Black Girl In Om

In this episode, co-hosts Lauren Ash and Zakkiyyah Najeebah and special guest Deun Ivory take questions from the Black Girl In Om community in the season one finale of the BGIO Podcast. This lively and candid conversation covers several topics like some of their favorite books, advice on developing a consistent yoga practice, and their go-to self care practices for breaking out of a rut. Zakkiyyah gives a bitter sweet goodbye as she announces her transition out of the BGIO Team and meditates on her two years as Art Director. Look out for new episodes of the podcast in Feburary 2017 hosted by Lauren Ash and Deun Ivory.

In this episode, co-hosts Lauren Ash and Zakkiyyah Najeebah invite Tracy G., self-proclaimed “edutainer, emotional empowerer, and trillass individual” onto the show. They dive into the power of affirmations, Tracy’s unique origins empowering other women, and Tracy’s approach to her incredibly transparent and inspiring platform and podcast She’s Beauty and the Beast. Nod your head in agreement (and laugh!) with Tracy G., as she candidly and eloquently discusses emotional empowerment, the power of writing affirmations in battling imposter syndrome, how she stumbled (serendipitously) into sharing her once-private audio vision boards, and her suggestions for how we should approach our creative projects. After listening (and relistening) to this powerful episode, learn more about Tracy G. by visiting ShesBeautyAndTheBeast.com.

In this episode, Black Girl in Om goes live for the first time at the first annual Chicago Podcast Festival! Co-hosts Lauren Ash and Zakkiyyah Najeebah have an illuminating discussion inspired by BGIO's Visual Content Director and special guest Deun Ivory's blog post on comparison stifling creativity. They share their thoughts on avoiding comparison, avoiding burn out in creative entrepreneurship, and remaining authentic no matter what. Listeners will also find a guided meditation by Lauren to end one of their liveliest chats yet. Thanks to our episode 012 partner Sir & Madame, a husband & wife owned brand and boutique, dedicated to styling the Urban Sophisticate through its offering of clothing, accessories & apothecary goods. Sir & Madame provided styling for this live episode.

In this episode, co-hosts Lauren Ash and Zakkiyyah Nejeebah kick-off a new podcast series, Questions for a Yogi. They introduce the series by chatting with their friend and fellow yogi Karla Huffman, a Chicago-based yoga instructor and Founder of Gypsy Yoga. Lauren and Zakkiyyah pick Karla’s brain and explore her thoughts on the holistic practice of yoga, what inspired Karla’s yoga practice and desire to start teaching yoga. This is a must-listen for any woman of color contemplating yoga as a holistic lifestyle change!

Inspired by their birthdays, Lauren Ash and Zakkiyyah Najeebah take this episode to reflect on their truths. They affirm the value in being intentional about acknowledging how life experiences can teach us meaningful lessons and deliver wisdom that can and should impact our life choices moving forward. From Lauren embracing that "good things take time," to Zakkiyyah acknowledging and embracing love from those around her, each co-host shares five truths that they know for sure at this point in their journeys. Listeners will also enjoy learning what Lauren and Zakkiyyah have been up to, and what is on the horizon for the BGIO podcast.

In this episode, co-hosts Lauren Ash and Zakkiyyah Najeebah chat with Anisah Ali, author of the recently released self-love focused book 'anonymous.' Anisah powerfully shares her years-long journey of intentionally unlearning unhealthy ways of relating with loved ones, including the ways in which writing served as a form of reflection and healing, and how therapy supported her entering into a healthy union with her husband. This episode is a must-listen for women of color who experienced chaos or trauma during childhood. Listeners will enjoy hearing Anisah share two of her poems, and a guided meditation inspired by one of Anisah's poems by Lauren, as well.

In this episode, co-hosts Lauren Ash and Zakkiyyah Najeebah have a lively conversation with top UK fashion blogger and confidence consultant Frédérique "Freddie" Harrel. The dynamic stylist and digital strategist vulnerably shares about how her personal history battling racism and depression, combined with her career change and healing of a broken heart, pushed her to start her blog and move towards realizing her passions. Be empowered in hearing these three women discuss tips for radiating confidence everywhere you go. Thanks to our episode 008 sponsor Shyp, a shipment service made easy, listeners may also enjoy $10 toward their first "shypment" using the code SHYPCHI10.

