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A book can be a confession, a shield, and a doorway all at once and Tigest Beyene knows that firsthand. She’s back with me on Bloggers and Friends to talk about her second book, “Almost Real,” a love story that lives in the space between fantasy and truth. After sharing the world of “Love, Sex, and Sorrow” and releasing the documentary “Walk by Faith,” she’s now writing from a new place: more open, more curious, and more willing to name the feelings we usually keep locked up.

We get into what “Almost Real” is really doing on the page: capturing emotional reality, imagining what love could look like when it’s safe, and letting a plot twist carry the weight of hope. Tigest breaks down her writing process, how she tests her work with trusted readers, and why she focuses less on physical description and more on how a person feels, communicates, and shows up. If you care about contemporary romance, Black love, healing through storytelling, and the courage it takes to be seen, you’ll hear those threads in every part of this conversation.

Then we go wider into the real life lessons the book invites, like dating with intention, the difference between “hanging out” and an actual date, and why daytime dates can reveal what nighttime vibes hide. We also talk rest, grind culture, and redefining success in a way that fits your life instead of social media’s timeline. And we end on something I think we need more of: masculinity that includes sensitivity, plus relationships that feel like safe spaces instead of battlegrounds.

Listen now, share this with a friend who loves real talk about love and growth, and subscribe so you don’t miss what we’re building here. If the episode hits you, leave a review and tell us what “Almost Real” means to you.

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The loudest voices online say will have you believing real love and commitment don't exist. We’re here to prove the opposite. Newlywed Nyla joins us to share how therapy gave her the tools to self-regulate, why deep conversation beat small talk every time, and how choosing for the future—not just the moment—changed everything. From vulnerability to values, her story offers a grounded, hopeful perspective on finding and building love that will last.

We talk about safety as something you can feel: patience when you’re tender, kindness when you’re overwhelmed, and the quiet confidence of being fully yourself without performance. Nyla gets specific about ditching her “type,” writing a values-first list, and dating with honesty across multiple connections until real commitment was clear. We unpack red flags vs. fixable friction, agreements that keep conflict from turning into punishments, and the simple discipline of never weaponizing silence. It’s practical, not preachy—communication, boundaries, and mutual respect.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a hopeful nudge, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway—we read every word! 

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A kitchen can be a sanctuary, a studio, and a launchpad. That’s the heartbeat of our conversation with Diane “Mama D” Jackson, the mother, wife, and entrepreneur who turned a family-nudged cookbook idea into a fast-growing, health-forward granola brand. We dive into the creative detour that changed everything: from staging a full cookbook photoshoot to discovering that flavor experiments were the real signal. Vanilla toffee with chocolate, cookie butter that won first-class taste buds, seasonal hot cocoa with roasted marshmallows, and a sweet-and-salty pretzel remix—each batch pulled her closer to a purpose she could feel. Hungry for more? Tune in and join the conversation!

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We are joined by Portland's very own, DJ O.G. ONE! We talk about everything from community, leadership, and culture to music, balancing a family, and entrepreneurship. Tune in and join the conversation!

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On this episode we are joined by Dancer, Choreographer, Artist Developer, Mentor, Producer, Durante Lambert. We are talking about his recent Legends Award as well as his journey as a creative and the endeavors that are ahead. Tune in and join the conversation!

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 Have you ever felt a disconnect between your goals and / or desires and your daily actions? This episode is a candid reflection on that universal struggle around the "D Word! That's right, today we are talking about discipline. I'm sharing where I struggle, even as a person who is very disciplined, and I also share strategies that can assist in bridging the gap.  From writing down your goals to strategically delaying gratification, I divulge the actionable tips that can help strengthen how discipline shows up in your life. Remember, the journey of discipline is one we take together, so let's continue to inspire and be inspired by each other.

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As I sat amid the laughter and warmth of my sister's birthday celebration, a realization washed over me: it's within these moments of connection that our spirits truly flourish. On our latest podcast, I, Jenelle Yarbrough, share the insights and emotions from the conversation that has recharged my creative energy and brought into focus the undeniable power of community. Our discussion turns inward as well, touching on the personal sermon I received from another podcast, one that struck a chord about the necessity of removing distractions. 

We wade into the strength we garner from our personal "tribes," those networks of support and accountability that make the impossible seem within reach. There's an invitation extended your way—to not just listen, but to become part of our growing community. Join the conversation!

Don't forget to connect with us across social platforms and our website!

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When Tigest Beyene speaks about her journey from the throes of domestic violence to the empowering embrace of faith and authorship, you can't help but be moved. Her story, captured in the poignant pages of "Love, Sex, and Sorrow," resonates with a chorus of courage, showcasing the profound strength of the human spirit. In our conversation, Tigest opens up about surviving trauma, holding onto her faith, and the transformative power of healing. Join the conversation!

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Am I the only one who feels as though there are never enough hours in the day? In this episode we discuss the value of time, who we allow to have access to our time and space, and the meaningful ways that we utilize our time that can shape our quality of life. So, buckle up as we embark on this journey and remember to follow us on Instagram @bloggersandfriendspodcast where the conversation continues.

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Are you ready for an emotional, life-changing journey? Brace yourselves as I, Jenelle Yarbrough, take you through a heart-to-heart with my inspiring sister, Jacquelyn Thompson. Jacquelyn, a certified family and personal life coach, has taken the road less traveled. From running a childcare business to becoming a life coach, her journey is nothing short of remarkable. Our conversation goes beyond the confines of business and explores the intricate corners of life, the profound impact of the pandemic, and the transformative power of change. 

Delve deeper into Jacquelyn's world with us as we navigate the challenges and rewards that come with embracing change. We take a closer look at her daily routine, which is a testament to her commitment to a balanced life. From meditation to exercise to soaking in vitamin D, Jacquelyn leaves no stone unturned in her pursuit of balance and self-discovery. You'll also get a glimpse into her latest venture, Living with Jacquelyn, which is a manifestation of her passion for helping others realize their life visions. This episode is packed with wisdom and life lessons that can serve as a compass in your own journey. 

As we traverse through the ups and downs of life, Jacquelyn opens up about the impact of the pandemic on her personally and professionally. The emotional toll of not being able to provide hands-on care to the families she had grown so close to was immense. But, Jacquelyn's resilience led her to pivot and grow into a higher level of her calling. We also shed light on the significance of daily practices in achieving a balanced life. It's not every day that you get to hear such an enlightening conversation filled with nuggets of wisdom. Tune in and get inspired by Jacquelyn's journey of transformation, resilience, and self-discovery.

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