Black. Girl. Iowa.

Emili L. Johnson
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Weekly

A Black woman’s experience in a fly-over state.

  1. Black. Girl. Soundtrack.

    1d ago

    Black. Girl. Soundtrack.

    Music has always been more than entertainment for me. It's been healing. It's been joy. It's been survival. In this solo episode, I'm taking a deep dive into the soundtrack of my life through ten years of Apple Music Replay playlists and the songs that have shaped who I am. From Saturday mornings listening to Earth, Wind & Fire with my parents to discovering Bobby Brown, surviving heartbreak through Kanye West albums, finding confidence through Beyoncé, and rediscovering myself through Cowboy Carter, every song tells a story. I'm sharing the artists, albums, and moments that helped define my journey from my twenties into my forties—and why music remains one of the most powerful ways we connect to our memories, our culture, and ourselves. Plus, in honor of Black Music Appreciation Month, we're celebrating the lasting impact of Black music on American culture and the artists whose work continues to inspire generations. If you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a rating and review ⭐ Share the episode with a friend ⭐ Subscribe to the Substack ⭐ Follow @blackgirliowa on Instagram and TikTok ⭐ Tell me: What song belongs on the soundtrack of your life? Because everyone's story deserves a soundtrack. 🎵

    41 min
  2. The Power of One: Monique Scarlett on Community, Faith & Change

    May 18

    The Power of One: Monique Scarlett on Community, Faith & Change

    This week on the Black. Girl. Iowa. podcast, Emili sits down with community leader, advocate, and changemaker Monique Scarlett for a powerful conversation about Black history, civic engagement, and building bridges in Northwest Iowa. Born and raised in Sioux City, Monique shares what it was like growing up as one of the few Black children in her school during the 1960s and 70s, navigating racism at a young age while learning the importance of resilience, faith, and community. She reflects on the rich but often overlooked history of Black Iowans in Sioux City and the importance of preserving those stories for future generations. The conversation also explores Monique’s leadership journey — from serving on the Sioux City School Board to becoming president of the Sioux City NAACP and founding Unity in Community, an organization focused on strengthening relationships between citizens and law enforcement through accountability, education, and dialogue. Throughout the episode, Monique shares wisdom on: The importance of civic engagementBuilding community in spaces where you feel unseenWhy Black women must continue speaking up and taking actionThe role faith plays in leadership and perseveranceCreating accountability instead of simply complaining about systemsWhy preserving Black history in Iowa matters now more than everOne of the most impactful moments of the episode comes when Monique reminds listeners: “A vision without execution is just another hallucination.” This episode is honest, empowering, emotional, and deeply rooted in the belief that change happens when ordinary people decide to show up for their communities. Growing up Black in Sioux CityRacism, resilience, and finding communityBlack history in Northwest IowaLeadership and public serviceUnity in Community and rebuilding trustAccountability and civic actionFaith, perseverance, and purposeA lightning round with Monique ScarlettUnity in Community Sioux City (Facebook)Sioux City NAACPTEDx Talk: “”Be sure to also check out Monique’s powerful TEDx Talk, Tap Into the Power of One⁠, where she speaks about leadership, impact, and creating change in your community. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora, and YouTube. Website: Black. Girl. Iowa.Substack: @blackgirliowaEtsy Shop: Black Girl Iowa Shop#BlackGirlIowa #BlackWomenLead #IowaPodcast #BlackHistory #CommunityLeadership

    45 min
  3. Betting on Yourself: Paula Bell on Wellness, Business & Boundaries

    Apr 27

    Betting on Yourself: Paula Bell on Wellness, Business & Boundaries

    In this episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., Emili sits down with Paula A. Bell—CEO, speaker, consultant, and the powerhouse behind a holistic approach to success rooted in mind, body, and soul. From her journey leaving Brooklyn and navigating life as a single mother to building a thriving consulting business, Paula shares what it really takes to bet on yourself. This conversation dives deep into discipline, consistency, self-worth, and the importance of giving yourself grace—especially as Black women navigating life, work, and wellness. Paula also breaks down practical strategies for building sustainable habits, setting boundaries, and redefining failure as growth. Whether you're starting your fitness journey, building a business, or simply trying to find balance, this episode is your reminder that everything you need is already within you. 🎧 Tune in and get ready to be inspired to move differently, think differently, and show up fully for yourself. 👤 About Paula A. Bell Paula A. Bell is a speaker, consultant, and CEO of Paula A. Bell Consulting LLC, where she helps individuals and organizations achieve transformation through a holistic approach to mind, body, and soul. With over 20 years of corporate experience across industries like finance, media, and the courts, Paula blends business strategy, leadership development, and wellness coaching to empower others to thrive. Known as the “BA Martial Artist,” she incorporates discipline, mindset, and confidence-building into her work—guiding clients to break barriers, build sustainable habits, and truly bet on themselves. 🔗 Connect with Paula: Instagram: @ninjapfitnessTikTok: @ninja_p_fitness🌐 Learn more about Paula A. Bell Consulting:

    50 min
  4. Community Care is Real Care: A Conversation with Anesa Buchanan

    Apr 13

    Community Care is Real Care: A Conversation with Anesa Buchanan

    In this episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., Emili sits down with Des Moines native and healthcare leader Anesa Buchanan, whose work is rooted in community, advocacy, and access. With over 17 years in healthcare and a current role as Director of Community Impact and Engagement, Anesa shares her journey from the East Side to leadership at UnityPoint Health. From navigating life as a young mother to becoming a recognized community advocate, Anesa reflects on the power of relationships, the importance of access to healthcare, and why serving others is her purpose—not just her profession. This conversation dives into health equity, community responsibility, and what it truly means to care for “the least of these.” ✨ Whether you’re passionate about community work, healthcare, or finding purpose in your career—this episode will inspire you to show up and serve. Don’t forget to:🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast📲 Follow @blackgirliowa on Instagram & TikTok🛍️ Shop merch + journaling kits on Etsy✍🏾 Join the conversation on Substack

    35 min
  5. Protect, Advocate, Lead: A Conversation with Victoria Henderson Weber

    Mar 23

    Protect, Advocate, Lead: A Conversation with Victoria Henderson Weber

    In this week’s episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., Emili sits down with community leader, advocate, and disruptor Victoria Henderson Weber—President of the NAACP Des Moines Branch and Vice President of the Colonel Young Gun Club. From growing up on the East Side of Des Moines to leading statewide advocacy efforts, Victoria shares how early experiences shaped her commitment to civic engagement, community safety, and systems change. This conversation dives into: The power of Black women in leadershipWhy volunteerism is critical to community survivalThe truth about advocacy work (and why most of it is unpaid)Gun ownership, safety, and breaking stereotypesThe role of the NAACP in today’s social climateHow YOU can get involved and make an impactThis episode is a reminder:👉🏾 Change doesn’t come from waiting—it comes from showing up. 📚 Book Recommendation “We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance” by Kellie Carter JacksonA powerful look into the history of Black resistance and the role of self-defense in our communities—highly recommended during this conversation. 🔗 Get Involved NAACP – Des Moines Branch🌐 https://naacpdesmoines.org📧 secretary@naacpdesmoines.org Colonel Young Gun Club (Des Moines Chapter of NAAGA)📍 Monthly meetings + training opportunities📧 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAAGADSM/ ✨ Stay Connected with Black. Girl. Iowa. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio & YouTube (Wednesdays)🛍 Shop merch: BlackGirlIowaShop (Etsy)📲 Follow: @blackgirliowa

    1h 24m
  6. Black. Girl. Exhausted.

    Mar 16

    Black. Girl. Exhausted.

    Sometimes being strong comes with a cost. In this solo episode of the podcast, Emili gets real about the exhaustion so many Black women carry every day — at work and in the spaces where we are expected to keep showing up no matter what. This conversation is about burnout, boundaries, protection, and the emotional weight of constantly having to be “on.” From navigating the workplace to learning how to leave work at work, document everything, and identify who is truly supportive, this episode is a reminder that exhaustion is not weakness. It is often the result of carrying too much for too long. If you’ve been feeling drained, overlooked, or stretched too thin, this episode is for you. Listen now and join the conversation. In this episode: Why so many Black women are exhausted The pressure of always having to be strong Ways to protect yourself in the workplace The importance of boundaries and documentation Knowing the difference between performative and genuine support Giving yourself permission to rest Listen to Black. Girl. Iowa. on: SpotifyApple PodcastsAmazon MusicPandoraiHeartRadioYouTubeShop merch on Etsy: BlackGirlIowaShop Read more on Substack: @blackgirliowa

    40 min
  7. The Audacity to Leave: Black Women on Life After Divorce with Lya Williams

    Mar 2

    The Audacity to Leave: Black Women on Life After Divorce with Lya Williams

    Divorce isn’t just paperwork. It’s identity.It’s faith.It’s boundaries.It’s rebuilding while life keeps moving. In this candid conversation, I sit down with Lya Williams to talk about what it really looks like to navigate divorce as Black women living in Iowa. We discuss the identity shift that comes with losing the title of “wife,” the emotional weight of healing in real time, and the courage it takes to choose yourself — even when society tells you to “just pray about it” and stay. We talk about: The identity crisis after divorceGaslighting and emotional abuseBoundaries and co-parentingBeing the “strong Black woman” and wanting softnessTherapy, journaling, and faithCareer pivots and rediscovering belief in yourselfSupport systems — and what happens when they aren’t where you expectedThe audacity to leave and rebuild anywayThis isn’t bitterness.This isn’t husband-bashing.This is reflection. Whether you’re divorced, healing, contemplating change, or learning to put yourself first — this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen. Reflect. Heal. Follow & connect:Instagram & TikTok: @blackgirliowaWebsite: www.blackgirliowa.com #BlackGirlIowa #BlackWomenHealing #DivorceRecovery #ChooseYourself #SoftLifeSeason

    1h 8m
  8. Identity After the Game with Jjuan Hakeem

    Feb 23

    Identity After the Game with Jjuan Hakeem

    What happens when the dream you built your identity around suddenly ends? This week on Black. Girl. Iowa., Emili sits down with leader, husband, father, former professional basketball player, and host of The Minds with Hakeem, Jjuan Hakeem. From growing up in Beaumont, Texas to building a life in Iowa, Jjuan shares: The identity crisis that followed retiring from professional basketball Why asking for help is actually strength The power of long-standing friendships What it means to lead as a Black man in Iowa How faith grounds him in divisive times They also get into career pivots, community work through Change Course, masculinity, mentorship, and yes — a little Cowboys vs. Packers debate. This episode is about redefining success, restoring relationships, and remembering who you are beyond your title. 🎧 Listen now.

    45 min
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Trailer

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About

A Black woman’s experience in a fly-over state.

Information

  • Creator
    Emili L. Johnson
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Emili L. Johnson
  • Show Website
    Black. Girl. Iowa.