In this episode of Speak Shame, Dr Connie Kerali is joined by Dr. Jenn (Jennifer Noble), a licensed psychologist and parent coach specialising in children, teens, identity development, and the mixed-race population, and founder of Free to Be Collective. Dr Jenn shares her early life in Santa Monica shaped by diversity and international travel, and discusses her own mixed-race identity (African American and Sri Lankan Tamil) and how being read as Black influenced her understanding of perception and identity. She describes recognising a gap when mixed-race adults at community events revealed they had never processed identity with their parents, often feeling shame and pressure to choose one “box.” Dr Jenn explains her work helping parents understand the “third” mixed-race experience, increase intentional cultural exposure, and support adolescents navigating appearance, belonging, and assumptions. She highlights how societal expectations create shame and names Wangarī Maathai as a key inspiration.

00:00 Mixed Race Identity Gap

00:33 Meet Dr Connie Kerali

01:09 Introducing Dr. Jenn

02:47 Chapter One: Origins

04:55 Finding Her Purpose

08:27 The Need She Saw

11:30 Coaching Parents Basics

13:49 Cultural Exposure Matters

16:53 Sade and Self Freedom

19:40 Advice for Mixed Race Teens

23:49 Key Takeaways for Everyone

25:57 Connect with Dr Jenn

27:23 Shame and One Box Thinking

29:50 Remarkable Woman Inspiration

DR. JENN (JENNIFER NOBLE)

INSTAGRAM: @DrJennPsych

WEBSITE: FreeToBeCollective.com

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The Mixed Race Experience: Dr. Jenn on Identity Shame & Finding Belonging