The Sidebar by NYABJ

Celebrating Black Music Month: A Conversation with Rapper Yo-Yo

On this episode of The Sidebar by NYABJ, DR. YOLANDA "YO-YO" WHITAKER joins host LISA DURDEN for a wide-ranging conversation celebrating Black Music Month and the enduring impact of hip-hop culture. A pioneering rapper, actress, entrepreneur, and educator, Yo-Yo reflects on her path from emerging artist to hip-hop icon, sharing lessons from a career that has spanned decades. She discusses her creative process, memorable collaborations, the significance of earning her doctorate, and why it's important to honor the artists and innovators who helped shape the culture. --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org.

Suiting Up for Space with Sharon Caples McDougle

Men and women have been traveling into space since the Space Race began in the sixties under President John F. Kennedy. The recent Artemis II deep space operations mission that will catapult astronauts beyond low Earth orbit around the moon has fanned the flames of humankind’s thrill of encountering the cosmos. While we marvel at mankind’s ingenuity to embark on “final frontier” voyages, how often do we think about the “fashion” that allows astronauts to endure the journey? Modern “Hidden Figure” maven SHARON CAPLES MCDOUGLE, NASA’s first African American woman Space Shuttle Crew Escape Equipment Manager, talks to The Sidebar's SONJA D. GRACY about these specialized pressure suits. The retired spacesuit technician for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shares her exciting life’s work journey and her current exploits as a "Suit Up with Shay" author and speaker who encourages young people to pursue careers in aeronautics. --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org.

Break The Stigma: Mind Your Mental Health

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, The Sidebar's LISA DURDEN had an informative discussion with therapist DR. LASHAWN PAUL (“The Social Work Diva”) and psychiatrist DR. TOLU OLUPONA about mental health in the Black community and addressing the racial and gender disparities in mental health care, access, and treatment. In this episode, Dr. Paul and Dr. Olupona discuss the importance of maintaining good mental health, early intervention, and prevention. They also explore several critical topics, from unpacking the cultural stigma surrounding mental health to finding a culturally competent mental health clinician. --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org.

Real Talk on Menopause and Mental Health with Darlene Thomas

In this episode of The Sidebar, hosted by SHAMEIKA RHYMES, the focus is on women's health, particularly menopause and its impact on women's lives. Guest DARLENE THOMAS, a health and wellness consultant (Maven Clinic, Respin), shares her expertise on menopause, discussing its stages, symptoms, and how it affects women both physically and emotionally. She emphasizes the importance of understanding menopause as a transition rather than a decline, advocating for lifestyle changes, community support, and self-care to manage symptoms. The conversation also notes the challenges women face in balancing careers, caregiving, and personal health, and stress during this stage of life. Darlene encourages women to track their symptoms, seek supportive communities, and focus on one lifestyle change at a time to improve their well-being. --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org.

LIVE: The Layoff Lounge

In this episode of The Sidebar, we revisit February’s Layoff Lounge panel, a timely and candid conversation centered on navigating the realities of today’s shifting media landscape. Moderated by NYABJ Vice President-Print FONDA SANDERS, , the panel brought together TORRENCE S. TRAYNHAM, Founder & CTO of D9 Resume Exchange and KAMIKA DILLARD, Tech Strategist and Founder of Fail Forward Coaching. Together, they offer practical guidance and forward-looking strategies for media professionals facing layoffs or preparing for potential career pivots. As journalism organizations across the country and around the world continue to undergo staff reductions, this discussion serves as both a resource and a rallying point. Panelists share insights on staying competitive in the job market, leveraging networks, reframing career narratives, and building resilience in uncertain times. (Note: This episode was recorded on February 10th, 2026. The intro mistakenly noted that this was recorded in January. An updated version of the episode with a corrected intro will be uploaded.) --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org.