Cocoa Butter and Communion

Hey Village! Y'all know how much I love a good book and I love the people who know a great story to publish those good books. Black writers, writers of color, and other marginalized voices have had their stories silenced. It is so important to have these stories shared and luckily, there are people like Rowana, who see the value in those stories and does her absolute best to share them to the mainstream.  This week, I am chatting with Rowana Abbensetts-Dobson,  a Guyanese-American writer, author of Departure Story, and founder of Spoken Black Girl, a publishing & media company that promotes mental health and wellness among Black women & women of color by amplifying emerging voices. Rowana has had fiction and poetry published in Moko Magazine, Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora, Culture Push, When We Exhale: Anthology of Black Women Rooted in Ancestral Medicine, and Free Verse Magazine. As a freelance health and wellness writer, Rowana has written for Insider, GoodRx, Well +Good, Bold Culture by Streamline Media, The Tempest, Insider, and Electric Lit. Rowana is reading: "The Black Girls Guide to Financial Freedom" by Paris Woods  Chioko is reading: "Get Good with Money" by Tiffany Aliche    Follow Rowana on social media!  Instagram: @Rowana_a and @Spokenblackgirlmag Twitter: @Rowana_a @Spokenblackgirl Facebook:  @Spokenblackgirl Website: Spokenblackgirl.com Follow the Cocoa Butter and Communion Podcast on IG @groundedrootscollective 

Hey Village! THEE Jessica Brown is back and as always, we spend a lot of time key-keying. Jess just celebrated a birthday and y'all, it was a time to be had... not what she expected, not what anyone expected. Good news for y'all, we provide a synopsis. Jessica talks about online dating (some of y'all need coaches) and how to be the love you seek.  Jessica is an all around amazing human being, mom of two BEAUTIFUL babies, a director of behavioral health, she is in school full time getting her SECOND master's degree, she raps, tells jokes, and she is gorgeous, of course (shout out to her mama for the genetics... hey mama J).  Jessica is reading "How to be the Love you Seek: Break Cycles, Find Peace, and Heal Your Relationships" by Dr. Nicole LaPera  When Jesica and I need to transition in parts of our life, we listen to gangsta rap and Sunshine Anderson  Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion  Check out the Cocoa Butter and Communion on Facebook  

Hey Village! Another therapist is in the house and what an experience for us all :). Malaika Hill-Jones, LMFT is on the show, discussing her life as a student at Howard University, the importance of being in an environment that encompasses greatness, and how to take care of yourself during this tumultuous election cycle (no one is ready for this).  Malaika, an east coast transplant with a myriad of roles, embodies the essence of resilience and holistic healing. A proud graduate of Howard University, she wears the hats of daughter, wife, boy mom (x4), and grandmother. Malaika is currently immersed in the journey of doula training, weaving her passion for supporting others into every aspect of her life. As a licensed therapist, she operates her private practice in Sacramento under the name Abundant Healing Nyumba Marriage & Family Therapy Corp, affectionately known as The House of AHH (Abundant Holistic Healing). At The HOA, Malaika blends traditional psychotherapy theories with interventions from ancestral healing communities, crafting an integrative approach to wellness that honors the complexities of individual experiences. She fosters community and connection through her facilitation of a local women of color support group, providing a safe space for collective healing and empowerment. In addition to her therapeutic work, Malaika is dedicated to education and empowerment. She is preparing to lead a workshop centered around navigating the transitions of perimenopause and menopause, recognizing the importance of holistic support during these transformative phases of life. As one-third of Nourish Well, a women-led collective offering healing workshops and experiences, Malaika continues to champion the power of community in the healing journey. She firmly believes that healing is not a solitary endeavor but a communal process, and she embodies this ethos in all aspects of her work and life. Malaika is currently reading "Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents" by Lindsay C. Gibson and for fun, she is reading "Drunk in Love" by Jasmine Guillory. I am still reading "Dust Tracks on a Road" by Zora Neale Hurston and a bunch of articles for school.  To get in contact with Malaika, please visit her website, follow her on IG!  www.houseofahh.com @houseofahh @womenofcolorgroup @nourish_well_  

