Today's episode features my conversation with Dr. Audrey Townsel, a Licensed Psychologist in Memphis, TN and my line sister. :) Dr. Townsel and I chatted about how social media platforms can impact our self esteem, why the comparisons we make between ourselves and others on social media aren’t entirely accurate, and she shared her favorite tips for helping you to have a healthier relationship with social media. 



 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Today's episode features my conversation with Dr. Audrey Townsel, a Licensed Psychologist in Memphis, TN and my line sister. :) Dr. Townsel and I chatted about how social media platforms can impact our self esteem, why the comparisons we make between ourselves and others on social media aren’t entirely accurate, and she shared her favorite tips for helping you to have a healthier relationship with social media. 

 Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a>

The Therapy for Black Girls podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible version of ourselves.

Therapy for Black Girls

The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a Licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best...

Session 71: Social Media & Mental Health

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/9e4fcd2b-9c26-4e1b-ab2a-ae28001bd013/transcript

Gut health is one of those wellness terms we hear all the time, and honestly, it’s popular for a reason. Our gut isn’t just about digestion. Like the rest of our organs, it’s connected to the brain, which means it can both reflect and impact our mental well-being. The gut-brain connection shows up in everyday life. Feeling queasy before a big meeting? Or so stressed you don’t have an appetite? The two are always in constant conversation whether we realize it or not. So today, I’m excited to welcome nutritional psychiatrist Dr. Andy Watkins to the show to help us demystify all things gut health. We’re chatting about what it actually means to take care of your gut and how doing so can help support your mood and your mind.

About the Podcast

The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves.

Resources & Announcements

Registration for the 2nd Annual Holding Space for Healers Therapist Summit is now open! Join us July 24–26, 2025 in Atlanta, GA for this one-of-a-kind event designed for Black mental health professionals, offering the tools, connections, and resources to grow your practice, strengthen your brand, and expand your impact in a meaningful way.​Register for the summit here!

Did you know you can leave us a voice note with your questions for the podcast? If you have a question you'd like some feedback on, topics you'd like to hear covered, or want to suggest movies or books for us to review, drop us a message at memo.fm/therapyforblackgirls and let us know what’s on your mind. We just might share it on the podcast.

Grab your copy of Sisterhood Heals.

 

Where to Find Our Guest

Instagram  @andywatkinsmccall 

Website  freedommindwellcare.org

 

Stay Connected

Join us in over on Patreon where we're building community through our chats, connecting at Sunday Night Check-Ins, and soaking in the wisdom from exclusive series like Ask Dr. Joy and So, My Therapist Said. ​


Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox.

If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory.

Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop.

The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession.

 

Make sure to follow us on social media:

Twitter: @therapy4bgirls

Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls

Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls

 

Our Production Team

Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard

Senior Producer: Ellice Ellis

Producers: Tyree Rush & Ndeye Thioubou

Gut health is one of those wellness terms we hear all the time, and honestly, it&rsquo;s popular for a reason. Our gut isn&rsquo;t just about digestion. Like the rest of our organs, it&rsquo;s connected to the brain, which means it can both reflect and impact our mental well-being.&nbsp;The gut-brain connection shows up in everyday life. Feeling queasy before a big meeting? Or so stressed you don&rsquo;t have an appetite? The two are always in constant conversation whether we realize it or not.&nbsp;So today, I&rsquo;m excited to welcome nutritional psychiatrist Dr. Andy Watkins to the show to help us demystify all things gut health. We&rsquo;re chatting about what it actually means to take care of your gut and how doing so can help support your mood and your mind.
About the Podcast
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves.
Resources &amp; Announcements
Registration for the 2nd Annual Holding Space for Healers Therapist Summit&nbsp;is now open! Join us July 24&ndash;26, 2025 in Atlanta, GA for this one-of-a-kind event designed for Black mental health professionals, offering the tools, connections, and resources to grow your practice, strengthen your brand, and expand your impact in a meaningful way.​<a href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27uv20p9mpioh8edr34s8ug63w344hg/kkhmh2uneqgxp2ul/aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVyYXB5Zm9yYmxhY2tnaXJscy5jb20vdGhlcmFwaXN0c3VtbWl0Lw==" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27uv20p9mpioh8edr34s8ug63w344hg/kkhmh2uneqgxp2ul/aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVyYXB5Zm9yYmxhY2tnaXJscy5jb20vdGhlcmFwaXN0c3VtbWl0Lw%3D%3D&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748492695474000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0E_dVrMHu_tq9vVMZxh2hm">Register for the summit here!</a>
Did you know you can leave us a voice note with your questions for the podcast? If you have a question you'd like some feedback on, topics you'd like to hear covered, or want to suggest movies or books for us to review, drop us a message at<a href="https://memo.fm/therapyforblackgirls">&nbsp;memo.fm/therapyforblackgirls</a>&nbsp;and let us know what&rsquo;s on your mind. We just might share it on the podcast.
Grab your copy of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sisterhoodheals.com/">Sisterhood Heals.</a>
&nbsp;
Where to Find Our Guest
Instagram&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/andywatkinsmccall/">&nbsp;@andywatkinsmccall&nbsp;</a>
Website&nbsp; <a href="http://freedommindwellcare.org">freedommindwellcare.org</a>
&nbsp;
Stay Connected
Join us in over on <a href="https://therapyforblackgirls.com/patreon/">Patreon</a> where we're&nbsp;building community through our chats, connecting at Sunday Night Check-Ins, and soaking in the wisdom from exclusive series like&nbsp;Ask Dr. Joy&nbsp;and&nbsp;So, My Therapist Said.&nbsp;​<a href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27uv20p9mpioh8edr34s8ug63w344hg/58hvh8ug08p6wzc6/dGhlcmFweWZvcmJsYWNrZ2lybHMuY29tb3JibGFja2dpcmxzLmNvbS9wYXRyZW9u" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27uv20p9mpioh8edr34s8ug63w344hg/58hvh8ug08p6wzc6/dGhlcmFweWZvcmJsYWNrZ2lybHMuY29tb3JibGFja2dpcmxzLmNvbS9wYXRyZW9u&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748492695474000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0jCyXCs32ITtLc68f4b9DW"> </a>
Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at <a href="https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox">therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox</a>.
If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory">https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory</a>.
Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at&nbsp;<a href="https://therapyforblackgirls.com/shop">therapyforblackgirls.com/shop</a>.
The hashtag for the podcast is&nbsp;#TBGinSession.
&nbsp;
Make sure to follow us on social media:
Twitter:<a href="https://www.twitter.com/therapy4bgirls">&nbsp;@therapy4bgirls</a>
Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/therapyforblackgirls">@therapyforblackgirls</a>
Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/therapyforblackgirls">@therapyforblackgirls</a>
&nbsp;
Our Production Team
Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford &amp; Maya Cole Howard
Senior Producer: Ellice Ellis
Producers: Tyree Rush &amp; Ndeye Thioubou

