Melanated Intellects

Hello Fellow Intellects, This episode marks our last episode after 5 amazing seasons filled with profound educational lessons learned and amazing intellectual discussions. We sincerely thank you for joining us whether you're just now finding us today or have been rocking with us since 2020. Here's to new chapters and new beginnings! As always, take care of yourselves and love on your loved...

Hello Intellects! You know we couldn't end this amazing run without giving you one more "It's Not Black History Month" episode aka "Shayla's Baby". In this episode we leave our last thoughts about the legacy our generation is leaving for the next and some of our favorite moments in history and how they shaped our culture. We show love to the culture and give our ros...

Hello Intellects, we are coming to you with another Melanated Cold Case. This one was a really hard one to cover, so trigger warning for anyone that knows someone or has been a victim of child abuse of any kind. Or has been neglected from any system whether educational, judicial and or familial. The details around this case are heartbreaking and disturbing and we do our best to Say Her Name and br...

Hello Intellects! We've all heard about the 'high vibrational" and "law of attraction" conversations that have been all over social media for the last few years now. In this series Shayla and I are unpacking each and every Law and discussing the social constructs we have now formed around them and how we interpret them in our daily lives. This episode covers the following: 11. The Law of Rhythm 12...

Hello Intellects! We've all heard about the 'high vibrational" and "law of attraction" conversations that have been all over social media for the last few years now. In this series Shayla and I are unpacking each and every Law and discussing the social constructs we have now formed around them and how we interpret them in our daily lives. This episode covers the following: 9. Law of Relativity 10....

Hello Intellects! We've all heard about the 'high vibrational" and "law of attraction" conversations that have been all over social media for the last few years now. In this series Shayla and I are unpacking each and every Law and discussing the social constructs we have now formed around them and how we interpret them in our daily lives. This episode covers the following: 6...

Hello Intellects! We've all heard about the 'high vibrational" and "law of attraction" conversations that have been all over social media for the last few years now. In this series Shayla and I are unpacking each and every Law and discussing the social constructs we have now formed around them and how we interpret them in our daily lives. This episode covers the following: 4...

Hello Intellects! We've all heard about the 'high vibrational" and "law of attraction" conversations that have been all over social media for the last few years now. In this series Shayla and I are unpacking each and every Law and discussing the social constructs we have now formed around them and how we interpret them in our daily lives. This episode covers the following: 1. Law of Oneness 2. Law...

In this episode we discuss the legacy of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, with a special guest. We speak to the current conditions of housing and how we got here and the steps that were put in place to benefit people and whether or not it actually worked and why/why not. This is another one you won't want to miss! Forgotten History of Segregated America Redlining Maps: America's History of Di...

In this episode we walk the steps of legislation and chain of events post slavery that landed us into the Civil Rights Era. This is a great reminder of the steps and work that was put in to drive change during a time that isn't often spoke about and a great reflection in a critical time in our lives. You won't want to miss this one.

Hello Intellects! In this episode we revisit our conversation around Black Girl Luxury and the more recent trend that is Soft Life. And in short, we break down what just doesn't sit right with us about the movement. Apologies in advance if anyone feels triggered after hearing this, this is an interesting one that you don't want to miss!

Hello Intellects and Happy New Year! Tis the season we reflect on our journey and times of transition. This year we're focusing on burnout and when we've given when we don't have and some lessons we've learned along the way. Heading into this year, and all that is already occurred in this world, you won't want to miss this one.

Many of us woke up on November 6th with a lot to process and will probably remember everything we were doing and how we felt for the rest of our days. In this episode, we unpack the "what now?" some of us are feeling and how we can decide to move forward and prioritize our mental health. You will absolutely want to listen to this one.

Hello Intellects! We are back to conclude the the Love series from our bonus episodes. In this episode we discuss unpopular opinions around " Unconditional Love" and boundaries and the infamous saying"Blood is thicker than water". The holidays are here and while we wish the best for everyone, we know there are challenging relationships out there as well, so you definitely won't want to miss this o...

Hello Intellects! We are back for another amazing, enlightened and intellectual season! In this episode, we keep it light and talk about what we have been up to and what we are looking forward to covering in this season. There is a lot going on in the world right now and we can't be more excited about returning to this global community to discuss and learn in real time! Here's to Season 5 friends!...

What's good Intellects! We're back with Part 2! In this bonus episode Shayla and I speak on a topic we actually don't cover often, Love. Not just from a relationship standpoint but also just our relationship with love in and of itself as it relates to the world, people, relationships and our life experience. Do you believe that falling in love and being in love are different? And what about our hu...

What's good Intellects! In this bonus episode Shayla and I speak on a topic we actually don't cover often, Love. Not just from a relationship standpoint but also just our relationship with love in and of itself as it relates to the world, people, relationships and our life experience. There are a lot of gems dropped in this one, so you don't want to miss it!

Hello Intellects! It has been another amazing season filled with more life gems, insightful stories and great history. Thank you as always for tuning in! For now we will be taking a break and will be back later this year so turn on your notifications for updates and you won't want to miss our bonus episodes coming to you soon while we are out. On this episode we will recap some of our favorite...

Y'all we are back with another High On the Hog Review. In this episode we follow the journey led by this amazing Netflix series through various chapters in history and the food that fed and gave birth to African American Culture. Tune in! You won't want to miss it!

Y'all we are back with another High On the Hog Review. In this episode we follow the journey led by this amazing Netflix series through various chapters in history and the food that fed and gave birth to African American Culture. Tune in! You won't want to miss it!

It's that time of the season where we take a dive into a cold case. This one is unique in that we will also tell the stories of Levon Brooks and Kennedy Brewer, 2 men whose lives were changed unjustly while the crimes against Courtney and Christine went unsolved. This is a story and project, we hope to spread awareness and offer support.  If you would like to support the Innocence Project, ple...

It's that time of the season where we take a dive into a cold case. This one is unique in that we will also tell the stories of Levon Brooks and Kennedy Brewer, 2 men whose lives were changed unjustly while the crimes against Courtney and Christine went unsolved. This is a story and project, we hope to spread awareness and offer support. If you would like to support the Innocence Project, plea...

To my fellow Intellects, we hope your Black History Month with all its glory and all its pride is coming to a blickity blackity  black close. Y'all know this is one of our favorite times of the year because we do a deep dive ( as deep as the internet allows anyway) into the amazing stories of our people across the diaspora. This year we are focusing on Women Warriors, this 2 part series will c...

To my fellow Intellects, we hope your Black History Month with all its glory and all its pride is off to a blickity blackity  black start. Y'all know this is one of our favorite times of the year because we do a deep dive ( as deep as the internet allows anyway) into the amazing stories of our people across the diaspora. This year we are focusing on Woman Warriors, this 2 part series will cove...

This episode goes there! For the first time Shayla and I get real about our health & fitness journey over the last few years and we discuss everything from body image, fibroids, PMDD, hysterectomies and our fitness journeys. We discuss some learnings we’ve had and the changes we’ve had to accept along with the unhealthy stigmas from social media. Whether you are going through the same thing or...