Unashamed & Unapologetic
40 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 36 ratingsJoin Shatai as she explores the good, the bad, (and the sometimes screwed up) sides of life through raw, non-sugar coated, conversations with friends and other guests. With a little humor and wit, they discuss their insecurities, shortcomings, and vulnerabilities. This is a podcast where you leave your shame at the door and stop apologizing for being yourself!
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Episodes
Don’t Cover it up with Humor, If You’re Depressed Just Say That
January 01, 2022 06:00 - 53 minutes - 36.7 MBOn this episode Evan Bagg, friend and past co-worker, joins Shatai to talk about working in the mental health field as a direct care provider, managing depression, and losing loved ones. Working directly with patients in an inpatient mental health facility has its ups and downs. It is extremely rewarding, but also means sometimes getting kicked in the groin and having to restrain patients from time to time! The two reminisce on their experiences in this field. Evan shares his story of growin...
Unapologetically Sober Powered: With Gill Tietz
January 01, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 44.8 MBGill Teitz, host of Sober Powered Podcast, joins Shatai on this episode and shares her journey of alcohol addiction, rock bottom, and the process of recovery. Binging and restricting food eventually evolved into to excessive alcohol use during grad school, causing an increase in depression, as well as new problems: anxiety and suicidal thoughts. “My life kind of revolved around shame.” Gill talks about the relationship between emotions, actually allowing yourself to lean in and feel them, a...
We Are Consistently Inconsistent
November 01, 2021 23:00 - 1 hour - 52.1 MB"ADHD is not a mental problem, it's a BRAIN problem!" Julia Edwards, Iowa therapist, joins Shatai on this episode to discuss all things ADHD! Both therapists, both diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder in adulthood. Julia, a certified ADHD-Clinical Services Provider, sheds light on diagnostic criteria and characteristics of ADHD as well as how it affects your emotional regulation. ADHD is one of the most misunderstood mental health diagnosis, and is often not taken serious...
Let's Talk About Cult Sh*t
October 02, 2021 23:00 - 54 minutes - 37.3 MBRecorded lakeside in SWEDEN! Shatai travels to Uppsala, Sweden to visit long time best friend Becka Ehlin. While sharing a few glasses of wine, the two discuss what it's like growing up as black girl, adopted from Tanzania, and living in a predominantly white culture. Oh, and after 16 years of friendship she drops the bomb that she was raised in a religious cult!! "What? My wildest, most outspoken friend grew up in a cult?!"Becka shares her experience in the controversial Word of Life church...
Rising From the Ashes: My Deportation Story
August 01, 2021 06:00 - 1 hour - 60.1 MBAnnie Garcia joins Shatai on this episode to share her story and experience with the deportation process. She sheds light on the ugly truth about deportation, and being separated from her family, including her newborn daughter that was still nursing. Navigating a broken system seemed at times impossible and unreal. Annie talks about hitting rock bottom, going from feeling broken and hopeless, to rising from the ashes and rebuilding a new life for herself and her children. Not only has she...
Rise Again, Create
March 01, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 47.9 MBPhoenix Lee, creator of Rise Again Create and vintage seller and curator joins Shatai on this episode and shares his inspiration for his podcast and business. He is a Des Moines native who is passionate about inspiring others and showcasing local talent in his community. He sheds light on his path to happiness and following his passion. The two share stories of “growing up mixed” and the awkward situations that go along with being biracial in the Midwest. Phoenix is a prime example of how y...
OK. NOW WHAT?
February 16, 2021 06:00 - 1 hour - 53 MBJaneica joins Shatai on this episode to talk about her T-shirt line and what inspired “OK. Now What?” She drops gems on how to stay motivated and avoid staying complacent. Praying, meditation, and setting aside time to put herself first are key factors to her happiness. Janeica talks about the trauma of losing a child, depression, and healing. What even constitutes as dating in 2021? Shatai dives deep into Janeica’s relationship history, how she got through a toxic situation, and plans for...
Perfectionists Have All Types of Problems. That's Why They're Perfectionists.
January 01, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBHAPPY NEW YEAR! IF YOU’RE READING THIS YOU SURVIVED 2020, by any means necessary. On today’s episode, Shatai is joined by Artichala Wise: law student, natural leader, perfectionist, trauma survivor, mental health enthusiast, and social justice advocate. The two exchange stories on how they were first diagnosed with ADHD, their struggles with it, and ways they manage. ADHD is often a diagnosis that gets taken lightly or is joked about, but in all actuality can really be debilitating. Untreate...
