Mindy Greenstein didn't just embrace her curls; she embraced life itself in a way that many of us strive to do. From discovering the Curly Girl Method to navigating life with cancer, Mindy shares her personal journey of transformation and acceptance. Her story reveals how learning to love her natural waves taught her invaluable lessons about resilience and courage—lessons inspired by her late mother, a Holocaust survivor. Through her candid reflections, Mindy uncovers the profound impact of embracing uncertainty and finding meaning amidst life's adversities.

This episode also features a heartwarming conversation with Chantel, a curly hairdresser from England, whose journey from chemically straightened hair to celebrating her natural curls is a testament to authenticity and self-acceptance. Motivated by her desire to set an example for her daughter, Chantel's story complements Mindy's insights, highlighting the importance of embracing our true selves. Together, their stories of transformation offer listeners a deeper understanding of the beauty in authenticity and the strength in vulnerability.

About the Guest:
Mindy Greenstein is a writer and clinical psychologist specializing in aging and cancer, and she is a cancer survivor herself. She is the author of two books: The House on Crash Corner; Lighter As We Go. Shop her books HERE.

If you’re inclined to donate to the breast cancer research foundation, please use this link: https://www.bcrf.org/

Lorraine Massey is a curl advocate whose lifelong dedication to understanding and caring for curly hair has helped drive a global phenomenon of curly acceptance. Author of three critically acclaimed books: Curly Girl: The Handbook; Silver Hair: A Handbook; and Curly Kids: The Handbook.

CurlyWorld website:
https://www.curlyworld.com/

CurlyWorld Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/curlyworldllc/

Host: Lorraine Massey
Producer: Susan Kaplan
Engineer: Dan Strong
Original Music: Cyrille Aimee
Show: If Your Curls Could Talk

In this episode, we have a heartfelt conversation with Mel Malebranche, exploring her family’s traditions around hair. We get an honest look at Mel’s journey as she embraces her natural hair while taking a deep dive into the history and realities of hair relaxers. We also hear from Abigail, a listener outside of Boston, seeking advice on maintaining healthy curls while swimming after a challenging operation.

Resources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/17/well/hair-straighteners-risks-formaldehyde-fda.html

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hair-straightening-chemicals-associated-higher-uterine-cancer-risk

Mel’s Curlyworld blogpost:
https://www.curlyworld.com/blog#BlogSeven

Lorraine Massey is a curl advocate whose lifelong dedication to understanding and caring for curly hair has helped drive a global phenomenon of curly acceptance. Author of three critically acclaimed books: Curly Girl: The Handbook; Silver Hair: A Handbook; and Curly Kids: The Handbook.

CurlyWorld website:
https://www.curlyworld.com/

CurlyWorld Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/curlyworldllc/

Host: Lorraine Massey
Producer: Susan Kaplan
Engineer: Dan Strong
Original Music: Cyrille Aimee
Show: If Your Curls Could Talk