Libsyn Directory

800: Sis, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: Dr. Adia Gooden Tells You Why

Release Date: 11/23/2021

824: Written in the Waters Author Tara Roberts on Diving into History, Discovering Your Purpose & Following the Unconventional Path

Support is Sexy

What an absolute JOY it was to reconnect with my sister-friend and former colleague from our Essence magazine days, the brilliant storyteller and explorer Tara Roberts! 🧡 Tara is someone I’ve admired for decades—not only for her sharp editorial mind and deep heart, but also for her fearless pursuit of meaningful storytelling. And in this conversation, we dive (pun intended!) into her latest transformational journey—literally and spiritually—as a National Geographic Explorer and author of the gorgeous memoir "Written in the Waters." Tara takes us behind the scenes of how a visit to...

823: How to Face Your Fears, Be Resilient and Begin Again with Immigration Attorney Gina Diaz

Support is Sexy

In this inspiring episode of Support is Sexy, host Elayne Fluker speaks with Gina Diaz — immigration and real estate attorney, entrepreneur, cancer survivor, and advocate for women’s empowerment. From being deported twice as a child before finally settling in the U.S., to becoming a single mother at 19, to beating ovarian cancer in her early 30s, Gina’s journey is a testament to resilience and fearless reinvention. She opens up about the emotional toll of her experiences, the strength she found in her faith and family, and the power of choosing gratitude over self-pity. Now one of...

822: How to Overcome Complex Shame with Dr. Zoe Shaw

Support is Sexy

On this episode of the Support is Sexy podcast, I speak to my brilliant friend Dr. Zoe Shaw, author of the upcoming book—Stronger in the Difficult Places—about what she calls Complex Shame. Dr. Zoe defines Complex Shame as "a hidden emotional wound many women carry from childhood or relational trauma." Dr. Zoe Shaw is a licensed psychotherapist, motivational speaker, podcast host of Stronger In The Difficult Places, relationship coach and fitness fanatic. She is a mom to 5, and is passionate about helping women overcome complex shame and find strength in difficult relationships, including...

821: How to Deal with a Difficult Boss

Support is Sexy

As an executive coach, speaker and facilitator of leadership development workshops, I lean into my specialty around Soft Skills -- which are non-technical skills such as empathy, emotional intelligence, adaptability and resilience -- and teach on the topic in diffferent forums. One place I teach is as an instructor is on LinkedIn, where I have over 78,000 followers and where one of my courses on "How to Deal with a Difficult Boss" has surged to over 15,000 students in the past couple of weeks. I have lots of theories on why that surge is happening (long story short: folks are...

820: How to Network and Build Authentic Connections with WomenTech Network Founder Anna Radulovski

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Anna Radulovski is author of Chief in Tech: How Women Are Breaking the Silicon Ceiling and Leading with Impact and she is the Founder and CEO of WomenTech Network — a global community with 150,000 members across 179 countries. WomenTech Network provides mentorship, career development, and networking opportunities connecting women with industry leaders at top companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and IBM. Anna also hosts host the Women in Tech Global Conference and the Chief in Tech Summit, which is coming up on May 20, 2025. The summit brings together thousands of executives and...

819: So Now What? (And Other Questions During Mass Layoffs)

Support is Sexy

Laid off? Worried about being laid off? You are not alone! It's a tough time and we're all experiencing it together. In the first two months of 2025, approximately 221,812 Americans have lost their jobs—a 33% increase compared to the same period in 2024*. These losses are across every sector, from government jobs to the private sector, hitting us all hard. There are no easy answers on when it will end and improve. The uncertainty, the ever-changing workforce and the constant reorgs can lead to stress, anxiety, grief and the looming question: So now what? What should I be doing to prepare...

818: How to Become an Angel Investor and Do Good While Doing Well with Marcia Dawood

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Marcia Dawood is the author of Do Good While Doing Well and the host of The Angel Next Door Podcast, where she interviews angel investors and helps her listeners learn more how people got started investing in startup companies. Marcia holds investments in over 50 early-stage companies and funds, is a venture partner with and she's a member of , one of the largest angel groups in the US. On this episode of the Support is Sexy podcast, Marcia shares insights on what exactly an angel investor is, why it might be a way for you to support companies that share your values. Plus...

817: How to Leverage Your Growth Mindset During Uncertainty with Cole Baker-Bagwell

Support is Sexy

Uncertainty -- like change -- is constant. But during certain times in our lives, Growth Mindset Coach Cole Baker-Bagwell says it may be more pronounced. In this episode of the Support is Sexy podcast, Cole shares how tapping into a growth mindset allows you to be resilient, reinvent and remain open to the possibilities. Learn more about Cole Baker-Bagwell at

816: Welcome back! New season, new beginnings

Support is Sexy

After taking some time off and navigating many major life changes, I'm excited to be back and doing something I love! Hosting the Support is Sexy podcast and having conversations with incredible women around the world (while reminding you of the importance of embracing support in your life no matter how ambitious you are) is such a joy. I'm grateful to be back and back at it! Whether you're a new listener or you've been here since the beginning, thank you sincerely. More to come!

Express Yourself

Support is Sexy

Are you holding something back? Are you staying quiet when there's a part of you aching to speak up? I hope this lesson I recently received about self-expression encourages you to open up, use your voice and find your peace.

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Episode Summary:

In this episode of Support is Sexy, Elayne Fluker invites Dr. Adia Gooden, a licensed clinical psychologist who firmly believes that there is nothing wrong in asking for help, especially as a Black woman. Dr. Adia talks about how growing up with clinical psychologists as parents, and her love and interest for people inspired her to become one. Dr. Adia also discusses the importance of fighting the social stereotypes and removing the stigma towards asking for psychological help, how to find the therapist that suits your needs and engage in a good relationship with them, and how to have a healthy relationship with yourself and the people that surround you by establishing boundaries.

Adia Gooden

Dr. Adia Gooden is a licensed clinical psychologist, dynamic speaker, and trainer, who is passionate about cultivating unconditional self-worth in others. Dr. Adia has an independent clinical practice and runs a business focused on helping people connect with their unconditional self-worth. Dr. Adia formerly served as the Director of the Clinic and Community Programs at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, and a Staff Psychologist and the Coordinator for Multicultural Outreach and Support at The University of Chicago Student Counseling Service. Dr. Adia has spent more than a decade working with clients to embody mental wellness in their everyday lives and to engage boldly with the world. Dr. Adia received her bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and earned her Ph.D. in Clinical-Community Psychology from DePaul University in which she served for four years.

Insights from this Episode

What made Adia pursue a career in psychology
The connection between self-worth and the willingness to ask for psychological help
How social stereotypes impede black women from asking for help
How to find the right therapist as a black woman
The importance of paying attention to racial trauma as a psychologist
The importance of asking yourself questions before getting psychological help
Why engaging in a good relationship with your therapist is crucial
What are the different alternatives you might take if you can’t afford psychological help
Misconceptions about therapy
The importance of healthy boundaries