In this episode, we are joined by acclaimed author Jandy Nelson. Jandy shares her unique journey from poet to fiction writer and the profound impact of storytelling. They discuss her latest book, 'When the World Tips Over,' inspirations, and the role of books in social change. The conversation delves into the challenges of book bans, how to support authors, and the importance of community and joy. Jandy and I also exchange thoughts on upcoming projects, favorite reads, and advice for aspiring writers. Tune in for an inspiring and uplifting dialogue on literature's power to transform.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:40 Jandy Nelson's Journey to Fiction

03:28 Tayler's Fiction Writing Aspirations

05:46 Jandy's Latest Book: When the World Tips Over

11:42 The Importance of Book Advocacy

18:53 Finding Joy and Staying Grounded

20:28 Recommended Reads and Final Thoughts

26:19 Closing Remarks and Farewell

Jandy’s Books

When the World Tips Over

I'll Give You the Sun

The Sky Is Everywhere

Books mentioned in this episode

Looking for Alaska by John Green

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Black Boy by Richard Wright

Night by Elie Wiesel

The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai

frank: sonnets by Diane Seuss

Martyr! by Kaveh Akba

The Bottom of the River by Jamaica Kincaid

How It Feels to Float by Helena Fox

Where to Find Jandy

https://jandynelson.com/

Instagram

X

Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.

In this episode, we interview author Rachel Runya Katz about her new book. Rachel discusses her unique writing style of contemporary romance that she humorously calls 'rom traum coms,' exploring real-world issues within the romantic escapism genre. We delve into the themes of her latest hidden identity, epistolary romance book, and the importance of diverse representation in romance literature. Rachel also shares her insights on how romance can be revolutionary and the significance of depicting different types of love. Listeners get a glimpse of Rachel's creative process, inspirations, and her upcoming events. 

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:17 Meet Rachel Runya Katz

00:43 Rachel's Writing Journey

03:20 Inspiration Behind the New Book

05:10 Exploring Themes of Love

08:46 The Subversive Power of Romance

13:08 Staying Grounded as an Author

14:54 Upcoming Projects and Events

15:38 Making a Positive Impact

17:23 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Rachel’s Books

Isn’t It Obvious

Whenever You’re Ready

Thank You For Sharing

Books Mentioned in the Episode

The Neighbor Flavor by Christina Forest

The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson

Love Off the Record by Samantha Markham

Radical Intimacy by Sophie K Rosa

Reel K. Ryan

A Gentleman’s Gentleman by TJ Alexander

Where to find Rachel

rachelrunyakatz.com

Instagram

Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.

In this episode, we interview Shobha Rao, author of 'Girls Burn Brighter' and 'Indian Country.' Rao shares her journey to becoming a writer, beginning with her migration from India to the U.S. as a child. We cover the themes in her books, particularly focusing on disenfranchised populations and the impact of colonialism. Rao also discusses the importance of cultivating kindness, the inspiration behind her writing, and her literary influences. 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:50 Shobha Rao's Journey to Becoming a Writer

03:49 Exploring Themes in 'Indian Country'

06:36 Shobha Rao's Literary Focus and Inspirations

09:14 The Impact of Colonialism and Empire

12:07 Grounding Practices and the Power of Poetry

15:16 Current Reads and Literary Influences

19:02 Advice for Making a Positive Impact

23:03 Closing Remarks and Where to Find Shobha Rao

Shobha’s Books

Indian Country

An Unrestored Woman

Girls Burn Brighter

Books Mentioned in Episode

2666 by Roberto Bolaño

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingslover

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain 

James by Percival Everett

Where to Find Shobha

ShobhaRao.com

Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.

We have a powerful discussion with Dr. Charlene Sims about financial freedom and literacy within the Black community. Dr. Charlene shares insights from her book “The New Black Wall Street,” which focuses on sustainability, collaboration, and the essential knowledge needed for successful entrepreneurship. Discover the importance of discussing financial literacy with children and the need for community support in business ventures. Dr. Charlene also touches on the significance of creating generational wealth, overcoming business challenges, and the value of self-help and community-oriented initiatives. Don't miss this enlightening conversation aimed at inspiring and equipping the Black community to achieve financial stability and success.

