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Girl…Call Me with Tanya and Jessica is where real conversations happen. Unfiltered, heartfelt, and rooted in the shared experience of being Black women navigating a world that often misunderstands us. Born from those “girl, call me” moments when you just need someone who gets it, this podcast is a space for reflection, release, and reimagining what wellness, joy, and community mean.
Now in Season Four, Tanya and Jessica continue showing up with honesty and humor, tackling everything from impostor syndrome and stress to joy, boundaries, and building community in uncertain times. They delve into health, culture, identity, and the systems that shape our lives, while creating space for laughter, storytelling, and collective care.
Whether it’s a deep dive or a vent session, every episode is a reminder that you’re not alone and that we deserve to be well-supported and heard.
Episodes
7 days ago
7 days ago
1hr 10 min
What happens when we stop trying to outrun aging and start thinking about what it means to live fully in the bodies and lives we have?
This week, Tanya and Jessica are joined by award-winning author and former journalist Tamika Thompson for a wide-ranging conversation about storytelling, horror, aging, health, motherhood, rest and the power of knowing yourself.
Tamika shares how growing up in Detroit, her family’s Southern storytelling traditions, and experiences with violence shaped her work as a horror writer. The conversation moves from the stories we inherit to the ones we tell ourselves about getting older, including beauty standards, perimenopause, preventative health and why women are too often left to piece together what is happening in their own bodies.
They also talk about raising Black children with agency, finding connection in a world that often feels disconnected, and Tamika’s “Wellness Wednesday,” a practice that makes health, therapy, movement and even the bureaucracy of taking care of yourself a priority.
And perhaps the biggest reminder of the conversation: rest is not something we have to earn.
It’s a conversation about getting older, knowing yourself better, taking care of the body carrying you through it all, and becoming more fully who you are.
Women in Full.
***Connect with Tamika Thompson
**Enjoying the show? Buy us a coffee! Your support helps us keep the convo real, the mics on, and the vibes strong. https://coff.ee/podcastgirg
We invite you to become part of our community. If you have questions for our hosts or want to suggest a topic for the show, please email us at podcast.girlcallme@gmail.com
- Website: www.girlcallme.com
- Follow on Instagram: podcast.girlcallme
- Follow on Facebook: @girl.callmepodcast
- Join our YouTube Channel: @PodcastGirlCallMe
Aug 5, 2026
Aug 5, 2026
52 min
What does it look like to enter a season of greater intention?
Inspired by Oprah Winfrey’s reflection on the age when she finally felt grounded in herself, Tanya and Jessica talk about coming into your own, releasing the need to please everyone, and choosing what and who truly matters.
They explore the pressure to prove yourself, the fear of being judged when you celebrate your success, changing expectations in friendships, and the freedom that comes when you stop dragging people toward places they do not want to go.
Along the way, they introduce a new mantra: get to the clearing. Sometimes you have to keep moving through the fog, the uncertainty, and the uncomfortable seasons until you reach a place where you can breathe, see your options, and decide what comes next.
Plus, the highest-paid podcasters list, Black women being overlooked in podcasting, Leo season, Halle Berry turning 60, Barack Obama’s pop-pop jeans, and blessings for everyone married to a Leo.
**Enjoying the show? Buy us a coffee! Your support helps us keep the convo real, the mics on, and the vibes strong. https://coff.ee/podcastgirg
We invite you to become part of our community. If you have questions for our hosts or want to suggest a topic for the show, please email us at podcast.girlcallme@gmail.com
- Website: www.girlcallme.com
- Follow on Instagram: podcast.girlcallme
- Follow on Facebook: @girl.callmepodcast
- Join our YouTube Channel: @PodcastGirlCallMe
Jul 22, 2026
Jul 22, 2026
48 min
What would change if you stopped waiting for permission and gave it to yourself?
In Episode 80 of Girl… Call Me with Tanya and Jessica, we explore what it really means to choose yourself. From setting healthy boundaries and protecting your peace to navigating friendships, aging, mental health, and the expectations society places on women, this conversation is a reminder that self-permission isn't something someone else grants you, it's something you decide for yourself.
Along the way, we talk about why cold plunges have become part of Jessica's wellness routine, the role of journaling and voice notes in self-reflection, trusting your intuition, and learning to let go of relationships that no longer align with who you're becoming. We also reflect on Rihanna, taking up space unapologetically, and why saying "no" is often one of the most loving things you can do for yourself.
If you've been feeling stretched too thin, questioning your next chapter, or simply looking for permission to put yourself first, this episode is for you. We hope it reminds you that the life you're building begins the moment you stop waiting for someone else's approval.
