Madness Cafe

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!Understanding the connection between humans and nature is of utmost importance now. In fact, developing that understanding may lead to solutions to existential threats like climate change and social inequality. Our guest Anne Riley has spent a lifetime thinking about and trying to understand this connection. She even wrote a book about it - The Human Idea: Earth's Newest Ecosystem.For many years, Anne balanced family life with a career in various industries, including technology, teaching, and finance, before retiring in 2011. Influenced by Michael Rothschild's Bionomics, Riley developed a theory known as the Ideasphere, exploring the parallels between human and ecological systems. Her theory is articulated in her book The Human Idea, Earth's Newest Ecosystem. Riley's work is not just a reflection on our past but a call to action for our future. As we stand at a pivotal moment in history, grappling with existential threats like climate change and social inequality, The Human Idea offers a roadmap for applying the lessons of nature to build a better world.Where to find Anne Riley and her work:Website: https://www.thehumanidea.comSurvey: https://www.thehumanidea.com/surveyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHumanIdeasphereFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/anne.riley.16144606/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-riley-656b0125a/Instagram: @anne_riley_ideasphereThreads: @anne_riley_ideasphereSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!Why is it important to acknowledge that this week's guest is a transgender scientist and a content creator? Tune in to find out!Amethysta Herrick, Ph.D., is a transgender scientist and content creator who has always been driven by an insatiable desire to understand why the universe works the way it does. Ami's academic journey led her through molecular biology to a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry. In 2022, when she transitioned gender to align the person she always knew she was on the inside with her external presentation, Ami recognized a new calling: to integrate her scientific background with her personal journey to help others understand and navigate the complex terrain of gender and identity. Where to find Amethysta Herrick:https://purplepawclan.comYoutube: @amethystaherrickSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!We all know that laughter can be healing. But, it can also be a helpful tool to get your message across regardless of whether you're sharing a good joke, making a toast, or trying to get someone to listen to your message. This week's guest, Lynn Harris, knows quite a bit about this. She is founder and CEO of GOLD Comedy—the comedy school, professional network, and content studio where women and non-binary folks grow their comedy careers, build powerful communities, and make funny stuff. Tune in to hear how comedy could be just the tool you need!Where to find Lynn Harris and the rest of the team at GOLD Comedy:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GOLDcomedyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gold_comedy_Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOLDcmdyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnharris1/Support the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!The next installment of our Banned Books Series is Maus by Art Spiegelman, a graphic novel in two volumes depicting Art Spiegelman talking to his father, Vladek, about his experience as a Polish Jew before, during and after the Holocaust. Maus originally began as a strip in 1972 and was serialized from 1980 to 1991. Some have criticized the book for a number of reasons, including topic, style, and themes, but in 2022, a school board in McMinn County Schools in East Tennessee removed the book from school curriculum over concerns about profanity, nudity and violence.  Support the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!How are DEI professionals reacting to the rapidly changing political landscape? This week's guest Yvonne Jackson joins us to discuss how her company SocialEDG is relying on joy, resilience, and the ability to adjust in order to continue doing the important work that many companies are still committed to.  Yvonne Jackson is a Resilience Educator, DEI Consultant, and founder of SocialEDG, a WBENC and WOSB Certified workplace equity firm. With over 15 years of leadership experience at top companies like Apple, Bank of America, and Whirlpool, she reimagined DEI through her signature framework, Joyful Equity®, which fosters inclusivity, resilience, and systemic change by replacing shame and fear with empowerment and positivity.Where to find Yvonne Jackson:Website: YvonneJackson.com  Company: SocialEDG.com/ LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/YvonneJacksonSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!Decolonize yourself - it sounds like such a daunting task, right? But it doesn't have to be. Guest Shebana Coelho - writer, performer, and creativity coach - talks about how creativity and play (especially embodied creativity and play) can be catalysts for change. They can help us to shed all that is not ours to carry. Creativity and play as paths to healing. Sometimes it really can be that easy."I believe we each need a catalyst expression to dismantle structures, visible and invisible, historical and emotional, that keep systemic inequalities alive and keep marginalized people unseen. The revolution begins by expressing and embodying our true nature, one by one, together. May all of us, especially women of color, live our vulnerable intuitive disruptive power." - From Shebana's website.Where to find Shebana Coelho:Website: shebanacoelho.comInstagram: @shebanafarawaySupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast Cancer Facts & Stats 2024 - Incidence, Age, Survival, & More. Our guest, Erica Neubert Campbell is one of those women. Having lived through her mother's experience with breast cancer, Erica wasn't surprised when she was diagnosed with the same illness. In The Mastectomy I Always Wanted: A Breast Cancer Memoir, Erica takes us along with her from expectation to diagnosis to reconstruction and beyond. The end result is a resource for all of us - cancer warriors and survivors, their caregivers, and the people who love them.Where to find Erica Neubert Campbell:Website:  www.ericaneubertcampbell.comAmazon link:  