00:00 Welcome to the Liberation is Lit Podcast

00:14 Introducing Dr. Charlene Sims

00:41 Dr. Charlene's Academic Journey

01:42 The New Black Wall Street

03:32 Challenges of Entrepreneurship

05:08 Importance of Financial Literacy

09:19 Community Support and Financial Stability

10:53 Making a Direct Impact

14:08 Current Reads and Recommendations

16:47 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

20:28 Where to Find Dr. Charlene Sims

21:07 Closing Remarks

Dr. Charlene’s Book

The New Black Wall Street

Books Mentioned in the Episode

A Renaissance of Our Own: A Memoir Manifesto by Rachel E. Cargle

Where to Find Dr. Charlene

Facebook

Time is of the Essence on Instagram

Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.

In this episode, we dive into the world of indie publishing with special guests Naomi, Michael, and Marines. The discussion covers the motivation behind starting imprints with Bindery (a startup publisher that partners with large-scale social media tastemakers to lead their own publishing imprints), the importance of promoting underrepresented voices, and the challenges of traditional publishing. Each guest shares insights on their specific imprints, including Boozhoo Books, Mareas, and Left Unread Books, and highlights upcoming titles they are excited about. The conversation also explores the significance of supporting indie authors, the necessity of active engagement in the literary community, and how storytelling can drive social change. Tune in to discover how you can make a positive impact in the book world and support voices that need to be heard.

00:00 Welcome to Liberation is Lit Podcast

00:26 Meet the Influencers: Naomi and Michael

00:50 The Journey to Bindery

04:18 Championing Diverse Voices

07:31 Supporting Indie Publishing

14:19 Staying Motivated in the Literary World

18:36 Current Reads and Recommendations

21:53 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Us

Bindery Imprints

https://boozhoo.binderybooks.com/

https://leftunreadbooks.binderybooks.com/

https://mareas.binderybooks.com/

Books Mentioned in the Episode

Cry, Voidbringer by Elaine Ho

Orange Wine by Esperanza Hope Snyder

Love Be Damned by Briana Garrett

Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley

Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley

Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley

The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Where to find the Tastemakers

Marines

Instagram

TikTok

Youtube

Threads

Michael

TikTok

Instagram

Threads

Naomi

Instagram

TikTok

Threads

Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.

In this episode, we are joined by poet extraordinaire, Chrisso. We dive into Chrisso's journey from growing up in Lancaster, South Carolina, to becoming a prominent figure in the slam poetry scene. Chrisso shares his background, the inspiration behind his positive poems, and his experiences in various poetry competitions like Slam Madness and Southern Fried. The conversation also touches on Chrisso’s writing process, his upcoming projects, and the importance of maintaining a positive impact in the community. Listeners will be inspired by Chrisso’s passion for poetry and the power of storytelling for social change.

00:00 Welcome to the Liberation is Lit Podcast

00:42 Meet Chrisso: The Poet Extraordinaire

03:43 The Journey into Slam Poetry

06:13 Writing Process and Techniques

10:49 Upcoming Projects and Collaborations

15:03 Advice for Making a Positive Impact

16:27 Starting a New Garden

16:51 Family Gardening Memories

17:36 Supporting Local Farmers

18:03 Health and Self-Care

20:52 The Power of Collaboration

25:18 Journey into Poetry

28:55 Chris's Poetry and Performance Style

30:00 Where to Follow Chris

31:36 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Chrisso’s Book

Autobiography of a Trying Poet

Where to Find Chrisso

Instagram

Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.

In this episode, we sit down with Bibliotherapist and author Emely Rumble. We discuss what bibliotherapy is and how it is used to help clients process emotions and discover new perspectives. Emely shares her journey into bibliotherapy, the cultural differences in its practice, and how it connects to Black librarianship. We also dive into the practice of bibliomancy, advocating for libraries, and how readers can make a positive impact in their communities. Don't miss this insightful conversation that highlights the healing power of stories and books!

00:00 Welcome to Liberation is Lit Podcast

00:20 Introducing Emely Rumble and Bibliotherapy

00:55 The Practice and Impact of Bibliotherapy

02:53 Emely's Journey into Bibliotherapy

08:08 Bibliomancy and Self-Discovery

12:57 Personal Reflections and Advocacy

19:16 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Emely’s Book

Bibliotherapy in the Bronx

Other Books Mentioned

Decolonizing Therapy: Oppression, Historical Trauma, and Politicizing Your Practice by Jennifer Mullan

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Where to Find Emely

Instagram

TikTok

Threads

https://literapynyc.podia.com/

Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.

