Joyfully Black

Spring is here—and so is the pressure to do more, fix more, glow up, and hustle your way into a “better” version of yourself. But what if this season didn’t require you to bloom on command?

In this solo episode of Joyfully Black, Joy shares a soul-centered invitation to reset without rushing. This episode is especially for women who are always holding it down—at work, at home, in the community—women who do the most.

You’ll hear reflections on:

Success shouldn’t come at the cost of your well-being. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor the resilience of the women who came before us—but let’s be honest, many of them pushed through exhaustion and burnout just to survive.

In this episode of Joyfully Black, I’m sharing how we can flourish without burnout by embracing a healthier, more sustainable path to success. We’re diving into the Flourish Framework, a powerful guide to setting boundaries, reclaiming joy, and thriving without overextending yourself.

If you’ve ever felt drained from doing all the...

Job searching in today’s economy? Whew. Between mass layoffs, hiring freezes, and the silent treatment (aka ghosting) from recruiters, it’s easy to feel discouraged, anxious, or even burnt out. If you’ve been struggling with rejection, uncertainty, or just the emotional toll of looking for work, this episode is for you.

In today’s conversation, we’re getting real about the mental health challenges of job hunting and how to protect your peace during the process. I’ll share practical ways to stay grounded, keep your confidence up, and take care of your mind, body, and spirit w...

What happens when you go from the bright lights of Broadway to a journey of deep self-care and personal transformation? In this episode of Joyfully Black, host Joy Dixon Paul sits down with Dan’yelle Williamson Brown, a Tony Award-winning actress turned wellness advocate, to discuss her journey from center stage to centering herself.

Dan’yelle shares how her career in musical theater, from playing Nala in The Lion King to starring in Memphis, shaped her passion for storytelling—but also the importance of prioritizing mental wellness and self-care. She opens up about her pivotal experience in Austra...

In this episode of Joyfully Black, host Joy Dixon Paul sits down with Patricia Patton, the visionary behind Cannaboomer and a passionate advocate for wellness, cannabis education, and intergenerational dialogue. Patricia shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, how she navigates societal shifts, and the lessons she’s learned about trusting herself, embracing reinvention, and challenging stigma—especially when it comes to cannabis.

Together, they explore:

✅ The evolving landscape of cannabis education and why it matters for older adults

✅ How Patricia built a business that aligns with her values and interests

✅ Inte...

In this episode, we get a life update from Joy since her hiatus. Plus, we have a conversation with Dr. Kourtney Bell on the myth of earning self-care, non-traditional forms of self-care, and balancing professional image with personal pursuits as a Psychotherapist and lifestyle blogger. Today she also shares what to do when the inner dialogue gets negative, choosing to be authentic, and her foray into sports statistics as a way to recharge.

We're about to get real cozy in this episode of Joyfully Black. Ever wonder why some of us toss and turn at night more than others? Dr. Dayna Johnson is dropping truths on why sleep isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity, especially in black and brown communities. We're talking night owls, early birds, and everyone in between getting shafted on shuteye and how it's messing with our health big time. Plus,  we'll share tips on beating those sleep-stealing villains like insomnia and sleep apnea, with tricks to turn your bedroom into a dreamland. So plug in, unwind, and let...

In today's episode, our guest has always had a way with words, which was an asset in her over 20-year corporate marketing career at Fortune 100 companies. She is now living her brand story and helping professionals, entrepreneurs, and businesses write theirs. Her own brand story has a plot twist - she’s also a mixologist, completing bartending school in 2019. If you're contemplating the next step, this is the episode for you.

What To Listen For:

In this very special episode, we are joined by Jasmine Golden, a Reiki healer and sound bath practitioner, who's here to enlighten us on the transformative powers of these ancient practices. We'll explore the mysterious and beautiful world of energy healing and sound therapy, uncovering how they can help us find balance, peace, and a deeper connection to ourselves. 

Whether you're familiar with Reiki and sound baths or hearing about them for the first time, today's episode promises to be a journey of discovery, protecting your energy, and healing.

What to Listen For:

This week, Desiree Cocroft joins us! As a coach who's passionate about transforming leaders, Desiree dives deep into how we can step away from the relentless hustle and overwhelm to embrace what truly matters in both our personal and professional lives.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to increase their impact, performance, income, and joy, all while being authentically human. Tune in to discover how you can give yourself permission to be and have what you truly desire.

