Cocoa Butter and Communion
by Chioko Grevious
Addressing generational trauma is essential to healing but accessing the wounds that need to be healed can be emotionally draining work. Psychotherapist Chioko Grevious communes with her village as they delve into the beauty, love and complexities of Black families, generational joy and trauma and their Black experiences. Each episode contains powerful and thought provoking conversations that can bring tears but will be a source of humor, love, connection and understanding. You will gain insight into, not only yourself but your own village, your family and the community surrounding you.
Episodes
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Unpacking Friendships and Project Pat (y'all see...) with Jessica Brown
Hi Village! On today's episode, I am joined by my bestie, Jessica Brown, and on today's show, we are exploring our own relationship, cultural identities, some books, and the complexities of Black culture, as we know it (we are not finished, so episode 2 is in the works). We discuss supporting...
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Grounded in Culture: A Conversation with Aneriz Barbosa Medina
Hey Village! First things first, this spring I am welcoming the FIRST EVER Soul Story Journal Practice Co-Hort, and I want YOU to be a part of it. For more information, please visit: https://www.groundedrootscollective.com/soulstorycollective In this episode, I am chatting with Aneriz Barbosa...
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A Journey in Storytelling through Representation: A Conversation with JaNay Brown-Wood
Heeyyy Village! In this episode, I am talking to the award-winning, best-selling children's book author, Dr. JaNay Brown-Wood. In this episode, we talk about her journey as an author; her insights on storytelling, navigating the publishing world as a Black author, and the importance of...
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The Soul Story Experience
Hey Village, in my Varnell Hill voice, "Did ya miss me?" I missed y'all. In this episode, I share the heart behind The Soul Story Journal: A Guide to Unbinding the Spirit, why it was created, what it holds, and how it invites reflection without urgency or self-fixing. I share about the beauty of...
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Rooted in Heritage: A Conversation with Chi-Chi Anyanwu and Kenyon Hill
Hey Village! Don't forget to preorder "The Soul Story Journal: A Guide to Unbinding the Spirit." With your preorder, you will receive a digital Soul Story Starter Pack that encourages you to begin your soul work before your journal arrives. Visit www.groundedrootscollective.com/store-2 to secure...
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The Costa Rica Reunion Tour with Carrie DuBose, Royal Williams & Aaliyah Jones
Village! I wrote a guided journal, The Soul Story Journal: A Guide to Unbinding the Spirit. For more information, please add your email to my subscription list https://www.groundedrootscollective.com/subscribe . On a future episode, I will share more about the book's journey and how you can have...
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Navigating Uncertainty: A Personal Reflection
In this episode of Cocoa Butter and Communion, I reflect on the challenges of the current times, particularly in light of the pandemic and its impact on personal and collective healing. I share a brief account of my own self-discovery and ancestral connection during the pandemic, emphasizing the...
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The Power of Our Roots with Lakiba Pittman
In this engaging conversation, I chat with my elder, Lakiba Pittman, to explore themes of identity, ancestry, and personal growth. We discuss our family ties and the importance of maintaining connections with family and ancestors. Luckily for us, Lakiba shares her journey of self-discovery…
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The Complexities of Healing with Regina Lawless
In this episode of Cocoa Butter and Communion Village, we are exploring community and connection (two of my favorite topics). Regina Lawless is back, and we explore processing and navigating grief after the sudden loss of her husband, and the societal discomfort around death and mourning. She…
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The Unpack: Catching up with Jessica
Hey Village! Jessica is back for more conversation, laughter, and love. In this episode, we explore the evolution of club culture (I am not an expert, but Jessica might be). As always, you get a firsthand look into our friendship through our conversation about relationships, cultural critiques,...
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Confidence Unleashed: The Journey of Self-Discovery- A Conversation with Sylmia Britt
Hey Village! I missed y'all, but I come bringing gifts. This episode, I am chatting with the beautiful Sylmia Britt, and we discuss the art of growth, all while maintaining joy. We share about liberating experiences like eating deviled eggs while watching Raheem DeVaughn sing his face off and...
