Episodes

In this powerful episode of Joy in the Breakthrough, hosts Connie Lindsey and Anna Valencia sit down with the incredible Dr. Joy Harden Bradford—licensed psychologist, founder of Therapy for Black Girls, and author of Sisterhood Heals. ✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Dr. Joy’s journey from a curious student to an for mental health The importance of trusting your gut and discerning safe spaces How vulnerability and asking for help can lead to powerful breakthroughs The impact of sisterho...

In this heartfelt continuation of Ain’t Love Grand?, Connie and Anna invite their husbands, John and Reyahd, to explore the dynamics of love, communication, and connection in marriage. From navigating conflicts with grace to cultivating friendships outside the relationship, this episode dives deep into the tools and techniques that make love thrive. Discover the power of “peace” as a safe word, the importance of respecting individuality in partnerships, and the beauty of chosen family. Plus, get...

In this deeply personal two part series of Joy in the Breakthrough, hosts Connie Lindsey and Anna Valencia step into uncharted territory as they discuss the men in their lives—husbands John and Reyahd. Together with their partners, they discuss the delicate balance of work, family, and purpose. They open up about their love journeys and share the techniques they’ve learned to sustain healthy and thriving relationships. From Connie and John’s 14-year courtship to Anna and Reyahd’s serendipitous ...

Join hosts Connie Lindsey and Anna Valencia for an insightful conversation with Dr. Karen Lindsey on the art of risk-taking. In this episode, we delve into the complexities of taking calculated risks, overcoming fear, and embracing uncertainty. Dr. Lindsey shares her personal experiences and offers valuable advice for navigating life's challenges. Discover how to identify imposed risks, cultivate a mindset of curiosity, and harness the power of resilience. Whether you're facing a career change...

In today's episode, hosts Connie Lindsey and Anna Valencia welcome Dr. Inger Burnett-Ziegler to discuss the challenges many face in communication, particularly during stressful or sensitive conversations. They delve into the intricacies of clear communication, offering tools and strategies to help navigate difficult conversations. Learn how to assert your needs, manage stress, and improve your communication style whether you're leading at work, connecting with loved ones, or addressing personal...

In this episode, Connie Lindsey and Anna Valencia tackle the complex narratives of ageism that affect professionals at every stage of their careers. They reflect on their own personal experiences and explore how race, gender, and age intersect to create unique challenges. This episode encourages you to challenge preconceived notions and celebrate the value of diverse generational perspectives. 💛 💜✨🎙️ Joy in the Breakthrough is hosted by Connie Lindsey and Anna Valencia. Follow Joy in the Brea...

In this episode hosts Connie Lindsey and Anna Valencia welcome the brilliant Dr. Nicholas Pearce, an author, pastor, and clinical professor at Northwestern University to the show. Dr. Pearce delves deep into his journey by sharing the foundational moments that shaped his identity and purpose. From his multi-generational upbringing on the South Side of Chicago to the profound influences of his family and community, Dr. Pearce opens up about the pivotal experiences that led him to where he is toda...

In this episode of Joy in the Breakthrough, Connie Lindsey and Anna Valencia discuss the concept of being at peace, not in pieces. They share tips on how to find peace and center yourself during challenging times, including: Practicing mindfulness and meditation Limiting technology use Curating your social circle Acknowledging your emotions 💛 💜✨🎙️ Joy in the Breakthrough is hosted by Connie Lindsey and Anna Valencia. Follow Joy in the Breakthrough Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo...

In this episode, Connie Lindsey and Anna Valencia dive deep into the difference between self-worth and net worth. They discuss how self-worth is the foundation of self-confidence and self-esteem, and how it's often confused with external factors like success and achievements. Connie and Anna share their own experiences of grappling with self-worth, and offer practical tips on how to build a strong foundation of self-love and acceptance. You'll learn: The key distinction between self-worth and ...

We are bursting with excitement to share our brand new season packed with insightful conversations, inspiring guests, and practical tools to help you move towards joy. Here's what's new for Season 3: New Look: We've got new podcast artwork and an official website. Check us out! New Home: We’re now an audio first podcast on The Qube. The Qube is a curated platform of the best BIPOC podcasts. New Socials: We’ll be dropping video clips, polls, and inspirational quotes. Follow us on: LinkedIn | I...

Our own hosts, Anna Valencia and Connie Lindsey, experience feelings of "not being enough," you know it's a common struggle. This episode of Joy in the Breakthrough explores the root of this feeling and offers tools to help you overcome it. Connie and Anna share their own experiences and how they've learned to: Identify the "why" behind feeling like you're not enough Redefine success on your own terms Celebrate your wins (big and small!) Surround yourself with people who see your...

In this episode of Joy in the Breakthrough, Anna Valencia and Connie Lindsey welcome Jenny Guzman, a community leader and entrepreneur. Jenny opens up about her inspiring journey, from her diverse upbringing to her recent health challenges. She shares how overcoming endometriosis led her to a powerful self-discovery and a renewed sense of purpose. Jenny also discusses her passion for helping others and her new venture, Bestola Consulting, named after her two grandmothers. This episode is full o...

