Toya Talks Podcast
Toya Talks is where culture, courage, and career collide.
Created for Black women first and inclusive of allies, this podcast unpacks the realities of the workplace through the lens of culture, life, and global events. From pay gaps and strikes to leadership, politics, and authenticity, each episode explores how the world around us shapes the way we live and the way we work.
Toya goes beyond surface conversations to deliver bold truths, necessary lessons, and unapologetic strategies that empower listeners to navigate the workplace with clarity and courage.
If you’re ready to rethink work, reclaim your brilliance, and be part of conversations that matter, this is your space.
Toya Talks: Bold truths. Real strategy. For us all.
Episodes
191 episodes
The Quiet Thrill Of Not Being For Everyone
The Transport for London strikes have sparked heated debate, but before rushing to judgment, we need to examine why workers feel forced to take such actions. When peaceful protest options are systematically limited and negotiations fail, strike...
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Season 2
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Episode 175
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1:37:07
Coded Language
Ever notice how Black women are expected to win quietly? In this powerful return episode, I dive into the recent tennis court confrontation between Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko that perfectly captures what many of us experience daily – ...
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Season 2
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Episode 174
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1:33:17
Pendulum Politics
The pendulum swings wildly from political upheaval to celebrity downfalls in this packed episode examining how power, race, and identity shape our experiences in an increasingly chaotic world.Jeremy Corbyn's dramatic political resurrect...
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Season 2
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Episode 173
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1:56:09
Syllabus for the Soul
We live in a society that's quick to label inequality as "the way things are" rather than confronting the systemic barriers that keep certain communities locked in cycles of disadvantage. The recent UK High Court ruling that 20% VAT on private ...
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Season 2
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Episode 172
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1:37:25
Financial Police State: How Technology Is Reshaping Our Economic Reality
The technological revolution isn't coming—it's already here, dismantling traditional business models and reshaping our economic landscape before our eyes. McKinsey's recent firing of 10% of its workforce, openly blaming AI disruption, signals a...
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Season 2
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Episode 171
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1:19:12
The Common Sense Revolution
Ever felt like you're navigating a world that wasn't built for your success? This deeply personal episode unravels the complex journey of achieving professional excellence while wrestling with life's most challenging transitions.I'm cel...
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Season 2
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Episode 170
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1:30:01
The G Spot
The astronomical cost of living in the UK creates a bleak reality for citizens as April brings increased prices for essentials while personal tax allowances remain frozen. Black women face unique challenges navigating workplaces where excellenc...
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Season 2
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Episode 169
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1:39:56
The Glass Cliff
The insidious nature of the glass cliff phenomenon stands as a stark reality for Black women in professional spaces, creating a precarious balancing act between opportunity and setup. While many understand the concept of the glass ceiling, fewe...
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Season 2
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Episode 168
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1:26:05
Rise and Shine
We dive deep into the emotional labour often required of Black women in workplaces, discussing the weight of conforming and masking one’s struggles. The episode promotes the radical idea of saying no—an act of self-love and preservation—a...
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Season 2
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Episode 167
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1:35:53
Squabble Up
In this episode, we share powerful insights on how strategic patience and authenticity can transform workplace challenges into victories. With the backdrop of recent Grammy wins by Black artists like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar, we celebra...
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Season 2
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Episode 166
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1:43:13
The Corporations are showing their COLORS
Staring down the tangled web of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in powerhouse corporations like Microsoft, McDonald's, Ford, and Meta, we make a bold claim: Corporate DEI initiatives often amount to little more than hollow gestures, fail...
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Season 2
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Episode 165
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1:13:01
Whitewashed out. How white coworkers impact Black Women's careers. ( A Harvard Study)
The episode unveils critical insights into the obstacles Black Women face in the workplace, particularly regarding the impact of white colleagues on their career trajectories. Through discussions on a Harvard study, workplace dynamics, and alar...
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Season 2
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Episode 164
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59:13
Caviar and Bullsh*t
This episode explores the cultural complexities underlying the case of Marcus Fakana, who faces prison time in Dubai under challenging circumstances involving consent and legality. It prompts a broader discussion about the importance of underst...
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Season 2
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Episode 163
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1:27:08
Course Correct - (End of Year Episode 2024)
End of year wrap up 2024.
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Season 2
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Episode 162
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1:56:16
This Is Not The Time For Doughnuts
Racial abuse and exhaustion are not just buzzwords but lived realities for Black women in the workplace. Join us as we mark the four-year journey of the Toya Talks podcast, reflecting on the emotional and societal challenges that Black Women co...
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Season 2
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Episode 161
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1:28:59
The Burnout
Exhaustion, stress, and societal pressure often push us beyond our limits. But what if acknowledging burnout could change your life? Join me as I share my personal journey through the demanding terrain of professional fatigue, exploring how it ...
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Season 2
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Episode 160
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1:33:50
The Net Is Not Working ( Networking)
Rethinking Networking and Inclusivity in Tech Events Networking within the tech industry, especially at events targeted at the Black community, often feels more like a social affair than a professional gathering. We voice our skep...
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Season 2
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Episode 159
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1:23:38
An Over Qualified Babe
We explore the influential role of Black women in politics, drawing parallels between the US and the UK. We reflect on the groundbreaking impact of leaders like Barack Obama and Kamala Harris on political diversity and leadership. Despite these...
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Season 2
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Episode 158
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1:02:02
Not Like Us
What if the working world is demanding hypocrisy from you? Let’s pivot to the music industry and dissect the contrasting paths of Drake and Kendrick Lamar. We'll explore Drake's perceived struggle despite a privileged background an...
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Season 2
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Episode 157
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56:01
Diane Abbott
The world can be unkind, and for Black Women, the sting of racism and microaggressions is a harsh reality. I share a potent blend of personal stories and societal critique, focusing on my own experience at a swim school that became a battlegrou...
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Season 2
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Episode 155
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1:05:29
Always Show A Thankful Heart
Ever felt the weight of expectations tipping the scales against your authentic self? I've wrestled with the same challenge, longing for societal acceptance while yearning to embrace my true identity. In the heartfelt echoes of this episode, I s...
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Season 2
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Episode 154
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1:09:55
Hot Topics: Ressa Tessa | Wendy Williams and Porsha Williams Gurbodia
From the viral tales of Ressa Tessa on TikTok to the tumultuous life lessons from the Wendy Williams documentary, we take an unflinching look at the importance of recognising red flags and holding true to our values in the quest for love and fu...
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Season 2
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Episode 153
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1:19:09
When the Messenger is Monique.
Ever questioned the value of your voice in a world that seems to echo with others' expectations? This episode turns the spotlight on the empowering art of personal branding, and the tenacity required to purge toxic relationships from our lives....
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Season 2
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Episode 152
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1:02:01
PEACE. The most underrated most valuable requirement in the workplace.
Bouncing back from a job rejection can feel like an enormous task, especially when you're juggling the complexities of life's many roles. As a full-time mom nursing swollen glands, conjunctivitis and the many hats of motherhood, I've been there...
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Season 2
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Episode 151
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2:03:38