In the second part of the season 8 opener, Jenn and Daren dive deep into the complexities of their relationship journey, revealing the pivotal moments that shaped their love story. They reflect on the early days of their romance, starting from their college years. The conversation takes a candid turn as they discuss the challenges they faced from family disapproval, particularly from Daren's father, who went to great lengths to deter their union.

The couple reflects on their scrappy beginnings in Chicago, where they learned to rely on each other and build a future despite the odds. As they recount their experiences, Jenn and Daren emphasize the importance of choosing oneself and the power of true partnership. They share how their journey led them to create a life plan filled with dreams and aspirations, from starting a family to navigating career changes. They also share the struggles of parenthood, career shifts, and the societal expectations placed on them as a couple.

Through it all, Jenn and Daren highlight how their commitment to each other's growth has been a cornerstone of their relationship, allowing them to thrive together in a world that often tries to pull them apart.

S8E2 - Our Journey from Cali to the East Coast

In this episode of That Black Couple Podcast, Jenn and Daren dive into the thought-provoking concept of the Black Legacy Model, inspired by a viral TikTok series. They explore the four pillars that define this model: income, labor, community and family investment, and career flexibility. The couple reflects on how these ideas resonate with their own 19-year journey of partnership, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and teamwork in relationships.

As they unpack each pillar, Jenn and Daren discuss the challenges faced by Black couples in a society that often imposes traditional norms that don't serve them. They candidly share their experiences of navigating gender roles, pooling resources, and the significance of supporting each other's individual growth. They challenge listeners to rethink conventional relationship dynamics and embrace a more collaborative approach.

Join them for a rich conversation that not only highlights the realities of Black relationships but also offers insights into building a legacy rooted in love, partnership, and community.

S8E3 - “The Black Legacy Model”

In this episode, we celebrate the journey of Annell Lopez, the author of "I'll Give You a Reason," as she shares her experience of navigating multiple identities and the challenges of becoming a published author. From overcoming internalized doubts to winning the prestigious Louise Meriwether First Book Prize, Annell's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief. Join us as we explore the ups and downs of the publishing process, the importance of finding the right support, and the lessons learned along the way.

S1E2 - Annell Lopez | We Published, Beloved! Podcast

In this anniversary episode of That Black Couple, Jenn and Darren celebrate 19 years of marriage and 22 years of being together. They dive into the dynamics of their non-traditional relationship, discussing their unique identities as a monogamous person and a polyamorous person. The couple shares insights on communication, the importance of understanding one's own needs, and how to navigate love and relationships outside of societal norms. Join them as they reflect on their journey and provide valuable tips for anyone interested in exploring polyamory.

S8E4 - Celebrating 19 Years of Marriage

In this engaging episode, Dr. Jenn M. Jackson and Emely Rumble discuss the journey of publishing Rumble's book, 'Bibliotherapy in the Bronx.' They explore the creative process, the challenges of navigating the publishing landscape, and the importance of community support. Rumble shares her experiences with marketing, mental health, and the significance of vulnerability in writing. The discussion also touches on identity, intersectionality, and the lessons learned throughout the publishing experience, offering valuable insights for aspiring authors.

S1E3 - Emely Rumble | We Published, Beloved! Podcast

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Jenn M. Jackson and Tamela Gordon discuss the journey of writing and publishing Tamela's book, 'Hood Wellness.' They explore themes of community care, the editing process, and the unique challenges faced by Black authors in the publishing industry. Tamela shares her experiences of crafting her book in New Orleans, navigating the editing process, and developing innovative marketing strategies that prioritize community engagement over social media presence. The conversation highlights the importance of mutual aid and support within the literary community, emphasizing that the ultimate goal of writing is to be read and to continue creating. The conversation emphasizes the need for writers to celebrate their achievements, support one another, and remain true to their craft while engaging with their communities.

S1E4 - Tamela Gordon | We Published, Beloved! Podcast

In this episode of That Black Couple, Jenn and Daren discuss the complexities of parenting while being polyamorous, addressing common misconceptions and societal concerns. They explore the benefits of polyamorous households for children, emphasizing open communication, community support, and the importance of diverse experiences. The conversation highlights the need for honesty and authenticity in parenting, ultimately showcasing how polyamory can contribute to raising well-adjusted, happy children.

Reference Material
* What About the Children?! Children in Polyamorous Families: Stigma, Myths, and Realities - https://www.whatdidshesay.ca/2019/03/25/what-about-the-children-children-in-polyamorous-families-stigma-myths-and-realities/
* “It’s someone who means a lot to me, and who means even more to mom”: Children’s views on the romantic partners of their polyamorous parents - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11521776/
* Polyamorous Relationships: Children’s Perceptions - https://inrs.ca/en/news/polyamorous-relationships-childrens-perceptions/
* A WHOLE VILLAGE: POLYAMOROUS FAMILIES AND THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD STANDARD - https://community.lawschool.cornell.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sheff-et-al.-final.pdf

S8E5 - Parenting While Black and Polyamorous

In this episode of “We Published Beloved!” D. Danyelle Thomas shares her journey of writing and publishing her book, The Day God Saw Me as Black. D. Danyelle emphasizes the challenges of navigating the publishing landscape, from the importance of audience engagement and influencers to the role of editors in the writing process. Throughout the discussion, she highlights the emotional journey of publishing and the need for authenticity in writing. Together, Jenn and D. Danyelle Thomas explore the multifaceted journey of authorship, touching on the significance of publishing formats, the importance of relationships in the publishing world, and the politics surrounding representation in writing. They discuss self-advocacy throughout the publishing process, the challenges of navigating gender norms in writing, and the transformative power of focusing on purpose over fear. The conversation culminates in a reflection on the role of readers in an author's success and the importance of authentic engagement with one's work.

S1E5 - D. Danyelle Thomas | We Published, Beloved! Podcast

In this episode of “That Black Couple,” Jenn and Daren delve into the complexities of toxic masculinity within Black communities. They discuss the impact of patriarchy on Black men, including the emotional struggles they face in unpacking societal expectations and behaviors. Further, they highlight the crucial role women play in challenging these toxic behaviors. Through personal reflections and references to influential thinkers like bell hooks, they emphasize the importance of community accountability and emotional expression in fostering healthier relationships and promoting change.

Reference Material
* The Will to Change - bell hooks: https://amzn.to/4lXgiat
* Sister Outsider - Audre Lorde: https://amzn.to/46cNSEN

S8E6 - The Roots of Toxic Masculinity in Black Communities

In this episode of “We Published Beloved!” Dr. Jenn M. Jackson and Candice Nicole Hargons, PhD explore the themes of liberation through sexuality and the political landscape affecting discourse on sexual health. Candice shares her journey of writing her book Good Sex, and the significance of addressing sexual topics in a time of political repression.  This conversation highlights the importance of self-advocacy, the courage required to navigate rejection, and the need for genuine Black representation in academia.

Jenn and Candice discuss the intricacies of the publishing process, the importance of documentation and PR, and the challenges of planning a book tour — especially for introverts. They explore audience reception, financial considerations for book tours, and the critical role of developmental editing in the writing process. Candice shares her personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the need for proper planning and support in the journey of becoming an author.

S1E6 - Candice Nicole Hargons, PhD | We Published, Beloved! Podcast

The publishing world is overwhelmingly white and the stories that we read reflect that reality. Because of this long-time trend, many new and upcoming Black and queer authors often feel shut out and excluded from the publishing process.

This podcast demystifies the publishing process with a focus on first-time Black and queer authors.

S1E2 - Annell Lopez | We Published, Beloved! Podcast

We Published, Beloved! Podcast

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