https://amzn.to/4ck4Di1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erica.neubert/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erica.n.campbell/LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-neubert-campbell-936279/Support the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!How much thought have you given to death? Not just who gets what when you're gone, but also who you want around you in your last moments, what your passwords are, and how you want to be memorialized, just to name a few. Death is easily one of the most difficult topics to talk about. We all know that death is inevitable, so it makes sense that it might be beneficial for us to become more comfortable talking about it. Death Doula Alua Arthur's book, briefly perfectly human: Making an Authentic Life by Getting Real About the End, is the perfect book to help ease the discomfort around talking about and thinking about death. It may even make you think more about how you're living. It did for us.Support the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!It's time for the next installment of our Banned Books Series! This month's book is The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. Published in 2018, The Poet X tells the story of a 15-year-old Dominican American girl finding her voice as she grows up and comes to terms with life, school, and family.Although The Poet X is classified as a Young Adult book there's more than enough substance for "not so young" adults to hold on to. Join us in the discussion and let us know what you thought of the book if you've already read it or let us know what has tempted you to pick it up if you haven't yet. About Elizabeth Acevedo:Elizabeth Acevedo was the 2022 Young People's Poet Laureate and the New York Times-bestselling author of The Poet X, which won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, the Michael L. Printz Award, the Pura Belpré Award, the Carnegie medal, the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, and the Walter Award. She is also the author of With the Fire on High—which was named a best book of the year by the New York Public Library, NPR, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal—and Clap When You Land, which was a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor book and a Kirkus finalist.She holds a BA in Performing Arts from The George Washington University and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Maryland. Acevedo is also a National Poetry Slam Champion.Support the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!So much has happened in our lives since our last life episode that we decided to give y'all an update. Tune in to hear what's going on with us!Mentioned in this episode:Money Mindset Financial Coaching: website, podcast, Instagram, YouTubeMunk's Motors: websiteSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!This week's guest Saoirse Nash shares her personal story of living with a long-time chronic UTI and the struggle to get the necessary testing and treatment. Saoirse is a director, content contributor and patient liaison at Live UTI Free Ltd., a globally recognized women's health research and education organization. Saoirse's work is focused on supporting women in accessing appropriate treatment and testing, particularly for pelvic and bladder health. Through her past and present health struggles Saoirse has become incredibly passionate about helping people improve and maintain their health holistically.  Saoirse also works as a health coach, massage therapist, and yoga instructor.Where to find Saoirse and Live UTI Free:Live UTI Free: https://liveutifree.com/ and https://www.youtube.com/@LiveUTIFreeSaoirse Nash: https://www.instagram.com/the.wholehealthcoach/Support the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!Do you remember sex ed from your school days? Did you actually learn anything? Is sex ed even taught in schools anymore? If it is, its days are likely numbered in this political climate. It turns out lack of adequate, comprehensive sex education is universal. In this week's episode we talk to someone who is doing something about this in her community. Our guest, Amy Orr, is working to educate and empower young people to open up the conversation and break the stigma surrounding periods and to help alleviate period poverty in Ireland by supplying free reusable cloth pads to students through her Navigating Periods with Confidence program.Mentioned in this episode: Eco Femme, https://ecofemme.org/Where to find Amy Orr: Website: www.youme.ieInstagram: @youme.ieSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!This month's selection is The Last White Man by Mohsin Hamid. Published in 2022, The Last White Man is the fifth novel by the British Pakistani novelist and consultant Mohsin Hamid. Written as an extended allegory, it tells the story of an unnamed town in an unnamed country whose white inhabitants have all begun to change skin color from pale to brown. The novel explores themes of race and whiteness as constructs, loss and mourning, and conspiracy theories. The Last White Man is a thought-provoking and, sometimes, uncomfortable read, but it's definitely worth your time. We couldn't find out exactly why this particular book was banned but there are several obvious reasons why book banners might be keen on banning it. Read the book before passing judgement. It's slightly more than 200 pages so it's a quick read, but it'll stay with you long after the final page. Mentioned in this episode:  Velshi Banned Book Club: 'The Last White Man' by Mohsin Hamid - YouTubeSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!Despite being one of the wealthiest nations in the world, poverty continues to be a seemingly unsolvable issue in the United States. But is it really unsolvable? This week's guest, Devon Gray, argues that poverty is a problem that can be solved. In this episode, we speak with Devon about possible solutions that could put an end to poverty. Devon Gray is the president of EPIC (End Poverty in California) which aims to end poverty in California by elevating the voices of people experiencing it, creating and implementing bold policies rooted in their needs, and advancing a state agenda focused on equal opportunity for all. Prior to joining EPIC, Devon was a director with Evergreen Strategy Group, where he advised gun violence prevention organizations on policy and strategy. Devon previously served in the Newsom Administration as Special Advisor to the Governor's Chief of Staff and is an alumnus of national and statewide political campaigns. He is a graduate of Stanford Law School and the