Hey Village! This episode, it is just me. :) A little bit about me, I am Chioko Juliette Grevious, Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, and a registered Psychological Assistant, all in the state of California (west siiiiide). In addition to those things, I am also the owner of a therapy practice, Grounded Roots Therapy Collective, Inc. (website is under construction). From the beginning of my journey as a therapist, I have truly believed that it is important for therapy to be decolonized and destigmatized. The oppressive practices of therapy needs to be dismantled. I want to make sure that the information is out there to find the therapist that is meant for you. Our healing is a collective experience. When the community is healed, we are all healed.  This episode gives some tips on how to interview a potential therapist and some things to know about the different theoretical orientations of therapy (styles of therapy).  I currently finished "Great Expectations" by Vinson Cunningham (finished most of it while waiting in the lines at Disneyland) and I am listening to The Above the Rim soundtrack.  Here are some directories to begin your search for a therapist:  Therapy for Black Girls www.therapyforblackgirls.com  TherapyDen www.therapyden.com Clinicians of Color www.cliniciansofcolor.org     

Hey Village! Today, we are talking about hip hop with someone who knows it well. I was incredibly fortunate to speak with Ashley Autumn, Founder and CEO of Talented Tenth Entertainment. She is not only the CEO but she produces, consults, and so much more. I'll let her tell it :). We talk about the state of hip hop, women in hip hop, and the evolution of hip hop.  Ashley is reading "Worthy" by Jada Pinkett Smith  Songs that empower her is Rhianna's "Better Have My Money" and Beyonce's "Flawless"  A woman MC's verse that empowers me is The Baddest, Trina's verse on "Nann"  Follow Ashley on IG @talented10thent  Follow Cocoa Butter and Communion on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion 

Hey Village! This week, I am chatting with Mellonie Richardson about Black women in politics, her role in the Black Women for Political Action (BWOPA) (she is the president, y'all), getting involved, our right to vote, her legacy, and so much more.  A little about Mellonie, she is the Human Resources Director of Talent Acquisition for California State University, Sacramento, as well as the Principal Consultant of a private Human Resources and Organization Development consulting firm, Bene Consulting Group, supporting the work and efforts of Sacramento Area non-profit organizations.  Mellonie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications Studies, with a concentration in Media Studies from California State University, Sacramento, and a Master of Arts degree in Human Resources and Organization Development from the University of San Francisco. She works tirelessly in our community, supporting others and sitting on boards, including the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce. You can catch her supporting organizations such as, Sacramento Sister Circle, Mocha Mommy’s Club Sacramento, Black Women Organized for Political Action #BWOPASac, GirlTrek International Black Women’s Health Movement, Sacramento State University Black Staff and Faculty Association, Sacramento State University Legacy Black Women’s Community of Practice, and so much more.  Mellonie is currently reading "Black Butterfly" by Addie Ellis and "Get Good with Money" by Tiffany Aliche  Mellonie refused to pick a song that inspires her because there are so many :).  The song that inspired me moving through a breakup was "Return of the Mack" by Mark Morrison and also "O-o-h Child" by the Five Stairsteps (gets me every time)  Get involved in BWOPA! Subscribe to the #BWOPASac Newsletter - https://tinyurl.com/BWOPASacNews Join #BWOPASac FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/BWOPASacramento/ (https://www.facebook.com/BWOPASacramento/)  Check out Mellonie's consulting group, Bene Consulting www.benecg.com  Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion and find us on Facebook! @cocoa.butter.and.communion.podcast   

