Advertise on podcast: Ask Nyomi " Bridging The Gap" Podcast

Fashion Week is a week away, and Ask Nyomi: Bridging the Gap is bringing on two people host Nyomi Banks calls her "fashion industry children" — Xavier Walker and Norka Vasquez, co-founders of Caribbean Fashion Collective (CFC). Nyomi has watched both of them grow from models into industry builders, and this episode is a front-row seat to that evolution. Xavier and Norka break down what it actually took to land Caribbean Fashion Collective a spot on the CFDA New York Fashion Week calendar — for the second time — and why that matters far beyond the glitz of a runway show. They talk about being recognized by Essence, the reality of being "gatekeepers" trying to open more doors instead of just one, and their long-term vision to expand CFC beyond New York into a full Caribbean tour and eventually Europe. The conversation gets personal fast. Norka shares the unvarnished story of how CFC actually got funded — an unexpected move-out payout from a landlord, a friend's spare room in Harlem, and a decision to bet that money on a company instead of an apartment. It's a real, no-gloss look at what founding something from nothing actually looks like, plus their advice for the next generation of Caribbean creators and models trying to build their own platforms. In this episode, you'll learn: What it means to be selected for the CFDA New York Fashion Week calendar — twiceHow Caribbean Fashion Collective is creating opportunities for historically excluded Caribbean creatorsXavier and Norka's vision for CFC's future: a Caribbean tour, European expansion, and mentorship for designers back homeThe real, unplanned financial risk behind founding CFCWhy having "someone in your corner" matters when you're building something from scratchTheir advice to models and creatives who want to build their own platform instead of waiting to be chosenAbout Xavier Walker & Norka Vasquez Xavier Walker and Norka Vasquez are co-founders of Caribbean Fashion Collective, a platform creating visibility and opportunity for Caribbean creators in the fashion industry. Both started as models — including work with IS By Nyomi Banks — before building CFC into a CFDA-recognized New York Fashion Week presence, with recognition from Essence and a growing footprint aimed at expanding across the Caribbean and into Europe. Connect with Caribbean Fashion Collective: Check their official website and socials for Fashion Week show details and season updatesConnect with Nyomi Banks / Ask Nyomi: Bridging the Gap: Email for love, sex & relationship advice: [email protected] Nyomi at New York Fashion Week this week supporting Caribbean Fashion CollectiveNew: Nyomi's Intimate Corner on PatreonUpcoming: Souls (horror film, written and executive produced by Nyomi, directed by Dog Pound Mike Mike) coming to Tubi, plus Caught 2 on the waySEO Keywords / Tags Caribbean Fashion Collective, CFDA Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, Caribbean designers, fashion entrepreneurship, from model to founder, Xavier Walker, Norka Vasquez, building a fashion brand, Caribbean creators, fashion industry diversity, Essence recognition, Nyomi Banks, Ask Nyomi Bridging the Gap, entrepreneurship podcast, fashion week special episode  ASK NYOMI: BRIDGING THE GAP Host: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love) Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike Mike Thank you for tuning in! We appreciate you being part of the BTG community   📧 HAVE A QUESTION?  Submit your questions, stories, and advice requests: Email: [email protected] Subject line: Your question or topic   🌐 VISIT US ONLINE: Website: AskNyomi.com Personality Quiz: Discover your coaching path   📱 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL: Instagram: @asknyomi Facebook:@asknyomi Twitter/X: @AskNyomiBTG   💻 EXPLORE MORE: Elevate Me: Self-Discovery App (Studio.com/nyomi) Talk To Me Tuesday: Listener Letters Podcast (Returns Fall 2026) The Season of Self Love: Monday Mindset & Wednesday Action (YouTube, Spotify, all platforms)   2026 THEME: "Reclaimed & Unashamed Be good to one another and yourselves. Always keep it sexy. — Nyomi Banks, Da Goddess of Self Love

What happens when you keep a part of yourself secret for over 25 years? On this episode of Ask Nyomi: Bridging the Gap, host Nyomi Banks sits down with certified sex and relationship coach Amanda Dames, aka The Kink Consultant, for an unfiltered conversation about kink, shame, and the long road to sexual self-acceptance. Amanda opens up about hiding her own kink from age five into her thirties — and what it finally felt like to be fully seen by the people who love her. Together, she and Nyomi dig into why so many people confuse kink with trauma, how to figure out why a kink makes you (or your partner) uncomfortable, and the simple homework Amanda gives clients to help them stop feeling so alone: attending a "munch," a casual, clothed meetup for kinky people to connect outside the bedroom. This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered if what turns them on makes them "too much," "broken," or "abnormal." Spoiler: it doesn't. As Amanda puts it, half of life is learning — and the other half is unlearning what you were taught about making everyone else comfortable at your own expense. In this episode, you'll learn: Why kink and trauma are not the same thing (and how to tell the difference)How to identify the real source of shame around a kink or desireWhat a "munch" is and why Amanda prescribes it as homework for clientsHow to talk to a partner about a kink without pushing them awayWhy visibility and normalization matter — for coaches, creators, and everyday peopleWhat self-love really means when you've spent your life prioritizing everyone else's comfortAbout Amanda Dames Amanda Dames is a certified sex and relationship coach known as The Kink Consultant. She works with individuals and couples navigating kink, communication, and intimacy, and hosts The Kink Consultant Podcast, where she interviews couples and individuals in the kink community about their journeys — normalizing the idea that "your next-door neighbor could be into the exact same thing you're into." Connect with Amanda Dames: Website / Book a Coaching Consultation: amandadames.comInstagram: @the_kinkconsultantPodcast: The Kink Consultant Podcast (available wherever you get your podcasts)Connect with Nyomi Banks / Ask Nyomi: Bridging the Gap: Email for love, sex & relationship advice: [email protected]: Nyomi's Intimate Corner on Patreon — deeper conversations on sexuality and spirituality, plus the explant surgery documentary seriesNew episodes weekly — subscribe and never miss the BTG crew ASK NYOMI: BRIDGING THE GAP Host: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love) Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike Mike Thank you for tuning in! We appreciate you being part of the BTG community   📧 HAVE A QUESTION?  Submit your questions, stories, and advice requests: Email: [email protected] Subject line: Your question or topic   🌐 VISIT US ONLINE: Website: AskNyomi.com Personality Quiz: Discover your coaching path   📱 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL: Instagram: @asknyomi Facebook:@asknyomi Twitter/X: @AskNyomiBTG   💻 EXPLORE MORE: Elevate Me: Self-Discovery App (Studio.com/nyomi) Talk To Me Tuesday: Listener Letters Podcast (Returns Fall 2026) The Season of Self Love: Monday Mindset & Wednesday Action (YouTube, Spotify, all platforms)   2026 THEME: "Reclaimed & Unashamed Be good to one another and yourselves. Always keep it sexy. — Nyomi Banks, Da Goddess of Self Love

