The Book Stoop

As a Certified Diversity Professional and Scholar-Practitioner, Shawna Gann successfully marries business psychology, learning theory, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles to support organizations as they advance DEI practices in the workplace and in everyday social situations. Though she works with employees at all levels of an organization supporting the many dimensions of diversity, she specializes in racial ambiguity, authenticity, and belonging. Through her world travels, Shawna has immersed herself in global and social culture granting a fresh perspective and the ability to think broadly, which has augmented her work as an effective and impactful consultant, educator, and doctoral candidate. In the conversation today, we dive into organizational fairness, the backstory to True Colors Consulting, and Shawna's journey from classroom to the world of organizational leadership and then into business psychology, and her continuing studies!-----Shout Out: @DivestingFromWhiteness  |  @JReedConsulting  Shawna's Website: www.TrueColorsDEI.com Shawna's Podcast: www.TrueColorsCast.com  Row House Publishing on Instagram: @RowHousePubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.RowHousePublishing.com/Podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: RowHousePublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.DaniellePioli.com)

Julianna Rose (she/they) is an illustrator and magic tool maker. They have studied world building, time traveling, and tarot at the Cecilia Weston Spiritual Academy. They have created artwork for children's books, ad agencies, grocery stores, and apparel. Julianna enjoys smoking weed and snacking, gardening, pulling tarot cards, having deep conversations, hiking, swimming, and magic making. They are mixed race (Korean and white) and currently live in the desert with their partner and dog, Shimmy.In the conversation today, Julianna tells us about their relationship to cannabis, and how it started and has evolved. We hear about the perspective shifts on the plant as medicine, and how it's become part of a tool kit for creativity. Julianna shares their excitement about the 420 Tarot deck, and how they've worked through creative blocks, weaving through spirituality and creativity. They offer a caveat for white people and people of color with white privilege when using the deck, and personal suggestions for starting a meditative ritual and relationship with cannabis.*host and guest are not experts, and content discussed in this podcast should not be taken as professional or medical advice*-----Shout Out: @TheCannabisCutie  |  @JadeTPerry  Row House Publishing on Instagram: @RowHousePubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.RowHousePublishing.com/Podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: RowHousePublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.DaniellePioli.com)

Nancy Torres is an Author, Childhood Educator, and Meditation Guide. She loves inspiring and supporting children in their academic and social-emotional development. Nancy received a B.A. in Corporate Communications from Baruch College, City University of New York, and received an M.A. in Childhood Education and Special Education from New York University. Nancy speaks both English and Spanish, and lives in New York with her husband and two sons whom they are raising bilingual.In the conversation today, we hear about the backstory behind and the creative process that brought Nancy's book Say It With Me (Dilo Conmigo) to life.  Nancy shares how releasing her book-baby was received by her friends and family, and how that influenced her perspectives on the book and the idea behind it.  We chat about how a timer can change the game when it comes to a full system reset, the lessons we learn from children, and how we can work together to embrace, honor and express our emotions. -----Shout Out: @Christopher__Rivas  |  @Emily.Auffrey  |  @BrittHawthorne  |  @JulietaTorresD  Nancy on Instagram: @IAmNancyTorres Say It With Me (Dilo Conmigo): WheatPennyPress.com/SayItWithMe Row House Publishing on Instagram: @RowHousePubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