Perfectionists Have All Types of Problems. That's Why They're Perfectionists.
January 01, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBHAPPY NEW YEAR! IF YOU’RE READING THIS YOU SURVIVED 2020, by any means necessary. On today’s episode, Shatai is joined by Artichala Wise: law student, natural leader, perfectionist, trauma survivor, mental health enthusiast, and social justice advocate. The two exchange stories on how they were first diagnosed with ADHD, their struggles with it, and ways they manage. ADHD is often a diagnosis that gets taken lightly or is joked about, but in all actuality can really be debilitating. Untreate...
Hot Mess for the Holidays!
December 15, 2020 06:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBTis the season for laughter and cheer! ....And seasonal depression, not living up to expectations, and over spending! Latitia, one of Shatai's best friends, and owner of local small business Exonia's Castle, joins this episode to discuss the ups and downs of holidays. With two totally different views on Christmas, these two share drinks, jokes, and heart warming advice on how to navigate through a pandemic, anxiety ridden, holiday season. Being intentional about self-care, saying no, and set...
Empowering Yourself Is Sexy AF
December 01, 2020 09:00 - 1 hour - 52.6 MBWendy Broich is the epitome of women’s empowerment. She is a business woman, certified pole dance instructor, sex coach, self-love enthusiast and she lives her life unashamed & unapologetically. Wendy and Shatai talk about authenticity, confidence, and trusting your body and mind. In a world of judgement, anxiety, and over-stimulation, sometimes we need to shut our minds off and let our bodies do the talking. If you listen, it’ll let you know exactly what it needs! Wendy shares her experi...
The Seed Must Grow Regardless of the Fact that its Planted in Stone
November 15, 2020 06:00 - 1 hour - 59 MBOn this episode Donnie Blanco joins Shatai for some cocktails and conversation about growing up, jumping off the porch, going to prison, getting shot, and parenting. Donnie shares his story of overcoming adversity and changing his life from negative to positive. “I thought I was destined to die in these streets, but fatherhood changed my f*cking life”. He drops gems on healthy boundaries in parenting and dating with children. When is it okay to meet each other’s kids? Donnie lets us know th...
Jealousy is the Ugliest Trait
November 01, 2020 18:00 - 1 hour - 44.1 MBDomestic Violence Awareness Episode 4! Today's guest, Ana Haigh joins Shatai and shares her own story of intimate partner abuse. The two discuss micro aggressions and sexual harassment that starts as early as middle school and high school, and how kids are conditioned to this behavior. A lot of it gets brushed under the rug and normalized. Ana is a domestic violence advocate and does amazing work in the community, working to help survivors of abuse. Shatai talks about dodging the bullet whi...
They Don’t Want You to be Confident because Once You’re Confident, You’re Going to Leave.
October 17, 2020 05:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBSavanna Hartman joins Shatai this episode and shares her personal experience of being in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship, how she was able to leave, and how she now helps survivors of human trafficking. Human trafficking isn’t just like how you see it on the movie Taken. Savanna explains the shocking truth about how prevalent it is, and how in plain sight trafficking is. DV doesn’t discriminate and can happen in any race, culture, or economic class. Domestic violence is s...
They Don’t Want You to be Confident because Once You’re Confident, You’re Going to Leave.
October 17, 2020 05:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBSavanna Hartman joins Shatai this episode and shares her personal experience of being in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship, how she was able to leave, and how she now helps survivors of human trafficking. Human trafficking isn’t just like how you see it on the movie Taken. Savanna explains the shocking truth about how prevalent it is, and how in plain sight trafficking is. DV doesn’t discriminate and can happen in any race, culture, or economic class. Domestic violence is s...
Survivor, Not Victim. You Have to Own it!
October 10, 2020 06:00 - 1 hour - 49.3 MBDOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS SERIES EPISODE 2! On this episode Angelina Valdez joins Shatai and shares her experiences with two abusive relationships. She describes in graphic detail the abuse she endured (trigger warning), how law enforcement and DHS were less than helpful, and how she was able to leave these relationships. Angelina learned that the best way to avoid these dangerous situations was to build her self-esteem up and learn to love herself more. With the help of her therapist she...
