Black Women Be Knowing

Y'all know I wasn't gonna let this month go by without giving y'all something to think and talk deeply about.On this episode, I sit down with my brilliant friend and sis, Kristina as we discuss why marriage and parenthood are not on the menu for many Black women. We discuss the importance of choice, ongoing reflection and interrogation of the narratives we've been fed. We also get into the toxicity of the manosphere and the work that men need to do before entering the dating pool as well as the issue of women's safety in their partnerships. I make sure we end with a few pop culture headlines too.It's a much needed discussion because let's face it, we're not all going to walk down the aisle and push strollers and that's OK! It's about living life on our terms.Listen, share, comment, discuss and SUBSCRIBE! Follow @Blackwomenbeknowing on IG. And if you don't know, now you be knowing!

Happy Women's Herstory/Futures Month! On this beautiful episode, I sit down with my former-student-turned-colleague, Valery @rosewhogrewfromconcrete to discuss the importance of identifying and healing from our wound stories. We get into what it means to build a home within ourselves, to reject and correct the stories others may have written about us and to validate ourselves. We also call out K-12 schooling and the harms that come from that space. But we shout out the arts specifically writing and how it lends to grounding and truth-telling. We play a lightning round game called, A book, a song, a movie and of course, we talking our -ish and cussing a bit. So pull up, get nourished and like, comment, share and subscribe. Follow @blackwomenbeknowing on IG.And if you don't know, now you be knowing.

Happy Black History Month, Fam! On this episode, I sit with my homegirl, Keshia @keesh1119 as we discuss how to navigate life when things do not turn out the way we expect. What happens when we don't "have it all"? What is the relationship between age and grief? How can we find not only joy in grief, but a deeper understanding of ourselves? When we don't get what we want, what do we gain instead? We unpack this and play a quick lightning round game called, Did the ancestors get it right?Make sure to like, comment, share, discuss and subscribe and follow @blackwomenbeknowing on IG. And if you don't know, now you be knowing.

Happy New Year! Black Women Be Knowing begins the new year and a new season with my partner, my first born, my mini me, Kaori @ori.jua to discuss where we are putting our energy this year and beyond. We talk about shunning New Year's resolutions, rejecting expectations placed on Black women and chucking the deuces to burnout. Listen to hear what we are saying yes to and feel free to give less Fs. We also play a little game called, "F**ks On/ F**ks Off."Listen, watch, comment, share and subscribe. Follow @Blackwomenbeknowing on IG.If you don't know, now you be knowing!

On this special episode, I sit down with Courtney @courtneyramsey.co to discuss her photography business and the ways she captures and accentuates Black women's light on camera. Whether it's for birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, or just because, she and I discuss the importance of how we want to feel in and beyond the photo. We also talk about the power of images, archiving, storytelling, empowerment and legacy. Basically, all the things!Follow Courtney on IG and check out her website, https://courtneyramsey.co. Don't forget to like, comment, share, subscribe and follow the podcast and follow @Blackwomenbeknowing on IG. And if you don't know, now you be knowing!

In this episode, I sit down with my actual sister, my Scorpio birthday twin, Kajy @k_hop20 to discuss the complicated relationship we have with these internet streets. From the hilarious yet sometimes toxic comments section to the democracy of the internet, to the way Black women are both honored and violently treated on these platforms, many of us still choose to participate. Whether you are on all the platforms or have decided to minimize your digital footprint, this episode is relevant to everyone. Listen, comment, discuss, share and subscribe. Follow @Blackwomenbeknowing on IG.

Do you know what today is? It's our anniversary (Tony Toni Tone voice). On this episode, my other whole @raburnel and I are celebrating five years of marriage! We discuss some of the highlights of our union, who's the better listener, and the podcasts and couples that inspire us. Listen, comment, share, discuss and subscribe! Follow @Blackwomenbeknowing on IG!

Happy September! On this special back-to-school edition episode, I sit down with my homegirl, Christina @hearandnow_ to discuss her soon-to-be released children's book, Hi, I'm Kai. We talk about our relationship with books growing up, how her motherhood journey inspired her to write a book about Black boys with disabilities/different abilities, and our thoughts about the type of education that Black children deserve.Follow on IG @Blackwomenbeknowing and like, comment, share and subscribe to the podcast.And if you don't know, now you be knowing.

In this episode, my homegirl Amber Leshea sit down and discuss not only reaching but celebrating turning the big 4-0! From throwing three parties to reflecting on the first half of life to acknowledging the village that got her here, 40 is looking dope! We talk about the importance of milestones, self-worth and what's next. Follow Amber @ratchetassets and follow @BlackWomenBeKnowing on IG. Like, comment, share, discuss and subscribe.And if you don't know, now you be knowing.

In this solo episode, I discuss some of the things I’m rejecting in this season of my life as well as some of the things I’m embracing. From constant content production to workplace burnout, there are things that need to go! But I’m all about books, TV shows, and unlearning some harmful practices. And I’m sharing a piece I wrote about something I call intentional silence.Get into this brief but important episode with me and always like, comment, share, subscribe and follow @Blackwomenbeknowing on IG!And if you don’t know, now you be knowing!

