Episode Title:

Host: Ella Shawn

Guest: Karen J. Johnson

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation as we kick off the first of three sessions featuring our special guest, Karen J. Johnson. In this episode, Karen delves into the art and craft of expressing the nuances of skin tones in writing, the profound connection between nature and creativity, and the transformative journey of becoming an erotic spoken word artist.

Key Highlights:

- Descriptive Language & Natural Inspiration: Karen shares her journey of finding the right words to describe skin tone, and exploring colors and natural elements, such as okra, to inspire unique expressions.

- The Art of Erotic Poetry: Karen challenges misconceptions about erotic poetry, emphasizing the depth and dedication required. She emphasizes studying diverse poets for inspiration and growth in the craft.

- Art vs. Lifestyle: Ella and Karen discuss the fine line between erotic art as a professional craft and a personal lifestyle, underscoring the importance of artistic integrity and professional conduct.

- Professionalism in Poetry: The conversation sheds light on the professionalism required in performance art, touching upon youth engagement and the impact of excessive reliance on texting in modern interactions.

- Healing & Intentional Living: Karen opens up about her healing journey, focusing on living intentionally with clear goals in health and personal growth.

- Sexuality, Inclusivity & Empowerment: Ella and Karen explore the intersections of sexuality, spirituality, and empowerment within the Black community, stressing the value of communication and the necessity of updating one's sexual knowledge.

- Karen's Spoken Word Journey: Discover Karen's unexpected entry into the world of erotic spoken word, including her reflections on past performances and the challenges of crafting this art form.

Take advantage of 3-part series as we dive deeper into this multifaceted dialogue about love, identity, and creative expression. Be sure to stay tuned for the next two parts of this captivating series!

Karyn J. Johnson, also known as Karma Eve, is an erotic writer, author, blogger, and former erotic spoken word artist who has performed at adult-themed events. In addition, she has written advice and sex columns for several Nashville publications and newsletters. Her goal is to promote positive and mature conversations about sex and encourage sexual self-empowerment within the Black community because she believes sexual knowledge is power. Born on the south side of Chicago and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, Karyn resides in Nashville, Tennessee, where she earned her bachelor's degree in mass communication from Tennessee State University and her master's degree from Vanderbilt University in Liberal Arts and Science. Get a copy of her most recent book, Thank You, Ma'am: The Truth About Love and Sex of Older Black Women, filled with beautiful, witty, and intimate conversations from older Black women discussing their sexual journey as they age. Karyn's Facebook group @ChocolateCocainePresents on Instagram Karyn's Facebook page Karyn on YouTube

Thank you for joining us on the Black Writer Therapy Podcast! We hope you enjoyed today's episode and found inspiration in the stories and insights shared. If you loved what you heard, please leave us a review...

From Erotic Exploration to Kink: A Candid Talk with Lyvonne Briggs

Parts of this session deal with sensitive subject matter that may disturb some listeners. Protect your healing and honor your journey.

In this episode of the Black Writer Therapy Podcast, host Ella Shawn converses with Lyvonne Briggs, a body- and sex-positive womanist preacher and podcast host. They discuss the importance of listening to intuition, healing trauma, and integrating spirituality with sensuality and eroticism. Lyvonne shares her journey, including her work on the Sensual Faith podcast and her TEDx talk on childhood sexual abuse. The dialogue underscores the importance of authenticity, self-awareness, and decolonizing perceptions of the Erotic.

