In this episode, we interview author Deesha Dyer about her new book 'Undiplomatic' which explores themes of imposter syndrome and authenticity. Deesha shares her personal journey from growing up uncertain of her voice as a young Black girl to working in the White House and beyond. The conversation delves into the pressures of conforming to societal norms, the importance of representation, and the impact of identity on self-perception. Deesha also speaks candidly about her health challenges and the importance of staying grounded.
00:00 Introduction to Liberation is Lit
00:43 Meet Deesha Dyer: From Philadelphia to the White House
02:21 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
04:39 The Role of Representation and Identity
09:38 Staying Grounded Amidst Success
16:32 Upcoming Projects and Future Plans
19:18 Getting Involved Locally and Making an Impact
23:06 Conclusion and Where to Find Us
Deesha’s Book:
Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble
Books Mentioned in This Episode:
You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience edited by Tarana Burke and Brené Brown
Where to Find Deesha
deeshadyer.com
@deedyer267 on Instagram and @deeshadyer on X
Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.
Content warning- Child Sexual Abuse, explicit language
In this episode, we chat with Alisa Zipursky about her work with survivors of child sexual abuse and her platform, Healing Honestly. We discuss the journey of healing through storytelling, building supportive communities, and maintaining boundaries. Alisa shares insights from her book 'Healing Honestly', navigating personal trauma, and the impact of connecting deeply with community members. She also provides a glimpse into her personal life, embracing big feelings, gossip, and motherhood, while emphasizing the power of storytelling and community in the healing process.
Alisa’s Book:
Healing Honestly: The Messy and Magnificent Path to Overcoming Self-Blame and Self-Shame
Books Mentioned in This Episode:
- Dog’s First Baby by Natalie Nelson
- Calm-Down Time by Elizabeth Verdick
- Soccer Legends Alphabet: Women by Beck Feiner
- Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer
- Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More by Janet Mock
Where to find Alisa
Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.
In this episode, Zakiya dives into the challenges Black women face in the startup phase, especially in securing financial support despite recognition and accolades. She stresses the importance of prioritizing financial stability, the need for community-driven solutions over systemic dependence, and the power of radical love and ancestral guidance. Tune in to hear insightful advice on community impact without the default step of starting a nonprofit and how to balance personal well-being with activism.
Books mentioned in this episode:
- Unapologetic: A Black, Queer, and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements by Charlene Carruthers
- All the Black Girls Are Activists: A Fourth Wave Womanist Pursuit of Dreams as Radical Resistance by Ebonyjanice Moore
Where to find Zakiya on Instagram:
Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.
Content Warning: Violence Against Youth
In this episode we talk with Zakiya, an activist, organizer, and advocate from Columbia, SC. We discuss Zakiya's work with Sowing Seeds, an organization dedicated to providing support and resources for young people, particularly those involved with the juvenile justice system. Zakiya shares her personal story of overcoming challenges, the importance of mentorship, and the necessity of creating safe spaces for youth development. This conversation highlights the power of storytelling in driving social change and the impact of community-driven initiatives.
Come back next week for part two!
Where to find Zakiya on Instagram:
Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.
In this insightful episode, we speak with Victoria Wood, the creator of BiblioLifestyle and The Reader's Couch podcast, as well as the organizer of the Epigraph Lit Fest. Victoria shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from a healthcare career to a literary passion, her experiences as an immigrant, and the development of her various book-related projects. The discussion dives deep into her struggles and triumphs, the importance of community, and the unique challenges of the book industry. Victoria also offers valuable advice for supporting indie bookstores and connecting with readers. Packed with book recommendations and personal stories, this episode is a heartfelt conversation about the power of literature to create change and build community.
Books mentioned in this episode:
- The Lonely Londoners by Sam Selvon
- Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino
- James by Percival Everett
- God Bless You, Otis Spunkmeyer by Joseph Earl Thomas
- The Anthropologists by Aysegül Savas
- A Short Walk Through a Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke
Where to find Victoria:
- bibliolifestyle.com
- @bibliolifestyle on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
- Summer Reading Guide
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to our Bookshop store that supports this Black-owned bookseller committed to liberation.
Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.
In this episode, we sit with Dr. Artika Tyner, a civil rights attorney, bookstore owner, publisher, writing coach, and children's book author. Dr. Tyner shares her inspiring journey from growing up in the Rondo community in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to founding the 'Planting People Growing Justice Press and Bookstore.' She discusses the importance of promoting literacy, diversity, and leadership in children's literature, and her mission to empower young readers. The conversation covers the profound impact of storytelling on social change, Dr. Tyner's current and future projects, and the significance of community involvement in educating young minds.
(Some of) Dr. Artika’s books:
- Justice Makes a Difference: The Story of Miss Freedom Fighter Esquire
- Amazing Africa: A To Z
- The Untold Story of Annie Turnbo Malone: Hair Care Millionaire
- The Untold Story of Sarah Keys Evans: Civil Rights Soldier
- The Inclusive Leader: Taking Intentional Action for Justice and Equity
Books mentioned in this episode:
Where to find Dr. Artika:
@artikatyner on Instagram and @DrArtikaTyner on X
@PlantingPeopleGrowingJustice on Instagram
www.ppgjli.org/
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to our Bookshop store that supports this Black-owned bookseller committed to liberation.
Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.
In this episode of the podcast, Tayler interviews Barbara Howard. They discuss Barbara's journey from a political science major with ambitions to change the world to becoming a successful author of clean, cozy mysteries. Barbara talks about her books that explore themes such as gentrification, foster care, and homelessness and how her characters navigate these issues. Learn about Barbara’s writing process, upcoming projects, and more about her love for crafting handmade bookmarks.
Barbara’s books:
Books mentioned in this episode:
Where to find Barbara:
authorbarbarahoward.com
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to our Bookshop store that supports this Black-owned bookseller committed to liberation.
Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.
In this episode, Tayler welcomes Shawn, the creative mind behind Cartoon Junkyard, home of Mission: Jam and Jelly and Super Rap. They delve into Shawn's passion for animation and storytelling, discussing how his love for imagination and his experiences working in schools inspired him to create stories that encourage children to embrace their creativity. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining imagination into adulthood and using it to positively impact the community. Shawn talks about the profound lessons embedded in his books, such as forgiveness, thinking for oneself, and understanding others. This episode underscores the power of being authentic and following one's passion as a means to effect meaningful change.
Shawn’s Books:
Where to Find Shawn
- Cartoonjunkyard.com
- @CartoonJunkyard on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to our Bookshop store that supports this Black-owned bookseller committed to liberation.
Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.
In this episode, host we have a profound conversation with poet and storyteller Tammaka about the impact of storytelling and poetry on social change. Tammaka shares insights on their journey as a spoken word performer and artivist, focusing on themes of race, gender, sexuality, and activism. They also discuss their work as a sex educator and founder of YASÉ, a project aimed at empowering youth through education about consent and bodily autonomy. Tune in to hear about the power of radical pleasure, healing justice, and creating a consent culture. Plus, get the details on Tammaka's upcoming workshops and events!
Upcoming Events
- Dark and Divine, August 10, 11 am- 1 pm
- Poetry vs. Hip-Hop. Sept 13
Book Recommendations
Healing Justice Lineages: Dreaming at the Crossroads of Liberation, Collective Care, and Safety by Cara Page & Erica Woodland
Pleasure Activism The Politics of Feeling Good by adrienne maree brown
Decolonizing the Body: Healing, Body-Centered Practices for Women of Color to Reclaim Confidence, Dignity, and Self-Worth by Kelsey Blackwell
Embodied Activism Engaging the Body to Cultivate Liberation, Justice, and Authentic Connection by Rae Johnson, PhD
Where to find Tammaka: Tammakastaley.com
Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.
In this episode of the Liberation is Lit podcast, host Tayler Simon speaks with poet AJ Johnson, also known as Moses Oaktree. The discussion revolves around AJ's journey as a writer, the scarcity of Black male representation in literature, and how this has influenced his work. AJ highlights the importance of community and collaboration in improving as a writer and mentions his free writing and performance workshop, Tree x House. He also delves into the significance of oral tradition, reading diverse literature, and the power of words in fostering social change. The episode concludes with AJ emphasizing the need for organization and community-building to create positive impacts.
Books mentioned in this episode:
- Revolutionary Suicide by Huey P. Newton
- The Black Girl Survives This One: Horror Stories by Desiree S. Evans and Saraciea J. Fennell
- The Black Joy Project by Kleaver Cruz
Where to find AJ:
@Moses_Oaktree on Instagram
Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.
Tayler has an insightful conversation with author and poet Blythe Krueger. They talk about Blythe's journey as a writer, her inspiration for creating impactful children's books and poetry collections, and her approach to addressing mental health and emotions through literature. Blythe also shares her experiences as a yoga instructor, upcoming projects, including a new poetry book, and her plans to pursue a master's degree in counseling. Tune in for an empowering discussion on the intersection of storytelling, mindfulness, and community activism.
Blythe’s books:
Books mentioned in this episode:
Where to find Blythe:
@Blythes_Books_and_Yoga on Instagram
https://www.blythesbooksandyoga.com/
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to our Bookshop store that supports this Black-owned bookseller committed to liberation.
Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.
Author Lauren Wilson discusses her book Afro Bougie Blues, a collection of short stories highlighting diverse Black experiences. Lauren shares her journey from an engineer with a passion for writing to an author whose stories explore profound themes like abortion, PTSD, weight loss, and relationships. She describes how personal experiences and empathy for others' struggles fuel her storytelling, and discusses the importance of writing from the heart to create relatable and impactful narratives. Lauren also touches on her blogging activities and hints at a potential new collection of stories 👀
Lauren’s book: Afro-Bougie Blues
Where to find Lauren: Afrobougieblues.com
Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.
Marla Taviano talks about her journey from a deeply religious, conservative evangelical Christian background to a more socially aware and activist stance, emphasizing themes of racial justice, deconstruction of faith, and personal growth. Marla, originally living in a predominantly white environment and then in Cambodia for missionary work, recounts her awakening to racial issues following the killing of Trayvon Martin in 2012, leading her to critically reassess her beliefs and the role of white supremacy.
