Bonus: Bread & Circus!

Bonus Episode: Black Femicide, Domestic Violence & Protecting Our Lives

In this episode, we discuss Black femicide and its connection to domestic violence, examining how intimate partner violence, systemic barriers, and community silence can place Black women at greater risk. We explore warning signs of abuse, challenges in seeking help, and the importance of awareness, advocacy, and prevention to better protect Black women and girls. This episode includes discussions of domestic violence, abuse, trauma, and femicide, which may be sensitive or triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs support, The National Domestic Violence Hotline [https://www.thehotline.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com] offers confidential 24/7 help. Resources: * National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/ [https://www.thehotline.org/ ] * Black Women's Blueprint: https://restoreny.org/black-womens-blueprint/ [https://restoreny.org/black-womens-blueprint/ ] * Futures Without Violence: https://futureswithoutviolence.org/ [https://futureswithoutviolence.org/] * Connect with the podcast on social media: * Connect with Leah Marie on social media: * Music Credits: https://www.soundstripe.com/library/songs/15024 [https://www.soundstripe.com/library/songs/15024]

Ep. 69 - Boundaries, Red Flags & When Love Turns Unsafe

In this episode, we will unpack the difference between healthy boundaries and controlling behavior, explore the red flags people often overlook in relationships, and talk about the moment love starts to feel unsafe instead of supportive. From emotional manipulation to trust, communication, and self-protection, this conversation offers honest insight into recognizing unhealthy dynamics before they escalate. * Connect with me on social media: https://linktr.ee/Leah_mrie * Follow the podcast on social media: https://linktr.ee/melanatedmusepodcast * For business inquiries, email us at: melanatedmuse20@gmail.com * Podcast Episode Feedback form: https://forms.gle/FyU3F712hNWfXAH88 * Podcast Guest form: https://forms.gle/SnAX2KSkeBEoHzwA8 * Music Credits: "Holding Patterns" by Mountaineer

Ep. 68 - Dating With Standards in a Hookup Culture

In a world that often normalizes casual connections, situationships, and emotional inconsistency, maintaining standards while dating can feel isolating — but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we unpack what it really means to date intentionally in today’s culture without compromising your values, boundaries, faith, or self-worth. We discuss: * Why having standards is not “asking for too much” * Navigating hookup culture while protecting your peace * The difference between attention and intentionality * Recognizing emotionally unavailable relationships * Dating with confidence, clarity, and discernment * How faith, purpose, and identity shape healthy relationships * Letting go of fear-based dating and embracing alignment instead Whether you’re healing, starting over, or learning to date more intentionally, this conversation is a reminder that genuine connection still exists — and you never have to shrink your standards to receive love. 💛 Connect with us: https://linktr.ee/melanatedmusepodcast [https://linktr.ee/melanatedmusepodcast] Connect with Leah Marie: https://linktr.ee/Leah_mrie [https://linktr.ee/Leah_mrie] Podcast Guest Form: https://forms.gle/TzYknKcEqAHgVe6V9 [https://forms.gle/TzYknKcEqAHgVe6V9] Podcast Episode Feedback Form: https://forms.gle/k4cow8Wj9gkoCdNN7 [https://forms.gle/k4cow8Wj9gkoCdNN7 ] For business inquiries, send us an email: melanatedmuse20@gmail.com

Ep. 67 - 2025! What a Time to Be Alive

In this episode of The Melanated Muse, I am reflecting on releasing survival mode, moving without pressure, and redefining success with intention, rest, and grace. If you’re entering 2026 with tiredness, hopefulness, or quiet refinement, this conversation is for us — no lofty resolutions, just continuous realignment. ✨ Day by day, minute by minute. * Follow the podcast on social media: https://linktr.ee/melanatedmusepodcast * Connect with me on social media: https://linktr.ee/Leah_mrie * For business inquiries: melanatedmuse20@gmail.com * Want to be a guest on our show? Fill out our guest information form here: https://forms.gle/opy5gspDbevH4vda8 * Podcast Feedback form: https://forms.gle/Py31AKqtBpmNSKwY6

Ep. 66 - The Soft Life Diet: Eating with Grace, Not Guilt

In this episode, we discuss how to cultivate simple, soft life eating habits—slowing down, staying hydrated, listening to your body, and choosing foods that keep you steady. No stress, no rules, just practical nourishment for a calmer, easier day. * Follow the podcast on social media: https://linktr.ee/melanatedmusepodcast * Connect with me on social media: https://linktr.ee/Leah_mrie * Podcast Episode Feedback Form: https://forms.gle/b4jpfdjax2F9igCP7 * Podcast Guest Information Form: https://forms.gle/aL7kCJvc4Zp5UTFG7 * Music Credits: "I Got You" By Dr. Delight: https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/17994 * For business inquiries: melanatedmuse20@gmail.com