Girl Truth: What Lens Are You Looking Through?
By The Evoluer House
Girl Truth: What Lens Are You Looking Through?Feb 01, 2022
Black Girl Survival Guide - Things You "Just Do" as a Black Girl
Have you ever sat and thought about the things that you do as a black girl without even thinking? Ever catch yourself changing your tone, inflections, or even the speed you walk down the street depending where you’re at? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you will definitely want to tune in as we discuss the unspoken rules Black girls navigate in white spaces, from code-switching to hyperawareness in public. But it's not all survival! We'll also celebrate the beautiful things that make Black Girl culture unique. Don't miss this honest conversation about the Black teen experience!
Produced by: @theindiajade
Post Production by:
Anthony Decapri @anthonydecapri
Is Social Media Ruining Your Self-Esteem? (Let's Talk Girl Truth)
Season four of Girl Truth just got real about social media. Aniya, Mikala, and their favorite guest-host Marmia are spilling the tea on all the trends that have us pressed and depressed - luxury black girl life, the BBL pressure, and that feeling of needing EVERYTHING we see online. But it's not all doom and gloom... We're giving the girlies tips on how to dodge the negativity, curate a fierce feed, and use social media for good. Ditch those filters, grab your headphones, and tune in, our teen queens.
Follow our cause @theevoluerhouse
Produced by:
Post Production by:
Anthony Decapri @anthonydecapri
Relationships, Sex, and Sexuality: Black Girl POV
Girl Truth is all about empowering our fellow sisters of color by speaking on things often left unsaid, and this episode is no different. We're tackling relationships, sexuality, and we even get into some of the myths we've heard around sex in school and at home. Join Aniya, Mikala, and guest host Marmia as they give their opinion on teen relationship readiness, colorism in dating, and their definition of the word "queer".
Produced by:
Post Production by:
Anthony Decapri @anthonydecapri
Self-Care is Not Selfish: Mental Wellness Matters for Black Girls Too
Join us in this podcast episode for a slept on topic for the black girlies: mental health. We talk about the stigma within the black community and why prioritizing it is essential despite the challenges. Hosts Angela and Mikala are joined by special guest host Marmia, an Evoluer House Alum, mental health advocate, and college student. Together, we explore the historical and present-day factors contributing to higher rates of abuse and trauma among black girls and women, the stigma against seeking help for mental health issues, and the importance of breaking the cycle of silence and shame. Marmia shares her inspiring journey with mental health, highlighting the transformative power of prioritizing self-care, especially in college. The girls are here to normalize talking about and putting mental health first.
Remember to follow the Evoluer House @theevoluerhouse on Instagram and visit our website evoluerhouse.org to support our cause of helping underserved teen girls of color. Together, let's break the stigma and prioritize mental well-being for a healthier and happier future.
Follow our lovely editor @anthonydecapri on Instagram - he makes this possible!
Chalkboard Diaries: Black and Brown Girls in the Classroom
In the second episode of Girl Truth’s Season Four, hosts Angela, Aniya, and Mikala provide an in-depth exploration of the teenage black girl experience, focusing on the often-overlooked challenges faced by black and brown girls in America's classrooms. Joined by guest co-hoat Evoluer House alum and immigrant fashion designer Jennielee, the girls engage in an honest discussion on the school environment for girls that look like them in various high school settings. Mikala and Angela shed light on the distinctive challenges faced in predominantly black schools, while Aniya bravely navigates the microaggressions and isolation experienced as a black girl in predominantly white educational environments. The episode concludes with a powerful contribution from Jennielee, sharing her perspective as a Latina girl whose first language is not English. Aniya passionately emphasizes the hope that by sharing their experiences, they can contribute to creating a learning environment where basic needs are met, fostering genuine awareness and understanding.
Black Girls Are More than Objects
In Girl Truth's Season Four opening episode, hosts Angela, Aniya, and Mikala discuss the how black girls are objectified from a young age. They discuss objectification in media, schools, and sometimes even within their own homes. Opening up with a candid icebreaker, reminisce on when comments about their bodies or looks first surfaced. The girl crew also discusses the challenges of navigating societal expectations surrounding the "grown woman body" and the pressures to conform to a specific image. No shade to the Sexy Redds and Ice Spices of the world, but having only that image to strive to has a big impact on their mental health and self-worth.
