CONVERSATIONS WITH AKILAH

By Akilah Peynado

My Name is Akilah, I come from a fundamental and VERY traditional Christian world and I have ALOT to say. Meaning: I’ll say and talk about things that isn’t “status quo” bravely.

I LOVE to read and ... more

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FAQs about CONVERSATIONS WITH AKILAH:

How many episodes does CONVERSATIONS WITH AKILAH have?

The podcast currently has 30 episodes available.

CONVERSATIONS WITH AKILAH episodes:

February 28, 2025 CWA: A CONVERSATION -"Love" by Toni Morrison- My Fractured Thoughts
This is a conversation about "Love" by Toni Morrison. This is not my first time indulging on this book; BUT, it is my first annotating and speaking about it publicly LOL.

Please join me in listening to my fractured thoughts about it. Moreover, it was the queen's birthday on February 18th. There was no better time than to revisit this work.
Description:
"In life, Bill Cosey enjoyed the affections of many women, who would do almost anything to gain his favor. In death his hold on them may be even stronger. Wife, daughter, granddaughter, employee, mistress: As Morrison’s protagonists stake their furious claim on Cosey’s memory and estate, using everything from intrigue to outright violence, she creates a work that is shrewd, funny, erotic, and heartwrenching." - Taken from Amazon.com.

If you like this episode, please share, like, and comment. It will help me reach a broader audience and further all of these conversations.

If there is a book you would like for me to review or discuss with me on the show, please email me at [email protected].

Be sure to follow me on IG:
@akilahpeynado
@novelswithakilah
...more
42min
April 30, 2024CWA- A CONVERSATION: "MUTED HOPELESSNESS"-BY Love Belvin- BOOK ONE: "MY MUTED LOVE "
Get ready for another great episode on "Conversations with Akilah". This episode will contain commentary and discussion on "The Muted Hopelessness" series by Love Belvin This is a 3-part series. The following episode is on Book One.
Be sure to tune in to continue this conversation.
*Trigger Warning* This episode may contain topics that may be offensive and upsetting. OPINIONS and VIEWS shared here are my own. Listeners discretion is advised.
PLEASE BE AWARE: SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS
In this episode you will learn:
About why I was HOOKED from Act 1 Scene 1

A little bit about why I listened to this series 3 times so far and will probably visit it again LOL

What other author wrote a series with LB
A little more about the author (taken from ⁠w⁠ww.lovebelvin.com):
"A little about Elle Bee.
Love Belvin is an author of contemporary adult romance novels with nearly thirty titles published to date. She prides herself on penning heavily flawed characters, whom aren’t deemed ‘fairy tale-worthy’ or found in your typical romance novel.
She believes these characters are clients, who visit her fictional therapy practice in need of assistance to attain flourishing and sustainable love. She shares their journeys with the world through compelling and in-depth romance novels.
Her heart beats unfairly for an eight-pound Shih Tzu named Nyssa Marie, her first and last pet. She loves to travel anywhere tropical and/or where there is rich pop culture. Belvin believes behind every union between a man and a woman is a story, and she would love to highlight and examine the romance portion of it somehow.
Love is a native of the New York Tri-State Area and now lives in the Delaware Valley. She’s an avid reader and enjoys dinner parties with her closest girlfriends. While she enjoys many things, nothing excites her more than curling up with a glass of wine and a good romance novel."

