Mocha Message Podcast

*Originally released on July 29, 2020* In this episode, Shani & Jackie muse on why black women can't seem to get their flowers in the industry? From music (Jazmine Sullivan), to television/film (Viola Davis), and even politics (Michelle Obama) - black women are constantly criticized, torn down, and celebrated less. Why is it that when you don't fit the image of what's "in", the recognition for you...

*Originally released on June 17, 2020* Being black in this world, you understand the balancing act. Hearing about police brutality, but having to go to work and put on a brave space. Feeling guilty about how much/little you post. The WEIGHT that drowns down your mental health. Join Jackie & Shani as we chat about fighting the fight within yourself, which is just as important as the external battle...

*Originally released on June 3, 2020* Black Lives Matter. Period. For resources on how to help, support, and heal, visit www.mochamessage.com.

*Originally released on May 27, 2020* Should a woman have a home cooked meal ready every night for her man? What is considered a "man's job" in the household? In this episode, Jackie and Shani break down those TIRED gender roles that you see everywhere on social media debates. We chat about upbringings, expectations before (and after) marriage, and what is it about no one liking to wash dishes?! J...

*Originally released on May 13, 2020* And we're back! Shani and Jackie hold some space during the S3 premier to check in with each other and update the listeners on how we've been handling the effects of the pandemic. We chop it up on the importance of extending grace, experiencing survivors guilt, and productivity during quarantine... or lack thereof. As always, subscribe and turn on your notific...

It's the Season 2 Finale of the Mocha Message, and we had to have a convo about identity. As minorities, we are constantly navigating a world that tells us to dim our light and hide what makes us unique. Some of us straighten our hair for a job, others may remove Ebonics from our vocabulary in the classroom. How do we shut off the autopilot on disassociating ourselves from our culture? When can we...

Mocha Mavens, can you believe we are almost to our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of the Mocha Message? We still get people who sing our "January 9th" chant! We wanted to take a step back and reflect, not only on the podcast so far but how we each got to where we are today as hosts of the best podcast of 2019. Check out this episode where we talk about our individual backgrounds and journeys that led us to...

Alexa, play "Video" by India. Arie! Today's episode is all about body image. You know we're passionate about a topic when you can hear Jackie's pen tap-tapping on the table... If you listen close enough, you'll catch it! Grab your squad and tune in as we talk about being confident in whatever hips, thighs, & waist God gave you. How is the social media culture of being "picture perfect" affecting o...

Okay, okay, okay. We know what y'all are probably thinking. Earlier this season didn't you all tell us to "say yes, more"?? We most certainly did! But with everything in life, there is balance. The Mocha Mavens dive into the power of saying no. A lot of times women, especially women of color, are conditioned to say yes and take on more than they need to, personally and professionally. But we are p...

How do you know it's time to sever ties with someone? Your favorite cousin growing up, the childhood homies, or maybe a significant other you have been in a relationship with for quite some time. When they start taking away more than they add to you THAT is one clear sign it is time to go! With the holidays right around the corner, Jackie and Shani felt it was important to bring you Toxic•ish. An...

In episode 15 Jackie and Shani chat about the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone into uncharted territory. It can be scary to embrace new opportunities; especially if you have no ability to control the outcome. Fear, doubt, and even comfort are a few things that compel us to say no, even when there's something beneficial for us on the other side. There are only two things, we can...

**DISCLAIMER** This episode was recorded in late September. It is NOT a response to recent events involving Botham Jean and Amber Guyger. What's up Mocha Mavens? In this episode, Shani & Jackie get CANDID as they speak about reconciliation and the power it's played throughout their lives. Is there such a thing as an unforgivable act? Does forgiving really mean you're the weaker person?? Tune in as...

*cue Solange track* Fresh from ATL's Curlfest, we had to celebrate our own kinks and curls - Yes, ya'll, natural hair is here to stay! Or is it? In Episode 13, Shani and Jackie get real about their personal hair journeys and the path to accepting the hair that grows naturally from their scalp. Is natural hair just a "wave" for right now? Where is the media representation of ALL hair types? And the...

The art of self-care: Some say it's about bath bombs and face masks; for others, it can be journaling, coloring, and creating. But does it include boundaries? Saying no to other people or things that you have no interest in? Managing your time? With hectic work schedules starting up in August, Shani and Jackie take a second to identify their signs of burn-out and how to combat it with good self-ca...

In professional settings, black people are criticized for being introverts, extroverts, just THEMSELVES as a whole. There are many times where we feel like nothing we do is "enough". Coming into work every day and running through the silent checklist of how to conduct yourself is physically and mentally exhausting. How many times has a coworker told you that you were hard to read? What about, "Are...

We luh the kids! In the season finale of the Mocha Message, Shani and Jackie take some time to pay homage to our youth. These amazing individuals are not only young, gifted, and black... but also female, and all under the age of 18! These powerful black girls are making boss moves in the literacy, philanthropy, and food industry - from their local communities all the way to Hollywood! As we break...

We're back with another one *DJ Khaled voice* This episode is ALL about the state of Black economics - supporting our businesses, buying back the block, and discussing the celebs who help and hurt the cause. How many times have you dismissed a black-owned business because of the same mistakes that you look over for other businesses? We step on a couple necks as we talk all about how to circulate w...

Part 1 of our mini health series highlighted the importance of physical health. In Part 2, we tackle the big giant: mental heath. Shani & Jackie speak on the way mental health has been perceived over different generations and how millennials are bringing more awareness and transparency to mental health. Are mental and spiritual health the same? Are celebrities beginning to emphasize healthy ways o...

And we're back! April is Minority Health Awareness month, and the Mocha Message wants to bring you a special episode on keeping it right and tight with your physical health. It can be a challenge for some people to regularly exercise and eat well, but Jackie & Shani are here to help hold you accountable! Tune in for candid stories about our own personal health journeys, Shani's experience with the...

Have you ever spent hours scrolling social media, just to close your app and roll over feeling inadequate? We're consistently bombarded with images of other people's personal lives, relationships, accomplishments, etc... but that can lead to us wondering - "When am I going to get MY turn?" In this episode, Shani & Jackie talk about why comparing yourself to others can lead down a path of self doub...

What's good Mocha Mavens! This week we bring you something extra special - our very first episode of the Boss Babe series! Tune in as we chat with Lex the Flex, CEO of Flex Media as well as Creative Director of an online page that grew to crazy high followers almost overnight! We chat with Lex about how to curate more engagement on your business pages, some of her tips and tricks for staying organ...

Many black women are the brains and the brawn behind movements such as #BLM and #MeToo - but barely get the recognition and spotlight for it. Black women continually show up and show out for other people's causes, but not everyone shows up to support them. During the episode of the Mocha Message, Jackie & Shani ask themselves: Is feminism for "us"? And if not - then what is? Don't forget to like/s...

Have you heard of the 5 Love Languages? In this episode, Shani and Jackie break down the different ways that people give and receive love, as well as giving some tips on how you can improve your relationships with your family, friends, and bae. Did you enjoy this episode? - if so, we'd love for you to rate and review our channel! Sending love to all of our loyal subscribers and listeners!

We hope you enjoy this hour long special for Valentine's Day as we break down love & all that comes with it, welcome our very FIRST guest to the show, and coin a couple of new phrases that we think everybody can get behind! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe so you won't miss a beat!

Jackie and Shani share their experiences with stereotyping in the black community, ask the hard questions such as where the root of the stigmas come from, and how we can truly move forward to self acceptance and individuality. Stay tuned to hear the Mocha Message of today's episode - and don't forget to subscribe so you won't miss a beat.