Shows
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 58 - Did You Get the COVID-19 Vaccine? - A Word from the Black YouthWe’re over a year and a half into this pandemic. We've learned a lot and still learning. In episode 58, Megan and Destini talk about vaccinations, COVID-19, and had the amazing opportunity to highlight some black and latinx voices on whether or not they’re vaccinated and their reasons behind it. Although being fully vaccinated remains as the best protection against COVID-19, some are still hesitant toward getting vaccinated. This episode unpacks the possible mistrust given the known history of medical mistreatment of Black and Brown communities and ongoing disparities highlighted by the current pandemic.
2022-01-2522 minBLCKGRLMGCEpisode 57 - Welcome to Post Grad LifeIt’s been 4 month since Megan and Destini sat down and spoke with you all. Megan is a full time Clinical Research Coordinator at NYU School of Medicine and Destini is a Math teacher for Americorps based in Boston, Mass. In this episode, the girls explain how their identities as young Black women who have the ability to navigate both Black and white spaces affect their job and bring a new set of eyes to their positions. From seeing Black patients primarily affected with COVID-19 and observing the disconnect between White lead teachers and their Black and Brown kids, the gi...
2021-10-2519 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 56 - Bachelor's Degree on SteroidsWE GRADUATED!!!!! In episode 56, Megan and Destini reflect on their past four years at Middlebury College, graduating, and now looking onward. Megan and Destini speak about their plans post-grad and how it feels to finally be done with undergrad. We want to say thank you to everyone from the bottom of our hearts for all the support and advice from the very beginning. We can’t believe we made it and are done with college! We are not leaving y'all yet though...Stay tuned for future episodes where Megan takes you through her journey with doing clinical research in New Yo...
2021-06-0215 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 55 - It's Not Giving What its Suppose to GiveYesterday was the first day of Derek Chauvin’s trail. Chauvin, a Minnesota police officer, is accused of murdering George Floyd, an unarmed Black man on May 25, 2020. Chauvin’s defense attorney, Eric Nelson, gave his opening statement after the prosecutor yesterday morning. Megan was disturbed by the points he used to ‘justify’ the actions Derek Chauvin took which resulted in the death of George Floyd. He used comments that described the size and weight of George Floyd, a tactic often used to vilify Black Americans. He also used the fact that he already had a “compromised heart” from hypertension and coronary heart...
2021-03-3008 minBLCKGRLMGCEpisode 54 - An Update: Graduation, Full Time Jobs, COVID-19 Vaccines and MoreDestini and Megan only have THREE MONTHS left until college is OVER. They're so close to the finish line it hurts. Even a pandemic couldn't stop them! This episode gives an update on what the girls are doing - choosing to be remote for the last semester, working during the school semester, and more. Check out Episode 54 to see how they girls are starting their last semester of college!A very special thanks to Amanda Rodriguez-Middlebury '21 and Venice Ohleyer-Columbia '22 for creating a platform to help sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine in NYC and Jersey.
2021-03-0110 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 53 - A Word From Young Black VotersIt's a rather common narrative that we've heard amongst young liberals: "You need to vote," "If you don't vote you're ignorant," and many more condescending statements about individuals who don't have a positive relationship with the American system. We shed light on young Black voters and their thoughts during the 2020 election. We're lacking sympathy... and that may cost this election as young democrats.
2020-11-0414 minBLCKGRLMGCEpisode 52 - An Update: Breonna Taylor, Voting, and What’s NextHi everybody! Megan and Destini are back after a long pause :) In this episode, they give you an update on the verdict of Breonna Taylor, voting, the next steps for BLCKGRLMGC, and a run down for our next episodes. Thank you for riding with us these past three years. BLCKGRLMGC continues to grow and we couldn’t be happier!
2020-10-0410 minBLCKGRLMGCEpisode 51 - Dear White Boy Who Loves Black CultureIn this episode, Megan and Destini decided to reach out to friends and family to have conversations on the subject of cultural appropriation and its significance among white people. A lot of "pop culture" is rooted in Black culture, however, white people have the privilege to reap the benefits of our culture while ignoring our harsh realities. White people have long been drawing extensively from Black culture — from our music to our style to our slang that we grew hearing we shouldn't do so society doesn't look down on us or consider us a threat. Similar to systemic racism, the ap...
