In this very special season finale episode we’ve got some personal news for you all that we’ve been getting ready to share for some time. Let’s get into it.

Charla and Lauren get a lot of questions from listeners about how to sell a podcast. They might not have all the answers, but in this episode Stitcher Senior Producer Stephanie Kariuki comes on to share her words of wisdom for getting a project off the ground. She also throws in tips on finding work life balance and finessing all aspects of life with a self-starter attitude. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ 
 Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw Follow Stephanie Kariuki on Twitter @StephKariuki or Instagram @steph.kariuki

We may recognize the political symbolism of an afro or a “future is female” shirt, but cultural historian Tanisha Ford sees a political meaning in nearly everything Black women wear--whether they’re trying to make a statement or not. In this episode, she takes a step back to explain the origin stories of some of the most popular fashion items for Black women and girls. And she breaks down the little-known ways that “high fashion” gatekeepers have been apropriating Black aesthetics from slavery to today. You’re not going to want to miss this. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ 
 Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw Follow Tanisha Ford on Twitter @SoulistaPhD and buy her book 'Dressed In Dreams: A Black Girl’s Love Letter to the Power of Fashion.'

Growing up in Agusta County Georgia, Raquel Willis didn’t find the language for what was so different about her gender experience until young adulthood. But in just a few years since her gender transition, she’s become a leading thinker on gender politics and feminism with her journalism and non-profit work. In this episode, Raquel fills us in on how she became a key player in the movement for LGBTQ rights, where she thinks it’s going, and why she thinks Black womanhood is inherently gender non-conforming. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ 
 Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw Follow Raquel Willis on Twitter @RaquelWillis_

Charla and Lauren are tired of environmentalism constantly being associated with white activists. This week 18-year-old climate justice organizer Elsa Mengistu (our future president) fills us in on what it’s been like to fight for the environment at Howard University and bring her race-conscious approach to the national stage. Her insights show there are big divides between the youth movement and adult organizers. But like a true future president, she outlines a way for each of us to fight climate justice like the function of white supremacy that it is. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ 
 Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw Follow Elsa Mengistu on Twitter @elsamengistu and Instagram @elsamengistu

In this second installment of our two-parter on managing grief, Charla and Lauren talk with Detroit community leader Espy Thomas aka Etta Fly. She started her own grief management circle run out of her family’s sweet potato restaurant called “Where Do Black Women Go to Grieve?” And she’s here to discuss how she helped Black women in her community break through the cultural barriers and red tape around seaking therapy, to talk through their deepest losses together. But because she’s Etta Fly, it’s actually a very uplifting conversation. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ 
 Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw Follow Etta Fly on Instagram @Ettaflyy or join her virtual community on the “Where do Black Women Go to Grieve?” Facebook group

Black women are constantly exposed to death in our private lives and in the media, but we rarely talk about the process of grieving. Lauren has been grappling with her own grief for decades after losing her father at nine and Charla is hoping to learn new ways to support her loved ones through unfathomable losses. In this episode, they talk with licensed grief counselor Keisha Wells about ways to manage the various manifestations of grief, and whether it’s even possible to truly overcome a loss. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ 
 Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw Follow Keisha Wells @kwellslpc and pick up her book “From Three Heartbeats to One: A Gentle Companion in Grieving Pregnancy and Infant Loss”

These days it seems like everyone is trying to channel their inner spirituality or witchiness. Charla and Lauren have gotten increasingly curious about what new rituals they could develop on their own journeys, but there are so many traditions one could consider and so many ways to get scammed. In this episode, spiritual guide Ayanna Maia gives an inside-look at how she helps her clients develop their own spiritual intuition, avoid hustlers, and find a practice they can feel empowered by. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ 
 Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw Check out Ayanna Maia’s practice at www.selfcareworks.com

Lauren has been waiting for this episode since the day this podcast was conceived. This week we’re unpacking the increasingly popular lifestyle philosophy of pleasure activism. And we have queer fantasy book writer, performance artist, and self-proclaimed soul sweetener Junauda Petrus here to let us in on the magic. This episode is a meditation on the limitless potential of Black women embracing their wild side and following their most “out there” curiosities. Our conversation starts with Junauda’s story about mending a broken heart by going to the forest and putting her bare vag on the earth. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ 
 Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw Follow Junauda Petrus on Twitter @junaudaalma and pick up her book “The Stars and the Blackness Between Them”

In the past few years pole dancing has become more visible than ever in movies, on social media, and at concerts for artists like Summer Walker and Lizzo. Charla and Lauren may have never tried pole dancing before, but they’re eager to learn why it’s become such a key vehicle for Black women’s joy and wellness today. In this episode, pole dancing instructor Dalijah Franklin sheds some light on the meaning of the phenomenon as she explains how her organization, Black Girls Pole, created an international community. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ 
Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbwFollow Dalijah Franklin @DalijahAmelia and Black Girls Pole @Blackgirlspole on Instagram

