Claim OwnershipReal. Relatable.
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© Donna Polk
Description
People often look at us and think we’ve got it all together.
But let’s be honest—life? It’s messy. It’s full of curveballs, quiet battles, and growth moments we don’t always talk about.
This podcast is your reminder: you are not alone.
Each episode, we’ll show up—no filters, no facades—just real conversations about the highs, the lows, and everything in between. We’ll celebrate the wins, embrace the struggles, and challenge each other to grow into our best, most authentic selves.
Because when we get vulnerable, when we open up, we become that much more real... and that much more relatable.
This podcast is your reminder: you are not alone.
Each episode, we’ll show up—no filters, no facades—just real conversations about the highs, the lows, and everything in between. We’ll celebrate the wins, embrace the struggles, and challenge each other to grow into our best, most authentic selves.
Because when we get vulnerable, when we open up, we become that much more real... and that much more relatable.
50 Episodes
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We all have so many wonderful traditions, from your grandmother’s dressing to your aunt’s pie or the turkey your uncle fried turkey but where did these black holiday favorites come from? This episode we’re diving into our own holiday traditions and bringing in a little historical context. Jonathan shares the beauty of going to harvest their food growing up and Donna looks back on her memory of trying to replicate the un-replicatable dressing her aunt makes.
Instagram:
@DonnaJaneen
@RealRelatablePodcasts
www.DonnaJaneen.com/podcasts
#holiday #tradition #soulfood #thanksgiving #christmas #holidaymeal
We always joke about how any time you see a black person in a horror film, they don’t make it to the end of the movie. Is that rooted in racism? How have horror films been influenced and shaped history? This month on Now We Know, we’re dividing into Horror Noire A History of Black Horror, a documentary from 2019 that Jonathan found. We celebrate the evolution of black representation as it evolves over time to be more representative, and also acknowledge that Donna's not here for the scaries but can appreciate the work of art and live vicariously through Jonathan's obsession with the films. Are you a fan of horror movies? What’s your favorite?
Instagram:
@DonnaJaneen
@RealRelatablePodcasts
www.DonnaJaneen.com/podcasts
Documentary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc6Rzzd8l4s
#halloween #spookyseason #horrorfilms #blackhistory
Don't mess with Texas? Don't mess with women's bodies. The Texas abortion ban has created a flood of opinions and everyone in everyone else's business when they have no right even to be there. This month, Donna and Jonathan dive into this highly debated topic as adoption can be a beautiful avenue but that's not the case for everyone - nor should it be the only option. Forcing people into these situations isn't the answer.
Resources:
https://www.npr.org/2021/09/01/1033202132/texas-abortion-ban-what-happens-next
https://www.aclu.org/news/racial-justice/the-racist-history-of-abortion-and-midwifery-bans/
Instagram:
@DonnaJaneen
@RealRelatablePodcasts
www.DonnaJaneen.com/podcasts
#abortion #abortionrights #abortionban #texas #healthcare
It's August and officially Back to School season and what better time to talk about CRT. But, what is CRT? Does it really need to be banned in k-12 schools? This month on Now We Know, Donna and Jonathan dive into Critical Race Theory and what nuance would’ve meant for them in school growing up.
Instagram:
@RealRelatablePodcasts
@DonnaJaneen
www.DonnaJaneen.com/podcasts
#criticalracetheory #education #crt
This month on Now We Know, Donna & Jonathan were all in their feelings! Together they discuss the documentary In Our Mothers' Gardens that beautifully details generation to generation the good, the bad and the ugly life experiences of black women from the diaspora living in America. The hardships overcome to shape these women and the figurative garden beds they nurtured to bring beautiful harvests for generations to come. What have you harvested from your mother’s gardens?
In Our Mothers' Gardens https://www.netflix.com/title/81354661
Instagram:
@DonnaJaneen
@RealRelatablePodcasts
www.DonnaJaneen.com/podcasts
#motherhood #grandmother #generation #blackhistory
Juneteenth brings a certain amount of joy yet confusion as Jonathan and Donna work through their sentiments towards the holiday. Do they celebrate or simply acknowledge? What's enough, what's not enough? Listen along as together they have a revelation about Juneteenth and what it truly means for black culture in America.
