The title for this quick snippet of an episode might be super telling. However, these last nine months of podcasting have led to such encouraging and eye-opening experiences. While this isn’t the end, I do want to take some space to regroup and figure out how to bring my best to all you great listeners who have supported me and brought forth your own mental health stories in such an inspiring way. Please continue to submit story ideas and show suggestions to the Because Life Instagram and I...

On today’s episode, I wanted to look back on my fears and anxieties ahead of giving birth to baby Daxon at the end of last year. I’m turning another page in my diary to speak to you guys on things I learned from the process of giving birth and recommendations based on the experience I went through (say yes to the doula!) I also give an update on where I’m at in my postpartum journey and my mindset of trying to find the familiar in these moments of great change. I’m forever grateful for those...

On today’s episode, I’m joined by my good friend and fellow Elon alum, Miles Williams, an educator and self-proclaimed mental health warrior. We catch up with  “America’s Covid Bae” (which I’m trademarking on his behalf) following his experience on the 11th season of Lifetime’s Married at First Sight. Miles shares how he’s faced his mental health journey throughout different moments in the last decade and we share different tips on how to find self-care practices that work best for you.   ...

In the spirit of being WORTH IT (because I know we all are), I’m speaking to you all solo in this episode on five practices and thoughts to keep in mind to help build self-confidence. The struggle continues to be real as some days prove harder to keep your head up over others. I hope these small yet mighty tips can encourage you to celebrate the small accomplishments and remind you of how much worth and unique presence you bring to this life. Starting with small motions can lead to BIG...

In today’s episode, we welcome back the wonderful Minaa B. to the co-host chair. She certainly brings the facts of the matter with her to the table as we debunk a list of common mental health myths and conspiracies. From mental health being stigmatized as a weakness, medication in mental health, exploring the world of therapy and what it’s not, and everything in between! Sitting down with Minaa B. gave a lot of great insights and proclamations to combat some of the falsehoods that add...

In today’s episode, I take you all with me on a little Sydel life history trip to revisit some previous relationships of mine and speak to how my mental health journey was impacted over the course of those times in my life. Leading to my current relationship with my husband, Damion, and the steps we take every day to work together while also giving each other the space to work on ourselves separately when we need to. Many of you listeners have submitted questions regarding your own mental...

Getting super real with you all on this first episode of the new year. With everything that 2021 has brought me and my growing family, for this episode I wanted to fly solo and give you all a peek into how my world has changed since the very recent birth of my sweet baby boy, Daxon. Specifically, I wanted to update you all on my current postpartum journey and dive into the depths of the struggles and unexpected outcomes that even I thought I was well prepared for. While it’s all happening in...

I can’t believe how quickly this year has gone! As we wrap up 2021 together, I wanted to share a favorite episode of mine from this year which hopefully will help energize and prepare us for what’s to come in 2022. Hope you enjoy!   In today’s episode, I am joined by the Founder of The Pattern App, Lisa Donovan, for an illuminating conversation about using Astrology as a tool to navigate your mental health. We talk about how her own mental health struggles sparked her introduction to...

Just in time to greet the holidays, we’re back with another installment of our “Ask A Therapist” series. On this episode, the wonderful Dr. Ebony joins me to answer YOUR questions about ways to deal with the stress and grief surrounding the holiday season while with family and friends. We take on your biggest questions on holiday anxieties including the pressure of affording gifts for loved ones, hosting the big day, along with tips to answer the age-old question of “why aren’t you in a...

On this episode of Because Life I’m joined by board-certified physician, clinical professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at both UCLA and USC, and the host of ‘The Fertile Life’ podcast, Dr. Shahin Ghadir! I asked you guys to submit all your fertility questions, from burning taboo topics to how to navigate the trenches when you and your partner are at each other’s throats. This episode is fully curated by you guys, so I hope you like it! We cover everything from how to know you need to see a...

On today’s episode, I sit down with 3-time Emmy winning journalist, TV host, activist, fellow podcaster, CEO, supermom of 2, and trailblazer: Catt Sadler! Together, we revisit our physical tolls and mental experiences with breakthrough Covid and how Catt’s case threw her into the center of media attention. We also dive deep into Catt’s mindset during her separation from E! News and how she set out to advocate for herself and other women in the workplace. Catt lets us in to her process of ...

In today’s episode I’m joined by trailblazing YouTuber, entrepreneur, and New York Time Best Selling author Connor Franta! While I was technically interviewing Connor, this recording really felt like a fun, casual hang with a new friend. We discuss the pressures and tolls that are felt posting and talking as a public figure amidst cancel culture, the perks of taking a solo trip and romancing yourself, finding the balance between helping others and helping yourself and more. This recording in...

