Nacala Ayele was born and raised in Seattle Washington. She comes to coaching from a background of art, healing, service and community organizing.​​Nacala believes that joyful people who operate from their own genius have the power to transform not only themselves, but their families, communities and the world. She is committed to centering the experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities and helping her clients design their lives around the things that bring them the most joy. Nacala and I discuss: Her work as a joy coach for Black and Indigenous clients Her project - like fine wine Black joy over time How she and her videographer sought to ensure "people first" within the project  The myth of objectivity  Her upcoming venture to learn more about recording oral histories from Black elders Being a good steward of the stories of others Her own joyful stories And so much more. I hope that you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

Today's guest is Kiedra Taylor, and she and I had such a fun and deep conversation about her work and the magazine she curates. Let me tell you a bit about her. Kiedra Burston Taylor is a PhD candidate in the department of English. Her research focuses on depictions of Black girl protagonists in contemporary young adult literature. She is the founder and editor of Write On, Black Girl! Taylor is a Phi Kappa Phi John Tanaka Fellowship recipient. She is also a recent winner of the Outstanding Graduate Teaching  Award for the University of Connecticut. Kiedra and I talk about Her magazine write on black girl  Her PhD on Black girl rage in contemporary young adult lit The idea of respectable Black girls and women, who can't be angry or speak out The connection she sees between your ability to speak out and express your whole humanity, and joy What led her to starting the magazine How she edits pieces from writers with different voices and identities, and from different countries and cultures What the young writers have taught her And so much more.  Kiedra and I went deep, but had a wonderful conversation which I hope you enjoy as much as I did. Find Kiedra at https://www.kiedrabtaylor.com The call for submissions: http://bit.ly/3uHoKll And on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WrtOnBlkGrlUConn

Olivia is a USA Today Best Selling, Emma Award, and multiple award-winning author who loves a good laugh coupled with some steam, mixed in with a man and woman finding their way past the words of "I love you." An author of contemporary romances, she writes heartwarming stories of blossoming relationships filled with heart and humor. The Technicians, The Blakemore Files, and the Modern Mail Order Brides, are one clicks for thousands of readers. When Olivia is not writing, she enjoys quilting, playing Scrabble online against other word lovers and spending time with her family. She is an avid world traveler who writes many of the locations into her stories. Most of the time she can be found sitting quietly with pen and paper plotting more adventures in love. Olivia lives in Hephzibah, Georgia with her husband, son, grandson and snotty evil cat, Katness Evermean. Olivia and I talk about: Why she started writing romance novels and who she was inspired by Some of her characters and the books she writes about  The importance of writing a different narrative How she gets her inspiration for her stories and her Writing and world building process How she does her research  Advice she gives young authors through her mentorship And so much more. Learn more about her books, upcoming releases and join her bibliophile nation at www.ogaines.com Subscribe to her email list at http://sendfox.com/ogaines Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ogaines Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliviagaines Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviawrites/

Today we are joined by another dream guest of mine - Mirna Valerio. Let me tell you a bit about her! Mirna Valerio is a native of Brooklyn, NY, a former educator and XC coach, ultramarathoner, cyclist and skier, DEI facilitator, and author of the memoir, A Beautiful Work in Progress.  She began running in high school, recommitted to the sport after a health scare in 2008 and started her blog Fatgirlrunning—about her experiences as a larger woman in a world of thinner endurance athletes— while training for her first marathon.  Mirna's athletic story has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Runner’s World, on NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in the viral documentary short, REI Presents The Mirnavator. Her writing has been featured in Women’s Running, Self, Outside, and Runner's World. In 2018 she was chosen as a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year; in 2019 was featured on GMA, and has since then appeared on the Kelly Clarkson Show, Access Daily, and The Today Show. Her partners include LLBean, Ford Bronco, Lululemon, Salsa Cycles, Darn Tough Vermont, Hydro Flask, and Garmin.  She currently lives and trains in Vermont and is wholeheartedly enamored and obsessed with downhill skiing.  Mirna and I talk about: Her journey from blogger to published author - as she writes about her running life Writing nonfiction and fiction Her current project about Black Joy and the natural world How she handles feedback and rejection  How she decided to write her first fiction novel during nanowrimo Wild writing Legacy And so much more. We laugh a LOT in this one, and my sound definitely goes in and out so I'm sorry, but it was a great conversation and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. You can find Mirna on IG @themirnavator Or head over to her website:  www.themirnavator.com And you can learn more about me at https://www.safiyarobinson.com/

