Take a moment to say “congratulations" to yourself today. Why? Well, 2017 was your year, and 2018 is too. As driven women, we often decide whether a year was “our year" based on what we accomplished: whether we landed that promotion, whether our summer fling became bae or bye, and so on. We measure ourselves by what we did, but we often overlook a huge part of that —the time and effort we took to keep pushing. You deserve a moment to clap for 2017, because you made it.
In fact, you should already be raising a glass to next year. You've powered through this year with enough time left for a strong finish to the calendar and a head start on 2018. To continue growing your glow-up, we've gathered a top-notch selection of podcasts. Skim this list to find your “lmaomgyes" moments, shoulders to cry on, reminders to breathe deep and even a little financial motivation not buy anymore Instagram boutique clothing. Whatever you need to boost your glow in 2018, we've got it.
Ready, Set, Glow!
Hashtag and Stilettos
Can you troubleshoot your way to success? Are brand partnerships right for your brand? Get the answers to questions like these and more from your personal “publicist in your pocket," entrepreneur and PR expert Sakita Holley on Hashtags and Stilettos.
With her expertise in tow, Sakita drops gems and trades verses with some of her entrepreneurial peers like writer Demetria Lucas D'Oyley and CurlBox founder Myleik Teele who shared gems on scaling a business. She also provides insight on the ins and outs of being your own boss, like gifting listeners with the "Sakita Method" to teach them out how to create luck in business and branding, as well as how to build a network as an introvert.
You Had Me at Black
“What percent are you on?" Recharge your black girl magic by tuning in into true-life stories from people who “get" you. Founded by sisters and creative-duo Martina and Britney Abrahams, YHMAB captures stories from black millennials often left out of the media.
You Had Me At Black is a podcast that acts as series of personal journals and captivates the listeners week-to-week by planting them firmly into the lives of perfect strangers with a story to tell. Whether you're a black traveler who comes face-to-face with his past while traveling to Cuba or a creative having trouble answering her calling after a failed relationship took the life from her - there are pieces of us somewhere in these 10+ minute stories.
Joblogues
For many, the first and fifteenth means payday. But what if you could cash in on a career boost during those days too? Check in with hosts Joymarie and Cortney and Joblogues for candid career conversations designed to make your next move, your best move.
The #groupchatgirlfriends of Joblogues give career advice in a down-to-earth way that feels like you're in the middle of a conversation over mimosas after a hard workweek and desperately in need of a little inspiration. Alongside guests like money maven Tonya Rapley and communications guru Amanda McCormick, the ladies show listeners how to hone in on the skills God gave us to create a work life you love to lead.
Myleik Teele's Podcast
Any entrepreneurs in the room who need a mentor? Myleik Teele's Podcast will serve as a virtual mentorship to young aspiring entrepreneur women who are looking to level up in their careers as well as find balance in their professional and personal lives. The conversational podcast allows you to kick it with the creator of CurlBox as she breaks down everything from the importance of therapy, to egg freezing for women in their 30's, and handling your own PR.
With the hashtag #MyTaughtYou, each week, Myleik ensures that you leave her podcast with a lesson to actively and immediately learn from. Above all, she teaches us to stay in our lane while creating one of our own. She is queen of the Q&A's, but has been known to sit down with celebrity guests every now and then with some of her latest appearances featuring Instyle's Fashion & Beauty Editor-At-Large Kahlana Barfield, xoNecole's Editor-In-Chief Necole Kane and celeb hairstylist to the stars Ursula Stephen. But the party definitely doesn't stop there.
2 Dope Queens
2 Dope Queens are your homegirls away from home. Tune in to hear co-hosts Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams take on EVERYTHING, from roasting Ben Carson to some good 'ol girl-gang gossip with the cast of Girls Trip.
The two best friends put on quite the live show. They are black AF, unapologetic AF, and funny AF and it all comes together to create a wildly entertaining 45-minute listen. Guests like Queen Latifah and Teegan & Sarah come through to the weekly barbecue to show up and show out, talking all things love, sex, race, and of course, living in New York.
