Cocoa Butter and Communion

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. 

Lessons in Life with Makeda Berhane

I am back y'all! On this week's episode, I talk with the beautiful and fly Makeda Berhane. Makeda is the co-owner of the greatest coffee shop, Tiferet. She is also a beautiful human being with so much to share about her upbringing in central California, her origin, love, life, and family. She also discusses how her beautiful daughter changed her perspective. 
Makeda is currently listening to Leon Bridges and India Arie. 
Makeda is reading "Seven Days in June" by Tia Williams and "More than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say)" by Elaine Welteroth
Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion 
Visit the website to read the blog www.cocoabutterandcommunion.com 

Poetic Justice with J. Rowe

This week I catch up with J. Rowe (y'all will learn that I cannot call her by her government name). She is an educator and a poet and I am so glad that she stopped by the village to share about what she has been up to! This episode we talk about what happens when things fall apart, taking chances, and of course, boundaries. 
J. Rowe is currently reading Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love, and Liberation by Rev. Angel Kyodo Williams, Lama Rod Owens, and Dr. Jasmine Syedullah 
I am reading things about personality development for school :) 
Follow J.Rowe on IG @Rowe.Writes  
Follow Cocoa Butter and Communion @cocoabutterandcommunion and check out the blog at www.cocoabutterandcommunion.com 
 
 
 

Finding Your Joy with Dr. Malakai Coté

There is no one better to talk about joy with than Dr. Malakai Coté. He exudes it. Many of us are feeling weighed down by Tyre Nichols' death, as well as the many before him. Many of us feel like we have to keep going. Is there a way that we can find our joy? How do we hold onto it when it doesn't feel like it is there? Dr. Coté discusses Black aliveness through joy and so much more. 
Malakai Coté, Ph.D. (he/him or they/them) is a licensed psychologist, clinical supervisor, and consultant whose therapeutic approaches rest in interconnection and fostering holistic healing. They earned their Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Oregon. As a psychologist, Dr. Coté has worked in university counseling center settings and currently maintains an independent practice in the Greater Sacramento, CA area. He also clinically trains and supervises at the Gender Health Center in Sacramento, CA. They have taught graduate-level courses in clinical psychology at Alliant International University. Dr. Coté is a founding member and Secretary of the newly forming Greater Sacramento Association of Black Psychologists Chapter.
His ethic of care is rooted in African-centered and liberation psychology principles and values. He specializes in serving the diverse needs of Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color across the lifespan. They have developed expertise in providing culturally specific and SGL/LGBTQ+ affirming mental health services. Beyond providing direct therapeutic experiences, they engage in program development and evaluation consultation services with community-based organizations. They also offer professional development and continuing education workshops addressing trans healthcare and the overall well-being of African/Black people. Dr. Coté is a trained yoga teacher, and they integrate gentle movement, meditation, and breathwork into their practice.
Dr. Coté was born and raised in Kansas in the United States. He proudly identifies as a descendant of the Mende peoples in present-day Sierra Leone who thrived before the Maafa and is committed to healing, resilience, and resting in our power. He is a spouse, guide parent, puppy parent, uncle, sibling, nephew, cousin, little, grand little, and adult child of two loving and hardworking parents with a solid extended kin core. They also happen to identify under the LGBTQ+ umbrella. He is an active member of Beta Gamma Chi Fraternity, Incorporated.
Dr. Coté turns to Opening to Spirit: Contacting the Healing Power of the Chakras and Honoring African Spirituality by Caroline Shola Arewa and he is currently reading Black Aliveness, Or A Poetics of Being by Kevin Everod Quashie. I am reading "Out of the Fire: Healing Black Trauma Caused by Systemic Racism Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy" by Jennifer Shepard Payne. 
Dr. Coté is listening to 90s hip hop and R&B (Jodeci, Dre, Snoop).