Monday ⦿ 7:00PM (CST) ⦿ CAN TV19

Behind the Confident Smile, hosted Bianca N. Cotton, is a place for women to talk about what’s behind their smiles. We say NO MORE to suffering in silence. It is our time to truly walk in purpose daily.

Season 2 Episode 20

14 & On My Own

Join us on 'Behind The Confident Smile' as Leslie Roberson, founder of The Black Beauty Collective, shares her inspiring transformation from model and veteran to a trailblazing entrepreneur. Leslie discusses how her experiences have shaped her mission to revolutionize Black-owned beauty brands, focusing on meeting the specific beauty needs of Black women and empowering entrepreneurs. This episode delves into her efforts to create a supportive community that breaks barriers and fosters innovation in the beauty industry.

Season 2 Episode 19

Girls & Women Hoop Too

Discover Ana Sierra's transformative journey from a basketball prodigy in the Bronx/Harlem to a Chicago community leader and founder of the Ana Sierra Women’s Basketball League (ASWBL). Ana’s story highlights the power of sports in empowering women and girls, showcasing her shift from athlete to advocate. This episode reveals how her dedication to sportsmanship and community has inspired a new generation.

Season 2 Episode 18

Grace Amidst Grief: A Widow's Journey of Mothering Four

Join us for an inspiring episode of 'Behind The Confident Smile' featuring LaSandra, a dedicated speaker, social justice advocate, and founder of Grace and Grief. In the wake of her husband's sudden passing, LaSandra navigated the depths of grief alongside her four children, transforming her personal pain into a powerful platform for support and healing. Through Grace & Grief, she has become a beacon of hope for those facing loss, channeling her experiences into a mission that empowers others through her YouTube channel, public speaking engagements, and grief coaching services. This episode offers an intimate look at how resilience and understanding can lead to profound acts of service, providing solace and strength to many.

Season 2 Episode 17

Becoming a Doula

This episode features an inspiring discussion with Sala Spencer, a distinguished healthcare professional and passionate community advocate. With her extensive background as a Registered Nurse, Certified Birth Doula, and her journey towards becoming a Certified Infant Mental Health Specialist, Sala offers invaluable insights into maternal and infant health. Having attended over 200 births, her commitment to enhancing healthcare outcomes for mothers and their babies is evident. This episode shines a light on Sala's profound impact on families through her work, sharing her experiences and the importance of support during one of life's most significant moments.

Season 2 Episode 16

Re-Entering Society

On 'Behind the Confident Smile,' dive into the extraordinary story of Diana, a woman who transformed her life from incarceration to becoming a pivotal figure for Chicago's youth. This episode takes you through Diana's incredible journey of rebuilding her life after release, from her time in a halfway house to her influential role as the Director of Youth Engagement. Hear how Diana dedicates herself to being a beacon of hope, passionately working to ensure that her past does not dictate her future, and inspiring others to believe in the power of change and redemption.

Season 2 Episode 15

Breaking the Silence: Navigating Infertility as a Black Woman - A Motherhood Quest

In a powerful and moving episode, host Bianca Cotton is joined by Sara Brown, Erica Williams, and Brandi P., who open up about their personal battles with infertility. This discussion shines a light on the often overlooked issue of infertility among Black women, delving into their individual journeys, the broader societal impact, and the quest for solutions. Offering a blend of personal stories, insights, and empowerment, this episode provides hope and solidarity for those navigating similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of awareness and support within the community.

Season 2 Episode 14

Graduating College at 40

Host Bianca Cotton sits down with Ja'Niece Nelson, whose journey embodies the essence of lifelong learning and unwavering dedication. Achieving her Bachelor of Science in Child Maternal Health/Human Lactation at the age of 40, Ja'Niece's path is not just academic; it's deeply personal. From her early experiences as a new mother to becoming a certified Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, Labor Doula, Postpartum Doula, Child Birth Educator, and an advocate for family support, her story is a beacon of inspiration. This episode celebrates Ja'Niece's remarkable journey, highlighting the powerful message that it's never too late to pursue your dreams and make a meaningful impact.

Season 2 Episode 13

Living Authentically

Host Bianca Cotton engages in a profound conversation with Yvonne Orr, acclaimed for her extensive experience in development, communications, and nonprofit management. Orr, the leader of YORR Consulting Group and an accomplished artist, brings her unique insights from Chicago's cultural and philanthropic spheres. This episode offers an enriching exploration of Orr's expertise in blending professional leadership with artistic creativity, making it a must-watch in our archive.

Season 2 Episode 12

Parental Advocacy in Schools

Join Bianca Cotton and guest Lakesha Spight, an experienced social worker, as they explore the importance of parental rights and advocacy in education, offering essential insights for both educators and parents.

Season 2 Episode 11

Being a Teen Mom

Meet Lakesha Spight, a dedicated social worker and Aurora University graduate, as she shares her powerful journey of becoming a teen mom at 16 with host Bianca Cotton. Discover her inspiring story of resilience and dedication.

Season 2 Episode 10

Living With Albinism

Host Bianca Cotton is joined by Ursula Harris, who discusses her experience falling in love as a teen and the unexpected loss of her first love.

