Behind the Throne

41. What Does a Soft Life Look Like for Black Women? | Healing Grind Culture for Our Daughters

In this episode of Behind the Throne, we are joined by Sherry Waters and Dr. Staisha Hamilton to explore what a soft life truly means, especially for Black women navigating motherhood, leadership, and legacy. Together, we unpack the difference between performative self-care and embodied stillness, discuss how softness can exist in small daily increments, and challenge generational beliefs that equate rest with laziness. This conversation invites you to redefine softness as self-preservation, model it for your daughters, and practice it in community. Dr. Staisha Hamilton is a Charlotte-based social worker and movement specialist , a former classically trained ballet dancer, who integrates dance, somatic awareness, and therapeutic practice to support holistic healing and nervous system regulation.  Connect with Dr. Staisha Hamilton: * Perry Counseling, Healing and Recovery [https://justinperrycounseling.com/] * Without Words LLC IG [https://www.instagram.com/withoutwordsllc/] * withoutwords.llc@gmail.com [withoutwords.llc@gmail.com]  Sherry Waters is a stewardship practitioner, community chaplain, spiritual companion, and community chaplain who nurtures mind-body-spirit connection through somatic spiritual practices and her work at Pauline T. Bar Apothecary in Charlotte. Connect with Sherry Waters: * The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary Website [https://www.thepaulineteabar.com/] * The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary IG [https://www.instagram.com/thepaulineteabar] * The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary FB [https://www.facebook.com/PaulineTeabar/] * IEnate LLC Website [https://www.ienate.com/] Resources mentioned: * All About Love by Bell Hooks [https://www.amazon.com/All-About-Love-New-Visions/dp/0060959479/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=185084502143&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1zjtWQaSCKSTYCgARm7l59k-FMNaUUXNBaHh9VqFcoV1Rf4LjPfd-NCGiMq_R30Ny3GXlI3ToIuKSVX4Kqe85_uSuWft_EiY_80ELXKzBI_2RH6OyNufvWjPzdK0nhG1TTbUsQJR5gPPbStVEQAq4qtPNtbSEiVxqf5L_MdMEPlWFdRTdrIH27F0Y855IfhGz6f_lrAJYYFowjgIWpVxsvpDwZ6PaizZ-tLouQHrNMk.Lx3lCOXliJ0FnjMxotI4cpNRHFBcQ-uRsDZkxryLa-s&dib_tag=se&hvadid=779538535164&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9195024&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=6337515441067949038--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=6337515441067949038&hvtargid=kwd-319627087835&hydadcr=20591_13321878_2282226&keywords=all+about+love+by+bell+hooks&mcid=5909f3b4db49365fb2dd89f9b0ba7663&qid=1772202879&sr=8-1] 3 Anchors for Embracing a Soft Life: * Soft life is not self-care! Self-care is often external and task-based. Soft life is embodied stillness: a nourished inner state where your nervous system knows when to pause. * Softness happens in small, sacred increments. Three quiet minutes in your car. A protected morning ritual. A quarterly retreat. Consistency, not extravagance, builds resilience. * Model softness to break the cycle. When we practice stillness in real time, our daughters see it. Soft life becomes generational healing – not laziness, but legacy. Mothers are the queens of the castle, but let’s be real: it’s not all ball gowns and glass slippers. On this podcast, we’re giving you a peek Behind the Throne at the privilege and responsibility of wearing the crown. Hosted by Helen Hope Kimbrough - a proud wife and mom of two adult sons - and Dr. Charlitta Hatch, a proud wife, married to her high school sweetheart, and a proud mom of two little ones. Get ready as we share jewels with each other and you around all things connected to motherhood! Connect with Us!:  * Podcast Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/behindthethrone04/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@BehindTheThrone04] * Charlitta’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/raisingblackboyjoy/] * Helen’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/helenhk4/] * Spero Hawk Coaching & Consulting [http://www.sperohawk.com]

