Sister Conversations with Iyona Blake

In this episode of Sister Conversations with Iyona Blake, I feature The Sister Squad in an unedited, nonstop segment titled “Let It Roll.” We highlight “Breaking Barriers: The Impact of a Black Woman President.” With the 2024 presidential election approaching, we explore the significance of Vice President Kamala Harris’ candidacy, her potential to inspire, the challenges she might face, and the importance of voting. The discussion covers what the possibility of having a Black woman as President means personally and for the broader community, how her presidency could inspire young girls and women of color, the unique challenges she might face, and the expectations for her leadership. We also examine the role of Black men in supporting or opposing her candidacy, hopes for changes or policies under her leadership that could positively impact women, particularly women of color, the crucial need for the Black community to vote in every election, and the criticisms and attacks on Kamala Harris’ appearance and identity. Join us for this engaging and insightful conversation as we discuss the potential impact of a Black woman president and what it means for our community and future generations.

In this conversation, Iyona Blake interviews Shauné Hayes about her journey of losing 100 pounds and transitioning to a plant-based diet. They discuss the importance of nutrition for women's health, particularly for Black women who are disproportionately affected by chronic diseases. The conversation emphasizes the power of food as medicine and the need for education and awareness in making healthier choices. Iyona Blake and Shauné Hayes discuss the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, including improved skin, better sleep, increased energy, and hormonal balance. They emphasize the importance of self-care and following through on commitments.

After much love and positive feedback from my listeners, I had to bring the “Mr.” back to the microphone. His return isn't because our marriage is and has been so perfect, but for the exact opposite reasons. In 23 years of marriage, we’ve been through a lot of ups and downs. As a result, we wanted to share a few nuggets with you. This episode titled "What They Didn't Tell Us About Marriage" gives the listeners a front row seat to a few things we wish we knew before we got marriage. Grab a drink and put your feet up! Billy and I got down to business and was able to share openly and candidly with some friends. Pull up. Let's talk. (S3 - E10)

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I join the national movement to raise awareness about mental health and women’s wellness. For this episode, I partner with the Women of Light Women’s Ministry of Macedonia Baptist Church to host a Women’s Health Summit - “Your Total Self” to highlight mental health awareness and the overall health of women. I am honored to interview General Dentist and native Washingtonian Dr. Natolya Thomas, DDS. Dr. Thomas shares her passion for dental health through education and quality dental care. Dr. Denise E. Bruner, MD, MFOMA, one of Arlington County Virginia's legendary icons, is a nationally recognized expert in obesity medicine and she joins our panel as well. Dr. Bruner offers wisdom and information to help us with our physical health. Marcia Leftwich, MA joins our panel of wealth and knowledge. As an advocate of holistic living, Marcia Leftwich is a mouthpiece for raising her voice and promoting wellness and destigmatizing mental health in minority and underserved communities. Together, they discuss the misconceptions black women have about their teeth, obesity and mental health, as well as how to pay more attention to our total self. (S3 - E9) Guest info. Dr. Natolya Thomas, DDS ⁠ Providers | Community of Hope(communityofhopedc.org)⁠ Dr. Denise E. Bruner, MD Home | Bruner (drdenisebruner.com) Marcia Leftwich, MA Marcia Leftwich - Spiritual Counselor - Alfred Street Baptist Church | LinkedIn⁠

March is Women's History Month. In this episode, The Sister Squad joins me in an uninterrupted, unedited, nonstop discussion about WOMEN. We joined together to celebrate who, what, and why we exist. The ladies and I discuss why women’s history is important; what are some of the most important events in women’s history; how women’s history has shaped our own lives; what obstacles do women still face today; how can we work to eliminate discrimination and sexism against women; and how can we empower other women. (S3 - E8)

Pamela R. Browne is an experienced mental health professional with over 20 years of demonstrated success as an author, impact leader and strategist. She also is the mental health specialist on board my production team for the world premiere of my upcoming show "Diagnosed." My play “Diagnosed” addresses mental illness amongst women in the black community. The goal in writing the play "Diagnosed" is to bring awareness and hope to a taboo subject. Pamela R. Browne is an intricate part of creating an environment of self-space, breaking the stigma and promoting a women’s wellness for the Diagnosed project. In this episode, we discuss why the mental health topic has been an unmentioned and uncomfortable subject in the black community for so long; how African American women are only half as likely to seek help compared to Caucasian counterparts, and much more. Pamela Browne is the author of “The Power Up Life Boss “You Got This” Journal for Intentional Living. She shares how her book is designed to transform negative thinking and increase or develop a positive mindset through self-expression and self-awareness. (S3 - E7) Guest info: www.pamelarbrowne.com Diagnosed info:  diagnosed (creativecauldron.org)

In this holiday episode, I am featuring a phenomenal group of ladies, The Sister Squad. The ladies and I sat down and reminisced on all of the wonderful Christmas memories. We wanted to share a few of our traditions and give a small peek into our homes on Christmas. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! (S3 - E6)

In this episode, I have the pleasure of catching up with my sister and long-time friend, Jamilia Shipman. Jamilia is a woman who wears many hats. From being a mother and daughter to an accomplished businesswoman, we talk about her journey as a successful black woman that has had to deal with the tragedy of losing her husband. Jamilia shares what this road has been like for her, and how the other hats have been affected and changed since the passing of her spouse. With hope and confidence, Jamilia openly talks through what she has discovered about herself after losing the love of her life and how this journey with grief and loss contributed to her “Soul Healing." Find out about more about her heart-warming story and what's next on the horizon.   (S3-E5)

Raw & Uncensored is what this conversation is! The Sister Squad join me at the table for a real, mature, informal and grown-up sister conversation. In this episode, we focus on music for the bedroom, monogamous vs. polyamorous relationships, as well as how black women have been stuck between two worlds. Grab you wine and your sisters, it's time to "Let It Roll." (S3 - E4)

When I first began my podcast journey, I surveyed women on my social media platforms. I asked them, “What were some topics you wanted to have addressed?” Infertility was mentioned a few times. Over time, I began praying about how to handle this sensitive topic. After much thought and prayer, I reached out to my sister and friend Minister Constance Cheeks. She immediately said "yes" to the interview. She wanted to share her journey on the topic. In this episode, Minister Constance Cheeks and I talk about her journey with infertility, major roadblocks she faced, as well as life lessons and triumphs she and her husband experienced together. We even dispelled common infertility myths and misconceptions. Minister Cheeks opened up about life beyond infertility and how infertility and adoption contributed to her “Soul Healing.” (S3 - E3) Guest Infor. Shiloh Baptist Church | Shiloh Baptist Church (shilohbcva.net) For More Adoption Information:  National Adoption Questions Hotline - National Adoption Hotline