In the powerful finale of Self-Care School, Morgan opens with a meditation inspired by Claudette Colvin—evoking the bravery and grace of a girl who sat down so generations could rise. Vanessa then leads us in a jubilant lesson on celebration, teaching us how to honor ourselves and the communities that sustain us. Our favorite homegirls, Nyra, Renate, Yolanda, Sandria, and Trelani, join for a chorus of wisdom, gratitude, and laughter. And we lift the curtain to shine light on Tyreen and Jana of the GirlTrek team—the women who made this season possible with care, creativity, and hustle. This episode is a love letter, a reunion, and a reminder: we heal together.
Media Featured:
Lucille Clifton
End of the Road
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDKO6XYXioc&pp=ygUPZW5kIG9mIHRoZSByb2Fk
In this episode, Morgan opens with a foremother meditation honoring the legacy of 1936 Olympic track and field star Tidye Pickett, a trailblazer whose story deserves to be told. Vanessa and Morgan then have a powerful intergenerational dialogue with next-gen Nyra. Vanessa leads a transformative lesson on how to share power and build community across generations, offering insights on fostering meaningful connections with younger changemakers. And, of course, Nyra brings trekker testimonies that breathe even more life into the conversation. This episode invites us all to step into deeper solidarity across generations.
We continue, Next Gen Week, with Vanessa guiding trekkers through a powerful foremother meditation inspired by the wisdom and resilience of Afeni Shakur—activist, mother, and visionary. Through this reflection, we honor the strength of those who came before us and ground ourselves in their lessons. Then, Morgan leads an illuminating exercise on value-based decision-making, helping us navigate two of life’s biggest choices—career paths and life partnerships. How do we define what truly matters to us? And how can we align those values with the futures we build? This episode is a call to clarity, care, and conscious selection.
Media Featured:
Cree Summer and Shan Boodram
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jES2iT2l4o&t=3109s
GloRilla interview on Angie Martinez
https://youtu.be/AAJ8E3e5zQ4?si=vIytpwzBOZmtldgm
Morgan opens this episode with a heartfelt tribute to Ruby Bridges, honoring her courage and legacy as a trailblazer in the fight for educational equity. Vanessa then leads a thoughtful lesson on the power of mentorship—how to step into the role of a guide while maintaining healthy boundaries that sustain both mentor and mentee. Whether you're looking to uplift others or seeking guidance yourself, this episode offers wisdom on building meaningful, balanced relationships in mentorship.
Vanessa opens this episode with a powerful dedication to the sisters in the movement—those working tirelessly to improve the lives of Black women. Morgan then leads a transformative lesson on self-esteem, offering practical guidance on how to nurture confidence and attract the community that uplifts and sustains you. Finally, Renate returns with insights and well-deserved shoutouts to Black women and girls making phenomenal contributions to the world. This episode is a celebration of strength, connection, and the brilliance of Black womanhood.
Vanessa opens Foremother Friday with a grounding poem, setting the tone for a powerful reflection on family, legacy, and care. Trelani joins to share wisdom from our ancestral guiding light, Sojourner Truth, weaving her lessons into parenting insights that transcend generations. Morgan offers heartfelt advice on parenting, and trekkers add their voices, sharing thoughts, wisdom, and lived experiences on mothering, parenting, and caretaking. This episode features an empowering original song by Judylne, a heartfelt ode to self-love. As we wrap up week nine, we celebrate the ways we nurture, protect, and uplift one another. Be sure to claim your Sojourner Truth badge!
Morgan opens this Talk Back Thursday with a meditation honoring the legendary Josephine Baker—entertainer, activist, spy, and mother—whose life embodied radical care. Then, Vanessa leads a lesson on end-of-life planning, offering guidance on navigating difficult conversations with compassion and intention. Nyra returns to uplift trekker testimonies, sharing wisdom and advice from the GirlTrek community. This episode is a call to prepare, to honor, and to hold space for life and death.
Morgan and Vanessa are not estate planners or legal experts, Please consult legal counsel for guidance tailored to your end-of-life-care needs.
Vanessa opens this episode with a foremother meditation honoring the wisdom of healer and legendary midwife Margaret Charles Smith. Then, a familiar voice returns—but in a new role. Our homegirl Sandria Washington joins, but this time she is being interviewed by Morgan.
Together, they explore the journey of adoption and the vital role of kinship care, continuing the podcast’s commitment to radical care. This episode offers insight, reflection, and guidance for trekkers navigating the complexities of family, legacy, and community-rooted healing.
On this week's Teach-in Tuesday, Morgan opens with a grounding meditation, drawing inspiration from the wisdom and resilience of Biddy Mason—an iconic 19th-century nurse, entrepreneur, and foremother of community care. Then, Vanessa guides a powerful and healing teach-in for caretakers, exploring the journey of releasing guilt and embracing the strength to ask for and receive support. A transformative episode for all who give so much to others!
In this heartfelt kickoff to Radical Care Week, Vanessa leads a powerful meditation dedicated to the women who have shaped our lives—our aunties, grandmothers, foremothers, daughters, and all those who have given care through their love and advocacy. Morgan then takes us deeper into the essential knowledge of the Patients' Bill of Rights, equipping us with the tools to advocate for loved ones navigating the hospital system or engaging with medical professionals.