Stanford Graduate School of Education. Devon lives in Orange County where he serves as a delegate to the California Democratic Party.Mentioned in this episode:A Blueprint for a Just and Inclusive Economy - policy-paper.pdfWhere to find Devon Gray and EPIC:Instagram: @devonjgray @endpovertycaTwitter/X: @devongrayca @endpovertycaLinkedIn: @devonjgray @endpovertycaWebsite: endpovertyinca.orgSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!In this episode we speak with guest Anika Pavel about her memoir Encounter with the Future, chronicling her journey from childhood in communist Czechoslovakia to her experience as an immigrant to her life now as a writer. And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Every life tells a story, and Anika's is no exception. Tune in to hear for yourself!Where to find Anika Pavel's work:Website: www.anikapavel.comInstagram: @anika.pavelSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!In this episode, we have the genuine pleasure of chatting with our Super Fan Susannah Cragwick! After all of the mutual admiration, we dove into Susannah's incredible story of redefining herself after growing up in a high control, conservative religious environment, adjusting to living in a foreign country where she doesn't yet speak the language, and discovering her true Goddess energy. Joy truly abounds in this discussion - you don't want to miss it!Susannah Cragwick is a writer, poet, artist, and crochet pattern designer from Butte, Montana. Her work focuses on themes of feminism, healing from religious trauma, setting boundaries, and processing and healing from perfectionism-based anxiety. Susannah writes weekly on Substack and also creates "Poetry and Patterns" collections that combine her poetry with crochet patterns she designs. Susannah now resides with her husband in Southeast Finland. Where to find Susannah's work:Instagram: @sjcragwickdesigns Substack: https://susannahcragwick.substack.com/Support the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!Welcome to the 2nd installment of our Banned Books Series! This month's book is Margaret Atwood's Oryx and Crake, a 2003 novel that Atwood described as speculative fiction rather than pure science fiction because it doesn't deal with things we can't yet do but goes beyond the amount of realism she associates with novels. Oryx and Crake is one of the most-banned books by school officials in the U.S. due to its adult themes and occasional pornographic material. Tune in to our discussion and read the book for yourself - Oryx and Crake, in our opinion, is a very well-crafted story that is incredibly thought provoking. Support the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!Given the amount of mis- and disinformation in the news it's increasingly important that we make smarter decisions about the news we consume and where we get it. But how do we do that? Our guest, journalist and anchor, Jasmine Styles talks to us about what we need to keep in mind when figuring out where to go for accurate information.Jasmine Styles has been helping write the first draft of history as a news anchor and reporter for more than a decade. She has primarily worked in the South but had a short stint in the Midwest. Jasmine has been in the eye of a hurricane, just behind yellow crime scene tape, and in the front row during historical moments. Jasmine is on the board of the largest minority journalism organization, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and has served as president for 2 affiliate chapters.Through networking, mentorship, friendship, and her own experiences Jasmine has been able to get multiple perspectives on how news works, what needs to be fixed and what the future holds for the media.Jasmine is a Florida State University graduate and a Sunshine State native. She's also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.Reputable accurate news sources recommended by Jasmine:NPR (National Public Radio)AP (Associated Press)BBC (British Broadcast Channel)Your local news outletsWhere to find Jasmine:Instagram: @_newsbaeTikTok: @_newsbaeYouTube: @jasminestylestvSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!Porn's influence is everywhere - just take a look around. But what is it like to work in the porn industry as a writer, to have a view behind the curtain. Robert Rosen's book Beaver Street: A History of Modern Pornography gives the reader a view that isn't often discussed. Tune in to hear about Robert's experiences behind the scenes. Robert Rosen is the author of the international bestseller Nowhere Man: The Final Days of John Lennon. Over the course of a controversial career, he has edited pornographic magazines and an underground newspaper; has written speeches for the Secretary of the Air Force; and has been awarded a Hugo Boss poetry prize. Where to connect with Robert Rosen:Website: https://www.robertrosennyc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/851310265221196Instagram: @rrosen2727X/Twitter: @rrosen2727TThreads: @rrosen2727Support the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!In many ways, the country (and possibly the world) is trying to make sense of the 2024 election and what lies ahead. We're doing the same. Join the postmortem and let us know how you're processing Trump's reelection. Support the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!Welcome to the 1st installment of our Banned Books Series! In this episode, we discuss George M. Johnson's All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto. This is a beautiful and important book. Tune in to hear our reactions to and understanding of All Boys Aren't Blue. Afterwards, let us know your thoughts about the book.  