Kelli and Kendra welcome Dr. Tahirah Walker back into the group chat for a conversation about lineage, scholarship, and the ways Black women continue to speak ourselves into a future our foremothers dreamed for us. Together, they explore rhetorical intersectionality— Dr. Walker’s framework for naming the erasure of Black women’s voices and the insistence to reclaim our place in public discourse. They also dig into:

• Education as inheritance
 How mothers and grandmothers stretched what they had so their children could study, travel, and imagine bigger lives.

• Work, faith, and belonging
 The tension of leading in white institutions while staying rooted in community, calling, and spiritual practice.

• Claiming space in public life
 From Phyllis Wheatley to “reclaiming my time,” the episode traces a long history of Black women refusing silence.

• Creative and political life in Pittsburgh
 Why so many Black women consider leaving—and what it means to build artistic, academic, and community-rooted lives right where we are.

• The legacy of the Community Engagement doctoral program
 How Black women helped shape the program’s character from the very first cohort and how Dr. Walker is carrying that work forward.

The episode closes with gratitude for the thinkers, elders, and artists who shaped our understanding of womanism, Black feminism, and freedom work.

Books & Thinkers Mentioned

• Alice Walker — In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens
• Patricia Hill Collins — Black Feminist Thought
• bell hooks — All About Love
• Assata Shakur — Assata: An Autobiography
• Fannie Lou Hamer — Biography & collected works
• Ella Baker — Biography
• Septima Clark — Ready from Within
• Beverly Guy-Sheftall — Words of Fire
• Brittney Cooper — Eloquent Rage and The Crunk Feminist Collection
• Cole Arthur Riley — Black Liturgies
• EbonyJanice Moore — The Fourth Wave Womanist Manifesto
• Disha Philyaw — The Secret Lives of Church Ladies
• Tressie McMillan Cottom — Thick
• Octavia Butler scholarship (various) — Suggested starting text 

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

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This week, Kelli King-Jackson and Kendra Ross return to the group chat to talk about the everyday things keeping us grounded as the world keeps shifting. From celebrity parties and “eat the rich” threads to flu and COVID shots, we name how uncertain this season still feels for many of us.

Kendra shares why she’s recommitting to reading after hearing Percival Everett call books—and book clubs—radical practices. We talk about how reading habits changed during the pandemic and how book clubs, even the informal ones, offer community and joy.

Hair care brings a “back to basics” moment with flexi rods, rollers, silk presses, and the simple routines that help us feel like ourselves. We also sit with aging, partnership, solitude, and the ache some women feel when life doesn’t follow old expectations. Across it all, friendship shows up as its own kind of wealth.

Money surfaces throughout the episode—rising costs, budgeting stress, the so-called “Black tax,” and caring for loved ones while managing our own responsibilities. We name the tenderness needed this holiday season as many families make hard choices.

We close with political education: rural suffering, misinformation, and why accessible, community-centered learning still matters. From Books & Breakfast to loving accountability, we explore what “back to basics” might mean for the world we’re trying to build.

Related Links

1. Percival Everett interview on reading as subversion — referenced by Kendra
2. The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai — referenced by Kendra
3. Bell Hooks quote on solitude & love — referenced by Kendra
4. Black Panther Party’s Breakfast Program — referenced by Kendra
5. Working Families Party — referenced by Kelli
6. Jamaica disaster recovery resource — referenced by Kelli
7. Domestic violence after a weather event — referenced by Kelli
8. Dominican blowout/roller-set traditions — referenced by Kendra
9. Pittsburgh Black Feminist Reading Group — referenced by Kendra
10. COVID & flu vaccine info — referenced by both hosts
11. Dr. Greg Carr’s “different ways of knowing and being” - referenced by Kendra

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

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This week, hosts Kelli King-Jackson and Dr. Kendra Janelle Ross welcome writer-scholar Dr. Tahirah J. Walker for Part 1 of a rich, generous conversation about womanism, faith, academia, and radical honesty at midlife.

Dr. Walker traces her journey from Newark to Haiti to Pittsburgh— and how living, learning, working, and even giving birth in community shaped her conviction that “you don’t do anything truly liberating without it being communal.” She talks about being the only Black woman who can chair a dissertation, teaching in the era of the two-minute reel, and holding rigor with care as a standard.