Hey Village! Happy Black History Month! Happy month of love! This episode, I am chatting with my newest sister girl/colleague/classmate, Regina McGuire. Regina is a retired Navy woman who was running a ship like the bad ass she is. We discuss her life in the military, as a Black woman, the strong Black woman trope, motherhood, and this idea of humbleness.  In addition to be a retired Navy Veteran, she is a mental health professional that is committed to breaking down the barriers of mental health care in Black and Brown communities. Regina brings a unique combination of military discipline, scholarly insight, and heartfelt dedication to her profession as a therapist. During her service in the United States Navy, Regina distinguished herself through leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her peers and junior Sailors' mental and emotional welfare. During this service period, she honed her communication, teamwork, and crisis management skills, setting a solid foundation for her subsequent career in mental health counseling. Her current studies as a PhD in Clinical Psychology student further sharpens her clinical acumen, enabling her to tackle complex mental health issues with enhanced expertise. Regina specializes in working with a diverse clientele, including those with dual diagnoses of mental health and substance abuse, couples facing relationship challenges, children navigating developmental and emotional difficulties, individuals recovering from trauma, and individuals seeking personal growth through individual therapy. Her holistic approach is tailored to address each client's unique needs, drawing from evidence-based therapies and her rich background in sociology and psychology. Regina is listening to 90s hip hop and R&B because like me, she is stuck in that era, musically.  Regina is reading "Dust Tracks on a Road" by Zora Neale Hurston  I am reading "ain't I a woman: Black Women and Feminism" by bell hooks  Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion Y'all, we are on Facebook too!  @cocoa.butter.and.communion.podcast Or send an email to cocoabutterandcommunion@gmail.com  

Hey Village! We are kicking off Black History Month and what better way to kick off Black History Month with a woman who celebrates her Blackness everyday? I can answer that! There isn't anything better than Chi Chi stopping by the village to drop gems about getting your life together all while parenting amazing children and finding herself throughout. We talk about who she is, at her core, awareness, and parenting our own mothers (it is hard work, y'all).  Chi Chi is reading "Lost Prophet: The Life and Times of Bayard Rustin" by John D'Emilo  I am reading "Decolonizing Therapy: Oppression, Historical Trauma, and Politicizing Your Practice" by Dr. Jennifer Mullan The song that represents Chi Chi is "Be Real Black For Me" by Thee Donny Hathaway and Thee Roberta Flack and the song that represents me is "Ms. New Booty" by Bubba Sparxx (you will hear why on the episode).  Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion or email cocoabutterandcommunion@gmail.com       

Hey Village! I am so lucky to have access to such a brilliant mind, day in and day out. Daniel is back! On this episode, him and I discuss spirituality and religion, the differences, his growth in both and what he wishes he knew. You get to know him a little more, which is always a beautiful thing.  Dan is reading "Making it So: A Memoir" by Patrick Stewart  I am reading articles for my classes.  Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion  If you have any questions, contact the show cocoabutterandcommunion@gmail.com 

Heeeyyyy, I am back! It has been a long time. Happy New Year Village! I hope your holiday season allowed rest. This week's episode can be triggering due to the content of talking about Black maternal deaths, the prevention, and the sharing of birth stories that can be traumatic for our listeners. Take breaks when you need or fast forward. Do what you need. We talk about being a doula, the history of doulas in Black communities, the maternal death crisis, and we even give some insight into our birthing stories.  This week's guest is Aresha Auzenne is a San Francisco native, specializing in trauma informed birth work, placenta medicine, breastfeeding, and donor milk education. Having worked in the death care industry for several years, moving into the sacred space of birth work was a natural transition. Aresha is a full spectrum holistic doula and a mother to a vibrant 4 year old boy. She is most passionate about empowering women and mothers of color, building supportive maternal communities and fostering spaces of healing through motherhood. She credits her work, her passion, and h er healing to the many powerful women who held her and her son, during her own transition into the depths of motherhood-learning to crawl, to walk, to talk, to exist as a brand-new being. Aresha is currently working as a community researcher, investigating Black maternal health and birth outcomes amongst women and mothers of color.  Aresha is reading "The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself" by Michael A. Singer and "The Fantasy Bond: Structure of Psychological Defenses" by Robert W. Firestone.  Chioko is reading "A General Theory of Love" by Thomas Lewis, Fari Amini, and Richard Lannon

