Shows
Highly Melanated PodcastMalcolm Jamal Warner's Impact and the Fragility of LifeThere's something powerful about returning to a space that feels like home. After a brief hiatus, the Highly Melanated Podcast crew reunites with renewed energy and deeper perspectives on life, legacy, and the impact we leave behind.The episode opens with celebration as Chris (RED) shares his triumphant debut in classical theater, performing the leading role in Antigone. His cohosts beam with pride, having witnessed his command of complex language and powerful stage presence. Chris's willingness to step into character and deliver a spontaneous monologue showcases not just his artistic growth, but the evolution of someone who's...2025-07-241h 06Highly Melanated PodcastBlack Television's Evolution and ImpactWhat does Black television reveal about our culture, and how has its evolution shaped the way we see ourselves?When the hosts of Highly Melanated reunite after a brief hiatus, they dive deep into the powerful impact Black sitcoms have had across generations. Their conversation traces the journey from Family Matters to Insecure, examining how each era of Black television addressed specific cultural needs and challenged prevailing narratives.The 80s and 90s sitcoms deliberately showcased stable Black family structures to counter harmful stereotypes, creating spaces where Black families could see themselves reflected positively on screen...2025-06-191h 35Highly Melanated PodcastChildless But Opinionated: When Non-Parents Have Something To SayEver noticed how your perfectly reasonable parenting suggestions get immediately dismissed with "You don't have kids, so you wouldn't understand"? The Highly Melanated Podcast team tackles this frustrating double standard head-on, creating what they call a "safe space where it's okay to judge each other's parenting skills, even though we're not parents."This episode dives deep into the unspoken rule that childless adults should keep their parenting opinions to themselves, regardless of how logical or helpful those insights might be. Blair, PJ, and Chris share personal stories of times they've wanted to offer advice but hesitated, knowing...2025-04-171h 30Highly Melanated PodcastStop Spending: Start Thriving! feat. Sha-Rhonda WilsonFinancial freedom is about facing uncomfortable truths and taking actionable steps to change your habits. In this episode, we share crucial insights about spending, saving, and investing wisely. In the Highly Melanated Manor we have the pleasure to introduce a special guest, Sha-Rhonda Wilson, Lifestyle Coach & Business Consultant. to help with a few tips and on how to make your money work for you and not waste it away.• How sales can sometimes lead to unnecessary spending • The reality of relying on credit cards for emergencies • Importance of building a solid emergency fund • Refl...2025-03-0658 minHighly Melanated PodcastHighly Melanated Confessions: We Listen and We Don't JudgeEver wondered why your morning routine might be the secret weapon you've been overlooking? We've cracked the code on how starting your day without immediately scrolling through your phone can lead to unexpected personal victories. From the calming embrace of weighted blankets to the quirky joy of morning rituals, we share laugh-out-loud stories and insights that just might inspire you to tweak your own routine. Join us as we celebrate the triumphs, both big and small, that come with embracing our unique quirks and finding comfort in them.And speaking of quirks, let’s talk bathroom etiquette—the...2024-12-271h 21Highly Melanated PodcastFinding Purpose: Faith, Community, and Personal Reflections***PREVIOUSLY RECORDED 11/27***Can you imagine finding your true purpose in unexpected roles and experiences? Join PJ and Blair as they take the helm of the Highly Melanated Podcast while Red is exploring the vibrant culture of Ghana. We embark on a contemplative journey, reflecting on the enduring impacts of COVID-19 and the personal trials of feeling unseen. Blair's perspective on finding silver linings offers a beacon of hope, even in the toughest times. Together, we share gratitude and excitement for Red's return and the stories that will undoubtedly enrich our conversations.Have you ever...2024-12-1959 minHighly Melanated PodcastMelanated Boys Club: Finding Strength in Facing FearEver found yourself running from a 'Jason' during a family Halloween game, only to laugh about it later? We kick off this episode by sharing personal stories that blend humor and reflection, looking back at a year of unexpected changes and missed moments like Comic-Con and Halloween. While we’ve felt some fatigue, it's also been a year of growth and celebration. We've embraced cultural milestones and the joy of personal achievements, such as exploring the impact of Marvel's Agatha series and teaching a class on anti-gun violence, all while eagerly awaiting Blair's return in November.The co...2024-11-031h 33Highly Melanated PodcastMelanated Boys Club: Health Beyond the Scale and AestheticsLife's unexpected twists often leave us navigating new paths, and this time, we're exploring those shifts without our beloved co-host, Blair. Imagine considering a career in mortuary services amidst Libra season's astrological shifts. As we recount lively past episodes, including discussions on not emasculating Black men, the absence of Blair is palpable. Yet, laughter and candid reflections on adult responsibilities keep our spirits lifted as we ponder personal growth and potential career changes.Our conversation naturally gravitates toward health and fitness, where the focus is not on numbers but on overall strength, endurance, and well-being. From societal...2024-10-171h 00Highly Melanated PodcastStaying Present: From Kegels to Living in the MomentEver wonder why a cup of coffee at your local café costs more than your homemade brew? Get ready to join us for a hilariously relatable start as we debate the merits of coffee shop prices versus our do-it-yourself coffee adventures. Meet the lively crew—BJ, Blair, and Red—as we share our experiences dealing with summer heatwaves, air fryers, and PJ's laughable $3,000 Amazon cart during Prime Day. We also tease an upcoming episode focused on the art of consistency, keeping you excited for more laughs and insights.Next, we tackle the perplexing world of sleep during the p...2024-07-181h 23Highly Melanated PodcastAcknowledging the Power of Black Women's LegacyJoin us for a heartfelt homage to the