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Basking in the Black Girl Glow: A Conversation with Regina Lawless and Jasmine Nutt
Hey Village! Happy Black History Month, all month long. In this episode, I chat with Regina Lawless, founder of Bossy and Blissful and Jasmine Nutt, President of A Seat at the Table Community Initiative about their event, Black Girl Glow, which is a space for healing and restoration, showcasing...
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The Art of Letting Go: A Conversation with Chi-Chi Anyanwu
Hey Village! My dearest, Chi-Chi Anyanwu, is back and of course a time was to be had. On this episode, we talk about emotional journeys in friendships as well as adjusting to the new around us. We talk about the complexities of friendship breakups but finding beauty and growth within those...
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The Beauty of Social Commentary with Malikka Rogers
Hey Village, Malikka is back and there is no introduction needed. In this episode we talk about Malikka's journey into badly edited books, cultural reflections, and relationships (hey, we've all dealt with some mess). Our conversation, as always, is dripping with humor (we funny), insights (we...
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Just my Opinion... Why Do I Need to Be Resilient?
Hey Village, its been a long time and I am entering into the space with a Timbaland beat. Happy December! For this episode, it is just me, checking in. In this episode, I am reflecting on the tumultuous events of November, particularly the recent national election and the emotional toll that some...
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Curating the Right Within Experience with Jenée Johnson
Heeyyy Village! This week, I had an engaging conversation with the lovely Jenée Johnson shares the importance of mindfulness in addressing trauma and promoting racial healing. Jenee emphasizes the need to reclaim joy and humanity through her Right Within Experience program, which aims to empower...
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Walking a New Path: A Conversation with Dr. Tiffany Mimms
Hey Village! This week, I spend time engaging in conversation with Dr. Tiffany Mimms. Dr. Mimms shares her journey as a clinical psychologist and life coach, focusing on empowering professional women of color. Dr. Mimms reflects on her transition from psychology to coaching, emphasizing the...
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Liberation and Authenticity on Your Own Terms: A Conversation with Marilyn Julia Brown
Heeeyyy Village! Cocoa Butter and Communion is back and I am back with my lovely guest, Thee Marilyn Julia Brown! In this episode her and I discuss her progressive Catholic upbringing, the role of spirituality in therapy, cultural identity, and disordered eating and its impact on Black women. Our...
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Liberation through Travel: A Conversation with Royal Williams
Hey village! My Nia sister, Queen Royal is here! She is new to my village and I am glad that she is on the show sharing about her experiences globe trotting, by her doggone self. She shares about her experiences of living abroad, being a migrant-not an expat, and her reasons behind her reason to...
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Empowerment through Self-Care and Reflection: A Conversation with Dr. Cecile Gadson
Hey Village! This episode, I am chatting with one of my newest comrades, Dr. Cecile Gadson. We are Nia sisters from Costa Rica (we talk more about what that is on the episode)! Our conversation explores the experiences of Black women and girls, particularly in academic and professional settings…
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Reproductive Health and Our Bodies: A Conversation with Dr. Akiba Green
Hey Village, the doctor will see us now. In this episode, I am chatting with Dr. Green to discuss the importance of sharing reproductive health information within our families and our communities. Dr. Green emphasizes the need for comprehensive sex education and the importance of understanding...
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Stories from our Soul with Imani Mitchell
Imani Mitchell is back and it feels good to catch up! Her and I discuss quitting jobs (y'all, don't just go and quit your job and then put that on us) and the freedom that can come from it; navigating an artistic space, and ALL THEE AWARDS that she received from her dynamic production of Zora and...
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Cocoa Butter and Communion is bizaaaack
Heeyyyy Village! Y'all, it is SEASON 3 of Cocoa Butter and Communion! Village, I was acting like I was in the 4th grade, on summer vacation, eating up all the snacks... running up all the electricity. It felt good to break. I want that for ALL of us. This episode is giving you the updates in my…
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Mindfulness for All. FOR ALL.
Hi Village! It's just me this week, chatting it up about mindfulness, listening to "Euphoria" and "Not Like Us," wrapping up the son's school year, starting my summer session, and transitioning into a new role in my life. Enjoy the episode. Love y'all.
