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Foreign.
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Hey y'. All. We're back with another episode of TBGU. I'm your host, Dr. Joy Hardin Bradford. And today we have a very special guest. Can't wait to get into it with her right after our break. Have you heard the news? Therapy for Black Girls is launching our Community on Patreon. It's your space to be seen, heard and understood in an even more connected way. We're excited to bring you new segments like so My Therapist Said, where we break down viral therapy, hot takes with real mental health professionals, TBG Community Chats where we unpack trending pop culture topics that have us all in our feelings and opportunities to connect with other sisters all over the world. Sign up now at therapy for black girls.com join patreon for all the details about what we're planning and to be the first to know when the doors are open. We can't wait to see you inside.
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This is an iHeart podcast.
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- [01:44]
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Many of us play lots of different roles in life partner, employee, caregiver. And many of us also think about another role that could take our life where we wanted to be Degree holder. That's where National University comes in. They've been busy since 1971 creating more ways for you to work earning a degree into your hectic life. NU confers more graduate degrees to diverse populations than any other institution in the country, with more than half being earned by women with flexible online formats, NU makes higher education possible and achievable for busy working adults. Learn more today at nu.edu. this episode of Therapy for Black Girls is brought to you by Chase Sapphire Reserve. Whether you are booking your next trip or a weekend escape, Chase Sapphire Reserve is your gateway to the world's most captivating destinations. When you use your Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you get eight times points on all purchases made through Chase Travel and even access to one of a kind experiences like music, festivals and sports events. And that's not even mentioning how the card gets you into the Sapphire Lounge by the club at select airports nationwide. Travel is more rewarding with Chase Sapphire Reserve. Trust me. Discover more@chase.com Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank NA member FDIC subject to credit approval terms apply.
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Parents of Tweens if you're familiar with.
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Far off drop offs.
- [03:05]
A
Dad, stop. Stop. Stop right here or get DMs about what's for dinner? You may be experiencing tween milestones for your son or daughter. These can start at age 9. HPV vaccination, a type of cancer prevention against certain HPV related cancers, can start then too.
- [03:20]
C
For most, HPV clears on its own, but for those who don't clear the virus, it can cause certain cancers later in life.
- [03:25]
A
Embrace this phase, help protect them in the next. Ask their doctor today about HPV vaccination Brought to you by Merck.
- [03:35]
B
Kirsten Johnson is a talented gymnast at Temple University known for her dedication, resilience and passion for the sport. After transferring to Temple, she quickly became a standout athlete, consistently pushing the boundaries of her performance while balancing the physical and mental demands of being a a college gymnast. Beyond her impressive athletic abilities, Kiersten is deeply committed to mental health advocacy, recognizing the importance of managing anxiety and prioritizing well being as much as physical discipline in sports. As a black woman in gymnastics, she remains determined to break through barriers, handling unjust rulings with grace and continuing to push for representation and fairness in the sport. With aspirations to make a long lasting impact both in gymnastics and in her community, Kirsten serves as an inspiration to younger athletes, showing that strength comes from both perseverance and self care. Today we discuss her transferring from an HBCU to a PWI and learn how she has learned to deal with stressors that come with competing in a sport that is still grappling with how to make space for Black women within it. I'm very excited for you to hear this conversation. If something resonates with you while enjoying our conversation, please share with us on social media using the hashtag tbginsession. Here's our conversation. Well, thank you so much for joining me today Kirsten.
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Thank you so much for having me.
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Yes, I'm very excited to chat with you. So for those who may not be familiar, can you give us a little bit of an introduction to who you are?
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Sure. Well, my name is Kirsten Johnson. I am 19 years old. I'm from Baltimore, Maryland. I was originally a gymnast at Talladega College. I Was the first commit to the second HBCU with the gymnastics team in the state of Alabama. I'm also a first team four time all american vault champion and the program got cut after a year due to funds and I transferred to Temple and now I'm a sophomore at Temple University.
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Perfect. Okay. And you have been going viral all across social media with this incredible routine that you did to Kendrick Lamar as they not like us. But how did you first get started in gymnastics? What inspired you to go down the road of gymnastics?