Together, they unpack spirituality across traditions (Nation of Islam → Sunni Islam → “recovering church girls”), intergenerational truth-telling (“on today”), and why rhetorical intersectionality matters— especially when institutions adopt the language but not the labor.

Next up (Part 2): a deeper dive into Dr. Walker’s new book, Rhetoric, Intersectionality, and Black Women in Pittsburgh: Living Enough for the City—how Black women reclaim rhetorical space, and what joy and reclamation look like as praxis.

Related Links & References

• Alice Walker — entry point to womanism; The Color Purple lineage
• Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw — intersectionality (and the need to reclaim it)
• Deesha Philyaw, The Secret Lives of Church Ladies
• D. Danyelle Thomas, The Day God Saw Me as Black (title referenced by Dr. Walker)
• Dr. Tahirah J. Walker, Rhetoric, Intersectionality, and Black Women in Pittsburgh: Living Enough for the City — (featured in Part 2, but can be ordered here)

Stay Connected
Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat going!

This episode was produced and edited by Centering Equity Productions, with the original theme song written and performed by Kendra Ross.

Learn more:

• Kelli King-Jackson — iamkelli.com
• Dr. Kendra Janelle Ross — kendraross.com
• This Womanist’s Work — thiswomanistworkpodcast.com

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

Support the show

This week, co-hosts Kelli King-Jackson and Dr. Kendra Janelle Ross are back in the group chat: no guests, just real talk. We kick off with beauty faves (hi, Lip Bar!) and hair-care trials (when allergies and menopause enter the chat!), then move into media diets and why we’re reinvesting in Black-owned outlets. The episode winds down with reading lists as resistance, coalition-building, and a simple ask for this season: give peace a chance.

Related Links & References

Beauty & Hair

• The Lip Bar (shades mentioned: Boss Lady, Curl Friend, Ring Leader; liner: Straight Boss; also Prima Donna)
• Cécred (travel kit)
• Pattern Beauty (curl cream)
• Mielle Organics (rosemary oil)

Media, Platforms & Press

• Ezra Klein x Ta-Nehisi Coates interview (re: “both sides,” dehumanization)
• Native Land Podcast (Angela Rye, Andrew Gillum, Tiffany Cross; rebrand adds Bakari Sellers)
• Ashley Allison w/ Michel Martin on NPR (discussing her company Watering Hole Media’s acquisition of The Root, returning it to Black ownership)
• Knubia / Knarrative (Africana community led by Dr. Greg Carr & Karen Hunter) /  “In Class with Carr,” on YouTube
• Spill (Black-owned social app)
• Rev. Cody Deese on The Roland Martin Show / Rev. Deese’s website (White pastor in Georgia fighting against white nationalism in the church)

Faith, Culture & Public Life

• Perfect Neighbor on Netflix (documentary on A.J. Owens with content advisory)
• Eddie Glaude Jr. on Substack  (referenced for prompt: “Where is the art for this moment?”)
• Texas State Rep. James Talarico (referenced for courageous public theology)

Songs

• “Give Peace a Chance” by John Lennon 
• “My Mic Sounds Nice” by Salt n Pepa

For the books Kendra and Kelli recommended in this episode, visit our book list here.

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

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In this episode, Kendra and Kelli are deep in the group chat, unpacking what it means to get free—spiritually, politically, and personally. From unlearning rapture theology to building a pocket altar with tips from both Catholic and Wiccan Reddit communities (yes, that Reddit), this conversation is a love letter to the Black women doing the work to define divinity on their own terms in a season that is calling for our sacred no.

They talk about the beauty of sister circles, the challenge of staying connected to family when life is full, and the intentionality it takes to nurture what matters. The convo flows from spiritual transitions and progressive faith spaces to the soft rebellion of choosing joy, rest, and pleasure without apology.

Come for the pop culture—Cardi B’s Bronx brilliance, the return of Mariah Carey’s curls—and stay for the spiritual reckoning. 