Healing is Messy, but it's Necessary
October 01, 2020 05:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MBOctober is Domestic Violence Awareness Month! We are kicking this DV series off with a special feature from Courageous Fire, Founder of Courageous Fire LLC. She sheds light on psychological abuse, one of the forms of domestic violence that often goes under the radar, but can at times cause the most long-lasting damage. Gaslighting, or making you question your own truth and reality is one of the most twisted ways to gain control in the relationship. The two dissect and share examples of physi...
Healing is Messy, but it's Necessary
October 01, 2020 05:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MBOctober is Domestic Violence Awareness Month! We are kicking this DV series off with a special feature from Courageous Fire, Founder of Courageous Fire LLC. She sheds light on psychological abuse, one of the forms of domestic violence that often goes under the radar, but can at times cause the most long-lasting damage. Gaslighting, or making you question your own truth and reality is one of the most twisted ways to gain control in the relationship. The two dissect and share examples of physi...
"Be a Man" Feel Your Feelings and Sh*t
September 15, 2020 06:00 - 1 hour - 45.8 MBRandy Duncan, from Des Moines east/south side, joins Shatai on this episode. He shares how he got the stage name Pezzy tha Pipeman "And no it isn't just a d*ck reference". Randy talks about his experience growing up, being raised by his aunt instead of either of his parents. He shares his experience with being the "cry baby" out of all his friends as a kid, but how he realized being a man means being able to show different emotions. What the heck is kick-soccer-baseball?! It's a midwest thi...
Once I Let Go of all the Things that Didn't Serve a Purpose for me I Found the Purpose in Myself
September 01, 2020 05:00 - 1 hour - 58 MBFeaturing special guest Amber! She shares about her journey of self-love and talks about how living authentically brings the most happiness in her life. We talk spirituality and her passion & gift for reading tarot. Amber gives Shatai her FIRST EVER tarot reading on this episode!!! It is spot on and a little crazy! Amber sheds light on her personal journey, navigating through life, and becoming a therapist herself. Des Moines, Iowa's Sista Soul Festival was an AMAZING experience! This even...
LETS TALK ABOUT THE WAP!
August 22, 2020 05:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MBWhat better to do when you're on an all girls cabin vacation than to talk about Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion's WAP around the campfire!? From the lyrics to the video! We analyze sexuality in the entertainment industry, double standards between men and women, and the effects sex shaming has on women's mental health. Shatai and her friends Shannon, Marli, Ciera, Dalal, and Latitia get vulnerable as they share their views on body image and sexuality, discuss personal experiences with shame, an...
Every Space I Have Now I had to Actively Create for Myself
August 15, 2020 05:00 - 1 hour - 53.8 MBKayla Bell-Consolver joins Shatai on this episode as she shares her story of becoming. Kayla talks about growing up in the church, exploring her own identity and sexuality, marrying the love of her life, who just happens to be a woman. Coming out in a safe space is important! Above all, living your truth and being your authentic self is the true key to happiness. Shatai and Kayla talk about growing up black, and being seen as the family trophy, even if it means blemishing that trophy at time...
I'm here cuz they still got their knee on my neck: If there's a barrier, we can't just stop & say 'game over'
August 01, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 51.3 MBThis episode features special guest Subjec1ne (Quincy King). He shares his journey from basketball to the creative process behind his music and clothing line, Fashionary Black. He drops gems on how focusing on the positive, using stress as motivation, and before anything else: keeping it 100 and being true to who you are is essential. Sometimes we find our purpose through pain. Quincy talks about how he was able to overcome hard times and through that find his passion. Listen to his song "Bl...
BOUNDARIES! How Many of Us Have Them?
July 19, 2020 07:00 - 58 minutes - 40.1 MBOn this episode Brittani and Shatai share their thoughts on the Jada Pinkett Smith ENTANGLEMENT with August Alsina. "Let us know if you need a good therapist August, we got you". The two explore boundaries: What are they? How do you set them? How can they go wrong? Boundaries are the way you show others how to treat you. Join them as they share their own personal experiences with setting boundaries in relationships, friendships and more. SEND IN YOUR TOXIC STORIES! These will be featured on...
