Cognac,Cupcakes,and Conversations Podcast

It's that special time of year again where we typically reflect and plan ahead... but what about living in and being thankful for the present? Kel and Ana talk about what they're currently thankful for after another crazy year and one they want to change next year, while also sharing that they'll be going on a brief hiatus with the new baby on the way! R&R: Ana cringes at the thought of Da Baby and Dani Leigh's infant having to absorb their toxic environment while Kel relates very much to the latest 2 episodes of Insecure. The girls also discuss some of their current fave TV shows (BMF, Ghost, Succession) and what they're looking forward to from "Harlem" and "And Just Like That". Philanthropy Highlight: DIFF Eyewear (Buy one, Give one) https://www.diffeyewear.com/pages/charity-main K.I.T. (Keep In Touch) with CCC: Instagram: https://instagram.com/cognaccupcakesandconversations Twitter: https://twitter.com/cccvibes Official Website: https://www.cognaccupcakesandconversations.com/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cognaccupcakesconversations

It's been a crazy start to the holiday season. Between Black women being accused of alienation for creating Black women-centered empowerment events, and Travis Scott's fatal festival in Houston… we're trying to figure out where our safe spaces reside. Join us for our candid conversation on these and other safe zone hot topics.

Last but certainly not least; we're ending our mini-series "At the Bar" with our dads to have candid conversations. We discussed what their experience was like being girl-dads and try to understand the man's role in being a protector, provider, and guide. Kell's Dad (0:00:53) Ana's Dad (0:17:00)

Following up from last week's episode, we present to you the second part of the series to the kitchen where we head "to the kitchen" and have honest conversations with the strongest black women we know, our mothers. We ask our moms about their journey into womanhood and what it means to them to be a mother. (Ana's Mom 37:49 | Kel's Mom 1:04:44 ) R&R: We reflected the passing of Collin Powell, the latest data of where Covid is spreading and isn't, as well as Nicki Minaj's latest court house stunt. (Plus MORE) Philanthropy Highlight: Keshia Knight Pulliam and Terrance J #RecognizetheCHEW

For this episode, Kel draws from the Netflix show "In Our Mother's Garden," which highlights Black women from across the globe and unlocks stories of their mothers to redefine holistic lives rooted in radical self-care and healing in this documentary. It got her to reflect on often we miss the opportunity to learn from the wise. So we present to you OUR series, From Our Garden, in which Ana and Kel will share valuable lessons from our twenties and thirties. Philanthropy Highlight:  Women Funding Network https://www.womensfundingnetwork.org/who-we-are/our-mission/

Lisssennn bay-bee scamming is at an all time high. Them stimmy's done stopped coming, the government is real ghetto and broke and the people gotta eat. Kell shares her story on how her season of mercury in retrograde is going. In R&R Miguel and Nazanin Mandi have decided to part ways. So sad but we all know marriage isn't for everyone. Kelis hubby was diagnosed with stomach cancer. We are keeping him and Kelis in our thoughts and prayers. Hug your loved ones and continue to get your check-up on friends. Ana gives us the tea on the BET Hip Awards. Philanthropy Highlight: October is also National Domestic Violence Month. We are highlighting the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Hey millennial friends! Do we really have to bear the burden of breaking generational curses and build legacies for our future kids? Without proper financial education, it's hard to know. So we sat down with financial analyst and "stocks whisperer", Kiandra to discuss the financial landscape, loopholes, stocks 101, and how we too can level up in this economy. Philanthropy Highlight: Operation Hope

Hold the line! When did we become grannies with the big panties? This week, we're discussing whether or not the Gen Z girls doing too much to make it big. Chloe and Normani performances, Chloe's ass out vibes all together compared to her mentor and superstars of the early 2000s (from the millennials perspective). Also, we advise someone to take Nicki's phone, she needs to be put on pause. Are we heading for another shutdown... *shrug* at this point we are ready to see the King. Philanthropy highlight: Top 5 Reasons you should give consider volunteering.

The date of 9/11 is often remembered most for the carnage seen as America was attacked in 3 locations, most memorable, the NYC's World Trade Center. This week we have a special guest, Carla Nicole, joining us to talk about that day. Carla's father, my Uncle Rudy, was a victim who perished during the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001, but he of course was much more than that, including being one of the FIRST Black independent traders at the American Stock Exchange. But first, before we get into that piece, we wanted to just recount our day when it happened, where we were, etc. And then delve into how that day has had a ripple effect on our lives since then: Learn more about Eustace “Uncle Rudy” Bacchus: http://www.legacy.com/sept11/story.aspx?personid=101780 Philanthropy Highlight: Calling all of our Charlotte friends!!! Black-owned, luxury day spa Ugo Artistry and owner Chidimma Ekwem have launched a foundation that will focus on serving youth and women in the community. To learn more about Ugo Artistry please visit www.ugoartistry.com/ugofoundation

What's going on? The words from singer Marvin Gaye that still ring even more true today. This week we had to get back to shit that matters, like giving you our POV on Biden's decision to extract U.S. troops from Kabul ending the 20-year war in Afghanistan. The states of Louisiana and Mississippi are in our prayers as they try to recover from another natural disaster that hit on the same weekend as the 16th anniversary of hurricane Katrina. R&R: As cuffing season begins the music, movies and tv shows begin to get cozy. We give our recap on the new releases #reallylove, #donda, #clickbait, and the anticipated #certifiedloverboy album. Texas

LISTENNNN! We've got a lot to say about our trip to Jamaica, particularly our resort. We're sad to say, the customer service wasn't giving what it was supposed to gave! However, we still lived our best lives and did it like it was our bday (Because it actually was Kel's bday!). In R&R we discussed Drake and Kanye's ongoing petty beef, Nicki Minaj and her husband's transgressions, Aaliyah's 20th death anniversary, and reflect on when we first heard of her passing. Plus much more!

Birthday trip loading! We're vaxxed, waxed, and ready to relax. So leading up to our vacay, we remind ourselves, through the great words of Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, "that it's OK to stop when we need to". We also ask each other when can you have the courage to say no, even when it feels like you can't? R&R revisits the micro chips, new music from Lizzo to Nas, Nick Cannon's "Eurocentric" marriage theories and more.

Come sit back sip on this yac as we discuss Kells impromptu kickback for her bday. We had to endure a very disappointing #verzuz. We had to pour out the yac on the ground for the way #Jadakiss murdered Dipset. We also chat about the latest and greatest in the Vax debates. Philanthropy highlight: Milani Cosmetics

This week we're feeling a type of way. Maybe it's in the stars or because we are counting down to vacation. Either way, we are so in our feels. We share our sentiments about ….mom guilt, the covid variant and impeding next shut down, Da Baby's ignorance and mental health. Philanthropy Highlight: DC Ward 8 Councilmember Trayvon White is hosting a backpack giveaway.

We're Baaaaack! And we've got some big news! Ana's gonna be a mama! So we discussed what it feels like to become a first-time mom, triumph after the tragedy of miscarriage, and embracing your body before, during, and after pregnancy. In R & R, we kept the baby vibes going while discussing the Erica Mena and Safaree shit show on Love & Hip Hop (whatever city they're in now). Also Dani Leigh, Normani's new song and Aaliyah hating ass uncle, slave-themed photoshoots, the new Space race + more. Philanthropy Highlight: What Target is doing in your city! Amazon Data Collection Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O90PShJVu58

While Ana's out on vacay, we're taking a mini break. But that doesn't mean you have to miss out! Let's revisit one of our most relaxing and introspective episodes to date, "The Woo-Woo". --- Get into the Woo Woo! In this episode, we decided to skip the ratchetness and righteousness and get right into our conversation with Chakra expert Kenice. Learn about how chakra alignment (or lack thereof) can largely affect your livelihood, but also your sexual experiences. We also learned other forms of woo-woo that align with our signs and personalities. Should you burn or bury your ex's things after a relationship? Find out what Woo, may work best for you!