All I'm saying is, you MIGHT want to go and buy this series. If you are interested in learning more about this here is the link https://www.amazon.com/My-Muted-Love-Hopelessness/dp/195001407X/ref=monarch_sidesheet
Your feedback is extremely important to me. Do not hesitate to let me know what you think of this and any future episode.
Please be sure to LISTEN SUBSCRIBE and COMMENT everywhere podcasts are heard. SHARE SHARE SHARE!!!!!! Be sure to follow me on social media.
IG:@novelswithakilah
Email: [email protected]
...more
50min
April 30, 2024CWA- A CONVERSATION: "SALVATION: BLACK PEOPLE AND LOVE"-BY bell hooks- THE INTRO: "LOVE IS OUR HOPE"
Get ready for another great episode on "Conversations with Akilah". This episode will contain commentary and discussion on "Salvation: Black People and Love" by bell hooks. This is a 3-part series. The following episode is on the Intro.
Be sure to tune in to continue this conversation.
*Trigger Warning* This episode may contain topics that may be offensive and upsetting. OPINIONS and VIEWS shared here are my own.Listeners discretion is advised.
In this episode you will learn:
About how much has changed and yet so much still remains the same

A little bit about what the author bell hooks thought about what it meant to "stay together" in marriage. Her view from her parents vs her view from her grandparents.

What other authors such Zora Neale Hurston and James Baldwin wrote about the Black experience and how Black Affirmation was a needed part for "Black Healing" collectively.
A little more about the author (taken from www.bellhooksbooks.com):
Gloria Jean Watkins, or her famous pen name, bell hooks, is one such person. As an American feminist, author, social activist and African American woman, Hooks has been a party to inequality at its finest. Her pen name comes from her great-grandmother on her mother’s side, Bell Blair Hooks, a woman who was known for always speaking her mind. Drawing inspiration from this strong woman, Hooks works to draw attention to the issues and write from the heart. Hooks draws her inspiration from her life, her experiences, and the hope for a better future.
Through her postmodernist perspective she has addressed a wide range of issues including race, class, gender in education, sexuality, art, history, mass media, and of course, feminism. Hooks has proven time and again that despite the hurdles and challenges that have been set before her, she is not afraid of the challenge. Hooks continues to teach and work at Berea College as well as her writing and continues to address issues that many find too sensitive to deal with. Hooks works to end the oppression, end the racism, and end the sexism that has become so deeply ingrained in our society. Through her continued dedication and work, Hooks hopes that her example may be the one that makes the ultimate difference in tipping the scales toward true equality.
All I'm saying is, you MIGHT want to go and buy this book . If you are interested in learning more about this here is the link https://www.amazon.com/Salvation-Black-People-bell-hooks/dp/0060959495/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1516239712&sr=1-1&keywords=Salvation:++Black+People+and+Love&linkCode=sl1&tag=bellhooks-20&linkId=479179edbb072c4e43234ee48829bacf
Your feedback is extremely important to me. Do not hesitate to let me know what you think of this and any future episode.
Please be sure to LISTEN SUBSCRIBE and COMMENT everywhere podcasts are heard. SHARE SHARE SHARE!!!!!! Be sure to follow me on social media.
IG:@akilahpeynado
Email: [email protected]
...more
40min
November 21, 2023CWA- CONCLUSION: A CONVERSATION: "SALVATION: BLACK PEOPLE AND LOVE"-BY bell hooks- Part 3: "LOVE UNION and REUNION"
Get ready for another great episode on "Conversations with Akilah". This episode will contain commentary and discussion on "Salvation: Black People and Love" by bell hooks. This is a 3-part series. The following episode is on the Intro.
Be sure to tune in to continue this conversation.
*Trigger Warning* This episode may contain topics that may be offensive and upsetting. OPINIONS and VIEWS shared here are my own.Listeners discretion is advised.
In this episode you will learn:
"Emotional Incest is abuse"

A little bit about what the author bell hooks relationship was like with a man before his friend got involved

