Your authentic self isn’t found- it’s created moment by moment. What does it really mean to live authentically beyond the social media buzzwords? In this episode, wellness educator and author Devi Brown joins me to explore the lifelong work of becoming your truest self. We talk about: Why “authenticity” is more than a social media trend How to hold joy and grief in the same breath The role of patience and process in self-mastery Practices to ground you in who you really are Want more? I share un...
Aug 13, 2025•33 min•Ep. 183
Racial trauma. Misdiagnosis. Medical gaslighting. This episode explores how racism becomes a public health crisis—especially when it comes to the mental health of Black communities. I’m joined by Dr. Ingrid Waldron—professor, researcher, and author of From the Enlightenment to Black Lives Matter —for a powerful and unfiltered conversation about the systemic forces that shape how mental illness is diagnosed, treated, and too often ignored in Black bodies. Originally recorded for National Minority...
Aug 06, 2025•32 min•Ep. 182
You’re doing the skincare, taking your probiotics, checking the boxes-but still feeling off? You might be skipping the most important parts of self-care: safety, rest, connection, and stability. In this episode, I sit down with Ericka Nicole—founder of Silken and host of Boss Babe Reset —to explore the five levels of the Self-Care Pyramid and why burnout often stems from neglecting the basics, not just doing too much. We discuss: The 5 levels of the Self-Care Pyramid (based on Maslow’s Hierarchy...
Jul 30, 2025•38 min•Ep. 181
Have you ever sat down to “relax” only to realize your jaw is clenched, your mind is racing, and your body is still bracing for impact? What if the real reason you can’t rest… is because stress has become your comfort zone? In this episode, we sit down with Tracie Braylock- nurse, wellness educator, and author of Radical Relaxation —to explore why stillness feels so foreign and how we can rewire our nervous systems to embrace it. We unpack: How chronic stress becomes part of our identity What it...
Jul 23, 2025•26 min•Ep. 180
We’re halfway through the year—and it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and realign. In this solo check-in, Dr. Cassandre shares where she is with her 2025 goals, what she’s been reading for fun (no self-help in sight!), and how a guided meditation challenge is helping her unlearn toxic habits and visualize her next chapter—with science to back it up. She also shares a few things on her radar, including the Insight Timer app , a powerful 7-day meditation series by Justin Michael Williams , t...
Jul 16, 2025•21 min•Ep. 179
What if the key to finding true love isn’t in the apps, the rules, or the glow-up—but in how deeply you’re connected to your own worth? This week, I’m joined by Francesca Hogi —former matchmaker, dating coach, and author of How to Find True Love - for a conversation that’s equal parts soul medicine and real-world wisdom. Together, we unpack what it really means to invite love into your life from the inside out. 🔗 Mentioned in This Episode: Francesca’s book: How to Find True Love Website: www.fr...
Jul 09, 2025•38 min•Ep. 178
What does it mean to be well read in 2025? Dr. Cassandre Dunbar sits down with the co-hosts of She Well Read to talk books, balance, and Black joy. In this episode, Cassandre is joined by Alana and Samra, co-hosts of the She Well Read podcast—a book club for every kind of reader. Together, they explore the intersections of creativity, community, and self-discovery while reflecting on their journeys through mental, physical, and spiritual wellness. The conversation spans everything from the chall...
Jul 02, 2025•47 min•Ep. 177
In this bold and honest conversation, Dr. Cassandre Dunbar is joined by the unapologetic and insightful Mandii B — co-host of the Decisions Decisions podcast and co-author of the new book No Holes Barred: A Dual Manifesto of Sexual Exploration and Power . Together, they talk about everything from redefining intimacy and navigating pleasure without shame, to healing from past relationships and reclaiming ownership of our bodies and desires. Mandii shares the personal experiences that shaped her —...
Jun 25, 2025•44 min•Ep. 176
Juneteenth is often celebrated with cookouts, music, and joy—but beneath the surface lies a powerful question: What does it truly mean to be free? In this reflective solo episode, Dr. Cassandre Dunbar explores the emotional, spiritual, and generational layers of freedom through the lens of Juneteenth and the thought-provoking film Sinners . From the delayed emancipation of enslaved people in Texas to the present-day pursuit of Black liberation, this conversation invites listeners to look inward....
Jun 18, 2025•10 min•Ep. 175
What’s in a name? For many of us—especially those with names rooted in culture and history— everything . In this heartwarming episode, I sit down with sisters Peace and Ndidi Amadi, co-authors of the powerful and joy-filled children’s book Chi Chi and Didi Love Their Names . We explore the inspiration behind their debut picture book, which centers two Nigerian-American sisters learning to love and stand proudly in their names. From navigating cultural identity to honoring the immigrant experienc...
