Writing Black Joy

Tamara Gibson is the founder and artisan perfumer behind Native Caribbean— an artisan fragrance house handcrafted entirely in the Caribbean by women of the region. Based in Barbados, Tamara blends storytelling, ancestral knowledge with the sense of smell to archive the textures of Caribbean life—bush medicine, folklore, rituals, language, and cuisine. Her fragrances are rooted in heritage, layered with meaning, and reshaping how we experience culture and define luxury through scent.I loved talking to Tamara about the power of scent, and we dove deep into:Her journey as an entrepreneur and why she doesn’t consider herself “creative”Her rich background that led her to being in the creative and cultural spaceHow travel has inspired her to reflect on her identityHow she became inspired by a trip to visit her grandmotherHow she developed the scents that evoke memories from her home and cultureHow identity feeds creativity - and her journey of showing up as an entrepreneurHow we can tell our story in the Caribbean through our craftsmanship and cultureWhat it means to be a Caribbean native.Some of the inspiration behind the scents in her Grandmother’s wisdom collectionAnd so much more! I hope that you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.You can follow Tamara's fun and informative IG account below, and check out her website.https://www.instagram.com/nativecaribbeanscents/www.nativecaribbean.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today in a recording of a blog post I wrote recently, I discuss whether my podcast can be considered art.You can read the post, and posts around other questions I have been asking myself - as well as reflections from 8 years of blogging over on my website!Link to the post is https://www.safiyarobinson.com/recent/can-my-podcast-be-artTake a read and enjoy! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's guest is Kelly Morgan.Kelly Morgan is an author, publisher, and the founder of Bright Headed Publishing — a platform dedicated to bold storytelling and underrepresented voices, especially from BIPOC communities. She’s the author of Weight For It and You Sound White, and the host of The Author’s Mic, a podcast that supports indie authors with real talk and practical tools. Kelly also created BTA Fridays™ (Breaking the Algorithm), a series that helps writers market their books without chasing trends or gimmicks. Her work centers truth, emotional depth, and building something powerful from the ground up — especially for storytellers who’ve been overlooked or underestimated.Kelly and I discussed:Her journey from writing to publishing - and even diving into audiobooks and podcasting - after she got scammedHer desire to empower writers with information around publishingHow she wrote her first book, and translated the “movie in her head” onto the page.How she chose to write her fiction from her own experiences - and how this helped her to healThe process of writing, publishing and marketing and some of the skills involved in these phasesHer book club and the Author’s mic podcastHow she used her experience of being scammed as fuel to create her current businessHer journey of writing a children’s book, and translating the movie in her head over to an illustratorHer plans for the future of her publishing companyAnd so much more. You can find Kelly's links below, including her linktree. Take a listen to her show, and check our her book club if you love reading and discovering new authors!Website - brighheadedpublishing.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightHeadedPublishingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhplccTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brightheadpublishingSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mJ9IIuhz4bjnKKtNf1oO0YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brightheadedpublishingllc7004LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bright-headed-publishingLinktree: https://linktr.ee/BrightHeadedPublishing Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's guest is Aisha Shillingford. Aisha Shillingford is an anti-disciplinary artist, experiential futurist, and world builder originally from Trinidad & Tobago. She is an archivist of Black futures. She is the Artistic Director of Intelligent Mischief, a creative studio unleashing the power of Black radical imagination to shape the future. She is a former Fellow and Artist In Residence (Create Change Fellow ‘20 and AiR ‘23)  at the Laundromat Project, former mentor at the New Museum Incubator (New Inc.), and a former Project Fellow at NYU ITP. Her work has been commissioned by the Anchorage Museum, Earthseed, and Good Mirrors to name a few.. She has co-created experiential futurist installations at Carnegie Hall (Afrocosmicmelatopia, 2022), Tone Gallery in Memphis, TN ((Archipelago,2022) and a virtual 24 hour rave all based on collectively imagined future worlds in which Black people are thriving, sovereign, and free (Nation X). She has crafted several immersive sonic experiences to guide individuals and groups in creating palpable, irresistible visions of beautiful futures.Aisha and I discussed:How her creative journey was impacted by growing up in Trinidad, by carnival, by her father who was an academic and by living with art students as a community organiserHow making art led her to the intersection of art and social changeIntelligent mischief - a cultural futures lab whose purpose is to unleash Black imagination to shape the futureHow she defines art and sees its potential for impactHow art can be a space for communicating social issuesHow she became involved with organisations crafting narratives around reparationsConnecting the imagining of new worlds to ideas around repairBringing a big vision to life and creating team around itAnd so much more! You can find links below to her work and to Intelligent Mischief, and go along and visit Futures of Repair! Links are below.Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/10104573448120110Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@IntelligentMischiefStudiosInstagram: http://instagram.com/intelligentmischiefSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBoxD59oqVQ0gNIpjBxL1?si=36550e274d8b43b1Visit Futures of Repair: https://www.intelligentmischief.com/visitShop; https://www.intelligentmischief.com/buyart Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host Safiya Robinson celebrates 4 years of Writing Black Joy with the lessons she has learned along the way.Learn about what lessons she has leared about creativity - and about herself - and hear from a listener!!Check out the blog post mentioned - https://www.safiyarobinson.com/recent/can-my-podcast-be-artand leave us a voicenote over on https://www.writingblackjoy.com/ letting us know - what is bringing you joy right now!And come over to Instagram to follow us!! @writingblackjoy.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's guest is Corinne Walker.Corinne is passionate about telling diverse, local stories with a political edge which shine a light on the South West and champion regional, underrepresented talent. She has also written for audio, animation and stage. Corinne recently completed the Channel 4 New Writers Scheme where she wrote her first full-length drama pilot. Her BFI NETWORK-funded film Homegrown  has screened at BAFTA and BIFA-qualifying festivals including Encounters and Norwich and internationally at festivals in Canada and the U.S. She is an alumni of We are Parable’s Momentum scheme, BFI Network SW’s New Voices scheme, BFI Network’s  Script Development Lab and was commissioned by BBC New Creatives for her first short film, a comedy short which she wrote and directed. Her Arts Council funded play The Fight Well Project  premiered in September 2024 and toured to London, Bristol and Plymouth. It is now in further development.I loved our conversation so much! Corinne and I talked about: Her journey as an actor, eventually leaning into her writing for film and theaterHer desire to bring a sense to play to more serious topics and how this led to the video game format of her fight well projectHer process of translating the video game format to a stage showBringing theater and well-being into community discussions around Black women’s healthPerforming Fight Well and the response from the public - as well as from educational institutionsBringing together creativity and learning in healthcareHow she handled and balanced the roles of being writer, producer and the main actor in the performanceThe highs and lows of bringing a show together The extra layer of joy that the audience can bring to a live performanceFollow Corinne on instagram over at https://www.instagram.com/corinneswalker And find out more about her projects at corinneswalker.co.ukAlso - head over to www.writingblackjoy.com and leave me a voicenote - letting me know what is bringing you joy right now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's guest is Cher TeraisCher Terais is an acclaimed author known for her captivating love stories set in exotic destinations worldwide. She beautifully explores the complexities of Black love, blending rich cultural experiences with heartfelt romance. Her debut novel, Bali Blue, immerses readers in Bali’s lush landscapes, while Mess on the Mara intertwines modern dating with Kenya’s breathtaking savannahs.Originally from Warner Robins, Georgia, she has traveled across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Europe, crafting immersive, culturally rich narratives. As a proud mother and grandmother, she embraces adventure in both life and writing. A true voice in Wanderlust Romance, Cher’s stories celebrate love, self-discovery, and the transformative power of travel.I loved chatting with Cher as we discussed -How the books she grew up reading inspired her writing of wanderlust romanceHow a solo trip inspired her first bookWhat travel means to herA song she wrote for her latest bookHow she became inspired by other indie authorsHow her books became a brand that extended beyond the pageHow she builds her reader communityFuture projects that dig a bit into New Orleans Magic and tie in her love for history and designAnd so much more.Instagram- @cher_terais_author/Facebook - @cherteraisTikTok- @cherteraisWebsite: cherterais.com/homeLink to order: Steel Horses Leather RoadsYou can leave me a voicenote over on www.writingblackjoy.com  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's guest is Keshia Sakarah.Keshia Sakarah is a food writer, recipe creator and former chef patron of Caribe' Caribbean Eating in Brixton. Raised in Leicester with Montserratian and Barbudan heritage, she developed a love of cooking from a young age.Named one of CODE's 100 influential women in food in 2021 and 2022, Keshia has contributed to publications like Waitrose Weekend, Guardian Feast and Good Food. Keshia has appeared on BBC Radio Four's Woman's Hour, Good Food, Tastemade, Twisted and Masterchef: The Professionals. Caribe is her first book.One of the things I love about this podcast is that every time I record a season, I find that themes emerge, and one that has come through loud and clear in this season is truth. And there is nothing truer than food. So I love the truths that Keshia and I discuss in this episode including - Her inspiration to create the cookbook laced with history - to record the wisdom from her elders and begin to showcase her experience and the experiences of others through foodHow she built an unconventional cooking career How ingredients can bring us more than just nourishmentThe connection between food and the stories of the people who cook and eat itThe dishes she loves to cookHow she defines homeHow ideas around creating that sense of home led to her creating the book,How she researched the recipes and the history from other islandsHer process of creating and organising the bookI hope that you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.Keshia’s website: https://www.keshiasakarah.com/Link to purchase the book: https://geni.us/caribeSocial media links: @sakarah_ @caribe_uk @quadrillebooksAnd you can follow us over on @writingblackjoy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's guest is Karla Marie SweetKarla Marie Sweet is a British-American actor, screenwriter, novelist, and dramaturg born and based in Manchester, UK. She’s written for radio, TV, and stage, and her reimagining of Othello was praised as a “remarkable” thriller-paced adaptation by The Guardian. Her speculative fiction debut Another Life was released as an Audible Original in 2024, and her print debut False Idols is a gripping psychological thriller exploring the dark side of wellness culture and charismatic leadership.This conversation packed a punch as Karla and I discussed —Her early love of acting and the shift to writing after a disabling injuryThe spiritual, ego-free approach she brings to her creative practiceHow capitalism resists the autonomy and messiness of artistsThe false promise of mastery—and why she prefers to serve the craftHow wellness culture can offer real healing and real harmThe creation of Sadie, a messy, complex Black woman protagonistWhy Black women deserve characters who aren’t always likableHow her biggest rejection became the seed of her biggest breakthroughAnd how being an aunt, climbing walls, and reading James Baldwin bring her joyYou can preorder or order False Idols here: https://geni.us/FalseIdolsFollow Karla on Instagram: @karlamsweetRead more of her work: https://karlamariesweet.substack.comLearn about her publisher: @mountainleopardpressTwitter: https://x.com/karlamsweetAnd follow the podcast over on @writingblackjoy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to season 6 of Writing Black Joy! We are back with amazing guests and today's guest is no exception.Today’s guest is Bolu Babalola.Bolu Babalola is the author of the Sunday Times bestselling and Waterstones Book of the year shortlisted collection, Love in Colour.She is a London-based writer, and lover of love. In 2016, she was shortlisted in 4thEstate's B4ME competition for her short story 'Netflix & Chill', a hilarious teen romance and since then, she has worked as a writer for books and TV and as a cultural commentator, where she calls herself a 'romcomoisseur'.This conversation packed a punch as Bolu and I discussed -How she ended up gaining a law degree before going into writingBeyonce (I almost want to have her back on a whole episode about that!)Her love for romance novels and how she sees romance as an expression of how we as people see ourselves.The importance of female friendships, and how they can be the love of our livesHow Kiki and Malachi brought about their sequelThe difficulty of writing a sequelHow she approaches writing both books and short storiesHow she has worked to keep her writing personalHow she knows what is nextAnd so much more.You can find Bolu on the web at https://www.bolubabalola.com/You can purchase her books on amazon, audible or from https://www.waterstones.com/book/sweet-heat/bolu-babalola/9781472286437And you can follow her on instagram https://www.instagram.com/boluberryAnd over on Substack - https://substack.com/@juicebybolubabalola Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's guest is Erin Corine Johnson. Erin is “The Identity & Belonging Coach” (b. Chicago, Illinois, USA) is an award-winning multidisciplinary creative, DEI educator, member of ForbesBLK and founder of Hola Magnolia Identityworks (Est. 2018). Since 2022, she has emerged as an influential thought leader among impact leaders, change makers and antiracism activists on LinkedIn while drawing from her diverse educational background from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Berklee College of Music, and Inner Glow Circle Coaching School. She is based in Barcelona, Spain, where she continues to coach, speak and build sustainable communities of impact-oriented individuals from all over the world.The flute loving teenage version of myself who was dying every time she had to sit an exam would have loved this conversation. Erin and I talk aboutGenerations! Millennial? GenX? We start by talking a bit about our influences through the generational lens, and a bit about our musical influencesHer foundation in the Black churchDiscovering that she had perfect pitchHer journey as a musician, particularly with classical music and finding her own music style that felt true to her identityI talked about an idea called “the edge effect” which I heard about on the Hidden Brain podcast (I couldn’t remember during the conversation - but I want to give credit)The value of music as a form of self-expressionCreativity and my desire to be good without taking the time to get good (I’ll admit it)The importance of space in the creative process (and also to make good pickles!)Finding new sources for creative inspiration And so much more. Hopefully Erin and I will have a part 2 of this conversation in a future season! In the meantime - I hope that you enjoy this conversation as much as I didAnd you can follow Erin over on linkedin!And you can follow the Writing Black Joy podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writingblackjoy/Substack: https://writingblackjoy.substack.com/N Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today’s guest is Hanna Adu-Boateng.Hannah is an innovative co-creator and dramaturg of Ghanaian descent, renowned for her transformative work in theatre with diverse communities in Bristol. With a deep commitment to exploring the intersections of race, power, and gender, Hanna’s work spans devised performances and contemporary texts, often challenging societal norms and sparking critical dialogue.Throughout her career, Hanna has been a driving force in youth and community theatre, collaborating with esteemed organisations such as Kuumba Afrikan Caribbean Arts Ltd, Bristol Old Vic, The Egg (Theatre Royal, Bath), Calling the Shots Film Company, Acta Centre, and Travelling Light Theatre.I met Hanna through Dionne Draper - a guest from earlier this season - as Hanna directed her one woman show - and you'll hear us discuss it today - along with How her love for theater took her from being on stage to directing Working with Writing Black Joy guest Dionne Draper on her one woman show (and you can check out her episodes if you haven’t already done so!) How her dream of bringing more joy into the hard work of theatre was born during that experience How her Ghanaian heritage and love of dance influences her  The songbody - a concept which I love and would happily have a whole episode about The impact that fictional stories have on our world view Being resourceful on a small budget Her passion for the importance of creativity in our lives. And so much more.You can follow the Writing Black Joy podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writingblackjoy/Substack: https://writingblackjoy.substack.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's guest is Danielle Boone. Danielle believes that with resilience, anyone can rise above their circumstances-and that Everybody Has a Story worth sharing. Growing up, Danielle earned the nickname Hummingbird - for her small size and constant motion - qualities that helped her pivot through life’s unexpected challenges.After enduring years of personal loss, she chose to grow stronger from her experiences, collecting lessons that now guide her work.As a writer, creative producer, and restorative coach, her mission is to help her clients rediscover their inner strength and find the courage to tell their story. Through personalized coaching and storytelling, She empowers those who have experienced loss to view challenges with a fresh perspective and move forward with confidence.Danielle and I discussed-  Her writing journey and evolving from journalism to more creative storytelling How her view of her own story shifted as she came to appreciate the power of storytelling How she realised that her own grief was blocking her creativity How her book evolved as the story of moving through experiences in her life and the lessons she learned What she learned in the absence of so much of what we strive for  Her coaching process called “The Boardroom”  Understanding how sharing her story helps people to see the value in their own story How Shonda Rhymes inspired her to say yes How she works with client to find lessons from their loss to create legacy You can head over to Danielle’s website to find links to her book "In the Absence of... Finding Confidence in the Quiet Spaces of Noise and links to follow her on LinkedIn.And you can follow the Writing Black Joy podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writingblackjoy/Substack: https://writingblackjoy.substack.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

My guest today is Monica Black - and here is some more about her.Monica is a writer who is enjoying a lifelong love affair with the power of words and the way we paint images with them. Her love of writing started when she began writing about the places she visited while she served in 2 branches of the military (Army and Air force). As a book coach, she has extended that love into teaching business people how they can author their own book to help them broaden their audience base. I aim to show them that their book can do much more than showcasing their vision/purpose in writing, it’s also one of the easiest ways to add bottom-line revenue to their business.Monica and I talked about: Her upcoming book for women over 50 who want to use what they already know to reinvent themselves  Her work and time in the military, and how she learned through this her own capacity for reinvention How she channelled her knowledge of studying English into helping people write their books. What stands in people’s way when they want to write a book  The power of sharing your stories - even if they feel “ordinary” What makes a good story (and it’s not what you think) The power of having an editor, and that external lens on your work How writing can change you Why legacy is important, and how our stories can be a legacy And you can follow the Writing Black Joy podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writingblackjoy/Substack: https://writingblackjoy.substack.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

My guest today is Gregory "G-Wiz" Rutledge - and here is some more about him.Gregory is a high-performance coach, empowerment strategist, and the visionary behind the "Question Everything" brand. He’s not your typical speaker—he’s the one who digs deep, asking the hard questions that others avoid, and shattering the limitations that hold people back. With a dynamic blend of raw personal experiences, transformational insights, and unapologetic honesty, Gregory helps coaches, creators, and business professionals unlock the power they didn’t know they had. His journey spans from surviving life's toughest challenges to mastering UX design, entrepreneurship, and the art of storytelling.I enjoyed my conversation with Gregory where we discussed: his own transformation from waiter to greater (the name of his book) and how he leveraged his creative and service based background to transform his career How he reframed his relationship with questioning and curiosity  How his spirituality guides his writing and his life How his creative background has fed into the book he is writing  His proudest moments The ABC of confidence (you don't want to miss this!)  We also talk about cold showers and he has almost convinced me to try it.Early on Gregory mentioned his mentor Myron Golden - you can find him here on youtubehttps://www.youtube.com/@MyronGoldenYou can find all things Gregory on https://linktr.ee/gregoryrutledgeAnd you can follow the Writing Black Joy podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writingblackjoy/Substack: https://writingblackjoy.substack.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's guest is Nailah Blades Wylie - here is some more about her.Nailah Blades Wiley is a Life & Leadership Coach who helps leaders tap into their power and build lives that are whole, good, and full of possibility. Through high touch coaching that integrates the outdoors, she teaches her clients how to go from feeling invisible to imitable in every area of their lives.She is also the author of Joyful By Nature - Embracing Outdoor Adventure as Women of Color. Created for the modern woman of color, Joyful by Nature is your guide to reconnecting with nature and reclaiming your place in the outdoor community.Nailah and I discussed: Connecting with nature as a way of connecting to ourselves  How she looked at a move from California to Utah for her family as an opportunity to get outdoors and embrace getting into nature How she spends time outdoors during the year  The links between movement, nature and creativity Her own creative process with writing the book - and how getting outdoors contributed to that How her writing practice has looked over the years  The fears around repetition as a creative and different ways to think about it. And she gives us many reasons to grab her book so that you too can build well-being into your life by getting outdoors!You can find Nailah over at https://www.nailahblades.com/And follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nailahbladesAnd you can follow the Writing Black Joy podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writingblackjoy/Substack: https://writingblackjoy.substack.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's guest is Karen Roswell.I met Karen earlier this year in a call related to a class I took in the past, and we got along instantly. Since then I have seen her work in action as an amazing photographer and coach - in addition - she is the photographer behind my new cover art and we had an amazing photoshoot a few months ago.Working with Karen before the photography session was incredible as her work is deep and transformational. Her practice both as a photographer and a coach is very rooted in values - both hers and her clients. She believes in the power of collaboration and as a result her work is highly collaborative, particularly as she considers the dynamic between a photographer and the person being photographed, and this also comes into her work as a coach and into her ideas - some of which we explore in this episode. Karen and I have spoken a lot about the narratives that are portrayed about Black women in art and in photography, as well as the narratives that we tell ourselves, and she believes in rewriting those narratives - and that is what brought us to this conversation today as I knew I wanted to have her on the show. Here are some of the things we talk about.  Attitudes she has seen in women and how they feel about having photos taken, Her journey as a photographer, The narratives she discovered being told by and about Black women in relation to photography and art - and how the photographer's narrative is often based on their own understanding as opposed to the subject of the photo, How these narratives can shape what people think of us and what we think of ourselves, How her own life experiences have shaped her photography in wanting the narratives to tell the full spectrum of human experience, How images can impact the person looking at them, How she works with values and her clients so that they can write and re-write their own narratives - as well as the stories their photos are telling  And so much more.  You can find the video "Flowers" that Karen and I discussed here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSgecA2nSvM&ab_channel=KarenRoswellAnd you can learn more about Karen's work over on her website:And you can follow the Writing Black Joy podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writingblackjoy/Substack: https://writingblackjoy.substack.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

My guest today is Dionne Draper - and here is some more about her.Dionne Draper is the executive producer and host of DAWTA The Podcast, founder of Sing With Soul, and a professional writer, actor and singer. Winner of the Women of The West Award, and the Lord Mayors Medal, Sing With Soul’s productions include DAWTA The Podcast, DAWTA a one woman musical, Bristol Take The Knee (Online Protest 2020) and Sing With Soul Choir. Dionne’s acting and recording credits include; ’The Cure’ (C4), ‘Trollied’ (Sky 1), Holby City (BBC 1), ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ (Doran Productions), and ‘Rooty’ (Basement Jaxx). Guest appearances and features include, The Jeremy Vine Show, BBC Spotlight, London Live and The Stage online.Combining academia, racial justice and music, to empower diverse voices, is central to Dionne’s creative work. And, in 2021 she studied diversity in the music industry in a Masters in Popular Music Practice. Following her masters Dionne was appointed as Head of Music and Singing at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, leaving after one year to pursue her passion to decolonise music spaces. Alongside her acting and music career, Dionne is collaborating in a multi-agency network with fellow creatives and professionals to study, promote and embed soulful African-based music practices across the music industry.One thing that she and I talked about during this call was the idea of joy being something that can be and is present in the midst of so many other things going on in the world - including a pandemic lockdown, a civil uprising - and in a life that is composed of every possible emotion. Dionne and I also talked about: The song she wrote during the pandemic lockdown to build community and capture a moment of joy in a shared experience (share link) and you'll hear her singing on the podcast  Creating an online protest during the pandemic and the power of technology to bring communities together. The synergy between the music of people of African descent and protests.  Bringing Black Joy into all parts of life including protests  Writing her one woman musical Dawta - what inspired her to tell hee story of being a transracial adoptee.  The value of being seen and telling your story  How a change in language and understanding around decolonisation and issues of supremacy can change the experiences of individuals being impacted by racism. How writing and performing the play as fiction allowed her to build empathy for those in her life - even those she had never met. Bringing an alter ego onto the stage Switching characters during her performance as she played multiple characters  What she is thinking of for her next creative adventure  And she talked about her podcast Dawta and I’ve dropped the link below. You can fid Dionne at:Website: www.dionnedraper.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/soullife05/Email: [email protected] The Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YaTAbRX4mOW4u8DeFEWZP?si=350d0a6fb3dc4a8bAnd you can follow the Writing Black Joy podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writingblackjoy/Substack: https://writingblackjoy.substack.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

My guest today is Shakirah Bourne - and here is a bit more about her.Shakirah Bourne is a Bajan author and filmmaker. She once shot a movie scene in a cave with bats during an earthquake, but is too scared to watch horror movies. She is a recipient of the Governor General Award for Excellence in Literary Fiction for her short fiction collection, IN TIME OF NEED. Her first children's book, JOSEPHINE AGAINST THE SEA, received starred reviews in Kirkus and Booklist, was a SLJ Best Book of 2021, A Black Caucus of the ALA Best Book of 2021 and an Ignyte Award Finalist for Best Middle Grade Novel. The Caribbean edition, MY FISHY STEPMOM, published by Blue Banyan Books was a Finalist for the BURT/CODE Award for Caribbean YA Literature in 2018.She was also the co-editor of YA non-fiction anthology, ALLIES: Real Talk About Growing Up, Screwing Up and Trying Again (DK/PRH, 2021), which was a World Book Day Selection. Her most middle grade horror, NIGHTMARE ISLAND, a tale based on Caribbean folklore, was published by Scholastic in June 2023, and she recently released BEWARE THE HEARTMAN - also based on Caribbean folklore.I loved talking writing with Shakirah, and we dove into some topics including: How she started writing at 9 years old when she ran out of books to read Developing her writer voice  Her love for writing for the screen and her early projects  How she shifted to writing children's books, and fantasy - starting with my fishy stepmom What she learned about Caribbean folklore Writing for a global audience particularly using Bajan or Caribbean dialects The tension a writer may feel writing in a particular dialect  The use of language in different places and how it changes  The importance of a supportive editor She even gave some great tips about plotting, characterisation and dialogue that I'm planning to use verrrrrry soon!You can follow Shakirah over on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shakirahwrites/And you can follow the Writing Black Joy podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writingblackjoy/Substack: https://writingblackjoy.substack.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