Black Girl in Om
Chin up, shoulders relaxed, and deep breaths for this one, ladies! The BGIO podcast is a refreshing celebration of wellness, self-care, and self-love for women of color. Follow along with your very own guides-on-the-side, Black Girl in Om founder Lauren Ash and Art Director Deun Ivory as they chat with wellness and beauty gurus of all specialties.
BGIO is the podcast component to the equally peaceful and woo-sah-inducing reads that fill the pages of the Black Girl in Om site. BGIO places a strong emphasis on wellness and can be the reset you're looking for on days where the gloom feels longer than the sun. When guests like Hey Fran Hey or Latham Thomas come through, you better believe that the gems you will receive are going to be potent as ever. But with subjects like finding wholeness, mindfulness, and emotional empowerment, BGIO never fails to deliver.
She's Beauty And Beast
Tracy G. serves as our weekly fairy glow up mother, sprinkling much-needed black girl magic onto the lives of her day-to-day listeners. She walks us through the mundanities of life in a way that seeks to empower the modern-day millennial women on the pathway to owning their dopeness.
A self-proclaimed "audio vision board," She's Beauty And Beast is your one-stop shop for your 2018 glow up with topics ranging from sprituality and sanity to sexuality and sensuality. Tracy G. talks about life post-celibacy, liberation, lacefront beards, and even the effects of overdosing on too much self-improvement.
Consider these two “semi-responsible" millennials your audio-guide to adulting —well at least the personal finance and career aspects. Make money moves that matter through their conversations with a dynamic mix of financial experts on Paychecks & Balances.
Personal finances are one of those aspects in life that you have to steadily work towards each and every day to make sure your accounts are in order, your credit check is on point, and your savings are on deck in full effect. Rich and Marcus can be the advisors your wallet and life will thank you for. With their conversations on financial independence, wealth building, and budgeting - 2018 is bound to full of abundance for you.
The Creative Millennial
If you're a creative and you've ever felt alone or isolated in your craft, that ends as soon as you tune into Candice VanWye's Creative Millennial podcast.
The newly established business podcast is a weekly podcast where Candice talks to creatives of all ages and success points like Essence Hayes, the owner and designer of Coloring Pins who made success the only option and Tasha James, who shared her journey as a blogger with a “small" audience.
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast
What does it take for you to become the best version of yourself? Kick off your shoes, unhook your bra, and tune into a weekly conversation with licensed psychologist, Dr. Joy Harden Bradford about all things mental health and personal development with the Therapy for Black Girls Podcast.
While Dr. Harden Bradford always stipulates that her weekly sessions are not a replacement for going to therapy, her sessions offer a range of wellness tips and strategies gears to help you maintain your mental health. She talks about red flags in relationships, managing grief, Impostor Syndrome, and ex sex. She also uses fictional characters, like Love & Basketball's Monica and Being Mary Jane's Mary Jane, to help frame important conversations.
Gettin' Grown
What age did you think you'd have it all figured out? Now let's all laugh about it with Keia and Jade, the “happy and hard working (Blackity) Black" hosts of the Gettin' Grown podcast as they try to figure out life as 30-somethings.
How comforting is it to learn that we are all trying to figure this thing called life out? Keia and Jade are our reaffirming sistas from another mista. The ladies give us the real on things like gift giving during the holidays, street harassment, and the importance of owning and protecting your black magic. No one has a game plan, but we can all navigate through these waters together.
The Black Girl Podcast
Name a more iconic *quintet*, we'll wait. Get a dose of these five fresh perspectives from Scottie Beam, Gia Peppers, Sapphira, Bex, and Alysha P and their hilarious takes on life, sisterhood, pop culture, and “making it" on the Black Girl Podcast.
The five women have made a career for themselves as media phenoms in their own right, and became friends while working on Hot 97. The conversations took on a life of its own literally and they decided to create a podcast around it. The opinions sometimes differ but the love is all the same. The girls pose deep questions like whether or not it's important to have love first or respect first, the effects of your choices on your future, exes, and of course, sex. Get your 2018 poppin' with just the right amount of girl talk to lift your spirit and guide you through your day-to-day.
What are some podcasts you listen to for wellness and inspiration? Share your favorites below.
