Tea with Meek & Nique

The Wrap Up

What About Your Friends?

Intentional Matrimony: COVID Edition

00:40 - And we back! We are on top of it today - we are starting with what we’re sipping on. Meek has her Meka Classic, her peach, mint, and ginger, while Nique has got her trusty citrus mint.  4:05 - Today, we are talking about all things four-legged, our furry best friends, we’re talking dog moms today. If you have furbabies, this episode is for you! Monique starts off with her story of how she is dog-mom-adjacent. She is a surrogate dog mama, loving and supporting her pups from afar, but it’s just not a perfect fit up close.  7:05 - Meka has a bernedoodle named Marley, her super smart, not shedding, huge furbaby. Marley is a big, gentle baby, even though she is larger than Elle and almost as tall as Meka when she’s on her hind legs! Marley and Axel especially have a sweet relationship, because they grew up together.  10:40 - Nique talks about Onyx, her pup living with her in-laws. Onyx is a mini Australian labradoodle who fits in perfectly with her in-laws because he’s a great connection point for the family to talk over!  12:04 - Meek points out that having a dog is great, but can be inconvenient for when we’re able to travel again… but this is where Nique shines as a dog auntie and she is down to babysit. Although, Meka breaks the news that they’re welcoming another furry addition to the family, and she’s encouraging other families to welcome bernedoodles into their homes too! 14:47 - Meka needs your help, listeners - who else has two big dogs and kids and can handle it?? Dogs are forever babies and will always need you to keep them on routine. Keep this in mind when you’re thinking of adding a furbaby to your family! 18:00 - Stay tuned for the adventures of Marley and Harley (maybe a new insta is on its way). Meka’s kids are excited to have the new puppy but also are ready to take on the responsibilities too. 19:50 - No matter which way you have a dog in your life, whether you’re a dog mama or a dog auntie, these pups do bring happiness and enjoyment to us. They’re always so happy to see you and other people are nice to you too! 21:10 - We can’t say bye without our Drive Tracks. Add these to your playlist - Big Sean Wolves (keeping with the fur theme), and a classic, Whitney Houston’s Every Woman.Make sure to follow Meek and Nique on their updated socials! Meka’s blog is Hanging with the Harrells and her instagram is @xomekaharrell.Nique’s website is Monique Hibma and follow her @moniqueimanhibma.Follow the show at @teawithmeekandnique on Insta to see behind-the-scenes and more content, make sure to use the #teawithmeekandnique so we can see what you’re sipping on, and say hello to your fearless hosts at meekandnique.com, and tune in for the next episode!

Dog Mom's

00:40 - Hey mamas, welcome back! We back and still Black and excited to be here with you! Don’t forget your tea. You know what Meka is sippin on - her peach, mint, ginger classic with honey mixed in. Monique is changing it up today by sipping on some matcha. 04:32 - This year of 2020 has been something else for us all. The ladies reflect on how they brought in 2020 and how different the start of the year was from our current situation. We’ve all learned so much since the pandemic hit, but what exactly have these lessons been? Meek feels she’s gained perspective on how short and special life really is, as we’ve all gone through so much loss this year. Let’s use every talent and ounce of energy we have to put into living a rich and good life. 08:45 - Nique adds to that sentiment, realizing she’s at the “ma’am” stage of her life and she wholly embraces it! Let’s give love to each other while we’re here, not just when we lose someone or are faced with pain. 12:32 - Anybody else have that creeping feeling that the other shoe is gonna drop? Sometimes, it can be hard to enjoy all the good things in life because we’re so conditioned to expect and prepared for bad things - thinking about what happens if a partner dies, where are all the important documents, what happens to the family dynamic, having all these hard conversations! 14:55 - One of the biggest lessons of 2020 is that we can do better, we can do so much better and we have the capacity to elevate the work that we’re doing to do more for ourselves, our minds, our kids, our communities. Monique talks about the simple joy of having a bathtub and time to think and gain perspective, of up and moving to a new city and understand what is really needed in life. 17:20 - Meka adds that she is more present, more grateful for what she has and her journey to this point in her life, and the fact that there is more growth in her future. She is learning to love what she has, is letting go of the junk, and reshaping what home means to her. 19:57 - The ladies encourage the listeners, if there’s somewhere else that you’re being called to be, take the leap and watch the doors open up for you. Even when you’re scared, you can do it and create change in your life! What would your excellent day and excellent life look like? 22:53 - Even though this year has been challenging, with so much loss and so many changes, there is good still happening! Marriages and celebrations, job growth and babies being born; remember to focus in on the good. 25:45 - Meek and Nique reflect on how the pandemic has grounded their travel plans and remember back on their last plane trips. There’s so much about traveling that we miss, but maybe there are some changes we can make when we are able to travel again - travel less, stay longer, be more present and thankful for being able to be somewhere new. 28:24 - We always gotta end with our Drive Tracks. Meka is listening to the whole Detroit 2 album by Big Sean but is especially loving Harder Than My Demons. Monique is listening to Stevie Wonder’s Don’t You Worry Bout a Thing, which is especially fitting for the present time.  Make sure to follow Meek and Nique on their updated socials! Meka’s blog is Hanging with the Harrells and her instagram is @xomekaharrell.Nique’s website is Monique Hibma and follow her @moniqueimanhibma.Follow the show at @teawithmeekandnique on Insta to see behind-the-scenes and more content, make sure to use the #teawithmeekandnique so we can see what you’re sipping on, say hello to your fearless hosts at meekandnique.com, and tune in for the next episode!

