We are Knowers!

Summary

Gettin' Grown

Episode: We Are Knowers!

Air Date: May 19, 2026

Hosts: Jade and Keia
Network: Loud Speakers Network

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Episode Overview

This lively and heartfelt episode brings the warmth, humor, and real talk that regular listeners love from Jade and Keia. The main theme centers around celebrating Black excellence, growth, and achievement, with a special focus on graduation season. They honor listeners’ educational milestones, reflect on the state of adulting, Black woman self-care, and share plenty of sisterly banter about nostalgia, self-advocacy, and the ups and downs of “figuring out life as 30-somethings.” The tone is celebratory, honest, and affirming, with the hosts reminding everyone—especially Black women—that “we are knowers!”

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Nostalgia & Names (01:10–05:51)

• The hosts riff on graduation songs (like Vitamin C’s), the nostalgia of graduation season, and generational baby name trends—“Colleen, Ruth, Frances”—with plenty of jokes about sturdy, old-school names making a comeback.
• Memorable moment: Observations about how millennials are recycling older names, and playful speculation about a baby named “Desiree” or “Colleen.”

“They want ring around the rosy, pocket full of posies. Like they want some old…” – Kia (04:03)

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2. Life Updates & “Auntie” Tales (05:51–17:00)

• Jade is reporting from Seattle, loving the seafood, crisp air, and a memorable soul food experience at Communion, raving about the food—especially the “sweet potato whole cake” and deviled eggs.
• Keia shares Mother's Day weekend updates, packed with her daughter’s recital, cooking for her friend Chanel’s 40th, and attending a Jodeci concert where she dishes the real on the group's current performing status.
• Discussion on how older fans (“old hoes”) behave at concerts—rowdy aunties with poster boards, no underwear, and unfiltered energy at R&B shows.
• The importance of rest and decompression for mothers, beyond a single Mother's Day. Jade suggests a two-day celebration: one with family, and one of solitude.

“Post-Mother’s Day needs to be a holiday, too … Sometimes the girls just want to rot in the bed.” – Jade (16:26)

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3. Navigating Adulting, Advocacy, and Black Womanhood (17:00–22:33)

• Both share struggles with illness and fatigue, but affirm gratitude for what they have.
• Jade shouts out educators and advocates, recognizing the “paradigm shift” and stresses in the field.
• The women discuss how adulthood has sharpened their clarity and their willingness to speak up and stand up for fairness and their children. Kia describes standing up “clear Huxtable-style” to her daughter’s dance teacher.
• Emphasize the importance of boundaries, clarity, and using your voice, especially as they claim their “season of I’m-gonna-get-you-told.”

“I don’t have time. Older ones… now we on level playing field. Get off your bullshit before you hear my mouth.” – Kia (21:05)

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4. Graduation Season “Kitchen Table Talk” (22:30–48:58)

• It’s official: the show kicks off its annual graduation announcements series—an event as beloved as it is joyous.
• The hosts read listener-submitted graduation announcements from across the country, celebrating everyone from pre-K grads to new PhDs and Black men earning multiple graduate degrees.
• Each accomplishment is met with real joy, affirming words, and sometimes deeply personal resonance—especially around Black achievement in spaces lacking representation.
• The many paths listeners have walked—in spite of loss, illness, parenthood, career hurdles, or simply returning to school later in life—are honored as triumphs.
• The show title “We Are Knowers” emerges organically as the hosts marvel at the intelligence, perseverance, and community strengths of Black women and listeners.

Notable Announcements & Quotes

• “I am not behind. I am not doing poorly. I am doing well.” – Kia (advice given in 2021, cited by listener Dr. Elisa at 37:34)

• “We are so good at knowing. We are just knowers.” – Jade (41:12)

• “Nothing but God and family got me to this point … I hope you’re hugging yourself extra tight and giving yourself extra big ups for that.” – Jade to Ashley (39:49)

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5. Black Women’s Self-Care & Vulnerability (51:50–56:31)

• Jade opens up about the toll of travel and grief, and the way it stalled her exercise routine—but emphasizes that rest and adjustment are self-care, not failure.
• Keia shares the importance of naming and accepting feelings like sadness and depression as necessary self-care steps.

“You can’t fix something you won’t even acknowledge.” – Jade (55:42)

“It was refreshing to say out loud: These are the things I’m feeling. All right—what’s the next move?” – Kia (56:31)

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6. Petty Peeves (56:58–62:17)

• Kia’s Petty Peeve: The rise of “pre-batched cocktails” at bars, which frustrates her as an OG bartender and lover of the craft. She wants to see bartenders actually make drinks, not just pour them.
• Jade’s Petty Peeve: Long meetings with no snacks—especially frustrating when a three-hour “all hands” session doesn’t even offer popcorn or drinks.

“If your meeting is over three hours, you need to have snacks! ... That’s the hill I’m gonna die on.” – Jade (61:01)

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Key Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On black women’s lifelong learning:
  “Black women love to go back to school. We love to know things.” – Kia (41:12)

• On parenting and boundaries:
  “Don’t cook for us, don’t do none of that—just leave us alone and let us order what we want.” – Kia (17:27)

• On adulting’s real challenge:
  “Adulting is really an exercise in really getting to know yourself … weeding through all of the advice and information … to figure out who you are, what you want.” – Guest Speaker (25:36)

• On celebration and community:
  “We are in the season of just getting you told. Let me help you … Somebody needs to tell you—luckily for you, I’m available.” – Jade (22:01)

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Graduation Announcements (Selected Timestamps)

• [31:03] – Jared announces niece Gianna’s graduation from University of Houston.
• [33:32] – Brianna Williams: celebrates earning a second master’s degree (MBA).
• [34:41] – Ananda: finishes law school, publishes in Harvard Civil Rights & Civil Liberties Law Review.
• [35:27] – Dr. Elisa: earns PhD in molecular and cell biology, inspired by Keia’s earlier advice.
• [38:31] – Ashley: graduates with a master’s in school psychology after overcoming major life changes.
• [40:11] – Jasmine: sums up her associate’s degree as a working, business-owning mother, encouraging others to return to school.
• [41:26] – Reflections: “We are knowers” – Jade and Keia affirming the intelligence of their community.
• [43:35] – Mecca Taylor Robinson: earns bachelor’s in biology, persevering through personal loss.

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Black Women’s Self-Care (51:50–56:31)

• Jade: Prioritizes rest over “hustle culture,” especially after recent grief and heavy travel.
• Keia: Names her depression and fatigue, affirming that recognizing/accepting feelings is itself an act of self-care.

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Closing Reminders

• Send future graduation announcements (prek to doctoral!) to [e-mail] for continued on-air celebration.
• Moisturize your mind (tend your own business), your insides (water!), and your skin.
• Prioritize your wellness, give yourself permission to rest, and know that “your Black will crack if it’s dry.”

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Episode Vibe

Rich with laughter, affirmation, and real-life wisdom, this episode is a deeply Black, deeply womanist love letter to growth, resilience, and joyful “knowing.” Whether you’re celebrating your own win or need an encouraging word about resting, speaking up, or starting again—Jade and Keia bring it home, as always, with heart.

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For further segments, skip intros/outros and pick up at [01:10] for main discussion.

Transcript

[Doug]

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[Ad Host 1]

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[Jade]

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[Kia]

Oh, no.

[Doug]

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[Jade]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Doug]

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[Kia]

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[Jade]

Liberty.

[Kia]

Liberty.

