This week, Kelli, Kendra, and our honorary third host (and original podcast co-founder) Dr. Chiyah A. Lawrence bring the group chat back to life. What starts as catching up turns into a deep dive on everything from pop culture dust-ups to church politics to the state of our digital lives.

We talk Tabitha Brown and the backlash against her recent comments, the controversy around Beyoncé’s Cécred beauty line, and the rise of “nice-nasty” as a cultural critique. From there, the conversation widens: moral injury in the Black church, the impact of algorithms on our rage, Eve redefining “soft life,” and what it means to feel both inside and outside of community spaces.

As always, the group chat keeps it real — funny, sharp, and vulnerable. Whether you came for hair product reviews or reflections on capitalism and faith, you’ll leave with a lot to think about.

Related Links:

1. Tabitha Brown’s Instagram Post - referenced by Dr. Chiyah and throughout the episode
2. Link to Lizzo NY Mag Instagram Post - referenced by Dr. Chiyah 
3. Sinead Bovell on Angie Martinez IRL Podcast – referenced by Kelli 
4. Eve on Angie Martinez IRL Podcast – referenced by Kelli 
5. Draw Me Close/Thy Will Be Done - Marvin Winans Live at Times Square Church - song referenced by Kendra

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat going! 

This episode was produced and edited by Centering Equity Productions with the original theme song written and performed by Kendra Ross.

Dr. Kendra Janelle Ross is a tour de force in the worlds of music, education, community engagement, and technology, blending her passions to create inclusive spaces, equitable communities, and innovative cultural ecosystems. Dr. Ross's creative prowess culminated in her upcoming project, This Womanist’s Work, highlighting her commitment to amplifying female voices in the industry. Learn more about Kendra’s work here: https://www.kendraross.com 

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Centering Equity Productions specializes in high-quality audio content, from concept to marketing strategies. Focus on creating amazing stories while we handle the rest. Learn more about Centering Equity Productions here: www.centeringequityllc.com

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

Support the show

This week, Kelli and Kendra sit down with the brilliant EbonyJanice—author, hip hop womanist, and all-around force of nature. From the very start, EbonyJanice brings her full self to the conversation, sharing how her journey through faith, womanism, and self-discovery has shaped her life and work.

We get real about what it means to be a “free woman on a love journey,” and how womanism can actually save and transform us—especially when we’re questioning everything we thought we knew about faith and spirituality. EbonyJanice opens up about her own spiritual shifts, the power of naming ourselves, and the deep ancestral connections that guide her work.

Related Links:

• Learn more about EbonyJanice here
• I Know It Was the Blood as sung on the episode
• Thuggish Ruggish Bone song referenced by EbonyJanice 
• Rev. Dr. Eddy N. Henry EbonyJanice’s childhood pastor
• Dr. Melanie C. Jones-Quarles  womanist scholar mentioned
• Aduni Idowu  wife of Fela Kuti 
• Dr. Monica A. Coleman womanist scholar mentioned 
• Rev. Dr. Renita J. Weems womanist scholar mentioned 
• Delores Williams author of the book Sisters in the Wilderness 

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat conversations going! 

This episode was produced and edited by Centering Equity Productions with original theme song written and performed by Kendra Ross.

Dr. Kendra Janelle Ross is a tour de force in the worlds of music, education, community engagement, and technology, blending her passions to create inclusive spaces, equitable communities, and innovative cultural ecosystems. Dr. Ross's creative prowess culminated in her upcoming project, This Womanist’s Work, highlighting her commitment to amplifying female voices in the industry. Learn more about Kendra’s work here: https://www.kendraross.com

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Centering Equity Productions specializes in high-quality audio content, from concept to marketing strategies. Focus on creating amazing stories while we handle the rest. Learn more about Centering Equity Productions here: www.centeringequityllc.com

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

Support the show

In this episode of This Womanist Work, we are joined by guests Pastor Cynthia Layton and Rev Dr. Vanessa Monroe. They discuss the impact of Womanist Theology on their personal and professional lives, highlighting the importance of Black women in faith spaces and leadership positions. Kendra and Kelli dive into their spiritual practices, while their guests share the challenges they face as Black women pastors, and their commitment to mentoring younger generations. The discussion also touches on the need for the church to be a safe and inclusive space and offers insights into navigating the intersection of faith and social justice.

