Shows
Diamonds from DarknessEp 18: Self Love: Living It, Not Just Saying It.Self love is a phrase we hear all the time…but what does it actually look like to live it every single day?In this soul-nourishing episode of Diamonds from Darkness, Syrie D is getting real about what self love truly means for Black women, beyond the aesthetics, beyond the social media version, and into the everyday choices that shape our healing, our peace, and our sense of worth.Together, we unpack:💎 Why self love can feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar💎 The unspoken pressures Black women carry and how they impact our ability to...
2026-02-1713 minDiamonds from DarknessEp 17: Black Women and Boundaries: A Therapist's Conversation on Therapy as Maintenance, Not Crisis Care.What if therapy wasn’t something you turned to only when you were falling apart… but something you embraced to stay whole?In this powerful and affirming conversation, I sit down with Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Adriana Londono, to talk honestly about Black women’s mental health, the weight of the “Strong Black Woman” narrative, and the boundaries we struggle to set when we’re used to being everything for everyone.Together, we unpack:Why therapy is maintenance — not a last resortHow burnout can hide behind strength and responsibilityThe emotiona...
2026-02-1141 minDiamonds from DarknessEp 16: The Silent Burden: Black Women and Emotional LaborEmotional labor is the weight we carry quietly; the planning, the anticipating, the fixing, the holding it together for everyone else.In this episode of Diamonds from Darkness, we’re naming the silent burden so many Black women live with every day. We explore what emotional labor really looks like, how it shows up in our daily lives, our bodies, and our mental health, and why being “the strong one” often comes at a hidden cost.We talk about:✨ How emotional labor fuels burnout, anxiety, and exhaustion✨ Why guilt keeps us overextended and stuck in su...
2026-02-0231 minDiamonds from DarknessEp 15: The Season My Soul Requested RestWhat if this season of exhaustion, emotional heaviness, and shifting identity isn’t you falling apart—but your soul asking you to slow down?In this deeply reflective episode of Diamonds from Darkness, host Syrie D holds space for the quiet, often unspoken realities many Black women face during seasons of perimenopause—especially when the body, mind, and spirit begin requesting rest.We explore how change can feel like unraveling before it feels like becoming, and why so many women, particularly Black women, carry immense emotional and mental loads in silence. From the emotional impact of perime...
2026-01-1215 minDiamonds from DarknessEp 14: The Year We Choose Ourselves: Reset, Refocus, and RebuildAs we enter 2026, many Black women are carrying survival, burnout, and expectations we never chose.In this episode of Diamonds from Darkness, Syrie D explores Reset, Refocus, and Rebuild through the G.E.M.S. philosophy—Growth, Expression, Mindfulness, and Strength. You’ll learn how to release survival mode, set boundaries that protect your mental health, refocus your energy toward alignment, and rebuild a life that truly supports you.This episode includes practical tools, reflective questions, and a guided closing meditation to help you step into the year grounded and whole.✨ You are not behind...
2026-01-0519 minDiamonds from DarknessEp 13: The Weight We Carry: A Therapist’s Perspective on Black Women and GriefGrief is heavy! And too often, Black women are expected to carry it quietly and alone. In this episode of Diamonds from Darkness, I’m joined by a licensed clinical therapist, Shavon Thomas who specializes in supporting Black women through grief, loss, and emotional transitions.Together, we explore how grief shows up in Black women’s lives, how therapy is viewed and experienced within the Black community, and the unique barriers and breakthroughs Black women face when seeking mental health support. We also discuss healthy coping strategies, emotional processing, and how therapy can be a powerful tool for h...
2025-12-2332 minDiamonds from DarknessEp 12: Caring for the Woman Who Once Carried MeIn this deeply personal and vulnerable episode, we explore a kind of grief we rarely speak about, the grief of losing someone who is still alive.After the passing of my father, I began witnessing a slow and heartbreaking shift in my mother, the woman who once held everything together. Grief didn’t just change her. It unraveled her. And suddenly, I found myself stepping into a role I never expected: caring for the woman who once cared for me.This episode is for anyone who has had to carry emotional weight that was once not...