High on the Hog - How African American Cuisine Transformed America
Docuseries on Netflix
History of Juneteenth
Dr. Shennette Garrett-Scott
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIi_53jihMM
Instagram:
@DonnaJaneen
@RealRelatablePodcast
RealRelatablePodcast@gmail.com
The conversation surrounding mental health and therapy needs to continue. We all have vulnerabilities to work through whether that's from life experience or simply how we're made. It's never too late to take the first step to take care of yourself mentally. Check in on yourself and those around you, you never know what someone is going through.
Suggested Tune:
Johnnie Frierson
Have You Been Good to Yourself
https://open.spotify.com/track/2DHylyLFfzaKOBnC0HfDjU?si=JFI-1CB0ROesFgdPZ7D4Wg&nd=1
Instagram:
@DonnaJaneen
@RealRelatablePodcast
Colorism and hair are not as widely discussed as they need to be. We experience discrimination from the hue of our skin to the bounce of our hair or lack there of. Let's dive into these topics, as really they coincide, and figure out how it all started. Remember original Aunt Viv on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air or Claire on My Wife & Kids? Exactly.
Instagram:
@DonnaJaneen
@RealRelatablePodcast
RealRelatablePodcast@gmail.com
Hello Women’s History Month! There are so many incredible women we can highlight that have done an immense amount of work to advance women and humanity overall. This week we’re focusing on Lorraine Hansberry as a black playwright, activist and humanitarian who way the first to test the stage of Broadway.
Weekly Faith in Humanity Restored:
CHILASAROMA Candles
@CHILASAROMA
www.CHILASAROMA.com
Instagram:
@DonnaJaneen
@RealRelatablePodcast
Did you know Black History Month started with Negro History Week? Many thanks to those before us who did the work in making sure there was room for us to learn what we know and can expand upon today. May we be radical in dismantling to learn who we truly are in the best effort push forward positively as a people. We’re also celebrating a few greats who hadn’t gotten as much recognition and thank them for doing the work for those to follow their footsteps.
Weekly Faith in Humanity Restored:
Association for the Study of African American Life & History
www.asalh.org
Instagram:
@DonnaJaneen
@RealRelatablePodcast
RealRelatablePodcast@gmail.com
Allow me to introduce you to Jonathan Stokes, co-host of the branch off of your favorite podcast, a monthly series of Real. Relatable. dubbed “Now We Know”. Jonathan and I unpack major topics surrounding learning, unlearning and re-learning what we should’ve been taught about our black history. As MLK Jr day approaches, we launch the first episode of this series with focus on honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy for humanity. What didn’t we learn? What do we know now? Weekly Weekly Faith in Humanity Restored www.TheKingCenter.org Instagram: @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcast
Phew, it has been a hot minute! After a 2 year hiatus, Real. Relatable. is back and more refreshed than ever! On this episode, Donna has not one but two guests to join her discussing the growth after marriage, divorce, and experiences in dating. Sometimes the pain we go to to grow can be ugly, but emerging to the other side can be beauty worth the wait. Signs of the universe can be abrupt or more subtle; ultimately, we have to get in tune with ourselves to make sure the decisions we're making are sound and bring out the best versions of ourselves.What are some ways you've grown in or from your past relationships?Instagram:@DonnaJaneen#relationships #growth #universe #signs
Yes, we know, we know - we've talked so much from the woman's perspective and we've had several people in our DMs saying it's one-sided. So, against his will and here to speak on behalf of all men, everywhere, is Donna's male friend: Hill. (Both are untrue: he was a willing participant and speaking on his own behalf.)From building trust, tapping into his highest self as a provider, and breaking down the walls to show vulnerability: Hill sheds light on what has and hasn't worked in his time in these dating streets. Referencing the LALALA, there's more alignment in core needs than we knew before.Instagram:@DonnaJaneen#relationships #maleperspective #dating
It’s no surprise that self-reflection is key to growth—and in dating, it’s no different. Recognizing our own patterns is the first step toward breaking them and building healthier relationships. In this episode, Donna is joined by Laura and Amanda for a real, unfiltered conversation about the red flags they missed, the missteps they made, and the breakthrough moments that finally shifted their perspective. From infidelity to emotional blind spots, they share the hard lessons that helped them grow—and might just help you too. Resource:Jay Shetty On Purpose with Sadia Khan: Stop Ignoring Red Flags! (How to Train Your Brain When to Walk Away)https://open.spotify.com/show/5EqqB52m2bsr4k1Ii7sStc?si=e95bd2bf96d44224
This was probably the hardest episode I ever had to record. For Sexual Assault Awareness Month, I share and reflect on both sexual trauma that has resurfaced as well as a recent assault.