Session 413: All About Gut Health

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/144c559e-b3b8-4b03-a6a7-b2eb003d9eda/transcript

Alyssa Ashley, founder of In Real Life Skin, was raised in a traditional West Indian household where self-care was embraced as a holistic lifestyle rather than a simple routine. From a young age, she incorporated natural ingredients like pomegranate extract, magnesium, and vitamin E into her diet and skincare, discovering their powerful benefits for both physical and emotional well-being. 

Alyssa identified a missing link between agriculture, beauty, and wellness. This insight led to the creation of In Real Life Skin, a brand rooted in the principles of neurocosmetics and designed to promote skin health, emotional balance, and sustainability. Her vision centers on reflecting real life through skincare by offering plant-based products and resources that foster healthy habits, emotional wellness, and authentic community connections.

In this episode, Alyssa opens up about the realities of leaving a corporate 9-5 job in order to pursue starting your own business.. We’re talking about self-discovery, sacrifice, entrepreneurial affirmations, and understanding how your business is connected to your inner child. So if you have been trying to figure out how to make the jump from employee to employer or are just fascinated by the story behind founders, this one’s for you.

Where to Find Alyssa

Instagram: @alyssa_s_ashley

Instagram: @inreallifeskin

 

Make sure to follow us on social media:

Instagram

TikTok

Interested in being a part of a future TBG U episode or suggesting a topic for us to discuss, send us a note HERE. 

Order a copy of Sisterhood Heals for you and your girls HERE. 

 

Our Production Team

Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard

Senior Producer: Ellice Ellis

Producer: Tyree Rush & Ndeye Thioubou

Alyssa Ashley, founder of In Real Life Skin, was raised in a traditional West Indian household where self-care was embraced as a holistic lifestyle rather than a simple routine. From a young age, she incorporated natural ingredients like pomegranate extract, magnesium, and vitamin E into her diet and skincare, discovering their powerful benefits for both physical and emotional well-being.&nbsp;
Alyssa identified a missing link between agriculture, beauty, and wellness. This insight led to the creation of In Real Life Skin, a brand rooted in the principles of neurocosmetics and designed to promote skin health, emotional balance, and sustainability. Her vision centers on reflecting real life through skincare by offering plant-based products and resources that foster healthy habits, emotional wellness, and authentic community connections.
In this episode, Alyssa opens up about the realities of leaving a corporate 9-5 job in order to pursue starting your own business.. We&rsquo;re talking about self-discovery, sacrifice, entrepreneurial affirmations, and understanding how your business is connected to your inner child.&nbsp;So if you have been trying to figure out how to make the jump from employee to employer or are just fascinated by the story behind founders, this one&rsquo;s for you.
Where to Find Alyssa
Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/alyssa_s_ashley/">@alyssa_s_ashley</a>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/inreallifeskin/">@inreallifeskin</a>
&nbsp;
Make sure to follow us on social media:
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tbguniversity/">Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tbguniversity">TikTok</a>
Interested in being a part of a future TBG U episode or suggesting a topic for us to discuss, send us a note&nbsp;<a href="https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox">HERE</a>.&nbsp;
Order a copy of Sisterhood Heals for you and your girls&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sisterhoodheals.com/">HERE</a>.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Our Production Team
Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford &amp; Maya Cole Howard
Senior Producer: Ellice Ellis
Producer: Tyree Rush &amp; Ndeye Thioubou

