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

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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

In this reflective solo episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., Emili J. opens up about her ongoing journey of self-discovery and the power of sharing one’s own story. She explores what it means to feel untethered, highlighting the deep importance of self-care, spirituality, and setting boundaries.

Emili also shares how reconnecting with joy through hobbies has helped her reclaim a sense of purpose. Through honest storytelling, she reminds listeners that they are never alone—and encourages open, healing conversations about mental health, growth, and the beauty of community support.

References:

The Bible in 52 Weeks by Kimberly D. Moore

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In the season one finale of Black. Girl. Iowa., host Erika Bailey turns the mic toward Emili, the voice behind the podcast. Together, they reflect on the transformative journey of the first season—highlighting the confidence Emili gained, the power of storytelling, and the meaningful connections built along the way. Emili opens up about her proudest moments, including an emotional interview with her father, and reaffirms her deep-rooted love for Iowa as home.

This heartfelt conversation dives into Emili’s experiences navigating identity, community, and self-acceptance as a Black woman in Iowa. She speaks candidly about the importance of rest, self-care, and the growing solidarity among Black women in her community. With gratitude and vision, Emili shares advice for younger generations and teases what's to come in season two—centered on restoration, connection, and continued growth.

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TikTok:⁠ @blackgirliowa⁠

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In this episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., I’m joined by Dr. Cimone Wright-Hamor — engineer, educator, and powerful advocate for Black girls and women in STEM. From growing up in Cedar Rapids to earning her Ph.D., Cimone shares how early struggles in school, mentorship, and intentional planning shaped her journey and her purpose.

We talk about what it’s like to be underestimated in white-dominated spaces, the power of seeing yourself represented, and why it’s okay not to bring every version of yourself into every room. She also opens up about how childhood trauma can show up in adult communication and why understanding your story can shift your future.

Follow Cimone!

Facebook: HeyCimone!

Website: www.heycimone.com

Purchase Cimone's Book on Amazon: Manufactured Education: Leveraging College to Accelerate Your Career Without Selling Your Soul

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In this podcast episode, Deidre DeJear, an entrepreneur and civic leader, reflects on her journey from Mississippi to Oklahoma to Iowa, highlighting her passion for public service and community engagement. As the Democratic nominee for both Iowa Secretary of State and Governor, DeJear advocates for critical issues like quality education and mental health care. She discusses the challenges of running for office, including resource shortages and the importance of community support, while emphasizing the necessity of setting personal expectations and holding herself accountable.

Throughout the conversation, DeJear underscores the power of Black women's voices across the regions she has lived in—Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Iowa—and their role in shaping activism and progress. Additionally, she speaks about her work with Ladylike, a co-founded initiative, and her ongoing commitment to nonpartisan civic engagement through Vision Leads. Ultimately, the episode captures DeJear’s dedication to creating change and empowering voices for a better future.

Support Deidra:

Check Out Vision Leads: https://www.visionleads.org/

Instagram: @deidredejear

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In this podcast episode, Latoya Lewis, the founder and CEO of Mahogany Doula Services, shares her inspiring journey from Illinois to Iowa, where she sought a safer and more stable environment for her family. Initially planning to leave Iowa, she fell in love with its affordable living, tranquility, and educational opportunities for her daughter. Balancing motherhood, Latoya pursued her undergraduate degree at the University of Iowa and later obtained two graduate degrees in public and health administration to enhance her career prospects in healthcare.

Latoya discusses her evolution into a doula and the critical role doulas play in providing emotional and physical support during childbirth. She emphasizes the importance of advocacy and education for birthing individuals, highlighting disparities in maternal health and the necessity of treating everyone with dignity and respect. Additionally, she shares her vision for Mahogany Doula Services to expand into comprehensive care and education for health professionals, while also stressing the importance of self-care and grace in her work.

Support Latoya!!!

Facebook: Mahogany Doula Services

Instagram: @the_mahogany_doula

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