Time Stamps

• 00:00 Introduction to Black Writer Therapy Podcast
• 01:38 Meet Lavonne Briggs: A Multi-Talented Visionary
• 03:31 The Journey of Sensual Faith Podcast
• 07:37 Healing Through Radical Truth-Telling
• 20:54 The Importance of Intuition and Self-Expression
• 29:45 Deciding on Marriage
• 30:21 Challenging Traditional Beliefs
• 31:38 Embracing Pleasure and Self-Love
• 34:32 Redefining Identity and Roles
• 35:45 The Importance of Knowing Your Body
• 38:00 The Power of Masturbation
• 39:36 Marriage and Personal Growth
• 43:36 Living Through the Erotic
• 48:57 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

Connect with our guest:

Lyvonne Briggs, MDiv, ThM, an Emmy Award winner, is a pleasure-centered womanist author, speaker, and creator. She is the host of Sensual Faith Podcast and the author of Sensual Faith: The Art of Coming Home to Your Body. She was the co-host of Sanctified, a faith-based, Spotify-exclusive podcast on Jemele Hills Unbothered Network. An embodiment coach and TEDx speaker, she has been featured in Essence, Cosmopolitan, Rolling Stone, and The Washington Post, and Sojourners named her one of "11 Women Shaping the Church. Briggs is a graduate of The Lawrenceville School, Seton Hall University, Yale Divinity School, and Columbia Theological Seminary. A New York City native, she is currently based in Washington, DC and you can follow her across platforms: @LyvonneBriggs Lyvonne's Facebook page @LyvonneBriggs on Instagram @LyvonneBriggs on Twitter Lyvonne's Website Lyvonne on YouTube

Thank you for joining us on the Black Writer Therapy Podcast! We hope you enjoyed today's episode and found inspiration in the stories and insights shared. If you loved what you heard, please leave us a review and recommend the show to your family and friends. Your support helps us continue to uplift and amplify the voices of Black women writers.

Questions or thoughts? Please email us at blackwritertherapy@gmail.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and content. And be sure to check out our merch and join our vibrant community.

Until next time, remember writing is an intentional act of healing. Thanks for listening!

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#blackwomenwriters

Black Writer Therapy is affiliated with the Authentic Connections Network. This podcasting network was founded to amplify the voices that are missing from the landscape of podcasting.

The goal of the network is 37 by 27increasing the number of women-hosted...

Navigating Writing and Pharmacy: Ella Shine in Conversation with EeJay Eneckwa

Ella Shine interviews EeJay Eneckwa, a pharmacist and published author, about her journey from Nigeria to America at a young age, her passion for pharmacy, and her experiences writing. They discuss the challenges of being a black woman in both the writing and medical fields, the importance of intentional writing, and how storytelling can be cathartic. EeJay shares her love for sports, particularly tennis, and speaks candidly about balancing her professional life with her writing aspirations.

EeJay is Nashville born and Nigeria bred. She's a clinical pharmacist during the day, and at other times, she watches sports like she gets paid to do so, plays tennis like she has a chance of going semi-pro, and reads for leisure like she has all the time in the world! She's always loved to tell stories through prose, and The Way You Look At Me is her debut novel. Her dream is to pioneer the untapped subgenre that she's dubbed pharmacy romance, and tell unique stories about how life, love and pharmacy intersect! @jayenek on Instagram EeJay's Website @sportslovindoc on Twitter

Black Writer Therapy Podcast website Ella Shawn

Thank you for joining us on the Black Writer Therapy Podcast! We hope you enjoyed today's episode and found inspiration in the stories and insights shared. If you loved what you heard, please leave us a review and recommend the show to your family and friends. Your support helps us continue to uplift and amplify the voices of Black women writers.

Questions or thoughts? Please email us at blackwritertherapy@gmail.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and content. And be sure to check out our merch and join our vibrant community.

Until next time, remember writing is an intentional act of healing. Thanks for listening!

If you have a podcast and want some magic in your notes, click below to save time and energy.

This is an affiliate link. Castmagic

#blackwomenwriters

Black Writer Therapy is affiliated with the Authentic Connections Network. This podcasting network was founded to amplify the voices that are missing from the landscape of podcasting.

The goal of the network is 37 by 27increasing the number of women-hosted podcasts to 37% by 2027.

Over 65% of podcasts launched by the Authentic Connections Network have reached the top 10% of podcasts globally in their first month.

This network provides a community of support and mentoring to ensure that each show within its fold thrives and achieves longevity and success.

