
Too often, Black people are forced to hold their breath, bracing for the next microaggression, the next demand, the next wave of exhaustion. But we were never meant to live in survival mode, so what if we were to step out of survival mode and start breathing with intention?
In this deeply affirming and practical episode Lisa is joined by Zhalisa "Zee" Clarke, breathwork expert and author of Black People Breathe, whose groundbreaking work centers the healing power of the breath for Black folks navigating everyday racism, overwhelm, and exhaustion.
In “Reclaiming Our Breath: Moving from Survival Mode to Serenity,” Zee shares her powerful journey from corporate burnout to embodied liberation, and invites us to reclaim our right to rest, centeredness, and serenity. Whether you're new to breathwork or a longtime practitioner, this conversation offers a space to pause, reset, and return to yourself.
In this episode, you will learn:
💨 How breathwork can help Black people heal from the trauma of racism and systemic stress
💨 Practical techniques to move from fight-or-flight to calm and grounded
💨 Why your nervous system needs rest—not just sleep
💨 How to breathe through microaggressions, overwhelm, and uncertainty in real time
💨 The importance of reclaiming joy, ease, and bodily autonomy—one breath at a time
This episode is your reminder that you deserve the healing that comes from bonding with your breath. No more waiting: it is time to exhale.
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CREDITS:
👸🏽Guest: Zee Clarke, Breathwork and resilience expert and the author of Black People Breathe
👸🏽Host & Executive Producer: Lisa Hurley, Author, Space To Exhale and Founder, The Great Exhale
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SHOW NOTES
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST:
🔗 Connect with Zee on:
Learn more:
Resources:
Learn more about the Rejuvenation Retreat for Women of Color, held in Barbados
Explore Zee’s programs: Breathwork@Work™, Women@Work, and Black@Work™
CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST:
🔗 Connect with Lisa on
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Rate & Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Loved the episode? Rate it and write a review! 😊🙏🏾
GET SPACE TO EXHALE:
📚Get your copy of Space To Exhale: A Handbook for Curating a Soft, Centered, Serene Life
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Already read it? Leave a review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Goodreads. (Or all three! 😊)
ABOUT SPACE TO EXHALE:
It is time to exhale: to say no to hustle culture, and yes to a life of ease. In Space To Exhale, Lisa Hurley, Anthem Award-winning activist, founder of The Great Exhale, and leader in the rest movement for Black women, provides you with an uplifting and practical guide to help you beat burnout, embrace rest, and live a soft life.
As a soft Black woman, and an advocate of rest for Black women, Lisa supports readers via modalities like affirmations, meditations, and breathwork, as well as her powerful Exhalation Point framework. This inspiring self-help book guides you on a life-changing journey to:
Know Yourself: Remember who you are, align with your values, and celebrate your strengths.
Love Yourself: Practice positive self-talk, select your close circle, and prioritize rest.
Be Yourself: Show up authentically, protect your energy, and live a soft, centered, serene life.
Ready to exhale? Get your copy today. Published by Wiley, Space To Exhale is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and wherever books are sold.
Need several copies for your book club, event, retreat, or ERG? Visit our bulk orders partner Porchlight Books.