![[Chapter 1]: "Yemoja Speaks" with Shalonda Swanson](https://s3.castbox.fm/49/00/50/c9b9c7ac6c4e2bb79ac36893846f1540e1_scaled_v1_400.jpg "[Chapter 1]: \"Yemoja Speaks\" with Shalonda Swanson")
[Chapter 1]: "Yemoja Speaks" with Shalonda Swanson
Description
Thank you for tuning into the StoryNoir podcast! I had the pleasure of speaking with Shalonda Swanson of Yemoja Speaks. As a former foster youth Ms. Swanson understands the emotional challenges of healing. She reflected on her personal journey and have overcome emotional issues through writing poetry while she was in college. Currently she talks about healing through art, the impact of foster foster, and developing meaningful relationships on her podcast every Thursday.
She is writing her first book, “Trauma-Free: Thriving After Foster” to guide the younger generation in unpacking their trauma to thrive after leaving foster care. She attributes her success to her wonderful support system of mentors and teachers that pushed her out of her comfortable zone and she is eagerly giving the opportunity others to step out of theirs.
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Support Shalonda's forthcoming book and work online @YemojaSpeaks and @YemojasMedia
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Does something resonate with you from the episode? Say hello online:
Instagram: @StoryNoir
Website: Storynoir.com
![[Chapter 21]: "Black California & The Great Migration" in Conversation with David Peters, Rashida Chase and Dr. Mari Gray](https://s3.castbox.fm/1c/93/cf/eea46ad0e05b36ce5313be194ab7cce0f2_scaled_v1_400.jpg "[Chapter 21]: \"Black California & The Great Migration\" in Conversation with David Peters, Rashida Chase and Dr. Mari Gray")
![[Chapter 20]: Sounds Underground: "In Conversation with Sonny SOUF"](https://s3.castbox.fm/5f/de/e3/6d4f2ed5483d1fd057ec6ab80f60ef5a47_scaled_v1_400.jpg "[Chapter 20]: Sounds Underground: \"In Conversation with Sonny SOUF\"")
![[Chapter 19]: West Oakland Cultural Action Network Storytelling Session: In Conversation with Dorothy Lazard](https://s3.castbox.fm/53/9d/ad/744d382e165b0a2ba16e396a88aa4ffea1_scaled_v1_400.jpg "[Chapter 19]: West Oakland Cultural Action Network Storytelling Session: In Conversation with Dorothy Lazard")
![[Chapter 18]: "Sounds Underground: In Conversation with Farbod"](https://s3.castbox.fm/91/8d/74/817792cc5c6a283fe04a00787098857eb3_scaled_v1_400.jpg "[Chapter 18]: \"Sounds Underground: In Conversation with Farbod\"")
![[Chapter 17]: Reading: "Sisters of the Yam - Tongues of Fire: Learning Critical Affirmation" Written by bell hooks](https://s3.castbox.fm/7f/6d/9e/be7f19bc0bec1f8587e0bfd94498605a76_scaled_v1_400.jpg "[Chapter 17]: Reading: \"Sisters of the Yam - Tongues of Fire: Learning Critical Affirmation\" Written by bell hooks")
![[Chapter 16]: "Answering Prayers" featuring Toccara Nicole](https://s3.castbox.fm/41/7b/4e/382e3bd4e8596f0e5a1aa11591872e3939_scaled_v1_400.jpg "[Chapter 16]: \"Answering Prayers\" featuring Toccara Nicole")
![[Chapter 14]: "Sounds Underground: In Conversation with Tristan Marcelle"](https://s3.castbox.fm/30/1d/30/c357d7db24d4e926097ef78271b6d1efed_scaled_v1_400.jpg "[Chapter 14]: \"Sounds Underground: In Conversation with Tristan Marcelle\"")
![[Chapter 13]: Reading: "Grandma's Baby" & "Coco Butter Baby" Written by Krystaelynne S. Diggs](https://s3.castbox.fm/73/ce/be/5cb65ae717b09236966039be8d58915ea3_scaled_v1_400.jpg "[Chapter 13]: Reading: \"Grandma's Baby\" & \"Coco Butter Baby\" Written by Krystaelynne S. Diggs")
![[Chapter 12]: "Sounds Underground: In Conversation with Gr8tness"](https://s3.castbox.fm/0e/66/8a/8e869cbfe7c889c801d7609772f98da268_scaled_v1_400.jpg "[Chapter 12]: \"Sounds Underground: In Conversation with Gr8tness\"")
![[Chapter 11]: "Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself"](https://s3.castbox.fm/61/d7/40/1d08088f81b409e6cd753a5c48f2bc63c7_scaled_v1_400.jpg "[Chapter 11]: \"Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself\"")
United States