Heeeyyy village! Another episode of Cocoa Butter and Communion is back on the podcast airwaves. This week, I am discussing Black women in academia with my classmate, Johndalyn Armstrong. We talk about school, not separating our Blackness from our education and our experiences, her new fondness of Janelle Monae, among other stuff. She is absolutely lovely and she has an impeccable taste in fashion (you see her frames). Johndalyn currently volunteers for the UNHCR’s sub organization, LuquLuqu, as they offer life services to refugees on the continent of Africa.   

Hey Village! I am joined today by my dearest, Malikka Rogers. We discuss A LOT on this episode from Bruce Willis dating rumors to ridiculousness in music to spirituality. As always, I love my conversations with her and I hope you do too. Spend some time with us on this cold November day, it should get you through your workday, your clean up day, your shopping day... its a long one :). Follow Malikka on Facebook (Tackling Tomfoolery), IG (@tacklingtomfool) and the Twitter (@MalikkaRodgers) Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion     

I was curious and when I am curious, a podcast episode usually happens :). I talk about building sisterhood a lot on this podcast but this episode, I wanted to chat about building brotherhood and the expression of vulnerability. I chatted with Ray, who provided me with some insight into the work he does.  Ray is of Afro-Caribbean ancestry hailing from the little country with the big reggae sound, Jamaica. He was raised between Kingston, Jamaica and the greater New York Metropolitan area.    He is a Silicon Valley business leader within the financial technology sector. He serves as a wellness coach to young men in the California, Oakland - Bay Area as a leader for Create the Space (https://www.cr8thespace.com).  Ray is a fitness enthusiast. He practices  Yoga weekly with his yogi brethren of  Barbershop Yoga-(https://rondyoga.com).He is a 2X marathon finisher and will soon be completing his 3rd triumph of 26.2 miles on the island of Japan, this upcoming March 2024 in Tokyo. He is also an avid reader and is never without his Kindle Oasis.    Ray credits his sense of community and care for others to his upbringing. His father and mother embedded the principal of L.O.U.D (Lift others up Daily) from a very young age. Whether it was donating toys or time to others he was always encouraged to live in service of his fellow men and women.   When he is not serving as a business leader, coach, running or reading he can also be found behind the lens clicking portraits and corporate events as an aspiring photographer.    Contact him at  Foodnmvmt@gmail.com and view his work on Instagram.  https://instagram.com/foodnmvmt_photos?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==   Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion (I need to do a better job at keeping this page up lol)

Heeeyyy Village! Today's episode is a conversation with my mom, Venetia Brown. On this episode, she shares the history behind her own name and she clears up how she came up with mine. We talk about the things that connect us and the things that have kept us at a distance. She shares about her journey into motherhood and being a grandmother and the influence of her parents and grandparents.  Mom is reading "Truly Blessed" by Teddy Pendergrass, again. That is because, like most Black women in their 60s, she loves her some Teddy P. I am reading "The Monsters We Defy" by Leslye Penelope. My mom and I talk about our love for Aretha Franklin (I listened to her probably every day for 18 years).  Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion  Send us an email at cocoabutterandcommunion@gmail.com 

Hey village! I have another great episode with my friend, by way of my brother, Brandon Johnson. I met Brandon Johnson YEARS ago and I am glad I did. Y'all will see why when you listen to this episode. We chat about music (we even sing a few duets), family, marriage, kids, and Berkeley hippies (I am that). This is the bio he provided for me:  Brandon Johnson , Aka Mr P. H. D pretty handsome, Dan Juan.  a proud resident of Vallejo and a devoted family man. Married with five wonderful kids, Brandon's love for his family is unparalleled. He thrives in social settings, cherishing engaging conversations with others. With his warm and personable nature, Brandon effortlessly creates connections and fosters meaningful relationships. Alongside his wife, Tiffany, and his friend, Doc IJ, Brandon co-hosted the popular podcast called "2 Dudes and a Chick". Together, they brought their unique perspectives and lively banter, making each episode a delightful experience. Tune in to hear Brandon's insightful perspectives, captivating stories, and vibrant chemistry that will leave you entertained. Brandon is reading hella books (we have always connected over reading). A few that he is reading:  "Instant Millionaire" by Marc André Poissant "The Light We Carry" by THEE Michelle Obama and "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron  He provides a playlist that reminds him of his marriage (it is a variety of things) Follow his podcast Two Dudes and Chick wherever you can find podcasts. 

This week I am chatting with my friend and colleague, Angelique York. We talk about taking a leap, which is different than taking a jump in life and careers.  Angelique York is a multifaceted individual. Sacramento native and Los Angeles resident, licensed clinical social worker, a MSW graduate of University of Southern California (USC) with a concentration in community, organization, and business innovation and holds a BA in Business management and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.   Angelique’s journey has included  government service at county, state and federal level. She has participated, led and/or assisted with a wide range of projects which has included collaborating w/ government and community leaders through studying sex tourism and human trafficking in the Philippines. She also has had the honor to work within Child and family services within the Australian government. Angelique hold’s a lifelong passion in empowering girls of color to rise to the occasion of living to their fullest potential while disseminating negative stereotypes. Angelique is not only a licensed therapist but an entrepreneur. Her newest and latest project has been owner and founder of Elevate Life Therapy & Consulting. a dynamic and transformative service that aims to elevate individuals to new levels of personal growth, well-being, and success. Elevate Life Therapy and Consulting is here to guide you on your journey towards a life elevated. Outside of her professional life, she is intentional about self care, traveling domestically and internationally and spending time w/ her loved ones. She is an everlasting lover of Christ. Angelique is getting back into reading, give her a few months :).  I am reading "Gathering Blossoms Under Fire: The Journals of Alice Walker  Like Natalie Cole, I have love on my mind. Angelique and I talk love songs and Aretha Franklin. 

I love comedy and I have had conversations on this podcast with hilarious people. This episode, I am checking in with a hilarious person that has made his career by doing standup. On this week's episode, I chat with G. King about what it was like to take a leap without a safety net, his journey, and I get all in his business about his social life. PLUS...I realized that I could collaborate on writing skits.  G. King is reading "The Art of Not Giving a F*uck" or he is hoping to read a little bit BUT I discovered he was a Tupac-storian like myself.  School literature has my attention these days so I have been reading stacks of articles.  G. King is from Vallejo and he names the songs that make him feel at home and E-40 is my guy.  Follow G. King on IG (@g_kingcomic), Facebook (Comedian G-King), Twitter (@gking) for his content and show dates (brotha stays booked)  

Hey Village! My guest today is my dear friend, Lamarr D. Jackson! Lamarr and I go way back like Shasta soda and I am so glad that he stopped by to share about being a big thinker, the encouragement to do so, owning land that is rightfully yours, lessons learned, raising daughters, and a rap career.  Lamarr is a husband, a father, a Sacramento State graduate (go Hornets), a future school counselor (he is going to be a fantastic one), a farmer, a Sacramento native, and he aspires to be a rapper at 45 (as a true friend, I am encouraging him to do so...sorry Yvette).  Lamarr is reading "Think Rich, Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill. The song that got him hella hyped at school dances was "Poison" by Bell Biv DeVoe (the 90s) and "California Love" by Tupac, Dre, and Roger Troutman.  I am reading "White Tears, Brown Scars" by Ruby Hamad and the song that got me hella hyped at middle school dances was anything by Bryan Adams because at that point, I knew it was time to go home. :)  Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion  Don't forget to share why you dig the show! Send an email at cocoabutterandcommunion@gmail.com 

