The Blend is more than a talk show, it’s your new circle of sisters

Now more than ever creatives of faith have access to technology and resources to put together programs and build platforms to encourage and inspire, which is what show creator and executive producer LaVonda P. Rouse has done with The Blend, which started as an idea several years ago. The new talk show premiered this fall and towards the wholeness and well being of African American women. We spoke with Rouse about the purpose of the show and what’s in it for viewers.

The Blend seeks to heal the spirit, mind, and body by bringing together a panel of four African-American health & wellness experts for a lively hour that helps viewers live more empowered lives.

“You can feel like you’re talking with your sister circle, laying down the foundation of your journey to wellness,” shared Rouse on the essence of the show. “We can provide you with the tools to become ‘blenders’ to connect and have spaces where you can be comfortable, talk about issues and be accountable for growth. These tools are powerful, they’re impactful and have to be used responsibly.”

The show is hosted by four professional and compassionate women who specialize in different areas of wellness: Dr. Gloria Chance (psychologist) talks about dealing with trauma through creative means like art. Jewel Diamond Taylor (“The Self Esteem Doctor”) is your go-to person for emotional wellness and spiritual faith building. Dr. Tabatha Carr (naturopathic doctor) with alternative methods to wholeness, and Dr. Peace Amadi (psychologist) offers insight to millennials and how social media affects our feelings and behaviors. In addition to these ladies bringing their expertise on everyday topics that affect women, they have special guests, celebrity interviews and engaging segments with experts like fitness guru, Dawn Strozier.

The all African American female cast is a divine blend of ages, backgrounds and perspectives, which is what Rouse wanted to bring to the forefront in media—the African American woman’s voice. Rather than shop The Blend around and wait for a network executive to see the value in it, Rouse chose a web-based show.

“That also allowed me to maintain creative control, retain my rights, and make the series highly accessible. God had graced me to do this. Anything that I do at the end of the day is faith based; I don’t believe it has to be limited. Times have evolved and I didn’t want to be part of a network because I didn’t want to hear: I can’t have black women sitting there, that we can’t talk about Jesus and that I have to give up my rights to the show.”

The show is right on time to discuss the pressing yet popular topics of self care and mental health, but Rouse indicates that The Blend will address what we don’t talk about much: spiritual health. “That’s the direction we should all be moving in and I’m happy that [the discussion on mental health is] happening. We’re contributing to the conversation—reminding people to become aware that they are spiritual beings. God’s original intent for us was to live these spiritual lives and when it’s [Holy Spirit] leading and guiding you, your body carries that out following it. [The show] is done in a familiar way but you’re provided with really good content. Our show will evolve and you will see how the alignment of the spirit, mind and body will be carefully covered in our show’s content.”

Getting to this point in producing the show has been a faith journey for LaVonda P. Rouse. She share the following  this with us and anyone who has a God-given creative desire: “Don’t be ashamed to share what God has given you, and you can do it—network backing or not.”

You will certainly have support and encouragement to pursue your goals and journey to wellness in spirit, mind and body with the ladies of The Blend. The show airs Wednesdays on their Facebook page. Check out their most recent episode which features special guest Les Brown.

Be sure to catch up with The Blend on Instagram and Twitter and for more info on what’s to come visit theblendtalk.com.