How white supremacy has eroded the black family where intimacy is concerned
A little more about the author (taken from ⁠w⁠ww.bellhooksbooks.com):
Gloria Jean Watkins, or her famous pen name, ⁠bell hooks⁠, is one such person. As an American feminist, author, social activist and African American woman, Hooks has been a party to inequality at its finest. Her pen name comes from her great-grandmother on her mother’s side, Bell Blair Hooks, a woman who was known for always speaking her mind. Drawing inspiration from this strong woman, Hooks works to draw attention to the issues and write from the heart. Hooks draws her inspiration from her life, her experiences, and the hope for a better future.
Through her postmodernist perspective she has addressed a wide range of issues including race, class, gender in education, sexuality, art, history, mass media, and of course, feminism. Hooks has proven time and again that despite the hurdles and challenges that have been set before her, she is not afraid of the challenge. Hooks continues to teach and work at Berea College as well as her writing and continues to address issues that many find too sensitive to deal with. Hooks works to end the oppression, end the racism, and end the sexism that has become so deeply ingrained in our society. Through her continued dedication and work, Hooks hopes that her example may be the one that makes the ultimate difference in tipping the scales toward true equality.
All I'm saying is, you MIGHT want to go and buy this book . If you are interested in learning more about this here is the link ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Salvation-Black-People-bell-hooks/dp/0060959495/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1516239712&sr=1-1&keywords=Salvation:++Black+People+and+Love&linkCode=sl1&tag=bellhooks-20&linkId=479179edbb072c4e43234ee48829bacf⁠
Your feedback is extremely important to me. Do not hesitate to let me know what you think of this and any future episode.
Please be sure to LISTEN SUBSCRIBE and COMMENT everywhere podcasts are heard. SHARE SHARE SHARE!!!!!! Be sure to follow me on social media.
IG:@akilahpeynado
Email: [email protected]
...more
41min
May 05, 2023CWA- A CONVERSATION: "SALVATION: BLACK PEOPLE AND LOVE"-BY bell hooks- Part 2: "SHAME MAKES SELF LOVE IMPOSSIBLE"
Get ready for another great episode on "Conversations with Akilah". This episode will contain commentary and discussion on "Salvation: Black People and Love" by bell hooks. This is a 3-part series. The following episode is on the Intro.
Be sure to tune in to continue this conversation.
*Trigger Warning* This episode may contain topics that may be offensive and upsetting. OPINIONS and VIEWS shared here are my own.Listeners discretion is advised.
In this episode you will learn:
About how the devaluing of our "Blackness" begins at birth

A little bit about what the author bell hooks was told by her "caring white female teacher" as a child because she was smart

What shame can due to self-esteem and self- love"
A little more about the author (taken from www.bellhooksbooks.com):
Gloria Jean Watkins, or her famous pen name, bell hooks, is one such person. As an American feminist, author, social activist and African American woman, Hooks has been a party to inequality at its finest. Her pen name comes from her great-grandmother on her mother’s side, Bell Blair Hooks, a woman who was known for always speaking her mind. Drawing inspiration from this strong woman, Hooks works to draw attention to the issues and write from the heart. Hooks draws her inspiration from her life, her experiences, and the hope for a better future.
Through her postmodernist perspective she has addressed a wide range of issues including race, class, gender in education, sexuality, art, history, mass media, and of course, feminism. Hooks has proven time and again that despite the hurdles and challenges that have been set before her, she is not afraid of the challenge. Hooks continues to teach and work at Berea College as well as her writing and continues to address issues that many find too sensitive to deal with. Hooks works to end the oppression, end the racism, and end the sexism that has become so deeply ingrained in our society. Through her continued dedication and work, Hooks hopes that her example may be the one that makes the ultimate difference in tipping the scales toward true equality.
All I'm saying is, you MIGHT want to go and buy this book . If you are interested in learning more about this here is the link https://www.amazon.com/Salvation-Black-People-bell-hooks/dp/0060959495/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1516239712&sr=1-1&keywords=Salvation:++Black+People+and+Love&linkCode=sl1&tag=bellhooks-20&linkId=479179edbb072c4e43234ee48829bacf
Your feedback is extremely important to me. Do not hesitate to let me know what you think of this and any future episode.
Please be sure to LISTEN SUBSCRIBE and COMMENT everywhere podcasts are heard. SHARE SHARE SHARE!!!!!! Be sure to follow me on social media.
IG:@akilahpeynado
Email: [email protected]
...more
51min
January 27, 2023CWA- A CONVERSATION: "SEXUALITY AND THE BLACK CHURCH PART 3 AND PART 4-" THE CONCLUSION"
Get ready for another great episode on "Conversations with Akilah". This episode will be about ONE (lol) of the current books I am reading titled "Sexuality and the Black Church". This is my conclusion of this book. It was awesome. This book will stay in my rotation as a reference for sure.
Be sure to tune in to continue this conversation.
*Trigger Warning* This episode may contain topics that may be offensive and upsetting. Listeners discretion is advised.
In this episode you will learn:
About how much has changed and yet so much still remains the same