The Black Writer Therapy podcast is 100% independent and depends on you, the listeners. If you enjoy the show and would like to be a part of its growth, show your support today and help us keep going:

• Set your preference to automatic download
• Join my Substack newsletter at the paid subscription level and gain access to unedited sessions, behind the scenes footage, first dibs on contest, exclusive contests for members only, Live Q & A, Discount on Merch, and much more than you want to read in my shown notes.
• Subscribe, like, share, and leave a review or rating wherever you listen to Black Writer Therapy
• Tell your people about the podcast
• Email Ella Shawn

#BlackWriterTherapy #Gratitude #IndiePodcast

Content Warning: This Black Writer Therapy podcast session deals with sensitive subject matter that some may find difficult to listen to and others may be triggered. I urge you to protect your healing and your peace.

Host, Ella Shawn chats with Dr. Vanessa Guyton, founder and CEO of the HUSH No More nonprofit. She is a survivor of military assault and decided to turn her pain into healing for others who have been affected by the HUSH Topics that keep victims afraid, ashamed, and alone.

We discuss the importance of Awareness, Acknowledgement, and Action when it comes to moving from a place of victimhood to one of survivor.

She shares her triumphant story and reads from her book of the same name as her nonprofit.

Contact Dr. Vanessa Guyton and HUSH No More if you're interested in donating or seeing how you can get involved

Thank you for joining us on the Black Writer Therapy Podcast! We hope you enjoyed today's episode and found inspiration in the stories and insights shared. If you loved what you heard, please leave us a review and recommend the show to your family and friends. Your support helps us continue to uplift and amplify the voices of Black women writers.

Questions or thoughts? Please email us at blackwritertherapy@gmail.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and content. And be sure to check out our merch and join our vibrant community.

Until next time, remember writing is an intentional act of healing. Thanks for listening!

If you have a podcast and want some magic in your notes, click below to save time and energy.

This is an affiliate link. Castmagic

#blackwomenwriters

Black Writer Therapy is affiliated with the Authentic Connections Network. This podcasting network was founded to amplify the voices that are missing from the landscape of podcasting.

The goal of the network is 37 by 27increasing the number of women-hosted podcasts to 37% by 2027.

Over 65% of podcasts launched by the Authentic Connections Network have reached the top 10% of podcasts globally in their first month.

This network provides a community of support and mentoring to ensure that each show within its fold thrives and achieves longevity and success.

The Black Writer Therapy podcast is 100% independent and depends on you, the listeners. If you enjoy the show and would like to be a part of its growth, show your support today and help us keep going:

• Set your preference to automatic download
• Join my Substack newsletter at the paid subscription level and gain access to unedited sessions, behind the scenes footage, first dibs on contest, exclusive contests for members only, Live Q & A, Discount on Merch, and much more than you want to read in my shown notes.
• Subscribe, like, share, and leave a review or rating wherever you listen to Black Writer Therapy
• Tell your people about the podcast
• Email Ella Shawn

#BlackWriterTherapy #Gratitude #IndiePodcast

It's Never a Question of Experience with Emanuelle Marachal

In this session of Black Writer Therapy, Ella Shawn welcomes freelance fashion writer and curator of the Journal de Curioso (The Curious Journal) Substack Newsletter, Emanuelle Marachal, a Cameroonian-French expat living in South Italy.

Ella and Emanuelle cover the gambit regarding writing as diasporic African women writers, the global disconnect between European blacks, and the importance of fashion as a conduit for exploring European black culture and her family history.

1. "Fashion as a backdrop for cultural storytelling"

2. "Preserving black family stories for future generations"

3. "The audacity of Black women writers"

Connect with Emanuelle Marachal

Thank you for joining us on the Black Writer Therapy Podcast! We hope you enjoyed today's episode and found inspiration in the stories and insights shared. If you loved what you heard, please leave us a review and recommend the show to your family and friends. Your support helps us continue to uplift and amplify the voices of Black women writers.

Questions or thoughts? Please email us at blackwritertherapy@gmail.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and content. And be sure to check out our merch and join our vibrant community.