Current 2020 Perspectives

Schools In

00:42 - The ladies are back! We have an exciting topic today - fitness! Monique is the fit momma and Meka has just started her own “sweat-xy” fitness journey, so we’re talking from every perspective. Remember, the kids are always watching, so let’s be good examples. There are so many ways to incorporate exercise into family time and it makes it so much more fun!  4:44 - Meek talks about taking the plunge and buying herself the Peloton bike. Make sure to check out her blog post about the reasons why it’s worth that investment, because she’s already feeling and seeing the benefits. Nique has been a Peloton member for a while, so if you want to be Team Peloton with the communitea, hit up the ladies for referral codes and get some money off on your bike accessories! 7:50 - We have to sweat for our health. The CDC cites that the leading cause of death for black women is heart disease, so we have to do the work to keep our bodies strong and healthy. If you don’t want to spend the money on a Peloton, download a fitness app to get you going or simply go out for a walk! It also just makes you feel good, so get out and do it. 10:45 - Technology today helps so much too! The ladies talk about the different exercises that you can add to your Apple watch, the motivation of closing your activity rings, and taking on challenges with your friends.  14:45 - Just like jump rope, we gotta jump in at the right time with what we’re sipping on today. Meka’s got her signature staple, her Ginger Peach and Mint tea, while Nique is trying something new, a Japanese green tea called gyokuro. 15:42 - And we’re jumping back into fitness! From jump ropes to hoola hoops, some of our childhood favorites can be fun or just plain ridiculous. 18:00 - Fitness and health go hand in hand, and a big part of health is staying hydrated. Drink that water and get some sunshine, because we’re basically plants.  18:37 - Let’s talk yoga. Yoga is so great for your body because it’s all bodyweight strength exercise, it’s about mindfulness and focusing on yourself. We know Monique is the yoga queen, so check out her practice and even schedule a flow session with her on her website! 24:21 - Fitness is a journey and it’s a process. No, we’re not always in the best shape ever all the time, but we’re going to be working out to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Try some of the things that Meek and Nique have - crossfit, weights, spinning, and get you some new kicks to look good too! 25:50 - Fit Chiks Omi and Nicki have inspired Meka so much recently by making Black Girls Skating go viral! They look fire and rollerblading is definitely some work. Being physically active doesn’t have to be super strenuous or boring - it can be fun! Go ice skating, involve the family, challenge yourself to do a little more every day. We have so many opportunities to get our bodies moving. 28:55 - Need some fit-spiration? Follow our friends Omi and Tiffany and find other people who are doing the dang thing and motivate you to do more for yourself! We all need that positive encouragement. 30:00 - Drive Tracks have a workout theme today. We’re listening to Kanye West’s Workout Plan and Brand New Me by Alicia Keys. Add these jams to your workout playlist, then let us know what you’re listening to!Make sure to follow Meek and Nique on their updated socials! Meka’s blog is XOMekaHarrell and her instagram is @xomekaharrell1.Nique’s website is Monique Hibma and follow her @moniqueimanhibma.Follow the show at @teawithmeekandnique on Insta to see behind-the-scenes and more content, make sure to use the #teawithmeekandnique so we can see what you’re sippin on, and say hello to your fearless hosts at meekandnique.com, and tune in for the next episode!