2020-07-2718 minBLCKGRLMGCEpisode 50 - Not a Good LookIn this episode, Destini and Megan continue their conversation about the email Professor Hernandez-Romero sent out last week describing all the problematic racial encounters she experienced from her colleagues on Middlebury's campus. In particular, the girls spoke about another professor of color who wrote an Opt-Ed in reaction to Professor Hernandez-Romero's email in which she shared her own opinion about the same professors. She essentially has opposing views as Professor Hernandez-Romero's and expressed that throughly in her letter. Destini and Megan had a few thoughts about seeing two faculty 'go at it' right now... specifically two black women amongst a...
2020-07-1308 minBLCKGRLMGCEpisode 49 - Heard You Loud and ClearIn this episode, Megan and Destini speak about a very intense and disheartening email sent by a departing professor highlighting her experiences of racism. Professor Marissel Hernández-Romero sent out a very powerful email to which she expressed her experience as a professor of color at Middlebury College. It was no surprise that her experience highlighted the emotional, physical, and mental damage of systemic racism that is so prevalent in today’s society. In these times, you would expect Middlebury College to hold themselves accountable for this professor's traumatic experience, but guess what? They deleted and removed her email from eve...
2020-06-3008 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 48 - Learn to Unlearn: George FloydIn this episode, Megan and Destini reflect on the last couple of months. These past few months have been traumatic and draining, to say the least with COVID-19 putting the world on pause and with the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Tayler, Elijah McCain, and unfortunately, the list goes on. This harsh reality for unarmed black people continues and as two black women, Megan and Destini are trying to find answers.
2020-06-2718 minBLCKGRLMGCEpisode 47 - Tanzania's StoryIn this episode Megan spoke with her friend Tanzania. who junior psychology major at Howard University.They met over the summer while they were both working at Howard and have kept in touch since. Tan told her story during COVID-19, dealing with the stress of having to leave campus, return home, and then find a new place to stay. Everybody, we need y'all to send blessings and prayers to her! She deserves it.
2020-04-1311 minBLCKGRLMGCEpisode 46 - That's My Best FriendWe’re in about week 4 of “social distancing” during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this week’s episode, we interviewed Leila, Megan’s best friend who is all the way in Paris, France during the pandemic. She’s a junior at the American University of Paris and lives in Paris year round. She told us about some nice coping mechanisms that have been helping her and also told us a story about an encountering with the police that gave us insight on being in a foreign country. It was nice to catch up and hear she was safe and healthy in Paris… Lets...
2020-04-0508 minBLCKGRLMGCEpisode 45 - Go Best FriendHello! Megan and Destini decide to speak to their best friends to check in on them during these unprecedented times. In this episode, Destini is joined by her best friend, Claudia Theagene, who speaks to her experience about leaving campus and going back into the place that is now the epicenter for COVID-19 in the United States. Stay tuned for Megan’s episode chatting with her best friend! We hope everyone is taking care of themselves, reaching out to loved ones and friends, and trying their best to stay as sane as possible during these times! We’ve got this!
2020-03-2909 minBLCKGRLMGCEpisode 44 - Jesus TAKE the WheelIn this episode, Destini and Megan speak about how they’re holding up with COVID-19 and all that it brings. Destini touches on the anxiety that these online classes will bring, the role of the media during these times and the unknown of what the future will hold. Megan shares similar sentiment about online classes, speaks to her summer internship getting canceled and the chaotic mess this pandemic is bringing on premed students. We both acknowledge the anxiety that all these changing dynamics bring and hope everyone is remaining as safe and sane as possible!!!
2020-03-2309 minBLCKGRLMGCEpisode 43.5 - COVID-19 (Megan's Take)College campuses are suspending classes and telling students to leave during the COVID-19 outbreak. Students are scrambling to go back home in the middle of the semester but some don't have a steady living situation to go to or the remainder of the semester. In this episode, Megan speaks about the struggle of having to leave Middlebury and find somewhere to stay while school is out of session.
2020-03-2306 minBLCKGRLMGCEpisode 43 - COVID-19HELLO! In this episode, you get a quick inside scoop into Destini’s and Megan’s thoughts as they try to navigate COVID-19 and what that means for college students nationwide.