Follow us on Instagram @theevoluerhouse, and donate to our mission of serving underrepresented girls at evoluerhouse.org.
The Messenger Part 2
In the Season 3 finale, Marmia Day shares two of her poems, specifically to encourage those who are experiencing battles for physical, mental and emotional health as she is. In her own words, "These poems are my truth. For everyone going through something similar to everyone who wants to just be able to try to get better. Those known and unknown to me. I will keep your vigil. I will bear witness to your pain.. until judgement day or victory. These two poems are for me *and* you. I love you. Be safe."
We love you, be safe, and we hope you will join us in August to kick off Season 4!
The Messenger: Part 1
In part one of our Season 3 finale, Marmia Day candidly shares her views regarding Autism Awareness Month from the perspective of a person with lived experience, raising a crucial question for lawmakers, politicians, health care providers and other entities that knowingly or unknowingly create barriers to the achievement of emotional, mental & physical well-being: Is this really the best we can do?
Women's History Month Rewind: Our Top Twenty Episodes
In the final installment of our Women's History Month celebration, we revisit four episodes that charted in the top twenty on Apple Podcasts Non-Profit Episodes charts:
BLACK GIRL PAIN - #2 in Albania
BLACKS AGAINST THE BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT - #2 in Indonesia
NAVIGATING A NEW NORM - #4 in Spain
THIS FEELS LIKE A SET UP - #20 in Poland
Women's History Month Rewind: The Story Episodes
In this installment of our Women's History Month rewind, we revisit our story episodes. These episodes give a glimpse into the lives, struggles and triumphs of our podcast co-hosts. Included in this episode are excerpts from LEAVING PUERTO RICO: JENNIELEE'S STORY with Jennielee Hilario, I AM NOT A TERRORIST with Baiyinah Gough, and INTRODUCING ASIYAH with Asiyah Ball.
Women's History Month Rewind ~ Our Number One Episodes
The Women's History Month rewind continues as we celebrate history making moments of our podcast. We revisit excerpts from our three #1 episodes:
ARTISTIC EXPRESSION & POLITICAL ACTION - our first #1 episode in the country of Angola featuring Andrea and Laila
BACK TO SCHOOL - our Season II #1 episode in the country of Indonesia featuring Asiyah, Jennielee and Taylor
SNAKES (MARIE'S STORY) - our Season III #1 episode in the country of Spain featuring Kaitlyn
Women's History Month Rewind~Representation of Women of Color in the Media
In celebration of Women's History Month, we are sharing some of Girl Truth's milestones and historical moments. This week, we are sharing excerpts from our first official episode, Reresentation of Women of Color in the Media, which debuted August 14, 2019 and remains our most listened to episode to date. The episode features Adina, Baiyinah and Janayjah.
Motivation and Friendship ~ Part 6
Join Laila and Mamia as they discuss the trap of isolation and the necessity of the village in this final episode of this series.
Affirmation: I will seek help. It doesn't make me weak; it makes me strong.
Motivation & Friendshi[p ~ Part 5
Laila and Marmia are back in the fifth part of this six part series discussing trust, triggers, trauma and support systems in the aftermath.
Affirmation: I am proud of myself for doing the absolute best that I can.
Motivation & Friendship Part 4
Laila and Marmia continue the conversation and explore the responsibilities of being a friend.
Affirmation: I deserve to be at peace.
The Day After Service: The Importance of Self Care in Activism
Evoluer House Board Member India Mayo joins fellowBoard Member & Co-Host, Marmia Day in a candid discussion on the detriment of performatie activism, finding your activism & the importance of having a self care plan.
Motivation & Friendship Part 3
Laila and Marmia continue the conversation, focusing on managing and maintaining friendships.
Affirmation: "I choose to forgive, because it feels better to love."
Motivation and Friendship Part 2
Laila and Marmia continue their discussion, focusing on self motivation, staying motivated in the face of failure and the importance of showing up.
Affirmation: I completely forgive myself for all past failures and mistakes.
Motivation & Friendship ~ Part 1
Laila & Marmia kick off this 6 part series on motivation & friendship by exploring what motivates them as individuals verses what society deems as reasons to be motivated. They have chosen the following affirmation to sum up this episode: "I am courageous & brave for trying, even when it's hard."