What to Listen For:

We're bringing in 2024 celebrating ur Renaissance expereince where two friends join Joy to discuss the power of community, gratitude, and what Renaissance means to Black womanhood and more.

PLUS....we're hosting our FIRST in-person event: The Empower Your Vision Board Pop-up!! Join us on January 20th in Charlotte, NC and register at https://bit.ly/joyfullyblackvision

Stay In Touch with Us

Instagram: @joyfullyblk

Email: joyfullyblk@gmail.com

In this special pre-holiday episode, psychiatrist Dr. Tanya A. Royster joins us to unravel the intricacies of festive season emotions. Together, we explore the crucial importance of self-care, especially for women, during this bustling period. Dr. T shares expert advice on managing family expectations, recognizing signs of holiday-related stress, and the heartfelt reminder that sometimes, just being present is the best gift of all.

We delve into the rejuvenating power of crafting new traditions and the essence of proactive planning to ensure a smoother, joy-filled season. Dr. T also sheds light on the true spirit of giving...

On today’s episode, Joy sits down with Kimberly Michelle, a two-time breast cancer thriver and owner of the breast cancer apparel boutique, Au Revoir. She speaks candidly about leaning on her faith, the significance of mental health, and the continuous need for support even after treatments. Dive into Kim's journey as she moves from being a misdiagnosed cancer patient to an advocate and beacon of hope for many.

What To Listen For:

Wh...

Join host Joy as she takes you on a captivating journey through her experience at the Essence Festival, a celebration of the Black culture, music, food ,and more.

This week, Joy shares the top three lessons learned from the festival. From the power of sisterhood that transcends boundaries to the choice of either letting statistics paralyze or motivate you, and the importance of honoring one's unique gifts, this podcast episode explores the transformative potential of unity, resilience, and self-discovery. Tune in toas Joy highlights the incredible experiences and lessons she gained from this empowering event.

...

On today's episode, we speak with a go-to therapist on setting boundaries, Monque Williamson. If you've ever been ghosted, considered ghosting someone in your life, or want to get better at establishing clear bounderies with people in your life, then this is the episode for you.  Through her experiences as a psychotherapist, she took an interest in encouraging others to try new paths to find balance and improve their overall wellness. Over the past 8 years, Monique has impacted hundreds of lives as a therapist and CEO of Enriched LLC.  

Join us as we talk personal rules of enga...

Today's guest is Emmy award-winning filmaker, Santana Coleman.

Filmmaker & lifelong storyteller, Santana Coleman, is the co-producer & Impact Campaign Advisor of Emmy-Award-Winning documentary, When Claude Got Shot. Along with a creative partner, Santana is the co-creator of comedy television series, 'Black Girl Training' and she's currently in pre-production of short film The Last Week, where she will serve as writer, director, and producer in her directorial debut.

Join us as we have an honest, no- holds barred conversation on maintaining fortitude while pursuing your dreams, accepting personal limits as self-preservation, and a bit of ki-king on...

In this episode, Joy has a candid conversation with Tiffany Lanier on navigating and embracing messy life transitions. Tiffany is the leading voice in personal growth, change, and wellbeing. As a Public Speaker, Facilitator, and Founder of The Morning Shift Co, Tiffany helps individuals and organizations initiate personal and collective change through intentional morning experiences that support how they live, lead and work. Tiffany lives by a very simple yet potent motto: Live Purposefully and Lead Consciously. 

Her life motto certainly rings true throughout our conversation. After navigating postpartum depression, launching a business, and a cross country m...

In this episode, we're joined by Nikki Klugh,a highly sought-after award-winning interior and principal designer and founder of Nikki Klugh Design Group. She is NCIDQ qualified, a true color expert, and a member of the American Society of Interior Designers and the International Interior Design Association. 

If you ever wanted to know how to create sacred spaces that spark joy or learn how to prioritize self-care while being a health advocate for a family member, this is the episode for you!

What To Listen For:

In this episode, we're joined by Nikki Klugh,a highly sought-after award-winning interior and principal designer and founder of Nikki Klugh Design Group. She is NCIDQ qualified, a true color expert, and a member of the American Society of Interior Designers and the International Interior Design Association. 