George M. Johnson (they/them) is an Emmy nominated, award-winning, and bestselling Black nonbinary author and activist. They have written on race, gender, sex, and culture for Essence, the Advocate, BuzzFeed News, Teen Vogue, and more than forty other national publications. George has appeared on BuzzFeed's AM2DM as well as on MSNBC. They are also a proud HBCU alum twice over and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Their debut memoir, All Boys Aren't Blue, was a New York Times bestseller and garnered many accolades. It was the second-most banned book of 2022 in the United States, according to the American Library Association. For their work fighting book bans and challenges, the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) honored George with its Free Speech Defender Award, and TIME Magazine named them one of the “100 Next Most Influential People in the World.”Support the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!Sometimes a poem or a piece of writing just speaks to you. In the first book of our Banned Book Series, All Boys Aren't Blue, George M. Johnson talks about Paul Laurence Dunbar's We Wear the Mask - a poem that has significant meaning for Raquel. Share with us a poem or piece of writing that has impacted you!Support the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!Have you ever wondered why you react in certain ways or why you have particular feelings or aches and pains? It turns out that a lot of it is based in childhood. It's our subconscious blueprint. Although there are a number of helpful techniques to uncover our blueprint, one very helpful tool is rapid transformational therapy (RTT). Our guest this week, Chloe Jimenez-Peters, is a Transformational Hypnotherapist and Trauma Informed Coach who works with women worldwide to rapidly identify and transform the subconscious blueprint of PMDD and perimenopause symptoms so that they can expand into their full potential, thrive with purpose and have the fulfilling harmonious relationships they deserve. As a Narcissistic Abuse Specialist, Chloe also supports women in transforming the effects of toxic relationships, navigate the disentanglement and set them up for success. With a medical background and a deep understanding of the subconscious mind, Chloe helps clients uncover and heal root-cause traumas, freeing them from the painful manifestations and setting them up with the subconscious success blueprint for creating the abundant life of inner peace and purpose that is their birthright. Passionate about guiding women toward self-worth and fulfilment, Chloe works to rewire the mind and reshape the nervous system, paving the way for each client to experience the thriving, harmonious life their soul is calling them to expand into.Where to find Chloe Jimenez-Peters:Website: https://chloejimenezpeters.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloejimenezpeters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChloeJimenezPeters/Book a FREE 15-minute discovery call: https://calendly.com/chloejimenez/15minSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!Regardless of whether you are tuned in to popular "news", chances are pretty good that you've heard something about the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni saga. We dive in with our opinions about this debacle in this minisode. What are your thoughts about all of this?Mentioned in this episode:Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution by Cat BohannonSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!In this week's episode we're telling y'all about one of the ways that we are striking back at Project 2025 - we're doing  a banned book series in 2025! For each month of the coming year we'll discuss a book that has been banned. In hopes that y'all will join us in this reading journey, the list of all of the books in the series below. January - All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto by George M. JohnsonFebruary - Oryx & Crake by Margaret AtwoodMarch - The Last White Man: A Novel by Mohsin HamidApril - The Poet X by Elizabeth AcevedoMay - Maus I and II by Art SpegelmanJune - Lawn Boy by Jonathan EvisonJuly - The Absolutely True Diary Of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman AlexieAugust - Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. JacksonSeptember - We Are the Ants by Shaun David HutchinsonOctober - Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse AndrewsNovember - Almost Perfect by Brian KatcherDecember - Dear Martin by Nic StoneSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!We're trying something a bit different here at Madness Cafe - minisodes! These are a chance for us to pop in from time to time when we feel the urge to chat a little about a timely topic in the zeitgeist. Our very first minisode is about Black trad wives. We have opinions! (Shocker!) What do you think about Black trad wives? DM us on Instagram (@madnesscafepodcast) or email us (madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com) and let us know!Support the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!What is ethical non-monogamy? Is it the same as polyamory? Are we talking about swinging? We're talking about all that and more with Lauren Hayes, a relationship coach specializing in supporting ethically non-monogamous (ENM) couples, including swingers and the ENM-curious. You might be surprised about what you learn in this episode.Lauren Hayes, trained in both life and relationship coaching, helps couples navigate and engage the swinging and non-monogamous community in the healthiest of ways. Her approach aims to help couples build their ideal relationship, regardless of whether or how many others it includes. She also brings personal experience to her coaching having been married for nearly 20 years and ENM (swingers) for the last 6 years. She offers coaching and practical advice grounded in her own life as well as professional training - she goes by Swinging Lifestyle Coach.Where to find Lauren Hayes:Website: https://www.swinginglifestylecoach.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinginglifestylecoachFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwingingLifestyleCoachYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVZR-9HggJ51NaJnXCnq0EwThe Examined Lives of the Secret Wives Podcast: https://pod.link/1767688018Support the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!How much do we really know about our parents, grandparents, and our family history? How do they fit into the backdrop of history as a whole? Susan Servais' mother Kathe Mueller Slonim gave her family the gift of her story in the book Escape From Dachau: A True Story of Survival, Courage, and A Daring Escape in the Face of Unthinkable Evil. This book is a memoir couched in history that reads like a novel. Tune in to hear our conversation with Susan about her truly amazing family and what we can learn from their experience. Susan Servais is the retired CEO of  a non-profit, the Massachusetts Health Council and the daughter of Kathe Mueller Slonim, the author of Escape from Dachau.Support the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!In this week's episode, we discuss Varuni Sinha's memoir, Golden Handcuffs: An Immigrant's Pursuit of Happiness. Varuni, a New York-based writer and multimedia producer, describes her book as a story of love, strength, and resilience written with