[Ad Host 1]

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[Kia]

As we go, we remember all the times we had together and forever but not never. We remember friends forever. I gave up, girl.

[Jade]

I don't even.

[Kia]

How come nobody ever created a graduation song? Is she the only one?

[Jade]

And I know.

[Kia]

And anyway. What are you about to say? My bad.

[Jade]

No, I was like, I know that song, but I don't know any of the words. I couldn't even jump in if I wanted to know. I know that that is.

[Kia]

I thought, jump in.

[Jade]

Yeah. I know that that is a song that I have heard, but it's, like, never a song that I've ever learned or claim to know as millennials. Yes.

[Kia]

The song came on often.

[Jade]

Yes.

[Kia]

In betwixt MTV shows, I believe. I don't remember how.

[Jade]

It was always like the background music for the montage that celebrate the Graduate. Yes, yes. For sure.

[Kia]

It just showed up. And then the lady's name is Vitamin C, which always.

[Jade]

Or is it Vitamin. Is it Vitamin C? I thought it was Vitamin K. It should not be Vitamin K. Wait, Vitamin K would be. I think it is Vitamin C. I don't know where I got Vitamin K from, cuz.

[Kia]

What?

[Jade]

Wait, what is that song?

[Kia]

Vitamin. No, that lady's name is Vitamin C. Now, did they ever say why that was her name?

[Jade]

Why is that funny to me?

[Kia]

She's from New Jersey. Jersey.

[Jade]

That's right.

[Kia]

Oh, bridge. Okay, okay. And NYU alum. All right, all right, all right.

[Jade]

Also tracks.

[Kia]

Oh, her name's Colleen. All right.

[Jade]

Okay.

[Kia]

Colleen. She's like, what's so funny? I know.

[Jade]

I'm sorry. Do they still name children Colleen these days. Is there a young person named Colleen?

[Kia]

Not that I. Not that I know. I think Colleen sits too. Like they're bringing back.

[Jade]

They are bringing back other names. Yes, because there was like a baby. There was a baby announcement at this meeting at work yesterday, and the baby's name was Francis. I said, well, that was a choice, wasn't it?

[Kia]

Yes. The Francis, the Ruth. Yes, they're back. Because I asked XD a while ago. I was like, you know what I just realized they don't name new babies. Desiree. True. So, like, I think Colleen sits too far into the mid late 70s name.

[Jade]

Right? It hasn't made its way around yet. Because we're back in like, I think it's the seventies. Isabella.

[Kia]

Yeah, exactly. Bethan. You know what I mean? Like they want cholera. You know they want cholera. They want ring around the rosy, pocket full of posies. Like they want some old.

[Jade]

The girl. Turn it to the analog. They're sad. Later for this new age. Okay, we're not doing this anymore.

[Kia]

Look at cuz. We're living in the old age, sister. That's why they said, well, if y' all want to take this back, let's

[Jade]

take it back for a sturdy name. You know, I believe in them. I. I believe in a sturdy name. So I guess problem. I guess Colleen got some sturdy to it. So vitamins.

[Kia]

Got sturdiness to it. But does Ruth have sturdiness?

[Jade]

Yes, Ruth.

[Kia]

Cuz, you know, they.

[Jade]

Absolutely.

[Kia]

Yeah, I guess you're right. That's biblically right. You're right.

[Jade]

You right.

[Kia]

That's biblical. Yes, yes, you right. You right.

[Jade]

Yes.

[Kia]

Let me go back and pick out every name from Fried Green Tomatoes. And let's see how popular it is now, cuz.

[Jade]

Still magnolia.

[Kia]

Fried green Tomatoes.

[Jade]

Go back to that.

[Kia]

Oh, I love still magnolias. I saw a man the other day, actually, and this how I knew it was a white man. I felt very uncomfortable cuz he had on some Frank Bennett boots.

[Doug]

Really?

[Kia]

And I said, now where did you find exactly where did you do you do war cosplay? All right, Boot sister. And I didn't like it.

[Jade]

How.

[Kia]

Where were these going upside the back?

[Jade]

This.

[Kia]

Where did you source those as you sit up here and ride the L train?

[Jade]

These Revolutionary War these. These are Gilded age boots. Sir, where are you going?

[Kia]

He said, well, we living in a gilded age.

[Jade]

Aren't we all now? Okay. Praise the Lord. How are you guys doing?

[Kia]

I'm sick. How are you?

[Jade]

Oh, girl, I'm just, just, just running on fumes. But we are here and we are grateful. We have what we need.

[Kia]

Yes. Amen.

[Jade]

We're doing what we gotta do.

[Kia]

I bought some pressure earplugs.

[Jade]

I was going to say I'm traveling. I'm a word travel in the midst. I'm in. I'm in Seattle. I'm in the Pacific Northwest, darling. And it is just as granola as it always is. Beautiful views, though.

[Kia]

We love.

[Jade]

We love the air. Crisp. The air is crisp. And the. The. The seafood is flaky.

[Kia]

Oh, yummy. Oh, yes.

[Jade]

Yes, indeed. I went to a soul food restaurant here in Seattle last night. It was interesting.

[Kia]

How was that?

[Jade]

It was pretty good. It was called Communion and the food was very good. Sister, I have to tell you, my colleague, she got a stuffed trout.

[Kia]

It looked very good.

[Jade]

Oh, yes. And I got a pork chop. And it was really thick cut, juicy. It was perfectly cooked, Sister. It was moist. They had a beautiful sweet potato whole cake. Okay.

[Kia]

I love a whole cake. I love a whole cake. Don't play with me. Oh, a sweet potato.

[Jade]

I see it. Sweet potato, whole cake. And we got the. Topped with devil. We got the deviled eggs with the fried oyster. Excellent.

[Kia]

Look, let me tell you something. If there's a deviled egg in the

[Jade]

place, you can sign me right on up. And the greens were also very good. The greens. We got the greens and you can get your greens. And they had the neck bones with the greens. And you could choose to have your. With neck bones or without. And it's a very classy place. Very demure because they take the neck bones. They take the meat off the neck bones. They don't make you do the work for the neck bones. Very nice. Very nice.

[Kia]

Oh, I love that.

[Jade]

And the food was good. It was seasoned well. It was wonderful service. I got an adaptogen. They had a Woo Woo lemonade. It was made with adaptogens.

[Kia]

I love that.

[Jade]

I know you do.

[Kia]

I love that song.

[Jade]

I thought of you when I ordered it. I said, I'm going to get the Woo Woo lemonade.

[Kia]

They have a dumpling.

[Jade]

Yes.

[Kia]

With a spicy le oan sausage and shrimp. Very, very good.

[Jade]

Very good. I thought about. I thought about that ribeye, but I went ahead and got the pork chop instead. Both my friends, one had the trout, the other one got the wings. So I had a little piece of the wings too. Very well. It was very good food. It was good food.

[Kia]

This looks. This looks tasty. I'm not mad at it. And they have two older black people, two elders. As soon as you open the Website.

[Jade]

It's very historic, this. Very historic. And it talks about, you know, it's done well. It's done well. Terms of, you know, rightfully attributing the.

[Kia]

Makes me happy. It was really Chef Christy Brown. I love that. Christy. I'm going to come eat when I come to Seattle. You know, Seattle, you know, the Pacific Northwest has the best soil in the country. In general, not se. But Pacific Northwest. It's got some of the best soil in the country. That's why the weed is the best out.

[Jade]

And all the farms to table stuff is very, very good. Sis.

