Cocoa Butter and Communion

For the Culture: A Conversation with Malikka Rogers

My lovely guest, Malikka is back and we are talking about some things that give us joy but also makes us ponder, blackness (of course), my son's choice for an influential Black American, and Jonathan Majors' ridiculousness. 
Of course, we talk music but more specifically, Malikka lists her favorite music videos of all time and I do too. 
Follow Malikka on Facebook (Tackling Tomfoolery), IG (@tacklingtomfool) and the Twitter (@MalikkaRodgers)
Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion
Check out the blog, The Moisturizer on www.cocoabutterandcommunion.com 

Mothers and Daughters: The Journey to Healing For Self

Hey Village! This week, my cousin, Yolanda Hughes, is up. I am glad she is here to talk about a conversation that has been slowly unfolding for years, the relationship with her mother. This conversation was healing for me and I hope that it was for her too. I am reminded of the stories that are in our spirit to release and how some of us never do. These stories can be painful but the sharing may be incredibly important. 
In this episode, her and I talk about losing the relationship with her mother at an early age, her relationship with our great grandmother (I didn't know they were close), how she is like our grandmother, our relationship with each other and some road blocks we hit, as well as the fun we had. 
Follow the Cocoa Butter and Communion IG @cocoabutterandcommunion 
Send an email to cocoabutterandcommunion@gmail.com
 
 

Taking A Seat at the Table: A Conversation with Emily Autenrieth

Happy May! Or as N Sync says, "It's gonna be Maaaayyy". This week, I am conversing with Emily Autenrieth, the owner of A Seat at the Table Books. Her and I talk about the importance of indie bookstores, more than ever, decentering whiteness and how she got into the work she is in. Y'all know I love a good bookstore and this is one of the best in the area. 
Emily Autenrieth was born and raised in Alaska and earned BA in Theology from Seattle Pacific and her MA in English from University of Alaska. After working as a technical writer and freelance editor, Emily settled in Elk Grove and founded A Seat at the Table Books, a bookstore, cafe, and community hub that offers a diverse selection of books and gifts for all ages, locally roasted eco-friendly coffee, and community events. When not at work, Emily enjoys reading, watching Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, and spending time with her spouse, two children, dog, two cats, and two bunnies.
Check out the bookstore at 9257 Laguna Springs Dr, Suite 130, Elk Grove, CA 95758
Visit their website https://aseatatthetablebooks.org/
Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion 
Visit our website at www.cocoabutterandcommunion.org 
 

Loving and Protecting Your Peace-A Conversation with Theresa Fortune

She is back. Theresa is back and this time we are discussing protecting your peace, entering into new spaces, and loving. 
Theresa Fortune is a mama, activist, author, actress, filmmaker and beautiful spirit. She discusses her film, From the Ashes (please check it out...you will be glad you did). For information on her film, please check her out on IG @fromtheashes_oakland or go to her website, www.fromtheashes.media/ 

Decentering Whiteness: Conversation with Melissa McMurrey

Hey y'all! I am glad you have stopped by! Today's episode I am joined by my dear friend, Melissa McMurrey and we talk about the dynamics between Black women and White women, who is responsible for dismantling racism, her work in decentering her own whiteness (because she knows it is not all about her) and what being an ally vs. being an abolitionist vs. being an accomplice is, to her. 
Her and I discuss what we are currently reading and I mention reading "They Were Her Property: White Women as Slave Owners in the American South" by Stephanie E. Jones-Rogers and Melissa shares what she is listening to, which is everything but she is digging Toni Jones right now (that is the singer who uses affirmations). I am currently stuck in the 90s so all things 90s (R&B, alternative, hip hop) is being played on all my devices. 
Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion 
Visit the website www.cocoabutterandcommunion.com 

My Man, the Myth, The Legend: Dan G is Back

Y'all... Dan G is back. This episode, I focus on who he is an an individual and not just "Chioko's Husband" (folks call him that in the streets). He is so much more than my husband and we talk about that, we talk about his journey as an individual, lessons learned, and what can be passed on. We are just coming back to our reality from our vacation and we are all tired (that is why this episode is late) so so very tired. Here is the link to the show: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-uhbxm-13e25e6Daniel is reading a few books (he will tell you about them)I read Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (I don't do romance novels but this one was really good...thanks Makeda for the recommendation). Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion Visit the website www.cocoabutterandcommunion.com

