Authentic Wednesday Podcast artwork

Authentic Wednesday Podcast

99 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 30 ratings

Embrace your imperfections and authentically be you! Join Bianca Hughes, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and her guests as they vulnerably share their behind the scenes stories of giving themselves permission to take off their mask, let go of expectations, and embrace their own path of freedom and authentic connection with themselves, loved ones and the world.

Mental Health Health & Fitness Education Self-Improvement authentic authenticconversation authenticity authenticself authenticwednesdaypodcast beyou boundaryself embracingchange emotionalhealing imperfections
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Episodes

44. When the Helper Has to Ask for Help with Michelle Goodloe

September 23, 2020 14:00 - 47 minutes - 39 MB

In this episode Michelle Goodloe shares her experience of the steps she had to take to ask for help and let go the mask of "Perfect Michelle". She takes us through what her stresses of not resting, over performing and pressures as millennial woman. She discusses the value of managing your time and doing the work to bring herself to a place of self-care and rest. Episode Highlights Wearing the mask of perfection at work The value of your authentic self Proving yourself at work as a millen...

43. The Importance of Reflecting on What you are doing!... As a Christian

September 16, 2020 14:00 - 13 minutes - 11.9 MB

In this episode Bianca takes a brave step in sharing her desires for the Christian community focusing on what we are doing versus what we are not doing as Christians. She shares the impact of perfectionism in the Christian community and ways we can begin as Christians to honour explore and reflect on what we are doing as Christians. Authentic Wednesday Instagram Authentic Wednesday Facebook Authentic Wednesday Podcast Website

42. Approaching my 40’s, No Kids … Yet I Leaped, Choosing God, Divorce and the Unknown with Suzanne Mohr

September 09, 2020 14:00 - 53 minutes - 44.1 MB

In this episode I had the pleasure of hearing Suzanne Mohr's authentic experience of going through divorce as a Christian. She bravely shares her internal struggle of shame and guilt, the pressure from the church to stay married and how she trusted God with possibilities and the unknown  *** Episode Highlights The Idolization of marriage within the christian community Scriptures taken out of context regarding divorce The pressure to be married in the church Developing a relationship wi...

41. I Am More Than My STD Diagnosis with Courtney Brame

September 02, 2020 14:00 - 48 minutes - 45.2 MB

In this episode Courtney Brame dives into sharing his life with genital herpes diagnosis. He takes us through his journey of working through internal conflict and becoming more than his diagnosis. He shares how his experience has propelled him to  help others to do the same via his organization and podcast.  *** Episode Highlights The value in recognizing our patterns  The underlying reasons for not being bothered  How herpes diagnosis can help you heal from rejection  How genital herp...

40. Falling In Love with Myself In the Aftermath Of Childhood Sexual Abuse with Faith Joyner

August 26, 2020 14:00 - 53 minutes - 44.2 MB

*** Trigger Warning*** In this episode Faith Joyner courageously shares her story of healing from childhood sexual abuse by giving herself permission to fall in love with herself and experience joy. *** Episode Highlights  Sexual abuse from a parent The power of using your voice How sexual abuse  impacts your view of yourself  Fighting to maintain your authentic voice   Responses to trauma and how it impacts your decision making in life Shame, guilt and humiliation as a part of chil...

39 When Connection is Not Enough...

August 19, 2020 14:00 - 14 minutes - 12.7 MB

How many times have you said, "but I feel so connected to them" in a romantic relationship despite the fact they treated you badly? Well, in this week's Authentic Wednesday podcast Bianca shares why a connection is not enough in romantic relationships and what we really need for a healthy relationship. Authentic Wednesday Instagram Authentic Wednesday Facebook

38. No Longer in Love with a Narcissist with Jillian "JJ" Simmons

August 12, 2020 14:00 - 40 minutes - 33.8 MB

In this episode Jillian Simmons and I reflect on her experience of being in an emotional and mentally abusive relationship. She shares her experience of wear the mask of "everything is all good" in the public eye whilst being emotionally abused by her boyfriend. *** Episode Highlights Signs of an abusive relationship  Acknowledging the difficult of leaving an abusive relationship Trusting your gut and intuition  Taking to your child about seeing abuse in a relationship The significanc...