This week I am joined by Ber-Henda Williams - a poet, Visionary + Empath coach, and the founder of a leadership organization for girls. She is the author of ‘Memoirs of the Human Experience and Everything In Between, Vol. 1’ - a memoir told through poems, preludes and essays. Ber-Henda supports empathic creative visionary empaths to find their voice, embrace feminine power, and create mission-based businesses in service of social transformation, justice and equity. When she is not doing that, she runs a girl’s leadership program, The Power of Girlhood for girls 8-18. Además, ella es una poeta bilingüe. (She is a bilingual poet). She believes feminine empaths are here to disrupt the patriarchy and oppression with their mission-based businesses. You can listen to our conversation below, and click here to see Ber-Henda reading a piece that she wrote in Spanish and English, and click here to learn more about Ber-Henda. And take a listen to her podcast Soul of a Lead(her) here! And you can learn more about me at https://www.safiyarobinson.com/

Today I have with me one of my dream podcast guests - Greg Edwards.  Greg Edwards is a fearless comedian from Virginia. Greg moved to San Francisco in 2001 and became a fixture on the Bay Area comedy scene. Greg is known for his distinctive voice, awkward views and social commentary. He's performed at Jamie Foxx's Laffapollozza, SF SketchFest, SF Burrito & Comedy Fest, Riot LA, and clubs and colleges all over California. Greg was awarded the prestigious Dan Crawford Award from the San Francisco Punchline in 2009 and moved to Los Angeles in 2010.  Greg has performed at the Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store, The Hollywood Improv, The IceHouse, & all the popular independent shows in LA. Greg has worked with Dave Chappelle, Paul Mooney, Patrice O'Neal, Damon Wayans, Bill Burr, Charlie Murphy, Maria Bamford, Jim Jeffries, Harland Williams, Bill Bellamy, Deon Cole, W. Kamau Bell and many more outstanding comedians. Most recently, Greg stars as "Sparky Sweets PhD" of the critically-acclaimed web series THUG NOTES, Greg was also in season 1 of Comedy Central's Corporate and also was in Comedy Central's Black Depression video "Demetrinox". Greg has been in Entertainment Weekly, Forbes, The International New York Times and has been on BET, Comedy Central, interviewed on the Tavis Smiley show on PBS & has recently released 3 independent comedy albums Gregarious, Fuck you Greg & Dopamine. Greg and I talked about: The importance of relationships  The space that writing creates How conversations can boost your creativity  The evolution of a creative process - particularly with a live audience What we gain and lose with time and age Getting inspiration for your creative projects I even got to give Greg some encouragement on his current creative project - that you might find useful if you are working on anything! And we spoke about my blog post about the 6 Thinking Hats for writing. Greg also mentioned Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey and you can learn more about it here. And you can learn more about me at https://www.safiyarobinson.com/

Welcome back to Writing Black Joy, and today I have with me one of my dream guests - Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts. She is an incredible author, so let me tell you about her. As a writer and thought-leader, Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts offers those who read her work and hear her speak an authentic experience; an opportunity to explore the intersection of culture, identity, and faith/spirituality at the deepest levels.  She is the founder of HeARTspace, a healing community created to serve those who have experienced trauma of any kind through the use of storytelling and the arts. Tracey has Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Business Administration degree from Montclair State University, and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Fairleigh-Dickinson University.  She is a former Assistant Professor of English and Black Studies at the Community College of Philadelphia. As a writer, Tracey has published eighteen books including several collaborations with numerous high-profile authors. In 2021, Tracey became one of 20 writers who contributed to the groundbreaking book, You are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience edited by acclaimed researcher, Brene Brown, and founder of the MeToo Movement, Tarana Burke.  Her most recent publication is the critically-acclaimed book, Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration (Gallery/Simon and Schuster) which has received rave reviews from celebrities like Kerry Washington, literary writers like Kiese Laymon and Deesha Philyaw, and media outlets like Good Morning America, Essence Magazine, and USA Today. Her forthcoming book, Then They Came for Mine: Healing from the Trauma of Racial Violence, examines the source and impact of racial violence against Black people in all its forms and offers a blueprint for the way the Christian Church can help facilitate healing.  Tracey has spoken on a number of platforms around the country on topics related to race/social justice, education, faith/spirituality, and wellness. Additionally, Tracey's freelance work has been published in print and online publications such as Oprah Daily, The Washington Post, Essence Magazine, The Guardian, The Chronicle for Higher Education, Ebony Magazine, TheRoot.com, and more. Tracey and I talk about: How she came to her joy journey through grief Dance parties with her daughter and the duality of grief and joy, Her search for the feeling of joy in her body The both / and of stories of Black lives Her definition of Black joy How she writes from a place of authenticity Inspiration and creating rituals that help her write Switching her voice as a ghostwriter The importance of finishing How she chooses future projects from her myriad of ideas And so much more. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. You can find out more about Tracey at https://www.traceymlewis.com/ You can learn more about me at https://www.safiyarobinson.com/