*Content Warning: topics include abuse, anorexia and suicidal ideation*Nōn Wels is a writer, doggo lover, creator of the You, Me, Empathy podcast, and founder of The Feely Human Collective, a space to grow and grapple with the wonders of empathy, vulnerability, and emotional curiosity. In the conversation today, we hear the backstory to the You, Me, Empathy podcast, and what brave safety means to Nōn. We speak about using our privilege, uplifting others, leading by example, and what keeps Nōn inspired.-----Shout Out: @Surrija  |  Songwhip.com/Surrija  Nōn on Instagram: @FeelyHuman Nōn's links: linktr.ee/FeelyHuman Row House Publishing on Instagram: @RowHousePubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Sonali Fiske is a woman-identified, Sri Lankan-born, California-grown leadership mentor, radio talk show host, spoken word artist, writer, international speaker, and mama to one teenaged-son. Her everyday work is to fortify and amplify revolutionary BIPoC voices in a collapsing white-dominant, colonized landscape. Sonali specifically mentors trans and cis womxn and non-binary and gender nonconforming people who are open to being in femme centered space. Her other devotions are centering racial justice and social change on her show, writing to heal, ocean talk as soul survival & her mother's rice & curry. ​Sonali is also a part of the local International Council of Interfaith & Indigenous Women. She speaks 3 languages, has visited 32 countries (so far), and is living out her life story in Orange County, CA. In the conversation today, we dive into the acronym BIWoC, and how Sonali uses it in her work. We hear about the background to BIWoC Revolutionaries Take the Mic, and how sacred rage and sacred listening can be used to serve and for growth and healing.-----Shout Out: @TheNapMinistry  |  @AdrienneMareeBrown  |  @AndreaRanaeJ Sonali on Instagram: @SonaliFiske Sonali's Links: linktr.ee/SonaliFiske Kelsey's Article: Expanding Awareness: How Patterns of Interaction Support White Supremacy Row House Publishing on Instagram: @RowHousePubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Jess Bird is a self taught artist + illustrator, making magic in her hometown of Rochester, NY. She started her instagram and shop Bless the Messy in 2014, in an effort to connect back to herself and others during the darkness of depression. Exposing herself as a messy, in-process human figuring it out, she uses her illustrations to convey what she's learning, how she's feeling, and how she moves through the world around her. Her hope is that people feel seen, validated, and less alone. She started Bless the Messy in a closet (both literally and figuratively) and has grown as an artist and human alongside so many of those who have supported her journey (even at a distance).In the conversation today, we hear about lessons learned from life with chickens, and how they help create community. Jess shares about how social media has been used as a tool to share as she's been navigating life and finding safety in herself and at home in her body - without the filters or trying to shapeshift to gain love and acceptance from others. Jess also shares a bit about how she had to completely dismantle the life she'd been living in order to step into authenticity and truth. -----Shout Out: @BlkBookSwapJess on Instagram: @BlessTheMessy Row House Publishing on Instagram: @RowHousePubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Rosa Lowinger is a writer and art conservator most well-known for Tropicana Nights: the Life and Times of the Legendary Cuban Nightclub, the definitive book on Havana's pre-Castro nightclub era. Born in Cuba and raised in Miami, Rosa has an M.A. in art history and conservation from NYU's Institute of Fine Arts, and she is a fellow of every major international conservation organization. She lives in Los Angeles, where she is chief conservator at RLA Conservation, LLC, a firm she founded that specializes in sculpture, contemporary art, and integral architectural finishes.  She was the 2009 Rome Prize Fellow in conservation at the American Academy in Rome, where she researched a project called “A Comprehensive History of Vandalism.” Curatorial credits include Concrete Paradise: Miami Marine Stadium at the Coral Gables Museum (2013), and Promising Paradise: Cuban Allure, American Seduction at the Wolfsonian in Miami Beach (2016). Her memoir Dwell Time: Reflections on Art, Restoration, and Exile will be published in 2023 by RowHouse Publishing.In the conversation today, Rosa explains why reading well-written and compelling work helps her strive to do better. We hear about her “double” immigration story, reflections and insights from her life, wandering to belong, and about her business in art restoration and how this has influenced her life.-----Shout Out: BrigidAlliance.org  |  @brigidalliance Rosa on Instagram: @rlaconservation  Rosa's Website: RosaLowinger.com RLAConservation of Art & Architecture: https://rlaconservation.com/  Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Asha Frost is an Indigenous Medicine Woman and a member of the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation. She is the best selling author of You are the Medicine, and has guided thousands of people through profound and lasting transformation. Asha is from the Crane Clan, the totem of leadership, and believes in holding space from vision and heart. As an energy healer, homeopath, and mentor, Asha has blended her life experience with her innate gifts and the wisdom of her Ancestors.  She loves sharing her Medicine in powerful ways through Ceremonies, teachings, and speaking events. Through this work, she loves seeing people reclaim their roots, find their healing wisdom, and rise into their power.In the conversation today, Asha recalls her experience of writing her book as being so similar to a birth, and the challenges that came with the creative process in a lockdown period. We hear about her latest project, an oracle deck, and how her diagnosis with lupus redirected her in early adulthood. Asha shares about her intentions to help others rise into their power by unwinding from the systemic damage and impact, as well as how the essence of children weaves into her work.-----Shout Out: @kaitlincurtice Asha on Instagram: @asha.frostAsha's Book - You Are The Medicine: youarethemedicinebook.com  Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Daniel J. O'Brien is a Trinidad-born author and illustrator currently residing in New York with his fantastic partner, Ashleigh, and their loyal but nervous dog, Obbie. He holds a BFA in Illustration from The School of Visual Arts. With that and his love of everything folklore, nature, and science, he is continually fueling his passion for illustration. He uses his honed ability to bring forth exuberant and whimsical illustrations full of life, and vibrant color. Daniel has written, illustrated, designed, and self-published two children's books. The Carnival Prince and I Am The Midnight Robber are both projects that are near and dear as they represent his Caribbean heritage. He has also teamed up with the small publisher, Caribbean Reads, and illustrated the picture books, The Talking Mango Tree and The Masquerade Dance.In the conversation today, we hear all about Daniel's love of sci-fi and how he started exploring storytelling early in his life, with illustrations and then into comic strips and books.  As his work evolved, he began weaving his culture and his own personal narratives into his stories.  Much of his work and mentorship with youth aims to encourage others to celebrate their own stories while absorbing the lessons in the sharing.-----Shout Out: @ashraevision   |   Pod Save America Podcast + F*ck Bans Action Plan  Daniel on Instagram: @danielostudios The Carnival Prince: https://bookshop.org/books/the-carnival-prince/ Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Rawiyah Tariq is a Black, gender non-binary, fat, disabled and neurodivergent artist and kink aware professional.  Their roots are in queer, poly-amorous, fat community.  Their tone is reflective of these roots and their work is informed by how these intersect with their Blackness.  Magic, massage, storytelling and performance art are tools they use to liberate, heal and reclaim space for marginalized communities. They believe in cohesive and somatic healing and holding practices that align body, mind and spirit.In the conversation today, we hear about Rawiyah's entry into writing as an escape from bullying, stimulating their mind and spirit. Rawiyah tells us about their mission with A Sovereign Embodiment, and how their work and writing is centered around that vision.  They work intentionally from a place of love to help others in remembering themselves in their totality and to live with choice and authenticity.  Rawiyah also shares some really incredible insights and projects regarding rest, specifically within their community.-----Shout Out: @asovereignembodiment   |   @projectetesen  Rawiyah on Instagram: @mammyisdead Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female-identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She's known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, speaker, strategist, healing-centered educator, and guide (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur who is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility through liberation by way of decolonization, justice, and anti-oppression work.In the conversation today, we start with some of Weeze's reflections and takeaways from a recent read, “Pleasure Activism.” We then move into some background to the idea of deconstruction to reconstruction of one's identity through healing and coming home to oneself. Weeze shares some personal stories about redefining and reshaping her identity and her mission to protect her peace while helping support others to do the same. -----Shout Outs:  @trudilebron   |   @myishathill   |   @sincerely.lettie   |   @americahatesus   |   @fredtjoseph   |   @embodyemerge   |   @bexlife   |   @gforce234   Weeze on Instagram: @accordingtoweeze That's Not How That Works - Podcast Episode: Ep. 18 - Protect Your Peace! Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