Marla’s books:
- unbelieve: poems on the journey to becoming a heretic
- jaded: a poetic reckoning with white evangelical christian indoctrination
- whole: poems on reclaiming the pieces of ourselves and creating something new
- please cut up my poems
Books mentioned in this episode:
- The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man's Love Affair with Nature by J. Drew Lanham
- Better Living Through Birding: Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World by Christian Cooper
- The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan
- Malcolm X: Selected Speeches
- Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross
Other bookstores:
Where to find Marla:
marlataviano.com
@whitegirllearning and @marlataviano on Instagram
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to our Bookshop store that supports this Black-owned bookseller committed to liberation.
Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.
This is the episode for writers!
Tayler and Cassie discuss Cassie's journey as a poet, writer, and community leader. Cassie shared her thoughts on the intersection of writing and healing, expressing that writing creates profound connections and has the power to make individuals and communities well. Cassie also discusses her novel Beaver Girl, which was inspired by her experience during the pandemic and the ecological significance of beavers. She explained how beavers, as a keystone species, create resilient ecosystems, drawing a parallel between historical trauma and the hope beavers represent in combating climate change.
Tayler and Cassie also touched on the significance of social justice in her work and the importance of self-care for activists. Cassie encourages listeners to find balance and take care of themselves to avoid burnout.
Cassie’s books:
- Beaver Girl
- Tongues in Trees
- Wednesday
- Earth Joy Writing: Creating Harmony Through Journaling and Nature
Books mentioned in this episode:
Organizations Mentioned in this episode
Where to find Cassie:
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to our Bookshop store that supports this Black-owned bookseller committed to liberation.
Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.
Sawyer Cole, author and memoirist, shares their journey of writing a memoir about their experiences as a queer person in the South. They discuss the process of writing, the impact it had on their understanding of their own identity, and the challenges they faced. Sawyer hopes that their memoir will provide support and community for queer individuals in the South and contribute to the broader conversation about queer representation and visibility in literature. They also offer advice for making a positive impact in communities.
Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.
In this episode, Shannon Ivey shares her journey into storytelling activism and coaching. She discusses the power of stories in amplifying voices, challenging norms, and fostering understanding. Shannon emphasizes the importance of representation and the need for diverse protagonists in storytelling. She also highlights the intersectionality between storytelling, activism, and personal growth. Shannon encourages listeners to do their own inner work and practice mutual hospitality when engaging with different communities.
Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.
In this episode, host Tayler Simon interviews filmmaker and creator Catherine Joy White about her journey as a creator and storyteller. They discuss Catherine's book, Threads of Gold, which explores the interconnected stories of Black women throughout history. They also talk about the power of storytelling in activism and the importance of representation in creating a more liberated world. Catherine shares her upcoming project, an animated film based on a letter she wrote to her future daughter. The episode ends with advice for listeners who want to make a positive impact in their communities. Check the show notes on liberationislit.com!
Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.
We sit down with poet and author Evelyn Berry about representation, poetry collections you need to read, and what it means to be an activist.
Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.
When you think about writing and the power of storytelling what comes to mind? Well, for KB Brookins we were able to take a deep dive into their mind in this interview. We discuss social change, focus on marginalized communities and how it all ties into the world of writing. We also take a chance to look into the challenges we face as writers/poets who want to push the importance of advocacy to said groups while balancing the creativity nonfiction narratives need to be engaging for the reader. KB is intentional about their efforts to support the groups they believe need to be highlighted - take a listen here!
Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.
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Curiosity of Defying Your Own Limitations (with Deesha Dyer)
24:16
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Teaching Each Other How to Be There for Each Other (with Alisa Zipurksy)
36:19
Working Magic with Pocket Change (with Zakiya Mickle)
25:45
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Support When You're Just Becoming (with Zakiya Mickle)
22:41
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Sorting the Best From the Rest (with Victoria from BiblioLifestyle)
35:28
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Legacy of Faith, Hope, and Justice (with Dr. Artika Tyner)
26:24
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Challenging Imagination Without the Trauma (with Barbra Howard)
31:41
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Big Kid, Big Imagination (with Cartoon Junkyard)
20:39
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Liberation Starts with Consent (with Tammaka Staley)
25:16
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Tolstoy of the Zulus (with Moses Oaktree)
31:29
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If You Have a Mission in Your Heart-- an Interview with Blythe Krueger
10:34
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Write Something Within Your Heart-- Interview with Lauren Wilson
21:08
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We Don’t Have the Luxury of Slow Waking (with Marla Taviano)
39:18
Using Your Gifts and Talents to Be of Service (with Cassie Premo Steele)
32:14
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Finding Safe Communities- An Interview with Sawyer Cole
16:49
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Growth in Brave Spaces (with Shannon Ivey)
36:36
Embracing Joy (with Catherine Joy White)
24:40
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Deeper than Words (with Evelyn Berry)
34:14
The Vessel of Me (with KB Brookins)
29:33