We Are Out of Office

In this week’s episode of We Are Out of Office, your co-hosts Veteran Television Executive Producer Nikki T and Bestselling Author Jayne Allen keep the conversation going in their first intentional audio-only episode — live from Nikki’s mother-in-law’s closet in Oregon and fully committed to staying out of office, even off-camera.The episode opens with the ladies doing what they do best: turning on their out-of-office replies and letting the conversation unfold from there. Nikki is busy watching QVC and reflecting on the unexpected entertainment value of daytime television, while Jayne shares a deeper lesson from her own QVC experience — that manifestation requires aiming beyond the moment you think you want, because getting exactly what you asked for is not always the same as arriving where you’re meant to be.From there, the conversation moves through beauty, Black history, fitness, haircare, loneliness, friendship, truth-telling, and the discipline of choosing yourself again and again.I See You GirlJayne’s I See You Girl goes to Chaka Khan, who at 73 is still glowing, radiant, and completely herself. After hearing Chaka casually reveal that her beauty “secret” is simply slathering her face with oil or heavy lotion before bed, Jayne takes the moment as both a practical skincare tip and a broader reminder that consistency, moisture, and keeping it simple may still be some of the best anti-aging wisdom there is.Nikki spotlights Biddy Mason, the formerly enslaved woman who became one of the wealthiest Black women in Los Angeles. From winning her freedom in court to building a real estate empire, founding institutions, and leaving behind a legacy of generosity and civic power, Biddy Mason becomes this week’s reminder that Black history is full of women who transformed survival into ownership, influence, and lasting community impact.What We’re On Right NowNikki is currently on Tae Bo with Billy Blanks, rediscovering the joy of old-school workouts that still get the job done. Between YouTube Tae Bo sessions and figure-eight resistance bands, she’s focused on toning, moving with intention, and reconnecting with a kind of fitness that feels fun, effective, and sustainable.Jayne is on Cécred, Beyoncé’s haircare line, and specifically has her eye on what appears to be a quietly excellent formulation strategy. After trying the Silk Protein Rinse and reviewing the ingredient deck through the lens of her own beauty industry background, she suspects the line may be doing much more than it initially lets on — and is preparing to test the styling products next, wash-and-go included.Mindin’ My Black BusinessJayne brings a twofer this week, highlighting both Cécred and Grow Good, Cardi B’s newly launched haircare line. With one brand positioned as luxurious and ingredient-forward and the other appearing more affordable and accessible, the ladies are interested in seeing how both lines perform — especially for women on real-life healthy hair journeys.Nikki spotlights Cedric Mitchell Design, the work of Black glassblower Cedric Mitchell, whose sculptural glassware blends art, function, nostalgia, and what he calls modern funk. His kinetic glasses feel equal parts conversation starter and design object, and the whole collection is a reminder that Black creativity continues to expand the definition of luxury, beauty, and everyday ritual.Jesus Take the WheelJayne’s Jesus Take the Wheel comes from a trend she finds both unsettling and deeply sad: people using AI for romance. What begins as a conversation about AI “boyfriends” and digital companionship becomes a broader reflection on loneliness, emotional avoidance, and the ways people are increasingly turning to simulation over actual intimacy. For Jayne, it’s a sharp reminder that AI may be a tool, but it cannot replace the humanity of being seen, challenged, and loved by another real person.Nikki’s Jesus Take the Wheel goes to the bizarre story involving Alan Ritchson, a bike ride, a neighbor dispute, and a body-cam reveal that changed the whole narrative. What initially looked like one story became another entirely once more footage surfaced, and Nikki is left asking the obvious question: why are people this committed to schemes, setups, and self-inflicted chaos in the first place?Health & HealingThis week’s Health & Healing centers on a hard truth: not everyone who says they want honesty is actually ready to receive it.Nikki reflects on a pivotal moment when her father-in-law lovingly but directly called her out for not being present enough with her daughter — a truth that was painful to hear, but powerful enough to change her life. Jayne builds on that by reflecting on the friendships she has lost in the act of being honest with people about their own misalignment, and the courage it takes to tell someone the truth not because you want to hurt them, but because you care enough not to lie.Together, they explore the difference between judgment and loving accountability