We're lighting the candles, setting the vibes for our very special 100th episode. Shout out to our amazing and loyal listeners! We reflect on our favorite episodes and events of the podcast. R&R: Hide ya kids hide ya wife #BilCosby is out of jail. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims. Unfortunately, the #freeBritney movement has to live to fight another day in the battle over her conservatorship . In black news we give our take on the best and the struggle performance of the #Betawards. Queen Latifah closes out #Pridemonth showing us her pride. Philanthropy Highlight: www.MelanieMarie.com

In this week's episode, Ana and Kel dish about the latest hot topics including their unpopular opinion on MBJ's J'Ouvert scandal. Spoiler alert, they weren't mad at it. Later, they discuss the latest trends and pressures to fit into cosmetically designed beauty standards; and share why or why not they would get work done. Philanthropy Highlight Cuyana: In line with its "Fewer, Better" philosophy, #Cuyana encourages shoppers to clean out their closets by providing shipping labels to thredUP. Send in a box of high-quality apparel they no longer need, and they'll receive a credit to shop at Cuyana. When that credit is spent, Cuyana donates 5% of the profit to H.E.A.R.T. (Helping Ease Abuse Related Trauma). #ccc #philanthropyhighlight #trauma #clean #stopabuse

This week's episode is getting into the essence and back story of our fave cognacs because we know with Juneteenth and Father's Day around the corner, ya'll definitely gonna be on that BROWN! We also jumped into our time machine to discuss some of our fave movies and shows to compare how they depicted the life of 30 somethings to the reality of what it is really like for millennials today. Remember to DM us the secret word to win your disco ball cup! IG: instagram.com/cognaccupcakesandconversations FB: www.facebook.com/CognacCupcakesAndConversations/ Philanthropy Highlight: Skylar Perfume

Friends, how many of us have them? Friends; the ones we can depend on. Yasss in honor of National Bestie day we are talking about BEST friends. Ana and Kel reflect on the ups and downs of friendships. We talk about the importance of being a friend before a lover and how to maneuver through the blurred lines of family that are friends. R&R: Naomi Osaka sticks up a proverbial middle finger to the paps for French Open and we dish on the latest and greatest TV series we're digging: (The Chi, Pose, Lucifer, and more). Philanthropy Highlight: Bliss Beauty Products

Happy National Cognac Day! Issa celebration as we libate and engage in a cognac conversation. We break down the relationship between African-Americans unofficial favorite spirit and black culture while sharing our first memories with cognac and our favorite brands of the yac. Make sure you stay tuned as Kel shares an exclusive list of speakeasies across the DMV. DM us the secret word on Instagram or Facebook for your chance to win a discoball cup! IG: http://instagram.com/cognaccupcakesandconversations FB: https://www.facebook.com/CognacCupcakesAndConversations/ Philanthropy Highlight: Riventé Riventé is paying homage to Black excellence while carving out its own identity within the spirit world with the sleek design and sophistication of its all-black bottle and #blackdollar. https://riventecognac.com/ Learn More and Shop Merch: www.cognaccupcakesandconversations.com

Mo money, Mo problems but we have an opportunity to change this. This week we revisited financial literacy as it pertains to credit cards and student loans. #Netflix series #Moneyexplained teach us about the three types of credit card consumers. Are you a revolver, transaction, or hacker? Trigger alert

Continuing with the lighthearted vibes, the girls ask each other questions and play some of the cards for the upcoming Cognac, Cupcakes, and Conversations Card Game... and it gets a little spicy! In R&R: Joe Budden and Olivia Dope, Thick House, Billy Porter and more.

Vaxxed, Waxed, and Summer is loadinnnng! #SheReady! Ana and Kel talk about their plans for summer and give tips on how to plan a Covid-Free vacation safely. R&R: ATL GEORGIA, Real Hoe Wives for ya! The Joe Budden Podcast has finally met its demise. And Whew, Chile! Nicki's making a come back... are you here for it? Philanthropy Highlight: BLK & Bold "Specialty Coffee & Tea Meets Community Impact" https://blkandbold.com/

We're on the cusp of another Mother's Day, and fresh off of one too many margaritas, Kel and Ana got REAL REAL about the ever-evolving relationships between mother and child. The good and the bad; but above all else, remind us all to honor thy mother, no matter what. R&R includes the #BigWillieChallenge, Drake's alleged homewrecking activities, the latest in the Derek Chauvin case and more. Philanthropy Highlight: Real Change Opportunity Fund- Mountain Dew

Get into the Woo Woo! In this episode, we decided to skip the ratchetness and righteousness and get right into our conversation with Chakra expert Kenice. Learn about how chakra alignment (or lack thereof) can largely affect your livelihood, but also your sexual experiences. We also learned other forms of woo-woo that align with our signs and personalities. Should you burn or bury your ex's things after a relationship? Find out what Woo, may work best for you!