Related Links

1. "I Surrender All" -  referenced by Kelli King-Jackson  
2. How to Make New Friends as an Adult - referenced by Kelli King-Jackson
3. Hit Like a Girl Podcast - referenced by Kendra Ross
4. Awakenings - referenced by Kelli King-Jackson
5. NorthStar Church of the Arts (Durham, NC) - referenced by Kendra Ross
6. Left Behind – Film Series (re: Rapture) - referenced by Kendra Ross
7. Rapture IG Reel by Rev. Lizzie - referenced by Kelli King-Jackson
8. Heather McGhee – referenced by Kendra Ross
9. The Sum of Us (book) - referenced by Kendra Ross
10. "I Know A Man" - Mentioned by Kendra Ross
11. Pocket Altars - referenced by Kelli King-Jackson
12. The Realist Oracle Deck - referenced by Kendra Ross
13. Free - referenced by Kendra Ross

Dr. Kendra Janelle Ross is a tour de force in the worlds of music, education, community engagement, and technology, blending her passions to create inclusive spaces, equitable communities, and innovative cultural ecosystems. Dr. Ross's creative prowess culminated in her upcoming project, This Womanist’s Work, highlighting her commitment to amplifying female voices in the industry. Le

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

Support the show

This week, Kelli, Kendra, and our honorary third host (and original podcast co-founder) Dr. Chiyah A. Lawrence bring the group chat back to life. What starts as catching up turns into a deep dive on everything from pop culture dust-ups to church politics to the state of our digital lives.

We talk Tabitha Brown and the backlash against her recent comments, the controversy around Beyoncé’s Cécred beauty line, and the rise of “nice-nasty” as a cultural critique. From there, the conversation widens: moral injury in the Black church, the impact of algorithms on our rage, Eve redefining “soft life,” and what it means to feel both inside and outside of community spaces.

As always, the group chat keeps it real — funny, sharp, and vulnerable. Whether you came for hair product reviews or reflections on capitalism and faith, you’ll leave with a lot to think about.

Related Links:

1. Tabitha Brown’s Instagram Post - referenced by Dr. Chiyah and throughout the episode
2. Link to Lizzo NY Mag Instagram Post - referenced by Dr. Chiyah 
3. Sinead Bovell on Angie Martinez IRL Podcast – referenced by Kelli 
4. Eve on Angie Martinez IRL Podcast – referenced by Kelli 
5. Draw Me Close/Thy Will Be Done - Marvin Winans Live at Times Square Church - song referenced by Kendra

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat going! 

This episode was produced and edited by Centering Equity Productions with the original theme song written and performed by Kendra Ross.

Dr. Kendra Janelle Ross is a tour de force in the worlds of music, education, community engagement, and technology, blending her passions to create inclusive spaces, equitable communities, and innovative cultural ecosystems. Dr. Ross's creative prowess culminated in her upcoming project, This Womanist’s Work, highlighting her commitment to amplifying female voices in the industry. Learn more about Kendra’s work here: https://www.kendraross.com 

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

Support the show

This week, Kelli and Kendra sit down with the brilliant EbonyJanice—author, hip hop womanist, and all-around force of nature. From the very start, EbonyJanice brings her full self to the conversation, sharing how her journey through faith, womanism, and self-discovery has shaped her life and work.

We get real about what it means to be a “free woman on a love journey,” and how womanism can actually save and transform us—especially when we’re questioning everything we thought we knew about faith and spirituality. EbonyJanice opens up about her own spiritual shifts, the power of naming ourselves, and the deep ancestral connections that guide her work.

Related Links:

• Learn more about EbonyJanice here
• I Know It Was the Blood as sung on the episode
• Thuggish Ruggish Bone song referenced by EbonyJanice 
• Rev. Dr. Eddy N. Henry EbonyJanice’s childhood pastor
• Dr. Melanie C. Jones-Quarles  womanist scholar mentioned
• Aduni Idowu  wife of Fela Kuti 
• Dr. Monica A. Coleman womanist scholar mentioned 
• Rev. Dr. Renita J. Weems womanist scholar mentioned 
• Delores Williams author of the book Sisters in the Wilderness 

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat conversations going! 

This episode was produced and edited by Centering Equity Productions with original theme song written and performed by Kendra Ross.

Dr. Kendra Janelle Ross is a tour de force in the worlds of music, education, community engagement, and technology, blending her passions to create inclusive spaces, equitable communities, and innovative cultural ecosystems. Dr. Ross's creative prowess culminated in her upcoming project, This Womanist’s Work, highlighting her commitment to amplifying female voices in the industry. Learn more about Kendra’s work here: https://www.kendraross.com

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

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In this episode of This Womanist Work, we are joined by guests Pastor Cynthia Layton and Rev Dr. Vanessa Monroe. They discuss the impact of Womanist Theology on their personal and professional lives, highlighting the importance of Black women in faith spaces and leadership positions. Kendra and Kelli dive into their spiritual practices, while their guests share the challenges they face as Black women pastors, and their commitment to mentoring younger generations. The discussion also touches on the need for the church to be a safe and inclusive space and offers insights into navigating the intersection of faith and social justice.