[Kia]

Oh, I can't wait to go and eat. I'm overdue for Seattle. I haven't been to Seattle.

[Jade]

Yes.

[Kia]

Portland.

[Jade]

And I'm going to Portland next month. So I'm. I'm excited to go to Portland.

[Kia]

You've got to go to the Haitian restaurant.

[Jade]

Oh, yes.

[Kia]

Get what it's called, but you've got to go.

[Jade]

Fran has also. Fran also mentioned the place. She was like, she's gonna try. I have to ask her where we're going.

[Kia]

Yes, she knows. As soon as you said a Haitian spot, she's gonna know. Exactly.

[Jade]

Okay.

[Kia]

You need to make a reservation because it'd be packed the out like, you know, and sold out, but hello. Praise the Lord, sister, you're sick.

[Jade]

You're not feeling well. How's your week been outside of this. This illness that has succumbed you these last couple of days, darling.

[Kia]

Well, I think this has come over me, you know, because I was so busy. We recorded before Mother's Day.

[Jade]

Yes.

[Kia]

But as you all are listening, this is obviously after. So what did I do last weekend? Noah had her recital. Her big recital. Did incredible. And they did that Mother's Day weekend. And then it was also one of my dear sisters, Chanel. Chanel did the catering for us for illuminating intersectionality too. Yes.

[Jade]

Oh, yes.

[Kia]

So it was her 40th delicious food. Me and the girls hosted Chanel, so I cooked food for that. Noah had another performance. And then they took me out for a full Mother's Day. Yes, it was lovely. We went for breakfast. Ah, okay. So first we went for breakfast. Then we took Noah to her recital. Then we go for a little afternoon coffee. I go get a facial. Then I come home and I have to lay down for 40 minutes or I will not go.

[Jade]

Yes, because this is a full day.

[Kia]

Excuse me? Me. It's a full day after a full night.

[Jade]

Yeah.

[Kia]

Of 70s disco partying for Chanel's birthday. So then Tristan and I go to see Joe to See, as I told you all I was going to do, I will tell you all. Casey sounds incredible.

[Jade]

Good.

[Kia]

Dalvin was never the singer. So his stage presence is still all of that. It was a bag of chips and more. Devonte did not come. And I'm irritated because I googled ahead of time. That does make I feel like I did it here. Yeah.

[Jade]

We checked to see if all of

[Kia]

them were going to be here. We checked. Right. And I did get a Devonte saying. I did get a devonte sing. I did get a devonte saying, yay. Casey sounded great. Our dear brother Jojo.

[Jade]

Oh, wow. I think I know what you're.

[Kia]

JoJo was lips. JoJo was lip singing the whole time. Really? Yeah. JoJo was lip singing. He had a towel over his head and he would leave the stage in between songs. So I'm wondering if I'm feeling well.

[Jade]

That troubles me a bit.

[Kia]

I'm wondering. I looked up some stuff from three years ago, 20, 23, and they said JoJo was having some health issues. Because at first, you know me, you know the family I come from and all the things I said. This nigga's up there drunk. Like, I just thought he was drunk. You know, I always think are drunk. And he might have been, but he also might not have been well. And so I was just. I was actually more glad that we got Lip singing.

[Jade]

Yeah. Then. Then no show.

[Kia]

Bad singing or no show.

[Jade]

Well, JoJo. JoJo and Casey were the vocals.

[Kia]

They were the voices of. That's why when they went. Casey and JoJo.

[Jade]

Yes.

[Kia]

It's not like we were missing a lot. Except for Combat. Absolutely. You know what I mean?

[Jade]

Absolutely. So.

[Kia]

But I enjoyed myself. It was really nice to be in the place. Me and Tristan had a good time.

[Jade]

I love that.

[Kia]

Just singing the songs and bopping along with. You know, it was. It was an elder concert at this point. Like, it was definitely Auntie Fest. I thought we were getting some openers. When I googled, I saw people like Escape and After seven open for them and. But I don't know what was going on for the Brooklyn stop, but I did enjoy myself nonetheless, so. And. And everybody say a prayer for JoJo. Casey had a stroke some years ago.

[Jade]

Yeah, I heard that.

[Kia]

It was like. Thought he wasn't gonna be able to sing and perform anymore. My boy was up there doing his thing, you know, and the old host, you know, we talk about the yhs and the YN so much, but you ohs, you O's, please, you O's like to show the Out.

[Jade]

Okay.

[Kia]

Don't talk about the young hoes no

[Jade]

more, because you owes old hoes.

[Kia]

Y' all are the ones who really. Y' all old hoes are the ones. You're the ones who suck a dick on a birthday cake. Like, y' all do a lot at concerts. Like, old hoes do so much. And I'm not letting it slide anymore. Yeah, I'm not letting it slide.

[Jade]

Toya went to go see Tank and Tyrese, I think there somewhere, and she.

[Kia]

Two old hoes who also do a lot.

[Jade]

No, but she said that the girl, like, Tyrese was just being himself. And he called some women up to the front, and they, like, rushed the front, and they was just being real extra. And she had to literally put her hands on somebody. Like, have you lost your mind? Like, somebody that just was, like, getting real excited. I remember one time.

[Kia]

Because you're too old for that.

[Jade]

Exactly. One time, me and Tania went to go see Drew Hill in Baltimore. Let me tell you, the old hoes was out there. This lady had. Went to CVS and got her a poster board. Like when we used to have to do the. A science project. Like, she had a poster board with

[Kia]

glitter markers on it. I know.

[Jade]

I said, ma', am, if you don't. If you don't

[Kia]

do a lot, they rush the stage. They throw the draws. They don't wear the draw so that they can show that they don't wear the draw like they do a lot.

[Jade]

It is a lot.

[Kia]

I'm cool. You know, I'm cool with it with a. I'm cool with expression. You know, I'm perfectly fine with that. But I just want y' all to stop talking about young people because you wild more. And then, like, Jodeci and Genuine. Remember the days when they got women all the time, please. And so now they still like that attention, but they're getting. You know, it's. It's the same like the. Was doing it when I was in high school. These are the same up there at the front of the stage now, too.

[Jade]

Yes, this is true.

[Kia]

Some of them older.

[Jade]

Some of them older. Some of them older. Some of them are definitely older than us up there. Still carrying on.

[Kia]

Absolutely. But shout out to Jodeci. 35 years in the game. I love that. You know what I'm saying? Still performing still.

[Jade]

It's good to see that.

[Kia]

Making the people feel something.

[Jade]

Yeah, it is. Yeah, it is. And I'm glad that you had a full day. I hope that you get a day of rest, though, because I do Think that we need to give the moms some space to just decompress and have some time to themselves. We love the celebration.

[Kia]

Yeah. But, you know, post Mother's Day needs to be a holiday, too. Yeah.

[Jade]

Activities outside of the home are. Require energy and. And. And sometimes. Sometimes the girls just want to rot in the bed. And I think.

[Kia]

Would you like to write a dissertation for the next.

[Jade]

Speak this. I speak this on behalf of my sisters because, you know, I am not a mom, but I see. I observe.

[Kia]

You see it.

[Jade]

I see.

[Guest Speaker]

And.

[Jade]

And the moms are exhausted, and we love to. We love to celebrate the moms, but we have to give the moms a little space as well.

[Kia]

Yeah.

[Jade]

And just don't talk to them. We love you so much, but say nothing. Do not address them. Do not look at them. Do not ask them for any. That is the gift. That's the gift right there that y' all need to give.

[Kia]

That church music.

