This week, we’re diving into another powerful episode Masculinity Reimagined: Beyond the Tough Exterior.

Let’s be real—this conversation might ruffle some feathers, but it’s necessary. In today’s culture, there’s a script many boys and men are handed: be dominant, aggressive, and emotionless. That’s the heart of hypermasculinity—and it’s hurting more than it’s helping. We're exploring how these outdated expectations silence emotional expression, isolate men with their thoughts, and block healing and growth. So today, we’re peeling back the layers of this “tough exterior” to see what masculinity can look like when it’s rooted in emotional truth, vulnerability, and connection.

Let’s dive in.

Welcome back, everyone, and happy May! This month on the Just Me Podcast, we're diving into a powerful new series: Femininity, Masculinity, and Identity. We're exploring how these social constructs shape our mental health, influence how we see ourselves, and impact how we express our authentic selves in everyday life. Through real conversations and clinical insight, we’ll challenge stereotypes, normalize vulnerability, and discuss the importance of embracing both strength and softness—regardless of how you identify.

To kick things off, we’re joined by Miss Aliyah Grinage, a licensed clinical social worker at Journeys Counseling Center. Today, Aliyah helps us unpack the social construct of femininity and its impact on our mental health. From defining femininity to embracing traits like transparency and vulnerability, we’re setting the foundation for a month of healing, reflection, and growth.

The final episode of The Care Went In series! Tracey, Sasha, and Shirena close out this powerful journey with a candid conversation about the evolving dynamics of caregiving and mental health—specifically focusing on boundaries.

Let’s clear this up: boundaries aren't about pushing people away—they're about protecting your energy, your time, and your peace. In this episode, we explore how setting healthy limits is actually an act of love—not just for yourself, but for those around you. From learning to say “I can’t today” to simply letting the phone ring after 8 PM, we break down the real-life, everyday ways to honor your own capacity while still showing up with care.

It’s not just about saying no—it’s about making room to say yes to what matters most. Tap in as we wrap up this series with truth, tools, and a little tough

✨ In this week’s episode of Just Me: The Care Within, we dive into the heart of resilience—our bodies. As caregivers and helpers, we often prioritize others and push our physical needs aside. But this conversation is a reminder: when our bodies are cared for, everything else flows better.

From skipping meals to living on coffee and crumbs, we explore how daily habits like nourishing ourselves, moving intentionally, and resting fully can drastically shift how we show up—for ourselves and those we serve. We’re talking real food for real function, practical prep tips, and even how a family-sized Outback Steakhouse meal became a smart strategy for one busy woman.

Tune in for relatable stories, quick strategies, and a whole lot of grace for those navigating the balance of body, mind, and self.

Last week, we started an important conversation about prioritizing ourselves—what it really looks like to tune in, listen to our needs, and give ourselves permission to rest without guilt.

This week, we’re building on that by talking about something that affects every caregiver, parent, and helper: stress.

We're not just talking about the obvious stressors—but the stress that creeps in quietly and hides in our bodies.

When we say mind-body connection, we’re talking about how our thoughts and emotions don’t just live in our heads. They impact us physically, too. Our mental and emotional well-being is deeply connected to how our bodies feel and function.

Welcome to the first episode in our month-long series focused on Stress Awareness and the art of truly taking care of you. This week, we’re talking about giving yourself permission to put yourself first—because prioritizing your well-being isn’t selfish, it’s essential. I'm Sasha Giles, a licensed clinical social worker, and I’m joined by my colleague, Shirena Smith. Together, we’ll explore what it means to balance your body, mind, and spirit while still showing up in the many roles you hold. Let’s unpack the stigma around self-prioritization, and begin building the foundation for sustainable, healthy living. You carry a lot—and you deserve space to care for yourself in the process.

In this special March Madness episode, we dive into the crucial role of sportsmanship and mental resilience in athletics. Today, we’re joined by one of our very own, Sasha, who may not play on a college team but stays active in a local kickball league. She shares her experience balancing sports with personal and professional life while using athletics to maintain physical health, manage stress, and foster social connections.

We’ll explore how competition, whether in recreational or professional sports, impacts mental well-being. From handling high-pressure moments to maintaining a positive mindset after a tough loss, Sasha offers insights on staying mentally strong while practicing good sportsmanship. Tune in for an engaging conversation on how sports can be a powerful tool for mental and emotional resilience.

March Madness is here, bringing intense pressure for athletes who must balance peak performance with academics, family expectations, future plans, friendships, and coaching demands. Our discussion will focus on the mental state of athletes, the high emotions involved, and the stressors that arise during this time. We’ll break down how athletes handle setbacks, manage stress, and build coping strategies. A key example is the Duke vs. Carolina game, where a seasoned player made a crucial mistake under pressure, highlighting the immense mental strain athletes face in high-stakes moments.