Check out their rand new merch store here!

Additional links related to this episode: 

1. Dr. Allison Geis-Johnson who Rev Dr Vanessa references

2. Sisters in the Wilderness by Delores Williamson

3. "A Mistress, A Maid, and No Mercy" by Dr. Renita Weems- 

4. A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Renita Weems

5. What About Tamar by Dr Traci Blackman

6. Makers of Fire by Alex McManus

7. Article titled "National Baptist Convention Accepts Target Sponsorship"

8. Numbers 27:1-11- Zelophehad’s Daughters

9. Center for Action and Contemplation’s reference to Dr. Barbara Holmes’ work on joy as practice and presence

10. Final song… Yes Lord Yes by Shirley Caesar

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat conversations going! 

This episode was produced and edited by Centering Equity Productions with original theme song written and performed by Kendra Ross

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

Support the show

In their Season Two debut episode, hosts Kelli King-Jackson and Kendra Ross are back together again for an with Kendra's cousin Keisha Cook and Kelli's aunt Deborah Santana. In this episode, they explore the nuanced journeys of spiritual deconstruction, the richness and challenges of the Black church, and the importance of grounding in one's faith while embracing personal evolution.

As Deborah and Keisha share their stories, there's a delicate unraveling of what it means to be a womanist and how spiritual identities are reshaped through personal experiences and cultural influences. Whether you've questioned your faith or found strength in new spiritual practices, this conversation offers solace and insights into living authentically. 

Additional links related to this episode: 

1. Learn more about Auntie Deborah Santana here

2. Check out her foundation, Do a Little, and see how you can support

3. The Womanism framework that Kelli and Kendra use for creating the space and work of This Womanist Work

4. The Unity Church that Auntie Deborah refers to, along with the Daily Word and their Prayer for Unity

5. Notes on secular humanism 

6. Link to an article from Sojourners titled "Deconstruction is for Black and Brown Christians, Too" because iykyk

7. The Human Rights Commission's article on "Raising Black LGBTQ+ Children," a resource for Black families 

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat conversations going! 

This episode was produced and edited by Centering Equity Productions with original theme song written and performed by Kendra Ross

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

Support the show

In this season two trailer of the This Womanist Work podcast, hosts Kendra Ross and Kelly King-Jackson invite listeners to join a journey that intertwines spirituality with politics and pop culture. 

The season focuses on the role of Black women in theology, exploring their historical contributions and contemporary influence. Throughout the season you'll hear a blend of raw faith journeys, emotional moments, empowering conversations, and the truth-telling that you're used to. 

Season Two premieres on Sunday, August 3rd. Subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform now and follow the podcast @ThisWomanistWorkPod on all social platforms. We'll see you in the group chat! 

This episode was produced and edited by Centering Equity Productions, with the original theme song written and performed by Kendra Ross.

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Support the show

Recorded live over a beautiful, catered dinner at the Pittsburgh Public Theater, your hosts Kelli King-Jackson and Kendra Ross gathered with special guests to honor the sacred work of mothering. With laughter, a few tears, and lots of love, we kicked off Season Two exploring the beauty and complexity of motherhood and daughterhood.

This conversation holds multitudes: the joy and ache of mothering, the ways trauma shows up and gets transformed, the complicated legacy of the Black church, and the things we wish our mothers had told us, but didn’t. And still, we hold space for gratitude. For survival. For growth. For healing.

This one is for every former church girl finding her way, for every woman carrying the weight of two names—daughter and mother—and for anyone doing the heart work of redefining what family means. Pull up a chair. You’re welcome here. You deserve to give yourself grace. 

Special guests in this episode include: Lonita Ross, Elnora Biggs, Trisha Gadson, Maisha Howze, Denele Biggs, Tanika Harris, Janice Owusu, Meg Smith, and Leatra Tate.

Audio and Visual Support: Emmy and Webby award-winning production house, Ya Momz House, Inc  

Event Coordinator: Tim Komne, TK Event Studio

Caterer: Kevin Hermann, Executive Chef, BistroToGo

Venue: Pittsburgh Public Theater

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat conversations going! 

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment! It really helps the show. 

This episode was produced and edited by Centering Equity Productions, with the original theme song sung and created by Kendra Ross.

