The Sista Circle Podcast

Faith S. Alaribe

The Sista Circle Podcast is the go-to platform for Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIWOC) to access education, information, tools, and resources to make more informed decisions and more proactively address our health, mental health, and healing journeys – holistically. Each episode is curated and is intended to help you:* Access tools and resources to make more informed decisions about your wellness and healing* Discover the information and mechanisms to thoughtfully and proactively address your health, mental health, and healing journey* Affirm your experiences by knowing you’re not alone through the sharing of personal stories of other women

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Top 10 The Sista Circle Podcast Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Sista Circle Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Sista Circle Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Sista Circle Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

The Pursuit of Healing from Generational Trauma w/ Dr. Danielle Simmons

The Sista Circle Podcast

03/05/21 • 87 min

In today’s episode, I have a conversation with Dr. Danielle Simmons, a psychologist and therapist based in Chicago. We dig into the topic of generational trauma, its implications, how it shows up in our everyday lives, and how to heal from it.

In this episode we discuss:

What is generational trauma, its implications, and how it shows up in our everyday lives
How trauma is passed down from generation to generation and/or carried across generations
The ways in which Black folks experience generational trauma differently as a result of slavery
The process of healing from generational trauma and what to anticipate when pursuing therapy and healing
The importance of creating a toolkit for healing and overall wellness
...and much more!

About Dr. Danielle Simmons:

Dr. Danielle Simmons is a licensed psychologist with a private practice in downtown Chicago which aims to promote sustainable growth, change, and healing. She is a native Chicagoan, and derives great joy and honor from giving back to the communities that have given her so much, including communities of queer folk, disenfranchised folk, and people being harmed by ongoing systemic oppression. As a clinician, educator and facilitator, she encourages honest self-reflection, increased self-awareness, unconditional self-compassion and a willingness to accept our imperfections. She comes from a long line of resilient Black women, and carries within her their messages of love, tenacity, endurance, and survival.

To learn more about Dr. Simmons, check out her website: http://www.sccs-therapy.com/

Suggested Resources:

My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem (2017)

It Didn't Start With You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn (2016)

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk (2015)

Intergenerational Cycles of Trauma and Violence: An Attachment and Family Systems Perspective by Pamela Alexander (2015)

Dora Kamau, From Reacting to Responding (meditation)

Psychology Today

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Sista Circle Trailer

The Sista Circle Podcast

12/05/20 • 2 min

The Sista Circle Podcast is a podcast dedicated to providing candid conversations, information and resources regarding women’s health, mental health, motherhood and personal development.

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Yoni Wellness: Tips for Better Vaginal & Sexual Health w/ Janelle King

The Sista Circle Podcast

04/06/22 • 49 min

EPISODE OVERVIEW: While missing from most wellness conversations, this episode is centered around vaginal and sexual health. I ask all of the questions you may be embarrassed or afraid to ask, but also things you may not even think to ask as it relates to your vagina and optimizing your sexual health. Whether you have a vagina or are raising someone with one - this episode is for you!

I have the pleasure of sitting down with Janelle King, a Registered Nurse, public health educator, and blogger over at The Nurse Note. Her mission is to simplify information related to vaginas, periods and sex and deliver it in a straightforward way so that we can learn what our normal is and when we need to seek advice. I ask her all the questions you may be too ashamed, embarrassed or didn’t even know you should ask about your vaginal and sexual health.

In this episode we talk about:

Knowing and recognizing the symptoms of, and differences between, bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection or UTI
How HPV can cause several types of cancer, namely, cervical cancer
Why your partner should “freshen up” before sex too - especially if uncircumcised
Condom negotiation and how to have conversations with a partner to protect your sexual health
What might be causing your vaginal pH balance to be off
Conversations to have with your daughters about vaginal and period health
Unpacking the why behind the upward tick in STI rates
What to expect during a pelvic exam vs. pap smear
The implications of untreated STDs
Self-advocacy with STI screening and more!

How you can connect with Janelle:

On all social media platforms - @thenursenote

Website - www.thenursenote.com

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

The Vagina Bible by Dr. Jen Gunter - https://amzn.to/3DHmgXL

The Period Doctor - @theperioddoctor

Doctor Heather’s Advisory Cervix IG - @advisorycervixpod

Sex Ed in Color Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-ed-in-color/id1439204319

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All Things in Flow: Reiki & Chakras 101 w/ Reiki Master, Rachel

