ABOUT THE SHADES OF STRONG® PODCAST
Shades of Strong is a conversational podcast about the everyday experiences of the Strong Black Woman.
On it you will hear conversations about the importance of tearing down the myths and stereotypes that have kept Black women in bondage for years.
We recognize that Black women are tired of the Strong Black Woman, Super Woman myth that is used to ignore our pain and frustrations while praising us for putting up with mistreatment and disrespect. It is our hope that this podcast empowers all Black women to ditch the cape so that they can be and feel whatever Shade of Strong that feels right for them.
Meet Your Hosts, Shirl & Natty
Shirley Hubbard aka Shirl
Writer, speaker, conversation facilitator and emotional wellness coach residing in the southern state of Mississippi. She holds a degree in Human Services with an emphasis in counseling. She’s spent most of her adult life working in the non-profit sector mentoring Black female youth living below the poverty line.
Natalyn Bradshaw aka Natty
Multi-disciplinary artist and writer based in Southwest Virginia. She has worked as an artistic coach and mentor, and as a music and voice teacher for two decades. Her creative interests come from her desire to express vulnerability in ways that draw people in and encourage self-reflection and awareness.
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I love you both so much. I can’t wait until God brings women like you all into my physical circle. You both speak to my heart & I’m grateful God brought you both in my virtual life. I fell in love with Shades Of Strong while listening to the episode-Behind the Mask of Angry Black Woman. I now have an IPhone, so I faithfully listen to you all on Apple Podcasts. My voice gets stronger with every episode. I have been silent for way too long.
L. Carter
This podcast is so amazing. Shirl and Natty are already my best friends in my head. They immediately make you feel like you are sitting on their couch with a glass of wine, having girl talk. I love the transparency, raw, realness and laughter. No matter what you are going thru these two amazing women will give you the courage and strength to get through it. Each episode will take you on a healing journey you’ll never forget.
J. Danielle
I usually don’t listen to podcasts, but today I said, “while you walk, you’re gonna feed your spirit.” I typed in “healing” to the podcast app & stumbled upon your episode “Dear Sis, You Don’t Have To Fake It.” I was beyond blessed by every word, so much so, I started sending the link out to others whom I thought could benefit. I am now a subscriber & I’m so glad I made the spontaneous choice to listen.
A. McKoy
Shirley Hubbard
Writer, speaker, conversation facilitator and emotional wellness coach residing in the southern state of Mississippi. Shirley holds a Master’s degree in Human Services with an emphasis in counseling. She’s spent most of her adult life working in the non-profit sector mentoring Black female youth living below the poverty line. Her love for writing, speaking, mentoring and coaching was birthed from her desire to see Black women given a fair chance in a world that often demeans them and wants to keep them from speaking up about it.
Shirley is motivated by her desire to see Black women given the same respect, courtesies, and opportunities that all cultures enjoy and she is committed to facilitating conversations around these issues and creating safe spaces where Black women feel supported and loved.
She has had numerous conversations with Black women about the unreasonable expectations constantly being thrown at them and how those expectations have and continue to cause emotional trauma. Those conversations moved her to create a podcast so that these unreasonable expectations could be tackled in a meaningful, and impactful way and so that Black women across the globe know that are not in the fight [to JUST BE] alone.
Natalyn Bradshaw
Multi-disciplinary artist and writer based in Southwest Virginia. She has worked as an artistic coach and mentor, and as a music and voice teacher for two decades. Her creative interests come from her desire to express vulnerability in ways that draw people in and encourage self-reflection and awareness.
EXPLORE LATEST EPISODES
NEW EPISODES AIR EVERY TUESDAY.
Black Women Embracing Being Soft and Strong [A Summer of Encores]
My strong is soft, feminine, and receptive. Long gone are the days when Black women are overextending and back bending all in the name of being strong, because contrary to poplular belief, Black women get to be be soft and strong. Tap in to this week's encore...
Tearing Down Emotional Walls [A Summer of Encores]
My strong is creating an emotioanlly safe space. One of the most harmful things about having emotional walls is missing out on great experiences with those you love and care about. We build these walls with the hope of keeping harmful things out, not realizing...
Black Women Ain’t Out Here Angry For Nothing [A Summer of Encores]
My strong is "resolute and standing firmly in my truth" Angela Bassett. They tell us to take risks – take lots of them. They tell us not to settle for mediocrity – fight for the life we want. So, we do! We fight with everything in us – not being easily...
Healing From the Pain and Trauma of Past Experiences [A Summer of Encores]
My strong is not strong all the time and I’m okay with that. I cry. I feel. I heal. Letting go of the past and healing from trauma is challenging in and of itself, but when the trauma is a result of unhealthy parental relationships, it becomes even more...
Unlearning People Pleasing Behavior [A Summer of Encores]
My strong is knowing what I bring to the table. Unlearning people pleasing behavior is challenging, not only because it's a part of the Black female's social fabric, but also because as Black women often existing in predominantly white spaces, pleasing others first...
Be the Friend You Want to Experience [A Summer of Encores]
My strong is honoring the sacredness of friendships. Have you ever found yourself in the middle of friendhsip or sisterhood that suddenly became toxic? Are you able to accept responsibility for the role you played in it? You don't have to answer that (outloud),...