[Jade]

The gift of silence.

[Kia]

I'm quickening.

[Jade]

We need to give the gift of silence and solitude.

[Kia]

Don't cook for us. Don't do none of that. Just leave us alone. Leave us alone and let us order what we want. Leave us alone and just sit, Period. Yeah. It's lovely. I love it. Two Mother's Days. It needs to. Mother's Day needs to be a weekend.

[Jade]

Yes.

[Kia]

One day on with the family and one day on with. I think.

[Jade]

I think that's more than reasonable. I do.

[Kia]

Yeah.

[Jade]

I really do.

[Kia]

Yeah. I campaign for this. How are you, though? How are you? How you holding?

[Jade]

I'm holding up, sis. You know, moving. I'm. I'm on the last leg of this travel sprint for the spring. I have a couple. A couple of places to go in June, but it's not as intense. And so I'm excited to leave Seattle this evening to return to my own home. I just love it there so much. And so I'm doing okay, though, you know, just moving through and trying to keep things going. I. I want to shout out all of the educators and advocates out there because we are in a paradigm shift in our field, in our work, and it is disorienting, but we must be diligent and not lose sight of who we are and what we have been sent to do. Okay.

[Kia]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Jade]

Because the streets are out here. I mean. I mean, it's wild out here in these streets. That's what I want to say. Okay.

[Kia]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Jade]

But, you know, we're gonna be all right. That's why I just.

[Guest Speaker]

We just.

[Jade]

We're going to be okay. But I'm just also acknowledging that I recognize that there are a lot of us, everyone. But people who are teaching and leading and aiming to create safe academic spaces for kids and students are carrying a lot and in uncertain times.

[Kia]

Yeah.

[Jade]

So just giving them, just giving the girls a shout out and you know, everyone is on. We're all on our post fighting for what we, for what we need. So that's where I am. That's what I've been doing. Okay. I'm out here. Thankfully I can fight.

[Kia]

Right.

[Jade]

You know what I'm saying? I'm no stranger to a squabble. I'm no stranger to a squabble. So if you want to get scrappy, so it's not a problem, let's not be scrappy, okay?

[Kia]

Oh, I've been so scrappy. Yeah, I know, I know. But people are like Ben lately. What do you mean? I'm actually much calmer than you all.

[Jade]

Oh my goodness. First of all, this is like adult. This is Jade. Like this is 40 year old jade. Like we remember. There are those of us who were around for, you know, a younger and more spry and energetic Jade.

[Kia]

I'm not doing all that yelling, but. Are you ready to tussle bits? Exactly. Now I, I get my clear huxtable voice. You know what I'm saying? I had to get into Noah's dance teacher's ass cause I peeped some bullshit. You know. You know when you peep bullshit as an adult and you. And then you peep that they're keeping on with the. So I was like, I' ma step in here and take over this. And I didn't raise a voice. I didn't utter a curse.

[Jade]

It don't take that.

[Kia]

But I said, I said I got my point across and when I was done. But just let it be. When I was done, Noah was right there. I said, was that kind? Was that soft enough? And she goes, no, that wasn't soft at all. She said, no, you were very clear.

[Jade]

Very clear. And that's what. Very clear now more than ever. Clarity. Okay. Yeah, they do.

[Kia]

I'm. And I don't have time. I don't have time. Older ones. Now I'm at a point too where elders are not really elders no more. Now we on level playing field. Get off your bullshit before you hear my mouth here. Okay. Stop playing with these kids. Yeah. Before you have to come play with me.

[Jade]

Yeah.

[Kia]

Because I'm tired of it.

[Jade]

I saw this meme the other day that was like unfortunate. I'M you know, I'm not spoken. Soft spoken, unfortunately. You're going to hear from me. You're going to hear from me. Hello.

[Kia]

That's just what it is.

[Jade]

I mean, this is just who I am. And I mean, we just have to stand squarely up in that. So listen.

[Kia]

I feel like whole music plays quietly behind me when I answer this. When I come in the room, it's gonna be like, I love this season.

[Jade]

You gonna hear me? Yes. I love this season because I feel like this is. We are stepping squarely into the season of. I'm gonna get you told. Let me help you. I'm gonna get you told. You need to know.

[Kia]

Yeah.

[Jade]

Somebody needs to tell you. Luckily for you, I'm available.

[Kia]

Huh? Okay. And I don't care how I like afterwards. I'm gonna go on with my day and I'm absolutely thinking about it.

[Jade]

Absolutely.

[Kia]

Sit on my mind, my heart. None of that.

[Jade]

Like, absolutely. Yes. I'm going to sleep well. I'm going to sleep very well.

[Kia]

I'm asleep better.

[Jade]

And so will you. But.

[Kia]

Exactly.

[Jade]

And so will you.

[Kia]

Exacto, exacto.

[Jade]

We are in our favorite season of the year here at Getting Grown, and we are just going to have a Getting Grown graduation announcement kick off episode.

[Kia]

Very exciting.

[Jade]

Very exciting. So we're going to run through these graduation announcements, and then we're going to let you go and. And, you know, go and spread the word that y' all need to send your grad announcements in. Okay.

[Kia]

Yeah. Yeah. Everybody's. Oh, I have to start off with my niece. I know we're gonna take a little break first, but I have to. I have to start off with my niece, Ivy, my twin. She graduated from prek. I got all the footage. It was a very New Orleans style graduation. Her principal has the biggest butt I've ever seen in my life. It's crazy. Like, my sister sent the videos and I was like, bodied that lady. Oh, my God.

[Jade]

Okay, I'm distracted.

[Kia]

You got a badooka girl. Don't hurt nobody. Caboose.

[Jade]

Come on, principal Caboose. I live,

[Kia]

but sorry. So got off track there.

[Jade]

I'm sorry.

[Kia]

Inappropriate. Wait till I show you. You're gonna be distracted. I love it.

[Jade]

You know I love an old wide low girl that's right up my street.

[Kia]

I'm gonna let y'.

[Jade]

All.

[Kia]

I'm gonna let y' all hold hear Kia's. I'm going let y' all hear Kia's. For real. For real. Because I'm about to show her this lady's butt And I'm not going to talk about. I'm not going to hold to it. You got to see this.

[Jade]

I'm excited because you know, I live for this.

[Kia]

Okay, hold to it. Wait, is this the picture? Cuz there's a couple pictures here and one of them. Is this a video? I'mma see if you could see. You can't even. I'm not going to take that lady's face out of there. I don't. You can't even tell. You can't even see it from here. This is no. This is demure. No, but you gotta see. No.

[Jade]

Wheela, I know

[Kia]

that is your passion.

[Jade]

You know, I love my passion. I love Fury Said, you know, Kia loves the tooth of the hounds, period.

[Kia]

You do love the tooth.

[Jade]

I do love the tooth of the hound.

[Kia]

I gotta find. I'm gonna find a better one. Shout out. They shout out to all those babies because they were up there performing. They had multiple songs. I'm sorry, y'. All, I can't even help myself today. I'm just blowing my nose and wiping. I'm like Wendy Williams. You know, she used to be on her show hacking and coughing. Excuse me.

[Jade]

So back to hot tops.

[Kia]

That's me today.

[Jade]

I miss her. I do miss her.

[Kia]

Oh, I miss her dearly. I miss her dearly. But yeah, shout out to my niece. My niece, them. And let's take a break and move on to these graduation announcements.

[Jade]

Let's do it.

