Advertise on podcast: Wonderland - Beyond the Looking Glass

Grief isn’t just about death, it’s every loss we were never given the language for. In this episode, the three of us get real about the messy, unfiltered versions of grief: when your identity shifts, when relationships fall apart, when your stability cracks, and when the dreams you swore you’d grow into quietly fade out. We talk about how grief shows up in the body; the exhaustion, the irritability, the brain fog, and why your body holds on to what your mind keeps trying to outrun. We sit with the truth that grief is a teacher. It’s an alchemist. It will break you open, build your empathy, tighten your boundaries, and force you to live like tomorrow isn’t promised, because it isn’t. And we dig into what real support looks like: presence over fixing, listening over rescuing, courage over comfort. We talk about how acknowledgment isn’t the same as acceptance, and why so much of what people call “stress” right now is really collective grief that nobody wants to name.

Understanding ACEs — What Your Childhood Still Tells You Today In this episode, we break down Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how the things you lived through before age 18 might still be shaping your health, decisions, and relationships today. We get real about the impact of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, why ACE scores matter, and how hyper-independence shows up as a trauma response. We also talk about how today’s stressors — like job loss, instability, and shutdowns — are creating new ACEs for our kids right now. You’ll learn the protective factors that actually help adults heal: asking for help even when you don’t want to, doing the uncomfortable self-assessment work, and making your home safer and more trauma-informed during high-stress seasons. I also share my plan to launch a simple ACEs assessment app so listeners can take the 10-question tool and instantly access trauma-informed resources. We close by previewing next week’s episode on grief, where Nicole dives into non-traditional losses and the real difference between acknowledging and accepting a loss. Keywords: ACEs, Adverse Childhood Experiences, trauma-informed care, hyper-independence, generational trauma, grief, healing journey, mental health podcast, resilience, trauma recovery, protective factors

In this second installment of The Queen’s Court, we explore how hardships are being met with heart-centered leadership and collective action. With the current SNAP crisis and government shutdown driving families into food insecurity, we dive into how everyday people are organizing to provide power, purpose, and provision in their communities.You’ll hear how federal shutdowns are forcing workers and children to choose between meals and bills, and how women-led networks are stepping in with food gardens, skill-sharing, resource guides and mutual-aid systems to bridge the gap. What You’ll Get From This Episode: Clear insights into how the SNAP crisis is unfolding, and the ripple effects on families, schools and communities. Real-world examples of community-led solutions: neighborhood food gardens, skill-share networks, support groups and tech tools to serve vulnerable neighbors. Action steps you can take today: share your skills, make a resource guide, volunteer, donate and organize locally. Resources to Get Started: Find a food bank near you: Feeding America — Find Your Local Food Bank Feeding America+2Feeding America+2 National list of food banks by state: USFoodBanks.com usfoodbanks.com Food assistance resources for patients and families: PAN Foundation — Food Assistance Resources PAN Foundation

The Queens' Court Miniseries: Fortifying the Village in Uncertain Times After more than a year away from the mic, Michelle, Keisha, and Nicole return with a raw, unfiltered conversations about what it means to protect your peace, strengthen your village, and stay grounded in a world that feels increasingly unstable. This reintroduction episode of Queens Court dives deep into three essential pillars for this season: Advocacy & Community (Michelle) – how to rebel wisely, safeguard your family, and navigate systems designed to silence you. Mental Health & Healing (Keisha) – the real impact of stress, ACEs, and internalized trauma, and how to recognize when you need help. Emotional Intelligence & Empathy (Nicole) – why compassion is a power move, not a weakness, and how grounded awareness can protect your peace. The Queens get honest about personal growth, spiraling moments, and what it looks like to stay emotionally regulated while navigating psychological warfare, social unrest, and survival fatigue in the Black community. From On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder to lessons on boundaries, rebellion, and staying human in the face of chaos—this episode is part therapy session, part wake-up call, and part survival guide. Takeaways: Why self-awareness is your best defense in times of uncertainty The importance of grounding, meditation, and spiritual balance How to protect your digital footprint and your identity in the current climate 💡 If you’ve been feeling disconnected, disheartened, or on edge—this is your reminder: you are not alone, and you are not powerless.