Charla and Lauren may be exhausted by the state of Black pandering in the 2020 election but we’ve tapped a big wig in electoral politics to explain what keeps her going. Camonghne Felix is a celebrated poet, writer and political communications wiz who most-recently managed all Black media content for the Elizabeth Warren campaign. She’s here to explain how she's found hope and genuine connection in politics, and why an accomplished artist like herself keeps signing up for such stressful jobs. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ 
 Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw Follow Camonghne Felix on Twitter @CAMONGHNE and grab her poetry book "Build Yourself a Boat"

When Teen Vogue editor-in-chief Lindsay Peoples Wagner told her mother she wanted to leave Brown Deer, Wisconsin to build a career in fashion, her mom said she would have to be the change she needed as a kid. Now, she’s seen a lot she wants to change from exlusive white spaces to Black leaders dissapointing her. In this episode, Lindsay dishes about her behind-the-scenes journey to speak her truth and tell inclusive stories as the youngest EIC in Teen Vogue history. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ 
 Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw Follow Lindsay Peoples Wagner on Instagram @lpeopleswagner

Third time's the charm, we'll be back with season 3 March 12th!

In the season two finale, we talk Black Liberation and activism. With the election year in full swing, how do we maintain a sense of hope as black women? Charla and Lauren are joined by academic and civic leader Melina Abdullah. As a self described member of the ‘Panther cub generation’ Abdullah talks about her work within the Black Lives Matter movement and where she finds joy while fighting in the frontlines. We’ll be back soon with Season 3! You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw Find Melina Abdullah @DocMellyMel on Twitter Angela Davis on Black Communism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hai2viOKyBk&feature=youtu.be

Success can often be used against black women, especially while dating. Charla and Lauren have experiences that have left them being labeled as ‘intimidating’ or ‘ a lot.’ These descriptions are familiar to Author and Space Launch Quality System Engineer Dr. K. Renee Horton. Working for NASA is something that Dr. Horton loves but people rarely ask about what it’s like to thrive in all the other aspects of life. In this conversation, Dr. Horton talks about her love for science and relationships, sharing hilarious stories that illuminate one experience of dating whole being a rocket scientist. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw Find Dr. K. Renne Horton @Reneehortonphdon Twitter

When did you realize how much physical space you took up? Lauren first became aware of her body after an awkward childhood encounter. Self described ‘larger than life’ comedian Chloe Hilliard had a different story, but also was cognizant of the space her body took up at a young age. Chloe talks about the journey to holistic self worth and how vulnerable humor allowed her to be honest when she needed it most. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw Find Chloe Hilliard @chloe_hilliard on Instagram and Twitter

Charla and Lauren love a good scam. They bring on the Scam Goddess Laci Mosley to give tips on what it takes to be an ethical scammer, especially as a black woman. She shares hilarious insights from her experiences as an actor and comedian while speaking the truth to the power in scams. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw Find Laci Mosley @DivaLaci on Instagram and Twitter

When Charla learned more about budgeting and finances, it changed how she talked about money forever. After all, who hasn’t made ‘getting better with money’ a new years resolution? In this episode Tiffany ’The Budgetnista’ Aliche gives advice on financial management, sheds light on her own struggles and talks about the issues black women in particular have to overcome. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw Find Tiffany The Budgetnista @thebudgetnista on Instagram and Twitter For the Live Richer Academy, go to JoinLRA.com

Mikki Kendall is an author, activist, cultural critic and more. She’s written several books and created the viral Twitter hashtag #Solidarityisforwhitewomen which Lauren distinctly remembers following. The hashtag started a conversation about intersectional feminism which we get into during this episode. We also chat about living in your purpose and what happens when you don’t listen to your body. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw Find Mikki Kendall @Karnythia on Twitter

Charla started this podcast in hopes to have conversations she wanted more of when it felt like the country was falling apart. Talking to fellow black women has given both Charla and Lauren hope. Writer, producer and host of Crooked Media’s What A Day podcast, Akilah Hughes says that her hope comes from the local level. Akilah dishes on what she thinks the democratic party needs, where she’s specifically found joy and her personal journey along the way. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw Find Akilah Hughes @AkilahObviously on Twitter and @akilahh on Instagram

When it comes to make up, Charla and Lauren love it but wouldn’t necessarily call themselves an expert. So they bring on Kisha Augustine, a make up artist who currently works as a Manager of Artistry & Education at Pat McGrath Cosmetics. She talks about how beauty is much deeper than what you see and shares how her purpose was made particularly clear during one of the toughest times anyone can go through. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw Find Kisha Augustine @kishaaugustine on Instagram