In this episode, we are joined by Tamela Gordon, an author, editor, and advocate for hood wellness. We discuss the interplay between writing and editing, Tamela's journey as a writer, and the impact of mutual aid in publishing. Tamela also shares insights into her upcoming book, 'She Writes to Live,' and her first book, 'Hood Wellness.' The conversation touches on the power of authentic storytelling, mutual aid, and the importance of serving forgotten communities. Listen in for a deep dive into the world of editing, writing, and literary activism.

00:00 Introduction to the Liberation is Lit Podcast

00:18 Meet Tamela Gordon: Author, Editor, Advocate

00:40 Tamela's Journey in Writing and Editing

03:18 The Impact of 'Hood Wellness'

05:03 Mutual Aid and Its Importance

10:13 Challenges and Opportunities in the South

14:37 The Role of Mutual Aid in Publishing

19:11 The Growth and Evolution of Writing

21:00 Current Reads and Inspirations

27:34 Advice for Aspiring Changemakers

29:32 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Tamela’s Book

Hood Wellness: Tales of Communal Care from People Who Drowned on Dry Land

Books Mentioned in This Episode

Nothing Serious by Emily Smith

Didn't Nobody Give a Shit What Happened to Carlotta by James Hannaham

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

Toni at Random: The Iconic Writer's Legendary Editorship by Dana A. Williams

Avid Reader by Robert Godlib

All the Black Girls Are Activists: A Fourth Wave Womanist Pursuit of Dreams as Radical Resistance by EbonyJanice Moore

The Day God Saw Me as Black by D. Danyelle Thomas

Where to Find Tamela

Threads

Instagram

Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.

In this episode, we have an enlightening conversation with author and cultural worker, Sara Makeba Daise. We explore the concepts behind Sara's book 'Sankofa Shadow Work: Diaries of a Diasporic Divine', discussing themes of ancestral connections, healing epigenetic trauma, and the South as a spiritual portal. Sara shares her inspirations, her journey as a newly published author, and upcoming projects. This episode delves deep into the powerful intersection of storytelling, social change, and cultural healing. This impactful dialogue redefines our understanding of heritage, love, and community.

00:00 Introduction to the Liberation is Lit Podcast

01:14 Meet Sara Makeba: Author and Cultural Worker

02:56 Exploring Sankofa Shadow Work

03:54 The Inspiration Behind the Book

05:04 Graduate Work and Afrofuturism

11:53 The South as a Portal

18:51 Grounding Practices and Ancestral Connection

25:51 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

Sara’s Book

Sankofa Shadow Work: Diaries of a Diasporic Diviner

Books Mentioned in This Episode

Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes, and Black Women in America by Melissa V Harris-Perry

The ElderGarten: A Field Guide for the Journey of a Lifetime by Sally Z. Hare

The Gender Binary Is a Big Lie: Infinite Identities Around the World by Lee Wind

Where to find Sara

saramakeba.com

Sankofa Shadow Work: Reframing Inheritance, A Virtual Retreat

Instagram

Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.

In this episode of the Liberation is Lit podcast, we sit down with author Russell Earle Jr. for an inspiring discussion about the power of storytelling and social change. In this episode, Russell shares his journey as a writer and the release of his travel memoir, 'Until I Came Home: A Sunset Journal,' which chronicles his six-month backpacking experience through South America. Discover how he started writing, the challenges he faced, and the role of hip hop and memoirs in shaping his craft. Learn about his venture into starting his own publishing company, Bending Corners Publishing, and his aspirations to support other authors. Get insights into his upcoming projects, his love for journaling, and his advice for making a positive community impact. Don't miss this engaging conversation that blends personal growth, travel adventures, and the transformative power of words.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:37 Meet Russell Earle Jr.

00:59 Russell's Writing Journey

03:38 The Power of Memoirs

06:48 The Inspiration Behind 'Until I Came Home'

13:06 Starting a Publishing Company

17:24 Upcoming Projects and Future Plans

20:55 Advice for Aspiring Changemakers

22:48 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Russell’s Book

Until I Came Home: A Sunset's Journal

Books Mentioned in This Episode

Heavy by Kiese Laymon

Monsoon Mansion by Cinelle Barnes

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Where to Find Russell

russellearlejr.com

Instagram

Tiktok

Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.