Turned Negative Into Positive Now It's All Good
July 04, 2020 06:00 - 1 hour - 65.6 MBBrittani and Shatai process their feelings about gun violence and the senseless death of Des Moines socialite, Sir William. The city is hurting and is need of coming together as a community to heal. This episode features Lacey, owner of Water Wytch. We sit down and discuss family cycles of depression, suicide attempts, and addiction. Lacey drops gems on how she was able to make major changes in her life and overcome difficult times. "I've been dealing with this my whole life". Lacey talks a...
No Time To Fight With You Because We Are Fighting For Lives.
June 20, 2020 05:00 - 1 hour - 57.8 MBYOU ASKED AND WE ANSWERED! On this episode Shatai and Brittani respond to your questions on how to be part of the Black Lives Matter movement as an ally, and share your personal experiences with racism. We talk about what it was like attending a rally and a solidarity march for justice and equality for African American lives lost by police brutality. HOW DOES RACISM AFFECT OUR MENTAL HEALTH? We are drained, on edge, and feel like we are in an emotional warfare. Join us as we discuss the de...
No Time To Fight With You Because We Are Fighting For Lives.
June 20, 2020 05:00 - 1 hour - 57.8 MBYOU ASKED AND WE ANSWERED! On this episode Shatai and Brittani respond to your questions on how to be part of the Black Lives Matter movement as an ally, and share your personal experiences with racism. We talk about what it was like attending a rally and a solidarity march for justice and equality for African American lives lost by police brutality. HOW DOES RACISM AFFECT OUR MENTAL HEALTH? We are drained, on edge, and feel like we are in an emotional warfare. Join us as we discuss the de...
Do Whatever My Spirit Needs for me to do in That Moment
May 30, 2020 06:00 - 1 hour - 51.8 MBOn this episode Shatai talks about her last session EVER with her therapist and how it feels like a sad break up. Brittani sheds light on leveling up and seeing things from a better perspective once you hit 30. If you keep doing the same things and are getting the same results you got to change your game plan! SPECIAL GUEST: Ty Daye teaches us how to smudge (she brings us a little sweetgrass) & discusses the power of positive energy, growing up in a foster home with over 20 kids, and livi...
"I Found Freedom in Not Giving a F*ck About What Society Says I"m Supposed to Do"
May 17, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 65.6 MBCOURTNEY SMITH RETURNS TO THE PODCAST! Our very first guest from episode 1 updates us on big changes in her life. ["First of all...why Detroit?"] And how can you keep moving forward when the odds are already against you? On this episode Courtney shares with us her biggest strengths: her vulnerability, allowing herself to feel, and how she has come to realize her self-worth. We talk about the glow up, and how it isn't usally glossy and sugar coated, but RAW and REAL. Join Shatai and Brittne...
Just Out Here Co-Parenting & Sh*t
May 02, 2020 21:00 - 1 hour - 48.3 MBBrittani Dudley has joined the Unashamed & Unapologetic team as a co-host! Stay tuned and follow us for new and exciting changes to the podcast! Ten years ago I never knew how important co-parenting was going to become in my life. But years of experience and growth taught me that effective co-parenting is amongst one of the most important skill sets to have in life. Join us this episode as we discuss our experiences with co-parenting. It was definitely a work in progress and has its ups, bu...
2 GIRLS 1 PANDEMIC!!
April 02, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 42.6 MBAPRIL FOOLS....but actually, sh*t is REAL! In the midst of a pandemic and social distancing, Brittani and I discuss how our lives have drastically changed in a matter of weeks. Anxiety is at an all time high, the future is unknown, and WHERE THE HELL DID ALL THE TOILET PAPER GO?! Join us as we dive in to our personal conspiracy theories, and share how we're staying sane while social distancing. Self care and prioritizing what brings joy and meaning to your life is a must right now! Who says ...
So… there was this one time, I was robbed at gunpoint...
November 01, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 45.5 MBJoin me and my longtime friend, Latitia, for a SELF CARE SESH! We exchange scary stories and near-death experiences in honor of Halloween. What replenishes your soul and fills your spirit? In today’s world we stay so busy and are so task oriented that we actually have to remind ourselves to practice “self-care” …and then we end up feeling guilty about taking time for ourselves! WHAT THE HELL? Whether it’s just taking a day off, going to the gym, the spa, or rounding up the crew for game nigh...
You Have to Deal with YOUR SHIT!
