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Up From Here

Up From Here

By: Kelsi Lee and Janai Iman
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About this listen

 Up From Here is the unfiltered podcast where Kelsi Lee and Janai Iman bring the raw conversations they've always had on the couch - about culture, womanhood, motherhood, money, identity, and survival — straight to the mic. It's equal parts therapy, chaos, and truth-telling. For women who are evolving in real time, this is the group chat gone public.2025
Episodes
  • Conflict, Perspective & Mastering Your Emotions | Episode 23

    Conflict, Perspective & Mastering Your Emotions | Episode 23
    Apr 14 2026
    In this episode, we unpack the power of perspective and what it truly means to check your attitude in moments of conflict. Kelsi shares a story about a tense encounter with a woman at an event that nearly escalated into a physical altercation. What initially felt like blatant disrespect later unfolded into a meaningful conversation, leading to mutual understanding and personal growth. The experience became a powerful reminder that not everything that feels personal is actually about you — and that grace, when practiced, can transform confrontation into connection. We discuss what it looks like to pause, regulate your emotions, and choose accountability over reaction. From walking away in heated moments to extending empathy when it's hardest, this conversation highlights the strength found in self-awareness and emotional maturity. Janai opens up about navigating a rough patch in her friendship with Kendall, and how perspective shaped their understanding of that challenging season. Together, we reflect on how perception can skew reality — and how growth often requires us to reevaluate our assumptions. This episode explores: • The importance of emotional regulation during conflict • The power of giving and receiving grace • How misunderstandings shape our relationships • Holding yourself accountable for emotionally driven decisions • Managing conflict with the people we love most • Growing through discomfort and learning from mistakes If you've ever reacted in the heat of the moment, misread a situation, or struggled to manage your emotions during conflict, this episode is for you. Follow us on Instagram: 🍒 @thekelsilee 🍒 @janaiiman ✨ @xo.upfromhere
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    55 mins
  • Purity, Double Standards, & What We Teach Girls About Sex | Episode 22

    Purity, Double Standards, & What We Teach Girls About Sex | Episode 22
    Apr 7 2026

    In this episode, we unpack the concept of "virtue" — and how differently it's assigned to girls versus boys from a young age.

    We talk about how little girls are often taught that their virginity is tied to their purity, their worth, and their value… while little boys are encouraged to explore, experiment, and gain experience without the same moral weight attached.

    We explore how those early messages shape the way women move through dating, relationships, and even their sense of self.

    The conversation expands into cultural differences — how in many white communities, children are encouraged to date, learn, and build relationship skills early on, while in many Black communities, girls are often shamed for expressing interest in dating at all.

    We unpack how those dynamics can impact confidence, experience, and even long-term relationship outcomes — from how we choose partners to the likelihood of building healthy, stable relationships and families.

    This episode isn't about judgment — it's about awareness. Questioning what we were taught, where it came from, and whether it's actually serving us.

    If you've ever felt conflicted about dating, desire, or the expectations placed on you as a woman — this conversation is for you.

    Follow us on Instagram:
    🍒 @thekelsilee
    🍒 @janaiiman
    ✨ @xo.upfromhere
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Birthday Icks, Fake Love, & Dating Confessions | Episode 21

    Birthday Icks, Fake Love, & Dating Confessions | Episode 21
    Mar 31 2026

    This episode is all about vibes — because it's Kelsi's birthday 🎉

    We kept things light, fun, and a little messy as we got into Kelsi's birthday icks… from fake love, to people somehow making your birthday about them, to the realization that sometimes the best way to celebrate is with a little solo time and real intention.

    We talk about what birthdays start to mean as you get older — less about performance, more about peace, presence, and doing what actually feels good.

    Most of this episode is us playing Whiteboard Confessions, answering random, funny, and slightly chaotic questions that had us laughing the entire time. It's unfiltered, it's silly, and it's very much giving "group chat in real life."

    If you needed a break from the heavy conversations and just want to laugh with us for a bit — this one is for you.

    Follow us on Instagram:
    🍒 @thekelsilee
    🍒 @janaiiman
    ✨ @xo.upfromhere
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    1 hr and 21 mins
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