A little bit about what the author bell hooks thought about Spike Lee and his depiction of women in his movies.

What the author (Douglas) believes could be the answer to the challenge of discussion and education about "Sexuality" in the Black Church
A little more about the author (taken from www.feminismandreligion.com):
Kelly Brown Douglas is Professor and Director of the Religion Program at Goucher College where she has held the Elizabeth Conolly Todd Distinguished Professorship. She was recently awarded The Goucher College Caroline Doebler Bruckerl Award for outstanding faculty achievement. Prior to coming to Goucher College she was Associate Professor of Theology at Howard University School of Divinity (1987-2001) and Assistant Professor of Religion at Edward Waters College (1986-1987). Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Denison University where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and graduated Summa Cum Laude. She received her Masters of Divinity and Doctorate of Philosophy from Union Theological Seminary. While at Union she received the Hudnut Award for Preaching Excellence and the Julius Hanson Award for Outstanding Student in Theological Studies. A leading voice in the development of a womanist theology, Essence magazine counts Douglas “among this country’s most distinguished religious thinkers, teachers, ministers, and counselors.” She has published numerous essays and articles in national publications, and her books include The Black Christ, Sexuality and the Black Church, What’s Faith Got to Do With It?: Black Bodies/Christian Soul. Black Bodies and the Black Church:A Blues Slant is her most recently released book (Palgrave Macmillan, Fall 2012). Kelly is also a priest in the Episcopal Church and has served as Associate Priest at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in Washington D.C. for over 20 years.
All I'm saying is, you MIGHT want to go and buy this book . If you are interested in learning more about this here is the link https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B07HNHJ5SM&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_1KCEE6X40HZF7W92XYKC.
Your feedback is extremely important to me. Do not hesitate to let me know what you think of this and any future episode.
Please be sure to LISTEN and COMMENT everywhere podcasts are heard. SHARE SHARE SHARE!!!!!! Be sure to follow me on social media.
IG:@akilahpeynado
Email: [email protected]
...more
44min
January 24, 2023CWA- A CONVERSATION: "SEXUALITY AND THE BLACK CHURCH" CHAPTER ONE PART TWO "THE WHITE ASSAULT"
Get ready for another great episode on "Conversations with Akilah". This episode will be about ONE (lol) of the current books I am reading titled "Sexuality and the Black Church". I will be breaking this book down into parts over the next episodes right here. Be sure to tune in to continue this conversation.
*Trigger Warning* This episode may contain topics that may be offensive and upsetting. Listeners discretion is advised.
In this episode you will learn:
About the "Roots of the White Attack"

A little bit more about Sarah Bartmann. If you do not know who she is PLEASE Google her. She needs to be learned about... OKAY?!

