PODCAST · society
Real. Relatable.
by Donna Polk
Join Donna Polk, creative, driven, authentic, career woman, mother, co-parent, and more as she dives into personal conversations centered on honest, unfiltered discussions about well…life. Here, we lean into vulnerability, connection and shared human experience as no one is alone in their struggles or growth. From relationships, personal growth, trauma, healing, self-reflection, the joys of life and beyond, we explore it all through candid conversations. If you enjoy intimate, down-to-earth storytelling and self-exploration paired with authenticity and humor, this podcast is for you.
Episodes
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Breaking Through Limiting Beliefs with Guest Shekinah
The story we told ourselves if that we haven't been afraid to do the work - becoming who we thought we were just takes more than we realized. Finding our you're the problem takes a lot of self awareness and humbling of one's ego 😅 In this episode, I sit down with Shekinah to discuss our limiting...
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Getting Back in the Saddle with Guest Mindy Love
Divorce? Been there. Dating again? Terrifying. But my guest Mindy Love is here to make it a whole lot less scary — and a whole lot more fun. Her book Getting Back in the Saddle is part memoir, part manual, and 100% the unfiltered pep talk you didn't know you needed. We had the best conversation...
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Part 2: Trading Places with Guest Cerose Cedoux
Part 2 with Cerose Cedoux picks up right where we left off. Except, this time, Cerose dug deeper. From the unexpected s*x talk to the ways divorce reshapes navigating dating (and everything that comes with it) all over again, this episode is the conversation your group chat has been having for...
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The Hot Seat: Donna Gets Interviewed with Guest Turned Host | Cerose Cedoux
The tables have turned. My girl Cerose Cedoux has been waiting for this moment — and when she got it, she took it. I rolled with it, and we kept it no holds barred. No filter, no script, just honest conversation. And if you think this is good? Part 2 gets even juicier 🫠 we go to depths I don't...
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Taking Back Our Power
Back for a solo episode for the first time in a LONG time. On this episode, Donna briefly discusses the ways in which she learned how she was giving her power away and refocusing on herself to regain her power and stay in it. It hasn't been an easy journey, especially with ego being the biggest...
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Forced to Pivot - From Newsroom to New Purpose: Alex Livingston’s Next Chapter
After more than a decade building successful careers, Donna and her guest Alex Livingston suddenly found themselves navigating an unexpected crossroads after layoffs reshaped their professional paths. In this episode, Donna sits down with former news anchor, mom, DIY enthusiast, wife, and...
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Lessons in Dating That Finally Stuck with Guest Shekinah Bell
Listen, we walked so you could run. We nibbled so you could feast. On this episode, Donna & Shekinah dive into (more) details than anticipated from dating our high school sweet hearts to dating after marriage, children, and divorce. Did we name drop? Yes. Did we mean to? The jury is still out.…
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Scraping off the Dust with Guests Amanda & Laura
Phew, it has been a hot minute! After a 2 year hiatus, Real. Relatable. is back and more refreshed than ever! On this episode, Donna has not one but two guests to join her discussing the growth after marriage, divorce, and experiences in dating. Sometimes the pain we go to to grow can be ugly…
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Apologizing on Behalf of All Men Everywhere
If you haven't already, you need to go back to listen to Part 1 . Part 1 Hill speaks for all men, everywhere. Part 2, Hill must apologize for how he came at Donna in part one 😅. ***IMPORTANT*** We have now moved to a visual medium, so be sure to check out the YouTube channel @DonnaJaneen to…
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Getting Free, Fabulous & F*cked with Guest Dr. Donna Oriowo, LICSW, CST
Double the Donnas this episode, to everyone's happy surprise: you're welcome. Dr. Donna Oriowo and Donna, your beloved host, discuss the foundations of sex, pleasure, joy and more in this episode dedicated to sensual exploration and sexual liberation. Let this be a taste and allow your ears to…
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9 Universal Year Timing with Spoken Like a True Goddess Host: Shekinah Bell
A collab like none other. Please join us in welcoming Shekinah Bell, host of Spoken Like a True Goddess podcast and long time friend of Donna. On this episode, Donna & Shekinah discuss the final chapter of a 9-year-cycle as determined by the Universe. Identities are shed, old timelines are...
