Melanated Intellects

Season 1 of Melananted Intellects has concluded, and we are so excited for what is in store for Season 2! We talk about some favorite moments from this season, what we are planning for season 2 and some behind the scenes laughable moments. Thank you so much for everyone that has supported us and we can’t wait to see you in season 2. Make sure you follow us on Instagram @melanatedintellects because...

In this episode we talk about personal growth in relation to friendships. Some friends are here for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. We discuss how they evolve over time, our personal experiences and what they have taught us. We even reference a few articles to give a deeper look into the current millennial friendship scene. Trust us…….and go click on this episode!! Millennial statistics on frie...

In this episode we discuss the extremely popular concept of Cancel Culture. We share how we feel about it and where we think it originated from. As a Melanated Intellects 1st we delve into a juicy current topic……the Derrick Jaxn scandal. Don’t worry this isn’t a gossip episode, this is all about the effects of his decision not only on our community but also on those that were loyal supporters. You...

In this episode we unpack the popular argument of talking vs. dating. What do the terms mean and why are they such a hot topic? Of course, we have an opinion and we even pull out a few personal experiences to support our reasoning. You can’t talk about talking/dating without bringing up ghosting. I think a few feelings might get hurt in the process but it’s all love. You don’t want to miss this ep...

Which team are you, Team Sugar Grits or Team Savory Grits? In this episode we lighten the mood with an entertaining yet educational discussion around the age-old Savory Grits vs. Sugar Grits discussion. Grits are a staple in the black community whether they are referenced in a song, movie, or added to our most popular restaurant’s menu. Tune in to see how we manage our opposing views on the topic....

Happy Black History Month! You know it does not need to be February for us to talk about Black History, but we wanted to take some time this episode to talk about how amazing black men are. We chose to spotlight a couple of men in history that definitely embodied Black Boy Joy. Patrice tells the story of how Vicente Guerrero was a fierce trail blazer that was a force to be reckoned with. Also, in...

Happy Black History Month! You know it does not need to be February for us to talk about Black History, but we wanted to take some time this episode to talk about how amazing black women are. We chose to spotlight a couple of women in history that definitely embodied Black Girl Magic. Patrice tells the story of Nana Ya Asantewaa and the Golden Stool War while giving an interesting history lesson....

Self-care is so crucial and yet so underutilized by everyone, but particularly by the black community. We discuss everything from journaling, gratitude, intentional activities and pampering on a budget. We take a dive into meditation and review a mindful.org article that approached meditation for a research perspective. We must do better with teaching our children self-care but first we have to le...

What does being in a time of transition mean to you? In this episode, we give our unique answers to this question in addition to discussing personal growth, connection to source, answering your calling and so much more. Anything can cause someone to be in a time of transition rather it be a major change in a personal relationship, financial hardship, or something small that you might not even real...

Ok it’s time to get serious, the impact Black Music has on our community is profound. In part 3 of this Black Music episode series, we tackle the impact Black Music has had on our community in both positive and negative ways. We could not breech this topic without speaking on the recently controversial song “WAP,” how women are portrayed not only in songs but also as artists, and Hot Girl Summers....

In this Black Music episode series, we take it waaaaay back from Grandmaster Flash, Etta James, Duke Ellington, Slick Rick, Baby Face, Michael Jackson and so much more! Don’t let our age fool you, we love music that precedes our time and even some that doesn’t. In this series we discuss what songs we remember from our youth and why. The influence black music has had on our lives is deep. Our walk...

In this Black Music episode series, we take it waaaaay back from Grandmaster Flash, Etta James, Duke Ellington, Slick Rick, Baby Face, Michael Jackson and so much more! Don’t let our age fool you, we love music that precedes our time and even some that doesn’t. In this series we discuss what songs we remember from our youth and why. The influence black music has had on our lives is deep. Our walk...

That’s right you heard us being Single and Successful is Sufficient! It’s ok to get married and have kids and it's also ok not to. Tracee Ellis Ross has become an unofficial spokesperson for the happily single ladies (and maybe a few men) after she presented on the topic with Glamour Magazine and sat down with Oprah at her 2020 Vision Tour. She discusses her personal journey to being happily singl...

Do you identify as “woke”? Do you know someone that does? In this episode we have provoking conversation surrounding our understanding of the term “woke” and “woketivist culture.” We have a proposed change, or some might call it a challenge, for the “woke community.” Listen in to find out what our 1st steps are in supporting our proposal. You don’t want to scroll past this episode….trust us!

Which term do you prefer…… Black, African American, or another term altogether? In this episode, we discuss both terms and what they represent for us. Tune in to see how we manage our opposing views on the topic. You do not want to miss this!

In this Natural Hair episode series, we discuss our natural hair journey and so much more! Other topics include, why we decided to go natural, what it has taught us, and if we think the natural hair trend is here to stay. Patrice shares products that helped her while she battles scalp psoriasis and Shayla has a special message for those that have been indecisive about starting locs. Make sure you...

  In this Natural Hair series, we discuss our natural hair journey and so much more! Other topics include, why we decided to go natural, what it has taught us, and if we think the natural hair trend is here to stay. Patrice shares products that helped her while she battles scalp psoriasis and Shayla has a special message for those that have been indecisive about starting locs. Make sure...