Finally, our homegirl, Renate, returns for Master Class Monday to guide trekkers in the art of showing up and caring—for ourselves and for each other.
Important Disclaimer: Morgan and Vanessa are not medical experts or hospital workers. Please consult your doctor for medical advice. We also encourage reviewing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) for important protections and guidelines.
In this powerful closing to Safety Week, Morgan guides listeners through a meditation inspired by the fearless journalist and activist Ida B. Wells, offering reflection and resilience in the face of injustice. Vanessa then leads with a heartfelt prayer led by Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts before diving into an essential lesson on supporting individuals returning home from incarceration and the process of expunging a criminal record. Finally, Trelani returns with ancestral wisdom, channeling the profound insights of literary legend Zora Neale Hurston. Join us for an episode steeped in history, healing, and heart.
Important Disclaimers:
Morgan and Vanessa are not legal experts or government workers. Consult your legal counsel, and/or government worker for guidance tailored to your needs.
Morgan begins Week Eight, Day Four, with a foremother meditation honoring Susie King Taylor, a trailblazer in education and activism. Vanessa then teaches two life-saving skills—how to engage in restorative justice and how to take personal accountability—offering listeners actionable steps toward healing and justice. Finally, Sandria returns with an insightful interview featuring Dr. Jay, the founder of Purple Path and a leading expert in restorative justice.
Dedicated to repair and community care, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking meaningful ways to build stronger, more compassionate communities.
In this powerful episode, Vanessa begins with a grounding meditation inspired by the revolutionary activist Assata Shakur. Morgan then leads an essential discussion on gun ownership, safety, and self-defense, offering insights for those navigating these topics. Finally, Yolanda returns to share how GirlTrek has profoundly shaped her journey, bringing inspiration and reflection to the conversation.
Important Disclaimer: Vanessa and Morgan are not gun experts. Please consult a certified gun safety instructor for guidance, and consider enrolling in self-defense classes to further empower yourself.
Morgan and Vanessa continue Safety Week with a powerful meditation on Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Vanessa then leads a heartfelt conversation on protecting your peace—offering wisdom on self-care, financial boundaries, and the strength needed to support loved ones behind bars.
Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions on policing, incarceration, and the lasting trauma that can result from these experiences.
Morgan and Vanessa kick off Week 8 with a powerful blend of healing and awareness. Vanessa begins with a healing meditation, encouraging trekkers to pause, breathe, and embrace stillness. Morgan then shifts the conversation to the critical topic of safety and decarceration, offering listeners insight into creating secure spaces in their lives and navigating threats with informed strategies and collective care.
Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions on police brutality, gun violence, and policing and the criminal legal system.
Important Disclaimers:
Morgan and Vanessa are not legal experts or government workers. Consult your legal counsel, and/or government worker for guidance tailored to your needs.
In this powerful Foremother Friday episode, Vanessa sets the tone with a reflective porch meditation inspired by the wisdom and resilience of Ella Baker. Morgan then takes listeners on a journey of empowerment, teaching how to call on the names of our foremothers in times of struggle and offering a practical 101 guide on running for office. Our homegirl, Trelani returns to share ancestral wisdom. As we close the week on a high note, trekkers earn their Ella Baker badge, marking their steps forward in honoring history and shaping the future. This episode is a celebration of legacy, leadership, and the transformative power of knowing our history.
In this transformative episode, Morgan begins with a gratitude meditation honoring the strength and faith of praying women. Vanessa then guides listeners through a self-care audit, helping trekkers assess their well-being with honesty and compassion. Finally, the conversation shifts to accessing vital benefits and resources that often go overlooked. From public assistance to family support programs, this episode breaks down the complexities of navigating these systems while challenging the shame that sometimes accompanies seeking help. It's an empowering discussion designed to uplift, inform, and resist shame.
Important Disclaimers: Morgan and Vanessa are not legal or financial experts or government workers. Consult your legal counsel, financial advisors, and/or government worker for guidance tailored to your needs.
Vanessa begins Week Seven, Day Three, with a guided meditation dedicated to the legendary Jamaican warrior Queen Nanny of the Maroons, an emblem of resistance and strength. Then, Morgan takes the lead with a practical lesson on civic engagement—learn how to effectively call your congressperson and take steps to organize and unionize within your community. And for this Workshop Wednesday, Yolanda returns with a real-world example of how to confidently reach out to your representatives. Get ready to embrace the spirit of activism and empowerment.
Power Week begins with Morgan leading a foremother meditation, honoring the legacy of abolitionist Sojourner Truth. Our homegirl Sandria then takes the reins for Teach-in Tuesday with a powerful interview featuring Kimberely Harris, a dedicated political worker from Chicago.
Vanessa follows with two essential life-saving skills: identifying personal political values and engaging in local civic action. Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom, strategy, and empowerment!
Vanessa opens the week with a powerful foremother meditation, paying tribute to civil rights icon Myrlie Evers-Williams. Morgan then takes us through a vital lesson on the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the inner workings of government, breaking down essential knowledge for informed civic engagement. Then, for Master Class Monday, our homegirl, Renate, returns to shed light on the urgent issue of Black women's underrepresentation in political leadership and its direct impact on Black women's health. She challenges listeners to step into their power and take meaningful steps toward engaging with local politics. This episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and action—you won’t want to miss it!