Empowerment, Imposter Syndrome and Soul Care with Rose-Stella Pierre-Louis

Charge it to my head and not my heart, y'all. Today's episode is a little late due to...life but we are back and we are back with another great episode! This week, I welcome my spirit twin, Rose-Stella Pierre-Louis to the show so we can talk about how we met, empowerment, imposter syndrome (do you have it?) and joy and we had a joyful time.
Rose-Stella Pierre-Louis is a Haitian-American mother, occupational therapist, speaker, author, and transformation coach for first-generation women entrepreneurs of Caribbean and African descent. She is the founder of Stellar Transformation, LLC. Her exclusive signature coaching program, Six Figure SoftLife - Stellar Transformation®️ Entrepreneur Experience offers a unique neuro-biology approach that supports purpose-driven business owners in implementing soul-care routines into their busy schedules and overcoming imposter syndrome, so they can have a lifestyle built around joy, ease and balance. Women who’ve experienced the Stellar Transformation®️ process unlearn inherited cultural beliefs and habits that keep them stuck in generational patterns of survival, to transform into the most fulfilled, authentic version of themselves and the most self expressed descendant in their lineage! Rose-Stella is a keynote and speaker on soul care for Black women, regulating the nervous system from racism induced stress, and entrepreneurship as a path to generational healing. She is passionate about helping women in prioritizing their wellbeing after meeting their cultural and family obligations.
Rose-Stella is reading "Rest is Resistance" by Tricia Hershey and she is listening to "What's Your Verse" (on repeat) by Toni Jones. 
I am reading "My Wellbeing Workbook" by my lovely guest, Rose-Stella Pierre-Louis and "Get Me Bodied" (the extended version) is my empowerment song along with Hit Em Up. (Jordan shoulder shrug) 
You can access Rose-Stella's wonderful work and social media at her website, www.rosestella.com 
Follow Cocoa Butter and Communion on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion 
Send an email to cocoabutterandcommunion@gmail.com or visit our website at www.cocoabutterandcommunion.com 
 

Sisterhood, Business, and Knowing You are that One with Sabrina Berhane

Y'all we have made it to episode 25!! What a ride it has been! This week, I chat with my dear friend Sabrina Berhane, the ultimate badass. Sabrina is an entrepreneur, a mother, a sister, a friend, a community member, and the voice of reason. We talk about her beginnings, business, success, and her family. I am glad to know her and I am so in awe of her. 
Sabrina is reading Wife of the Gods by Kwei Quartey 
I am still reading for school
Sabrina does not listen to music except for when she is at her shop (easy listening stuff) 
Go and have the best coffee and tea EVER at Tiferet Coffee House in Sacramento! You can visit them online at tiferetcoffeehouse.com and on IG @tiferetcoffeehouse 
Visit Cocoa Butter and Communion on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion 
Stop by the website www.cocoabutterandcommunion.com 

Improving Birth Outcomes: A Conversation with Troy Roberts

This week I talk with Troy Roberts, a new friend of the village. Him and I sit back and chop it up about his work as a doula. Yes, you read that right. This is a man, a man that is a doula...a Black man that is a doula. We talk about his journey into the work, his joy in the work, the passion for his work, and the stigma that he has faced. Troy wants to make sure we establish community with one another and I am here for it. 
Troy is currently reading Black and White: The Way I See It by Richard Williams
I am reading The Enneagram for Black Liberation by Chi Chi Agorom 
When the acoustics are just right, Troy can sing his face off to "If this World Were Mine" By Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn 
When the acoustics are just right, I can sing my face off to "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston 
Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion 
If you have questions for him, you can message him at troythedoula@gmail.com 
Email us at cocoabutterandcommunion@gmail.com 

Life Transitions with Black Joy and Peace

We have marched into March with another episode and another phenomenal guest. This week, I chat with Brandy Jones-Thomas! She is the professor that we all should of had. 
Brandy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist that has been a practicing Clinician for 15 years, primarily working in Community based Non-Profits, and County mental health programs in South Sacramento. Brandy has also worked as a Foster Care Social Worker. Brandy completed her Bachelor's degree in criminal justice while on active duty in the US Air force as a military police officer.  Brandy is a disabled Veteran of the Gulf War Era. In 2016, she worked as  an Adjunct Counselor and professor at local Community college by supporting the Umoja-Sba Program with students of African American descent. Brandy is currently a  Tenured Professor and Department Chair of the Social Work Human Services Department at a local Community College.  Through her career as an educator, Brandy recently traveled to Ghana in fall of 2022 and shares her experiences through virtual events. 
Like me, Brandy likes ignorant music and Lauryn Hill...balance. 
Currently, she is reading Everyday Ubuntu: Living Better Together, The African Way by Nompumelo Mungi Ngomane  and Finding Me by Viola Davis. 
I am still reading for school. 
Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion 
Visit the website www.cocoabutterandcommunion.com
Send us a note at cocoabutterandcommunion@gmail.com 
Enjoy the show.