This podcast I explore my struggles with vulnerability and why this is a difficult terrain for black women to explore.

In the sacred tapestry of life, there are moments when the Feminine calls us to awaken, transcend the limitations of who we once were, and step into the radiant truth of who we are meant to be. Using the Goddess Inanna as a guide, in this podcast, I explore how the New Moon in Punarvasu Nakshatra/Cancer is a celebration of rebirth for those who completed an intensive transformation. More specifically, I share my own experience in the underworld and how this transformation provided an opportunity for me to address and embrace my shadow aspects.

In the sacred tapestry of life, there are moments that the Feminine calls us to awaken, to transcend the limitations of who we once were and step into the radiant truth of who we are meant to be. Using the Goddess Inanna as a guide, in this podcast, I explore how the New Moon in Punarvasu Nakshatra/Cancer is a celebration of rebirth for those who completed an intensive transformation.

Rise Beautiful Souls! 

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and if Andy Williams's voice is playing in your mind, I"m not talking about Christmas. I am referring to Scorpio Season. In this podcast I explore four major themes emerging this Scorpio Season: 

1. Power to Transformation 
2. Reciprocity 
3. Embracing Authenticity 
4. Protecting your space and energy. 

I am providing a Taurus Full Moon Ritual for listeners that subscribe to my website (www.risebeautifulsoul.com). After you subscribe, I will email you a private password to view the video. 

So remember to share this podcast if you like this content, and I appreciate your support. 

Rise Beautiful Souls, and welcome to Scorpio Season!!!!!!!!! We stay on the front line... So, Scorpio Season is one of my favorite times of the year; as we are being allowed to transform and heal to self-actualize into the soul we are destined to embody. I had the opportunity to view Tamar Braxton's documentary, Get Ya Life, and there were so many lessons I gleaned from this soul. In this podcast review, let's explore the Lover Psychic function through the eyes of Tamar Braxton. This documentary is also a great example of how we experience a second chance to regenerate or renew ourselves- a gift from Scorpio-and instead of focusing on the opportunity, we self-sabotage. In this review, I explore my own experience with self-sabotage and the reasons why we self-sabotage. So, pour a glass of wine, brew some jasmine tea or coffee, and let's connect with our soul.

Rise, Beautiful Souls! 

Toni is depressed about her breakup. While the girls attempt to lift Toni's spirits, Joan reveals she is the catalyst behind Toni's current mood. 

Yvonne refuses to oblige William's ultimatum, so she books a trip to Jamaica to relax and prepare for the next chapter without William. Of course, William senses the emotional distance and asks Lynn to travel to Jamaica to spy on Yvonne. Of course, Lynn says no, but  Joan uses this as an opportunity to take Toni on vacation. The girls arrive, and Toni moves past her depression into another situation, leading to this climax season. 

Will Toni and Joan survive this betrayal? 

Thanks, Beautiful Souls, for joining us for this ride of Girlfriends. 

So this week, Margaret and I take a moment and pause to continue our exploration of Beyonce's new album: Black is King. Granted, Margaret and I are not cultural critics, but we are viewers and listeners who enjoy exploring the nuances of life.

So in the Part I review, we examined Beyonce's discography, the role and responsibility of Beyonce as an artist, the cinematography of the film, and addressing the role of colonialism in demonizing African culture, values, and religion.

In Part II, we began by exploring the African Aesthetic, using the body as art, colonial influence on aesthetical elements, colorism;  female and male relationships, and female sexuality.

RBS Black is King Part I

So this week, Margaret and I take a moment and pause to explore Beyonce's new album: Black is King. Granted, Margaret and I are not cultural critics, but we are viewers and listeners who enjoy exploring the nuances of life.

So in the Part I review, we examine Beyonce's discography and its representation of the evolution of an artist; while providing a point of reference of how she as an artist moves from bootylicious to spirituality?

Our discussion moves us into the role and responsibility of Beyonce as an artist. Paying homage to the cinematography of the film implores us to address our ancestry, the challenging relationships between Africans and African Americans, and the role of colonialism in demonizing African culture, values, and religion.

Finally, we conclude by exploring the demonization of African culture and the power of iconography in reiterating power, cultural norms, and beliefs, and relationship to the Divine.

Thanks for joining us, and in Part II, we will explore the African Aesthetic and Art, Fashion, Classism, Colorism, and Relationships.

Any relationship book worth it's salt will recommend the necessity of writing a list of your ideal mate and partner. So, in this episode, S1E12 The List, Joan follows in tandem and drafts a list of her perfect mate, and as luck would have it, she meets him at a gallery opening. We learn once Joan sets her eyes on a target, she is a force to be reckoned with, so move out the way. Although Joan finds her ideal mate, he never calls, and when Lynn reveals his lack of communication, Joan faces an uncomfortable aspect of herself. Toni runs into a ghost from her past, and William sees crazy internet Yvonne again.

This episode, Margaret and I explore the idea of a list and its advantages and disadvantages, attacking friends when they express their truth and gender expectations and roles in courtship.

So good old Frank! 

What happens when the man you're feeling and visualizing a future with is married? 

So in this episode (S1E11) our girl, Joan finds herself with the perfect match, Frank. However, Frank isn't being completely honest, and when Frank's wife appears at Joan's office and home, unannounced and uninvited, we definitely have a problem. In this episode, Margaret and I explore the importance of boundaries, women who date married men, and why women protect men who are cheaters. 

So join us for this podcast and let us know your thoughts.

Never a Bridesmaid (S1E10)!

The wedding day, it's the day every girl dreams of... right? 

