In this episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., I sit down with Kayla Bell-Consolver—licensed mental health counselor, community leader, and founder of Question Kayla, LLC.

Kayla opens up about her journey from Tampa to Des Moines, the challenges of Black girlhood and acceptance, and how her experiences with shame and resilience shape the powerful work she does today. We talk about therapy as “heart work,” her viral TikToks making mental health accessible, and why she believes: “You don’t have to be perfect, you just gotta be you.”

This conversation is about healing, identity, and the courage to embrace every part of who we are.

Stay Connected with Kayla:

Question Kayla, LLCMental Health Presentations, Consultations, and Trainings
Pronouns: She/Her
Licensed Mental Health Counselor

• Website: questionkaylallc.com

• Substack: questionkayla.substack.com

• TikTok: @questionkayla

• Instagram: @questionkayla28

Want More Black. Girl. Iowa.?

Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and YouTube.
✨ Read reflections, guest features, and community stories on the Black. Girl. Iowa. Blog.
✨ Follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for updates, journaling prompts, and behind-the-scenes.

Keep telling your story. Keep being unapologetically you. 🖤

Registered nurse and community leader Monica Goodlett turned a single hike in West Virginia into a movement—founding Black Iowa Outdoors to connect, inspire, and challenge the narrative of who belongs in nature.

In this episode, she shares her journey from Urbandale to trailblazer, how the outdoors boosts mental and physical health, and why representation matters on the trail.

Get ready to be inspired—and maybe even lace up your sneakers for your own adventure.

Support Black Iowa Outdoors:

Facebook - Black Iowa Outdoors

Instagram - @blackiowaoutdoors

TikTok - @blackiowaoutdoors

Website - www.blackiowaoutdoors.com

Upcoming Events:

Mushroom Foray & Hike

Saturday, August 16th at Jester Park - 10:00 AM

Community Trash Pick-Up

Saturday, October 18th at Good Park - 10:00 AM

Want More Black. Girl. Iowa.?

Follow Black. Girl. Iowa. on Instagram and TikTok @blackgirliowa for more stories, reflections, and behind-the-scenes podcast moments.

Read my blog at www.blackgirliowa.com for deeper dives into each episode, and check out the Black. Girl. Iowa. Etsy shop for journals, kits, and more at BlackGirlIowaShop.

In this episode, I sit down with Corey Dion Lewis—health coach, media founder, and passionate health equity advocate—for a conversation that reminded me just how powerful intention and community really are.

Corey shares his journey from East Moline to Iowa City, and how his experience advocating for his mother’s health changed everything. That moment pushed him to launch The Healthy Project Podcast, build My City, My Health, and commit to creating spaces where our voices are heard in conversations about care, access, and representation.

We talk about what it means to lead with purpose, the challenges of navigating healthcare as Black Iowans, and how sometimes your calling finds you through the most personal experiences. Corey’s story is rooted in truth, transformation, and the belief that when we take care of each other, we all rise.

Resources & Links:🎧 Listen to The Healthy Project Podcast wherever you stream podcasts📲 Follow Corey on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn & more @coreydionlewis🌐 Learn more about My City, My Health

Connect with Black. Girl. Iowa.:Follow Emili on Instagram & TikTok: @blackgirliowaShop merch + journaling kits: BlackGirlIowaShop on EtsyVisit the blog + more: blackgirliowa.com