If you ever wanted to know how to create sacred spaces that spark joy or learn how to prioritize self-care while being a health advocate for a family member, this is the episode for you!

What To Listen For:

Remember that phrase "A closed mouth doesn't get fed"? This episode is a prime example of how to communicate so you can stop feeling sick and tired and start blooming and thriving. Our guest is Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever, an award-winning author, policy expert, serial entrepreneur, and the go-to source for normalizing Black Success, Wealth, and Fulfillment.

In this episode, Dr Avis shares her entrepreneurship journey, how she celebrates and takes care of herself, how to have courageous conversations, and the power of saying “no,” and more.

What to Listen For:

We're back with Season 2 and a quick recap about what's been going on since Season 1: India, rethinking yoga, and more! Plus, new segments for this season.

Get in Touch:

If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!

How are we already celebrating the Season Finale of Joyfully Black?! Join us as Host Joy Dixon reflects on Season 1 and who Joyfully Black has impacted.

Did you enjoy today's episode? remember to subscribe and leave a 5-star review on Apple and Follow on Spotify.

Stay In Touch

@joyfullyblk

Joyfully Black website

Email us

On this week's show, we bring you the effervescent ShaCarolyn H. Stephens, a leadership and diversity coach. ShaCarolyn is a graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University where she studied Molecular and Cellular Biology. Halyard's educational credentials also include a Masters degree in Positive Psychology with a concentration in Life Coaching. ShaCarolyn has also earned a Masters degree in Divinity with a triple concentration in Religion and Race, Witness and Formation, and Justice, Peace, and Conflict Transformation from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. After surviving a brutal rape, and rebounding from her battle with failing health...

On today’s episode, Anita Asante joins the show to share on the superpower of staying in your own lane and how it’s created a life she is proud of. Anita is a self-described Jack of all trades, an attribute that has served her well as the Founder of B L A N C • N O I R consulting and Head of Global  Partnerships  at Afropunk, When this London- bred brand strategist isn’t handling seven figure client deals, she’s bringing a fresh perspective in the luxury creative and entertainment industry. Join us as we discuss the merits of cr...

In this episode, Joy has a candid conversation with Dr. ZaDonna Slay on her burnout breakthrough. Dr. Slay is an administrative social worker, nonprofit professional, and university instructor.

After graduating from college at the age of twenty, today’s guest achieved her dream role as a nonprofit Executive Director at twenty-five years old. Despite thriving in her career, ZaDonna found herself plagued with imposter syndrome and burnout. Today she shares her burnout breakthrough, how faith and community sustained her, and the power of dance and self-forgiveness on her journey.

What to listen for:

Joy Dixon Paul discusses the unexpected joy of being seen during the Supreme Court confirmation hearings and provides a 1st Quarter Review on 2022 intentions to date. Also, episode programming update!

Subscribe and leave a 5 star review on Spotify, Amazon Music, Stitcher, and Google Podcast.

Stay In Touch With Us

Instagram: @joyfullyblk

Email: joyfullyblack@gmail.com

Tag us using #joyfullyblk

In this episode, we have a conversation with Teanika Hoffman and Nicklaine Paul on using self- advocacy as self-care while living with Sickle Cell Disease. Teanika is an entrepreneur and the Executive Director of the Sickle Cell Coalition of Maryland. Nicklaine is a Registered Nurse and the Founder of Sickle Care Solutions. Today they share their journey as entrepreneurs living with Sickle Cell Disease, how boundary setting is a form of self-care, and the delight of random travel and sister bonding time.

What to listen for:

Taking the leap into entrepreneurship in SE Asia 7:39

History is made by those who honor themselves. We are kicking off Women's History month with our host, Joy Dixon Paul. In this week's mini-episode, Joy discusses making your own history by demonstrating self-love and honoring what feeds your spirit.

What to listen for:

In this episode, we have a conversation with Dr. Kourtney Bell on the myth of earning self-care, non-traditional forms of self-care, and balancing professional image with personal pursuits as a Psychotherapist and lifestyle blogger. Today she also shares what to do when the inner dialogue gets negative, choosing to be authentic, and her foray into sports statistics as a way to recharge.