How I feel about Black slaves being reduced to the place of an animal and the White Slave master and his Wife being unable to keep their hands off the Black slave sexually. (INSERT EYE ROLL)
A little more about the author (taken from www.feminismandreligion.com):
Kelly Brown Douglas is Professor and Director of the Religion Program at Goucher College where she has held the Elizabeth Conolly Todd Distinguished Professorship. She was recently awarded The Goucher College Caroline Doebler Bruckerl Award for outstanding faculty achievement. Prior to coming to Goucher College she was Associate Professor of Theology at Howard University School of Divinity (1987-2001) and Assistant Professor of Religion at Edward Waters College (1986-1987). Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Denison University where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and graduated Summa Cum Laude. She received her Masters of Divinity and Doctorate of Philosophy from Union Theological Seminary. While at Union she received the Hudnut Award for Preaching Excellence and the Julius Hanson Award for Outstanding Student in Theological Studies. A leading voice in the development of a womanist theology, Essence magazine counts Douglas “among this country’s most distinguished religious thinkers, teachers, ministers, and counselors.” She has published numerous essays and articles in national publications, and her books include The Black Christ, Sexuality and the Black Church, What’s Faith Got to Do With It?: Black Bodies/Christian Soul. Black Bodies and the Black Church:A Blues Slant is her most recently released book (Palgrave Macmillan, Fall 2012). Kelly is also a priest in the Episcopal Church and has served as Associate Priest at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in Washington D.C. for over 20 years.
All I'm saying is, you MIGHT want to go and buy this book . If you are interested in learning more about this here is the link https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B07HNHJ5SM&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_1KCEE6X40HZF7W92XYKC.
Your feedback is extremely important to me. Do not hesitate to let me know what you think of this and any future episode.
Please be sure to LISTEN and COMMENT everywhere podcasts are heard. SHARE SHARE SHARE!!!!!! Be sure to follow me on social media. My goal is to have 2000 downloads by 12.31.22 and with your help I know I can do it.
IG:@akilahpeynado
Email: [email protected]
...more
50min
January 24, 2023CWA- A CONVERSATION: "SEXUALITY AND THE BLACK CHURCH" CHAPTER ONE PART ONE "THE WHITE GAZE"
Get ready for another great episode on "Conversations with Akilah". This episode will be about ONE (lol) of the current books I am reading titled "Sexuality and the Black Church". I will be breaking this book down into parts over the next episodes right here. Be sure to tune in to continue this conversation.
*Trigger Warning* This episode may contain topics that may be offensive and upsetting. Listeners discretion is advised.
In this episode you will learn:
Is there truly such a thing as "White Culture".

why I decided to title this episode "The White Gaze" If you don't know about Toni Morrison I HIGHLY suggest you learn... OKAY?