HAPPY BELATED 4/20 YA’LL! Now that the smoke has cleared

Sometimes you've got to getaway! Kel beams in from a mini-vacay with our homegirl Teco, Ana shares her latest GYN horror stories (#ThoughtItWas), and the ladies dish on the home masseuse experience. We got ratchet before the R&R even began. In R&R, the girls are talking about their disdain for the latest killer cop stories of #DaunteWright, why the internet insists on making all these young rapper's BMs famous, Nick Cannon latest sewn seeds, Ush Bucks and pays respects to DMX. Philanthropy Highlight: My Sisters Closet www.MySistersClosetMd.org

We needed a break, sis.

We ended off March with a nice dose of estrogen! To close out Women's History Month, we're featuring Alicia Wallace to talk about Women In Philanthropy. She is the director of Enterprise Initiatives for AARP, leading the charge on their Disrupt Aging to connect with multigenerational audiences. She's also quite the community leader in her spare time as well. Alicia also drops some gems on aging to perfection, rather than overachieving in our youth. In R&R, we caught up with the Derek Chavin case, voiced our thoughts on Saweetie and Quavo's elevator scuffle, celebrate Marsai Martin and more. Philanthropy Highlight: Bumble

GVO - GOOD VIBES ONLY! I know dats right! *Saweetie voice* This week Ana chats with fitness entrepreneur and all-around ball of sunshine, Nay of Adyctive Fitness, about how doing virtual classes has helped her to be more in tune with her craft, her students, and prioritizing self-care. R&R: Dennis and Ana talk about the latest drama in another podcast's crew (JBP), Saweetie's epic tweet but not so epic freestyle, Derrick Jaxn's image clean up shenanigans; PLUS MORE! Philanthropy Highlight: With and For Girls https://www.withandforgirls.org/about

In our first official episode of our "Women In..." series, we chat it up with Media Maven in the making, Cult Classiq. She's a content strategist and comes with a wealth of media work experience from PBS Kids to Netflix and more. Not only did she drop some gems on how to give yourself space to play, but she also discussed the keys to freedom in your career and how to pay it forward. This interview left us saying DAMN GIRL! R&R covered the vile but not surprising racist treatment of Megan Markle and Archie, the latest Marvel comic show we're tuned into and it looks like a new stimmy check is on the way ya'll! Philathropy Highlight: Black Women Give

It's Women's History Month, and we're celebrating all the Black girls with spice and swag! (Las Negras Tiene Tumbao) This episode we're kicking things off highlighting Black women that have made history and made an impact on us personally. In R&R, we're giving all the latest CNN tea. NY Gov. Cuomo falls from grace, Texas and Mississippi are ready to bruk wild and open up 100%, and vaccine debates are ongoing. T.I.'s case is looking REAL shaky and we also do a deep dive on the trainwreck that is #MAFS worst couple of all time, Paige and Chris. Philanthropy Highlight: The Tory Burch Foundation - http://www.toryburchfoundation.org/ Bonus Community Highlight: Black Girl Holidays Calendar - https://www.blackgirlholidays.com/

As we close out Black History Month, we do so in joy, in excellence, in celebration of our ancestors, awe and hope our future generations. We sat down with Black history and culture scholar, our good sis Astin Nicole, to discuss our history, our culture and the importance of the value we bring to American History. R&R: Tiger Woods is recovering from a horrific crash. We will continue to be in prayer for his healing. Tory Lanez talks big ish about everyone else but we take a moment to talk about the missing pieces to his crown. Looking like a Reese cup wrapper on a hot day. In cognac news, Jay Z locks in a partnership with the Hennessey Moet brand to create champagne; what a fitting way to end BHM! Philanthropy highlight: DeAndrea Rayner of Indianapolis launched Indy Community Pantries a no-contact and take - what - you need a free food pantry system set up across the city. Sis started this in the fall and kept it going til this day. It started off with an idea and the community picked up on it. She now has two community fridges and over 10- dry good locations. She has been going above and beyond filling the fridges every single day.