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RELATED
Whether you're planning to meet a certain financial or fitness goal, or you're simply trying to maintain and build on the progress you made this year, having something to look forward to is always a good look. Setting actual goals, according to research, actually leads to more success than just playing things by ear. So here are a few to get you started, sis:
(Disclaimer: Not everything is for everyone, so do like my Granny always says: "Eat the meat. Spit out the bone." Take on five out of the 40 and focus on that for the remainder of the year, or do them all. Either way, this is just to get you started.)
40 Ways To End The Year Strong and Inspired
Money Moves
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1. Increase your retirement (or other savings/investment) contributions by 1%.
Experts have found that you could be leaving money on the table by not upping your contributions when you can.
2. Cancel two to five subscriptions.
You could be missing hundreds, even thousands, of dollars a year due to sneaky price hikes and "updates."
3. Create a "fun" in a high-yield savings account.
This is especially important if you struggle with the dreaded b-word (budget) and will make next year's efforts a lot less intimidating. Even if it's $10 a month, do it.
4. Put on your big-girl panties, and set up automatic transfers and payments for at least one bill.
It reduces the stress of managing bills, lessens the chance of a missed payment---and the fees that come with that---and there can be cost savings for doing so.
5. Invest in a cleaner or housekeeping service.
Bosses who value their time (and mental health) invest their dollars into areas where the time they'd spend doing those tasks themselves could be better used to focus on other money-making projects. (And yes, rest is part of that.) Get a housekeeper, sis, or drop off that laundry, even if it's once per month.
6. Donate to a charity.
Beyond the tax benefits, it's a win-win for the greater good of communities you care about.
7. Review your insurance policies and negotiate a better rate (or move on) before their end dates.
Experts often agree this is a small but mighty step to take each year, especially since insurance rates are competitive, you could be spending more money than you need to (or not enough) and your insurance rates can affect your mortgage payments.
8. Call your loan provider and refinance.
As interest rates fall, “millions of borrowers may be able to refinance and get more affordable payments. As interest rates eased down to 6.5%, about 2.5 million borrowers could already refinance and save at least 75 basis points (0.75%) on their interest rate,” the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports. You can also refinance student and other types of loans.
9. Stop buying individual items and stock up via going bulk.
Research has found that, among 30 common products, buying in bulk could save you 27% compared with buying in lower quantities. Water, paper products, and baby products like diapers, toiletries, and garbage bags are the top items where people see the most cost-effectiveness. (This has been a lifesaver for me—children, large family, or not—especially when it comes to toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products, saving stress, time, and money.)
10. Go cash-only for the holidays.
If you set smart goals and stick to limits on things like gifts, going out to eat, or groceries, you'll see the benefits of this. Cash-stuffing is one method recommended, but something as simple as taking a $10 bill out for lunch, disabling that card for an hour, and leaving your card in a safe place at the office can give you that mindset jump start to see how far you can take your money without the need to splurge.
Love And Romance
11. Say "no."
There are clear mental and physical health benefits to saying no including the setting of healthy boundaries, creating time and energy for other self-care activities, and protecting yourself from physically harmful situations (i.e. unprotected sex or abuse). Just say it, clearly and simply, when you need to.
12. Set a fun, free, adults-only date night for once a week or twice a month with your spouse.
If busy, high-profile folk have touted the success of this, even you can make the time for quality time with your partner. And it's even better when it costs nothing. The best connections are made doing something chill, challenging, or outside the usual dinner-and-a-movie date. Play a game that allows you to reconnect, take a walk in your neighborhood to chat and laugh, or try a little erotic chocolate/edible liquid/paint episode a la Mea Culpa.
13. Go out with Mr. or Ms. "Not My Type."
I love my man, but if I were waiting out for my "type" at the time, we wouldn't be celebrating seven (going on eight) years together. Sometimes having strict, unrealistic expectations for a spouse (especially related to things like height, physical features, or career path) is what's keeping you alone and lonely.
Take the pressure off and explore all your options. I'm not telling you to stop popping the balloon on the guy who earns $20,000 less than you if that's a hard no that Jesus himself told you to skip. I'm asking you to explore other options and see what else God might have out there for your love journey.
