Critical Reads Podcast
by Neph Lesperance
Critical Reads is a podcast designed to help you deconstruct cultural norms one resource at a time. Each week, Neph invites you to reflect on books, articles, and other resources that not only interest her but can also be used to help people critically analyze different aspects of society. Tune in as Neph grapples with topics and themes that drive most people to the place of insanity.
Episodes
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24: The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health: Navigate an Unequal System, Learn Tools for Emotional Wellness, and Get the Help You Deserve
In this episode of Critical Reads, we will be discussing The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health: Navigate an Unequal System, Learn Tools for Emotional Wellness, and Get the Help You Deserve by Rheeda Walker, PhD. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the author/publisher: "An...
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23: Modern Love (Anthology TV Series): Take Me as I Am, Whoever I Am Part 2
In part two of our Modern Love episodes, we will be discussing an episode entitled, Take Me as I Am, Whoever I Am, from season one of Modern Love (Anthology TV Series) directed and produced by John Carney. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the producers: "An unlikely friendship. A…
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22: Modern Love (Anthology TV Series): Take Me as I Am, Whoever I Am Part 1
In part one of our Modern Love episodes, we will be discussing an episode entitled, Take Me as I Am, Whoever I Am, from season one of Modern Love (Anthology TV Series) directed and produced by John Carney. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the producers: "An unlikely friendship. A…
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21: The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery
In this episode of Critical Reads, we will discuss The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the author/publisher: "Ignorance is bliss―except in self-awareness. What you don't know about...
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20: Are u ok?: A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health
In this episode of Critical Reads, we will be discussing Are u ok?: A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health by Kati Morton LMFT. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the author/publisher: "Everyone struggles with mental health issues from time to time, but the greatest level of...
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Critical Reads is Back, Take Two
In this bonus episode of Critical Reads, I wanted to take some time to provide you all with more updates about my life. I know I tried to relaunch the podcast last year and that was an EPIC FAIL. This episode is the start of "Take Two." Like the last time, I figured it would be nice to let you…
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Gurl, Where Have You Been?: Musings, Updates, and More
In this bonus episode of Critical Reads, I wanted to take some time to provide you all with a few updates about my life. I will answer questions including: Where have you been? How are you doing emotionally and spiritually? Where are you at in your career? What are you wrestling with? Since I...
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19: Bipolar Faith: A Black Woman's Journey with Depression and Faith
In this episode of Critical Reads, we will be discussing Bipolar Faith: A Black Woman's Journey with Depression and Faith by Rev Dr. Monica A. Coleman. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the author/publisher: "Monica A. Coleman’s great-grandfather asked his two young sons to lift him…
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18: Rent (Musical Drama Film)
In this episode of Critical Reads, we will be discussing the Musical Drama Film, Rent, directed and produced by Chris Columbus. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the author/publisher: "Set in New York City's gritty East Village, the revolutionary rock opera RENT tells the story of a...
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17: Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America Part 2
In part two of our Stamped From the Beginning episode, I continue my discussion about Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi. (As a refresher) Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the author/publisher: "Some Americans cling...
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16: Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America Part 1
In part one of our Stamped From the Beginning episode, we will be discussing Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the author/publisher: "Some Americans cling desperately to the myth that we...
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15: Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present Part 2
In part two of our Medical Apartheid episode, I continue my discussion about Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present by Harriet A. Washington. (As a refresher) Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the...
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14: Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present Part 1
In part one of our Medical Apartheid episode, we will be discussing Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present by Harriet A. Washington. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the author/publisher: "The first full...
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13: Unbound: My Story of Liberation and the Birth of the Me Too Movement
In this episode of Critical Reads, we will be discussing Unbound: My Story of Liberation and the Birth of the Me Too Movement by Tarana J. Burke. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the author/publisher: "From the founder and activist behind one of the largest movements of the…
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12: #NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women
In this episode of Critical Reads, we will be discussing #NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the author/publisher: "Native Women demand to be heard in this stunning anthology. Whether…
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11: Promising Young Woman (Black Comedy Thriller Film) Part 2
In part two of our Promising Young Woman episode, join Dianne and me as we continue our discussion about a great film written, co-produced, and directed by Emerald Fennell. (As a refresher) Here’s a brief summary of the movie courtesy of Focus Features: "From visionary director Emerald Fennell...
