The Media Moves Fast—Here’s How to Keep Up with Nikki Ogunnaike of Marie Claire
#305: What does it mean to actually understand the media you’re consuming—and how does that shape how you move through the world? That’s what we’re getting into this week with our guest, Nikki Ogunnaike.Nikki is the Editor in Chief of Marie Claire **US, host of Marie Claire’s Nice Talk podcast and one of the sharpest voices in fashion and culture today. Having held roles at Harper’s Bazaar, GQ, Elle, Glamour, InStyle, and Vanity Fair, she’s spent years helping people not just look good, but think critically about what they’re watching, reading, and sharing.In this episode, we talk about the power of media literacy, why your personal style isn’t a destination, and why having your own lens is one of the most underrated success tools out there.We Also Talk About…How we can be more conscious consumers of fashion and mediaHow running has helped her find clarity and communityHer “Ins and Outs” for 2025—and whether they still hold upWhy media literacy is a non-negotiable in today’s worldThe difference between copying style vs. cultivating itResources:Listen to Nice Talk on Apple PodcastsListen to Nice Talk on SpotifyFollow Marie Claire on Instagram @marieclairemagazineFollow Marie Claire on TikTok @marieclairemagazineDownload my free Best Case Scenario Journal TemplateSponsors:Quince: Elevate your fall wardrobe essentials with Quince. Go to quince.com/balancedles for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.Simply Pop is a new fruit-forward bevy of prebiotic sodas with 6 grams of fiber. Go to cokeurl.com/simplyPOP to find out where you can try it.Function: Take charge of your health through lab testing with Function. Visit functionhealth.com/lucky or use the gift code LUCKY for a $100 credit towards your membership.Nutrafol: Get stronger, healthier hair with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering $10 OFF your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to nutrafol.com and enter promo code BALANCEDLES.Keep in touch:Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfredFollow on TikTok @shessoluckypod @lesalfredVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comPlease note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Stop Being So Realistic: Why You’re Playing Yourself By Playing It Safe [Solo]
#304: Is being too “realistic” keeping you stuck?This week, I’m getting into something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately: how being “realistic” can actually be a form of shrinking our goals to fit our fears.In this solo episode, I’m unpacking why being realistic isn’t always the wise or grounded choice it’s made out to be, and how it might actually be self-sabotage disguised as protection.I also share some mindset shifts that have helped me stop shrinking my goals to fit what feels “safe” and start thinking bigger again—without spiraling into overwhelm. If you’ve ever talked yourself out of something because it felt too bold or too unlikely, this one’s for you.In this episode, I talk about:Why “being realistic” can be a trapHow I’ve noticed it showing up in my own lifeWhat to do when your big goals start to feel too far awayThe difference between grounded strategy and self-sabotageEncouragement to stop playing small and dream a little biggerResources:Follow me on IG @lesalfredFollow She’s So Lucky on IG @shessoluckypodFollow me on TikTok @balancedlesFollow She’s So Lucky on TikTok @shessoluckypodDownload my free Best Case Scenario Journal TemplateSponsors:Nutrafol: Get stronger, healthier hair with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering $10 OFF your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to nutrafol.com and enter promo code BALANCEDLES.Shopify: Start your online business with Shopify. Sign up for your $1 per month trial at shopify.com/balancedblackgirl.Simply Pop is a new fruit-forward bevy of prebiotic sodas with 6 grams of fiber. Go to cokeurl.com/simplyPOP to find out where you can try it.The Real Real: The Real Real is attainable luxury that upgrades your personal style. Get $25 off your first purchase when you go to therealreal.com/lucky.Function: Take charge of your health through lab testing with Function. Visit functionhealth.com/lucky or use the gift code LUCKY for a $100 credit towards your membership.Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Listen Now: The Real Stuff with Lucie Fink