My guest today is Karen Walrond - and here is a bit more about her.Karen Walrond is the author of Radiant Rebellion and The Lightmakers Manifesto.She is a public speaker, lawyer, leadership coach. and activist. Karen and her work have been featured on Brené Brown's Unlocking Us podcast. PBS, Huffington Post, CNN.com, and The Oprah Winfrey Show.Karen holds a Bachelor of Science In civil engineering from Texas A&M University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law Center, remaining an active member of the State Bar of Texas. All of these skills, combined with her passion for empowering others toward self- determination and leadership helped her become one of 2016's 40 Over 40 Women to Watch, as well as one of YWCA-Houston's 2016 Outstanding Women of the Year.She is also a sister from the Caribbean, fellow mango lover and sooooooo much more!Karen and I focus in on the joy part of Writing Black Joy and we had so much fun discussing: Why she chooses the lens of joy for her writing, and also what she thinks Joy is. Understanding that while your anger can be a spark for change, you can still fuel this actual change through joy. How growing up in the Caribbean and her heritage has shaped her view of the world - and the gift of being from a small island Rituals and places of commonality and connection that we have found in the places we have lived and traveled How she cultivates Joy through gratitude - and specifically daily gratitudes What she does with her own anger and how she honors it - and on a whole balancing anger with the actions that we take - particularly in the realm of activism Her spiritual practice and how it has changed over the years. She even gave us a sneak peek about the book she is currently working on.You can find Karen at https://www.chookooloonks.com/You can follow her over on instagram https://www.instagram.com/heychookooloonks/And she is over on substack as well! https://chookooloonks.substack.comAnd you can follow the Writing Black Joy podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writingblackjoy/Substack: https://writingblackjoy.substack.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to writing Black Joy!!! A new season is here. It has been 3 years of this project and I am celebrating!! I have had amazing guests over the past 3 years! It continues to be an incredible ride, and this upcoming season is no exception.One of the guests that you will hear in a few weeks time is Dionne Draper and we had so much fun recording, that when she kindly offered to interview ME for the podcast, I said yes!! First - a bit about Dionne. Dionne Draper is the executive producer and host of DAWTA The Podcast, founder of Sing With Soul, and a professional writer, actor and singer who combines academia, racial justice and music, to empower diverse voices. You will hear an in depth conversation with Dionne soon, and you’ll learn a bit about her in our conversation today.But also - I am the guest today - which is weird. Do I read a bio for myself and pretend like I am a proper guest? Maybe not, but I am also aware that I have some new listeners, and so here is a little bit about me!So - I am Safiya Robinson - and I am the creator, host and producer behind this podcast. I am also a writer, and a creative, a sister and aunt and niece, a friend (and perhaps a mortal enemy to someone) and I am a reader and lover of the arts. When I am not podcasting, or writing, or starting crochet projects that I struggle to finish, or singing in a choir, I teach at the university of plymouth, and I still maintain my clinical practice. And I am also a writing coach and editor. I am so happy to have you here!In this episode, Dionne and I talked about  my journey with the podcast and how it has evolved into a wider range of conversations  How the nature of humanity is seasonal and leads to our projects changing  The recurring themes from this season - including reinvention, everyday storytellers (link to blog) and joy in the midst of life and legacy - to name a few  Creating designs and merch for the podcast (you can find it on this link) How my own creative rhythm has changed over the past few years, especially during podcast mode - when it struggles a bit The dreams I have for my podcast including dream guests (names)  Mistakes I made when I started out (although in hindsight I don't really see them as mistakes) 20-21.20, 21-22.55 Plans for the future including - Q and A, live events - and I'm open to suggestions from you my listeners! The power of vision and visioning as a part of the creative process  Possibly recording a live podcast event  and so much more! Sign up to my Substack over on https://substack.com/@writingblackjoyAnd you can read my blog post about being an everyday storyteller over on my blog!And follow me over on instagram https://www.instagram.com/writingblackjoy/On facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Writing-Black-Joy/61557171365533/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we wrap this season up with Mikita Smith who is a fellow podcaster and the voice behind the "Thym 4 Tea with Mikita Podcast," where she invites us all to embrace the beautifully messy aspects of life. As a nurse, motivational speaker, and certified meditation instructor, she's not just talking the talk; she's walking the walk, daring others to live a beautifully unbalanced life. Her approach to self-care is refreshingly real, advocating for a life that finds beauty in the chaos and to dance in the rain. Mikita's down-to-earth conversations and insights challenge us to break free from the conventional, celebrate our imperfections, and discover our true selves in the beautiful imbalance. We had a great conversation about:   Her journaling journey   How she encourages herself through her journaling   Her first solo writing retreat - the gift she gave to herself   Her meditation journey    The impact that meditation has on her journaling, and how these both impact her life   How this also contributes to her fiction writing, and to episodes for her podcast   Tips for starting a journaling practice   Take a listen to her guided meditation here (and check out her entire podcast - it's amazing!) And follow Mikita over on IG And follow Writing Black Joy over on IG! Hopefully this conversation will give you some new ideas, and or ways to think about your own journals and journaling practice.  And if you want your own shiny new journalt then grab mine! It is a blank canvas for your creativity with a combination of blank pages for sketching, lined pages for note taking, and dotted bullet grid when you are ready to mix things up! Go check it out at the links below if you crave that new notebook smell, and love that multimedia life. Click here if you use US based Amazon. Click here if you use UK based Amazon. Or search for Safiya Robinson in your own territory. And definitely sign up to my substack so that you can also enjoy the new Writing Black Joy newsletter! And subscribe to the podcast in your favourite player! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today I talk with Ayesis Clay who is (among other things) an extraordinary playwright, poet and theatre professional as well as an educator and founder of Sculpted Clay Productions, where she uses innovative theatre-infused residencies and professional development workshops to help schools create trauma-sensitive, social-emotional focused learning environments for teachers and students. Ayesis and I talk about using memoir to connect with your inner world - and we also talked about performing and how that has impacted her view of memoir. Definition of memoir and the different ways of writing your story and moments from your life How Ayesis's memoir turned into a solo show The book of dopeness and how it helped with imposter syndrome The importance of taking time for yourself Going from writing something personal for yourself to sharing with others The importance of mindfulness when she takes people through the process of writing memoir Using rituals and other forms of creativity such as doodling to get into your writing practice. You can find my previous episode with Ayesis here, as well as my episode with Kerra Bolton.  And head over to Sculpted Clay Productions if you are an educator who wants to join the waitlist for Write to Create. And if you want your own shiny new journalt then grab mine! It is a blank canvas for your creativity with a combination of blank pages for sketching, lined pages for note taking, and dotted bullet grid when you are ready to mix things up! Go check it out at the links below if you crave that new notebook smell, and love that multimedia life. Click here if you use US based Amazon. Click here if you use UK based Amazon. Or search for Safiya Robinson in your own territory. And definitely sign up to my substack so that you can also enjoy the new Writing Black Joy newsletter! And subscribe to the podcast in your favourite player! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today might be my favourite guest of the season so far - it’s my favourite little sister Talibah! Talibah is first and foremostly my sister, she is also a teacher, mom, wife, and an artist. She is also a lifelong journaler, collector of lovely journals and stationery, and a bibliophile who is fascinated by minimalism.  This series, I have enjoyed the opportunity to have some of my favourite people on the show to talk about the things that light them up! For my younger sister Talibah, journaling is one of those things. It is an integral part of her life, so we had a fun conversation! It was like one of our - over the dinner table conversations (with coasters of course!!) so come sit with us, and hear all about: Her definition of journaling and why she finds it so useful  Stationary ❤️❤️❤️ Why she has different journals for different topics Her different journaling and how she incorporates her art, as well as how this spilled into other forms of creativity How her journaling practice has grown over the years The power of writing to impact how you remember the past What she does with ALL THOSE JOURNALS How discovering minimalism and simple living changed how she thought about her filled journals How motherhood has influenced her thinking about her journals And so much more!  