the intention of spreading peace and harmony. Golden Handcuffs is all that and so much more; it's the true story of what so many South Asian (and other immigrant) women endure in America - legal immigrants held down by 21st century laws that threaten their right to work, earn a living, contribute to their families, utilize their education and training, and live as fully actualized individuals. Where to find Varuni Sinha's work:Website: https://www.varunisinha.comSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!Sexual abuse is objectively a difficult topic. Even more so when the predator is your father. Cindy Benezra knows this all too well; her predator was her father. In her memoir, Under the Orange Blossoms, Cindy shares her story, along with how she healed, in the hopes of helping others. Behind the accomplished author, speaker, entrepreneur, philanthropist and advocate is a sexual abuse victim that is passionate about bringing awareness to the impact of sexual trauma through meaningful conversations and system-changing discussions. Known for her strength and compassion, Cindy Benezra bravely faces the sensitive topic with courage and resilience, having a deep and personal understanding of how sexual abuse affects every aspect of a person's life and a genuine care for those who have walked a similar path. She is well versed on and speaks to the many different avenues for healing from trauma since she put in years of therapy and uncovered countless self help techniques. Her charge is to break the chains of trauma while also breaking the cycle it can create. Her hope is to reveal the truth as well as the path to forgiveness, healing and freedom.Where to find Cindy:Website: https://www.cindytalks.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CindyBenezraInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindybenezra/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cindy-benezra-932560158Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CindyBenezraAuthorSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!Magic mushrooms, plant medicine, psilocybin - what came to mind when you read those words? If you grew up in the 80s, "just say no" probably popped up. But are all drugs bad? Can their powers be used for good? Sometimes, yes. Specifically, psilocybin. We talk about this (and so much more!) with guest Leslie Draffin, a trauma-trained somatic coach, psychedelic microdosing guide & breath and meditation teacher with a special focus on helping women learn the language of their body.  She helps midlife women & millennials get unstuck by showing them ways to build their mind-body connection, heal the wounds of unworthiness, get free from mental health challenges and build a life they love - using psilocybin microdosing protocols and various healing modalities.Curious? Listen to the episode, connect with Leslie, and let us know your thoughts.Where to connect with Leslie Draffin:IG: @LeslieDraffinWebsite: www.lesliedraffin.comCall: Book a free 1:1 Discovery CallMicrodosing Guide: Free Microdosing 101 GuideSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!After a few days of processing the results of the election, we talk through our feelings about what happened, what's to come, our fears and hopes, and our plans going forward. The conversation doesn't stop here, and it doesn't stop with us; after you listen, please share your thoughts and feelings. Community is going to help us through this. You're a part of this community and we want to hear from you.We're in for a long ride and we need all of you on this journey. So, as always, please protect your peace.We're in this together.Support the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!We read and discussed Stacey Abrams' Our Time Is Now before the results of the 2024 election were announced. We were excited and hopeful and wanted to share Stacey's message, information and talented wordsmithing with everyone. We're in a very different emotional space right now, but we still want everyone to read Our Time Is Now. We stand by our view that Stacey Abrams' book is vital and important. And necessary. The truth remains that we aren't taught everything about our system of government and elections, how they came to be, how they are manipulated, and how they can be fixed. Stacey Abrams' Our Time Is Now pulls back the curtain so we can see what we're dealing with while also providing solutions to make it all work for the greater good. This may be the guide we all need right now.Where to find Stacey Abrams:Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams | Crooked MediaFair CountFair Fight: Fighting Voter Suppression & Protecting Voting RightsSome of the organizations mentioned in Our Time Is Now - maybe they'll be a source of inspiration right now.Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under LawNew Georgia ProjectBrennan Center for JusticeAsian American Legal Advocacy CenterLeague of Women VotersBlack Voter ProjectFair FightFair Fight ActionFair CountAmerican Civil Liberties UnionNAACPNAACP Legal Defense and Educational FundVoto LatinoAsian Americans Advancing JusticeNational Association of Latino Elected and Appointed OfficialsBolder AdvocacySwing LeftSister DistrictLet America VoteIndivisiblePlanned Parenthood Action FundNational Abortion Rights Action LeagueMoms Demand ActionCongressional Black CaucusCongressional Hispanic CaucusCongressional Asian Pacific American CaucusBlack Leadership RoundtableNew Florida MajorityWay to WinVote.orgBlack Lives MatterBlack Voters MatterLeadership Conference on Civil and Human RightsSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!Return guest Christina Reynolds, Senior Vice President of Communications and Content at EMILYs List, is back to talk about the book that she co-wrote with the President of EMILYs List Stephanie Schriock - Run to Win: Lessons in Leadership for Women Changing the World. Timely topic, no? But trust that the lessons in the book are for all women looking to lead and make change whether that's as a business owner, head of household, or future president of the United States. Listen to the conversation and learn how you can change the part of the world that speaks to you!Christina Reynolds joined EMILYs List after nearly two decades of experience as a communications and research strategist. A lifelong fighter for progressive causes, she has managed large-scale press operations from the campaign trail to the White House.A proud Tar Heel and Marine brat, Christina studied journalism and political