TBGU: Meet the TBG U Advisory Council

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Therapy for Black Girls – TBGU: Meet the TBG U Advisory Council

Host: Dr. Joy Harden Bradford
Guests: Fatima Zara Kasim, Jaya, Mikayla
Released: October 7, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Therapy for Black Girls" introduces the inaugural Therapy for Black Girls University (TBGU) Advisory Council: Fatima Zara Kasim, Jaya, and Mikayla. Dr. Joy Harden Bradford welcomes these dynamic students to discuss their backgrounds, passion for mental health, and vision for shaping the TBGU experience. Together, they explore critical issues facing Black women students, mental health resources and stigmas, and their hopes for more supportive campus communities.

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Meet the TBGU Advisory Council (03:24–07:01)

Fatima Zara Kasim (03:52)

• Senior at Tufts University, studying political science, with minors in economics and urban planning
• Longstanding involvement in women’s empowerment groups
• Excited to "reach a much, like, wider audience with this" through TBGU

Jaya (04:34)

• Sophomore at Albany State University, majoring in health science
• Avid listener of Therapy for Black Girls
• Feels seen and heard: "It was just like, okay, I can relate to this. They're speaking my language. And I personally love that it's specifically for Black women." (04:51)

Mikayla (05:07)

• Recent graduate of Dillard University, studied film
• Committed to using creativity to reduce stigma around therapy and healthcare
• "By joining this opportunity, it allows me to not only learn but share what I learned and distribute that information to the community." (05:18)

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Interests Outside of Academics (05:44–07:10)

• Mikayla: Enjoys all things creative, especially books and movies
• Jaya: Loves reading and is a lab technician; recently exploring gardening
• Fatima: Passionate about fitness, new workout classes, and reading (currently: "A Spell of Good Things" by Ayobami Adebayo)

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Mental Health: Key Issues and Curiosities (07:10–09:42)

Monetization of Mental Health (Mikayla, 07:28)

• Observes tension between helpful social media tips and marketing that can influence rather than assist
• Highlights need to explore "the non one size fits all way to take care of ourselves, especially in the Black community."

Functioning Depression among Students (Fatima, 08:20)

• Notes prevalence of "high functioning" students who appear to be coping but are internally struggling
• "From the outside, it’s hard to see that they're going through these things because they’re so high functioning."

Reproductive Health and Mental Health (Jaya, 09:06)

• Focuses on lack of research and conversation around PCOS, contraceptive effects, and the impact on physical and mental health
• "With PCOS and birth control like effects, they aren't really researched enough and they aren't talked about enough…birth control can affect your weight, can affect your mental health, make you have mood swings and things of that nature." (09:19)

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Navigating Academic Stress & Midterms (09:42–10:50)

All council members report high stress during midterms:

• Jaya: Balances being a student athlete and honors student with "nonsense…stop being in the library, always studying, never really having time for myself." (09:56)
• Fatima: As a senior, feels the stakes are even higher: "At the point we're at…it's like all or nothing." (10:20)

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Hopes for Council Topics & TBGU Conversations (14:04–16:41)

College & Post-Grad Mental Health (Mikayla, 14:11)

• Wants to explore "the multiple kind of experiences that Black girls may have while in college and outside of college as well," especially post-grad depression

Reproductive Health & Sexuality Exploration (Jaya, 15:24)

• Advocates for conversations on contraception, PCOS, and "exploring your sexuality in college"

Curating Safe Spaces for Black Women (Fatima, 16:02)

• Emphasizes importance of building spaces where Black women feel safe to talk honestly and be vulnerable
• Connects this need with the pressure to always seem strong or "high functioning": "How can we curate that space for young Black women?"

