Cocoa Butter and Communion

Rooted in Heritage: A Conversation with Chi-Chi Anyanwu and Kenyon Hill

Hey Village! Don't forget to preorder "The Soul Story Journal: A Guide to Unbinding the Spirit." With your preorder, you will receive a digital Soul Story Starter Pack that encourages you to begin your soul work before your journal arrives. Visit www.groundedrootscollective.com/store-2 to secure your copy today. 
In the episode, I am continuing to explore liberation, and to do so, I share the mic with my friends, Chi-Chi Anyanwu and Kenyon Hill, as we explore themes of our roots, heritage, storytelling, music, and the importance of land ownership (it all goes together, I promise). These themes converge due to the impact of reading "Rooted: The American Legacy of Land Theft and the Modern Movement for Black Land Ownership" by Brea Baker, a beautifully written work. We are fan girls and a boy over here about thee Brea Baker. As you listen, I invite you to reflect on your own stories of connection, groundedness, and family of origin or family of choice. 
Get the book: "Rooted: The American Legacy of Land Theft and the Modern Movement for Black Land Ownership" by Brea Baker. 
Follow the show on IG @groundedrootscollective 
 
 

The Costa Rica Reunion Tour with Carrie DuBose, Royal Williams & Aaliyah Jones

Village! I wrote a guided journal, The Soul Story Journal: A Guide to Unbinding the Spirit. For more information, please add your email to my subscription list https://www.groundedrootscollective.com/subscribe . On a future episode, I will share more about the book's journey and how you can have one in YOUR hands!
In this episode, I am reuniting with my favorite humid homies from my transformative trip to Costa Rica. We share fun facts, travel experiences, the healing power of being surrounded by elders, and the profound connections formed among one another, highlighting the importance of community and healing. And, of course, we explore themes of liberation, but also the challenges of transitioning back to reality after a profound experience. 
Here are today's guests: 
Carrie DuBose, MA, is a therapist in St. Paul, Minnesota. She works primarily with individuals and couples from the global majority, with a special emphasis on those identifying as Black and/or multiracial. Her lens is person-centered, decolonizing, systemic, and often includes a somatic and internal family systems approach.
Royal Williams started her company, Yup! She Travels, a company that curates cultural experiences for Black women. Driven by her enriching experiences abroad and her educational background, Royal founded Yup! We Travel has the mission to provide meaningful, culturally immersive experiences and internships in Colombia for university students. Royal's own experiences studying and interning abroad during college profoundly shaped her worldview, and she is passionate about offering similar opportunities to help others grow and thrive.
After seven years as an English and Spanish teacher between Colombia and the US, Royal decided to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a Psychologist and received a Master's degree from Pepperdine University. She currently works in Dr. Shelly Harrell's research lab. In this lab, she discovered Liberation Psychology. Royal is interested in the well-being of Black women after they leave the US and would like to conduct research on this topic. She plans on pursuing a doctoral degree in Psychology. Follow Royal on IG @yupshetravels
Aaliyah Jones is a second-year doctoral student in Clinical Psychology, passionate about the intersections of mental health, physical activity, and holistic wellness. Her work emphasizes integrating mindfulness, movement-based therapies, and somatic experiencing into traditional psychotherapy to help individuals develop self-awareness, enhance emotional regulation, and foster overall well-being.
 
Follow the show and my private practice, @groundedrootstherapycollective, on Instagram, and I'm also on Facebook. Like, subscribe, and comment wherever you get your podcasts! 
 

Navigating Uncertainty: A Personal Reflection

In this episode of Cocoa Butter and Communion, I reflect on the challenges of the current times, particularly in light of the pandemic and its impact on personal and collective healing. I share a brief account of my own self-discovery and ancestral connection during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of incorporating spiritual practices into daily life. In this episode, I introduce the concept of micro pilgrimages and offer five accessible practices to foster connection with oneself, nature, and the universe.
 
Follow the show on IG @groundedrootscollective 
Email me at cocoabutterandcommunion@gmail.com 

The Power of Our Roots with Lakiba Pittman

In this engaging conversation, I chat with my elder, Lakiba Pittman, to explore themes of identity, ancestry, and personal growth. We discuss our family ties and the importance of maintaining connections with family and ancestors. Luckily for us, Lakiba shares her journey of self-discovery through spirituality and the Black consciousness movement. Lakiba and I explore the intersections of spirituality, creativity, and the role of elders in the community, and define what unique qualities a true elder should have.
 