science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is also the co-author, with EMILYs List former President Stephanie Schriock, of Run to Win: Lessons in Leadership for Women Changing the World.Where to find Christina Reynolds:Website: emilyslist.orgIG: @creynoldsncTwitter/X: @creynoldsncThreads: @creynoldsncSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!So many people walk through life wearing a mask, disconnected from themselves. How can we drop the mask and reconnect? According to this week's guest, Gao Motsemme, we have to get to the core of the issue and connect to source. That's how we get to the sexual and creative energy that the patriarchy is so afraid of. That's how we connect to the queen within and let her thrive!Gao Motsemme is a mother of three who emerged from the ashes of betrayal and emotional turmoil. For years, she hid behind a mask of strength, until life's greatest challenges—divorce, judicial injustice, and separation from her children, stripped her down to her core. Through these adversities, she discovered her true power and gifts as a Freedom Illuminator, Human MRI, and Psychic Surgeon. Now she helps high achievers break free from generational trauma, embody emotional independence, and reclaim their spiritual and sexual sovereignty. Her work empowers individuals to thrive in the boardroom and ignite passion in their relationships. Where to find and connect with Gao Motsemme:Website: https://www.gaomotsemme.com/Facebook: www.facebook/gmotsemmeInstagram: @gaomotsemme.magneticconfidenceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaomotsemmeBook a Call: https://www.awakeningconfidence.com/gaomotsemme/claritysessionSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!Words matter. Words have power. Art is powerful. We explore just how powerful words, art, and poetry can be with guests Tara Bracco and Karla Jackson-Brewer. Tune in to hear some of that power as Karla reads a portion of one of her poems included in the book, Poetic People Power.For 20 years, the New York City-based spoken word group Poetic People Power has creatively explored social and political topics, offering insights and solutions to issues that affect our everyday lives and the world around us. This debut anthology invites readers to explore three of their shows about environmental heroes, women's voices, and human rights abuses. Tara Bracco is the founder and producing artistic director of Poetic People Power. She has created, produced, and performed in 20 spoken word shows about social and political issues. She is a recognized leader in the field of art and social change and has been featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, Time Out New York, Brooklyn Rail, and HuffPost. As a journalist, her work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, American Theatre, Condé Nast Traveler, BUST, and Clamor. Karla Jackson-Brewer is a longtime member of Poetic People Power, Professor at Rutgers University, Senior Vajrayana Buddhist Teacher, and priest in the West African tradition of Ifa.Where to find out more about Poetic People Power:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/poeticpeoplepower/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poeticpeoplepower/ Website: https://www.poeticpeoplepower.com/Where to find Karla Jackson-Brewer:Facebook: www.facebook.com/karla.jacksonbrewer Instagram: @oduneyeSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!Sensitive, empathic, overwhelmed? Can you relate? Do you know someone who can? How can you protect yourself? How can you manage overwhelm in this time of chaos? This week's guest, Abby Humphrey, talks to Raquel and Jennifer about what can help.Abby Humphrey has been practicing acupuncture in Ann Arbor since 1999. In 2001, she co-founded the Center for Sacred Living. She has lectured on Chinese Medicine at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and in the intensive Interflex program at the Medical School. Abby has facilitated workshops on Five Element Theory for many years and she recently developed the online course The Five Element Journey of the Empath.Where to find Abby:Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_harmony_withinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_harmony_within/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/5-Elements-of-Self-Care/61554947776185/Course: https://www.abbyhumphreyacupuncture.com/limited-time-offerSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!One common belief is that our colleges and universities are safe spaces and, if we are subjected to sexual violence, our schools will protect us. Unfortunately, that is not true for so many people. In fact, victims are often retraumatized by the very people in authority who are supposed to help them. Why? What is happening? What isn't happening? What can be done? We delve into that with guest Nicole Bedera, PhD as we discuss her new book On the Wrong Side: How Universities Protect Perpetrators and Betray Survivors of Sexual Violence.Nicole Bedera, Ph.D. is a sociologist and author of the book On the Wrong Side: How Universities Protect Perpetrators and Betray Survivors of Sexual Violence. Her research broadly focuses on how our social structures contribute to survivors' trauma and make sexual violence more likely to occur in the future. Her scholarship has influenced sexual violence prevention programming across the country, including for Planned Parenthood, and her work has been featured in many popular outlets, including The New York Times, NPR, Time Magazine, and Teen Vogue. Nicole puts her work into practice as an affiliated educator at the Center for Institutional Courage and as a co-founder of Beyond Compliance Consulting.Where to find Nicole Bedera, Ph.D.:Twitter: @NBederaPersonal Website: nicolebedera.comBeyond Compliance Website: beyond-compliance-consulting.comBook Order Link: https://bookshop.org/p/books/on-the-wrong-side-how-universities-protect-perpetrators-and-betray-survivors-of-sexual-violence-nicole-bedera/21312168?ean=9780520395893Mentioned in this episode:https://slate.com/human-interest/2020/03/daughter-advice-sexual-assault-college.html#DARVO #punishmentversusconsequences #titleix #protectwomen #believewomen #listentowomen #sexualviolence #onthewrongside #supportsurvivorsSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!Is motherhood the default? Are people without children monsters? Is it ok to be childfree and happy? Raquel and Jennifer talk about all of this and more with this week's guest Therese Schechter.Therese Shechter is an award-winning filmmaker