Welcome to Season 2 of Black Girls Can Talk, the podcast where real, unfiltered conversations meet Black women’s empowerment. Hosted by Dr. DaJaneil McCree, founder and author of Black Girls Can Talk, our first episode of the season — “Chapter 2: Cultural Expectations” — dives deep into the unspoken rules, pressures, and double standards placed on Black women in today’s world.

In this episode, Dr. McCree unpacks:

• The weight of cultural and societal expectations on Black women
• The truth behind the “angry Black woman” and “strong Black woman” stereotypes
• How emotional suppression impacts mental health, self-care, and identity
• Setting boundaries and reclaiming your right to rest, healing, and peace
• Why redefining strength, freedom, and resilience is essential for our collective well-being

Dr. McCree also shares powerful reflections from her research in health disparities and intersectionality, reminding us that we are more than what the world expects us to be — we are who we choose to be.

🌿 If you’ve ever felt the pressure to be everything for everyone, this episode is your permission to breathe, reset, and to consider your capacity.

(1:48) - Angry Black Woman Stereotype

(5:17) - The Double Standard

(8:11) - Setting Boundaries

(12:27) - Redefining Strength and Cultural Freedom

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In this empowering episode of the Black Girls Can Talk Podcast, host Dr. DaJaneil McCree sits down with health advocate and community leader Mable Taplin to dive deep into a topic rarely discussed but deeply needed—perimenopause and aging in Black women. From hormonal shifts to reproductive health, this conversation unpacks how to navigate perimenopause with power, purpose, and grace.

Whether you’re a Black woman approaching perimenopause, currently experiencing symptoms, or simply want to prepare for this phase of life, this episode provides insight, support, and encouragement. We talk about faith, wellness, mental health, and self-care—all through the lens of Black women’s empowerment. This conversation is especially for Black women in healthcare, Black women in business, Black women in church leadership, and Black women facing disadvantages in the healthcare system.

Learn how to embrace aging, advocate for your reproductive health, and maintain your voice and identity during life transitions. This is a must-listen for every Black female professional, grad student, entrepreneur, and faith-driven woman who wants to age well and live fully.

(2:18) - Perimenopause

(8:00) - Reproductive Health

(11:06) - Progesterone Steal

(17:16) - Weathering

(19:26) - Lifestyle

(23:40) - Hormonal Disruptors

(42:10) - Sleep

#BlackWomensHealth #PerimenopauseAwareness #BlackGirlsCanTalk #FaithAndWellness #WomensEmpowerment #BlackWomenOver40 #ReproductiveHealth #AgingWell

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On this episode of the Black Girls Can Talk Podcast, host Dr. DaJaneil McCree sits down with media powerhouse Ruztique Kelly to dive deep into the critical importance of diversity in media and marketing. If you're a Black woman in journalism, communications, PR, or business—this episode is for you.

Ruztique shares her insights on breaking barriers as a Black woman in media and how authentic representation shapes narratives in journalism, marketing campaigns, and public relations. From church leadership to corporate boardrooms, Black women are changing the game—and Ruztique is leading the charge.

Whether you're a Black female entrepreneur, a faith-driven leader, or a professional looking to make your voice heard in the communications space, you’ll gain practical advice and real-world inspiration on how to lead with authenticity, create space for others, and demand inclusion where it matters most.

Subscribe now and join the movement to uplift Black women through representation, leadership, and purpose.

#BlackWomenInMedia #DiversityInMarketing #BlackGirlsCanTalk #BlackWomenLeaders #RepresentationMatters

(1:58) - College Experience

(5:36) - Joining a Sorority

(8:24) - Career in Journalism and Copy Writing

(19:02) - Empowering Other Women

(25:16) - Faithfully Flawless

In this inspiring episode of the Black Girls Can Talk Podcast, host Dr. DaJaneil McCree sits down with Breana Ross, a passionate journalist and advocate for authentic Black storytelling, to discuss the power of Black representation in media and children’s literature. This conversation is a must-watch for Black women, Black female professionals, Black authors, and anyone committed to amplifying Black voices in storytelling, journalism, and publishing.

Breana shares her journey in journalism as a Black woman, the challenges of breaking into media spaces that lack diversity, and why representation in children’s books is critical for shaping identity, building confidence, and fostering hope in young Black girls. Whether you're a Black woman in business, a graduate student, an entrepreneur, or someone who simply cares about changing the narrative, this episode will encourage you to speak up, write boldly, and create space for Black girl magic to shine.

We explore how media can heal or harm, how storytelling empowers, and how every story told by a Black woman adds to a richer, more honest world. Don't miss this important discussion on equity, identity, and legacy. Like, share, and subscribe to keep the conversation going around Black women’s empowerment and representation.

