Black Girl Burnout

In this soul-centered solo episode, Kelley Bonner returns to the mic with a personal and powerful reflection on the radical value of softness. She shares why she's shifting the podcast to a weekly cadence and how this decision reflects a deeper commitment to her values of rest, sustainability, and truth. As we move through seasons of blooming and expansion, Kelley invites you to reject hustle culture and embrace a new form of wealth—ease, softness, and alignment. Because softness isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. And it might just be the richest thing you own.What You’ll Learn:Why “soft is the new rich” is more than a mantra—it’s a movementHow Kelley is aligning her life and work with values of sustainabilityThe role of nervous system regulation in Black women’s wellnessWhy expansion often means doing less, not moreA call to embrace your voice and show up unapologeticallyKey Takeaways & Timestamps:[00:01:00] – Softness Is the Currency of the FutureKelley introduces the theme of the episode—why softness is the “new rich”—and how it connects to nervous system regulation, healing, and sustainability for Black women.[00:11:00] – Softness Cannot Be Bought She unpacks how the aesthetics of success—money, body goals, relationships—are not what create real softness. Instead, she encourages listeners to reject performative growth and anchor into internal healing.[00:13:00] – The True Definition of Wealth Kelley redefines richness as being able to sit in your home and feel peace. She encourages listeners to set boundaries, name their preferences, and hold space for emotional safety.[00:24:45] – Three Ways to Build a Soft Life She shares three actionable tips:Romance the ordinaryProtect your peaceWalk your talk—live soft without performative pressure[00:35:00] – Reclaim Rest as Pleasure & Presence Kelley wraps with a powerful call to reject exhaustion and show up in softness—even if imperfectly. She names softness as sustainability, not weakness.Support the Show:If this podcast speaks to you, consider sharing it with a friend, leaving a 5-star review, or shouting us out on social media. Help amplify the message that Black women deserve softness, rest, and radical joy.Softness is your inheritance. Rest is your rebellion. And joy? That’s your revolution.DM us on Instagram and let us know—what are you choosing to take off your plate this season?CHECK OUT OUR PARTNERS:Happy Mammoth and use my code BGB for a great deal: www.happymammoth.comRevolve and use code BGB for a great deal: https://www.revolve.com/bgb💬 STAY IN TOUCHIf you’re looking for more ways to connect with the Black Girl Burnout community, we’ve got you covered:Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @blackgirlburnout — Each platform offers something different, so come vibe with us where it feels right for you.Join our Substack family! Think of it as a modern-day online magazine (Tumblr-coded for the millennial hearts). We share weekly reflections, tips, tools, and deeper insights into each podcast episode—plus personal notes from Kelley’s life.Become a paid Substack subscriber for just $8/month (about the cost of a fancy latte) and access exclusive content like digital tools, apps, and free resources that are valued far beyond that.Work with Kelley directly:Book a 90-minute Clarity Catalyst Coaching Session — a deep-dive roadmap session to bring clarity and strategy to your next life move (not therapy, just powerful support).If you’re in New York State, Kelley is also accepting short-term therapy clients with select insurance and private pay options. Sessions are designed to be focused and transformational within 90 days. Join the waitlist now.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this powerful episode, Kelley is joined by Daria Burke for a truth-filled, liberating conversation about breaking up with performative ambition and reclaiming what success feels like, rather than how it looks. Together, they explore how Black women can move beyond hustle culture, make room for joy, and embrace post-traumatic growth. This episode invites you to stop waiting for “later” and start living on your own terms now.What You’ll Learn:Why it’s time to stop mistaking ambition for identityThe quiet danger of "performing wellness"How to move from self-improvement to self-examinationThe signs and power of post-traumatic growthWhy tending to your joy isn’t optional — it’s essentialKey Takeaways & Timestamps:[06:10] – From Self-Improvement to Self-ExaminationDaria explains why self-improvement can become another form of hustle—and how self-examination invites softness, clarity, and truth.[14:50] – Burn the Bucket ListThis is the moment that names the episode: a rallying cry to abandon achievement checklists and start asking, “Does this feel good?”[21:00] – There Is No LaterA mic-drop reminder that deferring joy is a trap. The life you want isn’t down the road—it’s in your daily decisions now.[25:00] – The Power of Post-Traumatic GrowthDaria introduces PTG and unpacks how growth after hardship is not only possible but already happening for many Black women.[33:00] – Joy Is Not a Luxury, It’s MedicineA bold truth: chronic stress is harming us. Prioritizing joy, rest, and pleasure is not selfish—it’s survival.