[Guest Speaker]

The older I get, the more I am sure that adulting is really an exercise in really getting to know yourself.

[Jade]

Weeding through all of the advice and information that we're bombarded with.

[Guest Speaker]

Really weeding through that to really figure out who you are, what you want. That happens across the board in your life, in your career, and yes, even with your look, your hair, your makeup.

[Jade]

And so I have been on this

[Guest Speaker]

journey where I'm really trying to get clear about what works for me. And my hair care is a large part of that equation. I finally found the products, the tools that really helped me and my hair to thrive. And I think that that is something that really resonated with me as it relates to Baskin Lather. All of the products and information that they offer on their website.

[Jade]

It's really just a gold mine of

[Guest Speaker]

information to inform your decision making as you figure out exactly what you need for your hair goals.

[Jade]

I was excited about trying out their products.

[Guest Speaker]

My hair is fine. It's dense, but it's fine. And so it really is weighed down

[Jade]

by a lot of products and so I've been excited about finding things that

[Guest Speaker]

keep my hair moisturized but not weighed down. So I've really enjoyed using the hydrating

[Jade]

mist as a detangler and just as something that can be like an everyday refresher for my hair that doesn't leave it weighed down.

[Guest Speaker]

And I also have been co washing with the conditioner.

[Jade]

I really like the formula of Baskin

[Guest Speaker]

Lather and I'm excited about digging a little deeper into all they have to offer. Baskin Lather is hair care that started with family love. When a dermatologist misdiagnosed CEO Shayna's younger sister and said her hair may never grow back, the family took things into their own hands. Shayna and her mother researched and formulated their own scalp and hair oil to stimulate growth and retain length. Today her hair is down to her hips. Baskin Leather's Hydrating Hair Mask combines aloe vera and avocado oil to reduce frizz, treat dryness, detangle and redefine curls. And their stimulating scalp and hair Bomb nourishes and hydrates hair from the inside out with 100% natural ingredients that can penetrate hair strands without clogging pores. When used regularly, users have seen results in about 3 months. Explore Viral bestsellers and products of healthier hair of all types from Basque and lather. Go to bask and lather co.com and use code grown for 20 off. That's 20 off at baskinlather co.com code

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[Jade]

Good.

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[Jade]

It's a commencement season, darling. I hope that you all are all right. Ironing your regalia. No wrinkled regalia.

[Kia]

Pull out the steamer.

[Jade]

Pull it out.

[Kia]

What I'm saying pull out the se. Put a sheet on top of it. If you don't have it will melt

[Jade]

that thing right down.

[Kia]

Exactly. Put a sheet on top. If you got to use tired on a low setting.

[Jade]

Setting. Very low setting. Okay.

[Kia]

Do you want me to start off sister?

[Jade]

If you'd like. That would be great.

[Kia]

That would be wonderful. All right. So greetings and heartfelt salutations to my dear cousins. I love you all so much every year. I love you all. To my dear cousins, Chef Jade Verrett and Dr. Takiya Ram.

[Jade]

All right.

[Kia]

Right. Okay. You better get our whole names in there. You spelled mine wrong.

[Jade]

But it's. Don't worry.

[Kia]

My last name's hard. It's hard. It's hard. I wanted to share some wonderful news with you. My beloved niece, Gianna Felice Collins.

[Guest Speaker]

Come on.

[Kia]

Graduated from the University of Houston. Period. Htac. Go Kunz. Okay. My alma with her bachelor of science degree on 12-19-20 life. I'm incredibly proud of her. As her uncle and elder, I may not know her exact major.

[Jade]

Okay. And that's fine. That's fine.

[Kia]

But her achievement speaks volumes. That's right. Right. I remember reaching out in May 2020 during the challenging times of the Panda Express to share of Gianna's high school graduation. And now we're celebrating her incredible milestone of completing her undergrad studies. Gianna is currently working as a surgical tech at Houston Methodist Hospital and is considering returning to school to pursue a career as a counselor. Yes. I've suggested she explore social work given the wide range of opportunities in that field. Thank you cousins for our weekly conversations. They always bring me joy, laughter, and a sense of connection. Please keep up the amazing work. I've been a dedicated listener since 2017 and cherish our bond. Oh, yes, that's from our GGB, Jared.

[Jade]

Dr. Collins. Thank you so much.

[Kia]

Let me tell you something, Jared. This fit that you have on.

[Jade]

Hello.

[Kia]

I would. I'd wear the cowboy boots. I'd wear. I'd wear every inch of this.

[Jade]

Congratulations, Gianna.

[Kia]

Congratulations. Look at how cute you are. You are. You're gonna do. You are. This little grill, this little, like, cut out. I am loving every bit of this.

[Jade]

Come on, a.

[Kia]

Come on, niece.

[Jade]

Proud of you.

[Kia]

Yes. All right, let's move on to the next.

[Jade]

All right. Hi, Jaden Kia. I've been listening to your show for a couple of years now, and you both are so relatable. Getting Grown is one of my favorite podcasts that I listen to faithfully each week. I recently graduated with my second master's degree, a master's of business administration, on May 4, and I can now refer to myself as Brianna Williams, mph. Mba. I love you. I know that's right. I love your show and appreciate all the great conversations you bring to the kitchen table. Please keep the episodes coming and take care of yourselves. Have a wonderful day. And that is from Brianna Williams. And thanks for the pic, girl.

[Kia]

Yes, Brianna, we love you. Yes. And you look super cute and adorable

[Jade]

in your cabin gown, so congratulations.

[Kia]

Okay.

[Jade]

Brianna Williams. Mph. NBA. I know that's right.

[Kia]

Nph. NBA. You better put all of them.

[Jade]

I know that's right.

[Kia]

All the letters behind your name. Okay, our next one. Hi, Jaden Kia.

[Jade]

Hey.

[Kia]

Hello. Your show is one of the first podcasts I ever listened to, and I loved it immediately. That is a. A very high compliment, but I'll just leave it there. Thank you so much. I've been listening since I was a scared College freshman in 2017. And now, as of May 16, 2026, I'll be a slightly less scared law school. Law school was hard enough on its own, and I'm so proud of myself for sticking with it. Even through the grief and hardships I had to overcome, my hard work has paid off. I'll be publishing a student article in the Harvard Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Law Review. I've never attended Harvard, so getting this platform to write a piece advocating for increased constitutional rights for black, brown, and queer kids makes my Midwest.

[Jade]

Yeah.

[Kia]

Very happy. Happy. Thank you both for a decade of laughs and great advice. Love y'. All. And that's from Ananda thank you.

[Jade]

Congratulations, girl.

[Kia]

Congratulations on all fronts, actually. And you all telling us how long you've been sticking with us and, like, the different milestones that you've gone through while this show has continued to go on really just does. We are something very special to our hearts.

[Jade]

Like a giant tree. Yeah. I love y' all so much. Thank you, Ananda.

[Ad Host 1]

Yes.

[Kia]

Thank you, Ananda. Congratulations, mama. Super good.

[Jade]

All right. Dear chef Jade and Dr. Kia, I have been waiting for this day to write into your graduation announcements since you read my listener letter in 2021 when Kia gave me the. The name Jill Scott in your bibliophiling while black episode.

[Kia]

Okay. Period. Okay.

[Jade]

I love that my name is Elisa. This is how my very Filipino mother has pronounced my name all my life. So I'm sticking to. And I am happy to share that I successfully defended my PhD thesis on December 5, 2025, and will be walking across the stage for convocation on June 8th to receive my PhD in molecular and cell biology. No wrinkled regalia. I know that's right.

