Be Well Sis: The Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Merry Christmas!!! Grab a cup of something warm, pop in your headphones, and join me for my personal review of 2024 as well as my aspirations for the year ahead. 

For the new year, I’d love for this community to be more interactive and would love to hear from you! Your story is part of our wellness journey! I'd love to hear from you about:

✨ Your wellness wins and challenges 

✨ Questions about your health journey 

✨ Self-care discoveries and favorite products

✨ Topics you'd like covered on the show 

✨ How you're implementing tips from our episodes

You can shop items mentioned in today's episode here!

Share your thoughts anytime at hello@editaud.io or DM me @bewellsis_podcast on Instagram. Use #BeWellSis to connect with our community. 

Selected stories may be featured in future episodes!

***Connect with me on socials- join the Be Well,Sis tribe on Instagram and YouTube!***

Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward and Reem Elmaghraby. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert.

Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, PTO Nomad Sharinda Williams-Simmons shares her journey from news reporter to travel enthusiast & self-care advocate. The conversation delves into the significance of planning travel for mental well-being and the systemic issues affecting the perception of African heritage globally.

This episode is filled with insightful conversations, personal anecdotes, and valuable lessons that will resonate with anyone navigating corporate America, seeking self-care, and exploring the world of travel.

Sharinda discusses her experiences traveling to unexpected destinations like Cuba, Jordan, and Morocco, where she discovered cultural connections and the importance of legacy.

Find out more and follow Sharinda on her socials below:

Instagram

Twitter

Website

Want to get in touch with the pod? Maybe you have an AITA you need solving or a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! 

Be Well Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward and Reem Elmaghraby. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert.

Be Well Sis is an editaudio collaboration.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last week was my birthday and I had some time to reflect. In this episode, I get vulnerable as I share 5 reminders from this past year that I'm confident will be helpful to you too.

As we near the end of the year, many of us take inventory of our year and I provide the following questions as journal prompts to help guide your reflections. They are:

• In what ways have you grown this year? 
• What lessons have you learned?
• In what ways have you impressed yourself?
• In what ways have you let yourself down?

Additionally, there are some things brewing behind the scenes that I'm very excited to share with you!

Join our Inner Circle membership community!!! Sign up here!

Don't forget to leave a 5-star rating and review! Be sure to include show topics in the review :) 

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Be Well, Sis Partners:

Athletic Greens: Redeem 1 year supply of Vitamin D + 5 free travel packs when you visit my link (www.athleticgreens.com/bewellsis) 

Self-love journal (+other clinically backed mental health resources): Use code BEWELLSIS20 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the things that I’ve said (and will continue to say) is that while Western medicine has its benefits, it’s not the end all be all when it comes to your overall health and wellness. And while I’m grateful for Western medicine, it doesn’t quite get to the root cause of an ailment the way that Eastern medicine does. On my journey to decolonizing my mind when it comes to being more intentional with my wellness, I’ve been doing what I can to learn about traditional and alternative medicine.

That’s why I’m so excited to introduce you to Francesca Isaac, a licensed Acupuncturist and fellow island girl. Francesca fell in love with the philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine while receiving treatments for severe menstrual cramps. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in biology, she spent 3 years studying acupuncture at the Tri-state College of Acupuncture in New York City.

Today, Francesca is here to share her expert knowledge on acupuncture and how it pertains to your wellness. We discuss how acupuncture can aid your menstrual cycle. She also shares some tips and tricks that you can easily implement at home to alleviate your menstrual cramps and discomfort. Francesca walks us through the importance of learning and acknowledging the history of Chinese medicinal practices, especially in a world where these practices are becoming more widely available.

If you’re interested in the therapeutic, physical, and cosmetic benefits of acupuncture and you’re ready to incorporate it into your wellness routine, this episode is for you. Listen in to this incredibly insightful episode with Francesca and pick up some pointers on the benefits of adding acupuncture into your wellness routine.

