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

In this episode, Dr. Jenn and Daren discuss the importance of moving away from toxic relationships in various aspects of life, including friendships, family, and work. They explore how personal growth can lead to the end of certain relationships and emphasize the need for accountability, boundaries, and self-worth in maintaining healthy connections. The conversation highlights the signs of toxicity and the necessity of demanding better treatment from others.

S8E7 - Moving Away From Toxic Relationships

In this episode, the hosts discuss the significance of Black August, emphasizing the importance of consistency in activism, the historical context of Black liberation movements, and the need for education and in-person connections in the fight for justice. They reflect on the challenges posed by social media and the necessity of courage in activism, while also highlighting the ongoing struggles for liberation and the power of community engagement.

S8E8 - Black August for a New Generation

In this episode of “We Published Beloved!”, Brea Baker discusses her journey in writing 'Rooted', the importance of centering Black voices in storytelling, and the challenges and triumphs of navigating the publishing process. She emphasizes the significance of oral histories, the role of Black-owned bookstores, and the necessity of self-advocacy in the literary world. She underscores the significance of community engagement in marketing and book tours, sharing valuable lessons learned along the way.

Brea offers insightful advice for aspiring writers, highlighting the importance of staying true to one's voice and the power of storytelling. The discussion also touches on how ongoing commitment to community support and staying connected to one's roots and community goes beyond showing up when you want something for yourself.

S1E7 - Brea Baker | We Published, Beloved! Podcast

In this episode of “We Published Beloved!”, Deesha Dyer shares her remarkable journey from community organizing to working in the White House, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in storytelling from her book "Undiplomatic." She discusses the challenges of navigating the publishing industry as a Black woman, the significance of community support, and the impact of politics on personal narratives. Deesha encourages aspiring writers to embrace their unique stories, seek guidance, and give themselves grace as they navigate their own paths in writing and identity.

S1E8 - Deesha Dyer | We Published, Beloved! Podcast

In this episode of "That Black Couple," Jenn and Daren return after a break with a discussion on the intersection of Black food and gender roles. They share personal anecdotes about their relationships with food, exploring how their upbringing shaped their culinary skills and perspectives. Then they  delve into the cultural significance of cooking within the Black community, emphasizing the need to move beyond traditional gender norms that often dictate who should prepare meals. They highlight the importance of food as a survival skill and a means of fostering community connections, particularly in light of the decline in Black farm ownership. They encourage listeners to embrace a more inclusive approach to food preparation and to recognize the spiritual and communal aspects of sharing meals. Tune in for a celebration of the richness of Black culinary heritage and the power of collective nourishment.

S8E9 - Black Food and Gender Roles

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.

S1E7 - Brea Baker | We Published, Beloved! Podcast

We Published, Beloved! Podcast

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