Conversations With Tona Brown

In this episode, Tona sits down with Desirée Rogers and Cheryl Mayberry McKissack, the powerhouse CEOs behind Black Opal Beauty and Fashion Fair Cosmetics. They dive into their personal journeys with the brands, open up about the unique challenges Black-owned businesses face today, and talk about how essential community support and activism really are. From breaking barriers with accessible price...

In this engaging conversation, Tona Brown hosts Doug and Andrea, along with Troy Kennedy, to explore the complexities of love and relationships, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. The discussion delves into personal experiences, the importance of authenticity, and the dynamics of family and acceptance. Troy shares his journey of self-discovery and the challenges faced in relationships, whil...

In this heartfelt conversation, Tona Brown and Robin Fay Massie reconnect to celebrate milestones, share life updates, and discuss the healing power of music and community support. They explore the balance between art and life, the importance of mentorship, and the journey of Musicians of Mercy, emphasizing the need for community involvement and support in the arts. The discussion highlights perso...

  In this episode of Conversations with Tona Brown, Baron Wright shares his journey as an artist and life coach, discussing the importance of community, the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, and the transformative power of art. He emphasizes the need for support and connection during tumultuous times and explores the integration of new mediums like AI in creative expression. The conve...

In this episode, Tona Brown interviews Alexander Pennecke, exploring his journey from a pre-physical therapy student and athlete to a rising star in the acting world. They discuss his early aspirations, the transition to acting, the importance of background work, and the challenges he faced in the industry. Alexander shares insights on his big break in the show 'Brilliant Minds,' the significance...

In this episode of Conversations with Tona Brown, Adrian Alicea shares his journey through the voguing scene, his experiences with iconic figures like Willi Ninja and Grace Jones, and the evolution of voguing from the ballroom to the international runway. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the contributions of pioneers in the LGBTQ community and the need for inclusivity in fashion. Adrian...

In this enlightening conversation, Tona speaks with Bishop Kevin E. Taylor about the intersection of faith, identity, and community, particularly within the LGBTQIA context. They discuss the challenges faced by marginalized communities, the importance of embracing one's true self, and the role of faith in overcoming trauma. Bishop Taylor shares his journey as a bishop and his commitment to empower...

In this engaging conversation, Mike Ruiz and Tona explore themes of empathy, personal growth, and activism. They discuss the importance of setting boundaries as empaths, the significance of animal welfare advocacy, and the power of self-love. This dialogue emphasizes the need for community support and the celebration of diversity, while also addressing the challenges faced by marginalized communit...

In the Season 2 premiere of Conversations With Tona Brown, Tona and U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore discuss pressing current events, personal experiences, and the importance of advocacy for marginalized communities, particularly focusing on transgender rights. They reflect on their personal connection formed during a crisis and emphasize the need for community building and education to combat the ne...

In this season finale of Conversations With Tona Brown, Tona reflects on the highlights of Season 1, featuring powerful discussions with various guests. The conversations explore themes of identity, attraction, community support, and the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. From Troy Kennedy's experiences dating trans women to Shauna Brooks' insights on social media algorithms, each guest sha...

In this final episode of Season 1 of Conversations with Tona Brown, Marck Angel shares his journey as an artist, discussing his early influences, the challenges of being an authentic voice in the music industry, and the creation of his film 'Seraphim'. The conversation delves into the importance of community, diversity, and the role of artists in reflecting societal issues. Mark emphasizes the nee...

In this engaging conversation, Tona Brown speaks with comedian Samson McCormick about the importance of representation in the LGBTQ community, the challenges faced by black gay men in the entertainment industry, and the need for emotional intelligence in activism. They discuss the historical contributions of black trans women, the significance of supportive family structures, and the complexities...

In this engaging conversation, ex pro-basketball player, actor, model and TV host turned life coach Demarco Majors shares his journey of self-discovery, love, and transformation. He discusses the importance of supporting one another in the community, the challenges faced by black entrepreneurs, and the significance of truth and representation in the LGBTQIA community. The dialogue emphasizes break...

In this episode of Conversations with Tona Brown, Tona interviews the talented Ra-ina Evans, also known as Rai Raye. They discuss their friendship, the reality TV show 'BAPS' where they met, and the lessons learned from that experience. Rai Raye shares her journey from reality TV to acting, her move to Los Angeles, and the challenges of navigating the entertainment industry, including issues of co...

Summary: In this engaging conversation, Tona Brown interviews renowned fashion designer Robert E. Knight, exploring his journey from a young boy sewing doll clothes to becoming a celebrated designer specializing in full-figure fashion. They discuss the importance of family support, the challenges faced in the fashion industry, and the significance of storytelling in both fashion and personal exper...

Summary: In this conversation, Tona Brown and Dr. Megan Sheehy discuss their collaboration on the memoir 'TONACITY: The Tona Brown Story'. They talk about the process of transcribing interviews and the emotional impact of sharing personal stories. They also touch on the importance of authenticity and trust in working on such a sensitive project. The conversation highlights the unique format of the...

In this conversation, Tona and Cydne Kimbrough discuss their friendship and the importance of having open and revolutionary conversations. They reflect on how they met through the internet and the impact it had on their development as trans women. Cydne also shares her experience starting an organization called Glass Baltimore to empower and create more avenues for trans people of color. They disc...

Shauna Brooks is an American actress, musical artist, and comedian. Brooks is also known as a transgender model, with notable appearances in Radar, Ebony, InTouch Weekly, OUT, People, and Galore. She has since been an advocate for LGBTQ rights and has spoken publicly about her work as a transgender model.  In this conversation, Tona Brown interviews Shauna Brooks, discussing their connection...

Nathan James, a journalist and LGBTQ advocate, discusses the importance of voting in the upcoming election and the challenges faced by the LGBTQ community. He shares his experiences growing up in the 70s and 80s when being LGBTQ was considered a mental illness and homosexuality was outlawed. Nathan emphasizes the need for visibility and support within the community, as well as the importance of el...

In this conversation, Troy Kennedy and Tona Brown discuss the challenges and experiences of cisgender straight men who are attracted to transgender women. They address the misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding these relationships and emphasize the importance of open and honest communication. They also touch on the issue of violence against transgender women and the need for men to be allies a...