Motherhood is often painted in broad, idyllic strokes, but the reality is a complex mosaic of joy, sacrifice, and sometimes, the conscious choice to opt out. My heart was heavy with reflection as I sat down with Mandii B., a vibrant media personality who chooses to chart a course free from the restraints of parenthood, and Sandra Tate, whose eight decades have woven a story of love, loss, and the fierce desire to nurture a family that her own mother could not provide. Together, we peeled back the layers of societal expectations and personal desires that shape the multifaceted experience of being a mother—or deciding not to be.
 
Navigating the waters of motherhood or the decision to remain childless is no easy feat, and we didn't shy away from the tough questions. A guest mother, who cracked the code to balancing a high-powered tech career with the demands of raising children, shared her insights, reinforcing the undeniable importance of a tight-knit support network. Through the sharing of my own journey towards self-reliance, we painted a picture of the intricate dance between independence and the longing for connection that influences many women's views on motherhood.
 
As our conversation flowed, we honored the gravity of the maternal bond and celebrated the triumphs of women who stand by their decision to forgo this path. Emotions ran high as I voiced a tribute to the profound influence of my mother and to all who provide life lessons, support, and comfort. We wrapped up the episode weaving a tapestry of respect for all women and their right to choose, with a special acknowledgment to the unique experiences of black women in the context of autonomy and love.
 
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It's All Pro-Choice: Discussing the Motherhood Divide Feat. Mandii B. and Sandra Tate

Tiffany D. Cross leads ACross Generations, a plainspoken and candid conversation with Black women from different stages in life. Each episode convenes a seasoned elder, middle-aged, and younger Black woman to discuss a single topic ranging from changing perspectives on sex to what you wish you knew about money in your 20's to the collective state of our womanhood in these contemporary times. Their unique perspectives through provocative, and introspective dialogue that can only come from the safe space that is created by Black women regardless of age.
By delving into subjects that affect women across generations, this podcast provides a space for commonality, familiarity, and honesty, through insightful and sage discussions. It weens  audiences of all backgrounds on the oracle that is Black womanhood by broadening perspectives and deepening understanding through wisdom, wit, laughter, tears, and joy.

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Join me, your host Tiffany D. Cross, for one of the most interesting conversations of my career. Sinnamon Love and Brittany (Miss. B Nasty) take me on an eye-opening journey through the complexities and nuances of sex work. This week on Across Generations, we navigate the historical challenges and societal perceptions of this multifaceted industry, paying special attention to the experiences of Black women who have long faced discrimination even in this genre. We consider the impact of not only decriminalization but destigmatizing sex work as well – not only for the individuals within the sex work community but also for public health and safety at large.
Listen in as Sinnamon, with her extensive background in adult entertainment, shares her experiences from the 90s and reflects on the industry's transformative journey to the digital age. We cover the shift from traditional pornography to user-driven platforms like OnlyFans, dissecting the economics of content creation and the importance of equitable treatment across racial lines. Our conversation also shines a light on the personal challenges and emotional aspects that come with transitioning from various careers, including the military, into adult entertainment.
Our discussions take a deep and personal turn as we address the intersections of sex work with trauma, safety, family dynamics, and even the incorporation of celebrities into platforms like OnlyFans. We highlight the critical need for comprehensive sex education and porn literacy among young adults, as well as the importance of advocating for a safer and more ethical industry. From personal empowerment to the changing tides of content consumption and creation, this week's episode offers a raw and real look at the lives of those within the adult entertainment world. Join us for a candid exploration that challenges the stigmas and celebrates the resilience of sex workers.
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Taboo to Mainstream: The Transformation of Sex Work with Sinnamon Love and Miss B. Nasty

This is one of the most emotional broadcasts I’ve ever done: “mommy issues.” We hear this phrase a lot as it relates to men. And we hear the phrase “daddy issues” when discussing women. But rarely do we explore the challenging relationship dynamics that exist between mothers and daughters. The intricately woven connection that comes from once sharing a body to the challenges and hurdles that come with sharing our lives. Whether you’re a mother or a daughter, or have either in your life, you will want to tune in. I explore the issues that grip us in childhood and can sometimes keep us frozen in that trauma and petrified in pain as we steer the precarious voyage of adulthood. ACross Generations Executive Producer, Carla Wilmaris- who is in her thirties, joins me for this conversation as she journeys through being a mother of a teen daughter while confronting wounds that still bleed both with her own mother and now her offspring. While our seasoned elder Glennis Crosby, 62 revisits a painful past and helps us all navigate the tough passage of understanding, grace, empathy, peace, and forgiveness as she is now a caretaker of her aging mom.  Regardless of the relationship you have with your mother or children, this is an episode that digs deep and unearths the intense sentiments that family relations inevitably arouse across generations.
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Mother Wounds and Boundaries: Embracing Authenticity in Forgiveness and Self-Protection with Glennis Crosby & Carla Wilmaris

