Y'all. These past couple of weeks have been ROUGH - mentally and emotionally! We've found ourselves split down the middle when it comes to the fight for social justice. Should we constantly engage, lock in, and keep ourselves informed? Or is it

[Episode 05] The F - Word

Mar 6th, 2019 36m 59s

Many black women are the brains and the brawn behind movements such as #BLM and #MeToo - but barely get the recognition and spotlight for it. Black women continually show up and show out for other people's causes, but not everyone shows up to s

[Episode 02] Black Card, Revoked?

Jan 23rd, 2019 30m 49s

Jackie and Shani share their experiences with stereotyping in the black community, ask the hard questions such as where the root of the stigmas come from, and how we can truly move forward to self acceptance and individuality. Stay tuned to hea

[Episode 30] White Hypocrisy

Feb 3rd, 2021 42m 54s

After the attack on the Capitol, and then watching AOC's Instagram live recounting her experience, we had to end Season 3 of the Mocha Message venting about the White Hypocrisy shown in law enforcement, government, honestly EVERY part of life.

[Episode 29] Believe Black Women.

Jan 13th, 2021 34m 56s

What happens when the people who are supposed to protect and care for you cannot be trusted? We already know this to be true with police, but there are other instances where people (such as physicians) cannot act upon their own biases. Jackie

[Episode 28] Sick & Tired of the Photoshop

Dec 9th, 2020 37m 33s

In this episode, Jackie & Shani chop it up about the pressure that social media - namely IG - places on women and their looks. Having to be "on" all the time can surface a lot of insecurities, and our two Mocha Mavens unpack and process where

[Episode 27] Respectability Won't Save You.

Nov 25th, 2020 35m 47s

What do we do in a world that makes snap judgments about us strictly based on the color of our skin? In this episode, Jackie & Shani get deeply into respectability politics. We chat about running across skin folk who ain't kinfolk, and what to

[Episode 26] Forgiveness, Pt. 1: You're Only Human

Nov 11th, 2020 30m 46s

Isn't it interesting how we sometimes struggle to extend the same grace we give to other people... to ourselves? It is imperative to hold space to be kind to yourself just as you would to others. In this episode, Shani and Jackie explore quest

[Episode 25] Black Women, Image, & the Industry

Jul 29th, 2020 45m 11s

In this episode, Shani & Jackie muse on why black women can't seem to get their flowers in the industry? From music (Jazmine Sullivan), to television/film (Viola Davis), and even politics (Michelle Obama) - black women are constantly criticized

[Episode 23] It's Personal.

Jun 3rd, 2020 43m 38s

Black Lives Matter. Period. For resources on how to help, support, and heal, visit www.mochamessage.com.

[Episode 22] Let's Go 50/50!

May 27th, 2020 29m 28s

Should a woman have a home cooked meal ready every night for her man? What is considered a "man's job" in the household? In this episode, Jackie and Shani break down those TIRED gender roles that you see everywhere on social media debates. We

[Episode 21] Sisters, How Y'all Feel? Brothers, Y'all Alright?

May 13th, 2020 29m 58s

And we're back! Shani and Jackie hold some space during the S3 premier to check in with each other and update the listeners on how we've been handling the effects of the pandemic. We chop it up on the importance of extending grace, experiencin

[Episode 20] My Identity is Not My Obstacle

Jan 22nd, 2020 32m 2s

It's the Season 2 Finale of the Mocha Message, and we had to have a convo about identity. As minorities, we are constantly navigating a world that tells us to dim our light and hide what makes us unique. Some of us straighten our hair for a job

[Episode 19] Allow Us To Reintroduce Ourselves...

Jan 8th, 2020 47m 13s

Mocha Mavens, can you believe we are almost to our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of the Mocha Message? We still get people who sing our "January 9th" chant! We wanted to take a step back and reflect, not only on the podcast so far but how we each got to

[Episode 18] Body+

Dec 18th, 2019 41m 13s

Alexa, play "Video" by India.Arie! Today's episode is all about body image. You know we're passionate about a topic when you can hear Jackie's pen tap-tapping on the table... If you listen close enough, you'll catch it! Grab your squad and tune

[Episode 17] It's Okay to Say No!

Dec 4th, 2019 41m 46s

Okay, okay, okay. We know what y'all are probably thinking. Earlier this season didn't you all tell us to "say yes, more"?? We most certainly did! But with everything in life, there is balance. The Mocha Mavens dive into the power of saying no.

[Episode 16] Toxic•ish

Nov 21st, 2019 43m 44s

How do you know it's time to sever ties with someone? Your favorite cousin growing up, the childhood homies, or maybe a significant other you have been in a relationship with for quite some time. When they start taking away more than they add t

[Episode 15] Say Yes, More!

Oct 23rd, 2019 44m 35s

In episode 15 Jackie and Shani chat about the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone into uncharted territory. It can be scary to embrace new opportunities; especially if you have no ability to control the outcome. Fear, doubt, and

[Episode 14] Reconciliation Is Key

Oct 9th, 2019 46m 48s

**DISCLAIMER** This episode was recorded in late September. It is NOT a response to recent events involving Botham Jean and Amber Guyger. What's up Mocha Mavens? In this episode, Shani & Jackie get CANDID as they speak about reconciliation and

[Episode 13] Fro Or Faux

Sep 25th, 2019 47m 6s

*cue Solange track* Fresh from ATL's Curlfest, we had to celebrate our own kinks and curls - Yes, ya'll, natural hair is here to stay! Or is it? In Episode 13, Shani and Jackie get real about their personal hair journeys and the path to accepti

[Episode 12] More Than Bath Bombs & Pedicures

Aug 28th, 2019 53m 44s

The art of self-care: Some say it's about bath bombs and face masks; for others, it can be journaling, coloring, and creating. But does it include boundaries? Saying no to other people or things that you have no interest in? Managing your time?

[Episode 11] Coloring Within the Lines

Aug 14th, 2019 52m 27s

In professional settings, black people are criticized for being introverts, extroverts, just THEMSELVES as a whole. There are many times where we feel like nothing we do is "enough". Coming into work every day and running through the silent che

[Episode 10] Young, Gifted, & Black

May 29th, 2019 47m 3s

We luh the kids! In the season finale of the Mocha Message, Shani and Jackie take some time to pay homage to our youth. These amazing individuals are not only young, gifted, and black... but also female, and all under the age of 18! These power

[Episode 09] Support Ya People

May 22nd, 2019 1h

We're back with another one *DJ Khaled voice* This episode is ALL about the state of Black economics - supporting our businesses, buying back the block, and discussing the celebs who help and hurt the cause. How many times have you dismissed a

[Episode 08] Mocha Health Pt. 2: Get Your Mind Right

May 1st, 2019 39m 22s

Part 1 of our mini health series highlighted the importance of physical health. In Part 2, we tackle the big giant: mental heath. Shani & Jackie speak on the way mental health has been perceived over different generations and how millennials ar