In this special in-person episode of Big Girl Panties Podcast, host Alexis Bean is joined by Damika Swan, as she opens up about her journey with miscarriages, child loss, and becoming a mom.
In her story, Damika shares:
- Her heartbreaking experience with miscarriages, pregnancy complications, and child loss
- Neglect and unanswered questions from the hospital and medical staff during and after childbirth
- Grief, questioning her faith, therapy, and the healing process after child loss
- The impact of her support system and what she wishes she had during the healing process after losing her angel baby
- Uncertainty about wanting to try to conceive again, an unexpected Endometriosis diagnosis, and how she prepared for a safe and healthy pregnancy after child loss
- How she feels about Mother’s Day and motherhood with her baby boy after experiencing child loss
- What she is looking forward to with her son in the future
If you have any questions or messages for Damika, or would like to connect with Alexis and Big Girl Panties Podcast, please visit:
Instagram: @bgplife
TikTok: @bgplife
Website: bgplife.com
Videography: 7 South Productions
Website: 7southproductions.com
This is a BGP Life and 7 South Productions collaboration.
In this episode, Jenia Thompson, a Fitness and Health Coach, shares insights on how women can prioritize their physical health in 2024. She emphasizes the importance of taking a holistic approach to health, including exercise, nutrition, and mental well-being.
Join Big Girl Panties Podcast host, Alexis Bean and Jenia to learn about:
- Her process for working with clients, including goal-setting and individualized training plans.
- Common misconceptions and roadblocks that women may face when prioritizing fitness
- Fitness plans for women during their pre and postnatal journeys
- Opening NRG Fitness Studio and how clients can connect with the gym
- Life lessons learned throughout her career
- And more
Connect with Jenia here:
Train with Align Bermuda: alignbda.com
Instagram: @alignbda
Train with NRG Gym Bermuda: nrgbda.com
Instagram: @nrg.bermuda
Connect with Alexis and all things Big Girl Panties:
Instagram: @bgplife
TikTok: @bgplife
Website: bgplife.com
In this episode of Big Girl Panties Podcast, Alexis is joined by author, athlete, and entrepreneur, Phebe Trotman to discuss the journey to writing her first book in a planned series titled, Never Quit On A Bad Day: Inspiring Stories of Resilience.
During their chat, Alexis and Phebe discuss:
- Phebe’s soccer career and how being an athlete has positively impacted her life
- Her career journey as a multi-preneur in network marketing and entrepreneurship
- Why Phebe decided to write a book and who will find the most motivation from it
- The impact of her late father’s passing and how he inspires her today
- How stories of resilience from thriving entrepreneurs will help readers to reflect on their goals and catapult a personal growth journey
- Insights, prompts, and favourite quotes from the book to inspire readers for all aspects of life
- And more!
To connect with Phebe, and purchase a copy of her first book, ‘Never Quit on a Bad Day: Inspiring Stories of Resilience’ please visit:
Website: neverquitonabadday.com
Instagram: @neverquitonabadday
To connect with Alexis and all things Big Girl Panties:
Instagram: @bgplife
TikTok: @bgplife
Website: bgplife.com
Are you living in your truth?
In the first episode of 2024, Alexis is joined by Bermudian born, China trained, multidisciplinary contemporary artist and researcher, Gherdai Hassell. She is a Graduate of the China Academy of Art and currently resides in Manchester, UK.
Gherdai is a 3 time Best of Bermuda Award -Visual Art recipient, and has also been awarded with numerous other accolades, including:
- Best of Bermuda Award -Visual Art recipient
- 2021 Women’s United Art Prize recipient.
- 2023 Jerwood at HOME residency (she is one of the first artists selected to attend)
- 2022 Manchester Open Award winner
- 2021 Masterworks Museum Charman Prize winner for distinctive style
During their conversation, Gherdai opens up about:
- her journey to becoming the truest version of herself and fulfilling her dream of becoming a multidisciplinary contemporary artist
- the sacrifices and hardships she has faced as a full time artist living in China and other countries across the globe
- her creative and research process and what she discovers while preparing for new exhibitions
- the meaning behind some of her greatest pieces
- how listeners can show up as their most authentic selves in 2024
- and more!
