Wise Black Nanas

Sharla M. Walker and Joanne Early
  • 5.0 (10)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Sharing intensely personal and professional stories from life experiences, these every day mature Black Women give it to you straight, with compassion, sometimes with candor, always with caring and gentleness, just like your Nana. Wise Black Nanas uses their unique place in life to encourage, open and start conversations about difficult topics and life events.

  1. NOV 1

    Friends - The Real Deal

    The Wise Black Nanas are shining a light on friends and friendships, exploring what they mean, how they shape us, and why they matter. What makes a good friend? How do you know who is truly there for you? In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Sharla opens up about one of the most private and painful times in her life and how her friends helped her through it. Join the Nanas as they share stories, laughter, and lessons on finding, keeping, and being great friends at any age and at any stage of life. It is never too late to build deeper, more meaningful connections.

    49 min

  2. OCT 1

    Procrastination - “I’ll Do It Later?”

    How often do we consciously or unconsciously utter “I’ll do it later, tomorrow, next week, next life?”. In this Episode, Wise Black Nanas take a closer look at this everyday action, or inaction. Is procrastination a real thing? What is procrastination and what keeps us from “doing it now?” Why do we procrastinate, at home at work, in all interactions and aspects of our lives? Can you guess which Nana is an admitted procrastinator? The Nanas suggest ways that we turn procrastination around. Or maybe we’ll do it later... Thank-you for listening! You can support the Nanas at https://wiseblacknanas.com/support

    39 min

  3. SEP 1

    Tough Love

    In this powerful and revealing episode, the Nanas go deep on what it really means to love someone enough to be tough. With their trademark honesty, wisdom, and unfiltered truth-telling, they explore the many faces of Tough Love—when it's necessary, how it can be misunderstood, and why it's often one of the hardest but most loving places to stand. They open up about personal experiences, the emotional weight of holding boundaries, and the internal struggle of showing up with fierce love when softness just won't serve. If you've ever had to make a hard call for the sake of someone you care about—or if you're on the receiving end of someone else's truth—this episode will give you clarity, validation, and courage.

    30 min

  4. JUN 19

    A Juneteenth Message from the Nanas

    In this short but heartfelt message, the Wise Black Nanas take a moment to honor Juneteenth, a day of reflection, celebration, and continued commitment to freedom and justice. Dr. Sharla shares a personal memory of seeing Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” speak in Las Vegas. Her inspirational presence was a powerful example of the impact one person can have in changing a nation’s story. Looking for a deeper dive into the history and meaning behind Juneteenth? The Nanas invite you to revisit Episode 13 – Juneteenth: Did You Know?, where they explore the history and enduring significance of this important day.

    5 min

  5. JUN 1

    How You Doing?

    Wise Black Nanas take a look at this common, everyday casual phrase that most of us know well, or do we? How often do you say “How You Doing”? What’s going on when you use the phrase? How are you feeling about the other person who asked you? Probably not something you have considered lately. As usual the Nanas have their own thoughts and experiences with this phrase, and can’t wait to share them with you.

    25 min

  6. MAY 1

    Longing For the Good "Ole" Days

    Wise Black Nanas takes a light hearted look at looking back to past times, a slice of their past life, a few of their favorite memories from the Good Ole Days. Joanne and Dr Sharla think a little humor is just the ticket for our current time. When things seem negative, Wise Black Nanas look for the positive. Hear what they think is great and not so great about looking back and how might looking back help us today?

    32 min

  7. APR 4

    Robbers of Joy

    Wise Black Nanas take a look at Robbers of Joy. Just what is that anyway? In their own unique way, Joanne and Dr Sharla talk about the things that Rob us of Joy, whether it is family, work, or life situations, there are ways to recognize and restore that Joy. Listen in as they leave you with hope, optimism and strategies that are simple and lighthearted. And of course with a few laughs along the way.

    36 min

  8. MAR 1

    Diagnosis - "You Have Cancer."

    What happens when cancer is the diagnosis? How does this affect Wise Black Nanas?  Listen in to hear about this intensely personal account describing how Joanne reacts when she hears those words, directed at her. How does it impact her life? What does she think was most helpful to her, how does she navigate through it?  What are her thoughts, how is she doing now, what words of experience and advice does she share? Listen in as Wise Black Nanas talk about keeping this chapter together or maybe not.

    36 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Sharing intensely personal and professional stories from life experiences, these every day mature Black Women give it to you straight, with compassion, sometimes with candor, always with caring and gentleness, just like your Nana. Wise Black Nanas uses their unique place in life to encourage, open and start conversations about difficult topics and life events.

Information

  • Creator
    Sharla M. Walker and Joanne Early
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Sharla M. Walker and Joanne Early
  • Show Website
    Wise Black Nanas