37. My Sexual Being Awakening

August 05, 2020 14:00 - 19 minutes - 17 MB

In this week’s episode Bianca shares her journey of becoming aware that she is a sexual being. She shares how it has brought her into a space of honouring what it means to be a sexual being and how it has impacted her life. Authentic Wednesday Instagram Authentic Wednesday Facebook Authentic Wednesday Podcast Website    

36. Confidently Living with Herpes (Pt.2) with Stephanie Boyd

July 29, 2020 14:00 - 45 minutes - 38.2 MB

In part two of the series, living with genital herpes. Stephanie Boyd openly shares her journey and story of being diagnosed with genital herpes. She shares how taking her power back has propelled her to become a life coach and help other women overcome the, guilt and shame of genital herpes by reclaiming their confidence. *** Episode Highlights  Sex and genital herpes Giving people the option to choose Internal healing  The importance of educating yourself  Overcoming the shame of ge...

35. Confidently Living with Genital Herpes

July 22, 2020 14:00 - 35 minutes - 29.5 MB

In this episode Bianca vulnerably takes off the mask and shares her journey of discovering and living with genital herpes. With the help of her friend Justen she takes you though the journal of denial, shame, acceptance and taking her power back in order to confidently live with genital herpes. Authentic Wednesday Instagram Authentic Wednesday Facebook

34. Breaking out the Box... To Be Me... with Obio Jones

July 15, 2020 14:00 - 41 minutes - 34.6 MB

In this week’s episode my guest Obio Jones vulnerably shares his journey of authenticity. We dive into what it meant for him to take off the mask of “do boy” and choose his true desire for connection over his fear of rejection. Episode Highlights Becoming closer to God through abstinence  Uncovering masculinity  The safety of faith Authenticity and integrity Stepping outside your comfort zone Working through your imperfections with God Breaking out the box of who you are supposed to ...

33. My Journey of Faith and Purpose

July 08, 2020 14:00 - 24 minutes - 21.1 MB

It feels so good to be back after a much needed Podcast Pause. This week on the Authentic Wednesday Podcast Bianca shares the beginning of the evolving journey of discovering her purpose. It all started with these questions "What did God create me to do, what is His will for my life? How can I impact and difference in the life of another person? Bianca shares how she was given the answers, tools, resources, community and healing along the way. Authentic Wednesday Instagram Authentic Wedne...

Podcast Pause May 2020

May 20, 2020 14:00 - 3 minutes - 6.78 MB

It is time to reflect, refresh and let the creativity flow. Therefore, the Authentic Wednesday Podcast is taking a podcast pause. We will come back with more content and guests in July 2020. This is a great time to catch up on episodes, especially if you are new to the podcast. If you have listened to all episodes it might be a good time to go back take notes or share them with your family and friends. *** Top Authentic Wednesday Podcast Episodes with guests 1. Welcoming Authenticity in y...

32. How I Almost Gave Up with Dr Bessie Stewart-Banks

May 13, 2020 14:00 - 52 minutes - 42.9 MB

In this episode my authentic conversation is with Dr Bessie Stewart-Banks. She courageously shares a season in her life where she almost gave up! She takes off the mask and shares her experience of marriage, divorce, suicide and emotional healing.Episode Highlights Overcoming shame  Infidelity Divorce   Idolization in romantic relationships  Turning to God for emotional healing  Finding yourself through God Opening up your life to help others Combating suicidal ideation  Knowing you...

31. Breaking Out of the Comparison Trap

May 06, 2020 14:00 - 17 minutes - 15.6 MB

In this episode I shed light on the comparison trap. What it looks like, how it feels, where it begins and how it prevents us from connecting to our authentic self. I share my own battle with comparing myself to others and ways you can break free from comparison.   *** Authentic Wednesday Instagram Authentic Wednesday Facebook Authentic Wednesday Podcast Website

30. Learning to Love My Neurodivergent Brain with Kelli Willard

April 29, 2020 14:00 - 1 hour - 50.5 MB

In this episode my guest Kelli Willard authentically shares her story of being diagnosed with ADD as an adult and loving all the brains in her neurodiverse household. Episode Highlights Authenticity as alignment with who God made you to be Wearing the mask of having it all together Letting go of control to let go the mask Viewing ADD as a superpower Building a relationship with your brain Encouraging people to be curious about how their brain works. *** Special Guest: Kelli Willard ...

29. Letting Go The Burden of Missing The Mark

April 22, 2020 14:00 - 20 minutes - 17.9 MB

Missing the mark causes burden and shame. It can stop us for reaching our full potential because we are carrying the weight of the burden and shame. In this week's episode you will discover ways to let go the burden of missing the mark so it no longer impacts you your self-esteem. Resources Shared on Show Atomic Habits (Amazon Affiliate Link) Authentic Wednesday Instagram Authentic Wednesday Facebook Authentic Wednesday Podcast Website    

28. Choosing to Sink or Swim with Gorgeous West

April 15, 2020 14:00 - 38 minutes - 31.5 MB

In this weeks episode Gorgeous West bravely shares her story of choosing to swim rather than sink  when her father passed away. She vulnerable shares how her definition of authenticity (no limits) enabled her to keeping swimming towards the horizon rather than sink and turn back to familiarity. Episode Highlights  Not allowing others to set limits on you  Raising your hand to ask for help from your support system. Looking beyond the horizon Pushing Through Leaning on your faith Self-c...

27. Are you Loving Yourself in Order to Love Others?

April 08, 2020 14:00 - 18 minutes - 16.1 MB

In this episode I share my heart on what does it really look like to love others as yourself as a Christian? The loving yourself part is missed for some people of Christian faith as it is easy to become  more focused on loving others. I share on why it is important to love yourself so you can fulfil the commandant to love others. Authentic Wednesday Instagram Authentic Wednesday Facebook

Are you Loving Yourself in Order to Love Others?

April 08, 2020 09:00 - 18 minutes - 16.1 MB

In this episode I share my heart on what does it really look like to love others as yourself as a Christian? The loving yourself part is missed for some people of Christian faith as it is easy to become  more focused on loving others. I share on why it is important to love yourself so you can fulfil the commandant to love others. Authentic Wednesday Instagram Authentic Wednesday Facebook

26. Authentically Loving with Intention with Dwayne Nosworthy

April 01, 2020 14:00 - 56 minutes - 46.4 MB

In this episode I have an authentic conversation with Dwayne Nosworthy on his journey of loving with intentionality. We dive into the importance of love and respect as the foundation of connection and the core to everything. He shares his heart on the joys and challenges of the authenticity ride. Episode Highlights Defining Love Men and vulnerability Ancestral pain and healing The heart behind an apology Feeding your authentic self AAEE Syndrome: Acknowledge, Accept, Embrace and Exper...

25. What is Underneath the Anger?

March 18, 2020 14:00 - 12 minutes - 10.7 MB

Anger is an uncomfortable feeling. However, it provides information on other feelings we are experiencing and is a symptom of a bigger problem. In this episode I share ways we can get in touch with our anger and become more understanding of the other feelings associated with our anger. The Anger Iceberg Authentic Wednesday Instagram Authentic Wednesday Facebook www.biancakhughes.com  

24. Radical Vulnerability with Laetitia Phan

March 11, 2020 14:00 - 58 minutes - 47.4 MB

In this episode my guest is Laetita Phan a French coaching psychologist in New Caledonia. She openly shares her passion for radical vulnerability as a way to connect to our authentic self and develop authentic relationships.  Episode Highlights  Authenticity being a two way street How being authentic creates authentic reactions from people  Living in a culture that is anti- discomfort  The importance of acknowledging your defence mechanisms What it means to be human  Facing peoples re...

23. Over Consuming Information

March 04, 2020 15:00 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MB

There are various reason as to why we feel overwhelmed. In this episode I share have the over consumption of information can cause us to feel overwhelmed and anxious. I openly share my own experience of feeling overwhelmed from over consuming information. In addition, to providing ways to declutter our mind like we declutter our house.  Authentic Wednesday Instagram Authentic Wednesday Facebook www.biancakhughes.com 

22. Radically Pursing Who I Want To Be with Carlton Mackey (Pt.2)

February 26, 2020 15:00 - 36 minutes - 30.2 MB

In part two of the conversation with Carlton Mackey we dive into the various healing practices and disciplines he incorporates into his life that help him live authentically. He also shares on how his transformation has positively enhanced his connection and interaction with black men and Black Men Smile® Episode Highlights Behind the scenes of running a business second guessing yourself  Tuning into the vision within Being still to quiet the distractions Stretching as a form of healing...

22. Radically Pursing Who I Want To Be with Carlton Mackey (Pt.1)

February 19, 2020 15:00 - 34 minutes - 28.8 MB

The conversation in this episode had such a presence of authenticity, thought provoking nuggets and beauty that I had to make it into two parts. This is part one of my conversation with Carlton Mackey, the founder of Black Men Smile®. He elaborates on the transformation he is going through as a result of therapy and  becoming more honest with himself, even when it was scary. He dives into the process of learning to love himself. Episode Highlights Authenticity being courageous in today's w...

21. Being Authentic With Yourself with Kenisha B. McIntosh

February 12, 2020 15:00 - 1 hour - 51.2 MB

In this episode Kenisha and I have an authentic sisterhood conversation on what it means to be authentic with yourself and the world. We share our experiences of growing up in a Caribbean household as 1st generations and how it has shaped us into the women we are today. Kenisha openly shares what happened when she became more present with herself and stopped being the strong friend.  Episode Highlights Having a rebel heart is part of authenticity Learning to be more authentic with yoursel...

20. The Painful Struggle of Perfectionism

February 05, 2020 15:00 - 17 minutes - 15.3 MB

In this episode I share my struggle and pain with perfectionism. I share what it is like to be in a perfectionism cycle that often has nothing to do with anyone else but me. My hope is that this episode will help you understand and see perfectionism from a different angle. Resources Shared on Show " I am Enough" - Perfectionism Support Group Therapy for Perfectionism in Atlanta Bianca Hughes Speaking Enquiry   https://www.instagram.com/authenticwednesdaypodcast/ #authenticwednesdaypod...

19. Overcoming Financial Anxiety with Dr Ayanna Abrams

January 29, 2020 15:00 - 59 minutes - 48.9 MB

In this week's episode Dr Ayanna takes a brave step in sharing her story of overcoming financial anxiety. She authentically shares the impact of growing up without financial literacy, including leading her to make unhealthy money decisions and avoid paying debt for years. She openly shares the process she took to rewrite her money shame narrative and how she manages finances today. Episode Highlights The identity we create around money  Knowing you safe spaces Growing confident in being ...

18. Are You Compromising on Your Values or Preferences?

January 22, 2020 15:00 - 21 minutes - 18.7 MB

In this episode I share my story on discovering what it truly means to "not compromise on your values". I dive into  defining compromise, values and preferences and how they are related. I highlight ways you can live a life that aligns with your values and connect more to your authentic self. Episode Highlights Identifying the difference between values and preferences The importance of identifying your values Aligning your life with your core values The impact of compromising on your va...

17. Breaking Generational Cycles through Emotional Healing with Chimere Faulk

January 15, 2020 15:00 - 52 minutes - 45.8 MB

In this week's episode I have an authentic conversation on the importance of emotional healing with Chimere Faulk, an entrepreneur in Atlanta, GA. She shares her journey of giving herself permission to cry and be gentle with herself, embracing her sensitive soul and giving her daughters space to experience their emotions.  Episode Highlights  Trying to be everything to everyone Hearing the message that emotions are weakness  People needing your sensitive nature in the world Not recogniz...