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Well, it was actually is all because of my parents. And I was a late starter. I started gymnastics at the age of 10, which is usually not. I mean the usually like little girls start at 2 or like 3 in my case very late. I was the type of kid that would slip all around the house. Like I was doing cartwheels at the age of two and, and my parents were actually considering putting me in gymnastics early. But I had a cousin that did gymnastics and her parents were telling my parents, nah, don't put her in the sport. Like it's too expensive. It's going to take up majority of your time. So my parents was just dodging gymnastics anything they were putting me in anything besides gymnastics. So they put me in ballet. At first it wasn't really like my thing. So they put me in cheerleading and in cheerleader. I mean it was fun. You know, I was still able to do all like the flips and stuff, be the flyer and whatnot. But I was still out doing flips and stuff in places possibly where I should not have been, like grocery stores and malls. But there was like this one particular time I was like at this jungle gym for kids called like Port Discovery. And I was doing flips in there and there was like this other little kid that was doing flips and it was almost kind of like a competition thing. Like if I did a cartwheel, she would do a cartwheel. Kind of like tit for tat, going back and forth. And I had chucked a backflip out of nowhere. And my parents just looked at me and they looked at each other and they're just like, yeah, let's go ahead and put in gymnastics. They finally did. So I tried out. I did rec for a little bit. And I started gymnastics at the age of 10, level four. Skipped five and six with the seven and so on. And here I am in college.
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Wow. Okay, so Kirsten, you're teaching me so much right now because to hear that 10 is like a late start for gymnastics. So most kids who Are, like, competitive and, like, reach the levels that you have reached typically would have started much earlier in their life, it sounds like.
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Yes, yes.
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Okay.
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Two, three years old.
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Yeah.
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So, like, the time when I was doing cartwheels is the time they possibly should have started putting me in gymnastics. So. Yeah, got it.
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And you mentioned level 4, 5, 6. So how many levels are there in gymnastics and, like, what distinguishes each level from the next?
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Well, usually I think it kind of, like, depends on the gym. Like, sometimes they'll be from, like, level two to, like, 10. So it kind of, like, really varies. Like, some gyms will only, like, reach to, like, seven or, like, eight. I'm gonna say just from two to, like, level 10. And then from there, I guess you can really decide, like, if you want to go elite or just go to college, go to the Olympics. So usually, like, level 10 is kind of, like, where it's, like, your deciding, like, what your deciding factor is, what you want to do. So.
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Got it. And do the levels differ in how difficult the stunts are that you're doing or whether they have certain apparatuses and that kind of thing?
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Yes. Literally what you just said, for, like, level four, I'm just, like, throwing something out there. You'll do, like, a cartwheel. And then for, like, level five, you're start doing, like, back walkovers and six, like, back handsprings. So, like, the level that you're in, that's when the skills start to progress. It started to get harder.
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Got it. Okay, so you started at 10. So at what point did somebody recognize. I don't know if it was your parents or a coach. At what point did someone recognize, like, oh, she really has some serious skills. Like, we think she can go beyond just, like, maybe high school. Like, she has a career in this, even for college. At what point did that happen?
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It was definitely my parents. I think it was possibly when I really started doing just crazy flips, like, in my backyard and just out on the grass. Because luckily, I was also fortunate to have a trampoline as well. And whenever I was bored, I would. I just loved being outside. So I would always go on, like, the side of my house and just flip in the grass and teach myself, like, backflips, back handsprings, aerials, and just. Just crazy stuff like front tucks. And that's when, like, my parents were just like, okay, yeah, she has a gift, because there's just no way. The fact that she's able just to teach herself these things is crazy. And there was, like, one point in time Where I was actually put into, like, rec classes, and the coaches were telling my parents, like, there's really nothing else that we can teach her. She kind of already taught herself to do these things. So that's when my dad was just like, okay, we need to look into. Figure out how to get her into competing on an actual team. And that's where it all began.
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B
So when you say you were teaching yourself, who are some of your inspirations in the field? Were you kind of looking at past performances? Were you looking at YouTube videos? Like, how are you teaching yourself? And who are you looking up to?
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I really looked up to Gabby Douglas. She was seriously, like, my inspiration. It was, like, the fact that I was able to see another gymnast look like me, and I was doing, like, the crazy things that she was doing that it was so cool. Like, I was obsessed with her movie on Netflix. I used to watch it all the time, but when it came to just doing flips, I never really looked at anything to just. I just did them. Like, I literally was just to put my hands up and just go and be like, let's try this. You know what? I'm gonna do this. Now that I think about it, I think not only did I just do that, I would also see, like, these little girls, like, on YouTube as well. Some girls who are actually, like, in gymnastics, probably, like, level sevens or maybe, like, level sixes. And I would see them doing, like, side aerials or, like, a round off by Cancer by Tuck. And I would probably watch that and be like, let me try this. And I would even look at their form as well and be like, oh, I'm supposed to keep my legs together. My legs shouldn't be apart. So I would kind of just nitpick and be like, okay, this is what I should do. So I'm also, like, a, like, visual learner, too. So I guess that also helped as well.