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Mental Health Resources & Gaps on Campus (17:03–20:11)

• Fatima (Tufts):

  • Campus has a matching therapist system, but substantial gaps in follow-up and continuity
  • "After the four or six weeks that you guys spend together, there are no follow up emails of like, oh, how can the school further support you?" (17:15)

• Jaya (Albany State):

  • Praises in-person and online therapy and outreach activities (e.g., Active Vines offering free plants)
  • Sees a gap in engagement: "A lot of students don’t know necessarily where to go…there’s a lack of excitement to go to therapy and get the help you need." (18:22)

• Mikayla (Dillard):

  • Schools offer resources like essential oils workshops, but student attendance is low
  • Attendance gap ties directly to stigma: "I really wish that there was more of a collective like, hey, you know, let’s go out and do this…there wasn't really that will." (19:17)

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Dream Campus Events to Promote Mental Health (23:25–26:18)

• Mikayla:

  • Would love an art therapy event—using painting and color as a form of reflection and processing emotions
  • "You don't have to be creative but we all know how to associate colors…with feelings…" (23:49)

• Jaya:

  • Proposes a panel/brunch featuring women mental health professionals, including Dr. Joy
  • "So that young women…could get that womenly advice, something that they may not have at home as far as how to dress…hold yourself up to a higher standard…" (24:46)

• Fatima:

  • Envisions a Therapy for Black Girls campus tour: a live, forum-style event in collaboration with Black campus organizations
  • "It’s being like a curated space like this, but like on a wider scale." (25:37)

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Rapid Fire: Getting to Know the Council (26:39–29:10)

• Coffee, Tea, or Neither:
  • Mikayla: "Oh, coffee. I’m from Seattle, so gotta have coffee." (26:39)
• Mood-Boosting Song:
  • Jaya: "I’m not stressin today." (26:49)
• Favorite Hangout Spot:
  • Fatima: "Is it bad if I see my room?" (27:01)
• De-stressing Method:
  • Mikayla: "Music. I’d have to say jazz. Spiritual jazz. Alice Coltrane." (27:15)
• College Life On Screen:
  • Fatima: "All American…maybe not all, but yeah." (27:32)
• First Word for TBGU:
  • Jaya: "Healing." (27:39)
• Advice for Freshmen:
  • Mikayla: "Just be yourself…walk into this new space…as yourself…" (27:53)
• College Experience Theme Songs:
  • Fatima: "'Trying'," then updates to "'All for Me' by Mariah Desantis" (28:27, 29:04)
  • Jaya: "'Self Care' by Savannah Christina" (28:45)
  • Mikayla: "'Heavenly' by Kier, based out of Chicago" (28:54)

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Notable Quotes

• Dr. Joy Harden Bradford:

  • "We always talk about wanting to understand the mental health of Black women, shining light on the issues Black women are dealing with…" (16:02)

• Fatima Zara Kasim:

  • "What really interested me about this opportunity is that it’s not just impacting the girls on my campus…it’s also impacting people from all over because I can reach a much…wider audience with this." (03:52)

• Mikayla:

  • "There’s a thin line between okay, this was supposed to help me, or is this supposed to influence me?" (07:28)
  • "Just be yourself…walk into this new space…as yourself…" (27:53)

• Jaya:

  • "I personally love that it’s specifically for Black women." (05:05)
  • "With PCOS and birth control like effects, they aren’t really researched enough and they aren’t talked about enough…" (09:19)

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The Advisory Council’s Vision for TBGU

• Address urgent, real-life mental health topics facing Black women students
• Create spaces for open, vulnerable conversation and peer support
• Break stigmas and encourage community-wide engagement with therapy and healing
• Promote mental health resources on campuses through creative and accessible events

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For ongoing updates and resources from Therapy for Black Girls University, visit therapyforblackgirls.com/tbgu.

Share your thoughts and join the conversation using hashtag #TBGInSession.

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Transcript

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

Foreign Hey y', all, thanks so much for joining me for this special TBGU episode of Therapy for Black Girls. We'll get right into our conversation after word from our sponsors.