To connect with Gherdai, view or purchase original work, and support her journey, please visit:
Instagram - @hassell_free
Website - gherdaihassell.com
To connect with Big Girl Panties between episodes, please visit:
Instagram - @bgplife
TikTok - @bgplife
Website - bgplife.com
Do you know what you want to be when you grow up? Do you know what you want to do in your life?
In this episode, Alexis is joined by Courtney Clay; a young woman who uses her passion for design and desire to give back to her community to create a fulfilling life. She is a Print & Textile Designer with her own design studio; Courtney Clay Studio, and is one of the co-founders of Bermuda Is Love; a community organisation promoting the fulfilment of basic human rights in Bermuda.
During the chat, Alexis and Courtney discuss:
- Her journey post high school, university, and choosing design as a career field
- The challenges she faces as a designer living in Bermuda
- What ‘Bermuda Is Love’ is, the campaigns that the organisation focuses on, and how people can get involved
- How she has combined her passions of design and giving back to the community
- Advice for others who want to make change in their community, or who are on a journey to discover their dreams
To connect with Courtney Clay:
Instagram - @courtneyclaystudio
To connect with Bermuda Is Love:
Instagram - @bdaislove
TikTok - @bermudaislove
YouTube - @BermudaIsLove
Facebook - @BermudaIsLove
To connect with Big Girl Panties, visit:
Instagram - @bgplife
TikTok - @bgplife
Facebook - @bgplifeblog
Website - bgplife.com
Big Girl Panties Podcast is back for Season 4!
In today’s episode, Alexis sits down with Richelle Richards to discuss loss, grief, and the sudden shift that her life took following the untimely death of her longtime partner.
Richelle speaks candidly about her personal life, her career as an Art Psychotherapist, and how she has found herself on her current path. Listeners will learn about a new perspective on death, the power of stepping away to heal following sudden life changes, and taking a chance on creating new dreams.
Richelle’s Book Recommendation:
‘I'm Not Yelling: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Workplace’ by Elizabeth Leiba
Follow Richelle on Instagram - @mydopearttherapist
Keep up with Big Girl Panties here:
Instagram - @bgplife
TikTok - @bgplife
Facebook - @bgplifeblog
Website - bgplife.com
Today’s episode is the final episode of Season 3 of Big Girl Panties Podcast! Alexis is back with Khamani Fox of 7 South Productions for Part II of their interview celebrating BGP Life’s first product, Your Love Is Alive, A Guided Memory Journal Honouring Your Loved One.
During their chat, Alexis shares:
- What is up next for BGP during an upcoming podcast break
- An in-depth reflection of her mom’s cancer diagnosis and untimely death (4:00-21:30 minutes)
- How she has navigated her grief journey over the past 10+ years
- How BGP Life has created healthy tools for personal healing and the lessons she has learned from the brand
- Why she chose a memory journal as BGP Life’s first product and how it relates to her story
- Heartfelt tips for others grieving the death of a loved one
To learn more & purchase your copy of Your Love Is Alive, A Guided Memory Journal Honouring Your Loved One, please visit:
bgplife.com/journal
To learn more and contact with 7 South Productions, please visit:
Instagram - @7.southproductions
Website - 7southproductions.com
To stay in contact with all things Big Girl Panties between episodes, please visit:
Instagram - @bgplife
Facebook - @bgplifeblog
Website - bgplife.com
In the first episode of 2023, the tables have turned on Big Girl Panties Podcast! Host, Alexis Bean is in the hot seat and is interviewed by Khamani Fox from 7 South Productions. The special collaboration is celebrating the launch of BGP’s new product: Your Love Is Alive, A Guided Memory Journal Honouring Your Loved One.
During this chat, we discuss:
- how the death of her mom impacted Alexis’ life and transition into adulthood
- the founding story behind BGP Life, and how both men and women can be inspired by the wellness brand
- why Alexis chose to create a journal for BGP Life’s first product
- how people that are grieving and have experienced loss can use the memory journal
- how journaling helped Alexis through her own grieving process
- and more!
