Highly Melanated Podcast

Technical difficulties couldn't keep us down! After losing three fantastic episodes, we're back and determined to reconnect with you. We catch up on all the conversations we missed, from hilarious pop culture moments to personal stories that will have you laughing and nodding along. Each of us shares a song lyric that perfectly captures where we are right now, offering a genuine glimpse...

Join us for a heartfelt homage to the indomitable Black women who've played pivotal roles in our lives and continue to pave the way in fields as diverse as the NFL and the arts. Rounding off our kaleidoscope of conversations, we shine a spotlight on the extraordinary Shaniqua Shande, whose talents radiate both on the screen and behind the scenes, embodying the spirit of Women's History M...

Relationships often feel like navigating a labyrinth blindfolded, but with each year's wisdom, we're learning to trust the touch of the walls.   Joins us to dissect the intricacies of romance, from the excitement of new love to the sobering realities of trust and deception. This episode is about laughing at life's little ironies, embracing the lessons tucked within every shared expe...

Have you ever sprinted to catch a bus, only to have it zoom past you in a blur frustration?  'Bus Driver Chronicles,' we share stories that illustrate the comedic agony of public transit and the surprising moments of human connection that make it all worth it.  Then, we switch tracks to dissect the creative empire of Tyler Perry, musing on the mixed reviews of "Mea Culpa" and f...

They say laughter is the best medicine, and who better to prescribe a dose than our special guest, Lakiah - a psychotherapist who is helping you stress less and set healthy boundaries without the struggle & guilt.  With 7 plus years of experience as a psychotherapist, Be ready to learn how  to ditch the burnout and conquer the elusive art of setting boundaries.  Lakiah's Blog Selfcare Blo...

Have you ever caught yourself mid-chuckle, realizing you're turning into your parents? Or felt the sting of a memory brought on by a familiar tune? Our latest episode is a heartfelt mosaic of reflections, ramblings, and revelations, weaving through the joys and jitters that come with being unapologetically ourselves. Brace yourself for a deep dive into family dynamics, communication styles, a...

Well it's 2024 & THE QUACK ATTACK IS BACK JACK! We aren't a reboot, we are the real thing So how do you feel about reboots, all this Nicki drama and a bunch of other things we have missed while we were away....  Follow US IG:  https://www.instagram.com/highlymelanatedpodcast Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/H_MelanatedPod YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb2VbyoW6KaMxQo5on...

As the sun sets on 2023, we're wrapping things up with a heart full of gratitude and the electric anticipation of what's next. Our final episode is a vibrant mixtape of laughter, culture, and profound connections, featuring the magnetic spoken word maestro, Unkkaged , who shares his powerful narrative of breaking free and finding solace in the symphony of life. Tune in for an eclectic ce...

Ever get the feeling of awe and inspiration after watching a powerful movie or concert? That's exactly what we, Blair and PJ, experienced - and a whole lot more - after the mind-blowing experience of Beyoncé's "Renaissance" film. From witnessing the raw determination and hard work encapsulated in the film to being moved by emotional moments we simply didn't see coming. We...

What if social media was secretly sabotaging your mental well-being and self-image? Sit back and join us in a thought-provoking conversation on the Highly Melanated Podcast about the impact of social media, filters, and the pressures of beauty standards on our self-perceptions and mental health. We embark on a rollercoaster journey starting from the minor frustrations of Instagram blockages to the...

What happens when you forget it's Election Day, and you're in the middle of recording a podcast? Well, you'll just have to tune in to this hilarious and chaotic episode of Highly Melanated to find out! Prepare yourself for an unexpected twist as we, your hosts Blair and Red, halt our usual podcast recording to send our unwitting co-host, PJ, scrambling to the polls. Feel the urgency...

Remember the electrifying thrill of being in the studio for the Sherri Show? This week, PJ brings up his sensational time he had in the audience as Miss Tina Lawson brought her unique spirit and vivacity, embodying our celebration of life and individuality to the Sherri Show.   We spent the time reminiscing about the year's best Halloween costumes, and laughter echoed through the studio as we...