2025-11-1022 minDiamonds from DarknessEp 11: A Quiet Sadness: Living the Day-to-Day with Bipolar DepressionIn this deeply personal and vulnerable episode of Diamonds from Darkness, host Syrie D steps away from the polished motivation and speaks from the raw middle of her journey — inside a quiet sadness.This isn’t the clinical breakdown of bipolar depression.This is what it feels like.The kind of sadness that doesn’t always look like tears — but rather stillness, silence, and the invisible weight that makes even getting out of bed feel like an act of survival.Syrie opens up about:The fog-like distance of moving through life but not fe...
2025-11-0518 minDiamonds from DarknessEp 10: The Strong Black Woman Myth: Letting Go of the Superwoman CapeIn this episode, host Syrie D gets real about the Strong Black Woman myth, the pressure to always be unbreakable, unbothered, and endlessly strong. Together, we explore the cost of that cape and what it means to finally set it down. ✨Because true strength isn’t about carrying it all — it’s about knowing when to rest, receive, and simply be. 💎
2025-10-2724 minDiamonds from DarknessEp 9: The Role of Fathers in Our Mental Health JourneysOur fathers; whether present, absent, or somewhere in between ; shape more of our mental and emotional world than we often realize. In this episode, host Syrie D explores the powerful connection between fatherhood and Black women’s mental health.From understanding the “father wound” to learning how to heal and redefine self-worth, this conversation offers reflection, compassion, and hope. Together, we unpack how our relationships with our fathers influence love, trust, and identity and how we can reclaim peace, one truth at a time.✨ Listen in and discover how acknowledging your fathers story can become a gatewa...
2025-10-2023 minDiamonds from DarknessEp 8:Love After Trauma: Building Healthy Romantic RelationshipsCan you truly love again after deep pain? 💔 In this transformative episode of Diamonds from Darkness, host Syrie D dives into the heart of healing and rebuilding love after trauma — especially for Black women carrying generations of emotional wounds, strength, and resilience.From childhood hurt and betrayal to emotional neglect and heartbreak, trauma shapes how we love — and how we let ourselves be loved. But healing is possible. 🌱✨ In this episode, you’ll discover:How trauma impacts your ability to connect and trust in relationshipsCommon patterns like people-pleasing, avoidance, and emotional reac...
2025-10-1421 minDiamonds from DarknessEp 7: Healing Black Love — How Generational Trauma Affects RelationshipsIn this powerful solo episode of Diamonds from Darkness, host Syrie D explores how generational trauma has shaped the way many Black women give and receive love — and how we can begin to break those cycles for ourselves and the generations that follow.From the silence passed down in families to the fear of abandonment in relationships, Syrie uncovers the ways unhealed wounds show up in our most intimate connections. With compassion and clarity, she guides listeners toward a deeper understanding of generational trauma, shares pathways for personal and collective healing, and reimagines what Black lo...
2025-10-0731 minDiamonds from DarknessEp 6: Restorative Relationships: What Safe Love looks LikeSis, love should not break you down, it should restore you. In this episode of Diamonds from Darkness, host Syrie D unpacks the difference between unsafe and safe love, exploring how unhealthy relationships leave scars and how restorative love creates space for healing, boundaries, and growth. You’ll learn what safe love looks like, how to cultivate it, and how to rewrite the narrative so that every connection in your life feels nourishing, steady, and whole. ✨
2025-09-2928 minDiamonds from DarknessEp 5: Finding Joy in the Everyday: Black Girl Joy as Radical Self-CareIn this episode of Diamonds from Darkness, host Syrie D reminds us that joy isn’t a luxury—it’s medicine, resistance, and radical self-care. From small daily practices to protecting your right to rest, this conversation explores how Black women can reclaim joy as a form of healing and freedom.
