Grief isn’t just about death, it’s every loss we were never given the language for. In this episode, the three of us get real about the messy, unfiltered versions of grief: when your identity shifts, when relationships fall apart, when your stability cracks, and when the dreams you swore you’d grow into quietly fade out. We talk about how grief shows up in the body; the exhaustion, the irritability, the brain fog, and why your body holds on to what your mind keeps trying to outrun.

We sit with the truth that grief is a teacher. It’s an alchemist. It will break you open, build your empathy, tighten your boundaries, and force you to live like tomorrow isn’t promised, because it isn’t.

And we dig into what real support looks like: presence over fixing, listening over rescuing, courage over comfort. We talk about how acknowledgment isn’t the same as acceptance, and why so much of what people call “stress” right now is really collective grief that nobody wants to name.

Understanding ACEs — What Your Childhood Still Tells You Today

In this episode, we break down Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how the things you lived through before age 18 might still be shaping your health, decisions, and relationships today. We get real about the impact of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, why ACE scores matter, and how hyper-independence shows up as a trauma response. We also talk about how today’s stressors — like job loss, instability, and shutdowns — are creating new ACEs for our kids right now.

You’ll learn the protective factors that actually help adults heal: asking for help even when you don’t want to, doing the uncomfortable self-assessment work, and making your home safer and more trauma-informed during high-stress seasons. I also share my plan to launch a simple ACEs assessment app so listeners can take the 10-question tool and instantly access trauma-informed resources.

We close by previewing next week’s episode on grief, where Nicole dives into non-traditional losses and the real difference between acknowledging and accepting a loss.

Keywords: ACEs, Adverse Childhood Experiences, trauma-informed care, hyper-independence, generational trauma, grief, healing journey, mental health podcast, resilience, trauma recovery, protective factors

In this second installment of The Queen’s Court, we explore how hardships are being met with heart-centered leadership and collective action. With the current SNAP crisis and government shutdown driving families into food insecurity, we dive into how everyday people are organizing to provide power, purpose, and provision in their communities.
You’ll hear how federal shutdowns are forcing workers and children to choose between meals and bills, and how women-led networks are stepping in with food gardens, skill-sharing, resource guides and mutual-aid systems to bridge the gap.

What You’ll Get From This Episode:

• Clear insights into how the SNAP crisis is unfolding, and the ripple effects on families, schools and communities.

• Real-world examples of community-led solutions: neighborhood food gardens, skill-share networks, support groups and tech tools to serve vulnerable neighbors.

• Action steps you can take today: share your skills, make a resource guide, volunteer, donate and organize locally.

Resources to Get Started:

• Find a food bank near you: Feeding America — Find Your Local Food Bank Feeding America+2Feeding America+2

• National list of food banks by state: USFoodBanks.com usfoodbanks.com

• Food assistance resources for patients and families: PAN Foundation — Food Assistance Resources PAN Foundation

The Queens' Court Miniseries: Fortifying the Village in Uncertain Times

After more than a year away from the mic, Michelle, Keisha, and Nicole return with a raw, unfiltered conversations about what it means to protect your peace, strengthen your village, and stay grounded in a world that feels increasingly unstable.

This reintroduction episode of Queens Court dives deep into three essential pillars for this season:

• Advocacy & Community (Michelle) – how to rebel wisely, safeguard your family, and navigate systems designed to silence you.

• Mental Health & Healing (Keisha) – the real impact of stress, ACEs, and internalized trauma, and how to recognize when you need help.

• Emotional Intelligence & Empathy (Nicole) – why compassion is a power move, not a weakness, and how grounded awareness can protect your peace.

The Queens get honest about personal growth, spiraling moments, and what it looks like to stay emotionally regulated while navigating psychological warfare, social unrest, and survival fatigue in the Black community.

From On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder to lessons on boundaries, rebellion, and staying human in the face of chaos—this episode is part therapy session, part wake-up call, and part survival guide.

Takeaways:

• Why self-awareness is your best defense in times of uncertainty

• The importance of grounding, meditation, and spiritual balance

• How to protect your digital footprint and your identity in the current climate

💡 If you’ve been feeling disconnected, disheartened, or on edge—this is your reminder: you are not alone, and you are not powerless.

Here is a draft podcast description thanking listeners and signing off:

After over 100 episodes and 4 incredible years, the time has come to bring the Wonderland - Beyond The Looking Glass podcast to a close, at least for now.

When we started this podcast back in 2020, we never imagined the community and conversations it would create. We set out to have balanced talks, share some laughs, and impart relationship lessons, but it turned into so much more.

The open and thoughtful dialogue in each episode encouraged vulnerability, reflection, and growth not just for us, but for thousands of you listeners as well. Many of you have reached out over the years to share how an episode or concept profoundly shifted your perspective or improved your relationships. Know that you all have also left an indelible mark on us.

We are so grateful for every like, subscribe, review, and message. Thank you for welcoming us into your lives through your earbuds each week - it has been an honor. The connections, understandings, and wisdom forged here will stay with us well beyond this farewell.

While we may be signing off for now, remember that each ending opens the door for new beginnings. We hope you’ll carry the lessons from Wonderland with you moving forward and pay them forward. Perhaps our paths will cross again down the rabbit hole someday soon.

Until then, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you, and may you always be the main character in your story!

Have you ever felt the sting of betrayal erode your trust and cast a shadow over your relationships? You're not alone. Betrayal trauma can leave deep wounds, impacting our ability to connect and build relationships.

Join us as we delve into the complex dynamics at play, explore practical tools for healing, and offer real-life stories of resilience and growth. We talk about:

• How betrayal trauma impacts relationships
• Strategies for rebuilding trust and intimacy
• Tips for navigating triggers and communication breakdowns
• The power of self-compassion and forgiveness

Whether you're still reeling from a fresh betrayal or seeking to heal from past experiences, Come join the conversation and explore, learn, and grow.

Having “the talk” to determine if you and your potential partner are on the same page about relationship hopes, expectations, and boundaries is crucial, yet often awkward. When is the optimal time to initiate this critical conversation before assumptions derail a promising connection’s growth?

This episode discusses how defining the relationship too hastily can activate avoidant behaviors. However, clear communication early on alleviates ambiguity about needs and compatibility.

This episode offers guidance on broaching topics like time spent together, integrating with friend groups, social media habits, expressions of intimacy, future goals, and unusual deal breakers.

While no magic formula exists, typically these talks happen once mutual care is established but before attachments form. Your unique pace and priorities should drive timing. We hope to provide advice on framing discussions in constructive ways that honor each person’s expectations.

Do you ever feel like new relationships accelerate from 0 to 60 before you even put on your seatbelt? One minute you’re in “just talking” territory, the next there’s a toothbrush at their place and they’re booked to meet your family at Christmas. Or does the pacing drag like molasses, plagued by ambiguity, hesitation and walls up high?

What defines healthy pacing when you’re getting to know someone new? How can you even tell in those critical early stages if this thing has the velocity to go the distance or will inevitably run out of fuel...or worse, crash and burn?

In this episode, we’re talking about the speed of new relationships. We’ll map the major milestones, discuss red and green flags for alignment potential, and teach you how to pump the brakes or hit the gas according to your own needs and compatibility. Relationships falter when we silence our authentic voices, so make sure you are using yours. Only you can dictate the right speed limits for your journey. Let’s make sure you end up safely at your desired destination.