Here is a draft podcast description thanking listeners and signing off: After over 100 episodes and 4 incredible years, the time has come to bring the Wonderland - Beyond The Looking Glass podcast to a close, at least for now. When we started this podcast back in 2020, we never imagined the community and conversations it would create. We set out to have balanced talks, share some laughs, and impart relationship lessons, but it turned into so much more. The open and thoughtful dialogue in each episode encouraged vulnerability, reflection, and growth not just for us, but for thousands of you listeners as well. Many of you have reached out over the years to share how an episode or concept profoundly shifted your perspective or improved your relationships. Know that you all have also left an indelible mark on us. We are so grateful for every like, subscribe, review, and message. Thank you for welcoming us into your lives through your earbuds each week - it has been an honor. The connections, understandings, and wisdom forged here will stay with us well beyond this farewell. While we may be signing off for now, remember that each ending opens the door for new beginnings. We hope you’ll carry the lessons from Wonderland with you moving forward and pay them forward. Perhaps our paths will cross again down the rabbit hole someday soon. Until then, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you, and may you always be the main character in your story!

Have you ever felt the sting of betrayal erode your trust and cast a shadow over your relationships? You're not alone. Betrayal trauma can leave deep wounds, impacting our ability to connect and build relationships. Join us as we delve into the complex dynamics at play, explore practical tools for healing, and offer real-life stories of resilience and growth. We talk about: How betrayal trauma impacts relationships Strategies for rebuilding trust and intimacy Tips for navigating triggers and communication breakdowns The power of self-compassion and forgiveness Whether you're still reeling from a fresh betrayal or seeking to heal from past experiences, Come join the conversation and explore, learn, and grow.

Having “the talk” to determine if you and your potential partner are on the same page about relationship hopes, expectations, and boundaries is crucial, yet often awkward. When is the optimal time to initiate this critical conversation before assumptions derail a promising connection’s growth? This episode discusses how defining the relationship too hastily can activate avoidant behaviors. However, clear communication early on alleviates ambiguity about needs and compatibility. This episode offers guidance on broaching topics like time spent together, integrating with friend groups, social media habits, expressions of intimacy, future goals, and unusual deal breakers. While no magic formula exists, typically these talks happen once mutual care is established but before attachments form. Your unique pace and priorities should drive timing. We hope to provide advice on framing discussions in constructive ways that honor each person’s expectations.

Do you ever feel like new relationships accelerate from 0 to 60 before you even put on your seatbelt? One minute you’re in “just talking” territory, the next there’s a toothbrush at their place and they’re booked to meet your family at Christmas. Or does the pacing drag like molasses, plagued by ambiguity, hesitation and walls up high? What defines healthy pacing when you’re getting to know someone new? How can you even tell in those critical early stages if this thing has the velocity to go the distance or will inevitably run out of fuel...or worse, crash and burn? In this episode, we’re talking about the speed of new relationships. We’ll map the major milestones, discuss red and green flags for alignment potential, and teach you how to pump the brakes or hit the gas according to your own needs and compatibility. Relationships falter when we silence our authentic voices, so make sure you are using yours. Only you can dictate the right speed limits for your journey. Let’s make sure you end up safely at your desired destination.

Dating can be hard enough as it is. But when you also live with mental health struggles, it can bring added layers of complexity to an already tricky landscape. Whether it’s anxiety convincing you that you’re unlovable, depression sapping your energy to put yourself out there, or the stigma surrounding disorders keeping you guarded...how do you brave the dating world when your own mind puts up obstacles? In this episode, we’ll hear from folks who have been there. Like many, they once saw their mental health status as a liability in finding love, but they’ve since learned how to approach dating in a healthy, empowering way. We’ll talk openness versus oversharing, setting boundaries, self-compassion, tuning into your needs, and other tips. While there are certainly challenges, you absolutely can date successfully while also prioritizing your mental wellbeing. It’s about finding the balance between accepting your needs and believing you deserve fulfilment. There will be trial and error, but through communication, self-awareness, and showing yourself grace, dating can teach you invaluable lessons about resilience. You are SO much more than your diagnosis or struggles.

Today we’re diving into the delicate art of dating someone who has been through a divorce. Now, dating can be tricky enough, but when your romantic interest is carrying the baggage of a previous failed marriage things get even more complex. How do you avoid the landmines? When is the right time for them to open up about their past relationship? How do you know if they’re truly ready to commit to someone new? We’ll explore all this and more in today’s show. Whether you’re currently seeing a divorcée or considering it, this episode is filled with practical tips from relationship experts and others who have been there first-hand. You’ll learn red flags to watch out for, how to have the ‘ex’ talk, and ways to tell if your partner is still emotionally tied to their former spouse. We’ll also discuss how to integrate into this new type of blended family if kids are involved.

After a break, your hosts are excited to reunite and bring you into a new phase of thoughtful relationship discussions here in Wonderland!  In this premiere episode, we'll reflect on time apart, what we've learned, and how we can come back together with renewed commitment, compassion and tools for deep relating. Just like in any relationship, breaks can become breakthroughs if the reunion is intentional.  We'll talk about aligning values, defining boundaries, balancing autonomy with closeness, communicating clearly, and approaching reconciliation with care. How do we build back trust and intimacy? How do we grow together? Welcome back to Wonderland!

