Cope Queens

"Race and racism is a reality that so many of us grow up learning to just deal with. But if we ever hope to move past it, it can't just be on people of color to deal with it," she wrote. "It's up to all of us—Black, white, everyone—no matter how well-meaning we think we might be, to do the honest, uncomfortable work of rooting it out."– Michelle Obama

In episode 19, Racial Trauma, Elaina is joined by en...

“I was actually manic a lot of the times that I would take on workloads, and I would say, ‘Yes, I can do this, I can do this, I can do this.’ I was conquering the world, but then it would all come crashing down and I would be more depressed than ever.” — Demi Lovato

In episode 18, Bipolar Disorder, Elaina is joined by comedian and podcaster, Sofia Elkin, and certified health and wellness coach, Saralyn Salisbury-Jones, in a discussi...

"My alone feels so good, I'll only have you if you're sweeter than my solitude."– Warsan Shire

In episode 17, Wine Tears and Jellybeans, Elaina is joined by entrepreneur and vocal coach Katti Powell along with author and Relationship and Dating Coach Ieva Kambarovaite in a discussion about their experiences, challenges, anxieties when it comes to dating in their 40's.

Dating at any age is a challenge. As we g...

"Positive feelings come from being honest about yourself and accepting your personality, and physical characteristics, warts and all, and, from belonging to a family that accepts you without question."– Willard Scott

In episode 16, Feel the Feels with Connie Anne Holman, Elaina is joined by a licensed therapist and life coach, Connie Anne Holman. They discuss how to allow yourself to feel whatever you're feeling witho...

"A hope warrior is someone who is always working on themselves so that they can better encourage others, refrain from judgment, keep an open heart, and ultimately spread hope.” – Hope Warrior Project

Bonus Episode, Hope Warrior Project, Elaina interviews Stephanie Martino and Lydia Zuniga, the women behind the Hope Warrior Project. Elaina introduced the Hope Warrior Project in Episode 3, The Strong Black Woman Syndrom...

"Not everyone will appreciate what you do for them. You have to figure out who's worth your kindness & who's just taking advantage of you."- Unknown

In episode 15, To Help or Not to Help, Elaina and Tracy discussed the reality of recommending people for jobs, going out of one's way to help someone else, and the common pitfalls of helping and supporting those who may not deserve it. They also explored exp...

Have you ever wondered why certain things annoy you? Does someone popping their gum irritate you? How about if someone cracks their knuckles, drinks directly from the carton, or leaves dirty laundry on the floor? If so, have you ever been curious about why certain things bother you? In episode 14, Pet Peeves, Elaina and Tracy shared a few of their pet peeves and discuss what they believe to be the root cause.

Tracy expressed how the...

We've all heard the sayings that money can't buy you happiness, and that money is the root of all evil. We need money, yes? If money wasn't a factor, what would you do? How would you live? What dreams and goals would you achieve? If money isn't stopping you, then what's getting in your way? In episode 13, What's Stopping You? Elaina and Tracy shared what they would do if money weren't a factor and...

Have you ever experienced microaggression? If you have, how did you handle it? If you feel you have not, how do you know you haven’t? Microaggression is a term used for brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicates hostile, derogatory, or negative prejudicial slights and insults toward any group, particularly culturally marginalized groups. In e...

“Something inside you emerges....an innate, indwelling peace, stillness, aliveness. It is the unconditioned, who you are in your essence. It is what you had been looking for in the love object. It is yourself.”- Eckhart Tolle.

When you look at yourself in the mirror, do you know the person staring back at you? Do you love the person staring back at you? How about, do you accept the person staring back you and all their imperfections...

“Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that’s very important for good health.”

—Dalai Lama

Many of us experience periods of anxiousness or nervousness. For someone who suffers from anxiety, they experience prolonged feelings of worry and anxiousness, which are often related to experiences that we all experience, but there is something within them that does not allow them to work through, overcome, or cope and adapt ...

“Ridicule is a weak weapon when pointed at a strong mind, but common people are cowards and dread an empty laugh”- Martin Farquhar Tupper.

In episode 8, Reality Check, Elaina, and Tracy discussed the ridicule that many still face whenever they decide to be vulnerable enough to share their mental health issues and experiences. Both shared how this is our opportunity to normalize mental health issues and begin the conversations and ta...

“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” - Robert Fulghum.

Are you feeling stressed? Have you noticed you do things that are bad for you when facing difficult or challenging situations? Well, you’re not alone. In episode 7, Dangerous Coping, Elaina and Tracy discussed the dangers of common maladaptive coping strategies often used to deal with stressful and unpleasant situations and prov...

"Generosity is the most natural outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and satisfaction"- The Dalai Lama. 

Did you know there have been several studies conducted where researches have determined that being generous has a positive impact on our state of mind and mental well-being? In this episode, both hosts have discussed how generosity can improve our mental health. In episode 6, Generosity is All We Need, ...

“Your body hears everything that your mind says,” – Naomi Judd.

Are you a victim of negative self-talk, and it is limiting your potential? How often has that inner voice told you that you weren’t good enough or you didn’t deserve something? Isn’t time to take back control and begin to reframe those thoughts so you can achieve all your goals and dreams? 

In episode 5, Take a Seat Inner Critic, Elaina and Tracy discussed the various wa...

Do you, at times, feel stressed or anxious about spending time with family during the holidays? Episode 4 is all about the stress of hosting, attending holiday celebrations, and dealing with certain types of members. 

In episode 4, Surviving the Holidays, Elaina and Tracy shared their experience with holiday stressors such as family planning and preparing for holiday gatherings, gift buying, and dealing with conflict. Both also shar...

“Black women can do anything, and we have proven that time and time and time again” – Tarana Burke.

Historically and generationally, many African American women are raised to exhibit the epitome of strength. They are trained to be self-reliant and confident. They are often expected to be the provider, the homemaker, the counselor, and the caretaker. Being a strong black woman, in most cases, is viewed as a badge of honor. There are ...

"The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love." - Hubert Humphrey

Throughout our lifespan, we endure a magnitude of challenges and obstacles. Some more than others and yet many still do not believe in therapy, counseling, seeking help and support, or in some cases, that mental impairments such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD are real issues. 

In episode 2, The Therapy Relationship, Elaina and Tracy discussed the val...