Grown and Growing Podcast

✨ We want to hear from you! ✨ Take our 2-minute listener survey and tell us what you love, what you'd like more of, and how we can keep growing together. 👉  LINK TO SURVEY   👈 We’re still on hiatus, but summer’s moving fast. We’re popping in for a quick check-in. In our last episode back in June, we shared all our big summer plans... but did we actually follow through? Tune in and find ou...

It’s the last episode of this season, and we’re discussing a tough question as we enter the summer months. With everything going on in the world, is a “soft life” realistic? Is it responsible? We wrestle with what it means to pursue peace and rest in a world that feels anything but soft. We explore how Black women, in particular, can give themselves permission to step back without ignoring the rea...

This week, Sonia and Roberta welcome Deb Dennis, an attorney and moderator the DMV chapter of Black and Poly. That’s right—we’re diving into the world of polyamory, also known as ethical non-monogamy. From the misconceptions (spoiler: it’s not all about sex!) to the relationship dynamics and emotional maturity it requires, we’re unpacking it all. Deb shares her personal journey, how she navigates...

In part two of this conversation, we dive deeper into spirituality, ancestors, and the personal beliefs that shape our journeys. We’re unpacking what it truly means to connect with our ancestors and exploring how these personal experiences redefine faith. We also chat openly about questioning long-held beliefs, pushing beyond the boundaries of organized religion, and why embracing our roots and co...

In this wide-ranging conversation, Sonia and Roberta are joined by long-time friends Yadira and Emanuel to unpack their evolving relationships with faith and spirituality. They reflect on what it was like growing up in the church, how their beliefs have shifted over time, and the ways culture, community, and personal experience have shaped their spiritual paths. They explore the role of the Black...

In this fun episode, Sonia and Roberta ask the question: Am I too grown for this?   They talk about the trends, habits, and guilty pleasures they’ve outgrown — and the ones they’re proudly holding onto. From fashion and concerts to dating and slang, they break down what’s still a vibe and what’s getting left behind. Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowingpodcast.com Facebook: @Grownandgrowin...

In this episode, Sonia and Roberta delve into the complex emotions surrounding regret. They explore how regret differs from disappointment and how it can serve as a catalyst for personal growth. Drawing on a Harvard study and shared experiences, they discuss common regrets, and the lessons learned from them. They remind us that regret isn’t the end of the story—it’s just a sign that we’re still le...

In this reflective and heartfelt episode, Roberta and Sonia dive into all the things they wish they'd known back in their 30s—a decade Sonia's calls "The Great Unlearning." It was Inspired by Søren Kiekegaard's quote, "Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards." Sonia and Roberta share relatable stories of divorce, motherhood, career pi...

Friendship in adulthood isn’t always as effortless as it once was. Sonia and Roberta talk about navigating friendships in adulthood—through life changes, busy schedules, and shifting priorities. They reflect on their own 20+ year bond, the role of honesty, the reality of drifting apart, and whether jealousy has a place in friendship (looking at you, Oprah). Plus, they ask: Who’s your Golden Girls...

Aging—it’s happening whether we like it or not, so why not talk about it? In this episode of The Grown and Growing Podcast , we dive headfirst into all the things that come with getting older—the good, the bad, and the laugh-out-loud moments. We’re breaking down what it really means "age gracefully" (and whether we even want to), how society tries to tell us what aging should look like,...

In this episode, we dive into the ever-evolving meaning of ambition—especially for Black women navigating midlife. What does ambition look like now? How has it changed over the years? We get honest about our own journeys, unpack the historical and generational forces that shaped our drive, and explore how ambition shifts from chasing career goals to finding personal fulfillment. It’s a thoughtful...

In this episode of the Grown and Growing podcast, we dive into the rise of solo travel, especially among women. We explore why it’s becoming so popular and all the ways it can be a life-changing experience. We also tackle common barriers like safety concerns and cost, sharing practical tips to make solo adventures more approachable. Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowingpodcast.com Facebook...

Black women showed up and showed out this election (per usual), but now it’s time for some real talk: How do we move forward? In our latest episode, we’re diving into the toll political activism takes, the need for more balance, and whether it’s time to step back or keep pushing. Tune in for a powerful conversation on taking care of ourselves while shaping the future.  Like. Follow. Share. Website...

