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The Ink Is Black Podcast

The Ink Is Black Podcast

By: Tiffani Staten
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About this listen

 Hey book lovers! I’m Tiffani Staten, and I want to invite you into a space where Black stories get the celebration they deserve. The Ink is Black is your monthly book club with a soulful twist – think of it as sitting with your friend who’s always got the perfect book recommendation and the insights to match. Every month, we dive deep into fiction and nonfiction by Black authors from across the diaspora, exploring everything from heart-stopping thrillers to powerful memoirs, literary debuts to books that made the leap to your screen. I’m a writer, reader, and forever fan of stories that speak from the soul. Whether you’re looking to fill your bookshelf with more Black voices, searching for your next book club pick, or just want to hear someone get genuinely excited about beautiful writing, you’ve found your home. Expect spoilers, expect deep dives, and expect to discover authors who’ll become your new favorites. Plus, don’t miss our Fresh Ink Spotlight where I shine light on breakout Black voices doing incredible work. From contemporary fiction to historical sagas, from romance to horror (yes, we cover it all) – we’re here to remind you that diverse stories make for richer reading experiences. Because the stories are Black, the voices are rich, and the plot always thickens. New episodes drop monthly, with bonus content that’ll keep your TBR growing. Ready to follow the ink with me? Visit tiffanistaten.com for more book content and updates. ________________________________________ Hosted by: Tiffani Staten Format: Monthly deep-dive episodes + Fresh Ink Spotlights + Bonus episodes Focus: Books by Black authors and stories featuring Black protagonists from across the diaspora tiffanistaten.comCopyright 2025 All rights reserved. Art Literary History & Criticism
Episodes
  • Matriarch: Tina Knowles’ Blueprint for Black Women’s Power

    Matriarch: Tina Knowles’ Blueprint for Black Women’s Power
    Aug 27 2025

    In this bonus episode, host Tiffani Staten reflects on Tina Knowles' memoir Matriarch, exploring how Knowles transformed personal struggle into collective empowerment. From witnessing her professional friends being disrespected at salons to needing an escape route from an unfaithful marriage, Tina built Headliners as both survival strategy and sanctuary for Black women.

    The conversation covers industry pushback, generational wisdom, the art of lifting while climbing, and the emotional cost of holding everyone together. Staten connects Knowles' journey to the ongoing navigation Black women face today—creating spaces where we can thrive unapologetically.

    Read more in Tiffani's companion blog post: HERE.
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    16 mins
  • Lifting Off with Washington Black: Freedom, Flight, and the Cost of Rescue

    Lifting Off with Washington Black: Freedom, Flight, and the Cost of Rescue
    Aug 15 2025

    In the debut episode of The Ink is Black, host Tiffani Staten dives deep into Esi Edugyan's "Washington Black" alongside Hulu's stunning new adaptation starring Sterling K. Brown. From the brutal cane fields of Barbados to the frozen Arctic and beyond, Tiffani traces Wash's complex journey to freedom while examining his complicated bond with Titch—mentor, savior, or something more troubling?

    With full spoilers, she explores how art and science become Wash's pathway to self-definition, compares the book's lyrical storytelling to the series' bold adaptations, and discusses what it means when trauma shapes us but doesn't have to define us.

    Plus: Fresh Ink Spotlight on Jamila Minnicks' "Moonrise Over New Jessup," a sneak peek at September's pick "He Burns by the River" by Khalia Moreau, and the promise of a bonus episode on Tina Knowles' "Matriarch."
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    14 mins
  • The Ink is Black: Celebrating Black Storytelling Across the Diaspora

    The Ink is Black: Celebrating Black Storytelling Across the Diaspora
    Jul 28 2025

    Welcome to "Ink is Black," where host Tiffani Staten shares her passion for books by Black authors. Join this monthly book club with a soulful twist, exploring stories by Black writers from all over the world. Discover the tales that resonate, from memoirs that tug at your heartstrings to page-turners that keep you reading late into the night. Dive into the cultural richness of Black storytelling and experience the journey of beloved books as they make their way to the big screen.

    Next episode, she will kick off with Esie Edugyan’s "Washington Black," as we explore its themes of freedom and friendship, alongside Hulu's new series adaptation. And don't miss the bonus episode on Tina Knowles' "Matriarch." Subscribe, share with fellow book lovers, and let's enjoy these rich, vibrant stories together.
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    2 mins
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