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B
So what role has mentorship played in your life? Like, who have been some people that have been important in kind of shaping what your career has been up to this point?
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I will have to say. See, that's. That's almost like a very hard question for me, but not at the same time. My parents have been my number one supporters from day one. It has always just been me and my parents. Every time when I would have, like, a bad day or just anything, I always felt like I could go and talk to them, and they would always just definitely. My mom, she was definitely, like, my biggest supporter and just giving me advice, basically, to tell me to just never Give up to always keep my head up. Because there are going to be some bad days. There are not always going to be, like, good days in gymnastics. And she's really what helped me, like, hold everything together. And then for my dad, he was definitely always just all about, like, make sure I rest and make sure I, like, I eat right. And just sometimes, definitely when I really just needed, like, that push when I really, really needed it. And also he was able to really understand gymnastics faster than my mom, too. So if I ever just wanted to talk about, like, certain skills to him, he would, like, understand. But I think my parents is really what helped me throughout this whole journey. Because in gymnastics, like, I was the gymnast who always felt alone. Actually, it was hard for me to connect with my teammates, including coaches as well. And because of that, one of the reasons is one of the reasons why, like, my parents had me to move gyms as well. So I was also that gymnast for the little girls out there listening, like, if you're like, probably one of the people who also had to, like, skip gyms and try to feel like, oh, my gosh, how am I going to fit into, like, this new atmosphere, like this new team, new coaches, I went through that too. So they have really helped me keep everything together, like, in the whole process. And honestly, I really wouldn't change a thing because I want to be who I am today. So.
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More from our conversation after the break.
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There's something special about folks who come through without being asked. Like your co worker surprising you with your favorite coffee just because. Or your friend handing you the aux cord the moment you get in the car. No debate, no fight, just positive vibes. That kind of love. It just hits different. And that's exactly the energy. AT&T is on with their new guarantee. If there's a network interruption, AT&T will proactively credit you for a full day of service. No calls, no emails, no jumping through hoops. It's just handled. It's like the universe saying, I got you. Except this time it's not the stars aligning, it's your network. And let's be real, that connection is everything. Whether you're holding down the group chat, checking in with your parents, scrolling TikTok. Your network's gotta come through. And if there's a problem, AT&T is on the case. No stress, no drama, just real backup when it counts. Credit for fiber downtime lasting 20 minutes or more or wireless downtime lasting 60 minutes or more caused by a single incident impacting 10 or more towers, Restrictions and exclusions apply. Learn more@att.com guarantee for full details at and T Connecting changes everything.
- [15:18]
B
Many of us play lots of different roles in life partner, employee, caregiver. And many of us also think about another role that could take our life where we want it to be. Degree Holder that's where National University comes in. They've been busy since 1971 creating more ways for you to work earning a degree into your hectic life. NU confers more graduate degrees to diverse populations than any other institution in the country, with more than half being earned by women. With flexible online formats, NU makes higher education possible and achievable for busy working adults. Learn more today at nu.edu this episode of therapy for Black girls is brought to you by Chase Sapphire Reserve. Whether you're booking your next trip or a weekend escape, Chase Sapphire Reserve is your gateway to the world's most captivating destinations. When I travel somewhere, I'm typically determined to try the best local pizza and find the best spa experience. With Chase Sapphire Reserve you have access to everything from private dinners hosted by award winning chefs to VIP treatment at the most sought after events. Chase Sapphire Reserve allows you to take advantage of one of a kind experiences while earning three times points on dining worldwide. No matter your destination, travel is more rewarding with Chase Sapphire Reserve. Discover more with Chase sapphire reserve@chase.com Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank NA member FDIC subject to credit approval terms apply Parents of Tweens if.
- [16:51]
C
You'Re familiar with far off drop offs dad, stop.
- [16:54]
A
Stop. Stop right here or get DMs about what's for dinner. You may be experiencing tween milestones for your son or daughter. These can start at age 9. HPV vaccination, a type of cancer prevention against certain HPV related cancers, can start then too.
- [17:08]
C
For most, HPV clears on its own. But for those who don't clear the virus, it can cause certain cancers later in life.
- [17:14]
A
Embrace this phase, help protect them in the next. Ask their doctor today about HPV vaccination brought to you by Merck.