Fit(ish)

00:80 - And we back, and we back, and still black! Are you sipping with us, communitea? Today, Meka is sipping on her fave Peach Ginger and Mint tea, and Nique is changing it up with some peppermint. Christmas in July, anyone? 2:20 - This episode is all about how we are doing; like really, how are you? What sparked this was a sentence in a Bible plan - “we walk through life with our masks on” - that captures how we have to change our authentic selves. If you’re wearing your mask and I’m wearing mine, how are we ever going to know each other? Today, we’re going to show up authentically and really see each other, pain, flaws, and all. 4:05 - Being authentic and honest with ourselves is so valuable, especially now, because it allows us to find the support we need. As mamas, Meek and Nique know how much they’re doing for their children, and that there are other mothers out there doing 100% for their kids by themselves. Being with our kids 24/7 in this pandemic is hard! 7:85 - Yes, we love and care for our kids, but you bet we are gonna take our time for ourselves! Taking time for you allows you to re-energize and come home stronger for your family and for yourself.  8:95 - The ladies talk about how they’re doing - like, how they’re really doing. Meek talks about how she’s really feeling more stress free, sleeping in, living life as a night hawk. Nique describes feeling a deeper inner peace, a gratitude for where she is in life, being amazed at how her children are growing into their own lives.  12:30 - The ladies talk about how the changes the pandemic has brought this year has also invited a new calmness and a scaled-back approach to life, while wrestling with a feeling of nostalgia and longing for going to do things. Meek and Nique talk about how the new adaptations COVID has forced on us has made them more creative, more appreciative, and helped them realize that the little things are so big and important. 17:96 - The conversation turns to taking ourselves too seriously, especially growing up in a black household where that behavior was definitely side-eyed by our elders. Let’s live life, kids, and let’s learn how to let go a little bit, adults.  20:20 - Mental health is so important, especially right now, for the mamas who are home and taking care of the kids and getting ready for virtual school. We have to use the resources around us, whether that is therapy or a spiritual director, we have to have someone who we can talk to as a sounding board to cope with all of the things that we as black women, black mothers, have to live with each day. It’s okay to not be okay, and it’s okay to get help! 25:96 - Monique reflects on an experience she had with an acquaintance that made her realize: what would happen if two people showed up as their authentic selves? If we could introduce ourselves truly and authentically… what would we even say?? Our life circumstances make us who we are, it doesn’t hold us back, so we need to learn how to own it.  30:85 - We’re going to leave it there with some Drive Tracks. Meek’s track is Freedom by Beyonce because it makes her feel empowered to be free from the stress and anxiety of Corporate America. Nique is listening to India. Aire’s Strength, Courage & Wisdom because it’s a great song that features all black artistsMake sure to follow Meek and Nique on their updated socials! Meka’s blog is Hanging with the Harrells and her instagram is @xomekaharrell1.Nique’s website is Monique Hibma and follow her @moniqueimanhibma. Follow the show at @teawithmeekandnique on Insta to see behind-the-scenes and more content, make sure to use the #teawithmeekandnique so we can see what you’re sipping on, and say hello to your fearless hosts at meekandnique.com, and tune in for the next episode! Are you looking for someone to talk to? Check out Therapy for Black Girls for resources!

How Are You Really?