My favourite thing about these conversations is the idea of creating your own journaling practice, and I hope that by listening, you walk away with something new to try to incorporate for your own journaling routine. Hopefully this conversation will give you some new ideas, and or ways to think about your own journals and journaling practice.  And if you want your own shiny new journalt then grab mine! It is a blank canvas for your creativity with a combination of blank pages for sketching, lined pages for note taking, and dotted bullet grid when you are ready to mix things up! Go check it out at the links below if you crave that new notebook smell, and love that multimedia life. Click here if you use US based Amazon. Click here if you use UK based Amazon. Or search for Safiya Robinson in your own territory. And definitely sign up to my substack so that you can also enjoy the new Writing Black Joy newsletter! And subscribe to the podcast in your favourite player!   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today I have with me Ally Rose, and Javacia Harris Bowser. Ally Rose is a Writer, Rapid Transformational Therapy Practitioner, Certified Hypnotherapist, and Coach who brings more than a decade of experience to her work with a diverse range of clients worldwide. She has helped individuals from all walks of life overcome their obstacles and reach their goals. Javacia Harris Bowser is an award-winning freelance journalist and the author of the essay collection Find Your Way Back: How to Write Your Way Through Anything. She's also the founder of See Jane Write -- a website, community, and coaching service for women who write -- and the host of The Writeous Babe Podcast, which she calls the grown woman's guide to journaling.  Together, we discuss: How they define journaling  Their current journaling routines  Using journaling as a creative sandbox to help with their own writing Different types of journaling that they both use The practice of future castings/scripting Journaling and hope Writing fiction and your inner world Starting a journaling practice And Ally and Javacia's journaling opportunities for self love in February! Also check out their previous episodes - I have linked below, as well as links for both guests. You can find links to my Writing Black Joy journal over on www.writingblackjoy.com Here are links to Ally's book, journal and newsletter The Radical Self-Love Revolution: https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Self-Love-Revolution-Journey-Empower/dp/B0CH2NT87T The Divine Pause: https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Pause-invitation-recenter-reconnect/dp/1701871521   People can sign up to get a daily affirmation and reflection here: https://www.thedivinepause.com/ Main website: https://therootedwellnesscollective.com/ Instagram: @theallyrose   And here are Javacia's links - including her workshop for the 13th of February: Find your way back (book) - https://www.amazon.com/Find-Your-Way-Back-Anything/dp/0578365286 The Writeous Babe podcast https://writeousbabepodcast.podbean.com/ The Self Love workshop - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqcu-srDoiE9MpMxKebRph087ZvKVZIF8a And Javacia's community See Jane Write - website: https://seejanewritebham.com/   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to my new mini series Writing your inner world. This is for you if you: Use writing to tap into your inner world! Journal! Sketch! Write down your gratitudes! Make lists! Mind maps! Simply collect beautiful journals and pens but are reluctant to write in them (or is THAT one just me?) I wanted to explore ideas around how writing can connect you to your inner world and so for the month of February we will be doing just that. I have often found writing to be a very powerful tool for connection - both with others and with ourselves, and I wanted to explore how we use writing to connect to ourselves. I have some incredible guests which include one of my sisters, as well as past Writing Black Joy guests and a couple of fellow podcasters and we are talking all things journaling. I also talk a bit about how I tap into my own inner world (since I am not much of a journaler), and how you can get started with your own journaling practice. I am also taking the opportunity to release my first journal - which you can find on Amazon! It is a blank canvas for your creativity with a combination of blank pages for sketching, lined pages for note taking, and dotted bullet grid when you are ready to mix things up! Go check it out at the links below if you crave that new notebook smell, and love that multimedia life. Click here if you use US based Amazon. Click here if you use UK based Amazon. Or search for Safiya Robinson in your own territory. And definitely sign up to my substack so that you can also enjoy the new Writing Black Joy newsletter! And subscribe to the podcast in your favourite player! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nacala Ayele was born and raised in Seattle Washington. She comes to coaching from a background of art, healing, service and community organizing.​ ​ Nacala believes that joyful people who operate from their own genius have the power to transform not only themselves, but their families, communities and the world. She is committed to centering the experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities and helping her clients design their lives around the things that bring them the most joy. Nacala and I discuss: Her work as a joy coach for Black and Indigenous clients Her project - like fine wine Black joy over time How she and her videographer sought to ensure "people first" within the project  The myth of objectivity  Her upcoming venture to learn more about recording oral histories from Black elders Being a good steward of the stories of others Her own joyful stories And so much more. I hope that you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's guest is Kiedra Taylor, and she and I had such a fun and deep conversation about her work and the magazine she curates. Let me tell you a bit about her. Kiedra Burston Taylor is a PhD candidate in the department of English. Her research focuses on depictions of Black girl protagonists in contemporary young adult literature. She is the founder and editor of Write On, Black Girl! Taylor is a Phi Kappa Phi John Tanaka Fellowship recipient. She is also a recent winner of the Outstanding Graduate Teaching  Award for the University of Connecticut. Kiedra and I talk about Her magazine write on black girl  Her PhD on Black girl rage in contemporary young adult lit The idea of respectable Black girls and women, who can't be angry or speak out The connection she sees between your ability to speak out and express your whole humanity, and joy What led her to starting the magazine How she edits pieces from writers with different voices and identities, and from different countries and cultures What the young writers have taught her And so much more.  Kiedra and I went deep, but had a wonderful conversation which I hope you enjoy as much as I did. Find Kiedra at https://www.kiedrabtaylor.com The call for submissions: http://bit.ly/3uHoKll And on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WrtOnBlkGrlUConn   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Olivia is a USA Today Best Selling, Emma Award, and multiple award-winning author who loves a good laugh coupled with some steam, mixed in with a man and woman finding their way past the words of "I love you." An author of contemporary romances, she writes heartwarming stories of blossoming relationships filled with heart and humor. The Technicians, The Blakemore Files, and the Modern Mail Order Brides, are one clicks for thousands of readers. When Olivia is not writing, she enjoys quilting, playing Scrabble online against other word lovers and spending time with her family. She is an avid world traveler who writes many of the locations into her stories. Most of the time she can be found sitting quietly with pen and paper plotting more adventures in love. Olivia lives in Hephzibah, Georgia with her husband, son, grandson and snotty evil cat, Katness Evermean. Olivia and I talk about: Why she started writing romance novels and who she was inspired by Some of her characters and the books she writes about  The importance of writing a different narrative How she gets her inspiration for her stories and her Writing and world building process How she does her research  Advice she gives young authors through her mentorship And so much more. Learn more about her books, upcoming releases and join her bibliophile nation at www.ogaines.com Subscribe to her email list at http://sendfox.com/ogaines Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ogaines Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliviagaines Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviawrites/   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we are joined by another dream guest of mine - Mirna Valerio. Let me tell you a bit about her! Mirna Valerio is a native of Brooklyn, NY, a former educator and XC coach, ultramarathoner, cyclist and skier, DEI facilitator, and author of the memoir, A Beautiful Work in Progress.  She began running in high school, recommitted to the sport after a health scare in 2008 and started her blog Fatgirlrunning—about her experiences as a larger woman in a world of thinner endurance athletes— while training for her first marathon.  Mirna's athletic story has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Runner’s World, on NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in the viral documentary short, REI Presents The Mirnavator. Her writing has been featured in Women’s Running, Self, Outside, and Runner's World. In 2018 she was chosen as a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year; in 2019 was featured on GMA, and has since then appeared on the Kelly Clarkson Show, Access Daily, and The Today Show. Her partners include LLBean, Ford Bronco, Lululemon, Salsa Cycles, Darn Tough Vermont, Hydro Flask, and Garmin.  She currently lives and trains in Vermont and is wholeheartedly enamored and obsessed with downhill skiing.  Mirna and I talk about: Her journey from blogger to published author - as she writes about her running life Writing nonfiction and fiction Her current project about Black Joy and the natural world How she handles feedback and rejection  How she decided to write her first fiction novel during nanowrimo Wild writing Legacy And so much more. We laugh a LOT in this one, and my sound definitely goes in and out so I'm sorry, but it was a great conversation and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. You can find Mirna on IG @themirnavator Or head over to her website:  www.themirnavator.com And you can learn more about me at https://www.safiyarobinson.