TBG U: Understanding Entrepreneurship

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/9508241e-b67c-4e17-9898-b2ea002a58a7/transcript

These days, we talk a lot about community, and for good reason. But it’s important to remember that spending time alone is just as important. So what does it actually look like to enjoy your own company? Alone time isn’t just about being by yourself, it’s about slowing down, reconnecting, and noticing what comes up when you’re not in constant dialogue with the world around you. And although for some it may be uncomfortable and a little anxiety-inducing, when done with intention it can be incredibly rewarding. That’s why today I’m excited to discuss how making space for solitude in our busy lives can help us feel more at home in ourselves.

If something resonates with you from this conversation, please share it with us on social media using the hashtag #TBGInSession. Or join us in our Patreon channel to talk more in-depth about the episode. You can join us at community.therapyforblackgirls.com.

About the Podcast

The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves.

Resources & Announcements

After years of growing, connecting, and healing together, the Therapy for Black Girls Community is now officially live on Patreon—and let’s just say, it’s giving everything it needs to give! From exclusive content and weekly chats to live events and deeper convos with sisters who just get it, this is your space to show up fully and be poured into. Learn more and join us here. 

Did you know you can leave us a voice note with your questions for the podcast? If you have a question you'd like some feedback on, topics you'd like to hear covered, or want to suggest movies or books for us to review, drop us a message at memo.fm/therapyforblackgirls and let us know what’s on your mind. We just might share it on the podcast.

Grab your copy of Sisterhood Heals.

 

Stay Connected

Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox.

If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory.

Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop.

The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession.

 

Make sure to follow us on social media:

Twitter: @therapy4bgirls

Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls

Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls

 

Our Production Team

Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard

Senior Producer: Ellice Ellis

Producers: Tyree Rush & Ndeye Thioubou

These days, we talk a lot about community, and for good reason. But it&rsquo;s important to remember that spending time alone is just as important. So what does it actually look like to enjoy your own company? Alone time isn&rsquo;t just about being by yourself, it&rsquo;s about slowing down, reconnecting, and noticing what comes up when you&rsquo;re not in constant dialogue with the world around you.&nbsp;And although for some it may be uncomfortable and a little anxiety-inducing, when done with intention it can be incredibly rewarding. That&rsquo;s why today I&rsquo;m excited to discuss how making space for solitude in our busy lives can help us feel more at home in ourselves.
If something resonates with you from this conversation, please share it with us on social media using the hashtag #TBGInSession. Or join us in our Patreon channel to talk more in-depth about the episode. You can join us at <a href="https://therapyforblackgirls.com/patreon/">community.therapyforblackgirls.com</a>.
About the Podcast
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves.
Resources &amp; Announcements
After years of growing, connecting, and healing together, the&nbsp;Therapy for Black Girls Community&nbsp;is now officially live on&nbsp;Patreon&mdash;and let&rsquo;s just say, it&rsquo;s giving everything it needs to give! From exclusive content and weekly chats to live events and deeper convos with sisters who just get it, this is your space to show up fully and be poured into. Learn more and join us&nbsp;<a href="https://therapyforblackgirls.com/patreon/">here</a>.&nbsp;
Did you know you can leave us a voice note with your questions for the podcast? If you have a question you'd like some feedback on, topics you'd like to hear covered, or want to suggest movies or books for us to review, drop us a message at<a href="https://memo.fm/therapyforblackgirls">&nbsp;memo.fm/therapyforblackgirls</a>&nbsp;and let us know what&rsquo;s on your mind. We just might share it on the podcast.
Grab your copy of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sisterhoodheals.com/">Sisterhood Heals.</a>
&nbsp;
Stay Connected
Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox">therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox</a>.
If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory">https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory</a>.
Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at&nbsp;<a href="https://therapyforblackgirls.com/shop">therapyforblackgirls.com/shop</a>.
The hashtag for the podcast is&nbsp;#TBGinSession.
&nbsp;
Make sure to follow us on social media:
Twitter:<a href="https://www.twitter.com/therapy4bgirls">&nbsp;@therapy4bgirls</a>
Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/therapyforblackgirls">@therapyforblackgirls</a>
Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/therapyforblackgirls">@therapyforblackgirls</a>
&nbsp;
Our Production Team
Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford &amp; Maya Cole Howard
Senior Producer: Ellice Ellis
Producers: Tyree Rush &amp; Ndeye Thioubou

Session 412: How to Spend Time Alone

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/d3fcbb55-885d-42af-b08d-b2e4002a6791/transcript

Session 71: Social Media & Mental Health

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