MahoganyBooks Front Row: The Podcast

Join us for an engaging discussion with author Jayne Allen as she shares insights into her latest novel, "The Most Wonderful Time," which explores themes of identity, belonging, and personal healing. Jayne delves into the contrasting lives of two women, Ramona and Chelsea, who navigate their struggles in Chicago and Malibu, respectively. Through their stories, she highlights the importance of unde...

Join us for an engaging conversation with author Kwame Mbalia as he discusses his latest book, "Jax Freeman," and the themes of identity, self-perception, and the challenges faced by young readers today. Mbalia highlights the importance of portraying a larger hero who defies stereotypes, emphasizing that Jax's story is not just about size but about character and resilience. The episode features a...

MahoganyBooks Front Row: The Podcast brings to life the profound journey of Wallace “Wallo267” Peeples, who transformed his life after spending two decades within the prison system. With trademark honesty and insight, he shares his narrative of resilience, emphasizing the lessons learned along the way. The discussion goes beyond personal anecdotes, as Wallo267 delves into the systemic challenges f...

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on "A Black Woman's History of the United States," where authors Dr. Kali Nicole Gross and Dr. Daina Ramey Berry share their insights on the profound impact of Black women throughout American history. This virtual author talk, recorded during the pandemic in April 2021, explores the rich tapestry of experiences that shape the narrative of Black womanhood,...

In this episode of MahoganyBooks Front Row: The Podcast, authors Khadeen and Devale Ellis delve into their book, We Over Me , to discuss the intricacies of relationships and marriage, sharing their journey from dating to married life. The couple discusses key elements of a healthy relationship, such as faith, financial management, and effective communication. They offer insights into the importanc...

Actor and debut author Jay Ellis joins award-winning author Jason Reynolds for an engaging discussion about his new memoir, Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend or Just Me?: Essays. In this heartfelt and humorous reflection, Jay shares stories of his childhood and his imaginary friend, Mikey, exploring how imagination shaped his life. The conversation delves into the power of childhood creativity...

In this episode, New York Times Bestselling author Tomi Adeyemi and actress Zai Silla delve into a rich conversation about Children of Anguish and Anarchy , the final installment in the Legacy of Orisha trilogy. They discuss the emotional depths of Tomi's characters, the influence of African mythology, and the personal experiences that shape her storytelling. Tomi also shares insights on the chall...

Have you ever wondered how deep the roots of African American history and literature go? We are also privileged to have Nicole Hannah-Jones, Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of the 1619 Project, share her journey and personal connection to Black history. She also reads an impactful excerpt from her work and stresses preserving Black history. Moderated by Gloria Edim, founder of Well-Read Black Girl,...

Ever wondered what it takes to craft fiction that truly resonates? Join us as we dive deep into the intricate process behind creating compelling characters like Diamond and the evolution of her father’s haunting voice in "Swift River." Written by the talented Essie Chambers, this episode explores the dedication and passion required to write a novel that captivates and moves readers. Our guest host...

Ever wondered what it takes to bring an iconic superhero to life in literature? Join us in a captivating conversation with New York Times bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson, who shares her heartfelt journey of writing about Storm, the legendary Marvel superhero. Tiffany opens up about her childhood admiration for Storm and her unwavering dedication to capturing this beloved character's ess...

What happens when you combine the power of African American literature with the voices of social justice champions? Join us as we welcome Angela Rye and Charlamagne Tha God, who bring their expertise and passion to a lively and thought-provoking conversation about the importance of authentic communication and storytelling in the fight for social justice. Ever wondered how avoiding small talk can l...

Ever wondered how literature and art can become pathways to self-discovery and healing? Journey with us as we sit down with the profoundly multi-talented M.K. Asante, whose work as an artist, filmmaker, musician, activist, and professor at Morgan State University offers invaluable insights into African American literature. Discover how Asante’s book "Nephew: A Memoir in 4-part Harmony” reveal...

What happens when African roots meet Viking lore? Hear bestselling author and breathwork coach Alex Elle, as she moderates an engaging discussion with Willow Smith about her debut novel, "Black Shield Maiden." Celebrating 17 incredible years of Mahogany Books, co-founder Ramunda Lark Young joins us to highlight the importance of partnerships with institutions like the DC Public Library....

