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Welcome to ”The Black Woman’s Stress Solution,” the podcast for ambitious black women who are navigating the complexities of success while striving for balance and well-being in their lives. Brig Johnson, your host and go-to coach for stress management, brings you insights, strategies, tools and a little bit of neurobiology to master mindfulness, self-improvement, confidence, and personal growth. With Brig’s guidance, you’ll learn how to become unstuck and manage stress effectively while pursuing your goals and dreams to create your EPIC shit. Each week Brig dives deep into the world of self-care, mindset shifts, and empowerment strategies tailored specifically for Black women in business and leadership roles. With a focus on self-awareness, confidence-building, and goal-setting, this podcast provides the tools and guidance needed to navigate the challenges of work, health, relationships, and modern life with grace and resilience. Whether you’re an experienced women boss or just starting your journey of self-discovery, this podcast is your go-to resource for becoming the empowered, confident woman you were meant to be. Brig addresses common questions and challenges faced by high-achieving black women, offering practical advice and actionable steps to help you unlearn and unleash to live a more balanced and fulfilling life. Examples of these questions are: *How can Black women effectively manage stress while juggling multiple responsibilities? *What are some mindfulness techniques specifically tailored for Black women? *How can Black women develop a positive mindset in the face of challenges and setbacks? *What strategies can Black women employ to boost self-confidence and self-esteem? *How can Black women set achievable goals for personal and professional growth? *What are some practical self-care practices that Black women can incorporate into their daily routines? *How can Black women navigate imposter syndrome and overcome feelings of inadequacy? *What role does self-love play in stress management and personal empowerment for Black women? *How can Black women overcome barriers to seeking help and support for their mental health? *What are some effective techniques for boundary-setting and prioritizing self-care in a demanding work environment? *How can Black women cultivate resilience and bounce back from triggers stronger than before? *What resources are available for Black women seeking mentorship, coaching, or community support? *How can Black women leverage their unique experiences societal bullshit and perspectives to excel in their careers and personal lives? *What are some common misconceptions about stress management and self-improvement for Black women, and how can they be addressed? *How can Black women balance ambition and self-care to achieve sustainable success and fulfillment? * How can Black women become unstoppable and unf*ckwithable being their absolute best self…no matter what the situation—not allowing outside things to impact how they think and feel about themselves, what they do, or how they show up in the world? *Health and relationships and societal bullshit that create stress for black women *Why stress is the biggest block to your confidence, keeping you stuck. *Why is creating safety one of the first things we must address as black women? *Why is stress hindering the growth of our relationships? Subscribe to ”The Black Woman’s Stress Solution” today and embark on a journey of empowerment, resilience, and growth. Visit https://brigjohnson.com/ to learn more about Brig Johnson and her coaching services.
Episodes

5 days ago
5 days ago
High-achieving Black women aren’t stuck because we’re doing it wrong—we’re stuck because we’ve been conditioned to survive, not to thrive.
In this episode, I get real about why I burned down all my coaching offers. I share the moment that changed everything, what I discovered underneath all the mindset work, and why I’m no longer coaching around the edges of the wound.
What we often call procrastination, self-sabotage, or burnout?
It’s not a personal flaw.
It’s your nervous system doing what it was built to do: protect you.
When I finally gave myself permission to stop performing and start feeling safe, I unlocked a deeper capacity—to rest without guilt, to dream without fear, and to stop abandoning myself just to be accepted.
This is what the UNKAGED Revolution is all about:
Helping high-performing women like us recalibrate our nervous systems, reclaim our voice, and rise from survival into sovereignty.
If you’re tired of shrinking, proving, or managing stress with hacks that don’t heal—this episode is for you.
You don’t need more discipline.
You don’t need to fix yourself.
You need safety.
You need softness.
You need a nervous system that finally feels free.
The revolution begins with you.
RESOURCES
✉️ Want to share your thoughts or breakthroughs? Write me at brig@brigjohnson.com
STAY CONNECTED —