2025-09-1820 minDiamonds from DarknessEp 4: From Hustle Culture to Soft Life: Redefining Success & PeaceWe’ve been told for generations that we have to grind twice as hard just to get half as much — but at what cost? In this episode of Diamonds from Darkness, host Syrie D challenges the myth of hustle culture and invites you to embrace the courage of slowing down.Together, we’ll explore:✨ The hidden toll hustle culture takes on Black women’s mental, emotional, and physical health.✨ What the real “soft life” looks like beyond bubble baths and brunch — from nervous system regulation to reclaiming joy.✨ Practical shifts you can make today to protect your peace, set boundarie...
2025-09-1126 minDiamonds from DarknessEp 3: Rest as Resistance: Reclaiming Our Right to Just BeRest isn’t lazy — it’s liberation. In this episode of Diamonds from Darkness, host Syrie D unpacks the toxic myth of grind culture and explores how Black women can reclaim rest as a birthright. Through the G.E.M.S. philosophy (Growth, Expression, Mindfulness, Strength), you’ll learn practical rituals and ancestral truths that remind us: choosing rest is choosing resistance, healing, and revolution.
2025-09-0429 minDiamonds from DarknessEp 2: Straw That Broke Her: Unpacking Psychosis and Black Womanhood Through the G.E.M.S LensIn this deeply moving episode, host Syrie D takes us into the emotional and psychological depths of Tyler Perry’s new film Straw, a powerful portrayal of a Black mother unraveling under the weight of untreated psychosis. But this is more than a movie review—it’s a call to awareness, healing, and collective care.Through the lens of the G.E.M.S. philosophy—Growth, Expression, Mindfulness, and Strength—we unpack how systemic pressures, grief, and trauma uniquely impact Black women’s mental health, particularly when it comes to psychosis.Together, we’ll explore:🧠 What ps...
2025-07-2422 minDiamonds from DarknessEp 1.3: Loving Her Through the Healing: A Conversation with Men Holding Space Their Queen🌱 The transformation begins here. 🌱In this final segment of Loving Her Through the Healing, we explore the beauty that unfolds when love becomes a space for growth, not survival. Our guests, committed to emotional accountability and healing, open up about what it truly means to evolve with your partner, not just beside them.This episode is about partnership, mutual healing, and breaking free from cycles that no longer serve us. It’s a reminder that even after the pain, love can still be safe, expansive, and deeply transformational.If you’ve ever held space for s...
2025-07-0837 minDiamonds from DarknessEp 1.2: Loving Her Through the Healing: A Conversation with Men Holding Space for Their Queen🔥 Part 2 is here, and we’re diving even deeper. 🔥In this powerful segment of Loving Her Through the Healing, our featured kings open up about the unseen emotional labor of loving a partner through her healing journey. They speak candidly about the moments when showing up means being present, even while carrying their own weight, doubts, and pain.This conversation is not about perfection or playing the hero; it’s about honest support, emotional vulnerability, and the complexity of holding space while holding it together.💬 As one guest shared: “Strength doesn’t mean silence. It means...
2025-06-2635 minDiamonds from DarknessEp 1.1: Loving Her Through the Healing: A Conversation with Men Holding Space their QueenWelcome back, GEMS! We're kicking off Season 2 of Diamonds from Darkness with a powerful shift in perspective. In this special 3 part episode, host Syrie D flips the script to spotlight the voices of men who are walking beside their partners through mental health challenges — not as saviors, but as steady, loving support systems.Joining Syrie are three deeply insightful guests — Gibran Alvarado, Michael Couture, and Marcus Sciulli — who open up about the complexities of loving strong women navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, and healing. These are the men behind the scenes: holding space, learning, growing, and showing up even...
2025-06-1235 minDiamonds from DarknessE20: The Art of Saying No: Boundaries as Self-Preservation.Hey GEMS ✨ In this powerful season finale of Diamonds from Darkness, host Syrie D brings the heat—and the healing—with a deeply resonant episode: The Art of Saying No: Boundaries as Self-Preservation. If you’ve ever felt guilty for protecting your peace, this conversation is your permission slip to reclaim your power.We explore why saying “no” feels so hard, especially for Black women conditioned to be everything for everyone. From the weight of childhood expectations to the myth of the “Strong Black Woman,” Syrie unpacks the emotional toll of constant self-sacrifice—and how setting boundaries isn’t just healthy...