Well, some ladies. like our friend, Joan, are anxiously awaiting this special day. Joan has been a bridesmaid over thirteen times, and Maya has requested her presence as she and Darnell renew their vows. Joan has graciously given her abode as the location for the nuptials, but not without Joan playing the wedding coordinator. What started as a vow renewal, quickly becomes Joan's ideal wedding, challenging Maya and Joan's friendship. This episode dives into power dynamics between friends, wealth disparity, and how cultural practices inherent to the African American culture are designed to exhibit our resilience and strengthen our sense of self.  

So you know there's nothing like being home for the holidays! 

But what if home means something different to you? Well in this episode (S1E9) Joan decides to host Thanksgiving for her friends but they bail on her. Fearless Joan decides to dine, alone, at Davis's restaurant for the holidays and she meets her crush, rising star, and attorney, Preston. Joan agrees to prepare him a home cook meal, but not without some issues arising. 

In this review, Margaret and I delve into what holidays are like for single women, empty nesters, or single parents. We also explore how we as women can become so smitten with a man, that we forget to see the beautiful light we are. 

What happens with the unexpected occurs, and changes your life direction? Well, this is one of many questions we explore in today's episode, Pregnancy Pause (S1E8). As a woman, maybe you've experienced a moment when an unplanned pregnancy arose. This issue can be especially troubling when a pregnancy emerges outside of the social construct of marriage, the relationship with the father is nonexistent, or maybe you, as a woman, aren't ready for this responsibility. Joan faces this dilemma, but thankfully she does not face it alone. This episode also addresses identity development as Lynn struggles with integrating the black and white aspects of her identity. Lynn's issue with her racial identity challenges us to ask why does she have to choose a side, and how do we define blackness? Soul Rise questions we explore this episode? For the listeners who are mothers, what did you sacrifice to become a mother? Does sacrifice lead to bitterness? Who are the masculine figures in your life who feel responsible for you and believe it is their duty to protect you? How are we integrating the new identities emerging within us? What new responsibilities are emerging as opportunities for you to grow?

In S1E7 we learn, Everything Fishy Aint' Fishy! But sometimes it is!  

In today's episode, Margaret and I discuss Toni's new opportunity and relationship with a politician. He isn't the next Barack Obama, maybe more like Andrew Cuomo. Toni has to gather the courage to have a conversation about her hair, which may be a sensitive or awkward topic often arising between black women and non-black men. Meanwhile, Joan returns from a business trip and sees Darnell feeding a woman strawberries, only this woman isn’t his wife, Maya. Joan struggles with sharing this information with Maya, and when she does well chaos ensues. Have you ever caught your friend's man/husband/partner engaged in suspicious behavior? How did you handle it? 

In S1E6, William spooks Joan with a bad Halloween prank, and you know Joan has to return the favor. In this episode, we explore the dynamics between Joan and Darnell and William and Darnell, and how the talented tenth can be dismissive of the working-class African Americans' experiences. This episode explores racial profiling, and Margaret and I ask how can parents broach the subject of racism without creating an inferiority complex. 

On a lighter note, have you ever had a threesome? Okay, did you board the Plush Love train? Well, if you don't know about Plush Love, Toni introduces us to this fetish and how cuddly toys can bring everyone together. 

I Pity the Fool! 

Hmmmm.....how do we grow to love someone who treats us with respect? Well, this is the question Margaret and I explore in this week's review of Girlfriends S1E5. Joan is still begrudgingly dating big hip, Marcus. As Atlantic Starr stated if your heart isn't in why can't you tell me so? So, Joan calls in her besties to initiate the dismantling of this tragic situation-ship! Lynn challenges the notion of CP time, Maya has a business opportunity that is sure to bring a return before you get that stimulus check or PPP loan, and well Toni, well Toni is acting as always in Toni's best interest. 

Grab a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, or a cup of ginger tea if you're still building your Rona immune defenses, and join us as we explore the complexities of our inner selves through the lens of Girlfriends. 

This week, Margaret and I return to discuss Girlfriends Season 1, Episode 4: Hip-o-cracy! 

Joan takes a risk with internet dating and finds the perfect partner until, well, she snoops and finds something she wasn't expecting.  Toni hits the jackpot with a billionaire until they meet, and her internalized racism emerges. This episode brings forth a sensitive topic of colorism and we share personal experiences with this phenomenon. Margaret and I conclude with the question, how has colorism emerged in your life and has internalized racism impacted your partner selection or preference? 

It's about to be a girl fight!

So, in this series, my cohost, Margaret and I explore the S1E3 episode, Girlfrenzy. As Kanye stated, it was all good just a week ago, and well today, it's not. In this episode, we explore Girl fights, nonblack people's perceptions of black people, and the concept and necessity of self-preservation. We also explore power dynamics in friendships and how we as women assess another woman's value. Of course, we close with some great soul rise questions. So let's start with this question: How have your friends reacted when you established a boundary? 

Podcast episode notes: https://www.risebeautifulsoul.com/post/girlfriends-s1e3-girlfrenzy-power-and-boundaries

So, you know I love the adage, hindsight is 20/20, and as I pause to reflect on the last 20 years of my life, I'm glad I can engage in this reflection through the lens of the hit UPN television show, Girlfriends, created by Mara Brock Akil. In this series, one of my besties, Margaret, joins me as we delve into the characters' encountering issues profoundly resonating with the experiences of African American women.  Additionally, we explore how each character represents a psychic function of the feminine existing within every woman. So, brew you a cup of Ginger tea or pour you a glass of wine, and join us for some character analysis, exploration of personal blunders, and honest dialogue between two girlfriends who are evolving and committed to self-healing.