As the day of taking on parenthood quickly approaches, I sit down with the one and only Damion Lee, my amazing husband. I asked you guys to submit your burning questions for us and boy, did you guys deliver! We talk about it all, catered by you, from our sex life while trying to conceive, the kind of parents we think each other will be, what a newborn will do to our lives, and for fun we answered a handful of unexpected rogue questions, just for you guys. This is probably the most unfiltered...

In today’s episode, we have another pinch-me collaboration! Joining me today is the lifestyle and wellness tastemaker, blogger, author, and the host of ‘The Blonde Files’ podcast, Arielle Lorre! We hear the origin story of The Blonde Files and how she built an empire from an anonymous Instagram account. She opens up about her years-long battle with alcoholism and addiction, we discuss the work that goes into maintaining mental wellness in sobriety, and the role of alcohol in the world of...

It’s just me today, sitting down for a raw, intimate account of my state of mind going into the final stage of pregnancy. This is kind of like my diary and I wanted to let you in on my headspace since you’ve been with me throughout this entire journey. I discuss my fears about experiencing labor pains, why having an unmedicated birth is important to me, the support system I’ve set up for the process, and the fear of the unknown as I become a mother. Plus, we have a little cameo from Damion! ...

Today’s episode is not just a special one…it’s a dream collaboration for me. We have two powerhouse mothers, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, stars of the Real Housewives of Potomac, and the hosts of the ‘Reasonably Shady’ podcast, Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon! We get into navigating the passionate fandom of the Real Housewives franchise, learning to compartmentalize on-camera drama and your mental wellbeing, and setting boundaries on social media for you mental health. Plus, we discuss...

In today's episode, we have our first return guest! The trailblazing model, entrepreneur, podcast host, and new mom, Hunter McGrady, joins me for a conversation about navigating body image, sex and intimacy while pregnant...and get ready because we really go there. We discuss the jarring shift in body image as it changes throughout pregnancy, the complexities of pregnant sex, finding new ways to express intimacy, navigating all of the awkward conversations that arise with your partner during...

We have a very special episode for you guys today! She is an author, entrepreneur, television host, actress, model, supermom, and so much more… my sister-in-law Ayesha is here! She opens up for the first time about her struggles with postpartum depression and we get into why it's not discussed enough, especially among black women. We talk about it all, including battling mental health struggles in the public eye, pre-labor anxieties, and so much more.   For more information on mental...

We are back with another installment of our 'Ask a Therapist' series today, and our girl Tasha Bailey is joining us from across the pond to answer your questions about reacclimating to life post-pandemic. We get into navigating social anxiety after a year and a half of isolation, managing heightened health anxiety, combatting COVID fatigue, preparing for seasonal depression, and much more.   We love giving you guys a chance to hear from our incredible therapist co-hosts and we hope today's...

I am flying solo in the hosting chair again today to bring you another very special episode with a VERY special guest: first-generation Bangladeshi-American activist, entrepreneur, author, self-care expert, beauty guru, and mother-to-be, Nabela Noor! We discuss maintaining your mental health in the public eye, cultural and generational differences when it comes to discussing mental health, and Nabela shares the incredible journey she faced to become a mother-to-be. We shared our feelings of...

In today’s extra special episode, I am joined by lifestyle and fashion tastemaker and the star of the hit Netflix series, Love is Blind, Giannina Milady Gibelli. We discuss being authentically and unapologetically yourself in an unnatural setting - especially in front of TV cameras - the mental toll of isolation in ‘The Pods,’ and radical honesty in romantic relationships. Plus, you know I couldn’t have Giannina on and not get some tea on ‘Love is Blind,’ and her current dating life….   I...

In today’s episode, Minaa B. joins me in the co-host chair for the second installment of our ‘Ask a Therapist’ series! Today, we’re discussing all things relationships and mental health. We get into how to identify a codependent relationship, setting boundaries in an existing relationship, overcoming dating anxieties, determining if breaks are healthy, and much more! We love hearing from you and hope these episodes help you in some way get through your mental health challenges.   Be sure to...

In today’s episode, Dr. Ebony joins me in the co-host chair to catch up on all things mental health in both our personal lives and in the culture. I talk further about the mental toll of the abortion ban with our resident Texan, along with facing the uncharted territory that is grieving your identity pre-baby, and more.   For our interview, we are joined by Aaron who is pioneering conversations about mental health as a Black man in the South, to discuss generational trauma, generation gaps...

In today’s episode, Jordan joins me in the co-host chair to discuss the goings on in our lives and the world. We discuss some unfortunate personal news becoming public in my life, balanced with a love-filled week of my baby shower and anniversary. Then, we get into current events in the world of mental health, including the Texas Abortion Restrictions and the toll this takes on not only feminine health but on mental health as well.   For our interview, we are joined by the amazing Zoya, who...