Black Scholars Speak

Janelle Gore
  • 5.0 (4)
  • SOCIAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to Black Scholars Speak, where we connect research, culture, and community to amplify Black voices and foster a stronger community together. Hosted by Janelle Gore—a Clinical Psychology PhD student—this podcast invites listeners of all ages & stages into insightful and real conversations with Black researchers & health experts. Topics range from navigating academia, sleep, maternal health, mental health, caregiving, community building, and so much more! Each episode is packed with tools to uplift and inspire. New episodes drop every two weeks on Tuesdays!

  1. "Giving up Isn't an Option": Remaining Authentic While Navigating Identity Erasure

    1D AGO

    "Giving up Isn't an Option": Remaining Authentic While Navigating Identity Erasure

    Audio Note: You may notice some brief sound dipping when Janelle is speaking in parts of the episode. We sincerely apologize for the audio inconsistency and appreciate your grace as we continue improving the production quality of the show. In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, Shani Strader, a second-year PhD student at the UAB School of Nursing, unpacks what it truly means to pursue a PhD as a Black queer woman in today’s academic climate. Through her journey of becoming a nurse-scientist, Shani shares the heart behind her decision to pursue a PhD and the notion that "giving up isn't an option" when the light at the end of the tunnel seems non-existent. We explore the realities of applying to graduate school, choosing the right program, securing research funding, and navigating predominantly white academic spaces. We explore the emotional labor of existing at the intersection of race, gender, and sexuality especially in a political climate where identity erasure and attacks on diversity, equity, and LGBTQ+ communities are increasingly visible. Shani speaks candidly about what it feels like to have parts of your identity questioned, minimized, or “watered down” in academic and research spaces and how she protects her authenticity despite those pressures. They also discuss the importance of self-advocacy, mentorship, and community support, as well as recognizing when professional mental health support is not just helpful, but necessary. This episode is a powerful reminder that earning a PhD is more than intellectual work; it’s emotional, political, and deeply personal.

    1 hr
  2. “Caring with these small hands” Creating Change Through Film

    FEB 4

    “Caring with these small hands” Creating Change Through Film

    In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, we sit down with Omarion Calloway who is a senior at NYU majoring in film and is a former young caregiver, for a powerful conversation about his experience being a young Black scholar while also helping provide care for his family members. Omarion shares what it meant to balance caregiving at an young age with school, navigating bullying and racism in educational spaces, and carrying emotional weight most adults are never prepared for. He speaks vulnerably about how caregiving has shaped him into the person he is today and how storytelling through film became his path toward healing and advocacy. We also discuss how he used his experiences to write and be awarded over $1.3 million in scholarship funds! We also discuss his upcoming thesis film, Hands Too Small, which centers on the untold stories of young caregivers and calls for greater systemic support (I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS COME OUT!). Connect with Omarion: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omarion-calloway-363514348/ Website: https://www.morethansurvivalguide.com/ Instagram: @omarion.n

    52 min
  3. The Importance of Good Mentorship and Centering Black Women’s Sexual Health

    JAN 17

    The Importance of Good Mentorship and Centering Black Women’s Sexual Health

    In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, Dr. Amber Sophus takes us on a bold, affirming journey through academic mentorship and the realities of Black women’s sexual health. She breaks down why mentorship isn’t optional in academia—it’s a survival tool—and shares how building a “mentorship team” can provide the layered support needed to thrive in research, leadership, and advocacy spaces. Together, we explore how lived experience strengthens the way we study and serve communities, why Black women’s voices must be centered in HIV/STI prevention, and how stigma and misinformation continue to shape sexual health outcomes. We also get into the conversations too many people avoid: sexual confidence, boundaries, communication, and the role of self-pleasure in understanding your body and protecting your health. Dr. Sophus reminds us that pleasure and prevention are not opposites—they work together, and honest dialogue can be life-changing. To close, she shares details about her upcoming Pleasure Class workshop on Wednesday, January 28th 12-1:30pm EST, designed to help women increase sexual pleasure while strengthening skills around safety, turn-ons, boundaries, and empowered communication. REGISTER TODAY! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pleasure-class-tickets-1975007321063 Contact Dr. Amber Sophus Instagram: @dr.ambersophus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-sophus-2751ab72/ Email: sophus@uthscsa.edu

    55 min
  4. "Don't Panic Pivot": Exploring the Power of the Pivot.

    JAN 7

    "Don't Panic Pivot": Exploring the Power of the Pivot.

