Bounce Back, Black Woman! | Healing, Personal Growth, & Resilience

Del Smith, M.S. | Coach, Author & Speaker helping women heal, rebuild, and live more intentionally.
  • 5.0 (21)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Semiweekly

Life doesn't just challenge you—it changes you. Whether you're navigating grief, burnout, life transitions, relationship challenges, identity shifts, emotional exhaustion, or simply trying to find your way back to yourself, Bounce Back, Black Woman!® is a space for honest conversations about healing, resilience, personal growth, and intentional living. Hosted by Del Smith, M.S., coach, author, and speaker, this podcast blends storytelling, emotional insight, practical encouragement, faith-rooted wisdom, and real-life reflection to help women heal, rebuild, and move forward—one intentional step at a time. This isn't surface-level motivation or toxic positivity. We talk honestly about: emotional healing and resilience confidence, identity, and self-worth relationships and healthy boundaries grief, burnout, and life transitions emotional patterns and personal growth reinvention, purpose, and rediscovering yourself choosing intentionality, even in difficult seasons Faith is part of the foundation here—not loud, forced, or performative—but present as strength, wisdom, grounding, and hope through life's most challenging moments. New episodes are released every Tuesday and Friday (with occasional video versions), with conversations designed to help women feel seen, supported, encouraged, and empowered to live with greater awareness, courage, resilience, and joy. Because at the end of the day... ✨ It's not just you. ✨ It's not just me. ✨ It's US. ✨ It’s not just you. ✨ It’s not just me. ✨ It’s US.

  1. 21h ago

    129. The Strong Black Woman: What Does Carrying it ALL Cost You?

    Episode 129: The Strong Black Woman: What Does Carrying It ALL Cost You? Being called a Strong Black Woman can feel like a compliment. You’re capable. Dependable. Resourceful. You figure things out. At work, at home, in your family and friendships, people know they can count on you. But what happens when strength stops being something you have and becomes something you believe you must constantly prove? In this episode of Bounce Back, Black Woman!, Del examines what it can cost us when “I can handle it” quietly becomes “I have to handle everything.” This isn't about becoming less strong. It's about questioning whether we've defined strength in a way that requires us to carry too much—and recognizing that being capable of carrying something doesn't necessarily mean we should. In This Episode The Strong Black Woman identity — the pride, resilience and capability it represents, and what can happen when strength becomes an expectation Intellect vs. energy — why knowing how to handle something doesn't mean you currently have the capacity to handle it Competence vs. capacity — being capable isn't the same as having unlimited physical, mental or emotional resources Independence vs. interdependence — how “I can do it myself” can quietly become “I have to do everything myself” The invisible load — what we carry physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and through sheer responsibility Social media and comparison — why someone else's visible output tells you very little about the support and infrastructure behind it The relationship cost — how hyper-independence, control and difficulty receiving help can create resentment and disconnection Redefining strength — learning to ask, receive, delegate, rest and allow other people to show up A Reminder From This Episode Competence is not capacity. You can be completely capable of handling something and still be too physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually depleted to carry it well. And: Just because you CAN carry something doesn't mean you SHOULD. You have already proven you're strong. You don't have to keep exhausting yourself to maintain the evidence. Faith Reflection In Exodus 18, Moses tries to carry the responsibility of leading and resolving the people's problems largely by himself. His father-in-law, Jethro, sees what's happening and warns him that the work is too heavy for one person to handle alone. Moses was capable. He was called. He was leading. And still, the load was too heavy for one person. Sometimes God's provision isn't giving us more strength to carry everything ourselves. Sometimes the provision is other people. Bounce Back Challenge This week, identify one thing you're carrying that doesn't have to be carried by you alone. Maybe it's something practical you can delegate. Maybe it's an emotional burden you need to share with someone you trust. Maybe it's asking your partner, friend or family member for help instead of waiting for them to notice. Maybe it's paying for help if you have the resources. Maybe it's simply allowing something to remain undone. And before you automatically say, “It's easier if I just do it myself,” ask: Easier for whom—and at what cost? The goal isn't to prove you can carry everything. The goal is to build a life in which you don't have to. Kitchen Table Conversation LIVE On September 21st, we're taking the Kitchen Table Conversation LIVE! This virtual gathering will be an opportunity to connect, reflect, and have the kind of honest conversations that are difficult to have through a podcast microphone alone. More details—including registration information—are coming soon. Save the date: September 21st. Stay Connected with Coach Del 🌐 Website: BounceBackBlackWoman.com Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms 📱 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @BounceBackBlackWoman 💼 Follow on LinkedIn: @delphinesmith

