Gettin’ Grown – “Palette Cleanser”
Hosts: Jade & Kia | Date: October 28, 2025

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt and gently humorous episode, Jade and Kia devote time to reflecting on recent losses in Black culture, revisiting memories tied to music legends, and exploring the evolution of their own adulthood and self-care as Black women. After a string of heavy conversations on the podcast lately, this week acts as a “palette cleanser”—offering a lighter, restorative vibe through friendship, nostalgia, and the playful deepening of connection via the Black Girl Hug Experience conversation cards.

Key Discussion Points

1. Processing Grief and Black Cultural Loss

• The episode opens with Jade and Kia still mourning the loss of D’Angelo, his passing evoking a rare grief akin to that felt for icons like Chadwick Boseman.
• Both hosts discuss D’Angelo’s impact on their lives, from adolescence through early adulthood, underscoring his lasting influence on Black music and culture (02:10–07:22).
  • Jade: “It’s a beautiful tragedy is what it is.” [07:17]
  • Kia reminisces, “I haven’t felt this kind of grief for someone I don’t know since, like, Chadwick Boseman.” [02:19]
• They also reminisce about the communal impact of moments in Black pop culture, like the Jamie Foxx parody of the “Untitled” video and D’Angelo’s Prince tribute (03:34–05:08).

2. The Power and Duality of Millennial Black Womanhood

• Through memories and generational humor, Jade and Kia reflect on how millennials embody both tradition and critique.
  • They laugh about parents’ fears regarding “voodoo” in Black music (08:21–10:03) and swap stories about churchy upbringings colliding with modern spiritual exploration (11:25–14:43).
  • Kia: “I love the duality and the complexity of millennials... we very much can operate in the duality.” [11:53]
• The hosts discuss the increased openness to spiritual searching and therapy in their generation, contrasting with older “fear-based” models rooted in racism and control (13:45–14:43).

3. Highlighting Community Resources and Social Awareness

• Briefly, Jade directs listeners to @SarahSBS for crucial insights into current global crises, specifically genocide and resource exploitation in Sudan (12:57–17:00).
  • She directs listeners to resources and a $2 donation campaign for critical aid.

4. Emotional Check-In and Friendship Rituals

• Kia shares anticipation at reuniting with family, balancing work stress, and prioritizing gratitude and self-care (17:54–18:37).
• The duo transitions to a special “Kitchen Table Talk,” using the Black Girl Hug Experience conversation cards to facilitate honest and fun friendship discussions as an act of collective self-care.

Kitchen Table Talk: Black Girl Hug Experience Cards (25:01–61:23)

The hosts use three categories—Connect, Thrive, Heal—from this Black woman-centered deck to spark vibrant dialogue. Memorable highlights include:

Dream Homes & Aesthetic Fantasies

• They playfully try to describe each other’s dream homes, emphasizing individual tastes and shared love for cozy, welcoming, and Black-infused spaces.
  • Kia (about Jade): “Warm bungalow, 70s vibes, very lounge aesthetic… you always feel comfortable.”
  • Jade (about Kia): “Contemporary and comfort… sleek, clean, with a movie room and a full walk-in closet.”
• Both see themselves as embodying “Auntie’s doing well” energy. [32:46–34:49]

Reflecting on Healing, Growth, and Perfectionism

• Both share candid struggles with perfectionism, comparison, and the fear of putting imperfect creative work into the world (39:03–49:16).
  • Jade: “I’m in a place of healing how I show up in my work, how I feel about my work, how my work ties into myself…”
  • Kia: “I’m not a niche-down girly… trying to heal from perfectionism and transactional ways of seeing my worth.” [47:01]
• They affirm the power of accountability and mutual support to move through creative blocks and personal evolution.

Friendship Vulnerability & Support

• The cards prompt each to name moments they’ve felt vulnerable with one another, focusing on hard but fruitful conversations and the safety of chosen family (54:07–58:13).
  • Kia: “[I’m] appreciative of the space to talk to Jade about it… and how much I appreciate my chosen family’s patience with me as I work through these things.”

Celebrating Black Sisterhood Rituals

• Jade and Kia agree the Black Girl Hug Experience cards foster important, vulnerable, and even healing conversations—whether for close friends or building new connections.
  • Jade: “We only pulled four cards, and we’re able to have bountiful conversations.” [61:15]

Self Care Segment (64:03–67:35)

• Kia reads from the 10 self-care tips included with the Black Girl Hug Experience cards, encouraging listeners (and herself) to post them as daily reminders:
  • “Listen to your heart; set gentle boundaries; prioritize your health; celebrate small wins; find your support tribe; create a safe space; practice self-compassion; set aside me time; express your feelings; embrace your identity.”
  • Jade affirms her own self-care practices, such as getting out of her comfort zone and collaborating on new projects as a way forward.

Petty Peeves (67:44–73:55)

• The segment gets extra lighthearted as Jade laments that “Chinese spots are not giving you hot mustard unless you request it.” [68:15]
• Both hosts get nostalgic for classic NYC Chinese food and reflect on the deep, sometimes hilarious food rituals that evoke home, childhood, and Black regional culture.

Memorable Quotes

• “It’s a beautiful tragedy, is what it is.” — Jade [07:17]
• “I love the duality and the complexity of millennials… we can be real grey area where we need to be.” — Kia [12:51]
• “Sometimes it’s good to just shake it up.” — Kia [24:44]
• “We only pulled four cards and we’re able to have bountiful conversations.” — Jade [61:15]
• “Support each other at very similar junctures, just in different ways.” — Jade [51:40]
• “We have a lot of appreciation for this space, and… there are still more that we want to do.” — Kia [49:18]

Engaging Moments & Timestamps

• Reflecting on D’Angelo’s cultural impact: 02:09–07:22
• Generational Black spirituality and humor: 11:14–14:43
• News and activism around Sudan: 12:57–17:00
• Friendship check-in & transition to card game: 17:50–25:01
• “Dream House” card answers: 25:52–34:49
• Healing/procrastination discussion: 39:03–49:16
• Friendship vulnerability: 54:07–59:51
• Petty Peeves – hot mustard & NYC Chinese food: 67:44–73:55

Final Thoughts

This episode delivers on its title—a true “palette cleanser”—showcasing the healing power of friendship, the joy of nostalgia, and the possibility of self-reflection through playful, vulnerable conversation. Jade and Kia’s dynamic—equal parts humor, honesty, and gentleness—reminds listeners of the vital role Black sisterhood, cultural rituals, and intentional check-ins play in navigating both grief and growth as adults, especially in a world that can feel heavy.

Listeners are left with actionable self-care tips and a sense of communal warmth—the essence of Gettin' Grown.

For deeper connection or to try the Black Girl Hug Experience cards, visit blackgirlhug.com.