🔗 Connect with Daria Burke:Instagram: @dariaburkedariaburke.comLinkedIn newsletter: The Power of PossibilityBuy her debut memoir, "Of My Own Making."CHECK OUT OUR PARTNERS:Happy Mammoth and use my code BGB for a great deal: www.happymammoth.comRevolve and use code BGB for a great deal: https://www.revolve.com/bgb💬 STAY IN TOUCHIf you’re looking for more ways to connect with the Black Girl Burnout community, we’ve got you covered:Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @blackgirlburnout — Each platform offers something different, so come vibe with us where it feels right for you.Join our Substack family! Think of it as a modern-day online magazine (Tumblr-coded for the millennial hearts). We share weekly reflections, tips, tools, and deeper insights into each podcast episode—plus personal notes from Kelley’s life.Become a paid Substack subscriber for just $8/month (about the cost of a fancy latte) and access exclusive content like digital tools, apps, and free resources that are valued far beyond that.Work with Kelley directly:Book a 90-minute Clarity Catalyst Coaching Session — a deep-dive roadmap session to bring clarity and strategy to your next life move (not therapy, just powerful support).If you’re in New York State, Kelley is also accepting short-term therapy clients with select insurance and private pay options. Sessions are designed to be focused and transformational within 90 days. Join the waitlist now.What are you ready to burn from your bucket list? DM us on IG @blackgirlburnout or share your thoughts in the comments.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this soul-nourishing and joy-filled conclusion to the Black Girl Burnout series with Rhonda Ross, Kelley and Rhonda close out their conversation by focusing on the power of integration, community, and what it truly means to protect your joy. Rhonda shares how centering and claiming all parts of herself has not only deepened her personal healing but also allowed her to show up more fully for the communities she loves.💡 Today You’ll Learn:Why self-care is a radical act of community careHow meeting your own emotional needs empowers you to be more generous and groundedThe difference between happiness and true, sustainable joyHow Black women can build community around healing, stability, and reciprocityPractical ways to protect your joy—even in the face of life’s inevitable challengesThis episode is a celebration of what becomes possible when you tend to your inner world. Rhonda reminds us that joy is not about perfection—it’s about power, presence, and mindset.✨ Episode Highlights: 01:00 Why community care starts with self-nourishment 05:00 How mutual care creates a feedback loop of love and support 07:00 Why obstacles are not the enemy of joy—they’re part of the path 09:00 Rhonda defines the difference between happy and joyful 11:00 How the “magic of mindset” keeps her grounded, no matter whatIf you’ve ever wondered how to hold joy in the midst of struggle, this episode is your answer. You can be soft. You can be stable. You can be joyful—and still be healing.Ways To Support The Podcast:⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify (goal: 1,000 reviews!)👉Check Out This Month’s BGB Freebie l The Mini Money Reset📲 Follow on TikTok & Instagram (@blackgirlburnout)💬 Tag a Black creator, artist, or entrepreneur you’ve supported recently. Stay engaged! Follow us on Substack: Substack🎧 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!👉 Let’s continue this conversation: What’s one act of reciprocity you’ve done this week? DM us or comment on our latest IG post!Remember, support isn’t just about money. Visibility, engagement, and amplification matter, too.Want To Partner With Black Girl Burnout: sponsorships@blackgirlburnout.comCheck Out Our Partners:Happy Mammoth and use my code BGB for a great deal: www.happymammoth.comRevolve and use code BGB for a great deal: https://www.revolve.com/bgbConnect With Rhonda Ross:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therhondaross/YouTube:Shaping Freedom - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYv95PMu4Wc&t=9s#BlackGirlBurnout #OptOutOfStruggle #ReciprocityMatters #SupportBlackWomenAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this transformative and deeply practical episode of Black Girl Burnout, Kelley continues her conversation with Rhonda Ross as they dive into the heart of Rhonda’s life-changing framework: the magic of mindset. Rhonda vulnerably shares her personal journey through depression, infertility, and career setbacks—and the tools she used to reclaim her power. Through her “RUN ON” method, she teaches us how to stop gaslighting ourselves, feel our feelings, and rewire our internal narratives with gentleness and intention.💡 Today You’ll Learn:Why your feelings are your responsibility—and why that’s empowering, not blamingHow to identify and shift the automatic, negative thoughts looping in your mindRhonda’s RUN ON method for transforming mindset and managing emotionsWhy intentional, nourishing thoughts (INTs) are the first step to healing burnout If you’ve ever felt stuck in loops of negative thinking, disconnected from your true feelings, or unsure how to shift out of burnout, Rhonda’s wisdom offers a way forward that is both powerful and deeply compassionate. You’ll leave with practical steps to help you feel more grounded, seen, and in control of your inner world.