Good Girl Radio

Last week about 400 people packed in Michigan State University’s Kellogg Center Auditorium to for free screening of The Mask You Live In. It’s a film that explores American Masculinity. The films director argues society’s narrow definition of what it means to be a man is having a host of unintended consequences, ranging from substance abuse to violence to rape. As partner with MSU’s Women’s Resource Center, we wanted to take the conversation further. Listen as we chat with two of panelists in two-part series as they reveal the painful and even detrimental effects of the American definition of masculinity on their lives.

Part II: This week, a minister of one thee most historically traditional churches, opens up with his confession on the approach to homosexuality. He shares how God dealt with him and homophobia. In Part II of “I was homophobic”, he delves into the theology of the high profile case where a bakery refused to sell a cake to a homosexual couple.

Christians in mainstream media, by in large, have ignited the tension and fueled the fire of homophobia. Some may even say it is housed in the heart of Christians who supposedly profess the deepest truest love of Christ. This week, a minister of one thee most historically traditional churches, opens up with his confession on the approach to homosexuality. He shares how God dealt with him and homophobia.

After we've let go of pride, ego, and all that our parents warned us about, we can easily be consumed with bitterness after a breakup. We've given our all and nothing can salvage what we once thought was our everything. Listen to Part II of "I'm the Bitter Ex-Girlfriend." As one woman explains how she sifted though her bitterness to get to the heart of the matter.

Ex-girlfriend, a title that for many women, is a right of passage into womanhood. Often times it carries a load of lessons learned, discoveries of oneself, an unearthed soul, and regrettably bitterness. The bitterness that stems from a breakup usually leads to a path of stunted emotional growth and a false sense of emotional security. Listen as a dear friend of mine reveals her confession of being the bitter ex-girlfriend.

How does your ideal relationship function? Is it two separate lives co-existing growing to become one? Is it trusting one another to be the best person possible – sacrificial, unselfish, and serving? One woman contends a part of a healthy relationship is being dependent on one another. We ask the question “are you missing a deeper level of love in your relationship by being too independent ?” Listen as one of Good Girl Radio’s blog contributor’s defends her position of not wanting independence in her relationship.

For many women, the idea of being unattached and dependent to any person, thing, or entity is an ideal and coveted lifestyle. It is the the paradise of life! It sets you free from the very real disappointments, expectations, and frailty of human promises. It also inflates your ego! But for others, the idea of being an "independent woman" is a hinderance within a relationship and community, specifically communities of color. Listen as we explore one of Good Girl Radio's blog contributor's confession of "I really don't want independence."

The baby boomers are giving it to us! This is part II of "The top three things you should know before 2015 is over!" We asked women 50 and up to consider the current cultural & political climate and then dish out their best advice. For part II of this week's show, Good Girl Radio correspondent, AJ Weeks, gets personal with two sisters plus we hear Momma King remind us about "staying woke."

We are kicking off the Fall Season of 2015 by asking women baby boomers for their top three pieces of advice we need to know before 2015 is over! We asked them to consider the current cultural & political climate. For the first show Cameo King got the perspective of a representative of the church and judicial system. Listen as Elect Lady Dorothy Duncan of Southwest Third Ecclecastiacial Jurisdiction, about 20 church across Michigan, and District Court Judge Amy Ronayne Kraus gives their top advice before 2015 is over.

What mothers advise their children to do in public and private are two different things. More often than not, the advice given behind closed doors is the best and most life-altering advice. In Part 2 of "What my mom really tells me..." we are hearing the closed-door wisdom from mothers across the nation.

On Sunday, we will celebrate our mothers and motherly figures that have helped us navigate the rugged terrain of life. The words of wisdom, vow of protection, and nurturing care are by far the most recognizable attributes of our celebrated mothers. But we sometimes forget those very transparent moments that's a reminder of humanity and lived-experience of moms. Listen as Cameo King chats with her mother about top three surprising pieces of advice.

The unfortunate fact remains that it is still taboo to talk openly about the sexual health of women. No matter how hard we try, normalizing a woman's gynecological health seems far fetched and uncouth even in 2015 amongst grown women. So we are doing our part to have honest conversation about what goes in and out and everything in between. Listen to part 2 of the "The top questions you've always to ask your OBGYN," where Cameo King shares her experience as well as some questions from listeners. Comment Below!

For the most part, we know and understand the basics of the human anatomy. We understand when our bodies are operating as they should or when it may be a little off. But for some reason or another, we may be maybe more inclined to consult WebMD rather than an actual physician when it comes to vaginal health. Well this week we put in a little work for you and decided to ask a certified OB-GYN some of those embarrassing, tough, and sometimes uncomfortable questions.

The very essence of who people are rest in our friendships. Our friendships cultivate us, direct us, and define us. But what happens when there is a rift in our deepest friendships? Listen as one woman share's how a small crack in the foundation of true friendship developed in something much deeper.

Who our friends are and what a true friendship is can easily hold two drastically different definitions. Even more, discovering that fact can be a painful journey. This week on Good Girl Radio, a 34 year old woman shares how and why she's just now understanding what is means to be a friend.

On Sunday, the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama joined millions of Americans in celebrating black women at 2015 Black Girls Rock! Black Girls Rock! is an opportunity to uplift "black excellence and challenges narrow and archaic understandings of black art, black life, and black womanhood." As expected, FLOTUS' inspiring speech during 5th TV Broadcast reminding black girls that they are beautiful, came with criticism. Listen to part 1 and part 2 of this week's show, as we attempt to deal with the tension of unapologetically maintaining who you are when you're in the minority.

"No matter who you are, no matter where you come from, you are beautiful." Those are the encouraging words of Michelle Obama to the attendees of the 5th TV broadcast Black Girls Rock! Black Girls Rock! is an opportunity to uplift "black excellence and challenges narrow and archaic understandings of black art, black life, and black womanhood." Unfortunately there is tension around celebrating and maintaining one's identity as a black women. Listen as we attempt to parse out the tension and delve deeper into the topic of power, assimilation, and cultural identity.

We are ending the three part confession series- "If there was one thing I could change…" on high note. There are far too many choices, if given a second chance, we would change. This last woman we spoke to shared a universal truth that can be applicable to our lives. This truth will make the journey to finding ourselves and our purpose a little bit more fulfilling. Listen

couple This is part 2 in the three part confession series- "If there was one thing I could change…" This past weekend I had the opportunity to ask three women, "If there was one thing you could change in your life what would it be?" There responses were raw honesty. Listen to part two where a woman opens up about submission in a marriage.

In life, you will mess up (period). Error, mistakes, royal flubs are simply a part of living. If grace is present, it can be a part of learning as well. This week we'll hear from three women who are learning from their mistakes. I talked with each of them during Rhama Word House Ministries annual "A Spirit of Giving" conference in Lansing, MI. The conference goal is to birth deliverance from life's burdens. I had the opportunity to ask each woman, "If there was one thing you could change in your life what would it be?" This is the first in the series of three conversations.