Season 3 Episode 2 - How Silence Protects Harm — And How Families Can Support Survivors

Season 3 Episode 5 - Healing After Abuse: What No One Tells Black Women About Recovery

Healing after abuse is not a linear journey, and there are truths about the recovery process that rarely get discussed. In this heavy yet deeply necessary episode of the Black Girls Can Talk Podcast, host Dr. DaJaneil McCree sits down with Shawnti Refuge, a certified mental health coach, author, and advocate. Together, they unpack the raw realities of intimate partner violence (IPV), emotional abuse, and what true recovery looks like for Black women. Shawnti bravely shares her personal story of survival after a 17-year relationship, shedding light on the complexities of recognizing abuse, overcoming the fear of leaving, and the unexpected dynamics of same-sex relationship violence. If you are currently on your own healing journey, trying to break free from trauma, or learning how to reparent yourself and reclaim your worth, this conversation is for you . ✨ Subscribe to the channel for more unfiltered conversations about Black womanhood, mental health, and personal growth! 🕒 TIMESTAMPS (0:36) - Meet Shawnti Refuge (5:57) - Same Sex Same Problems (7:52) - Turning Point (11:56) - Why We Minimize Pain (13:46) - Healing Relearning Self (16:43) - Reconnecting With God (18:25) - Advocacy Through Storytelling (22:27) - First Steps Recovery Support (25:32) - Healing Needs Community (27:57) - Grieving Living People (31:21) - Be Honest With Yourself (34:16) - The Rundown Game (37:28) - Where To Find Shawnti 🔗 CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Follow Shawnti Refuge for mental health resources, journals, and daily inspiration: * Instagram: @ShawntiRefugeJournals [https://www.instagram.com/shawntirefugejournals/] * TikTok: @shawntirefugejournals [https://www.tiktok.com/@shawntirefugejournals] * YouTube: @shawntirefugejournals [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCphZdqbNfPI0wwCgFX8IwRQ] 🎙️ CONNECT WITH BLACK GIRLS CAN TALK * Website: blackgirlscantalk.com [https://blackgirlscantalk.com/] * Instagram: @BlackGirl_CanTalk [https://www.instagram.com/blackgirlscantalk/] * Get the Book: Black Girls Can Talk [https://amzn.to/3saMAIg]

Season 3 Episode 4 - Subtle Acts of Exclusion

In this powerful episode of Black Girls Can Talk, Dr. Deja McCree dives deep into the often-overlooked realities of subtle exclusion, microaggressions, workplace bias, social isolation, and the emotional toll they take on Black women. From navigating professional spaces and friendships to recognizing hidden discrimination and reclaiming your voice, this conversation sheds light on the experiences many Black women face but rarely discuss openly. Through honest dialogue, personal stories, and empowering insights, this episode explores mental health, self-worth, boundaries, emotional safety, diversity and inclusion, code-switching, and the importance of being seen, heard, and valued. If you've ever felt dismissed, overlooked, underestimated, or excluded in predominantly white spaces, this episode is for you. Black Girls Can Talk creates a safe space for authentic conversations about Black womanhood, healing, identity, culture, relationships, and empowerment. Tune in for a real, unfiltered discussion that reminds you that your experiences are valid and your voice matters. ✨ Topics Covered: * Microaggressions and subtle racism * Workplace exclusion and bias * Mental health and emotional wellness * Boundaries and self-advocacy * Black women in professional spaces * Confidence, healing, and empowerment * Navigating friendships and social spaces * Speaking up and protecting your peace (1:07) - What Microaggressions Mean (2:47) - Hair and Respectability (6:11) - Workplace Exclusion Examples (8:51) - Appearance and Language Bias (12:07) - Healthcare Discrimination (14:12) - Mental Health Toll (17:31) - Responding and Protecting Peace (22:08) - How Allies Can Help (23:46) - Key Takeaways and Action Steps 🎙️ Subscribe to Black Girls Can Talk for more conversations centered on Black women, mental health, culture, healing, and empowerment. #BlackGirlsCanTalk #BlackWomen #MentalHealth #Microaggressions #WorkplaceBias #BlackWomenPodcast #SelfWorth #HealingJourney #WomenEmpowerment #Boundaries #BlackGirlMagic

Season 3 Episode 3 - How Silence Protects Harm — And How Families Can Support Survivors

In this episode of Black Girls Can Talk, host Dr. DaJaneil McCree sits down with Dr. Wilma Elliott-Hannah, a psychologist and the visionary founder of The Social Well. Together, they challenge the mainstream narrative of wellness and explore why community isn't just a support system—it's medicine. Key Highlights from the Conversation: * Wellness Beyond the Spa: Dr. Wilma breaks down the misconception that wellness must be extravagant, redefining it as simple, restorative acts like deep sleep, a slow morning, or intentional rest. * The Problem with Isolation: The duo discusses how "protecting your peace" can sometimes lead to harmful isolation and the consequences of trying to heal without a village. * Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD): Dr. Wilma sheds light on RSD and how it affects those with ADHD, explaining why some feel rejection more deeply than others. * Community as Medicine: A look at "shared humanity"—the powerful realization that you are not alone—and how intentional spaces can transform how Black women show up for themselves. * Cultivating Connection: Practical tips for building community through shared hobbies, like pickleball or dance, and the vital importance of maintaining existing relationships through more than just text threads. The Rundown: Dr. McCree puts Dr. Wilma in the hot seat with a segment of "this or that": * Therapy or Community Circles? * Safe Spaces or Brave Spaces? * Healing Quietly or Healing Out Loud? This episode is a call to action for every Black woman to do the inner work and embrace the vulnerability required for true, communal healing. (0:35) - Meet Dr. Wilma (1:26) - Redefining Wellness (3:30) - Community In Wellness (5:35) - Healing In Isolation (8:20) - Support And Therapy (10:44) - Not Seen Not Supported (14:05) - Rejection Sensitivity (16:42) - Why The Social Well (19:03) - Build Community Today (22:17) - In Person Connection (25:17) - The Rundown Game (29:06) - Key Takeaways Allies (32:10) - Where To Find Dr Wilma (33:51) - Final Wrap Up Connect with Dr. Wilma Elliott-Hannah: Instagram: @thesoulcialwell [https://www.instagram.com/thesoulcialwell/] Web: thesoulcialwell.com [https://www.thesoulcialwell.org/] Stay Connected with BGCT: Instagram: @blackgirls_cantalk [https://www.instagram.com/blackgirlscantalk/] Web: blackgirlscantalk.com [https://blackgirlscantalk.com/] Remember: Black girls can talk, and we've got a lot to say. Stay powerful.

