Curated Lives: Black Women, Lifestyle Creep, and the Pressures of Social Media Consumption

Curated Lives: Black Women, Lifestyle Creep, and the Pressures of Social Media Consumption

In this Episode, Amanda and Maryam dive deep into a fresh era of Black womanhood, Kicking off with a ‘Get to Know Me’ tag, they swap stories on summer adventures, the books that changed their views on Black womanhood, and their most valued essentials. The conversation then shifts to a nuanced discussion on Black women and consumption—unpacking everything from ‘lifestyle creep’ and fast fashion to the trends of Black luxury and the ethics of consumption. Why are we constantly pushed to buy into lifestyles, and what does intentional ownership look like for us? Plus, the latest buzz in pop culture and current events. Tune in for candid reflections, laughs, and insights into the value we place on what we own and what it says about us.

Giving Black Girls Their Flowers: Celebrating Legacy, Sisterhood, and Creativity

In this episode, we’re celebrating Black women and giving them their flowers as we dive into everything new and exciting at Black Women at Edinburgh (BWE) in 2024. Amanda kicks things off by explaining what it means for BWE to be an official society and how bringing new members into the fold has strengthened our vision. We answer some big questions throughout: Why is creativity so important to Black women? How does BWE support us in chasing non-traditional career paths? What are the challenges and rewards of navigating leadership and creativity as young Black women. We also discuss why it’s so important for BWE to take control of the narrative around Black women, and how Nurtured the Magazine is at the forefront of that mission. To wrap things up, we have an open conversation about the importance of sisterhood. We dive deep into why standing together—especially when facing misogyny and sexual and gender-based violence—is vital. This episode is all about celebrating who we are, lifting each other up, and building a legacy that Black women can be proud of.

Episode 4: Did somebody say feminism?

In episode 4 Nurtured, Maryam and Amanda dive into their personal journeys with feminism. They reflect on their shifting perspectives, moving from initial doubts about feminism to embracing it with open arms, a journey shaped by their unique experiences growing up. They unpack how being Black and either African or British influences how they experience both racism and misogyny, and address the struggle of reconciling religious beliefs like Christianity and Islam with feminist principles. Maryam and Amanda stress the importance of sisterhood, supporting fellow women, and creating a space of collective care within the Black community. The episode courageously confronts the harsh realities of male violence against women, discussing the weight of issues like cheating and the cruciality of informed consent. They dive into the differences between misogyny and misandry, highlighting how misogyny's historical impact far outweighs misandry. Offering advice to black girls new to feminism, they stress the importance of centring women's experiences and the empowerment found in steering away from male-centric viewpoints. They wrap up with their thoughts on the Barbie movie and a list of gripping feminist reads like 'Dear Ijeawele,' 'Purple Hibiscus,' and 'We Should All Be Feminists.' Join the conversation in Episode 4, exploring feminism, intersectionality, and the evolving dynamics of gender in today's world.

Episode 3: This thing called life!

In Episode 3 of Nurtured, Maryam and Amanda have a heartfelt catch up after a brief hiatus, and delve into the complexities of life as third-year students. They share candidly about the unexpected pressures of exams that seemingly emerge out of nowhere, navigating seasonal depression, and the remarkable impact weather changes can have on one's mood. They also discuss strategies for pushing through difficult times and reaching the finish line of the academic year, and emphasise that a fresh start isn't restricted to January but can happen at any point. Their conversation takes a turn as they dive into the essence of self-care journeys, emphasising the importance of nourishing the body and and engaging in activities to feed your soul. They advocate for nurturing routines that create a sense of well-being and touch upon the immense value of supportive friendships, highlighting the blessings of receiving advice and being a source of support for one another. Moreover, Maryam and Amanda explore the nuances of motivation, particularly for those predisposed to overachievement, offering insights into staying committed and accountable. In a new segment, they delve into celebrity news, discussing Keke Palmer's experiences, shedding light on misogyny and advocating for solidarity with victims of gender-based violence. Tune in to a conversation that touches on the challenges of academic life, underscores the significance of self-care, and examines current events. #NurturedPodcast

Episode 2: Summer Internships Stories

In Episode 2 of Nurtured, our host Amanda is joined by Claudia as they take you on a journey into the world of summer internships. They provide insights into the entire process, from crafting a CV and cover letter to navigating the intricacies of different internship support programs. They delve into the often nerve-wracking interview process and share tips on acing it. Amanda and Claudia also candidly discuss their personal experiences during their internships, addressing everything from the highs of landing the job to office dynamics, the challenges of balancing work and personal life, and dealing with fatigue. Tune into this episode filled with practical advice, relatable stories, and the kind of support that's at the heart of Nurtured. Hosted by Amanda Hoto, with special guest, Claudia Efemini.