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10: Promising Young Woman (Black Comedy Thriller Film) Part 1
In part one of our Promising Young Woman episode, my special guest, Dianne, and I discuss the Black Comedy-Thriller film, Promising Young Woman, written, co-produced, and directed by Emerald Fennell. Here’s a brief summary of the movie courtesy of Focus Features: "From visionary director Emerald...
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Empowering Black Femmes with Rosette and Christabel
In this bonus episode of Critical Reads, I am inviting you to listen to an interview conducted by my good friend Rosette Mamboleo. Rosette is a law student, a religious educator, and a mental health first aid instructor who is the founder of Elpida. Elpida is a faith-based low-profit limited...
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Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America
In this bonus episode of Critical Reads, we will be discussing Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America by James Allen. With essays by Hilton Als, John Lewis, and Leon F. Litwack. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the publisher: "The Tuskegee Institute records the lynching…
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9: The Cross and the Lynching Tree
In this episode of Critical Reads, we will be discussing The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James H. Cone. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the author/publisher: "The cross and the lynching tree are the two most emotionally charged symbols in the history of the African American...
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8: Stand Your Ground: Black Bodies and the Justice of God
In this episode of Critical Reads, we will be discussing Stand Your Ground: Black Bodies and the Justice of God by Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the author/publisher: "On the Sunday morning after the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s killer, black...
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7: Inside Out (Animated Comedy Film)
In this episode of Critical Reads, me and my special guest, Dianne, will be discussing the Animated Comedy Film, Inside Out, written by Pete Docter, Meg LeFauve, and Josh Cooley. Here’s a brief summary of the movie courtesy of Pixar: "Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it’s no exception for…
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6: Changes That Heal: Four Practical Steps to a Happier, Healthier You
In this episode of Critical Reads, we will be discussing Changes That Heal: Four Practical Steps to a Happier, Healthier You by Dr. Henry Cloud. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the author/publisher: "Many of us struggle with anxiety, loneliness, and feelings of inadequacy. We know...
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5: The Oxford Handbook of Feminist Theology
In this episode of Critical Reads, we will be discussing The Oxford Handbook of Feminist Theology by Sheila Briggs and Mary McClintock Fulkerson. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the author/publisher: "This innovative volume highlights the relevance of globalization and the insights...
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4: Dimensions of Social Welfare Policy
In this episode of Critical Reads, we will be discussing Dimensions of Social Welfare Policy by Neil Gilbert and Paul Terrell. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the author/publisher: "Dimensions of Social Welfare Policy provides a comprehensive and widely-used framework for analyzing...
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3: God Space: Where Spiritual Conversations Happen Naturally
In this episode of Critical Reads, we will be discussing God Space: Where Spiritual Conversations Happen Naturally by Doug Pollock. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the author/publisher: "In God Space Doug Pollock shows you how the Holy Spirit can do amazing things through ordinary...
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2: The Deconstructionists Playbook
In this episode of Critical Reads, we will be discussing The Deconstructionists Playbook edited by Crystal Cheatham and Theresa Ta. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the author/publisher: "The Deconstructionists Playbook comprises selections from devotionals that have been published…
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1: Why Critical Reads? The Origin Story
In this first episode, I will be sharing a little bit about Critical Read's backstory. Before we dive into the different resources I have planned, I wanted to use one episode to introduce myself and give you general information about how each episode will be formatted. Please think of this…
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Welcome to Critical Reads the Podcast
Welcome to the Critical Reads Podcast with Neph Lesperance! Critical Reads is a podcast designed to help you deconstruct cultural norms one resource at a time. Each week, I invite you to reflect on books, articles, and other resources that not only interest her but can also be used to help people...
About this show
Critical Reads is a podcast designed to help you deconstruct cultural norms one resource at a time. Each week, Neph invites you to reflect on books, articles, and other resources that not only interest her but can also be used to help people critically analyze different aspects of society. Tune in as Neph grapples with topics and themes that drive most people to the place of insanity.
Hosted by
Neph Lesperance
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