- [17:24]
B
So what kinds of things do you think have made it so that you have felt maybe alone at some gyms or felt like you needed to kind of move gyms to find a place that was a better fit for you?
- [17:34]
A
Well, some of my teammates, I have been bullied so it came to a point to where I would always have to be in a zone. I always felt like I was on an island by myself to where I just had to focus on just competing. There was no friendships or, like, having sleepovers after practice, getting something to eat after practice. And it was always just gymnastics in school, gymnastics in school. Growing up, I didn't really have, like, a normal childhood. And when it came to coaches, when I would tell coaches about these things, they wouldn't really listen. They kind of just let things kind of swept on the rug. And also, also, I also have add, by the way. So, like, when I would tell the coaches, like, hey, I have add, they would be like, oh, yes, I understand we also have gymnasts in here that have add. But when it actually came to the time to where I needed, or they were giving me, like, a correction and I didn't really understand it, sometimes it would be frustration. So it was kind of like, always like a communication, like, barrier there. Say, like, if I had, like, aches and pains, it was also hard to talk to them about that as well. So almost throughout my whole career, it's just been trying to figure things out on my own. So I've always just had a bubble and I always kept my. I don't know how you, like, say it, but almost kind of kept, like, my circle small as well. So, like, it's just been a journey. Was just like me and my parents. And that's when I would also have, like, mindset coaches or, like, therapists so I can actually talk about it. So I wouldn't always have to keep it in all the time. So I could also receive, like, advice for me to get over mental blocks that I was having, because, like I said, I couldn't really talk to my teammates about it, nor my coaches. So that's how I was kind of able to deal with those things and why I also had to move to different gyms to see where I would fit and to also help me reach the goals that I wanted to achieve. Because at one point I did want to go to the Olympics and I was trying to get into the elite track, so I actually had to move gyms for that. And that only lasted for so long because I had, like, a back injury. So I moved gyms after that. It was another gym and I finished out the rest of my JO career there. And that's when Talladega came along. Went to Talladega and and so on. But in jail, it was rocky. There was ups and downs, but I definitely learned some things there. And luckily I met the people that did meet that helped me get through my struggles because obviously I would not have been able to get through it on my own.
- [20:26]
B
So, yeah, I'm really Glad to hear you talk about, like, mindset coaches and therapists, because I think, you know, we're learning now more about how much mental health and, like, mindset plays a huge role, and I think sports in general, but I think in particular related to gymnastics. Can you talk a little bit more about, like, what the mindset needs to be like and, like, what kinds of things are you managing in terms of your mental health to be able to perform at the level that you do?
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A
I would have to say, to this day, I still journal, and I think that's one of the things that I. I really put on the top of my pyramid. It's just, like, the fact that you are able to write out what you're feeling and what you're thinking. You really get to see it. And then once you write it out, you get to, like, let it go. After that, you get to move on. Is mindset. Your mindset in gymnastics literally has to be right, because if not, things will fall apart. And I think people really don't realize how mental gymnastics is. I would have to say, like, it's. I'm just gonna throw something out there, like, 10 physical, 90, like, mental big jump. But you kind of, like, get the point. There's so many things that you have to worry about. So many things that we do worry about, possibly that we shouldn't. Sometimes we put unnecessary pressure on ourselves because we are perfectionists. And I've been telling myself lately that pressure is not a thing. Pressure is something that you make up in your mind because at this point, some people at competitions, they are just amazed by whatever you do because they can't even do what you're doing. So this point, you seriously just should just be going out there, just having fun and just showing off. I know that you don't want to fall because it's embarrassing. You feel like you probably let your parents down, probably let your teammates down, your coaches. But it is part of the journey. And sometimes you seriously just have to take that and use as motivation for the next competition and move on. And in gymnastics, you are always being judged. And at the end of the day, when you're getting judged by the judges, it's still an opinion of someone else, whether they think your routine is perfect or not. And sometimes when you receive a score, you'll just be like, oh, man. Like, that score I thought was going to be higher. Sometimes, yes, you should be worried about the score, but sometimes not, because at the end of the day, your score does not determine who you are as a gymnast. And what you do at the end of the day, like if you know that you accomplish your goal, if you made the correction that you were supposed to make, that is all that matters. I've still been learning as I've been going the transition from going from Talladega to Temple. It has been hard, it has put a little bit of a toll. But you know what, I am all for the ride. I feel like it's been a