Episodes

  • The Perfect Mother... Or Something Like That with Desiree Moodie

    The Perfect Mother... Or Something Like That with Desiree Moodie
    May 15 2025
    Summary
    In this enlightening conversation, Desiree Moodie shares her journey as a writer and mother, exploring the complexities of parenting, the impact of social media, and the importance of self-care. The discussion delves into Desiree's upcoming book, which tackles themes of motherhood and identity, as well as her personal experiences with healing and vulnerability. The conversation also touches on the significance of rituals, the power of tarot, and the audacity of black women writers in today's literary landscape.
    Takeaways
    • Desiree Moodie shares her journey of navigating motherhood and writing.
    • The importance of self-care and healing in a busy life.
    • Exploring the complexities of parenting and its impact on children.
    • The role of social media in building connections and community.
    • Desiree's upcoming book explores themes of motherhood and identity.
    • The significance of rituals in maintaining balance and grounding oneself.
    • Using tarot as a tool for intuition and self-discovery.
    • The challenges of being a black woman writer in today's literary landscape.
    • The importance of vulnerability and authenticity in storytelling.
    • Desiree's insights on breaking generational cycles in parenting.

    Sound Bites
    "Brave vulnerability is what we need to connect.""I have been called a beast, and I accepted it.""I want to reclaim my traditions and my magic."
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Connection03:23 Navigating Social Media and Personal Growth05:14 Motherhood and Its Complexities07:37 Healing and Self-Care Practices10:00 The Journey of Writing a Cathartic Book12:04 Exploring the Themes of Motherhood in Literature25:47 The Journey of Creativity27:40 Motherhood: The Complexities and Realities28:22 Exploring the Thrills of Motherhood in Literature30:48 Bravery in Writing: Unpacking Personal Experiences32:22 Codependency and Boundaries in Relationships35:19 The Guilt of Motherhood and Self-Acceptance36:08 Rapid Fire Questions: Insights and Reflections48:00 Rituals for Grounding in Chaos50:53 Rituals and Rhythms of Black Womanhood52:23 The Power of Tarot and Intuition57:23 The Audacity of Game Changers01:03:38 Storytelling and Self-Discovery01:08:13 BWT OUTRO.mp3

    Connect w/Desiree Moodie


    What's Going on In My Chaotic Erotic Writer Life?Check out my Linktr.ee to stay up to date with the shenanigans that is my life. All of my socials, writing workshop offerings, books, and Substack are available in one place.

    Get in Touch
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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • The Curating of a Poetic Life with Rian N. Jenkins

    The Curating of a Poetic Life with Rian N. Jenkins
    May 2 2025

    summaryIn this engaging conversation, Ryan Jenkins shares her unique journey as a writer, poet, and educator. From the story behind her name to her experiences in the classroom, Ryan discusses the challenges and triumphs of navigating the literary world as a black woman. She emphasizes the importance of self-affirmation, the weight educators carry, and the power of storytelling, particularly in children's literature. Ryan also reflects on her transition from teaching to writing full-time, her upcoming projects, and her desire to help others in their writing journeys.
    takeaways
    • Rian's name has a unique story tied to a soap opera star.
    • She transitioned from poetry to fiction at a young age.
    • Rian's felt a calling to be a writer after a significant moment in her life.
    • She has published multiple poetry anthologies and a children's book.
    • Educators, especially black women, carry the weight of their students' stories.
    • Writing serves as a form of healing and self-affirmation for Rian.
    • Rian's pen name, 'Anointed Misfit,' reflects her unique perspective.
    • She aims to help others navigate the self-publishing process.
    • Rian's upcoming novel is based on her middle school experiences.
    • She believes in the importance of affirming young black boys and girls through literature.
    Sound Bites"I hated my name growing up.""I called you to be a writer.""I love being black."Chapters00:00The Story Behind the Name05:44Journey into Writing and Poetry10:30The Call to Write: A Spiritual Journey12:27Exploring Poetry Anthologies and Themes16:59The Weight of Educators: Vicarious Trauma and Healing22:22Writing for Children: Affirming Black Youth28:24The Southern Experience: Family and Heritage31:08Healing Practices and Self-Affirmation37:20The Anointed Misfit: Embracing Uniqueness42:40Transitioning from Teaching to Writing and Consulting49:24The Journey of a Southern Woman Writer52:46Empowering Young Girls Through Nonprofits54:22The Impact of Poetry on Family and Community55:25Exploring the Matrix of Reality and Fiction58:49Celebrating the Audacity of Black Women Writers01:04:05Impromptu Storytelling: Introspection and Expression01:10:52
    Rian's Upcoming Works and Events in the Literary World Stay In Touch with Ella Shawn
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Writing to Heal: A Candid Conversation with Jenny Aabamu