14. Immediately apologize and pray together.
I've learned that always being "right" isn't always ideal when you truly care about someone and you're in a relationship for the long haul. Defaulting to an apology when necessary, even when things aren't 100% resolved, is a good way to prioritize peace and save your energy for more worthwhile battles. Research has even supported the benefits of apologies in relationships, and how couples married for five or more years do it often.
15. Get a Rose and discover true self-love.
Do I really have to explain this? You've gotta know what satisfies you, and how better to figure that out than to practice self-love in the bed by yourself? You can also try this with a partner, but as a woman who got on this train very much later in my sexual activity journey. I have a lot more learning to do on my own, and even in a satisfying relationship, I like to find out new things about myself, by myself.
Figure out what you're into, watch what you want to watch, and read what you want to read to define pleasure for yourself. There's a freedom and empowering element there especially if you're used to prioritizing pleasing your partner.
16. Be direct and have the "money talk" with bae.
Money issues are one of the leading causes of divorce, so you need to have those conversations before you even think about marrying someone. And true, nobody can predict the future so you won't be able to avoid some challenges altogether, however, talking with your potential spouse about how they view money, their spending habits, and the pain points in terms of their approach to money management can at least give you a glimpse into what's in store if you do walk down the aisle, move in with them, or decide to share a bank account/business/child with them.
17. Invest in the "paid" version of that dating app.
I know plenty of successful, married folk who did this and met "the one" as a result. Let's be honest: The free version is for playing around. I had a lot of fun with my "free" profile back in the day, trust me. Upgrade that photo, profile, and package, and see if the quality of your dating adventures changes when you're serious about finding a true partner. Dating coaches and matchmakers cosign this.
18. Solo travel to meet that long-distance connection.
Sometimes, your perfect match isn't within 100 miles of you, and that's okay. Make it an adventure, enjoy the memories, and book that ticket. I met my man this way and it's been a whirlwind escape ever since. If you're not comfortable traveling solo, travel or (network to plan travel) with a group via Facebook.
Career And Business
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19. Schedule coffee or virtual meetups with smart people from your graduating class, previous employer, or current employer.
I have gotten many freelance opportunities by doing this. It's as simple as connecting and offering value (or simply learning how you can better equip yourself to do so.) It's also a great way to expand your network, spark new friendships, or find out about new job opportunities.
20. Invest in a well-made suit.
I don't care what industry you're in, a suit says "power," and it's not as old-school or out-of-style as you'd think. Plus the whole experience of looking for a new one (or getting one tailored) is fun and affirming. Try these options. I swear, anytime I wear a blazer, I'm treated like a celebrity or boss, especially when traveling. I was once upgraded to first-class wearing a yellow blazer outfit, and the airline professional literally said, "You look like somebody important. Here you go."
21. Volunteer for a worthwhile project or cause that's important to your company.
If you're overworked and underappreciated, skip this one, but if you truly have the time, love what you do, and want to advance, this move is clutch. Volunteering for extra projects got me where I am today in media because I had foresight, and knew that was the only way at the time to leverage relationships, and I was able to challenge myself to learn skills that 20 years later are still bankable. That VP you can't get a meeting with will be at that gala your company is planning, so join that committee, sis.
22. Write down why you deserve a raise and ask for it in your next one-on-one.
Gather those receipts (ie sales increase numbers, KPIs met, deals closed, people acquired via recruitment, the impact of systems updates, or other tangible success metrics) and ask for that raise before the first or second-quarter budgets are being finalized.
23. Instead of quitting, write down your exit plan.
While revenge quitting is set to be a thing next year (and maybe you're among those who will be leading the trend), try the better boss move and quit with a real plan.
24. Start automatically separating that estimated self-employed quarterly tax estimate.
If you have side hustles (or you're collecting 1099 income,) baby, you do not want to neglect those quarter tax payments. Talk to a professional, do your research, and set up automatic transfers to an account specifically for paying these at the appropriate due dates.
25. Sign up for a free one- to 11-week course related to your industry—or the industry you want to be in next year.
Institutions like Harvard University and platforms like Coursera offer free courses that can enhance your skills. You can also invest in certificate courses with accredited colleges as well as tech training.
