Liberation is Lit Podcast
Welcome to the Liberation is Lit podcast, where the power of storytelling meets the force of social change! In this podcast, we believe in the profound impact of stories – stories that amplify voices, challenge norms, and foster understanding.
Whether you're a literature enthusiast, an advocate for social justice, or simply someone who believes in the transformative power of stories, you're in the right place. Tune in, and let's embark on a journey together – one where every story has the potential to change the world.
Episodes
34 episodes
Believe in the Resilience (with Vanessa Miller)
In this episode, we sit down with renowned author Vanessa Miller. We discuss Vanessa's journey as a writer, the importance of storytelling, and her latest historical fiction work, 'The Filling Station,' centered around the 1921 Tulsa Race Massa...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 9
•
25:27
.png)
Natural-Born Scientists (with Kyla Saphir)
In this episode, we speak with children's book author, educator, and yoga instructor Kyla Saphir about the importance of nature-based learning for children. Kyla shares her background in early childhood education and discusses how nature school...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 8
•
19:38
.png)
Asking the Bigger Questions (with Enigmatic Raven)
In this episode, we have a heartfelt and insightful conversation with author and poet Enigmatic Raven. Discussing the intersections of personal identity, writing, and social advocacy, Enigmatic Raven shares their journey from a rural Midwestern...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 6
•
30:04
Whole Enough to Enjoy (with Jennifer Bartell Boykin)
In this episode, we speak with Jennifer Bartell Boykin, the City of Columbia Poet Laureate. Jennifer discusses her work as a writer, focusing on her personal experiences growing up as a Black woman in the rural South and capturing the stories o...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 5
•
32:31
.png)
Inspiration Through Challenge (with Dr. Latasha Watts)
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Latasha Watts, an author, poet, and model. Dr. Latasha discusses her journey as a writer, her passion for poetry, and how her experiences, including her work with Mecklenburg County Mobile Crisis, have influenc...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 4
•
19:59
.png)
Pie for Everyone (with Noah Bodie)
In this episode we have an enlightening conversation with author and illustrator Noah Bodie. They discuss Noah's passion for writing queer dark fantasy, the importance of representation in literature, and the challenges and joys of being a crea...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 3
•
13:23
Poem Art Protest (with Marla Taviano)
In this episode of the Liberation is Lit podcast, we chat with returning guest Marla Taviano about our upcoming course, 'Poet to Publish,’ during National Poetry Month. We discuss the importance of self-publishing poetry, the personal and socia...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 3
•
41:14
.png)
We All Come with Purpose (with Rian Jenkins)
In this episode, we interview Rian Jenkins, a poet, author, and community activist. Rian discusses her journey as a writer, the various genres she works in, and her inspiration to write. She talks about her upcoming releases, including a chi...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 2
•
23:46
You Have to Survive with Brandy del Río
In this episode of the Liberation is Lit podcast, we sit down with Latina poet and author Brandy Del Río to discuss the transformative power of poetry and storytelling. We explore themes of feminism, Latin history, and the impact of cultural he...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 1
•
20:59
.png)
Go Where You’re Valued with Digital Draya
On this episode of the Liberation is Lit podcast, we have an in-depth conversation with Andraya 'Digital Draya' Lashay, founder of Uncut Gems Agency and the Art Pharm Project. Draya shares her inspiring journey from a background in journalis...
•
Episode 23
•
17:34
.png)
Storytelling is Freedom with Sarah Raughley
In this episode, we are joined by author Sarah Raughley to discuss her upcoming book, The Queen's Spade. We dive into Sarah's writing process, her inspiration behind retelling the story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta (Queen Victoria’s goddaughter),...
•
Episode 22
•
23:21
.png)
Expressing Our Own Humanity (with Nico Lang)
In this episode, we chat with journalist Nico Lang about their entry into journalism and their book 'American Teenagers.' Nico emphasizes the power of telling queer stories and the need for empathy to counteract harmful political rhetoric ag...
•
Episode 21
•
37:29
.png)
Art as a Vehicle (with SaBrina Jeffcoat)
In this episode, we have an insightful discussion with Dr. SaBrina Jeffcoat, founder of Royal African Company and a professor of social media technology at UAlbany. Dr. SaBrina shares her journey through the arts community, the motivation behin...
•
Episode 20
•
20:26
.png)
Divinely Inspired Work (with EbonyJanice)
In this episode, EbonyJanice shares her personal journey of embracing softness and redefining work-life balance as an entrepreneur. She challenges the traditional hustle culture, emphasizing the importance of rest, self-care, and inspired wo...
•
Episode 19
•
21:00
.png)
Free Woman on a Love Journey with EbonyJanice
In this episode, we speak with EbonyJanice about her book 'All the Black Girls Are Activists,' the concept of womanism, and the importance of love. EbonyJanice shares her views on the significance of names, freedom, and love, as well as the ...
•
Episode 18
•
28:28
Curiosity of Defying Your Own Limitations (with Deesha Dyer)
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 t...
•
Episode 17
•
24:16
.png)
Teaching Each Other How to Be There for Each Other (with Alisa Zipurksy)
Content warning- Child Sexual Abuse, explicit languageIn 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 ...
•
Episode 16
•
36:19
.png)
Working Magic with Pocket Change (with Zakiya Mickle)
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 c...
•
Episode 15
•
25:45
Support When You're Just Becoming (with Zakiya Mickle)
Content Warning: Violence Against YouthIn 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...
•
Episode 14
•
22:41
.png)
Sorting the Best From the Rest (with Victoria from BiblioLifestyle)
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 ...
•
Episode 13
•
35:28
.png)
Legacy of Faith, Hope, and Justice (with Dr. Artika Tyner)
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, Minnesot...
•
Episode 12
•
26:24
.png)
Challenging Imagination Without the Trauma (with Barbra Howard)
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...
•
Episode 9
•
31:41
.png)
Big Kid, Big Imagination (with Cartoon Junkyard)
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 imagi...
•
Episode 10
•
20:39
.png)
Liberation Starts with Consent (with Tammaka Staley)
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 ...
•
Episode 11
•
25:16
.png)
Tolstoy of the Zulus (with Moses Oaktree)
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 ...
•
Episode 10
•
31:29
.png)