In this powerful episode of the Mirror Mirror series, Dr. Isha Metzger sits down with Amari K. Jones to explore the journey of thriving as a Black student at a predominantly white institution (PWI) and carving out your space beyond the campus walls. They dive deep into navigating identity, overcoming microaggressions, cultivating confidence, and finding your voice in environments that weren’t always designed for you. This conversation is full of insight, reflection, and actionable strategies for Black students, young professionals, and anyone looking to show up as their full, authentic self in spaces where they might feel unseen. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about resilience, empowerment, and stepping fully into your story.

This episode is part three of the Mirror Mirror series—conversations with friends who illuminate my soul! This series is rooted in reflection on how we show up, grow, and build lives that align with our values. We’re unpacking identity, wellness, motherhood, money, and more. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Maryam Jernigan-Noesi, a powerhouse psychologist, educator, and mother. We dive into the unique lens of Black motherhood as a psychological process, what it means to parent with liberation in mind, and how Maryam’s personal and professional worlds inform one another.

Gretchen “Gigi” Fletcher walks us through her leap from executive assistant to retreat producer—sharing how personal growth fuels professional pivots, why retreats catalyze transformation, and the core skills every producer needs.

Dr. Quiana Shamsid-Deen joins host Dr. Isha Metzger to reflect on how Black women can monetize their doctorate.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Keisha White Makinde to discuss the vital topic of caregiving - including what becoming a family (informal) caregiver can look like for Black individuals and why caregiver well being is so important.  If you have questions or want to connect, contact us at theempowerlab@gmail.com.      

In this episode, Dr. Isha Metzger is joined by Heather and Khandis, two psychology graduate students at Georgia State University, to talk about the relevant and important topic of getting involved in your community. Together, they will discuss what community means, where to look for opportunities to get involved in advocacy, and how to transfer and adapt your existing skills and resources to support the causes and communities you care about.   If you have questions or want to connect, contact us at theempowerlab@gmail.com.   How to connect with today's guest: Isha Metzger Instagram: @drishametzger Lab Instagram: EMPOWER Instagram

In this episode, Dr. Metzger is joined by Tnisha Poe, an incredible mom, business owner, and professional, who is raising a resilient black teen. Together, they will dive into the crucial topic of raising resilient children, exploring culturally relevant parenting approaches within African-American communities. If you have questions or want to connect, contact us at theempowerlab@gmail.com.   How to Connect with our Guest today:  Tnisha Poe  Instagram: @TPoe__ Tnisha.poe@gmail.com   EMPOWER Instagram

In this episode, we explore the nuances of reshaping trauma treatment with Dr. Isha Metzger. Discover how Dr. Metzger recognized the potential for a more effective TF-CBT tailored for Black youth and families, emphasizing the impact of racial stressors and trauma; this is a recent episode with the National Children's Alliance, where Dr. Metzger dives deeper into her work.  If you have questions or want to connect, reach out to us at: theempowerlab@gmail.com.     EMPOWER Instagram | | |

In this episode, Dr. Metzger provides valuable insights on racial trauma and racial stress. She is joined by Melanie, a 4th-year Doctoral Student in Clinical Psychology at Wheaton College, for an in-depth interview. The episode explores the motivations behind Dr. Metzger's work, focusing on healing, addressing microaggressions, and offering valuable guidance for clinicians working with clients who have experienced racial stress and trauma. Be sure to stay engaged throughout the entire episode to uncover these invaluable insights and gems.

In this episode, we talk about preparing for graduate school in clinical psychology. We will focus on tips and insights for pursuing your dream clinical psychology Ph.D. program. Ashanti Brown and Dominque Laberrie, graduate students in Clinical Psychology Ph.D. programs, will also give some invaluable insight from their vantage points. Stay tuned through the whole episode! Send questions or reach us at: theempowerlab@gmail.com    EMPOWER Twitter | Dr. Isha Metzger Twitter | EMPOWER Instagram

In this episode, we talk about the work we’re doing in The EMPOWER Lab and on the Racial Trauma Task Force, as well as the benefit of finding happiness along the way. New staff, Ashley and Karissa, also give some expert advice on preparing to go to grad school, so stay tuned through the whole episode!   Episode Guests: Georgia State University Racial Trauma Task Force https://www.drishametzger.com/racial-trauma-task-force    Send questions or reach us at: theempowerlab@gmail.com    EMPOWER Twitter | Dr. Isha Metzger Twitter | EMPOWER Instagram