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Speaking on Behalf of All Men Everywhere with Guest and Dear Friend: Hill
Yes, we know, we know - we've talked so much from the woman's perspective and we've had several people in our DMs saying it's one-sided. So, against his will and here to speak on behalf of all men, everywhere, is Donna's male friend: Hill. (Both are untrue: he was a willing participant and…
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This is Why Relationships Fail with Guests Amanda & Laura
It’s no surprise that self-reflection is key to growth—and in dating, it’s no different. Recognizing our own patterns is the first step toward breaking them and building healthier relationships. In this episode, Donna is joined by Laura and Amanda for a real, unfiltered conversation about the red...
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An Honest Reflection on Sexual Trauma - From Childhood to Now
This was probably the hardest episode I ever had to record. For Sexual Assault Awareness Month, I share and reflect on both sexual trauma that has resurfaced as well as a recent assault. The last several months have been a time of working towards healing, acknowledging 12-year old Donna, and...
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Overcoming Addiction, Entering Sobriety Alone
On this episode of Real. Relatable., Donna welcomes Jovaan Lumpkin, a warrior on his sobriety journey of 318 days (as of this recording). Jovaan doesn't hold back to share his story from the beginning of a childhood with a matriarchal head of the household, the turn to alcohol and later venture...
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The Ins & Outs of Co-Parenting: The Anomaly
Co-parenting can be as easy or hard of a journey as those involved make it. Unfortunately, society is set up where most are not as amicable as they could/should be. Yes, there is a lot of nuance as to why couples split and result in co-parenting. No, it doesn't have to be hard. Yes, there are...
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Constitutional Duty vs Reality: When Law Enforcement Isn’t Required to Protect…Anyone
How is the culture in law enforcement shaped? Why would someone who devoted themself to protect and serve aid in the discourse of terrorism in Buffalo? How didn’t the officers in Uvalde not intervene more? In this episode, Trent, a trusted friend of the podcast and law enforcement officer, goes...
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Re-Introducing: Now We Know
Now We Know has been around, and we want to make sure you can find it! Donna & Jonathan are still breaking down to build back up the historical truth about our black history. Check out this link https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/now-we-know/id1590630828 , or search "Now We Know Donna Greene &...
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The Reality of Narcissistic Relationships: Breaking Promithes, Promithes
TW: Narcissistic abuse is no laughing matter or something to take lightly. It is painful and life altering for the survivor. On this episode, Donna goes into the stages of narcissist abuse. She never knew the different types of narcissists, until her own personal experience. Have you or a loved…
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About My Solo Trip to Spain
The trip of a lifetime is an understatement! I have shared clips of my trip to Spain in Instagram stories as well as some compilations through reels, but on this episode I detail the journey. From booking the trip to figuring out logistics to eating the best food of my life. Listen in for what I...
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The Stigma of Divorce
Why is there a stigma around dating people who have been divorced? Is it an insecurity or are people seeing it as a cop out? This episode Donna sits down with Lauren Oliver, for her third appearance on Real. Relatable., to discuss. Are there residual feelings that hold someone back or can a clean...
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The Survival of Deep Grief
The stages of grief, it’s not a linear process. One day you’re at anger, next is denial then over to acceptance and then head on over to depression. In the latest episode of Real. Relatable., Jonathan, Donna’s co-host of Now We Know joins her in processing a tough breakup that left her spiraling...
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A Year in Review!
Donna & Jonathan reflect on their first year podcasting together and look forward to what 2022 has in store! What are your plans for the new year? How do you want to continue to grow as a community? Be sure to email us at [email protected] to let us know what topics or people you'd...
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Giblets in the Holiday Dressing
We all have so many wonderful traditions, from your grandmother’s dressing to your aunt’s pie or the turkey your uncle fried turkey but where did these black holiday favorites come from? This episode we’re diving into our own holiday traditions and bringing in a little historical context.…
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What happens after the arrest? - Criminal Justice Reform
When you want to change the criminal justice system, what better way than working on the inside? We have interviewed a black law enforcement officer to get their perspective on the rise of the arrest, and now it’s time to delve into what happens after the arrest. In this powerful and enlightening...