We celebrated the Caught 2 cast reunion with Simeon Henderson, Greg Ellery,  and Mike Merrill. Raw conversations about building a creative universe over  20 years, behind-the-scenes magic, loyalty, and why this cast keeps showing up. 🌟 KEY MOMENTS: - 20 years of Caught: From 2006 to 2026 - Episodes 3 & 4 spring 2026 shoot - fresh material - Greg's 9-year gap & powerful return - Simeon's loyalty across 20 years - Mike's creative vision as writer/director - Behind-the-scenes stories and set dynamics - Manifestation & the butterfly effect 📺 WHAT'S DROPPING TOMORROW: Caught 2: Lisa's Back premieres on Tubi August 14, 2026 Go watch. Go share. Go support independent filmmaking. 🎥 COMING SEPTEMBER 18: Souls premieres on Tubi (Nyomi wrote + produced, Mike directed, Simeon stars) 🎧 SPONSORS TODAY: ✓ Elevate Me App - 7 days free self-discovery (studio.com/naomi) ✓ We-Vibe - Intimate wellness (wevibe-north-america.sjv.io/PO6Znx) ✓ Goli - Gut health support (Code: AskNyomi) ✓ HelloIce - Statement jewelry (Codes: FREE or B2G2) 📱 NEXT WEEK: Guest Episode: Amanda Dames Same time, same channel, same energy. 💜 PATREON EXCLUSIVE: 1-year explant anniversary documentary now available Support independent creators 📧 CONNECT: Questions? [email protected] Instagram: @theseasonofselflove Website: AskNyomi.com 🔴 Remember: "Be good to one another and yourselves, and always keep it sexy." ================================================================================ HASHTAG SUGGESTIONS FOR SOCIAL: #Caught2LisasBack #AskNyomi #BridgingTheGap #BTGCrew #IndependentFilm  #Tubi #CreativeUniverse #SelfLove #ElevateMe #ManifestationProof ================================================================================  ASK NYOMI: BRIDGING THE GAP Host: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love) Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike Mike Thank you for tuning in! We appreciate you being part of the BTG community   📧 HAVE A QUESTION?  Submit your questions, stories, and advice requests: Email: [email protected] Subject line: Your question or topic   🌐 VISIT US ONLINE: Website: AskNyomi.com Personality Quiz: Discover your coaching path   📱 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL: Instagram: @asknyomi Facebook:@asknyomi Twitter/X: @AskNyomiBTG   💻 EXPLORE MORE: Elevate Me: Self-Discovery App (Studio.com/nyomi) Talk To Me Tuesday: Listener Letters Podcast (Returns Fall 2026) The Season of Self Love: Monday Mindset & Wednesday Action (YouTube, Spotify, all platforms)   2026 THEME: "Reclaimed & Unashamed Be good to one another and yourselves. Always keep it sexy. — Nyomi Banks, Da Goddess of Self Love

Nyomi is 15 days into her 30 Hard challenge, and tonight she gets REAL about what discipline actually means. On Day 13, her body shut down. She had a choice: restart at Day 1 or repeat Day 14 and continue. She chose to honor the work she'd already done and keep moving forward. This episode explores the difference between perfectionism and REAL discipline - it's not about being perfect, it's about being RESILIENT. It's about continuing when you fall, not erasing your progress. Nyomi shares the powerful story of a man who walked from Philadelphia to Los Angeles to raise money for a school, got hit by a car during the journey, and kept going. That's what real discipline looks like. If you've ever thought about restarting instead of continuing, if you've been knocked down and wondered if it's worth getting back up, if you're learning what real discipline means - this episode is for you. KEY TOPICS & MOMENTS: ✓ 15 days into 30 Hard challenge ✓ Day 13 body shutdown (post-explant surgery healing journey) ✓ The choice: restart at Day 1 or repeat Day 14 ✓ Nyomi chose to CONTINUE and honor the 13 days of work ✓ What she did on Day 14 (pull exercises, eating right, continuing) ✓ Day 15 moving forward ✓ The Philadelphia to Los Angeles walker (100-day goal, got hit by car, kept going) ✓ Discipline vs. Perfectionism ✓ Resilience as the core of real discipline ✓ Honoring your progress (not erasing it) ✓ Getting up where you fall ✓ The importance of "your why" ✓ Not being afraid to work hard to find out how great you can be ✓ Morning rituals (shower, altar, prayer, meditation, journaling) ✓ Understanding that things happen (unforeseen circumstances) ✓ Continuing forward vs. starting completely over ✓ The quote: "Don't be afraid to work hard enough to find out how great you can really be" ✓ Community wisdom (callers shared their experiences with starting/stopping) ✓ Self-love isn't about perfection ✓ Healing journey awareness ✓ Discipline in real life (when podcasts interrupt morning rituals, etc.) THE CORE MESSAGE: "Discipline is so sexy, but not because it's perfect, but because it's RESILIENT. Because it continues. Because it honors you in where you are and how you're moving and how you move from there. When you get knocked down, you get up where you fell and you keep going. That's discipline. That's resilience." — Nyomi Banks THE 30 HARD CHALLENGE: Nyomi's 30 Hard consists of: ✓ 30 minutes altar/prayer/meditation ✓ 30 minutes walking ✓ 30 minutes working out ✓ 30 minutes reading/listening to uplifting content ✓ Eating healthy meals Day 13: Body shut down Day 14: Repeated (honored the 13 days + kept moving) Day 15: Pull exercises, healthy eating, continuing forward THE PHILADELPHIA TO LOS ANGELES WALKER STORY: A man set a 100-day goal to walk from Philadelphia to Los Angeles to raise money to build a school in Philadelphia. During the walk, he got HIT BY A CAR. Did he: A) Restart from Philadelphia? B) Give up? NO. He said: "Fix me up. I'm going to heal and continue walking." 128 days total. Got knocked down. Got back up WHERE HE FELL. Kept going. That's real discipline. That's real resilience. His "WHY" (helping the kids get a school) was bigger than any obstacle. CALLER INSIGHTS: **BRUSH COMMENT:** "The confidence in which one rocks their clothes matters more than any price tag." On starting/stopping: When you have a bad day, it's not failure. You take that day and move on to the next one. **ANOTHER CALLER:** Talked about learning subjects and starting/stopping patterns. Key insight: When you have a bad day, don't start over - just move on to the next one. SPONSORS: ELEVATE ME APP Self-discovery coaching app by Nyomi Banks Guided meditations + workbooks on healing + self-love + daily coaching Studio.com/Nyomi 7 days free, no credit card required WE-VIBE Premium intimate wellness products for couples and solo exploration Self-pleasure is self-discovery. Part of knowing yourself. Link in episode notes Code: AskNyomi (mentioned but not emphasized in episode) GOLI Gut health and energy support products Nyomi is personally using for gut health and energy Affects mood, mental clarity, confidence - all connected Code: X (or asknyomi - need to verify from previous episodes) Goalie.com HELLO ICE Statement jewelry pieces Make you feel like the main character in your own story Summer sale: Buy 1 Get 1 Free (Code: FREE) Buy 2 Get 2 Free (Code: B2G2) helloice.com RESOURCES & LINKS: 📧 Sex, relationship, life coaching: [email protected] 💻 Elevate Me App: Studio.com/Naomi 🌐 Website: AskNyomi.com 📱 Instagram: @theseasonofselflove 🎙️ Ask Nyomi: Bridging the Gap - Live Thursdays 9PM EST / 6PM PST EPISODE DETAILS: Host: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love) Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike Mike Topic: Discipline, resilience, 30 Hard challenge, perfectionism recovery Duration: ~90 minutes Format: Live Thursday show with audience participation Content: Personal experience + teaching + real conversation Theme: "2026 - Reclaimed & Unashamed" CALL TO ACTION: "Be good to one another and yourselves. And always keep it sexy." — Nyomi Banks  ASK NYOMI: BRIDGING THE GAP Host: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love) Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike Mike Thank you for tuning in! We appreciate you being part of the BTG community   📧 HAVE A QUESTION?  Submit your questions, stories, and advice requests: Email: [email protected] Subject line: Your question or topic   🌐 VISIT US ONLINE: Website: AskNyomi.com Personality Quiz: Discover your coaching path   📱 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL: Instagram: @asknyomi Facebook:@asknyomi Twitter/X: @AskNyomiBTG   💻 EXPLORE MORE: Elevate Me: Self-Discovery App (Studio.com/nyomi) Talk To Me Tuesday: Listener Letters Podcast (Returns Fall 2026) The Season of Self Love: Monday Mindset & Wednesday Action (YouTube, Spotify, all platforms)   2026 THEME: "Reclaimed & Unashamed Be good to one another and yourselves. Always keep it sexy. — Nyomi Banks, Da Goddess of Self Love