    As we enter into the first week of 2026, this episode couldn’t be more timely. If you’ve ever felt that nudge telling you it was time for a change, or that you needed to get a game plan together in moments of uncertainty, like when the Trump administration cut millions in academic funding—this episode is for you. In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, we speak with Erica Shoemate for a powerful conversation centered on The Power of the Pivot. Erica reflects on her journey from academia to public service, Big Tech, and entrepreneurship, unpacking the lessons learned from navigating complex systems while staying rooted in purpose. Together, they explore resilience, trusting your instincts, leveraging transferable skills across sectors, and the role community plays in sustaining growth. The conversation also dives deeply into how personal experiences like motherhood can spark profound professional pivots and ignite meaningful advocacy. Pivots aren’t failures or detours; they’re strategic, deeply personal shifts that can lead to alignment, impact, and renewed clarity. Contact Erica Shoemate: Instagram: @thepolicygoddess LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericals/ Website: leadwithinstrategy.ai. Website: www.ericalshoemate.com

    1 hr
  5. Preparing for End-of Life, It's a Community-Affair

    12/12/2025

    Preparing for End-of Life, It's a Community-Affair

    This episode hit close to home. As someone who has recently lost both my mother and my grandmother in the same year and my family and I were over here depending on dreams to guide us in what my mom would want because we were not fully prepared for the realities of end-of-life care. Life does not stop "lifeing" while navigating a PhD program, this conversation with Dr. Karen Moss felt both grounding and necessary. Dr. Moss shares how her own grandmother inspired her path into nursing and dementia research, and why culturally responsive, community-centered support is essential for Black families facing caregiving and end-of-life decisions. We talk about her peer support program, Pair 2 Care, the power of learning from former caregivers, and why these conversations need to happen before crisis moments. This episode is especially dedicated to my mom, Marta Washington Gore & Grammy, Phyllis Washington. Love you both always 3

    45 min
  6. Reimagining Aging: Purpose, Partnership & Impact

    11/22/2025

    Reimagining Aging: Purpose, Partnership & Impact

    In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, Dr. Ethlyn McQueen-Gibson joins us for a rich and heartfelt conversation about purpose, community, and the power of showing up. Drawing from her upbringing and over 40 years in nursing, Dr. McQueen-Gibson shares how her commitment to serving older adults shaped her career from clinical practice to academia—while continuing to keep one foot in the community she loves. We talk about overcoming imposter syndrome, taking risks, and betting on yourself even when the path feels intimidating. Dr. McQueen-Gibson breaks down why community engagement is essential for meaningful research, how strategic alliances can transform health outcomes, and why empowering communities through education creates lasting change. She also highlights the role of mentorship, authenticity, and professional networks in building the next generation of leaders. This episode is a masterclass in leading with purpose, serving with heart, and doing research that truly matters. Connect! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ethlyn-mcqueen-gibson-dnp-msn-rn-bc-24640132/ Email: e1gibson@odu.edu

    53 min
  7. The Power of HBCUs and the Future of Aging Research

    11/11/2025

    The Power of HBCUs and the Future of Aging Research

    In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, we sit down with a trailblazing researcher, Dr. Tamara Baker, whose work bridges science, equity, and legacy. From her academic beginnings at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) to her rise as the 2026 President-Elect of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), she shares her powerful journey into aging research and the study of chronic pain among older Black adults. We explore how medical discrimination shapes pain experiences in Black communities, why culturally grounded interventions matter, and how to navigate the current political climate while doing health equity research. As the incoming president of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA; https://www.geron.org), co-founder of the HBCU Collaborative Interest Group, and leader in establishing the HBCU Aging Conference heald at GSA, Dr. Baker also discusses the vital role of HBCUs in building the next generation of Black aging scholars, breaking stereotypes about research credibility, and ensuring that representation and inclusion remain at the forefront of gerontology. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the intersection of culture, care, and commitment to advancing health equity through research and mentorship. Want to connect? Email: tamara_baker@med.unc.edu Instagram: @HBCUaging

    1h 3m
  8. Navigating Life After Sports: Insights for Student Athletes

    10/25/2025

    Navigating Life After Sports: Insights for Student Athletes

    In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, host Janelle Gore shares her personal journey as a student athlete transitioning into academia. She discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by student athletes, the importance of mental health, and the process of applying to graduate programs. Janelle emphasizes the skills gained from sports that are transferable to academic success and encourages listeners to embrace their unique stories and experiences as they navigate their educational paths. Takeaways The transition from being a student athlete to academia can be daunting.It's important to reflect on your identity beyond sports.Skills learned in sports, like resilience and adaptability, are valuable in academia.Networking and building relationships are crucial for success in graduate school.Mental health should be prioritized during the transition to graduate studies.Finding the right fit in a graduate program is essential for success.Student athletes have unique experiences that can enhance their academic applications.Taking a gap year can provide valuable time for personal and academic growth.Community support is vital for navigating academic challenges.Your story and experiences matter in shaping your academic journey. Continue the conversation on Instagram (@BlackScholarSpeak) or in the comments!

    39 min
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5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to Black Scholars Speak, where we connect research, culture, and community to amplify Black voices and foster a stronger community together. Hosted by Janelle Gore—a Clinical Psychology PhD student—this podcast invites listeners of all ages & stages into insightful and real conversations with Black researchers & health experts. Topics range from navigating academia, sleep, maternal health, mental health, caregiving, community building, and so much more! Each episode is packed with tools to uplift and inspire. New episodes drop every two weeks on Tuesdays!

Information

  • Creator
    Janelle Gore
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Janelle Gore
  • Show Website
    Black Scholars Speak