Oakland Girl LIVE: The Podcast

Welcome to another powerful episode of Oakland Girl Live! 🎙️ Tashara Newton joins us for a raw and inspiring conversation in “From Ghosttown to Global: Hustle, Healing & Building Legacy in Oakland.” Born and raised in the Ghosttown section of, Tashara opens up about the realities of growing up surrounded by street life, survival, and hard lessons — while still finding a way to dream bigger for...

Tapping in with our guest Tajianna Okechukwu, a name you’ve probably already heard, and if not… you’re about to. She’s really out here doing work for the culture. We’re getting into her journey from acting to filmmaking, what it really looks like working behind the scenes with major studios, and how she’s carving out her own lane telling bold, Black stories. From award-winning projects to building...

Born and raised in Oakland, California, she is a proud fourth-generation West Oakland native who entered the world at Highland Hospital in what many locals call the “Murder Dubbs.” Her life story reflects the complex reality of Oakland — a city filled with both struggle and greatness. Her family’s roots run deep in Oakland’s history, with connections to influential figures and movements that have...

Welcome to another powerful episode of Oakland Girl Live! Podcast , with host Shanita Perdomo and co-host Avia Thomas. This week, we’re joined by ChiAurelia Spencer , whose story is rooted in purpose, resilience, and the commitment to pouring back into the community. ChiAurelia shares her journey and the experiences that helped shape the mindset she carries today. Growing up, ChiAurelia learned ea...

Welcome to another unforgettable episode of Oakland Girl Live! Podcast, with host Shanita Perdomo and co-host Avia Thomas. This week, we sit down with Jessica Morton, who shares something she told us no one had ever asked her before — her story. Raised in the Acorn neighborhood of West Oakland by a single mother, Jessica longed for consistency and a real childhood. Growing up with her mother and s...

Welcome to another powerful episode of Oakland Girl Live! Podcast, with host Shanita Perdomo and co-host Avia Thomas. This week, we’re joined by Tajanee “Tajee” Simmons, a true crown jewel of the Town. Tajee takes us on her journey growing up in Oakland, California, starting at Castlemont where much of her early life felt chaotic and almost took a turn for the worst. Surrounded by challenges that...

Welcome to episode two of Oakland Girl Live! Podcast, with host Shanita Perdomo and co-host Avia Thomas. This week, we’re joined by Brian Darensburg, who takes us on a raw journey through his past and present in Oakland. Brian shares how, as a youth, he sought respect and how today, he’s found a new path, dedicating his life to Jesus Christ and becoming a role model for his sons. His stories will...

Welcome to the first episode of Oakland Girl Live! Podcast, with host Shanita Perdomo and co-host Avia Thomas, where we spotlight the powerful stories of people from Oakland, "The Town". In this debut episode, we sit down with Shaunice Murphy , who shares her incredible journey—surviving separation, hardship, and rebuilding her life in Oakland. Tune in every Tuesday for a new episode, and if you’r...