2020-03-1504 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 42 - The (much) Bigger PictureAfter a month of returning home from Brazil, Megan came to a few realizations that let her ease her nerves about going back to Middlebury for the spring semester. She realized how much bigger the world is beyond Middlebury and the stress that comes along with it.
2020-01-1305 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 41 - Kosher talkIn this episode, I’m joined by Ethan Sherman who is a junior here at Middlebury College. He speaks about his identities and how he navigates them through Middlebury. Thank you so much for sharing Ethan!
2019-12-1806 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 40 - Hair's an UpdateIn this podcast Megan opened up about her hair journey in Brazil. Being away from home and away from her normal routine made her try something new - going completely natural. No heat, no perm, no anything. It’s also almost time to go home... Megan and Amanda have a few more days left in Brazil. Thank you guys for being on this journey with us!
2019-12-0208 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 39 - Almost InvisibleIn this episode, I’m joined with Kayla Buchanan who is a sophomore here at Middlebury. She gives some insight into her experience of what it's like being a black woman in STEM. She also goes further and speaks about how the party scene here is WACK, but how she engages and navigates that space with her close friends. Thank you so much Kayla for being so open about your experience thus far!
2019-11-2209 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 38 - Oh I'm Unprepared? Next.As we all know, studying abroad is filled with ups and downs. Unfortunately, Megan got hit with a major obstacle down here in Brazil. In this episode, she opens up about navigating her experience in Rio de Janeiro and learning Portuguese in a different country. There’s alway’s going to be people who don’t think you belong, but here we are. Everyone come together to send Megan some BLCKGRLMGC as she finishes off her semester!
2019-10-2106 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 37 - Born Ready to Fight (Pt. 2)In this episode, Amanda and Megan discussed how they overcame their anxiety and sadness during their freshman and sophomore year at Middlebury. Now, being in Brazil - away from Middlbeury and surprisingly, away from New York City - it gave them a different lens to look at their life since starting college. Homesickness, comparing yourself to high school friends, and more were all things we had to deal with but right now, our head is much clearer and we’ve got a a completely different view of Middlebury.
2019-10-1413 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 36 - Mini Chat on White PrivilegeIn this episode, Destini does a "VOXPOP" to find out what the biggest obstacles are for white students here -- Special thanks to Heben Nigatu, Tracy Clayton and the folks at the podcast "Another Round" for inspiring this Vox Pop. To hear their segment that inspired this one, listen to Another Round Episode 18, Unstoppable. You can find the episode and the show at Apple podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks! — It's been a month too long and we promise to be more active!
2019-10-1004 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 35 - BLCKBOYJOY x3In this episode, Destini is joined with Rodney, Dula, and Tre (from Episode 11!) all of whom are three men of color on campus. We get to explore the role that “race” plays for them here at college and hear their perspective and experience of what it's like to be a man of color on campus.
2019-09-0905 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 34 - Born Ready to Fight (Pt. 1)This episode, Amanda and Megan spoke about the journey of receiving their full tuition scholarship to Middlebury College. Shout out to @ThePosseFoundation ! We know that a lot of people are pushed to get an education to further themselves but unfortunately, so many qualified people are unable to do so because of money. So for kids who don’t come from money, a full tuition scholarship is the key to success and happiness right? Well...yes and no. In this two part episode we explained the extremely low lows of life after the golden scholarship and how we got through it. I...
2019-09-0214 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 33 - BLCKGRLMGC x3What is it like coming back to campus as a rising sophomore? Is freshmen year THAT hard for people of color at a PWI? In this episode, you hear the inside scoop of freshmen year through three different perspectives. I had the opportunity to sit in with three amazing women of color and listen to their experiences here at Middlebury College.
2019-08-2708 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 32 - Megan vs RioHelllloooo, this is our first podcast apart from one another. Destini (while in Brooklyn) asked Megan (while in Brazil) a few questions about her feelings about leaving the states for half a year. We promise not to leave you in the dark while we split for study abroad!
2019-08-2006 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 31 - Hot Girl SummerWE’RE BACK! We catch you up on what we’ve been up to over the summer and the plans we have for the podcast as we won’t be together on campus this semester. Thank you so much for listening!
2019-08-1207 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 30 - It's Not Just UsMegan and I had the pleasure to speak with Venice, a student at Columbia University. We had the opportunity to hear her inside thoughts in regards to academia, transferring schools, mental health and her own experiences of what it is like being a white woman in higher education.
