Real. Relatable.

Phew, it has been a hot minute! After a 2 year hiatus, Real. Relatable. is back and more refreshed than ever! On this episode, Donna has not one but two guests to join her discussing the growth after marriage, divorce, and challenges in dating. Sometimes the pain we go to to grow can be ugly, but emerging to the other side can be beauty worth the wait. Signs of the universe can be abrupt or more subtle; ultimately, we have to get in tune with ourselves to make sure the decisions we're making are sound and bring out the best versions of us.What are some ways you've grown in or from your past relationships?Instagram:@DonnaJaneen

This was probably the hardest episode I ever had to record. For Sexual Assault Awareness Month, I share and reflect on both sexual trauma that has resurfaced as well as a recent assault. The last several months have been a time of working towards healing, acknowledging 12-year old Donna, and figuring out how I really give myself grace in the wake of immense shame from sexual trauma. To everyone who has reached out, brave enough to share their own story with me or provided support for me - I see you, I appreciate you, I hear you. Instagram: @DonnaJaneen #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth #sexualtrauma

On this episode of Real. Relatable., Donna welcomes Jovaan Lumpkin, a warrior on his sobriety journey of 318 days (as of this recording). Jovaan doesn't hold back to share his story from the beginning of a childhood with a matriarchal head of the household, the turn to alcohol and later venture into drugs. The journey to recovery wasn't easy, but he wouldn't have it any other way to get to where he is today. Have you or a loved one faced the challenges of addiction? Understandably, it can be a scary and uncertain time for everyone involved. What's the correct route to take to get yourself or your loved one help? TikTok: second_coming_23 YouTube: The Archie Tech Experience - ArchieTech Instagram: @DonnaJaneen #sobriety #roadtorecovery #addiction

Co-parenting can be as easy or hard of a journey as those involved make it. Unfortunately, society is set up where most are not as amicable as they could/should be. Yes, there is a lot of nuance as to why couples split and result in co-parenting. No, it doesn't have to be hard. Yes, there are situations that make it extremely challenging for one or both parties involved (which can be very disheartening). This episode, Donna chats with her ex-husband, John on how they make co-parenting work. This dynamic is an anomaly, but they wouldn't have it any other way.  Instagram: @DonnaJaneen #coparenting #coparent #parenting

How is the culture in law enforcement shaped? Why would someone who devoted themself to protect and serve aid in the discourse of terrorism in Buffalo? How didn't the officers in Uvalde not intervene more? In this episode, Trent, a trusted friend of the podcast and law enforcement officer, goes into depth of how the culture of law enforcement is shaped at each branch and how the tragic cluster of Uvalde devastated the country. Every mass shooting is shockingly unnerving, disheartening and causes immense sorrow nation wide. The pure acts of evil plague what we acclaim to be the best country on earth. Loving one's country does not excuse her from ridicule. What level of discomfort do we need to obtain to make the radical change we need to see? Instagram: @DonnaJaneen Fascinating Read: https://truthout.org/articles/to-end-mass-shootings-we-need-to-change-the-deeper-structure-of-life-in-the-us/ #lawenforcement #gunviolence #reform

Now We Know has been around, and we want to make sure you can find it! Donna & Jonathan are still breaking down to build back up the historical truth about our black history. Check out this link https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/now-we-know/id1590630828 , or search "Now We Know Donna Greene & Jonathan Stokes" wherever you stream. #spinoff #podcast #blackhistoryisamericanhistory

TW: Narcissistic abuse is no laughing matter or something to take lightly. It is painful and life altering for the survivor. On this episode, Donna goes into the stages of narcissist abuse. She never knew the different types of narcissists, until her own personal experience. Have you or a loved one experienced narcissistic abuse? You are not alone, trust. How did you make it through? Did you have a support system? Helpful Sources: Doctor Ramani https://www.youtube.com/c/DoctorRamani Common Ego https://www.youtube.com/c/CommonEgo Instagram: @DonnaJaneen www.DonnaJaneen.com #narcissisticabuse #relationships #dating #lovebombing #manipulation