2025-05-2221 minDiamonds from DarknessE19: “We’re Magic, But We’re Also Real” – A Reflection on Dr. Keita Joy’s TED TalkIn this heartfelt episode, host Syrie D opens up about hitting burnout and the powerful reminder she found in Dr. Keita Joy’s TED Talk, “Mental Health is Declining and Black Women are Hit the Hardest.” This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and remember that Black women are allowed to be both strong and soft — bold and still in need of rest.Syrie shares her personal journey navigating bipolar depression and anxiety, and how Dr. Joy’s words gave her permission to simply breathe. Tune in for a message of healing, vulnerability, and truth — because just like the q...
2025-05-1522 minDiamonds from DarknessE18: Your ‘Bad Habits’ Are Trauma Responses: Unpacking Survival Patterns in Black Women’s HealingWhat if the habits you’ve been shamed for — procrastination, perfectionism, people-pleasing — aren’t flaws, but survival strategies you learned growing up in a toxic environment? In this powerful episode, Syrie D. unpacks how behaviors like overthinking, isolation, hyper-independence, and over-apologizing are often trauma responses, not character defects. Through compassion and understanding, she invites Black women to reframe their healing journey, offering practical steps toward self-love, wholeness, and reclaiming their power. You are not broken — you are surviving, and now it’s time to thrive.
2025-04-3030 minDiamonds from DarknessE17: Shades of Worth: The Impact of Colorism & Beauty Standards on Our Mental HealthHey Gems 💎—today’s episode is one that reaches beneath the surface. I’m your host, Syrie D, and this is Diamonds from Darkness—the safe space where Black women can breathe, be seen, and remember who they are.In this soul-stirring episode, we’re diving deep into the painful truths and invisible scars left by colorism and toxic beauty standards. We’re talking about more than just skin. We’re talking about the quiet ways these messages shape our self-worth, our identity, and our mental health.You’ll hear real, raw stories from women like Shay, Tiff, an...
2025-04-2328 minDiamonds from DarknessE16: REBROADCAST: Empowerment through Real Stories – Turning Darkness into LightHey GEMS!!! Your girl Syrie D is bringing it back to where it all began. In this powerful rebroadcast of my very first episode, we revisit the moment that sparked the Diamonds from Darkness movement.This episode is more than just a conversation—it’s a heart-centered reminder that our struggles do not define us. They refine us.Together, we explore the emotional weight Black women often carry in silence—the mental health challenges, the pressure to stay strong, and the power in finally letting go. Through raw storytelling and deep vulnerability, I shine a light...
2025-04-1725 minDiamonds from DarknessE:15 Building Supportive CommunitiesHey GEMS! In this powerful and soul-nourishing episode of Diamonds from Darkness, we’re talking about something every Black woman needs and deserves: community. Host Syrie D. gets real about the emotional weight we carry—and why we were never meant to carry it alone.From the mental health benefits of connection to the cultural legacy of sisterhood, this episode is a deep dive into the healing, strength, and joy that supportive networks can bring. Whether it’s a sister circle, a sorority, a church family, or a group chat that keeps you grounded—community is more than a v...
2025-04-0920 minDiamonds from DarknessE14: Black Motherhood & Mental Health – Overcoming Guilt & BurnoutMotherhood is a beautiful journey, but for Black moms, it often comes with the unspoken expectation of being everything for everyone—except ourselves. In this powerful episode of Diamonds from Darkness, host Syrie D explores the unique challenges Black mothers face, from generational pressures to the overwhelming burden of burnout.If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re doing enough, struggled with mom guilt, or felt like you’re running on empty, this episode is for you. Syrie D breaks down:✨ The weight of Black motherhood and how it impacts mental health✨ The truth about...