The Grown and Growing Podcast is back…and we’ve done some growing of our own during this hiatus. In this all new episode, I’m spilling the tea on the reason behind my hiatus and what’s in store this season, including a big announcement.  Get ready for fresh episodes, real talk, and lots of laughs. Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowingpodcast.com Facebook: @Grownandgrowingpodcast Instagram:...

In this solo episode, Sonia talks about the importance of and anxiety around rest. Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowingpodcast.com Facebook: @Grownandgrowingpodcast Instagram: @Grownandgrowingpodcast YouTube: Grown and Growing Podcast Email: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com

When was the last time you checked in with yourself on what makes YOU happy? Big or small, it all adds up! If you haven’t checked on you in a while, I strongly encourage you to pick up Chianti Lomax’s @chiantilomax new book Evolving While Black: The Ultimate Guide to Happiness and Transformation on Your Own Terms . Chianti joins me on #GrownandGrowing to talk about what it takes to achieve authent...

There is no shortage of stories, warnings and predictions about how your quality of life will decline as you grow into your golden years. I get that it may be someone’s testimony, but I don’t want it to be mine! Asara Tsehai, holistic wellness teacher, is an example of how life can stay juicy in your 60s…and she plans to live this to 100 and beyond. I could literally listen to her stories for hour...

We all know we need self-care. But how much thought do you put into your routine? How deep does it go? When is the last time you’ve re-evaluated if your routine is working for you? I get into that and more in this episode with master life coach, Cassandra Hill. There is no better time than the present to prioritize caring for yourself. Self-care isn’t just an excuse to get a mani-pedi, massage or...

Before I interviewed @carolynskincare, I asked for listener questions.  ✅ What are the best procedures for facial sagging? ✅ How do you get rid of darkness in your underarms? ✅ Can chemical peels get rid of acne scars? ✅ I have eczema, so I’m hesitant to get facials. Is this fear unfounded? ✅ How to reduce eye puffiness and dark circles under your eye? ✅ And more… Head over to Apple or Spoti...

If skincare hasn't been a priority for you, maybe it's time to reprioritize. Having a consistent, healthy skincare routine in your 40s can set you up for great skin in the decades to come. My guest this week is Carolyn Cyprian, a licensed esthetician and medspa owner. We discuss how to take care of your skin as your body is undergoing hormonal changes (hello perimenopause). About My Gues...

They say knowledge is power, right? Well, I want to keep talking about menopause so we all feel powerful, not powerless. It’s coming, so let’s figure this out…together. This week, I’m in conversation with board certified OBGYN, Dr. Cheryl Johnson, and I want to know how she helps her patients through this stage of life. You’ll definitely learn a thing or two. W hat we discussed:  The benefit of a...

What, if anything, would make you pack your bags and move to another country? You wouldn’t be alone – the State Department estimates that 9 million US citizens live abroad. On this episode, my guest, Zarah Charm @zarahcharm has spent the last few years living internationally, most recently Chiang Mai, Thailand. Prior to taking the leap, she owned a successful natural hair salon in Baltimore, and s...

Resentment is on my mind this week on the #GetToGrowing MiniPod.  I feel like resentment in relationships isn’t talked about enough. It’s something I had to learn to deal with…or my marriage wasn’t going to make it.  Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowingpodcast.com Facebook: @Grownandgrowingpodcast Instagram: @Grownandgrowingpodcast YouTube: Grown and Growing Podcast Email: grown.growingpo...

Boundaries…how many of us have them?  Healthy boundaries that is. Yes, we all have boundaries, but when is the last time you’ve checked-in to see if your boundaries are still effective. Dr. Nicole Monteiro (@iamdrnicole) is a clinical psychologist and researcher who has helped women with establishing healthy boundaries for over 10 years. If you’re feeling stressed or burned out, still battling wit...

I am a realist through and through. It served me pretty well up to this point in my life. But now I want to see how the other half lives. Like. Follow. Share. Website: grownandgrowingpodcast.com Facebook: @Grownandgrowingpodcast Instagram: @Grownandgrowingpodcast YouTube: Grown and Growing Podcast Email: grown.growingpodcast@gmail.com