Join us for another captivating episode of MahoganyBooks Front Row: The Podcast as we welcome the renowned Hanif Abdurraqib and Jason Reynolds. In this enriching conversation, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant world of African American literature, exploring how words can dance off the page and resonate deeply with our lives. Hanif Abdurraqib, a master of prose that captures the cultural pulse of...

Remember the warmth of sitting around a table, listening to the elders share stories that are equal parts history and heart? That's the essence of what we're bringing to the table in today's episode. We're thrilled to host April Ryan and Natasha S. Alford, two titans of journalism and literature, as they guide us through the rich landscape of African American narratives and the...

In this episode, we join Mr. Courtney B. Vance and Dr. Robin L. Smith as they discuss their insightful book, "The Invisible Ache: Black Men Identifying their Pain and Reclaiming their Power," at the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Library. Together, they explore the often-overlooked traumas and grief experienced by African American men that challenge mental health wellness. Courtney share...

Have you ever pondered the narratives that shape our approach to aging, particularly as women? Our latest episode at MahoganyBooks brings together Lyn Slater, Christine Platt, and Elizabeth White, three authors who unravel this complex web with works that challenge and redefine societal expectations. Through Lyn's 'How to Be Old,' Christine's 'The Afromnimalist's Guid...

As we gather around the warm, inclusive space of a MahoganyBooks author event, we're reminded that the power of literature is not just in storytelling, but in shaping futures and fueling revolutions. Reverend Tony Lee ushers us into this sacred dialogue with a stirring invocation, leading us to explore the growth of our dear sister Rahiel Tesfamariam, author of the new book Imagine Freedom ,...

Embark on a profound exploration of African-American literature and personal storytelling with Rasheed Copeland and our guest Dr. Tony Keith Jr., as they unravel the threads of identity, language, and the art of narrative. Dr. Keith, a poet whose words paint the truths of the black and LGBTQ+ communities, takes us behind the scenes of his memoir "How the Boogeyman Became a Poet." His tal...

When Dr. Rheeda L. Walker graced our Anacostia bookstore, we embarked on a profound journey into the heart of African-American mental health. Her inspiring story, from the roots of Savannah, Georgia to the penning of "The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health," offers a lifeline to those navigating the complexities of wellbeing within the Black community. It's not just a discuss...

As the pages of African-American history are turned, the profound insights of Dr. Malveaux illuminate our podcast with the authenticity and depth of black narratives. Our discussion transcends mere storytelling, delving into the emotional resonance of African-American literature, from the cherished tales at Mahogany Books to the haunting echoes of Tulsa's Black Wall Street. We honor the entre...

Ever wondered how to untangle the often complex web of personal finance? Tiffany Aliche, affectionately known as the Budgetnista, joins us to share her pearls of financial wisdom that have captivated audiences nationwide and landed her features in Forbes and on OWN. With her down-to-earth style, Tiffany transforms confusing financial jargon into bite-sized, actionable strategies that empower our c...

When the echoes of our ancestors' voices find a way to whisper through the pages of history, it takes a masterful storyteller to translate that whisper into a roar. That's precisely what Zora Neale Hurston achieves in "Barracoon," her account of Cudjoe Lewis's harrowing journey from African freedom to the trials of Jim Crow Apartheid. Our conversation with Dr. Ibram X. Ken...

Have you ever considered the profound connections between rest, memory, and the stories that shape us? This is the heart of our conversation with Cole Arthur Riley and Tricia Hersey, two luminaries in African-American literature and culture. In this episode of MahoganyBooks Front Row: The Podcast, we are thrilled to escort you through a realm where literature serves as a beacon, illuminating the i...

Imagine finding a community that not only reads but lives and breathes the stories that reflect your very essence. That's the magic my husband and I aimed to capture when we founded MahoganyBooks 16 years ago. In our latest conversation, New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Vashti Harrison, of the children's book, Big , along with the remarkable White House Press Secretary K...