Melanin & Motion

Jaliyah Thomas

A podcast where young Black women and teens are celebrated and empowered through honest conversations about creativity, self-expression, and mental wellness, all while exploring the transformative power of art and dance.

Episodes

  1. Season Finale: Breaking Free — No More Fear, No More Perfectionism

    04/24/2025

    Season Finale: Breaking Free — No More Fear, No More Perfectionism

    Welcome to the final episode of Season 1 of Melanin and Motion! In this powerful closing chapter titled "Breaking Free from Creative Blocks: Overcoming Fear and Perfectionism," your host Jaliyah gets raw and real about the struggles many creatives face — from fear and doubt to the pressure of perfectionism. This episode is an open-hearted reflection on the emotional weight that can come with creating, especially when life throws unexpected challenges your way. Jaliyah shares personal stories of feeling stuck and second-guessing her own gifts, but also speaks on the beauty of pushing through — mess and all — and learning to trust the process. Throughout the episode, you’ll hear an honest take on what it means to keep creating even when confidence is low. There’s a guided creative exercise to help you break free from mental blocks, plus a handpicked Fear-Busting Playlist filled with bold, empowering tracks from artists like SZA and Beyoncé — perfect for reigniting your spark. A special guest, a creative coach, also joins the conversation to share tips and mindset shifts that can help you release perfectionism and embrace your artistry with confidence and freedom. As the season comes to a close, Jaliyah reflects on the journey so far and reminds us that we don’t need to be perfect to start — we just need to begin. Your creativity is worthy, your voice matters, and your story is still unfolding. Whether you’ve been with the show since episode one or just tuned in, thank you for being a part of this space. Season 2 is already in the works and promises even more real talk, healing, movement, and creative magic. In the meantime, stay connected on Instagram and TikTok @melaninandmotion, and don’t forget to share this episode with someone who might need a little push to keep going. You’ve got this — and Jaliyah is cheering you on every step of the way.

    36 min
  2. Dance as Freedom: Reclaiming Joy Through Movement

    04/17/2025

    Dance as Freedom: Reclaiming Joy Through Movement

    In this deeply personal and heart-opening episode, we’re getting into what dance really means—not just as art or performance, but as a sacred act of healing, resistance, and release. I’m sharing my journey of falling in love with dance, falling away from it, and slowly finding my way back home to movement. We talk about body confidence, emotional numbness, joy, shame, and the freedom that comes when you just… let go and move. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your body, or like joy has been hard to reach lately, this one’s for you. I’m reminding myself—and you—that healing doesn’t always have to be heavy. Sometimes, it shows up in the form of rhythm, sway, and a little two-step in your room when no one’s watching. Let this episode be a soft nudge back into your body. Back into joy. Back into freedom.🕊️💃🏽

    35 min
  3. Black Girl Magic: Own It, Create It, Flaunt It

    04/09/2025

    Black Girl Magic: Own It, Create It, Flaunt It

    Black Girl Magic isn't just a hashtag—it's a lifestyle. In this episode, we're diving into how Black women are reshaping fashion, art, and creativity, one bold move at a time. Whether you're painting, styling, or just living authentically, you’ve got the magic inside you. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get creative, because your glow-up starts now.

    29 min
  4. Mental Health and Creativity: How Art Can Heal

    04/02/2025

    Mental Health and Creativity: How Art Can Heal

    In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between mental health and creativity. Art isn’t just about self-expression—it’s a tool for healing, reflection, and community. From personal experiences to the role of creativity in mental wellness, we dive into how artistic outlets can help process emotions, reduce stress, and bring people together. Tune in and let’s talk about the healing power of art!

    23 min
  5. Overcoming Self-Doubt: Building Confidence Through Creativity

    03/13/2025

    Overcoming Self-Doubt: Building Confidence Through Creativity

    In this heartfelt solo episode, I open up about my journey with self-doubt and how creativity helped me reclaim my confidence. From fashion to dance to letting go of what no longer serves me, I’m sharing real lessons and reflections. If you’ve ever questioned your worth or struggled to feel seen, this one’s for you.

    25 min

  6. 03/05/2025

    Unfiltered & Unapologetic: The Art of Being Yourself

    In this episode, we’re getting real about creativity, healing, and growth—because the glow-up starts from within. It’s time to embrace your journey, own your truth, and step into the best version of YOU, unapologetically. ✨

    32 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

A podcast where young Black women and teens are celebrated and empowered through honest conversations about creativity, self-expression, and mental wellness, all while exploring the transformative power of art and dance.

Information

  • Creator
    Jaliyah Thomas
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025