In this week’s episode of We Are Out of Office, your co-hosts Veteran Television Executive Producer Nikki T and Bestselling Author Jayne Allen clock in with a full, fiery, culture-forward conversation about storytelling, self-definition, personal power, and what it means to wake up to your own truth in a world determined to narrate you incorrectly.The episode opens with the ladies doing what they do best: turning on their out-of-office replies and setting the tone. Jayne is focused on growing her hair, regulating her sleep, and shortening her manifestation window, while Nikki declares herself busy creating propaganda—the kind rooted in equity, storytelling, and shaping narratives that actually serve people.From there, the conversation moves through Oscars discourse, Black excellence, mirror work, renesting, AI-fueled innovation, and the emotional labor of reclaiming joy without apologizing for it.I See You GirlJayne’s I See You King goes to Michael B. Jordan, whose Best Actor Oscar win becomes a larger meditation on talent, truth, and what it means to beat the machine. Rather than centering the usual industry narratives, Jayne breaks down how Sinners and its team stayed rooted in the truth of their work—despite the noise, despite the positioning, and despite the systems designed to uplift someone else.Nikki spotlights Quenlin Blackwell, the internet personality and host whose chaotic, compelling energy made her one of the breakout standouts of Oscars red carpet coverage. Funny, unfiltered, and impossible to ignore, Quenlin becomes a case study in what happens when personality, presence, and platform collide in real time.What We’re On Right NowJayne is currently on re-nesting—the act of intentionally simplifying your life, moving closer to yourself, and rejecting the external trappings of success in favor of healing, focus, and alignment. She reflects on what it means to leave behind peacocking and performance in order to build something quieter, truer, and more sustainable.Nikki is on mirror work, inspired by a wildly insightful nine-year-old who described the mirror as a gateway to infinite versions of yourself. By whispering affirmations and truths to her reflection, Nikki has found a playful but powerful way to shift her mood, check her energy, and reconnect to herself with intention.Mindin’ My Black BusinessJayne highlights The Best Man: Unfinished Business, Book One, inviting book clubs to slide into the DMs and invite her and Malcolm D. Lee into their discussions. The response has already been strong, and the authors are eager to join readers in unpacking the story together.Nikki spotlights The Meridian Club, founded by Nany, a private travel and spa club for women centered on rest, restoration, and low-demand luxury. Built around healing water traditions, pleasure-driven food, and soft community, it’s the kind of wellness concept that feels deeply aligned with the moment.Jesus Take the WheelJayne’s Jesus Take the Wheel comes from an unsettling documentary about men who spend thousands renting girlfriends—not for companionship, but for control, compliance, and the illusion of relational ease without another person’s actual humanity. The conversation becomes a sharp examination of entitlement, emotional underdevelopment, and the danger of wanting a relationship without the existence of another will.Nikki’s Jesus Take the Wheel goes to Tasha K, following the latest developments in her ongoing legal and financial fallout after losing a defamation case to Cardi B. From alleged asset shielding to a GoFundMe aimed at helping pay the judgment, the situation becomes a case study in consequences, ego, and what happens when sorry could have saved everybody time.Health & HealingJayne offers a powerful word this week: wake up.Not to fear—but to yourself. To your own truth. To your own story. Using Ryan Coogler and the Sinners campaign as the example, she reflects on what happens when you refuse to let the loudest lie become your reality. If you stay rooted in the truth of your work, your gifts, your effort, and your story, then even the machine eventually has to face what’s real.Nikki builds on that with a needed reminder: if someone else’s joy makes you uncomfortable, that discomfort is information. Using the reaction to Teyana Taylor’s visible joy as an example, she unpacks how deeply many of us have internalized the policing of Black joy—and how healing requires expanding ourselves, not shrinking other people.What’s GoodJayne shouts out the new WNBA collective bargaining agreement, which dramatically increases average salaries, minimum salaries, and revenue share for players. The numbers tell the story clearly: women’s professional basketball has long been undervalued, and this new agreement is a major step toward correcting that.Nikki highlights a wild but hopeful story out of Australia, where a man used AI and determination to help create a custom vaccine for his dog Rose after a devastating diagnosis. I

In this week’s episode of We Are Out of Office, your co-hosts Veteran Television Executive Producer Nikki T and Bestselling Author Jayne Allen return with a short but layered conversation about voice, visibility, culture, and what it means to build a life rooted in self-respect, alignment, and enoughness.The episode opens with the ladies doing what they do best: turning on their out-of-office replies and naming the energy. With the world worlding as usual, Jayne is busy reading up on the latest developments in community collective action, while Nikki enters her birthday month with one clear instruction: talk to her nice.From there, the conversation moves through brilliance in marketing, creativity, entrepreneurship, internet foolishness, and the quiet power of building a life that doesn’t require over-explaining, over-proving, or begging to be believed.I See You GirlNikki spotlights Dara Treseder, the powerhouse marketing executive currently serving as Chief Marketing Officer at Autodesk. From helping drive Peloton’s explosive growth to turning software into story-driven cultural messaging, Dara is a reminder that the best marketing doesn’t just sell products — it sells identity, possibility, and belonging.Jayne highlights Viola Davis, who now adds novelist to her already-iconic résumé with the release of Judge Stone, a courtroom thriller co-written with James Patterson. Viola also narrates the audiobook herself, because of course she does — and the hosts reflect on what it means to witness a woman continue to evolve at the highest level of her craft.What We’re On Right NowJayne is currently on facial massage — and not in a frivolous way. After noticing puffiness and fluid retention from travel, stress, and changing routines, she’s been deep in the world of lymphatic drainage and facial massage, discovering just how much a few intentional minutes can shift how you look and feel.Nikki, meanwhile, is deep in another internet rabbit hole — or rather, several. From “attic lady” and “birthday cake lady” to a wedding canceled under mysterious circumstances and a husband allegedly stranded overseas with his sneaky link, Threads continues to prove itself as one of the most chaotic storytelling platforms on the internet.The ladies also take a moment to praise Paradise, which Nikki says is doing the rare thing: delivering a season two that may actually be just as strong as the first.Mindin’ My Black BusinessJayne brings listeners a Black-owned coffee brand: Kahawa 1893, founded by Margaret Nyamumbo, a Kenyan-born entrepreneur who transformed her family’s coffee legacy into a growing business now generating millions in annual sales. Her discovery began with fear-mongering around mycotoxins in coffee and ended in a much more useful place: supporting a Black woman-owned company doing the work right.Nikki highlights Gracie’s Cakes, the stunning cake artistry business of Ronique Briggs, a Bahamian-born, Ontario-based hyper-realistic cake artist whose sculptural creations are almost too beautiful to cut. Between her Netflix appearance on Is It Cake? and her online courses, this is artistry, entrepreneurship, and sweetness all in one.Jesus Take the WheelJayne’s Jesus Take the Wheel goes to the rollout surrounding Reverend Jamal Bryant's announcement of the conclusion of the latest retail boycott. The hosts unpack whether collective action can simply be declared over, and how accountability, results, and respect are required for the community involved.Nikki’s Jesus Take the Wheel comes out of Bakersfield, California, where a college basketball coach is under investigation for allegedly trafficking women across multiple states while simultaneously serving as an assistant coach. Combined with a separate investigation involving another athletic program at the same school, the hosts raise the larger question: what is happening inside these institutions that are supposed to protect young people?Health & HealingThis week, Jayne is in a real-time healing space and gives herself permission not to force clarity before it’s ready. Sometimes healing takes longer than a week, and sometimes the healthiest thing to do is to pause, process, and return when there’s something real to say.Woven throughout the episode is a larger truth: the life you’re building should not require begging — not for respect, not for resources, not for clarity, and not for permission to trust what you already know.What’s GoodNikki shouts out Professor Jason Arday, the youngest Black professor in the history of the University of Cambridge — and a man who did not speak until age 11 and did not learn to read and write until age 18. His story is a stunning reminder that timelines are not destiny.Jayne recommends an episode of Shan Boodram’s Lovers podcast featuring Melissa Ford, centered around the question: What if you never meet the one? The conversation explores wholeness, happiness, decentering men, and the growing cultural shift toward women building lives s

In this week’s episode of We Are Out of Office, co-hosts Veteran Television Executive Producer Nikki T and Bestselling Author Jayne Allen return from a brief hiatus — truly out of office — reflecting on travel, geography, healing, and the lessons that appear when you slow down long enough to see them.Jayne shares insights from a week spent between Los Angeles, Palo Alto, and Stanford, including a striking realization after meeting an Uber driver who moved to Silicon Valley through the green card lottery: sometimes success isn’t just about talent or effort — sometimes it’s geography. Being in the right environment, surrounded by people who believe in ideas, can change the trajectory of what’s possible.Meanwhile Nikki reflects on a packed week in Los Angeles celebrating Black excellence — from producing a Hollywood Confidential fireside chat with legendary actress Loretta Devine to attending celebrations surrounding the NAACP Image Awards, including honoring powerhouse creator Mara Brock Akil.From culture and creativity to healing and entrepreneurship, the conversation explores what it means to keep moving forward — even when you’re still figuring things out.I See You GirlJayne honors Susan L. Taylor, the legendary former Essence editor-in-chief whose “In the Spirit” column shaped generations of Black women. A recent interview reminded Jayne of Taylor’s powerful message: you already have everything you need for this journey — even the moments when you lose your way.Nikki spotlights Wilglory Tanjong, founder of luxury handbag brand Anima Iris, who has launched a bold social campaign asking billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott to invest $1 billion into 1,000 Black women founders. The numbers behind Black women entrepreneurship are undeniable — yet the venture capital funding gap remains staggering.What We’re On Right NowNikki shares how somatic exercises have become part of her healing routine while navigating grief. These small, intentional movements help regulate the nervous system and release stress stored in the body.Jayne breaks down the surprisingly simple routine behind her ongoing body recomposition journey, including daily eggs for complete protein, intermittent fasting, and consistent movement. Her takeaway: sometimes transformation isn’t about extreme measures — it’s about trusting the process and staying consistent.Mindin’ My Black BusinessJayne highlights Genesis House in Sedona, a beautiful Black woman–owned wellness estate created by Genesis Lafourcade. The retreat blends sound healing, yoga, restorative practices, and intentional design into a luxury healing experience.Nikki sends New York listeners on assignment: visit Marquette Restaurant in Chelsea, a Caribbean fine-dining concept by Michelin-starred chef India Doris that deserves far more attention from food lovers and creators alike.Jesus Take the WheelNikki introduces the internet’s newest relationship horror story: “Alpine Divorce.”The viral term describes people who take their partner on a hike or into nature… and abandon them there instead of simply communicating that the relationship is over.The hosts have questions. Many questions.Health & HealingNikki reflects on learning to live in what she calls the liminal space — the hallway between the life you’ve left behind and the life you’re building next. It’s uncomfortable, uncertain, and often where the most important growth happens.Jayne shares a powerful memory of hearing Iyanla Vanzant speak at Agape during a difficult transition in her own life — and the message that stayed with her: sometimes the darkness of the well is preparation for what comes next.Both hosts reflect on the challenge — and the radical joy — of trusting the process even when the outcome isn’t visible yet.What’s GoodJayne introduces listeners to rising neo-soul artist Johnny Burgos, whose smooth sound blends 90s soul with modern R&B.Nikki celebrates Michael B. Jordan and the cast of Sinners winning at the SAG Awards, adding momentum to the film’s powerful awards-season run.Final WordJayne’s closing reminder: Show love anyway.Nikki’s reflection: Sometimes the universe asks you to find peace where you are before it moves you forward.📩 Questions or comments? Email us: [email protected] us: YouTube, Instagram & TikTok: @weareoutofofficepod🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share it with someone who might need a reminder that sometimes the biggest breakthroughs begin in the in-between — when you learn to trust the process.Show Links: Wilglory Tanjong x MacKenzie Scott!Susan L. Taylor Has Always Been That "IT" WomanSomatic Exercises w. The Workout WitchMarkette Restaurant ReviewThe Jenesis House in Sedona, ArizonaAlpine Divorce?!? Brooklyn's Daniel Burgos Gives us NeoSoul Jamiroquai Meets Justin Timberlake

In this week’s Episode 53 of We Are Out of Office, co-hosts Veteran Television Executive Producer Nikki T and Bestselling Author Jayne Allen clock in with a joy-fueled, culture-first episode that moves from unhinged internet hilarity to a real conversation about accountability, healing, and the cost of “just going along to get along.”The ladies kick things off celebrating the chaotic brilliance of Threads (because Black History Month online is truly a different universe), then shout out their recent first-ever interview episode with Candice Marie—the woman behind the viral vertical series “Your Type Might Be the Korean Barista Who Don’t Speak English.” If you haven’t watched Episode 52 yet, they make the case: it’s a must.From there, it’s I See You, Girl time: Jayne spotlights Alexis Barber and her real-world “alignment edit” experience blending ambition, community, and goals—while Nikki celebrates Charm La’Donna, the powerhouse choreographer/creative director behind major halftime show moments (The Weeknd, Kendrick, Beyoncé Bowl, and Bad Bunny).Then the episode turns—Jesus Take the Wheel is supersized this week. Nikki breaks down why the America’s Next Top Model Netflix documentary stirred up real anger: the show shaped a generation, but the harm was real—and she’s calling out the difference between “it was a different time” and true ownership. Jayne adds her own lens, unpacking a viral roundtable clash as a case study in generational trauma, emotional triggering, and what happens when accountability shows up without safety or context.In Health & Healing, both hosts get personal: Nikki reflects on moments she stayed silent in non-melanated spaces to feel “chosen,” and Jayne speaks on growth, past relationship patterns, and the journey of reclaiming full humanity beyond checklists. The through-line is clear: healing requires truth—but truth also needs space.They wrap with what’s good (including an athlete shutting down a ridiculous interview question) and Jayne’s joyful Detroit love letter: the Wright Museum social content is giving mockumentary brilliance and Black culture excellence.Final Word: “Own it.”Questions? Comments? Email us at: [email protected] or Follow us on TikTok and Instagram at: @weareoutofofficepodShow Links:Charm La’Donna Interview w. The GrioThe Real Origins of Betty BoopDarnell Davis The Wig EngineerEileen Gu, the most decorated female free skier, claps back!Actor Clifton Powell Takes Accountability But Is InterruptedAirbnb Does Experiences - Life Edit with Alexis Barber in NYC

In this week’s Interview Episode of We Are Out of Office, your co-hosts Veteran Television Executive Producer (The Night Agent) Nikki T and Bestselling Author Jayne Allen (Black Girls Must...trilogy) welcome their first-ever guest, Candice Smith (Candice Marie)—the creator behind the wildly popular vertical solo series: “Your Type is the Korean Barista Who Don’t Speak English.” If you’ve been on the timeline, you’ve seen the slow-burn, real-life K-drama unfolding in public—and yes, we’re just as seated as you are. (“If you know, you know.”)But this conversation goes beyond the café.Candice takes us all the way back—sharing how she first moved to Korea in 2005, what it was like to build a life overseas, and how she’s turned her lived experience into a platform and business helping others move abroad through Shy Girls Fly. She breaks down the difference between leaving to escape and leaving to choose joy, and why many of us don’t realize how much freedom is available on the other side of fear.A major theme lands with clarity: permission isn’t something you receive—it’s something you decide. Candice shares a line that stopped us in our tracks:“No one gave me permission… they just didn’t give me limits. So I allowed myself.” (00:41:48–00:42:32)The conversation moves through community, dating, self-trust, and cultural contrast—especially what it feels like as a Black woman to be in environments where you’re not required to constantly prove your worth. Candice reflects on how energy changes when you’re not spending your life convincing people you’re capable—how that frees you to create, build, and live expansively.This episode is about:Not waiting to be chosen—choosing yourselfThe courage it takes to move without consensusWhy transition can hurt even when it’s your dreamBuilding community abroad (especially among Black women)A real-time reminder that Black women deserve soft, intentional love—and full livesThey close with a powerful image: when you stop waiting for permission and take the leap anyway, you may find yourself on the other side in “a whole garden” of freedom, acceptance, and possibility. (01:07:27–01:08:39)Find Candice on Social Media:@ShyGirlsFly on TikTok@ShyGirlsFly on InstagramAnd on the Web:www.ShyGirlsFly.comQuestions? Comments? Email us at: [email protected] or Follow us on TikTok and Instagram at: @weareoutofofficepod

In this week’s Episode 51 of We Are Out of Office, your co-hosts Veteran Television Executive Producer (The Night Agent) Nikki T and Bestselling Author Jayne Allen invite listeners into a grounded, grown conversation about timing, agency, and the quiet power of choosing now.With the out-of-office replies still firmly on, the episode centers on a liberating idea: you don’t need more information, permission, or perfect conditions to move forward—you need to recognize when the present moment is already enough. Nikki and Jayne explore how often we postpone peace, clarity, and action while waiting for things to feel safer, clearer, or more resolved, and how much power is reclaimed when you decide that now is your hour.The conversation moves fluidly through relationships, work, creativity, and culture, naming how hesitation often disguises itself as preparation. Together, the hosts unpack the difference between patience and delay, reflection and avoidance, and how discernment sometimes sounds like a simple, internal yes.In Health & Healing, the focus turns to nervous system regulation and self-trust. Jayne reflects on how choosing now reduces anxiety by ending endless internal negotiations, while Nikki speaks to the confidence that grows when you stop deferring your own authority. The episode reframes “right timing” as something you participate in—not something you wait to be granted.The episode also includes:Insight into why clarity often arrives through decision, not contemplationHonest reflection on momentum, maturity, and emotional readinessCultural observations about productivity, control, and urgencyReminders that power doesn’t always announce itself—it often whispersThey close with a resonant truth: the present moment becomes powerful the instant you choose it.This is a calm, affirming, culture-forward episode about agency, self-trust, and the radical joy of deciding that now is enough.Show Links:Toni Bravo (@bonitravo) | TikTokGullah Geeche Wins!New Life Working DogsDee Starks aka "Granny Love" on InstagramNon-Alcoholic Sensori (Black Woman Owned)Usher and Big Sean Invest Big in Detroit's KidsQuestions? Comments? Email us at: [email protected] or Follow us on TikTok and Instagram at: @weareoutofofficepod

In this week’s Episode 50 of We Are Out of Office, your co-hosts Veteran Television Executive Producer (The Night Agent) Nikki T and Bestselling Author Jayne Allen reach a powerful turning point: the freedom that comes when you stop waiting for an apology that may never arrive.This milestone episode centers on emotional closure without permission—what it means to move forward without acknowledgment, accountability, or validation from the people who hurt you. Nikki and Jayne explore how waiting on an apology can quietly tether you to disappointment, keeping your nervous system in negotiation long after the relationship, situation, or season has ended.The conversation moves through work, relationships, creativity, and cultural dynamics, naming a truth many people avoid: not every harm will be named, and not every wound will be repaired by the person who caused it. But healing doesn’t have to wait.Together, the hosts unpack how maturity often looks like releasing the fantasy of repair, choosing peace over resolution, and reclaiming energy that’s been stuck in expectation. They talk candidly about how apology culture can sometimes mask avoidance—and how closure is something you can give yourself.In Health & Healing, the episode reframes forgiveness as a personal decision, not a public performance. Jayne reflects on how self-trust grows when you stop rehearsing conversations that will never happen, while Nikki speaks to the relief that comes from no longer needing someone else to “get it” before you move on.The episode also includes:Insight into why apologies aren’t always the healing we imagineHonest reflection on grief, accountability, and acceptanceCultural observations on emotional labor and expectationGrounded reminders that peace doesn’t require agreementThey close with a liberating truth: you don’t need an apology to be free—you need clarity.This is a deeply introspective, culture-forward episode about release, self-trust, and the radical joy of choosing yourself without waiting.Show Links:Scientists Prove Discrimination Shortens LivesQuestions? Comments? Email us at: [email protected] or Follow us on TikTok and Instagram at: @weareoutofofficepod

In this week’s Episode 49 of We Are Out of Office, your co-hosts Veteran Television Executive Producer ( The Night Agent ) Nikki T and Bestselling Author Jayne Allen keep the group chat open, honest, and culturally grounded—creating space for a conversation many of us feel but rarely name. With the out-of-office replies officially on, the ladies explore what it really means to say “ouch” in a world that often expects Black women to carry everything quietly.Recorded on MLK Day, this episode moves with intention—blending pop culture, media critique, personal transparency, and community reflection to examine the human cost of silence, especially for Black creators, founders, and artists navigating under-resourced systems. From viral conversations about fashion brand shipping delays to broader industry contractions in publishing, fashion, and media, Nikki and Jayne unpack the difference between accountability and dogpiling—and why outrage so often lands hardest on those closest to us.A central theme emerges clearly: saying something is hard is not complaining—it’s transparency. Jayne reflects deeply on the cost of being a Black woman creator in industries that benefit from our labor while underfunding our sustainability. She shares personal insight into the emotional, physical, and financial toll of creating work that matters—and how community support, particularly from Black women, has been the difference between burnout and continuation.Nikki expands the lens, contextualizing current cultural moments—from luxury retail collapses to social media pile-ons—reminding us that not every frustration deserves collective rage, and not every mistake should become a referendum on someone’s worth. Together, they call for a do no harm era: one rooted in discernment, grace, and a healthier relationship to anger.In Health & Healing, the conversation turns toward solutions. Jayne reframes transparency as a survival tool and a rallying cry, while Nikki introduces “vision boarding in real life”—practicing the life you want now, not waiting for permission later. From touring open houses to normalize abundance, to redefining what belonging actually feels like, the episode offers grounded ways to move forward without abandoning yourself.The episode also delivers joy and discovery, including:Celebrating innovative Black women founders and creatorsA thoughtful breakdown of media consolidation and why it mattersFood, beauty, and wellness finds worth knowing aboutReflections on culture as a survival technologyAnd a reminder that community support has always been our quiet superpowerThey close with a powerful truth: our “ouch” is not a complaint—it’s information, and it’s an invitation.This is a politics-light, culture-forward episode, rooted in healing, discernment, and the radical act of telling the truth about what hurts—together.Episode Links: Get Mara’s iWig Here! Jarrod Jenkins Puts You On!The Brown Butter Supper Club!Bodylove by Tal - Magnesium Butter Sleepytime?Check Out Shirlene Obuobi - Romance Author, Cardiologist, CartoonistJayne Allen's new Camelbelly SubstackQuestions? Comments? Email us at: [email protected] or Follow us on TikTok and Instagram at: @weareoutofofficepod

In this week's Episode 48 of We Are Out of Office, your co-hosts Veteran Television Executive Producer (Night Agent) Nikki T and Bestselling Author Jayne Allen keep the group chat virtual and delusional as usual, catching you up, bringing food for thought and food for your soul. In this second episode of 2026, the ladies officially turn on their out-of-office replies and dive into what it really means to get things done without sacrificing joy, health, or healing.From celebrating small wins (like New York’s new mayor delivering on childcare promises in just eight days) to shouting out women thriving after choosing themselves, the episode is a love letter to momentum, consistency, and doing the work that actually matters.The conversation weaves through pop culture, politics, and personal growth—touching on viral moments, reality-TV romances, Black-owned beauty brands, and the ways women’s excellence is often undervalued in public life. Nikki breaks down why responsible political commentary matters more than ever, while Jayne reflects on how internalized bias can quietly shape who gets supported—and who gets sidelined.In the Health & Healing segment, Jayne delivers a powerful reminder: it’s not about January—it’s about consistency. Whether you’re writing a book, rebuilding your body, or trying to change your life, the real transformation comes from showing up again and again, not from perfection. Nikki echoes this with stories of creators who’ve quietly transformed themselves over a year—proof that sustainable change beats crash-and-burn hustle every time.The episode also brings joy with:A swoon-worthy real-life K-drama about a Korean barista and a shy Black womanA behind-the-scenes peek at Jayne’s new paranormal romance novelSharp, funny takes on celebrity culture, dating, and why some people stay mad instead of healingThey close with a powerful truth:Some people aren’t your friends—they just don’t have the confidence to be your enemy.And a reminder to stop chasing validation from systems that were never designed to recognize your greatness—and start building the life, body, and joy you actually want.This is a politics-medium episode with some general mentions of politics from a cultural lens and contextualized call for healing! Nothing heavy, this episode is a safe space for self discovery and the personal pursuit of radical joy.Episode Links:Zohran Mamdani Delivers on Universal Childcare PromiseMeghan’s As Ever is a HUGE success! Druski’s Megachurch Sketch got some folks upsetMiche Beauty Has a Viral Winner With Anti-Humidity GelCam Newton Creates a New Word and Way to SpellMaybe Your Type is a Korean Barista? Amber Desiree and her baby bump journeyThe best way to measure progress is to interview yourself?Questions? Comments? Email us at: [email protected] or Follow us on TikTok and Instagram at: @weareoutofofficepod

In this week's Episode 47 of We Are Out of Office, your co-hosts Veteran Television Executive Producer (Night Agent) Nikki T and Bestselling Author Jayne Allen keep the group chat virtual and delusional as usual, catching you up, bringing food for thought and food for your soul. After a two-week hiatus, the ladies are back in the New Year with their regular segments, centering a theme in this week's episode of choosing yourself in the New Year and making sure those resolutions bring you closer to the radical joy we've all been chasing.In this heartfelt conversation filled with laughter and insights, Nikki T and Jayne Allen reflect on the new year, discussing personal growth, inspiration from successful figures, and the importance of self-care and recovery. They share stories of overcoming challenges, the significance of supporting black-owned businesses, and the value of mindfulness practices like Qigong. The discussion emphasizes the entrepreneurial spirit and the need for community support, making it a motivating and insightful episode for listeners looking to embrace 2026 with positivity and purpose. The episode educates on the importance of supporting Black entrepreneurship and the challenges faced by Black-owned businesses, including the particular need for community support. They explore representation in various fields, including aviation, and the significance of embracing new opportunities. The conversation shifts to personal growth, navigating career transitions, and the lessons learned from achievements and dissatisfaction. They emphasize the importance of choosing joy as a strategy and developing a healthy relationship with anger, ultimately encouraging listeners to reflect on their own journeys and aspirations.Learn about:Why it's important to take risks and put yourself out thereInvesting in workout recoveryMindfulness practices like Qigong and its role in emotional healing.Why supporting black-owned businesses is crucial for community growth.How Black-owned businesses face unique challenges in funding and resources.Why Choosing joy should be a strategy, not just a reward.How Developing a healthy relationship with anger is essential for self-awareness.In this episode, like always, the ladies catch each other up on their life discoveries, what their "algorithm" has shown them, and their thoughts on the cultural happenings that we've all seen and desperately need to unpack. This is a politics-light episode with few uncomfortable topics, and a heavy dose of healing! A safe space for self discovery and the personal pursuit of radical joy.Episode Links:Kayla Rowe’s Her Fantasy BoxContinue and Win QiGong ExercisesProtect CurlMix Hair Care Product BundlesLook Up Flight AcademyOMGAdrian’s made a Birkin for his GF!Tunde Oyeneyin in CoveteurBusiness Ideas on CNBC's Make It YouTube ChannelQuestions? Comments? Email us at: [email protected] or Follow us on TikTok and Instagram at: @weareoutofofficepod

In this week's Episode 46 of We Are Out of Office, your co-hosts Television Exec Producer (Night Agent) Nikki T and Bestselling Author Jayne Allen keep the group chat virtual and delusional as usual, catching you up, bringing food for thought and food for your soul. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with laughter and insights. The ladies are back with their regular segments, centering a theme in this week's episode of avoiding being what they call "Dysfunctionally Successful" after learning the lessons of the stunning fallout of Sherrone Moore's firing. In this engaging conversation, Nikki T and Jayne Allen explore a variety of themes, from the joy of holiday music (and the disturbing history of one of our favorite songs) to the importance of long-form expression in today's media landscape. They discuss the historical context of "Jingle Bells," celebrate trailblazers like Jennifer Jones, and delve into the significance of supporting black-owned businesses. The conversation also touches on personal health, the challenges of success, and the need for healing in a fast-paced world. With humor and insight, they reflect on their experiences and share their hopes for the new year of 2026 to come.Learn about:Robert Glasper's version of 'Joy to the World' is a favorite.The origins of 'Jingle Bells' that reveals an uncomfortable truth.Lizzo's new Substack in a brave move to long-form.How Jennifer Jones broke barriers as the first black Rockette.The Harlem Candle Company and its unique Holiday gift offerings.The Innovative dental care that can change our brushing habits.What to Expect in Season 2 of the Telepathy Tapes PodcastHow Humming can stimulate the vagus nerve and promote calmness.What it means to be "Dysfunctionally Successful" and how to avoid itThoughts on leaving behind dogma to lead to greater peace.In this episode, like always, the ladies catch each other up on their life discoveries, what their "algorithm" has shown them, and their thoughts on the cultural happenings that we've all seen and desperately need to unpack. This is a politics-medium episode with some uncomfortable topics, but heavy on the healing! A safe space for self discovery and the personal pursuit of radical joy.Episode Links:Jingle Bells originsBecoming Spectacular by Jennifer JonesHarlem Candle Company3-in-1 ToothbrushLizzo's SubstackTelepathy Tapes Season 2Sherrone Moore Somalis Gain Support after being called “Garbage" by TrumpThe Story of the Heart Shaped RingOprah on Protecting Your EnergyQuestions? Comments? Email us at: [email protected] or Follow us on TikTok and Instagram at: @weareoutofofficepod

In this week's Episode 45 of We Are Out of Office, your co-hosts Television Exec Producer (Night Agent) Nikki T and Bestselling Author Jayne Allen keep the group chat virtual and delusional as usual, catching you up, bringing food for thought and food for your soul. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with laughter and insights. The ladies are back with their regular segments, centering a theme in this week's episode of the joys of navigating Change in way that allows you to move forward, especially during times of uncertainty.Learn about:Creating Opportunities for YourselfOur takes on the Diddy DocumentaryHow Meghan Markle Sussex Owns the HolidaysWhat the Netflix Warner merger could mean for Hollywood and Independent CreatorsFeel good father/daughter dance vibesHow to make the Holidays your Own Rather than Living Up to ExpectationsIn this episode, like always, the ladies catch each other up on their life discoveries, what their "algorithm" has shown them, and their thoughts on the cultural happenings that we've all seen and desperately need to unpack. This is a politics-light episode and a safe space for healing, self discovery, and the personal pursuit of radical joy.Episode Links:Meghan Markle Holiday Special TrailerAdmiral Alvin Holsey ResignsSean Combs: The Reckoning TrailerPierre LaBorde BagsDaddy Daughter Dance at Angola Prison DocumentaryQuestions? Comments? Email us at: [email protected] or Follow us on TikTok and Instagram at: @weareoutofofficepod

In this week's Episode 44 of We Are Out of Office, your co-hosts Television Exec Producer (Night Agent) Nikki T and Bestselling Author Jayne Allen keep the group chat virtual and delusional as usual, catching you up, bringing food for thought and food for your soul. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with laughter and insights. The ladies are back with their regular segments, centering a theme in this week's episode of the joys of holding Gratitude for every situation, particularly during the Holidays.Learn about:The power of GratitudeHow externally-imposed beauty standards affect our livesQuick gift ideas from black-owned businessesHow Oprah served hot tea to hatersWhat to do for opportunity instead of waiting for the phone to ringIn this episode, like always, the ladies catch each other up on their life discoveries, what their "algorithm" has shown them, and their thoughts on the cultural happenings that we've all seen and desperately need to unpack. This is a politics-light episode and a safe space for healing, self discovery, and the personal pursuit of radical joy.Episode Links:You, Me and Tuscany Trailer Macys Thanksgiving Day ParadeEstelle Colored GlassEssence Celebrates Miss Cote d’IvoireOprah Shows Us (Again) How To Address HatersLeslie Odom Tells Us What To Do When the Phone Isn’t Ringing for YouQuestions? Comments? Email us at: [email protected] or Follow us on TikTok and Instagram at: @weareoutofofficepod

In this week's Episode 43 of We Are Out of Office, your co-hosts Television Exec Producer (Night Agent) Nikki T and Bestselling Author Jayne Allen keep the group chat virtual and delusional as usual, catching you up, bringing food for thought and food for your soul. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with laughter and insights. The ladies are back with their regular segments, centering a theme in this week's episode of the joys of doing Breathwork for emotional regulation, calm, and self-care. Learn about:The fitness influencers you should really be followingWhat's really good at the Brandy and Monica Boy is Mine TourHow to get an entertaining and essential history lesson in 10 minutes or lessWhat's happening in the world of diamondsWhat's good to watch on Netflix?In this episode, like always, the ladies catch each other up on their life discoveries, what their "algorithm" has shown them, and their thoughts on the cultural happenings that we've all seen and desperately need to unpack. This is a politics-light episode and a safe space for healing, self discovery, and the personal pursuit of radical joy.Episode Links:Sheryl Grant - 63 Year Old Fitness InfluencerTK Wonder 100+ Pound Weight Loss at 47 Years OldBrandy and Monica on Tour!PBS Origins: American History Done Right!Botswana and Angola in talks to own DeBeersBaby Formula Church ExperimentEverything Does Not Deserve Your 100 PercentQuestions? Comments? Email us at: [email protected] or Follow us on TikTok and Instagram at: @weareoutofofficepod

In this week's Episode 42 of We Are Out of Office, your co-hosts Television Exec Producer (Night Agent) Nikki T and Bestselling Author Jayne Allen keep the group chat virtual and delusional as usual, catching you up, bringing food for thought and food for your soul. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with laughter and insights. The ladies are back with their regular segments, focusing this week's episode on the joys of validating yourself.In this episode, like always, the ladies catch each other up on their life discoveries, what their "algorithm" has shown them, and their thoughts on the cultural happenings that we've all seen and desperately need to unpack. This is a politics-light episode and a safe space for healing, self discovery, and the personal pursuit of radical joy.Episode Links:Humanoid for Sale!The Luncheon LawyerAfrica’s Most Ambitious Project Yet!Fmr Vice President Kamala Harris on Diary of a CEO PodcastDonate to Heretic CoffeeAudiobooks, Walking, and CommunityLittle Debbie is the DevilQuestions? Comments? Email us at: [email protected] or Follow us on TikTok and Instagram at: @weareoutofofficepod