The trip of a lifetime is an understatement! I have shared clips of my trip to Spain in Instagram stories as well as some compilations through reels, but on this episode I detail the journey. From booking the trip to figuring out logistics to eating the best food of my life. Listen in for what I have learned about myself as a woman, how I have expanded my mind and challenged myself throughout this epic journey. What's the last test you accomplished that expanded you as a human? Instagram: @DonnaJaneen www.DonnaJaneen.com #Spain #barcelona #madrid #travel #solotravel

Why is there a stigma around dating people who have been divorced? Is it an insecurity or are people seeing it as a cop out? This episode Donna sits down with Lauren Oliver, for her third appearance on Real. Relatable., to discuss. Are there residual feelings that hold someone back or can a clean cut be made to redefine and establish your new happy ending? Instagram: @LaurenxMI @DonnaJaneen #divorce #marriage #dating #love

The stages of grief, it's not a linear process. One day you're at anger, next is denial then over to acceptance and then head on over to depression. In the latest episode of Real. Relatable., Jonathan, Donna's co-host of Now We Know joins her in processing a tough breakup that left her spiraling into deep grief, worse than the grief she experienced with her divorce. Have you battled grief? What were the ways you coped with the experience? Instagram: @DonnaJaneen #grief #breakup #relationships #dating #love

Donna & Jonathan reflect on their first year podcasting together and look forward to what 2022 has in store! What are your plans for the new year? How do you want to continue to grow as a community? Be sure to email us at realrelatablepodcast@gmail.com to let us know what topics or people you'd like to see highlighted for 2022. Instagram: @DonnaJaneen #yearinreview #2022 #newyear #podcast

We all have so many wonderful traditions, from your grandmother's dressing to your aunt's pie or the turkey your uncle fried turkey but where did these black holiday favorites come from? This episode we're diving into our own holiday traditions and bringing in a little historical context. Jonathan shares the beauty of going to harvest their food growing up and Donna looks back on her memory of trying to replicate the un-replicatable dressing her aunt makes. Instagram: @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcasts www.DonnaJaneen.com/podcasts #holiday #tradition #soulfood #thanksgiving #christmas #holidaymeal

When you want to change the criminal justice system, what better way than working on the inside? We have interviewed a black law enforcement officer to get their perspective on the rise of the arrest, and now it's time to delve into what happens after the arrest. In this powerful and enlightening episode, Donna sits down with someone who lives and breathes criminal justice in the pursuit to change it for the better. Dr. Charlene Taylor provides some incredible insight and depth to not only where the criminal justice system is broken but how we can make a change for who we want to see come out on the other side after incarceration. Instagram: @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcasts www.DonnaJaneen.com/podcasts #criminaljustice #lawenforcement #incarceration #reform #crimincaljusticereform

Forget society, love is love! But, is age nothing but a number? How old/young Is too old/young? Does it stem from mommy/daddy issues or can two people so many years or even generations apart truly fall in love? This episode Donna sits down with Sophia Spallino, host of Enlightened with Sophia Spallino, who is in a partnership with her love 28 years her senior. How did they meet? What drew them together? How does it all work? Take a listen to enlighten yourself and be more open to age gap love. Instagram: @SophiaSpallino @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcasts www.DonnaJaneen.com/podcasts #agegap #love #dating #romance #relationships

Being a working mom has its unique challenges, running your own business(es) adds another layer. What drives you to begin in the first place? How do your grow your business while maintaining relationships with yourself, others and kids at home? How do you balance It all? This week Donna chats with Jodi Covington, a proud mother and business woman who has truly found the harmony in having it all. Instagram: @JodiDCovington @JDLewisGroup @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcasts www.DonnaJaneen.com/podcasts #motherhood #parenthood #entrepreneurship #business #womanempowerment

Everyone knows how drastically women's bodies change to bring children into this world, but did you know the "snap back" isn't just physical? What mental changes do parents go through? Do we ever truly return to our pre-baby selves? For women, hormonal changes can be just as challenging as the physical. This week Donna sits down with Anique Russell, mother of 2, wife and entrepreneur on how she navigated building a village from scratch. Instagram: @NiquesNuggets @TooGoodEats @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcast www.DonnaJaneen.com/podcasts #postpartum #motherhood #pregnancy #bodypositivity #mentalhealth

