From New Year “resolutions” that last two days to unpacking emotional clutter, shopping habits, control, and the fear of slowing down, we explore what it means to grow older, wiser, and more self-aware—without pretending it’s easy. The conversation moves through themes of productivity, grief, identity shifts, motherhood wounds, friendships changing with life stages, and the realization that many of us were surviving long before we ever learned how to be present.

In the Tap In or Tap Out? segment, we speak to a listener navigating guilt, shame, and fear around leaving relationships, setting boundaries, and choosing themselves.

The gem: It’s never too late to change, heal, forgive, and reinvent who you are.

Tap in.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:56 New Year's Reflections

03:23 Setting Intentional Goals

04:20 The 12-Week Year Explained

09:50 Challenges of Perimenopause

11:29 Moving and Decluttering

24:43 Aging and Memory

30:43 Navigating Identity/Self-Discovery

31:15 Breaking Free from the Hamster Wheel

31:29 Exploring New Hobbies and Interests

34:09 Adapting to Life Changes and Friendships

38:21 Aging and Health Concerns

44:01 Planning for the Future

52:22 Tap In or Tap Out!? Moving Forward and Self-Forgiveness

01:00:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Hosts: Dr. Tiffany Darby, Dr. Tiffany Monroe-Hurd, Dr. Tiffany Hairston

tapinwithtiffany@gmail.com

Produced By: Lumen Vision Sound

www.lumen-vision-sound.com/podcasts

We open up with a catch-up on life, exhaustion, and transitions—moving homes, shifting work dynamics, and the realities of being high-achieving Black women who are still BLACKITY BLACK! This leads to a deeper conversation about identity, education, and the stereotypes placed on Black professionals, particularly around PhDs, power dynamics, and ego.

From there, we turn toward reflection and end-of-year evaluation. We examine what it means to “move softer,” questioning whether rest, boundaries, and doing less truly feel safe when control has long been tied to our survival. High pain tolerance, overfunctioning, and constant productivity can disguise emotional numbness—and that numbness often keeps people trapped in cycles that look productive but feel empty.

The metaphor of the hamster wheel becomes central: getting off briefly for rest, self-care, or vacations, but always jumping back on without fundamentally changing the cage itself. The conversation challenges us to consider whether we are truly choosing ourselves—or simply managing burnout while avoiding bigger, scarier changes.

In Tap In or Tap Out?, a listener asks how to grieve a living parent—specifically a mother who is emotionally unavailable, self-centered, and resistant to accountability. We discuss grief, reparenting, unrealistic expectations, boundaries, and the painful but necessary process of removing titles in order to see relationships clearly. Choosing peace does not mean carrying hatred, but it may mean accepting who someone is—and deciding how much access they get to you.

Change is inevitable, resilience is learned, and community support is essential. Growth doesn’t come from staying comfortable—it comes from stepping into the unknown, trusting yourself, and allowing life to move you forward.

Tap in.

00:00 Introduction and Catch-Up
02:30 Life Changes, Exhaustion, and Reflection
05:45 Black Identity, PhDs, and Stereotypes
10:12 Ego, Power Dynamics, and Dating with Advanced Degrees
14:20 Control, Softness, and Safety
18:45 Letting Go, Fixing, and Overfunctioning
24:30 What “Soft Life” Actually Means
29:10 Work, Money, and the Pressure to Grind
34:55 The Hamster Wheel Metaphor
40:15 Comfort vs Growth
45:10 Pain Tolerance, Numbness, and Resilience
51:20 Faith, Change, and Trusting the Unknown
55:00 Tap In or Tap Out?: Grieving a Living Parent
01:03:00 Reparenting, Boundaries, and Choosing Peace
01:10:30 Final Reflections and Closing

Hosts: Dr. Tiffany Darby, Dr. Tiffany Monroe-Hurd, Dr. Tiffany Hairston

tapinwithtiffany@gmail.com

Produced By: Lumen Vision Sound

www.lumen-vision-sound.com/podcasts

We kick things off with a wild story about football moms fighting in the stands—sparking a bigger conversation about conflict, communication, and why some people throw hands while others just don’t care enough to fight.

From there, we dive deep into sex and sexuality. We unpack the Madonna complex, shifting sex drives in long-term relationships, and the need for open dialogue about fantasies and kinks. We also call out the stigma men face when exploring sexual fluidity or non-traditional interests, and challenge the double standards that continue to police women’s sexuality.

This week’s Tap in or Tap Out? segment features a listener question about perimenopause. We share insights on symptoms, the importance of finding a knowledgeable OB/GYN—especially one attuned to Black women’s health experiences—and ways to manage changes through hormone therapy, nutrition, and community support. We close with a reminder that communication and openness are key to navigating both relationships and life transitions.

Tap in Ya'll!

Hosts: Dr. Tiffany Darby, Dr. Tiffany Monroe-Hurd, Dr. Tiffany Hairston

tapinwithtiffany@gmail.com

Produced By: Lumen Vision Sound

www.lumen-vision-sound.com/podcasts

Dr. Welch discusses her path from community counseling to counselor education, her unexpected entry into leadership, and the challenges she faced as a young, Black woman in academia. She reflects on the importance of representation and the impact of being a role model for students.

We also discuss the importance of setting boundaries, staying grounded, and being loyal—but not to a fault..learning to move on when situations no longer serve you.

This week’s Tap in or Tap Out? segment features a listener question about work-life balance, emphasizing the importance of scheduling rest, defining personal self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support from your community.

Advice for Listeners:

Stay grounded and know your "north star."

Surround yourself with honest, supportive people.

Set boundaries and schedule self-care.

Don’t be afraid to outsource tasks to make life easier.

*Remember: jobs can replace you, so prioritize your well-being.*

Metoka L. Welch is a seasoned higher-ed leader who’s spent 20 years building inclusive, learner-centered institutions. With deep expertise in accreditation, academic strategy, and experiential teaching, she’s known for shaping policies that stick and collaborations that matter. Whether in conference rooms or the classroom, Metoka brings heart, vision, and a fierce commitment to equity.

Follow more of Dr. Metoka Welch here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metokafitness?igsh=Ympoa3lkcTRtaGZx

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/metoka-l-welch-phd-lcmhc-1596bb96?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Intro

01:02 Guest Intro - Dr. Metoka Welch

02:18 Career Path & Leadership Journey

05:02 Transition into Leadership Role

11:09 Career Challenges & Identity

36:09 Personal Practices & Staying Grounded

38:58 Dream Dinner Guest - Maya Angelou

44:53 Key Takeaways & Never Give Up

48:37 Tap in or Tap Out? Work-Life Balance

55:40 Closing Thoughts & Goodbye

Hosts: Dr. Tiffany Darby, Dr. Tiffany Monroe-Hurd, Dr. Tiffany Hairston

tapinwithtiffany@gmail.com

Produced By: Lumen Vision Sound

www.lumen-vision-sound.com/podcasts

We break down the fine line between respect and disrespect, and how misunderstandings around the two can lead to real conflict. We talk about the importance of open communication, setting and honoring boundaries, and how gender roles, masculinity, and our upbringing shape our definition of respect.

This week’s Tap in or Tap Out? segment features a listener trying to find themselves again after a tough breakup. We share our thoughts on self-discovery, healing, and stepping into the next chapter with confidence.

Tap in!

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:00 Season Update and Summer Plans

03:14 Respect vs. Disrespect in Relationships

04:39 Subjectivity of Respect

09:56 Respect in Familial and Romantic Relationships

18:05 Boundaries and Respect

27:50 Communication in Relationships

28:10 Understanding Double Standards

29:31 Defining Disrespect

31:55 Insecurity and Disrespect

41:37 The Importance of Integrity

42:22 Toxic Relationships

47:26 Tap in or Tap Out?: Starting Over After a Breakup

53:31 Conclusion and Farewell

Hosts: Dr. Tiffany Darby, Dr. Tiffany Monroe-Hurd, Dr. Tiffany Hairston

tapinwithtiffany@gmail.com

Produced By: Lumen Vision Sound

www.lumen-vision-sound.com/podcasts

Welcoming our first ever guest Dr. Roseina Britton to the podcast! Fun and light-hearted, while deeply centered, Dr. Britton gives us a lot of gems in this conversation. She shares her journey through personal loss, challenges in achieving licensure, and her dedication to healing and empowerment. Also gives us the recipe of her self-care rituals, the importance of mentorship, and breaking societal norms around sexuality. Tap in!

Dr. Roseina Britton is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a strong academic foundation and a passion for advocacy and education. She earned her BA and MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North Carolina A&T State University and completed her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Iowa. Dr. Britton has contributed to the field through publications in textbooks and peer-reviewed journals and has presented at national and regional conferences on topics including sexual health, sex positivity, and HIV awareness and stigma.

Follow more of Dr. Roseina Britton here:

https://www.serenityhealingcc.com/

https://thedsmpodcast.podbean.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dr.b_shawty/

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Tap In with Tiffany

01:03 Meet Dr. Roseina Britton

01:48 The DSM Podcast and Other Ventures

03:59 Passion for HIV Awareness

05:43 Sexuality and Societal Norms

12:24 Rosei's Personal Journey with HIV

19:00 Challenges in the Path to Licensure

28:55 Affirmations and Self-Pep Talks

29:52 Questioning Career Choices

30:24 Advice and Mentorship

31:32 The Importance of Rest and Relaxation

32:23 Misconceptions and Personal Life

45:03 Bucket Lists and Risk-Taking

52:35 Final Thoughts

Hosts: Dr. Tiffany Darby, Dr. Tiffany Monroe-Hurd, Dr. Tiffany Hairston

tapinwithtiffany@gmail.com

Produced By: Lumen Vision Sound

www.lumen-vision-sound.com/podcasts

Welcome to Warm Girl Summer! We are discussing recent travels to Costa Rica and Antigua, sharing highlights and the dynamics of group travel. We give our two cents on dating, the complexities of modern relationships, and the importance of maintaining one's peace, even if it means facing challenges in a partnership. Lastly, we touch upon empathy in relationships, the challenges of setting boundaries, and the impact of societal and political climates on dating.

This week's 'Tap in or Tap Out?' segment addresses a listener's question on solo traveling, suggesting safe and enjoyable destinations.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer

01:03 Weather and Travel Plans

01:28 Travel Experiences: Costa Rica and Antigua

02:38 Upcoming Trips and Group Travel Dynamics

12:00 Warm Girl Summer

13:29 Dating and Relationships in Today's Climate

21:18 Therapists' Perspective on Relationships

23:33 Setting Boundaries in Relationships

24:12 High Pain Tolerance and Its Consequences

25:10 Learned Behaviors and Sacrifices

26:43 The Struggles of Keeping Peace

30:06 Financial Constraints in Relationships

34:02 Therapists' Perspective on Change

35:27 Evaluating Relationship Dynamics

37:38 The Fear of the Unknown

39:36 The Importance of Girlfriends

40:47 Exploring Polyamory and Cheating

42:49 Finding Your Peace

43:26 Tap In or Tap Out?: Solo Travel Tips

Hosts: Dr. Tiffany Darby, Dr. Tiffany Monroe-Hurd, Dr. Tiffany Hairston

tapinwithtiffany@gmail.com

Produced By: Lumen Vision Sound

www.lumen-vision-sound.com/podcasts

In this episode, we explore importance of sisterhood, specifically sororities, and the benefit of hard work, showing up, community service, plus addressing competition and balancing personal pride with humility within these organizations. At the end of the day, a sorority is not for everybody, and you gotta put the work in to reap the rewards.

This week's 'Tap in or Tap Out?' segment features a listener asking about bonding with their first child (thats still in the womb) and how to be a supportive partner, pre, during, and post birth.

Tap in!

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:20 Discussing Sisterhood and Sororities

02:52 Personal Experiences with Sororities

08:55 Challenges and Misconceptions

15:41 The Importance of Community and Service

41:11 Listener Question: Parenting Tips

51:34 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:20 Discussing Sisterhood and Sororities

02:52 Personal Experiences with Sororities

05:52 Challenges and Misconceptions

08:28 The Importance of Community and Support

41:11 Tap in or Tap Out?: Bonding with Your Baby

42:39 Parenting Tips and Advice

51:34 Closing Remarks

Hosts: Dr. Tiffany Darby, Dr. Tiffany Monroe-Hurd, Dr. Tiffany Hairston

tapinwithtiffany@gmail.com

Produced By: Lumen Vision Sound

www.lumen-vision-sound.com/podcasts