✨ Episode Highlights:01:00 Rhonda shares her personal experience with depression and infertility03:10 Discovering the space between event and emotion and reclaiming power within it05:00 The “RUN ON” framework: five steps to shift your mindset08:45 Why INTs (Intentionally Nourishing Thoughts) matter more than toxic positivity17:00 A gift from Rhonda: free access to her course The Crucial First Step20:00 A sneak peek at the next episode: self-care, community care, and joyThis episode is an invitation to stop running on empty and start running on truth, gentleness, and intentional thought. You have the power—and now you have the tools.Ways To Support The Podcast:⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify (goal: 1,000 reviews!)👉Check Out This Month’s BGB Freebie l The Mini Money Reset📲 Follow on TikTok & Instagram (@blackgirlburnout)💬 Tag a Black creator, artist, or entrepreneur you’ve supported recently. Stay engaged! Follow us on Substack: Substack🎧 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!👉 Let’s continue this conversation: What’s one act of reciprocity you’ve done this week? DM us or comment on our latest IG post!Remember, support isn’t just about money. Visibility, engagement, and amplification matter, too.Want To Partner With Black Girl Burnout: sponsorships@blackgirlburnout.comCheck Out Our Partners:Happy Mammoth and use my code BGB for a great deal: www.happymammoth.comRevolve and use code BGB for a great deal: https://www.revolve.com/bgbConnect With Rhonda Ross:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therhondaross/YouTube:Shaping Freedom - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYv95PMu4Wc&t=9s#BlackGirlBurnout #OptOutOfStruggle #ReciprocityMatters #SupportBlackWomenAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this inspiring and heart-opening episode of Black Girl Burnout, Kelley is joined by the brilliant Rhonda Ross—artist, mindset coach, Emmy-nominated actor, and founder of the Happy Toolbox Self-Improvement Programs. In Part 1 of their conversation, Rhonda shares her journey of refusing to shrink, picking herself over other people's expectations, and embracing her full, multi-passionate self.💡 Today You’ll Learn:Why Rhonda refused to "pick a lane" despite pressure to choose just one identityHow to honor all parts of yourself—even when the world tries to box you inThe critical difference between what happens to you and how you think about itWhy mindset mastery is the key to living expansively, authentically, and joyfullyThis episode is a masterclass in living big, bold, and unapologetically. Rhonda reminds us that coming home to ourselves is not just a destination—it’s a lifelong, beautiful journey.✨ Episode Highlights: 01:00 Meet Rhonda Ross and her multifaceted magic 03:00 How she fused music, storytelling, and mindset work into one authentic offering 05:45 The challenge of being multi-passionate in a world demanding one identity 08:00 Why it often takes time—and lived experiences—to fully come home to yourself 11:00 Understanding the power of the space between event and emotion 14:00 What standing fully in your truth feels like—and why it's worth the waitIf you’ve ever been told to choose, to shrink, or to silence parts of yourself, this episode is your permission slip to be all of you. Let it be messy. Let it be big. Let it be beautiful.Ways To Support The Podcast:⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify (goal: 1,000 reviews!)👉Check Out This Month’s BGB Freebie l The Mini Money Reset📲 Follow on TikTok & Instagram (@blackgirlburnout)💬 Tag a Black creator, artist, or entrepreneur you’ve supported recently. Stay engaged! Follow us on Substack: Substack🎧 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!👉 Let’s continue this conversation: What’s one act of reciprocity you’ve done this week? DM us or comment on our latest IG post!Remember, support isn’t just about money. Visibility, engagement, and amplification matter, too.Want To Partner With Black Girl Burnout: sponsorships@blackgirlburnout.comCheck Out Our Partners:Happy Mammoth and use my code BGB for a great deal: www.happymammoth.comRevolve and use code BGB for a great deal: https://www.revolve.com/bgbConnect With Rhonda Ross:Special Gift l https://talk.ac/rhondaross l Use Code - noburnoutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/therhondaross/YouTube:Shaping Freedom - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYv95PMu4Wc&t=9s#BlackGirlBurnout #OptOutOfStruggle #ReciprocityMatters #SupportBlackWomenAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this intimate episode, Kelley shares her own experience of reaching a threshold—the quiet ache of burnout and the radical realization that asking for more isn’t betrayal, it’s evolution. She explores why advocating for your value, especially as a Black woman, can feel like a violation of who you’ve been taught to be… and why it’s actually the boldest form of self-preservation. Listeners will reflect on the cost of overgiving, the inherited guilt around charging for their gifts, and how to shift from scarcity to self-honoring in their careers and creative work.