Monday May 26, 2025
EP 232 Redefining Recovery: The Radical Self-Care Black Women Deserve
Monday May 26, 2025
Monday May 26, 2025
We’ve been taught to push through. To hold it all. To never drop the ball.
But what if the reason we feel like we’re breaking… is because no one ever taught us to recover?
In this episode, I’m finally unpacking the radical concept that changed my life:
💥 Recovery is not rest. It’s reclamation.
Reclaiming your time.
Your energy.
Your breath.
Your baseline.
We dive deep into why recovery is the missing skill set for high-achieving Black and Brown women—and how without it, we’re stuck in cycles of burnout, overperformance, and silence.
You’re not broken.
You’re under-recovered.
Let’s change that.
🎧 Tap the link in bio to listen.
💫 Then take a moment to breathe before you perform.
That’s where the revolution begins.
STAY CONNECTED

Monday May 19, 2025
EP 231 Which KAGE Are You Living In? (The 4 Stress Archetypes + Quiz Reveal)
Monday May 19, 2025
Monday May 19, 2025
A lot of many high-achieving women are stuck in cycles that feel personal—but are actually patterns of survival. Overgiving, overworking, staying quiet, or doing it all alone… these aren’t just habits. They’re adaptations.
In this episode, I finally introduce something I’ve been working on for a while: the Uncaged Stress Impact Assessment—a powerful quiz to help you uncover which stress archetype has been running your life.
I walk you through the 4 KAGE types:
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The Fixer
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The Overachiever
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The Self-Silencer
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The Soloist
These aren’t personality traits. They’re survival patterns rooted in stress. And when we name them, we begin to reclaim ourselves.
I created this because I needed it myself—and I know you do too. Because you’re not broken. You’ve just been adapting. And now it’s time to break the cage.
🔍 What This Episode Covers:
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What the 4 KAGE stress archetypes are and how they form
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Why naming your pattern is the first step toward healing
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How stress hijacks your nervous system and rewires your behavior
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Why rest isn’t a reward—it’s your right
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How to take the quiz and start your recovery journey
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A journaling prompt to notice your cage in motion this week
💥 Ready to Break the Cage?
Take the Uncaged Stress Impact Assessment to discover your dominant stress archetype and listen to the exclusive private podcast episode that goes with your result.
Tag me on IG after you take the quiz—I want to hear what showed up for you.
And don’t forget: the work doesn’t stop with awareness. If you're ready to recover, not just cope, my 1:1 coaching is where the deep transformation happens.
RESOURCES
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💭 Want to share your thoughts or breakthroughs? Email me at brig@brigjohnson.com
STAY CONNECTED

Monday May 12, 2025
EP 230 It's NOT Sabatoge It's your Nervous System
Monday May 12, 2025
Monday May 12, 2025
Too many times, I see high-achieving women of color stuck in cycles of overgiving, over-performing, and people-pleasing—not because we’re broken, but because we’re in survival mode. In this episode, I get personal. I share what cracked open for me, why I broke down on mic, and how that moment brought radical clarity: what we call self-sabotage is often just our nervous system doing its job.
When I learned to feel safe in my body, I unlocked a deeper freedom—to dream boldly, to rest without guilt, to stop proving, and to finally trust myself again.
This is the core of what I teach inside the UNKAGED Revolution: helping women like us reset our nervous systems, reclaim our identities, and step fully into our power.
If you’re ready to stop performing peace and start living it, this episode is your invitation.
You don’t have to sacrifice your peace, your rest, or your joy to earn love or success.
You don’t need another planner or productivity hack.
What you might need is recovery, safety, and nervous system support. That’s what I offer inside my 1:1 coaching. It’s time to stop blaming yourself—and start reclaiming your capacity.
RESOURCES
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✉️ Want to share your thoughts or breakthroughs? Write me at brig@brigjohnson.com
STAY CONNECTED —

