Of Black Wombhood

Episode 010. As Vashti reflects on her past, present, and future, her museum (@thecoloredgirlsmuseum) emerges as the conduit through which she has fostered a deeper connection to her own wombhood.

• Interview by: Tanya L.
• Story Editor: Tanya L.
• Mix Engineer: Justin Berger
• Original Music by: Justin Berger, Tim McMonigle, Corey Wallace
• Cover Art/Photography: Tanya L./Photo courtesy of the narrator
• Language: English
• Duration: 13:55

CONTENT WARNING: This story contains descriptions of medical situations that may be difficult for some listeners.

Access a copy of the transcript here. Follow OBW on Instagram at @ofblackwombhood for project updates!

Listen online at theblackwombhoodproject.com, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Episode 009. Although she has borne children of her own, Saundra does not believe one’s ability to nurture is determined by their fertility. She instead views the womb as a symbol of love and care, and encourages her loved ones to also regard wombhood in this way.

• Interview by: Tanya L.
• Story Editor: Tanya L.
• Mix Engineer: Justin Berger
• Original Music by: Justin Berger, Tim McMonigle, Corey Wallace
• Cover Art/Photography: Tanya L.
• Language: English
• Duration: 13:21

Access a copy of the transcript here. Follow OBW on Instagram at @ofblackwombhood for project updates!

Listen online at theblackwombhoodproject.com, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Episode 008. Rennia’s mysterious vaginal muscle spasms affected not only her sex life, but also her ability to connect to her womb. Her eventual diagnosis and physical therapy sessions provide her with new opportunities to embrace her body and sexuality.

• Interview by: Tanya L.
• Story Editor(s): Allison Behringer, Tanya L.
• Mix Engineer: Justin Berger
• Original Music by: Justin Berger, Tim McMonigle, Corey Wallace
• Cover Art/Photography: Tanya L.
• Language: English
• Duration: 13:25

CONTENT WARNING: This story contains adult language.

UPDATE: This interview was recorded in December 2023. In June 2024, Rennia reported that she has been able to experience penetrative sex without pain, and that she is no longer attending physical therapy sessions to treat her vaginismus.

Access a copy of the transcript here. Follow OBW on Instagram at @ofblackwombhood for project updates!

Listen online at theblackwombhoodproject.com, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Episode 007. Marla began her college career pursuing her love of dance, but endured a botched health procedure that impacted her future plans. As she reflects on her past, she is reminded to root herself in moments of light, joy, and dance to overcome difficult moments. 

• Interview by: Tanya L.
• Story Editor: Tanya L.
• Mix Engineer: Justin Berger
• Original Music by: Justin Berger, Tim McMonigle, Corey Wallace
• Cover Art/Photography: Tanya L.
• Language: English
• Duration: 10:31

CONTENT WARNING: This story contains descriptions of medical complications that may be difficult for some listeners.

Access a copy of the transcript here. Follow OBW on Instagram at @ofblackwombhood for project updates!

Listen online at theblackwombhoodproject.com, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Episode 006. Initially concerned that she would not have the resources to care for her baby, Mahalia confronts a major decision during her first pregnancy. Her choice leads her on an unanticipated journey towards her current passion. 

• Interview by: Tanya L.
• Story Editor: Tanya L.
• Mix Engineer: Justin Berger
• Original Music by: Justin Berger, Tim McMonigle, Corey Wallace
• Cover Art/Photography: Tanya L.
• Language: English
• Duration: 12:20

Access a copy of the transcript here. Follow OBW on Instagram at @ofblackwombhood for project updates!

Listen online at theblackwombhoodproject.com, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Episode 005. After feeling “out of place” for many years, Jah finally finds community in the city of Philadelphia. There, he completes his transition and continues to flourish as he furthers his artistic practice. 

• Interview by: Zoë Greggs
• Story Editor: Tanya L.
• Mix Engineer: Justin Berger
• Original Music by: Justin Berger, Tim McMonigle, Corey Wallace
• Cover Art/Photography: Tanya L.
• Language: English
• Duration: 12:04

Access a copy of the transcript here. Follow OBW on Instagram at @ofblackwombhood for project updates!

Listen online at theblackwombhoodproject.com, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Episode 004. Hattie was shielded from knowledge about health, puberty, and sex growing up in rural North Carolina during the 1940’s and ‘50’s. To avoid a forced marriage after she becomes pregnant at 15, she runs away to Philadelphia to start a new life.

• Interview by: Gabriella Nelson
• Story Editor(s): Tanya L., Gabriella Nelson, Zoë Greggs
• Mix Engineer: Justin Berger
• Original Music by: Justin Berger, Tim McMonigle, Corey Wallace
• Cover Art/Photography: Tanya L.
• Language: English
• Duration: 11:37

Access a copy of the transcript here. Follow OBW on Instagram at @ofblackwombhood for project updates!

Listen online at theblackwombhoodproject.com, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Episode 003. Though Denise’s pregnancy complications are key milestones of her womb journey, they also highlight many health providers’ failures in addressing Black patients’ needs during critical moments. Despite this, Denise remains grounded by her faith and deep love for her children.

• Interview by: Tanya L.
• Story Editor: Tanya L.
• Mix Engineer: Justin Berger
• Original Music by: Justin Berger, Tim McMonigle, Corey Wallace
• Cover Art/Photography: Tanya L.
• Language: English
• Duration: 15:01

CONTENT WARNING: This story contains graphic descriptions of medical complications that may be difficult for some listeners.

Access a copy of the transcript here. Follow OBW on Instagram at @ofblackwombhood for project updates!

Listen online at theblackwombhoodproject.com, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Episode 002. After navigating an unexpected pregnancy during the height of the pandemic, Brianna commits to nurturing her womb, unlocking deeper self-confidence and trust in her judgments.

• Interview by: Tanya L.
• Story Editor: Tanya L.
• Mix Engineer: Justin Berger
• Original Music by: Justin Berger, Tim McMonigle, Corey Wallace
• Cover Art/Photography: Tanya L.
• Language: English
• Duration: 14:34

Access a copy of the transcript here. Follow OBW on Instagram at @ofblackwombhood for project updates!

Listen online at theblackwombhoodproject.com, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Episode 001. Early on in her marriage, Ariel’s womb was a symbol of shared decision-making. Following her divorce, it has become the driving force of her self-preservation practices.

• Interview by: Tanya L.
• Story Editor: Tanya L.
• Mix Engineer: Justin Berger
• Original Music by: Justin Berger, Tim McMonigle, Corey Wallace
• Cover Art/Photography: Tanya L.
• Language: English
• Duration: 13:13

Access a copy of the transcript here. Follow OBW on Instagram at @ofblackwombhood for project updates!

Listen online at theblackwombhoodproject.com, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.