Around The Way Curls

Hi ATWC Curmmunity! This week's episode will be our last episode while we take a break and recalibrate. We thank everyone for all the love and encouragement. Please look out for updates for our next episode release via social media, Patreon and our newsletter. For our main topic, we explore the concept of Jahari's Window which is a visual framework for understanding self-awareness and interpersona...

In this week's episode, Shanti decides to grow out her butt for the summer while Antoinette shares her recent gym experience that left her weak in the knees. Together, we discuss the collective confusion around the newest proposals for the US drafting system and the looming threat of Russia and North Korea's agreements against "aggression". For pop culture we focus on Kendrick's Juneteenth "Pop Ou...

In this week's episode, we didn't follow an outline and let the conversation flow freely! Shanti reminisces about running feral as a child in the summer, while Antoinette shares her recent logistic challenges of living between two homes. Together, we revisit the school voucher controversy in Philadelphia and try to hold both the potential negative impact on public schools in the long run and stude...

For this week's episode, Shanti talks about an upcoming vending event at Broccoli City Festival while Antoinette recounts with pride the 8th-grade graduation of her godson. For politics, we delve into the current situation in Gaza, Russia's deployment of warships to Cuba, and the closure of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. For pop culture, we beam over Victoria Monét's newest music vide...

In this week's episode, Antoinette shares her excitement about receiving her recent Webby Awards while Shanti talks about a strange encounter with someone who wanted pictures of her feet. For the main topic, we discuss the break with Shanti away and its impact on us individually. We explore the difficult dynamics of our relationship and confess our need for outside help with the commitment to work...

Shanti is back from break and full of revelations pertaining to fruit, the kind of relationship she wants, fried chicken, & her athleticism. Antoinette gives us an update on Blue being at away camp & thanks all of the guest hosts for holding her down the past several weeks. For Politics as Usual they discuss various topics including Roc Nation's partnership with Philadelphia to provide sch...

This week Antoinette is joined by renaissance creative, Franchesca Ramsey. Our convo covers a wide range of topics, including self-discovery, societal critique, and political commentary. Franchesca details the many pivots she's made in her career & personal life while providing insight into how she seamlessly & successfully incorporates her many talents into her brand. To end, Franchesca g...

This week Antoinette is joined by the Around the Way Curl Curmmunity's most requested guest, larger-than-life media personality, Van Lathan Jr. We begin by examining biracial identity with a breakdown of Van's newly formed Biracial Bureau of Investigation- the BBI & by discussing why he has declared himself the king of Antoinette & Shanti's hometown. For Politics as Usual, we deep dive int...

This week Antoinette is joined by the FORCE that is Olayemi Olurin, a movement lawyer, political commentator, writer, and abolitionist thinker. Together they discuss Olayemi's recent honor at the Black Girl Magic Ball, her work as a public defender, and her activism in decarceration and closing Rikers Island. The conversation touches on themes of accountability, the Democratic Party, voting, and t...

For this episode, Antoinette is joined by educator and pod fave, Marquise Devon Richards. Together they discuss Shea Universe's music, Zaya Wade's new endeavor, and their experience watching the Broadway play 'Home' courtesy of The Culture LP. For Politics As Usual, we touch on the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Dr. Cornel West's campaign for president & the dilemma third-party candidates pose, and l...

This week Antoinette is joined by the breath of fresh air that is Hey Fran Hey. Together they discuss various topics including personal growth, finding balance, and of course The Jerrod Carmichael show. Fran shares her experience of living a calmer and more fulfilling life, while Antoinette talks about her journey of self-discovery and finding her way back to herself. Finally, with the help of 'Th...

This week Antoinette is joined by one of her nearest dearest friends and the tornado that is Mandii B. In this conversation, Antoinette and Mandii discuss their friendship, personal updates, and various topics. They touch on the importance of being there for each other, the challenges of balancing personal and work life, and the value of having a moral compass. (06:30) They touch on the cultural a...

*Trigger Warning - this episode contains themes of sexual and physical violence. This week Antoinette is joined by artist, writer, and pod fave Joél Leon. After some unfortunate news from back home, Antoinette looks to Joél to help make sense of some of it all and questions whether or not Questlove was right when he said women and children are often collateral damage when it comes to hip-hop. A li...

This week Antoinette is joined by the amazing Dustin Ross @lookatdustin . They exchange pleasantries, discuss their thoughts on the recent rap beef between Drake and Kendrick, & deep dive into Dustin's recent TED Talk. For Politics As Usual, the conversation then shifts to the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the potential arrest warrant for Netanyahu, Vivek Ramaswamy getting the sh*t played out of h...

This week we are joined by  Naana and Obie of The Work Bae Pod again! Work Bae pod is where you can clock out with two coworkers turned work baes whose conversation goes beyond the water cooler. Join them as they navigate everything from pop culture to challenging each other to step outside their comfort zones. The conversation explores the need for self-care and setting boundaries, as w...

We have a jam-packed episode for you! This week we are joined by Naana and Obie of The Work Bae Pod where you can clock out with two coworkers turned workbaes whose conversation goes beyond the water cooler. Join them as they navigate everything from pop culture to challenging each other to step outside their comfort zones.  For Politics as Usual, they discuss the ongoing conflict in Gaza and...

In this conversation, Dating Coach Anwar discusses the challenges faced by Black and Brown women in dating and relationships. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and setting boundaries then addresses the issue of self-sabotage. Anwar also explores the concept of masculine and feminine energy and how it impacts relationships. He provides insights into when someone is ready to date and off...

In this week's episode, Shanti announces a much-needed mental health break, while Antoinette shares her gratitude for her 2 Webby Wins for her other podcast "Can't Afford Therapy". Together we discuss the recent political events and mass graves uncovered in Gaza and highlight the funding bill signed by President Biden, which includes aid for Ukraine, Israel, and humanitarian aid for conflict zones...

This week Shanti is away so Crissle & Jade came to play. We talk cinnamon apples, sports, and playful banter including the times Antoinette “accidentally” play slapped Jade in the club and bit Crissle during the Superbowl. We then shift to listener voicemails where we revisit passion vs duty in the context of work and financial security. Finally, we dive into Therapy 101 where Crissle imparts...

This week Shanti is away so Crissle & Jade came to play! The hosts discuss various topics including their personal updates, the state of the world, therapy, and upcoming events. The conversation then transitions into Politics As Usual where we focus on the Middle East and the right to protest. Together we explore the complexities of the Israel-Palestine war/genocide, the role of the United Sta...

In this week's episode, Shanti shares her growing obsession for Jerrod Carmichael and Willow Smith while Antoinette finishes her Walking Dead Era and seeks a new TV series to watch. For our main topic, we are inspired by a listener's call. We discuss the dilemma of choosing between passion and duty in one's life. Together we explore the logistical details of managing both and the sacrifices that c...

In this week's episode, Shanti shares her current condition of "badmouth" while Antoinette corrects her mistake from last week. Together we recap our trip to Canada and our ATWC meet up. For politics we discuss the recent ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court that upholds a near-total abortion ban in the state and the bird-flu epidemic amongst birds and now mammals. For pop-culture we discuss, the b...

In this week's episode, Shanti shares her discovery of a dating coach on TikTok which inspires her deep dive into the biology of falling in love for men and women. The conversation explores the different stages of love and attraction, highlighting the role of hormones in bonding and attachment. Lust, attraction, and attachment are discussed as distinct phases, each driven by specific chemicals in...

In this week's episode, Shanti asks for hair help from the community while Antoinette requests your votes for her podcast "Can't Afford Therapy" for The Webby Awards. For politics, we discuss the recent killing of 7 aid workers in Gaza by Israel's IDF, the selling of Bibles by Trump, and the new abortion law in Florida. For pop culture, we react to the premiere of Jerrod Carmichael's reality show...

In this week's episode, we are excited to be in conversation with pediatric and adolescent GYN, Dr. Charis Chambers. Together, we discuss the importance of our reproductive health and the factors that contribute to misdiagnosis. She also provides invaluable guidance on guiding adolescent girls through puberty and addresses the disconnection and trauma that some women may feel toward their bodies....