Monday Apr 28, 2025
EP. 229 I Cried While Recording This: A Call to the UNKAGED™ Revolution
Monday Apr 28, 2025
Monday Apr 28, 2025
Too many high-achieving women of color are stuck in cycles of over giving, over performing, and people-pleasing—not because they're broken, but because they're surviving. In this compelling episode, Brig uncovers how these patterns are rooted in history and trauma, not personal failure, and makes the case for a radical shift: nervous system recalibration.
When you learn to feel safe in your body and life, you unlock the freedom to dream boldly, love deeply, and prioritize your well-being—without guilt.
This is the heart of the UNKAGED™ Revolution: a movement to help women of color reclaim their identity, reset their nervous systems, and step fully into their power.
If you’re ready to protect your peace, live unapologetically, and start your healing journey—this episode is your invitation.
📣 You don’t have to sacrifice your dreams or your happiness for your relationships. Let’s work together to create fulfilling connections that uplift and empower you. Our Impact One-On-One Coaching offers personalized guidance to help you fully embrace the Freedom Formula. It's time to opt out of their formulas and into your power.
RESOURCES —
- Join my Newsletter, Unlearn and Unleash
- Join the Next Breakthrough Master Class here
- Register for the Next Melanin Hour here
- Book a Breakthrough Call here
- Share Your Takeaways With Me at brig@brigjohnson.com
STAY CONNECTED —
![EP. 228 [Throwback] You Were Pruned This Way: How Your Patterns Formed & What to Do Now](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/9980508/Brig_-_The_Optimized_Podcast_Logo_aunue_300x300.jpg)
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Are you ready to break free from the patterns that keep you playing small?
In this powerful throwback episode, Brig revisits a pivotal moment in her own journey to reveal how past experiences can silently shape our present-day reactions. She unpacks the concept of being "Kaged"—a survival state where your nervous system shrinks, suppresses, and adapts just to make it through. Then, she guides you through the liberating process of becoming "UNKAGED™"—rewriting default thought patterns and intentionally choosing beliefs that empower, expand, and elevate.
If you're ready to reclaim your power and step fully into who you were always meant to be, this episode is your first step. Tune in and discover the freedom of a managed mind.
📣 You don’t have to sacrifice your dreams or your happiness for your relationships. Let’s work together to create fulfilling connections that uplift and empower you. Our Impact One-On-One Coaching offers personalized guidance to help you fully embrace the Freedom Formula. It's time to opt out of their formulas and into your power.
RESOURCES —
- Join my Newsletter, Unlearn and Unleash
- Join the Next Breakthrough Master Class here
- Register for the Next Melanin Hour here
- Book a Breakthrough Call here
- Share Your Takeaways With Me at brig@brigjohnson.com
STAY CONNECTED —

Monday Apr 14, 2025
EP. 227 In the Middle of the Mess—And Still Moving
Monday Apr 14, 2025
Monday Apr 14, 2025
Are you feeling overwhelmed or uncertain in your personal or professional life? This episode is for you! Join Brig as she explores the emotional journey of being in the middle, where self-doubt and vulnerability often reside.
This episode is a reminder that it's perfectly okay to be in the messy middle and she encourages you to honor your feelings, allowing yourself to be vulnerable while also recognizing the strength that comes from being in this transitional space.
Whether you're feeling stuck, uncertain, or simply in need of a reminder that you're not alone, this episode is for you. Tune in and discover how to navigate the messy middle with grace and authenticity!
📣 You don’t have to sacrifice your dreams or your happiness for your relationships. Let’s work together to create fulfilling connections that uplift and empower you. Our Impact One-On-One Coaching offers personalized guidance to help you fully embrace the Freedom Formula. It's time to opt out of their formulas and into your power.
RESOURCES —
- Join my Newsletter, Unlearn and Unleash
- Join the Next Breakthrough Master Class here
- Register for the Next Melanin Hour here
- Book a Breakthrough Call here
- Share Your Takeaways With Me at brig@brigjohnson.com
STAY CONNECTED —

Monday Apr 07, 2025
Monday Apr 07, 2025
Are you a high-achieving Black woman feeling overwhelmed by stress?
Listen Queen, your stress isn't random; it's a pattern! Join Brig in this week's episode as she dives into the clues your body is giving you and how to break free from these patterns. Brig also introduces a new segment, "Pattern Break," where she guides us through a simple yet transformative exercise to help us pause, breathe, and reflect on the underlying tensions in our bodies.
Tune in to gain valuable insights on recovery and self-discovery that can help you reclaim your power.
📣 You don’t have to sacrifice your dreams or your happiness for your relationships. Let’s work together to create fulfilling connections that uplift and empower you. Our Impact One-On-One Coaching offers personalized guidance to help you fully embrace the Freedom Formula. It's time to opt out of their formulas and into your power.
RESOURCES —
- Join my Newsletter, Unlearn and Unleash
- Join the Next Breakthrough Master Class here
- Register for the Next Melanin Hour here
- Book a Breakthrough Call here
- Share Your Takeaways With Me at brig@brigjohnson.com
STAY CONNECTED —

Monday Mar 31, 2025
EP. 225 Have You Been in Your Ruthless Era? If Not—It’s Time
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Monday Mar 31, 2025
It’s time to get ruthless.
As the collective energy among Black women shifts, Brig emphasizes the importance of prioritizing self-care, setting unapologetic boundaries, and reclaiming your personal power. This episode is your invitation to step into your "Ruthless Era." Being ruthless doesn’t mean being harsh. It means being clear.
Throughout this episode, you'll learn about the "Ruthless Framework," which includes tenacious goals, uncompromising boundaries, and empowered actions that lead to soulful living. Brig also addresses the fears and pushback you may face as you embrace this transformative phase, reminding you that it’s okay to be misunderstood in your journey toward freedom and self-acceptance.
Tune in to discover the significance of being strategic with your energy and how to gracefully say no to overworking and over-explaining. It's time to choose you unapologetically!
📣 You don’t have to sacrifice your dreams or your happiness for your relationships. Let’s work together to create fulfilling connections that uplift and empower you. Our Impact One-On-One Coaching offers personalized guidance to help you fully embrace the Freedom Formula. It's time to opt out of their formulas and into your power.
RESOURCES —
- Join my Newsletter, Unlearn and Unleash
- Join the Next Breakthrough Master Class here
- Register for the Next Melanin Hour here
- Book a Breakthrough Call here
- Share Your Takeaways With Me at brig@brigjohnson.com
STAY CONNECTED —

Monday Mar 24, 2025
Monday Mar 24, 2025
Join Brig and Tessa in a heartfelt conversation about the evolution of motherhood and the importance of self-advocacy. Throughout the episode, Brig and Tessa discuss the significance of self-compassion and the impact it has on relationships, both with oneself and others.
Together, they explore the concept of "Mom 2.0," highlighting the shift from cookie-cutter parenting to a more individualized approach that empowers mothers to embrace their unique experiences. Tune in for a rich dialogue filled with insights on motherhood, personal growth, and the transformative power of connection.
More About Tessa —
Tessa is a CRNA, Certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Life Coach, Restorative Wellness Practitioner, Health & Wellness Coach and Cancer Survivor. She has been married for 23 years and she & her husband Andre have 2 teenagers and live in Texas.
Her mission is to teach women how to CONNECT be healthy from the inside out. She wants moms to know that they have the power to have the energy they need to feel their best. She knows that women are most likely the natural caregiver to everyone but herself. Tessa's heart is to help moms put themselves back on the top of their priority list. After coaching hundreds of women, Tessa knows how to help them show up as the best version of themself and wants every woman to feel that way!
📣 You don’t have to sacrifice your dreams or your happiness for your relationships. Let’s work together to create fulfilling connections that uplift and empower you. Our Impact One-On-One Coaching offers personalized guidance to help you fully embrace the Freedom Formula. It's time to opt out of their formulas and into your power.
GUEST INFO —
Tessa Guevara, CRNA, Certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Life Coach, Restorative Wellness Practitioner, Health & Wellness Coach | Website
RESOURCES —
- Join my Newsletter, Unlearn and Unleash
- Join the Next Breakthrough Master Class here
- Register for the Next Melanin Hour here
- Book a Breakthrough Call here
- Share Your Takeaways With Me at brig@brigjohnson.com
STAY CONNECTED —