  2. 3d ago

    128. Too Busy? Why It's Time to Rediscover What You Enjoy

    Episode 128: Too Busy? Why It's Time to Rediscover What You Enjoy When life gets full, the things we do simply because they bring us joy are often the first things to disappear. Sometimes that's because life became painful. Sometimes it became demanding. And sometimes life became full of genuinely good things—careers, relationships, children, businesses, responsibilities and opportunities. But when was the last time you asked yourself: What do I actually enjoy doing? In this episode of Bounce Back, Black Woman!, Del explores why enjoyment deserves a place in an intentional life—even when it produces absolutely nothing. You'll hear about: Why good things can exhaust us, too Rediscovering things you once loved Giving the current version of yourself permission to discover something new Why adults can struggle with being beginners The pressure to be "good" at our hobbies Why everything you're good at doesn't need to become a side hustle Making room for joy before everything else on the to-do list is finished Enjoyment as part of intentional living—not a reward for completing it A reminder from this episode: You don't have to be good at everything you enjoy. And you don't have to make money from everything you're good at. Faith Reflection Ecclesiastes 3:12–13 (NLT) reminds us that enjoying the fruits of our lives and our labor can itself be a gift from God. Bounce Back Challenge Do one thing this week simply because you enjoy it. It doesn't have to make you better. It doesn't have to make you money. You don't have to share it. And you don't have to be good at it. Enjoyment is reason enough. Stay Connected with Coach Del 🌐 Website: CoachDel.com 🎙️ Podcast: BounceBackBlackWoman.com Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms 📱 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @BounceBackBlackWoman 💼 Follow on LinkedIn: @delphinesmith

  3. Aug 14

    127. The 5 Real Reasons You Can't 'FIX' Someone You Love

    Episode 127: The 5 REAL Reasons You Can't Fix Someone You Love "If they would just listen to me..." Whether it's a spouse, best friend, sibling, parent, or adult child, watching someone you love make choices you don't understand can be incredibly frustrating—especially when you believe you can see exactly what they should do differently. But what if the answer isn't finding a better way to "fix" them? In this episode of Bounce Back, Black Woman!, Del explores what we really mean when we talk about wanting to fix someone we love—and the important difference between recognizing genuinely destructive behavior and simply wanting someone to make the choices we would make. In this episode: They may not be broken—they may simply be different from you. Different priorities, communication styles, values, or choices don't automatically mean something needs to change. They may not actually want to change. You can't manufacture readiness in another person, no matter how clearly you can see another path for them. You may not be speaking their language. Sometimes the person wants support—but not the kind of support you're offering. You may be solving the problem you see instead of the problem they have. Curiosity can reveal what's underneath the situation that looks so obvious from the outside. Their life isn't yours to author. You can love, support, encourage, tell the truth, pray, and establish boundaries—but another adult's choices still belong to them. And that's where the conversation shifts from fixing them to understanding your choices. You can decide how you communicate. You can decide what support you're willing to offer. You can establish boundaries. You can decide what behaviors you will participate in. You can choose your proximity. And sometimes, you can decide whether to stay or go. A reminder from this episode: You may not get to choose whether they change. But you do get to choose your proximity to what they're choosing. Loving someone deeply doesn't require taking responsibility for becoming the author of their life. Faith Reflection Galatians 6:5 (NLT) reminds us: "For we are each responsible for our own conduct." We can help carry one another's burdens without assuming responsibility for one another's choices. Sometimes faith means doing what love requires of you—and trusting God with what belongs to them. Bounce Back Challenge Think about someone you love whom you've been trying to help, change, rescue—or maybe even "fix." Ask yourself: Did they actually ask me to solve this? What part of this situation genuinely belongs to me? What choice is mine to make now? Maybe it's listening instead of advising. Maybe it's asking a better question. Maybe it's establishing a boundary. Maybe it's offering help and allowing them to decide whether to accept it. Whatever the answer, remember: Their choices belong to them. And yours belong to you. Stay Connected with Coach Del 🌐 Website: CoachDel.com 🎙️ Podcast: BounceBackBlackWoman.com Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms 📱 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @BounceBackBlackWoman 💼 Follow on LinkedIn: @delphinesmith