[Jaya]

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[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

This season, we're excited to bring you something brand new for tbgu. I'm thrilled to introduce you to our inaugural TBGU Advisory Council. You'll get to Meet Jaya, Fatima, and Mikayla, three brilliant young people who will be helping us shape the TBGU experience this year. We'll hear about what excites them, the topics they're passionate about, and how they hope to build meaningful conversations that resonate across the season. If something resonates with you while enjoying our conversation, please share it with us on social media using the hashtag tvginsession. Or join us over in our Patreon to talk more about the episode. You can join us at community.therapy for black girls.com. here's our conversation.

Welcome to Therapy for Black Girls University. I am very, very excited because today we are joined by our inaugural TVGU Advisory Council, some incredible students, and just very excited for you all to tell us more about who you are and your interest in this area. So we'll start with you, Fatima.

Can you tell us where you are.

What your name, what you're majoring in, and a little bit about what interests you in tpgu?

[Fatima Zara Kasim]

So, hi, my name is Fatima Zara Kasim. I'm a senior and I attend Tufts University, and I studied political science with a double minor in economics and urban planning. All throughout, like, grade school, middle school, high school, and even college. I've always been involved in, like, women's groups that are focused on empowerment. And a lot of this is done through, like, what's happening in my community. So what really interested me about this opportunity is that it's not just impacting the girls on my campus or my classes, it's also impacting people from all over because I can reach a much, like, wider audience with this.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

Perfect.

Thank you, Fatima.

Jaya.

[Jaya]

I attend Albany State University. I am a sophomore there studying health science. What interested me about TBGU is I always listen to the Therapy for Black Girls podcast. And it wasn't until I was listening to the podcast that I feel understood about certain topics and the way the conversations flow and go, it was just like, okay, I can relate to this. They're speaking my language. And I personally love that it's specifically for black women.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

Thank you, Jah and Mikayla. Hey.

[Mikayla]

Hey, y'. All. So my name is Mikayla and I recently graduated from Dillard University, and I studied film. And why I was interested in this amazing opportunity was just everything that I do creatively roots from my community and also providing therapy and health care, reducing the stigmas that are in our community. And so by joining this opportunity, it allows me to not only learn, but share what I learned and distribute that information to the community. The organization that already does that and which I adore and so it's just amazing.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

Thank you Mikayla. And we'll stay with you. Mikayla, what are some things that you are interested in outside of academics stuff.

[Mikayla]

Cool, thank you. So outside of academic stuff, very artsy, Love everything creative and academic. Like I mean outside academia, books and movies and just having fun in that type of way.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

What about you, Diana?

[Jaya]

Yeah, so similar to Mikayla. I love to read. I am, I love books. I'm also a lab technician so I love the marketing aspect of that. And very recently I've started getting into the gardening side of life. So I just bought me a snake plant and I have this one plant where it's a mix of a bunch of different ones but I've been enjoying that recently.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

What about you Fatima? What are you interested in outside of school?

[Fatima Zara Kasim]

So outside of school I really love fitness so I love going to the gym I just met this morning. I also love like trying new workout classes with my friends like aerial yoga. I'm also a big reader like Michaela and Jaya. My favorite author, her name is Ayubami Adebayo, a Nigerian author. And the book I'm currently reading by her is called A Spell of Good Things. And overall I just love enjoying time with my friends, just trying new things.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

And are you currently reading anything right now, Mikayla O. I am rereading Karabul.

[Mikayla]

Kasar by Acrinia Butler, one of my favorites and a testament to the terms.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

Feels very timely. Yeah. So what are some of your biggest interests in mental health right now? Either like research topics, something that you're personally curious about, maybe a conversation that has come up in a friend group, anything kind of on your mind right now as it relates to mental health?