Jun 11, 2025•31 min•Ep. 174
I’m joined by Dr. Donna Oriowo—award-winning therapist, educator, and author known for her bold, no-BS approach to identity, intimacy, and liberation. Together, we unpack the roots of self-esteem and explore how race, gender, and cultural conditioning shape how we see ourselves—and how we can begin to unlearn it all. We talk about: Why self-esteem isn’t just a personal journey—it’s political The role of community and culture in how we view ourselves The connection between disembodiment, pleasure...
Jun 04, 2025•43 min•Ep. 173
Ever feel like you're doing all the things —and still questioning whether it’s enough? In this refreshingly real and laugh-out-loud conversation, I sit down with one of the funniest people I’ve ever met: Eboné, the powerhouse behind The Professional Homegirl Podcast . We talk exhaustion (like existential exhaustion), overachievement, spiritual resets, and how we are constantly navigating invisible pressures—from systemic racism to internalized grind culture. But it’s not all heavy. This is one o...
May 28, 2025•30 min•Ep. 172
In this solo episode, Cassandre explores the emotional and mental shifts that come with motherhood, through the lens of matrescence — the ongoing process of becoming a mother. She shares how a recent experience reshaped her understanding of mothering, identity, and the importance of giving ourselves permission to feel — not just function. From quiet joys to the challenges that often go unnamed, Cassandre offers an honest look at the layered reality of motherhood. This episode is a gentle reflect...
May 21, 2025•12 min•Ep. 171
Who said too much TV isn't good for you? Hosts of the TV Doctor podcast are here to chat about why actually, TV can be the perfect prescription for your wellness. From community, to representation, to escapism, we dive into the many ways in which watching tv might just be what you need. In this episode, Dr. Cassandre Dunbar is joined by media experts Dr. Michele Foss and Ashley Johnson, the dynamic duo behind The TV Doc Podcast . Together, they unpack how television and media shape our sense of ...
May 14, 2025•37 min•Ep. 170
In this solo episode of Be Well, Sis , Dr. Cassandre Dunbar shares reflections on travel, nature, and the power of pause. She recaps a joyful family trip to New Orleans, explores the healing benefits of gardening, and shares her current favorite hair care finds. Plus, she answers the first listener letter in the Not Well, Sis segment—reminding us that venting is a powerful form of self-care. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or in need of a reset, this episode offers gentle reminders to slow do...
May 07, 2025•30 min•Ep. 169
April is Stress Awareness Month , but let’s be honest—many of us have been stress-aware our whole lives. If you’ve been navigating anxiety, people-pleasing, burnout, or just feeling emotionally exhausted... This conversation is for you. In this episode of Be Well, Sis , I’m joined by NK—storyteller, mental wellness advocate, and host of the podcast Basket Case . We dive into an honest conversation about what it means to care for your mental health in real, practical, and deeply personal ways. NK...
Apr 30, 2025•26 min•Ep. 168
We’re excited to bring you a special feed drop from Rom Com Vom , a miniseries from Sex Ed with DB that dives into the messy, funny, and sometimes uncomfortable themes in our favorite romantic comedies. This clip comes from their episode on How Stella Got Her Groove Back , where host Danielle Bezalel is joined by Dr. Candice Nicole — award-winning psychologist, associate professor at Emory University, and author of Good Sex: Stories, Science, and Strategies for Sexual Liberation . They dig into ...
Apr 25, 2025•11 min•Ep. 167
Black women are reimagining wellness on their own terms—beyond trends, beyond performance. In this episode, we explore what it really means to opt out, slow down, and live well. In today’s conversation, Dr. Cassandre Dunbar is joined by Dominique Fluker, contributing lifestyle editor at Essence , writer, interior designer, and wellness storyteller. Together, they unpack the evolution of wellness for Black women, the pressure to perform self-care online, and how community, authenticity, and creat...
Apr 23, 2025•30 min•Ep. 166
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the “right” things—showing up for work, taking care of everyone, checking all the boxes—but inside, you feel numb , disconnected, or just... not okay, this episode is for you. This week on Be Well, Sis , I’m joined by the brilliant Dr. Judith Joseph, a board-certified psychiatrist and researcher, to talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: high functioning depression . We often associate depression with what we see —sadness, withdra...
Apr 16, 2025•24 min•Ep. 164
Feeling burned out, stuck in survival mode, or constantly on edge? In this vulnerable solo episode, Dr. Cassandre shares the moment she realized that what she had accepted as “normal” was actually survival mode. High-functioning. Always “on.” But beneath the surface? Exhausted, disconnected, and stretched way too thin. We explore: What survival mode really looks like (even when you're "doing fine") The science of chronic stress and how it affects your body and brain Symptoms of a dysregulated ne...