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week I am joined by Ber-Henda Williams - a poet, Visionary + Empath coach, and the founder of a leadership organization for girls. She is the author of ‘Memoirs of the Human Experience and Everything In Between, Vol. 1’ - a memoir told through poems, preludes and essays. Ber-Henda supports empathic creative visionary empaths to find their voice, embrace feminine power, and create mission-based businesses in service of social transformation, justice and equity. When she is not doing that, she runs a girl’s leadership program, The Power of Girlhood for girls 8-18. Además, ella es una poeta bilingüe. (She is a bilingual poet). She believes feminine empaths are here to disrupt the patriarchy and oppression with their mission-based businesses. You can listen to our conversation below, and click here to see Ber-Henda reading a piece that she wrote in Spanish and English, and click here to learn more about Ber-Henda. And take a listen to her podcast Soul of a Lead(her) here! And you can learn more about me at https://www.safiyarobinson.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today I have with me one of my dream podcast guests - Greg Edwards.  Greg Edwards is a fearless comedian from Virginia. Greg moved to San Francisco in 2001 and became a fixture on the Bay Area comedy scene. Greg is known for his distinctive voice, awkward views and social commentary. He's performed at Jamie Foxx's Laffapollozza, SF SketchFest, SF Burrito & Comedy Fest, Riot LA, and clubs and colleges all over California. Greg was awarded the prestigious Dan Crawford Award from the San Francisco Punchline in 2009 and moved to Los Angeles in 2010.  Greg has performed at the Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store, The Hollywood Improv, The IceHouse, & all the popular independent shows in LA. Greg has worked with Dave Chappelle, Paul Mooney, Patrice O'Neal, Damon Wayans, Bill Burr, Charlie Murphy, Maria Bamford, Jim Jeffries, Harland Williams, Bill Bellamy, Deon Cole, W. Kamau Bell and many more outstanding comedians. Most recently, Greg stars as "Sparky Sweets PhD" of the critically-acclaimed web series THUG NOTES, Greg was also in season 1 of Comedy Central's Corporate and also was in Comedy Central's Black Depression video "Demetrinox". Greg has been in Entertainment Weekly, Forbes, The International New York Times and has been on BET, Comedy Central, interviewed on the Tavis Smiley show on PBS & has recently released 3 independent comedy albums Gregarious, Fuck you Greg & Dopamine. Greg and I talked about: The importance of relationships  The space that writing creates How conversations can boost your creativity  The evolution of a creative process - particularly with a live audience What we gain and lose with time and age Getting inspiration for your creative projects I even got to give Greg some encouragement on his current creative project - that you might find useful if you are working on anything! And we spoke about my blog post about the 6 Thinking Hats for writing. Greg also mentioned Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey and you can learn more about it here. And you can learn more about me at https://www.safiyarobinson.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome back to Writing Black Joy, and today I have with me one of my dream guests - Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts. She is an incredible author, so let me tell you about her. As a writer and thought-leader, Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts offers those who read her work and hear her speak an authentic experience; an opportunity to explore the intersection of culture, identity, and faith/spirituality at the deepest levels.  She is the founder of HeARTspace, a healing community created to serve those who have experienced trauma of any kind through the use of storytelling and the arts. Tracey has Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Business Administration degree from Montclair State University, and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Fairleigh-Dickinson University.  She is a former Assistant Professor of English and Black Studies at the Community College of Philadelphia. As a writer, Tracey has published eighteen books including several collaborations with numerous high-profile authors. In 2021, Tracey became one of 20 writers who contributed to the groundbreaking book, You are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience edited by acclaimed researcher, Brene Brown, and founder of the MeToo Movement, Tarana Burke.  Her most recent publication is the critically-acclaimed book, Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration (Gallery/Simon and Schuster) which has received rave reviews from celebrities like Kerry Washington, literary writers like Kiese Laymon and Deesha Philyaw, and media outlets like Good Morning America, Essence Magazine, and USA Today. Her forthcoming book, Then They Came for Mine: Healing from the Trauma of Racial Violence, examines the source and impact of racial violence against Black people in all its forms and offers a blueprint for the way the Christian Church can help facilitate healing.  Tracey has spoken on a number of platforms around the country on topics related to race/social justice, education, faith/spirituality, and wellness. Additionally, Tracey's freelance work has been published in print and online publications such as Oprah Daily, The Washington Post, Essence Magazine, The Guardian, The Chronicle for Higher Education, Ebony Magazine, TheRoot.com, and more. Tracey and I talk about: How she came to her joy journey through grief Dance parties with her daughter and the duality of grief and joy, Her search for the feeling of joy in her body The both / and of stories of Black lives Her definition of Black joy How she writes from a place of authenticity Inspiration and creating rituals that help her write Switching her voice as a ghostwriter The importance of finishing How she chooses future projects from her myriad of ideas And so much more. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. You can find out more about Tracey at https://www.traceymlewis.com/ You can learn more about me at https://www.safiyarobinson.com/   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we have with us Ayesis Clay - poet and playwright extraordinaire and so much more. Find out why she never actually considered herself a playwright - despite the fact that she has been writing plays since she was in primary (elementary) school, and hear her read from a current work in progress - A Million Tiny Ways.  Ayesis Clay is a master teacher, multidisciplinary theatre artist, and educational consultant. She has developed theatre arts curriculum for Prince George’s County Public Schools, the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, and many local and regional theatre companies. She served as a leader of the Prince George’s County Theatre Advisory Board where she developed and facilitated pre-service workshops while mentoring both new and seasoned teachers. Combining her extensive background in theatre and education, Ayesis founded Sculpted Clay Productions, where she uses innovative theatre-infused residencies and professional development workshops to help schools create trauma-sensitive, social-emotional focused learning environments for teachers and students. You will want to listen to Ayesis’s interview - we go deep and it is a wonderful conversation! Listen below. And you can hear Ayesis read an excerpt to “A million tiny ways” as well as learn more about her. And you can find out more about me at https://www.safiyarobinson.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today I have with me Soribel Martinez and let me tell you she is a powerhouse. Her personality is infectious and we had an amazing conversation about her book Unbreakable. Let me tell you a bit about her. Soribel Martínez is a Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist, is the CEO of SMPSychotherapy and Counseling Services, business coach and consultant, public speaker, adjunct professor of Psychology at Post University, a Doctor of Social Work candidate at Walden University, and the founder of JC's Precious Minds Foundation Soribel has faced her share of challenges as a Dominican-American immigrant, from navigating school in her second language, recovering from religious trauma, losing a child, facing multiple brain aneurysms, and all of the usual heartbreak women face. In Unbreakable, Soribel guides you to reconnect with your Creator, figure out exactly what you want, and then take massive, inspired action toward your goals. Soribel and I discuss The importance of a marketing plan Ideas around legacy, and the dreams that we have that we may not see come to fruition in our lifetime - and her incredible wisdom around this. How a diagnosis shifted her life Her journey with English as a second language, and how she came to write her book in English Her writing routine/process and how she leaned into support during writing and publishing her book How she used social media while writing and publishing Acknowledging the experiences in your life and working through those feelings as you move into joy and becoming unbreakable Including others in your story Being prepared for speaking our stories out loud during launching - especially if we are more comfortable writing than speaking. How you are the best person to market your book Her foundation that supports mothers with special needs in the Dominican republic Pillars of business success that she included in her book unbreakable Details of her next book And so much more I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did. You can find out more about Unbreakable at https://book.soribelmartinez.com/ And you can learn more about Soribel and get onto her waiting list here! https://soribelmartinez.com/ And you can find out more about me at https://www.safiyarobinson.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today I am joined by Dr Davia Shepherd - a fellow writer from the Caribbean, who also shares my love for collaboration. Here is a bit about Dr Shepherd. Dr. Davia H. Shepherd is the author of Grow Smarter. And she is also a Mom, a sister, a daughter and a wife. And, she hosts and coordinates a women’s collaboration club: Ladies Power Lunch. She helps her patients feel better every day, but the one thing that she is most passionate about, and that gets her out of bed in the morning is supporting women in business to live their optimal lives through growing their visibility, reach, impact and income. She is a beacon for beacons.  