[Mikayla]

Yeah. So as someone who researches how information is given to the masses, one thing that I've recently seen is this kind of monetization or product building around mental health. And it's really interesting to see the tension between, you know, having social media representation and tips and things like that that I find extremely helpful. But then there's a thin line between okay, this was supposed to help me or is this supposed to influence me? And so this is one thing that I've been studying and researching as we consume media and then also take care of ourselves and figuring out the non one size fits all way to take care of ourselves, especially in the black community. So just something that's been on my mind.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

That's a good one.

What about you Fatima? Anything in particular for me?

[Fatima Zara Kasim]

I would say I guess like research more so specifically on the topic of functioning depression. So like being on a college campus, it's really interesting to see how a lot of people hold on to stress and anxiety, especially being in like very high stakes environments. And something that I realize a lot, especially in like black women on my campus, is that a lot of people are holding on to a lot of these feelings and issues, but are still very high functioning, always feeling like they need to show up to things and, you know, carry out their duties in classes, but aren't really taking care of themselves. But from the outside, it's hard to see that they're going through these things because they're so high functioning. So that's something that's really been interesting to me.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

What about you, Jaya? What's on your mind in terms of mental health stuff?

[Jaya]

For me it's more of a research aspect is really reproductive health with women as far as contraceptives, birth control, pcos and how that affects us. Because with PCOS and birth control like effects, they aren't really researched enough and they aren't talked about enough. So with pcos, you go into the doctor and most of the times they just put you strictly on birth control. But no one talks about how birth control can affect your weight, can affect your mental health, make you have mood swings and things of that nature.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

Yeah. And before we started the call, we were talking about several of you are experiencing like going into midterms right now. So what are you feeling like the stress level is like on campus as you're entering midterm week?

[Jaya]

I feel like the stress levels are very high. I can speak for myself with being a student athlete and also being a part of the honors program. It's a lot of pressure on me because I'm supposed to make good grades and keep my GPA up. So with midterms, it's just nonsense. Stop being in the library, always studying, never really having time for myself.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

Really?

Does it feel that way to you too, Fatima?

[Fatima Zara Kasim]

Yes, I would agree. I would say, especially speaking from the point of view of a senior, I think it's really, really high stakes for a lot of us because at the point we're at in our academic journey, it's no longer just, oh, maybe I'll just take this class again next semester. Or I can put it off. It's like all or nothing. So like, yeah, just very, very stressful. A lot of late night studying this morning. I just booked a study room for tonight. So, yeah, just feeling the pressure right now.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

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 these days, most things cost an arm and a leg, especially vacations. But not in Rhode Island. Between affordable luxury stays, succulent seafood right from the source, and spectacular shopping that won't break the bank, you get a real bang for your buck in the Ocean State. The memories will be priceless, but the cost will be a lot less. Rhode Island all that Plan your trip today at visitroadisland.com that's visitroadisland.com okay friends, real talk. You are worth the wait. We've all been there, giving our energy to connections that didn't honor ours and watching friends do the same. And honestly, we all deserve better. That's why Bumble is built for intentional dating. Safety is such a big deal for us all, especially when meeting new people. And Bumble gives you the peace of mind with options like photo and ID verification. That little extra step means you know the person you're talking to is who they say they are with their real photos and they are ready to show up authentically. And once you feel safe, you can actually focus on what matters. Finding someone who gets you with shared interests. It's easy to see right away who vibes with your passions, whether that's true crime, podcasts, yoga mornings or weekend hikes. So take a pause, affirm your worth and protect your peace. Bumble helps you create safe, meaningful connections. The kind that truly respect your boundaries, your energy and your time. Thinking about dating again? Take this as your sign. Start your love story on Bumble. 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 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 [e-mail] Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank NA member FDIC subject to credit approval terms apply. So Makila, what are some of the.

Conversations you really hope we will tackle as a council this year from tbgu?