What does it mean to be a gentrifier? Charla and Lauren contemplate what this means when you are a black woman moving to a city like New York City. Asha Boston was born and raised in Brooklyn and knows all about what it looks like for folks to come into a new neighborhood but have little understanding of the history behind it. In this episode, she talks about what that history looks like, how she channeled her background to design a Nike shoe and what it looks like to pay it forward You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw Find Asha Boston @AshaKayB on Instagram and Twitter

Charla and Lauren have had their fair share of experiences with going to the doctor. Recently, some of their friends have been dealing with fibroids- abnormal growths that can develop in a woman’s uterus. In this episode, Dr. Debra Hardy-Cartwright talks about what it means to advocate for yourself as a black woman in the hospital. She shares personal experiences as the first black female OBGYN in her hospital in Annapolis, MD and gives advice on what to do when you’re not being heard. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw

What does it mean to be a woman? It’s a question that Charla and Lauren hadn’t thought too much about until their conversation with Ericka Hart. As a a sex educator, activist, writer, model, and plant mom Ericka Hart has spent her career working to dismantle anti-black and beauty standards that persist in our culture. Ericka shares exactly what led her to this work and some of the internal battles she had to overcome in order to flourish. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbw Find Ericka Hart @ ihartericka on Twitter and Instagram

In our season 2 premiere Charla and Lauren talk about their struggle with confidence. Producer, playwright and journalist Bim Adewunmi has always believed in herself to a certain degree. In this episode, Bim sheds light on her confidence journey and talks about how she made a choice that seemed uncomfortable and a bit scary. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbwFind Bim Adewunmi @bimadew on Twitter and Instagram This episode is sponsored by Bombas (www.bombas.com/secretlives) and Dipsea (www.dipseastories.com/secretlives).

We're coming back November 14th!

In this season 1 finale, Charla and Lauren reminisce on the journey to making this show and how in some ways, it’s one step on the road to being their own bosses. Actor, Comedian and writer Kerry Coddett shares her own complicated and hilarious journey in entrepreneurship. Throughout the episode, Kerry talks about how advocating and believing in yourself is applicable to any field. We’ll be back with Season 2 after a brief break. In the meantime, feel free to keep up with us on our socials below- thanks for supporting our show! You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ You can check out Charla’s comedy album now at https://linktr.ee/charlalauristonFollow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbwFind Kerry Coddett @OverFab on Twitter and Instagram This episode is sponsored by Acuity (www.acuityscheduling.com/secretlives), Bombas (www.bombas.com/SECRETLIVES), and Audible (www.audible.com/secretlives or text SECRETLIVES to 500-500).

When Charla and Lauren decided to do a podcast, they wanted it to be a space where they didn’t have to apologize for who they were. That’s why when they had a live event to kick off the show, Morgan Jerkins felt like a perfect guest. In this episode, Morgan discusses how her writing is an extension of her truest experiences and what it took for her to truly be secure in who she was in all facets of her life. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ You can check out Charla’s comedy album now at https://linktr.ee/charlalauristonFollow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbwFind Morgan Jerkins @MorganJerkins on Twitter and @_MorganJerkins on Instagram This episode is sponsored by Blume (text SECRET to 79-79-79) and Dipsea (www.dipseastories.com/secretlives).

Charla and Lauren have used Twitter to follow people they admire while learning information that they might not have found elsewhere. That’s why watching our guest Jamilah Lemieux challenge the status quo has been a thrilling longtime activity. In this conversation Charla and Lauren find out exactly how she has been able to fight the trolls while also maintaining a sense of self. They also get into topics like abortion, motherhood and what it really means to get older. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ You can Pre-Order Charla’s comedy album at https://linktr.ee/charlalauristonFollow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbwFind Jamilah Lemieux @JamilahLemieux on Twitter and Instagram This episode is sponsored by Lola (www.mylola.com code: SECRETLIVES), Birchbox (www.birchbox.com/SECRETLIVES code: SECRETLIVES), and Acuity (www.acuityscheduling.com/secretlives).

There’s something freeing about realizing that no one really knows what they are talking about. Charla felt a particular sense of freedom when she discovered comedy. The same can be said for actor, writer and comedian Marina Franklin, who knows that standup saved her life. In this episode we talk about how comedy shaped Marinas’ world, how the industry hasn’t really changed that much and the courage it took for her to do something she’s been hungry to do for a long time. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbwFind Marina Franklin @marinayfranklin on Twitter and Instagram This episode is sponsored by VitaCup (www.vitacup.com code: SECRETLIVES), Credo Mobile (www.credo.com/slobw), and Away (www.awaytravel.com/secretlives code: SECRETLIVES).

