S26E2: Why We Need Community More Than Ever and How to Start Building One
Hey lady! It’s strange times filled with a lot of uncertainty but one thing we know for sure is that we will get through all of this with strong community. This week Dr. Dom and Terri discuss some of the factors that got us to reckon with the fact that there is an uprising of people reporting feelings of loneliness and being alone. While those are natural feelings from time to time you can mitigate them long-term with a strong diverse community. We’re not talking about people you can post on Instagram, although that can be a part of it, we’re talking about the relationships that you intentionally cultivate that fit perfectly with your life. Are you a budding yogi and find it a central part of your self-care practice? There is someone out there with the same interest. Do you crave differing perspectives and rigorous debate about ideology? There’s a community out there waiting for you to join them.The truth is while loneliness may be on the rise, there are people out there for you. And, as the world continues to reel from massive changes finding people that get you and care about you will be all the more necessary. Do yourself a favor a tune in to today’s episode for practical tools on building your community. Some of these may stretch you or push you or feel edgy, but that is the work. It’s putting your authentic self out there so that your people can find you. If you’re ready to dig deeper you won’t want to miss the opportunity to get Dr. Dom and Terri’s precise questions to help you dream up and call in the relationships that will fulfill you. They are in our Patreon. Are you a member yet? Girl, if you aren’t you are missing out! We connect as an online community with not only exclusive content, but access to members only resources and first dibs on community events. Join us! We’re cultivating a space for us while building them in our real lives! We love you, sis! Seven Ways to Build or Deepen Community 1. Join something you genuinely love Real talk: The easiest way to find aligned people is to go where your joy lives. 2. Reconnect with someone from your past Real talk: Some of the most beautiful friendships are waiting for a simple “hey, I miss you.” 3. Try something new—even if it feels awkward Real talk: The most aligned people are often waiting just outside your comfort zone. 4. Start something small—but intentional Real talk: Community doesn’t have to be a big production. Start where you are. 5. Be the person who reaches out first Real talk: Waiting on someone to invite you might mean missing out on the connection you need. 6. Build connection into your rhythm Real talk: If you want community, you have to make room for it. 7. Don’t underestimate the power of one Real talk: You don’t need a huge friend group. You need one aligned connection to start your community. Quote of the Day:"Community is much more than belonging to something. It's about doing something together that makes belonging matter."– Unknown One of our sponsors for this week is Feeld (like field, but with two E’s). Tired of dates that feel like interviews? Same. In 2025, we’re showing up as our full, unfiltered selves, and Feeld makes space for that. Whether you’re into open relationships, cuddling, just moved to a new city and wanna find your people, or you're traveling and hoping to connect, this is the app for it. Feeld is where curious, open-minded, and playful folks come to connect. No ads. No pressure. Just vibes. Download Feeld on the App Store or Google Play. We'll see you in there, lady! Goal Map Like a Pro WorkbookCultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary Resources:Dr. Dom’s Therapy PracticeBranding with TerriMelanin and Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Psychology Today Therapy for QPOC Where to find us:Twitter: @HERspacepodcastInstagram: @herspacepodcastFacebook: @herspacepodcastWebsite: cultivatingherspace.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cultivating-h-e-r-space-uplifting-conversations-for-the-black-woman--5470036/support.
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S26E1: Can Women Really Have Platonic Friendships with Men? The Truth About Male-Female Bonds
Hey lady! Do you believe you can have a real platonic, relationship with a person of the opposite sex? This week, Terri and Dr. Dom offer their unique perspectives about why they value their friendships with the men in their lives but have learned through living how to build relationships based on the type of intimacy that is born from genuine intentions, clear communication, and healthy boundaries.Do you have areas in your life where it is gray? Are you having trouble sorting out where your relationship needs to land for you to feel happy and fulfilled? Dr. Dom and Terri shed some light on scenarios that have come up in their personal lives that have allowed them to create healthy conversations with themselves so that they can be authentic with their male friends. Tips to Maintain a Healthy Platonic Friendship 1. Impulse Control2. Open Communication3. Internal Boundary-Setting4. Clear External Boundaries5. Respecting Relationship Statuses6. Mutual Agreement on the Friendship Terms7. Check Yourself Quote of the Day:"Having a soulmate is not always about love. You can find a soulmate in a friendship, too"– Unknown One of our sponsors for this week is Feeld (like field, but with two E’s). Tired of dates that feel like interviews? Same. In 2025, we’re showing up as our full, unfiltered selves, and Feeld makes space for that. Whether you’re into open relationships, cuddling, just moved to a new city and wanna find your people, or you're traveling and hoping to connect, this is the app for it.Feeld is where curious, open-minded, and playful folks come to connect. No ads. No pressure. Just vibes. Download Feeld on the App Store or Google Play. We'll see you in there, lady! Goal Map Like a Pro WorkbookCultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary Resources:Dr. Dom’s Therapy PracticeBranding with TerriMelanin and Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Psychology TodayTherapy for QPOC Where to find us:Twitter: @HERspacepodcastInstagram: @herspacepodcastFacebook: @herspacepodcastWebsite: cultivatingherspace.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cultivating-h-e-r-space-uplifting-conversations-for-the-black-woman--5470036/support.
