Whew, we made it! In this powerful Season 5 finale of The Melanin Wellness Podcast , we're celebrating every win, every lesson, and every moment that made this season unforgettable. From holistic health to ancestral healing, we dug deep into natural remedies, nutrition, fitness, and mental wellness specifically for Black families. This episode is your behind-the-scenes pass as I reflect on the topics that resonated most with our community and give you a sneak peek at what’s coming in Season 6—in...
May 07, 2025•14 min•Season 5Ep. 40
In this episode of The Melanin Wellness Podcast , we dive deep into the critical issue of financial literacy and its profound impact on the Black community, particularly for Black women. Financial wellness is a vital part of overall well-being, but many in our community still face barriers to achieving economic stability and wealth. Join me, Cori Dunn, as we explore why financial literacy is essential for breaking cycles of economic struggle and how Black women can take control of their financia...
Apr 30, 2025•17 min•Season 5Ep. 39
April is Autism Awareness Month, and in this special episode, we’re diving deep into the unique challenges and experiences of navigating Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) within the Black community. Autism awareness is essential for fostering understanding and support, but how does it differ when seen through the lens of Black families? Join me as we discuss what is autism, what are five key symptoms of Autism and the importance of representation and inclusivity in autism advocacy. We’ll explore co...
Apr 23, 2025•30 min
In this episode of The Melanin Wellness Podcast , we dive deep into a topic that resonates with so many—sleep struggles after trauma. For many Black women healing from sexual trauma, restful sleep can feel impossible. Whether it's the racing thoughts, lingering anxiety, or a body that just won’t relax, reclaiming your sleep can be a crucial step toward healing. Join me, Cori Dunn, as I share my personal journey from my book Note to Self: Lessons on Trauma and Thriving in the Aftermath , where I ...
Apr 16, 2025•27 min•Season 5Ep. 37
In this powerful episode of The Melanin Wellness Podcast , we’re diving deep into healing, advocacy, and breaking the silence around sexual trauma. Join host Cori as she sits down with Leah M. Forney , a fierce advocate for survivors, to discuss the complexities of healing from sexual trauma , rebuilding intimacy , and creating systemic change for Black women. Leah shares her journey of survival and how she turned her pain into purpose through survivor advocacy, public speaking, and her work wit...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 36
How do you rebuild trust, reclaim intimacy, and truly thrive after experiencing sexual trauma? In this powerful episode of The Melanin Wellness Podcast , I sit down with Karimah Cornelius-Stith , an expert in trauma recovery, to dive deep into the healing process. We explore the emotional, physical, and mental barriers that survivors face and offer actionable steps for restoring confidence, self-love, and connection. If you've ever wondered how to heal from sexual trauma , create safe spaces for...
Apr 02, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 35
Celebrate National Women’s History Month with The Melanin Wellness Podcast! In this episode, we honor pioneering Black women in medicine who broke barriers and transformed healthcare. From Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first Black woman doctor in the U.S., to Jane Cook Wright, a trailblazer in cancer treatment, we explore their lasting impact. Learn about Mary Eliza Mahoney’s contributions to nursing, Alexa Canady’s groundbreaking neurosurgery work, and the legacy of Henrietta Lacks. Tune in for an ...
Mar 26, 2025•22 min•Season 5Ep. 34
Feeling drained? Your diet might be the culprit! In this episode of the Wellness and Vitality Series, we break down the best foods to fuel your body and the sneaky culprits zapping your energy. Learn how to eat for sustained vitality, avoid energy crashes, and make simple, powerful changes to your diet. Tune in for practical tips to keep you feeling your best all day long! You'll learn: 4 energy boosting foods to help fuel you energy 3 foods that are secret energy zappers Thank you for listening...
Mar 19, 2025•22 min•Season 5Ep. 33
Are you tired of conventional pain relief methods that don’t address the root cause of your stress and discomfort? In this episode of The Melanin Wellness Podcast, my guest Nijedka Olautunde brings her expertise and explores with us the power of reflexology and the connection between stress and pain in Black wellness. Learn how stress, anxiety, and past trauma can manifest as physical pain—and how reflexology aids in pain and stress relief. Join host Cori Dunn and guest Njideka Olatunde as they ...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr•Season 5Ep. 32
Season 5 Episode 30 -Our Hair, Our Crowns The Hidden Dangers in Synthetic Braiding Hair – What You Need to Know In this episode of The Melanin Wellness Podcast, host Cori is diving into shocking recent reports about the hidden dangers of synthetic braiding hair. Here is what you will learn about the use of synthetic braiding hair, the risks and how to protect your health when using synthetic braiding hair: What chemicals were found in some popular synthetic braiding hair brands The historical la...
