Black. Girl. Exhausted.

Black. Girl. Soundtrack.

Music has always been more than entertainment for me. It's been healing. It's been joy. It's been survival. In this solo episode, I'm taking a deep dive into the soundtrack of my life through ten years of Apple Music Replay playlists and the songs that have shaped who I am. From Saturday mornings listening to Earth, Wind & Fire with my parents to discovering Bobby Brown, surviving heartbreak through Kanye West albums, finding confidence through Beyoncé, and rediscovering myself through Cowboy Carter, every song tells a story. I'm sharing the artists, albums, and moments that helped define my journey from my twenties into my forties—and why music remains one of the most powerful ways we connect to our memories, our culture, and ourselves. Plus, in honor of Black Music Appreciation Month, we're celebrating the lasting impact of Black music on American culture and the artists whose work continues to inspire generations. If you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a rating and review ⭐ Share the episode with a friend ⭐ Subscribe to the Substack ⭐ Follow @blackgirliowa on Instagram and TikTok ⭐ Tell me: What song belongs on the soundtrack of your life? Because everyone's story deserves a soundtrack. 🎵

The Power of One: Monique Scarlett on Community, Faith & Change

This week on the Black. Girl. Iowa. podcast, Emili sits down with community leader, advocate, and changemaker Monique Scarlett for a powerful conversation about Black history, civic engagement, and building bridges in Northwest Iowa. Born and raised in Sioux City, Monique shares what it was like growing up as one of the few Black children in her school during the 1960s and 70s, navigating racism at a young age while learning the importance of resilience, faith, and community. She reflects on the rich but often overlooked history of Black Iowans in Sioux City and the importance of preserving those stories for future generations. The conversation also explores Monique’s leadership journey — from serving on the Sioux City School Board to becoming president of the Sioux City NAACP and founding Unity in Community, an organization focused on strengthening relationships between citizens and law enforcement through accountability, education, and dialogue. Throughout the episode, Monique shares wisdom on: * The importance of civic engagement * Building community in spaces where you feel unseen * Why Black women must continue speaking up and taking action * The role faith plays in leadership and perseverance * Creating accountability instead of simply complaining about systems * Why preserving Black history in Iowa matters now more than ever One of the most impactful moments of the episode comes when Monique reminds listeners: “A vision without execution is just another hallucination.” This episode is honest, empowering, emotional, and deeply rooted in the belief that change happens when ordinary people decide to show up for their communities. * Growing up Black in Sioux City * Racism, resilience, and finding community * Black history in Northwest Iowa * Leadership and public service * Unity in Community and rebuilding trust * Accountability and civic action * Faith, perseverance, and purpose * A lightning round with Monique Scarlett * Unity in Community Sioux City (Facebook) * Sioux City NAACP * TEDx Talk: “” Be sure to also check out Monique’s powerful TEDx Talk, Tap Into the Power of One⁠, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9E66WH5irJA]where she speaks about leadership, impact, and creating change in your community. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora, and YouTube. * Website: Black. Girl. Iowa. * Substack: @blackgirliowa [https://substack.com/@blackgirliowa] * Etsy Shop: Black Girl Iowa Shop #BlackGirlIowa #BlackWomenLead #IowaPodcast #BlackHistory #CommunityLeadership

Betting on Yourself: Paula Bell on Wellness, Business & Boundaries

In this episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., Emili sits down with Paula A. Bell—CEO, speaker, consultant, and the powerhouse behind a holistic approach to success rooted in mind, body, and soul. From her journey leaving Brooklyn and navigating life as a single mother to building a thriving consulting business, Paula shares what it really takes to bet on yourself. This conversation dives deep into discipline, consistency, self-worth, and the importance of giving yourself grace—especially as Black women navigating life, work, and wellness. Paula also breaks down practical strategies for building sustainable habits, setting boundaries, and redefining failure as growth. Whether you're starting your fitness journey, building a business, or simply trying to find balance, this episode is your reminder that everything you need is already within you. 🎧 Tune in and get ready to be inspired to move differently, think differently, and show up fully for yourself. 👤 About Paula A. Bell Paula A. Bell is a speaker, consultant, and CEO of Paula A. Bell Consulting LLC, where she helps individuals and organizations achieve transformation through a holistic approach to mind, body, and soul. With over 20 years of corporate experience across industries like finance, media, and the courts, Paula blends business strategy, leadership development, and wellness coaching to empower others to thrive. Known as the “BA Martial Artist,” she incorporates discipline, mindset, and confidence-building into her work—guiding clients to break barriers, build sustainable habits, and truly bet on themselves. 🔗 Connect with Paula: * Instagram: @ninjapfitness * TikTok: @ninja_p_fitness 🌐 Learn more about Paula A. Bell Consulting: https://www.paulaabell.com/

Community Care is Real Care: A Conversation with Anesa Buchanan

In this episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., Emili sits down with Des Moines native and healthcare leader Anesa Buchanan, whose work is rooted in community, advocacy, and access. With over 17 years in healthcare and a current role as Director of Community Impact and Engagement, Anesa shares her journey from the East Side to leadership at UnityPoint Health. From navigating life as a young mother to becoming a recognized community advocate, Anesa reflects on the power of relationships, the importance of access to healthcare, and why serving others is her purpose—not just her profession. This conversation dives into health equity, community responsibility, and what it truly means to care for “the least of these.” ✨ Whether you’re passionate about community work, healthcare, or finding purpose in your career—this episode will inspire you to show up and serve. Don’t forget to:🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast📲 Follow @blackgirliowa on Instagram & TikTok 🛍️ Shop merch + journaling kits on Etsy✍🏾 Join the conversation on Substack

Protect, Advocate, Lead: A Conversation with Victoria Henderson Weber

In this week’s episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., Emili sits down with community leader, advocate, and disruptor Victoria Henderson Weber—President of the NAACP Des Moines Branch and Vice President of the Colonel Young Gun Club. From growing up on the East Side of Des Moines to leading statewide advocacy efforts, Victoria shares how early experiences shaped her commitment to civic engagement, community safety, and systems change. This conversation dives into: * The power of Black women in leadership * Why volunteerism is critical to community survival * The truth about advocacy work (and why most of it is unpaid) * Gun ownership, safety, and breaking stereotypes * The role of the NAACP in today’s social climate * How YOU can get involved and make an impact This episode is a reminder:👉🏾 Change doesn’t come from waiting—it comes from showing up. 📚 Book Recommendation “We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance” by Kellie Carter JacksonA powerful look into the history of Black resistance and the role of self-defense in our communities—highly recommended during this conversation. 🔗 Get Involved NAACP – Des Moines Branch🌐 https://naacpdesmoines.org📧 secretary@naacpdesmoines.org Colonel Young Gun Club (Des Moines Chapter of NAAGA)📍 Monthly meetings + training opportunities📧 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAAGADSM/ [https://www.facebook.com/NAAGADSM/] ✨ Stay Connected with Black. Girl. Iowa. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio & YouTube (Wednesdays)🛍 Shop merch: BlackGirlIowaShop (Etsy)📲 Follow: @blackgirliowa