To learn more & purchase your copy of Your Love Is Alive, A Guided Memory Journal Honouring Your Loved One, please visit:
To learn more and contact with 7 South Productions, please visit:
Instagram - @7.southproductions
Website - 7southproductions.com
To stay in contact with all things Big Girl Panties between episodes, please visit:
Instagram - @bgplife
Facebook - @bgplifeblog
Website - bgplife.com
In this episode, Alexis is joined by Dr. Aria Bean to chat all about how to best show up for ourselves and our loved ones during the holiday season. Our guest has a wealth of expertise as a Social Worker and Counselor with a focus on mental health, parenting, couples dynamics, addiction, children, and families.
During the conversation, Alexis and Dr. Aria discuss:
- Maintaining healthy boundaries during holiday events
- How to juggle your time between your family, in-laws, and other commitments on Christmas and Boxing Day
- Managing inappropriate comments during family gatherings
- Families navigating the holidays after a loved one has died
- Loneliness during the holidays
Stay in touch with Big Girl Panties between episodes:
Instagram - @bgplife
Facebook - @bgplifeblog
Website - bgplife.com
October is recognized as Down Syndrome Awareness Month across the world.
In today’s episode of Big Girl Panties Podcast, Alexis sits down with Eulannae Douglas to discuss Down Syndrome Awareness. Eulannae is a paraprofessional in the Bermuda public school system with a focus on working with students with Down syndrome. During this episode we will learn:
- How Eulannae chose to work with children with special needs as a profession
- What we should know about people with Down syndrome
- The challenges & successes that children with Down syndrome in her life experience
- How to create strong relationships with children with Down syndrome
- And more
If you would like to get involved and support others with Down syndrome, and learn more information about Down syndrome Awareness, please visit:
onespecialnightbda.com
Ndss.org
ds-int.org
To keep in touch with all things Big Girl Panties between episodes, please visit:
Instagram - @bgplife
Facebook - @bgplifeblog
Website - bgplife.com
Life changed in an instant for countless people after the deathly attacks on September 11, 2001.
In today’s episode, Alexis sits down with Inez Ribustello, business owner, author, and the former Beverage Director of the world renowned restaurant Windows of the World in the World Trade Center. During this episode, we will learn about:
- How Inez chose a career in wine
- Her career progression and challenges faced as a woman
- Thoughts, emotions and what Inez was doing on 9/11
- How she coped with grief, survivors guilt, and navigating her next steps
- What can readers expect from her memoir “Life After Windows”
- Present day life, her businesses, how people can connect with Inez today
Stay connected with Inez here:
Instagram - @inezribustello
Website - Inezribustello.com
Buy a copy of Life After Windows - www.inezribustello.com/book
Stay connected with Big Girl Panties between episodes here:
Instagram - @bgplife
Facebook - @bgplifeblog
Website - www.bgplife.com
Girls just wanna have fun…And go on allergen friendly lunch dates with their friends!
In this episode of Big Girl Panties Podcast, Alexis sits down with Melissa Looby to chat about navigating their health conscious food journeys in Bermuda. During this conversation, we chat about:
- What each of our diet choices are like
- Melissa’s chronic illness diagnosis
- Why we choose to make more health conscious food choices
- Favourite International food brands in Bermuda that support healthy living
- Favourite Bermuda made food brands and restaurants that support healthy living
- Other than our farmers and fisherman, can Bermuda brands and restaurants truly support people with food allergies and other health conscious diets?
Connect with Melissa here:
Instagram - @thepulsegroup
Website - www.pulsegroup.bm
Want to share your fav brands and restaurants that we can find in Bermuda? Share your feedback with us!
Instagram - @bgplife
Facebook - @bgplifeblog
Website - www.bgplife.com
Do you enjoy sweet dreams and a full night's rest every night?
In this episode of Big Girl Panties Podcast, host, Alexis Bean is joined by Sleep Specialist, Dorothy Bradshaw, founder and owner of The 41st Wink. During this conversation we chat about:
- Why sleep is so important and why so many adults are impacted by the lack of sleep
- How sleep affects our immune system, mental health, and overall physical health
- The 41st Wink and what inspired Dorothy to become a Sleep Specialist
- How our poor sleeping habits can negatively affect our children
- Tips for busy people within the corporate sector, entrepreneurs, and caregivers
- How we can get help with our sleeping issues at The 41st Wink
Find Out More About The 41st Wink, Access FREE Resources, and Contact Dorothy Here:
Website - https://the41stwink.com/
Stay Connected with Big Girl Panties:
Website - bgplife.com
Instagram - @bgplife
Facebook - @bgplifeblog
Big Girl Panties Podcast has been awarded Best Podcast in the 2022 Best of Bermuda Awards! In today’s episode, Alexis reflects on the win and what it means for the podcast. She is also discussing:
- Podcast Anniversary
- Wisdom vs Imposter syndrome
- How to Stay Dedicated to your Goals
- Work Life Balance
- What it means to have a Balanced Summer
And lastly, What lessons could you learn from your former teenage self?
Stay Connected with all things Big Girl Panties between episodes:
Instagram - @bgplife
Facebook- @bgplifeblog
Website - @bgplife.com
In today’s episode, Alexis sits down with J.J. Kelly, PsyD, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Emotional Intelligence Skills Expert from Oakland, California. Her company, UnorthoDocs Inc. is a punk rock alternative to traditional psychotherapy that centers around emotional intelligence skills training, peer coaching, mentorship, and community outreach.
During this conversation we unpack:
- Dr. JJ’s Journey with Psychotherapy and how she was led to start her company
- How we can effectively support others instead of reacting from a place of fear
- The importance of Emotional Intelligence Skills in personal relationships, the workplace, for children and teens, and with ourselves
- How to Find your Values and maintain behaviours that align with them
- What’s inside ‘The Get Real Program’ for students under 18 and over 18 and how parents can support their young people with this program
- The Holy Sh*t series - Dr. JJ’s 3 Books about Kids and Self-Harm, Finding happiness outside of what society says you should do, Dealing with a Narcissist in the workplace and beyond
Stay Connected with Dr. J.J. here:
Website - www.drjjkelly.com
Stay Connected with all things Big Girl Panties between episodes:
Instagram - @bgplife
Facebook- @bgplifeblog
Website - @bgplife.com
Alexis Bean sits down with Katrina Darrell and Damika Swan, co-owners of Trimik Sports to chat about business, their entrepreneurship journey, and how to take care of your own well-being.
In this episode we discuss:
- The inspiration behind and creation of Trimik Sports
- Lessons learned throughout their entrepreneurship journeys
- The impact of having a strong support system while running a business
- How their lives have changed since starting Trimik Sports
- The positive impact that wearing their brand has been for customers
- The Trimik Mind, Body, Health Vendors Market
- Collaborations with other Bermudian Wellness Entrepreneurs
- Motherhood, Miscarriage, and Real Life Wellness
- Balancing entrepreneurship, a 9 to 5, and having a personal life
- The future of Trimik Sports
Stay Connected with Trimik Sports:
Instagram - @trimiksports
Join Us on May 4th 2022 for our #TamDay Memories Celebration:
Stay Connected with all things Big Girl Panties between episodes:
Instagram - @bgplife
Facebook- @bgplifeblog
Website - @bgplife.com
What does putting on your big girl panties mean to you? In today’s episode we are taking a look back at podcast episodes to celebrate the inspiring women who have been on the show in honour of International Women’s Day. Women are strong, beautiful, intelligent, courageous and everything else. Enjoy this walk down memory lane with us and reflect on what this definition means to you.
If you’re interested in sharing your own perspective, send a DM to our social media pages. And if you’re interested in joining BGP Book Club, subscribe to our newsletter on our website.
Keep in touch with Big Girl Panties here:
Instagram - @bgplife
Facebook- @bgplifeblog
Website - bgplife.com
Does love truly stand the test of time? In this episode of Big Girl Panties Podcast, I am joined by Shalisa Smith, an Educational Therapist from Bermuda who is sharing her story about her close personal relationship with Adoption.
In this episode we discuss:
- When Shalisa found out that she was adopted
- What it was like meeting her birth parents for the first time
- Some of the challenges that she has faced over the years
- What relationships with her family look like today and hopes she has for the future
- How she views healing and wellness in her own life
This episode is about the love journey we have for oneself, our family, and what it can look like to grow that love for the family we never expected to gain.
Watch Shalisa’s Adoption Story on YouTube here
Stay Connected with Big Girl Panties:
Website - bgplife.com
Instagram - @bgplife
Facebook - @bgplifeblog
In this solo episode, Lex shares an encouraging message dedicated to Two’s Day; a rare palindrome date occurring on 2/2/22. What is the significance of such a unique day? And why is she calling it a moment of divine timing?
We discuss and explore:
- The meanings behind the number two, and how we can draw inspiration from them to use in our day to day lives.
- Why it's okay to slow down and jump out of the rat race
- Celebrating ourselves
- The plans for Big Girl Panties in 2022 and a new opportunity for BGP Sisters to connect.
- Surprise offerings that will be available for purchase this year
Do you want to keep in touch with all things Big Girl Panties? Connect with us on our website and on social media.
Instagram - @bgplife
Facebook- @bgplifeblog
Website - www.bgplife.com
Happy New Year BGP fam! In the first episode of Season 3 and of 2022, I am chatting with her longtime friend Karee Luna. In this episode we discuss:
- Our general feelings about the new year
- New Year’s resolutions and the soft spot that we share for this practice
- The end of a beautiful era: the series finale of HBO’s ‘Insecure’
- What are the keys to a happy life in 2022
Keep in contact with Karee here:
Instagram - @ilu20thebook
Keep in touch with Big Girl Panties here:
Instagram - @bgplife
Facebook- @bgplifeblog
Website - @bgplife.com
Experiencing Christmas after the loss of a loved one can bring up countless emotions. In this episode, Lex breaks down a few tips that may help listeners who are missing loved ones over the holidays. We chat about:
- Tips for people who are experiencing one of their first Christmas holidays after a loved one has died
- BGP Christmas video highlights
- Celebrating the holidays after new people and experiences have entered our lives
- Early plans for 2022
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Big Girl Panties!
Stay connected between episodes:
Instagram - @bgplife
Facebook- @bgplifeblog
Website - @bgplife.com
In today’s episode I am joined by Laurie Shiell-Smith, Executive Director at the Centre Against Abuse in Bermuda to learn more about Domestic Abuse Awareness. In this episode we discuss:
- Different types of abuse
- Early signs that you or someone you know could be involved in an abusive relationship
- How others can support someone who is involved in an abusive situation
- What the Centre Against Abuse offers the community in Bermuda
Special thanks to Laurie for offering her time for this episode.
Please contact the Centre Against Abuse if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse or sexual assault:
441-297-8278
Please visit the Centre Against Abuse website for further information on domestic abuse awareness and the services they offer in Bermuda:
https://www.centreagainstabuse.bm/
Please visit the below links for help and/or more information on domestic violence and domestic abuse awareness:
USA -
1-800-799-7233
U.K. -
https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
08082000247
Do you know what it’s like to be involved in an abusive relationship? Do you understand the true definition of domestic abuse or domestic violence? In today’s episode I am chatting with a young millennial woman who is sharing her experience with being involved in a relationship that resulted in abuse.
In this episode we discuss:
- The different ways in which Stephanie was abused by her former partner
- The process she had to endure after she pressed charges
- How she protects her health and well-being today as a wife and mom
Please visit the below links for help and/or more information on domestic violence and domestic abuse awareness:
USA -
1-800-799-7233
Bermuda -
441-297-8278
U.K.
08082000247
Connect with Big Girl Panties here:
Instagram - @bgplife
Facebook - @bgplifeblog
Website - www.bgplife.com
What is the true definition of a champion?