A Closer Look at the Episode

• [5:16] How Francesca got into the field of acupuncture
• [7:23] Why acupuncture can aid your menstrual cycle and alleviate your menstrual cramps
• [8:56] Tips for keeping your pelvis warm
• [10:11] The benefits of using castor oil in the days leading up to your cycle and tips for using it
• [14:00] What is cosmetic acupuncture and acknowledging the history of Chinese medicinal practices
• [17:37] The benefits of Guasha and how it alleviates stress
• [18:30] Is cupping painful?
• [19:37] The evolution of Francesca’s business during the pandemic
• [21:22] Embracing the benefits of Eastern medicine
• [23:23] Francesca’s top book recommendations

Episode Resources:

• Athletic Greens Free is offering a one-year supply of vitamin D and 5 free travel packs with your first purchase (use code BEWELLSIS)
• Self-love Journal: (use code BEWELL20 for 20% off)
• Francesca’s Website
• Francesca’s Instagram
• Be Well Sis Patreon 

Be Well, Sis Partners:

Join our FREE text community for more wellness info between episodes + to speak directly to me. Text ‘Hey Sis!’ to 973-832-1684. 

Get your free Audible trial here!

*** The above contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we earn a modest commission which helps support the production of this show.

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Join the tribe on Instagram!

Be well, Sis. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s no secret that we live in a hustle and grind culture. Pop on to Instagram on any given day, search the term “entrepreneur” or the hashtag #girlboss, and you’ll get flooded with posts about “rising and grinding”. On the other hand, there’s also the online culture of self-care that flaunts bubble baths, mud masks, and pampering. Needless to say, neither of those images are accurate to what truly takes place in real-life entrepreneurship and self-care.

This is why I want you to meet Dawn Fitch. Dawn is a health advocate, speaker, author, and the founder and CEO of the award-winning bath and body company called Pooka Pure and Simple. Her story of wellness and entrepreneurship is one with many dramatic twists and turns. But at the end of the day, it is one that teaches us all important lessons about building a business from the ground up, navigating life-changing challenges, being an advocate for yourself and your health, and becoming and finding a strong support system both for you and others.

Dawn shares her story from receiving the difficult news of her diagnosis. She also details how she navigates her life with an autoimmune disease (multiple sclerosis), how she prioritizes and optimizes her health and wellness, and the power of community in supporting her through this journey.

On top of her health and wellness, Dawn also shares her 20-year (and counting) entrepreneurship journey. She opens up about leaving her traditional 9 to 5 job, building her business from the ground up, and the incredibly humbling experience of being an entrepreneur. And if you’re a budding entrepreneur yourself, you’re in luck! Dawn imparts some of her wisdom as well as her biggest advice for up and coming entrepreneurs.

This is a conversation about business and wellness that is real, unfiltered, and honest. Dawn doesn’t sugarcoat her journey. Instead, she offers real-life advice for some hard-to-navigate situations. Tune in and be prepared to feel inspired as Dawn shares her story and the important lessons she’s learned along the way.

Closer Look at the Episode

• [7:48] The origin of the name Pooka Pure and Simple
• [9:01] Being diagnosed and dealing with MS
• [11:58] Coping with the diagnosis
• [15:06] Leaving her 9-5 and building her business from the ground up
• [17:51] The humbling journey of entrepreneurship
• [19:25] Dawn’s biggest advice for new entrepreneurs
• [22:06] Navigating a diagnosis and the power of community
• [24:12] How to become a strong support system for your friends and family with a diagnosis
• [25:17] Why you are your best advocate
• [28:56] Dawn’s best tips for optimizing your wellness and health
• [33:51] The importance of giving yourself some grace
• [34:53] Dawn’s book recommendation for entrepreneurs
• [35:40] What’s bringing Dawn joy these days?

Episode Resources:

• Athletic Greens Free is offering a one-year supply of vitamin D and 5 free travel packs with your first purchase (use code BEWELLSIS)
• Pooka Pure and Simple Website
• Pooka Pure and Simple Insagram
• Dawn Fitch Instagram
• The E-Myth Book
• The Best Life Tribe

Be Well, Sis Partners:

Join our FREE text community for more wellness info between episodes + to speak directly to me. Text ‘Hey Sis!’ to 973-832-1684. 

Get your free Audible trial here!

*** The above contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we earn a modest commission which helps support the production of this show.

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Join the tribe on Instagram!

Be well, Sis. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you too have been seeing CBD shops, tinctures, salves, teas, and all sorts of other products sprout up and you aren’t sure of the benefits and how they actually work- this is the perfect episode for you!

I believe it’s important to be an educated consumer so I decided to reach out to one of my favorite CBD companies.