Spoken Word Activism ~ The Poetry of Marmia Day
In this special narrative episode, podcast co-host Marmia Day shares her thoughts in three powerful poems.
- Atlas addresses the "weight" of racial inequity and disparity carried by people of color.
- Same Spot; New Wound addresses the repeated acts of social injustice that prove liberty & justice is not for all.
- September 3 is a beautiful tribute to the 1609 lives lost in the U.S. on to Covid 19 on that day.
Please consider a gift to The Evoluer House so that we can continue advocating for change for girls of color & producing powerful content such as this.
https://www.facebook.com/donate/224918239753218/
This Feels Like a Set Up Part II
Is this a setup? Since the pandemic, have the increasing gaps in education & the lack of access to adequate technology fallen disproportionately on students in historically marginalized and underserved groups on purpose?
Kaitlyn and Marmia return to discuss to these disparities in the second of a two part episode.
Theme Music: Cutes & Hugs Courtesy of KHX - The Kevin Harrington Xperiment
This Feels Like a Setup
Is this a setup? Since the pandemic, have the increasing gaps in education & the lack of access to adequate technology fallen disproportionately on students in historically marginalized and underserved groups on purpose?
Kaitlyn and Marmia return to discuss to these disparities in the first of a two part episode.
Theme Music: Cutes & Hugs Courtesy of KHX - The Kevin Harrington Xperiment
Social Media in 2020
Andrea and Jennielee are back discussing the positives and negatives of social media during the pandemic, including how they used social media to launch a YouTube Channel and a sewing business.
Subscribe to LIFEOFDREA on YouTube.
Follow and purchase from @je.sewing on Instagram.
Theme Music: Cutes & Hugs by KHX (The Kevin Harrington Xperiment) featuring Roy Richardson
Positive Thinking
Season Three kicks off with a conversation between Andrea and Jennielee on the importance of positive thinking and Adina Hill stepping into the role of producer!
Snakes - Marie's Story
In our first narrative episode, Kaitlyn Phillips shares Marie's story; a fictional account of an actual event involving sexual abuse. We share these stories to let listeners who have had similar experiences know they are not alone and there is help.
INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES
https://osapr.harvard.edu/international-resources-0 (Scroll for your country)
http://www.ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html (Scroll for your country)
https://pathwaystosafety.org/sexual-assault/
Childhelp (1.800.4ACHILD) Provides assistance 24/7 in 170 languages to adults, children and youth with information and questions regarding child abuse. All calls are anonymous and confidential.
Serpents ~ L'histoire de Marie
Dans notre premier épisode narratif, Asiyah Ball partage l'histoire de Marie; un récit fictif d'un événement réel impliquant des abus sexuels. Nous partageons ces histoires pour permettre aux auditeurs qui ont vécu des expériences similaires de savoir qu'ils ne sont pas seuls et qu'il y a de l'aide.
RESSOURCES INTERNATIONALES
https://osapr.harvard.edu/international-resources-0 (Faites défiler pour votre pays)
http://www.ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html (Faites défiler pour votre pays)
https://pathwaystosafety.org/sexual-assault/
Childhelp (1.800.4ACHILD) Fournit une assistance 24/7 dans 170 langues aux adultes, aux enfants et aux jeunes avec des informations et des questions concernant la maltraitance des enfants. Tous les appels sont anonymes et confidentiels.
Serpientes - La historia de Marie
En nuestro primer episodio narrativo, Jennielee Hilario comparte la historia de Marie; un relato ficticio de un evento real que involucra abuso sexual. Compartimos estas historias para que los oyentes que han tenido experiencias similares sepan que no están solos y que hay ayuda.
RECURSOS INTERNACIONALES
https://osapr.harvard.edu/international-resources-0 (Desplácese para ver su país)
http://www.ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html (Desplácese para ver su país)
https://pathwaystosafety.org/sexual-assault/
Childhelp (1.800.4ACHILD) Brinda asistencia las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana en 170 idiomas a adultos, niños y jóvenes con información y preguntas sobre el abuso infantil. Todas las llamadas son anónimas y confidenciales.Pressure Wounds Part 5: The Myth of the Strong Black Woman - No More Spoons to Give
In the final episode of the series, Marmia and Adina talk about how the myth of the strong Black woman impacts those with mental health issues, spoon theory & final thoughts.