Election season is crazy, y’all! And it’s coming to an end! But before we find out who our next president is, I had to kiki with my homegirl @amoybarnes to discuss Black women in politics. As someone who has run for local office, Amoy discusses her entry into politics, the highs and lows of campaigning and how politics continues to shape her. Listen, comment, share and discuss. Follow @Blackwomenbeknowing on IG. And if you don’t know, now you be knowing!

On this episode, I speak with my homegirl Faye @fvaral about being a Black girl traveler. We discuss the origins of her travel story, some of her favorite and hell-to-the-nah destinations. She gives us the tips to begin our travels and some warnings that folks may not tell you on the socials. Whether you’re traveling on a budget or appearing to ball out, travel is for Black women!Follow @Blackwomenbeknowing on IG and @fvaral on the socials. If you don’t know, now you be knowing!

On this episode, I speak to the G.O.A.T. of the family, the matriarch, the queen of flyness- my grandmother, Alvie, AKA Peggy, AKA Boobie. We talk about her childhood, her migration to the North, single teenage motherhood, fashion, work, legacy and yes… we cussin’ up a storm. Let’s get into this inter-generational realness! Listen, comment, share, discuss and subscribe. If you don’t know, now you be knowing.

Okkk! Your girl is back for season 3 and I’m coming to y’all solo celebrating Black History Month and just as importantly, celebrating being DEBT FREE! I’m sharing my money story and my money success. So pull up, pull out your pen and notebook and rock with me as we get closer to financial freedom.

On this episode, I kick it with my sista friend, Kristina @kdotrenee to discuss some of the questions that arose for me from the book turned Hulu series, The Other Black Girl. We discuss what Black women endure, what we want and what we owe one another in the workspace. Pull up, get comfortable and engage. Follow on IG @Blackwomenbeknowing. And if you don’t know, now you be knowing.

In the final part of the Black Girlhood Series, we have a Black Women Be Knowing TAKE OVER! My sista-friend Shani (episode 5) puts me in the hot seat as we discuss my girlhood crushes, the impact that’s had on my adult life and the innocence and nostalgia that comes with our crushes. Pull up and reminisce with us! Follow on IG @Blackwomenbeknowing, subscribe to the podcast, share, comment and discuss!

On the second part of the Black Girlhood series, I’m sitting down with my childhood besties to discuss the importance of the Black Girl Clique. Ebony @popasbabydolleyez40 and Chantel @fitforroyals share why we chose one another as friends, why we loved New Edition so much and how our clique still lives on between us and in other Black friend groups. Be prepared for a lot of laughs, inside jokes and the longest lightening round ever. Pull up and follow @Blackwomenbeknowing on IG and subscribe.

How you gon’ talk about Black womanhood without talking about Black girlhood? I sit with my sis, Cathleen @cathleen_a_a, to discuss the particularities of Black girlhood, the music, fashion and hairstyles that made us fly and the ways our Black girlhood influenced our Black womanhood. She also breaks down a popular Black girl game as a framework for collaboration. Pull up, listen, share, comment, discuss and follow @blackwomenbeknowing.

On this episode, I sit with my homegirl Melida @melidanyc to discuss the ways we grieve and honor our fathers, in addition to the loving and complicated relationships we had with them. Father’s Day can be difficult but it also gives us the opportunity to reflect on the teachings our dads left for us. So pull up and listen, laugh, cry, comment and follow @Blackwomenbeknowing on IG and subscribe to the podcast.

On this episode, I kick it with my longtime homegirl, Keshia @keesh1119, to discuss the importance of mental health, the barriers to accessing it and the resources to maintain it. We also talk about what self care is not. Most importantly, we share ourselves unapologetically. Check out Love and Kindness, a wellness service, here: https://lk-wellness.com/

In this episode, my fabulous friend Shani @willieclara and I discuss the importance of the Black church, specifically to Black women, how we incorporate other spiritual practices into our lives and the need for Black women leadership in the church. This episode is dedicated to Jeannine “J9” King. Thank you for being a great person and now for being a great ancestor.

In this episode, I sit down with my fam, Ingrid @msi2517 to discuss the importance of Black women embracing soft living. What is possible when Black folks prioritize rest, self-indulgence and self-discovery? How can you begin the journey of soft living? Sit down with us and get into this episode. Remember to like, comment, share and subscribe. Follow @Blackwomenbeknowing on IG.

Marriage is dope! But marriage is also hard AF! In this episode, I sit with my husband @raburnel and discuss the ways and extent marriage has changed us individually and as a couple. Come laugh, listen and learn with us. Happy Black Love Month! Follow me on IG @Blackwomenbeknowing.

On this episode, one of my best friends and sister for real, for real @k_hop20, discuss the importance of friendships, how to know if you’re in a healthy or toxic friendship and getting real about our own toxic traits. Pull up, listen, reflect and share.

On this episode, I discuss my 2+ years hiatus from the podcast, sit with my daughter, @ori.jua and talk about what it means to be a grown, free Black woman and I give my 2022 book list!!! It’s a dope way to end a year and come into the new! Cheers! Follow me on IG @Blackwomenbeknowing