Lakiba Pittman is a professor, poet, energy healer, and community artist whose work bridges creativity, mindfulness, and social impact. She is a Senior Instructor with Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research & Education (CCARE) and facilitates healing-centered programs with Healing Together. She also leads workshops for Stanford Healthy Living, Rick Hanson’s Weekly Meditation Series, the Compassion Institute, and LifeMoves. Lakiba is a trained facilitator in Mindful Self-Compassion, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and trauma-informed healing practices.
Her path was shaped during the Bay Area’s Black Consciousness era, when she became part of the vibrant Nairobi community of East Palo Alto. She began her professional career at Hewlett-Packard/Agilent Technologies in senior roles focused on diversity strategy, leadership development, and global talent management, later founding a consulting practice that helps organizations cultivate inclusive cultures and compassionate leadership.Lakiba now teaches Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging in the Workplace, Cultural Expressions in Media, and Race & Racism at Menlo College, Golden Gate University, and Notre Dame de Namur University. She is completing a doctorate in Transformative Studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies, where her research examines music and spirituality as catalysts for healing and transformation.Her work is grounded in mindfulness, trauma-informed pedagogy, and embodied social justice. Her book Breadcrumbs from the Soul and her installations in the Black Woman Is God art series celebrate resilience, imagination, and the power of art to transform. Stepping into her role as an elder, Lakiba’s greatest purpose is to share the wisdom of her journey so that the healing she cultivates nourishes those she teaches and supports—and ripples outward to bless her ancestors and future generations.Connect with her on all social platforms or at www.lakibapittman.com. 
Follow Cocoa Butter and Communion on IG @groundedrootscollective 
 

The Complexities of Healing with Regina Lawless

In this episode of Cocoa Butter and Communion Village, we are exploring community and connection (two of my favorite topics). Regina Lawless is back, and we explore processing and navigating grief after the sudden loss of her husband, and the societal discomfort around death and mourning. She also reflects on her experience of opening up to new love while honoring her late husband, and how her relationship with herself has transformed through this journey. She shares all of this and so much more with warmth, grace, and beauty. We laugh throughout this episode as we ponder the complexities of life. 
Regina Lawless, MSOD, is a bestselling author, speaker, spiritual teacher, and former head of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at Instagram. In addition, Regina is the founder and CEO of Bossy & Blissful, a restorative community for Black women leaders. Regina has 18+ years of HR experience working for Fortune 500 companies across various industries, including Target, Virgin America Airlines, and Intel. Her first book, “Do You,” was published by Greenleaf Book Group, in partnership with Fast Company, in February 2024.
In 2021, Regina was appointed to the Board of the World Women Foundation and serves as an Advisory Council Member for the University of San Francisco’s Engineering Program. She is a graduate of California State University, Sacramento, in Communication Studies and holds a Master of Science degree in Organization Development from the University of San Francisco. Regina is a Bay Area native and currently resides there with her partner, teenage son, and their dog, Rocket. She is an avid reader, loves listening to music and podcasts, and practicing yoga.
 
Check out her beautiful podcast, The BlissFULL Life, anywhere you can find podcasts! Download it, share it, and like it! 
Follow her on IG @regina.lawless
Check out her website www.reginalawless.com
Send her an email at hello@reginalawless.com 
 
Grab her book! It's amazing, like her. 
 

The Unpack: Catching up with Jessica

Hey Village! Jessica is back for more conversation, laughter, and love. In this episode, we explore the evolution of club culture (I am not an expert, but Jessica might be). As always, you get a firsthand look into our friendship through our conversation about relationships, cultural critiques, raising children, true love, and growth.  
Jessica is my platonic wife, my bestie, and my friendship soulmate. She is a professional boss baddie, an amazing mom, a beautiful friend, and she is absolutely hilarious (she needs to start writing sitcoms or do standup). 
Follow the show on IG @groundedrootscollective
Find us on Facebook at Grounded Roots Therapy Collective, Inc. 
The show is now on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@CocoaButterAndCommunion (Make sure to subscribe) 
Rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts. Your support is amazing! 
 
 

Confidence Unleashed: The Journey of Self-Discovery- A Conversation with Sylmia Britt

Hey Village! I missed y'all, but I come bringing gifts. This episode, I am chatting with the beautiful Sylmia Britt, and we discuss the art of growth, all while maintaining joy. We share about liberating experiences like eating deviled eggs while watching Raheem DeVaughn sing his face off and self-acceptance, all while owning your essence and reinvesting in each other.  
Sylmia has a background rooted in military values and enriched by experiences in the California State government. Sylmia is an accomplished author, speaker, and advocate committed to fostering growth and positive impact. Her passion for continuous learning and advocacy led to the creation of GBU Consulting CA, which presents WeThriveAbove – a consulting firm focused on building individual and business capacity. Sylmia’s expertise spans social science principles and Business Administration, reflecting her dedication to career and business development. Her unwavering commitment to empowerment, inclusivity, and positive impact guides her and the services of WeThriveAbove. Through her innovative, human-centered approach, Sylmia strives to empower individuals and businesses alike to achieve their fullest potential and make a lasting difference in their communities. 
You can find Sylmia online at www.wethriveabove.com or on Instagram @ we_thriveabove.
Follow the show on IG @groundedrootscollective 