20+ years of friendship and real talk. Nyomi sits down with multimedia filmmaker and producer Treagen Kier to discuss his evolution in entertainment and film production. From working in entertainment to creating films on a budget, Treagen breaks down his approach to filmmaking, creative storytelling, and building a career across multiple platforms. Discussions include his work with actors, low-budget film production ($1200 budget for Black Shadows), film distribution (Tubi, Netflix), and his dream collaborations. PLUS: Bullet Proof Soul premiere event happening THIS SUNDAY (July 26) at Belair Theater in Detroit - a red carpet networking event featuring the film premiere. KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED: ✓ 20+ year friendship & real history ✓ Film production & creative vision ✓ Low-budget filmmaking ($1200 production budget for Black Shadows) ✓ Working with actors & creative direction ✓ "Two people in a room" filming concept (inspired by Malcolm and Marie, Samuel Jackson's Sunset Unlimited) ✓ Film distribution (Tubi, Netflix agency connections) ✓ Character development & casting choices ✓ Dream cast for future projects ✓ Bullet Proof Soul premiere details ✓ Being consumer-driven in creative work ✓ Staying ahead in the entertainment industry ✓ Film as a business ✓ Networking and red carpet events GUEST INFORMATION: TREAGEN KIER Filmmaker, Producer, Creative Director Instagram: @treagenkierstudios 20+ year friend of Nyomi Banks Known for work in entertainment and film production FEATURED PROJECTS: BLACK SHADOWS - Low-budget thriller/sketch film - Shot for $1,200 - Two-person-in-a-room concept - Available on Tubi - Generated significant attention from distributors - Garnered interest from Netflix preferred agency QUEEN OF KINGS - Available on Tubi - Featured work by Treagen Kier BULLET PROOF SOUL (NEW RELEASE) Film Premiere: SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2026 • 7:00 PM Location: Belair Theater Address: 10100 East Eight Mile Road, Detroit, Michigan Format: Red carpet event + networking mixer + film premiere Dress Code: White Tickets: Available for purchase Contact: Say "Nyomi sent me" for special offer Treagen's dream cast for future projects includes: Zoe Saldana, Scarlett Johansson, Brad Pitt, Chris Hemsworth SPONSORS & LINKS: ELEVATE ME APP Self-discovery coaching platform by Nyomi Banks 7-day free trial, no credit card required Studio.com/nyomi Four phases of guided meditations and workbooks on healing & self-love WE-VIBE Premium intimate wellness products for couples & individuals Self-pleasure as self-discovery Link in episode notes Code: Ask Nyomi GOLI Gut health & energy support products Apple Cider Vinegar & energy supplements Code: AskNyomi Website: goli.com HELLO ICE Statement jewelry pieces Summer sale specials: - Buy 1 Get 1 Free (Code: FREE) - Buy 2 Get 2 Free (Code: B2G2) Website: helloice.com KEY QUOTES:= "Everything was consumer-driven. If they didn't want it, I'm not going to make it." — Treagen Kier "Self-love ain't never rough. Thursday after Thursday, we keep showing up for you." — From BTG Theme "Just let them act. Put them in a room, here's a scenario, here's a script, go." — Treagen Kier on his filmmaking approach "You never see a poor man with an expensive cigar." — Quote from Bullet Proof Soul trailer HOW TO FIND TREAGEN: Instagram: @treagenkierstudios Tubi: Search "Black Shadows" or "Queen of Kings" Upcoming: Netflix agency connections in development CORE MESSAGE: Real friendship and creative vision. Treagen Kier discusses his journey in entertainment and film production, emphasizing that staying true to what your audience wants is key to success. Low budgets don't limit creativity - they require innovation. Bullet Proof Soul represents the culmination of years of work and vision coming to life. ================================================================================ RESOURCES & LINKS: ================================================================================ 📧 Submit questions: [email protected] 🌐 Website: AskNyomi.com 💻 Elevate Me App: Studio.com/nyomi 📱 Instagram: @theseasonofselflove 🎬 Treagen: @treagenkierstudios 🎥 Films on Tubi: Search "Black Shadows" ================================================================================ SPECIAL EVENTS: ================================================================================ 🎬 BULLET PROOF SOUL PREMIERE Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM Location: Belair Theater, 10100 East Eight Mile Road, Detroit, Michigan Event: Red carpet premiere + networking mixer Dress Code: White Tickets: On sale Special: Say "Naomi sent me" when ordering tickets Hosted by: Nyomi Banks + Treagen Kier ================================================================================ EPISODE DETAILS: ================================================================================ Host: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love) Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike Mike Guest: Treagen Kier (@treagenkierstudios) Duration: ~90 minutes Format: Live interview with audience participation Content: Entertainment, film production, entrepreneurship, real conversation Approach: Authentic, celebratory, deep connection  ASK NYOMI: BRIDGING THE GAP Host: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love) Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike Mike Thank you for tuning in! We appreciate you being part of the BTG community   📧 HAVE A QUESTION?  Submit your questions, stories, and advice requests: Email: [email protected] Subject line: Your question or topic   🌐 VISIT US ONLINE: Website: AskNyomi.com Personality Quiz: Discover your coaching path   📱 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL: Instagram: @asknyomi Facebook:@asknyomi Twitter/X: @AskNyomiBTG   💻 EXPLORE MORE: Elevate Me: Self-Discovery App (Studio.com/nyomi) Talk To Me Tuesday: Listener Letters Podcast (Returns Fall 2026) The Season of Self Love: Monday Mindset & Wednesday Action (YouTube, Spotify, all platforms)   2026 THEME: "Reclaimed & Unashamed Be good to one another and yourselves. Always keep it sexy. — Nyomi Banks, Da Goddess of Self Love