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

Support the show

In our season one finale episode, we are joined by Watering Hole Media's Chief Executive Officer, Ashley Allison. Ashley helps us break down steps for navigating life post-2024 general election. She encourages us to become clear and fortify our beliefs so we can stand ten toes down when needed, especially in our day-to-day interactions. She also calls on us to lean on the fact that our ancestors survived times such as this. We share what we are looking forward to in 2025, and we want to hear from you, so make sure you join the group chat and let us know on social media!

Additional links related to this episode: 

1. Watering Hole Media is a social impact media project seeking to open minds, activate change, and win for the people

2. "Serene Compassion" by John and Denise Carmody is an evaluation of Buddhist thought and practice from a Christian point of view

3. "Spiritual Vision" by Nadra Nittle explores bell hooks' writings on Christianity, Buddhism, and feminism

A few of Ashley's favorite preachers:

4. TD Jakes' sermon The Conception of Faith, Sarah Jakes Roberts (daughter of TD Jakes), and Otis Moss 

5. "Listening When Parts Speak: A Practical Guide to Healing with Internal Family Systems Therapy and Ancestor Wisdom" by Tamala Floyd

6. Hermeneutics of suspicion (definition courtesy of The Cambridge Companion to Liberation Theology) is employed with a Womanist Theology lens by Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas, Eboni Marshall Turman, and Monica Coleman

7. A clip of Ashley standing ten toes down as a Christian from CNN

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat conversations going! 

This episode was produced and edited by Centering Equity Productions, with the original theme song sung and created by Kendra Ross.

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

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Now that we are past the election and getting ready for the holiday season, we are returning for our full episode with Mama Sheryl! Sheryl Thomas-Washburn joins Kelli and Kendra to share more about how she got to where she is today. Mama Sheryl is Meg's mom, and she brings a whole lotta recipes for us to take with us. She starts by sharing her journey from a Christian Baptist church to her spiritual awakening; she shares tips for navigating one's spiritual journey, especially when you do not have community, and what it's like being in an interfaith relationship. Mama Sheryl also describes raising a queer daughter while connected to a fairly conservative church. Don't get punched in the face, because she just looks this cute. She will square up! 

Additional links related to this episode: 

1. Mama Sheryl makes her first appearance on Bonus Ep. 3- "If You're Not Uncomfortable, You're Not Doing the Work" with Sheryl Thomas-Washburn. Make sure you listen to this episode to hear all of her tips and tricks for JEDI work in today's society. 

2. "A Course in Miracles" is a unique spiritual self-study program designed to awaken us to the truth of our oneness with God and Love

3. Mama Sheryl mentions how impactful the spiritual guidance she received at the Centers for Spiritual Living was to her. Check them out here!

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat conversations going! 

This episode was produced and edited by Centering Equity Productions, with the original theme song sung and created by Kendra Ross.

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

Support the show

Kelli and Kendra continue their conversation on Black women's reproductive health. This week they are joined by Regina Townsend, founder of The Broken Brown Egg. This organization exists to empower, inform, and advocate for those questioning or experiencing the impact of infertility, with an emphasis on the Black experience of it. Regina shares her fertility journey, how she started the Broken Brown Egg, how she's feeling today, given our current political climate, and how our ancestral cultural genius inspires her work. You'll also hear Regina describe her 'mental health kit,' and we invite you to share in the group chat on social media what you have in yours! Kendra offers a new takeaway question for us, which honors ourselves and our bodies. 

P.S. Make sure you listen to the FULL episode because Regina blesses us with a recap of her book, Make IF Make Sense: Putting Words to the Feels of Infertility, and how you can join her community of women navigating their fertility journeys together.

Content warning: if you want to protect your peace and are sensitive to discussions about reproductive health issues and/or medical maltreatment and poor bedside manner, please take good care of yourself as you listen to this episode, and feel free to use the resources shared below

Additional links related to this episode: 

1. Find the Broken Brown Egg here: Instagram and Website

2. Grab your copy of Regina Townsend's book, Make IF Make Sense: Putting Words to the Feels of Fertility

3. Check out Chocolate Brides' Instagram page, the magazine Regina mentions in the episode that inspired her development of the Broken Brown Egg

4. Dr. Rev. Stacy Edwards Dunn, Regina's sister in the fight and founder of Fertility for Colored Girls

5. Learn more about Fertility for Colored Girls

6. The Cade Foundation, an organization Regina mentions in the episode whose mission is to serve the needs of families battling infertility through information and financial support

7. Resolve is The National Infertility Association

8. Therapy for Black Girls, a Dr. Joy Harden Bradford podcast, has several episodes on Black women and reproductive health. We've linked them on our social media! 