There's nothing like a fun night in with the girls... especially when' you've got an expert you can tag in to answer some of our deepest questions. We welcomed Kacie, The Hitched Bitch onto our proverbial couch to dish with us on the best way to live your best single life before Bae shows up. R&R: We need to know when will Britney be free again, WHY OH WHY Boosie Bad Azz has so much to say about Lori Harvey, and how many women were on the Cannon bus for Valentine's Day. Philanthropy Highlight: Fivio Foreign honorable mention - Texan Freeze relief (for those in need - https://www.beyonce.com/ ) (for those who want to help: https://www.instagram.com/p/CLcV0CMHHG1/?igshid=13axokswvb75j )

Trigger warning ⚠️ Proceed with caution and an open mind. Whew Chile we got deep deep into conversations about the long overdue reparations for the African-American community with self proclaimed ally, Caroline Colesworthy of #FFRN​. We learned about the proposed 10 point reparations system, several other forms of reparations throughout history, and why it is so important for the White community to have these conversations amongst their families and cohorts. R&R: Friennndddd the world is officially coming to an end. The founder of Instagram page #Frobabies allegedly tried to profit off another family’s trauma chile. It’s the lack of couth for me. Let’s take a moment of silence for our good sis who lost her pony due to stupidity of using #gorillaglue. Philanthropy highlight: NAARC- National African-American Reparations Commission and the Funds for Reparations Now NAARC Established in 2015, the National African American Reparations Commission is a group of distinguished professionals from across the country with outstanding accomplishments in the fields of law, medicine, journalism, academia, history, civil rights and social justice advocacy. FFRN: White Americans in Support of the National African American Reparations Commission (NAARC) The Fund for Reparations NOW! (FFRN!) was launched in 2019 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first enslaved Africans arriving in Jamestown, Virginia, and to imagine the coming America in which reparations are a reality, and deeper racial healing is possible. The Fund is administered and financed by its Board, the nationwide white American arm of NAARC, who are committed to our collective liberation, and to supporting the vision of NAARC’s African American leadership.

One could say, (especially after a week of #silhouettechallenges and #TreySongz) that we have reached peak #UngodlyHour (aka #DemonTime). And its only February 4th! But this week we also wanted to talk about what happens when you need to work to do on yourself but continue to date and relate. Spoiler alert, it's giving #halfbaked and #premie vibes. In R&R, #YaTuSabes we had to touch on Trey Songz latest leaks as well as Wendy Williams' Lifetime Biopic, Chloe Bailey's middle aged haters, T.I. & Tiny's *alleged* sex trafficking plus more. Philanthropy Highlight: Because of Them We Can Black History Subscription Boxes - www.botwcbox.com

Not even in that Florida water! :-) Affirming and claiming is a way of life, and most importantly a VIBE that you need. January is coming to a close and we’re making sure that we properly set our affirmations in motion to live our 2021 like it’s golden. R&R covered Salt & Pepa’s love story/disempowerment of Spinderella, Dani Leigh’s breathy colorist anthem #Yellowbone, Biden’s plans to dismantle America’s foundation of racism and more… To learn more about Universal Influence - https://www.influenceatwork.com/principles-of-persuasion/ Philanthropy Highlight: We Made It Gear - WeMadeItGear.com

Post inauguration, it's time to get into formation! We're super inspired to change our perspective on how some let downs can become upgrades. On this episode, Kel breaks down how your demotion can actually be setting you up for promotion! In R&R, Ana did a deep dive on the Inauguration fashion, Amanda Gorman, and some of Biden's first executive actions. We also spilled the tea on some of our fave new shows and movies. Philanthropy Highlight: Mount Enon Baptist Church "Money Matters" program. https://secure.accessacs.com/access/events/wz_event.aspx?ChurchID=2537&EventID=203016

Happy New Year Friends! If 2020 (and the movie SOUL) did teach us something, it is to embrace the journey of life rather than just the achievements! So we’re back to talk about just that. We’re also celebrating Ana’s birthday and sipping our cognac spiked tea as we dish on all of the latest and greatest Ratchetness and Righteousness while we were on break (Coup d'état VIIIIBEEESS included).