and the founder of the production company Trixie Films. Over the past 20 years, she has created a body of work that fuses humor, activism, and personal storytelling to explore a host of thorny questions around women's roles and identities.Therese's most recent film My So-Called Selfish Life, is a revolutionary documentary about one of our greatest social taboos: choosing not to become a mother. Released in 2022 to critical acclaim, it has reached audiences in over 35 countries, and has become a powerful tool for fostering conversations about reproductive autonomy in this post-Roe v Wade era. Where to find Therese and her work:Websites: https://trixiefilms.com/, https://myselfishlife.com/IG: @trixiefilms, @mysocalledselfishlifeFB: https://www.facebook.com/mysocalledselfishlife/Twitter/X: @trixiefilmsSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!Project 2025 - it's all over the news and everyone's talking about it. Or they should be. What is it? Why should we care? To be fair, it's to be expected that a candidate for president will have a plan (not just a concept of a plan...) for how they will govern. But Project 2025 is more than that, it is The Heritage Foundation's plan which would have lasting negative, earthshattering consequences. In short, it's a plan to dismantle democracy. In this episode, Raquel and Jennifer discuss Project 2025 and their feelings about it. This is just the tip of the Project 2025 iceberg so don't stop here, do your research.Links to Project 2025 and a few resources to help you make sense of what it's effects would be:Project 2025 | Presidential Transition ProjectWhat is Project 2025? See full PDF summary document (19thnews.org)A Guide to Project 2025 - FactCheck.orgProject 2025 summary: What's in the blueprint for a second Trump term? (slate.com)Project 2025, Explained | American Civil Liberties Union (aclu.org)Support the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!Are boys destined to become incels, misogynists, and emotionally stunted? When it does happen is patriarchy to blame? Can parents do something to prevent toxic masculinity from ruining their sweet little angels? Can grown men reparent themselves to get back to who they were before society took control? In the wake of #MeToo, pregnant with her third son, this week's guest, Ruth Whippman, was thinking about all of this and much more. Have a seat and listen in to our conversation with Ruth about her new book, Boymom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity, which explores the role (and toll) of toxic masculinity as little boys become men. Ruth Whippman is a British journalist and cultural critic. A former BBC documentary director, she has written for The New York Times, Time magazine, New York magazine, The Guardian, HuffPost, and other publications. Fortune described her as one of the “25 sharpest minds” of the decade. She is also the author of BoyMom: Reimagining Boyhood In the Age Of Impossible Masculinity. Where to find Ruth Whippnan:IG: @ruthwhippmanSubstack: I Blame SocietyWebsite: www.ruthwhippman.comSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!What do most of us really know about car insurance? Why is it necessary, besides that it might be legally required? What choices are best for me, for my family, for my new driver? We get into all of this (and more) with guest Caroline Monsewicz. If you have a question for Caroline, scroll down for her contact information. (Don't forget to ask her about add-on uninsured/underinsured motorist and bodily injury insurance!)Caroline Monsewicz is a trial attorney with Tobin Injury Law in Atlanta, GA where she focuses on helping injured people seek justice through some of the most difficult times in their lives. With over a decade of experience in law, her areas of practice include personal injury, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, trucking collisions, motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, and legal malpractice. Caroline is a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, WV, where she was a NCAA Division I goalkeeper for the Thundering Herd women's soccer team for four years. Determined to use her passion and commitment, Caroline attended and graduated from Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, GA, where she was recognized as a Graduating Woman of Excellence and Dean's Award recipient for her service and leadership. When Caroline is not advising clients of their rights and how best to navigate complex legal issues, she can be found watching professional wrestling with her husband, Justin and her two cats, cooking, or playing Dungeons & Dragons with her friends. Where to find Caroline Monsewicz:Tobin Injury Law: https://www.tobininjurylaw.com/caroline-h-monsewicz/, 404-JUSTICE (404-587-8423)Email: caroline@tobininjurylaw.comDirect Dial: (678) 941-0109Support the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!We are beyond excited about Vice President Kamala Harris as the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee! We share all of our feelings, hopes and dreams about the future of our country with Kamala Harris as our next president. Join the discussion and share your thoughts with us.Mentioned in this episode:YouTube: (1) Kamala Harris - YouTubeSupport the Show.Be part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!We are all in relationship - with ourselves, family, friends, society. With that comes great joy and, sometimes, pain. How can we handle that pain in a way that doesn't add to the pain? How can we handle that pain so that we can show up for our loved ones in a way that is helpful rather than harmful? We delve into all of this and more with guest Celia Landman as we discuss her book When the Whole World Tips: Parenting Through Crisis with Mindfulness and Balance. Celia Landman is a mindfulness educator offering support to teens and adults. She draws from her range of experience working with folks impacted by trauma, addiction, and anxiety to create customized meditations, visualizations, and trainings that reconnect us to our wholeness.Where to find Celia Landman: Website: https://celialandman.comInstagram: @celiasacctSupport the Show.Be part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!What happens when a racist goes to jail? In George Sedberry, Jr.'s case, he becomes vulnerable enough to listen and learn, and his life opens up. Then his mission to visit all 100+ HBCUs and tell the little-known history of Black Americans begins. After all, Black history is American history.Where to find The White