Inside My Box

Season 2, Episode 5: "Alliances"

Episode Overview:In this episode, host jei presents raw, unedited, straight-through interviews centered on solidarity, shared experiences, and dismantling systemic oppression across minority communities. Featuring author and speaker Sheena Yap Chan alongside Amy Lynn, Episode 5 examines the model minority myth, the historical erasure of Asian and Black histories, gender parity, and the collective strength required to build true inter-community alliances. Featuring original musical excerpts written by Jei from BAS (co-created with Sugar Vendil).

Featured Guests

• Sheena Yap Chan - Author, speaker, and advocate for Asian women's representation and empowerment.

• • Amy Lynn - Cultural advocate and speaker on identity and community solidarity.

  
  

  Featured Music & Performance Pieces

• "Who Are You?" - Written and performed by jei (Excerpt from BAS, co-created with Sugar Vendil).

• • "More Than Their Names" - Written and performed by jei (Excerpt from BAS, co-created with Sugar Vendil).

  
  

  Key Discussion Topics & Timestamps

• 00:00 - Episode Introduction & Framing: Setting the stage for unedited, raw dialogues on cross-cultural solidarity.

• 00:35 - Interview with Sheena Yap Chan: Unpacking Asian American & Asian-Canadian experiences, anti-Asian hate, the model minority myth, and cross-racial solidarity with Black communities.

• 14:50 - Segment Wrap: Sheena Yap Chan dialogue concludes.

• 15:12 - Performance Excerpt: "Who Are You?" written and performed by jei (from BAS, co-created with Sugar Vendil)

• 17:00 - Interview with Amy Lynn: Facing cultural expectations, navigating dual identities, and bridging the gap between Western perception and lived experience

• 27:00 - Performance Excerpt: "More Than Their Names" written and performed by jei (from BAS, co-created with Sugar Vendil)

CREDITS:

• Music & Text Credits: Musical excerpts "Who Are You?" and "More Than Their Names" written by jei from BAS (co-created with Sugar Vendil).
• Patreon: Join for full poems, original songs, and exclusive bonus content at ⁠patreon.com/cw/janellawrence⁠

• Substack: https://substack.com/@whatdidjeisay
• Written, edited, and produced by Janelle / jei Lawrence.
• Understanding the history of tension between the Black and Asian communities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EK-0kgjlQk
• https://janellemaireblog.wordpress.com/2023/01/04/the-voice-of-one/

Welcome to Episode 4 of Inside My Box. In this episode, host jei connects with guest Anastasia Washington to explore the complexities of navigating trauma, identity, and community as Black artists. Together, they dive into the "trauma vortex," the essential role of therapy, navigating mixed-race experiences, and what it means to lead and create from a place of pure love.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• 00:30 - Poem: "we are the ecosystem: creators & destroyers"

• 01:28 - Poem: Untitled

• 04:18 - Navigating the Trauma Vortex with Anastasia

• 04:59 - Song Performance: "is the g3n0c!d3"

• 06:30 - Re-entering & Processing the Vortex with Anastasia

• 08:20 - Why Therapy Is Essential For Everyone

• 10:36 - Song Performance: "...you..."

• 11:34 - Poem: "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised"

• 15:04 - Shared Connection & Community Among Black Artists

• 15:54 - Navigating Identity & Being Mixed Race

• 18:08 - Song Performance: "honest"

• 19:15 - What Do We Say to Young People?

• 22:14 - Excerpt Reading: The Creative Black Woman's Playbook by Veronica Camille Ratliff

• 24:31 - Closing Reflection: Moving & Sharing Everything From Love

CONNECT & SUPPORT:

• Guest: Anastasia Washington (@AnastasiaW on Twitter/TikTok, @AnastasiaWash on Instagram, AnastasiaTV on YouTube)

• Patreon: Join for full poems, original songs, and exclusive bonus content at patreon.com/cw/janellawrence

• Substack: Keep an eye out for weekly essays and written reflections. https://substack.com/@whatdidjeisay

CREDITS:Written, edited, and produced by Janelle / jei Lawrence. Featured commentary by Anastasia Washington.

Episode Description

In this episode, we dive deep into the intricate dynamics of generational history, complex parental relationships, and the lasting impact of family expectations. Through honest reflections, musical interludes, and candid conversations, we explore what it means to hold space for loved ones, navigate grief, and break cycles for future generations.

• Opening Musical Selection: "Bigger God" - inspired by Mikela Bjork's (@mbjork) substack note.

• Conversations on Fatherhood & Boundaries

• Navigating Loss & Grief

• Generational Expectations & Maternal Reflection

• Poetry Reading: My Nana's Hands

• Featured Tracks: "Bigger God" ,"The Sins of Acceptance" , &"Who Fills the Void"

• Anastasia Washington

  • Twitter/X: @AnastasiaW

  • Instagram: @AnastasiaWash

  • TikTok: @AnastasiaW

  • YouTube: Anastasia TV

• April Noel Bryant

  • Host of The Other Side of 40 Podcast - highlighting inspiring stories of women achieving amazing things after 40.

• Special Guest Appearances: Nana & Mom

• Host: jei / Janelle Lawrence

• Original Score & Music: Written and performed by jei / Janelle Lawrence

• Patreon: Support the show and access original music from today’s episode. https://⁠patreon.com/cw/janellawrence

• Substack: Read the latest article and written reflections dropping tomorrow. https://substack.com/@whatdidjeisay

  https://linktr.ee/Insidemybox.podcast

Inside My Box | Season 2 - Episode 2: Daddy Stories

In this episode, we step onto the second floor, Episode 2 of Inside My Box to explore the complex, nuanced, and multi-faceted spectrum of father-daughter relationships. From childhood memories and strict Saturday morning routines to phone calls, absent figures, financial dynamics, and unconditional love, host Janelle Lawrence is joined by guests to share personal reflections on their fathers.