Marmia has provided a list of useful vocabulary to help with understanding meltdowns, burnout & inertia.
1.
https://autisticality.com/2014/06/10/defining-meltdowns/
2.
https://autisticality.com/2015/08/12/burnout/
3.
https://autisticality.com/2014/11/10/inertia/
Check out our featured musical talent, Ms. Shaunte Daurice, an R&B artist and songwriter from Philadelphia, with vocals that are equal parts smooth, piercing and moving. Get into the anthemic tunes on her debut EP 'Powerless', that tell stories we can all relate to, backed by consistently colorful and complex vocal arrangements. Available on Spotify, Amazon Music & Apple Music. Visit her on the web at www.shauntedaurice.com
Pressure Wounds Part 4: Suicide
Marmia shares with Adina the complexity of ASD, ADHD & suicide through her personal lens.
Suicide is preventable. Here are some resources to help you find crisis support worldwide.
www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres
www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines
www.suicidestop.com
Music heals. Check out our featured musical talent, Ms. Shaunte Daurice, an R&B artist and songwriter from Philadelphia, with vocals that are equal parts smooth, piercing and moving. Get into the anthemic tunes on her debut EP 'Powerless', that tell stories we can all relate to, backed by consistently colorful and complex vocal arrangements. Available on Spotify, Amazon Music & Apple Music. Visit her on the web at www.shauntedaurice.com
Pressure Wounds Part 3: Resources, Support, the ADHD Tax & Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
Associate Producer Adina Hill & Marmia Day continue their historic and important discussion. In this episode, they touch on the difficulties Marmia encounters with finding resources & support, the ADHD Tax & her struggle with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. Please check out the resources Marmia has provided for coping with dysfunctional thoughts and improductivity.
1. Dysfunctional thoughts
http://bethany-sensei.tumblr.com/post/175326500104/goodmorningvelma-catifex-bishounen-curious
2. Improductivity
http://iztarshi.tumblr.com/post/175208729656/you-know-i-once-googled-how-very-organized
And don't forget to check out our featured musical talent, Ms. Shaunte Daurice, an R&B artist and songwriter from Philadelphia, with vocals that are equal parts smooth, piercing and moving. Get into the anthemic tunes on her debut EP 'Powerless', that tell stories we can all relate to, backed by consistently colorful and complex vocal arrangements. Available on Spotify, Amazon Music & Apple Music. Visit her on the web at www.shauntedaurice.com
Pressure Wounds - Part 2 - Getting Diagnosed & Proving Diagnosis
The series continues as Marmia shares with Adina her personal experience navigating the arduous diagnostic process and the challenges she face proving her self diagnosis to medical professionals.
For those of you that might be facing similar challenges personally or with a loved one, Marmia has provided a list of resources.
Diagnostic screeners
1. https://taniaannmarshall.wordpress.com/2013/03/26/moving-towards-a-female-profile-the-unique-characteristics-abilities-and-talents-of-asperwomen-adult-women-with-asperger-syndrome/
2. https://the-art-of-autism.com/females-and-aspergers-a-checklist/
3. Current “official” diagnostic criteria
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/hcp-dsm.html
4. Diagnostic criteria for Asperger's, a previously separate disorder that got combined with autism disorder to form autism spectrum disorder.
https://iancommunity.org/cs/about_asds/about_asds_dsm_iv_criteria_for_aspergers_syndrome
5. Diagnostic criteria for Autism disorder pre- DSM V changes
https://iancommunity.org/cs/autism/dsm_iv_criteria
And don't forget to check out our featured musical talent, Ms. Shaunte Daurice, an R&B artist and songwriter from Philadelphia, with vocals that are equal parts smooth, piercing and moving. Get into the anthemic tunes on her debut EP 'Powerless', that tell stories we can all relate to, backed by consistently colorful and complex vocal arrangements. Available on Spotify, Amazon Music & Apple Music. Visit her on the web at shauntedaurice.com
Pressure Wounds - Part 1
Associate producer Adina Hill and our newest podcast host, Marmia Day discuss the impact of race & gender on the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder in the first of this multi-segment episode.