26. Hit "Easy Apply" for 10 dream jobs listed on LinkedIn.
While you shouldn't solely rely on this when actively job-seeking, using this convenient LinkedIn option is a great way to get into the habit of applying for positions. And if you're already employed, you should still be "dating" other employers if you're looking to make a move in the next six months. Keep your interview skills sharp, practice toughening up for the "nos," and get a bit of an ego boost in the process.
Self-Care And Wellness
27. Pre-schedule three month's worth of massages.
Oftentimes this is cost-effective since some spas offer deals for multiple bookings. Also, it makes an act of self-care deliberate and important, not an option. When you get that reminder call, you'll know it's real.
28. Fire that therapist and try another one.
Cultural competency in mental health support is one major problem that can hinder Black women from even bothering with therapy. And who wants the added stress of spending multiple, paid sessions explaining why something is a microaggression? Cut the cord and move on to try someone else, either via a Black women therapists channel or recommendations from others.
29. Join a small group at church.
Bedside service ain't gonna cut it and neither is going to the usual Sunday service. Join a smaller group and upgrade your efforts to connect, network, and elevate spiritually. Even if virtually, take a step to dig a bit deeper with more targeted Bible study and discussions.
30. Say no, even to loved ones.
This is on here twice, for a reason. Saying no is the simplest, most powerful micro-action you can take today to make 2025 better. No explanations. No guilt. Say no.
31. Choose one "luxury" beauty product for skincare and stick to it.
This was trending big on social, especially for millennials hitting their 40s. There's just something so freeing about not giving in to every trend and sticking to the basics that work, especially when there are quality, healthy ingredients involved. Put those orders on auto-renew.
32. Sign up for a new sport or fitness class just for fun, not for results.
It's great to be on a weight-loss or weight-lifting journey, but try something just for the fun of it. Switch things up with a couple of these fitness activities.
33. Book a staycation.
Leave the passport at home and explore a nearby community or another town in your state. There's so much enrichment in your own backyard right here in the U.S., and you don't even have to break the bank.
34. Pre-schedule your mammograms, Pap smear, and peri-menopause checkups for next year.
Take control of your health by pre-scheduling essential appointments like mammograms, Pap smears, and peri-menopause check-ups for 2025. Prioritizing these screenings early ensures you stay on top of your wellness and make time for self-care in the new year.
35. Cut off support of beauty and wellness professionals whose customer service is below standard.
This is another one that many Black women have been vocal about—from unrealistic pre-appointment requirements, to booking fees, to long waits, to unsavory in-salon experiences. Spot the red flags early, and just stop accommodating foolishness. Support salons or experienced stylists who are kind, have proper systems in place and value your time.
36. Schedule five to 10-minute moments of silence on your calendar.
Again, wellness is not optional, and if it's not on my calendar, it's not official. Sit quietly. Pray. Meditate. Or do nothing. The benefits of silent moments are almost endless.
37. Download a meditation app.
If you've found that meditation is difficult to schedule or to even start, an app can help. Try this, this, or this one, and take that step to embrace something new to enhance your wellness routine. If you're tired of downloading apps, create a playlist for meditation via Amazon Music or Spotify and schedule a reminder to do it once a day or week.
38. Invest in a healthy meal prep or delivery service.
Time is emotionally expensive, so save as much of it as possible. Getting into meal prep to keep to your goals is a great way to save time, stress, and effort. The health benefits of meal prepping have also been proven via research.
39. Create a positive playlist on Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, or other streaming platform.
It can be podcasts, music, affirmations, or somatic sounds. It's a game-changer. You can even set an alarm to wake you up to start your day with the positive playlist. Not into creating your own? There are plenty to choose from with a quick search.
40. Set up reminders for Alexa (Siri or other AI) to remind you, "You are loved," and "You are okay."
This simple effort can boost your endorphins and remind you that you're indeed, not alone, and you will be okay, regardless. To set mine up, I simply commanded, "Alexa, remind me everyday 'Jesus loves me,'" and like clockwork she does. She almost scared the ish out of me one day when I'd forgotten the reminder was active, but it was the reminder I needed when anxiety had gotten the best of me that week.
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