Apr 09, 2025•21 min•Ep. 163
Navigating the healthcare system as a woman, especially as a Black woman, can feel like a battle. A battle to be heard, believed, and treated with the care and respect we deserve. In this affirming and eye-opening episode of Be Well, Sis , I’m joined by Dr. Bayo, a physician and patient advocate who’s using her voice to challenge bias in medicine and close the gap on maternal health disparities and healthcare inequities . Together, we dive into what it really takes to build trust in healthcare- ...
Apr 02, 2025•36 min•Ep. 161
We’re passing the mic to another podcast you may like: Say More with Tulaine Montgomery . Each episode features conversations with changemakers who are making the world a better place- while also prioritizing self-care and community support. In this episode, Tulaine sits down with CeCe Olisa, founder of beauty brand Cocoa By CeCe and theCURVYCon, to discuss why self-love is essential, not frivolous. They dive into the ways we can show up confidently for ourselves and our communities. Follow Say ...
Mar 28, 2025•47 min•Ep. 160
Do you often forget to take a moment to just pause and take a breath? This week I thought I’d sit down and catch you up properly on how I’m doing and where I’m at right now. This time of year we remember those goals we set ourselves on New Years Eve and realise we may have bitten off more than we can chew! So let’s take a moment to reflect, readjust and restart. 💌 Got something you need to get off your chest? Send in your story, rant, or “Not Well, Sis” moment to be featured on the show! Becaus...
Mar 26, 2025•23 min•Ep. 159
I sit down with Amanda Miller Littlejohn for a deep and necessary conversation about rest, self-care, and the societal pressures that often lead to self-betrayal, especially for us. We talk about how overworking becomes ingrained in our muscle memory, making it hard to slow down, and how the “strong Black woman” trope pushes us to constantly prove ourselves. Amanda and I explore the cultural perspectives that shape our relationship with rest and why it’s so important to incorporate daily practic...
Mar 19, 2025•40 min•Ep. 158
Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Wow, I look older than I feel?” Or maybe a birthday has made you rethink your entire self-image. If so, this episode is for you! Today, we’re diving into the science behind aging- what actually happens at the cellular level, why some people seem to age in reverse, and how we can embrace aging while optimizing our health and vitality. In this solo episode, I discuss: Why aging is not the enemy but a privilege The myths about aging that we've been l...
Mar 12, 2025•24 min•Ep. 156
In this episode, I sat down with Toya Coleman to explore the powerful intersection of wellness, self-care, and activism through the lens of the Black Panther Party's legacy. Our conversation highlighted the often-overlooked contributions of women in the Black Panther Party and examined holistic approaches to health that address the historical mistrust in Western medicine. We also explored how activism extends beyond traditional protesting, embracing community involvement like beach cleanups and ...
Mar 05, 2025•29 min•Ep. 155
In this solo episode, we explore how relationships impact our health, contrasting toxic connections with nurturing ones. We discuss "strong Black woman syndrome," excessive emotional labor expected from women, and the importance of recognizing red flags and building supportive communities. Key Takeaways Self-care includes cultivating healthy relationships Toxic relationships drain energy and affect physical health Balance healthy interdependence with independence Recognize hyper-independence as ...
Feb 26, 2025•21 min•Ep. 154
Dr. Candice Nicole Hargons joins us to discuss her groundbreaking book and research on sexual wellness, focusing on inclusive perspectives and breaking down cultural barriers. Learn how to foster healthier conversations about sexuality, navigate sex-positive parenting, and challenge common misconceptions about intimacy. In this episode, we discussed: Defining good sex as mutually beneficial and enjoyable Breaking down cultural and historical barriers to sexual expression Navigating sex-positive ...
Feb 19, 2025•46 min•Ep. 153
Today we’re joined by EbonyJanice, author of 'All the Black Girls Are Activists', for an expansive conversation that weaves together themes of activism, identity, rest, and ancestral wisdom. Through personal narratives and cultural insights, Ebony explores how activism manifests in the daily existence of Black women, challenging traditional definitions of resistance and self-care. The discussion explores the complexities of Black Girl Luxury, examining how privilege intersects with responsibilit...
Feb 12, 2025•37 min•Ep. 152
In this fascinating episode, we sit down with Juliet Obodo to unpack the transformative potential of self-hypnosis and its unique benefits for individuals with ADHD. Through personal insights and professional expertise, Juliet demystifies common misconceptions about hypnotherapy while sharing practical techniques for harnessing the power of the subconscious mind. The conversation explores how deep-rooted identity blocks and limiting beliefs impact everything from emotional regulation to financia...
Feb 05, 2025•33 min•Ep. 151