At her intuitive core, Davia has always known, even as a child, that when we all pull together, we can achieve unbelievably amazing results; whether we are talking about health, relationships, finances or even our careers. Her focus especially in this time is to connect us with each other and with our true inner amazing selves, so that we may live the lives we have the potential for.  Her best selling book “Grow Smarter…collaboration secrets to transform your income and impact” is focused on providing us with a framework for using the power of collaboration with fellow entrepreneurs to grow our businesses even during unusual times.  She invites you to connect with her through LPL’s monthly workshops and Facebook Community, LPL Summits, LPL Retreats or working with her one on one to make quantum leaps in your impact and income. Davia and I talk about: The importance of connection The magic of collaboration How she created her community Ladies power lunch How you can leverage being a part of an anthology The importance of support when it comes to writing and sharing your work Finding a way to share your story And so much more! Find out more about Davia's work at: www.ladiespowerlunch.com.  And you can order her book on Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk or search for it in the closest amazon marketplace to you! And you can find out more about me at https://www.safiyarobinson.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today I am joined by Martinus Evans. Martinus is a brilliant storyteller - and it may or may not be because he has the best stories. Either way - you're gonna love this conversation and you're gonna love his book! Martinus Evans has run over eight marathons since his doctor told him to “lose weight or die” in July 2012. Since then, he’s also coached hundreds of runners and founded the Slow AF Run Club, a community of over 10,000 members worldwide. He is also the author of the book Slow AF Run Club: The ultimate guide for anybody who wants to run.  When he’s not running races around the world, he enjoys speaking passionately about issues related to size-inclusivity, mindset, DEI and mental health. This conversation was so much fun! Just a note that there is a tiny amount of swearing here, so if you have kids around, slap in some headphones.  Martinus and I talked about: The inspiration (and future dream plans) for the slow AF run club How Martinus thinks about representation in his work and what he creates  The places running has taken him and what he loves about it  Posing nude in men's health magazine How he made writing his first book manageable for him by crunching the numbers The ups and downs of publishing his book What he is creating next for the slow AF run club  Letting our creations take on a life of their own How our relationship with what we create changes when we turn the thing we love into work I hope that you enjoy this conversation as much as I did! Grab his book below! https://slowafrunclub.com/preorder/ And you can find out more about me at https://www.safiyarobinson.com/     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 3 is here and this is episode 1 - and it’s a solo episode! Today is all about telling you about the Writing Black Joy project as a whole, how I have been relating to it and thinking about it, and what is next for Writing Black Joy - both in this season, and in the future.   One person I talked about in the episode but couldn’t for the life of me remember her name was Mollie Chen. She was the business coach I spoke to before I decided to start this project! Thanks Mollie it would not exist without you!    In addition, here are some of the links I mentioned: My mailing list Rosemarie Callender and her podcast - Podcast to Amplify The Writing Black Joy website My latest book - Wellbeing for Dentists And feel free to email me on [email protected]   See you next week! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week's guest is Cedric Scott who is the founder and creative behind ancient baby brand. Cedric was and continues to be an educator, and he is also a writer, poet, chemist and entrepreneur as well as a husband and father.    His brand is at the corner of wisdom and innovation focusing on education, self-care and lifestyle.    Cedric and I talk about:    How he transformed what his students were learning about Black history by creating Melanated Mathematics - math content in the context of black history and culture.    His brand Ancient Baby brand and how he developed his brand from grooming products to textbooks.    The importance of legacy in everything he does,    The various collaborations he has had with other Black creatives and business folks throughout his career,   His writing and how poetry was the gateway into other forms of writing.   His creative process and so much more.   You can check out season 1 and other season 2 guests of Writing Black Joy over on https://www.writingblackjoy.com/   If you want to support us you can join our Patreon community over at https://www.patreon.com/safiyarobinson   You can find Cedric at https://ancientbabybrand.com/   You can follow Cedric on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ancientbabybrand/   You can follow me on Instagram on https://www.instagram.com/safiyarobinson77/   If you want to know about working with me, go over to https://www.safiyarobinson.com/   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week's guest is Kellie Richardson, who is a writer, poet and author. Kellie also spent 2 years as the poet laureate of Tacoma Washington. In 2017 - 2019.    She has written 2 collections of poetry and we had a great conversation about her writing as well as her visual art. And you can take a look at our conversation on YouTube if you want to see some of her art!   We talked about:   Being the first Black female poet laureate in Tacoma   How she created an intergenerational space for creatives to show her city that poetry is for everyone.   Why she didn't begin to share her work or embrace being a poet until she was in her late thirties   The narrowness of "categories" that legitimize air quotes proper writing and what is considered canon.    How she has fused her poetry and her visual art   How she assembled her poetry collections,   Walking the line of joy and grief, and holding opposing emotions    The questions to ask yourself if you are afraid to claim an identity as a writer and so much more.    You can check out season 1 and other season 2 guests of Writing Black Joy over on https://www.writingblackjoy.com/   If you want to support us you can join our Patreon community over at https://www.patreon.com/safiyarobinson   You can learn more about Kellie on her website https://www.brownbetty.org/   You can follow Kellie on Instagram over on https://www.instagram.com/brownbetty253/   You can follow me on Instagram on https://www.instagram.com/safiyarobinson77/   If you want to know about working with me, go over to https://www.safiyarobinson.com/       Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, my guest is Dalia Kinsey, a nutritionist, speaker and author, who works at the intersection of holistic wellness and social justice. Dalia and I talk about: Identities, how we identify and how the language of identities is personal and changes over time. Health vs healthcare and how our daily experiences and emotions including joy impact our health behaviours.  Why Dalia wrote a book specifically for BIPOC and LGBTQIA folks. How Dalia worked up the courage to write a book proposal and get a traditional publishing deal. And so much more.  You can check out season 1 and other season 2 guests of Writing Black Joy over on https://www.writingblackjoy.com/ You can find more about Dalia at https://www.daliakinsey.com/ If you want to support us you can join our Patreon community over at https://www.patreon.com/safiyarobinson If you are outside of Barbados, you can find Dalia's book Decolonizing Wellness on Amazon. Use this link, or find the region that is closest to you  You can follow me on Instagram on https://www.instagram.com/safiyarobinson77 If you want to know about working with me, go over to https://www.safiyarobinson.com/   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

My guest this week is Alicia Chantal and she is the owner of Fresh Look Editing based in Canada. She writes and edits non-fiction and is also a mom to 3 boys. One thing that Alicia and I discussed were the different ways and backgrounds that folks who come to writing and editing have. One of the reasons that I have shared editors and a literary agent this season is to show you a few of the folks who support writers on their journey. Writing is often thought of as a lonely journey but the reality is - you can make so many connections as a writer with other professionals who are there to help polish your work, help you get visible and share it with the world. So I hope you find this conversation helpful. In addition, Alicia shared very openly which I really appreciate and she and I talked about: Healthcare and the importance of having a writer and editor to break down the jargon and increase the understanding that people have about their own health. The importance of surrounding yourself with people who champion your ideas. The conversations that she and her family has and some of her experiences raising biracial children. The collaborative nature of editing. Understanding the editorial style of a publication when you are submitting your work to them. Different avenues for using your skills as a writer. The fresh prince of Bel-Air. Inclusive language and the "alive" nature of language. Frozen vs Encanto. And so much more! You can check out season 1 and other season 2 guests of Writing Black Joy over on https://www.writingblackjoy.com/ If you want to support us you can join our Patreon community over at https://www.patreon.com/safiyarobinson/ You can find Alicia at https://freshlookediting.ca/ You can follow me on Instagram on https://www.instagram.com/safiyarobinson77 If you want to know about working with me, go over to https://www.safiyarobinson.