40. Honoring the Call | Charlita's PhD, Helen's Launch & A Catch-Up on Faith & Family

After some time away, Helen Hope Kimbrough and Dr. Charlitta Hatch return for a heartfelt catch-up that reflects growth, faith, rest, and bold transitions. In this episode, they share what’s shifted behind the scenes, from earning a doctorate and elevating Black mothers’ voices in urban education, to launching a purpose-driven consulting firm rooted in legacy and intentional impact. This conversation explores honoring your calling, embracing rest as a strategy, and evolving without apology. Resources mentioned: * Spero Hawk Coaching & Consulting [https://sperohawk.com/about-us/] 3 Anchors for Navigating a Season of Becoming: * Finding your voice often begins in rooms where you feel out of place. When Dr. Charlitta Hatch stopped mirroring traditional educational pathways and centered Black mothers as essential voices in urban education reform, what once felt different became the very foundation of her leadership. * Rest is not retreat… it is preparation. Creating intentional space for renewal through prayer, movement, reflection, and stillness allowed this next chapter to unfold with clarity, steadiness, and purpose. * Depth protects both purpose and peace. Choosing fewer, more aligned commitments and honoring capacity creates room for sustainable impact, where worth is no longer measured by how much you carry, but by how intentionally you lead. Mothers are the queens of the castle, but let’s be real: it’s not all ball gowns and glass slippers. On this podcast, we’re giving you a peek Behind the Throne at the privilege and responsibility of wearing the crown. Hosted by Helen Hope Kimbrough - a proud wife and mom of two adult sons - and Dr. Charlitta Hatch, a proud wife, married to her high school sweetheart, and a proud mom of two little ones. Get ready as we share jewels with each other and you around all things connected to motherhood! Connect with Us!:  * Podcast Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/behindthethrone04/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@BehindTheThrone04] * Charlitta’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/raisingblackboyjoy/] * Helen’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/helenhk4/] * Spero Hawk Coaching & Consulting [http://www.sperohawk.com]

39. Brave Like Bessie | Talking Courage, Creativity & Representation with Keetha B.

Stories have the power to help us see ourselves, find courage, and imagine new possibilities. In this episode, we’re talking about creativity and representation in the arts with Charlotte-based playwright, actor, and author Lakeetha Blakeney, known as “Keetha B.”, whose original play Bessie Coleman: Fearless and Free, celebrates the life of aviation pioneer Bessie Coleman at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. We discuss how storytelling can empower young audiences, the importance of preserving community spaces like the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, and how bravery often begins with believing your voice matters. Lakeetha Blakeney is a Charlotte-based author, director, playwright, public speaker, and theatre educator. Her newest work, “Bessie Coleman: Fearless and Free,” will be featured at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. Connect with Keetha B. here: * Website [https://keethab.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/keetha-b-02613abb/] * Audible [https://www.audible.com/author/Keetha-B/B09MF4SPRK?srsltid=AfmBOooIJSZCkGyMuDozqTeVEj3pADbSYNAxNJykO9c6fLla0iMff7cl] Resources mentioned: * ImaginOn [https://www.imaginon.org/] * Children’s Theatre of Charlotte [https://ctcharlotte.org/Online/default.asp] * Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation [https://foundation.cmlibrary.org/] * Get tickets to Bessie Coleman: Fearless and Free [https://ctcharlotte.org/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=B5136B1D-DDAB-41C3-A0B6-605BAC4C489D] at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte (show runs November 15-16, 2025) Some key takeaways from this episode include: * Representation helps children build confidence and belonging when they see themselves in stories. * Bravery can be quiet persistence, faith, or creativity. It doesn’t always need to look big or bold. * Community spaces like libraries and local theatres nurture imagination and connection for all ages. * Bessie Coleman’s legacy reminds us that courage opens doors for those who come after us. Mothers are the queens of the castle, but let’s be real: it’s not all ball gowns and glass slippers. On this podcast, we’re giving you a peek Behind the Throne at the privilege and responsibility of wearing the crown. Hosted by Helen Hope Kimbrough - a proud wife and mom of two adult sons - and Charlitta Hatch, a proud wife, married to her high school sweetheart, and a proud mom of two little ones. Get ready as we share jewels with each other and you around all things connected to motherhood! Connect with Us!:  * Podcast Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/behindthethrone04/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@BehindTheThrone04] * Charlitta’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/raisingblackboyjoy/] * Helen’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/helenhk4/]