In full transparency, this episode is NOT sponsored by Reset Bioscience- however, I’ve been using their products for about a year now and have decided to have a conversation with someone from their team.

In this episode we discuss:

• what is the endocannabinoid system
• who might benefit from the use of CBD products
• the difference between CBD, CBG, and CBG targeted products
• CBD vs THC
• what sets Reset Bioscience products apart 
• tips on managing anxiousness to avoid spiraling

Reset Bioscience is giving the BWS tribe 40% off your purchase when you enter code BEWELLSIS40 at checkout. So this is a great opportunity for you to try their CBD product. Again, visit resetbioscience.com and enter code BEWELLSIS40 to save!

To get a copy of the notes on this episode, TEXT: RESET to 973-832-1684. 

Be Well Sis Partners-

Shop Athletic Greens for a free 1-year- supply of Vitamin D!

*Start your Audible trial now! 

Shop our Bookshop Store Front. 

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Join the tribe on IG! 

Support us on Patreon!

Sign up for our newsletter.

Be Well, Sis.

**Some of the links above are our affiliate partners. By shopping those links, we earn a modest commission that helps cover the cost of production.**

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I’m in my mid-thirties. At this point in life, I’m quite familiar with the ebbs and flows of friendships. Over the years, we’ve outgrown childhood friends and made new ones throughout high school and college. But one of the skills we seem to lose a grasp on in adulthood is how to make new friends and navigate friendship breakups.

Enter Danielle Bayard Jackson. Danielle is a friendship expert on a mission to help women create and maintain better friendships. Today, we’re diving into an open and candid conversation about how we can make new friends as adults.

We discuss the balancing act of prioritizing friendships while juggling the responsibilities of adult life. Danielle gives us a new perspective of viewing friendships through the lens of wellness, and why not having anyone to vibe with can have the same harmful effects as other unhealthy habits

As a self-proclaimed introvert, I couldn’t wrap up this episode without picking Danielle’s brain on how I can take on the scary task of starting new friendships and finding new friends outside of my already existing circles. Danielle is here to help you navigate adult friendship breakups, transitions, and expanding your friendship circle. Because at the end of the day, we all get by with a little help from our friends.

About Danielle Bayard Jackson:

Danielle Bayard Jackson is a friendship expert on a mission to help women create and maintain better friendships. As a former high school teacher and certified women's coach, (as well as a podcast host, author, and speaker) Danielle uses her knowledge and training to help women better understand the impact and importance of strong platonic relationships between women through her unique platform, FriendForward. Recently featured in the NBC News article “I hired a friendship coach to make friends. Here’s what happened”, Danielle is sought after by various media outlets to shine a light on the complexities of female friendship and to provide actionable strategies for overcoming some of the most common hurdles to sustaining meaningful friendships.

Closer Look of the Episode:

• [2:45] How to make new friends as adults
• [6:17] Balancing adult life while prioritizing friendships
• [10:20] Viewing friendships through the lens of wellness
• [12:28] Taking the first step to new friendships as an introvert
• [17:43] Tips for finding new friends as an adult
• [25:11] Navigating friendship breakups
• [28:09] Danielle’s top reading recommendation

Episode Resources:

• • Self-love Journal:  
    • (use code BEWELLSIS20 for 20% off)
  • Friend Forward Website
  • Friend Forward Podcast
  • Friend Forward Instagram 
  • Deborah Tannen Books
  • Shasta Nelson Books

Be Well, Sis Partners:

Join our FREE text community for more wellness info between episodes + to speak directly to me. Text ‘Hey Sis!’ to 973-832-1684. 

Get your free Audible trial here!

*** The above contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we earn a modest commission which helps support the production of this show.

More--

Join the tribe on Instagram!

Be well, Sis. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You hear the word “self-love” being tossed around the internet. So much so that it has become a trigger word for so many people. But having compassion and kindness for yourself is crucial to living a kind, peaceful, and fruitful life. So in today’s episode, I’m diving deep into how you can foster self-compassion so that you can have better relationships with others and have a healthy relationship with yourself.