Please check out our featured musical talent, Ms. Shaunte Daurice, an R&B artist and songwriter from Philadelphia, with vocals that are equal parts smooth, piercing and moving. Get into the anthemic tunes on her debut EP 'Powerless', that tell stories we can all relate to, backed by consistently colorful and complex vocal arrangements. Available on Spotify, Amazon Music & Apple Music. Visit her on the web at shauntedaurice.com
Blacks Against The Black Lives Matter Movement
Andrea, Asiyah and Taylor are back discussing their views on Black people who choose not to support the Black Lives Matter movement.
The 2020 Riots - Good & Necessary Trouble, or Just Plain Trouble?
Andrea, Asiyah and Taylor share their views on rioting, looting, protests and social unrest.
Black Girl Pain
Kaitlyn and Laila discuss the truth, the myths, & the impact of the pain experienced by Black women and girls..
Being Their Older Sister
Asiyah, Jennielee & Taylor discuss the joy and responsibility of being an older sister.
Silver Linings
Asiyah, Baiyinah and Janayjah discuss the pandemic from a positive perspective; sharing their personal development, the challenges they have overcome & are overcoming, and the Silver Linings they have found along the way.
Back to School
Asiyah, Jennielee & Taylor discuss their thoughts on the start of a new school year in the midst of the pandemic.
A.Black.Woman.Period!
Colorism? Toxic Masculinity? Transphobia? In this episode, Andrea, Asiyah and Taylor explore the reasons why it seems the lives of all types of Black women seem to matter less than the lives of others.
Navigating a New Norm
In the first episode of our Pandemic & Social Unrest series, Laila and Kaitlyn discuss their feelings about digital learning, restricted social interaction & navigating a new norm in the age of Covid 19.
Introducing Asiyah
We open Season II by introducing our newest co-host, Evoluer House graduate, business owner & teen social activist, Ms. Asiyah Ball! Join us as Asiyah shares her view of life through her unique & amazing lens.
I Am Not A Terrorist ~ Baiyinah's Story
In our Season One finale. scholar, athlete, & Bowie State hopeful Baiyinah Gough shares her powerful story of who she is & how she, as a 14 year old girl, found the courage to overcome the false perceptions of who she was.
Deep Conversations Part 3 - Cultural Appropriation
In the final segment of this three part episode, Laila, Taylor and Andrea talk about cultural appropriation.
Deep Conversations: Part Two - Identity
Andrea, Laila and Taylor continue their conversation with a focus on identity.
Deep Conversations: Toleration (Part 1)
In the first of a three part episode - Deep Conversations - Andrea, Laila & Taylor explore levels of toleration & with whom to engage in difficult conversations.
Artistic Expression and Political Action
Dario Fo says, “Every artistic expression is either influenced by or adds something to politics.” In this bonus episode, Laila & Andrea have an impromptu conversation with their producer about the impact of the arts on politics.
Success Goals: College & Other Paths to the Lives We Want
Jamie Johnson said, “When you are born rich, you have all these options. You can pursue a career path that you find interesting; there's no need or pressure to start working to get funds just for survival, which is something a lot of people have to struggle with.” In this episode, Kaitlyn, Jennielee & Janayjah share their views on achieving success & goals in spite of the limitations girls of color often face.
Where To Look for Role Models & How To Be One
“No one came to our neighborhoods with stand-up jobs and showed us there's a different way. Maybe, had I seen different role models, maybe I'd've turned on to that.” Jay-Z
In this episode, Taylor, Laila and Adina discuss their views on looking for and being a role model.
Saliendo de Puerto Rico ~ La historia de Jennielee (Español)
Jennielee es una graduada galardonada de Evoluer House que sueña con convertirse en diseñadora de moda. En este episodio muy especial de Girl Truth: What Lens Are You Looking Through ?, ella comparte su historia de vivir a través del huracán María, dejar Puerto Rico y comenzar una nueva vida en Filadelfia. Este episodio también está disponible en ingles.
Leaving Puerto Rico ~ Jennielee's Story (English)
Jennielee is an award winning Evoluer House graduate who dreams of becoming a fashion designer. In this very special episode of Girl Truth: What Lens Are You Looking Through?, she shares her story of living through Hurricane Maria, leaving Puerto Rico & starting a new life in Philadelphia. This episode is also available in Spanish.