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat conversations going!

This episode was produced and edited by Dr. Tate, with the original theme song sung and created by Kendra Ross.

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

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Good Sis of the Pod, Dr. Chiyah A. Lawrence is back with Kendra and Kelli to discuss something we don't often discuss openly: reproductive health and the challenges Black women face. You'll hear each of them describe their experiences of navigating over the years, how it's impacted (or not impacted) their confidence as a woman, and Kendra even realizes in real time how much she has dealt with these challenges over the years. All three share pain management strategies that have worked well for them and resources they have incorporated into their wellness plans. As Black women, there is so much to learn from one another based on our experiences, and we want this episode to be informative, empowering, and supportive for all. We invite you to join us in the group chat and share what has worked well for you!

Content warning: if you want to protect your peace and are sensitive to discussions about reproductive health issues and/or medical maltreatment and poor bedside manner, please take good care of yourself as you listen to this episode, and feel free to use the resources shared below.

Additional links related to this episode: 

1. Midi Health, an online platform and virtual care clinic created by specialists in perimenopause and menopause: 

2. Dr. Chiyah's gynecologist friend put her onto some game for how to make an IUD procedure more tolerable. Always ask for a paracervical block and lidocaine jelly. Here's a video of Dr. Ashley Jeanius, a board-certified OBGYN, explaining how it is helpful and what other procedures this combo could be used for: 

3. Kendra wishes we could afford to play this on the pod, but, in the meantime, please enjoy God's Property's song, "He'll Take the Pain Away"

4. Coach Gessie,  a health activist and founder of The DeTox Now to help heal and prevent fibroids and more: 

5. Tanika Gray Valburn, founder of The White Dress Project, which focuses on raising fibroid awareness

6. Endo Black provides Black women with a safe space. Endo Black, Incorporated has connected thousands of Black women. Endo Black, Incorporated offers opportunities for discussions on health equity and women's reproductive health. We also provi

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

Support the show

The pod is podding! Kendra and Kelli share their reflections one week after the general election of 2024. Joined by their producer and digital media manager, Leatra and Meg, the hosts share their feelings immediately following the election and what they hope this means for our society going forward. Find your community, Black women, for such a time as this. This Womanist Work is a great place to start! 

Additional links related to this episode: 

1. If you haven't already, listen to Episode 8 of This Womanist Work titled "I Did Not Know What Freedom Was Until I Left: On Black Women Expats with Roshida Dowe and Stephanie Perry of ExodUS Summit"

2. Roshida Dowe from ExodUS Summit's video titled "Queer and Thriving Abroad"

3. Stephanie Perry, from ExodUS Summit's video titled "Countries Where Black Travelers Feel Welcome"

4. adrienne maree brown's book titled "Emergent Strategy" 

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat conversations going! 

Centering Equity Productions produced and edited this episode, with the original theme song sung and created by Kendra Ross.

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

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Black women-- we see you, hear you, and share your concerns post-election 2024. This week, Kendra and Kelli are joined by Roshida Dowe and Stephanie Perry, co-founders of ExodUS Summit. This organization hosts virtual and live events and workshops that show Black women ways to plan their ExodUS while fostering community. Roshida and Stephanie tell us where their go-to location would be if they had to make a quick escape from the United States, and they share their organization's 7-step plan that any Black woman can use to make their ExodUS a reality. As they note on the pod-- "go to a place where people will support your dreams." 

Additional links related to this episode: 

1. ExodUS Summit's guide on "Black Women's ExodUS from the USA: Start Here"

2. A newsletter article from Sherrilyn Ifill, President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc. (LDF), that has resonated with Kelli and Kendra over the past few days and inspired their introduction to this week's episode

3. Stephanie Perry's website, Vaycarious, where she "makes sabbaticals and life abroad accessible to Black women"

4. Roshida Dowe's website, Career Break Coach, where she "helps women take career breaks, move abroad, and live life on their terms

5. Essence magazine article, titled "The ExodUS Summit Is Helping Black Women Make Their Expat Dreams A Reality"

6. This Womanist Work's access link to the 5th Annual ExodUS Summit 2024's replay videos (note: our hosts receive a commission when listeners make a purchase using this link)

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat conversations going! 

