How Podcasting Became a Healing Space for One Black Woman in Iowa

Why storytelling, journaling, and solo episodes are more than content—they’re mental health tools.

“I just turned 39, and I’m still learning how to feel seen.”

That’s what Emili Johnson, host of Black Girl Iowa, shared during a recent episode of Coffee Can’t Fix Everything. Her words speak to something deeper than content creation or social media visibility—they speak to what it means to reclaim your story, your voice, and your healing.

In a world where we’re often encouraged to speak out, it’s still not easy for many Black women to feel heard.

Mental Health Meets the Mic

Podcasting might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about mental health resources, but for Emili, it became a lifeline. After years of feeling like she had to “white-knuckle” her way through life—managing anxiety, depression, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder—Emili started journaling, went back to therapy, and finally picked up the mic.

And it wasn’t just for others. It was for herself.

“I always knew I had something to say,” she explained. “I just didn’t know how.”

That all changed after a moment of frustration during a conference, when a well-meaning question about “all women” derailed what was supposed to be a space for Black women’s stories. Emili went home, fired up her laptop, and started researching how to launch a podcast. That same week, Black Girl Iowa was born.

From Isolation to Introspection

Many people assume podcasting is just talking into a mic—but for solo podcasters like Emili, it’s therapy, storytelling, community-building, and healing all at once.

“Every episode took about two hours,” she said. “From scheduling, recording, editing, creating social content—it was a lot.”

Still, Emili found strength in that process. Whether she was journaling in her car or recording voice memos about creative ideas, the act of documenting her journey helped her feel more grounded.

She learned that mental health isn’t just about medication or therapy (though she values both); it’s about finding a rhythm that helps you make sense of your life. And for her, that meant slowing down, creating solo episodes, and honoring her voice.

Why Your Voice Deserves Space

Too often, especially for Black women in majority-white spaces like Iowa, storytelling becomes either an act of resistance or a form of survival.

“I felt like the only place I could be myself growing up was in my room,” Emili said. “Even at school, I felt like I had to be smarter, faster, stronger just to prove I belonged.”

Now, she’s choosing a different path—one rooted in reflection, intention, and sustainability.

She ended her podcast season early not because she quit, but because she learned when to pause. That boundary? That’s growth.

Real Talk: What You Can Do

• Start journaling—It doesn’t have to be fancy. Use your phone, a napkin, whatever you have. Just start.
• Tell your story—Even if it’s just for you. Even if it’s voice notes you never share.
• Take breaks—Rest is part of the work. Burnout isn’t proof of commitment.
• Ask your elders questions—About their life, their fight, their strategies. Learn from their survival and their joy.
• Build for you, not the algorithm—Your story matters even if no one "likes" it.

Final Thought

“There’s always a million reasons not to do something. But it only takes one reason to start.”

That’s the advice Emili gave at the end of the episode, quoting The Office, of all things. It’s a simple reminder that your voice is valid. You don’t need permission to begin. And starting small is still starting.

If this resonated with you, take a moment today to write down what’s been living in your head. One sentence. One page. One voice memo.

Start there.

🗣️ Let’s keep the conversation going. What’s your reason to start? Drop a comment, share this with a friend, or tag us on social.

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