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
72 episodes
Making It Over the Tobin Bridge (with Charity Collier)
In this episode, we welcome debut novelist Charity Collier to discuss her journey to becoming an author, from journaling and overcoming dyslexia-related discouragement to gaining confidence with her writing. Charity shares the inspiration and s...
.png)
Stories of Hurt That Heal (with Kim Coleman Foote)
On the Liberation is Lit podcast, host Tayler Simon talks with New Jersey author Kim Coleman Foote about her lifelong journey as a writer, the family storytelling that inspired her historical fiction, and how her novel Coleman Hill uses both tr...
A Soul With Good Intentions (with Channelle Desamours)
In this episode, we welcome author and high school science teacher Channelle Desamours to discuss her new YA supernatural thriller mystery, They Call Her Regret. Channelle shares why she writes for teens, how the dystopian boom reignited her re...
.png)
Vulnerable Heart and Creative Stillness (with Dhayana Alejandrina)
In this episode, we welcome writer Dhayana Alejandrina to discuss storytelling, social change, and Dhayana’s concept “Creative Stillness,” a reframe of writer’s block as a needed pause to live life and spark creativity. Dhayana shares her origi...
.png)
Defining Ourselves as Human Beings (with D.A. Murray)
In this episode, we welcome author D.A. Murray to discuss her dystopian novel Dominion: Ascension and how storytelling can explore social change. Murray shares her background as a longtime writer and a Black woman in corporate America and tech,...
Finding Truth (with James B. Wells)
In this episode, we interview author and retired university criminologist James B. Wells about his investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew. James recounts learning that his fath...
.png)
Trying to Get Free (with Bsrat Mezghebe)
In this episode, we interview author Bsrat Mezghebe about her debut novel, I Hope You Find What You’re Looking For. Bsrat describes her approach to connecting the 10,000-foot view of society with everyday human life and explains the novel as a ...
.png)
Sci-Fi Stories are Human Stories (with Jill Tew)
In this episode, we interview author Jill Tew about how she got into writing dystopian romance and middle-grade stories. Jill shares how her love of sci-fi and nerdy Black kids and discusses her new climate-justice dystopian romance, An Oce...
.png)
A Soft Woman with a Machete (with Zulynette)
In this episode, we welcome poet, performer, and writer Zulynette to discuss her journey writing and performing poetry and how rage, love, and resistance shape her work. She talks about writing and performance as community practice through work...
.png)
Rethinking Adoption (with Gretchen Sisson)
In this episode, we talk with sociologist Gretchen Sisson about her book Relinquished and how adoption decisions are shaped by poverty, policy, and cultural ideas about who is “worthy” to parent. We discuss pushback that adoption is inherently ...
.png)
The Worms Will Save the World (with Kevin Doyle)
In this episode, we sit with writer Kevin Doyle to discuss his children’s book The Worms That Saved the World. Joining from Cork, Ireland, Kevin shares his background and explains that he wanted children’s books with a political angle influe...
.png)
We Are Our Own Superheroes (with Eddie Dee Williams)
In this episode, we talk with author Eddie Dee Williams about his journey into storytelling, focusing on his superhero book series, the Affinity Saga. Eddie shares his inspirations from childhood heroes, the importance of representation in supe...
.png)
Abortion Stories are Expansive (with Renee Bracey Sherman)
In this episode, we converse with Renee Bracey Sherman, co-author of the book 'Liberating Abortion.' We dive deep into how Renee and her co-author, Regina, wrote their impactful book, and explore the complexities and joys of their partnership. ...
.png)
Stories as Fuel for Curiosity (with Johnisha Matthews Levi)
In this episode, we interview Johnisha Matthews Levi about her powerful memoir 'Number's Up' and her journey as an author. Johnisha shares her personal story, discussing her parents' diverse backgrounds, her shy nature, and her path from law to...
Creating Safe Spaces Through Books (with Dr. Linda Holloway)
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Linda Holloway, a children's book author. Dr. Linda shares her journey into writing children’s books, inspired by her own childhood and academic research on Black women in wellness. The discussion covers signif...
Complicating Race (with Toni Ann Johnson)
Welcome to Season 4 of the Liberation is Lit Podcast! In this episode, we interview author Toni Ann Johnson about her latest book, 'But Where's Home?' Toni Ann shares her journey from actress to writer, discussing her transition from screenw...
.png)
Besieged with Longing (with Jandy Nelson)
In this episode, we are joined by acclaimed author Jandy Nelson. Jandy shares her unique journey from poet to fiction writer and the profound impact of storytelling. They discuss her latest book, 'When the World Tips Over,' inspirations, and th...
.png)
Rom-Tram-Coms (with Rachel Runya Katz)
In this episode, we interview author Rachel Runya Katz about her new book. Rachel discusses her unique writing style of contemporary romance that she humorously calls 'rom traum coms,' exploring real-world issues within the romantic escapism ge...
.png)
Human Memory Carried in the Land and Water (with Shobha Rao)
In this episode, we interview Shobha Rao, author of 'Girls Burn Brighter' and 'Indian Country.' Rao shares her journey to becoming a writer, beginning with her migration from India to the U.S. as a child. We cover the themes in her books, parti...
.png)
The New Black Wall Street (with Dr. Charlene Sims)
We have a powerful discussion with Dr. Charlene Sims about financial freedom and literacy within the Black community. Dr. Charlene shares insights from her book “The New Black Wall Street,” which focuses on sustainability, collaboration, and th...
Disrupting the Publishing Industry (with Bindery)
In this episode, we dive into the world of indie publishing with special guests Naomi, Michael, and Marines. The discussion covers the motivation behind starting imprints with Bindery (a startup publisher that partners with large-scale social m...
.png)
More Than Slam Poetry (with Chrisso)
In this episode, we are joined by poet extraordinaire, Chrisso. We dive into Chrisso's journey from growing up in Lancaster, South Carolina, to becoming a prominent figure in the slam poetry scene. Chrisso shares his background, the inspiration...
Bibliotherapy in the Bronx (with Emely Rumble)
In this episode, we sit down with Bibliotherapist and author Emely Rumble. We discuss what bibliotherapy is and how it is used to help clients process emotions and discover new perspectives. Emely shares her journey into bibliotherapy, the cult...
.png)
She Writes to Live (with Tamela Gordon)
In this episode, we are joined by Tamela Gordon, an author, editor, and advocate for hood wellness. We discuss the interplay between writing and editing, Tamela's journey as a writer, and the impact of mutual aid in publishing. Tamela also shar...
.png)
Sankofa Shadow Work (with Sara Makeba Daise)
In this episode, we have an enlightening conversation with author and cultural worker, Sara Makeba Daise. We explore the concepts behind Sara's book 'Sankofa Shadow Work: Diaries of a Diasporic Divine', discussing themes of ancestral connection...