blessing in disguise. And I think that my coaches actually really realized how much I was going through more than I did myself. And they really opened up my eyes about that. I had to commit to a school in just a span of like three weeks. And then I came from a place to where I was not paying for tuition. Now I am, now I have to get used to my new coaches, new teammates and my teammates brought me in. Was not used to that to where in the beginning I was just like, well, this is going to be short lived. Is going to have to go back into KJ's bubble when actual reality not the case. I love my teammates and they love me and I'm actually able to be myself around them. So now I'm in a good environment, a healthy environment at that. Coaches, classes, it was a lot. So my mental was all over the place and I was thinking that now I'm at, you know, a D1. I was like, I have to be perfect. I have to do these things. Like I'm not going to make it into lineups. I needed to stop just for a second and just take it like day by day and take everything in. Just be like fun girl. You've already made it into college. This is your sophomore year. You did what you did last year. This is like a whole new year. Just have fun. Like you have your teammates back, they have your back. You are with coaches that you know that you can communicate with them. There is a lot that I have here that I've not had before, including like resources. But I'm really enjoying it here at Temple and I am still going through things mentally like every other gymnast. But I'm also in a better space as well because I'm starting to understand things and I'm able to accept things. And that's one of the things that I really tried to show in my social media is that I tried to be vulnerable, to let other girls know that they are not alone because I didn't have that. Because I always thought like, am I the only one that's just going through these things? Like I see all these other Gymnasts and they're just perfect all the time. When in reality, like, those gymnasts are not perfect either. They have their moments. They're just not always shown. So I try to show those things. But anyway, yeah. Yes. You have to have a good mindset.
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B
I appreciate that, and I would love to actually hear more about the transition. So it sounds like your decision to leave Talladega was not of your own choosing. Right. So it sounds like funding was pulled from the program. And so you're saying that you had to make a decision in three weeks. So what were you deciding about? And, like, how did the move to Temple all come about?
- [26:24]
A
There was a fundraiser to try and save the program. So looking into another school, that was not, like, in my head, like, at all. And even when the program got shut down, I knew I had to look into a school. But I wasn't really looking because I was still hanging on to the hope of going back to Talladega and saving the program. But Temple reached out and they were telling me everything that they had to offer, and I was liking everything that I heard. And plus, I was making a good connection with the coaches, and I knew that I was going to get everything I needed, health wise and academically. So that's how I knew I was like, okay, that's actually. Think for a second and do what is best for you. And Temple was it. And definitely when I knew that Tao gymnastics was just not going to be a thing anymore. So that's actually how it all came about in. Yeah, that's how a decision was made and went to Temple and. Yeah, very quick decision. Very quick decision. Yeah.
- [27:34]
B
So was there ever a thought for you, Kirsten, that you might just give up on gymnastics altogether? Like, did you think about, like, okay, maybe I'll stay at. No, you're like, absolutely not.
- [27:43]
A
Absolutely not. Absolutely not. Gymnastics is my passion. And I'm gonna finish out these four years. Maybe a fifth year, we'll never know, but I'm gonna finish out these four years in college. I knew I was gonna figure out some way wherever, but. Yeah, no, that was never a thought.
- [28:02]
B
Got it. Okay. So you know Simone Biles and Jordan Childs. I mean, so many black gymnasts have been very talkative and vocal about, like, their experiences and, like, the experiences of racism within the gymnastics field. Can you talk, baby, about, like, how you've navigated that? Because we know that there are still just very few black girls in the sport. So how have you been able to navigate these spaces?
- [28:25]
A
I could relate to some of the things that they were saying or they had felt. Because I've been through those things and is actually one of the reasons why I actually wasn't sure where I was going to go first, because Talladega wasn't that even, like, announced their program yet. So I was worried. I was just like, where am I going to go? Am I going to be able to fit in? Because in jl, that was always, like, my worry, like, never really fit in anywhere. So I was just like, in college, I was like, am I going to fit in anywhere? Then Talladega announced their program. I did look into Fisk at first. I did verbally commit to them at first. But Coach Asia, which was the former head coach at Talladega, she reached out and I listened to everything that she had to say, and I was immediately like, yes. I wanted to go here because I really wanted to know what it felt like to actually be around people who looked like me. Because in jail is. There's only, like, so many, like, what she just said.
- [29:36]
B
What is Jo Kirsten?
- [29:39]
A
I think it's like Junior Olympics is what it stands for. Kind of like. Like, club. That's where everybody's, like, starts before. Started getting to college and Got it all the other Jazz. Yeah, got it.
- [29:51]
B
Okay.