Basking in the Black Girl Glow: A Conversation with Regina Lawless and Jasmine Nutt

Hey Village! Happy Black History Month, all month long. In this episode, I chat with Regina Lawless, founder of Bossy and Blissful and Jasmine Nutt, President of A Seat at the Table Community Initiative about their event, Black Girl Glow, which is a space for healing and restoration, showcasing various activities that cater to the holistic well-being of Black women. In this conversation, we talk about the importance of community support for Black women, the complexities of cultural identity, the challenges of burnout, and so much more. 
Regina Lawless, MSOD, is a bestselling author, speaker, spiritual teacher, and former head of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at Instagram. In addition, Regina is the founder and CEO of Bossy & Blissful, a restorative community for Black women leaders. Regina has 18+ years of HR experience working for Fortune 500 companies across various industries, including Target, Virgin America Airlines, and Intel. Her first book, “Do You,” was published by Greenleaf Book Group, in partnership with Fast Company, in February 2024.
In 2021, Regina was appointed to the Board of the World Women Foundation and serves as an Advisory Council Member for the University of San Francisco’s Engineering Program. She is a graduate of California State University, Sacramento, in Communication Studies and holds a Master of Science degree in Organization Development from the University of San Francisco. Regina is a Bay Area native and currently resides there with her partner, teenage son and their dog, Rocket. She is an avid reader, loves listening to music and podcasts, and practicing yoga.
 
Jasmine Nutt, MSW, Sociologist and Humanitarian is the ASSATTCI President and a multi-passionate leader with over 15 years experience bringing the marginalized into alignment with reality. Having a challenging, yet protected, lived experience allowed Jasmine the unique ability and opportunities to cultivate dynamic shifts in systems designed to maintain the status quo. Jasmine currently resides in Sacramento, CA creating community and healing generational cycles with her two neurodiverse children.
 
The event, Black Girl Glow is Saturday, February 22, 2025 at A Seat at the Table Bookstore, 9257 Laguna Springs Dr., Suite 130, Elk Grove, CA 92578. 
 
Get your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-girl-glow-a-day-of-healing-self-love-and-restoration-tickets-1217237442959?aff=oddtdtcreator 
 
If you cannot make the event, but want to support, donate here  https://donate.stripe.com/fZe9CbeJW42Scww4gj 
 
For information regarding sponsorships, please direct your inquiries to hello@reginalawless.com or text (925) 325-0439 
 
Visit Regina Lawless' website www.reginalawless.com 
Follow her on IG @Regina.Lawless
 
Follow Jasmine @luvjazzy 
 

The Art of Letting Go: A Conversation with Chi-Chi Anyanwu

Hey Village! My dearest, Chi-Chi Anyanwu, is back and of course a time was to be had. On this episode, we talk about emotional journeys in friendships as well as adjusting to the new around us. We talk about the complexities of friendship breakups but finding beauty and growth within those breakups; the importance of self-reflection and loving self first. Since the two of us are heading into the Golden Girls house, we are talked about life in the mid-life stage. 
Chi-Chi has been rediscovering the music of Randy Crawford, I have been rediscovering Luther Vandross (sorry mom) and we are convinced that if you do not like Anita Baker, something is terribly wrong. 
Follow the show @groundedrootscollective 
 
 
 

The Beauty of Social Commentary with Malikka Rogers

Hey Village, Malikka is back and there is no introduction needed. In this episode we talk about Malikka's journey into badly edited books, cultural reflections, and relationships (hey, we've all dealt with some mess). Our conversation, as always, is dripping with humor (we funny), insights (we smart), and deep understandings of the complexities of identity and relationships (we hella deep). We touch on the challenges of aging and share personal experiences and strategies for health and wellness (perimenopause is all the rage). 
Consider donating to the folks in the Altadena area. When redlining was everyday practice, this community became home to hundreds of Black families who couldn't buy anywhere else in the city. 
Link to Altadena families that need support: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pK5omSsD4KGhjEHCVgcVw-rd4FZP9haoijEx1mSAm5c/htmlview?urp=gmail_link
Altadena seed library was founded with the intention of creating a community resource to promote seed equity, education, and distribution. Consider sending your seeds or cash to them, as well :)  https://www.altadenaseedlibrary.com/
Follow Malikka on her socials 
Facebook (Tackling Tomfoolery), IG (@tacklingtomfool) and the the site formally known as Twitter (@MalikkaRodgers)