George:TikTok: @whitegeorgeIG: @thewhitgeorge (no “e” on the whit)Apply to several HBCUs with only one application: https://commonblackcollegeapp.com/Support the Show.Be part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!The conversation around Christian patriarchy continues in this week's episode as Raquel and Jennifer discuss Tia Levings memoir A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy. Learn more about the movement that threatens to destroy our democracy and how Tia Levings escaped it and is now a shining example of how others can escape it as well.Where to find Tia Levings' work:Website: https://tialevings.comSubstack: @tialevings - The Anti-FundamentalistInstagram: @tialevingswriterSupport the Show.Be part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!In this week's episode, Raquel and Jennifer talk to guest A'magine Goddard about the intersection of medical training and consent. A'magine Goddard has been teaching and speaking about feminism and sexuality for over two decades. As a queer sexuality educator, she wanted to impact people who were entering the field of medicine about sexuality and gender. She earned her master's in Human Sexuality Education at New York University and studied film at New School University. She worked as a Gynecological Teaching Associate for 10 years in New York City and At Your Cervix is her first feature film.Where to find A'magine Goddard:Instagram: @atyourcervixmovie, @sexualempowermentWebsite: www.atyourcervixmovie.comSupport the Show.Be part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!Being a surrogate is a selfless and noble act but it's also complicated and emotional. Add in religious considerations pregnancy loss and everything is heightened almost beyond measure. In this week's episode, Raquel and Jennifer speak with guest Kelila Green Siciliano about her decision to become a surrogate and the journey that has grown from that decision. Kelila Green Siciliano is a mom, a surrogate, a pregnancy loss survivor, the founder of OursAndYRS: A Pregnancy Loss Survival Toolkit, a speaker, the host of the podcast, “Pushing Through Loss”, and a coach. Kelila speaks about her experience with surrogacy and pregnancy loss, creating her loss survival toolkit, and how she learned to use personal challenges to work with and not against her in order to help others feel empowered to activate their own inner strength warrior. Where to find Kelila:Website: https://www.kelilagreenspeaker.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursandyrs/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelila.greenPodcast: Pushing Through LossSupport the Show.Be part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!We're talking about anger in this week's episode. Given the state of the world it's no wonder that anger is a repeat topic of conversation. Listen in as we speak with guest Bronwyn Schweigerdt about anger and what it might be trying to tell us. Browyn Schweigerdt may be the most evocative psychotherapist you've ever heard. Instead of fixing peoples' messes, her goal is to elicit feelings you're most ashamed to have, such as hatred and betrayal. She knows that even though feelings are invisible, they don't evaporate, but store away in our bodies when they're disowned.Where to find Bronwyn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bronwyn-schweigerdt-3124857/Podcast: https://angryattherightthings.podbean.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555715646671, https://www.facebook.com/bronwyn.schweigerdtSupport the Show.Be part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!In this week's episode, Raquel and Jennifer speak with guest Cait West about her new book, Rift: A Memoir of Breaking Away from Christian Patriarchy, which chronicles her upbringing in the world of ultra-conservative, high control, patriarchal religion. The discussion touches on how things started to shift for Cait, how she left, what her life is like now, and how she's helping others looking to break away.Cait West is a writer and editor based in Grand Rapids, MI. Her work has been published in The Revealer, Religion Dispatches, Fourth Genre, and Hawai'i Pacific Review, among others. As a survivor of Christian patriarchy movement, she serves on the editorial board for Tears of Eden, a nonprofit providing resources for survivors of spiritual abuse. Cait also cohosts the podcast Survivors Discuss. Where to find Cait West:Website: https://www.caitwest.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitwestwrites/Substack: https://caitwest.substack.com/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/caitwestwritesSupport the Show.Be part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!What is natural hair? Why are we talking about it? Find out in this week's episode where Raquel and Jennifer dive into it with guest Lyzette Wanzer. Lyzette Wanzer's work appears in over thirty literary journals and books. Her book, TRAUMA, TRESSES & TRUTH: Untangling Our Hair Through Personal Narratives (Chicago Review Press) appears on Library Journal's 2022 Top 10 Best Social Sciences Books list and was a 2023 Black Women's Studies Association Selection. Lyzette is a contributor to Lyric Essay as Resistance: Truth from the Margins (Wayne State University Press 2023), Civil Liberties United: Diverse Voices from the San Francisco Bay Area (Pease Press 2019), and the multi-award-winning The Chalk Circle: Intercultural Prizewinning Essays (Wyatt-MacKenzie 2012). A National Writers' Union and Authors Guild member, Lyzette's work has been supported with funding from Center for Cultural Innovation, San Francisco Arts Commission, California Arts Council, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Black Artist Foundry, The Awesome Foundation, and California Humanities, a National Endowment for the Humanities partner.Where to find Lyzette Wanzer:Website: www.lyzettewanzermfa.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lyzettewanzer/Mentioned in this episode:2024 TRAUMA, TRESSES & TRUTH: A Virtual Conference Interrogating Black Women's Natural Hair - https://shuffle.do/projects/trauma-tresses-truth-a-natural-hair-conferenceMuses & Melanin Fellowship for BIPOC Creative Writers - https://forms.gle/eP5KHEVD3S4AQY7h9The CROWN Act - The Official CROWN Act (thecrownact.com)Dove's CROWN Act campaign - www.dove.com/us/en/stories/campaigns/the-crown-act.htmlEpisode Photo by Jessica Felicio on UnsplashEpisode Photo by Jessica Felicio on UnsplashSupport the Show.Be part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!