Cocoa Butter and Communion

Reproductive and Birth Justice with Aresha Auzenne

Heeeyyyy, I am back! It has been a long time. Happy New Year Village! I hope your holiday season allowed rest. This week's episode can be triggering due to the content of talking about Black maternal deaths, the prevention, and the sharing of birth stories that can be traumatic for our listeners. Take breaks when you need or fast forward. Do what you need. We talk about being a doula, the history of doulas in Black communities, the maternal death crisis, and we even give some insight into our birthing stories. 
This week's guest is Aresha Auzenne is a San Francisco native, specializing in trauma informed birth work, placenta medicine, breastfeeding, and donor milk education. Having worked in the death care industry for several years, moving into the sacred space of birth work was a natural transition. Aresha is a full spectrum holistic doula and a mother to a vibrant 4 year old boy. She is most passionate about empowering women and mothers of color, building supportive maternal communities and fostering spaces of healing through motherhood. She credits her work, her passion, and h er healing to the many powerful women who held her and her son, during her own transition into the depths of motherhood-learning to crawl, to walk, to talk, to exist as a brand-new being. Aresha is currently working as a community researcher, investigating Black maternal health and birth outcomes amongst women and mothers of color. 
Aresha is reading "The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself" by Michael A. Singer and "The Fantasy Bond: Structure of Psychological Defenses" by Robert W. Firestone. 
Chioko is reading "A General Theory of Love" by Thomas Lewis, Fari Amini, and Richard Lannon

Black Women in Academia: A Conversation with Johndalyn Armstrong

Heeeyyy village! Another episode of Cocoa Butter and Communion is back on the podcast airwaves. This week, I am discussing Black women in academia with my classmate, Johndalyn Armstrong. We talk about school, not separating our Blackness from our education and our experiences, her new fondness of Janelle Monae, among other stuff. She is absolutely lovely and she has an impeccable taste in fashion (you see her frames). Johndalyn currently volunteers for the UNHCR’s sub organization, LuquLuqu, as they offer life services to refugees on the continent of Africa. 
 

A Conversation about Everything with Malikka Rogers

Hey Village! I am joined today by my dearest, Malikka Rogers. We discuss A LOT on this episode from Bruce Willis dating rumors to ridiculousness in music to spirituality. As always, I love my conversations with her and I hope you do too. Spend some time with us on this cold November day, it should get you through your workday, your clean up day, your shopping day... its a long one :).
Follow Malikka on Facebook (Tackling Tomfoolery), IG (@tacklingtomfool) and the Twitter (@MalikkaRodgers)
Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion 
 
 

Band of Brothers: A Conversation with Ray

I was curious and when I am curious, a podcast episode usually happens :). I talk about building sisterhood a lot on this podcast but this episode, I wanted to chat about building brotherhood and the expression of vulnerability. I chatted with Ray, who provided me with some insight into the work he does. 
Ray is of Afro-Caribbean ancestry hailing from the little country with the big reggae sound, Jamaica. He was raised between Kingston, Jamaica and the greater New York Metropolitan area. 
 
He is a Silicon Valley business leader within the financial technology sector. He serves as a wellness coach to young men in the California, Oakland - Bay Area as a leader for Create the Space (https://www.cr8thespace.com). 
Ray is a fitness enthusiast. He practices  Yoga weekly with his yogi brethren of  Barbershop Yoga-(https://rondyoga.com).He is a 2X marathon finisher and will soon be completing his 3rd triumph of 26.2 miles on the island of Japan, this upcoming March 2024 in Tokyo. He is also an avid reader and is never without his Kindle Oasis. 
 
Ray credits his sense of community and care for others to his upbringing. His father and mother embedded the principal of L.O.U.D (Lift others up Daily) from a very young age. Whether it was donating toys or time to others he was always encouraged to live in service of his fellow men and women.
 
When he is not serving as a business leader, coach, running or reading he can also be found behind the lens clicking portraits and corporate events as an aspiring photographer. 
 