Mar 05, 2025•26 min•Season 5Ep. 31
Join me for the Medicine in Black: Wrap-Up Episode as we reflect on this powerful 28-day journey exploring ancestral healing, Black wellness, and holistic empowerment. This series has uncovered the deep roots of Black health traditions—herbal medicine, rootwork, spiritual wellness, movement, and the power of food as medicine. We’ve honored the resilience of our ancestors and reclaimed practices essential to our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. In this final episode of the series, I’m ...
Feb 28, 2025•6 min•Season 5Ep. 30
Soul food is more than just comfort food—it’s history on a plate. In this episode of The Melanin Wellness Podcast, host Cori dives deep into the powerful connection between slavery, Black history, and soul food, revealing how our ancestors created a cuisine rooted in resilience, culture, and survival. From the West African origins of ingredients like okra, rice, and black-eyed peas to the harsh realities of slavery that forced enslaved people to transform scraps into nourishing meals, we explore...
Feb 27, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 30
The history of modern reproductive medicine is deeply rooted in the exploitation of Black women during slavery. In this powerful episode of The Melanin Wellness Podcast , host Cori uncovers the dark history of how enslaved Black women were subjected to medical experiments that shaped gynecology, birth control, and reproductive healthcare as we know it today. We dive into the legacy of J. Marion Sims, the so-called “father of modern gynecology,” who conducted horrific surgeries on Black women wit...
Feb 26, 2025•8 min•Season 5Ep. 28
Chamomile is a simple yet powerful herb that’s been a staple in ancestral healing for centuries. From Black Southern folk medicine to modern herbalism, it has stood the test of time as a remedy for pain, anxiety, digestion, and skin health. So, if you haven’t already, go grab yourself some chamomile tea, oil, or dried flowers and start exploring its many benefits. Your ancestors knew the power of this plant, and now it’s time to reclaim that knowledge for our own wellness. If you enjoyed this ep...
Feb 25, 2025•11 min•Season 5Ep. 27
Rhubarb—just hearing the word brings back memories for some and questions for others. Is it a powerful healing herb or just an old-school ingredient that traumatized generations of kids? In this episode, we dive deep into rhubarb’s medicinal history in Black herbalism and traditional remedies used in the Black community. While modern science confirms rhubarb’s laxative, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties, our ancestors already knew its benefits. From treating foot swelling in the South...
Feb 24, 2025•6 min•Season 5Ep. 26
Pokeweed—Southern delicacy or hidden danger? In this episode of [Your Podcast Name] , we’re diving deep into the power and poison of pokeweed , a plant with deep roots in Black herbalism, Southern folk medicine, and Indigenous healing traditions . For generations, this plant has been used to treat ailments like rheumatism, skin diseases, and even immune disorders , yet it also carries a toxic reputation that can be deadly if not prepared correctly. Join me as I explore pokeweed’s medicinal benef...
Feb 23, 2025•7 min•Season 5Ep. 25
Did you know that the legacy of slavery, sickle cell disease, and malaria are deeply connected in Black health history? In this eye-opening episode of The Melanin Wellness Podcast , we uncover how historical trauma, genetics, and ancestral healing practices have shaped the health of Black communities worldwide. We’ll explore how sickle cell disease —a condition that predominantly affects people of African descent—developed as a genetic response to malaria resistance , and how the transatlantic s...
Feb 22, 2025•8 min•Season 5Ep. 24
Podcast Episode Description: "7 Must-Read Books on Black Health History: Essential Library for Black Wellness & Empowerment" Did you know that much of Black health history has been overlooked, erased, or ignored? If you’re ready to reclaim knowledge and empower yourself with ancestral healing, Black wellness, and the fight for health equity , this episode is for you! 📚✨ Today, I’m sharing 7 must-read books that uncover the hidden history of Black healthcare, herbal medicine, and traditional...
Feb 21, 2025•7 min•Season 5Ep. 23
In this powerful episode of The Melanin Wellness Podcast , we dive into the rich history of Salem Chapel BME Church in St. Catharines, Ontario —a sacred space that served as a refuge for freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad . But this church was more than just a stop on the path to freedom—it was a hub for Black wellness, spiritual healing, and community resilience . Join me as we uncover the ways faith, herbal medicine, and collective strength sustained Black people escaping oppression. ...
Feb 20, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 22
Discover the hidden legacy of ancestral healing in our latest episode, "Nutmeg: The Unexpected Medicine of Our Ancestors." In this powerful installment of the Melanin Wellness Podcast, we explore how enslaved Africans and Southern folk practitioners transformed nutmeg—an everyday kitchen spice—into a potent herbal remedy. Learn how our ancestors used nutmeg not only to flavor sweet potato pie but also as a natural medicine to stimulate digestion, soothe infections, and even serve as a protective...
