In the final episode of the season, join our hosts on a heartfelt and reflective journey as they explore the changing seasons in their lives. With a touch of nostalgia, they take a moment to reminisce about the most popular episodes of the season, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and their personal reflections on the impact those episodes had on them and their listeners. It's a candid and introspective conversation that celebrates the growth, challenges, and triumphs experienced throughout...

On this episode of Monuments to Me, Chef Carla Hall discusses her journey of reclaiming the kitchen and creating community in the process.  As a Black southern woman, Carla Hall embraces the culture of soul food - and spreads the good word about cooking with love. She shares her unique insights about divine timing, aging with grace, and pivoting in your career.  Carla didn’t always cook, but she always loved to eat. She went to culinary school at 33 and competed on Top Chef at 44. Proving...

Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D. is the sound of a new generation. She is a magical, alchemical, viral Poet and Author of the poem “You So Black.” Theresa is a performer of many talents including poetry, empowering children’s literature, vocals, and acting. She has been a Keynote Speaker at corporate events and educational institutions, made television and media appearances and performed at festivals and conferences. In a true monument to Black women, Theresa showers us with the power of her...

Johane Filemon believes that beautiful food is the ultimate vehicle for self-love. As a certified Nutritionist, Johane teaches her clients to live more fully and vibrantly with food. Johane M. Filemon, MS, RDN, CLT, is a Registered Dietitian with 10 years of experience in Nutrition. Johane holds bachelor’s degrees in Exercise Science and Dietetics and a master’s degree in Food and Nutrition Science. Today on Monuments to Me, Johane shares how she became a devotee of cultivating the life and...

The latest episode of Monuments to Me features Shayla Cowan, the Chief of Staff at Will Packer Productions. She discusses her journey to her current role in Hollywood, emphasizing the importance of being seen, cultivating relationships, and trusting her instincts. Shayla shares insights on empathy, mentorship, self-care, and being genuine and discerning in relationships. She also discusses the challenges of navigating the industry and the progress being made by black women in leadership...

Nsé Ufot has helped register nearly 600,000 Georgia voters. In this episode of Monuments to Me, Nsé shares her passion for impact, politics, and change with listeners - including a compelling case for why Black women should vote.  To Nsé, voting is an act of self-love. Focusing less on the actual vote, she argues that showing up and speaking out is a profound method of mobilizing voters of color toward a better future. Because of Black women, Georgia turned red to blue in the 2020...

Shanita Hubbard wants to flip the script and change the conversation around Black women in hip hop…and society as a whole. Through her exploration of the “ride or die chick,” Shanita invites us to take a deeper look at how we as Black women value our worth, work, date, parent, innovate and make music.  Shanita is an acclaimed Writer, Professor of Journalism at the University of Toronto, Chair of the Freelance Taskforce for the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Soros Fellow,...

In this episode, we have a very special guest, Cynthia Bailey, an American model, actress, and reality television personality with a history far deeper than The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Cynthia joins us to share her story, offer advice for success, and celebrate the unique value and power of black women. Throughout the episode, Cynthia opens up about her personal journey, from growing up in Alabama to pursuing a successful career in the entertainment industry. She discusses the challenges...

This episode delves deep into the world of activism with Shar Bates and Lerae Funderburg, but not so much from a political standpoint. Akilah navigates the conversation with them from the point of view of how they make space in the world of activism, but also in their everyday lives. Shar aka The Community Healer aka Martin Luther Queen is a Radio and TV host as well as the Founder of Breaking the Chains of Hip Hop Coalition which helps youth heal through creative arts. Lerae is the Founder...

In this episode, Akilah sits down with BIG Tiny and Ashley Dixon to discuss entrepreneurship as content creators and influencers. Both Atlanta-based, BIG Tiny is a singer, and songwriter and Ashley is a full-time entrepreneur creating content focused on home decor and DIY projects.   Having two very different paths, BIG Tiny and Ashley share their journeys to becoming successful full-time content creators, not shying away from the realities of what it took to get to where they are now -...

This episode is focused 100% on Only Fans and it is an amazing one.  Akilah and Dawn have an open and honest conversation on the platform Only Fans and is it good or bad for black women.  Is it a tool for over-sexualization or a tool for growth and change?  Is it setting black women up for their future or is it setting them up for a let down. A lot of perspective is discussed on this episode but we want you to come to your own conclusion. Listen closely and share your thoughts and...

We are moving mountains in this week’s episode with Kim Carter. She is a Top 10 CNN Hero, Founder and Ambassador for Time for Change Foundation, President & CEO of Center for Housing Advancement and Motivational Projects (CHAMP), author of Waking Up To My Purpose, and a proud Black woman in America. But none of that came easy. Kim shares how she overcame homelessness, incarceration, addiction, and more and found a way to better herself in a system that perpetuates inequality. She opens...