Season 2 Episode 9

Living With Albinism

Host Bianca Cotton is joined by Brandi Green to discuss her unique experiences growing up with Albinism.

Season 2 Episode 8

Life Before the Attacks

Host Bianca Cotton sits down with Karli Butler to delve into her inspiring story of resilience and transformation following two life-altering attacks.

Season 2 Episode 7

Pregnancy, Postpartum & Pills

Host Bianca Cotton is joined by guest Jordan Owens to share a deeply personal narrative on the trials of challenging pregnancies, the silent struggle with postpartum depression, and the decision to seek help through medication.

Season 2 Episode 6

Raising a King Creator...A Love Letter from a Black Mama

Join host Bianca Cotton and her special guest Pam Bozeman for an empowering discussion on nurturing Black male children to embrace their inner king. Discover the strategies and love that can transform a child into a King.

Season 2 Episode 5

Surviving Sexual Violence

oin host Bianca Cotton and special guest Marline Johnson in a raw and courageous conversation about Marline's journey of surviving sexual violence. Witness strength, resilience, and the power of sharing untold stories.

Season 2 Episode 4

10-year Journey to Medical School

Host Bianca Cotton chats with Travette Daniel about the obstacles she overcame during her 10-year pursuit of medical school.

Season 2 Episode 3

Diagnosed with ADHD in Adulthood

Host Bianca Cotton chats with Farah Harris about her experience with being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood.

Season 2 Episode 2

From Incarceration to CEO

Host Bianca Cotton chats with Debra Vines about her experience with incarceration and how she used her pain for a purpose.

Season 2 Episode 1

Becoming a Foster Parent

Host Bianca Cotton chats with Katie Cangemi about her transformative journey into foster parenting and insights gained from her foster son.

Season 1 Episode 18

The Woman Behind the Confident Smile

Guest host T'era Burton interviews Bianca Cotton for a captivating episode of Behind the Confident Smile where the conversation takes a look at the woman behind the confident smile.

Season 1 Episode 17

Becoming a Foster Parent (Part 1)

Join Bianca Cotton and Katie Cangemi for a captivating episode of Behind the Confident Smile where the conversation will revolve around the journey to becoming a foster parent.

Season 1 Episode 16

The Battle of Losing Weight

Join Bianca Cotton and Michi Watts for a captivating episode of Behind the Confident Smile where the conversation will revolve around the battle of losing weight.

Season 1 Episode 15

Becoming a Mother at 40

Join Bianca Cotton and Heather Ireland-Robinson for a captivating episode of Behind the Confident Smile where the conversation will revolve around becoming a mother at 40.

Season 1 Episode 14

Caring for a Parent/Grandparent

Join Bianca Cotton and Poshlyn Nicholson for a captivating episode of Behind the Confident Smile where the conversation will revolve around caring for a parent or grandparent.

Season 1 Episode 13

Growing Up Biracial

Bianca Cotton interviews Adreiona Jennings for a captivating episode that revolves around the challenges and joys of growing up as a biracial individual.

Season 1 Episode 12

Living w/ An Autoimmune Disorder

Bianca Cotton interviews Auriel Banister on how she copes with her Autoimmune Disorder.

Season 1 Episode 11

Pieces of Me

Host Bianca cotton interviews J’ai Brown on how she picked up the pieces as an adoptee.

Season 1 Episode 10

Strong Black Woman Syndrome

Ramona Burress joins Bianca Cotton to discuss strong black woman syndrome.

Season 1 Episode 9

My Journey as an Adoptee

J'ai Brown joins Bianca Cotton to share her story as an adoptee.

Season 1 Episode 8

Single Mother to Entrepreneur

Norma S. Williams joins Bianca Cotton to discuss being a single mother and her journey to entrepreneurship.

Season 1 Episode 7

Fortitude After Death of Spouse

Elle Davis joins Bianca Cotton to discuss life after her husband's death.

Season 1 Episode 6

Living with Breast Cancer

Host Bianca Cotton interviews Ramona Burress on living with breast cancer.

Season 1 Episode 5

I Survived Domestic Abuse

Host Bianca Cotton interviews Michelle Ramirez who survived a domestic abuse relationship.

Season 1 Episode 4

Climbing the Workplace Ladder as a Woman of Color

Host Bianca cotton interviews Dawnielle Smith as they discuss Climbing the Workplace Ladder as a Woman of Color.

Season 1 Episode 3

How Lying and Cheating Ruined My Marriage (Part 1)

Host Bianca Cotton interviews Menia “MJ” Johnson on how her first marriage went from bliss to divorce.

Season 1 Episode 2

Fortitude after Death of Spouse

Host Bianca Cotton interviews (Guest) T'era Burton on her journey to motherhood and what she has learned along the way. Behind the Confident Smile was recorded at CAN TV Studios.

Season 1 Episode 1

The Emotional Journey from Miscarriage to Motherhood

Host Bianca Cotton interviews (Guest) T'era Burton on her journey to motherhood and what she has learned along the way. Behind the Confident Smile was recorded at CAN TV Studios.