Until next time, remember writing is an intentional act of healing. Thanks for listening!

If you have a podcast and want some magic in your notes, click below to save time and energy.

This is an affiliate link. Castmagic

#blackwomenwriters

Black Writer Therapy is affiliated with the Authentic Connections Network. This podcasting network was founded to amplify the voices that are missing from the landscape of podcasting.

The goal of the network is 37 by 27increasing the number of women-hosted podcasts to 37% by 2027.

Over 65% of podcasts launched by the Authentic Connections Network have reached the top 10% of podcasts globally in their first month.

This network provides a community of support and mentoring to ensure that each show within its fold thrives and achieves longevity and success.

The Black Writer Therapy podcast is 100% independent and depends on you, the listeners. If you enjoy the show and would like to be a part of its growth, show your support today and help us keep going:

• Set your preference to automatic download
• Join my Substack newsletter at the paid subscription level and gain access to unedited sessions, behind the scenes footage, first dibs on contest, exclusive contests for members only, Live Q & A, Discount on Merch, and much more than you want to read in my shown notes.
• Subscribe, like, share, and leave a review or rating wherever you listen to Black Writer Therapy
• Tell your people about the podcast
• Email Ella Shawn

#BlackWriterTherapy #Gratitude #IndiePodcast

Ella Shawn Creating Through Chaos: Natasha Bishop on Tenacity and Authenticity in Writing

In a heartfelt episode of the Black Writer Therapy Podcast, host Ella Shawn welcomes indie contemporary romance author Natasha Bishop for a candid conversation about writing, healing, and the power of storytelling. They explore Natasha's writing journey, her experience with self-publishing, and the challenges she faces as a Black woman writer.

Themes of personal growth, the importance of authentic, character-driven stories, and the support within the writing community are highlighted. The discussion concludes with mutual appreciation and plans for future collaborations, emphasizing the transformative power of writing.

10 Powerful Words

I was like, I might not be okay. I don't know.

Ella Shawn

Thank you for joining us on the Black Writer Therapy Podcast! We hope you enjoyed today's episode and found inspiration in the stories and insights shared. If you loved what you heard, please leave us a review and recommend the show to your family and friends. Your support helps us continue to uplift and amplify the voices of Black women writers.

Questions or thoughts? Please email us at blackwritertherapy@gmail.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and content. And be sure to check out our merch and join our vibrant community.

Until next time, remember writing is an intentional act of healing. Thanks for listening!

If you have a podcast and want some magic in your notes, click below to save time and energy.

This is an affiliate link. Castmagic

#blackwomenwriters

Black Writer Therapy is affiliated with the Authentic Connections Network. This podcasting network was founded to amplify the voices that are missing from the landscape of podcasting.

The goal of the network is 37 by 27increasing the number of women-hosted podcasts to 37% by 2027.

Over 65% of podcasts launched by the Authentic Connections Network have reached the top 10% of podcasts globally in their first month.

This network provides a community of support and mentoring to ensure that each show within its fold thrives and achieves longevity and success.

The Black Writer Therapy podcast is 100% independent and depends on you, the listeners. If you enjoy the show and would like to be a part of its growth, show your support today and help us keep going:

• Set your preference to automatic download
• Join my Substack newsletter at the paid subscription level and gain access to unedited sessions, behind the scenes footage, first dibs on contest, exclusive contests for members only, Live Q & A, Discount on Merch, and much more than you want to read in my shown notes.
• Subscribe, like, share, and leave a review or rating wherever you listen to Black Writer Therapy
• Tell your people about the podcast
• Email Ella Shawn

#BlackWriterTherapy #Gratitude #IndiePodcast

The data will tell us the number of advanced degrees earned and correlate it with higher earnings. But the story behind the numbers sheds light on the why. Why are Black women pursuing doctorate degrees?