Have you ever dated outside of your culture? Did it open your world view? What were the challenges you faced? Join us with return guest Lauren Oliver to dive Into her perspective of never having dated outside of her race and Donna who has dated at least one representative of every country in the United Nations. Instagram: @LaurenxMi @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcasts www.DonnaJaneen.com/podcasts #dating #love #interracial #couples

Have you or a loved one worried about passing an autoimmune disease or a chronic illness to your born/unborn child? This week Donna sits down with Phill Okwo, a lifelong Sickle Cell Warrior, dedicated Sickle Cell advocate and father of 2. Phill discusses the destigmatization of sickle cell and how he has been able to live a full, long life despite his illness. Resources: Sickle Cell Reproductive Health Education Directive (SC RED) https://sicklecellred.org/ Instagram: @SCDWarrior1 @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcasts www.DonnaJaneen.com/podcasts

We always joke about how any time you see a black person in a horror film, they don't make it to the end of the movie. Is that rooted in racism? How have horror films been influenced and shaped history? This month we're dividing into Horror Noire A History of Black Horror, a documentary from 2019 that Jonathan found. We celebrate the evolution of black representation as it evolves over time to be more representative, and also acknowledge that Donna's not here for the scaries but can appreciate the work of art and live vicariously through Jonathan's obsession with the films. Are you a fan of horror movies? What's your favorite? Instagram: @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcasts Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc6Rzzd8l4s

Don't mess with Texas? Don't mess with women's bodies. The Texas abortion ban has created a flood of opinions and everyone in everyone else's business when they have no right even to be there. This month, Donna and Jonathan dive into this highly debated topic as adoption can be a beautiful avenue but that's not the case for everyone - nor should it be the only option. Forcing people into these situations isn't the answer. https://www.npr.org/2021/09/01/1033202132/texas-abortion-ban-what-happens-next https://www.aclu.org/news/racial-justice/the-racist-history-of-abortion-and-midwifery-bans/ Instagram: @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcast

It's August and officially Back to School season and what better time to talk about CRT. But, what is CRT? Does it really need to be banned in k-12 schools? This month Donna and Jonathan dive into Critical Race Theory and what nuance would've meant for them in school growing up. Instagram:  @RealRelatablePodcast @DonnaJaneen www.DonnaJaneen.com/podcast

This is an episode that gave Donna & Jonathan the feels! Together they discuss the documentary In Our Mothers' Gardens that beautifully details generation to generation the good, the bad and the ugly life experiences of black women from the diaspora living in America. The hardships overcome to shape these women and the figurative garden beds they nurtured to bring beautiful harvests for generations to come. What have you harvested from your mothers gardens? In Our Mothers' Gardens https://www.netflix.com/title/81354661 Instagram: @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcast

In honor of June being Pride Month, Donna chats with her good friend Jeannie on what it was like for her being part of the LGBT+ community in the south with a very religious upbringing. Listen in on how to be the best ally whether you know someone needs it or not. Instagram: @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcast

Donna's dad, Thomas, joins us in the ever so professionally sound-proofed recording nook in Boise for the first time. From pre-parenthood to now a grandparent, Thomas shares his thoughts on the societal pressures and joys of becoming a parent. YouTube: T Vlog P https://www.youtube.com/user/thomaspolk54/featured https://www.youtube.com/c/MercedesClassicswithPierreHedary Instagram: @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcast

Juneteenth brings a certain amount of joy yet confusion as Jonathan and Donna work through their sentiments towards the holiday. Do they celebrate or simply acknowledge? What's enough, what's not enough? Listen along as together they have a revelation about Juneteenth and what it truly means for black culture in America. High on the Hog - How African American Cuisine Transformed America Docuseries on Netflix History of Juneteenth Dr. Shennette Garrett-Scott https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIi_53jihMM Instagram: @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcast RealRelatablePodcast@gmail.com