**Enjoying the show? Buy us a coffee! Your support helps us keep the convo real, the mics on, and the vibes strong. https://coff.ee/podcastgirg
We invite you to become part of our community. If you have questions for our hosts or want to suggest a topic for the show, please email us at podcast.girlcallme@gmail.com
- Website: www.girlcallme.com
- Follow on Instagram: podcast.girlcallme
- Follow on Facebook: @girl.callmepodcast
- Join our YouTube Channel: @PodcastGirlCallMe
Jul 15, 2026
Jul 15, 2026
1hr 4 min
***** No new episode this week, but this conversation is too helpful not to revisit. If healthcare has ever left you frustrated or confused, this one’s for you.
We have all been there. A bill arrives that doesn't match the EOB. The prior authorization is stuck in limbo. Your doctor left the practice and now you have to start over. Healthcare is confusing by design, and most of us are navigating it without a map.
In this episode, Tanya and Jessica sit down with Gabriella Rodgers, a healthcare professional who works on the provider side, negotiating contracts between health systems and insurance companies. She breaks down how the system actually works, from how rates get set to why your bills sometimes don't add up, and what you can do about it.
They cover:
- HMO vs. PPO vs. value-based care, and how to actually choose what's right for you
- What an EOB is and why it matters when your bill arrives
- Prior authorizations, claim disputes, and how long they can really drag on
- The growing tension between insurance companies and health systems
- What value-based care means for patients (and why California is ahead)
- The doctor shortage and what it means for finding a primary care physician
- How to advocate for yourself when the system isn't working
Gabriella brings clarity, context, and a perspective most of us never get to hear. If you have ever felt lost in the healthcare maze, this episode is the one to share.
**Enjoying the show? Buy us a coffee! Your support helps us keep the convo real, the mics on, and the vibes strong. https://coff.ee/podcastgirg
We invite you to become part of our community. If you have questions for our hosts or want to suggest a topic for the show, please email us at podcast.girlcallme@gmail.com
- Website: www.girlcallme.com
- Follow on Instagram: podcast.girlcallme
- Follow on Facebook: @girl.callmepodcast
- Join our YouTube Channel: @PodcastGirlCallMe
Jul 8, 2026
Jul 8, 2026
44 min
This week on Girl... Call Me with Tanya and Jessica, it's time for The Culture Check.
From Wimbledon to Beyoncé, Black love to sisterhood, we're catching up on the stories that had us talking all week. We share our thoughts on Black women winning on and off the court, the next generation of tennis stars including Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka, the lasting impact of Serena Williams, and why representation continues to matter.
We also dive into Black love in pop culture, Essence Festival, Beyoncé's latest release, and the moments that made us laugh, reflect, and celebrate. Along the way, we talk about community, privilege, resilience, and the power of showing up for one another.
If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about Black culture, women's sports, current events, entertainment, and the stories shaping our communities, you'll feel right at home here.
Subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with someone who loves a good conversation.
**Enjoying the show? Buy us a coffee! Your support helps us keep the convo real, the mics on, and the vibes strong. https://coff.ee/podcastgirg
We invite you to become part of our community. If you have questions for our hosts or want to suggest a topic for the show, please email us at podcast.girlcallme@gmail.com
- Website: www.girlcallme.com
- Follow on Instagram: podcast.girlcallme
- Follow on Facebook: @girl.callmepodcast
- Join our YouTube Channel: @PodcastGirlCallMe
Jul 1, 2026
Jul 1, 2026
1hr
This week, Tanya and Jessica challenge each other to do something we don't do enough: listen to voices outside our own bubble.
What started as a podcast challenge leads to an honest conversation about men's health, prostate cancer awareness, pancreatic cancer, aging, identity, and why hearing perspectives different from our own can make us more informed and more compassionate.
Along the way, they discuss Jennifer Lewis' unforgettable conversation with Keke Palmer, Nia Long's thoughts on the word "auntie," the excitement of the World Cup, and the importance of advocating for yourself and the people you love.
Sometimes the conversations that stretch us are the ones we need most.
Listen in, then tell us: What's one podcast, book, or voice that helped you see the world differently?
**Enjoying the show? Buy us a coffee! Your support helps us keep the convo real, the mics on, and the vibes strong. https://coff.ee/podcastgirg
We invite you to become part of our community. If you have questions for our hosts or want to suggest a topic for the show, please email us at podcast.girlcallme@gmail.com
- Website: www.girlcallme.com
- Follow on Instagram: podcast.girlcallme
- Follow on Facebook: @girl.callmepodcast
- Join our YouTube Channel: @PodcastGirlCallMe
Jun 24, 2026
Jun 24, 2026
46 min
***** We’re bringing back this episode because the conversation hasn’t slowed down, it’s accelerated. If anything, the topics we covered are even more important now.