[Kia]

We just talked about. We just talked about this.

[Jade]

I promise. In my listener letter in 2021, I wrote in asking for advice on how to stay motivated during difficult times. The advice Kia gave during that episode has stuck with me during my PhD journey. While my PhD took longer than usual, I always had to remind myself to stay flexible, adaptable, and most importantly, that I was doing my best. From having an absentee advisor and project changes, I pushed forward and persevered to the end. One thing that Kia mentioned was to constantly remind myself, I am not behind. I am not doing poorly. I am doing well. I had written it down on a piece of paper in 2021 and have kept it on my desk ever since. Oh, she attached it. I'm extremely proud of the resilience I had to get to the finish line. Oh. Since my defense, I am now working as a medical writer. I find this job extremely meaningfully. Extremely meaningful. Excuse me. Since I am able to apply all the skills I Learned in my PhD. Thank you for providing that advice in 2021, and I will be sure to continue to carry it with me as I move into advance in my career. Lastly, one more. Thank you. Thank you both for all that you do and have for such a. For having such a wonderful impact on not only me, but on your listeners lives. With love, Dr. Elisa. Thank you, Dr. Elisa.

[Kia]

I love that.

[Jade]

Oh, my goodness.

[Kia]

I have such a space in my heart for Filipino mothers.

[Jade]

Yes.

[Kia]

My friend. Love her mom pronounced her name la. Yeah. And I love it.

[Jade]

Alyssa, you are not behind. Look, you are not at all.

[Kia]

For five years she held your next to her.

[Jade]

That's amazing.

[Kia]

Next to her keyboard.

[Jade]

It's true. Because all these timelines, I mean, all made up. You will finish when you're supposed to. You are not behind. So congratulations.

[Kia]

Not at all.

[Jade]

Dr. Elisa, I'm very proud of you. Come on. Molecular cell biology. A medical writer. We stand.

[Kia]

Okay, like we need you.

[Jade]

Hello.

[Kia]

We need all of y'. All, Everybody who's doing everything. Our last one they said she want to do. She's going to write in the civil rights. Yes, the civil. Civil rights in the Harvard Law Journal. Then we got a medical writer here. Like, we need all of you in everything for sure that you're doing. And you can use my body for science. Okay, Next J, please. You need to test on me and so cry after I die. I'm giving you permission. Moving right along. Hey, y'.

[Jade]

All. Hey.

[Kia]

I wanted to shout myself out. I will be graduating from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, period on May 16, 2026 with my master's degree in school psychology.

[Jade]

I love it.

[Kia]

A lot of people aren't aware that this field exists and what we do, so I'll give a brief summary. We evaluate children in schools to determine if they qualify for special education services. Very important. This field, like many, is dominated by white women. So we're needed. This will be my second and last master's degree in education.

[Jade]

Tell them.

[Kia]

I discovered the field of school psychology while working on my first master's degree in 2018. I knew that I wanted to pursue it, but kept putting it off. After my now six year old Covid baby received the fact that covet babies are 6 insane crazy. After my now 6 year old coveted baby received speech therapy when he was 2 in 2022, it motivated me to start the program and add some color to the field. While completing the program, I got divorced in the midst of being financially dependent on on my now ex. Lived off of student loans while navigating co parenting and dealing with extreme financial strain. Nothing but God and family got me to the same this point. I'm so excited to begin working in my dream district in the fall. Thank you. And that's from Ashley. Ashley.

[Jade]

Congrats, Ashley. Proud of you.

[Kia]

So many hugs to you. Yeah, I know, I know that was not an easy, easy road while you did all of that. And when you think about the time period of it, you really were negotiating so much in such a short amount of time. Yes. And so I hope you're hugging yourself extra tight and giving yourself extra big ups for that. Congratulations.

[Jade]

Yes. Congratulations, Ashley. Hey, Kia and Jay. My name is Jasmine, a Day One listener, and I'm so proud to say I graduated on May 3rd with my associate's degree in general education, Summa cum laude. I know. That's right. I will begin my journey to complete my bachelor's this summer as well. I'm especially proud because I once dropped out after feeling overwhelmed with life. But I went back in my 30s and finished while being a mom of two, running a business, and working full time. To anyone out there thinking about going back to school, I really hope my accomplishment inspires them to know it's possible and you can do it too. Many thanks, Jasmine Austin. Congrats, Jasmine.

[Kia]

Yes. Congratulations, Jasmine.

[Jade]

Yes.

[Kia]

You better quote the clips, my nigga. You could do it too. Period. You can. I did it. 30 at 37. I did it. Jasmine did it. So many of us do it. Black women love to go back to school, too.

[Jade]

It is our superpower. And I don't. I don't care what.

[Kia]

Nobody love to go back to school. Yeah, we love to. We love to be. We love to know things.

[Jade]

We are so good at knowing. We are so good at knowing.

[Kia]

We're great at that in more ways than one. Absolutely. We know. What? You lying.

[Jade]

Yeah.

[Kia]

You know what we know.

[Jade]

Yes. Yes.

[Kia]

We're just knowers. We're.

[Jade]

We are nowhere. We are nowhere. That's why I'm gonna. I'm gonna title the episode we are. We know.

[Kia]

We know.

[Jade]

We know.

[Kia]

We are nowhere.

[Jade]

We are nowhere.

[Kia]

We are Noah. That was so cheesy, but so funny.

[Jade]

I know that's right.

[Kia]

Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Beautiful. Greetings to you ladies, Jade and Dr. Takia. First, I want to give y' all a shout out for holding it down for us black queens and kings. Y' all make us proud and we feel seen. Second, I want to shout out my brother and friend, ephraim Carl Hill Jr. He'll be walking across the stage once again. Two times Masters business and speech Language pathology. And this beautiful year, 2026, he will be obtaining his doctorate in health science. Come on. I love a black academic. He's been a faithful listener and supporter of the show and has introduced me to participate in all of the shenanigans, period. Very good. Thank you so much.

[Jade]

Welcome.

[Kia]

We love it here. He's so deserving of all the things, and I just want to acknowledge his persistence, dedication, effort, and extraordinary progress in being an educated black king. Congratulations, friend. I love you, and I'm very proud of you. And that's from Kelsey.

[Guest Speaker]

Yes.

[Kia]

Oh, I love that.

[Jade]

Come on, Kelsey. Thank you for writing in to celebrate your brother, Dr. E. From Carl Hill Jr.

[Kia]

Okay. A very distinguished black name.

[Jade]

Okay.

[Kia]

All right. Congratulations, Carl. I don't even know if that's what you call yourself. I just called you that.

[Jade]

Okay, so I hope I say this correct correctly, but I think this says alhamdulillah.

[Kia]

You. You got close enough. Okay, first of all, I live for that. I love it.

[Jade]

Yes. Praise him.

[Kia]

Which is praise.

[Jade]

Yeah. I'm back again with another graduation announcement. I was one of the listeners whose original announcement unfortunately got lost in the mail back in 2024. And I just wanted to say thank you again. Oh, I think we still acknowledge it. I just want to say thank you again for still acknowledging my achievements. The episode aired right around midterms, and it was exactly the motivation I needed to keep pushing forward. So I graduated again, this time from Fitchburg State University with a bachelor's of science in biology and a minor in chemistry, all while working full time in the pharmaceutical industry. QC microbiology. During my time in college, I experienced some of the highest highs and lowest lows of my life. I landed a highly competitive co op position at a major pharmaceutical company as a QC analytical chemical term chem technical writer, becoming the first student in my university's history to secure a co op. I was called groundbreaking by staff and faculty so many times I've lost count. Shortly after, I was promoted to the company's quality control department while still completing my final semester of college. But in the middle of that, I also lost my father. During that final semester. There are so many moments where I wanted to give up, but somehow I kept going. Being able to say that I finished his degree means more to me than I could ever fully explain, especially as the favorite daughter to a Jamaican farmer who taught himself how to read as an adult.

