Now What? The Podcast

In this episode, Jada and Jemeryas talk about the Black diaspora and the different perspectives that exist within it. From the way Black Americans are viewed around the world to the complexities between cultures within the diaspora, we unpack where misunderstandings come from and why they persist.More importantly, we talk about what it could look like for Black people globally to move toward greater understanding and unity

This week we’re joined by our first guest, Deja Ariel — licensed esthetician, beauty expert, and cherished family member.We get into Black beauty standards, the different Black girl aesthetics currently shaping culture, and how social media trends impact the way we approach skincare and self-image. Deja shares her knowledge on skincare, common myths, and what healthy skin actually means.From beauty politics to product routines, we dive into all things skincare.

In this episode, Jada and Jemeryas talk about being Black in politics and what that experience looks like in real life. We unpack the complexities between the African diaspora and Black Americans where tension shows up, where solidarity matters, and how history shapes both.We also touch on pop culture moments that reveal how power, identity, and influence move in public and behind the scenes. A layered conversation about responsibility, perspective, and what it really means to reshape systems instead of just learning how to survive inside them.

In this episode, we unpack the difference between casually dating and being in a relationship, the role of hook-ups, intentional dating versus situationships, and the preferences that shape who we are attracted to.Jada shares a personal story about sexual assault and how that experience has influenced her approaches to dating and intimacy. A vulnerable and necessary conversation about trust, healing, and knowing what you deserve. 

In the second episode, Jada and Jemeryas continue the conversation around expectations and pressure, especially when they come from family. They talk about complicated family dynamics, emotional and verbal abuse between parent and child, and the long-term impact that carries into adulthood. They also speak about boundaries and what it means to set them, enforce them, and sometimes choose distance or cut ties for your own well-being.New episodes drop every Tuesday.

In the first episode of the season, Jada and Jemeryas discuss the pressures and expectations that often follow growing adolescents and 20 somethings as they venture into adulthood and become their own persons. Whether it be feelings of disappointment to your family or the fear of settling, the expectations of Black excellence can be felt at any time and any age.New episodes drop every Tuesday.