Last night live show I had to share what went on this past few days.  My website got flagged. My blog got blocked. So I'm talking about it. In this powerful episode, Nyomi and Dog Pound Mike Mike discuss healthy eroticism, why female sexuality is still taboo, body appreciation, and reclaiming your sexuality without shame. Topics: What healthy eroticism actually is • Female sexuality at any age • Double standards between male and female sexuality • How eroticism strengthens relationships • Body appreciation • Sensuality as self-care • Breaking free from shame • Communication with partners • Freedom and reclamation Remember: Your sexuality is sacred. Your desires are valid. Your body is beautiful. You can be spiritual AND sexual. You can be 50+ AND horny. You can celebrate your body AND be powerful. RESOURCES 📧 Submit questions: [email protected] 🌐 Website: AskNyomi.com 💻 Elevate Me App (Self-Discovery Coaching): Studio.com/nyomi 📱 Instagram: @asknyomi   🎧 Other Shows: - Talk To Me Tuesday (Listener Letters) - Returns Fall 2026 - The Season of Self Love (Mon & Wed) - YouTube, Spotify, all platforms - Current Series: "Listen to the Messenger" SPONSOR:   🔗 HELLOICE JEWELRY Bold statement jewelry for the main character energy. Summer Specials: - Buy 1 Get 1 FREE | Code: FREE - Buy 2 Get 2 FREE | Code: B2G2 Website: HelloIce.com Link: helloicecom.pxf.io/POLKZ KEY TOPICS: ✓ Defining healthy eroticism ✓ Female sexuality and desire (all ages) ✓ 50+ women being MORE sexual ✓ Censorship of female sexuality ✓ Double standard: male vs female sexuality ✓ Eroticism in intimate relationships ✓ Body appreciation without shame ✓ Sensuality as self-care ✓ Breaking shame narratives ✓ Communication with partners ✓ Fantasy and imagination ✓ Reclaiming sexuality as liberation ✓ Connection to self-love and Elevate Me CORE MESSAGE: Your sexuality is SACRED. Your desires are VALID. Your body is BEAUTIFUL.   Healthy sexuality requires: Self-knowledge, self-love, communication, lack of judgment, intentionality, and reclamation from shame. ABOUT THIS EPISODE   Host: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love) Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike Mike Duration: ~90 minutes Format: Live show, edited for podcast Content: Mature discussions on sexuality, relationships & empowerment Approach: Educational, non-judgmental, sex-positive   This episode is for adults seeking real conversations about relationships, sexuality, and personal growth from a place of self-love. TAGS   #AskNyomi #BridgingTheGap #HealthyEroticism #FemaleBody #SexualWellness #SexPositive #Relationships #Intimacy #WomensEmpowerment #BodyPositivity #SelfLove #SexAdvice #PersonalGrowth  ASK NYOMI: BRIDGING THE GAP Host: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love) Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike Mike Thank you for tuning in! We appreciate you being part of the BTG community   📧 HAVE A QUESTION?  Submit your questions, stories, and advice requests: Email: [email protected] Subject line: Your question or topic   🌐 VISIT US ONLINE: Website: AskNyomi.com Personality Quiz: Discover your coaching path   📱 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL: Instagram: @asknyomi Facebook:@asknyomi Twitter/X: @AskNyomiBTG   💻 EXPLORE MORE: Elevate Me: Self-Discovery App (Studio.com/nyomi) Talk To Me Tuesday: Listener Letters Podcast (Returns Fall 2026) The Season of Self Love: Monday Mindset & Wednesday Action (YouTube, Spotify, all platforms)   2026 THEME: "Reclaimed & Unashamed Be good to one another and yourselves. Always keep it sexy. — Nyomi Banks, Da Goddess of Self Love

How do you know if what you have is just a summer fling or if it's actually real love? Nyomi and Dog Pound Mike Mike break down the red flags, green flags, and most importantly—help YOU figure out what you actually want this summer. Topics Covered: - The difference between summer flings and real love - Red flags vs. green flags (what to watch for) - Male perspective on summer dating - 5 questions to ask yourself this summer - Live polls and audience engagement - Elevate Me App launch announcement (June 23!) Featured Sponsors: We-Vibe: wevibe-north-america.sjv.io/PO6Znx Goli (Code: AskNyomi): https://go.goli.com/g-945454f648 JuicyChat: dawnecxeinnovationpteltd.sjv.io/YR5R2m HelloIce (Code: FREE or B2G2): helloicecom.pxf.io/POLKZj Get In Touch: Email: [email protected] Website: AskNyomi.com Instagram: @theseasonofselflove Upcoming: June 18: Gentleman's Letter Episode June 25: Special Guest - Violette Mills (Laydee Vee), Relationship & Intimacy Educator Subscribe to Ask Nyomi: Bridging the Gap for new episodes every Thursday at 9pm EST! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-nyomi-bridging-the-gap-podcast--5343726/support. "Thank you for joining me on Ask Nyomi: Bridging The Gap. Remember, your sexuality is sacred, your desires are valid, and honest conversations create deeper connections. If today's episode helped you see things differently, share it with someone who needs this conversation. And please rate and review the show. Follow me on Instagram @TheRealNyomiBanks and @AskNyomi send your questions – this show exists because of YOU. Visit us at AskNyomi.Com Until Thursday – stay curious, stay open, stay authentic. This is your girl Nyomi Banks. Keep bridging that gap." Always keep it Simply Sexy" ASK NYOMI: BRIDGING THE GAP Host: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love) Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike Mike Thank you for tuning in! We appreciate you being part of the BTG community   📧 HAVE A QUESTION?  Submit your questions, stories, and advice requests: Email: [email protected] Subject line: Your question or topic   🌐 VISIT US ONLINE: Website: AskNyomi.com Personality Quiz: Discover your coaching path   📱 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL: Instagram: @asknyomi Facebook:@asknyomi Twitter/X: @AskNyomiBTG   💻 EXPLORE MORE: Elevate Me: Self-Discovery App (Studio.com/nyomi) Talk To Me Tuesday: Listener Letters Podcast (Returns Fall 2026) The Season of Self Love: Monday Mindset & Wednesday Action (YouTube, Spotify, all platforms)   2026 THEME: "Reclaimed & Unashamed Be good to one another and yourselves. Always keep it sexy. — Nyomi Banks, Da Goddess of Self Love

This is the full conversation. Before the series finale aired, Nyomi Banks  sat down with comedian, Air Force veteran and  mental health advocate Sam Ridley III for one  of the most honest interviews ever recorded  on this platform. Nothing cut. Nothing edited.  Every word. This is the interview that became the  heartbeat of our series finale — Laughing  Through It. But what you hear in this full  version goes deeper and wider than what aired  on the live show. IN THIS COMPLETE INTERVIEW: - How Sam and Nyomi first met at an AVN    weekend comedy show — and how they only    saw each other one way until they looked    closer - Sam's 20 years in the United States    Air Force — and how military culture    shaped how he processed pain - The car accident that left him with years    of unprocessed trauma he could not name - His military brother Isaac — the first    person Sam told when he found out he was    going to be a father — who later died by    suicide - The breakdown at Universal Studios on a    water ride — crying about a car accident    from years before — his family forming a    circle saying "we got him" — and the joke    that came out of it - How therapy saved his marriage when it    was almost over - What healing actually looks like — not    the hashtag version. The real version. - Why Sam deliberately added Black men's    mental health to his comedy — and what    he needs Black men to hear - Laughter as purpose: "Come to a show    when you are having a hard time getting    to the laughter. I promise you are    leaving with something." - Maverick — the little boy fighting    neuroblastoma that Sam has been raising    awareness for throughout his national tour This interview is raw, real, funny, heavy  and ultimately full of hope. It is everything  a conversation about healing should be. GUEST: Sam Ridley III — comedian, Air Force veteran,  mental health advocate Follow: @SamRidleyComedy on all platforms Illegal Opinions Podcast — Spotify, Apple  Music & YouTube every Friday HOST: Nyomi Banks — Da Goddess of Self Love Ask Nyomi: Bridging the Gap asknyomi.com 💙 Help Maverick Fight Neuroblastoma: gofundme.com/f/help-maverick-fight-his-fight-against-neuroblastoma 💜 Love & Mental Health Campaign: give.gofundme.com/give-classy-org-LoveAndMentalHealth 🔍 Social Catfish: social-catfish.pxf.io/WyjAne If you or someone you know is struggling  please call or text 988 — Suicide & Crisis  Lifeline. You are not alone. #AskNyomi #SamRidleyIII #BlackMensMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #HealingThroughLaughter #LovedLostReclaimed #UnedtedInterview #VeteranMentalHealth #988 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-nyomi-bridging-the-gap-podcast--5343726/support. "Thank you for joining me on Ask Nyomi: Bridging The Gap. Remember, your sexuality is sacred, your desires are valid, and honest conversations create deeper connections. If today's episode helped you see things differently, share it with someone who needs this conversation. And please rate and review the show. Follow me on Instagram @TheRealNyomiBanks and @AskNyomi send your questions – this show exists because of YOU. Visit us at AskNyomi.Com Until Thursday – stay curious, stay open, stay authentic. This is your girl Nyomi Banks. Keep bridging that gap." Always keep it Simply Sexy" ASK NYOMI: BRIDGING THE GAP Host: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love) Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike Mike Thank you for tuning in! We appreciate you being part of the BTG community   📧 HAVE A QUESTION?  Submit your questions, stories, and advice requests: Email: [email protected] Subject line: Your question or topic   🌐 VISIT US ONLINE: Website: AskNyomi.com Personality Quiz: Discover your coaching path   📱 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL: Instagram: @asknyomi Facebook:@asknyomi Twitter/X: @AskNyomiBTG   💻 EXPLORE MORE: Elevate Me: Self-Discovery App (Studio.com/nyomi) Talk To Me Tuesday: Listener Letters Podcast (Returns Fall 2026) The Season of Self Love: Monday Mindset & Wednesday Action (YouTube, Spotify, all platforms)   2026 THEME: "Reclaimed & Unashamed Be good to one another and yourselves. Always keep it sexy. — Nyomi Banks, Da Goddess of Self Love

