One of life’s universal truths is that one day each of us will die. In this episode, Alexis is joined by Jeelise Allen, Bermudian Counsellor and Thanatologist, and Sandy Mayor from Final Steps Bermuda, to help demystify the way we think about mortality, End-of-life conversations, and how to best prepare ourselves and our loved ones for when this time inevitably occurs. 

About our guests: 

Jeelise is Bermuda’s first and only thanatologist, specializing in death, dying, grief, and bereavement, and is a Counsellor at Mayvera Wellness and the Women’s Resource Centre in Bermuda. 
Sandy is a representative and member of Life Steps, an organisation in Bermuda that believes in the need for a healthier approach to mortality and dying in our community to ensure quality of life extends to our end of life.

To learn more about the resources shared in this episode:

Final Steps - www.finalsteps.bm

Mayvera  - www.mayverawellness.com
Email - jeelise@mayverawellness.com

Women’s Resource Centre - www.wrcbermuda.com

Blue Lily Consulting - www.bluelilyconsulting.org 

Check back shortly for more online resources.

Big Girl Panties Podcast is back with a special live in person interview at The Retreat House launch party with founder Jess Burns in Bermuda.

During our chat, Jess opens up about:

• her beautiful connection to her late mom, Kim Burns and her ongoing grief journey
• the inspiration behind her new business
• insights on wellness retreats available now!

To sign up for upcoming retreats and to learn more about The Retreat House, please visit:

Instagram - @theretreathouse.bermuda
Email - theretreathouse.bermuda@gmail.com 

To keep up with all things Big Girl Panties between episodes, please visit: 

Instagram - @bgplife
www.bgplife.com

Videography by 7 South Productions. 
Instagram - @7.southproductions 
Website: 7southproductions.com

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:

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 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: 

www.bgplife.com

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 - 

www.ncavd.org

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 - 

www.ncadv.org

1-800-799-7233

Bermuda -

www.centreagainstabuse.bm

441-297-8278

U.K.

www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

08082000247

Connect with Big Girl Panties here:

Instagram - @bgplife
Facebook - @bgplifeblog
Website - www.bgplife.com