First, I dive into an explanation of what self-compassion is and what that can look like. I also share what experts in psychology have said about the importance of self-compassion and how it affects our lives. Then, we’ll discuss Dr. Kristin Neff’s 3 main components of self-compassion, what they mean, and examples of how they show up in my own life. We’ll take a look at what it means to be mindful, and how to simply observe your thoughts while letting them pass, so as to not assign meaning and weight to them. Lastly, I talk about journaling and share my framework for falling into this healthy habit.

This is an important episode that will reshape the way you approach self-compassion. So tune in, take notes, and give yourself permission to be kind to yourself.

Many thanks to Switch Research for partnering with me to bring you this episode.

Time Stamps:

• [7:10] What is self-compassion
• [8:15] Why it’s important for us to have self-compassion
• [10:49] Self-kindness vs. self-judgment
• [13:42] Taking a non-judgmental approach to your thoughts and emotions
• [14:45] Observing your thoughts and letting them pass
• [15:47] What you need to know about journaling
• [16:29] A framework for approaching journaling

Resources:

• Self-love Journal  (use code BEWELLSIS20 for 20% off)
• Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen 
• Clubhouse App 
• Dr. Neff Definition of Self Compassion Article

Be Well, Sis partners:

Join our FREE text community for more wellness info between episodes + to speak directly to me. Text ‘Hey Sis!’ to 973-832-1684. 

Get your free Audible trial here!

*** The above contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we earn a modest commission which helps support the production of this show.

More--

Join the tribe on Instagram!

Be well, Sis. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

 “It is not enough for alternative narratives of Black, Brown, and Native women simply to exist; they must actually influence the content and the course of the movement for gender parity. And before this call can happen, white women must reckon with just how much white privilege has influenced feminist movements and continues to influence the agenda of feminism today". - Rafia Zakaria 

Although we've moved to a bi-weekly schedule, I had to pop-in and share this BONUS episode with you featuring the author of the newly released book called Against White Feminism: Notes on Disruption.   In this episode, we have a great conversation on the many ways that feminism upholds white supremacy and why many Black and Brown women identify as Womanists instead. She shares her own stories and shares insight on how women of color can navigate toxic systems of oppression and maintain their sense of self and sanity. 

Purchase the book here!

Be Well, Sis Partners: 

Shop Athletic Greens for a free 1-year- supply of Vitamin D!

*Start your Audible trial now! 

Join the tribe on IG! 

Support us on Patreon!

Join our text community at 973-832-1684 :) 

Be Well, Sis.

*Some of the links above are our affiliate partners. By shopping those links, we earn a modest commission that helps cover the cost of production.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What do you do when life has disappointed you? How do you regain your footing when career setbacks have knocked you down? Navigating these disappointments and setbacks can be lonely and defeating. You might find yourself looking in the mirror, not recognizing the person staring back at you because they’re drained of their confidence.

Kyla Denanyoh knows this feeling a little too well. She dealt with frustration and immense self-doubt after not having passed the bar exam. Although she is hardly the first person to fail the bar, she felt isolated in her experience. In our conversation today, we discuss how to overcome disappointments and setbacks, especially when things don’t go as planned. Kyla shares her expertise and experience on overcoming self-doubt, giving yourself permission to pivot, and embracing the journey.

• Connect with Kyla: Website and Instagram

Episode Timestamps:

• [3:25] Career changes, breaking down perfectionism, and being a lawyer
• [7:50] Embracing your journey and knowing that nothing takes away from your expertise
• [9:47] Overcoming disappointments when things don’t go as planned
• [16:11] How to overcome self-doubt
• [18:07] Permission to pivot and why your experience is relevant
• [22:06] How Kyla’s pivots helped her discover different aspects of herself
• [26:51] Why therapy is a blessing and what prompted Kyla to seek therapy out
• [32:11] Kyla’s advice for anyone considering a career pivot

Be Well, Sis partners:

Visit Athletic Greens to redeem 1 year’s worth of Vitamin D + 5 travel packs for FREE with your subscription. 

Shop my favorite clean and ethically sourced skincare products at Odacite. Use code BEWELLSIS at checkout for savings. #tohealthandbeauty

Join our FREE text community for more wellness info between episodes + to speak directly to me. Text ‘Hey Sis!’ to 973-832-1684. 

Get your free Audible trial here!

*** The above contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we earn a modest commission which helps support the production of this show.

More--

Join the tribe on Instagram!

Be well, Sis. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.