- [29:54]
A
I think that people's eyes are really starting to open and they're starting to be more inclusive. So I was really starting to think that gymnastics is starting to turn its way around. And I think Simone Biles and Jordan Childs are. They've really been paving the way for all of us, definitely in this generation. I think it was kind of cool that in the Olympics we were able to see, like, all women of color on the podium, but that was really cool. Very nice to see something different. But I have been able to relate to some of the things that the girls have said. I even watched the Simone Biles documentary. I could really relate to everything that she said in there, too. When it came to pressure and mental blocks and the twisties, like, all of that, it's like, surreal things. It's a big deal. No one really talks about it. So I thought that was really cool. Very empowering for her to actually come out about that and really talk about it. Because sometimes it is scary to talk about, definitely to, like, admit, you know, that that's something that's happened to you. But I think people are starting to become more inclusive. I think that gymnastics is changing in a very good way. I can't wait to see how everything is going to go, like, in the future, too, including when I retire from gymnastics. I think it's going to be very exciting.
- [31:13]
B
More from our conversation after the break. Many of us play lots of different roles in life partner, employee, caregiver, and many of us also think about another role that could take our life where we want it to be. Degree Holder that's where National University comes in. They've been busy since 1971 creating more ways for you to work earning a degree into your hectic life. NU confers more graduate degrees to diverse populations than any other institution in the country, with more than half being earned by women. With flexible online formats, NU makes higher education possible and achievable for busy working adults. Learn more today at nu.edu this episode of therapy for Black Girls is brought to you by Chase Sapphire Reserve. Whether you're booking your next trip or a weekend escape, Chase Sapphire Reserve is your gateway to the world's most captivating destinations. When I travel somewhere, I'm typically determined to try the best local pizza and find the best spa experience. With Chase Sapphire Reserve you have access to everything from private dinners hosted by award winning chefs to VIP treatment at the most sought after events. Chase Sapphire Reserve allows you to take advantage of one of a kind experiences while earning three times points on dining worldwide. No matter your destination, travel is more rewarding with Chase Sapphire Reserve. Discover more with Chase sapphire reserve@chase.com Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank NA member FDIC subject to credit approval terms apply Parents of Tweens if.
- [32:53]
C
You'Re familiar with far off drop offs dad, stop.
- [32:56]
A
Stop. Stop right here or get DMs about what's for dinner. You may be experiencing milestones for your son or daughter. These can start at age 9. HPV vaccination, a type of cancer prevention against certain HPV related cancers, can start then too.
- [33:10]
C
For most, HPV clears on its own, but for those who don't clear the virus, it can cause certain cancers later in life.
- [33:16]
A
Embrace this phase, help protect them in the next. Ask their doctor today about HPV vaccination brought to you by Merck so how.
- [33:26]
B
Do you feel about women in sports overall? Like, I definitely think we're seeing more conversation, more attention to women in the sports landscape in general. What kinds of things do you think need to happen for it to be a more inclusive space and for women in sports to be more celebrated?
- [33:43]
A
For people to understand that women could do just as much that men can, that we are not weak, that we are strong, independent, powerful women, that we could do whatever we put our minds to. Just don't Underestimate us ever, because we will show up and show out when the time comes, when it is needed. We will always prove you wrong, no matter what. I think we're really seeing a lot of that, which is really cool because there's always going to be one person that's going to be like, nah, like, she's not going to be able to do that. And then when they do it, they're just like, oh, yeah, what were you saying? So. Oh, okay. Oh, okay. I think at the same time, like, you know what? Underestimate us, because at the same time, like I said, we're gonna put in the work and we're gonna show you, like, that we can do it. So it's almost kind of just like, oh, you hating. Oh, you. You feel this type of way. You know what? Give me all that, because it's just giving me motivation just to push more and more and more to prove you wrong. So as long as we, all of us just stick together and we do our thing, that we're unstoppable. And we're going to continue to be unstoppable. And it has shown over the years and it's going to show some more. So. Yes.
- [35:05]
B
Love it. Love it. So, Kirsten, I want to talk a little bit about this viral routine. So I have been somebody who's watched gymnastics for a while and it feels like, you know, probably 5 to 10 and definitely more than that. I don't remember floor routines having, like, music you could recognize. Like, I feel like it was always like instrumental or something, like random melodies. And so it feels like your routine. And then Jordan, I know, has had several kind of Beyonce inspired routines. So talk to me about the process and the support or maybe lack of support you've gotten from coaches to kind of craft a routine using music that is much more recognizable, much more kind of with the times. How does that process go?