Check out their rand new merch store here!

Additional links related to this episode: 

1. Dr. Allison Geis-Johnson who Rev Dr Vanessa references

2. Sisters in the Wilderness by Delores Williamson

3. "A Mistress, A Maid, and No Mercy" by Dr. Renita Weems- 

4. A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Renita Weems

5. What About Tamar by Dr Traci Blackman

6. Makers of Fire by Alex McManus

7. Article titled "National Baptist Convention Accepts Target Sponsorship"

8. Numbers 27:1-11- Zelophehad’s Daughters

9. Center for Action and Contemplation’s reference to Dr. Barbara Holmes’ work on joy as practice and presence

10. Final song… Yes Lord Yes by Shirley Caesar

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat conversations going! 

This episode was produced and edited by Centering Equity Productions with original theme song written and performed by Kendra Ross

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Centering Equity Productions specializes in high-quality audio content, from concept to marketing strategies. Focus on creating amazing stories while we handle the rest. Learn more about Centering Equity Productions here: www.centeringequityllc.com

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

Support the show

In their Season Two debut episode, hosts Kelli King-Jackson and Kendra Ross are back together again for an with Kendra's cousin Keisha Cook and Kelli's aunt Deborah Santana. In this episode, they explore the nuanced journeys of spiritual deconstruction, the richness and challenges of the Black church, and the importance of grounding in one's faith while embracing personal evolution.

As Deborah and Keisha share their stories, there's a delicate unraveling of what it means to be a womanist and how spiritual identities are reshaped through personal experiences and cultural influences. Whether you've questioned your faith or found strength in new spiritual practices, this conversation offers solace and insights into living authentically. 

Additional links related to this episode: 

1. Learn more about Auntie Deborah Santana here

2. Check out her foundation, Do a Little, and see how you can support

3. The Womanism framework that Kelli and Kendra use for creating the space and work of This Womanist Work

4. The Unity Church that Auntie Deborah refers to, along with the Daily Word and their Prayer for Unity

5. Notes on secular humanism 

6. Link to an article from Sojourners titled "Deconstruction is for Black and Brown Christians, Too" because iykyk

7. The Human Rights Commission's article on "Raising Black LGBTQ+ Children," a resource for Black families 

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat conversations going! 

This episode was produced and edited by Centering Equity Productions with original theme song written and performed by Kendra Ross

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Centering Equity Productions specializes in high-quality audio content, from concept to marketing strategies. Focus on creating amazing stories while we handle the rest. Learn more about Centering Equity Productions here: www.centeringequityllc.com

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

Support the show

In this season two trailer of the This Womanist Work podcast, hosts Kendra Ross and Kelly King-Jackson invite listeners to join a journey that intertwines spirituality with politics and pop culture. 

The season focuses on the role of Black women in theology, exploring their historical contributions and contemporary influence. Throughout the season you'll hear a blend of raw faith journeys, emotional moments, empowering conversations, and the truth-telling that you're used to. 

Season Two premieres on Sunday, August 3rd. Subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform now and follow the podcast @ThisWomanistWorkPod on all social platforms. We'll see you in the group chat! 

This episode was produced and edited by Centering Equity Productions, with the original theme song written and performed by Kendra Ross.

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Support the show

Recorded live over a beautiful, catered dinner at the Pittsburgh Public Theater, your hosts Kelli King-Jackson and Kendra Ross gathered with special guests to honor the sacred work of mothering. With laughter, a few tears, and lots of love, we kicked off Season Two exploring the beauty and complexity of motherhood and daughterhood.

This conversation holds multitudes: the joy and ache of mothering, the ways trauma shows up and gets transformed, the complicated legacy of the Black church, and the things we wish our mothers had told us, but didn’t. And still, we hold space for gratitude. For survival. For growth. For healing.