What to listen for:

In this episode, Joy has a candid conversation with Tiffany Lanier on navigating and embracing messy life transitions. Tiffany is the leading voice in personal growth, change, and wellbeing. As a Public Speaker, Facilitator, and Founder of The Morning Shift Co, Tiffany helps individuals and organizations initiate personal and collective change through intentional morning experiences that support how they live, lead and work. Tiffany lives by a very simple yet potent motto: Live Purposefully and Lead Consciously. 

Her life motto certainly rings true throughout our conversation. After navigating postpartum depression, launching a business, and a cross country m...

In this episode, we have an enlightening conversation with Dr. Marissa Edwards on non-traditional forms of self-care and developing a proactive approach before overwhelm takes over our lives.

Dr. Edwards shares techniques to prevent burnout, self-reflection questions to prioritize self-care, and what to do when popular self-care practices don't work for you.

We also discuss our shared love of Zumba, airy spaces, and gratitude practices. 

This week's question

What non-traditional self-care practice will you try this week? Let us know by tagging us on Instagram @joyfullyblk.

What to listen f...

This week Esi Eggleston Bracey,  Chief Operating Officer, EVP Beauty & Personal Care of Unilever North America, joins the Joyfully Black podcast. Today’s guest thought she would pursue a career in numbers but shifted to the world of management, brand building, and marketing leadership. You’ve seen her work with brands like COVERGIRL in their partnering with some of our favs like Queen Latifah and Janelle Monae in major campaigns. This Chicago native is recognized time and time again with awards including the Ebony Power 100 List and Cosmetics Executive Women Achievers Award. Now at Unilever, leading with Dove, she has b...

In today's mini-episode, Joy discusses her experience with her intentions for 2021 and reveals her intentions for 2022. Two listeners share their intentions. Joy also shares details for a guest book giveaway.

Get in touch: @joy.dixon

Follow us on Instagram: @joyfullyblk

In this episode, Joy has a candid conversation with Dr. ZaDonna Slay on her burnout breakthrough. Dr. Slay is an administrative social worker, nonprofit professional, and university instructor.

After graduating from college at the age of twenty, today’s guest achieved her dream role as a nonprofit Executive Director at twenty-five years old. Despite thriving in her career, ZaDonna found herself plagued with imposter syndrome and burnout. Today she shares her burnout breakthrough, how faith and community sustained her, and the power of dance and self-forgiveness on her journey.

What to listen for:

In this episode, we discuss how to play in our lives with authenticity Melissa M. Proctor. Melissa is the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena. In this role, Proctor oversees the day-to-day management of the club’s marketing, Hawks Studio, live experience and production, brand merchandising, and corporate social responsibility among her varied responsibilities. 

From becoming the Miami Heat’s first ball girl to a celebrated leader in the communication and sports industry, Melissa shares insight as a strategic marketing executive. We also learn how to develop guiding principles to ident...

In this solo episode, Joy discusses the differences between resolutions and intentions, why intentions are the new Black, and how to set your own for 2022.

What's your one-word or short phrase intention for 2022?

DM your intention and why you're choosing it on Instagram (at) joyfullyblk or email at joyfullyblk@gmail.com

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Want to recommend a topic or guest for Joyfully Black? Let us know here

Use the hashtag #JoyfullyBlack to share what you enjoyed about this episode.

Make sure to follow us on Instagram: @joyfullyblk<...

In this episode, we discuss how to unravel hustle culture for greater impact with Melissa C. Potter. Melissa is the Vice President of Social Impact for ViacomCBS.  She is a passionate thought leader in the field of social impact and advocacy, molding and shaping social change through programs, opportunities, platforms, partnerships, and new media. 

From literally growing up working in hip hop to an acclaimed voice in the social impact space, Melissa shares insight as an entertainment executive. We also learn how to navigate imposter syndrome and have an impact without sacrificing mental wellness.

What to...

Too often Black women try to tackle depression and anxiety alone in the midst of building their lives. The Joyfully Black podcast is focused on Black women on their self-care journey balancing career, community care, and family, as well as guests who offer resources and guidance for protecting their mental health.

Join Joy Dixon Paul as she delves into conversations that can keep us "in the black", so we can be Joyfully Black.

Stay connected

Visit joyfullyblk.com for show notes and a full transcript of every episode.

Stay in touch...