For many, issues like leaking and the heaviness of periods are just accepted as part of the deal, but they don’t have to be. Whether it’s worrying about leaks during exercise, at work, or while we’re out with friends, period-related anxiety can be exhausting. It’s something that many women experience in silence, feeling like they’re alone in dealing with these challenges. But the truth is, period knowledge — and access to the right resources — can make a world of difference in how we manage our cycles and feel about our bodies.

This is where SANXTUARY MD was born — a company with a mission to educate women of all ages about their bodies, provide products to manage their periods with confidence, and celebrate women breaking barriers in STEM. Today, we’ll talk to Dr. Amber Robins- Hickson MD, MB. She is a board certified family physician, lifestyle medicine doctor, and the creator of Sanxtuary MD-a period product that caters to girls and women with heavy periods.

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In this powerful episode, we explore the intersection of race and sex trafficking. Studies have noted that race affects a woman's risk for sex trafficking vulnerability and exploitation. Relatedly,it also shape the structure of trafficking networks and the personal experiences of trafficker, victims and male consumers. Overall, the research points to the need for deeper understandings and action to address these systemic issues, and their unique impact on Black women's experiences.

Dr. Jacquelyn C. A. Meshelemiah joins us in this episode to break down how racialized histories of violence continue to shape the experiences of sex trafficked Black women today. Dr. Jacquelyn C.A. Meshelemiah is a licensed social worker in the State of Ohio and an Associate Professor in the College of Social Work at The Ohio State University.

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Lizzo’s body-positive stance is particularly focused on challenging what the fat studies research define as body terrorism, while some audiences view it as a neoliberal model of self-love that does not confront systemic issues. And how does her recent weight loss play into her narrative of body love and Black women embracing their bodies at any size.

This episode explores how Black fat women's bodies are consumed and utilized for their utility, while broader interactions with other Black fat individuals remain unchanged. Dr. Mary Senyonga is an Assistant Professor of Black Feminisms in Women’s and Gender Studies at Sacramento State University. Her research investigates racial violences in the university, Black student organizing, and the Black fat figure in society.

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This episode introduces Dr. Candice Nicole Hargons debut book Good Sex. This book shares how we can redefine intimacies ways that works for us individually and collectively. Using a flavorful receipe approach, her research outlines how to build a sex life that’s authentic, pleasurable, and deeply connected. From intimacy and fun to kink and connection, Dr Hargons's shows us how to season our sexual menus with the ingredients that bring true joy and satisfaction.

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Pregnancy termination trends among Black women are influenced by various social, economic, and healthcare factors. However, less is known about the ways in which Black women negotiate the decision making process around terminating pregnancies. With nearly two decades of mental health research and clinical experience, Dr. Marckdaline Johnson helps men and women find strength and empowerment as they navigate the pain of abortion, miscarriage, loss of self, and relationship or marital conflicts.

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The Black community has been largely overlooked in the evolving landscape of psychedelic research, both in terms of participation in clinical trials and representation among researchers in the field. This lack of inclusion is particularly troubling when considering the profound potential of psychedelics to address and heal deep-seated traumas that are often a result of systemic racialization and discrimination. One person working to change this is Dr. Monnica T. Williams, whose research focuses on BIPOC mental health, racial trauma, cultural competence, structural racism, and advancing psychedelic therapies.

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Incorporating Black identities and Black culture into therapy is essential for creating a therapeutic space that is not only effective but also respectful and validating. By understanding and embracing these elements, therapists can significantly enhance the therapeutic experience for Black clients, leading to better outcomes and a more profound sense of healing and empowerment. Integrating these realities are central to Dr. Tasha's "Drive-By Therapy" approach. Dr. Tasha addresses the heart of an issue with remarkable speed. Through her innovative approach she will LITERALLY appear in your living room virtually or simply make a drive-by. Dr. Tasha will assist you in resolving the unresolved issues that have kept you stuck. She is renowned for her group sessions, couples sessions, individual sessions, and family interventions.

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Black girls are not receiving the recognition they truly deserve for their remarkable creativity or significant achievements on social media platforms. Despite their immense contributions in these spaces, they often find themselves overshadowed and overlooked when it comes to monetization opportunities that could reward their hard work and innovative content. To explore the research addressing this, this episode features Dr. Zari Taylor is a critical cultural studies scholar interested in the interplay of digital and ​popular culture. Dr. Taylor is currently a Faculty Fellow and Assistant Professor at New York University affiliated with the Center for ​Faculty Advancement (CFA) and Alliance for Public Interest Technology (NYUA-PIT).

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