Contact him at 
Foodnmvmt@gmail.com and view his work on Instagram. 
https://instagram.com/foodnmvmt_photos?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
 
Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion (I need to do a better job at keeping this page up lol) 

Understanding Mom: A Conversation with my Own Mother, Venetia Brown

Heeeyyy Village! Today's episode is a conversation with my mom, Venetia Brown. On this episode, she shares the history behind her own name and she clears up how she came up with mine. We talk about the things that connect us and the things that have kept us at a distance. She shares about her journey into motherhood and being a grandmother and the influence of her parents and grandparents. 
Mom is reading "Truly Blessed" by Teddy Pendergrass, again. That is because, like most Black women in their 60s, she loves her some Teddy P. I am reading "The Monsters We Defy" by Leslye Penelope. My mom and I talk about our love for Aretha Franklin (I listened to her probably every day for 18 years). 
Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion 
Send us an email at cocoabutterandcommunion@gmail.com 

Resonated Lessons with Brandon Johnson

Hey village! I have another great episode with my friend, by way of my brother, Brandon Johnson. I met Brandon Johnson YEARS ago and I am glad I did. Y'all will see why when you listen to this episode. We chat about music (we even sing a few duets), family, marriage, kids, and Berkeley hippies (I am that). This is the bio he provided for me: 
Brandon Johnson , Aka Mr P. H. D pretty handsome, Dan Juan.  a proud resident of Vallejo and a devoted family man. Married with five wonderful kids, Brandon's love for his family is unparalleled. He thrives in social settings, cherishing engaging conversations with others. With his warm and personable nature, Brandon effortlessly creates connections and fosters meaningful relationships. Alongside his wife, Tiffany, and his friend, Doc IJ, Brandon co-hosted the popular podcast called "2 Dudes and a Chick". Together, they brought their unique perspectives and lively banter, making each episode a delightful experience. Tune in to hear Brandon's insightful perspectives, captivating stories, and vibrant chemistry that will leave you entertained.
Brandon is reading hella books (we have always connected over reading). A few that he is reading: 
"Instant Millionaire" by Marc André Poissant "The Light We Carry" by THEE Michelle Obama and "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron 
He provides a playlist that reminds him of his marriage (it is a variety of things)
Follow his podcast Two Dudes and Chick wherever you can find podcasts. 
 
 
 
 

Taking Leaps, Not Jumps with Angelique York

This week I am chatting with my friend and colleague, Angelique York. We talk about taking a leap, which is different than taking a jump in life and careers. 
Angelique York is a multifaceted individual. Sacramento native and Los Angeles resident, licensed clinical social worker, a MSW graduate of University of Southern California (USC) with a concentration in community, organization, and business innovation and holds a BA in Business management and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  
Angelique’s journey has included  government service at county, state and federal level. She has participated, led and/or assisted with a wide range of projects which has included collaborating w/ government and community leaders through studying sex tourism and human trafficking in the Philippines. She also has had the honor to work within Child and family services within the Australian government. Angelique hold’s a lifelong passion in empowering girls of color to rise to the occasion of living to their fullest potential while disseminating negative stereotypes.
Angelique is not only a licensed therapist but an entrepreneur. Her newest and latest project has been owner and founder of Elevate Life Therapy & Consulting. a dynamic and transformative service that aims to elevate individuals to new levels of personal growth, well-being, and success. Elevate Life Therapy and Consulting is here to guide you on your journey towards a life elevated.
Outside of her professional life, she is intentional about self care, traveling domestically and internationally and spending time w/ her loved ones. She is an everlasting lover of Christ.
Angelique is getting back into reading, give her a few months :). 
I am reading "Gathering Blossoms Under Fire: The Journals of Alice Walker 
Like Natalie Cole, I have love on my mind. Angelique and I talk love songs and Aretha Franklin. 