    Writing to Heal: A Candid Conversation with Jenny Aabamu
    Apr 17 2025
    SummaryIn this episode of the Black Writer Therapy podcast, host Ella Shawn engages in a deep conversation with debut author Jenny Abamu. They explore themes of healing through writing, the cathartic nature of fiction, and the complexities of identity and career transitions. Jenny shares her journey from journalism to speculative fiction, the importance of trust in society, and the influence of her Nigerian heritage on her writing. The discussion highlights the power of narrative and the need for more diverse voices in literature, particularly those of Black women.TakeawaysHealing is a journey of rediscovery.Trauma and change are often intertwined.Writing can serve as a cathartic process.Identity crises can lead to personal growth.Trust is a crucial element in relationships and society.Creating complex characters is essential in fiction.Nigerian heritage enriches storytelling.Narratives shape our understanding of the world.Diverse voices in literature are vital for representation.The act of writing is a form of co-creation with the universe.Chapters00:00 New Chapter03:12 Navigating Identity and Career Transitions08:07 The Cathartic Nature of Writing13:02 Creating Multi-Dimensional Characters18:01 Exploring Cultural Identity and Representation36:38 The Legacy of Writing in Nigerian Culture40:33 Exploring Identity and Cultural Layers44:22 The Importance of Narratives and Self-Discovery47:28 Rapid Fire: Embracing the Writer's Journey54:18 The Call of Creativity and Character Connection01:00:34 The Reality of Fiction and Its Impact01:06:35 Honoring the Influence of Octavia Butler01:11:38 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Legacy01:11:54 The Scary Questions We Avoid01:13:17 The Audacity of Game Changers01:15:18 Impromptu Storytelling Challenge01:21:24 Decolonizing the Erotic01:24:27 Connecting Through Community01:31:30 Future Projects and Aspirations01:35:20 BWT OUTRO.mp3About Jenny AbamuThe Herd is definitely the most cathartic book Ive written. I started writing it in 2018 while working at a local NPR station in Washington, D.C. At that time, I was already feeling disillusioned with the state of information. It was the first Trump administration, a period when facts seemed to lose their power and public understanding of the truth became increasingly muddled. Now, years later, the situation has only worsened. As a journalist, I entered the field with a missionto democratize information. I wanted to make complex systems more accessible, especially for communities like my ownfirst-generation immigrants trying to navigate America. I believed that understanding the system meant having the tools to succeed and hold the powerful accountable. But over time, I found myself questioning whether my work truly mattered. Did people still care? I was doing investigative journalism and could see the real-world impact of my reporting. Yet, within the industry, I witnessed an increasing focus on chasing clicks, sacrificing quality for quantity. This wasnt exclusive to one newsroomit was a broader shift happening across journalism. The integrity of our work was being compromised in the relentless pursuit of views, engagement, and advertising dollars. The breakneck pace of content production left little room for depth, care, and the kind of storytelling that truly informs and empowers the public. At the same time, the broken state of information continued to erode trust between the public and the institutions meant to inform them. That disillusionment was what ultimately led me to write this book. I needed a different way to express what I was experiencing and witnessingbeyond the traditional mediums I had worked in.Stay In Touch with JennyWhat's Up with Ella?Ella Shawn is a 7X published author of Southern Erotic Fiction. She has presented and international writing conferences, worked with top writers and editors throughout her career and is the proud founder of the start-up hybrid publishing house, Southern Momentum Publishing House, LLC. She has dedicated her every facets of her professional life to amplifying Black and Brown women writers around the globe.Ella created this space so that Black women writers could sit on the proverbial couch and be their unapologetic, Black woman selves.If you are interested in becoming a corporate sponsor, please contact us at blackwritertherapy@gmail.comLinktree
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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • How to Survive a Digital Assassination with Danielle Spencer, Federal Whistle Blower

    How to Survive a Digital Assassination with Danielle Spencer, Federal Whistle Blower
    Apr 3 2025

    How to Survive a Digital Assassination with Danielle Spencer, Federal Whistle Blower

    In this episode of Black Writer Therapy, host Ella Shawn welcomes Danielle Spencer, a courageous whistleblower who took on a major corporation. With over twenty years of experience in IT, cybersecurity, and project management, Danielle shares her journey from a STEM professional to a whistleblower. She discusses the story behind her book, "Digital Assassin: Surviving Cyber Terrorism and a Digital Assassination Attempt," emphasizing the importance of safeguarding our digital footprints. Throughout the episode, Danielle and Ella explore topics like resilience, the emotional toll of whistleblowing, and the ethical responsibility of speaking up against wrongdoing. This episode is a testament to the bravery it takes to stand up for what's right, even when it endangers one's own well-being.


    Takeaway Points:

    1. Whistleblowing can have profound personal and professional repercussions, but it is a critical act of ethical responsibility.

    2. Protecting our digital data is crucial, and we must understand the potential misuse of our information.

    3. Standing up against unethical practices requires courage and can lead to retaliation, highlighting the need for strong support systems.

    4. Creative expression, like writing, can serve as a cathartic process for dealing with traumatic experiences.

    5. Continuous education on cybersecurity and digital privacy is essential in today's tech-centric world.


    Discussion Questions:

    1. What are the potential risks of whistleblowing, and how can individuals prepare for them?

    2. How can we better protect our digital information from cyber threats and misuse?

    3. What role does creativity play in healing from trauma or stressful situations?

    4. How can organizations support employees who come forward as whistleblowers?


    Hashtags: #BlackWriterTherapy #DanielleSpencer #Whistleblower #DigitalSafety #CyberSecurity #BlackWomenWriters #PodcastEpisode #Storytelling #Healing #EthicalResponsibility


    Get In Touch with Danielle


    Stay In the Know with Ella Shawn
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • I Don't Need Permission to Live My Life w/Shanique Yates

    I Don't Need Permission to Live My Life w/Shanique Yates
    Mar 20 2025
    SummaryIn this episode of the Black Rider Therapy podcast, host Ella Shawn engages in a heartfelt conversation with journalist Shanique Yates about her healing journey, the influence of her teachers and family, and the importance of emotional intelligence in creativity. They discuss the power of vulnerability, the significance of sisterhood, and how acknowledgment shapes confidence. Shanique shares her aspirations to write a book and the impact of community on her life. The conversation culminates in rapid-fire questions that reveal Shanique's reflections on friendship, identity, and self-discovery.
    Takeaways
    • Healing is a process that requires intentionality.
    • Putting oneself first is essential for personal growth.
    • The influence of teachers can shape one's career path.
    • Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in creativity.
    • Vulnerability in writing can lead to healing.
    • Sisterhood provides a support system for shared experiences.
    • Acknowledgment from others fosters confidence and courage.
    • Writing can serve as a cathartic outlet for personal stories.
    • Community is vital for emotional support and growth.
    • Life changes can lead to self-discovery and new opportunities.

    Chapters00:00 Introduction and Healing Journey04:46 The Path to Journalism07:16 Influence of Teachers and Family09:59 Emotional Intelligence and Creativity12:57 The Double Life of a Creative15:51 The Power of Being Seen18:34 Writing as a Healing Process21:19 The Impact of Sharing Personal Stories32:02 Liberating Our Stories35:50 The Healing Power of Community40:23 Hearing from God Through Others42:23 Embracing Mobility and Change44:12 Rapid Fire Reflections54:59 What's Next: New Beginnings59:04 BWT OUTRO.mp3
    BioI first discovered writing as a child. As someone who is very sensitive and in tune with her emotions, it's been an outlet for me since the 2nd grade. My teacher at the time, Mrs. Simmons, was the first person to acknowledge my gift and way with words and encourage me, ultimately showing me that I could do this for a living. What's led to my most cathartic piece to date is truly just healing. It's actually on my personal blog, and there I dive into some of the childhood traumas that I am still healing from today. Another story that I wrote for xoNecole last year is very important to me as well because it took a lot of vulnerability to write it.
    Here are those links: https://astoldbysly.substack.com/p/this-ones-for-the-lovers https://www.xonecole.com/couch-surfing-and-soul-searching-how-i-found-myself-in-the-summer-of-2024/https://muckrack.com/shanique-yates
    Stay in the Know with Ella Shawn
    Unleash your creative spirit with the ALIVE Podcast app. Transform your listening experience by backing your favorite hosts through a network subscription. Pick your preferred voice, and directly fuel their passion with 50% of your monthly subscription going straight to them. This not only keeps them thriving but also ensures you get the premium content you crave. Our diverse range of shows is carefully curated to provide powerful storytelling, insightful conversations, and thought-provoking discussions. Whether youre seeking inspiration, knowledge, or pure entertainment, the ALIVE Podcast Network has something to suit your listening pleasure. Dive into the future of podcasting and amplify the voices that matter to you. SCAN (or tap) TO DOWNLOAD
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    1 hr
  • Afrocentric Style: How Black Identity Influences Pop Culture w/Shirley Neal

