What happens when state law overrides death itself?In this short episode, I examine the heartbreaking case of Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old pregnant nurse declared brain-dead in Georgia—yet kept on life support against her family’s wishes. Why? Because of Georgia’s strict 2019 “heartbeat law,” which grants legal rights to a fetus once cardiac activity is detected.➡️ Adriana was just 9 weeks pregnant when she suffered fatal complications. Now, her family is grieving, raising her son, drowning in medical bills—and legally powerless to say goodbye.I explore:Georgia's abortion law and its real-life implicationsThe medical definition of brain death vs. legal obligationsThe ethical nightmare faced by doctors and familiesSystemic racial disparities in maternal healthcareBroader questions about bodily autonomy—even after death🔗 Resources Center for Reproductive Rights: https://reproductiverights.org/ACLU of Georgia: https://www.acluga.org/Local mutual aid funds supporting families in crisis📢 If this story moves you, share it, comment your thoughts, discuss it those around you, and putting contingencies in place, so it does not happen to you. These aren't just laws—they’re lived realities.#AdrianaSmith #ReproductiveRights #AbortionLaw #BrainDeath #HeartbeatBill #MedicalEthics #GeorgiaLaw #WomensRights #Podcast #truestory
Michelle Benjamin is a wife and mother of two, born and raised in Miami, Florida, and currently residing in Atlanta, GA. With over seven years of experience in influencer marketing, she is dedicated to advocating for creators of color and is passionate about elevating diverse voices in the beauty industry. In her free time, she enjoys dabbling in fashion and style. Michelle Benjamin has been a blogger and content creator since 2010.
In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Benjamin — talent manager at Agency Cliquish, longtime content creator, and passionate advocate for Black and Brown creators in the beauty space. Michelle shares how her journey through pregnancy and postpartum shaped her perspective on identity, style, and the importance of representation — both online and off. We dive into how she balances motherhood with a demanding career in influencer marketing, what it really takes to pour into yourself while supporting others, and the lessons she’s learned navigating both worlds with authenticity and grace.
Website: modernlymichelle.com
Instagram: @modernlymichelle
Youtube: @modernlymichelle
Dr. Joselyn Rodriguez is a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist who specializes in a full-body approach to pelvic floor care. Dr. Rodriguez is trained in dry needling and is a certified pregnancy and postpartum exercise specialist. Dr. Rodriguez is also the owner of Jae Physical Therapy.In this episode, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about strengthening and protecting your pelvic floor—before, during, and after pregnancy..Be sure to share with new mom, seasoned mom, mom-to-be, or anyone who will benefit from this conversation.....If anything she shares resonates with you, be sure to follow her and stay connected with all the incredible work she’s doing.Follow her: @thepelvictrainer | @jaepelvicptSubscribe on YouTube: @thepelvictrainerVisit: www.jaept.com
Why This Podcast Exists — And Why It Matters
We’re finally here, episode 1! I’m seriously so pumped that you’re tuning in, and let’s be real — I’m also a little bit nervous because, well… this is something I’ve been thinking about doing for so long. But I knew it was time to take that leap of faith, and here we are. If this is the first time hearing from me, my name is Akira, I am Christian, Haitian-American, Public Health Professional, Health Equity Advocate, and a Certified Doula.
In today’s episode and in honor of Black Maternal Mortality week which happens from April 11-17th, I’ll be sharing a few statistics about Black Maternal Mortality that everyone should be aware and/ or about is this According to the CDC, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention,
More than 80 percent of pregnancy related deaths are PREVENTABLE.
Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women in the United states and six times more likely in the UK.
Maternal mortality rate in 2019 was 20.1 and, in 2020, was 23.8 per 100,000 births which represents about 861 maternal deaths. For Black women, that rate is about 55.3 per 100,000 live births, representing an estimated 1800 maternal deaths, the highest amongst any racial group; this is a number that has continued to increase over the past few years [3,4].
As a general consensus, I really wish someone had told me before I step into this motherhood journey. As certified Doula and a lover of all things Maternal and child health, the majority of the things I hear always start with the phrase, “No one told me about “X” or I wish I knew about “Y” And even though I’m not a mom yet, this podcast will also serve as a love letter to myself when it is time for me to become a mother, helping me to prepare for that journey someday. Trust me, there’s a lot I didn’t expect, and we’re going to talk about it all. So, stick around — we’re about to spill the tea on the things nobody warns you about, but we’re going to learn and grow together.
And here’s the best part — my voice won’t be the only one you’ll be hearing from. You’ll also hear from a ton of professionals and experts in their fields who will shed light on things you may or may not already know. We’ll be chatting with OB/GYNs, midwives, lactation specialists, pelvic floor therapists, perinatal and postpartum mental health therapists, nurses, nurse practitioners — you name it! And most importantly, we’ll be hearing from moms just like you, sharing their firsthand experiences of what they’re going through.
So, stick around, because we’re about to spill the tea on the things nobody warns you about, and we’re going to learn, grow, and support each other along the way. Let’s get into it!
Hi and welcome to The Real Tea on P & P—your go-to podcast for all things pregnancy and postpartum! I’m your host, Akira Byas, and I’m so excited you’re here.
Whether you’re a new mom, a seasoned mama, or someone supporting one, this podcast is for you. We’re diving into the raw, unfiltered truth—covering the joys, struggles, surprises, and the things no one talks about enough.
I’m here to advocate, raise awareness, and create a space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered. So, grab your tea (or coffee), get comfy, and let’s get real about motherhood!
