Black and EMPOWERed Podcast

The EMPOWER Lab
  • 5.0 (9)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

The best thing about being Black is our ability to adapt, overcome, and thrive. On the Black and EMPOWERed podcast, we highlight Black excellence, talk about the science of physical, mental, and behavioral health, and interview experts in the field. Join the EMPOWER lab as we continue to focus on Engaging Minorities in Prevention, Outreach, Wellness, Education, and Research. If you are a student, organizational leader, thinker, healer, creator, or anyone who would like to explore how to best utilize your personal strengths, resources, and talents, then this is the podcast for you! *We are a part of the University of Georgia & Georgia State University, but these are our personal views and are not reflective of the institution.* *The content of this podcast does not constitute therapy, if you are interested in services, please contact a local professional.*

  1. 10/02/2025

    Black & EMPOWERED | Mirror Mirror Ep. 4: From Behind the Scenes to Main Character: Thriving as a Black Student at a PWI and Beyond

    In this powerful episode of the Mirror Mirror series, Dr. Isha Metzger sits down with Amari K. Jones to explore the journey of thriving as a Black student at a predominantly white institution (PWI) and carving out your space beyond the campus walls. They dive deep into navigating identity, overcoming microaggressions, cultivating confidence, and finding your voice in environments that weren’t always designed for you. This conversation is full of insight, reflection, and actionable strategies for Black students, young professionals, and anyone looking to show up as their full, authentic self in spaces where they might feel unseen. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about resilience, empowerment, and stepping fully into your story.

    42 min

  2. 09/04/2025

    Black & EMPOWERED | Mirror Mirror Ep. 3: Parenting with Purpose: A Black Psychologist’s Journey Through Motherhood

    This episode is part three of the Mirror Mirror series—conversations with friends who illuminate my soul! This series is rooted in reflection on how we show up, grow, and build lives that align with our values. We’re unpacking identity, wellness, motherhood, money, and more. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Maryam Jernigan-Noesi, a powerhouse psychologist, educator, and mother. We dive into the unique lens of Black motherhood as a psychological process, what it means to parent with liberation in mind, and how Maryam’s personal and professional worlds inform one another.

    55 min

  3. 07/10/2025

    Black & EMPOWERED | Mirror Mirror Ep. 2: From Admin to Alignment w/ Gretchen “Gigi” Fletcher

    In this installment of the Mirror Mirror Series, host Dr. Isha W. Metzger sits down with Gretchen “Gigi” Fletcher to trace her evolution from high‑level executive assistant to sought‑after retreat producer. Together, they delve into how Gigi’s knack for organization and her commitment to self‑development have shaped transformative experiences for retreat participants. This conversation explores: How Gigi leveraged her executive assistant skill set—organization, anticipation, relationship‑building—to launch a retreat production career The pivotal role of personal growth and self‑development in making bold professional pivots Why retreats can catalyze profound personal and professional breakthroughs for attendees The core traits of a successful retreat producer: flexibility, compassion, and the ability to foresee and meet unspoken needs Strategies for forging strong, values‑aligned partnerships with clients Why retreat production is as much about crafting meaningful experiences as it is about flawless logistics The lessons Gigi learned from early challenges and how they inform her current approach Gigi’s upcoming training course for aspiring executive assistants and retreat producers Preview of future wellness‑focused retreats and a community‑impact initiative—a back‑to‑school drive for children in Ghana This is more than a podcast—it’s a mirror to your journey of growth and impact. #BlackAndEMPOWERED #MirrorMirrorSeries #ExecutiveAssistant #RetreatProducer #DrIshaMetzger #GretchenGigiFletcher 🎧 Subscribe and share with someone ready to create transformative retreat experiences.

    1h 4m

  4. 06/17/2025

    Black & EMPOWERED | Mirror Mirror Ep. 1: Monetizing Your Doctorate w/ Dr. Quiana Shamsid-Deen

    In the premiere of the Mirror Mirror Series, host Dr. Isha W. Metzger welcomes powerhouse psychologist and entrepreneur Dr. Quiana M. Shamsid-Deen to reflect on how Black women with doctorates can monetize their degrees with purpose and power. This conversation unpacks: How to leverage your doctorate beyond academia The emotional, cultural, and financial intersections of identity and income Strategies for turning your expertise into generational wealth This is more than a podcast—it's a mirror to your potential. #BlackAndEMPOWERED #MirrorMirrorSeries #MonetizeYourDoctorate #DrIshaMetzger #DrShamsidDeen 🎧 Subscribe and share with someone ready to turn their doctorate into dollars.

    1h 18m

  5. 05/04/2025

    Understanding and Navigating Family/Informal Caregiving

    In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Keisha White Makinde to discuss the vital topic of caregiving - including what becoming a family (informal) caregiver can look like for Black individuals and why caregiver well being is so important.  If you have questions or want to connect, contact us at theempowerlab@gmail.com.

    49 min

  6. 03/11/2025

    How can I be a community advocate?

    In this episode, Dr. Isha Metzger is joined by Heather and Khandis, two psychology graduate students at Georgia State University, to talk about the relevant and important topic of getting involved in your community. Together, they will discuss what community means, where to look for opportunities to get involved in advocacy, and how to transfer and adapt your existing skills and resources to support the causes and communities you care about.   If you have questions or want to connect, contact us at theempowerlab@gmail.com.   How to connect with today's guest: Isha Metzger Instagram: @drishametzger Lab Instagram: EMPOWER Instagram

    46 min

  7. 12/13/2023

    Raising Resilient Children

    In this episode, Dr. Metzger is joined by Tnisha Poe, an incredible mom, business owner, and professional, who is raising a resilient black teen. Together, they will dive into the crucial topic of raising resilient children, exploring culturally relevant parenting approaches within African-American communities. If you have questions or want to connect, contact us at theempowerlab@gmail.com.   How to Connect with our Guest today:  Tnisha Poe  Instagram: @TPoe__ Tnisha.poe@gmail.com   EMPOWER Instagram

    56 min

  8. 12/02/2023

    Tailoring TF-CBT to Black Children and Youth with The National Children’s Alliance

    In this episode, we explore the nuances of reshaping trauma treatment with Dr. Isha Metzger. Discover how Dr. Metzger recognized the potential for a more effective TF-CBT tailored for Black youth and families, emphasizing the impact of racial stressors and trauma; this is a recent episode with the National Children's Alliance, where Dr. Metzger dives deeper into her work.  If you have questions or want to connect, reach out to us at: theempowerlab@gmail.com.     EMPOWER Instagram | | |

    50 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

The best thing about being Black is our ability to adapt, overcome, and thrive. On the Black and EMPOWERed podcast, we highlight Black excellence, talk about the science of physical, mental, and behavioral health, and interview experts in the field. Join the EMPOWER lab as we continue to focus on Engaging Minorities in Prevention, Outreach, Wellness, Education, and Research. If you are a student, organizational leader, thinker, healer, creator, or anyone who would like to explore how to best utilize your personal strengths, resources, and talents, then this is the podcast for you! *We are a part of the University of Georgia & Georgia State University, but these are our personal views and are not reflective of the institution.* *The content of this podcast does not constitute therapy, if you are interested in services, please contact a local professional.*

Information

  • Creator
    The EMPOWER Lab
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Black and EMPOWERed Podcast