In this episode, the gentlemen have an expressive conversation about the views of Black Men in today's society and how they have been impacted by racism. They provided insight on ways to address it moving forward and the importance of Brotherhood and how to handle these complex, century-old issues faced by Black Men in America. Get ready for "Exit Wounds," a mini-series that shines a light on the issues impacting Black men and the world around them. Through candid conversations, we create a safe space where Black men can share their stories, build community, and empower themselves and others. Our aim is to facilitate dialogue and promote change. Join us each week as Markis from "Through the Looking Glass" leads a panel of influential men who are making a difference in their communities. Mr. Blackovation from "All Things Black Podcast" and Chris and Earnell, the "Wildcat Therapist," will also be joining us to provide their unique perspectives on the issues at hand. Together, we will explore the topics that matter most to Black men and work towards creating a space where our voices can be heard. Don't miss out on this honest and impactful series. #podcastersofinstagram #podcasting #blackpodcasters #podcastrecommendation #newepisode  #blackmenpodcasters  #eachoneteachone

This episode is based on the quote of the late civil rights activist Malcolm X, "The most disrespected woman in America is the Black Woman." The panel talks about their experiences and how their views of the world through the lens of a Black Women is one that is full of complexities and harsh truths. This mini-series Un:Scripted takes all the narratives and scripted responses and throws it out the window. We are here to talk about real issues impacting the Black Woman and our community. Women’s empowerment, strength, and support are things that all women seek. However, when it comes to black females sisterhood is attacked and many times black women are placed in scenarios to promote conflict within.   Society has created stereotypes that facilitate expectations and begin to shape how black women are seen in the world, damaging our relationships with others and connection to one another. That’s why this mini-series is so important. Join Me and Keisha as we welcome Dani (The host of My Survivor Voice Podcast) and Marlowe (The Woke Therapist) as we talk about some of these stereotypes and hurtful biases and the importance of authentic sisterhood of black women, Un: Scripted.  Come check us out and learn more about the hosts and our origin story. website: www.thelookingglass.fans - Instagram: @thelookingglasspodcast - FB Group and Page: Relationships Through Looking Glass Podcast - TikTok: thelookingglasspod Dani's socials: @mysurvivorvoice (IG) and trulydani_elle (Twitter). Marlowe socials: @thewoketherapist (on all platforms)

In this episode, the gentlemen take a deep dive into the challenges in society that challenge the roles of masculinity, specifically for the Black Man. This conversation gets deep and honest. Get ready for "Exit Wounds," a mini-series that shines a light on the issues impacting Black men and the world around them. Through candid conversations, we create a safe space where Black men can share their stories, build community, and empower themselves and others. Our aim is to facilitate dialogue and promote change. Join us each week as Markis from "Through the Looking Glass" leads a panel of influential men who are making a difference in their communities. Mr. Blackovation from "All Things Black Podcast" and Chris and Earnell, the "Wildcat Therapist," will also be joining us to provide their unique perspectives on the issues at hand. Together, we will explore the topics that matter most to Black men and work towards creating a space where our voices can be heard. Don't miss out on this honest and impactful series. #podcastersofinstagram #podcasting #blackpodcasters #podcastrecommendation #newepisode  #blackmenpodcasters  #eachoneteachone

In this episode of Un:Scripted we talk about what is means when you are "called" to be his wife? What does that mean? In the Black community, is religion used to keep people in unhealthy relationships? Let's talk about... This mini-series Un:Scripted takes all the narratives and scripted responses and throws it out the window. We are here to talk about real issues that impact the Black Woman and the community we belong to. Women’s empowerment, strength, and support are things that all women seek. However, when it comes to black females sisterhood is attacked and many times black women are placed in scenarios to promote conflict within.   Society has created stereotypes that facilitate expectations and begin to shape the way black women are seen in the world which damages our relationships with others and connection to one another. That’s why this mini-series is so important. Join Me and Keisha as we welcome Dani (The host of My Survivor Voice Podcast) and Marlowe (The Woke Therapist) as we talk about some of these stereotypes and hurtful biases and the importance of authentic sisterhood of black women, Un: Scripted.  Come check us out and learn more about the hosts and our origin story. website: www.thelookingglass.fans - Instagram: @thelookingglasspodcast - FB Group and Page: Relationships Through Looking Glass Podcast - TikTok: thelookingglasspod Dani's socials: @mysurvivorvoice (IG) and trulydani_elle (Twitter). Marlowe socials: @thewoketherapist (on all platforms) Link to the clip: https://www.tiktok.com/@_leahholderfield/video/7200173179564723499?_r=1&_t=8ZveYzN8PFK