What does it mean to be well read in 2025? Dr. Cassandre Dunbar sits down with the co-hosts of She Well Read to talk books, balance, and Black joy.

In this episode, Cassandre is joined by Alana and Samra, co-hosts of the She Well Read podcast—a book club for every kind of reader. Together, they explore the intersections of creativity, community, and self-discovery while reflecting on their journeys through mental, physical, and spiritual wellness.

The conversation spans everything from the challenges of launching a podcast to navigating relationships in your twenties, and how literature can offer both escape and healing. They also reflect on their recent participation in the Black Romance Book Festival—an event that, while now passed, sparked rich discussions on representation, especially for LGBTQIA+ love stories, and the emotional power of romance novels and memoirs.

From favorite authors to Beyoncé-themed dinner parties, this episode is a celebration of Black women’s voices, joy, and the many ways books connect and transform us.

 Key Takeaways:

• Mental health care should be a constant—not a crisis response.
• Romance novels can reignite a love for reading and foster emotional connection.
• Representation in literature—especially LGBTQIA+ stories—matters.
• Being “well-read” goes beyond book counts; it’s about curiosity, reflection, and connection.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• She Well Read Podcast
• Black Romance Book Festival (now concluded, but look out for the 2026 dates and lineup!)
• Favorite authors like Kennedy Ryan
• Audiobooks, spicy romance, and literary guilty pleasures
• Dream literary dinner party guests (yes, Beyoncé made the list)

🔗 Connect with the Guests:

• Follow She Well Read on Instagram: @shewellread
• Follow She Well Read on TikTok : @shewellread
• Visit their website!
• Listen to the She Well Read podcast on all podcast streaming platforms

Guest Spotlight: For Well Read Baddies who love books, pop culture, and everything in between. Best friends Lana and Sam are figuring out how to fit reading into their busy lives. Whether you read all the time, once in a while, or are just picking up your first book in years, this show celebrates all types of readers. It’s a book club on the go with bite-sized, seasonal episodes where listeners vote each season on what gets read. Because being well-read is more than just books—it’s a way of life.

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Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. This episode was edited by Victoria Marin. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert.

Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration.

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