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Falling in Love Between the Age Gap
Forget society, love is love! But, is age nothing but a number? How old/young Is too old/young? Does it stem from mommy/daddy issues or can two people so many years or even generations apart truly fall in love? This episode Donna sits down with Sophia Spallino, host of Enlightened with Sophia...
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Beyond a Career, Momtrepreneur
Being a working mom has its unique challenges, running your own business(es) adds another layer. What drives you to begin in the first place? How do your grow your business while maintaining relationships with yourself, others and kids at home? How do you balance It all? This week Donna chats…
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Rediscovering Yourself Postpartum
Everyone knows how drastically women's bodies change to bring children into this world, but did you know the "snap back" isn't just physical? What mental changes do parents go through? Do we ever truly return to our pre-baby selves? For women, hormonal changes can be just as challenging as the...
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Dating outside of my race, does that make me any less black?
Have you ever dated outside of your culture? Did it open your world view? What were the challenges you faced? Join us with return guest Lauren Oliver to dive Into her perspective of never having dated outside of her race and Donna who has dated at least one representative of every country in the...
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Having a Chronic Illness & Deciding to Have Children
Have you or a loved one worried about passing an autoimmune disease or a chronic illness to your born/unborn child? This week Donna sits down with Phill Okwo, a lifelong Sickle Cell Warrior, dedicated Sickle Cell advocate and father of 2. Phill discusses the destigmatization of sickle cell and…
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Spooky Season, Horror Films for Halloween
We always joke about how any time you see a black person in a horror film, they don’t make it to the end of the movie. Is that rooted in racism? How have horror films been influenced and shaped history? This month on Now We Know, we’re dividing into Horror Noire A History of Black Horror, a...
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Anti-Abortion Laws, Adoption isn't for Everyone
Don't mess with Texas? Don't mess with women's bodies. The Texas abortion ban has created a flood of opinions and everyone in everyone else's business when they have no right even to be there. This month, Donna and Jonathan dive into this highly debated topic as adoption can be a beautiful avenue...
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Should Critical Race Theory Be Banned?
It's August and officially Back to School season and what better time to talk about CRT. But, what is CRT? Does it really need to be banned in k-12 schools? This month on Now We Know, Donna and Jonathan dive into Critical Race Theory and what nuance would’ve meant for them in school growing up....
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What have you harvested from your mother’s gardens?
This month on Now We Know, Donna & Jonathan were all in their feelings! Together they discuss the documentary In Our Mothers' Gardens that beautifully details generation to generation the good, the bad and the ugly life experiences of black women from the diaspora living in America. The hardships...
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Cardinal Sin: Growing up Christian in the South being LGBTQ+
In honor of June being Pride Month, Donna chats with her good friend Jeannie on what it was like for her being part of the LGBT+ community in the south with a very religious upbringing. Listen in on how to be the best ally, whether you know someone needs it or not. Instagram: @DonnaJaneen...
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Aren’t we all struggling with parenthood? Father's Day with Donna's Dad
Donna's dad, Thomas, joins us in the ever so professionally sound-proofed recording nook in Boise for the first time. From pre-parenthood to now a grandparent, Thomas shares his thoughts on the societal pressures and joys of becoming a parent. YouTube: T Vlog P...
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In Honor of Our Ancestors: Freedom Delayed with Juneteenth
Juneteenth brings a certain amount of joy yet confusion as Jonathan and Donna work through their sentiments towards the holiday. Do they celebrate or simply acknowledge? What's enough, what's not enough? Listen along as together they have a revelation about Juneteenth and what it truly means for...
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If we're being honest, we all have mental health issues
The conversation surrounding mental health and therapy needs to continue. We all have vulnerabilities to work through whether that's from life experience or simply how we're made. It's never too late to take the first step to take care of yourself mentally. Check in on yourself and those around...
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Now We Know: Colorism & Hair
Colorism and hair are not as widely discussed as they need to be. We experience discrimination from the hue of our skin to the bounce of our hair or lack there of. Let's dive into these topics, as really they coincide, and figure out how it all started. Remember original Aunt Viv on Fresh Prince…
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In the Mind of a Black Law Enforcement Officer and Friend
As tensions continually erupt socially, do you ever wonder what thoughts go on inside law enforcement? Do you ever wonder how black cops cope? With the intention of creating a safe space to let it out, let's get some insider thoughts with our resident law enforcement officer. Disclaimer: **With...
