the BLK + GRN podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 59 - The power of buying black : how Maggie Anderson sparked an economic revolution Dec 13, 2024

Show notes

The Power of Buying Black: How Maggie Anderson Sparked an Economic Revolution is an inspiring and eye-opening exploration of one woman's bold decision to invest in her community—and how it ignited a national movement. Maggie Anderson, a successful businesswoman and mother, made headlines when she and her family committed to buying exclusively from Black-owned businesses for an entire year. What began as a personal challenge quickly became a powerful statement on economic justice, community empowerment, and the transformative potential of collective action.

This compelling story chronicles Anderson's journey, the obstacles she faced, and the undeniable impact of circulating dollars within the Black community. With honesty, urgency, and passion, Anderson sheds light on the racial disparities in economic opportunity and urges readers to harness their purchasing power as a tool for equity. Our Black Year is a call to action—a reminder that where we spend our money matters, and that change can begin with a single, intentional choice.

Ep. 58 - Breaking free: Why I quit the boxes society put me in | The military ranks to entrepreneurial power with Liz Love Dec 06, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Liz Love shares her powerful journey of breaking free from the boxes society tried to place her in. From the disciplined ranks of the military to the liberating world of entrepreneurship, Liz discusses the obstacles she faced, the lessons she learned, and the empowering process of creating her own path. Tune in as Liz reflects on the importance of authenticity, overcoming societal expectations, and the strength it takes to make the leap into entrepreneurial power. This is an inspiring conversation for anyone ready to challenge the status quo and take control of their own destiny.

Ep. 57 - H&M to black-owned brands: Anika Hobbs on redefining success and sacrifice in a capitalist world Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

What does it mean to walk away from the security of a global retail giant like H&M to build something that centers Black creativity, culture, and community? In this episode, we sit down with Anika Hobbs, founder of the beloved DC-based boutique Nubian Hueman, to unpack her journey from corporate retail to conscious entrepreneurship.

Anika shares the moments that shaped her decision to leave behind the familiar and the stable to carve out space for independent Black and Brown designers. We talk about the cost of choosing purpose over profit, how capitalism manipulates our definitions of success, and the power of designing a business rooted in values rather than margins.

This is a raw and inspiring conversation about redefining success on your own terms, honoring your community, and what it really takes to thrive while resisting systems that were never built for us.

Ep. 56 - Why being yourself is the hardest thing you'll ever do but it's worth it. with Sohjé (So Jay) Johnson Nov 22, 2024

Show notes

This episiode is about liberation through boundaries. It's about making peace with relationships that shift, choosing not to stay in spaces that harm you, and refusing to co-sign narratives that don't align with your truth. It's not about being combative—it's about being clear. It's also about how bravery can look like a single sentence: "I was just informing you."

Key Ideas You Could Build Around:

Bravery as Boundaries: It's brave to say, "That hurt me," or "I'm no longer available for that," especially to people who love you conditionally.
Friendship and Utility: When you're everyone's "useful friend," your worth gets tied to what you do more than who you are. This piece challenges that.
Non-Mutual Closure: Sometimes the breakup, the shift, or the silence doesn't need mutual agreement. You get to end it. Period.
Reclaiming the Narrative: "I plunked out the first time by letting you tell a different version of the story." Whew. That line alone could be a sermon.
Spiritual Alignment in Romance: That conversation with the now-partner is one of the most emotionally evolved dialogues I've seen captured—he received her reflection with grace, not ego.

Ep. 55 - Balancing life as a mom : Self-care and business tips with Barbara Jaques Nov 15, 2024

Show notes

Balancing Life as a Mom: Self-Care and Business Tips is a heartfelt and practical guide from Dr. Kristian for mothers who are navigating the beautiful chaos of parenting while building a business or chasing big dreams. Drawing from her own experiences as a mother and entrepreneur, Dr. Kristian shares honest reflections, self-care strategies, and time-tested tips for staying grounded and focused.

This piece offers real-world advice on setting boundaries, creating routines that work, and giving yourself grace in the process. It's not about doing it all—it's about doing what matters most with intention and love. Whether you're in the early stages of motherhood or deep in the juggle, Balancing Life as a Mom is a reminder that you can prioritize your well-being, nurture your passions, and still show up fully for your family.

Ep. 54 - Second Chances and Sacred Truths | Kenda Fields Nov 08, 2024

Show notes

Facing My First Hire After Our Business Breakup & How We Saved Our Friendship is a raw, honest reflection from Dr. Kristian on the delicate balance between business and personal relationships. In this deeply personal account, she shares what it was like to navigate hiring her first team member after a painful business split with a close friend—and how, against the odds, they managed to repair the friendship.

More than just a story about entrepreneurship, this is a journey through emotional growth, forgiveness, boundary-setting, and the complexities of working with people you love. Dr. Kristian offers hard-won lessons about leadership, trust, and the power of open communication. For anyone who's ever blurred the lines between business and friendship, this piece is a must-read—full of vulnerability, wisdom, and hope that some relationships really are worth fighting for.

Ep. 53 - A Way Will Always Be Made: Rest, Grace, and Radical Softness | Dana Smith Oct 31, 2024

Show notes

Summary: In this soulful and deeply affirming conversation, we explore the importance of rest, softness, and self-trust as acts of liberation and resistance. The guest shares her personal journey from burnout and self-neglect to embracing a slower, more intentional way of living rooted in joy and balance. Together, we reflect on the beauty of honoring our needs, rejecting urgency, and making peace with the pace of our own becoming.

⸻

Biggest Takeaways You Don't Want to Miss: • Radical softness is a superpower, especially for those who have spent their lives in survival mode. • Rest is not a reward, but a requirement—and reclaiming it is a healing and revolutionary act. • You are not behind; your journey is valid, and grace is available at every stage of the process.

⸻

Check Out These Highlights: • [00:07:42] – "Softness is strength. There's strength in surrender." • [00:19:03] – On being "on" all the time and the burnout that comes from constantly performing wellness. • [00:27:49] – "The world isn't going to fall apart because I rest. And if it does, it wasn't mine to carry." • [00:33:21] – A powerful reflection on unlearning urgency and how peace comes in the pause. • [00:42:30] – "A way will always be made." – a beautiful closing mantra.

⸻

Impactful Quotes: • "Softness is not weakness. It is the most radical thing I can offer in a world that keeps asking me to be hard." • "There is no timeline for healing. You're not late, you're right on time." • "Rest is not something you earn. It's something you deserve simply because you exist." • "When you are present with yourself, you become more present with the world—and the world becomes softer too." • "A way will always be made. Always."

Ep. 51 - Sex, Relationships & Balance | Barella Roberson Sep 10, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Kristian welcomes Barella Roberson as her guest. Barella dives into her business ventures and shares her insights on why "sex is a taboo topic in the Black community." The conversation delves into profound subjects such as "The art of letting go" and "Overcoming societal expectations." Tune in for an enlightening discussion that challenges norms and empowers listeners.

Episode 50 - Khetnu Nefer on Healing, Self-Care & Community Sep 10, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Kristian is joined by massage therapist Khetnu Nefer to delve into the vibrant Gullah Geechee culture and the profound impact of compound living on family unity. They discuss how modern capitalism has shifted our focus away from our families and communities, creating a sense of distance and disconnect.

The conversation then transitions to navigating disappointment and managing expectations. Khetnu shares wisdom on how to handle these challenges while emphasizing the importance of self-care and the bravery required to seek support. Kristian underscores that abundant resources are available to us, and reaching out for help is a true measure of strength, not ego. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that reconnects you with the value of family, community, and personal well-being.

Ep. 49 - Starting a wine business with husband, Self-awareness & communication | Jon'll Boyd Sep 10, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jon'll Boyd takes us on a transformative journey, sharing how she and her husband turned their late-night pillow talks into a thriving wine business. Discover the passion and perseverance behind their entrepreneurial success, as Jon'll reveals the challenges they faced and the strategies that propelled them forward.

Jon'll and Kristian dive into the crucial role of communication in their partnership, offering invaluable hacks for balancing work and personal life. They explore how effective communication not only fosters business success but also supports mental well-being. Plus, Jon'll highlights the profound impact of self-awareness on both personal growth and professional achievement. Tune in to be inspired by their story and gain insights that could transform your own journey.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected