When Magic Happens

We’re taking you to church this week y'all! Jennifer, Taylor and Cheryle examine the patriarchy and the power dynamics that are present in the Black church. They share their thoughts on the current state of the Black church and what they would like to see change. Then we’re joined by Rev. Terri Hord Owens, the General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Unit...

Where did you come from and where did you go? We’re examining the locations we choose to stay as Black women, and why. We take a peek at what life is like for Black Americans living abroad. Taylor, Jennifer and Cheryle discuss where they’ve been and the places that feel like home. Plus we are joined by TikTok travel blogger and beauty strategist Shadai Brunjes. She shares the ups and downs of her...

Raise your glasses, ladies, and toast to the good life! We’re talking all about wine and wine culture in the Black community. Taylor, Jennifer and Cheryle discuss their relationship with wine and name their drinks of choice. Later, we are joined by negociant, founder and CEO of Love Cork Screw Wines Chrishon Lampley. Lampley talks about her work to make the wine community more accessible, the impo...

Calling all nerds to the front of the line! We're talking about nerd and geek culture in this week's episode. Taylor, Cheryle and Jennifer share their nerdy hobbies and interests, and we discuss why some alternative hobbies challenge traditional notions of Blackness. Then, we are joined by author and entrepreneur Jacque Aye , who is unapologetically Black, nerdy and neurodivergent.

It’s time to strike a pose! We’re talking all about fashion and reinvention for Black women. Taylor, Cheryle and Jennifer name their fashion icons and inspirations. Plus, Cheryle talks with Frenchye Harris, a former model, fashion consultant and founder of The Black Fashion Movement , a company that promotes and partners with the creators of Black-owned fashion brands. Harris tells us about the mo...

Get ready to sweat because this week, we are all about fitness! Jennifer, Cheryle and Taylor dish out their complex relationships with fitness and their hot takes on fitness culture. Plus, we hear from professional stuntwoman, actress and trainer April Sutton. She’s got tips on how to bring your sexy back this summer and beyond, and how to make fitness more fun.

We’re continuing our discussion on Black Maternal Health this week by focusing on the politics and policies that stand to threaten or protect the uterus – and their impact on the Black community. Cheryle, Taylor and Jennifer share their thoughts on the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Plus, we hear from Democratic Congresswoman Robin Kelly of Illinois, who discusses new legislation aimed at tackling th...

Ooh baby, baby! In honor of Black Maternal Health Week, we’re discussing Black maternal health, reproduction and quality gynecological care. We hear maternity journeys from not only our hosts but also from listeners like you. Later, we learn from gynecologist and surgeon Dr. Nicole E. Williams about the disparities Black women face when receiving care. She also explains why we need culturally comp...

Jennifer, Cheryle and Taylor stop by WBEZ’s daily talk show Reset for a quick chat to discuss the origin of When Magic Happens, what they learn from each other and the art of oversharing.

As Black women, who can we trust to tell our stories and tell them accurately? This week we’re getting introspective and discussing the importance of stories told by and for Black women. We share the voices of some amazing, trailblazing Black women in the media who have and are currently breaking the traditional white landscape of storytelling and unapologetically telling it like it is. And a spec...

We all want to dream big and reach the mountaintop, but how do you deal when you’re stuck in the valley of it all? This week Cheryle, Jennifer and Taylor recount their struggle-bus eras and the ups and the downs in their careers. Then, we hear from Kieanji Williams, CEO and founder of NAKX , an independent film-streaming start-up, who tells us why she isn’t worried about the nay-sayers and why she...

Slim-thick, bean pole, pear, apple – how has your body been categorized? Cheryle, Jennifer and Taylor discuss body image and their relationships to their bodies over time. Then, we hear from Michaela Duerson , a plus-size model, talent agent, photographer and former gymnast, who explains the importance of appreciating our bodies at their many stages and why everyone is wrong.

How exactly do you make a dollar out of 15 cents? We attempt to answer this question and more this week as we discuss all things money honey! Jennifer, Cheryle and Taylor share their stories on entrepreneurship, wealth-building and new approaches to making that coin in the age of technology. Plus, they talk with financial educator Markia Brown about getting your finances in order ASAP.

The crackle of a hot comb, the sting of creamy crack, the wash ‘n’ go turned wash and fro – Black women’s hair has seen it all. This week, Cheryle, Jennifer and Taylor get follicles-deep into hair malfunctions, hair journeys, and beyond-hair stories. Then, we hear from celebrity hair stylist AJ Johnson, who’s styled the best of the best, and he busts all your hair myths and teaches us how to pract...

“And I am telling you, I’m not going,” a young Effie White once said. And let’s be real, we’ve all been dream girls, tethered to relationships way past their expiration date. This week, Jennifer, Taylor and Cheryle talk about why they stayed in relationships that weren’t working, why they eventually left, and new approaches to dating that shake things up. Then Jennifer talks with Tennesha Wood, ma...

We’ve all heard the tired saying “be twice as good to get half.” This week Cheryle, Jennifer and Taylor talk about weaponized ambition and finding motivation at different phases in life. Then, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx reflects on her political journey, the battles she’s fought behind closed doors and the things that keep her rooted throughout the challenges of public-facing ambition.

When the tea is hot, where do you spill it? If your answer is the group chat, then look no further, because the group chat just added three new members. Introducing When Magic Happens, a new podcast by WBEZ Chicago, where intergenerational convos of love and laughter collide. Three Black women – Cheryle, Jennifer, and Taylor. Three generations. No filters.