    Afrocentric Style: How Black Identity Influences Pop Culture w/Shirley Neal
    Mar 6 2025
    Summary
    In this episode of Black Writer Therapy, host Ella Shawn welcomes Shirley Neal, an award-winning author and journalist, to discuss her journey as a storyteller and the healing power of writing. They explore the significance of pop culture in shaping Black identity, the importance of archival work in celebrating Black culture, and the connections between African roots and contemporary experiences. Shirley shares insights from her diverse career in writing and production, emphasizing the value of personal experience in storytelling. The conversation culminates in rapid-fire questions that reveal Shirley's perspectives on storytelling and her future projects.Takeaways
    Shirley Neal emphasizes the healing power of storytelling for Black women.Pop culture serves as a vital tool for exploring and affirming Black identity.Archival work is essential for preserving and celebrating Black culture.Connecting generations through storytelling is crucial for cultural legacy.Personal experiences enrich the storytelling process and resonate with audiences.Diverse career paths in writing and production can enhance creative expression.The importance of appreciating one's identity is a recurring theme in Shirley's work.Writing for a specific audience while being accessible to all is a delicate balance.The journey of self-discovery is often reflected in the stories we tell.Trusting one's voice and experiences is key to authentic storytelling.Chapters
    00:00 Welcome to Black Writer Therapy02:35 Shirley Neal: A Journey of Healing and Storytelling05:11 The Healing Power of Writing08:04 Exploring Black Identity Through Various Mediums10:52 The Significance of Archival Work in Storytelling13:39 Connecting with Africa: A Personal Journey16:48 Bridging Cultures: Black American Identity and African Roots19:19 Pop Culture as a Gateway to Ancestral Connections22:01 Celebrating Black Contributions in Pop Culture24:49 Reflections on Iconic Figures: Cicely Tyson and Oprah Winfrey27:02 Passion for Education and Writing28:19 The Journey of a Writer29:42 Transitioning from Ghostwriting to Authorship31:40 The Importance of Personal Experience in Writing34:11 Finding Your Unique Voice35:37 Rapid Fire Questions and Storytelling Insights43:23 Current Projects and Future Aspirations46:32 BWT INTRO.mp3
    Stay in Touch With Shirley Nealwww.shirleyneal.com,www.AfroCentricStyle.net
    For all your hybrid publishing needs, check out Southern Momentum Publishing House, LLC. We Publish What Disturbs the Status QuoWant to know the latest happenings with your girl, Ella Shawn, check out her LinkTree
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    47 mins
  • How Crystal Waller Discovered her Own Path to the Soft Wife Life

    How Crystal Waller Discovered her Own Path to the Soft Wife Life
    Feb 27 2025

    Show Summary:

    In this episode of Black Writer Therapy, host Ella Shawn invites Crystal Waller, the creator of The Soft Wife Life, to share her transformative journey from a high-achieving young woman to embracing a lifestyle that fosters harmony and self-awareness. Crystal tells of her evolution from youthful competitive ambition in a small segregated town to the liberating experience at Spelman College, leading to a life-altering realization: she couldn't unheal herself to heal others, particularly within her romantic relationships. Crystals story underscores the power of self-worth, discernment, and the importance of living authentically. Listeners will be immersed in her compelling narrative of personal growth and cultivating a loving family environment where seeing and being seen is at the heart of her "Soft Life." Listen as Crystal and Ella explore the nuances of Black female strength and vulnerability and the profound impact of supportive relationships.

