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 MONDAY .
BLACK FROM THE PAST ™ EPISODES AIR EVERY FRIDAY.
DAY 16 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Annalise Keating – The Need to Control a Thing
Growing up in an unpredictable or unsafe environment forces you into a space where you feel the need to control everything and everyone. Such was the case with Annalise Keating. In yesterday's episode, Shirl and Natty discussed Annalise's cape and mask as the...
DAY 15 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Annalise Keating – The Master Manipulator and Performer
There's nothing badass about being a MASTER MANIPULATOR or a MASTER PERFORMER, but some how Annalise Keating makes it look desirable. Join Shirl in Natty in today's episode of Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding, where they start the process of UNCAPING AND...
DAY 14 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Strategies to Stop Feeling Like You Have Something to Prove
Aren't you tired of trying to prove your worth, your love, yourSELF to all the people? In today's episode of Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding, as Shirl and Natty wrap up their conversation on unmasking Cookie Lyon, they offer some practical and easily...
DAY 13 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | You Don’t Have to Be Anyone’s Ride or Die
Have you been or are you now someone's ride or die? In today's episode of Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding, Shirl and Natty give you a peek inside at what being the ride or die has looked like in their lives from a romantic and parental point of view... ...because...
DAY 12 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | Be Yourself and Free Yourself from Proving Yourself
In today's episode of Uncaping, Unmasking, and Unhiding Natty and I are shedding light on how being a "people prover" robs us of our vulnerability, our self-confidence, and our worthiness. We also talk about how often Black women are "misunderstood" and as a...
DAY 11 Uncaping, Unmasking, Unhiding | The Need to Prove Yourself & Power of Healing in Community
Cookie Lyon didn't just wake up one morning thinking, "I got sh*t to prove". Her lived experiences pushed her into that space. Although you've probably never given it much thought, the same holds true for you. Your need to prove yourself is rooted in your lived...