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S25E13: How to Balance Independence and Intimacy in a Relationship
Hey lady! As you continue to think deeply about how you want your life to look and feel, have you considered how much intimacy plays a part in your relationships? This week, Dr. Dom and Terri expound on the ways intimacy serves as the bedrock for fulfilling relationships of all stripes. Whether it’s platonic, familial, or romantic; intimacy can serve as the thread that brings depth and realness to your relationships. And, we’re not talking just talking about sex – Terri and Dr. Dom don’t just put the tip in with their insights, they go all the way to make sure you have an arsenal of tools to get you the relationship you desire.Finding a level of interdependence, defined as partners recognizing and valuing the importance of the emotional bond they share while maintaining a solid sense of self within the relationship dynamic, may seem counterintuitive to building a healthy unit but it is in fact what keeps the spice in the relationship and the sense of self that resides in you. Tap into the Aftershow for more tips and real-life examples of how to make your relationships thrive. Consent and healthy boundaries are a recipe for intimacy that will knock your socks off in more ways than one! How to Build an Interdependent Relationship 1. Knowing what you like and what matters to you2. Not being afraid to ask for what you want3. Spend time with friends and family4. Continue pursuing your personal goals5. Be mindful of your values6. Make time for hobbies and interests7. Don't be afraid to say "no"8. Don't keep yourself small or hidden to please others Quote of the Day:“If you love a flower, don’t pick it up. Because if you pick it up, it dies and it ceases to be what you love. So if you love a flower, let it be. Love is not about possession. Love is about appreciation.” — Osho Goal Map Like a Pro WorkbookCultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary Resources:Dr. Dom’s Therapy PracticeBranding with TerriMelanin and Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Psychology TodayTherapy for QPOC Where to find us:Twitter: @HERspacepodcastInstagram: @herspacepodcastFacebook: @herspacepodcastWebsite: cultivatingherspace.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cultivating-h-e-r-space-uplifting-conversations-for-the-black-woman--5470036/support.
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S25E12: Dating Like a Boss: 5 Ways to Stay in Control and Never Settle
Hey lady! Are you ready to step up in your love life and own your experience? If so, this episode is for you. This week Terri and Dr. Dom offer tips to help you stay in control of your romantic encounters and avoid settling altogether.Dating like a boss often involves significant perspective shifts. If you feel like some of your previous experiences haven’t been up to par, it’s all good. There’s a lot of unlearning that comes along with partnership. Use this episode to help set up internal boundaries. Or, if you’ve had amazing experiences but now your needs and desires have evolved and you’re finding yourself open to new experiences. Let this episode guide you to fulfilling possibilities for fun and pleasure.Whatever you do, lady, remember that this life is about you. How you treat you, how you view you, and how you respect yourself are all in your control. Dating like a boss is easy when you know without a doubt that YOU are the prize. Tap in for more ways to keep your romantic self-esteem on the up and up! Dating Like a Boss: 5 Ways to Stay in Control and Never Settle 1. Always Put Yourself First2. Make People Prove Why They Deserve Your Time and Energy3. Take Notes & End Things Swiftly When Someone Shows You Who They Are4. What’s in It for You? What Do You Want?5. Learn to Be Unattached to OutcomesQuote of the Day:"You are healthier in relationships when you are taking care of yourself." – Dr. Thema Goal Map Like a Pro WorkbookCultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary Resources:Dr. Dom’s Therapy PracticeBranding with TerriMelanin and Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Psychology TodayTherapy for QPOC Where to find us:Twitter: @HERspacepodcastInstagram: @herspacepodcastFacebook: @herspacepodcastWebsite: cultivatingherspace.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cultivating-h-e-r-space-uplifting-conversations-for-the-black-woman--5470036/support.
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S25E11: How to Maximize Your Job Benefits: PTO Hacks, Sick Day Strategies & Other Perks to Explore
Hey lady! This week Dr. Dom and Terri up the conversation around wellness with a friendly reminder that you are ALWAYS your best investment. The ladies offer up smart advice about utilizing your paid time off, also known as PTO, to help boost your wellness for whatever you may need.Even if you don’t have a formal PTO employment situation, Terri and Dr. Dom have practical tips on how thorough planning and thinking ahead can help stave off burnout and lead you to the life of your dreams.There are many emotions and misperceptions about taking time off from work and life obligations. And, those factors can cloud your judgment with what you feel you may need. After all, when you’ve been conditioned to be Superwoman it’s easy to accept nothing less from yourself. But, when the goal is not for you to realize you need time off when your body starts to tell you…or worse starts breaking down from neglect. The goal is to bake in all of the time you need along the way so that you can live your healthiest and most fulfilled life. Tune in this week for a roadmap to making sure that you are running on a full tank and offering the best of you to…YOU. Lady, we love you and want you to know that you are worthy of divine rest. It’s ok to take a break. You deserve it! Quote of the Day:Taking PTO is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Taking care of yourself is not slacking; it’s strategy. – Patrice Harrell-Carter Goal Map Like a Pro WorkbookCultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary Resources:Dr. Dom’s Therapy PracticeBranding with TerriMelanin and Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Psychology TodayTherapy for QPOC Where to find us:Twitter: @HERspacepodcastInstagram: @herspacepodcastFacebook: @herspacepodcastWebsite: cultivatingherspace.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cultivating-h-e-r-space-uplifting-conversations-for-the-black-woman--5470036/support.
About Cultivating H.E.R. Space: Uplifting Conversations for the Black Woman
In a world where black women are often underrepresented and misunderstood, we need more safe spaces to just… be. Every Friday, join Dr. Dom, a college professor and psychologist, and Terri Lomax, a techie and motivational speaker, as they initiate authentic conversations on everything from fibroids to fake friends. If you’re a Black woman looking for an extra dose of inspiration on the go, pull up a seat and join us on the Cultivating H.E.R. (Healing, Empowerment, Resilience) Space podcast.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cultivating-h-e-r-space-uplifting-conversations-for-the-black-woman--5470036/support.
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