Soft is the New Rich; Choosing Ease Over Exhaustion

In this soul-centered solo episode, Kelley Bonner returns to the mic with a personal and powerful reflection on the radical value of softness. She shares why she's shifting the podcast to a weekly cadence and how this decision reflects a deeper commitment to her values of rest, sustainability, and truth. As we move through seasons of blooming and expansion, Kelley invites you to reject hustle culture and embrace a new form of wealth—ease, softness, and alignment. Because softness isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. And it might just be the richest thing you own.What You’ll Learn:Why “soft is the new rich” is more than a mantra—it’s a movementHow Kelley is aligning her life and work with values of sustainabilityThe role of nervous system regulation in Black women’s wellnessWhy expansion often means doing less, not moreA call to embrace your voice and show up unapologeticallyKey Takeaways & Timestamps:[00:01:00] – Softness Is the Currency of the FutureKelley introduces the theme of the episode—why softness is the “new rich”—and how it connects to nervous system regulation, healing, and sustainability for Black women.[00:11:00] – Softness Cannot Be Bought She unpacks how the aesthetics of success—money, body goals, relationships—are not what create real softness. Instead, she encourages listeners to reject performative growth and anchor into internal healing.[00:13:00] – The True Definition of Wealth Kelley redefines richness as being able to sit in your home and feel peace. She encourages listeners to set boundaries, name their preferences, and hold space for emotional safety.[00:24:45] – Three Ways to Build a Soft Life She shares three actionable tips:Romance the ordinaryProtect your peaceWalk your talk—live soft without performative pressure[00:35:00] – Reclaim Rest as Pleasure & Presence Kelley wraps with a powerful call to reject exhaustion and show up in softness—even if imperfectly. She names softness as sustainability, not weakness.Support the Show:If this podcast speaks to you, consider sharing it with a friend, leaving a 5-star review, or shouting us out on social media. Help amplify the message that Black women deserve softness, rest, and radical joy.Softness is your inheritance. Rest is your rebellion. And joy? That’s your revolution.DM us on Instagram and let us know—what are you choosing to take off your plate this season?CHECK OUT OUR PARTNERS:Happy Mammoth and use my code BGB for a great deal: www.happymammoth.comRevolve and use code BGB for a great deal: https://www.revolve.com/bgb💬 STAY IN TOUCHIf you’re looking for more ways to connect with the Black Girl Burnout community, we’ve got you covered:Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @blackgirlburnout — Each platform offers something different, so come vibe with us where it feels right for you.Join our Substack family! Think of it as a modern-day online magazine (Tumblr-coded for the millennial hearts). We share weekly reflections, tips, tools, and deeper insights into each podcast episode—plus personal notes from Kelley’s life.Become a paid Substack subscriber for just $8/month (about the cost of a fancy latte) and access exclusive content like digital tools, apps, and free resources that are valued far beyond that.Work with Kelley directly:Book a 90-minute Clarity Catalyst Coaching Session — a deep-dive roadmap session to bring clarity and strategy to your next life move (not therapy, just powerful support).If you’re in New York State, Kelley is also accepting short-term therapy clients with select insurance and private pay options. Sessions are designed to be focused and transformational within 90 days. Join the waitlist now.Our Sponsors:* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code BGB for a great deal: https://happymammoth.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy