October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and as we observe this important time, our hosts share what Breast Cancer Awareness means to them. We talk mammograms, the importance of knowing our bodies, and our When Magic Happens warrior, Cheryle, shares her intimate journey as a breast cancer survivor.
It’s fall and while some might say our summer bodies are in hibernation, WMH is here to remind y’all that a body is a body. In this throwback episode, cozy up with us as we learn to get cozy in our skin. 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 impo...
One thing about When Magic Happens? We love our mothers down. That’s why we’re talking about the special bond between mothers and daughters, the havoc we sometimes raise for our mamas, and the invaluable lessons we’ve learned from our mothers that make us want to be better humans.
Autumn is upon us, y’all, and for some of us that means sugar cookies, pumpkin spice, and everything nice. We are gushing about our fall plans, our favorite fall activities, and Taylor and Jennifer are on a mission to make Cheryle a believer of the fall fever.
When it comes to chatbots and AI, are we curious or cautious? We dive code-deep into ChatGPT, what it is, how it can be used, and how it can be a major game changer. Plus, we’re joined by UK-based founder of Coders of Colour Tolúlọpẹ́ Ògúnrẹ̀mí, who breaks down the basics so we the merits and the precautions for this type of tech. We are also joined by founder of Black Women in AI, Professor Angle Bush, and she further teaches us about this new revolution in tech. If you’ve been wondering about ...
In a friendship, what type of friend are you, what does your circle look like, and what does that say about you? This week, we are chatting about the many seasons of friendship, how we show up for our people, and the lessons we are learning about friendship every day.
In a relationship, who loves more? And is there such a thing as loving equally, and if so, show us the tutorial! Plus, we’re joined by guest host, award-winning journalist and WBEZ reporter Natalie Moore.
There comes a time when we all say “forget about it” and we let go, stepping into our soul selves. What’s your moment? This week, we are talking about the defining moments that helped us realize who we were and give less of a [redacted].
Hey y’all!! We’re back and picking up where we left off, catching up with each other and sharing what we’ve been up to and what we’re doing next. Cheryle, Jennifer, and Taylor share their summer highlights, Renaissance tour experience, thoughts on The Barbie movie and their plans for the fall. Come catch up with us!
Listen to this enthralling conversation between Black People Love Paramore Host Sequoia B Holmes and WMH host Taylor Coward. Put your paws up, because we’re talking all about Lady Gaga.
This week we’re talking about aliens, paranormal activity and the plain old strange. Are we alone in the universe? Is Bigfoot real? Do leprechauns exist? Taylor, Cheryle and Jennifer answer these fun questions and more!
Get out those grills, bust out that butane and get ready to BBQ! This week we’re gushing about barbecue and barbecue traditions. Taylor, Cheryle and Jennifer share their essentials for the best family barbecue. Then we’re joined by pitmaster, TV personality, chef and owner of Lexington Betty Smokehouse, Dominique Leach. Leach sets the record straight on what qualifies as Chicago-style BBQ, breaks down the flavor profiles between wood and charcoal, and shares her top three tips for cooking ribs.
This week we’re sharing an episode of Living for We, a podcast focused on the experiences of Black Women in Cleveland. Host Marlene Harris-Taylor uncovers how Cleveland was labeled the “Least Livable” city for Black women in a 2020 Bloomberg CityLab article. Bloomberg CityLab reporter Brentin Mock shares the story behind the livability index and how he worked with a Pittsburgh researcher who gathered the data. On the heels of the ranking, Black women in Cleveland are exploring how to finally esc...
This week, we’re talking about mental wellness and healing. We’re learning about the symptoms of hyper independence, and how to cope with loneliness and anxiety. Taylor, Cheryle and Jennifer share their mental health journeys, and later, we are joined by clinical psychologist, author, and host of the Therapy for Black Girls podcast Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, who shares mental wellness tips, grounding exercises and discusses her latest book Sisterhood Heals.
Calling all logophiles! Grab a pen and dust off that dictionary, we’re talking about language and vocabulary this week! Jennifer, Cheryle and Taylor share their thoughts on the power of words. Then we’re joined by vocabulary queen, author and TikTok star Beverly Mahone, popularly known as Auntie Bev. Auntie Bev talks about where her love of words began and the importance of building a strong vocabulary. Plus she dishes out some of her favorite words. Want more magic? Sign up for our newsletter!...
Pack your bags, baby, and take a trip with us as we explore the terrain of solo travel. We examine the fun, the luxury, and power, and the privilege of traveling internationally as Black women. Taylor, Cheryle and guest-host and host of the WBEZ podcast The Rundown Erin Allen share their travel experiences, and later we are joined by Travel vlogger, educator, and coach Karina Henry, better known as Karina Worldwide.
The Black card, do you have one? Has your card ever been revoked? Have you ever revoked someone else’s? We’re answering these questions and more in this week’s episode all about “Blackness.” We’re examining ideas around performative blackness and society’s influence on our identities. Taylor, Cheryle and guest host, WBEZ reporter Adora Namigadde, share the current state of their Black cards. Plus, we’re joined by Sequoia B. Holmes, host of the Black People Love Paramore podcast.
We’re picking up where we left off, highlighting the Black women who are currently fighting to save democracy. This week we had the opportunity to chat with political leader, voting rights activist and New York Times best-selling author Stacey Abrams. Abrams explains why Black women are often on the front lines of political activism, she breaks down the Supreme Court’s recent voting rights ruling in Alabama and its impact, plus she talks about the importance of finding your own political point o...
In the battle to save democracy, who is fighting for us? This week, we’re highlighting the Black women who have and are currently fighting for equality and justice, pushing against the status quo and dismantling systems of power. Taylor, Cheryle and Jennifer name the political leaders that inspire them, the historical pitfalls of democracy and how they choose to engage politically. Then we are joined by author, trans activist and diversity and inclusion specialist Hope Giselle.
It’s Black Music Month and we're exploring the history, sound and legacy of Black music. Taylor, Jennifer, and Cheryle share the soundtracks of their lives and reminisce over songs that sparked memories of joy, strength and intimacy. Plus, we are joined by one of the founding members of The Miracles and The First Lady of Motown Claudette Robinson, legendary Percussionist and singer Sheila E. and Chicago legend-in-the-making Asha Omega.
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 United States and Canada. She talks about her experience as the first person of color and second woman t...
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 “Black Ass Life in Singapore,” and for any budding expats, she’s got tips on how to make the big mov...
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 importance of following your dreams, she gives us great tips for selecting the right wine while we get a...
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 movement and how to create and sharpen your personal style.
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 the issues around Black Maternity and why we need more diversity in the healthcare pipeline.
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 competent advocates in the birthing room and the complex ties between Black history and gynecology. This...
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 special thanks to Liz Thompson and The Cafe Group for hosting this conversation and allowing When Magic ...
