What Was She Thinking

Sharla Brown
  • 1.0 (2)
  • Film Reviews
  • Updated Weekly

What Was She Thinking delivers thoughtful, engaging reviews of movies, TV shows, and cultural moments that shape how women—especially women of color—see themselves and the world. Through insightful commentary and honest conversation, we delve into representation, identity, and the stories that shape our perspectives. Expect episodes that make you laugh, reflect, and feel inspired—because you are wonderful, worthy, and deeply valuable.

Episodes

  1. Unwed Motherhood, Shame, and Healing: Why Margo’s Got Money Troubles Hit Home

    Jun 11

    Unwed Motherhood, Shame, and Healing: Why Margo’s Got Money Troubles Hit Home

    In this episode, we share our experiences as a single mother and the unexpected emotions stirred by watching Margo’s Got Money Troubles. Though our stories predate the show by decades—and we've never had an OnlyFans or anything similar—the themes of judgment, stigma, and navigating pregnancy outside of marriage felt deeply familiar. Paired with reflections from Call the Midwife and Flowers in the Attic, this conversation explores how society continues to place uneven emotional and social burdens on women while often overlooking the men involved. Kim and I revisit our experiences of becoming pregnant in our twenties, the weight of family expectations, and the internalized shame that came from fear of judgment. Now older, we can see more clearly how motherhood—planned or not—reshapes identity, purpose, and direction. Over time, we've come to value support, community, and compassion for women in these moments rather than shock or shame. At its heart, this reflection is about letting go of unnecessary guilt, challenging long-held stigma, and recognizing that babies are not endings—they are beginnings. Episode Breakdown 0:00 – 12:50 Summer plans; finding joy; INFJ meaning—introverts or extroverts? 12:50 – 19:30 Intro to Margo’s Got Money Troubles; past risqué experiences; Black Planet memories; strip club visit; Magic City documentary 19:30 – 21:25 OnlyFans as income vs traditional work; Call the Midwife and treatment of unwed mothers then vs. now 21:25 – 32:00 Margo in college; relationships with professors; power dynamics and validation 32:00 – 36:00 Affair with a married man; Shyanne character discussion; nurturer vs non-nurturer; relationship dynamics 36:00 – 43:00 Pregnancy shock and consequences; unsupportive partner; telling family; lack of support systems for pregnant college students 43:00 – 51:30 Social stigma of single motherhood; shame, embarrassment, and judgment; community perception; roommates and isolation 52:00 – 56:00 Expectations of support vs criticism; Margo gives birth; “this will break you” comment and its impact 56:00 – 1:06:30 Postpartum isolation; lack of tribe; hospital-to-home transition; roommates reacting to newborn cries 1:06:30 – 1:11:00 Financial strain; asking for help; introduction of Jinx; shifting support dynamics 1:11:00 – 1:15:00 Caring for a colicky baby without help; emotional and physical strain of early motherhood 1:16:00 – 1:19:00 Job interview rejection; financial pressure; survival decisions; Jinx becomes a roommate 1:19:00 – 1:28:20 Shyanne hiding truth from Kenny; emotional masking; Flowers in the Attic comparisons; Call the Midwife parallels 1:28:20 – 1:34:00 Foster care suggestion; Margo turns to OnlyFans; stigma of motherhood vs sex work; early collaborations 1:34:00 – 1:42:30 Business success vs professional rejection; addiction themes; relational strain; emotional longing and unmet needs 1:42:30 – 1:48:00 Confrontations and conflict; moral question: OnlyFans decision—survival or harm? 1:48:00 – END Real-life OnlyFans parallels; financial survival vs mental impact; closing reflections

    1h 56m
  2. Could Gilead Happen? Is The Testaments a Warning?

    May 27

    Could Gilead Happen? Is The Testaments a Warning?

    What happens when a society stops seeing women as fully human and begins seeing them only for what they can provide? In this episode of What Was She Thinking?, we discuss The Testaments and The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood and explore why the world of Gilead continues to resonate today. We examine how power, fear, religion, and indoctrination shape society, the role women play in both resisting and supporting oppressive systems, and how cultural expectations influence the way we think about womanhood, marriage, fertility, and freedom. From Aunt Lydia's origin story to Agnes and Daisy's journeys through Gilead, we discuss the dangers of authoritarianism and the importance of questioning the systems we inherit. Join us as we unpack Atwood's cautionary tale and ask: Could some of the ideas behind Gilead be closer to our reality than we'd like to admit? Timestamps 0:00 Opening & Life Updates 5:00 Introduction to The Testaments 6:00 The Handmaid's Tale Recap & Life in Gilead 13:00 Aunt Lydia Then and Now 15:30 Costumes & First Impressions of Gilead 18:00 Women Supporting Oppressive Systems 24:00 Fear, Power, and Compliance 27:00 Recruitment Tactics, Cults & Trafficking Comparisons Episode 1 28:45 Agnes' World & Indoctrination 33:00 Daisy Arrives in Gilead 36:00 Classism and Marriage Prospects Episode 2 37:00 Teaching Girls About Relationships 42:00 Clothing, Modesty & Generational Differences 48:00 Agnes and the Dentist Episode 3 51:00 Daisy's Story & Victim Silence 53:00 Romance, Weddings & Social Expectations 58:00 Predators, Gender Roles & Marriage 1:03:00 Why Women Are Taught to Shrink Themselves Episodes 4 & 5 1:07:00 The Tea Ceremony & Debutante Culture 1:19:00 Marriage Matches in Gilead 1:23:00 Exploitation of Young Girls 1:27:00 Fertility, Puberty & Motherhood Pressures 1:31:00 Aunt Lydia's Origin Story Episode 7 1:39:00 Daisy Volunteers for Gilead 1:39:00 Agnes' Marriage Strategy Episode 8 1:50:00 Periods, Women's Health & Growing Up Female 2:02:00 Sex Education in Gilead 2:09:00 Learning About Sex in the Real World 2:13:00 Teaching Boys to Respect Women 2:16:00 The Familiar and Uncomfortable Lessons of The Testaments 2:19:00 Final Thoughts: Aunt Lydia & Daisy 2:28:00 Wrap-Up 🎙️ Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation about the books, movies, and television shows shaping how women see themselves and the world around them.

    2h 35m
  3. Would you trust them… or stay behind?

    Apr 17

    Would you trust them… or stay behind?

    This week on What Was She Thinking?, we dive into Paradise (Season 1 + Part of Season 2) by Dan Fogelman—and the decisions that could cost everything. 👉 Should Teri have gone to Atlanta? 👉 Should Annie have left with those men at Graceland? 👉 And when is it smart not to listen to a man? Conspiracies. Survival. Trust. Let’s talk about it. Watch, then tell us—what would YOU have done? Timestamps 0:00 – Intro: What’s going on, spring break, past teaching days, should professors take roll? 15:30 – Conspiracy theories: Who can you trust? 29:40 – Season 1 recap: Xavier & conspiracy theories; Dan Fogelman’s timeline jumps; Columbo-style mystery; Sterling K. Brown spotlight 35:20 – Cold opens & keeping attention; the president’s death; Truman Show-like artificiality 38:00 – Sinatra’s backstory: grief, power, and saving the world 41:31 – President Cal shut down by his father 44:00 – Power, patriarchy, and shifting demographics 49:00 – Nontraditional power lens: Sinatra as the billionaire 51:00 – The “haves vs. have-nots” and access to safety 53:00 – Episode 3: Xavier’s past, turning in his father, and moral gray areas 1:02:00 – Episode 4: Life outside the bunker; lies, Billy & Sinatra; Season 1 wrap (Cal’s father holds power) 1:09:00 – Xavier’s wife, independence, and who gets saved; could everyone have been included? 1:16:00 – Sterling K. Brown, chemistry comparisons (Terry vs. Beth) 1:21:00 – Season 2 begins: Annie/Shailene; life without a “golden ticket”; new characters 1:27:00 – Women’s vulnerability in apocalyptic settings; Annie’s isolation 1:30:00 – Why Annie didn’t leave; saving Xavier; connection with children 1:33:00 – Jane kills the new president; Annie & Xavier dynamic 1:35:00 – Trust, connection, and Annie’s fate 1:41:00 – Xavier on the move with a newborn; Episode 4 wrap 1:44:00 – Themes: father-son tension, trust, appearances, and women as agents of chaos 1:48:00 – What Was She Thinking?: Nicole & Teri 1:54:00 – Building a bunker: what would you do?

    2h 1m
  4. Alex Cross: Good on Paper, Dangerous in Practice

    Mar 28

    Alex Cross: Good on Paper, Dangerous in Practice

    In this episode of What Was She Thinking, we break down the complicated relationship between Alex and Elle from Cross Season 2. Alex appears to be the total package—emotionally aware, thoughtful, and committed to growth. But when his actions put Elle in danger without her consent, we’re forced to ask: Is being a “good man” enough if he’s not safe for you? We explore the tension between emotional intelligence and emotional responsibility, and why apologies don’t always repair broken trust. Beyond the relationship, we also dive into the deeper themes shaping the series, including sex trafficking, mistrust of the police, and the ongoing impact of grief. These real-world issues influence how the characters move, love, and make decisions—and reflect larger conversations happening in our communities. At the core of it all: What does it really look like to choose yourself, even when something feels good? 0:00 – 6:30 — Opening 6:30 – 9:50 — Intro to Cross: books, film legacy, and Aldis Hodge (plus… yes, he and Mustafa are easy on the eyes 👀) 9:50 – 18:00 — Season 1 recap: trauma, grief, mistrust of police, Black identity in policing, Alex & John’s friendship, and Alex & Elle 18:00 – 22:00 — Season 2 setup: Alex & Elle’s shifted relationship, her connection to the kids, and Alex & Kayla (…no chemistry?) 22:00 – 25:20 — Season 2 themes: sex trafficking, immigration, and systemic issues 25:20 – 29:00 — Introduction of Luz & Donnie; billionaire under threat 29:00 – 33:50 — Vigilante justice + Kayla’s personal struggles 33:50 – 37:00 — Season 2 storyline recap; John’s biological mother returns 37:00 – 40:00 — Black men and vulnerability; emotional support and parenting decisions 40:00 – 45:00 — John’s mother, incarceration, and revisiting old wounds 45:00 – 47:00 — Episode 2: Luz targeting those indirectly tied to trafficking 47:00 – 53:00 — Luz’s backstory, her network, realism of vigilante movements, and protecting children (Epstein comparison) 53:00 – 57:30 — Society’s view of women; Alex’s internal conflict; “reap what you sow” 57:30 – 1:01:00 — Luz discovered by a supporter; key decisions unfold 1:01:00 – 1:04:00 — End of Episode 5 + predictions for Alex & Elle 1:04:00 – 1:09:00 — Final thoughts: Aldis, standout moments, and Kayla predictions 1:09:00 – 1:13:00 — Why it’s binge-worthy: eye candy, real conversations, and relevant issues 1:13:00 – End — What Was She Thinking final thoughts

    1h 20m
  5. Cul-de-Sac Dreams: Seeing Myself in the New The Burbs

    Mar 12

    Cul-de-Sac Dreams: Seeing Myself in the New The Burbs

    In this episode, we review the new series The 'Burbs starring Keke Palmer. What happens when suburban curiosity meets modern conversations about race, motherhood, and belonging? We discuss cul-de-sac culture, raising kids in neighborhoods where you might be the minority, and how this reimagining of the classic The 'Burbs adds a fresh perspective to suburban life. 0:00 – Opening | Introducing the New The Burbs Intro to the series and why we wanted to review it. 3:00 – Do Neighbors Still Talk? Suburban Community Then vs. Now Remembering when neighbors actually knew each other. 13:30 – The Original The Burbs vs. Episode 1 Introducing Samira and the mostly white suburban world she enters. 16:00 – Blackness in the Suburbs Samira, her brother Langston, bonnets outside, and maternity leave boredom. 19:30 – The Mystery Begins How the TV series mirrors the stress-relief chaos of the original movie. 22:30 – Nosy Neighbors & Library Investigations Samira starts researching the mysterious house across the street. 25:00 – Forming the Suburban Investigation Team Episode 1 ends with alliances forming and Samira choosing suburban life. 29:00 – Episode 2 Begins | Meet Agnes & Gary The enforcer of suburban rules and the suspicious new neighbor. 34:00 – The Suburban Side-Eye Is everyone being cautious… or just nosy? 38:00 – Safety vs Suspicion What it means to live alone when the police come knocking. 45:00 – A Black Writer’s Perspective Questioning some of Samira’s decisions. 47:40 – Episode 3 & The Basement Breakdown Comparing Samira’s spiral to the movie’s finale chaos. 50:00 – Breaking Into Gary’s House? Comedy, bad planning, and questionable decisions. 56:30 – Samira vs Rob Trust, frustration, and wanting to be believed. 1:05:00 – Season Questions & Predictions What happened to childhood friends and where the series might go next. 1:09:00 – Cultural Themes & Representation Is suburban life really safer? And who’s writing these stories? 1:18:00 – What Was She Thinking Perspectives Final thoughts and reflections.

    1h 24m
  6. Can You Manifest a Man With a List?

    Feb 24

    Can You Manifest a Man With a List?

    In this episode of What Was She Thinking?, we’re diving into Relationship Goals, starring Kelly Rowland and Method Man. We found this film to be a pleasant, easy watch—very much in the spirit of something you’d catch on Lifetime or Hallmark with a faith-forward twist. Kim and Sharla unpack the movie’s Christian-based motivations around love and marriage, and we get honest about our own personal challenges with stepping back into the dating game. We also explore the cultural critiques surrounding Pastor Mike—whose book inspired the film—and the broader conversation about modern dating, faith, and relationship expectations. Is it aspirational? Unrealistic? Comforting? Let’s talk about it. 0:00 – 7:00 – Opening & Intro Introducing Relationship Goals + Valentine’s Day plans (including parenting teens on Valentine’s 👀) 7:30 – 12:20 – First Impressions Initial thoughts on the characters; the three relationship stages represented; Brenda and her long-term boyfriend; speaking up for what you want. 12:50 – 14:44 – Faith & Course Correction Faith-based themes; listening for God’s direction in relationships. 14:50 – 21:57 – Meet Leah Independent corporate woman energy; Lifetime-movie vibes; Leah’s emotional wounds; identity tied to work; comparisons to Think Like a Man; performances by Kelly Rowland and Robin Thede; connection to Michael Todd. 22:00 – 26:00 – Enter Clifford Method Man joins as the new hire; first impressions (yes, we discuss how good he looks 😅); Leah’s professional ambition and competition for the job. 26:40 – 33:57 – The List Superficial traits vs. deeper qualities; how “the list” evolves over time; using a list as a defense mechanism. 34:00 – 37:20 – Jarrod Arrives Jarrod enters the office and wins everyone over. 37:30 – 42:00 – Valentine’s Segment & Self-Reflection On-air Valentine’s Day segment; Triece gets left at the restaurant; beginning group reflections on the book Relationship Goals. 43:00 – 49:00 – Being Clear About What You Want Is a “job with benefits” enough? Emotional availability and safety; dating at different life stages; Leah and Jarrod navigating an age gap. 50:00 – 52:40 – A Changed Man? Jarrod’s transformation and church scene. 53:00 – 59:00 – Triece’s Turning Point Christian rom-com themes; desperation, pressure, and embarrassment around relationships; introducing Roland. 59:20 – 1:03:00 – Oversharing on the First Date? The trend of revealing everything upfront; practicing flirting; Brenda draws a line in the sand. 1:05:00 – 1:07:00 – Pastor Mike & Rekindled Romance Pastor Mike and his wife’s role in the story; Leah and Jarrod reconnect. 1:07:00 – 1:12:00 – Unresolved Wounds Leah faces competition-free success; grief and emotional healing; should the writers have gone deeper? Jarrod’s past infidelity explored. 1:12:00 – 1:15:00 – Letting Love In Leah becomes more comfortable being with Jarrod. 1:15:00 – 1:19:00 – Online Criticism Discussion of public criticism surrounding Pastor Todd and the film’s connection. 1:20:00 – 1:26:00 – What Was She Thinking? Perspectives Final reflections and takeaways

    1h 28m
  7. Bridgerton Season 4 Part 1 - He Offered What?!

    Feb 12

    Bridgerton Season 4 Part 1 - He Offered What?!

    In this episode, we step back into the opulent world of Bridgerton — where romance blooms, reputations are fragile, and tradition governs everything. Kim and Sharla recap seasons 1–3, revisiting themes of patriarchy, arranged marriage, sexual innocence, strategy vs. romance, and the double standards placed on women. From Daphne’s naiveté and Anthony’s fear of love, to Penelope’s rise as Lady Whistledown and Benedict’s complicated desires, we unpack how each season reflects modern conversations about gender, power, and choice. Then we dive into Season 4 — where Benedict emerges as the Queen’s chosen bachelor and becomes captivated by the mysterious Sophie. As their chemistry unfolds, so do the realities of class, secrecy, reputation, and the question that shifts everything: what is a woman willing to accept in the name of love? Because whether it’s 1815 or 2025, the question remains… What Was She Thinking? Timestamps 0:00 – 9:50 Period dramas: Bridgerton, The Gilded Age, and Downton Abbey — the appeal of the ultra-wealthy lifestyle and men as financial providers. 10:00 – 12:10 Season 1 recap — Patriarchy, the Queen’s “Diamond,” Daphne and Simon’s introduction, and Simon’s vow not to have children. 12:28 – 14:50 The presentation of women — debutante culture, expectations of innocence, and the double standard allowing men sexual freedom. 14:50 – 19:50 Arranged marriages vs. love matches — Lady Bridgerton’s values, marriage as business, and cultural comparisons. 19:50 – 25:43 Daphne’s innocence about sex — women denied pleasure then and now. 26:30 – 32:50 Season 2 recap — Anthony as a rake and the undeniable chemistry between Anthony and Kate. 32:50 – 33:20 Anthony’s fear of falling in love. 33:20 – 37:40 Season 3 recap — Penelope stepping into her power and Francesca wanting something different. 37:40 – 40:50 Penelope and Colin, Lady Whistledown as financial independence, and Eloise rejecting marriage. 40:50 – 45:40 Benedict’s threesome and Cressida claiming to be Lady Whistledown. 46:10 – 51:35 Season 4 begins — Benedict as the season’s rake and Sophie’s mysterious arrival at the ball. 52:00 – 56:00 Queen Charlotte selects Benedict; her boredom, marriage, and real-life historical context. 56:00 – 58:30 Episode 2 — Benedict searches for Sophie; Lady Danbury urges the Queen to rest. 58:35 – 1:02:45 Sophie’s harsh treatment by her stepmother. 1:02:47 – 1:04:15 Sophie cast out; another encounter with Benedict; undeniable chemistry — and he still doesn’t recognize her. 1:04:15 – 1:12:05 Episode 3 — Francesca’s wedding night questions; Towanda’s bridal party commentary; fashion and freedom. 1:12:55 – 1:17:20 Maid shortage and Mrs. Varley’s new dresses. 1:17:20 – 1:19:24 Featherington strategy vs. Bridgerton loyalty — love versus survival. 1:19:24 – 1:24:00 Keeping the storyline fresh — My Cottage, Sophie working at Bridgerton House, and class contrasts. 1:24:25 – 1:36:00 Benedict fails to recognize Sophie; Lady Bridgerton’s protection of her; why Sophie stays silent; Lady Bridgerton reclaiming her spark. 1:36:50 – 1:44:00 Final thoughts — the limited power of women in that era and how they still shaped society; the legacy of debutante culture. 1:44:17 What Was She Thinking? perspectives.

    1h 50m
  8. Will Trent - Season 4: Is healing supposed to look this messy?

    Feb 1

    Will Trent - Season 4: Is healing supposed to look this messy?

    Is healing supposed to look this messy? In this episode of What Was She Thinking, we unpack the latest season of Will Trent—from Will’s long-overdue turn to therapy to the unresolved, emotionally charged bond between Will and Angie. While the series presents itself as a procedural, what truly keeps us watching is its honest exploration of trauma, co-dependence, and the ways we often resist the healing we say we want. We dig into self-sabotage, rigid ideas of right and wrong, and what happens when confronting your past starts to blur moral lines instead of clarifying them. Along the way, we reflect on how Will’s journey mirrors real-life struggles with self-worth, belonging, and the patterns we’re forced to face if we genuinely want change. Plus—are Will and Angie really done for good? And what does healing cost when love and trauma are deeply intertwined? Episode Chapters / Timestamps 0:00 – 1:25 Opening: Is Healing Supposed to Look This Messy? 1:27 – 4:00 First Impressions: Will Trent as a Procedural (Mentalist, SVU, Monk Comparisons) 4:00 – 7:00 Seasons 1–3 Overview: Setting the Emotional Tone 7:00 – 8:25 What Makes Will Different: Ramón Rodríguez’s Performance 8:31 – 9:34 Erika Christensen’s Career & Angie’s Core Flaws 11:00 – 12:20 Character Flaws: Will, Angie, and Amanda’s Connection 12:25 – 17:00 Season 2: Will’s Commitment to Right vs. Wrong 17:25 – 21:43 Will and Amanda: Their Bond, Backstory, and Faith’s Mother 21:53 – 25:00 Season 3: From Coworkers to Chosen Family 25:05 – 29:54 Will and Angie’s Co-Dependence 30:00 – 33:20 Season 4 Begins: Therapy, Angie, and the Baby Question 33:20 – 35:00 Angie’s Rejection of Love 35:20 – 40:00 Will and James: Healing or Losing Control? 41:00 – 46:20 Will Taken by James: Angie Shows Up—Pregnant and All 47:00 – 50:00 Episode Two: Where Does Will’s Healing Go From Here? 51:00 – 1:00:00 Healing & Self-Worth Through Will, Faith, and Her Son 1:00:00 – 1:11:00 Final Thoughts: Cast Chemistry, Consistency, and Why It Works 1:12:00 – 1:17:53 What Was She Thinking Perspectives & Takeaways

    1h 18m
  9. Was this the real Sin in the movie Sinners?

    Jan 19

    Was this the real Sin in the movie Sinners?

    When critics fixate on the final scene of Sinners—particularly Smoke killing a Klansman—they may be missing the deeper question the film is asking. In this episode, we unpack Ryan Coogler’s exploration of sin, faith, pain, and self-soothing, and why the real discomfort isn’t about violence but about what we call survival. Through personal reflection, theology, and cultural context, we examine whether Sinners is ultimately asking: Is there any true freedom at all? Timestamps 0:00 – 8:00 | Intro and first thoughts on Sinners 8:35 – 11:00 | Cold open in church and the start of Act One • History of sharecropping 11:00 – 14:59 | Introduction of Smoke and Stack • A departure from the typical Southern Black male archetype on screen 15:49 – 18:06 | Smoke and Stack retrieve their stash • How are they “sinning”? • Sharecropping’s grip and dreaming beyond that life 18:00 – 21:07 | Pressure to enter the family business • Stepping outside family and community expectations 22:00 – 27:00 | At the Chows • The little girl watching the truck • Smoke and Stack’s reputation 27:00 – 29:00 | Introducing the night’s key players • Delta Slim, Mary, and Pearline 30:00 – 33:00 | Coogler’s message about pain • The chain gang moment • Cornbread leaves the fields hoping for more 33:32 – 39:00 | The introduction of vampires • The film’s tonal shift • Remmick enters • Sammie’s singing calls something forth 39:30 – 46:46 | Annie and Smoke • Jordan’s chemistry with Annie and Mary • Annie’s spiritual grounding 47:27 – 50:42 | Act One momentum • Heading to the club • Smoke and Stack as 1930s event promoters • Pearline and Mary as alternate expressions of “sin” 51:00 – 1:00:00 | Preacher Boy conjures figures from different eras • Does this deepen the story or disrupt it? 1:01:00 – 1:05:00 | Remmick, Joan, and Bert arrive at the juke joint • Stack allows Mary to visit them for profit • Are they running a lick? 1:07:00 – 1:13:06 | Mary returns and bites Stack • Vampires must be invited in • Inviting the devil • Annie explains how to keep vampires away • Cornbread returns and gaslights—evil lies 1:15:00 – 1:19:00 | Vampires reveal who they are • Bo returns • “Dying to self” as false freedom—Remmick’s argument 1:20:02 – 1:23:06 | The final confrontations • Humans vs. vampires • Everyone gets bitten • Smoke and Stack fight • Smoke kills Annie 1:23:19 – 1:35:00 | Film conclusion • Cultural messages • Black trauma in supernatural storytelling 1:36:33 – End | What Was She Thinking? perspectives

    1h 45m
  10. Was Waiting to Exhale about patience—or settling?

    Jan 12

    Was Waiting to Exhale about patience—or settling?

    In this episode of What Was She Thinking?, we revisit the iconic film and unpack the choices of Bernie, Robin, Savannah, and Gloria—from betrayal on New Year’s Eve to high standards, down-low men, and the cost of giving men the benefit of the doubt. 0:00 – Welcome to Waiting to Exhale 6:30 – NYE Betrayal: Bernie Finds Out 8:14 – Meet the Women & Their Crossroads 16:00 – Gloria & the Down-Low Men Era 17:54 – When Gloria & Robin Learn the Truth 23:24 – Robin & Michael: Waiting or Settling? 33:00 – Why Is Waiting So Hard? 42:00 – The Slap Heard Around the Room 43:00 – Gloria Catches Her Son 48:00 – Nosy or Flirting? Gloria’s Moment 52:00 – Do We Even Recognize Flirting Anymore? 57:00 – Savannah & Robin: Giving Men Grace 1:03:00 – Mothers, Patterns & the Men We Choose 1:10:00 – Bernie’s Comeback & High Standards 1:16:00 – Full Circle: NYE & Every Woman’s Outcome 1:22:22 – What Was She Thinking? Final Perspectives

    1h 30m
  11. Is Perfidia Beverly Hills a Jezebel?

    Jan 3

    Is Perfidia Beverly Hills a Jezebel?

    In this episode of What Was She Thinking by She Could, we analyze Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another (2025) and examine the portrayal of Perfidia Beverly Hills, played by Teyana Taylor. We explore whether the film critiques or reinforces the Jezebel trope, and what this depiction says about race, sexuality, power, and representation in modern cinema. Topics include: The Jezebel trope in film & historyPerfidia’s portrayal and hypersexualizationIntent vs. impact in storytellingWhat audiences are (and aren’t) noticingTimestamps: 00:00 Intro 03:00 Discussion of intro of film, Act 1 and Perfidia 22:00 Jungle P***y analysis 28:00 Capture of Perfidia and Lockjaw - he “saves” her 34:00 Perfidia leaves Charlotte/Willa - Postpartum 45:00 Act 2 - 16 years later/Willa is a teen/parent teacher conference 48:00 Intro of Sensei/Escape plan/Decline of Bob 53:00 Comparison of Bob, Sensei and Lockjaw 55:00 Christmas Adventurers Club analysis and Lockjaw 1:13:00 Decline of French 75 1:18:00 Director/Writers personal connection to story (Married to Rudolph)/Discussion of Jezebel character 1:28:00 Historical relationships between black women and white men/Perfidia and power 1:30:00 Perfidia duality - power or shame? 1:40:46 What Was She Thinking takeaways

    1h 51m
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

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About

What Was She Thinking delivers thoughtful, engaging reviews of movies, TV shows, and cultural moments that shape how women—especially women of color—see themselves and the world. Through insightful commentary and honest conversation, we delve into representation, identity, and the stories that shape our perspectives. Expect episodes that make you laugh, reflect, and feel inspired—because you are wonderful, worthy, and deeply valuable.

Information

  • Creator
    Sharla Brown
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Sharla Brown
  • Show Website
    What Was She Thinking