In this episode, Dr. Metzger is a guest on the National Children's Alliance podcast. She discusses her research on racial socialization and its impact on treatment outcomes for Black children and families in Child Advocacy Centers (CACs). Dr. Metzger also explores the role of celebratory experiences in healing from trauma and emphasizes the importance of racial justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion in mental health disparity.   Send questions or reach us at: theempowerlab@gmail.com    EMPOWER Twitter | Dr. Isha Metzger Twitter | EMPOWER Instagram

In this episode, Dr. Metzger interviews a very special guest: Dr. Christina Alicia Campbell! Christina Campbell is an Associate Professor, Entrepreneur, and author of the ABC’s of Negotiating! We are here today to talk to her about her journey on the other side of academia and how she has managed to maintain success (and a high salary) while carving out the life of her dreams! Send questions or reach us at: theempowerlab@gmail.com   EMPOWER Twitter | Dr. Isha Metzger Twitter | EMPOWER Instagram   Connect with Dr. Christina Alicia Campbell:  Website: https://www.academe180.com/ IG:  https://www.instagram.com/academe180/   Buy the ABC’s of Negotiating on Amazon here    Podcast Mentioned:  Pocketwatching with JT

Join us this week for a special episode in which our very own Dr. Isha Metzger converses with one of the hosts of Around the Way Curls, Shanti.  Together they discuss parenting anxious children and how we can disrupt patterns of anxiety and harm.  Send questions or reach us at: theempowerlab@gmail.com   EMPOWER Twitter | Dr. Isha Metzger Twitter | EMPOWER Instagram

Join us this week with a special episode in which our very own Dr. Isha Metzger discusses the need for and ways to integrate psychology in schools to help combat racial discrimination and trauma for our children.  EMPOWER Twitter | Dr. Isha Metzger Twitter | EMPOWER Instagram

Join us on this special episode as our very own Dr. Isha Metzger joins Eugenia Buie and Jacqueline Stevens, hosts of the White Table Talk, as they discuss trauma exposure, triggers, and forms of treatment to address trauma.  Eugenia Buie | Jacqueline Stevens | EMPOWER Lab Twitter & Instagram | Dr. Isha Metzger

In today's episode, we introduce our new co-hosts, Ashanti J. Brown and Niara J. Carrenard, clinical graduate students of The EMPOWER lab. Our special guest, Lisa Bartolomeo, discusses the need for science communication at the clinical and personal level and shares how she, as a member of Dr. Isha Metzger's Racial Trauma Task Force, utilize social media and other avenues to share science with the public.  The EMPOWER Lab Twitter | Our Doctoral Journey | 10 Tips for Effective Science Communication

Join us in this episode with our Special Guest Dr. Amber Childs, assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine. In this episode, we chat about Dr. Childs academic journey, and how she contributes to increasing DEI in academia. To send in questions for our next episode, email theempowerlab@gmail.com Dr. Amber Childs Twitter | Yale Measurement Based Care Collaborative Twitter | The EMPOWER Lab Twitter & Instagram

Join our special guests Violeta J. Rodriguez (2018-2021 Ford Predoctoral Fellow, 2021 NIH Grantee) and Dominique La Barrie (Goizueta Fellow) as they discuss how to repurpose your past funding applications (e.g., Ford, SREB) for future submissions, and how to cope with rejection. This conversation is especially geared toward students from historically marginalized backgrounds and first-generation students, but all students (including incoming graduate students or applicants) are sure to benefit from this discussion. The contents of the workshop are based on funding workshops originally developed by soon-to-be Dr. Kharine Jean and Dr. Shantesica Mearshe Gilliam, SREB Fellows at the University of Georgia. Violeta J. Rodriguez | Dominique L. La Barrie | The EMPOWER Lab Social

In this episode, we interview two very special guests: Drs. Jasmine Abrams & Natalie Watson-Singleton! They have overlapping research interests in SBW… Nuances between being strong and productive, and being soft and getting rest… what does their research say? How does it play out in their lives? What about clinical practice or experience with their own personal therapists? We’ll get advice from these amazing scholars, activists, entrepreneurs that will inspire students, budding business owners, researchers and clinicians, and other SBW everywhere! Check out Drs. Jasmine Abrams and Natalie Watson-Singletons social media below! Dr. Jasmine Abrams LinkTree & Twitter Dr. Natalie Watson-Singleton Twitter EMPOWER Twitter & Instagram