The Real Stuff is a weekly podcast series hosted by Lucie Fink who has spent the past decade getting curious and creating engaging and educational content for an audience of millions. On this show, you won’t hear your favorite guests talk about things they typically share — rather, Lucie pulls them deep into some of the world’s most taboo topics, asking intensely personal questions about sex, money, and mental health, all in an effort to help you feel less alone as you navigate through the world.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Secret to Building A Community-Driven Business with Nana Agyemang of EveryStylishGirl
#303: What does it look like to build a brand that’s rooted in real community, not just clout? That’s what we’re diving into this week with our guest, Nana Agyemang.Nana is a journalist-turned-entrepreneur, founder of EveryStylishGirl, and the visionary behind Sip N’ Slay — one of today’s most sought-after events for women creatives and media professionals.In this episode, we talk about building an authentic personal brand, why community is the best business strategy, and how Nana is planning for early retirement (at 40!) without sacrificing joy or alignment.We Also Talk About…What it really means to build an authentic brandHow Sip N’ Slay became the go-to event for women creativesMapping out your long game (and making peace with slow growth)Shifting your money mindset for legacy and wealthKnowing when to say no, and why boundaries are essentialResources:Get your tickets for Sip N’ Slay NYC on August 23Follow Nana on Instagram @itsreallynanaFollow Nana on TikTok @itsreallynanaaaFollow EveryStylishGirl on Instagram @everystylishgirlDownload my free Best Case Scenario Journal TemplateSponsors:Function: Take charge of your health through lab testing with Function. Visit functionhealth.com/lucky or use the gift code LUCKY for a $100 credit towards your membership.Cotton: Cotton is the fabric of our lives. Learn more at thefabricofourlives.com.Opill: Opill is birth control in your control, and you can use code BALANCEDLES for 25% off your first month at www.opill.comSimply Pop is a new fruit-forward bevy of prebiotic sodas with 6 grams of fiber. Go to cokeurl.com/simplyPOP to find out where you can try it.NOCD: NOCD offers accessible OCD treatment. Go to nocd.com and schedule a free 15-minute call with their team.Keep in touch:Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfredFollow on TikTok: @shessoluckypod @lesalfredVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Ambition Trap: Amina AlTai on Finding Purpose in Hustle Culture
#302: What if the version of success you’re chasing isn’t actually yours?In this episode I’m joined by Amina AlTai, executive coach and author of The Ambition Trap, to unpack what it really means to pursue ambition with purpose. We talk about the difference between chasing success to prove something vs. purposeful ambition that aligns with your values and desires.Amina shares the personal and professional wake-up calls that led her to redefine ambition, why we can feel our lowest during moments that are supposed to be our highest, and why fulfillment isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. If you’ve ever hit a milestone and felt underwhelmed, this conversation is for you.We Also Talk About…Why performative ambition can leave you feeling emptyThe signs you’re stuck in the Ambition TrapHow to reconnect with purposeful, aligned goalsThe difference between identity-driven success and ego-driven successPermission to want more, but for the right reasonsResources:Check out Amina’s book The Ambition TrapFollow Amina on Instagram @aminaaltaiFollow Amina on TikTok @aminaaltaiFollow Amina on LinkedInCheck out Amina’s podcast, Amina Change Your LifeDownload my free Best Case Scenario Journal TemplateSponsors:Simply Pop is a new fruit-forward bevy of prebiotic sodas with 6 grams of fiber. Go to cokeurl.com/simplyPOP to find out where you can try it.Cotton: Cotton is the fabric of our lives. Learn more at thefabricofourlives.com.Nutrafol: Get $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping by visiting nutrafol.com and using the promo code BALANCEDLES.Keep in touch:Follow on IG: @balancedles @lesalfredFollow on TikTok @balancedlesVisit our website at balancedblackgirl.comPlease note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
She’s So Lucky is a chart-topping weekly podcast dedicated to women who create their own luck against all odds. Join host Les Alfred and special guests for compelling conversations that will inspire you to live life on your terms. Les and her guests are giving you a sneak peek into the minds and habits of successful women sharing their wins, losses, and lessons that you can apply to your own life. From entrepreneurs, to creatives, to wellness experts, She’s So Lucky is a space for women to feel free and inspired to live up to their fullest potential. Each episode will help you uncover new ways to create your own luck and harness the magic you already have.