"The Songs of Solomon": love book about a couple or God's love to the church?
A little more about the author (taken from www.feminismandreligion.com):
Kelly Brown Douglas is Professor and Director of the Religion Program at Goucher College where she has held the Elizabeth Conolly Todd Distinguished Professorship. She was recently awarded The Goucher College Caroline Doebler Bruckerl Award for outstanding faculty achievement. Prior to coming to Goucher College she was Associate Professor of Theology at Howard University School of Divinity (1987-2001) and Assistant Professor of Religion at Edward Waters College (1986-1987). Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Denison University where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and graduated Summa Cum Laude. She received her Masters of Divinity and Doctorate of Philosophy from Union Theological Seminary. While at Union she received the Hudnut Award for Preaching Excellence and the Julius Hanson Award for Outstanding Student in Theological Studies. A leading voice in the development of a womanist theology, Essence magazine counts Douglas “among this country’s most distinguished religious thinkers, teachers, ministers, and counselors.” She has published numerous essays and articles in national publications, and her books include The Black Christ, Sexuality and the Black Church, What’s Faith Got to Do With It?: Black Bodies/Christian Soul. Black Bodies and the Black Church:A Blues Slant is her most recently released book (Palgrave Macmillan, Fall 2012). Kelly is also a priest in the Episcopal Church and has served as Associate Priest at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in Washington D.C. for over 20 years.
All I'm saying is, you MIGHT want to go and buy this book . If you are interested in learning more about this here is the link https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B07HNHJ5SM&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_1KCEE6X40HZF7W92XYKC.
Your feedback is extremely important to me. Do not hesitate to let me know what you think of this and any future episode.
Please be sure to LISTEN and COMMENT everywhere podcasts are heard. SHARE SHARE SHARE!!!!!! Be sure to follow me on social media.
IG:@akilahpeynado
Email: [email protected]
...more
35min
January 24, 2023 CWA-A CONVERSATION: "SEXUALITY AND THE BLACK CHURCH" BY KELLY BROWN DOUGLAS
Get ready for another great episode on "Conversations with Akilah". This episode will be about ONE (lol) of the current books I am reading titled "Sexuality and the Black Church". I will be breaking this book down into parts over the next episodes right here. Be sure to tune in to continue this conversation.
*Trigger Warning* This episode may contain topics that may be offensive and upsetting. Listeners discretion is advised.
In this episode you will learn:
the workable definition of sexuality that will be used throughout this book
why Kelly Brown Douglas decided to write a book on this subject manner
a little as to the purpose of understanding our history to see the bigger picture the "present"
A little more about the author (taken from www.feminismandreligion.com):
Kelly Brown Douglas is Professor and Director of the Religion Program at Goucher College where she has held the Elizabeth Conolly Todd Distinguished Professorship. She was recently awarded The Goucher College Caroline Doebler Bruckerl Award for outstanding faculty achievement. Prior to coming to Goucher College she was Associate Professor of Theology at Howard University School of Divinity (1987-2001) and Assistant Professor of Religion at Edward Waters College (1986-1987).
Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Denison University where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and graduated Summa Cum Laude. She received her Masters of Divinity and Doctorate of Philosophy from Union Theological Seminary. While at Union she received the Hudnut Award for Preaching Excellence and the Julius Hanson Award for Outstanding Student in Theological Studies.
A leading voice in the development of a womanist theology, Essence magazine counts Douglas “among this country’s most distinguished religious thinkers, teachers, ministers, and counselors.” She has published numerous essays and articles in national publications, and her books include The Black Christ, Sexuality and the Black Church, What’s Faith Got to Do With It?: Black Bodies/Christian Soul. Black Bodies and the Black Church:A Blues Slant is her most recently released book (Palgrave Macmillan, Fall 2012).
Kelly is also a priest in the Episcopal Church and has served as Associate Priest at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in Washington D.C. for over 20 years.
All I'm saying is, you MIGHT want to go and buy this book . If you are interested in learning more about this here is the link https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B07HNHJ5SM&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_1KCEE6X40HZF7W92XYKC.
Your feedback is extremely important to me. Do not hesitate to let me know what you think of this and any future episode.
Please be sure to LISTEN and COMMENT everywhere podcasts are heard. SHARE SHARE SHARE!!!!!! Be sure to follow me on social media. IG:@akilahpeynado
Email: [email protected]
...more
27min
January 24, 2023 CWA-A CONVERSATION WITH AUTHOR HABEEB AKANDE- "KUNYAZA" THE SECRET TO FEMALE PLEASURE.
Warning: This is a conversation for mature audience only.
I had the wonderful privilege of speaking with author Habeeb Akunde about his "Kunyaza". Let me tell you IT WAS ENLIGHTENING needless to say. Like, I had to fan myself. No lie.
What is more interesting, he discusses this from a Muslim perspective. Overall, women, please know your PLEASURE matters!!!!
In this Episode you will hear:
The definition of "Kunyaza".
Pleasure and why it is important to us as human beings.
More about Habeeb and his other works.
All in All, excellent interview.
Your feedback is extremely important to me. Do not hesitate to let me know what you think of this and any future episode.
Please be sure to LISTEN and COMMENT everywhere podcasts are heard. SHARE SHARE SHARE!!!!!! Be sure to follow me on social media.
IG:@akilahpeynado
This is the link for is website:
http://rabaah.com/habeeb-akande-author.html
If you buy and read one of his books you will NOT be disappointe
...more
1h 5min

FAQs about CONVERSATIONS WITH AKILAH:

How many episodes does CONVERSATIONS WITH AKILAH have?

The podcast currently has 30 episodes available.