38. Understanding School Options for Our Kids | Public Schools, Private Schools, Homeschooling, and More

You might think the school your child attends for grade school is signed, sealed, and delivered based on your address, but you actually have so much more choice than that. Whether you want your children to attend public school, private school, homeschool, or somewhere in between, this episode is all about what questions to ask yourself and the prospective school’s team to make that decision.  In this episode, we are joined by Jessica Hawkins, a former educator and current doctoral student at UNC Charlotte; and Imana Sherrill, Head of School at Trinity Episcopal School [https://www.tescharlotte.org/] in Charlotte. We discuss our various perspectives in alternative school systems, how diversity and equity factor into school choice, and why learning to advocate for your child’s education is a key skill no matter which school they attend. Resources mentioned: * Watch Ep. 36: Raising Kids Who Love to Learn [https://youtu.be/jvy-VF1TQII] Some key takeaways from this episode include: * Every independent school has a different mission, so it’s crucial that you feel aligned with the school’s values, mission, and curriculum. The goal is to commit to the school for the full length of that school, whether it’s K-12 or K-8. * If you are looking for more choice with your public schools, know that there are options to work collaboratively with your child’s teacher and school to lean into an individualized plan. * There are several options for homeschooling if that’s something you want for your child. There are co-ops, homeschooling communities, and more ways to include socializing and experiential learning in your homeschool curriculum. Mothers are the queens of the castle, but let’s be real: it’s not all ball gowns and glass slippers. On this podcast, we’re giving you a peek Behind the Throne at the privilege and responsibility of wearing the crown. Hosted by Helen Hope Kimbrough - a proud wife and mom of two adult sons - and Charlitta Hatch, a proud wife, married to her high school sweetheart, and a proud mom of two little ones. Get ready as we share jewels with each other and you around all things connected to motherhood! Connect with Us!:  * Podcast Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/behindthethrone04/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@BehindTheThrone04] * Charlitta’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/raisingblackboyjoy/] * Helen’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/helenhk4/]

37. Are You Giving Away Your Power? | LIVE Discussion on Women, Leadership & Motherhood

When you can feel the volume of the world from shouting headlines, calendars overflowing, emotions running high, it’s easy to forget the influence we carry. Power lives in your voice, your choices, and how you show up for your people, even on the days we’re stretched thin. In this special live recording, we gathered with past guests and community leaders to ask: With all that's going on in the world, are you a woman who steps into your power - or gives your power away? Whether you’re raising littles, caring for an aging parent, or pouring into your community, this dialogue will affirm the power you already carry and challenge you to see it in new ways. Featured Guests * Jamila Green – Community Engagement Manager at YWCA Central Carolinas(Episode 27. Your Vote Matters | Voting Rights, Civic Engagement, and Making Your Voice Heard with Jamila Green [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2y7HW7l0wi9MXrENqWnBMN]) * Dr. Mala Freeman-Kwaku – OB/GYN at Arboretum Gynecology(Episode 16. An OB/GYN’s Perspective on Black Maternal Health With Dr. Mala Freeman-Kwaku [https://open.spotify.com/episode/3gvloqnOW5PR25M5L3yb5g]) * Kris Elle – Certified Doula & Founder of Mother of Ease(Episode 20. Preparing Black Mothers for Birth & Postpartum | Working with a Doula, Setting Boundaries, & More with Kris Elle [https://open.spotify.com/episode/7wRZUY9kirfefGkzp5m9C7]) * Linda Lockman-Brooks – President at Lockman-Brooks Marketing Services(Episode 34. Processing Grief, Letting In Your Support System, and Our Loved Ones’ Legacies | Grief Journeys Pt. 1 [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6QfFiRLjeh6dKUQbB7zkcC])(Episode 35. Identity Reconstruction, Feeling Lost, and Leaving a Legacy | Grief Journeys Pt. 2 [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ZmkUTgw1rT4qd8xDijVjp]) Resources mentioned: * BraveWorks [https://www.braveworks.org/] | Clips from the shop are from the BraveWorks YouTube channel [https://youtu.be/cl2cZNAm1Xk?si=hBo3eoGp71mIZ2KT] * Lead Like a Superhero: What Pop Culture Icons Can Teach Us About Impactful Leadership [https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Like-Superhero-Impactful-Leadership/dp/1683501934] Some key takeaways from this discussion include: * Power takes many forms, and it’s meant to be shared. Decision-making authority, information, and social capital all matter. Build power, wield it to clear paths, and share it by moving from gatekeeping to giving. * Black women are the most educated demographic in the U.S., so step unapologetically into leadership in schools, corporations, and communities. When doors close, create new ones so our kids see themselves represented. * Motherhood is power, in every form. From stay-at-home moms to corporate and community leadership, all choices are valid and needed. Use your voice, pass along social capital, and affirm women who have power - and those who need encouragement. * Protect your power and your peace. Build the muscle of assertiveness, coach others so the load is shared, and remember: imposter syndrome fades with experience. Adjust each other’s crowns. Mothers are the queens of the castle, but let’s be real: it’s not all ball gowns and glass slippers. On this podcast, we’re giving you a peek Behind the Throne at the privilege and responsibility of wearing the crown. Hosted by Helen Hope Kimbrough - a proud wife and mom of two adult sons - and Charlitta Hatch, a proud wife, married to her high school sweetheart, and a proud mom of two little ones. Get ready as we share jewels with each other and you around all things connected to motherhood! Connect with Us!:  * Podcast Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/behindthethrone04/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@BehindTheThrone04] * Charlitta’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/raisingblackboyjoy/] * Helen’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/helenhk4/]