Therapy for Black Girls is a weekly chat about mental wellness and personal development that is geared toward Black women.
How did you get into podcasting?
Joy Harden Bradford PhD ’06: By listening to other podcasts. Before Therapy for Black Girls was my full-time job, I had a one-hour commute and spent a large amount of that time listening to podcasts. I fell in love with the medium and thought that it would be a great way to share mental health information with my audience. I published the first episode in April 2017.
You have created more than 200 episodes of your podcast. Do you have a favorite?
Bradford: My favorite episode is Session 50, entitled “This Isn’t What I Imagined.” It’s my favorite because I feel like it really gets at the heart of what so many Black women struggle with—these ideas about what our lives should look like and others’ expectations of us. I feel like it’s an episode lots of people can relate to.
What is one of the largest stigmas/misconceptions around mental health that you would like to debunk?
Bradford: One of the largest misconceptions about mental health is that therapy is only helpful if you’re in a crisis. A lot of crises could be avoided if more people looked at therapy as preventive work.
Why do you think it is so important for Black women and girls to have access to a show like yours?
Bradford: I think the show gives the community language for how they’re feeling and practical strategies and tools for how to take better care of themselves and one another. Everyone may not want to go to a therapist, but many people can still benefit from listening to a podcast episode.
What is your favorite topic to discuss on the podcast?
Bradford: Some of my favorite episodes are the ones that break down topics from pop culture. Last year, I had several episodes of the podcast about Season 5 of Insecure where I was joined by my friend and colleague, Donna Oriowo, to discuss the breakdown of the main characters’ friendship. [Listeners] really enjoyed those conversations, and I enjoyed bridging my love of television with psychology.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get into podcasting?
Bradford: Just start! Episode 1 won’t be as good as episode 25, but you can’t get there if you don’t start. Don’t worry about fancy equipment. Just get started and see if it’s something you enjoy and can be consistent with before you invest a lot of resources.
Another one of our featured podcasts is Unladylike with UGA alumnae Caroline Irvin ABJ ’06 and Cristen Conger ABJ ’06. You have appeared on their show. What was that like?
Bradford: I loved interviewing with Caroline and Cristen. They made the experience very comfortable, and it was a very engaging conversation.
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