[Kia]

Oh, my God.

[Jade]

The journey was far from easy, but I'm proud that I made it through. Thank you so much. Nixon for Nixon for. Nixon for Mecca Taylor Robinson. Mecca girl. First of all, we are very proud of you for all of the ways that you continue to excel and be, you know, just be unprecedented and. And we just. We just live for all of your accolades and your accomplishments. And I personally want to acknowledge the heaviness that you carried during that. And I. I am proud of you for persisting through that or just, you know, just, you know, not even just persisting, but just experiencing that, you know, however, you got through that is totally fine. And the fact that you got through that hardship, that grief and still met your goal is to be commended. So I commend you personally. We commend you together. We are so proud of you, Mecca. Nixon 4.

[Kia]

We are Nixon 4. And so much love to you in your heart.

[Jade]

Yes.

[Kia]

You know, some ease to you while you're negotiating this grief.

[Jade]

Yes.

[Kia]

We got a lot of love for you, Mecca. All right, one more.

[Jade]

One more.

[Kia]

Hey, chef Jade and Dr. Kia. I've been listening to the show since episode what? Y' all are some old.

[Jade]

I live for it.

[Kia]

I fucking love it. I've been listening to the show since episode one and sending this graduation shout out has been a golden. Since then, I've sent in graduation shout outs from my bestie when she completed her bachelor and master's degrees. And now it. It's my time.

[Jade]

It's my time. Is it my turn?

[Kia]

My name is Roshanda Holman. Saturday, May 9, I crossed the stage with my bachelor's of Social work from Texas College in HBCU in Tyler, Texas. I just. I decided to return to school at 46, the day I dropped my daughter off as a freshman at college, determined to graduate before she did. While going to school full time, I was an honor student, president of my social work student association, was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. And became the unofficial campus, period. It was so hard. It was hard. So many tears questioned my life decision so many times. But this feeling of accomplishment afterwards has been unreal. I pray I'll be back in the shout out line next year upon the completion of my masters of social. Love you guys so much. And that's from Rashonda. Oh, Rashonda.

[Jade]

Oh, thank you so much. You are scrolling.

[Kia]

Oh. Oh, I love it.

[Jade]

The campus. Auntie, we're proud of you. Thank you so much for listening. You are adorable. And yes, I mean, don't we just get it done? We just get it done.

[Kia]

We really do. I love Rashonda said, I'm gonna drop my baby off to college and I'm gonna beat her.

[Jade]

Period, she said. And one thing she won't have is a degree. Degree before me. Hello.

[Kia]

Okay.

[Jade]

Hello.

[Kia]

Are you a Sagittarius? Are you a Scorpio?

[Jade]

I will not be. I will not be beat. Because what we. We stand a challenge. Okay? It's giving a challenge.

[Kia]

Challenge in love.

[Jade]

I live.

[Kia]

Oh, I. These guys, these announcements this week have really just filled my spirit in a way that I absolutely needed, and I hope that, that they are motivation to you all. To send in your graduation announcements. Whether it be for yourself, for your loved ones. You all here. We do prek. We do from elementary school, junior high, high school, all the way, wherever it goes. So vocational school, all of it is important because you did it. And so please continue to send your graduation announcements to hello getting grown co and we will read them over the next next four weeks. Yeah we're gonna be reading them over the next for a little period of time.

[Jade]

Yes we will.

[Kia]

Let's do a self care.

[Jade]

Let's do a self care.

[Kia]

Let's do a quick self care. Why not?

[Jade]

Let's do it.

[Guest Speaker]

Why do most of us want to learn a new language? It's probably not about memorizing grammar tables or topping a leaderboard.

[Jade]

It's because we want to speak it

[Guest Speaker]

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[Jade]

is a big part of that.

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[Jade]

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[Guest Speaker]

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[Jade]

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[Kia]

and.

[Doug]

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[Jade]

What is this, your first date?

[Kia]

Oh, no.

[Doug]

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[Jade]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Doug]

Anyways, get a'@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.

[Kia]

Liberty. Liberty.

[Jade]

Liberty.

[Kia]

Liberty. I deserve a.

[Jade]

And black women's self care. You know, as I said, I have been on a travel sprint, okay? I have been in four cities in the last. I would say four different cities in like 15 days.

[Kia]

You're like a commodore.

[Jade]

It's wild out here. But I will say that I'm very excited to go home. And I have taken, I have taken some time. I have went through my calendar at work and just eliminated things like, you know, I took days. I selected a full week for the summertime. But leading up until then, I have tried to designate at least a half a day off, if not a full day off a week. I love it because I am tired. Okay. Yeah, because I'm tired. And the older that you get, you don't need less rest. You need more rest.

[Kia]

You need more.

[Jade]

You need more rest. You need more rest. And so this is just about me recognizing the toll that this traveling is taking on my body and thinking about ways that I can create a little bit more space to take care of myself, I would say. I also feel like after this round of grief, after losing ddot, I feel like I lost some of my mentum, some of my momentum in the gym. I just have not really had a lot of motivation to, to train. And I've been trying to move my body consistently, but I just have not had a lot of. I haven't really felt it. Like I just. And I was talking to a friend about it. Like it just hasn't been in my spirit. So, yeah, I'm trying to work my way back and really get ready to do so. Right. And I know that in order for me to do that the right way, I need to, to, to rest a little bit more.

[Kia]

Absolutely.

[Jade]

So I'll keep you guys posted on it. You know, it's, it's, it's a journey and sometimes you'll fall off the wagon. Like the thing about training or doing anything really. Like you'll have seasons where you're going really strong and consistently and sometimes if you fall off or need to fall back, it'll make you feel like, oh man, you know, I failed. It's like, no, I haven't failed. Life just, you know, came at me in a way and I had to adjust. And the way that I adjusted was to just like, you know, give myself just more time and more space to sort of work through, you know, I just didn't feel like. Didn't feel like picking up heavy things when I felt like my whole life was a heavy thing. I'm just. That might seem crazy.

[Kia]

Yeah, your heart was a heavy thing. Yeah. Like it's.

[Jade]

I just didn't have it.

[Kia]

Just do what you need to do.

[Jade]

I really, I really didn't have it. It. But I'm really trying to work my way back into that space because I do feel like it's good for me. And when I am doing it with real consistency, I feel better. So I want to try to build back up to that consistency. And I'll keep y' all posted. It may not look exactly like it did before, but I'm gonna do my best.

[Kia]

That's all you can do. That is literally all you can do. I had to. Mine is similar, my self care. This week it was just more about prioritizing what I need for my body, listening to what I need, listening to what my body needs and my spirit. I told you before the recording, you know, I'm feeling so many different ways. Unmotivated in this way, pressure in this way. Like all of these different facets. Right. And these, all these things can exist at once. And I had to stop, stop and say, I think I'm sad. I think I'm depressed. Yeah, I think I am. And so I think that is actually a self care.

[Jade]

Yeah.

[Kia]

Really being able to identify how it is that you're feeling so that you can figure out what.