1:12 - This episode, we’re starting with the tea. Meka is sipping on her trusty Peach, Ginger, and Mint tea, and Nique has a Hibiscus Berry with a dash of agave. Good tea for today’s episode. 2:30 - The ladies dive into the fun things that they and the kids have been doing while in Covid lockdown. Meek shares about how she took her family to a drive-through farm to see and feed all the different animals, which was so fun for the kids (but expensive for mama)! Video on that coming soon....  6:30 - Hellman’s Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip? There’s no debate on this podcast. It’s gotta be Hellman’s! 7:30 - Nique talks about how their family has been riding bikes together, seeing her eldest teach the youngest how to ride without training wheels, and seeing her kids truly bond with each other in this time of Covid. 9:05 - The ladies talk about Family Night Fridays - finding the right movie, gotta get the pizza! Meka talks about watching Babysitter’s Club on Netflix and how it’s so different from what they used to watch, because it addresses real topics like divorce, LGBTQ+, racism, and other important social topics that children and pre-teens have to navigate.  12:00 - Meek and Nique go through their other Netflix recommendations and how both their households are obsessed with The Floor is Lava! Are your kids obsessed too? Who would be on your team? 17:25 - Nique is appreciating spending time with her husband and being outside more. They reflect on the Saharan dust storm that came through and appreciate the calm of the summer nights, even though it’s hard to be grounded and not travelling right now.  18:47 - The ladies discuss strategizing long car rides and travel during Covid with kids who need to stop all the time! There are so many useful tools for travel so you don’t have to stop. Get you some gel cups :) 22:55 - Drive Tracks Time! This week, we’re listening to Chloe X Halle Ungodly Hour album, especially the song ROYL, and Ciara’s Girl Gang from her Beauty Marks album. Listen up and let us know what you’re listening to!Make sure to follow Meek and Nique on social media! Meka’s blog is Hanging with the Harrells and her instagram is @hwthblog Nique can be found at White Coat Wifey and followed at @whitecoatwifey! Follow the show at @teawithmeekandnique on Insta to see behind-the-scenes and more content, say hello to your fearless hosts at meekandnique.com, and tune in for the next episode!

Covid and Chill

00:40 - We back! The ladies are ready for a new season and are going to push their conversations to the next level to address and reflect on what is happening in the world. 2:20 - Meka gives a life update about her career and catches us up on changes that she has been through in recent months. She made plans to leave her job in June, but Covid came through and changed everything.  6:15 - The ladies reflect on how Covid has impacted their lives, how it has been a humbling experience, and how it has been a strangely positive opportunity for true rest. They speak on how they have been able to reconnect and be involved more deeply in their children’s lives (even though it can make you crazy sometimes). 9:00 - The theme of today’s episode is grounded in real, honest talk about being Black in America, how Black Lives Matter and how that applies to Black women and mothers, and how to find courage through all that is happening in this country right now.  11:20 - Meek shares about explaining to her son about slavery and their ancestors, about the strength of Black history, and how nothing has meaningfully changed since then. More needs to be done. 12:40 - Meek and Nique reflect on how they coped with the heartbreaking murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, and how deeply it impacted them as individuals, as Black women, and what action they began to see around them as a reaction to these crimes.  15:50 - Nique shares her frustration around the white women who reached out on social media after George Floyd’s murder, that those messages felt disingenuine because they had never reached out before, didn’t follow any other Black people on socials, and it seemed more like a “am I a good white person” check. 18:06 - Meek shares an experience about picking up her son from daycare (pre-Covid) where another mother asked who she was and why she was there… because she had never seen Meek before. It’s incredibly infuriating to have people question Black parents who are simply just parenting, or doing anything else! 22:40 - Meek shares a quote: “Look at Black people, learning stocks, buying plants, saving money, prioritizing health, exercising, uniting, progressing. Rest looks so good on us.” This quote is so perfect for what they need right now, and encapsulates what the ladies are so excited for this season.  24:21 - Nique reflects on balancing the work and the rest, in combination with her husband who is working hard to tackle Covid, and teaming up to ensure that there is Covid testing accessibility in black communities that need it! 27:45 - “It’s not an if, it’s a when.” Meek and Nique discuss what it’s like to live every day in this world as a Black person, as a Black woman, and a Black mother. The fear that they carry every day is not right and needs to change, but it has made them strong. We will come back to this all season long, this is the real and raw work. 29:05 - But here’s the tea for today! Nique is sipping on Rosehip and Camomile to help with the zen needed to address the topics in today’s episode. Meek is sipping on her go-to of Peach, Ginger, and Mint tea, because when she finds something she likes, she sticks with it. 31:11 - What do you call Drive Tracks in the time of Covid? Mommy Mood Makers? We’ll come up with a new name... Meek and Nique have been listening to Triggered by Jhene Aiko and Black by Buddy. Give these a listen until next time!Make sure to follow Meek and Nique on social media! Meka’s blog is Hanging with the Harrells and her instagram is @hwthblog.Nique can be found at White Coat Wifey and followed at @whitecoatwifey! Follow the show at @teawithmeekandnique on Insta to see behind-the-scenes and more content, say hello to your fearless hosts at meekandnique.com, and tune in for the next episode!