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Black Maternal Health with Guest Dr.Karen Ashby
To celebrate the 4th annual Black Maternal Health Week (thanks to the Black Mamas Matter Alliance) it's about time we talk to an expert in the OB/GYN field directly. We have talked about the disparity in black maternal health care in the US so this week we are sitting down with Karen Ashby, MD to...
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Now We Know: Women's History Month - Lorraine Hansberry
Hello Women’s History Month! There are so many incredible women we can highlight that have done an immense amount of work to advance women and humanity overall. This week we’re focusing on Lorraine Hansberry as a black playwright, activist and humanitarian who way the first to test the stage of...
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Black Gun Ownership with Guest Trent Warren
It’s about time we have the pleasure to host a conversation with a black law enforcement agent. Delving into some of the not well known of law enforcement and tapping back in on the gun conversation from the very first episode of Real.Relatable. with Mo’ Guns, Mo Problems. Weekly Faith in…
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Now We Know: Black History Month
Did you know Black History Month started with Negro History Week? Many thanks to those before us who did the work in making sure there was room for us to learn what we know and can expand upon today. May we be radical in dismantling to learn who we truly are in the best effort push forward...
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Now We Know: Martin Luther King Jr.
Allow me to introduce you to Jonathan Stokes, co-host of the branch off of your favorite podcast, a monthly series of Real. Relatable. dubbed “Now We Know”. Jonathan and I unpack major topics surrounding learning, unlearning and re-learning what we should’ve been taught about our black history.…
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Dating as a Single Mom: Uncuffing Season with Guest Lauren Oliver
It’s time to let our hair down and talk about what dating looks like during a pandemic with that extra layer of complication for single moms. I definitely shared some things that went beyond my typical comfort level 😬 but I can’t call this Real. Relatable. without pushing that boundary...
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It's Not Over til It's Over
What an incredible moment in the history of our country! This 2020 election has had us all on pins and needles awaiting the outcome. Now that we've seen the numbers, it's even more clear we have a ways to go.
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Realigning to Create My Happy Place
In the year of trials and tribulations, I decided I would challenge myself. In doing so, I felt more empowered than ever and ready to take on what I didn't think I would before. I'm buying a home (again), which means I really am dedicating myself to Idaho. Weekly Faith in Humanity Restored:...
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How Experiences with Racism have Transcended Generations - Part 3 with Guest Reverend Mark Thompson
Who better to gain perspective from than someone who has dedicated their life to the fight for social justice? I cannot be more thankful to have Reverend Mark Thompson on the podcast this week, with some real insight and great takeaways for how we can all do more for the cause. Weekly Faith in...
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Growth Amidst this 2020 Level of Tired
I think we've all been tested across the board this year. How we're showing up is a testament to who we truly are. It doesn't mean we're not tired or that we'll stop pushing through, if anything we have learned we have to continue to fight. Instagram: @RealRelatablePodcast Weekly Faith in…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join Donna Polk, creative, driven, authentic, career woman, mother, co-parent, and more as she dives into personal conversations centered on honest, unfiltered discussions about well…life. Here, we lean into vulnerability, connection and shared human experience as no one is alone in their struggles or growth. From relationships, personal growth, trauma, healing, self-reflection, the joys of life and beyond, we explore it all through candid conversations. If you enjoy intimate, down-to-earth storytelling and self-exploration paired with authenticity and humor, this podcast is for you.
HOSTED BY
Donna Polk
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Real. Relatable. have?
Real. Relatable. currently has 54 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Real. Relatable. about?
Join Donna Polk, creative, driven, authentic, career woman, mother, co-parent, and more as she dives into personal conversations centered on honest, unfiltered discussions about well…life. Here, we lean into vulnerability, connection and shared human experience as no one is alone in their struggles...
How often does Real. Relatable. release new episodes?
Real. Relatable. has 54 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Real. Relatable.?
You can listen to Real. Relatable. on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Real. Relatable.?
Real. Relatable. is created and hosted by Donna Polk.
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