the podcast
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 EVERY MONDAY AND FRIDAY.
Black from the Past™ | Honoring Phyllis Hyman
In this week's minisode of Black from the Past™ we're shining a light on the breathtakingly beautiful and amazingly talented Phyllis Hyman. Phyliss Hyman was a Philadelphia native best known for her contributions to the music world during the late...
Colorism | When They Say You’re Pretty for a Dark Skinned Girl
" Colorism "You're pretty for a dark skinned girl." "I don't usually date dark skinned girls." Has anyone ever had the audacity to utter those words to you? I certainly hope not. But let's be real, if those words had never been uttered, we...
Black from the Past™ | Honoring Margaret Garner
Welcome to the very first minisode in our Black from the Past™ series. Black from the Past™ is our contribution to preserving and normalizing Black history. Here's where we shine a light on Black women who are often forgotten, but have most certainly...
The Sexualization of Black Women and Girls
The sexualization of Black women and girls has its roots in slavery and racism and heavily contributes to rape culture internally and externally. And to add insult to injury, mainstream media has been oversexualizing the Black female body for years,...
Why Millennials and Gen Z’ers Are Rejecting Being Strong
Hey y'all! What is up! What is happening! We are back and we are ready to get back to dropping the dopeness and realness that is Shades of Strong episodes. We appreciate your patience AND loyalty as we took some time to rest, regroup, and...
Dear Black People, It’s Okay to Pause FROM the Cause
Black people are still our here fighting for the right to JUST BE -- you know ALIVE. And I'm here for ALL OF IT! I'm happy to see so many Black People on the front lines fighting against racism even while we're in the middle of a...