- [35:44]
A
I've actually, I've never had any lack of support at all. Everyone's actually been all for it because they know it's a good change, just something different. But the process in itself, I mean, it's pretty cool. I just really want to put music that I knew, that everyone knew definitely, like my generation, something that's went viral, something that I know I could really groove to, something that the audience could groove to. That was really what I was aiming for. And I also wanted to let myself know, like, hey, like, even though you're not going to like another hbcu, you can bring HBCU with you. That's What I did. So I was just like, I don't like Kendrick Lamar as the first song. Not like us. That's always just been my number one song in my playlist. And then we had Silk City, which is. Which was very popular. Was going viral on TikTok. I was just like, that's something that my generation could really groove to. Something I could really groove to. And I didn't really know what the third song was. Could have been. So we were all. So I was sitting in my truck, my dad's truck. Sorry. And my mom was there as well. And I was like, I gotta come up with a third song in my routine. Like, I don't know what it's going to be. Then all of a sudden, Glorilla sounds on the radio. TGIF. It's 7pm Friday. It's night. I looked at my mom, she looked at me. She was like, this song. This.
- [37:08]
B
I was like, this is it.
- [37:09]
A
I was like, we got it. We got them. So we put all three songs together. And I was kind of telling the person who put my songs together is also the coach on the dance team at temple. I'm not 100 sure. Don't quote me on that. But she really helped me with that. So I was like, I want this here. I want this there. And she put it all together. And I met the choreographer. She's actually on the dance team. Christina Elliott. And I was just like, I want something not only that I can groove to, but also the crowd can groove to. Because njl, they try to give me violins and they try to give me something classical. And I wasn't really grooving with that. I could never really dance or, like, show off to it. It just wasn't me. Like, I was always just like stiff. And I knew needed something. The total opposite of that. When I really started branching out into, like, doing hip hop was probably like my senior year in high school. And I really got into it my freshman year of college. And then my sophomore year, I was just like, I need something better than last year. Like, I need some more movement. Like, I need some hip hop, hip hop. I need to break it down. And she gave me exactly that. When I tell you I didn't have to tell her one thing. I didn't have to put in any pointers because before but my past routines, I'll be like, can we change this? Can we do this? Nothing. She nailed it. So when I finally did the routine, I finally got it down. It only took me like 15, 30 minutes to learn it. Which is crazy. But once I finally. I got it down, I got the passes in there. I was just like. I was like, this is going to be a hit. I can't wait to, like, show everyone in, like. But it is crazy, though, because I wasn't going to post my floor routine on social media, but I did. And the only reason why I did is because before I posted my floor routine, there was a video before that, and I did a split screen of how I perform at the inner squad and how I performed, like, my first competition. My first competition was not the best. And I was kind of, like, showing, like, the difference. Like, how I did so good at the inner squad and how I flopped, like, my first competition. And I remember showing, like, a little snippet of my floor routine. So I was just like, you know what? Why don't I just show the whole thing? And I did. I thought I was only gonna get, like, a good, like, amount of likes. Like, oh, it just went viral. That was not expecting that. And I remember, like, that night that my phone just kept on going off. There's nothing but notification, notification, notifications. And I was just like, oh, my gosh. So I'm glad everyone is enjoying it as much as I am. I think it's a blessing. I think it's just so cool. But, yeah, I kind of just want to show, like, you know, you can bring HBCU wherever you're going. It doesn't have to be at an hbcu. So I kind of, like, taught myself that as well because I was just like, oh, my gosh, I'm going from one thing, and now I'm going to something else different. So that was the whole process of that.
- [40:11]
B
Love that. I love that. So you've already mentioned journaling as being an important part of your process. Are there any other, like, wellness rituals that you engage in on days of matches or just as a part of your training?
- [40:24]
A
I do meditate. I will even do, like, these breathing exercises so I can calm down sometimes, like, when my heart just starts racing. Oh, I just started giving myself, like, more, like, positive, like, affirmations, too, to, like, cancel out any negative ones. So I've kind of just been really just, like, exercising my mind to be like, look, there's no reason for you to think this way. You can think this way and kind of just going back to, like, pressure is not a thing. Just. Just have fun. Like, you know, like, this is your time. Okay? This is you and your team. No one else do it for you. So that's Kind of like what I've just been doing, like, yeah, meditating. Sometimes I'll even like listen to music on my own before like a competition just to kind of get myself like in that mindset to get myself hyped a little bit. That's kind of like what I do.
- [41:20]
B
Okay. And so you've already mentioned that, you know, you're planning to finish out your college career with gymnastics. As you think beyond that for your career, what are some goals that you have set for yourself?
- [41:32]
A
Well, I want to become a veterinarian. My major is psychology. I would love to get into veterinary school, possibly look into some internships as well. I've always just loved pets growing up. I've had two dogs. Luckily one is still living. She is an old girl, but she still acts like a puppy. Love her to death. But yes, I would love to become a veterinarian. Maybe still do some things for like social media and iOS, whatever, like the future holds. But like career wise veterinarian.
- [42:02]
B
Yeah, got it. Okay, so I feel like you have sprinkled this throughout our conversation, but what advice do you have for young girls or women who are maybe interested in competitive gym gymnastics and thinking through, you know, how do you navigate that space?
- [42:16]
A
Just do whatever you want to do. I mean like, life is short. If you want to do gymnastics and do it, try it out. And if you are in gymnastics and you are, if you are a late starter, just know that there are going to be bad days, but you really have to focus on the good ones. And also like for parents, if they have put in their gymnast late, there are also going to be some bad days too. You also have to stay focused on the positive ones. And just for you and the gymnast to just never give up ever, ever, ever, ever. It has been challenging for me and my parents as well. Like they've really been in this journey with me. But yeah, just go out there, have fun. Do you be yourself? Do not change yourself for anybody. If they don't like you, that's not your problem. I wish I could go back and tell myself that because I felt like I did anything and everything to try to fit in when I really did not have to do any of that at all. And also set goals for yourself. It might really help yourself to probably fix like little details that you need to fix to, to really, really reach those goals. But yet to never, just never give up, Focus on the positive, be yourself, have fun, do it for you. That is my advice.
- [43:46]
B
That beautiful words. Kirsten, what is your social media channels like which ones are you most active on?
- [43:52]
A
I'm most active on Twitter and Instagram and to talk. All three of those platforms are KirstenJohnson find me there. Also on Facebook too.
- [44:03]
B
Okay, so you're all over.
- [44:05]
A
All over the social I'm all over yes.
- [44:09]
B
Well, it has been so lovely to chat with you. Thank you so much for spending some time with me today, Kirsten. I appreciate it.
- [44:15]
A
Thank you so much for having me.
- [44:20]
B
I'm so glad Kiersten was able to join me for this conversation. To learn more about her, be sure to visit the show notes at therapy for black girls.comtbgu and don't forget to text this episode to two of your girls right now and tell them to check it out. Did you know you can leave us a voicemail with your questions or thoughts for the podcast? If you have a movie that you want to suggest or a book for us to review, please send it to us and you just might hear it on the podcast. Drop us a message at Memo fm therapyforblackgirls if you're looking for a therapist in your area, visit our therapist directory@therapyforblackgirls.com directory this episode was produced by Elise Ellis, Inde Chubu and Tyree Rush. Editing was done by Dennison Bradford. Thank y' all so much for joining me for this episode of tbgu. I look forward to continuing this conversation with you all real soon. Take good care. Have you heard the news? Therapy for Black Girls is launching our Community on Patreon. It's your space to be seen, heard and understood in an even more connected way. We're excited to bring you new segments like so My Therapist Said where we break down viral therapy hot takes with real mental health professionals, TBG Community Chats where we unpack trending pop culture topics that have us all in our feelings and opportunities to connect with other sisters all over the world. Sign up now at therapyforblackgirls.com join Patreon for all the details about what we're planning and to be the first to know when the doors are open. We can't wait to see you inside. Many of us play lots of different roles in life Partner, employee, caregiver. And many of us also think about another role that could take our life where we want it to be. Degree Holder that's where National University comes in. They've been busy since 1971 creating more ways for you to work earning a degree into your hectic life. NU confers more graduate degrees to diverse populations than any other institution in the country, with more than half being earned by women. With flexible online formats, NU makes higher education possible and achievable for busy working adults. Learn more today at nu.edu. this episode of Therapy for Black Girls is brought to you by Chase Sapphire Reserve. Whether you are booking your next trip or a weekend escape, Chase Sapphire Reserve is your gateway to the world's most captivating destinations. When you use your Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, you get eight times points on all purchases made through Chase Travel and even access to one of a kind experiences like music festivals and sports events. And that's not even mentioning how the card gets you into the Sapphire Lounge by the club at select airports nationwide. Travel is more rewarding with Chase Sapphire Reserve. Trust me. Discover more@chase.com Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank NA member FDIC subject to credit approval terms apply. This is an iHeart podcast.