I Didn’t Feel Seen Until I Started Podcasting (with Emili Johnson)

I Didn’t Feel Seen Until I Started Podcasting (with Emili Johnson)

From Coffee Can't Fix Everything by The Healthy Project Media Co

May 21, 2025 · 46 min · Episode 19

About this episode

Emili Johnson discusses her journey of self-love and resistance through podcasting, addressing mental health challenges and the importance of finding one's voice.

In this episode, I’m joined by Emili Johnson, creator of the Black Girl Iowa podcast. Emili shares how starting a podcast became a powerful act of self-love and resistance. We talk about finding your voice when you’ve spent years feeling invisible, navigating mental health as a Black woman in Iowa, and the unexpected burnout that comes with podcasting solo. Emili opens up about her journey with anxiety, depression, and PMDD—and how therapy, journaling, and storytelling helped her reclaim her peace. If you’ve ever questioned your voice, felt unseen, or wondered if your story matters, this episode is for you. Topics covered: • Mental health and healing • Podcasting without a team • DEI rollbacks in Iowa • Black women’s voices and validation • Journaling as self-care • Building creative confidence 👉 Stay connected and find mental health resources in the show notes. If You Need Immediate Support Text or Call: In the U.S., you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Online Support: Many organizations offer chat support, such as the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741). Support the show - https://buymeacoffee.com/coreydionlewis

People in this episode

Host: Corey Dion Lewis

Guest: Emili Johnson

Topics covered

  • Mental health and healing
  • Podcasting without a team
  • Black women’s voices and validation
  • Journaling as self-care
  • Building creative confidence

Keywords

  • mental health
  • podcasting
  • self-love
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • Black women
  • storytelling
  • journaling
  • creative confidence

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Black Girl Iowa, Crisis Text Line, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

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