Speakeasy with Denene

The password for this episode of Speakeasy with Denene is FREEDOM. We spend the whole show with Atlanta-based rapper, Killer Mike. He tells host Denene Millner that freedom weighs heavily on him everyday. He shares his value of economic freedom, and his mission to protect freedom of speech in rap music.

Host Denene Millner shares some of her favorite books, music, movies, and makeup of 2019 that relate to episodes from this season's "Speakeasy with Denene.”

The password for this episode of Speakeasy with Denene is FLOWER. Host Denene Millner shares her experiences raising children, which for her is like tending a garden. She also talks with two artists whose unique masterpieces bloom right off the canvas. Finally, we hear from singer-songwriter Jillian Hervey. She shares how she’s blossomed as her own woman and now leads the band, Lion Babe.

On this episode of Speakeasy with Denene, we give you a glimpse into two generations of blackness. Host Denene Millner talks with her daughters about their own experiences coming of age as young black women. Then, she sits down with author Damon Young, who says living while black is an extreme sport. Finally, Atlanta-based spoken word artist Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D. gives a breath-taking performance of her popular poem, You So Black.

In extended comments from our episode on beauty that didn’t make the final cut, A'Lelia Bundles and Melanie Yvette weigh in on the influx of black-owned prestige beauty companies.

On this episode of Speakeasy with Denene, we dive into natural beauty and self love. Host Denene Millner visits an Atlanta spa that uses fresh ingredients straight from farm-to-face. Then, we hear from three beauty-preneurs who are changing the game in the make-up and hair space for black women. Finally, we hear the music of singer and songwriter Somi, whose work embodies beauty with poetic notes and a voice like velvet.

Host Denene Millner travels outside the country for the first time without her now ex-husband. She documents her journey flying to Madrid with her daughters. Then, she talks with world traveler Demetria Lucas, who explains why it’s important for black people to tour the world. Finally, we hear from one of the flyest performers around ---- Tarriona "Tank" Ball, who talks about finding her voice and soaring in her music career.

When it comes to relationships, THE STRUGGLE IS REAL! Making a relationship work for years has its own challenges, but first you have to get invited to the table. On our first episode about love, host Denene Millner and her girlfriends talk about the challenges of dating while black. She also sits down with New York Times bestselling author Tayari Jones about her novel that explores love in the face of social injustice. Finally, singer-songwriter Avery*Sunshine shares the secrets to writing a good love song.

Blackness isn’t just about race. On GPB’s new podcast, we’re deep diving into its beauty and humanity. On each episode of SPEAKEASY WITH DENENE, we take one word like BLACK, BEAUTY, or LOVE, and we break down the many ways that word applies to the African American experience. The show is hosted by Denene Millner, a New York Times bestselling author. In the first season, her guests include writers Tayari Jones, Demetria Lucas, Damon Young, and Nic Stone. We also catch up with musical artists, like Avery Sunshine, Tarriona “Tank” Ball, Jillian Hervey of Lion Babe, and Killer Mike. "Speakeasy with Denene" debuts every other Thursday starting October 24, 2019.