Most of us underestimate how deeply AI is already woven into everyday life, from social media feeds and Netflix recommendations to healthcare decisions with real consequences. But when does a helpful tool become an intrusive threat?
In this episode, Jessica and Tanya unpack the risks and benefits of AI, from biased facial recognition to health data gaps that impact communities of color. They explore how AI shapes what we see, how we are tracked, and how accurately we are diagnosed.
You will hear about how AI is used in law enforcement, the tension between innovation and privacy, and practical ways to use AI as a thought partner without giving up control of your data or identity.
AI is already here. The real question is whether you are steering the wheel or just riding along.
**Enjoying the show? Buy us a coffee! Your support helps us keep the convo real, the mics on, and the vibes strong. https://coff.ee/podcastgirg
We invite you to become part of our community. If you have questions for our hosts or want to suggest a topic for the show, please email us at podcast.girlcallme@gmail.com
- Website: www.girlcallme.com
- Follow on Instagram: podcast.girlcallme
- Follow on Facebook: @girl.callmepodcast
- Join our YouTube Channel: @PodcastGirlCallMe
Jun 17, 2026
Jun 17, 2026
44 min
This week, Tanya returns from San Miguel de Allende with a bruised knee, a sore hip, and a few hard-earned lessons after officially joining the city's unofficial club of "fallen ladies." Meanwhile, Jessica shares how AI unexpectedly became her personal stylist, leading to a conversation about confidence, style, and reinventing yourself.
The conversation moves from Mexico to the FIFA Club World Cup, where the arrival fits, international pride, and global community have Tanya and Jessica cheering for everyone. They reflect on Haiti's return to the world stage, the joy of seeing people celebrate their cultures, and why sports still have the power to bring people together. They also celebrate a long-awaited New York Knicks championship, proving that sometimes loyalty really does pay off.
Plus, Juneteenth traditions, the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, Pride Month celebrations, and this week's Shine Sis Shine.
As always, it's friendship, laughter, culture, and a few unexpected detours along the way.
**Enjoying the show? Buy us a coffee! Your support helps us keep the convo real, the mics on, and the vibes strong. https://coff.ee/podcastgirg
We invite you to become part of our community. If you have questions for our hosts or want to suggest a topic for the show, please email us at podcast.girlcallme@gmail.com
- Website: www.girlcallme.com
- Follow on Instagram: podcast.girlcallme
- Follow on Facebook: @girl.callmepodcast
- Join our YouTube Channel: @PodcastGirlCallMe
Jessica your co-host
A genuine communicator is at the heart of every profound conversation, and Jessica exemplifies this essence. A seasoned communications strategist, Jessica's commitment to her craft is only paralleled by her dedication to meaningful causes. Throughout her two-decade-long career, Jessica has been a steadfast ally to numerous organizations across diverse sectors. Her involvement spans from public media and housing to pressing healthcare issues, disease advocacy, and the crucial domains of membership associations, community development, and early childhood education.
Jessica's reputation precedes her as a changemaker—a visionary who doesn't just conceptualize strategies but transforms them into actionable realities. Her unique ability to harness and optimize talent has seen organizations transition from mere aspirations to tangible accomplishments. The recipe for success is straightforward for Jessica: a robust strategy underpinned by an exceptional team.
Currently residing on the West Coast in Los Angeles, Jessica embraces new experiences alongside her husband, always seeking the next opportunity to make a difference and inspire others. Join her on the "Girl...Call Me" podcast as she, alongside her esteemed co-host, delves deep into the multifaceted realm of Black women's health and addresses their everyday challenges with grace, insight, and unwavering commitment.
Tanya your co-host
Beyond her role as a podcast co-host, Tanya's life is a testament to resilience, leadership, and profound expertise.
Tanya's professional journey spans over two decades, marking her as a seasoned fundraiser and event strategist of the highest order. Her transformative impact resonates across multi-million-dollar organizations, where she has been instrumental in reshaping culture, programs, and financial trajectories.
Her expansive leadership canvas encompasses strategic planning, program development, and fundraising. Her prowess in metrics-based performance outcomes, partnership development, and event planning is matched only by her acumen in marketing, public relations, board leadership, and compliance in nonprofit and for-profit realms.
Tanya resides outside Los Angeles with two fur babies and her wife, Jennifer.
On the "Girl…Call Me" podcast, Tanya will intertwine her professional acumen with her heartfelt passion for advocacy. Diving deep into the intricacies of Black women's health and challenges, Tanya Johnson is a connector channeling her knowledge, empathy, and advocacy. Through her conversations, Tanya invites listeners to embrace and understand the nuanced experiences of Black women, fostering a space of learning, reflection, and solidarity.