In this episode of Joy in the Breakthrough, Anna Valencia and Connie Lindsey welcome Dr. Theri Raby, an educator, mentor, and visionary for integrative medical practices. Dr. Raby shares her inspiring journey, shaped by her multicultural upbringing and a deep connection to nature's healing power. We learn about the philosophy behind integrative medicine and how it combines traditional Western medicine with alternative approaches. Dr. Raby offers valuable insights on self-care, sleep hygiene, an...

Join Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley for an inspiring conversation on Joy in the Breakthrough! In this episode, Ayanna shares her powerful story of resilience and finding joy amidst the struggles. We discuss: The importance of authenticity and self-acceptance Breaking free from societal expectations Embracing your unique voice and perspective Overcoming adversity to find your breakthrough Ayanna also sheds light on her work as a legislator, including the fight for the Crown Act and racial ju...

Tired of feeling like the only one in the room? This episode of Joy in the Breakthrough tackles the challenges and triumphs of building inclusive teams. Hosts Anna Valencia and Connie Lindsey are joined by social entrepreneur Anna DeShawn for a powerful conversation about: Using inclusive language and creating a culture of belonging Redefining leadership through authenticity and empathy Recognizing unconscious bias and its impact on company culture Building bridges across differences to cre...

This episode of Joy in the Breakthrough features Dr. Jean Porter King, a powerhouse author, consultant, and leadership coach. Dr. Jean shares her inspiring journey of breaking free from limitations and stepping into her authentic leadership style. In this conversation, you'll learn: The importance of recognizing your values and aligning them with your work How to navigate challenging work environments Strategies for leading with your whole self, body, soul, and spirit The power of creating ...

This episode of Joy in the Breakthrough tackles the realities of caregiving across generations. Hosts Anna Valencia & Connie Lindsey share their personal stories and practical tips for navigating the challenges, finding moments of joy, and prioritizing self-care. In this episode, you'll learn: The surprising statistics about caregiving in the U.S. How to manage the "sandwich generation" squeeze The importance of self-care for caregivers Resources and strategies for finding support Join the...

Welcome back to Joy in the Breakthrough! We're excited to be kicking off Season 2. In this episode, hosts Connie Lindsay and Anna Valencia open up about their own journeys of self-discovery and finding their "why." They discuss the importance of purpose, how it can guide your decisions, and the practical steps you can take to align your passions with your life. Whether you're feeling lost or simply looking for ways to live a more fulfilling life, this episode is packed with inspiration and acti...

When running for office, Reshma Saujani faced a crushing defeat. But instead of letting it break her, she used it as fuel to launch Girls Who Code and Moms First. In this episode of Joy in the Breakthrough, Anna Valencia and Connie Lindsey chat with Reshma about the power of embracing failure, the importance of bravery in everyday life, and how to dismantle the systems that hold women back. Join us as we learn to find the breakthroughs hidden within our setbacks! 💛 💜✨🎙️ Joy in the Break throug...

Feeling drained and unfulfilled? You're not alone. In this episode of Joy in the Breakthrough, Anna Valencia and Connie Lindsey chat with Stephanie Morimoto, founder and CEO of Asutra, about her journey from burnout to joy through self-care. Stephanie shares powerful tips for prioritizing wellness, overcoming guilt, and creating boundaries – especially for women of color facing pressure to prove themselves. We explore the difference between health and wellness, debunk the "busy equals productive...

Join us on Joy in the Breakthrough as we dive deep with Dr. Karen Lindsey, professor, mentor, and leadership consultant! Dr. Lindsey shares her powerful story of overcoming a major medical crisis and how it propelled her to pursue her passion for empowering women in leadership. Learn the importance of self-awareness, finding your authentic self, and the critical role mentors, ventors, and sponsors play in your success journey. Dr. Lindsey also offers valuable tips on how to embrace change, take...

Want to finally find love (or just better relationships)? Dating expert Bella Gandhi shares her secrets to finding the people who uplift and support you in life, including your romantic partner! In this episode of Joy in the Breakthrough, Bella discusses her concept of "elevator people" - the individuals who make your life better just by being in it. She also dives into her own career pivot, from the world of finance to the world of love coaching, and offers practical tips for building strong, ...

Breakthrough moments come in all shapes and sizes! In this episode of Joy in the Breakthrough, we meet the amazing Anna DeShawn, powerhouse producer behind our very own podcast. Anna shares her incredible journey from radio personality to award-winning entrepreneur, navigating the challenges of being a woman of color in the media space, and the importance of self-belief. You'll be inspired by Anna's story of resilience, her tips for focusing on what matters, and her message of embracing your ful...

Building a fulfilling career requires more than just hard work. It takes guidance, encouragement, and sometimes a little push in the right direction. In this episode of Joy in the Breakthrough, hosts Anna Valencia and Connie Lindsey dive deep into the power of mentoring. They explore the different types of mentors - coaches, sponsors, and trusted advisors - and offer tips on how to find the perfect fit for your journey. You'll also hear inspiring stories of mentorship in action, and gain valuab...