The conversation surrounding mental health and therapy needs to continue. We all have vulnerabilities to work through whether that's from life experience or simply how we're made. It's never too late to take the first step to take care of yourself mentally. Check in on yourself and those around you, you never know what someone is going through. Suggested Tune: Johnnie Frierson Have You Been Good to Yourself https://open.spotify.com/track/2DHylyLFfzaKOBnC0HfDjU?si=JFI-1CB0ROesFgdPZ7D4Wg&nd=1 Instagram: @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcast

Colorism and hair are not as widely discussed as they need to be. We experience discrimination from the hue of our skin to the bounce of our hair or lack there of. Let's dive into these topics, as really they coincide, and figure out how it all started. Remember original Aunt Viv on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air or Claire on My Wife & Kids? Exactly.  Instagram: @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcast RealRelatablePodcast@gmail.com

As tensions continually erupt socially, do you ever wonder what thoughts go on inside law enforcement? Do you ever wonder how black cops cope? With the intention of creating a safe space to let it out, let's get some insider thoughts with our resident law enforcement officer. Disclaimer: **With thoughts and opinions that are representative of themself and only themself.** Instagram: @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcast Email: RealRelatablePodcast@gmail.com

To celebrate the 4th annual Black Maternal Health Week (thanks to the Black Mamas Matter Alliance) it's about time we talk to an expert in the OB/GYN field directly. We have talked about the disparity in black maternal health care in the US so this week we are sitting down with Karen Ashby, MD to discuss what she has seen over her years of practice and how to be an advocate for change in the community. Weekly Faith in Humanity Restored www.firstyearcleveland.org Instagram: @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcast

Hello Women’s History Month! There are so many incredible women we can highlight that have done an immense amount of work to advance women and humanity overall. This week we’re focusing on Lorraine Hansberry as a black playwright, activist and humanitarian who way the first to test the stage of Broadway. Weekly Faith in Humanity Restored: CHILASAROMA Candles @CHILASAROMA www.CHILASAROMA.com Instagram: @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcast

It’s about time we have the pleasure to host a conversation with a black law enforcement agent. Delving into some of the not well known of law enforcement and tapping back in on the gun conversation from the very first episode of Real.Relatable. with Mo’ Guns, Mo Problems. Weekly Faith in Humanity Restored: 1770 Armory & Gun Club https://1770armory.com/ Support black business! Instagram: @TechJitsu @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcast

Did you know Black History Month started with Negro History Week? Many thanks to those before us who did the work in making sure there was room for us to learn what we know and can expand upon today. May we be radical in dismantling to learn who we truly are in the best effort push forward positively as a people. We’re also celebrating a few greats who hadn’t gotten as much recognition and thank them for doing the work for those to follow their footsteps. Weekly Faith in Humanity Restored: Association for the Study of African American Life & History www.asalh.org Instagram: @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcast RealRelatablePodcast@gmail.com

Allow me to introduce you to Jonathan Stokes, co-host of the branch off of your favorite podcast, a monthly series of Real. Relatable. dubbed “Now We Know”. Jonathan and I unpack major ropics surrounding learning, unlearning and re-learning what we should’ve been taught about our black history. As MLK Jr day approaches, we launch the first episode of this series with focus on honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy for humanity. What didn’t we learn? What do we know now? Weekly Weekly Faith in Humanity Restored www.TheKingCenter.org Instagram: @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcast

It’s time to let our hair down and talk about what dating looks like during a pandemic with that extra layer of complication for single moms. I definitely shared some things that went beyond my typical comfort level

What an incredible moment in the history of our country! This 2020 election has had us all on pins and needles awaiting the outcome. Now that we've seen the numbers, it's even more clear we have a ways to go.