Ever wonder how happiness and self-worth are crafted beyond the confines of romantic relationships? Let's tear down those curtains of societal expectations with my incredible guests Tamika Foster Raymond and Medina Monroe, who enrich our conversation with their profound insights. This episode is a treasure trove of truths, where we chuckle over the quirks of daily life, yet also navigate the deep currents of identity, self-love, and the bold journey to rediscover oneself after the transformative experiences of motherhood and divorce.
Strap in for a candid exploration of what fulfillment really looks like, as we traverse topics from the evolution of women's roles to the magnetic allure of reality TV. Be prepared to nod vigorously as Tamika shares her poignant reflections on maintaining her independence amid public scrutiny, and Medina gives her take on the balancing act of personal ambitions and relationships. We'll also untangle the complex web of societal pressures that lead to placing a man on a pedestal as a symbol of achievement.
Finally, your ears will be treated to a heart-to-heart on the significance of companionship and the vitality of nurturing a relationship with yourself first and foremost. This episode doesn't shy away from the serious side of smiles and laughter, addressing the heavy lifting that comes with defining personal joy amidst the expectations and assumptions of the world. So, come for the banter, stay for the enlightenment, and leave with a new perspective on life's rollercoaster—buckle up, we're going on an honest ride through the realms of life and love.
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Beyond Labels: Exploring Women’s Self-Worth in Love with Tameka Foster-Raymond and Medinah Menroe

Have you ever questioned the very foundations of your spirituality, or pondered the journey others take in their quest for faith? Join me, Tiffany D Cross, as we unravel the dynamic and deeply personal narratives of Black spirituality, belief, and the evolving relationship with the church. Our esteemed guests, Edith Gray and B Simone, enrich our conversation with their contrasting experiences – Edith's shift towards scientific reasoning after a lifetime in the church, and B Simone's recent embrace of faith through life's hurdles.
Navigating through the landmarks of life can dramatically shift our spiritual compass. We grapple with the pain inflicted by fallible humans within religious institutions, while seeking an undiluted connection with the divine that goes beyond doctrine. Reflect with us on how morality and purpose take shape both inside and outside the realm of organized religion. From the tangible impact of prayer in my own life to the ethical compass guiding non-believers, we engage in a candid exploration of how we find meaning in the seen and the unseen.
Confronting the blurred lines between faith and fanaticism, this episode doesn't shy away from the tough questions. How do we distinguish mainstream religion from the manipulative grasp of cults? What role does intuition play in our spiritual choices? We dissect these intricate themes, offering a raw look at the spaces where belief, faith, and the quest for a higher truth collide. Don't miss this authentic dive into the heart of what it means to believe, across generations and beyond the pews. 
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Faith Clash: Discussing the Belief Divide between Believers and Non-Believers with Edith Gray and B. Simone

When the tapestry of time weaves stories of love and marriage, it's the voices across generations that add the most vibrant colors. In the heartfelt hustle of exploring these narratives, I, Tiffany D. Cross, am joined by an eclectic mix of wisdom and youth—Mrs. Tate, whose marriage spans six decades, and Miss Sade, an entrepreneur at the pulse of modern relationships. Our conversation is a dance between the dependable rhythms of long-term commitment and the dynamic beats of contemporary partnership, all set against the backdrop of shifting cultural tides.
The ebb and flow of marriage, like the ocean's tides, are constant yet ever-changing. We wade through the waters of compromise and forgiveness, acknowledging that even within the sanctity of marriage, the need for personal space and evolving identities can't be ignored. It's a candid look at how our relationships can be both a mirror and a mystery, reflecting our deepest selves while challenging us to grow. We share laughter and lessons, recognizing that the humor which binds us can also be the light that guides us back to one another during life's unexpected separations.
This episode isn't just a dialogue; it's a living diary of the human heart. As the chapters of our lives unfold, we encounter the timeless questions of love and the modern-day musings on self-worth and independence. From tales of rekindled romance to the bold choice to walk a path solo, this episode is an invitation to find the courage to be authentically you, in love and in life. So, unwind with us and let these stories envelop you, as we share the essence of what makes relationships tick, thrive, and sometimes, redefine themselves.
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It's All Pro-Choice: Discussing the Motherhood Divide Feat. Mandii B. and Sandra Tate

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