(3:51) - Breana's Origin in Journalism

(6:57) - Being a Black Woman in Media

(13:39) - Writing a Children's Book

(18:50) - Founding a Non-Profit

(27:28) - Words of Advice

In this inspiring episode of the Black Girls Can Talk Podcast, we’re unpacking what it truly means to have the audacity to thrive—as a Black woman navigating health, sex, and success on your own terms. From breaking stigmas around sexual health to confronting the challenges of mental wellness, addiction, and HIV, this episode is a bold and necessary conversation for Black women who are reclaiming their power.

Whether you’re a Black woman in a relationship, sexually active and seeking clarity, or single and discovering your truth, this dialogue offers insight, inspiration, and unapologetic honesty. We speak directly to Black women in healthcare, graduate programs, entrepreneurship, and professional leadership who are balancing their ambition with the complexities of being seen, heard, and healed.

We explore the intersections of faith, identity, and resilience, especially for Black women living with HIV and those impacted by systems that were never built with us in mind. If you’ve ever been told to shrink—this episode dares you to grow.

(1:20) - Brenice's Background

(2:42) - Sexual and Reproductive Health

(7:18) - HIV and the Black Community

(10:50) - 4H Stigma

(14:15) - Faith and Healthcare

(19:26) - The Audacity to Thrive

(22:40) - Being an Entrepreneur

(28:32) - Redefining Success

(36:09) - Toxicity

🎧 Subscribe for real, raw conversations that empower Black women to thrive unapologetically. #BlackWomensEmpowerment #SexualHealth #BlackWomenAndHIV #ThrivingAsABlackWoman #FaithAndHealing #BlackGirlsCanTalkPodcast

Heather Williams shares her powerful journey of healing, redemption, and renewed faith.

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This episode of Black Girls Can Talk features Heather Williams, an author who shares an emotional and deeply spiritual testimony that will resonate with women of faith, Christian women, and anyone seeking strength through struggle. Heather opens up about overcoming personal trauma, navigating identity, and finding her way back to God, Jesus, and her true self. This episode dives into real conversations about addiction, faith in God, spiritual transformation, and the unshakeable power of Christian belief in the face of adversity.

Heather's book can be found at her website: https://www.iamheatherwilliams.com

(3:49) - Finding faith

(7:20) - Struggles

(13:33) - Orphan No More

(26:46) - Advice To Other Women

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As the United States federal government is rapidly being reshaped, in this episode of Black Girls Can Talk, we take a look at how terminating NIH grants disproportionately impacts communities.

🔍 In this conversation, we break down:

(1:17) - Breaking the HIV Stigma

(3:59) - Why Does This Matter?

(11:25) - Consequences of Halting Studies

(15:55) - What We Can Do

Whether you're personally impacted or a dedicated advocate, this discussion will empower you to take action and elevate awareness.

🎧 Don’t miss it—your voice matters.

#BlackGirlsCanTalk #NIHFunding #HIVResearch #BlackWomenInSTEM #BlackWomenEmpowerment #HealthEquity #LGBTQSupport #WomenInScience #GovernmentFunding #HIVAwareness #BlackVoicesInScience

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In this powerful episode of the Black Girls Can Talk Podcast, we explore Chapter 1 of the book 'Black Girls Can Talk,' which covers identity. For Black women navigating professional spaces, graduate programs, healthcare, and business, understanding and defining your identity is essential for personal and career growth. This episode delves into how Black women from all walks of life — whether from privileged backgrounds or disadvantaged environments — can take control of their narrative and embrace their true selves. We discuss:

✅ How Black women in search of identity can navigate societal expectations

✅ Strategies to overcome identity crises and find empowerment

✅ The unique challenges faced by Black women in professional settings

✅ Understanding the importance of how you introduce yourself

✅ The importance of self-definition for Black women who want to take charge

Whether you're a Black female professional, entrepreneur, student, or someone looking for community and understanding, this episode will inspire you to own your journey and redefine your narrative.

(1:44) - Understanding Who You Are

(4:03) - How Do You Introduce Yourself?

(9:43) - Identity Activity

(10:07) - Loss of Identity and Self-Acceptance

(13:00) - Privileges and Disadvantages

(17:21) - Taking Charge of Your Identity

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#BlackGirlsCanTalk #BlackWomensEmpowerment #IdentityMatters #SelfDefinition #BlackWomenInBusiness #BlackWomenInHealthcare #BlackWomenInGradSchool #BlackFemaleLeaders #BlackExcellence #empowermentjourney

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