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Helicopter Moms? We're Fine with That (Insert Jordan Shrug): A Conversation with Niambi Lewis
Hey Village! Happy May! Happy pre-Mothers Day for y'all who celebrate yourself as mamas or you celebrate others as mamas. One of my favorite people stops by and we ask ourselves, is being a helicopter mom such a bad thing? Or is it the epitome of loving your kids? My guest, Niambi Lewis, and I…
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Empowering Community through Gun Ownership and Safety: A Conversation with Nakita Price
Hey Village! Happy May! On the show, I am chatting with the lovely Nakita Price. We discuss Black folks and gun ownership, the second amendment for all, gun safety, what is needed to own a gun. Nakita discusses how vital it was for her to pivot, using her skillset to make moves happen. Nakita…
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Writing as a Medicine: A Conversation with Rowana Abbensetts-Dobson
Hey Village! Y'all know how much I love a good book and I love the people who know a great story to publish those good books. Black writers, writers of color, and other marginalized voices have had their stories silenced. It is so important to have these stories shared and luckily, there are…
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In a 90s Kind of World, I'm Glad I Got My Girl: Chatting with Jessica Brown
Hey Village! THEE Jessica Brown is back and as always, we spend a lot of time key-keying. Jess just celebrated a birthday and y'all, it was a time to be had... not what she expected, not what anyone expected. Good news for y'all, we provide a synopsis. Jessica talks about online dating (some of...
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Critical Elections and Healing: A Conversation with Malaika Hill-Jones
Hey Village! Another therapist is in the house and what an experience for us all :). Malaika Hill-Jones, LMFT is on the show, discussing her life as a student at Howard University, the importance of being in an environment that encompasses greatness, and how to take care of yourself during this...
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Seeking a Therapist 101
Hey Village! This episode, it is just me. :) A little bit about me, I am Chioko Juliette Grevious, Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, and a registered Psychological Assistant, all in the state of California (west siiiiide). In addition to those things…
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We Are Hip Hop: A Conversation with Ashley Autumn
Hey Village! Today, we are talking about hip hop with someone who knows it well. I was incredibly fortunate to speak with Ashley Autumn, Founder and CEO of Talented Tenth Entertainment. She is not only the CEO but she produces, consults, and so much more. I'll let her tell it :). We talk about…
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Black and Political: A Conversation with Mellonie Richardson
Hey Village! This week, I am chatting with Mellonie Richardson about Black women in politics, her role in the Black Women for Political Action (BWOPA) (she is the president, y'all), getting involved, our right to vote, her legacy, and so much more. A little about Mellonie, she is the Human...
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The Military and the Black Woman: A Conversation with Regina McGuire
Hey Village! Happy Black History Month! Happy month of love! This episode, I am chatting with my newest sister girl/colleague/classmate, Regina McGuire. Regina is a retired Navy woman who was running a ship like the bad ass she is. We discuss her life in the military, as a Black woman, the strong...
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Black Women Sh***: Chi Chi Anyanwu Stops By
Hey Village! We are kicking off Black History Month and what better way to kick off Black History Month with a woman who celebrates her Blackness everyday? I can answer that! There isn't anything better than Chi Chi stopping by the village to drop gems about getting your life together all while...
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Finding Spirituality: A Conversation with Daniel Grevious
Hey Village! I am so lucky to have access to such a brilliant mind, day in and day out. Daniel is back! On this episode, him and I discuss spirituality and religion, the differences, his growth in both and what he wishes he knew. You get to know him a little more, which is always a beautiful…
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Reproductive and Birth Justice with Aresha Auzenne
Heeeyyyy, I am back! It has been a long time. Happy New Year Village! I hope your holiday season allowed rest. This week's episode can be triggering due to the content of talking about Black maternal deaths, the prevention, and the sharing of birth stories that can be traumatic for our listeners....
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Black Women in Academia: A Conversation with Johndalyn Armstrong
Heeeyyy village! Another episode of Cocoa Butter and Communion is back on the podcast airwaves. This week, I am discussing Black women in academia with my classmate, Johndalyn Armstrong. We talk about school, not separating our Blackness from our education and our experiences, her new fondness of...