This week we have with us Ayesis Clay - poet and playwright extraordinaire and so much more. Find out why she never actually considered herself a playwright - despite the fact that she has been writing plays since she was in primary (elementary) school, and hear her read from a current work in progress - A Million Tiny Ways.  Ayesis Clay is a master teacher, multidisciplinary theatre artist, and educational consultant. She has developed theatre arts curriculum for Prince George’s County Public Schools, the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, and many local and regional theatre companies. She served as a leader of the Prince George’s County Theatre Advisory Board where she developed and facilitated pre-service workshops while mentoring both new and seasoned teachers. Combining her extensive background in theatre and education, Ayesis founded Sculpted Clay Productions, where she uses innovative theatre-infused residencies and professional development workshops to help schools create trauma-sensitive, social-emotional focused learning environments for teachers and students. You will want to listen to Ayesis’s interview - we go deep and it is a wonderful conversation! Listen below. And you can hear Ayesis read an excerpt to “A million tiny ways” as well as learn more about her. And you can find out more about me at https://www.safiyarobinson.com/

Today I have with me Soribel Martinez and let me tell you she is a powerhouse. Her personality is infectious and we had an amazing conversation about her book Unbreakable. Let me tell you a bit about her. Soribel Martínez is a Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist, is the CEO of SMPSychotherapy and Counseling Services, business coach and consultant, public speaker, adjunct professor of Psychology at Post University, a Doctor of Social Work candidate at Walden University, and the founder of JC's Precious Minds Foundation Soribel has faced her share of challenges as a Dominican-American immigrant, from navigating school in her second language, recovering from religious trauma, losing a child, facing multiple brain aneurysms, and all of the usual heartbreak women face. In Unbreakable, Soribel guides you to reconnect with your Creator, figure out exactly what you want, and then take massive, inspired action toward your goals. Soribel and I discuss The importance of a marketing plan Ideas around legacy, and the dreams that we have that we may not see come to fruition in our lifetime - and her incredible wisdom around this. How a diagnosis shifted her life Her journey with English as a second language, and how she came to write her book in English Her writing routine/process and how she leaned into support during writing and publishing her book How she used social media while writing and publishing Acknowledging the experiences in your life and working through those feelings as you move into joy and becoming unbreakable Including others in your story Being prepared for speaking our stories out loud during launching - especially if we are more comfortable writing than speaking. How you are the best person to market your book Her foundation that supports mothers with special needs in the Dominican republic Pillars of business success that she included in her book unbreakable Details of her next book And so much more I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did. You can find out more about Unbreakable at https://book.soribelmartinez.com/ And you can learn more about Soribel and get onto her waiting list here! https://soribelmartinez.com/ And you can find out more about me at https://www.safiyarobinson.com/

Today I am joined by Dr Davia Shepherd - a fellow writer from the Caribbean, who also shares my love for collaboration. Here is a bit about Dr Shepherd. Dr. Davia H. Shepherd is the author of Grow Smarter. And she is also a Mom, a sister, a daughter and a wife. And, she hosts and coordinates a women’s collaboration club: Ladies Power Lunch. She helps her patients feel better every day, but the one thing that she is most passionate about, and that gets her out of bed in the morning is supporting women in business to live their optimal lives through growing their visibility, reach, impact and income. She is a beacon for beacons.  At her intuitive core, Davia has always known, even as a child, that when we all pull together, we can achieve unbelievably amazing results; whether we are talking about health, relationships, finances or even our careers. Her focus especially in this time is to connect us with each other and with our true inner amazing selves, so that we may live the lives we have the potential for.  Her best selling book “Grow Smarter…collaboration secrets to transform your income and impact” is focused on providing us with a framework for using the power of collaboration with fellow entrepreneurs to grow our businesses even during unusual times.  She invites you to connect with her through LPL’s monthly workshops and Facebook Community, LPL Summits, LPL Retreats or working with her one on one to make quantum leaps in your impact and income. Davia and I talk about: The importance of connection The magic of collaboration How she created her community Ladies power lunch How you can leverage being a part of an anthology The importance of support when it comes to writing and sharing your work Finding a way to share your story And so much more! Find out more about Davia's work at: www.ladiespowerlunch.com.  And you can order her book on Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk or search for it in the closest amazon marketplace to you! And you can find out more about me at https://www.safiyarobinson.com/