In the year of trials and tribulations, I decided I would challenge myself. In doing so, I felt more empowered than ever and ready to take on what I didn't think I would before. I'm buying a home (again), which means I really am dedicating myself to Idaho.  Weekly Faith in Humanity Restored:  @Inclusive_Idaho  www.inclusiveidaho.org  ***GO VOTE*** Instagram: @RealRelatablePodcast

Who better to gain perspective from than someone who has dedicated their life to the fight for social justice? I cannot be more thankful to have Reverend Mark Thompson on the podcast this week, with some real insight and great takeaways for how we can all do more for the cause. Weekly Faith in Humanity Restored: @ColorofChange www.ColorofChange.org  @NAACP www.naacp.org @GunsDownAmerica www.GunsDownAmerica.org Instagram: @MakeItPlain @Ministter @Reperationscomm @RealRelatablePodcast

I think we've all been tested across the board this year. How we're showing up is a testament to who we truly are. It doesn't mean we're not tired or that we'll stop pushing through, if anything we have learned we have to continue to fight. Instagram: @RealRelatablePodcast Weekly Faith in Humanity Restored - since Day 1: National Alliance on Mental Illness www.NAMI.org Black Mamas Matter Alliance www.BlackMamasMatter.org National Museum of African American History & Culture https://nmaahc.si.edu/ Mamba FC https://mambamambacitasports.org/donate Color of Change www.colorofchange.org Black & Bold Coffee www.blkandbold.com Black Girl Sunscreen www.blackgirlsunscreen.com Child Rescue Coalition www.childrescuecoalition.org

Join us for part 2 of the generational discussion about being black in America. Ya'll are in for a treat! Weekly Faith in Humanity Restored: www.blackgirlsunscreen.com The website is back up and running! www.DonnaJaneen.com @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodacast RealRelatablePodcast@gmail.com

Our fight isn't over because racism isn't over. Racism didn't end with slavery or the Civil Rights movement. Let's continue the conversation to let our voices be heard and to encourage actions to create change. We're fighting for equality and reform, not revenge. There's so much work to be done! Weekly Faith in Humanity Restored: www.blkandbold.com  @RealRelatablePodcast RealRelatablePodcast@gmail.com

I’m letting out some further thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement and how people are missing the point.

Times have been hard for a long time. Are things better now vs 60 years ago? Maybe. But they’re certainly still not where they should be. Let’s discuss how we got here in the first place and why these horrific injustices continue to happen. Weekly Faith in Humanity Restored: ColorofChange.org @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcast

We're all in the same messed up boat, right? Here's an attempt to rock mine even more working from home with a 2.5yo. Come along with me on this insane journey over the last week. How do you think it went? Take a wild guess. Instagram: @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcast

Parenting is hard, single parenthood is no different. Listen in on the continued transition into my life as a single mother with an ever evolving and growing toddler. Weekly Faith in Humanity Restored: National Museum of African American History & Culture https://nmaahc.si.edu/ Mamba FC https://mambamambacitasports.org/donate Social - Instagram: @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcast Email: RealRelatablePodcast@gmail.com

Welp, here I am - closing out 2019 with the biggest transition of my life. I didn't expect to be here but I'm happy I am. I know it's cliche but here's to a fresh start in 2020, literally. Listen to learn how it all went down.

It's been awhile but I'm working on coming back! Give me a little bit and I'll get real on all (most) of it.

Have you ever been to therapy or contemplated doing so? This week I found myself reflecting on why I have been previously and what pushed me to go back. Weekly Faith in Humanity Restored: National Alliance on Mental Illness www.NAMI.org

Let’s get real about black maternal health in the US. How do we have the highest maternity mortality rates in the developed world? Affluence has no bearing on the statistics!  Support Dem Black Mamas podcast for even more depth discussions from experts in the doula, lactation, and mental health industries. You’ll also be sure to get some good laughs along the way! Instragram & Facebook: @DemBlackMamas  Make a difference by donating to Black Mamas Matter Alliance www.BlackMamasMatter.org to support Black Maternal Health. Let’s not forget about the Bahamas. Just because the media moves on doesn’t mean we should! www.NABMiami.org/donate Instagram: @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcast Facebook Page: Donna Janeen Questions/Comments: RealRelatablePodcast@gmail.com

It's not too late or too early to talk about the gun problem in this country. We need to continue the conversation and make strides for change. Weekly Faith in Humanity Restored: March for Our Lives www.marchforourlives.com to donate or share Instagram: @DonnaJaneen @RealRelatablePodcast Facebook Page: Donna Janeen

After months of attempting here and there to format and launch this podcast, the bandaid has been ripped off! Let’s kickoff the journey by subscribing now and be the first to listen when the official first episode launches soon.