In today’s episode we’re continuing our convo about the 2020/1 Tokyo Olympic Games. We’re discussing:
- Controversial Olympic moments and how they were portrayed in the media
- Standout performances by a few female Olympians
- Flora Duffy (duhh!)
- Lessons learned and how they can apply to women everywhere
We are celebrating both the top performances from the Olympic Games and who each of these athletes are as women. Brava ladies!
Stay connected with Big Girl Panties here:
Email - info@bgplife.com
Instagram - @bgplife
Facebook - @bgplifeblog
Website - www.bgplife.com
Welcome back BGP fam! We are back with new conversations about wellness, grief & every subject in between that impacts a millennial woman as she navigates life while putting on her Big Girl Panties.
Alexis is joined by two of her university track teammates and friends to unpack key moments from the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games. Michelle is a retired track athlete turned novice cyclist, and an Associate Marketing Director at Life Time Inc. Priscilla is a 2016 Olympian, radio show host for 98.7 The Coast, and podcast and YouTube host for her show 'In Our Prime'.
In today’s episode we discuss:
- Female Olympians who were at the forefront of controversy while they prioritized their mental health despite the backlash that came from critics.
- The different kinds of scrutiny faced in different countries around the world
- The importance of protecting your mental health in all circumstances.
Special thanks to Eulannae Douglas for performing in our Episode 16 skit.
Get in contact with Priscilla here:
Instagram - @priscilla_frederick
Website - priscillaloomis.com
Keep in touch with Big Girl Panties here:
Email - info@bgplife.com
Instagram - @bgplife
Website - www.bgplife.com
A Motherhood Story || Infertility, Miscarriages, Child Loss, and New Life with Damika Swan
43:46
Align Your NRG || How Women Can Prioritize Their Physical Health in 2024 with Jenia Thompson
50:36
Never Quit On A Bad Day || Inspiring Action and Achieving Your Goals with Phebe Trotman
59:09
Expression Meets Identity || Finding Creativity and Following Your Dreams with Multidisciplinary Artist, Gherdai Hassell
1:05:25
Lead With Love || Designing A Life of Impact with Courtney
56:13
The Art of Alignment || Loss, Redirection, and Renewed Dreams with Richelle
44:26
Life After Loss || How BGP Life Founder, Alexis Bean, Launches Healing-Centred Wellness Business
32:22
NEW Product Launch! || Alexis, Founder of BGP Life Launches Guided Journal To Help With Grief Process
31:51
‘Tis The Season For Boundaries || Healthy Family Dynamics During The Holidays with Dr. Aria Bean
1:12:34
Understanding Pure Love || Down Syndrome Awareness with Eulannae
27:34
Life After Windows || Grief, Loss, and Redefining Life After 9/11 with Inez Ribustello
34:47
Foodie Favs || Health Conscious Lunch Dates with Melissa
1:17:37
Sweet Dreams || How To Overcome Your Sleep Issues with Dorothy Bradshaw from The 41st Wink
49:00
2022 Best of Bermuda Awards And What I Learned From My Teenage Self
14:38
Happy People Get Real || How to Heal Your Life and the World with Dr. JJ Kelly
56:40
Fit Fashion || How to Find Balance Running a Business While Taking Care of Your Own Well-Being with TriMik Sports
51:52
Women's Day || What Does Putting On Your Big Girl Panties Mean To You?
22:31
Journey to Love || An Adoption Story with Shalisa
41:28
Solo Snippet || A Two’s Day of Divine Timing
13:19
Everything's Gonna Be OKay || Karee and How to Have a Happy Life in 2022
1:00:56
Solo Snippet || Navigating Christmas After Loss, and When New Life is Born
12:42
Know the Patterns || Domestic Abuse Awareness with Laurie Shiell-Smith
41:16
We Are Resilient || Stephanie and Surviving Domestic Violence
35:00
Golden Girls || Top Olympic Moments with Priscilla & Michelle
46:43
United By Emotion || Olympic Games x Mental Health with Priscilla & Michelle
31:23