The Relationship Zone (TRZ), formerly known as Bar Talks, is a podcast curated by the conversationalist, Queenie Love, where you can find conversations on LOVE, LIFE & all things RELATIONSHIPS.

Sandra McLean, aka “Queenie”, of Woodbridge, Virginia, believes that everyone has a story. It came as no surprise when Queenie created a platform called Bar Talks where she would host and record conversations live at various bars and studios around her local area about matters that related to the community. Due to the global pandemic, Queenie realized that she would have to pivot if she wanted to continue having conversations that mattered since most establishments were closed or had in-person restrictions. After deep consideration, Queenie realized that love, life, and all things relationships were near to her heart and that creating a platform for discussion around these things would be the next chapter of her life.

Seeking to continue thriving in the midst of the global health crisis, Queenie created The Relationship Zone podcast where she engages with her participants in uncomfortable conversations regarding toxic behaviors that can taint relationships. She hopes these conversations also can nurture healthy habits so that positive relationships can blossom and create meaningful experiences in life.

As we close out Women’s History Month, I asked Queenie to share her feedback about the women who inspired her and her message to the future generation of women.

What women have inspired you to be the woman you are today?

“I have to start off with my sister, Phyllis. Being older than me, I always looked up to her and admired her for her faith. Phyllis had many challenges in life, including having her dreams deferred and becoming a single mother of 4 children, but through it all, she never lost sight of her purpose and never wavered in her faith. To this day, she is like a mother to me and someone who continues to teach me how to navigate faithfully through life.

The late Cicely Tyson is also someone to whom I looked up to as a child. Cicely was unapologetically authentic as a beautiful dark skin Black woman. She stood in the shadows of her ancestors with grace as she showed little girls like me what we could become. I dreamed of growing up and becoming like her.

Dorothy Browner-Hubler, my mentor and coach, has also taught me that my voice is important. Through her actions and her coaching, she’s created in me the desire to always tell my story and welcome the stories of others, which is why I started doing my interviews and conversations on various platforms.

I have to end with my godmother, Maxine. Although not a Black woman, she encouraged me to find my purpose in life and to be proud of my legacy. Growing up with a biological mother as a drug addict and my father not always present, I could have allowed my circumstances to dictate my behavior negatively. Maxine encouraged me to be proud of who I am and to dream big! Although she is no longer here physically, her belief in me lives on and continues to direct my steps.“

What message would you leave to future generations of women?

“I’ll start with a quote, ’Women have a unique power of being able to look at the world’s problems and discover solutions that transform lives and make the world a better place,’ from Dr. Ayanna Howard. I want young women coming up to know that this is possible! You can make this world a better place!”

You can follow Queenie on Instagram and view her podcast, The Relationship Zone, on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.