We Back and Still Black

0:40 - It’s the wrap up! This season flew by. Before we get into the final episode of season two, what are we sipping on? Meek has a classic peach and ginger tea, and Nique is enjoying a spearmint tea with a dash of agave.  3:20 - There is so much going on in the world right now… The ladies discuss how the Coronavirus is affecting and disrupting the world and their lives. But it also offers a great chance to clean, declutter, read, and rest in your space! 6:38 - Meka and Nique reflect on Season Two and how the experience was for them. There are moments of pride, of ease and struggle, of managing and scheduling, and new experiences (we had guests this season)!  9:15 - We also hit 1k Instagram followers - THANK YOU for your support! We want to shout you out because we couldn’t do this without all our subscribers, those who share our podcast and socials, who leave us 5-star ratings, and who keep us going! 12:15 - Let’s get this #FirstClassMomStyle trending - We’re creating a culture of enjoying motherhood, taking care of ourselves, supporting each other, and being your best self (first), so you can be the best mom, wife, sister, friend, and everything else that you are. 14:30 - Meek and Nique talk about their favorite episode of this season (the husband episode, go check it out!) and the new elements that they introduced to the podcast (hello, mom confessions). 17:30 - We have to shout out Jodie Brim, exclusive professional photographer for Tea with Meek and Nique. Let us tell you how she is killing it. We need ladies in our lives to keep us real, keep us grounded, and feed our souls. Other women who inspire you are so important to push ourselves to achieve more for ourselves! 22:35 - Let’s close out with the final Drive Tracks of the season. We’re listening to “Triggered” off of Jhene Aiko’s new album, and Drake’s “Weston Road” from his Views album. Make sure to follow Meek and Nique on social media! Meka’s blog is Hanging with the Harrells and her instagram is @hwthblog!Nique can be found at White Coat Wifey and followed at @whitecoatwifey!Make sure to follow the show at @teawithmeekandnique on Insta to see behind-the-scenes and more content.Say hello to your fearless hosts at meekandnique.com.Stay tuned in for the next season and upcoming episodes!