💡 Today You’ll Learn:Why asking for more is not “selling out”—it’s choosing self-respectThe emotional toll of sacrificial generosity and overgiving in professional spacesHow internalized scarcity and martyrdom narratives keep Black women stuckReflective questions to help shift your money mindset from guilt to groundednessWhat it looks like to honor your value in real, tangible waysThis episode is an offering of clarity, calling listeners to remember: you deserve to be well-paid and well-rested. Kelley introduces The Clarity Catalyst, a new one-on-one coaching experience designed to help you identify your burnout triggers, redefine your worth, and walk boldly toward ease.✨ Episode Highlights: 01:00 The ache behind burnout—and why Kelley is choosing differently this time 03:10 The quiet harm of overgiving masked as generosity 05:40 How societal myths (like martyrdom and professionalism) fuel scarcity 09:00 Reflective questions to reclaim your worth 11:00 Introducing the Clarity Catalyst—an offering to help you get unstuck 13:00 Final thoughts: this is your time to value yourself, unapologeticallyYou are not asking for too much. You’re asking for what you’ve always deserved. Let this episode be your permission to stop shrinking and start receiving—with intention, clarity, and care.Ways To Support The Podcast:⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify (goal: 1,000 reviews!)👉Check Out This Month’s Freebie l The Mini Money Reset📲 Follow on TikTok & Instagram (@blackgirlburnout)💬 Tag a Black creator, artist, or entrepreneur you’ve supported recently. Stay engaged! Follow us on Substack: Substack🎧 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!👉 Let’s continue this conversation: What’s one act of reciprocity you’ve done this week? DM us or comment on our latest IG post!Remember, support isn’t just about money. Visibility, engagement, and amplification matter, too.Want To Partner With Black Girl Burnout: sponsorships@blackgirlburnout.comCheck Out Our Partners:Happy Mammoth and use my code BGB for a great deal: www.happymammoth.comRevolve and use code BGB for a great deal: https://www.revolve.com/bgbAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this deeply affirming and liberating episode of Black Girl Burnout, Kelley continues the powerful three-part series on healing your money mindset in professional spaces. Today’s focus: how to trust yourself when advocating for what you're worth—especially when others try to gaslight you out of your value. If you've ever asked, “Am I being too sensitive?” this episode will help you find your answer—and your power.💡 Today You’ll Learn:How professional gaslighting shows up—especially for Black womenWhy your intuition is a valid and essential part of your decision-makingHow to stop over-explaining your worth and start owning your valueTools to recover and reclaim your peace after boundary violations at workThis episode is a call to honor your emotional truth, set clear boundaries around compensation, and stop justifying your value. You are not asking for too much. You are asking for what you deserve.✨ Episode Highlights: 01:00 Why advocating for money is really about power 07:00 How microaggressions and coded language can cause self-doubt 10:45 Why feelings are data, not drama—and how to trust them 13:00 What to do after workplace gaslighting (journal, rewrite, and rest)You’re not too sensitive—you’re finally paying attention. And that awareness is your superpower. Let this episode be your reminder: clarity is not conflict, and your needs are not negotiable.Ways To Support The Podcast:⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify (goal: 1,000 reviews!)📲 Follow on TikTok & Instagram (@blackgirlburnout)💬 Tag a Black creator, artist, or entrepreneur you’ve supported recently. Stay engaged! Follow us on Substack: Substack🎧 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!👉 Let’s continue this conversation: What’s one act of reciprocity you’ve done this week? DM us or comment on our latest IG post!Remember, support isn’t just about money. Visibility, engagement, and amplification matter, too.Want To Partner With Black Girl Burnout: sponsorships@blackgirlburnout.comCheck Out Our Partners:Happy Mammoth and use my code BGB for a great deal: www.happymammoth.comRevolve and use code BGB for a great deal: https://www.revolve.com/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this bold and truth-telling episode of Black Girl Burnout, Kelley kicks off a powerful three-part series on healing your money mindset in professional spaces. Today, she dives deep into the myth of “exposure” as compensation—and the emotional toll it can take. Just because an opportunity promises visibility doesn’t mean it’s valuable. In fact, sometimes it’s exploitation wrapped in a pretty bow.💡 Today You’ll Learn:When unpaid opportunities do make sense—and when they don’tThe emotional cost of overgiving in the name of exposureHow to assess whether a professional opportunity aligns with your peace and valuesWhy Black women are especially targeted for free labor—and how to break that cycleThis episode is a permission slip to honor your time, your energy, and your worth. Visibility doesn't pay rent—but alignment and peace just might.