Guests Featured in This Episode:

• Anastasia Washington - Writer, performer, & host | Twitter: @AnastasiaW | Instagram: @AnastasiaWash | TikTok: @AnastasiaW

• April Noel Brant - Host of The Other Side of 40 Podcast

Support & Connect:

• Patreon: Join for exclusive bonus content, bedtime bonuses, and unedited interviews at https://patreon.com/cw/janellawrence

  Substack: Join for more short stories, an episodic narrative series, and more quips from me at ⁠https://substack.com/@whatdidjeisay

Inside My Box — Season 2, Episode 1: Destination The Brain

Welcome to the Season 2 premiere of Inside My Box. In this episode, host Janelle jei Lawrence takes us on a journey through the floors of their mind, opening up about the reality of a broken heart, the emotional toll of shrinking oneself in relationships, and what it truly takes to reclaim your self-worth and vulnerability.

This episode features a reading of June Jordan’s poem "You Have Two Hands," original music, an intimate self-interview on processing relationship loss, and a phone conversation with Otis reflecting on family history, his mother Annie, and his father.

Episode Chapters:

• Intro & Poetry: "You Have Two Hands" by June Jordan

• Welcome to Season 2: Destination The Brain

• Song Performance: "I Fell In Love" (available on Patreon)

• Interview With a Broken Heart: Processing Relationship Loss

• The Weight of Making Ourselves Small

• What Healing & Accountability Look Like

• Floor Preview: Stories of Fatherhood

• Song: "I'm Scared to Talk " (available on Patreon)

• Conversation with Otis: Remembering Annie & Family Roots

• Otis Reflects on His Father & Discipline

• Upcoming Stories & Season Credits

Support & Connect:

• Patreon: Join for exclusive bonus content, bedtime bonuses, and unedited interviews at https://patreon.com/cw/janellawrence

  Substack: Join for more short stories, an episodic narrative series, and more quips from me at ⁠https://substack.com/@whatdidjeisay

Credits:

• Written, Edited, & Produced by: Janelle J. Lawrence

• Featured Voices & Guests: Otis, Susie Sunshine Guide, & jei

Welcome to Mindful Messages, a new mini-series offering short yet powerful reflections while we prepare for Season 2 of Inside My Box. Each episode will dive into mindfulness, intentional living, and self-awareness—designed to center and ground you in your daily journey.

In this episode of Inside My Box, I explore the roots of my feelings around the violence in the NYC Subway & what grounds me (and you!) when our feelings are so big. Tune in for reflection, storytelling, and mindful wellness practices.

poem by Janelle // jei Lawrence

production by Janelle // jei Lawrence

music by Janelle // jei Lawrence

text available on our blog!

to read the blog companion, ⁠click here⁠

to visit the herbal shop, ⁠click here⁠

We're posting every Sunday while we work on Season 2 of Inside My Box & Season 1 of Mindful Messages by jei !

thank you for listening!!

Welcome to Mindful Messages, a new mini-series offering short yet powerful reflections while we prepare for Season 2 of Inside My Box. Each episode will dive into mindfulness, intentional living, and self-awareness—designed to center and ground you in your daily journey.

In this episode of Inside My Box, I explore the roots of my journey into herbal medicine and mindfulness. From childhood potions to present-day remedies, I share insights on plant-based healing and the mutual connection between body, mind, and nature. Tune in for reflection, storytelling, and mindful wellness practices.

to read the blog companion, click here

to visit the herbal shop, click here

Welcome to Episode Eight of Inside My Box, THE (virtually) LIVE. SEASON FINALE, Part I. This episode was recorded live featuring music and words by me, Janelle Lawrence. Including my lovely guests Ibtisam Tasnim and TJ Chester! Thank you to my Apprentice David Quang Pham for the tech assistance!

You can sign up to be interviewed for Season Two here!

You can check out the website here!

Sound and Story design by Janelle Lawrence

Please Like, Subscribe, and Follow Inside My Box on all your favorite podcasting platforms for updates!

Host: Janelle Lawrence @janellemaire

Instagram: insidemybox.podcast

Twitter: insidemyboxpod

Welcome to Episode Eight of Inside My Box, THE (virtually) LIVE. SEASON FINALE, Part I. This episode was recorded live featuring music and words by me, Janelle Lawrence. Including my lovely guests Ibtisam Tasnim and TJ Chester! Thank you to my Apprentice David Quang Pham for the tech assistance!

You can sign up to be interviewed for Season Two here!

You can check out the website here!

Sound and Story design by Janelle Lawrence

Please Like, Subscribe, and Follow Inside My Box on all your favorite podcasting platforms for updates!

Host: Janelle Lawrence @janellemaire

Instagram: insidemybox.podcast

Twitter: insidemyboxpod

I've missed taking you to bed with me. Glad you've come back for more Inside My Box <3

Welcome to Bedside Bonus Episode 5, where I go low tech on Governors Island & ramble myself into a pre-sleep cycle. Grateful for the company on a cold night!

Looking to reach out?

email: [email protected]

voicemail: anchor 

Sign up for the live recording of Episode 8 

Sign up to be on Season Two!

Check out the website

Remember to like, subscribe, and follow!

Instagram: @insidemybox.podcast

Twitter: @insidemyboxpod

Host: Janelle Lawrence @janellemaire [Juilliard funds can go to Venmo:@janellemaire Cashapp: $janellemaire]