[Mikayla]

One of the things that I'd hope that we tackle is just the multiple kind of experiences that black girls may have while in college and outside of college as well. Like I know especially now for Gen Z, post grad, post grad depression and things like that are real and I know it affects us and rectifies and how we do things differently. And so I hope that we can talk about how we deal with stress and grief and lots of conflicting things in college, but also outside of it because it really is a journey.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

You bring up an interesting point. I think, you know, because where we find ourselves in time in the world right now, we know unemployment rates are really high. And thinking about you, Fatima, you know, as a senior and thinking about like.

Okay, am I doing grad school next year?

Are you looking for your first big girl job? Like, I think there's a lot on the line and a lot that feels.

Unsure that maybe wasn't the case maybe five to 10 years ago, which I.

Am sure is something that, you know.

Many of you are thinking about.

[Mikayla]

Yes. Oh, for sure. For sure. Those are things that are I hope we definitely can change know, talk about.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

Yeah.

What about you, Jaya?

Anything that you really feel like you would love for the council to address this year?

[Jaya]

Yes. So going back to the reproductive health part, I would love to talk about pcos and birth control, contraceptives and things of that sort. But also with me being a sophomore, I feel like I'm still in that exploration phase of college. So I would love to talk about your sexuality and exploring your sexuality college.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

That's a good one. And thinking about contraception and like how much legislation that is trying to be pushed right now. Right. To even make contraception. You know, like, is it still easy to get and you know, do you have to jump through several hoops? So I definitely think that's an important one to tackle.

[Mikayla]

Yes.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

What about you, Fatima?

[Fatima Zara Kasim]

For B. I would love for us to discuss how we curate spaces for Black women because we always talk about wanting to understand the mental health of black women, shining light on the issues Black women are dealing with and when I say carrying spaces, I mean more so within the youth. How can we make black women feel safe to enter these spaces and truly express themselves? Because something that I mentioned earlier about the functioning depression, I feel like what plays a lot into that is the feeling of I don't feel safe to be able to talk to someone or express these feelings. So how can we curate that space for young black women?

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

You know, you bring up an interesting point.

Because I feel like I see like students and people your age talk a.

Lot more about mental health.

You know, like they will be on.

Instagram or TikTok saying like, oh, this.

Is something my therapist told me. But it sounds like you are also still feeling like there is a lack of conversation from your peers maybe about how they actually are doing.

[Mikayla]

Yes.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

Okay, so are there any gaps that.

You'Re noticing in terms of mental health.

Services either on your campuses or just.

Resources for people your age to. To get support with your mental health?

[Fatima Zara Kasim]

So for me, Tufts does have a mental health center where you can match with a therapist, and that has been really great. But one gap that I did notice, because I did use their services about two years ago, one gap that I did notice or do notice still is just follow ups. There really isn't much follow ups. You have like a set amount of time with your provided mental health specialist, but that's just about it. After the four or six weeks that you guys spend together, there are no follow up emails of like, oh, how can the school further support you? And I think obviously, like, a university has so many students that it has a service. So I can see what could be the cause of that gap. But long term, like something that a lot of students here do express is that like, oh, we don't really use the center much because we feel like it's not really helpful. So it's like, yeah, you are getting the care, you're getting someone to speak to. A lot of time that you have your therapist. But like, it's like the what's next? There is no next. So, yeah, just like the follow up care. I don't think we have much of that about you.

[Jaya]

J. On my campus. I feel like they're pretty good with the mental health aspect. We have free therapy online or in person. They also have an organization called Active Vines. And every week on Wednesday, they're in the student center with their table set up, giving out free plans. They had something last week where they were doing rocks and releasing things. So I feel like that's really good. The gap I am Noticing though is that Albany State is really considered a party school. So a lot of students don't know necessarily where to go if they aren't going to the student center or they aren't on the ASU website page. So I feel like that I wouldn't say excitement, but for lack of a better word, I'm going to say that like the excitement to go to therapy and to get the help you need.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

And I know you've graduated, Mikayla, but thinking about to your time on campus.

Were there gaps that you noticed?