    Takeaway Points:

    1. Self-Realization and Strength: Crystals story reflects the importance of knowing one's worth and maintaining a sense of self in relationships.

    2. A Soft Life: A discussion on the cultural shift and personal journey towards embracing softness and vulnerability rather than societal expectations always to be strong.

    3. Family Support: The powerful role of familial love and support in shaping one's ability to overcome challenges and thrive.

    4. Discernment in Relationships: The importance of discerning between partners who are true companions versus those who see you only as a caretaker.

    5. Living Authentically: The journey to living a life true to oneself, valuing harmony, and rejecting societal pressures.

    Discussion Questions:

    1. How can recognizing familial influences help us better understand our relationship patterns?

    2. What role does community and familial support play in ones ability to establish boundaries and practice self-love?

    3. How can shifting away from the "strong black woman" narrative impact one's mental health and relationships?

    4. In what ways can women differentiate between a supportive relationship and one that requires them to sacrifice their authenticity?

    Stay in touch with host and unlicensed therapist with one Linktree If you're a Southern minority woman of femme-presenting writer looking for a collaborative hybrid publisher, look no further than https://www.somopubhouse.org where we publish what disturbs the status quo.
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    50 mins
  • The Power of Voice Positioning and Healing: A Conversation With Dr. Katrina Hutchins, Ph.D.

    The Power of Voice Positioning and Healing: A Conversation With Dr. Katrina Hutchins, Ph.D.
    Feb 20 2025
    Dr Katrina HutchinsIn this episode of Black Writer Therapy, host Ella Shawn welcomes Dr. Katrina Hutchins, a scholar and coach specializing in the power of women's voices. They discuss Dr. Katrina's research, her book 'The Voice Positioning System', and dive deep into themes of voice power, authenticity, and the transformative potential of storytelling.Introduction to Black Writer TherapyWelcome to Black Writer Therapy, the podcast where Black women writers come to heal...The Healing JourneyHow are you healing today?...Voice and Influencefor the listening audience, tell them a little bit about yourself and a little bit about this book....The Power of Nonverbal CommunicationResearch shows that Only 7% of our communication happens in words....Authenticity and Voice Positioningbeing able to have this sense of voice power and standing in our created voice gives us an opportunity...Voice Deficits and Generational TraumaSo often we are dysfunctional, because our 93 percent Has suffered the most trauma...Trust and Compassion Among Black WomenBecause of all the other stuff maybe we're not even aware that it's a part of who we are...The Power of Compassion Among Black Womenwhen we look at, if we were to look up that definition, In the dictionary compassion...Reclaiming Our Voices Through StorytellingSo how do we reclaim that through storytelling?...Letting Go of Fantasies to Embrace Realitystorytelling, we start with telling the story that is true....The Journey to Understanding Voice PowerSo, that's what I would say to answer your question, stepping out of the fantasy...The Evolution of Our VoicesLook back at the first book I wrote...Rapid Q&A with Dr. Katrinamoving into our rapid question round...A Story of Ambition, Power, and InfluenceSo your word then is ambition....Closing Thoughts and How to Connect with Dr. Katrinathank you. so much for this invitation...Connect with Dr. Katrina Hutchins, Ph.D.Re_Source SolutionsLinkedInBooksNote from Vickey (Ella Shawn) Brown, M.Ed.Thank you for your support and for listening to the Black Writer Therapy podcast on The Alive Podcast Network. If you have the capacity and desire to support the continued content creation of this listener supported program, please download the Alive Podcast Network App, subscribe, and choose me as your favorite host. Fifty percent of your subscription directly supports the Black Writer Therapy podcast.Let's get and stay connected!Substack NewsletterInstagramblackwritertherapy@gamil.comAuthor Platformhttps://www.ellashawn.com/booksinfo@ellashawn.com (for requests or just to drop a line.)Are you a Southern woman writer who identifies as belonging to a marginalized group? If so, I'm interested in connecting with you. My hybrid publishing company, Southern Momentum Publishing House, LLC is now accepting submissions for our inaugural short story anthology, When Everyone Kept Secrets: Reconciling the Forgotten Legacy of Southern Womanhood, until February 15, 2025. We're also opening our submissions for our seasonal list. For more information, go to our website.https://somopubhouse.org or email our submissions department at submissions@somopress.org
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    54 mins