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week I am joined by Yvonne Ator, and she is also a multipassionate writer at heart, who writes haikus, newsletters, poetry, and whatever else takes her fancy. She is also a coach for high performing, stress adled individuals who have hit a wall and want a different life but don't know where to begin. Yvonne has a heart for idealists and heart centered helpers. Yvonne and I talk about WDS - the World Domination Summit. If you wanna know what it is, I'd have to say it's a gathering of creatives. I'm going to get into trouble for saying that it's a conference but it's hard to describe it to anyone who hasn't been there. I've actually had a couple of other guests I've met through WDS - Jeff Harry from season 1 and Gary ware whose episode dropped a few weeks ago. So when you hear her mentioning WDS, that's what it is! Yvonne and I talk about: her writing journey and how writing was a constant part of her background. How pressure to go into a "traditional profession" meant that she dismissed her writing abilities for many years. Why she is taking back the term "idealist" Her journey with writing daily haikus and building the habit of consistently creating and sharing them - no matter if they were good or not. How she moved out of hiding in plain sight, And so much more. And as always, I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. You can check out season 1 and other season 2 guests of Writing Black Joy over on https://www.writingblackjoy.com/ If you want to support us you can join our Patreon community over at https://www.patreon.com/safiyarobinson/ Learn more about Yvonne over on https://www.yvonneator.com/ Follow Yvonne on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/yvonneator/ You can follow me on Instagram on https://www.instagram.com/safiyarobinson77 If you want to know about working with me, go over to https://www.safiyarobinson.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week I am joined by Kim Howard. Kim is a podcaster and a seasoned marketing professional, book club host and a long time friend who I am so happy to have with me.  She has a solo podcast Our One-Sixty-Six about Barbadian history, and she gives us a taste of her curiosity and knowledge in this episode. We also talk about  Her podcasting journey and her love for Barbadian history Bajan and other Caribbean sayings How to define and shape the story you are trying to tell, and researching true stories Framing your story for the chosen audience How we can talk ourselves out of our greatest ideas especially as perfectionists and how to get past the self doubt Podcasting, seasons, sound quality and so much more.  You can check out season 1 and other season 2 guests of Writing Black Joy over on https://www.writingblackjoy.com/ You can listen to Our one sixty six on your favourite podcast app or over on https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1863602.rss You can listen to Do it fuh Grantley - a life and finance podcast on your favourite podcast app or over on https://www.fortressfund.com/podcast/ Follow Kim on Instagram over on https://www.instagram.com/ouronesixtysix/ If you want to know about working with me, go over to https://www.safiyarobinson.com/   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week I am joined by Gary Ware. Gary is many things as you will hear shortly - a self proclaimed creative catalyst, and corporate facilitator. He is also a master at play and that is something we dive into as we talk about his upcoming book which is all about play. Gary and I talked about his writing process and how he completed his “play-book'' as someone who has dyslexia and ADHD and how he brought play into the process. He also talked about seeing the world as a proving ground vs as a playground of possibilities, illustrations for a book that isn’t a children’s book, working with a graphic designer or facilitator and the importance of collaboration in the book writing process. You can check out season 1 and other season 2 guests of Writing Black Joy over on https://www.writingblackjoy.com/ You can jump on his mailing list to be the first to know when his book comes out over at https://www.breakthroughplay.com/ Gary also suggested that you take a look at the magic of Eric Jones and I found a clip here on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL9U4UXnezA Gary and I talked about one of our favourite books The Night Circus and you can find it here https://www.amazon.com/Night-Circus-Erin-Morgenstern/dp/0307744434 If you want to listen to my interview with Jeff Harry then go over to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSL8OFnO3Iw Follow Gary on Instagram over on https://www.instagram.com/garyware/ If you want to know about working with me, go over to https://www.safiyarobinson.com/   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you want to support us you can join our Patreon community over at https://www.patreon.com/safiyarobinson You can check out season 1 and other season 2 guests of Writing Black Joy over on https://www.writingblackjoy.com/ If you want to read (or listen to) my blog posts about the lessons learned after season 1 then read over here for part 1 and part 2. If you want to know about working with me, go over to https://www.safiyarobinson.com/   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you want to support us you can join our Patreon community over at https://www.patreon.com/safiyarobinson You can check out season 1 and other season 2 guests of Writing Black Joy over on https://www.writingblackjoy.com/ If you want to read (or listen to) my blog posts about the lessons learned after season 1 then read over here for part 1 and part 2. If you want to know about working with me, go over to https://www.safiyarobinson.com/   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Todays guest is Cherise Wiltshire, a fun and spirited woman of God who loves travelling the world, biking and enjoys finding that hidden literary discovery in any and every bookstore. She has recently penned her own book - Hearts Cry - a devotional designed to strengthen your Christian walk. In her professional life, Cherise is a successful entrepreneur who runs her own business consulting firm, Wiltshire Consultancy International. Cherise and I talk about our spiritual journeys, dealing with loss, how Cherise wrote and published her devotional, her creative practice and so much more. You'll also get to experience some of her fun personality and encouraging nature. If you want to support us you can join our Patreon community over at https://www.patreon.com/safiyarobinson You can check out season 1 and other season 2 guests of Writing Black Joy over on https://www.writingblackjoy.com/ If you are outside of Barbados, you can find Heart's cry on Amazon. Use the link below, or find the region that is closest to you https://www.amazon.com/Hearts-Cry-Daily-Journey-Jesus/dp/1632694964/ref=sr_1_1 Watch Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Ted talk - The Danger of a Single Story https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story?language=en  You can read my blog post "Things I miss about God" at https://www.safiyarobinson.com/more-questions-than-answers/2021/12/18/things-i-miss-about-god Learn more about Cherise and find her social media profile on https://www.writingblackjoy.com/ If you want to know about working with me, go over to https://www.safiyarobinson.com/   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week I am joined by Kerra Bolton, an award winning producer and director, as well as a writer. She is also the CEO/Founder of Woodbine Films, which specializes in first-person, narrative nonfiction that examines the meaning of community, connection, and identity in the Black community. Her directorial debut, RETURN OF THE BLACK MADONNA, is currently in production. The documentary traces her epic quest to learn to swim, dive, and map sunken slave ships with Black marine archeologists. She is also working on a book Water in my bones and we discuss both of these projects today. Kerra and I talk about her commitment to Black joy after a long career in diversity and equity work, transmuting pain and trauma into joy, the process of making a documentary and holding multiple roles in that process, and the research process for the documentary. We also talked about the importance of endurance during the film making process. In addition, we also discussed - women’s health and Kerra’s experience of fibroids, and the significance of the high prevalence of fibroids in Black women, learning how to swim, fear of open water and epigenetics, and so much more. This conversation went to so many places, and is a really important testimony to how we can cultivate joy in our lives, even against a backdrop of pain or trauma. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. If you want to support us you can join our Patreon community over at https://www.patreon.com/safiyarobinson You can check out season 1 and other season 2 guests of Writing Black Joy over on https://www.writingblackjoy.com/ You can donate to The Return of the Black Madonna and also sign up to Kerra’s mailing list over on www.kerrabolton.com You can follow Kerra on Instagram over @kerrabolton and also follow @returnoftheblackmadonna If you want to know about working with me, go over to https://www.safiyarobinson.com/   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week I am joined by Philip Robinson, a children's book author and songwriter. Philip is a Bajan currently residing in the United Kingdom. He has written plays, poems and songs since childhood, and believes that diversity needs to be celebrated as a norm rather than a tension that divides. He is the author of 2 children’s books which we will be discussing in our conversation today. Philip and I talk about beauty standards - particularly in children’s books and fairy tales, and the lack of association of Black girls with beauty in children’s stories, how inspiration for stories comes from so many different places, finding the time to write, illustrations of Black characters for children’s books, self-publishing vs traditional publishing of children’s books, and how comparison affects creativity, and so much more. You can check out season 1 and other season 2 guests of Writing Black Joy over on https://www.writingblackjoy.com/ Nia and the Kingdom of Celebration is on Amazon. Use the link below, or find the Amazon region that is closest to you. https://www.amazon.com/Nia-Kingdoms-Celebration-Philip-Robinson/dp/1999892305/ref=sr_1_1 Daddy you cannot play Santa Clause is on Amazon. Use the link below, or find the Amazon region that is closest to you. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Daddy-cannot-play-Santa-Claus-ebook/dp/B07M9D8BXT/ref=sr_1_1 Early in the conversation, I mentioned a podcast I could not remember the name that talked about diversity in the publishing industry. The podcast is called "Balancing Stories" (previously Balancing Cultures) and the guest's name was Lisa Davis who shared that "Diversity in books starts within". https://balancingcultures.com/episode-26/ We also mentioned Atul Gawande's Reith lectures and you can find them over on https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04bsgqn/episodes/player Follow Philip on instagram over on https://www.instagram.com/kingdomsofcelebration/ If you want to know about working with me, go over to https://www.safiyarobinson.com/   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.