A distressing reality for Black women is that we are three to four times more likely to experience pregnancy-related deaths than white women. That’s why it was important for us to bring on Tracie Collins, former Doula and midwife of 17+ years and CEO and Founder of the National Black Doula’s Association (NBDA), to discuss the importance of having Black doulas and/or midwives when it comes to birthing. Tracie shares personal experiences as well as expert insight on how the NBDA is a resource...

Things get spicy this week while we explore the topic of embracing sex and our sexualities with Samia Burton, an Intimacy Coordinator and Sexual Educator. Samia is the CEO and founder of Sexual Essentials, helping people create the sex lives they want through education and events. She is also the Owner and Founder of SE Media Group, just opened up SE Content House, and is the host of Not Just Another Sex Podcast. Nothing is off limits as our conversation touches on everything from foreplay,...

Mental health, especially as a Black woman, is a difficult thing to talk about, but it’s one of the most important topics that we can discuss. Though she is already very vocal and public about it, Dawn opens up about her own journey with mental health through the years while Akilah navigates the conversation as someone who recently started her own mental health journey.  Our discussion explores Dawn’s lived experiences that include generational trauma, being diagnosed with bipolar disorder...

Last season, Monuments to Me, set out to create a safe space for Black women to feel, to create, and to just be. Coming back for season 2 shows that what we tried to do from the beginning was enough - and there’s no stopping us as we continue to build a community for Black Women by Black Women to talk about things that are important to them.  This new season begins with returning co-host Akilah Ffriend introducing a former listener turned new co-host, Dawn Montgomery, and a sneak peek into...

Today, as we close out season 1, we bring the Monuments to Me podcast back home as we talk about how black women are winning and the huge role REVOLT plays in this space. We are joined by Monique Chenault, president of REVOLT News at REVOLT Media & TV (a cable network owned by Diddy which specializes in creating and cultivating programming for Black audiences), Head of REVOLT Studios, Atlanta, and creator of REVOLT’s series, “Black Girl Stuff”.   A UCLA grad who started in local news, her...

Today on the Monuments to Me podcast, we’re here to talk about voice amplification. More specifically, we’re discussing how we amplify the voices of Black women, especially when everyone doesn’t have a microphone. To help us navigate this discussion, we’re joined by Christal D. Jordan and Ardre Orie. Christal is a journalist and writer for newspapers and radio before noticing the lack of opportunities for Black women’s voices to be heard. Now, she’s a publicist, author, and YouTuber who talks...

What does it mean to be full and comfortable with being yourself within the constraints of the mainstream media industry? Sharron Reed and Ann Hill Bond join us today to discuss how Black women in media can make their mark while finding joy and authenticity. Sharon Reed is a news anchor in major markets, such as Atlanta and Cleveland. She’s worked on National Television as a correspondent and morning host. Ann Hill Bond has been a journalist for the past 6 years, a mother to 3 children, and...

We have a very special episode of Monuments to Me, all about self-expression, creativity, and telling your story. Tamika Newhouse is a natural-born creator and storyteller. She has written and published 18 books, and she runs an independent publishing house called Delphine Publications, where she’s published well over 300 titles. Kimberly Jones is a New York Times bestselling author, NAACP Image award nominee, GC Germany Voice of the Year, and Route 100 most influential African Americans....

Today on the Monuments to Me podcast, we’re joined by Ensa Huger. Ensa is an accountant, speaker, author, consultant, and entrepreneur enthusiast. She’s an Atlanta native and accounting graduate from George State, and she loves all things finance and empowerment. In today’s episode, Ensa is sharing the tools, information, and resources to help Black women grow in the finance space, build wealth, and pursue financial empowerment. Together, we discuss Ensa’s unique approach to finances as...

A few episodes ago, we discussed fibroids and how it affects Black women. Today, Dr. Soyini Hawkins joins the Monuments to Me podcast to chat more in-depth about understanding infertility, reproductive justice, and how you can take your own fertility into your own hands. Dr. Soyini Hawkins is a Gynecologist who specializes in the minimally invasive surgical management of fibroids, endometriosis, and pelvic pain. She is specifically dedicated to helping Black women own their respective...

We are joined by one of the most well-known couples in the South on today’s episode of the Monuments to Me podcast. Brandé Elise, a voiceover actor and TV host, and Danielle Gray,  a marketing strategist and graphic designer, join us today to share all about their company, Unoia. Established in Atlanta, Unoia has taken the CBD world by storm with their tinctures, gummies, topicals and CBD for pets. Brandé and Danielle share their journey in the marijuana industry, and they help us...

Today’s episode of the Monuments to Me is going to be a spicy one. We’re joined by none other than Medinah Monroe and Kiki Said So, the brilliant, bright, and funny duo behind the Cocktales: Dirty Discussions podcast. Medinah and Kiki are removing the thin, laced veil between dating for purpose and dating for pleasure. They talk about sex in a completely unfiltered way that paves the way for liberation, full expression, and allowance to ask for what you want. They share their thoughts on...