I Didn’t Feel Seen Until I Started Podcasting (with Emili Johnson)
05/21/25 • 45 min
In this episode, I’m joined by Emili Johnson, creator of the Black Girl Iowa podcast. Emili shares how starting a podcast became a powerful act of self-love and resistance. We talk about finding your voice when you’ve spent years feeling invisible, navigating mental health as a Black woman in Iowa, and the unexpected burnout that comes with podcasting solo.
Emili opens up about her journey with anxiety, depression, and PMDD—and how therapy, journaling, and storytelling helped her reclaim her peace. If you’ve ever questioned your voice, felt unseen, or wondered if your story matters, this episode is for you.
Topics covered:
• Mental health and healing
• Podcasting without a team
• DEI rollbacks in Iowa
• Black women’s voices and validation
• Journaling as self-care
• Building creative confidence
👉 Stay connected and find mental health resources in the show notes.
If You Need Immediate Support
Text or Call: In the U.S., you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
Online Support: Many organizations offer chat support, such as the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741).
Support the show - https://buymeacoffee.com/coreydionlewis
In this episode, I’m joined by Emili Johnson, creator of the Black Girl Iowa podcast. Emili shares how starting a podcast became a powerful act of self-love and resistance. We talk about finding your voice when you’ve spent years feeling invisible, navigating mental health as a Black woman in Iowa, and the unexpected burnout that comes with podcasting solo.
Emili opens up about her journey with anxiety, depression, and PMDD—and how therapy, journaling, and storytelling helped her reclaim her peace. If you’ve ever questioned your voice, felt unseen, or wondered if your story matters, this episode is for you.
Topics covered:
• Mental health and healing
• Podcasting without a team
• DEI rollbacks in Iowa
• Black women’s voices and validation
• Journaling as self-care
• Building creative confidence
👉 Stay connected and find mental health resources in the show notes.
If You Need Immediate Support
Text or Call: In the U.S., you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
Online Support: Many organizations offer chat support, such as the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741).
Support the show - https://buymeacoffee.com/coreydionlewis
Previous Episode
Pressure, Identity & Mental Health as a Creative
Steven Lewis joins the show to talk pressure, identity, and mental health as a creative. From routines to social media stress, we unpack how to stay grounded while building your brand.
Mental Health Resources:
- Therapy for Black Men: https://therapyforblackmen.org
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): https://nami.org
- Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
- The Steve Fund (Supporting the mental health of young people of color): https://www.stevefund.org
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 or visit https://www.crisistextline.org
Stay connected with host Corey Dion Lewis:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreydlewis/
https://www.instagram.com/coreydionlewis/
https://www.tiktok.com/@coreydionlewis
Connect with the guest
https://www.instagram.com/sight_lives/
https://www.instagram.com/sightseyephotography/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw7f8lKeJMxW9mjvhyczTZA
📬 Join the Mental Health Coffee Club newsletter for real conversations, resources, and weekly check-ins: www.healthyproject.co
If you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/coffee-cant-fix-everything-369164/i-didnt-feel-seen-until-i-started-podcasting-with-emili-johnson-91567190"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to i didn’t feel seen until i started podcasting (with emili johnson) on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy