Wine, Wisdom & What Now?

Yolanda Holliday

Wine, Wisdom & What Now? is a lifestyle podcast for Black women navigating reinvention, identity shifts, wellness, and the “what now” season of life. Through honest conversations, reflective storytelling, and expert insight, host Yolanda Holliday creates a space where women feel seen, supported, and reminded they don’t have to navigate this season alone.

  1. 4d ago

    Ep 13 | Take Off the Mask | Wine, Wisdom & Showing Up as Yourself

    What happens when the version of you everyone sees doesn’t match what’s really happening behind closed doors? In this solo episode of Wine, Wisdom & What Now?, Yolanda Holliday gets honest about the masks we sometimes wear—the smiles, the “I’m fine,” and the picture-perfect version of life we present to others while privately knowing that everything isn’t okay. Yolanda challenges us to consider the emotional cost of pretending and asks a powerful question: Do you want to appear happy, or do you want to actually become happy? This conversation is an invitation to take off the mask, get honest about what’s happening in your life, and create space for the real you to show up. Yolanda also talks about the importance of having safe people you can be vulnerable with and shares a simple self-reflection exercise to help identify what may need your attention in this season.  If you’ve been telling everyone you’re fine while quietly carrying something very different, this episode is your reminder that you don’t have to perform happiness. You deserve to do the work that allows you to actually experience it. This Week’s Pairing: 🍷 Black Girl Magic Sparkling Brut by McBride Sisters — a crisp California sparkling wine made with Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay, with tropical aromas of pineapple and melon and flavors of apple, pear, and white peach.  Reflection Question: Where in your life are you working harder to appear okay than you are to actually become okay? If this episode encouraged you, be sure to follow, rate, and share Wine, Wisdom & What Now? with another woman who may need this conversation. Thank you for joining me for another episode of Wine, Wisdom & What Now? If today’s conversation resonated with you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another woman navigating her own “what now” season. And remember—you do not have to navigate this season of life alone. Until next time, pour a glass, give yourself grace, and keep becoming. Join the conversation — send Yolanda a message. Thank you for joining me for another episode of Wine, Wisdom & What Now? If today’s conversation resonated with you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another woman navigating her own “what now” season. And remember — you do not have to navigate this season of life alone. Until next time, pour a glass, give yourself grace, and keep becoming.

    Ep 13 | Take Off the Mask | Wine, Wisdom & Showing Up as Yourself
  2. Aug 18

    Ep 012 | Find Your Circle | Wine, Wisdom & The Power of Community

    Who is in your circle—and do you have the kind of community that challenges you, supports you, and reminds you that you don't have to figure everything out alone? In this solo episode of Wine, Wisdom & What Now?, Yolanda Holliday opens up about why community has become such an important part of her life and why she believes every woman deserves a space where she can be supported, encouraged, challenged, and understood. From navigating perimenopause and empty nesting to preparing for retirement, pursuing new dreams, and simply figuring out what's next, so many women are experiencing major life transitions without the guidance or support they need. Yolanda shares why she believes we don't have to continue doing it alone—and how that belief became the foundation for Curated Living by YH and its flagship membership community, The Curated Circle. Together, we explore: —Why the right community matters in this season of life —The importance of having people who challenge you to grow —Finding support outside of traditional family relationships —Navigating empty nesting, wellness, finances, reinvention, and other life transitions together —Why asking for support doesn't make you less capable —Finding your tribe while being intentional about who you allow into your circle —The vision behind Curated Living and The Curated Circle Yolanda also shares what's coming next for Curated Living, including the September 1 launch of The Curated Circle—a community created for Black women over 40 to connect, learn, grow, celebrate themselves, and navigate this season of life together. Whether you're navigating a transition, rediscovering yourself, pursuing something new, or simply wishing you had women around you who truly understood, this conversation is your reminder that your tribe is out there—and you don't have to do life alone. This Week's Pairing: 🍷 Longevity Wines 2025 “Pink” Pinot Grigio by Phil Long — a beautiful copper-hued Pinot Grigio with bright citrus, pineapple, pear, and green apple. Behind the bottle is the beautiful story of Phil and his late wife, Debra, whose shared love of wine became Longevity Wines and a legacy Phil continues today. Reflection Question: Who is in your circle right now—and are you surrounded by people who support, challenge, encourage, and help you grow? If this episode resonated with you, follow, rate, and share Wine, Wisdom & What Now? with another woman who may be looking for her circle, too. Thank you for joining me for another episode of Wine, Wisdom & What Now? If today's conversation resonated with you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another woman navigating her own “what now” season. And remember—you do not have to navigate this season of life alone. Until next time, pour a glass, give yourself grace, and keep becoming. Join the conversation — send Yolanda a message. Thank you for joining me for another episode of Wine, Wisdom & What Now? If today’s conversation resonated with you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another woman navigating her own “what now” season. And remember — you do not have to navigate this season of life alone. Until next time, pour a glass, give yourself grace, and keep becoming.

    Ep 012 | Find Your Circle | Wine, Wisdom & The Power of Community
  3. Aug 11

    Ep 011 | Choosing Peace | Wine, Wisdom & Trusting Yourself

    What happens when you finally trust the feeling that tells you something isn’t right—even when walking away means stepping into the unknown? In this episode of Wine, Wisdom & What Now?, Yolanda Holliday sits down with occupational therapist Shayla for an honest conversation about choosing peace, trusting yourself, setting boundaries, and finding the courage to make difficult decisions. After years of naturally putting others first, Shayla found herself facing a decision that required her to do something that didn't come easily: choose herself. Just months after becoming engaged, she recognized that the relationship wasn't aligned with the peace and future she wanted and made the difficult decision to walk away.  Together, they discuss: —Learning to listen to yourself when you don't have all the answers  —Recognizing when something no longer feels right  —Choosing peace even when the decision is difficult  —Why having boundaries begins with respecting yourself  —The difference between compromise and settling  —Learning to receive support after years of doing everything yourself  —Trusting God when you can't see what's on the other side Shayla also opens up about what she wants from love moving forward: emotional safety, maturity, partnership, and the freedom to fully be herself. As she puts it, she's willing to compromise, but she's no longer willing to settle.  Whether you're questioning a relationship, struggling with a difficult decision, or simply learning to trust your own voice again, this conversation is a reminder that choosing yourself doesn't mean giving up on love—it means refusing to lose yourself in the process. This Week's Pairing: Brown Estate Chaos Theory — a full-bodied red blend featuring dark fruit, warm spice, and layers of blackberry, plum, clove, cinnamon, vanilla, and earthy notes.  Reflection Question: What have you been feeling in your gut that you keep trying to talk yourself out of—and what might change if you finally trusted yourself? If this episode resonated with you, follow, rate, and share Wine, Wisdom & What Now? with another woman who may need permission to choose her peace. Thank you for joining me for another episode of Wine, Wisdom & What Now? If today’s conversation resonated with you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another woman navigating her own “what now” season. And remember—you do not have to navigate this season of life alone. Until next time, pour a glass, give yourself grace, and keep becoming. Join the conversation — send Yolanda a message. Thank you for joining me for another episode of Wine, Wisdom & What Now? If today’s conversation resonated with you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another woman navigating her own “what now” season. And remember — you do not have to navigate this season of life alone. Until next time, pour a glass, give yourself grace, and keep becoming.

    Ep 011 | Choosing Peace | Wine, Wisdom & Trusting Yourself
  4. Aug 4

    EP 010 | It's Not Too Late | Wine, Wisdom & Starting Where You Are

    What if your best chapter isn't behind you—but still waiting for you? In this episode of Wine, Wisdom & What Now?, Yolanda Holliday shares one of her most personal solo conversations yet, reflecting on grief, family, community, and why turning 50 has become a season of purpose instead of limitation. After attending a family gathering that stirred unexpected emotions, Yolanda opens up about navigating changing family dynamics, honoring the relationships that shaped her, and why the experience reaffirmed her passion for building Curated Living—a community where Black women don't have to navigate life's transitions alone. She also shares why she refuses to let age define what's possible and why every day is another opportunity to begin again. Together, we explore:  Navigating grief while embracing new beginnings  Why community matters now more than ever  Letting go of the belief that you're "too old"  Building the life you've been dreaming about—one step at a time  Overcoming imposter syndrome and trusting your purpose  Choosing courage over comfort in this season of life Whether you're starting over after 40, grieving what was, or wondering if it's too late to pursue the life you've imagined, this conversation is a reminder that your story is still being written—and your next chapter may be your best one yet. This Week's Pairing: 🍷 LVE Cabernet Sauvignon by John Legend — a smooth, full-bodied Cabernet with notes of blackberry, caramelized fig, and dark chocolate. As always, we're proud to highlight another Black-owned wine brand and encourage you to support the businesses helping diversify the wine industry. Reflection Question: What dream have you been putting on hold because you believe you've missed your moment—and what would change if you decided to begin anyway? If this episode encouraged you, be sure to follow, rate, and share Wine, Wisdom & What Now? with another woman who needs the reminder that it's never too late to begin again. Thank you for joining me for another episode of Wine, Wisdom & What Now? If today's conversation resonated with you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another woman navigating her own "what now" season. And remember—you do not have to navigate this season of life alone. Until next time, pour a glass, give yourself grace, and keep becoming. Join the conversation — send Yolanda a message. Thank you for joining me for another episode of Wine, Wisdom & What Now? If today’s conversation resonated with you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another woman navigating her own “what now” season. And remember — you do not have to navigate this season of life alone. Until next time, pour a glass, give yourself grace, and keep becoming.

    EP 010 | It's Not Too Late | Wine, Wisdom & Starting Where You Are
  5. Jul 28

    Ep 009 | Now It's My Time | Wine, Wisdom & Choosing Happiness

    What happens when you’ve spent years taking care of everyone else and finally realize it’s time to choose yourself? In this episode of Wine, Wisdom & What Now?, Yolanda Holliday sits down with Pastor Keevi Worthy for a deeply personal conversation about grief, faith, healing, and the decision to make happiness a priority. After losing her husband, Keevi found herself facing a difficult truth: she had spent much of her life worrying about and caring for everyone around her, while quietly carrying her own pain. Through grief, reflection, faith, and learning when to pull away, she began giving herself permission to live differently—to set boundaries, protect her peace, and choose happiness without apology. Together, they discuss: Navigating grief while giving yourself permission to keep livingThe difference between appearing happy and truly being happyLearning to say no and knowing when to pull awayFinding strength through faithWhy the right people matter during difficult seasonsChoosing yourself after years of taking care of everyone elseWhether you’re grieving a loss, carrying the weight of everyone around you, or simply realizing that you’ve spent too much time putting yourself last, this conversation is a reminder that you can still find joy, choose yourself, and create happiness in the life that is still ahead of you. This Week’s Pairing: Peach in Love Peach Bellini by Tabitha Brown — a sweet, peach-forward Bellini that pairs beautifully with a conversation about finding joy again, embracing freedom, and allowing yourself to enjoy the season you’re in. As always, we’re proud to highlight another Black-owned wine brand and encourage you to support the brands helping diversify the wine industry. Reflection Question: When was the last time you stopped taking care of everyone else long enough to ask yourself, “Am I truly happy?” If this episode encouraged you, be sure to follow, rate, and share Wine, Wisdom & What Now? with another woman who may need the reminder that it’s okay to have hard days, it’s okay to grieve, and it’s okay to choose yourself. As Pastor Keevi reminds us: don’t give up on yourself. Thank you for joining me for another episode of Wine, Wisdom & What Now? If today’s conversation resonated with you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another woman navigating her own “what now” season. And remember — you do not have to navigate this season of life alone. Until next time, pour a glass, give yourself grace, and keep becoming. Join the conversation — send Yolanda a message. Thank you for joining me for another episode of Wine, Wisdom & What Now? If today’s conversation resonated with you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another woman navigating her own “what now” season. And remember — you do not have to navigate this season of life alone. Until next time, pour a glass, give yourself grace, and keep becoming.

    Ep 009 | Now It's My Time | Wine, Wisdom & Choosing Happiness
  6. Jul 21

    EP 008 | Pouring Into Purpose | Wine, Wisdom & Living Intentionally

    What happens when you stop pouring from an empty cup and start pouring into your purpose? In this episode of Wine, Wisdom & What Now?, Yolanda Holliday sits down with entrepreneur and Horton Cellars owner Denise Horton for an inspiring conversation about faith, boundaries, reinvention, and having the courage to bet on yourself. After spending 19 years in healthcare, Denise made the life-changing decision to leave a stable career and pursue her passion for wine. It wasn't an easy leap, but by choosing faith over fear and intentionality over comfort, she discovered a life filled with purpose, freedom, and fulfillment. Together, they discuss:  What it means to live intentionally  Setting boundaries without guilt  The courage to leave a secure career and follow your calling  Why "do it scared" might be the best advice you'll ever receive  Finding confidence in spaces where you're often the only one  The importance of supporting Black-owned businesses and building community Whether you're considering a career change, learning to choose yourself, or simply looking for the courage to take your next step, this conversation will remind you that your purpose is worth pursuing—even if it requires you to step out in faith. This Week's Pairing: 🍷 House of Brown California Red Blend — a vibrant, fruit-forward red with notes of sugared cherry, hibiscus tea, and strawberry. As always, we're proud to highlight another Black-owned wine brand and encourage you to support the businesses helping diversify the wine industry. Reflection Question: What dream have you been putting on hold because you're waiting to feel ready—and what would happen if you decided to do it scared? If this episode encouraged you, be sure to follow, rate, and share Wine, Wisdom & What Now? with someone who's standing at the edge of a new beginning. Your next chapter may begin with one courageous decision.  Join the conversation — send Yolanda a message. Thank you for joining me for another episode of Wine, Wisdom & What Now? If today’s conversation resonated with you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another woman navigating her own “what now” season. And remember — you do not have to navigate this season of life alone. Until next time, pour a glass, give yourself grace, and keep becoming.

    EP 008 | Pouring Into Purpose | Wine, Wisdom & Living Intentionally
  7. Jul 14

    EP 007 | Life Looks Different Now | Wine, Wisdom & New Seasons

    Ep 007 | Life Looks Different Now | Wine, Wisdom & New Seasons In this episode of Wine, Wisdom & What Now?, Yolanda Holliday sits down with entrepreneur, event strategist, and business owner Pamela Howard for an honest conversation about navigating the unexpected transitions that come with this season of life. From menopause and empty nesting to becoming a grandmother and redefining self-care, Pamela shares how she learned to slow down, embrace change, and give herself grace when life no longer looked the way she planned. If you've ever found yourself adjusting to a new season and wondering, "What's next?" this conversation is for you. The Pairing: Love Y'all Moscato by Tabitha Brown Thank you for joining me for another episode of Wine, Wisdom & What Now? If today's conversation resonated with you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another woman navigating her own "what now" season. And remember—you do not have to navigate this season of life alone. Until next time, pour a glass, give yourself grace, and keep becoming. Join the conversation — send Yolanda a message. Thank you for joining me for another episode of Wine, Wisdom & What Now? If today’s conversation resonated with you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another woman navigating her own “what now” season. And remember — you do not have to navigate this season of life alone. Until next time, pour a glass, give yourself grace, and keep becoming.

    EP 007 | Life Looks Different Now | Wine, Wisdom & New Seasons

About

Wine, Wisdom & What Now? is a lifestyle podcast for Black women navigating reinvention, identity shifts, wellness, and the “what now” season of life. Through honest conversations, reflective storytelling, and expert insight, host Yolanda Holliday creates a space where women feel seen, supported, and reminded they don’t have to navigate this season alone.