indomitable Black women who've played pivotal roles in our lives and continue to pave the way in fields as diverse as the NFL and the arts.Rounding off our kaleidoscope of conversations, we shine a spotlight on the extraordinary Shaniqua Shande, whose talents radiate both on the screen and behind the scenes, embodying the spirit of Women's History Month. As we juggle our bustling schedules, we delve into the importance of self-care and maintaining mental health amidst our packed agendas. And we don't forget to offer a nod to...2024-03-291h 17Highly Melanated PodcastDo You Want It All: Recognize, Regulate & Refrain w/ LakiahThey say laughter is the best medicine, and who better to prescribe a dose than our special guest, Lakiah - a psychotherapist who is helping you stress less and set healthy boundaries without the struggle & guilt. With 7 plus years of experience as a psychotherapist, Be ready to learn how to ditch the burnout and conquer the elusive art of setting boundaries. Lakiah's Blog Selfcare Blogic is your sanctuary for real-talk tips, proven self-care strategies, and empowering vibes—with a sprinkle of humor. She's here to make sure you learn how to prioritize yourself first!With 20K and growin...2024-02-151h 25Highly Melanated PodcastNew Year! Same Melanated Thundercats!Well it's 2024 & THE QUACK ATTACK IS BACK JACK!We aren't a reboot, we are the real thingSo how do you feel about reboots, all this Nicki drama and a bunch of other things we have missed while we were away.... Follow US IG: https://www.instagram.com/highlymelanatedpodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/H_MelanatedPod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb2VbyoW6KaMxQo5onYluXAIF YOU WANT TO BE A GUEST OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO WOULD BE A GREAT CHOICE, H...2024-02-011h 21Highly Melanated PodcastAuthenticity Unfiltered: Social Media's Impact on Self-PerceptionWhat if social media was secretly sabotaging your mental well-being and self-image? Sit back and join us in a thought-provoking conversation on the Highly Melanated Podcast about the impact of social media, filters, and the pressures of beauty standards on our self-perceptions and mental health. We embark on a rollercoaster journey starting from the minor frustrations of Instagram blockages to the serious topic of body acceptance and external validation. Have you ever questioned the name of that floating tube in the pool or pondered about the contracts in the entertainment industry? We'll answer those questions and more...2023-11-211h 11Highly Melanated PodcastRacing to the Ballot BoxWhat happens when you forget it's Election Day, and you're in the middle of recording a podcast? Well, you'll just have to tune in to this hilarious and chaotic episode of Highly Melanated to find out! Prepare yourself for an unexpected twist as we, your hosts Blair and Red, halt our usual podcast recording to send our unwitting co-host, PJ, scrambling to the polls.Feel the urgency of Election Day like never before, as we give PJ a humorous nudge out the door, prioritizing his civic duty over our recording schedule. Amidst the comedy, we also take...2023-11-0807 minHighly Melanated PodcastOops Upside Your Head: Paying Homage To 50 Years of Hip-Hop & The Power of a Folding ChairEver wondered how the world of hip hop music connects to the essence of being unapologetically black? That's where PJ, Blair and Red, come in. We're here to navigate you through a journey, from personal anecdotes about our week to paying tribute to the late DJ Casper, creator of the Cha Cha Slide, and even discussing the recent Twitter logo change. You see, this isn't just about us, it's about the Melanated community. We talk about the recent dock brawl in Alabama, exploring how conflict can bring about unity and solidarity. Then we're back to the music, l...2023-08-091h 25Highly Melanated PodcastExploring the Depths of Swimwear Semantics and Childhood NostalgiaWhat if the words we use to describe our swimwear were more than just words? What if they carried implications that we might not even be aware of? This week on Highly Melanated, we ponder this very question, teasing out the nuances of swimwear terminology and exploring whether the term 'bathing suit' is appropriate for both genders. Our laughter-filled chats skirt around the edges of political correctness, and just when you think we've exhausted the topic, we dive into the nostalgic waters of childhood memories.Joining us on our linguistic and nostalgic exploration is our special guest...2023-08-061h 29Highly Melanated PodcastBlue and Yellow Makes Green: Giggles, Gadgets, and Green FlagsEver got a random WhatsApp message from a suspicious number? You're not alone, Melanated fam! We're cracking up about the perils of phone number security and sharing our bizarre experiences of finding explicit images on public transport. Trust us, you'll want to hear these tales and learn how to protect your data too. But there's more, fam. We're raising eyebrows at the rise of AI in our lives, particularly its impact on student learning. Imagine a world where chatbots write term papers - it's already happening and we're not sure how to feel. We're discussing the appeal a...2023-07-261h 13Highly Melanated PodcastNo More White Lies: Black Minds MatterIn this episode we are joined with someone's auntie Tanisha Malcom to have an in-depth conversation on Mental Health & the disparities from the personal perspective of lived experience. Welcome Tanisha Malcom to the Highly Melanated Family Managing a mental health diagnosis for almost 20 years, our guest, Tanisha Malcom, is a staunch mental health advocate, not only for herself, but for the mental health community at large. Tanisha was just featured this week in a CBS News segment sharing her mental health journey and how attending support groups at NAMI NYC in 2019 saved her life. S...2023-05-261h 16Highly Melanated Podcast5 Years & Counting: Taking Inventory pt. 2In this episode we celebrate 5 whole years of doing this podcast with a sincere and genuine conversation about what we've learned about ourselves and life in these 5 years. Audio Credit:TLC - It's Sunny(We do not own the rights to this music)CORRECTIONLORI MINOR on FacebookFollow US IG: https://www.instagram.com/highlymelanatedpodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/H_MelanatedPod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb2VbyoW6KaMxQo5onYluXAIF YOU WANT TO BE A GUEST OR KNOW SO...2023-04-2755 min