The last several months have been a time of working towards healing, acknowledging 12-year old Donna, and figuring out how I really give myself grace in the wake of immense shame from sexual trauma. To everyone who has reached out, brave enough to share their own story with me or provided support for me - I see you, I appreciate you, I hear you.
Instagram:
@DonnaJaneen
#SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth #sexualtrauma
On this episode of Real. Relatable., Donna welcomes Jovaan Lumpkin, a warrior on his sobriety journey of 318 days (as of this recording). Jovaan doesn't hold back to share his story from the beginning of a childhood with a matriarchal head of the household, the turn to alcohol and later venture into drugs. The journey to recovery wasn't easy, but he wouldn't have it any other way to get to where he is today.
Have you or a loved one faced the challenges of addiction? Understandably, it can be a scary and uncertain time for everyone involved. What's the correct route to take to get yourself or your loved one help?
TikTok:
second_coming_23
YouTube:
The Archie Tech Experience - ArchieTech
Instagram:
@DonnaJaneen
#sobriety #roadtorecovery #addiction
Co-parenting can be as easy or hard of a journey as those involved make it. Unfortunately, society is set up where most are not as amicable as they could/should be. Yes, there is a lot of nuance as to why couples split and result in co-parenting. No, it doesn't have to be hard. Yes, there are situations that make it extremely challenging for one or both parties involved (which can be very disheartening).
This episode, Donna chats with her ex-husband, John on how they make co-parenting work. This dynamic is an anomaly, but they wouldn't have it any other way.
Instagram:
@DonnaJaneen
#coparenting #coparent #parenting
How is the culture in law enforcement shaped? Why would someone who devoted themself to protect and serve aid in the discourse of terrorism in Buffalo? How didn’t the officers in Uvalde not intervene more?
In this episode, Trent, a trusted friend of the podcast and law enforcement officer, goes into depth of how the culture of law enforcement is shaped at each branch and how the tragic cluster of Uvalde devastated the country.
Every mass shooting is shockingly unnerving, disheartening and causes immense sorrow nation wide. The pure acts of evil plague what we acclaim to be the best country on earth. Loving one’s country does not excuse her from ridicule. What level of discomfort do we need to obtain to make the radical change we need to see?
Instagram:
@DonnaJaneen
Fascinating Read:
https://truthout.org/articles/to-end-mass-shootings-we-need-to-change-the-deeper-structure-of-life-in-the-us/
#lawenforcement #gunviolence #reform
Now We Know has been around, and we want to make sure you can find it! Donna & Jonathan are still breaking down to build back up the historical truth about our black history. Check out this link https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/now-we-know/id1590630828 , or search "Now We Know Donna Greene & Jonathan Stokes" wherever you stream.
#spinoff #podcast #blackhistoryisamericanhistory
TW: Narcissistic abuse is no laughing matter or something to take lightly. It is painful and life altering for the survivor. On this episode, Donna goes into the stages of narcissist abuse. She never knew the different types of narcissists, until her own personal experience. Have you or a loved one experienced narcissistic abuse? You are not alone, trust. How did you make it through? Did you have a support system?
Helpful Sources:
Doctor Ramani https://www.youtube.com/c/DoctorRamani
Common Ego https://www.youtube.com/c/CommonEgo
Instagram:
@DonnaJaneen
www.DonnaJaneen.com
#narcissisticabuse #relationships #dating #lovebombing #manipulation
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