16. Vulnerability Set Me Free with Dr. Key Hallmon

January 01, 2020 15:00 - 50 minutes - 41.7 MB

In this episode  Dr. Key Hallmon openly shares her journey of embracing vulnerability and how it has transformed her life. She drops many gems and wisdom that inspire you to take time to get in touch and learn about your authentic self. Episode Highlights Life as a sensitive person Losing a parent at a young age Letting go of control through delegation Taking time to see others Making an impact as a form of generational wealth Learning to be radically honest about what you don't know ...

15. Holiday Boundary Setting

December 25, 2019 15:00 - 8 minutes - 7.98 MB

The holidays can be both fund and exciting as well as lonely and sad for some people. In this episode I share some encouragement for everyone throughout the holidays. In addition, I share tips on holiday boundary setting. Episode Highlights Defining boundaries Boundary Planning Accountability partner for boundaries Free Journaling Prompts Authentic Wednesday Podcast Instagram

14. I Am Successful Despite Bipolar with Jared Washington

December 18, 2019 15:00 - 38 minutes - 32.2 MB

This is a special episode because it is a follow-up from a Facebook live interview I had with Jared Washington a few years ago regarding living with bipolar as a black male. Jared shares how life has been since the interview. We discuss making the decision to live a successful life and being a role model for his daughters. We also dive into the stigma of mental health, especially in the black community and ways to make change. Episode Highlights Manhood  Managing life with bipolar Suppor...

13. Rest is Our Birthright with Jasmin Forts

December 11, 2019 15:00 - 31 minutes - 26.1 MB

In this episode I discuss authenticity with Jasmin Forts, A Talent Acquisition Manager and Certified Career Coach in Atlanta, Georgia. She shares how a loving husband, safe spaces,  and entrepreneurship helped her become more authentic. We also dive into the importance of creating safe spaces for black women to ensure they are not suffering in silence. Episode Highlights  Home being a safe place for authenticity How not being authentic stunts your growth  Entrepreneurship being a catalys...

12. What Are You Attached To?

December 04, 2019 15:00 - 16 minutes - 14.4 MB

In this episode I share on different things we can become attached to, such as outcomes, routines, fear of rejection, safety and more.  I  provide an imagination exercise on the impact of unnecessary attachments and how to begin the process of letting go. Authentic Wednesday Podcast Instagram  

11. Opening Yourself to New Opportunities with Natalie Reid

November 27, 2019 14:00 - 46 minutes - 39 MB

In this episode Natalie Reid, a Yoga Instructor in London, shares her behind the scenes journey of focusing on the opportunities ahead of her rather than the obstacles. She opens up to share how yoga has been her life line to peace and moving forwarding. Episode Highlights How yoga helps you be present Learning yourself while being single The benefits of talking about your business Creating an organic supportive community Staring a business as a single mother on a low income Focusing ...

10. To Hurt or Not to Hurt?

November 20, 2019 15:00 - 14 minutes - 13 MB

In this episode I touch on the fears we have regarding hurting others and how it can impact us setting boundaries.  Resource shared on show Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life (Amazon Affiliate Link)

9. Being You... Without the Edits with Cafria Hart

November 13, 2019 15:00 - 45 minutes - 38 MB

In this episode Cafria Hart dives in to her journey of overcoming mental illness, child loss and how childhood trauma impacted her sense of identity. She bravely shares her story of accepting mental illness as a black Christian woman and learning to incorporate therapy and God in her healing process.  Episode Highlights  Unwritten rules for acceptance. Wearing different masks for different relationships: friends, work or romantic. Not trying to ask for help Exhaustion from trying to mai...

9. Being You... Without the Edits

November 13, 2019 10:00 - 45 minutes - 38 MB

In this episode Cafria Hart dives in to her journey of overcoming mental illness, child loss and how childhood trauma impacted her sense of identity. She bravely shares her story of accepting mental illness as a black Christian woman and learning to incorporate therapy and God in her healing process.  Episode Highlights  Unwritten rules for acceptance. Wearing different masks for different relationships: friends, work or romantic. Not trying to ask for help Exhaustion from trying to...