✨ Episode Highlights: 01:00 Why “comfort and coins” is the 2025 mantra 02:40 When visibility is valuable—and when it’s exploitative 05:18 How cultural conditioning encourages Black women to overgive 08:00 Questions to ask when offered unpaid work 10:50 Healing your relationship with money through professional boundariesIf you've ever been told to be “grateful” for exposure, this episode is your reminder: your voice, labor, and presence have real value. Opt out of burnout—and into power, alignment, and prosperity.Ways To Support The Podcast:⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify (goal: 1,000 reviews!)📲 Follow on TikTok & Instagram (@blackgirlburnout)💬 Tag a Black creator, artist, or entrepreneur you’ve supported recently. Stay engaged! Follow us on Substack: Substack🎧 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!👉 Let’s continue this conversation: What’s one act of reciprocity you’ve done this week? DM us or comment on our latest IG post!Remember, support isn’t just about money. Visibility, engagement, and amplification matter, too.Want To Partner With Black Girl Burnout: sponsorships@blackgirlburnout.comCheck out Happy Mammoth and use my code BGB for a great deal: www.happymammoth.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this joyful and grounding conclusion to the Feel Good Finance series, Kelley and financial therapist Aja Evans wrap up their powerful conversation with a focus on what we all deserve—joy. This episode is a celebration of what it means to feel good about your money, not just from a place of survival, but from stability, intention, and emotional peace.Today You’ll Learn:Why financial joy is both possible and necessaryHow healing your money story creates room for pleasure and easeThe difference between momentary dopamine hits and a joy-centered financial lifestylePractical ways to protect the things that bring you joy—without guiltThis episode is your reminder that joy isn’t a luxury—it’s a birthright. Whether it’s dinners with friends, solo coffee dates, or simply peace of mind when you check your account, joy in your finances starts with intention and healing.✨ Episode Highlights: 01:06 Money as a tool for joy—not just survival 02:20 Releasing past trauma to create financial peace 04:00 Why budgeting for joy is an act of self-respect 07:00 How Asia protects what brings her joy (hint: food, community & connection) 09:00 Ways to stay consistent with your joy ritualsIf you’re ready to treat your joy like a non-negotiable, this episode is for you. Let’s build lives—and budgets—that feel as good as they look.Ways To Support The Podcast:⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify (Goal: 1,000 reviews!)📲 Follow on TikTok & Instagram (@blackgirlburnout)💬 Tag a Black creator, artist, or entrepreneur you’ve supported recently. 🎧 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!👉 Let’s continue this conversation: What’s one act of reciprocity you’ve done this week? DM us or comment on our latest IG post!Remember, support isn’t just about money. Visibility, engagement, and amplification matter, too.Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code BGB for a great deal: www.happymammoth.comConnect With Aja EvansWeb: AjaEvansCounseling.comInstagram and TikRok - @AjaETherapyPre-Order for Feel Good Finance Available!#BlackGirlBurnout #OptOutOfStruggle #ReciprocityMatters #SupportBlackWomenAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this compassionate and wisdom-filled continuation of Black Girl Burnout, Kelley is joined again by financial therapist Aja Evans for Part 2 of their conversation on healing your relationship with money. This episode dives into the how—how we move from judgment and shame into grace, clarity, and empowered action with our finances.Today You’ll Learn:Practical steps to shift out of financial shame and into awarenessHow to reframe negative money stories and internal narrativesWhy gentleness is key in your financial healing journeyTools to rebuild your relationship with money from a place of peaceThis episode is a grounding reminder that healing your finances isn’t about hustle or shame—it’s about compassion, emotional awareness, and choosing a better way forward.✨ Episode Highlights:00:52 Moving from judgment to healing02:08 Letting go of guilt in your financial journey04:15 The power of rewriting your money story06:42 Asia's tools for emotional and financial regulation10:30 Why your healing doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerfulThis is your invitation to opt into financial softness, to listen without judgment, and to begin creating a new relationship with money—one rooted in love and liberation.Ways To Support The Podcast:⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify (Goal: 1,000 reviews!)📲 Follow on TikTok & Instagram (@blackgirlburnout)💬 Tag a Black creator, artist, or entrepreneur you’ve supported recently.🎧 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!👉 Let’s continue this conversation: What’s one act of reciprocity you’ve done this week? DM us or comment on our latest IG post!Remember, support isn’t just about money. Visibility, engagement, and amplification matter, too.Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code BGB for a great deal: www.happymammoth.comConnect With Aja EvansWeb: AjaEvansCounseling.comInstagram and TikRok - @AjaETherapyPre-Order for Feel Good Finance Available!#BlackGirlBurnout #OptOutOfStruggle #ReciprocityMatters #SupportBlackWomenAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy