In this episode of the Black. Girl. Iowa. podcast, host Emili shares a personal check-in, discussing her recent life transitions, including a job change, returning to therapy, and completing her graduate program. She emphasizes the importance of mental health and self-care, particularly in light of the challenging social and political climate.

Emili also introduces her upcoming reading challenge for 2025, aimed at promoting diverse authors, and expresses her commitment to creating more content that empowers and advocates for Black women.

Want More Black. Girl. Iowa.?

BlackGirlIowa MERCH is NOW AVAILABLE!

Etsy Shop - BlackGirlIowaShop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackGirlIowaShop?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

Website: www.blackgirliowa.com

TikTok: @blackgirliowa

Instagram: @blackgirliowa

Blog Post: 2025 Black. Girl. Iowa. Reading Challenge

Dr. Jasmine Ross is a licensed psychologist, and owner of Essence Psychological Health Services in Houston, Texas. In this episode, she shares her experience growing up in the Bronx and the unique aspects of being a New Yorker. She discusses the impact of her annual visits from her cousins in Iowa and how it challenged her to think about life outside of New York.

Dr. Ross also talks about her journey into psychology and her passion for understanding why people do the things they do. Additionally, she shares how her personal experiences have shaped her professional work and ability to connect with her clients. In this dynamic conversation, she also encourages individuals starting their mental health journey to envision the version of themselves they want to be and to seek out therapists and resources that align with their goals.

Where to find Dr. Jasmine Ross

Website: https://www.drjasmineross.com or epsychhealth.com

Facebook: Jasmine Ross

Instagram: @dr.jasmineross

TikTok: @dr.jasmineross

Resources to find a Mental Health Professional

Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us

Therapy for Black Girls: https://therapyforblackgirls.com

National Latinx Psychological Association: https://www.nlpa.ws

Want More Black. Girl. Iowa.?

BlackGirlIowa MERCH is NOW AVAILABLE!

Etsy Shop - BlackGirlIowaShop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackGirlIowaShop?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

Website: www.blackgirliowa.com

TikTok: @blackgirliowa

Instagram: @black.girl.iowa

In this conversation, Councilwoman Renee Hardman discusses her journey to Iowa and her involvement in the community. She emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and the need for representation in politics. Hardman also shares her passion for serving marginalized communities and highlights the work she does as the CEO of Lutheran Services of Iowa.

Learn More about LSI - www.lsiiowa.org

Want More Black. Girl. Iowa.?

Website: www.blackgirliowa.com

Instagram: @black.girl.iowa

FAVORITE Etsy Shop - BlackGirlIowaShop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackGirlIowaShop?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

***The shop will reopen for pre-orders in November! Stay turned for more details!

In this episode of the podcast, Emili discusses the significance of journaling in her life, emphasizing its therapeutic benefits and the importance of self-reflection. She shares personal anecdotes about her journaling journey, the tools she uses, and practical tips for those looking to start journaling. She encourages listeners to find their unique style and make journaling a part of their daily routine, highlighting that it can be a powerful tool for mental health and creativity.

From the Episode…

Journaling for Emotional Wellness from University of Rochester-New York: Medical Center https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentID=4552&ContentTypeID=1

Journal Prompt Book Recommendations

Write & Wreck - https://www.fivebelow.com/products/write-and-wreck-journal

Five-Year Journal - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JR3DRDT?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

The Story of My Life - https://www.target.com/p/the-story-of-my-life-activity-journal-piccadilly/-/A-53006608#lnk=sametab

3000 Questions About Me - https://www.target.com/p/3000-questions-about-me-activity-journal-piccadilly/-/A-53005917#lnk=sametab

My Life in Sketches - https://www.walmart.com/ip/Piccadilly-My-Life-in-Sketches-Guided-Sketch-Journal-7-3-x-9-7-204-Pages-Black/967438842

YouTube Video - @emili.thecreative

How Many is Too Many? My Notebook Collection - https://youtu.be/16qbgnBu9i0

Want More Black. Girl. Iowa.?

Website: www.blackgirliowa.com

Instagram: @black.girl.iowa

FAVORITE Etsy Shop - BlackGirlIowaShop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackGirlIowaShop?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

***The shop will reopen for pre-orders in November! Stay turned for more details!

In this conversation, Chef Joppa shares her journey of starting her own restaurant, Joppa Experience, in Des Moines, Iowa. She talks about the importance of perfecting her craft and working for herself. Chef Joppa discusses her menu, which includes popular dishes like oxtails and turkey tips. She also shares her vision for her business, including plans for a standalone restaurant in the future and her experience winning a pitch competition and the $10,000 prize she received. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and finding a supportive community.

Support Chef Joppa on Social Media:

Facebook: Joppa Experience

Instagram: @joppaexperience

Want More Black. Girl. Iowa.?

BlackGirlIowa MERCH is NOW AVAILABLE!

Etsy Shop - BlackGirlIowaShop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackGirlIowaShop?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

Website: www.blackgirliowa.com

Instagram: @black.girl.iowa

In this engaging conversation, Emili, Ryan, and Madison explore the importance of advocating for and protecting Black women, drawing from their personal experiences and cultural commentary. They discuss the challenges faced by Black women in society, the role of media in shaping perceptions, and the responsibility of individuals to stand up against disrespect and injustice.

The conversation highlights the significance of friendship, community, and the need for accountability in both personal and public spheres.

Follow ThatGuyRy

X (aka Twitter) - @thatguy_ry

Follow Madison Ray

Instagram - @emperormadisonray

Website: www.thefinessemusic.com

Listen to the Drinks with Friends Podcast

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-finesse-media/id1350545501

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3H6b87eNXL68Ze9tHxLdDw?si=675490583e4541a3

Want More Black. Girl. Iowa.?

BlackGirlIowa MERCH is NOW AVAILABLE!

Etsy Shop - BlackGirlIowaShop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackGirlIowaShop?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

Website: www.blackgirliowa.com

Instagram: @black.girl.iowa

Dr. Wanakee Carr, a doctor in obstetrics and gynecology, shares her journey from childhood to becoming a physician. She excelled in academics and had a passion for science from a young age. Despite facing discouragement and roadblocks, she remained motivated and pursued her dream of becoming a doctor.

Dr. Carr reflects on the moments when she felt like everything was coming full circle, such as graduating from residency and starting her first job. As the only black OB-GYN in central Iowa, she recognizes the significance of representation and the impact it has on her patients. She encourages young aspiring doctors to be themselves and stay determined.

Want More Black. Girl. Iowa.?

Website: www.blackgirliowa.com

Instagram: @black.girl.iowa

MERCH IS COMING SOON!!!

Be sure to follow the store and mark your calendars for the PRE-ORDER sale when the shop opens on Tuesday, October 1st at 11:00 AM CST!

Etsy Shop: BlackGirlIowaShop

In this episode, Emili shares her personal story of surviving domestic violence. She recounts the events leading up to the attack, the physical and emotional abuse she endured, and the aftermath of leaving her abusive partner.

Emili reflects on the complexities of love, the patterns of abuse, and the struggle to heal and move forward. She emphasizes the importance of sharing these difficult stories to raise awareness and support others who may be experiencing similar situations.

If you or someone you love is going through a domestic situation, please leverage the resources below:

Iowa Victim Service Call Center

CALL: 1.800.770.1650

TEXT: IOWAHELP to 20121

Survivor Support

Iowa Helpline:
1-800-770-1650
text ‘IOWAHELP’ to 20121
www.survivorshelpline.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Text 'START' to 88788

Website: https://www.thehotline.org/