This episode was produced and edited by Leatra Tate, with the original theme song sung and created by Kendra Ross.

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

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In this extended bonus episode, Kelli and Kendra are joined by Sheryl Thomas-Washburn, AKA Mama Sheryl, who highlights her JEDI-B (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging) work experience and gives us an overview of her consulting work with Tomia LLC. They cover related topics such as white fragility and the discomfort of change. Specifically, why it is necessary. Tune in next week to hear more from Mama Sheryl in our full episode, but we hope you enjoy this month's bonus episode! 

Additional links included in the episode:

1. Katy, TX school district considering a sensitivity policy for teachers after a book about a Native American allegedly makes white students uncomfortable

2. We reference Episode # 2- Ego is The Fear of Not Being Needed, where we discuss the importance of succession planning and how unique challenges emerge for Black women leaders

3. McKinsey & Company's Women in the Workplace study

Looking to book Sheryl Thomas-Washburn for your future speaking or consulting opportunities? You may contact her here:

Instagram- @the_sheryl_chronicles

Facebook- Sheryl Thomas-Washburn

LinkedIn- Sheryl Thomas-Washburn

Email- Sherylthomas189@gmail.com

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat conversations going! 

This episode was produced and edited by Leatra Tate, with the original theme song sung and created by Kendra Ross.

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

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Kendra and Kelli cover it all this week-- from The Church (and politics!) catering to entertainment purposes these days to a mighty read from Kendra towards Donnie Swaggart regarding his recent words condemning the Black Church. The nerve! Kelli also shares updates on her office renovations, and Kendra gives a shout-out to her friend, WNBA All-Star Kym Hampton, who was honored at the New York Liberty's recent championship parade as an original player on the team. The hosts are joined on the mic this week by their team: producer Leatra and social media manager Meg. The gang's all here! 

Additional links related to this episode: 

1. The Roots, "I Shall Proceed"

2. Donnie Swaggart's Instagram post

3. Cori Bush on her commitment to Palestinian liberation and the decision to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris

4. 1Hood's recent Black & Brown Men’s Voter Summit in Pittsburgh, PA, featuring Fat Joe, Viola Davis, Bun B, Cordae, Yusef Salaam, and Lt Gov Austin Davis

5. After a historic season, the WNBA players opt out of their current collective bargaining agreement (CBA)

6. WNBA championship winners, the New York Liberty, celebrate their first-ever championship

7. WNBA All-Star Kym Hampton, who attended the championship parade with the New York Liberty

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat conversations going! 

This episode was produced and edited by Leatra Tate, with the original theme song sung and created by Kendra Ross.

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

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Sign us up for the Christian Jubilee because we are getting into it on this episode! Our guest, Denele Biggs, takes us on a journey exploring critiques of the church and its exclusion of certain community members. She also shares her healing journey after a painful response from the church when she sought support, and the women share ways they've experienced church at musical performances (shout out to Beyonce and Kamasi Washington!). 

Content warning: if you want to protect your peace and are sensitive to discussions about LGBTQ+ harm and/or domestic violence, please fast forward to the following timestamps to hear about different topics in this episode: 

1. 41:47 for a collective reimagining of the regeneration of the church
2. 42:34 for a retelling of concert experiences as church
3. 49:10 for a brief discussion of "church hurt"

Additional links related to this episode: 

1. Cole Arthur Riley, author of Black Liturgies and This Here Flesh
2. Dr. Thema Bryant, clinical psychologist and minister, whose sermon served as the inspiration for this episode
3. Kamasi Washington, a musician whose work is praised as church experience in the episode
4. Gospel song- "Sign Me Up" (1987) song by Rev. Marvin Yancy
5. Our Bible mobile app, a resource for progressive Christians
6. The Trevor Project, a trained crisis support for young LGBTQ+ people 
7. Crisis Text Line, a 24/7 crisis support via text message for all people 
8. National Domestic Violence Hotline, 24/7 support for anyone in crisis from domestic partner violence 
9. Congregation resource- The United Methodist Church
10. Congregation resource- United Church of Christ
11. Congregation resource- Unitarian Universalist
12. Michael B. Beckwith, author and originator of "Life Visioning"
13. Kristian A. Smith, content creator focused on deconstructing faith 
14. D. Danyelle Thomas, content creator known as The Unfit Christian

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistwork to keep the group chat conversations going! 