The Sista Circle Podcast

05/28/21 • 39 min

In today’s episode, I have a conversation with Rachel - Usui Reiki Master Teacher, Yin & Hatha Yoga Instructor and Energy Flow Facilitator.In this episode we discuss: Why Rachel identifies as a facilitator of healing vs. a healer How Rachel’s mother’s cancer diagnosis many years ago led her to the study of Chinese and alternative medicine The definition and history of the spiritual practice of Reiki, a Japanese energy healing technique Reiki as a healing modality for body, mind and spirit The 7 chakras, their meaning, what they represent, how they show up when there are blockages Signs your chakras may be blocked ...and much more!Connect with Rachel:Website: https://radiantreikiyoga.squarespace.com/IG: @radiant_yoginiFacebook: Radiant Reiki & Yoga, Inc.SPECIAL OFFER - For those interested in scheduling a Reiki session with Rachel (she’s in Chicago), mention The Sista Circle Podcast to get 10% off your first session_________If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to share it with a friend (or a few) and leave a review to ensure others are able to find the pod!Are you subscribed to the podcast? If not, be sure to do so to automatically receive our latest episodes: Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify StitcherFollow The Sista Circle Podcast via social media:IG: @thesistacirclepodcastFacebook: @thesistacirclepodcastYoutube: The Sista Circle Podcast

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Consciously Coping: A Personal Story of Bipolar Disorder w/ Lindsay Anderson

The Sista Circle Podcast

03/30/22 • 77 min

EPISODE OVERVIEW: Disclaimer: This interview includes sensitive content that may be triggering, including, but not limited to suicide ideation and mental illness.

This episode is in honor of World Bipolar Day. I have the pleasure of interviewing Lindsay Anderson, who shares her personal experience of living with and managing multiple mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and PTSD. She delves into the complexities of being misdiagnosed for years, navigating the mental healthcare system, and the importance of self-advocacy, amongst other topics.

In this episode we discuss:

How Lindsay started her blog, Consciously Coping, after searching YouTube for black mental health providers and not finding any
Lindsay’s mental health journey, which began in middle school with extreme bullying
The symptoms of bipolar disorder and how different episodes can feel
How getting the right diagnosis and right meds made a world of difference in managing her symptoms
Her 30 day stay in the psych ward and what the experience was like
Having a stroke and being paralyzed for 3 months
Lindsay’s toolkit for managing her mental health
..and much more!

ABOUT THE GUEST: Lindsay (she/her/hers) is a mental illness advocate, writer, and scientist with 20+ years of lived experience. She is well known for her raspy, yet powerful voice and honesty about the mental health system in America.

How you can connect with Lindsay:

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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Sex, Pleasure & Pain: Exploring Sexual Well-Being w/ Dr. Shemeka Thorpe

The Sista Circle Podcast

02/11/22 • 45 min

EPISODE OVERVIEW: I interview Dr. Shemeka Thorpe, an award-winning sexuality educator and researcher at the University of Kentucky, to discuss all things sexual well-being. We talk about everything from sexual function and orgasms, to normalizing the use of lube prior to menopause and reasons your partner may not be initiating sex.This is the conversation that as women, we’ve all been waiting for, and Dr. Shemeka delivers a wealth of information (and it’s based on research) on how to explore and get more of, the big “P” - PLEASURE!
In this episode we talk about:

How to feel empowered to figure out what brings you pleasure and try new things
Dr. Shemeka’s research, which focuses on the sexual well-being of Black women – including pleasure, sexual function, desire, and more
Reasons why women fake orgasms
The 6 components of female sexual function
Causes of pain during sex, and why women don't mention it to partners or doctors
How Black women and men define pleasure (the results will blow your mind!)
The orgasm gap between Black women and their partners
Methods to have constructive conversations with your partner about your sexual needs and desires.

ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Shemeka Thorpe is an award-winning sexuality educator and researcher at the University of Kentucky. She obtained her PhD from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in Community Health Education. Her research focuses on the sexual well-being of Black women using sex-positive and intimate justice frameworks. Dr. Thorpe strives to make research relevant for Black communities by integrating sex research and community health education.

How you can connect with Dr. Shemeka:

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Kimbritive - the sexual wellness home for Black women providing content, community, and expert care where we are seen, heard, and celebrated
Brittany Broaddus @theintimacyfirm
Goody Howard @AskGoody
Use Your Mouth Cards
Sexologist Shamyra - www.onthegreencouch.com
@Afrosexology_ or www.afrosexology.com

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How to Lose Weight and Feel Great: Demystifying Stress, Hormones, Diet & Exercise w/ Dr. Firlande Volcy

The Sista Circle Podcast

02/07/22 • 63 min

EPISODE OVERVIEW: I interview Dr. Firlande Volcy, a licensed naturopathic physician with more than 15 years of experience in natural medicine. She serves as a leading expert in her field, and specializes in weight management, digestive health, thyroid disorders, depression, and anxiety.

During our conversation Dr. Firlande breaks down all the things you need to know about how to lose weight - from the effects of stress on your hormones, when and what to eat to achieve maximum weight loss results, to exercise tips to optimize workouts and so much more! It was like talking to one of my favorite girlfriends who has an engaging way of breaking down complex concepts into consumable, bite-sized pieces. I walked away with so many “Ah-Ha” moments, and am sure you will do the same!

ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Firlande Volcy is a licensed naturopathic physician. Having more than 15 years of experience in natural medicine, she serves as a leading expert in her field. She specializes in weight management, digestive health, thyroid disorders, depression, and anxiety. She is a nationally recognized speaker, bestselling author, consultant and sought-after expert appearing frequently on the lecture stage, print, podcasts, and radio.

Dr. Firlande consistently educates her patients via her personalized concierge and telemedicine visits, weight loss coaching program, and her various online masterclasses.

She earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM), a four-year accredited Naturopathic Medical School in Tempe, AZ. She completed an additional year-long study in Classical Homeopathy at the American Medical College of Homeopathy (AMCH) in Phoenix, AZ.

She is dedicated to her patients. She is ready to help you with all your diverse health concerns. She is comprehensive in her care. She is the doctor who listens and gets to the root cause of your health issues.

How you can connect with Dr. Firlande:

Available on all social media platforms @DrFirlande

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Book: Courage to Lose
10 Ways to lose 10 lbs in 10 days Ebook PDF

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Assessing Your Relationship with Alcohol: Sobriety, Boundaries and Mental Health w/ Kirsten Walker

The Sista Circle Podcast

12/31/21 • 52 min

EPISODE OVERVIEW: I interview Kirsten Walker, the Founder and Creator of Sober Brown Girls, a safe online community for sober-curious and sober women of color. During our conversation we talk about how Kirsten’s relationship with alcohol spiraled out of control, and after being unable to take her mom to a doctor’s appointment after a night of drinking, she decided to do something about it and quit in January of 2020. We also talk about how alcohol is often used as coping mechanisms for untreated mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, the joys and challenges of sobriety, and so much more!

In this episode we talk about:

What started as an after work wind down activity, turned into an unhealthy relationship with alcohol that spiraled out of control
The telltale signs of possibly having an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, and the shame that comes along with it
The importance of taking a step back and assessing our behaviors
How COVID caused a lot of people to relapse and binge drink
Why it’s important to have constructive tools and activities to fill your time with after becoming sober
The importance and impact of talking openly and honestly about your mental health with your children
How in Kirsten’s search for a sober community, there were too few for Women of Color, which led her to create her blog and platform, Sober Brown Girls
What it means to be “Sober Curious”
The importance of sharing your story as a means to help yourself and others
...and so much more!

ABOUT THE GUEST:

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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Late ADHD Diagnosis, Creating Community for Black Women and Practicing Self-Compassion w/ IngerShaye Colzie

The Sista Circle Podcast

12/17/21 • 41 min

EPISODE OVERVIEW: I interview ADHD advocate, coach and psychotherapist, IngerShaye Colzie. During our conversation we discussed how her son’s ADHD diagnosis led to her own diagnosis later in life, the importance of community and how it led to the creation of her Facebook group for Black women executives and entrepreneurs, the struggles of ADHD, benefits of coaching, and so much more!

In this episode we talk about:

How her son’s diagnosis led to her own diagnosis later in life
The unique challenges of Black professional women with ADHD
The importance of practicing self-love and compassion
The why behind creating a Facebook group for Black women executives and entrepreneurs with ADHD
The often complex path to getting an ADHD diagnosis and the importance of finding a culturally competent provider
Whether or not to disclose your condition at work
How coaching for ADHD can benefit you, and,
So much more!

ABOUT THE GUEST: Inger Shaye Colzie is an ADHD Coach and Psychotherapist specializing in making a difference for Black women executives and entrepreneurs. She has successfully run her practice, Alchemy Coaching & Counseling, as a therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker for 15 years in spite of being undiagnosed until in her 50s. She offers the benefits of professional expertise with a lifetime of experience.

How you can connect with IngerShaye:

Website: www.ingershaye.com
Instagram: @IngerShaye
Email: [email protected]
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenwithadhd

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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Understanding Mental Health Disorders + Building a Toolkit for Mental Wellness w/ Maricela Guzman, LCSW

The Sista Circle Podcast

04/02/21 • 60 min

In today’s episode, I have a conversation with Maricela Guzman, LCSW, a psychotherapist based out of Southern California. We talk about all things anxiety, depression and trauma. In this episode we discuss:

Mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and PTSD and how they manifest in our everyday lives
The difference between an actual diagnosis and situational anxiety or depression
The link of mental health disorders as a response to trauma
Grief and loss, from mourning the loss of a loved one to grieving a friend no longer in your life
How to build a toolkit of resources for mental wellness
4-7-8 Breathing Technique
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
...and much more!

About Maricela:

Maricela Guzman, LCSW, is a practicing psychotherapist with over a decade of experience and is based in Southern California. She is the proud owner of a private practice, Courage Hope Therapy, as well as the incredible jewelry line, Balanced Within Jewelry. With more than a decade of experience, she owns a private practice in Southern California, as well as a jewelry line, Balanced Within Jewelry. Connect with her here:

IG: @courage_hope_therapy and @balancewithinjewelry