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A Conversation about Everything with Malikka Rogers
Hey Village! I am joined today by my dearest, Malikka Rogers. We discuss A LOT on this episode from Bruce Willis dating rumors to ridiculousness in music to spirituality. As always, I love my conversations with her and I hope you do too. Spend some time with us on this cold November day, it…
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Band of Brothers: A Conversation with Ray
I was curious and when I am curious, a podcast episode usually happens :). I talk about building sisterhood a lot on this podcast but this episode, I wanted to chat about building brotherhood and the expression of vulnerability. I chatted with Ray, who provided me with some insight into the work…
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Understanding Mom: A Conversation with my Own Mother, Venetia Brown
Heeeyyy Village! Today's episode is a conversation with my mom, Venetia Brown. On this episode, she shares the history behind her own name and she clears up how she came up with mine. We talk about the things that connect us and the things that have kept us at a distance. She shares about her...
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Resonated Lessons with Brandon Johnson
Hey village! I have another great episode with my friend, by way of my brother, Brandon Johnson. I met Brandon Johnson YEARS ago and I am glad I did. Y'all will see why when you listen to this episode. We chat about music (we even sing a few duets), family, marriage, kids, and Berkeley hippies (I...
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Taking Leaps, Not Jumps with Angelique York
This week I am chatting with my friend and colleague, Angelique York. We talk about taking a leap, which is different than taking a jump in life and careers. Angelique York is a multifaceted individual. Sacramento native and Los Angeles resident, licensed clinical social worker, a MSW graduate of...
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Telling Jokes and Taking Chances with Comedian G.King
I love comedy and I have had conversations on this podcast with hilarious people. This episode, I am checking in with a hilarious person that has made his career by doing standup. On this week's episode, I chat with G. King about what it was like to take a leap without a safety net, his journey,...
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Growth and Insight with Lamarr Jackson
Hey Village! My guest today is my dear friend, Lamarr D. Jackson! Lamarr and I go way back like Shasta soda and I am so glad that he stopped by to share about being a big thinker, the encouragement to do so, owning land that is rightfully yours, lessons learned, raising daughters, and a rap…
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The Best Friend Files: Jessica is Here
We are celebrating one year of Cocoa Butter and Communion! That flew by, right? To help celebrate as a community, I would LOVE to hear your thoughts about the show and I will share them on a future episode of the podcast. Has Cocoa Butter and Communion impacted your life in any way? What has been...
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Our Narratives with Rose-Stella Pierre-Louis
Episode 45 is here and it is with my girl, Rose-Stella! She is back y'all! Just as delightful as she wants to be. On this episode her and I chat about her family's origin story, the power of our narratives, lessons from mom, and of course hip hop. Rose-Stella Pierre-Louis is a Haitian-American...
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The Art of Storytelling with Imani Mitchell
(Cue Aaliyah's beat) It's been a long time, I shouldn't of left you... without a dope show to vibe to. But don't fret...I am back and the show is back. This week's episode is delightful and it is with the dear soul Imani Mitchell. Imani Mitchell is a multidisciplinary artist based in Northern...
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The Kids are Alright: A Conversation with Yuriah Hughes
Hey Village! This week, I am chatting with my little cousin, 13 year old Yuriah Hughes. We chat about what it is like being a teenager these days, why she believes they get a bad rap, and what she wants adults to know. She also weighs in on who is the cooler adult, me or her mom and who makes the...
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Laying the Foundation with Alondra Thompson
Hey Village ALONDRA IS HERE!!!!! I didn't care what we talked about or if we talked at all. We could have sat and stared at each other for all I care. I just adore and love her that much. The good thing for everyone is that we did talk about her, what inspired her career path, her love for her...
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Healing and Liberation with Marilyn Julia Brown
Hey Village! As you all know I love a good book, an independent bookstore and making sure that the bookstore stays in business because we need them. One of our local bookstores needs our support. A Seat at the Table Books is a bookstore that sells books and gifts that are geared towards Black...
About this show
Addressing generational trauma is essential to healing but accessing the wounds that need to be healed can be emotionally draining work. Psychotherapist Chioko Grevious communes with her village as they delve into the beauty, love and complexities of Black families, generational joy and trauma and their Black experiences. Each episode contains powerful and thought provoking conversations that can bring tears but will be a source of humor, love, connection and understanding. You will gain insight into, not only yourself but your own village, your family and the community surrounding you.
Hosted by
Chioko Grevious