[Mikayla]

Definitely. Like definitely going back to what Jaya said, I think the like coming from an hbcu, like the kind of collective want or will to get from these resources, I think wasn't really there. There was kind of a gap and we did have resources like to the best of the university's abilities. Like they did events where they like gave us essential oils or did things like that, just small things. But I found that they didn't really have a lot of student attendance and that was the only gap that I recognized. And yeah, I really wish that there was more of a collective like hey, you know, let's go out and do this, you know, make essential oils or whatever type of resources that they had on campus. But there wasn't really that will. And I think that kind of reflects some of the stigma in our community.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

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. these days, most things cost an arm and a leg, especially vacations. But not in Rhode Island. Between affordable luxury stays, succulent seafood right from the source, and spectacular shopping that won't break the bank, you get a real bang for your buck in the Ocean State. The memories will be priceless, but the cost will be a lot less. Rhode island, all that. Plan your trip today at visitroadisland.com that's Visit Rhode island dot com. Okay friends, real talk. You are worth the wait. We've all been there giving our energy to connections that didn't honor ours and watching friends do the same. And honestly, we all deserve better. That's why Bumble is built for intentional dating. Safety is such a big deal for us all, especially when meeting new people. And Bumble gives you the peace of mind with options like photo and ID verification. That little extra step means you know the person you're talking to is who they say they are with their real photos and they are ready to show up authentically. And once you feel safe, you can actually focus on what matters. Finding someone who gets you with shared interests. It's easy to see right away who vibes with your passions, whether that's true crime, podcasts, yoga mornings or weekend hikes. So take a pause, affirm your worth and protect your peace. Bumble helps you create safe, meaningful connections. The kind that truly respect your boundaries, your energy and your time thinking about dating again. Take this as your sign. Start your love story on Bumble. 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 [e-mail] Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank NA member FDIC subject to credit approval terms apply.

So a couple of you have mentioned events which I think is really cool and that is definitely something we're thinking about. Like, okay, how do we let more students know about TBGU and like the kinds of conversations we're having and the resources that might be available. So if you could like develop your own dream event to happen on your campus or a campus near you, what do you think it would look like?

Any thoughts?

[Mikayla]

Mikayla Ooh, okay. I definitely thought about this so many times. So what I would do would basically be something like art therapy focused. I love this. Like there was this free Black art therapy resource that I went to in New Orleans and it just opened my mind and so I would basically use the same model as a way for students to just reflect, open up, imagine what a safe space would be using paint or colors. You don't have to be creative but we all know how to associate colors, you know, with feelings and things like that. And so just finding that medium and then also making it into something that people can maybe share. And I think that'll just be, you know, wonderful to have, so people can process things differently than they used to.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

So I'm hearing maybe a TVGU coloring night at campuses across the country, of course. What about you, Jaya?

[Jaya]

Yes. So with one of my past internships, I actually wrote about this and I was thinking more of a panel type of brunch thing. And one of the panelists I had on there was actually you, Dr. Joy, to come in and talk to the students about mental health and get other mental health professionals in there to talk to the students, mainly women, so that the young women coming onto the campus, mainly the freshmen and the sophomores, could get that womenly advice, something that they may not have at home as far as how to dress yourself when you're coming out, how to hold yourself up to a higher standard, how to speak and what to wear. You know what I'm saying? So, yeah, really that in the brunch aspect, just to. Because, you know, people love to eat.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

So. Yeah, yeah, I think that's the key to anything with students is that there has to be food. What about you, Fatima?

[Fatima Zara Kasim]

I envisioned for therapy for black girls to have like a campus tour. So kind of like a live podcast where it's not necessarily being recorded, but it's being like a curated space like this, but like on a wider scale. So I know at Tufts we have a group called the Black Women's Collective, where every week there are topics that are being had, like topics that are spoken about, like different problems the black women are facing on campus or just like wider scale issues. So I think it'd be really great if like, let's say therapy for black girls was able to collab or like, join forces with a group like Black Women's Collective at Tubs to have like a wider forum. And. Yeah.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

Okay, these all sound like great ideas. So somebody has to write us some checks so that we can bring all of these incredible ideas to life. I love the creativity that I'm already hearing. Okay, so a couple of quick questions just so that people can get to know you all a little better. This is going to be kind of rapid fire. So coffee, tea or neither when you're studying late? Michaela.

