Soft is the New Rich; Choosing Ease Over Exhaustion

In this soul-centered solo episode, Kelley Bonner returns to the mic with a personal and powerful reflection on the radical value of softness. She shares why she's shifting the podcast to a weekly cadence and how this decision reflects a deeper commitment to her values of rest, sustainability, and truth. As we move through seasons of blooming and expansion, Kelley invites you to reject hustle culture and embrace a new form of wealth—ease, softness, and alignment. Because softness isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. And it might just be the richest thing you own.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why “soft is the new rich” is more than a mantra—it’s a movement
• How Kelley is aligning her life and work with values of sustainability
• The role of nervous system regulation in Black women’s wellness
• Why expansion often means doing less, not more
• A call to embrace your voice and show up unapologetically

Key Takeaways & Timestamps:

[00:01:00] – Softness Is the Currency of the Future

Kelley introduces the theme of the episode—why softness is the “new rich”—and how it connects to nervous system regulation, healing, and sustainability for Black women.

[00:11:00] – Softness Cannot Be Bought

She unpacks how the aesthetics of success—money, body goals, relationships—are not what create real softness. Instead, she encourages listeners to reject performative growth and anchor into internal healing.

[00:13:00] – The True Definition of Wealth

Kelley redefines richness as being able to sit in your home and feel peace. She encourages listeners to set boundaries, name their preferences, and hold space for emotional safety.

[00:24:45] – Three Ways to Build a Soft Life

She shares three actionable tips:

1. Romance the ordinary
2. Protect your peace
3. Walk your talk—live soft without performative pressure

[00:35:00] – Reclaim Rest as Pleasure & Presence

Kelley wraps with a powerful call to reject exhaustion and show up in softness—even if imperfectly. She names softness as sustainability, not weakness.

Support the Show:

If this podcast speaks to you, consider sharing it with a friend, leaving a 5-star review, or shouting us out on social media. Help amplify the message that Black women deserve softness, rest, and radical joy.

Softness is your inheritance. Rest is your rebellion. And joy? That’s your revolution.

DM us on Instagram and let us know—what are you choosing to take off your plate this season?

CHECK OUT OUR PARTNERS:

• Happy Mammoth and use my code BGB for a great deal: www.happymammoth.com
• Revolve and use code BGB for a great deal: https://www.revolve.com/bgb



💬 STAY IN TOUCH

If you’re looking for more ways to connect with the Black Girl Burnout community, we’ve got you covered:

• Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @blackgirlburnout — Each platform offers something different, so come vibe with us where it feels right for you.
• Join our Substack family! Think of it as a modern-day online magazine (Tumblr-coded for the millennial hearts). We share weekly reflections, tips, tools, and deeper insights into each podcast episode—plus personal notes from Kelley’s life.
• Become a paid Substack subscriber for just $8/month (about the cost of a fancy latte) and access exclusive content like digital tools, apps, and free resources that are valued far beyond that.
• Work with Kelley directly:
• Book a 90-minute <