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y1Yu59BoYoyhUTmbR5Y4a9wqw96QZeOzCihspDIUirA/edit Michelle's Facebook page @inkwellretreats on Instagram Michelle's Website Support Black Writer Therapy Podcast

Thank you for joining us on the Black Writer Therapy Podcast! We hope you enjoyed today's episode and found inspiration in the stories and insights shared. If you loved what you heard, please leave us a review and recommend the show to your family and friends. Your support helps us continue to uplift and amplify the voices of Black women writers.

Questions or thoughts? Please email us at blackwritertherapy@gmail.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and content. And be sure to check out our merch and join our vibrant community.

Until next time, remember writing is an intentional act of healing. Thanks for listening!

If you have a podcast and want some magic in your notes, click below to save time and energy.

This is an affiliate link. Castmagic

#blackwomenwriters

Black Writer Therapy is affiliated with the Authentic Connections Network. This podcasting network was founded to amplify the voices that are missing from the landscape of podcasting.

The goal of the network is 37 by 27increasing the number of women-hosted podcasts to 37% by 2027.

Over 65% of podcasts launched by the Authentic Connections Network have reached the top 10% of podcasts globally in their first month.

This network provides a community of support and mentoring to ensure that each show within its fold thrives and achieves longevity and success.

For the Love of Liberty: Twin Writers Lean into the Past to Understand the Present

In this heartfelt session, host Ella speaks with Suzette Riddick and Suzette D. Harrison, affectionately known as 'the twins.' They discuss their new collaborative series, Generations, which tells the intertwined stories of African American families across different eras.

Top Three Takeaways

• They share the deeply spiritual and emotional journey of creating this series, emphasizing the strength of their friendship and the importance of honoring their heritage.
• The guests highlight the significance of self-care, healing through connection, and the cathartic nature of writing.
• They also reflect on their unique bond, which allows them to be their most authentic selves and support each other in both personal and professional endeavors.

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to the Suzette Twins

02:39 Catching Up with Suzette Riddick

04:49 Catching Up with Suzette D. Harrison

06:01 The Healing Power of Friendship

09:13 The Generations Series: Concept and Inspiration

14:40 Creating Colemanville: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives

28:11 The Bond Between the Suzette Twins

36:05 Introducing the Characters

36:25 Florida Coleman's Journey

38:47 Jillian Hart's Story

40:54 Interweaving Histories

42:58 Writing Process and Collaboration

44:00 The Twin Connection

48:51 Game Time: Acrostic Challenge

01:07:08 Final Thoughts and Farewells

Thank you for joining us on the Black Writer Therapy Podcast! We hope you enjoyed today's episode and found inspiration in the stories and insights shared. If you loved what you heard, please leave us a review and recommend the show to your family and friends. Your support helps us continue to uplift and amplify the voices of Black women writers.

Questions or thoughts? Please email us at blackwritertherapy@gmail.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and content. And be sure to check out our merch and join our vibrant community.

Until next time, remember writing is an intentional act of healing. Thanks for listening!

If you have a podcast and want some magic in your notes, click below to save time and energy.

This is an affiliate link. Castmagic

#blackwomenwriters

Black Writer Therapy is affiliated with the Authentic Connections Network. This podcasting network was founded to amplify the voices that are missing from the landscape of podcasting.

The goal of the network is 37 by 27increasing the number of women-hosted podcasts to 37% by 2027.

Over 65% of podcasts launched by the Authentic Connections Network have reached the top 10% of podcasts globally in their first month.

This network provides a community of support and mentoring to ensure that each show within its fold thrives and achieves longevity and success.

The Black Writer Therapy podcast is 100% independent and depends on you, the listeners. If you enjoy the show and would like to be a part of its growth, show your support today and help us keep going:

• Set your preference to automatic download
• Join my Substack newsletter at the paid subscription level and gain access to unedited sessions, behind the scenes footage, first dibs on contest, exclusive contests for members only, Live Q & A, Discount on Merch, and much more than you want to read in my shown notes.
• Subscribe, like, share, and leave a review or rating wherever you listen to Black Writer Therapy
• Tell your people about the podcast
• Email Ella...