We made it. The series finale of Loved, Lost  & Reclaimed. We closed out Mental Health Awareness Month  the way healing actually feels when you have  made it to the other side — with laughter.  Real, hard-earned, honest laughter. In this episode Nyomi Banks, Dogg Pound Mike  Mike and Dr. Will Washington are joined LIVE  by comedian, United States Air Force veteran  and mental health advocate Sam Ridley III  for the most powerful finale we have ever  produced. We played key clips from Nyomi's exclusive  pre-recorded interview with Sam — and reacted  to them live as a full panel in real time.  What unfolded was television. IN THIS EPISODE: - Sam reveals that his military brother Isaac    — the first person he told when he found    out he was having a son — died by suicide.    And how that changed everything for him. - The moment Sam broke down at Universal    Studios on a water ride — and his family    formed a circle around him and said    "we got him" - Why Sam deliberately added Black men's    mental health to his comedy — and what    he wants Black men to know - Mike Mike on the simple power of just    talking to another brother - Dr. Will's final clinical note for the    series: "Be kind to yourself and heal    always" - Nyomi's full series close — reading from    the letter that started it all CLOSING WORDS from the letter that became  our heartbeat this month: "Even with stones that are put in your way —  you can still build something beautiful. Keep growing, pretty flower." YOUR HOSTS: Nyomi Banks — Da Goddess of Self Love Dogg Pound Mike Mike Dr. Will Washington — Washington Wellness  Institute SPECIAL GUEST LIVE: Sam Ridley III — comedian, Air Force veteran,  mental health advocate Follow: @SamRidleyComedy on all platforms Illegal Opinions Podcast — every Friday on  Spotify, Apple Music & YouTube THIS MONTH WE SUPPORTED TWO CAUSES: 💜 Love & Mental Health Campaign: give.gofundme.com/give-classy-org-LoveAndMentalHealth 💙 Help Maverick Fight Neuroblastoma: gofundme.com/f/help-maverick-fight-his-fight-against-neuroblastoma OUR SPONSOR: 🔍 Social Catfish: social-catfish.pxf.io/WyjAne CONNECT: Email: [email protected] Website: asknyomi.com Instagram: @therealnyomibanks @asknyomi YouTube: youtube.com/@nyomisworld If you or someone you know is struggling  please call or text 988 — Suicide & Crisis  Lifeline. You are not alone. #AskNyomi #BridgingTheGap #LaughingThroughIt  #LovedLostReclaimed #SamRidleyIII  #BlackMensMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #DrWillWashington #SeriesFinale Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-nyomi-bridging-the-gap-podcast--5343726/support. "Thank you for joining me on Ask Nyomi: Bridging The Gap. Remember, your sexuality is sacred, your desires are valid, and honest conversations create deeper connections. If today's episode helped you see things differently, share it with someone who needs this conversation. And please rate and review the show. Follow me on Instagram @TheRealNyomiBanks and @AskNyomi send your questions – this show exists because of YOU. Visit us at AskNyomi.Com Until Thursday – stay curious, stay open, stay authentic. This is your girl Nyomi Banks. Keep bridging that gap." Always keep it Simply Sexy" ASK NYOMI: BRIDGING THE GAP Host: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love) Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike Mike Thank you for tuning in! We appreciate you being part of the BTG community   📧 HAVE A QUESTION?  Submit your questions, stories, and advice requests: Email: [email protected] Subject line: Your question or topic   🌐 VISIT US ONLINE: Website: AskNyomi.com Personality Quiz: Discover your coaching path   📱 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL: Instagram: @asknyomi Facebook:@asknyomi Twitter/X: @AskNyomiBTG   💻 EXPLORE MORE: Elevate Me: Self-Discovery App (Studio.com/nyomi) Talk To Me Tuesday: Listener Letters Podcast (Returns Fall 2026) The Season of Self Love: Monday Mindset & Wednesday Action (YouTube, Spotify, all platforms)   2026 THEME: "Reclaimed & Unashamed Be good to one another and yourselves. Always keep it sexy. — Nyomi Banks, Da Goddess of Self Love