2025-04-0223 minDiamonds from DarknessE13: Sisterhood & Safe Spaces -The Healing Power of CommunityIn this episode, host Syrie D dives deep into the importance of sisterhood and safe spaces for Black women’s mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.As Black women, we often carry heavy burdens, societal pressures, family obligations, and the hustle of building our dreams. But the truth is, we’re not meant to do it alone. True healing happens in spaces where we feel seen, heard, and supported.In this episode, Syrie explores:✨ The power of sisterhood and why we need strong friendships✨ How safe spaces allow us to be vulnerable without...
2025-03-2624 minDiamonds from DarknessE12: Navigating Microaggressions and Racism in the WorkplaceHey Gems!! Welcome back to Diamonds from Darkness, the podcast where we prioritize mental health, healing, and empowerment for Black women. I’m your host, Syrie D, and we’re diving into a topic that so many of us have experienced—navigating microaggressions and racism in the workplace.Have you ever been told, “You’re so articulate,” like it was unexpected? Felt the pressure to straighten your hair or code-switch just to be taken seriously? Worked twice as hard for half the recognition? If so, sis, you are not alone.The workplace can be a battlefield...
2025-03-1925 minDiamonds from DarknessE11: Healing from Family Trauma – Breaking Generational CursesFor generations, Black families have carried the weight of historical trauma, racism, oppression, poverty, and family dysfunction. But survival is not the same as healing. Trauma doesn’t just fade away; it gets passed down through behaviors, beliefs, and even our DNA. In this episode, we’ll unpack how generational trauma affects our mental health and, most importantly, how we can begin breaking these toxic cycles.If you’ve ever felt like you were carrying burdens that weren’t yours, struggled with family dysfunction, or are determined to create a different future for yourself and your children—this episo...
2025-03-1232 minDiamonds from DarknessE10: Reclaiming Rest: Why Black Women Deserve to Slow DownFor generations, we’ve been conditioned to believe that our worth is tied to productivity. We’ve carried the weight of our families, careers, and communities while putting ourselves last. But sis, it’s time to break that cycle. Rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.In this episode, we’re diving into:✨ The history of “grind culture” and how it has impacted Black women.✨ Why rest is a radical and necessary form of self-care.✨ How you can start reclaiming your right to rest—without guilt, without apology.We’re also tapping int...
2025-03-0523 minDiamonds from DarknessE9: Empowerment Through Financial LiteracyIn this episode, host Syrie D dives into a topic that’s deeply connected to our well-being—financial literacy and empowerment.Money is one of the biggest sources of stress, especially for Black women navigating financial instability, student loan debt, and wage gaps. Studies show that financial struggles are a leading cause of anxiety and depression, making it crucial to take control of our money to protect our mental health.Syrie breaks down practical steps to financial wellness, covering:✅ Budgeting basics to make your money work for you✅ Smart debt management strategi...
2025-02-2622 minDiamonds from DarknessE8: The Role of Spirituality and Religion in Mental HealthFaith can be a source of strength—but what happens when it complicates our mental health journey? In this powerful episode of Diamonds from Darkness, host Syrie D explores the complex relationship between spirituality, religion, and mental wellness for Black women.We’re breaking down:✨ The difference between religion and spirituality and how both impact mental health✨ How faith can be a tool for healing, but also a barrier when mental health struggles are dismissed✨ Personal stories of women who found strength through spiritual practices, from church to ancestral traditions✨ Practi...
2025-02-1923 min
Diamonds from DarknessE7: Navigating Grief & Protecting Your Mental HealthIn this powerful episode of Diamonds from Darkness, host Syrie D dives deep into a topic that often goes unspoken, grief and mental health, especially for us as Black women. Grief isn’t just about loss; it’s layered, complex, and can show up in unexpected ways. Whether you're mourning a loved one, a relationship, or even an old version of yourself, this episode is here to hold space for you. Together, we’ll unpack: ✨ The many forms of grief and why it’s okay to *feel* ✨ How unprocessed grief impacts our mental health ✨ Healing strategies...