8. Adulting is What You Make It!

November 06, 2019 15:00 - 8 minutes - 8.79 MB

In this episode I share about the responsibility of being an adult, taking a break, play and what does it really mean to be grown up? In addition, I touch on normalising our natural desire to be cared for and childlike. Authentic Wednesday Podcast Instagram Enough is Enough (Perfectionism Support Group)

7. Taking the Mask off Grief with Melissa Coats

October 30, 2019 14:00 - 48 minutes - 39.9 MB

In this episode I am talking to Melissa Coats, a sex therapist in Georgia. She shares the journey of taking care of her mother and losing her mother to cancer. We discuss how she learned to take the mask off her grief and the community that supported her and her family during the process. Episode Highlights  The impact of other people’s expectations of grief response Self-care whilst caring for a loved one. The importance of asking for help The difficulty emotions of anger and betrayal ...

6. What Are Your Expectations?

October 23, 2019 14:00 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MB

In this episode I share my experience of my expectations not being. My feelings surrounding them and what they triggered within me. I also share different ways to hold ourselves accountable for our expectations and recognizing if they are unrealistic. Authentic Wednesday Instagram

5. Battling to be Yourself with Justin Patton

October 16, 2019 14:00 - 46 minutes - 38.2 MB

In this episode I delve into Justin‘s journey of building his self-confidence and self-love. We discuss the challenges he faced with porn, drinking, and emotional pain. We had a refreshing conversation that is filled with lots of gems and surprises. This is a great conversation for anyone who has ever wondered about the emotions men or some of the challenges they face. Episode Highlights The value of a supportive community The impact of porn on sexual confidence The silence of sex Suici...

4. Relating to Yourself in Terms of Outcomes

October 09, 2019 14:00 - 15 minutes - 12.3 MB

In this episode I share the first time realized I sometimes relate to myself in terms of outcomes. I touch on the feelings and thoughts that it evoked and how I embraced the experience. Authentic Wednesday Podcast Instagram

3. Showing Up Uncensored with Erica James-Staryhorn

October 02, 2019 14:00 - 47 minutes - 37.9 MB

In this episode I am talking to Erica James-Strayhorn a marriage and family therapist. We discuss learning how to honour yourself at all times. She shares her love of personal growth. We touch on and the importance of taking responsibility for your choices by creating safe loving relationships. She also highlights functional self-care and the importance of recognizing what self-care incorporate into your everyday life. Episode Highlights  Creating accountability for your personal growth L...

2. Embracing Unexpected Adjustments

September 25, 2019 13:00 - 7 minutes - 9.88 MB

In this solo episode I share my experience of facing unexpected adjustments in life. Highlighting my fear of failure, fear of being rejected fear of being seen as a fraud. I share my emotions and thoughts I experienced and what happen when I accepted what was happening and reached out for help. Instagram: Authentic Wednesday Podcast

1. Welcoming Authenticity in your 30's with Keisha Reaves

September 25, 2019 12:00 - 43 minutes - 38.5 MB

In this episode I am talking to Keisha Reaves a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia and owner of Push Thru, a community created to support women in motherhood. We dive into what it means to unapologetically walk in your truth. She shares her journey of connecting to her authentic self. We discover how being her authentic self has propelled her to create a community for mothers, to have a safe space where they can be honest about their experience of motherhood and not be judged.  Show...

Welcome to the Authentic Wednesday Podcast

September 22, 2019 07:24 - 9 minutes - 11.3 MB

Hello and welcome to the Authentic Wednesday Podcast! This episode is an introduction to the podcast. Sharing the purpose and what you can expect. Instagram: Authentic Wednesday Podcast

Twitter Mentions

@blackmensmile 2 Episodes
@justbebeautifu7 1 Episode
@nattylittleyogi 1 Episode