2019-06-0310 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 29 - Slipped and Now I’m 10 Steps BehindIt’s that time of the year again - we’re ready to get the HELL out of Middlebury. The sophomore slump is alive and well and our motivation and energy is diminishing. This episode is raw and crude so listen with caution!
2019-04-2803 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 28 - Expecting Too Much“My ceiling is their floor.” As minorities on this campus we come from all different backgrounds and have different stories. In this episode, we spoke about how our professors put us on the same playing field as all the students in this school but it's not equal... at all. However, Megan and I came across a post that we think almost all of us could relate to in some way. It made us realize our strength, resilience and reassured us that we CAN do this. Each and everyone of us can do it!
2019-04-1506 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 27 - Can YOU say Ni**a? (Part 3)This is part three of our ongoing series “Can YOU say the N****?.” Today we spoke to Simon who is a sophomore at Middlebury College from Los Angeles, California. He had some pretty interesting views about his experience and opinions on the use of the word. Check it out!
2019-03-1806 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 26 - "Fighting for My Life."Once again R. Kelly is under the spotlight for being a sexual predator. Even though all these accusations around him are for sexual assault and violence towards minors — it all has become a literal joke/meme. How does this reflect on the black community? Why do we tend to make serious situations a joke? What are the actions we must take to change this?
2019-03-1108 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 25 - Mind the GapThe private vs public school debate has been going on for a very long time. It has created a conundrum in how students receive their education at elite institutions like Middlebury College. This educational gap is something that we’ve seen develop over time, and to be honest, we're not too sure what the solutions are…
2019-03-0408 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 24 - Let It GoWe’ve been experiencing weird anxiety almost every time we go back home. The city will forever be our home, but in this episode, we discussed the uneasy feelings that we feel coming home after being in Vermont for months. We also touched on the cycle that we realized we are caught in at Middlebury: We don’t fit in with Middlebury's culture, so we try to leave, but we don’t have money, so then we're stuck... and back at square one.
2019-02-1809 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 23 - Look Back At It“If there is no struggle there is no progress.” Now, almost a year from starting our podcast — we are reflecting on the first few episodes we posted. We’ve come so far from freshmen year, and we still have a long way to go. But, WE GOT THIS!
2019-02-1111 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 22 - Disappointed, But Not SurprisedWe grew up hearing the phrases, “Focus on your books,” “Don’t rush boys,” and “Work now, play later,” but now we are questioning, when is “later” for us? They say college is supposed to be "the best four years of our lives," but so far it’s looking like one big DUB!
2019-01-2808 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 21 - I'M FINNA DO IT OBAMASELF2018 was by far one of the hardest year we faced, but somehow, we came out just fine. We ended that rough year with the the queen of Black Girl Magic herself, Michelle Obama. We went to her live book tour at the Barclays Center and heard beautiful and insightful advice. Michelle gave us a glimpse of the future that we can have if we keep our eyes on the prize and keep our head held high. We’ve got a tough road ahead of us, but if anyone had to do it, best believe it can be done by a bl...
2019-01-1412 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 20 - On Some Real $hitSocial media makes it extremely easy to see the entire world through a small ass screen. Although social media is a great way to connect with friends, it also has a tendency to bring unnecessary toxicity into our lives. So, we decided to go a cleanse from social media and it’s working great for us! Also, we're seeing Michelle Obama so soon!!!
2018-12-1006 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 19 - Winter Break, WYA?Here’s a quick update of what’s going on right in our lives. The two week grind period between thanksgiving break and winter break is no joke, but we got this, we hope.
2018-12-0203 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 18 - White Boy Magic (Part 2)Everyone has a different opinion regarding the "n word" it’s important that all voices are heard. This episode is an inside scoop of a white sophomore on Middlebury's campus and his experiences with the word ni**a.
2018-11-1915 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 17 - Can YOU say Ni**a? (Part 1)A major questions on many college campuses for students is, “Are you allowed to say ni**a if you’re not black?” It's both a complicated and simple question. But here are our separate opinions on this topic. Stay tuned for next week's episode where we have a guest speak about his opinion as well… there are numerous opinions and they all deserved to be unpacked and heard.