Telling Jokes and Taking Chances with Comedian G.King

I love comedy and I have had conversations on this podcast with hilarious people. This episode, I am checking in with a hilarious person that has made his career by doing standup. On this week's episode, I chat with G. King about what it was like to take a leap without a safety net, his journey, and I get all in his business about his social life. PLUS...I realized that I could collaborate on writing skits. 
G. King is reading "The Art of Not Giving a F*uck" or he is hoping to read a little bit BUT I discovered he was a Tupac-storian like myself. 
School literature has my attention these days so I have been reading stacks of articles. 
G. King is from Vallejo and he names the songs that make him feel at home and E-40 is my guy. 
Follow G. King on IG (@g_kingcomic), Facebook (Comedian G-King), Twitter (@gking) for his content and show dates (brotha stays booked)
 

Growth and Insight with Lamarr Jackson

Hey Village! My guest today is my dear friend, Lamarr D. Jackson! Lamarr and I go way back like Shasta soda and I am so glad that he stopped by to share about being a big thinker, the encouragement to do so, owning land that is rightfully yours, lessons learned, raising daughters, and a rap career. 
Lamarr is a husband, a father, a Sacramento State graduate (go Hornets), a future school counselor (he is going to be a fantastic one), a farmer, a Sacramento native, and he aspires to be a rapper at 45 (as a true friend, I am encouraging him to do so...sorry Yvette). 
Lamarr is reading "Think Rich, Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill. The song that got him hella hyped at school dances was "Poison" by Bell Biv DeVoe (the 90s) and "California Love" by Tupac, Dre, and Roger Troutman. 
I am reading "White Tears, Brown Scars" by Ruby Hamad and the song that got me hella hyped at middle school dances was anything by Bryan Adams because at that point, I knew it was time to go home. :) 
Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion 
Don't forget to share why you dig the show! Send an email at cocoabutterandcommunion@gmail.com 

The Best Friend Files: Jessica is Here

We are celebrating one year of Cocoa Butter and Communion! That flew by, right? To help celebrate as a community, I would LOVE to hear your thoughts about the show and I will share them on a future episode of the podcast. Has Cocoa Butter and Communion impacted your life in any way? What has been your favorite episode? Has anything provided inspiration for you to have a conversation with your own village? What have you taken away? Please share it with me! I would love to share it with everyone! Email me at cocoabutterandcommunion@gmail.com or slide in the DMs on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion
It is bestie time and Jessica is back. As many of you know, Jessica is a show regular and it is always a good time... lots of laughter, love, and perspective sharing. On this show, she shares a playlist with me about what music makes her feel sexy. She found it hysterical what my choice was.  You all know that she means so much to me and I am thankful for her sisterhood. Jess is absolutely amazing and she is a dynamic human being. The village is good with her in it. 
Jessica N. Brown, MPH, is a public health professional specializing in public and mental healthprogram development and management. Her primary expertise is in program implementation andevaluation; strategic planning development; operationalizing racial equity and workforce initiatives,and community-based participatory research and administration.
With over 10 years of public and behavioral health experience, Ms. Brown has worked in varioushealth services such as genetic newborn screening, HIV prevention and surveillance, andcommunity behavioral health. Currently, she is serving as the Director for the San FranciscoDepartment of Public Health (SFDPH), Behavioral Health Services (BHS), Office of Justice, Equity,Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI), where her responsibility is to oversee strategic planning, organization,implementation, and evaluation of equity and workforce programs across the SFDPH, BHS. AsDirector, she is responsible for integrating racial equity framework and policy throughout BHS whilemanaging various programs and projects, including cultural competency activities, ADA-relatedefforts, language services, staff, client and community communication; consumer relations; staffand community-based training, workforce development, employee engagement, staff wellness,and human resources projects for BHS.
Ms. Brown is also working with the San Francisco Human Rights Commission’s Office of Racial Equityon implementing the City’s Racial Equity Ordinance and serving on the HRC task force to developstrategies for reallocating police funding into Black/African American communities throughout SanFrancisco. Throughout her career, Ms. Brown has been committed to developing strategies toaddress health inequities that drastically impact Black/ African American and Latinx communities.She is dedicated to confronting the impact of racism and how it contributes to inadequatetreatment, misdiagnosis, and undervaluing of the trauma and pain of Black/African Americancommunities. Ms. Brown received her master’s degree in Public Health at San Jose State Universityand has committed her career to closing the gap in health and racial inequities.