Five years of silence. And then one day —  the door cracked back open. 💜 In Week 3 of Loved, Lost & Reclaimed, Nyomi Banks,  Dogg Pound Mike Mike and Dr. Will Washington are  joined by a very special returning guest — author,  inspirational speaker and seasoned Christian  Minister Krista Nicole, author of God's Divine  Plans for Marriage — for the most intimate and  personal conversation of the series. Built around our listener's letter — five years  of voluntary celibacy, a libido that went quiet,  and the slow sacred return of desire — this  episode meets you exactly where you are in  your healing journey. IN THIS EPISODE: - What trauma actually does to your desire,    libido and emotional availability - The difference between healing celibacy    and avoidance celibacy - Falling in love vs. discovering love —    and how to recognize a counterfeit when    your heart is just opening again - Rebuilding trust in your own judgment    after betrayal - "Now I am much more grounded in my own    energy — which is going to better filter    out who comes into my reality" - The spiritual lens on desire returning —    when God awakens love CLOSING WISDOM: - Krista Nicole: "God is going to use it.    It's not in vain. The desire isn't gone —    it's going to come back in the right timing    with the right person." - Mike Mike: "You want peace over chaos.    Sit in peace and heal — before you know it    that person will walk in." - Dr. Will: "Learn your patience, your    tolerance, your endurance. And the best way    to heal is to love other people — you learn    how good your heart really is in the process." YOUR HOSTS: Nyomi Banks — Da Goddess of Self Love Dogg Pound Mike Mike Dr. Will Washington — Washington Wellness Institute SPECIAL GUEST: Krista Nicole — Author, Inspirational Speaker God's Divine Plans for Marriage: A Guide to  Understanding People as Wants, Needs & Desires Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and  godsdivineplansformarriage.com Follow: @BOLD_KRISTA_NICOLE on all platforms THIS MONTH WE ARE SUPPORTING TWO CAUSES: 💜 Love & Mental Health Campaign: give.gofundme.com/give-classy-org-LoveAndMentalHealth 💙 Help Maverick Fight Neuroblastoma: gofundme.com/f/help-maverick-fight-his-fight-against-neuroblastoma OUR SPONSOR: 🔍 Social Catfish — protect your heart  before you open it: social-catfish.pxf.io/WyjAne CONNECT: Email: [email protected] Website: asknyomi.com Instagram: @therealnyomibanks #AskNyomi #BridgingTheGap #DesireAfterDarkness  #LovedLostReclaimed #LoveAndMentalHealth  #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #KristaNicole  #DaGoddessOfSelfLove #Healing #SelfLove  #Celibacy #ReclaimYourHeart Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-nyomi-bridging-the-gap-podcast--5343726/support. "Thank you for joining me on Ask Nyomi: Bridging The Gap. Remember, your sexuality is sacred, your desires are valid, and honest conversations create deeper connections. If today's episode helped you see things differently, share it with someone who needs this conversation. And please rate and review the show. Follow me on Instagram @TheRealNyomiBanks and @AskNyomi send your questions – this show exists because of YOU. Visit us at AskNyomi.Com Until Thursday – stay curious, stay open, stay authentic. This is your girl Nyomi Banks. Keep bridging that gap." Always keep it Simply Sexy" ASK NYOMI: BRIDGING THE GAP Host: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love) Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike Mike Thank you for tuning in! We appreciate you being part of the BTG community   📧 HAVE A QUESTION?  Submit your questions, stories, and advice requests: Email: [email protected] Subject line: Your question or topic   🌐 VISIT US ONLINE: Website: AskNyomi.com Personality Quiz: Discover your coaching path   📱 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL: Instagram: @asknyomi Facebook:@asknyomi Twitter/X: @AskNyomiBTG   💻 EXPLORE MORE: Elevate Me: Self-Discovery App (Studio.com/nyomi) Talk To Me Tuesday: Listener Letters Podcast (Returns Fall 2026) The Season of Self Love: Monday Mindset & Wednesday Action (YouTube, Spotify, all platforms)   2026 THEME: "Reclaimed & Unashamed Be good to one another and yourselves. Always keep it sexy. — Nyomi Banks, Da Goddess of Self Love

You saw the flag. You felt it in your body.  And you stayed anyway. In Week 2 of Loved, Lost & Reclaimed, Nyomi Banks,  Dogg Pound Mike Mike and Dr. Will Washington get  real about the role WE play in our own heartbreak.  Not to shame — but to set us free. This episode digs into the letter that has been  the heartbeat of this month — specifically the  moment our letter writer looked in the mirror and  owned her part. "I too preferred to convince and  lie to myself, rationalizing all the red flags away." IN THIS EPISODE: - What is love bombing — and why does it work on    even the most emotionally intelligent people? - Future faking: why people paint pictures of a    future they never intend to deliver - Cognitive dissonance — why smart people stay in    situations they know are not good for them - The difference between self-accountability    and self-blame - "Healthy demands an unhealthy psyche simply    cannot cater to" — unpacking one of the most    powerful lines from the letter - A listener shares: "I stayed because at least    I knew his poison" - The Pattern Breaker: 3 questions to protect    your future CLOSING WISDOM: - Nyomi: "Love bombing is not love. It is a down    payment on a debt you will eventually be asked    to pay." - Dr. Will: "Be kind to yourself and heal always." - Mike Mike: "Honesty, trust, communication —    nothing starts perfect but love can work out    when those things are there." YOUR HOSTS: Nyomi Banks — Da Goddess of Self Love Dogg Pound Mike Mike Dr. Will Washington — Washington Wellness Institute THIS MONTH WE ARE SUPPORTING TWO CAUSES: 💜 Love & Mental Health Campaign: give.gofundme.com/give-classy-org-LoveAndMentalHealth 💙 Help Maverick Fight Neuroblastoma: gofundme.com/f/help-maverick-fight-his-fight-against-neuroblastoma OUR SPONSOR: 🔍 Social Catfish — verify before you invest  your heart: social-catfish.pxf.io/WyjAne CONNECT: Email: [email protected] Website: asknyomi.com Instagram: @therealnyomibanks #AskNyomi #BridgingTheGap #RedFlags  #RoseColoredGlasses #LovedLostReclaimed  #LoveAndMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth  #BetrayalTrauma #SelfLove #Healing Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-nyomi-bridging-the-gap-podcast--5343726/support. "Thank you for joining me on Ask Nyomi: Bridging The Gap. Remember, your sexuality is sacred, your desires are valid, and honest conversations create deeper connections. If today's episode helped you see things differently, share it with someone who needs this conversation. And please rate and review the show. Follow me on Instagram @TheRealNyomiBanks and @AskNyomi send your questions – this show exists because of YOU. Visit us at AskNyomi.Com Until Thursday – stay curious, stay open, stay authentic. This is your girl Nyomi Banks. Keep bridging that gap." Always keep it Simply Sexy" ASK NYOMI: BRIDGING THE GAP Host: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love) Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike Mike Thank you for tuning in! We appreciate you being part of the BTG community   📧 HAVE A QUESTION?  Submit your questions, stories, and advice requests: Email: [email protected] Subject line: Your question or topic   🌐 VISIT US ONLINE: Website: AskNyomi.com Personality Quiz: Discover your coaching path   📱 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL: Instagram: @asknyomi Facebook:@asknyomi Twitter/X: @AskNyomiBTG   💻 EXPLORE MORE: Elevate Me: Self-Discovery App (Studio.com/nyomi) Talk To Me Tuesday: Listener Letters Podcast (Returns Fall 2026) The Season of Self Love: Monday Mindset & Wednesday Action (YouTube, Spotify, all platforms)   2026 THEME: "Reclaimed & Unashamed Be good to one another and yourselves. Always keep it sexy. — Nyomi Banks, Da Goddess of Self Love

