Dark Matters with Dr. Shemena
A mental health podcast that explores the emotional, relational, and cultural realities that shape who we are. Through conversations about race, anxiety, depression, relationships, family dynamics, work, identity, and personal growth, this podcast invites honest reflection, deeper consciousness, and a more thoughtful way of understanding ourselves and each other.
Episodes
Being seen sounds simple until you realize how many of us have built our entire lives around not being fully known. We talk about the question that sits underneath so much emotional pain: “Do you really get me?” and what it does to a person when the answer has been unclear for years. This conversation is for anyone who looks fine on the outside, functions well, and still feels lonely, unseen, or strangel...
We look at how us-versus-them thinking becomes a cultural habit that quietly harms our mental health and our relationships. IDr. Shemena discusses how fear and vulnerability often sit under anger and certainty, and how making room for nuance restores compassion, critical thinking, and connection.
Come back often and make sure you subscribe, rate, and review because I’d love to hear your comments. ...
We explore the “other AI” shaping daily life, where artificial intimacy and instant response can feel like care. We ask what it does to attachment, emotional growth, and real connection when comfort becomes a frictionless product.
You can find me at https://shemenajohnson.com. All the links to where you can find me are in the show summary. Come back often and make sure you subscribe, r...
In this reflective Mother’s Day episode, Dr. Shemena explores the complicated terrain of mothering, estrangement, grief, and love. Through the lens of the therapy room and her own lived experience, she considers what it means to carry both gratitude and loss, to honor mothers who tried imperfectly, and to make space for those for whom Mother’s Day is tender, quiet, or painful.
This episode is for anyone c...
What drives us to excel, and when does that drive become destructive? Join us as we dissect the factors influencing competitive behavior, such as self-esteem, social comparison, and the quest for recognition. You'll learn to identify the fine line between healthy striving and toxic competition, gaining insights that are vital for personal and professional growth.
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What if you could turn the chaos of your emotions into a powerful tool for personal growth? Join me, Dr. Shemena, in this episode of Dark Matters as we explore the transformative potential of deeply understanding and making meaning of our feelings and thoughts. Listen as we dissect the effects of disavowing our emotions whether influenced by family dynamics, cultural expectations, and/or societal norms, and why ackn...
On this episode of Dark Matters, we'll uncover how childhood experiences, from deep-seated trauma to family dynamics, cast long shadows over our adult lives. Our conversation will examine how unspoken pain can distort our life's compass and how recognizing the "unnamed pain" can illuminate the path to self-awareness and growth. So, grab yourself a pen and paper, and let's navigate the path to healing and self-...
This is the introduction to a new series, "Breaking Through." In this series, Dr. Shemena will discuss the intricate patterns that shape our emotional landscape and help guide you toward breakthroughs for a more authentic self. Stay tuned ...
Get in touch with Dr. Shemena
· Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson
· Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson
I'm back, not just to apologize, but to take you along this path of enhanced self-awareness.
This new year, I'm thrilled to announce a lineup of discussions designed to liberate us from the unhealthy cycles that hold us back. A special series dedicated to men and masculinity will also be featured, where we'll explore the complexities of male psychology and patterns that define—and sometimes confine&mdas...
Ever wondered why joy, the most precious emotion, often seems so elusive? Join me as I discuss the emotion of joy, its core essence, and how we can cultivate more of this beautiful emotion in our lives. Drawing from my personal experience and insights from my practice, I'll guide you with practical tips, compassionate understanding, and a healthy dose of empowerment to inspire you to take the first step towards a mo...
What if your idea of love is actually an addiction? Dr. Shemena helps us understand how individuals with deep-seated insecurities and fears of intimacy can fall into a pattern of seeking perfection and adulation in their partners, becoming addicted to the euphoria of love rather than experiencing its genuine depth. This episode is for anyone seeking to transform their relationship dynamics and gain deeper...
Have you ever caught yourself overeating or talking excessively to keep uncomfortable feelings at bay? What if there's a way to confront these defense mechanisms head on and reclaim your psychological freedom? Let's traverse the labyrinth of the mind together in this episode where Dr. Shemena takes you through the fascinating concepts of repression and resistance. We'll decode these defenses, from excessive talking ...
Imagine you walked into McDonald's and asked for a lobster, only to be disappointed when they served you a hamburger. Sounds absurd, right? But what if I told you that's exactly how some of us approach our relationships? Listen in as Dr. Shemena shares an illuminating perspective on expectations in relationships.
Get in touch with Dr. Shemena
· Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson
Ever feel like you're drowning in your own emotions? That's where we're heading today on Dark Matters. I'm your host, Dr. Shemena Johnson, ready to guide you showing you that it's okay, even essential, to acknowledge and express what's churning inside. We'll tackle how our mental health is often linked to our ability to process and articulate our emotions. We'll also discuss how expressing our feelings is not a sign...
Have you ever felt that relentless hurricane of thoughts and emotions during a panic attack or intense anxiety? Join me, Dr. Shemena, in this episode of Dark Matters, where we dive into the world of anxiety and the power of mindfulness. Discover how childhood fears can follow us into adulthood and how taking a moment to reflect on our responses can lead to growth and freedom.
Get in touch with Dr. Shemena
What does it truly mean to love, and how do we express this complex emotion in our lives? Join me in this thought-provoking episode as we explore the various ways we experience love -- from the simple enjoyment of pizza to the deep emotional connections we have with our romantic partners and family members.
Dr. Shemena challenges you to think deeply about your own experiences with love and how your upbringing...
One of the cornerstones of psychological health is the ability to separate-individuate from our parents. It's a difficult journey, but an empowering one in accepting one's own Self, with a capital S. Listen in to Dr. Shemena discuss this important phase of development and share her personal experience.
Get in touch with Dr. Shemena
· Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson
Understanding impostor syndrome is the first step toward overcoming it. Listen in to Dr. Shemena discuss the why behind this nagging -- but untrue -- belief and how to take steps forward to overcome it.
Get in touch with Dr. Shemena
· Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson
· Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson
· Email me at info@shemenajohnson....
Building trust in a relationship requires taking risks. Taking risks can show you that your partner is not the same as those from your past who hurt you. It can also help you grow into a better partner. Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss how taking risks helps build trust in your relationship.
Get in touch with Dr. Shemena
· Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson
A new year brings a desire for change, growth, more structure – overall, new beginnings. And, in the first month, we aim to get a handle on the remaining months that will follow. But, a more practical new year's idea is about finding the balance between the two structures that ground and motivate you. Listen in as Dr. Shemena discusses her ideas on finding balance in the new year.
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