This one is for every former church girl finding her way, for every woman carrying the weight of two names—daughter and mother—and for anyone doing the heart work of redefining what family means. Pull up a chair. You’re welcome here. You deserve to give yourself grace. 

Special guests in this episode include: Lonita Ross, Elnora Biggs, Trisha Gadson, Maisha Howze, Denele Biggs, Tanika Harris, Janice Owusu, Meg Smith, and Leatra Tate.

Audio and Visual Support: Emmy and Webby award-winning production house, Ya Momz House, Inc  

Event Coordinator: Tim Komne, TK Event Studio

Caterer: Kevin Hermann, Executive Chef, BistroToGo

Venue: Pittsburgh Public Theater

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat conversations going! 

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment! It really helps the show. 

This episode was produced and edited by Centering Equity Productions, with the original theme song sung and created by Kendra Ross.

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Centering Equity Productions specializes in high-quality audio content, from concept to marketing strategies. Focus on creating amazing stories while we handle the rest. Learn more about Centering Equity Productions here: www.centeringequityllc.com

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

Support the show

In our season one finale episode, we are joined by Watering Hole Media's Chief Executive Officer, Ashley Allison. Ashley helps us break down steps for navigating life post-2024 general election. She encourages us to become clear and fortify our beliefs so we can stand ten toes down when needed, especially in our day-to-day interactions. She also calls on us to lean on the fact that our ancestors survived times such as this. We share what we are looking forward to in 2025, and we want to hear from you, so make sure you join the group chat and let us know on social media!

Additional links related to this episode: 

1. Watering Hole Media is a social impact media project seeking to open minds, activate change, and win for the people

2. "Serene Compassion" by John and Denise Carmody is an evaluation of Buddhist thought and practice from a Christian point of view

3. "Spiritual Vision" by Nadra Nittle explores bell hooks' writings on Christianity, Buddhism, and feminism

A few of Ashley's favorite preachers:

4. TD Jakes' sermon The Conception of Faith, Sarah Jakes Roberts (daughter of TD Jakes), and Otis Moss 

5. "Listening When Parts Speak: A Practical Guide to Healing with Internal Family Systems Therapy and Ancestor Wisdom" by Tamala Floyd

6. Hermeneutics of suspicion (definition courtesy of The Cambridge Companion to Liberation Theology) is employed with a Womanist Theology lens by Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas, Eboni Marshall Turman, and Monica Coleman

7. A clip of Ashley standing ten toes down as a Christian from CNN

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat conversations going! 

This episode was produced and edited by

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Centering Equity Productions specializes in high-quality audio content, from concept to marketing strategies. Focus on creating amazing stories while we handle the rest. Learn more about Centering Equity Productions here: www.centeringequityllc.com

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

Support the show

Now that we are past the election and getting ready for the holiday season, we are returning for our full episode with Mama Sheryl! Sheryl Thomas-Washburn joins Kelli and Kendra to share more about how she got to where she is today. Mama Sheryl is Meg's mom, and she brings a whole lotta recipes for us to take with us. She starts by sharing her journey from a Christian Baptist church to her spiritual awakening; she shares tips for navigating one's spiritual journey, especially when you do not have community, and what it's like being in an interfaith relationship. Mama Sheryl also describes raising a queer daughter while connected to a fairly conservative church. Don't get punched in the face, because she just looks this cute. She will square up! 

Additional links related to this episode: 

1. Mama Sheryl makes her first appearance on Bonus Ep. 3- "If You're Not Uncomfortable, You're Not Doing the Work" with Sheryl Thomas-Washburn. Make sure you listen to this episode to hear all of her tips and tricks for JEDI work in today's society. 

2. "A Course in Miracles" is a unique spiritual self-study program designed to awaken us to the truth of our oneness with God and Love

3. Mama Sheryl mentions how impactful the spiritual guidance she received at the Centers for Spiritual Living was to her. Check them out here!

Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @thiswomanistworkpod to keep the group chat conversations going! 

This episode was produced and edited by Centering Equity Productions, with the original theme song sung and created by Kendra Ross.