What happens to your mental health when the person you  loved was never fully honest about who they really were? We kick off Mental Health Awareness Month with Week 1  of LOVED, LOST & RECLAIMED — and we are starting with  the truth. This episode is built around a real letter sent to  Nyomi by a listener who trusted her with one of the  most honest accounts of love, betrayal and healing she  has ever received. Together with co-host Dogg Pound  Mike Mike and health psychologist Dr. Will Washington  of Washington Wellness Institute, Nyomi unpacks what  it means to love someone who was hiding who they  really were — and what that does to your mind, your  body and your sense of self. IN THIS EPISODE: - What is betrayal trauma — and why is it different    from regular heartbreak? - The difference between understanding why someone    hurt you and accepting it - Why your body knew the truth before your mind    was ready to hear it - What an unhealthy psyche simply cannot give you —    no matter how reasonably you ask - Mike Mike's real talk on truth, trust and self-love - Dr. Will's framework: "What do I need today    to be who I am?" YOUR HOSTS: Nyomi Banks — Da Goddess of Self Love Dogg Pound Mike Mike Dr. Will Washington — Washington Wellness Institute THIS MONTH WE ARE SUPPORTING TWO CAUSES: 💜 Love & Mental Health Campaign — mental health  support should not be a privilege. Give or share: give.gofundme.com/give-classy-org-LoveAndMentalHealth 💙 Help Maverick Fight Neuroblastoma — a little boy  fighting childhood cancer. Our Episode 4 guest Sam  Ridley III has been raising awareness for Maverick  throughout his national tour. Please give or share: gofundme.com/f/help-maverick-fight-his-fight-against-neuroblastoma OUR SPONSOR: 🔍 Social Catfish — verify who you are really talking  to before you give them your heart: social-catfish.pxf.io/WyjAne CONNECT WITH US: Email: [email protected] Website: asknyomi.com Instagram: @therealnyomibanks @AskNyomi #AskNyomi #BridgingTheGap #LovedLostReclaimed  #WhenLoveLies #BetrayalTrauma #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth  #LoveAndMentalHealth #DaGoddessOfSelfLove #DrWillWashington  #SelfLove #Healing #HelpMaverickFight Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-nyomi-bridging-the-gap-podcast--5343726/support. "Thank you for joining me on Ask Nyomi: Bridging The Gap. Remember, your sexuality is sacred, your desires are valid, and honest conversations create deeper connections. If today's episode helped you see things differently, share it with someone who needs this conversation. And please rate and review the show. Follow me on Instagram @TheRealNyomiBanks and @AskNyomi send your questions – this show exists because of YOU. Visit us at AskNyomi.Com Until Thursday – stay curious, stay open, stay authentic. This is your girl Nyomi Banks. Keep bridging that gap." Always keep it Simply Sexy" ASK NYOMI: BRIDGING THE GAP Host: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love) Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike Mike Thank you for tuning in! We appreciate you being part of the BTG community   📧 HAVE A QUESTION?  Submit your questions, stories, and advice requests: Email: [email protected] Subject line: Your question or topic   🌐 VISIT US ONLINE: Website: AskNyomi.com Personality Quiz: Discover your coaching path   📱 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL: Instagram: @asknyomi Facebook:@asknyomi Twitter/X: @AskNyomiBTG   💻 EXPLORE MORE: Elevate Me: Self-Discovery App (Studio.com/nyomi) Talk To Me Tuesday: Listener Letters Podcast (Returns Fall 2026) The Season of Self Love: Monday Mindset & Wednesday Action (YouTube, Spotify, all platforms)   2026 THEME: "Reclaimed & Unashamed Be good to one another and yourselves. Always keep it sexy. — Nyomi Banks, Da Goddess of Self Love

How to Heal a Broken Heart: The 5-Step Framework Men & Women Need | Heartbreak Recovery, Moving On After Breakup, Emotional Healing Are you struggling to move on from a breakup? Still checking your ex's social media? Walking around with "sadness behind your smile"? In this powerful episode of Ask Nyomi: Bridging the Gap, relationship coach and intimacy expert Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love) delivers a raw, honest healing circle that addresses heartbreak recovery for both men and women. WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE: 🔹 Ms. K's Letter: A 42-year-old woman's year-old heartbreak that still feels "like it happened yesterday" - her powerful story of checking her ex on social media 7 days a week and the moment she decided to reclaim her healing 🔹 Why Men's Heartbreak Gets Ignored: The truth about male emotional suppression, why men are "silent sufferers," and what men actually need to heal from relationship trauma (featuring honest perspectives from male listeners Russ, Mark, and Dre) 🔹 The 5 Steps to ACTUALLY Heal a Broken Heart: - Step 1: Feel It. All of It. (Permission to grieve without shame) - Step 2: Leave the Empty Room & Claim Your Space (The breakthrough "Mapping Your Space" exercise from Season of Self Love) - Step 3: Do the Inner Work (Therapy, journaling, self-reflection) - Step 4: Reclaim Your Identity (Rediscovering who you are without them) - Step 5: Choose to Be Open Again (Loving without walls) 🔹 LIVE Interactive Exercise: "Mapping Your Space" - A three-part healing exercise where listeners identify what space opened up after their breakup, name their fears about filling it, and commit to one bold action THIS WEEK to claim their space 🔹 The "Empty Room" Framework: Understanding how we keep going back to the empty room (scrolling social media, replaying memories, hoping they'll return) and how to finally close the door and build something new 🔹 Unashamed Growth Integration: How the April Season of Self Love theme (Unashamed Space - Taking Up Room to Grow) applies to heartbreak healing and post-breakup transformation SPONSORED BY: - Bodyotics: Sustainable period care and wellness products (30% off 2 Reusable Menstrual Disc Sets Bundle) - because healing includes honoring your body TAP HERE - We-Vibe: Premium intimacy products for couples and self-love (Sync 2, Date Night Set, Romance Set) - reconnecting with your body and pleasure during healing TAP HERE PERFECT FOR: ✓ Anyone healing from a recent or old breakup ✓ People who keep going back to check their ex's social media ✓ Men whose heartbreak has been dismissed or ignored ✓ Those ready to do the work, not just talk about it ✓ Anyone stuck in the "empty room" of what was ✓ People preparing to love again but scared to be vulnerable BONUS FEATURES: 🎁 Pink Socks Life giveaway (spreading love and connection) 📅 Announcement: No show next week (Caught 2 Episodes 3 & 4 production in Vegas) 📅 Coming in May: Love & Mental Health Awareness Month series returns CONNECT WITH ASK NYOMI: Submit your letter: [email protected] Listen to Talk To Me Tuesday Episode 4: "How Do I Get Over a Broken Heart?" Season of Self Love Podcast: Monday (Mindset) & Wednesday (Action) The Reclamation Series blog: AskNyomi.com Hosted by Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love) with Dog Pound Mike Mike KEYWORDS: heartbreak recovery, how to get over a breakup, healing from heartbreak, moving on after relationship ends, emotional healing after breakup, men and heartbreak, male emotional health, relationship trauma recovery, breakup advice, how to stop checking ex social media, claiming your space after breakup, unashamed growth, self-love after heartbreak, therapy for heartbreak, inner work healing, reclaiming identity after relationship, opening heart again, betrayal recovery, letting go of ex, relationship coaching #AskNyomi #BridgingTheGap #HeartbreakHealing #BreakupRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #SelfLoveJourney #HealingTogether #EmotionalHealing #RelationshipAdvice #BlackPodcast Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-nyomi-bridging-the-gap-podcast--5343726/support. "Thank you for joining me on Ask Nyomi: Bridging The Gap. Remember, your sexuality is sacred, your desires are valid, and honest conversations create deeper connections. If today's episode helped you see things differently, share it with someone who needs this conversation. And please rate and review the show. Follow me on Instagram @TheRealNyomiBanks and @AskNyomi send your questions – this show exists because of YOU. Visit us at AskNyomi.Com Until Thursday – stay curious, stay open, stay authentic. This is your girl Nyomi Banks. Keep bridging that gap." Always keep it Simply Sexy" ASK NYOMI: BRIDGING THE GAP Host: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love) Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike Mike Thank you for tuning in! We appreciate you being part of the BTG community   📧 HAVE A QUESTION?  Submit your questions, stories, and advice requests: Email: [email protected] Subject line: Your question or topic   🌐 VISIT US ONLINE: Website: AskNyomi.com Personality Quiz: Discover your coaching path   📱 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL: Instagram: @asknyomi Facebook:@asknyomi Twitter/X: @AskNyomiBTG   💻 EXPLORE MORE: Elevate Me: Self-Discovery App (Studio.com/nyomi) Talk To Me Tuesday: Listener Letters Podcast (Returns Fall 2026) The Season of Self Love: Monday Mindset & Wednesday Action (YouTube, Spotify, all platforms)   2026 THEME: "Reclaimed & Unashamed Be good to one another and yourselves. Always keep it sexy. — Nyomi Banks, Da Goddess of Self Love

