A #previvor is someone who survives breast cancer by preemptively having a double mastectomy. On this episode Nicole discusses BRCA1 AND BRCA2 genetic testing, early detection, and life after a double mastectomy with 31 year old cancer "previvor" Lorvictor Jefferson. Nicole also gives gold stars to 4 breast cancer research organizations that donate 80% or more of funds received to research or services. drsusanloveresearch.org www.breastcancerdeadline2020.org www.brcf.org www.nationalbreastcancer.org If you'd like to help support Lorvictor financially, please use the link below. https://www.paypal.me/LorVictorJefferson. All proceeds made from streams and downloads from this episode will be donated directly to Lorvictor to aid in her recovery.

Many of us Millennials/Gen X-ers grew up in a time where were taught to "respect our elders" even if they inflicted serious mental and relational trauma. Now, as parents, many of us are stopping the narrative of "it runs in the family" seeking to heal the trauma that's been carried through the generations. Shena and Nicole have an in-depth conversation about healing, and Shena provides 5 actionable tips of how to break the cycle of generational trauma. Lastly, Nicole gives "gold stars" to Lash MD lash serum and Blended Designs diverse apparel. Follow Shena on IG @blackgirlsheal_ and check out Blended Designs @blendeddesigns

Hella Smart Muvas teamed up with Mommination to bring you this special episode for Black Mom in America Week. In this episode, Nicole, along with Mommies, Sanya Richards-Ross, Pamela Powell, and Mykal Steen, discuss whether H&M got it right by not singling out the young black female model in her hair styling, whether Black women are overly critical of each other, why Black women and girls' appearances are so policed by society, the difficult history WE have with natural hair, and what we wish we could tell the beautiful H&M model. Follow Hella Smart Muvas on IG @hellasmartmuvas and MommiNation @mommination or at mommination.com.

You're living your best life up in the club, you meet a fly ass guy, you hit it off, then he drops a bomb...he has a young kid, and a baby mama...do you run for the hills or play it out? On this episode, Nicole gets the nitty gritty on dating someone with kids from Lené Hypolite, host of The Glow Up Podcast. Nicole and Lené also give their advice to a burnout muva during the Ask the Muvas segment. Lastly, Nicole gives her gold star for her favorite indulgence and puts selfish (un) co-parents in the corner.

In this Confessions episode, Nicole discusses her fear of her black sons' losing their #blackboyjoy, the staggering statistics of unfair punishment for black and brown children in schools, having to have "the talk," and five tips for being their advocate and helping your Black and Latinx kids maintain their joy and magic in school.

For more information on these topics, visit ACLU.org, safequalityschools.org, and advancementproject.org.

Find out what the Muvas are up to on instagram @hellasmartmuvas! Hellasmartmuvas.com is COMING SOON!

Nicole and Jancee get down to business discussing Jancee's New York Times Bestseller, "How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids." The two dive into Jancee's "aha" moment while her husband allowed their daughter to interrupt her interview with Jennifer Hudson to poop, how maternal gatekeeping causes mean to shirk their parenting responsibilities, how parents must model good relationship behavior for their kids, getting schooled by world renowned relationship therapist, Terry Real, and SO MUCH more. Lastly, Jancee gives 5 actionable tips of how we all can not hate our significant others after having kids.

Have you ever heard the advice, "have a baby! It'll make you and your partner stronger!" Or my favorite, " a baby changes everything!" (With heart emojis in their eyes. LIES! ALL. LIES! Having a baby DOES in fact change everything (but certainly not for the better!) And your relationship CAN get stronger...If you WORK at it! Check out this episode of Confessions of a Hella Smart Muva, where Nicole discusses some of the ways her marriage changed after having children, and actionable tips to childproof your relationship.

Welcome to the Season 2 Premiere of Hella Smart Muvas!

Imagine you've worked to get to the pinnacle of your career. You have the family and significant other you've always hoped for. You're the primary breadwinner for your family, BUT the hustle and bustle of work and childcare is costing your family's sanity and savings. WHAT do you do?

Hear how arch-nemesis, Fortune 100 in-house counsel, Chakira Gavazzi, and big-law partner, Heather Choi navigate the pitfalls of being a working mom by reevaluating gender roles, leaning in to their careers, how their husbands have transitioned into the primary caregivers for their children, and their take on whether work-life balance is myth or reality. Heather reveals the "hit" that Chakira put out to assault her at a meetup for lawyer moms and other ensuing hilarity. :) 

Also check out the inaugural Hella Boss Muva, Ivy Sowell, founder of UnMATCHED. Learn how Ivy is turning tragedy into triumph by following her on Instagram @unmatched_everyday. Lastly, check out Nicole's gold star and timeout for the week. 

Subscribe or follow wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss the #momsquad you never knew you needed.  

*Some Profanity Warning* 

Wanna know what's in store for Season Two of the Mom-Squad you never knew you needed? Here's a sneak peek of what's to come! Subscribe or follow wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode!

Follow the Muvas on Instagram @hellasmartmuvas! 

Season Two Premieres August 15th!

*TRIGGER WARNING: TEEN SUICIDE* In Part 2 of this Special Episode, Lashanda and Nicole continue their discussion about how Lashanda is surviving the loss, what she wants other moms to know, and how she's continuing her son's legacy through activism and advocacy. If you, or someone you know is suffereing from suicidal thoughts, please contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255. Please follow @hellasmartmuvas or send us a note at hellasmartmuvas@gmail.com if you have any questions or need someone to talk to. Lashanda is also accepting donations for the American Federation of Suicide Prevention at the link below. https://www.facebook.com/donate/1373653979439268/?fundraiser_source=external_url

*TRIGGER WARNING: TEEN SUICIDE * Part 1 of the 2-part Special Episode with fellow hella smart muva, Lashanda Whaley-Mendez , who suffered the loss of her 17 year-old son last July to suicide. Nicole and Lashanda talk about her son's diagnosis of severe depression, taboos about mental health in the Black and Brown community, and the GeneSight test, which can help people find medications for mental illnesses that are compatible with their genetics. If you, or someone you know is suffering from a mental illness, and needs information on treatment options, contact The National Alliance on Mental Illness ("NAMI") at nami.org. Please follow @hellasmartmuvas or send us a note at hellasmartmuvas@gmail.com if you have any questions or need someone to talk to. Lashanda is also accepting donations for the American Federation of Suicide Prevention at the link below. https://www.facebook.com/donate/1373653979439268/?fundraiser_source=external_url