This episode was produced and edited by Leatra Tate, with the original theme song sung and created by Kendra Ross.

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

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Kelli and Kendra are taking a much-needed break from recording new episodes this week, but we want to give you a glimpse into where they started on their podcast journey. Hop into the way back machine with us as we listen to their first episode, recorded with friend of the pod, Dr. Chiyah A. Lawrence, back in February 2024. This week, they discussed everything from Dr. Kia Conerway's speech at the Black Baptist Convention to Usher's SKIMS campaign. 

Links:

1. Dr. Kia Connerway's Speech

2. Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart's sermon titled "What We Gone Do With Jesus of Nazareth?" which was removed from the National Baptist Convention website, as Dr. Conerway references in her speech

2. Dr. Kia Connerway's Instagram

3. Usher and his SKIMS campaign... look at that smile!

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat conversations going! 

This episode was produced and edited by Centering Equity Productions, with the original theme song sung and created by Kendra Ross.

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

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Make sure you grab your church hanky for this episode! This week's guest, Tanika Harris, takes us on a journey as she shares her experiences as a church girl throughout the years, describes what it means to be a recovering people pleaser, and offers some loving critiques for the Black Church. She even closes us out in a beautiful prayer that will surely have YOU feeling the holy ghost. 

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat conversations going! You'll also get to see a few photos of the crew from their JustUs Youth days in New York City. 

This episode was produced and edited by Centering Equity Productions, with the original theme song sung and created by Kendra Ross.

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

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In this bonus episode, hosts Kelli and Kendra unpack the Black tax they referenced at the end of Episode 3- "You ARE That Man" (click here to listen to the last full episode if you haven't heard it yet). You'll also hear Kelli talk about how impactful Melissa Harris-Perry's research on the Black tax has been for her over the years, Kendra gives a shout-out to Ramit Sethi's work on living a rich life, and they share how the Black tax's influence has evolved given their changing life circumstances. How has the Black tax impacted you? Join us in the group chat and share your responses

Looking for more information about the Black tax? Check out these resources:

1. Ramit Sethi (Instagram, @ramit)
2. Dasha Kennedy (Instagram, @thebrokeblackgirl)
3. The Black Tax: The Cost of Being Black in America I Shawn Rochester I TEDxNewHaven (YouTube)
4. Bloomsberg Businessweek I Carol Massar & Tim Stenovec I The Black Tax (Podcast)
5. WYPR I Maureen Harvie & Melissa Gerr I "The Black Tax" argues African Americans are overtaxed and underserved (Podcast)
6. CUNY TV I The New York Times Close Up with Sam Roberts I The Black Tax, Jimmy Breslin (YouTube)
7. ESSENCE I Kimberly Wilson I Rachel Rodgers is Charting a Path for All Black Women to Become Millionaires  (Article)
8. Free, regular credit checks (https://www.freecreditreport.com) 

Share your favorite resources in the comments on social media! Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat conversations going! 

This episode was produced and edited by Centering Equity Productions, with the original theme song sung and created by Kendra Ross.

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Support the show

This week, This Womanist Work hits the road! In this episode, Kelli and Kendra are joined by their good sis Dr. Chiyah A Lawrence, who co-created the vision and visuals for the podcast, their producer, Leatra, and their social media manager, Meg, in person in Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard. From the (not) "Eco-Lodge" in Martha's Vineyard, these three reminisce about where they started with creating this show, catch up on their plans for this girl's trip, discuss Jordan Chiles' medal fiasco, and realize that maybe each of us is that man after all? 

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat conversations going! 

This episode was produced and edited by Centering Equity Productions, with the original theme song sung and created by Kendra Ross.

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

Support the show

Welcome to This Womanist Work, a podcast for former church girls who woke up one day and realized that life was bigger than what Big Mama and the Bible say.  

In this episode, Kelli and Kendra discuss succession planning in personal, professional, and political spaces, how Black women are leading the charge on staying ready to mobilize for political power, and who is really ready for a revolution. Finally, get into Kendra's article published on the website For Harriet in 2014 about the significance of collective care for Black women: http://www.forharriet.com/2014/03/what-self-care-means-to-me-i-can-do-bad.html

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat conversations going! 

This episode was produced and edited by Centering Equity Productions, with the original theme song sung and created by Kendra Ross.

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

Support the show