In this powerful episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita Ernst sits down with Dr. Nikki Lanier, CEO of Harper Slade and founder of the Rare Woman Collective, for an honest and deeply moving conversation about fear, race, motherhood, and the narratives that shape our lives.

Through the lens of her lived experience as a Black mother raising a son in America, Dr. Lanier opens up about the emotional reality of preparing her child to navigate a world that often misreads his worth and humanity. From creating a “police pouch” to protect her teenage son, to redefining what it means to lead with grace and courage, she invites listeners to reflect on the stories society assigns us , and how we can disrupt them.

Together, Rita and Dr. Lanier unpack powerful themes of racial equity, leadership, fear management, emotional intelligence, and advocacy. They explore how fear can both protect and paralyze us , and how to transform it through connection, awareness, and intentional action.

Key topics include:

• The emotional toll of racial narratives on Black families

• The “police pouch” story and redefining safety through love

• Fear as both a survival tool and a limiting belief

• How white allies can engage in advocacy with grace and empathy

• Building authentic multicultural workplaces and communities

🎧 Tune in to The Story I’m Telling Myself on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Audible to hear a conversation that challenges bias, inspires reflection, and reclaims humanity — one story at a time.

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