[Jade]

Yeah.

[Kia]

Is going to be.

[Jade]

You can't, you know, something that you don't identify. Like if you acting like you're not, if you're not hurting or you're not. Like, how can you go about properly addressing a problem that you won't even acknowledge?

[Kia]

Exactly. Exactly. So it's. But you know, I'm a, I'm a push through. Yeah. You know what I mean? And that's just my, my nature. And also I don't have to all the time.

[Jade]

Right.

[Kia]

You know, people like, you don't have to be. So I'm Not. It's not like I'm not doing this as right. A reward. I promise you.

[Jade]

Right.

[Kia]

And also, that's just. Again, that is my nature. But I'm also okay being like, I'm not okay right now.

[Jade]

Right.

[Kia]

I'm not.

[Jade]

I'm not great.

[Kia]

Great right now. You know, And I need to figure out what that looks like and really sit with that. So that's actually my self care because it's. It was refreshing to say out loud.

[Jade]

Yeah.

[Kia]

These are the things that I'm feeling. All right, what's the next move? You know what I mean? Jesus Christ.

[Jade]

We gotta go, y', all, because Jay is sick. Okay, let's do the petty peeves right quick because Jay.

[Kia]

Okay. Yeah. I'm having a time over here.

[Jade]

All the same to me playing James Spaghetti.

[Kia]

My petty peeve is very brief and it may not be understood by all, but some of you all, especially those who have been in the service industry. I am so irritated with all of these, all of these restaurants and bars and places I'm going to. With this influx of pre batch cocktails. We pre batched cocktails used to be a thing for us when we would have events catering or something. Right, Exactly. You know what I'm saying? Or you have a buyout if there's a very potent. Yeah. Like for particular times. A lot of restaurants are now fully pre batching cocktails. So all of them and be like, oh, can I get. Not all of them, but a lot of them.

[Jade]

Okay.

[Kia]

And so I'll be like, can I get a, an espresso? The, the, the espresso martini you have on here. But I'm gonna do it with a mezcal instead of a blah, blah, blah. Oh, they're pre batched.

[Jade]

Wow.

[Kia]

Or I'll be like, you know, I don't like blanco tequila. It smells like gasoline. Can I do reposado? Instead of. They'll be like, yeah, pre batch. So sorry. And it really feels like y' all are bastardizing what the A bar is. I understand consistency. I understand pre batching your cordials. Like if you all pre batch the base of the drink and don't add the spirit. Sure, yeah. But a lot of the. But, but as a, as a OG bartender, me and my homegirl were talking about this. She's an OG bartender. I want to go into a bar and I want to see you make my drinks. I would. I want to see you make drinks. I want to know you know how to mix some up. I want to know you know how to switch it up in a moment. And I'm getting. Being so frustrated.

[Jade]

The art, the artist is dying.

[Kia]

What's going on? Yeah, if it feels like they're trying to AI the bar and I hate it, I hate it. And they don't know. I'm like, let me get. I'll explain my cocktail to them. And they're like, I don't know if our bartender could do that. Then Your bartender's not a bartender. And why don't you have any person. Oh my gosh, I'm about to start my period, so I'm sick.

[Jade]

I'm about to start my period screaming at everyone. Just shut up. Talking to me.

[Kia]

I am over everything. What's your petty beef?

[Guest Speaker]

I will say that.

[Jade]

Okay, so we are. It's all employers, all employees, week at work. And so, you know, it's all hands. Most of the people that work at the organization are on site at headquarters. And so when we have these sort of quarterly kind of meetings, you know, it's not, it's not uncommon for you to have marathon. Like, you know, you'll have a longer session. I just would like to say if you are hosting or you are planning a meeting and it is longer than two hours, you need to have both a break and you need to have a break. If your meeting is over three hours, you need to have a break with snacks

[Kia]

over.

[Jade]

Over three hours. I had a three and a half hour meeting yesterday and they didn't provide any refreshments. We had a break, so. And listen, this is how it. Like we had a break. So everyone stands up and we walk outside. Everybody just expecting there to be some popcorn and cookies, Rice Krispies, treats or something out there for the girls.

[Kia]

Yeah, you better have some shrimp scampi, nigga.

[Jade]

This is some sodas, the crudite or something. We just looking around like, girl, it's a snickerdoodle down there or something. What's going on? Nothing, nothing, nothing.

[Kia]

Who hosted this meeting?

[Jade]

I mean, I'm like, the recession indicators are, you know, apparent, but I'm just like, really? Three hours. You got a long. That's a long time for somebody to be sitting, to be talking. You don't even have no water to wet my whistle or nothing. Girl, what is happening?

[Kia]

They didn't have bottles of water in

[Jade]

a, a three hour, three hour meeting. We walk outside. I was like, so what is the break for? If it ain't no snacks out here,

[Kia]

it's a bio break. So you all go pee.

[Jade]

Now. The meeting was right after lunch, right? And so but even still, like, if you have a meter after lunch and like, let's. The meeting starts at 1 o'. Clock. We had meeting. We had lunch at 12, right. So I'm thinking we had a break at. At 2:30. So it's like. Oh, it's probably some fruit or something for us, you know?

[Kia]

Yeah.

[Jade]

You know, they probably got a little

[Kia]

nosh, some, you know, espresso for all of this.

[Jade]

Like, that's why I said even some canned sodas or something. The girls need a joke. Okay. We've been sitting and talking and looking at each other and I just feel like it's protocol.

[Guest Speaker]

Okay.

[Jade]

I would not have a meeting. I feel like if you're gonna have a two hour meeting, you need to have a break in there. And if you're gonna have. If your meeting is over two hours, three. Over three hours, especially, you need to have snacks. And I just. That's the hill I'm gonna die on because I just. I just feel like the girls need a little sustenance.

[Kia]

Hard, deep. Agree.

[Jade]

You gotta keep us engaged in the conversation. You haven't given us nothing. Like what? What are we even doing? Okay.

[Kia]

Godspeed. Godspeed. What the hell?

[Jade]

It's wild out here. We are. We're just. We're dealing with so much. We're trying to solve the world's problems and y' all won't even give us a cracker. It's a mess.

[Kia]

You know, it's so crazy because you all are the world's problems.

[Jade]

Hello.

[Kia]

You know, so I know how to solve that. But this has been another episode of Getting Grown. Thank you all so much for listening because I have nothing else productive to say around that. It's gonna go downhill real fast.

[Jade]

Well, thank you for listening to Getting Grown. And thank you to everyone who submitted your graduation announcements. Please keep them coming. This is the time where we are reading them on air. We are very excited to celebrate you and we look forward to receiving more and more and more as the graduation season continues on. If you're not doing anything else, make sure that you are keeping your mind moisturized by attending to the business that is yours and yours alone. Yeah, you want to make sure that you're moisturizing your insides by drinking just as much water as your body can sustain every day.

[Kia]

Absolutely.

[Jade]

Every day.

[Kia]

Absolutely. And it'll also keep your mucus thin if you're sick like me.

[Jade]

Correct.

[Kia]

All right.

[Jade]

Allergy season is upon us. Okay? So wash your nasty hands. Don't be hacking and coughing and sneezing and snotting all over.

[Kia]

Please wear a mask if you know you're not well. Or just don't go.

[Jade]

Just don't go.

[Kia]

Go.

[Jade]

And finally, you want to keep your skin moisturized because your black will crack if it's dry. Love y'. All.

[Kia]

Love you guys. Bye, Tata.

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