Hold UP... Waaiiiit! 2020 is winding down and so are we. But before we roll out for our seasonal break, we chatted it up with our homie Nels, Founder of DC Now Events. Nels gave his perspective on the trajectory of events during and post-Rona as well as the staying power of virtual events. He also shared how Now Events as a brand is expanding and their roll out for NOW COLORS; giving us all something to look forward to. In R&R, we revisited the ever exhausting topic of the Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez shooting, 69 the Saga documentary on Hulu, cancelling Thanksgiving and Vaccines, and DJ Luke Nasty committing the ultimate sin of blasphemy, sampling an old gospel fave for a twerk tune. Plus so much more! Philanthropy Highlight: She Matters - https://shematters.io/

Woo Sahhh! We can all exhale and breathe again. Between Covid and the election, we have all been dangling on the edge of the cliff by our coffin shaped nails. Now that we have a little more hope for the future with President Orange leaving office, let's get to the healing process. We share our routines on healing from morning devotions with our Lord and Savior, resetting with bubble baths and some of our favorite wines, to empowering ourselves by reaching the Big O more often. R&R: #KekePalmer imagines a world that she knows nothing about; where only healthy foods can be on #EBT, Young rapper #KingVon passes away with T.I. always having something to say, and we discuss #postelection expectations. We remind Eva Longoria and the rest of ya'll to say what you mean to say, or don't say it at all. Philanthropy Highlight: Treat thyself... You can't pour from an empty cup 15 Black-Owned Spas You Need To Visit To Rejuvenate Your Mind, Body and Spirit https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/black-owned-spas-wellness-cities/ Morning Devotions Apps/Websites: Bible App: Download from IOS & Google Play store https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/ Daily word: http://www.dailyword.com/ Ron Carpenter: http://www.roncarpenter.com/

Woo Sahhh we can all exhale and breathe again. Between Covid and the election, we have all been dangling on the edge of the cliff by our coffin shaped nails. Now that we have a little more hope for the future with President Orange out of the office, let's get to the healing process. We share our routines on healing from morning devotions with our Lord and Savior, resetting with bubble baths and some of our favorite wines to empowering ourselves with masturbation to the Big O. R&R: #KekePalmer imagines a world that she knows nothing of where only healthy foods can be on #EBT, Young rapper #KingVon passes away and we discuss #postelection expectations Philanthropy Highlight: Treat thyself... You can't pour from an empty cup 15 Black-Owned Spas You Need To Visit To Rejuvenate Your Mind, Body and Spirit https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/black-owned-spas-wellness-cities/ Morning Devotions Apps: Bible App: Download from IOS & Google Play store https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/ Daily word: http://www.dailyword.com/ Ron Carpenter: http://www.roncarpenter.com/

Whew Chile! This week has been the cliffhanger of the entire 2020 season. While we wait to see who wins the presidency, we brought in some positive and motivating vibes with CEO of ANJPR, Ashley Johnson; who discusses her new initiative, The Mentorship Circle. We dig deep into why it's so important to reach back into your community and help others like you and prioritize mental health too (especially as a successful Black female entrepreneur). (At the 46:00 min mark) In R&R we discussed this unreal circus of an election, the latest Love and Hip Hop breakups and Kanye West's undeniable peak narcissistic move of all time... plus more. Philanthropy/Community Highlight: ANJPR/ The Mentorship Circle https://www.anjprconsultingllc.com/

It's the week of Halloween and some of our reality is scarier and stranger than fiction. So while we're dressed as the iconic original trendsetters, B.A.P.S (Black American (and African) Princesses), we told spooky tales of bad dates as well as Trump Rallies in LA blasting soulful salsa. From guys asking us to split $2 checks to baby mamas and kids popping up, we've got some serious horrors stories that will make you laugh or scream in fright. R&R included them irkin Birkins and Offset using his name sake to plead his case, plus more. Philanthropy Community Highlights: Domestic Violence Awareness

