Whole Black Woman

Denisha Gingles, Counselor and Behavior Analyst

The Whole Black Woman is a space where Black women come home to themselves. Hosted by Denisha Gingles, a licensed therapist and behavior analyst, this podcast holds space for the deep, layered conversations we’re often told to keep quiet. From healing and self-trust to boundaries, motherhood, faith, and sexuality—we talk about it all. Whole Black Woman Podcast episodes infuse solo reflections, guest interviews, and affirming words to help you return to your full self. In case you ever momentarily forget who you are, or drop your crown, or just need a gem or two to get you through the day.

  1. Christianity & Sexual Liberation: Can They Coexist?

    03/09/2025

    Christianity & Sexual Liberation: Can They Coexist?

    For so many Black women, the messages we received about sex and faith were rooted in control, shame, and silence. We were taught to save ourselves, be modest, and suppress desire, but nobody told us what to do with the guilt, the fear, or the disconnection we felt from our own bodies. This episode is for women who are trying to navigate sexual shame while still holding onto their faith. We’re breaking down: ✔️ The psychological impact of sexual shame and how it shows up in relationships, pleasure, and self-worth. ✔️ What healing looks like when you’re trying to reconcile faith and sexuality. ✔️ How to reclaim your body, your pleasure, and your wholeness without abandoning your spirituality. I’m joined by De-Andrea Blaylock-Solar, Missouri’s first Black AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist , who is going to help us unpack all of this. Life Work for This Week: This week, I want you to question one belief you were taught about sex that no longer serves you. 💭 Was it the idea that pleasure is sinful? 💭 Was it the belief that your body doesn’t belong to you? 💭 Was it that shame that comes with enjoying intimacy? Once you identify it, I want you to challenge it. Find a new narrative that honors both your faith and your sexual autonomy. 📚 Further Reading: Christian Post: The Harm of Purity Culture & The Church’s Role (⁠ChristianPost.com⁠) Pew Research Center: Black Protestants & Changing Views on Casual Sex (⁠PewResearch.org⁠) Let’s Keep the Conversation Going! 📲 Follow me on BlueSky: @wholeblackwoman (I'm no longer on IG) 📩 Send in your thoughts via email: hello@thewholeblackwoman.com ⭐️ Leave a review & subscribe 💡 Tag me on social media and let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode!

    46 min
  2. Motherhood & Boundaries: Reclaiming Your Space Without Guilt

    02/16/2025

    Motherhood & Boundaries: Reclaiming Your Space Without Guilt

    Black mothers are expected to be everything to everyone. The nurturer, the strong one, the provider, the fixer. But where does that leave them? In today’s episode, we’re talking about boundaries in motherhood, why they’re necessary, how to set them even when guilt creeps in, and why boundaries are not a rejection of love but an act of self-preservation. We’ll also break down the difference between boundary violations and boundary crossings, and how society’s expectations make it harder for Black women to say “No” without guilt. 👩🏾‍⚕️ Guest: Jessica Lyles, LISW-CP. IG: www.instagram.com/therapistjess_/ 💡 Topics We Covered: 🔹 The biggest boundary struggles Black mothers face. 🔹 How society, family, and partners make it hard to say no without guilt. 🔹 The psychological cost of not enforcing boundaries. 🔹 Practical strategies for setting and maintaining boundaries in motherhood. 🔹 How to move from feeling guilty to feeling empowered. Your Lifework This Week: I want you to consider ONE boundary (just one, Rome wasn't built in a day). 📩 DM me on socials and tell me what boundary you’re setting this week! 📖 Article Cited: Chernata, T. (2024). Personal boundaries: Definition, role, and impact on mental health. Personality and Environmental Issues, 3(1), 24–30. ⁠⁠https://doi.org/10.31652/2786-6033-2024-3(1)-24-30⁠⁠ 📚 Further Reading: We Need An Honest Conversation About Black Women, Families & Boundaries Diary of an Honest Mom: “How to Set Boundaries with Family and Children” 💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going! 📲 Follow me on BlueSky or FanBase: @wholeblackwoman (I'll only be on IG until 3/1) 📩 Send in your thoughts & boundary wins via email: hello@thewholeblackwoman.com ⭐️ Leave a review & subscribe 💡 Tag me on social media and let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode!

    54 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

The Whole Black Woman is a space where Black women come home to themselves. Hosted by Denisha Gingles, a licensed therapist and behavior analyst, this podcast holds space for the deep, layered conversations we’re often told to keep quiet. From healing and self-trust to boundaries, motherhood, faith, and sexuality—we talk about it all. Whole Black Woman Podcast episodes infuse solo reflections, guest interviews, and affirming words to help you return to your full self. In case you ever momentarily forget who you are, or drop your crown, or just need a gem or two to get you through the day.