2025-02-1222 min
Diamonds from DarknessE6: The Power of Therapy: Finding the Right TherapistWelcome back to *Diamonds from Darkness*, where we transform pain into power, struggle into strength, and darkness into diamonds. In this episode, host Syrie D. takes a deep dive into the life-changing impact of therapy, especially for Black women. We explore the stigma around therapy in our community, the importance of finding a culturally competent therapist, and the ways in which therapy can help us heal from trauma, anxiety, and generational burdens. Through the powerful story of Amber P., a woman who found healing after a traumatic event, we unpack what it means to reclaim yourself through t...
2025-02-0522 min
Diamonds from DarknessE5: Meet Your Host: A Journey of Mental Health, Hope, and Healing In this special episode, host Syrie D takes you on a deeply personal journey; sharing the story behind the podcast, her own battles with mental illness, and the transformative power of healing. From the stigma surrounding mental health in Black communities to the pressures of being everything to everyone, Syrie opens up about the moments that nearly broke her, and the resilience that turned her pain into purpose. With raw honesty, she discusses therapy, self-care, and the importance of seeking help without shame. This episode isn’t just about her story, it’s about all of us...
2025-01-2921 min
Diamonds from DarknessE4: Self Care Strategies for Black WomenJoin Syrie D. in this empowering episode of *Diamonds from Darkness* as she explores self-care strategies specifically tailored for Black women. Discover what self-care truly means beyond surface-level routines and learn practical tips for emotional, physical, spiritual, and social well-being. I also dive into the importance of self-care in maintaining mental health, reducing stress, and fostering generational healing.So get ready for an inspiring conversation that will encourage you to prioritize your wellness and embrace self-love. Don't miss this heartfelt episode filled with wisdom, affirmations, and actionable steps to care for yourself intentionally.
2025-01-2217 min
Diamonds from DarknessE3: Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health in the Black CommunityIn this episode of Diamonds from Darkness, Syrie D takes a bold step into a topic that touches us all: mental health in the Black community. Why does the stigma still exist? How can we overcome it? Together, we unpack the historical, cultural, and systemic factors that make mental health a taboo subject, while highlighting powerful stories of resilience and healing.Whether you’re navigating your own mental health journey or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers valuable insights and practical strategies for breaking the silence and fostering wellness. It’s time to embrace vulnerability, seek help...
2025-01-1727 min
Diamonds from DarknessBreaking the Stigma: Mental Health in the Black communityIn this episode of Diamonds from Darkness, Syrie D takes a bold step into a topic that touches us all: mental health in the Black community. Why does the stigma still exist? How can we overcome it? Together, we unpack the historical, cultural, and systemic factors that make mental health a taboo subject, while highlighting powerful stories of resilience and healing. Whether you’re navigating your own mental health journey or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers valuable insights and practical strategies for breaking the silence and fostering wellness. It’s time to embrace vulnerability, seek help...
2025-01-1527 min
Diamonds from DarknessE2: From Struggle to Strength: The Historical Journey of Black Women’s EmpowermentIn this episode of Diamonds from Darkness, I take us on a powerful journey through history, exploring pivotal moments that have shaped the empowerment of Black women. From the fight for abolition to the Civil Rights Movement, and into the modern era, we discuss the historical struggles that have impacted mental health and resilience. We’ll also highlight the contributions of trailblazing figures like Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells, Angela Davis, and Tarana Burke, connecting their legacies to the challenges and triumphs of Black women today.
2025-01-0824 min
Diamonds from DarknessE1: Empowerment through Real Stories: Turning Darkness into LightIn this heartfelt episode of Diamonds from Darkness, host Syrie D dives into the transformative power of storytelling. Join her as she explores how Black women have faced mental health challenges, embraced their vulnerability, and emerged stronger, using their experiences to inspire others.These stories remind us that our struggles don’t define us—they shape us into something extraordinary. Through sharing, seeking help, and celebrating authenticity, we can break the silence around mental health and create ripples of healing in our communities.Tune in for a powerful episode filled with honesty, hope, and a call...
2025-01-0123 min