We Need: https://youtu.be/vdVkJkg4c-8