K-Hustle was in the chat the night of the live show — talking, commenting, keeping the energy going. And then they sat down and wrote Nyomi a letter. K is 42 years old, from Daytona Beach, Florida. Their breakup was a year ago. And it still feels like yesterday. The sore is still open and fresh. And they still believe in love — they still want to find it again — but they don't know how to get from here to there. In this episode, Nyomi answers that letter with everything she has. She talks about why time passing is not the same as healing, what keeps a wound open even when you think you are moving on, and what it actually looks like to close the door on what was — and claim the space on the other side.  This one is raw, real, and personal. And if you have ever loved someone and lost them and wondered why it still hurts so much — this episode is for you. What we cover: — Why a year can still feel like yesterday (and what it really means) — The habits that reset your healing clock without you realizing it — Four real steps to actually claim the space that relationship left behind — Why still believing in love after heartbreak is one of the most powerful things you can say — Why healing comes before dating — and what changes when you get that right  Plus — a natural tie-in to this month's Season of Self-Love theme: Unashamed Growth. Because the space that relationship left behind? It belongs to you now. The question is what you are going to grow in it. New episodes every Tuesday. Submit your letter at [email protected] — that's Nyomi with a Y. Always Keep It So Sexy. — Nyomi, Da Goddess of Self Love | AskNyomi.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-nyomi-bridging-the-gap-podcast--5343726/support. "Thank you for joining me on Ask Nyomi: Bridging The Gap. Remember, your sexuality is sacred, your desires are valid, and honest conversations create deeper connections. If today's episode helped you see things differently, share it with someone who needs this conversation. And please rate and review the show. Follow me on Instagram @TheRealNyomiBanks and @AskNyomi send your questions – this show exists because of YOU. Visit us at AskNyomi.Com Until Thursday – stay curious, stay open, stay authentic. This is your girl Nyomi Banks. Keep bridging that gap." Always keep it Simply Sexy" ASK NYOMI: BRIDGING THE GAP Host: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love) Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike Mike Thank you for tuning in! We appreciate you being part of the BTG community   📧 HAVE A QUESTION?  Submit your questions, stories, and advice requests: Email: [email protected] Subject line: Your question or topic   🌐 VISIT US ONLINE: Website: AskNyomi.com Personality Quiz: Discover your coaching path   📱 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL: Instagram: @asknyomi Facebook:@asknyomi Twitter/X: @AskNyomiBTG   💻 EXPLORE MORE: Elevate Me: Self-Discovery App (Studio.com/nyomi) Talk To Me Tuesday: Listener Letters Podcast (Returns Fall 2026) The Season of Self Love: Monday Mindset & Wednesday Action (YouTube, Spotify, all platforms)   2026 THEME: "Reclaimed & Unashamed Be good to one another and yourselves. Always keep it sexy. — Nyomi Banks, Da Goddess of Self Love

What happens when you want to explore bedroom toys but your partner feels threatened? In this candid episode of Ask Nyomi: Bridging the Gap, hosts Nyomi Banks and Dog Pound Mike Mike read Tracy's letter about long-distance intimacy, male insecurity, and how to have THE conversation about introducing toys into your relationship. Tracy's Dilemma: She and her husband travel constantly for work. She bought an app-controlled couples vibrator (We-Vibe Sync 2) to stay intimate across the miles. His response? "If I'm not enough for you, just say that." Sound familiar?  In This Episode, We Cover:  ✅ Why men feel intimidated by bedroom toys - Performance pressure, comparison anxiety, and masculinity concerns (and why these feelings are VALID) ✅ Communication strategies that actually work - How to introduce toys without making your partner feel inadequate or replaced  ✅ Long-distance relationship intimacy solutions - App-controlled products, video intimacy tips, and staying connected when you're apart ✅ The difference between "replacing" vs. "enhancing" - Why toys are tools, not threats to your relationship ✅ We-Vibe product breakdown - Sync 2 (Purple Passion for long-distance), Date Night Set (gets him involved), Romance Set (12-piece exploration kit) ✅ Real couple scenarios - Traveling couples, busy schedules, mismatched libidos, and how to bridge the intimacy gap ✅ Male perspective insights - Dog Pound Mike Mike shares honest thoughts from a man's point of view BONUS ANNOUNCEMENTS:May Love & Mental Health Series returning for Mental Health Awareness MonthNew merch dropping next week (all proceeds to Mental Health Awareness)Pink Socks Life movement giveaway recapPerfect for:Couples in long-distance relationshipsPartners wanting to explore toys but nervous about the conversationAnyone navigating intimacy challenges in their relationshipPeople seeking honest, judgment-free relationship adviceCouples looking to keep the spark alive despite distance or busy schedulesTopics: Long-distance relationships, bedroom toys, intimacy tips, relationship communication, male insecurity, sex education, couples advice, app-controlled vibrators, We-Vibe products, relationship counseling, sex-positive conversations, intimacy enhancement, traveling couples, relationship goals  Hosts: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love) & Dog Pound Mike Mike  Submit YOUR letter: AskNyomi.com Shop We-Vibe: https://wevibe-north-america.sjv.io/PO6zNX Real talk. No judgment. All love. 💜 Content Warning: This episode contains mature themes and discussions about intimacy and sex toys. Intended for adult audiences (18+).  Keywords: long-distance relationship advice, bedroom toys for couples, intimacy tips, relationship communication, male insecurity, sex education podcast, couples intimacy, app-controlled vibrators, We-Vibe reviews, relationship podcast, sex-positive, intimacy enhancement, traveling couples advice, talk to me tuesday, ask nyomi #AskNyomi #BridgingTheGap #RelationshipAdvice #LongDistanceRelationship #IntimacyTips #BedroomToys #CouplesGoals #SexEducation #RelationshipPodcast #WeVibe Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-nyomi-bridging-the-gap-podcast--5343726/support. "Thank you for joining me on Ask Nyomi: Bridging The Gap. Remember, your sexuality is sacred, your desires are valid, and honest conversations create deeper connections. If today's episode helped you see things differently, share it with someone who needs this conversation. And please rate and review the show. Follow me on Instagram @TheRealNyomiBanks and @AskNyomi send your questions – this show exists because of YOU. Visit us at AskNyomi.Com Until Thursday – stay curious, stay open, stay authentic. This is your girl Nyomi Banks. Keep bridging that gap." Always keep it Simply Sexy" ASK NYOMI: BRIDGING THE GAP Host: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love) Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike Mike Thank you for tuning in! We appreciate you being part of the BTG community   📧 HAVE A QUESTION?  Submit your questions, stories, and advice requests: Email: [email protected] Subject line: Your question or topic   🌐 VISIT US ONLINE: Website: AskNyomi.com Personality Quiz: Discover your coaching path   📱 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL: Instagram: @asknyomi Facebook:@asknyomi Twitter/X: @AskNyomiBTG   💻 EXPLORE MORE: Elevate Me: Self-Discovery App (Studio.com/nyomi) Talk To Me Tuesday: Listener Letters Podcast (Returns Fall 2026) The Season of Self Love: Monday Mindset & Wednesday Action (YouTube, Spotify, all platforms)   2026 THEME: "Reclaimed & Unashamed Be good to one another and yourselves. Always keep it sexy. — Nyomi Banks, Da Goddess of Self Love