Therapy is a staple in Charla and Lauren’s life. They use it as a way to not only deal with major life incidents, but everyday maintenance. Dr. Joy Harden Bradford knows that finding a mental health professional who speaks to the experiences of black women can be tough. That’s why she created the podcast Therapy for Black Girls and an online directory to find black therapists in your area. In this conversation, we dig into ways to dismantle the stigma of mental health particularly when it relates to black women and some accessible resources to find a therapist in your area. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbwFind Dr. Joy Harden Bradford @hellodrjoy on Twitter and Instagram This episode is sponsored by Credo Mobile (www.credo.com/SLOBW), Hug Me by Blume (text SECRET to 79-79-79), and Acuity (acuityscheduling.com/secretlives).

Lauren loves astrology and Charla does too; but in a more cautiously optimistic way. One of the things they like the most about it is how it has become a tool for black women to navigate the world. This uptick in interest is something astrologer Mecca Woods has noticed. She explains some of the basics of astrology, gives insight into Charla and Laurens’ chart and talks about how in the end astrology shouldn’t make us feel bad. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbwFind Mecca on Twitter @TheMeccanism and Instagram @1meccanismThis episode is sponsored by VitaCup (www.vitacup.com code: SECRETLIVES).

This was a tough one for Charla and Lauren to chat about. Maybe it’s because so often when we talk about sex and power, black women are seen as peripheral to mainstream stories. That’s why actor, writer and director Numa Perrier wanted to create her movie Jezebel. In this episode, we talk about what happens when a black woman takes power over her own sexuality and how we can feel more free to talk about these two things at the same time. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbwFind Numa on Twitter and Instagram @missnumaThis episode is sponsored by I'm Telling The Truth But I'm Lying and Acuity (acuityscheduling.com/secretlives).

When there’s an obstacle between you and your dreams, what steps do you take to conquer it? A life changing quote covers Charla’s desktop background while Lauren readjusts where fear lives in her mind. Living your best life despite the fear is something our guest, Cleo King, has been doing for her whole career. Having credits in some of the best TV shows and movies out there (Pineapple Express, Magnolia, The Hangover) Cleo has been around the business long enough to know that overcoming fear is one of the keys too true self discovery. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbwFor a full list of all the shows and movies Cleo King has been in, see her IMDB page here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0454598/ This episode is sponsored by HarperCollins - I’m Telling the Truth, But I’m Lying.

Relationships, whether you’re in one or not, are a tough thing to navigate. Charla and Lauren have the bad date stories to prove it. Cultural critic and writer Demetria L. Lucas, who has spent plenty of time talking about love, sex and dating, joins in discussing how to mine relationships particularly as a black woman. This deeply personal conversation with Demetria centers on the social pressure to be in a relationship and what happens when things don’t turn out like you thought they would. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbwFind Demetria on Twitter and Instagram @demetriallucasThis episode is sponsored by Money Ha Ha podcast and HBO - A Black Lady Sketch Show.

After a long day of work, Charla and Lauren love to chill. Sleep keeps Charla balanced, Lauren loves a good bathtub session and our guest Tarriona ‘Tank’ Ball is all about some ice cream. But when does that tub time, sleep and ice cream turn from self care to self indulgence? Tank talks through how she balances the two while also sharing the confirmations that ground her band ‘Tank and The Bangas’ on the road to success. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbwFind Tank on Instagram @thinktank20This episode is sponsored by Money Ha Ha podcast and HBO - A Black Lady Sketch Show.

What happens when the standard of black beauty isn’t quite black? Charla and Lauren discuss how social media has affected their journey to self love. Xosha Roquemore (Precious, The Mindy Project) highlights her personal experiences online in this hilarious and thoughtful conversation centered on what it means to be beautiful in a culture that can sometimes ignore true #blackgirlmagic. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbwFind Xosha Roquemore on Twitter @XoshaRockstar and on Instagram @xoshroqThis episode is sponsored by HBO - A Black Lady Sketch Show.

When Charla and Lauren first met, they were two of three black women in their department. They share stories of being in a white workspace with lawyer, tech executive and advisor Bari A. Williams. Bari, who has built a career around advocating for diversity in Silicon Valley, dishes advice on how to overcome barriers that black women deal with on a constant basis when trying to simply do their job. You can find more about The SLBW at https://www.instagram.com/theslbw/ Follow SLBW on Twitter and Instagram @theslbwFind Bari A. Williams on Twitter @BariAWilliams This episode is sponsored by Lola (www.mylola.com code: SECRETLIVES), Green Chef (www.greenchef.us/secretlives75), and Care/of (www.takecareof.com code: SECRETLIVES).

Each week, Charla Lauriston and Lauren Domino center the stories of love, sex, work, fame and more by asking, how do the black women we admire most make it through? Subscribe now and follow the show @theslbw on Twitter and Instagram for more information!