[Mikayla]

Oh, coffee. I'm from Seattle, so gotta have coffee.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

Okay. Jaya, what's one song that always boosts your mood?

[Jaya]

I don't know artists, but it's called I'm not stressing today.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

Oh, yeah, that's a good one. I don't know the artist either, but I know which one you're talking about. Fatima, what's your favorite campus hangout spot?

[Fatima Zara Kasim]

Oh, is it bad if I see my room?

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

Not at all. Okay, Mikayla, journaling, therapy, meditation, or music? Which one helps you to de stress the most?

[Mikayla]

I would have to say music. I'd have to say jazz. Spiritual jazz. Alice Coltrane.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

Yeah, okay, good answer. Fatima, what's a TV show or movie that you think actually got college life right?

[Fatima Zara Kasim]

I would say all American in a lot of its aspects. Maybe not all, but yeah.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

Okay. One of my favorite shows, Jaya was the first word that comes to mind when you think of tbgu healing. Love it. Mikayla, what's a piece of advice you'd give to a freshman just starting college?

[Mikayla]

A piece of advice I'd give a freshman is a lot of people say it might be cliche, but just be yourself. Like, walk into this new space in this next, like, phase in your life as yourself. You know, you're somewhat free from a lot of the pressures you may have had growing up or, you know, in your high school school or things in that sort. So just walk into this next chapter, be yourself, get your own style and whatnot and help you.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

Okay, and then one question for all of you. Fatima, we'll start with you. If your college experience had a theme song, what would it be?

[Fatima Zara Kasim]

I don't know if there's a song that's called this, but maybe Trying.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

Trying. Okay. Yeah. If not, we just came up with it, right? Like, it's a song. Yes. Jaya, what would the theme song for your college experience be?

[Jaya]

I actually know the artist to this one, so it would be Self Care by Savannah, Christina, and Michaela.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

What would your college experience theme song be?

[Mikayla]

Oh, that is a good question. I think the song Heavenly by this artist, Kier, based out of Chicago. It's like, a really good song.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

Okay. All right, Fatima.

[Fatima Zara Kasim]

Okay, I got a good one now, actually, I would say all for Me by Mariah Desantis.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

Nice one. Nice one. Well, this has been so much fun to get to know y' all a little bit more. I'm very excited about all the conversations and things that are going to unfold this year. Thank y' all so much for joining me for this first episode, and we are looking forward to lots more fun.

[Fatima Zara Kasim]

Thank you.

[Jaya]

Thank you.

[Dr. Joy Harden Bradford]

I'm sorry.

So glad and excited that Jaya, Fatima, and Mikayla were able to join me.

For today's conversation and give us a glimpse into their vision for TBGU this season. To learn more about Therapy for Black Girls University and how you can become a part of the community, head on over to therapy for black girls.com tvgu did you know that you could leave us a voicemail with your questions or suggestions for the podcast? If you have topics you'd like us to discuss or guests you'd like to hear, drop us a message at Memo FM Therapy for Black Girls and let us know what's on your mind. We just might feature it on the podcast. If you're looking for a therapist in your area, visit our therapist [e-mail] directory don't forget to follow us on Instagram at Therapy for Black Girls and join us over in our Patreon community for more exclusive updates and behind the scenes content. You can join us at Community therapy for black blackgirls.com this episode was produced by Elise Ellis, Inde Chubu and Tyre Rush. Editing was done by Dennison Bradford. Thank y' all so much for joining me again this week. I look forward to continuing this conversation.

With you all real soon.

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[Jaya]

This is an iHeart podcast.