2018-11-1211 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 16 - CancelledSHOUTOUT TO ALL THE BLACK WOMEN IN THIS CRAZY WORLD!!! A black women embodies resilience in the face of systemic oppression, gender discrimination, defies stereotypes portrayed in media, and much more. Through all of these burdens in society, we're suppose to be unbothered and strong. But.. when a black male tells you to stop being strong without taking a second to realize WHY we have to be so strong hurts. We have something to say about that...
2018-11-0504 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 15 - J TERM PLAY TERM!!As Middlebury students we are given an opportunity to choose one class to take for the whole month of January. This is a very stressful time because we have to wake up at the crack of dawn to select this singular course. It creates a big dilemma because we are never sure which class we should devote a whole month to. Do we choose a class that helps us fulfill a major requirement or one that generally sparks our interest?
2018-10-2906 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 14 - We Prefer Group ChatsAlthough studies have shown that working in group projects are extremely beneficial and fun, we think they bring frustration instead of encouragement. So, STOP IT.
2018-10-2206 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 13 - LISTEN UP!It’s a little crazy how apparent black culture is on our campus. For example, we hear rap playing every Friday and Saturday, students choosing to speak with a certain vernacular and more. But whats unfortunate is that students don’t ever want to talk about the issues in the black community. Maybe we should address the things they enjoy rapping along to, such as struggling and hustling.
2018-10-0807 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 12 - Hair's the Latest ScoopWe sat down and had an honest conversation about dealing with our hair in Vermont. Having our hair natural in a secluded area is difficult at times. We discussed how the standards of beauty sometimes trump our confidence to wear out our natural hair.
2018-10-0105 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 11 - Meet TréMeet our special guest today, Tré! Tré is a sophomore at Middlebury College who shed some light on the challenge of being black and queer on campus.
2018-09-2405 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 10 - Who's Right: Megan or Destini?“You have to work twice as hard to get half of what our white counterparts have.” It’s hard being a person of color in a society that has the ideology of “white being right.” Growing up as a person of color you learn off the bat that the time and dedication we put in our goals take a lot more than meeting the minimum standards. My mindset (Destini) is no matter how much encouragement we get as black people to work harder we can’t ignore the systemic hurdles that impede our success on an everyday basis. Megan’s mindset is to...
2018-09-1605 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 9 - I Can by NasThis episode maps out how we found our way to happiness from our depressing freshman year. We are in a great mental state for the beginning of sophomore year. The fact of the matter is that this college experience will be rough but we are not the first nor the last to experience it. We are blessed and ready to take this year head on!
2018-09-0709 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 8 - Eye On The PrizeHere’s a quick update of what we're doing right now. It summer and all is going well and we reminisced on our freshman year. We also discussed what the future is looking like for us.
2018-07-2707 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 7 - Time Fi GoFreshman year is coming to an end -- Destini and Megan are still tweaking. What is life like outside of Middlebury, Vermont? They dead don’t know. Just kidding, mad hype to go back home and be done with the first year of college! Time fi go!!!!!!
2018-05-1405 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 6 - SuperstitionsWe grew up with many Caribbean beliefs and superstitions. We brought them to Middlebury with us, but many people don't believe in these. Have you ever wondered the meaning behind your right eye twitching? LISTEN!
2018-04-2906 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 5 - White is Right?The black on black love here is almost non-existent. These black boys only seem to date white girls, and we have a few questions about that...
2018-04-2210 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 4 - Deadass ShookThere are dead ass 105 black students out of 2,561 students overall on this campus. Like damn...
2018-04-1505 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 3 - Thank You, Drake.Drake recently just dropped an inspirational single that truly salutes all the boss ass ladies in this world. It represents different complexions and ages and its been on repeat for the past week. It helps us calm our anxiety and the thoughts that surround the phenomena, stereotype threat.
2018-04-0910 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 2 - Talk Ya ShitA professor from UCLA is coming to Middlebury's campus to talk on Mismatch Theory which states that minority students can not succeed in competitive environments because their skill sets are not "ample." So, you telling me we can't succeed cause we black? Bet.
2018-04-0205 min
BLCKGRLMGCEpisode 1 - It Really Be Like ThatYou need a lil' magic when you're a black girl enrolled in an elite predominantly white institution. Follow us on our journey: from hook up culture to new friendships, to navigating the world of academia.
2018-03-2708 min