  4. Aug 11

    126. What it REALLY means to "Bounce Back"

    Episode Summary What does it really mean to bounce back? For many of us, the goal after heartbreak, disappointment, loss, or failure is to get back to who we used to be. But what if that's the wrong goal? In this concluding episode of the five-part series on Awareness, Connection, Compassion, Courage, and Resilience, Coach Del offers a different perspective. True resilience isn't about returning to your former self—it's about carrying forward the wisdom, strength, faith, and perspective you've gained through every challenge you've faced. Because every difficult season leaves something behind. Not just pain. But wisdom. Not just tears. But perspective. Not just loss. But strength. That's what it REALLY means to bounce back. In This Episode, You'll Discover Why resilience isn't the starting point—it's the result How awareness, connection, compassion, and courage work together to build resilience Why healing isn't about returning to who you used to be A healthier way to measure your own resilience How God uses life's hardest seasons to strengthen your character and deepen your hope Faith Reflection "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation." Romans 5:3–4 (NLT) This Week's Bounce Back Challenge Think about one difficult season you've already survived. Instead of asking, "Why did this happen to me?" Ask, "What did this season teach me?" Write down three things you're carrying forward because of that experience—whether it's wisdom, stronger boundaries, deeper faith, compassion, or courage. Don't leave those gifts behind. Carry them into every chapter that comes next. Because that's what it REALLY means to bounce back. Stay Connected with Coach Del 🌐 Website: CoachDel.com 🎙️ Podcast: Episode Summary What does it really mean to bounce back? For many of us, the goal after heartbreak, disappointment, loss, or failure is to get back to who we used to be. But what if that's the wrong goal? In this concluding episode of the five-part series on Awareness, Connection, Compassion, Courage, and Resilience, Coach Del offers a different perspective. True resilience isn't about returning to your former self—it's about carrying forward the wisdom, strength, faith, and perspective you've gained through every challenge you've faced. Because every difficult season leaves something behind. Not just pain. But wisdom. Not just tears. But perspective. Not just loss. But strength. That's what it REALLY means to bounce back. In This Episode, You'll Discover Why resilience isn't the starting point—it's the result How awareness, connection, compassion, and courage work together to build resilience Why healing isn't about returning to who you used to be A healthier way to measure your own resilience How God uses life's hardest seasons to strengthen your character and deepen your hope Faith Reflection "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation." Romans 5:3–4 (NLT) This Week's Bounce Back Challenge Think about one difficult season you've already survived. Instead of asking, "Why did this happen to me?" Ask, "What did this season teach me?" Write down three things you're carrying forward because of that experience—whether it's wisdom, stronger boundaries, deeper faith, compassion, or courage. Don't leave those gifts behind. Carry them into every chapter that comes next. Because that's what it REALLY means to bounce back. Stay Connected with Coach Del 🌐 Website: CoachDel.com 🎙️ Podcast: BounceBackBlackWoman.com (Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms) 📱 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @BounceBackBlackWoman 💼 Follow on LinkedIn: @delphinesmith (Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms)

  5. Aug 7

    125. The Courage to Take the Next Step

    Episode Summary Compassion changes how we see people. Courage changes what we do next. In this episode, Coach Del explores why compassion and courage aren't competing virtues—they're complementary ones. While compassion helps us understand the stories behind people's behavior, courage empowers us to respond with truth, healthy boundaries, responsibility, and faith. Through practical examples and personal reflection, you'll discover five places where courage consistently shows up in our lives: relationships, self, career, money, and faith. Because every meaningful chapter of life eventually asks us to step into the unknown. And while fear may always be present... it doesn't have to make the decision. In This Episode, You'll Discover Why compassion and courage belong together How compassion differs from tolerance and enabling Five places where courage consistently shows up in everyday life Why waiting for certainty often keeps us stuck How faith gives us the strength to take the next courageous step Faith Reflection "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) This Week's Bounce Back Challenge Identify one place in your life where courage has been replaced by comfort. Ask yourself, "What's the next courageous step?" Then take that one step this week. Remember, courage isn't built in one giant leap—it's built one faithful step at a time. Stay Connected with Coach Del 🌐 Website: CoachDel.com 📱 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @BounceBackBlackWoman 💼 Follow on LinkedIn: @delphinesmith

  6. Aug 4

    124. Everyone is Carrying Something — Including You

    Episode Summary In a world that often encourages quick judgments and short tempers, compassion invites us to slow down and look deeper. This week, Coach Del explores why everyone is carrying something—even if we can't see it. Through relatable stories and biblical wisdom, you'll discover how compassion allows us to respond with both grace and truth, without sacrificing healthy boundaries or personal responsibility. Whether it's a struggling family member, an overwhelmed spouse, a child making poor choices, someone experiencing homelessness, or even the person who unintentionally hurt you, compassion begins when we choose curiosity over assumptions. In This Episode, You'll Discover Why compassion goes beyond simply "being nice" The difference between compassion, enabling, and excusing behavior How curiosity can replace quick judgment Why healthy boundaries and compassion can coexist Practical ways to extend grace while still honoring truth Faith Reflection "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Colossians 3:12 (NLT) This Week's Bounce Back Challenge The next time someone frustrates you, pause before reacting. Ask yourself, "What might they be carrying that I can't see?" Let that question shape your response, and see what changes—not just in them, but in you. Stay Connected with Coach Del 🌐 Website: CoachDel.com 📱 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @BounceBackBlackWoman 💼 Follow on LinkedIn: @delphinesmith

