Black Writer Therapy Podcast

From the Church House to the Court House: Freda J. Day Shares Her Four-Year Copyright Infringement Court Battle With Oprah Winfrey.Author Freda J. Day joins Black Writer Therapy to discuss her memoir, From the Green Leaf to Greener Pastures, her legal fight connected to the OWN Network hit family saga drama, Greenleaf (June 21, 2016, to August 11, 2020), and the pain of believing her intellec...

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Vickey EllaShawn Brown and Vonetta Rain explore the themes of healing, connection, and the power of saying 'yes' to life's opportunities. They discuss the importance of soul families, the normalization of esoteric concepts, and the balance of divine feminine and masculine energies. Vonetta shares her journey from winning an Emmy to becoming a shaman's apprenti...

Episode Description In this powerful, soul-deep episode of Black Writer Therapy, host and unlicensed doula-therapist Ella Shawn (a.k.a. Vicki) welcomes Vonetta RainEmmy awardwinning graphic designer, shamanic practitioner, and author of The Shamans Apprenticeto the proverbial couch. Together, they explore what it means to say a revolutionary yes to your sacred work, walk away from a glittering car...

KeywordsBlack women writers, writing process, excavation, storytelling, self-discovery, ordinary experiences, creativity, emotional journey, writing tips, Black Writer DoulaTakeawaysExcavation is a crucial stage in the writing process.Black women writers often face unique emotional challenges.Listening to oneself is essential during the excavation process.The ordinary can be a source of profound i...

Keywordsself-expression, writing, healing, creativity, identity, community, resilience, motherhood, existence, personal growthSummaryIn this engaging conversation, the speakers explore themes of self-expression, healing, and the intersection of creativity and science. They discuss the journey of writing a book, the importance of journaling, and the sacredness found in ordinary life. The dialogue a...

KeywordsBlack Writer, storytelling, shame, guilt, creativity, emotional health, writing community, self-discovery, empowerment, Black women writersSummaryIn this inaugural episode of Black Writer Doula Sessions, host Ella Shawn introduces a new platform focused on empowering Black women writers through storytelling. The session delves into the emotional barriers of shame and guilt that hinder crea...

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the journey of writing and publishing, particularly focusing on the experiences of Black women in the industry. They discuss the challenges of self-publishing, the importance of community and collaboration, and the healing power of storytelling. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity, resilience in the face of rejection, and...

Season Four Promo with special announcements. Original music composed and performed by the host of the podcast. Key TakeawaysFormat ChangesIntroduced Black Writer Therapy DoulaOne Author Chat/monthDeep focus on healing, expanding community, and raising divine feminine energyMore Intentional

Keywordswriting, middle grade, healing, imposter syndrome, friendships, Rocky Crescendo, Latasha Crystal, young adult, mental health, self-discoverySummaryIn this engaging conversation, Latasha Crystal, a middle-grade author, shares her journey of becoming a writer, her experiences with imposter syndrome, and the healing power of writing. She discusses her debut novel, 'Rocky Crescendo,' which exp...

Keywordsmarriage, writing, healing, storytelling, identity, culture, traditions, relationships, black women, personal growth, womanhood, storytelling, writing, healing, ancestral connections, black women writers, compassion, culinary metaphors, emotional expression, creativitySummaryIn this engaging conversation, Scarlet Ibis James shares her insights on marriage, identity, and the healing power o...

KeywordsBlack women writers, maternal health, storytelling, resilience, healing, community, awards, writing journey, racism, faithTakeawaysBlack and Indigenous women face alarming maternal death rates.Rhonda McKnight has written 29 books, focusing on complex characters.Celebrating achievements is crucial for personal growth.Writing can serve as a therapeutic process for both the writer and the rea...

SummaryIn this enlightening conversation, Desiree Moodie shares her journey as a writer and mother, exploring the complexities of parenting, the impact of social media, and the importance of self-care. The discussion delves into Desiree's upcoming book, which tackles themes of motherhood and identity, as well as her personal experiences with healing and vulnerability. The conversation also touches...

summaryIn this engaging conversation, Ryan Jenkins shares her unique journey as a writer, poet, and educator. From the story behind her name to her experiences in the classroom, Ryan discusses the challenges and triumphs of navigating the literary world as a black woman. She emphasizes the importance of self-affirmation, the weight educators carry, and the power of storytelling, particularly in ch...

SummaryIn this episode of the Black Writer Therapy podcast, host Ella Shawn engages in a deep conversation with debut author Jenny Abamu. They explore themes of healing through writing, the cathartic nature of fiction, and the complexities of identity and career transitions. Jenny shares her journey from journalism to speculative fiction, the importance of trust in society, and the influence of he...

How to Survive a Digital Assassination with Danielle Spencer, Federal Whistle BlowerIn this episode of Black Writer Therapy, host Ella Shawn welcomes Danielle Spencer, a courageous whistleblower who took on a major corporation. With over twenty years of experience in IT, cybersecurity, and project management, Danielle shares her journey from a STEM professional to a whistleblower. She discusses th...

SummaryIn this episode of the Black Rider Therapy podcast, host Ella Shawn engages in a heartfelt conversation with journalist Shanique Yates about her healing journey, the influence of her teachers and family, and the importance of emotional intelligence in creativity. They discuss the power of vulnerability, the significance of sisterhood, and how acknowledgment shapes confidence. Shanique share...

SummaryIn this episode of Black Writer Therapy, host Ella Shawn welcomes Shirley Neal, an award-winning author and journalist, to discuss her journey as a storyteller and the healing power of writing. They explore the significance of pop culture in shaping Black identity, the importance of archival work in celebrating Black culture, and the connections between African roots and contemporary experi...

Show Summary:In this episode of Black Writer Therapy, host Ella Shawn invites Crystal Waller, the creator of The Soft Wife Life, to share her transformative journey from a high-achieving young woman to embracing a lifestyle that fosters harmony and self-awareness. Crystal tells of her evolution from youthful competitive ambition in a small segregated town to the liberating experience at Spelman Co...

Dr Katrina HutchinsIn this episode of Black Writer Therapy, host Ella Shawn welcomes Dr. Katrina Hutchins, a scholar and coach specializing in the power of women's voices. They discuss Dr. Katrina's research, her book 'The Voice Positioning System', and dive deep into themes of voice power, authenticity, and the transformative potential of storytelling.Introduction to Black Writer TherapyWelcome t...

In this engaging session of "Black Writer Therapy," hosted by Ella Shawn, the spotlight shines on Eden Royce, a distinguished guest originally from Charleston, SC is known for her contributions to fantasy, sci-fi, and Southern gothic, horror, and speculative fiction. The conversation explores resilient storytelling, as Eden Royce gets into her healing journey, sharing insights on self-care and int...

Welcome to Season Three of Black Writer Therapy, the podcast dedicated to amplifying the voices, stories, and lived experiences of Black women writers living and creating unapologetically as their most authentic selves.Season Three opens with one of the most insightful conversations I've had on this platform. Dr. Katrina Hutchins is a brilliant scholar, author, and business owner. Her passion abou...

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 trans...

From Erotic Exploration to Kink: A Candid Talk with Lyvonne BriggsParts 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 listenin...

Navigating Writing and Pharmacy: Ella Shine in Conversation with EeJay EneckwaElla 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...

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 othe...