Hosted by sisters Melody and Monica, explores the authentic stories and experiences of Black women navigating the realms of leadership, corporate America, entrepreneurship, and creative industries. As Corporate America queens, authors, founders, and visionaries, Melody and Monica share their journeys, highlight the barriers they face, and celebrate the resilience and cultural contributions of Black women. Each episode aims to inspire, educate, and empower listeners to THRIVE!
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Making Space to Exhale: Rest, Resistance & Reclaiming Power with Lisa Hurley
In this empowering episode of the INvisible Women Podcast, host Melody and Monica sits down with award-winning writer, activist, and creator of The Great Exhale, Lisa Hurley.
As we close out Autism Awareness Month, Lisa opens up about her lived experience as a Black autistic woman, the daily exhaustion of navigating professional spaces not built for her, and why she created digital sanctuaries where Black women can finally breathe. Lisa is creating a movement where Black women are unapologetically taking off the “Strong Black Woman” capes and stepping boldly into a new era—the Soft Life Era—one rooted in rest, restoration, and radical self-honoring.
Lisa’s upcoming book, Space to Exhale: A Handbook for Curating a Soft, Centered, Serene Life, is more than a wellness guide—it’s a lifeline for those tired of hustle culture, unspoken expectations, and masking exhaustion behind competence.
In this episode, she speaks truth to the pressure Black women face to “perform strength” while rarely receiving support in return.
✨ This episode is for you if you’ve ever felt:
Tired of doing it all while being seen as “too much” or “not enough”
Overstimulated by environments that ignore your needs
Pressured to smile through pain or prove your struggle to be believed
Exhausted from being strong when what you really need is rest
We talk rest as resistance, softness as survival, and why Lisa believes Black women deserve to exhale—without apology.
🎧 Tune in now and be part of the conversation.
📘 Pre-order Space to Exhale at spacetoexhalebook.com (https://www.spacetoexhalebook.com)
26 Mar 2025
Heart to Heart: Black Women, Healing, and the Fight for Our Lives w/LaQuenta Jacobs
In this powerful episode of INvisible Women, hosts Monica and Melody sit down with LaQuenta Jacobs—executive leader, inclusion strategist, and heart health survivor—for a deeply personal and urgent conversation on the intersections of Black womanhood, wellness, and the fight for visibility in healthcare.
LaQuenta shares her extraordinary journey from heart failure to healing, walking us through the life-altering diagnosis that changed her forever. Through vulnerability and clarity, she unpacks how faith, resilience, and community care carried her through one of the most difficult chapters of her life.
Together, we explore the often-ignored epidemic of heart disease among Black women, the impact of systemic medical bias, and the dangerous myth of the "strong Black woman" that keeps so many of us suffering in silence. LaQuenta challenges us to redefine self-care—not as indulgence, but as a radical act of survival and self-love.
This episode doesn’t just speak to the heart—it speaks for it.
LaQuenta leaves listeners with a powerful reminder: “You are worthy of rest. You are worthy of joy. And you are worthy of abundance and not just survival. You DESERVE it!!!”
Bold, healing, and deeply necessary—this episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to health equity, advocacy, and honoring the lives of Black women.
🎧 Tune in now and be part of the conversation.
22 Feb 2025
The Policy Goddess: Erica Shoemate on AI, Power & Purpose in Tech
Summary
In this episode of the Invisible Women podcast, hosts Monica and Melody welcome Erica Shumay, known as the Policy Goddess. Erica shares her inspiring journey from growing up in inner city Memphis to working in national security and transitioning into the tech industry, particularly in AI. The conversation explores themes of diversity, inclusion, and the importance of connection in professional spaces. Erica emphasizes the significance of community, the challenges she faced as a black woman in predominantly white institutions, and her commitment to empowering others. The discussion also highlights the evolving landscape of technology and the need for impactful work that aligns with personal values. In this conversation, Erica S. - The Policy Goddess shares her experiences navigating significant changes in her career, particularly in the context of cybersecurity and leadership as a Black woman. She discusses the unique challenges faced by Black women in professional settings, including the expectations placed upon them and the mental health implications of these pressures. The conversation also explores the role of AI in empowering marginalized voices and the importance of culturally informed technology. Erica emphasizes the need for accountability and innovation for good in the tech space, providing a framework for engaging with AI responsibly.
Takeaways
Erica's background as a first-generation college graduate shapes her perspective.
Community support was crucial in Erica's upbringing in Memphis.
Navigating national security required strategic thinking and resilience.
Diversity and inclusion are essential in tech and national security.
Building connections is a key to professional success.
Erica emphasizes the importance of mentorship and support for women.
The transition from national security to tech requires adaptability.
Understanding policy is vital in both national security and tech.
Erica's experience at Twitter highlights the challenges of online safety.
Personal values drive Erica's career choices and aspirations. Change is a constant in professional life.
Navigating challenges requires adaptability and support.
Black women often face unique struggles in leadership roles.
Mental health is impacted by professional expectations.
Loyalty can be a double-edged sword for Black women in the workplace.
AI can empower marginalized voices and stories.
Culturally informed AI is essential for representation.
Accountability in technology is crucial for equitable outcomes.
Understanding history is key to shaping the future.
Innovation should prioritize people over profit.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
1,445
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 66 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
80
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
60
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