She's So Lucky

Today, we’re talking to Taylor Nolan, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and host of the Let’s Talk About It Podcast. Taylor's provides a unique perspective on the topic of mental health from her studies in psychology and counseling, as well as her time spent on The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise reality TV shows. On her platform, she focuses on candid conversations about mental health, relations...

In today’s Feel Good Friday episode, we’re addressing one of my favorite topics: how to create a morning self-care routine. I’m breaking down what my morning self-care routine looks like, why it can be short and sweet (I promise you don’t need to wake up at the crack of dawn for a solid morning self-care routine), and how you can customize it to make it work for you. Generally speaking, I break my...

Today, we’re talking to Luca Page, the founder of Radically Fit Oakland. Radically Fit is the Bay Area's body positive community gym for all queer, trans, POC, big bodied and fat identified folx and their allies, regardless of experience or ability. Luca first got into fitness while grieving the loss of a close friend. With physical movement being such an important part of their healing, they want...

It’s time for another Feel Good Friday mini-episode, and today we are talking about financial wellness. When talking about health and wellness, we often get very stuck in the physical, however, our mental and financial health are incredibly important too. In fact, your financial health can really impact your physical and mental health. So let’s start taking baby steps at becoming financially fit t...

Today, we’re talking to Dr. Kristian Henderson, professor of public health, a natural lifestyle enthusiast, and the founder of BLK+GRN, an all-natural marketplace by all Black artisans. BLK+GRN curates products that are sold in categories like skincare, home, bath and body to meet the needs of wellness seekers who want to buy Black and live green. In the U.S. black woman buy nearly twice as many b...

Introducing Feel Good Friday! On Fridays, we’ll be sharing mini episodes with actionable wellness tips empowering you to live well. This week, we’re talking about creating space for healthy habits. It’s the time of year when a lot of people are trying to create better habits. While we’re all for creating healthy habits, it’s important to create space in your life so these healthy habits can stick....

Today, we’re talking to Deanna Belleny, MPH, RDN, co-founder of Diversify Dietetics - an organization dedicated to increasing diversity in the field of nutrition by empowering students and young professionals from underrepresented minority groups to join the next generation of nutrition experts.   Deanna completed her bachelor's degree, dietetic internship, and masters degree in Houston, Texas and...

In our final episode of 2018, Les is sharing a personal, candid recap of the year. No topic is off limits. We touch on the highs and lows of 2018, what’s next for Balanced Black Girl, the real deal on setting goals that stick, and the question constantly in Les’ DM’s - when can we get more workouts? Tune into this intimate conversation to celebrate a year full of growth, challenges, and community....

In this bonus solo episode, Les is answering listener questions on everything from food, to fitness, to hair care, to racism in the wellness space. Questions include:   What have been your experiences as a Balanced Black Girl doing outdoor activities (hiking, skiing, etc.)? What are some of your favorite breakfast/lunch/dinner options? What does your wash and go hair routine look like? How did you...

Today, we’re talking to Dr. Pragati Gusmano, Florida-Based Functional Medicine Doctor and founder of Happy and Well. Dr. Pragati offers her patients an alternative perspective on conventional healthcare and her approach emphasizes identifying the root cause of illness, eliminating nutritional deficiencies and the preventing disease and illness through diet and lifestyle modifications. She was insp...

Today, we’re talking to Bri Braggs, the founder of Fertile Alchemy . Bri is a Certified Holistic Health Coach who is passionate about educating women on the importance of preconception health and create a new narrative around their fertility. Bri helps her clients take charge of their fertility and hormonal health, and helps women live more conscious, holistic lifestyles in an approachable, doable...

Today, we’re talking to Falesha Johnson. Falesha is a former professional track athlete turned empowerment speaker, speed and agility coach, and philanthropic adviser. Inspired by her personal love of track and field, Falesha saw a need for young athletes in her area to focus on speed and agility training. She then built her athletic training company Felite Performance, to help fill this void. She...

Today, we’re talking to Abiola Akanni, of Yoga by Biola. Abiola is a wellness entrepreneur best known for the Divine Feminine Workshop, and her unique yoga format Trap Vinyasa: A Body Positive Yoga Experience. Her yoga journey started 10 years ago after a bad drug habit and scoliosis diagnosis. Once she began applying yogic philosophy to her life she created a process of self-examination called th...

Today, we’re talking to Ashley McGirt, MSW, Licensed Mental Health Therapist and founder of Ashley McGirt Counseling Services. Ashley is an accomplished speaker, author, hospice therapist, and entrepreneur running her own private therapy practice. Ashley specializes in helping individuals through racial trauma, grief and loss, and navigating anxiety and depression. In her practice, she uses a holi...

Today, we’re talking to fitness coach Allison Tenney. Allison is known for her online fitness training programs and for founding the Ignited Womxn Summit , an annual wellness and leadership event that creates a space for learning through an inclusive lens. Over the past two years, Allison has really dug into understanding the importance of diversity, inclusion, and intersectional feminism both wit...

In this episode, Balanced Black Girl Founder Lestraundra Alfred sits down with Brittany Love, Seattle-based health coach, personal trainer, and cycling instructor. Brittany has had a wide range of experiences in the world of fitness. From discovering fitness in her early 20’s, to competing in bodybuilding competitions, to becoming a trainer and helping her clients build self-confidence and create...

"You're pretty, for a black girl."  A back-handed compliment at best, these types of comments are often said to women of color. In this solo episode, Lestraundra is breaking down why this "compliment" is anything but, why our society's narrow definition of beauty needs to change, and ways we can all create inclusive definitions of beauty for ourselves. Whether you are a woman of color who is tired...

Chrissy King is a Milwaukee-based ISSA Certified Personal Trainer, lifestyle coach, fitness blogger, and truth-teller. While on her own fitness journey, Chrissy was introduced to strength training and powerlifting, which helped her build confidence and inner strength. Chrissy shows her clients that fat loss and weight management don’t have to be cumbersome or restrictive. She also encourages women...

Ever walk into the gym or a fitness studio and instantly feel overwhelmed? This episode will help you get past that feeling. Tune in for 8 simple, actionable tips to help you feel more confident working out in public no matter your fitness level.  Our Sponsors: * Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balanced Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donations See Privacy P...

In this episode, we discuss the online wellness space's diversity problem, why representation is important for everyone, and ways we can all make the wellness space more inclusive and representative for all.  Some Great Wellness WOC to Follow (not an exhaustive list! I'm sure I'm missing some great people) @iamchrissyking negharfonooni yogabybiola @falesha11 @curvycurl @tach.j @fertilealchemy @tif...

Welcome to the Balanced Black Girl Podcast - a show dedicated to reimagining health, wellness, and self-care for women of color.  In the very first episode, I (Les, your host) am introducing myself and am giving you the tea about the evolution from The Balanced Berry to Balanced Black Girl. Thanks for listening!  xo Our Sponsors: * Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balanced Support this podcast...