In this episode, co-hosts Lauren Ash and Zakkiyyah Najeebah delve into the deep value of sisterhood among women of color with their special guests and best friends Chelsea and Theo. All four ladies reflect on building the foundation to their respective friendships through a need for a safe space to express, affirm, and love themselves and each other. Listeners will also learn more about Lauren and Zakkiyyah's paths to different cities and chapters in their lives with their sisterfriends by their side.

In this episode, co-hosts Lauren Ash and Zakkiyyah Najeebah chat with Brandie Gilliam, the Founder of Thoughtfully Magazine. This magazine maven shares her journey in manifesting her wellness magazine and transitioning from being a marketing and branding manager into a full time creative. Brandie talks about the intentional work that goes into being a resource for women of color who want to be mindful of what they put in and on their bodies. Brandie, Lauren, and Zakkiyyah each share how trusting and taking a leap of faith was pivotal for realizing their respective passion projects. Listeners will learn practical tips and tricks to living life more thoughtfully, one step at a time, and will also receive a special, limited discount to the Thoughtfully Magazine online shop.

In this episode, co-hosts Lauren Ash and Zakkiyyah Najeebah dive into the politics, theories and specific women who shaped the culture and mission of Black Girl in Om. They chat about the importance of safe spaces that are created and cultivated for and by marginalized groups and, in particular, spaces created and cultivated for and by black women. Lauren and Zakkiyyah discuss womanism, exclusivity and standing firm in convictions that need to be held and conversations that are imperative to have when holding space rooted in womanism.

In this episode, co-hosts Lauren Ash and Zakkiyyah Najeebah chat with self-proclaimed emotional nudist and empowerment coach Brittany Josephina. Brittany breaks down the power of manifestation, mantras, and intuitive purpose in this highly inspirational episode. All three women affirm the wisdom found in reflecting back to their childhood curiosities and desires in revealing glimpses of their purpose.

This episode, co-hosts Lauren Ash and Zakkiyyah Najeebah discuss challenges they face on their respective self-care journeys—including unforgiveness, selfishness, patience, and more. This dialogue comes from a vulnerable place for both of them in the hopes that this conversation will inspire more women of color to open up about the challenges that they face in order to grow.

This episode, co-hosts Lauren Ash and Zakkiyyah Najeebah chat about veganism, yoga, and living a life of intention with their first BGIO Podcast guest: their friend Jenné Claiborne, founder of the amazing vegan lifestyle platform Sweet Potato Soul. Jenné shares how, for her, veganism is more than just a diet—it’s a lifestyle rooted in compassion and ethics. Lauren and Zakkiyyah admit some of the challenges they have faced in adopting veganism. Jenné shares how her yoga practice informs veganism (and vice versa) as well as what she eats in a typical day. Listeners inspired by this conversation should join the nearly 50k other vegans (or vegan lifestyle enthusiasts!) who subscribe to Jenné’s inspiring YouTube Channel for practical vegan food and skincare recipes and Jenné’s favorite vegan beauty products!

This episode, co-hosts Lauren Ash and Zakkiyyah Najeebah introduce the Black Girl In Om podcast, an extension of their mindful lifestyle brand, global community, and tangible platform for an increasingly marginalized audience around the world. Founder Lauren speaks to the origins of Black Girl In Om, and Art Director Zakkiyyah shares her aesthetic and philosophical investment in their vision of holistic wellness for women of color. Both hosts illuminate the revolutionary, and necessary, aspects of BGIO and share some of their favorite moments of their nearly two year journey with BGIO thus far. In this episode, listeners may also enjoy a mini guided meditation, and learn who Zakkiyyah and Lauren want to take to yoga with them.

A sneak peek at what to expect from Black Girl In Om. This show is a bi-­monthly conversation on all things wellness, self­-care and self­-love, hosted by Black Girl In Om Founder and Creative Director Lauren Ash and Art Director Zakkiyyah Najeebah.