With so much drama in the USA, it's hard to keep looking forward to waking up every day but somehow someway we bring yall this podcast weekly. Whew, chile we still have a long road ahead as we prepare for the #2020elections. In this episode, we take it way back to the schoolhouse rock and break down the three branches of the government as well as provide you with tips on the best ways to vote, how to research your candidates and the topics for the final debate. R&R: Nigeria is in dire need of our prayers as they continue to fight against #SARS. #BabyBlue of #PrettyRicky facing charges and fines for fraud #Icecube did not do his research when he decided to collaborate and converse with the #trump campaign Where is Fuck the Police Cube? Where he at? We give a recap of #lovecraftcountry... sad to see it go. Yup go ahead and log into HBO because we have spoiler alerts! Philanthropy Highlight: The sentencing project Mission: The Sentencing Project works for a fair and effective U.S. criminal justice system by producing groundbreaking research to promote reforms in sentencing policy, addressing unjust racial disparities and practices, and to advocate for alternatives to incarceration. As a result of The Sentencing Project’s 34 years of research, publications, and advocacy, many people know that this country is the world’s leader in incarceration; that racial disparities pervade the criminal justice system; that over six million Americans can’t vote because of felony convictions; and that thousands of women and children have lost food stamps and cash assistance as the result of convictions for drug offenses. https://www.sentencingproject.org/about-us/

REWINNNNND! We're bringing back this bonus episode for your meditation enjoyment! No matter what happens this week, remember to breathe in positivity, exhale negativity. Relax, relate and meditate.

This week’s episode: On this week’s episode, Ana and Kel talk through the latest talk topics, reflect on Ana’s surprise bridal shower (and impending micro wedding) as well as decipher through the fake and phony. Is it real even if it isn’t posted on the gram? R&R: Nene Leakes Vs ex-friend Wendy, LHHATL Tommie and daughter relationship, Lisa Raye vs Da Brat, that trainwreck of a debate and of course Tory Lanez (aka Dumbstar) vs our good sis Meg. Philanthropy Highlight: Carter Sadé and Hey New Friends

This week we got to sit on the virtual couch with Founders of the Black and Missing Foundation Inc. to shed some light on the issue of our missing black and brown sisters. We get a better understanding of why the community is so important and how we all need to be more aware of what's going on in our area. R&R: #CardiB and #Offset call their marriage quits, #BreonaTaylor family wins settlement deal but is that really enough, #AndrewGillum comes out as bisexual Philanthropy Highlight: Black and Missing Foundation, Inc (BAM FI) has been established as a non-profit organization whose mission is to bring awareness to missing persons of color; provide vital resources and tools to missing person's families and friends, and to educate the minority community on personal safety. Founded in 2008 by a veteran law-enforcement official and public relations specialist, BAM FI will create public awareness campaigns for public safety and provide parents and loved ones of missing persons with a forum for spreading the word of their disappearance, with pictures and profiles of missing individuals. BAM FI will use a variety of media, including print, television, and the internet, to help locate missing persons of color for this severely underserved population. BAM FI is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. http://www.blackandmissinginc.com/cdad/about.htm

We have a lot of healing to do as a black community. We have so many deep rooted traumas that trigger how we treat the next generation. On this episode we pull up the carpet and get to brooming all that dust from what is the proper way to discipline children of today, to how generational curses get passed from generation to generation. R&R: #TeyanaTaylor and #ImanShumpert welcome their new baby girl Rue Rose, Ms. Galactiwhore #SummerWalker has a lot to say about #parenting which she knows absolutely nothing about meanwhile her boo has a new baby to add to the line up The republican party token princess #CandiceOwens comes for #Cardi and her #WAP Philanthropy Highlight: Unicef " Putting children first all over the world" The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization by providing health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief, and more. UNICEF USA supports UNICEF’s work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes, and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. https://www.unicef.org/

This week we are highlighting a passion that is very near and dear to Kel's heart. Domestic Violence. We express the need to have a conversation with our village as a black community. R&R: #Adele is in these skreets rocking her new Bantu knots and jafakin accent. We recap our POV of the #brandy vs. #Monica battle. We talk about the importance of and need for healing from toxic relationships as we play judge to the #Tahiry and #JoeBudden chronicles. Philanthropy Highlight: Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence The Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence is the state domestic violence coalition that brings together victim service providers, allied professionals, and concerned individuals for the common purpose of reducing intimate partner and family violence and its harmful effects on our citizens. https://www.mnadv.org/