October 01, 2019 07:00 - 1 hour - 60.8 MBIn this month's episode Shannon Jefferson and I talk about "dealing with your sh*t" and how it is not only healthy, but necessary! When we try to take toxic secrets to the grave, and burry them in our shame, we only end up creating chaos for ourselves down the road. Join us as we talk about finding the right therapist, keeping it REAL with your therapist, and how saying a prayer and smoking a little weed is NOT the same as dealing with your shit! Shannon shares with us her journey through de...
"You have to understand that you’re mentally fucked up, or you’ve been dealing with trauma to understand that you can you live your life outside of that box too"
September 03, 2019 03:00 - 1 hour - 58.4 MBMy curls are POPPIN, I may have accidentally advertised myself as a sex worker on Facebook, AND I am anxious AF, so I am taking an 8 week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course! This episode I chat with guest BG about growing up in poverty, fatherhood, and PERSPECTIVE. Oh, and let's not forget the pressure of being a man and not being allowed to show any emotion! He drops some gems about the power of positive affirmations, owning your past, living your truth, and changing your core belief...
I Believed Her
August 01, 2019 07:00 - 1 hour - 48.7 MBTHE PODCAST IS GLOBAL! Listeners are tuning in from Europe, Asia, South America, Africa and even in Australia! How in the world do you find a therapist anyway? I talk about how I used PsychologyToday.com and found an amazing new therapist to help me sort out my hotmess of a life. A "New hair, New me" mental breakdown actually turned out in my favor! And YO...when you're going through some sh*t, reach out to your PEOPLE....really, it makes a huge difference! On this episode I speak to Sara Sc...
Ever thought you had EBOLA & that you were going to die, but it turned out you just ate hash cake???
May 15, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 30.8 MBOn this BONUS episode my close friend, Latitia, joins me as I talk about my Gambia vacation! We talk about wedding traditions, wild parties, Gambian food and culture, and how mental illness is perceived. Laugh with us as I share my CRAZIEST Gambia story, involving hash cake, demonic possession and Ebola! Follow Latitia on Facebook & Instagram @LatitiaMarie Follow the podcast on Facebook: Unashamed & Unapologetic: The Mental Un-Health Podcast Instagram: @thementalunhealthpodcast Email q...
THE GAMBIA EPISODE! Unless you're walking around naked, covered in dirt like a mad man, there's really no such thing as mental health problems
May 01, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 28.1 MBRETURN TO THE MOTHERLAND! I am in Gambia, West Africa this episode! I give you a little insight to Gambian culture, and how every day is a party, whether it's a wedding, funeral, or Sunday dinner. I talk about feeling depressed every time I leave Gambia and return to the U.S. This episode I interview my cousin, William Joiner, and we talk about BODY IMAGE! He chats with me about how being picked on as a kid for being the "chubby kid" affects him today, and his struggles with negative self-ta...
My OCD: I use to think it was a curse but it kind of is a blessing.
April 01, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 33.3 MBSo I'm sitting on an airplane, and the lady next to me tells me about how she got ditched for crack cocaine during Mardi Gras.... I share about my trip to New Orleans, my Facebook purge, and how I need to learn to be comfortable with silence! This episode features guest Kristen Massey, who works in the mental health field and writes her own blog. Kristen talks about having anxiety, living with OCD and her son being diagnosed with Autism. We also discuss how everyone is "too busy" to really c...
My OCD: I use to think it was a curse but it kind of is a blessing.
April 01, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 33.3 MBSo I'm sitting on an airplane, and the lady next to me tells me about how she got ditched for crack cocaine during Mardi Gras.... I share about my trip to New Orleans, my Facebook purge, and how I need to learn to be comfortable with silence! This episode features guest Kristen Massey, who works in the mental health field and writes her own blog. Kristen talks about having anxiety, living with OCD and her son being diagnosed with Autism. We also discuss how everyone is "too busy" to really c...
If I asked you to name all of the things that you loved, how long would it take for you to name yourself?
February 24, 2019 06:00 - 1 hour - 34.6 MBFIRST EPISODE! On this episode, Shatai Joiner sits down with Courtney Smith to discuss the craziness of being a waitress, alcohol addiction, toxic relationships, and self love. Courtney describes her experience in drug rehab, what it took to find herself, and love herself for who she is. She is a spoken word poet, who uses her gift as a way to heal from past traumas, and help others who share similar experiences. To hear her work, follow and subscribe to her blog: https://cochas.poetry.blog ...