Have you ever reflected on how social media is affecting our lives? Imagine exploring the landscape of this digital age with our beloved metaphysical minister and dear friend, Danielle M Holdman . With her, we reminisce about the joyous celebration of PJ's birthday and our thrilling experience at the Sherry Shepherd Show.   With a special thank you to Patrick Hester for making that possible....

What happens when we shine a light on the toxic behaviors in our relationships and the importance of setting personal boundaries? This episode is a rollercoaster ride through the maze of intimacy, respect, and the complexities of human dynamics. We dissect the concept of unconditional love and dive into the intriguing domain of personal kinks. Hear about his profound experiences with biodiversity,...

Ever pondered why sagging pants can be a captivating fashion statement or why belts have such a profound impact on our perception of others? Well, you're in for a treat. We go deep exploring these fashion choices, not forgetting to shine a spotlight on our shared love for the final season of Insecure. Our journey through fashion and TV drama is enthralling, filled with laughter, life lessons,...

Have you ever wondered what the big deal is about Mercury Retrograde and why everyone seems to be in a tizzy when it's on? Tune in as we unravel the complexities of this astral event and its fascinating effects on our lives - it's not all doom and gloom, promise! Learn to embrace the chaos and positively navigate through retrograde while also finding time for self-care. Oh yes, we'r...

Are you ready to redefine your health and wellness journey? Join us as we delve into an enlightening conversation with the knowledgeable Dr. Tiffany M Smith, exploring everything from the distinct joys and challenges of being a black DJ to the art of becoming an empty nester. This episode is a profound reminder of our diverse experiences as black individuals and a celebration of our unique stories...

Ever wondered whether extraterrestrials could not only visit us, but also take over Earth? Or whether we could end up having an 'alien date night'? Our latest episode takes you on a cosmic journey as we ponder these questions and more. We dive straight into a lively discussion about our experiences as black DJs, the radiant beauty of melanin, and the crucial role of self-care in our live...

Ever wondered how the world of hip hop music connects to the essence of being unapologetically black? That's where PJ, Blair and Red, come in. We're here to navigate you through a journey, from personal anecdotes about our week to paying tribute to the late DJ Casper, creator of the Cha Cha Slide, and even discussing the recent Twitter logo change.  You see, this isn't just about us...

What if the words we use to describe our swimwear were more than just words? What if they carried implications that we might not even be aware of? This week on Highly Melanated, we ponder this very question, teasing out the nuances of swimwear terminology and exploring whether the term 'bathing suit' is appropriate for both genders. Our laughter-filled chats skirt around the edges of pol...

Ever got a random WhatsApp message from a suspicious number? You're not alone, Melanated fam! We're cracking up about the perils of phone number security and sharing our bizarre experiences of finding explicit images on public transport. Trust us, you'll want to hear these tales and learn how to protect your data too.  But there's more, fam. We're raising eyebrows at the r...

We breakdown some interesting red flags we have noticed in different aspects of not just our lives but life in general.   Question of the Week: How do you feel about prom season and the way the younger generation dresses for prom? Follow US IG:  https://www.instagram.com/highlymelanatedpodcast Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/H_MelanatedPod YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb2VbyoW6KaMx...

In this episode we just talk about music and think of some songs that make us proud in several different aspects of our day to day lives Follow US IG:  https://www.instagram.com/highlymelanatedpodcast Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/H_MelanatedPod YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb2VbyoW6KaMxQo5onYluXA IF YOU WANT TO BE A GUEST OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO WOULD BE A GREAT CHOICE, HIT US UP!!!...

In this episode we are joined with Ritha Pierre to discuss her recent documentary, "For Anxious Girls".   We have an in depth conversation on how anxiety and depression effects professional Black women and ways that we can help as a society and a friend of someone who is suffering Follow US IG:  https://www.instagram.com/highlymelanatedpodcast Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/H_Melanate...

In this episode we are joined with someone's auntie Tanisha Malcom to have an in-depth conversation on Mental Health & the disparities from the personal perspective of lived experience.  Welcome Tanisha Malcom to the Highly Melanated Family  Managing a mental health diagnosis for almost 20 years, our guest, Tanisha Malcom, is a staunch mental health advocate, not only for herself, but for...