In this episode of The Unfolding: Presented by The Loveland Foundation Podcast, host Rachel Keener sits down with author, political leader, and voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams for a thoughtful conversation on creativity, worry, and the mental health of Black women.

Stacey reflects on how reading and writing became tools for processing emotion, exploring ideas, and imagining new possibilities from an early age. She shares how fiction, from romance novels to legal thrillers, gives her space to work through anger, heartbreak, and complexity while pushing back against the expectation that Black women must always be perfect, resilient, and responsible.

Rachel and Stacey also discuss what Stacey calls being a “professional worrier,” reframing worry as both reflection and action in service of change. From using creativity as emotional release to finding grounding in small daily rituals, Stacey offers an honest look at what it means to care for yourself while carrying the weight of leadership and responsibility.

Listen in for a grounded conversation on storytelling, mental health, creativity, and making space for imperfection.

More about Stacey Abrams:

Stacey Abrams is a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur and political leader. She served as Minority Leader in the Georgia House of Representatives, and she was the first Black woman to become gubernatorial nominee for a major party in United States history. Abrams has devoted her career to democracy protection, voting rights, and effective public policy. She has also co-founded successful companies, including a financial services firm, an energy and infrastructure consulting firm, and the media company, Sage Works Productions, Inc.

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The Unfolding: Presented by The Loveland Foundation podcast is an additional resource not only to the public but also to our therapy fund cohort members. The Loveland Foundation therapy fund and resources are only made possible through support from our community.

At The Loveland Foundation, we are committed to showing up for communities of color in unique and powerful ways, with a particular focus on Black women and girls. Our resources and initiatives are collaborative and they prioritize opportunity, access, validation, and healing. Since our founding, the Therapy Fund has provided financial support for therapy to over 13,000 Black women, girls, and non-binary individuals across the country.

Links:

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Follow Stacey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staceyabrams
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Visit the Loveland Foundation’s website: https://thelovelandfoundation.org/

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