  7. Jul 31

    123. You Don't Have to Carry Life Alone

    Episode Summary Many of us have been praised for being independent, capable, and strong. But somewhere along the way, we may have started believing we have to carry every burden alone. In this episode, Coach Del explores why meaningful connection is essential for healing, growth, and resilience. You'll discover the difference between healthy solitude and unhealthy isolation, why asking for help isn't weakness, and how community can help us navigate both life's celebrations and its hardest seasons. If you've been trying to do life on your own, this conversation is your reminder: you were never meant to carry it alone. In This Episode, You'll Discover The difference between solitude and isolation Why meaningful relationships matter for emotional and spiritual growth Common myths we've learned about independence and strength How healthy community supports healing and resilience Practical ways to build deeper, more authentic connections Faith Reflection "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble." Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (NLT) This Week's Bounce Back Challenge Take one intentional step toward connection this week. Reach out to someone you've been meaning to call, ask for help if you need it, or encourage someone who may be carrying more than you realize. Remember, healing isn't meant to happen in isolation. Stay Connected with Coach Del 🌐 Website: CoachDel.com 🎙️ Podcast: BounceBackBlackWoman.com (Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms) 📱 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @BounceBackBlackWoman 💼 Follow on LinkedIn: @delphinesmith

  8. Jul 28

    122. What You're Unable to See is Shaping Your LIfe

    Episode Summary Have you ever looked back on a situation and thought, "How did I not see that?" Or found yourself repeating the same unhealthy patterns despite your best intentions? The truth is, awareness isn't just about noticing what's happening around you—it's about understanding what's happening within you. Before we can intentionally change our lives, we first have to see ourselves, others, and our circumstances clearly. In this episode, Coach Del explores how greater awareness becomes the foundation for intentional living and offers practical questions to help you identify the blind spots that may be quietly shaping your life. Remember, my friend—you can't accept or change what you're unwilling... or unable... to see. In This Episode, You'll Discover: Why awareness is the foundation of intentional living The difference between simply seeing something and accepting it Four areas of awareness that shape every decision you make: Understand yourself more honestly and clearly Recognize how your relationships influence your growth Learn to embrace the season you're in instead of fighting it Identify the patterns that may be quietly shaping your life How unconscious patterns can quietly influence your relationships, decisions, and daily life Why awareness isn't about self-criticism—it's about creating the opportunity for meaningful change Faith Reflection "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT)   This Week's Bounce Back Challenge This week, don't focus on changing everything. Instead, focus on seeing. Pay attention to your reactions, your emotions, your relationships, and the patterns that keep showing up in your life. Ask God to reveal anything you've been unwilling—or unable—to see, and trust that greater awareness is the first step toward living more intentionally. Enjoying the Podcast? If this episode encouraged you, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with a friend who could use the reminder that meaningful change begins with awareness. Stay Connected with Coach Del 🌐 Website: CoachDel.com 🎙️ Podcast: BounceBackBlackWoman.com (Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms) 📱 Follow on TikTok/IG: @BounceBackBlackWoman 📱 Follow on LinkedIn: @delphinesmith

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About

Life doesn't just challenge you—it changes you. Whether you're navigating grief, burnout, life transitions, relationship challenges, identity shifts, emotional exhaustion, or simply trying to find your way back to yourself, Bounce Back, Black Woman!® is a space for honest conversations about healing, resilience, personal growth, and intentional living. Hosted by Del Smith, M.S., coach, author, and speaker, this podcast blends storytelling, emotional insight, practical encouragement, faith-rooted wisdom, and real-life reflection to help women heal, rebuild, and move forward—one intentional step at a time. This isn't surface-level motivation or toxic positivity. We talk honestly about: emotional healing and resilience confidence, identity, and self-worth relationships and healthy boundaries grief, burnout, and life transitions emotional patterns and personal growth reinvention, purpose, and rediscovering yourself choosing intentionality, even in difficult seasons Faith is part of the foundation here—not loud, forced, or performative—but present as strength, wisdom, grounding, and hope through life's most challenging moments. New episodes are released every Tuesday and Friday (with occasional video versions), with conversations designed to help women feel seen, supported, encouraged, and empowered to live with greater awareness, courage, resilience, and joy. Because at the end of the day... ✨ It's not just you. ✨ It's not just me. ✨ It's US. ✨ It’s not just you. ✨ It’s not just me. ✨ It’s US.

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