Episode 21: The Wrap Up

That Rona & Nique's Birthday

02:15 - First, before we move forward what tea are we sipping on? Meek is sipping on some raspberry leaf tea and Nique is sipping on Honey Lemon. They conclude that the studio tea staples are Raspberry leaf, Peach and Ginger and Spearmint. We hope you have a good situation in your cup as well! 03:35 - Nique reveals this episode's theme, “Spring Break Ideas”. They both have the spring break fever, Meek is so ready for the warmth and some sun rays. Nique acknowledges that she is soft living in NC compared anywhere up north where there is snow and it is bone-chilling cold. 04:20 - Nique has regional expectations, if she lived in Minnesota she would need a Range Rover and a constant rotation of UGG’s to survive. Meek relates, she has a friend who lives in Minnesota and they constantly wear UGG’s. 04:55  - Nique kicks off the conversation by asking Meek, “What is your spring break idea #1”? Meek says, “Going to the Caribbean”, she is behind on her plans but she wants an easy flight and a nice all-inclusive package for the kids.  05:55 - The duo reiterates that during this episode you will gain practical, useful choices for your own adventure from their idea bank. First and foremost it is all about getting family time in. Some ideas are definitely on the bucket list. 06:45 - Nique actually started planning a California spring break adventure for her family, but she got a hard stop after sharing the details of the trip with her kids. When asked what they would rather do, her son reminded her that there are landmarks at their grandpa and grandma's house in Iowa and that is their first choice. Nique and her husband may decide to have their own adventure, currently, Toronto and Omaha are on their list. 09:05 - Meek’s family has experienced California for spring break. They went to Legoland in San Diego and another year they went to San Francisco and enjoyed the Golden Gate Bridge. Meek has many fond memories of California and encourages Nique to definitely make it there with her family in the future.  10:15 - Nique brings up another spring break idea, she believes spring back can be a slowdown. You can stay stateside or in your city, there are so many interesting places to visit such as state parks, being in nature is always a great idea. Also, having a declutter day where you fill up bags to donate. Meek has staycation on her list as well but she throws in the idea of going to a hotel for one night, Meek’s kids love indoor pools. Nique mentions going to the dollar tree and even decorating the hotel room and the importance of giving yourself a theme and budget. Meek believes you do not need to feel like you have to live up to any expectations of spring break, this is not Instagram. The most important thing is that you are with your family, making memories. 13:35 - Meek’s next idea is to take a road trip, even though she personally does not want to be in a car for more than 5 hours. And, you do not have to go far, Meek loves Wilmington for some beach time because it is a 1 to 2-hour drive from her home. But, Meek is very set on spring break in the Caribbean, she wants to GO! Something is calling her there. One thing, Meek’s two youngest haven’t used their passports and she wants them to experience the beach vibes. Nique promotes NC, there are so many great cities to visit within a couple of hours.  16:20 - Meek has another idea for spring break and it revolves around the importance of family nights. It is one of her favorite things to do with her family, all you need is a good movie, homemade popcorn, the fireplace on and laughter. The big takeaway, there is nothing wrong with staying home and relaxing. Home is where the heart is :). 17:35 - Nique feels like spring break is a great time for service and there are two options. It is an excellent time to find a service project to complete as a family. Or, for her family, it is not always about physically doing something with a local at need group. She really feels it is most important to remember to just show up and let yourself be the light in the environment and leave people better than you found them. 19:40 - Nique brings up an important point, the people you are serving can also be your friends. It is not about I’m helping you, it can also just mean being present for your friend. It is all about getting out of your normal environment and being immersed in another environment. 20:15 - Meek wraps up her top three spring break ideas including staycation, Caribbean and a road trip. She loves the idea of incorporating service into spring break and she loves Nique’s idea of decorating the room if you splurge for a hotel room for a night. They both hope spring break is lit on your level this year. Nique wants to add in random fire questions to each episode and Mom confessions of the week. 21:35 - Nique does not wait until next week to begin Mom confessions, she asks Meek what her Mom confession of the week is. Meek says that it is her chosen snack eaten away from her kids. If she has a snack that she wants then she very well may hide it in her closet and eat it without feeling guilty. She does not feel bad her kids have an entire pantry of stuff that they like. They both agree it feels good to say no sometimes. Nique’s Mom's confession of the week is that she wants to celebrate the fact that she ate pizza with actual cheese for the first time in a very long time. It was a plain cheese pizza and she has been planning for this, so she bought some Lactaid so she didn’t die. Nique believes you need to give yourself indulgences as a balance in your life. Meek just started eating chicken again! Her husband always says, “It is all in moderation babe.” Now they are determined to find the best cheese pizza around and have a date. 27:30 - Drive Tracks!! Meek’s drive track is “Shell Shock” from the Ninja Turtle Soundtrack, but you have to tell Alexa, “Alexa play Shell Shock by Juicy Jay”, it is the only way she will play the song. Nique’s drive track is a throwback, “Dirty Computer '' by Janelle Monåe, she really needed this song today because she went to the grocery store with her husband they were asked if they wanted to split the order, Nique said in all things love and replied, “I hope my husband is buying my breakfast.”Make sure to follow Meek and Nique on social media! Meka’s blog is Hanging with the Harrells and her Instagram is @hwthblog Nique can be found at White Coat Wifey and followed at @whitecoatwifey!Make sure to follow the show at @teawithmeekandnique on Insta to see behind-the-scenes and more content, say hello to your fearless hosts at meekandnique.com, and tune in for the next episode!

Episode 19: Spring Break Ideas

Good tea is best sipped hot but spilled slow. Join the mom communiTEA of Meka and Monique, two highly-melanated millennial mamas, living in the Tar Heel State. Listen in on candid conversations about motherhood, marriage, and beyond as they sip tea, share laughs, and spill nothing but the truth.

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Tea with Meek & Nique

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