Feb 19, 2025•7 min•Season 5Ep. 21
Discover the transformative power of ancestral healing in our latest podcast episode, "Echinacea: The Legacy of Sampson Root in Our Ancestral Healing." In this engaging installment of our Black Health and Wellness Podcast, we delve into the rich history and potent benefits of Echinacea—also known as Sampson root—in Black herbal medicine. Learn how our ancestors used this revered herb to boost immunity, alleviate pain, and promote overall wellness. We explore its traditional applications in manag...
Feb 18, 2025•7 min•Season 5Ep. 20
Discover the rich legacy of ancestral healing in our latest episode, "Mullein: The Ancient Remedy of Our Ancestors." In this empowering installment of our podcast dedicated to Black history and empowerment, we explore how mullein—also known as candlewick, Aaron’s rod, or Jacob’s staff—has been used for centuries as a natural herbal remedy in the Black community. Learn how Native Americans and enslaved Africans harnessed the potent healing properties of mullein to soothe respiratory issues, clear...
Feb 17, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 19
Discover the rich heritage and transformative power of ancestral healing in our latest episode, "Historic African American Herbalists: Unlocking the Legacy of Black Herbal Medicine & Natural Healing Traditions." In this enlightening installment of our Black Health and Wellness Podcast, we delve into the forgotten world of African American herbalists who preserved natural remedies and healing practices despite centuries of oppression. Learn how our ancestors harnessed the power of herbs for p...
Feb 16, 2025•8 min•Season 5Ep. 18
Discover the transformative power of ancestral herbal knowledge in our latest episode, "The Power of Herbal Knowledge & Iron Leaf Tea." In this inspiring installment of our Black Health and Wellness Podcast, we explore the deep-rooted traditions of Black herbalism and natural healing. Learn how our ancestors harnessed the potent benefits of plant medicine to support their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being during times of adversity. In this episode, we dive into the legacy of herb...
Feb 15, 2025•7 min•Season 5Ep. 17
Discover the hidden healing power of feverfew in our latest episode, "Feverfew – An Ancestral Remedy for Pain and Healing." In this inspiring installment of our Black Health and Wellness Podcast, we dive deep into ancestral herbal medicine and explore how feverfew has been used for generations to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and promote natural healing. This episode is perfect for anyone passionate about Black wellness, especially Black women seeking authentic voices and effective natural r...
Feb 14, 2025•7 min•Season 5Ep. 16
Discover the transformative power of ancestral healing in our latest episode, "Arrowhead & The Power of Ancestral Healing." In this compelling installment of the Black Health and Wellness Podcast, we explore the extraordinary legacy of natural remedies rooted in the Black community. Learn how our ancestors used arrowhead—a unique swamp plant—to create healing talismans and natural remedies that soothed teething pain, reduced fevers, and provided comfort in times of need. In this episode, we ...
Feb 14, 2025•8 min•Season 5Ep. 15
Discover the powerful legacy of ancestral herbal medicine in our latest episode, "Fennel – The Resilient Remedy of Our Ancestors." In this compelling installment of our Black Health and Wellness Podcast, we dive deep into the history and healing properties of fennel—a remarkable herb that has been a cornerstone of natural wellness in the Black community for generations. Explore how fennel was traditionally used by our ancestors to treat fevers, ease respiratory ailments, and support overall vita...
Feb 12, 2025•7 min•Season 5Ep. 14
Discover the hidden history and lasting impact of ancestral healing in our newest episode, "The Colonization of Herbalism." In this compelling installment of the Melanin Wellness Podcast, we explore how European colonization disrupted, appropriated, and reshaped the herbal practices of African and Indigenous peoples. Our conversation delves into the complex legacy of Black herbalism—examining how enslaved Africans and Native communities used natural remedies for healing, empowerment, and resista...
Feb 10, 2025•8 min•Season 5Ep. 13
Discover the powerful legacy of African American herbalism in our latest episode, "Basil & the Resilient Roots of African American Herbalism." In this compelling installment of our Black Health and Wellness Podcast, we explore how basil—a potent and versatile herb—became a symbol of healing and resistance within the Black community. Dive into the rich history of ancestral herbal remedies, as we uncover how enslaved Africans utilized basil and other natural medicines to manage pain, promote w...
Feb 09, 2025•7 min•Season 5Ep. 12
Discover the hidden history of Sage – The Lost and Enduring Knowledge of Our Ancestors in this episode of Medicine in Black: A History of Our Ancestral Healing Practices. Enslaved people used sage to treat fevers and chills, but much of their medicinal knowledge was erased through oppressive laws that restricted their access to healing plants and banned them from practicing medicine. Despite efforts to suppress their wisdom, these sacred traditions have endured. Tune in to explore the resilience...
Feb 07, 2025•6 min•Season 5Ep. 11