Season 3 Episode 2 - How Silence Protects Harm — And How Families Can Support Survivors

Episode Description: Research, Advocacy, and the Power of the Pivot In this episode of Black Girls Can Talk, host Dr. DaJaneil McCree welcomes Dr. Rochelle Davidson Mhonde, a scholar-activist whose work sits at the intersection of public health, social justice, and the lived experiences of Black women. Together, they dive into the complexities of navigating academia, the importance of "pivoting" in your career, and why Black women's health must be addressed through a lens of equity and authenticity. Key Highlights from the Conversation: * The "Scholar-Activist" Identity: Dr. Davidson Mhonde explains how she bridges the gap between high-level research and on-the-ground advocacy to ensure her work serves the community. * The Art of the Pivot: A transparent discussion on recognizing when a space no longer serves your purpose and having the courage to shift directions in your professional journey. * Addressing Health Inequities: Breaking down why public health strategies often fail Black women and how to move toward more inclusive, culturally responsive care. * The Reality of Academia: Dr. Davidson Mhonde shares the challenges of being a Black woman in scholarly spaces and the necessity of finding "safe harbors" for mental well-being. * Authentic Sisterhood: The episode explores the vital role of community and mentorship in sustaining Black women who are doing the heavy lifting of social change. The Rundown: Dr. McCree wraps up the episode with her signature "Rundown" segment, asking Dr. Davidson Mhonde to choose between: * Data or Narrative? * Structure or Flow? * Impact or Reach? This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to align their passion with their profession while maintaining their peace. (3:09) - Topic Silencing and Stats (4:47) - Why Silence Is Default (6:11) - Family Story and Openness (13:00) - Victim Blaming and Rape Myths (16:33) - Silence as Protection (24:40) - Disclosure Fallout and Support (29:20) - What Survivors Need (34:33) - Silencing And Taking Agency (38:55) - The Rundown Game (43:16) - One Key Takeaway Connect with Dr. Rochelle Davidson Mhonde: * Web: https://hopehealthcomm.org/ Stay Connected with BGCT: * Instagram: @BlackGirlsCanTalk * Web: blackgirlscantalk.com [http://blackgirlscantalk.com/] Remember: Black girls can talk, and we've got a lot to say. Stay powerful.

Season 3 Episode 1 - Why Black Women Are Silenced After Sexual Violence (And How We Heal)

In this powerful season premiere of Black Girls Can Talk, host Dr. DaJaneil McCree sits down with the "Culture Doctor" herself, Leah Forney, for an unfiltered conversation on sexual violence, systemic bias, and the profound journey from surviving to thriving. As we observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Leah shares her deeply personal story of navigating a criminal justice system that often treats Black women with coldness and "credibility bias". From the sting of being disbelieved by a judge to the transformative power of trauma-informed care, this episode pulls back the curtain on the unique challenges Black women face when seeking justice and healing. Key Highlights from the Conversation: * The "Culture Doctor" Origin: How a workshop on culturally informed care at the National Sexual Assault Conference birthed a mission to retrain organizations on serving survivors of color. * Defining the "Thriver": Why Leah rejects the label of "survivor" in favor of "thriver" and how that shift in mindset changes the healing trajectory. * Systemic Failures & Implicit Bias: A raw look at the "adultification" of Black girls and why Black women are statistically less likely to be believed by law enforcement and the courts. * The Forgiveness Factor: Leah discusses the difficult but necessary process of forgiving oneself and how spiritual grounding played a pivotal role in her recovery. * Reframing Prevention: A bold take on why the industry needs to stop teaching "prevention" to victims and start having those conversations with the people who commit harm. The Rundown: Dr. McCree puts Leah in the hot seat with a rapid-fire game of "This or That," touching on: * Softness vs. Strength * Education vs. Disruption * Individual vs. Community Healing Whether you are on your own healing journey or looking to be a better advocate for the women in your life, this episode is a masterclass in reclaiming your power. (1:19) - Culture Doctor Origin (4:30) - Calling to the Work (6:47) - Survival Before Advocacy (8:31) - System Failures After Reporting (12:33) - Healing and Therapy Path (17:44) - Myths About Black Women (24:01) - Missing Awareness Conversations (27:16) - Rethinking Prevention Talks (30:23) - Healing Beyond Therapy (33:35) - Somatic Release and Journaling (37:26) - The Rundown Game (39:54) - Message to Unnamed Survivors (42:44) - Where to Find Leah 44:02 Connect with Leah Forney: * Website: leahmforney.com [http://leahmforney.com] * Social Media: @LeahMForney Stay Connected with BGCT: * Instagram: @BlackGirlsCanTalk * Web: blackgirlscantalk.com [http://blackgirlscantalk.com] Remember: Black girls can talk, and we've got a lot to say. Stay powerful.