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Centering Equity Productions specializes in high-quality audio content, from concept to marketing strategies. Focus on creating amazing stories while we handle the rest. Learn more about Centering Equity Productions here: www.centeringequityllc.com

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

Support the show

Kelli and Kendra continue their conversation on Black women's reproductive health. This week they are joined by Regina Townsend, founder of The Broken Brown Egg. This organization exists to empower, inform, and advocate for those questioning or experiencing the impact of infertility, with an emphasis on the Black experience of it. Regina shares her fertility journey, how she started the Broken Brown Egg, how she's feeling today, given our current political climate, and how our ancestral cultural genius inspires her work. You'll also hear Regina describe her 'mental health kit,' and we invite you to share in the group chat on social media what you have in yours! Kendra offers a new takeaway question for us, which honors ourselves and our bodies. 

P.S. Make sure you listen to the FULL episode because Regina blesses us with a recap of her book, Make IF Make Sense: Putting Words to the Feels of Infertility, and how you can join her community of women navigating their fertility journeys together.

Content warning: if you want to protect your peace and are sensitive to discussions about reproductive health issues and/or medical maltreatment and poor bedside manner, please take good care of yourself as you listen to this episode, and feel free to use the resources shared below

Additional links related to this episode: 

1. Find the Broken Brown Egg here: Instagram and Website

2. Grab your copy of Regina Townsend's book, Make IF Make Sense: Putting Words to the Feels of Fertility

3. Check out Chocolate Brides' Instagram page, the magazine Regina mentions in the episode that inspired her development of the Broken Brown Egg

4. Dr. Rev. Stacy Edwards Dunn, Regina's sister in the fight and founder of Fertility for Colored Girls

5. Learn more about Fertility for Colored Girls

6. The Cade Foundation, an organization Regina mentions in the episode whose mission is to serve the needs of families battling infertility through information and financial support

7. Resolve is The National Infertility Association

8. Therapy for Black Girls, a Dr. Joy Harden Bradford podcast, has several episodes on Black women and reproductive health. We've linked them on our social media! 

Follow the show on Instagram and Faceboo

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Centering Equity Productions specializes in high-quality audio content, from concept to marketing strategies. Focus on creating amazing stories while we handle the rest. Learn more about Centering Equity Productions here: www.centeringequityllc.com

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

Support the show

Good Sis of the Pod, Dr. Chiyah A. Lawrence is back with Kendra and Kelli to discuss something we don't often discuss openly: reproductive health and the challenges Black women face. You'll hear each of them describe their experiences of navigating over the years, how it's impacted (or not impacted) their confidence as a woman, and Kendra even realizes in real time how much she has dealt with these challenges over the years. All three share pain management strategies that have worked well for them and resources they have incorporated into their wellness plans. As Black women, there is so much to learn from one another based on our experiences, and we want this episode to be informative, empowering, and supportive for all. We invite you to join us in the group chat and share what has worked well for you!

Content warning: if you want to protect your peace and are sensitive to discussions about reproductive health issues and/or medical maltreatment and poor bedside manner, please take good care of yourself as you listen to this episode, and feel free to use the resources shared below.

Additional links related to this episode: 

1. Midi Health, an online platform and virtual care clinic created by specialists in perimenopause and menopause: 

2. Dr. Chiyah's gynecologist friend put her onto some game for how to make an IUD procedure more tolerable. Always ask for a paracervical block and lidocaine jelly. Here's a video of Dr. Ashley Jeanius, a board-certified OBGYN, explaining how it is helpful and what other procedures this combo could be used for: 

3. Kendra wishes we could afford to play this on the pod, but, in the meantime, please enjoy God's Property's song, "He'll Take the Pain Away"

4. Coach Gessie,  a health activist and founder of The DeTox Now to help heal and prevent fibroids and more: 

5. Tanika Gray Valburn, founder of The White Dress Project, w

Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show!

Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Centering Equity Productions specializes in high-quality audio content, from concept to marketing strategies. Focus on creating amazing stories while we handle the rest. Learn more about Centering Equity Productions here: www.centeringequityllc.com

Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/

Support the show