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When Dr. Mackenzie Boyce—a physician herself—was nearly discharged from the hospital with undiagnosed preeclampsia just four days after giving birth, she realized a terrifying truth: medical training and knowledge couldn't protect her from a healthcare system that routinely fails Black women.

The Hot Comb Survivors gather with two medical professionals to unpack the crisis of Black maternal health in America. Dr. Paige Long-Sharps, an OBGYN with decades of clinical experience, doesn't mince words about what's driving maternal mortality rates that are three times higher for Black women: "Absolute racism in this country. There's no ifs, ands, or buts about it."

Through Mackenzie's harrowing personal story, we witness how racial bias manifests in real-time—delayed care, dismissed symptoms, and dangerous discharge decisions that could have cost her life. Her experience confirms what statistics have long shown: being educated, affluent, or even medically trained doesn't shield Black women from the devastating impacts of healthcare bias.

The conversation moves beyond problems to solutions, exploring how advocacy, better mental health support, and consumer power can create change. Mental health emerges as a surprising leading cause of maternal mortality, with women often left without support during the critical weeks after birth. The group proposes revolutionary ideas like postpartum mental health check-ins within days of delivery and developing an app to help women navigate maternal healthcare.

Most powerfully, they remind us that economic pressure works. "We have to believe in our consumer power," one panelist notes, encouraging Black women to research hospital statistics, build relationships with providers who listen, and share information about their experiences—because hitting healthcare systems in their pocketbooks may be the most effective path to transformation.

Join this essential conversation about truth, trash, and transformation in maternal healthcare—where acknowledging hard truths leads to life-saving action for Black mothers and their babies.

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What happens when four women come together to share their unfiltered thoughts on friendship, life, and growth? Join Denise, Lisa, Takisia, and Levern, the Hot Comb Survivors, as they explore the deep and emotional bonds that define women's friendships. We highlight how these connections, especially among Black women, provide solace and strength amidst societal pressures. In our exploration of long-term friendships, we emphasize the importance of vulnerability and trust. Through our shared experiences, we talk about the evolution of friendships, the comfort of having a safe space to share personal struggles, and the role of mutual investment and support. We also address the difficulties of forming new connections as we age and the protective measures we take to safeguard our emotional well-being. It's a heartfelt reflection on recognizing the value of long-standing friendships and the nurturing required to keep them strong.

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This episode peels back layers of family tradition and cultural caution, revealing why some households have an unspoken rule about being very careful where you eat. From personal stories of dodging "roots" in food to avoiding unfamiliar dishes, we explore how this mindset is tied to concerns about cleanliness, privacy, and the fear of exposing one's struggles. Prepare to chuckle as we recount tales of avoiding potlucks and debate the balance between self-sufficiency and vulnerability.

Transitioning from cautionary tales to the heartwarming bonds forged at the family table, we reflect on how our own childhood mealtime traditions stack up against today's fast-paced lifestyles. While those Sunday dinners might feel like a relic of the past, that doesn’t mean the connection has to be. We discuss alternative ways to create those bonding moments with family, whether it’s through heartfelt conversations in the car or impromptu kitchen dance parties. The focus shifts from the formality of a shared meal to the essence of spending time together, cherishing these moments in whatever form they take.

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What happens when the smell of hot grease and the sting of ear-pinching burns become a symbol of cultural rites of passage? Join us, the Hot Comb Survivors, as we share our heartfelt memories of enduring hot comb rituals that shaped our identities and our journey towards embracing our natural beauty. From the societal pressures to conform to certain beauty standards to the emotional impact of these practices, we reflect on how these experiences molded us, revealing the personal battles and ultimate liberation in rejecting imposed norms.

Navigating the world of hair grooming traditions, we recount our first encounters with chemical hair treatments, highlighting humorous junior high school mishaps and significant moments that left a lasting impact. Our stories span generations, from grandmothers and mothers who favored pressing and curling, to the evolving practices that accompany us even in life's final moments. This intimate conversation underscores the deep cultural significance of hair care, illustrating how these rites of passage contribute to our authentic selves amidst cultural expectations. Tune in for a nostalgic and empowering journey through the trials, triumphs, and traditions that define us.