We are celebrating one year of Cocoa Butter and Communion! That flew by, right? To help celebrate as a community, I would LOVE to hear your thoughts about the show and I will share them on a future episode of the podcast. Has Cocoa Butter and Communion impacted your life in any way? What has been your favorite episode? Has anything provided inspiration for you to have a conversation with your own village? What have you taken away? Please share it with me! I would love to share it with everyone! Email me at cocoabutterandcommunion@gmail.com or slide in the DMs on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion It is bestie time and Jessica is back. As many of you know, Jessica is a show regular and it is always a good time... lots of laughter, love, and perspective sharing. On this show, she shares a playlist with me about what music makes her feel sexy. She found it hysterical what my choice was.  You all know that she means so much to me and I am thankful for her sisterhood. Jess is absolutely amazing and she is a dynamic human being. The village is good with her in it.  Jessica N. Brown, MPH, is a public health professional specializing in public and mental health program development and management. Her primary expertise is in program implementation and evaluation; strategic planning development; operationalizing racial equity and workforce initiatives, and community-based participatory research and administration. With over 10 years of public and behavioral health experience, Ms. Brown has worked in various health services such as genetic newborn screening, HIV prevention and surveillance, and community behavioral health. Currently, she is serving as the Director for the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH), Behavioral Health Services (BHS), Office of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI), where her responsibility is to oversee strategic planning, organization, implementation, and evaluation of equity and workforce programs across the SFDPH, BHS. As Director, she is responsible for integrating racial equity framework and policy throughout BHS while managing various programs and projects, including cultural competency activities, ADA-related efforts, language services, staff, client and community communication; consumer relations; staff and community-based training, workforce development, employee engagement, staff wellness, and human resources projects for BHS. Ms. Brown is also working with the San Francisco Human Rights Commission’s Office of Racial Equity on implementing the City’s Racial Equity Ordinance and serving on the HRC task force to develop strategies for reallocating police funding into Black/African American communities throughout San Francisco. Throughout her career, Ms. Brown has been committed to developing strategies to address health inequities that drastically impact Black/ African American and Latinx communities. She is dedicated to confronting the impact of racism and how it contributes to inadequate treatment, misdiagnosis, and undervaluing of the trauma and pain of Black/African American communities. Ms. Brown received her master’s degree in Public Health at San Jose State University and has committed her career to closing the gap in health and racial inequities.    

Episode 45 is here and it is with my girl, Rose-Stella! She is back y'all! Just as delightful as she wants to be. On this episode her and I chat about her family's origin story, the power of our narratives, lessons from mom, and of course hip hop.  Rose-Stella Pierre-Louis is a Haitian-American mother, occupational therapist, speaker, author, and transformation coach for first-generation women entrepreneurs of Caribbean and African descent. She is the founder of Stellar Transformation, LLC. Her exclusive signature coaching program, Six Figure Soft Life - Stellar Transformation®️ Entrepreneur Experience offers a unique neuro-biology approach that supports purpose-driven business owners in implementing soul-care routines into their busy schedules and overcoming imposter syndrome, so they can have a lifestyle built around joy, ease and balance. Women who’ve experienced the Stellar Transformation®️ process unlearn inherited cultural beliefs and habits that keep them stuck in generational patterns of survival, to transform into the most fulfilled, authentic version of themselves and the most self expressed descendant in their lineage! Rose-Stella is a keynote and speaker on soul care for Black women, regulating the nervous system from racism induced stress, and entrepreneurship as a path to generational healing. She is passionate about helping women in prioritizing their wellbeing after meeting their cultural and family obligations. Rose-Stella is reading "The Gospel of Hip Hop" by KRS One and the first hip hop song learned was "The Choice is Yours" by Black Sheep.  You can access Rose-Stella's wonderful work and social media at her website, www.rosestella.com  Follow Cocoa Butter and Communion on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion