About the Wise Black Nanas Podcast
Helping to find direction and solutions with coaching support that is built on a foundation of lived experience, professional education and expertise, and two lifetimes of managing and mothering using everyday language and situations that we all encounter, get stuck in, and often stay stuck in.
Part coaching, part HR, part suggestions, you are encouraged to learn from their shared perspectives, acquired wisdom, cross-generational insight, and their take on life’s very tough topics while they provide thoughtful, caring and sometimes humorous lessons.
Life Coaching “Between the Dash”
Meet the Nanas
Sharla M. Walker PhD, CPC, CPRC
Wise Black Nana
A Certified Professional Coach (CPC), Certified Professional Recovery Coach (CPRC), and Human Resources Professional, has had the opportunity to work in several industries at all levels within organizations of diverse interests and personnel. Describes herself as a person who craves change and evolution. Believes and practices that desires and goals can change in life. Just because you achieve one goal does not mean that more are not allowed to follow. Further believes that when we achieve a goal, we will always, consciously, or subconsciously, start working on the next one. Founder of SMWalkerCoaching. A native of California, retired and now living in Fort Worth, Texas, holds a doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership. Believes that the human experience is a mixture of calculation and randomness. She quotes “all my experiences are what make me human and whole. I have learned from my life lessons, and I continue to grow”.
Learn more about Dr. Sharla at her Life Coaching website, SMWalkerCoaching.com.
Joanne Early MS, CPC, CPRC, SHRM-CPC
Wise Black Nana
A Certified Life Coach, Recovery Coach, Addiction Awareness Facilitator, Certified Human Resources Professional with over 45 years of Business and Professional experience in multiple industries. Known to friends and colleagues as the “Queen of Second Acts”, who cannot remain retired, embraces change, opportunity, relocations, and relationships with a generous douse of “Yeah, I can do that.” Founded Jo Early Coaching LLC. Believes in continuous learning, diversity and equity, power of maturity. A native Floridian, she has lived and worked most of adult life in California, consulted in the Tampa and Orlando areas, Oakland and East Bay (San Francisco Bay Area), and is a proud graduate of the University of San Francisco, avid volunteer in community efforts and programs. She lists reading, chocolate and travel with friends as her most favorite things. Responds to all Nana questions from children, their children, friends and friends of their children.
Learn more about Coach Joanne at her Life Coaching website, JoEarlyCoaching.com.
Rave Reviews
The Nanas love the listeners and it goes both ways!
…Just finished listening to your latest podcast, you guys are great….!!! Such a blessing to hear our sister’s thoughts!!
I listen during my commute, I love the stories, your voices are so soothing, helps me concentrate and focus on the drive.
Support the Nanas
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Listen
Hear the Wise Black Nanas on your favorite podcast channel or listen below!
Latest Episodes
Just For Fun
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Wise Black Nanas talk “Just For Fun”, reflecting on past and present memories. Just when you think you know the Nanas, Sharla and Joanne share more of their experiences that makes them laugh out loud. What makes you laugh? What fun memories do you hold? Listen in and laugh along with Wise Black Nanas.
Where Are the Good People? Here’s One
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Wise Black Nanas welcomes Dr. Frances Christine Robinson, founder of A Prayer And Fasting Ministry, longtime friend of Dr. Sharla, and a cherished friend of the podcast.
Dr. Robinson is a righteous, everyday Black woman who truly walks the talk of her faith, nurturing lifelong friendships and showing up for her community through teaching, ministering, counseling, and volunteer service. What keeps her grounded and moving forward? How has her “PK” experience shaped who she is today? And what matters most to her now?
This conversation is rooted in wisdom, faith, service, and the quiet strength it takes to live your values out loud.
To experience more of Dr. Robinson’s inspiration, call in live to join her service at A Prayer And Fasting Ministry, Sundays at 5 pm Eastern/4 pm Central/3 pm Mountain/2 pm Pacific. Call 1-848-220-3100, passcode 031825# . Email aprayerandfastingministry@gmail.com for more information!
Kwanzaa – Now More Than Ever
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In this heartfelt episode, the Nanas revisit a cultural celebration that once echoed strongly through their communities—and one they’re ready to bring forward with intention. Kwanzaa may not be as widely observed as they remember, but its wisdom, values, and grounding feel more important than ever.
Joanne and Dr. Sharla walk through the seven principles of Kwanzaa, sharing reflections on each day and why these ideas matter so deeply right now. From unity to purpose to collective work and responsibility, they explore how Kwanzaa can strengthen our families, our sense of identity, and our connection to one another.
Whether you’ve celebrated Kwanzaa before or you’re curious about bringing it into your home for the first time, this episode is a warm invitation to reconnect with heritage, intention, and community—especially in these times.
Tune in for culture, clarity, and a whole lot of Nana love.
Friends – The Real Deal
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The Wise Black Nanas are shining a light on friends and friendships, exploring what they mean, how they shape us, and why they matter.
What makes a good friend? How do you know who is truly there for you?
In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Sharla opens up about one of the most private and painful times in her life and how her friends helped her through it.
Join the Nanas as they share stories, laughter, and lessons on finding, keeping, and being great friends at any age and at any stage of life. It is never too late to build deeper, more meaningful connections.
Procrastination – “I’ll Do It Later?”
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How often do we consciously or unconsciously utter “I’ll do it later, tomorrow, next week, next life?”. In this Episode, Wise Black Nanas take a closer look at this everyday action, or inaction. Is procrastination a real thing? What is procrastination and what keeps us from “doing it now?” Why do we procrastinate, at home at work, in all interactions and aspects of our lives? Can you guess which Nana is an admitted procrastinator? The Nanas suggest ways that we turn procrastination around. Or maybe we’ll do it later…
Thank-you for listening! You can support the Nanas at https://wiseblacknanas.com/support
Tough Love
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In this powerful and revealing episode, the Nanas go deep on what it really means to love someone enough to be tough. With their trademark honesty, wisdom, and unfiltered truth-telling, they explore the many faces of Tough Love—when it’s necessary, how it can be misunderstood, and why it’s often one of the hardest but most loving places to stand.
They open up about personal experiences, the emotional weight of holding boundaries, and the internal struggle of showing up with fierce love when softness just won’t serve. If you’ve ever had to make a hard call for the sake of someone you care about—or if you’re on the receiving end of someone else’s truth—this episode will give you clarity, validation, and courage.
A Juneteenth Message from the Nanas
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In this short but heartfelt message, the Wise Black Nanas take a moment to honor Juneteenth, a day of reflection, celebration, and continued commitment to freedom and justice.
Dr. Sharla shares a personal memory of seeing Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” speak in Las Vegas. Her inspirational presence was a powerful example of the impact one person can have in changing a nation’s story.
Looking for a deeper dive into the history and meaning behind Juneteenth? The Nanas invite you to revisit Episode 13 – Juneteenth: Did You Know?, where they explore the history and enduring significance of this important day.
How You Doing?
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Wise Black Nanas take a look at this common, everyday casual phrase that most of us know well, or do we? How often do you say “How You Doing”? What’s going on when you use the phrase? How are you feeling about the other person who asked you? Probably not something you have considered lately. As usual the Nanas have their own thoughts and experiences with this phrase, and can’t wait to share them with you.
Longing For the Good “Ole” Days
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Wise Black Nanas takes a light hearted look at looking back to past times, a slice of their past life, a few of their favorite memories from the Good Ole Days. Joanne and Dr Sharla think a little humor is just the ticket for our current time. When things seem negative, Wise Black Nanas look for the positive. Hear what they think is great and not so great about looking back and how might looking back help us today?
Robbers of Joy
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Wise Black Nanas take a look at Robbers of Joy. Just what is that anyway? In their own unique way, Joanne and Dr Sharla talk about the things that Rob us of Joy, whether it is family, work, or life situations, there are ways to recognize and restore that Joy. Listen in as they leave you with hope, optimism and strategies that are simple and lighthearted. And of course with a few laughs along the way.
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Guide to Life’s Toughest Decisions
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