*CW: Jamal is a sexual assault survivor, and experienced suicidal thoughts, which are mentioned early in the conversation. Jamal is an educator and activist that grounds his work in the cannons of Love on Purpose! Jamal believes that hate has no place in the creation of changing the world. We must find our best selves if we wish to elevate the change we want to see. In the conversation today, Jamal shares his perspectives on how important it is to see the best in people in the worst of situations. He elaborates on how and why therapy and laughter have been integral for his own healing and the work he does today, and the backstory behind “Love on Purpose!”-----Shout Out: @myishathill + @accordingtoweeze  Jamal on Instagram: @lemmeeducateyou Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Tiffany Townsend is a Certified Professional Midwife, connected to her ancestral land and roots. Her early experiences with her Abuela, an OBGYN in the Dominican, had her involved with birth early in her life. As a young Mom herself, she saw first hand how many misconceptions and misunderstandings there were in the birth world, and committed herself to educating herself through the birth and raising of her first four children.Through the misconceptions, myths and pure ignorance about Black people and pregnancy and breastfeeding, Tiffany's commitment to providing holistic support became paramount. She is proud to say that she is the first Black CPM in West Michigan - but we'll talk about the importance and unspoken weight of what that means to Tiffany today.  She celebrates uniqueness and aims to create comfort through authenticity and by offering heart-filled humanity, medical, physiological, emotional, spiritual support. -----Shout Out: @doctor_midwife Tiffany on Instagram: @delaflormidwifery Tiffany's Website: www.delaflormidwifery.comNPR Article: "Black midwives and doulas in Michigan work to improve maternal and infant health" Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Dra. Rocío Rosales Meza, is a Xicana/Mexicana Indigenous woman. She is a Seer, initiated medicine woman in the Q'ero Inca lineage, and is a Counseling Psychology Ph.D. She is also an unschooling mama to a 5 year old child who holds supernatural gifts. Dra. Rocío comes from a long line of healers on both her maternal and paternal lineages and was born with psychic, channeling, and mediumship gifts.  Dra. Rocío's work is at the intersections of decolonizing, spirituality, and wellness. Her work is deeply rooted in Indigenous wisdom, medicine, and worldview and her work has had a global impact to evolve the collective consciousness in understanding the need to decolonize our minds, to reclaim our spiritual sovereignty, and to restore balance to our world.In the conversation today, we hear about Rocío's call to heal and do the decolonial work in the intersections of wellness and spirituality. Rocío shares with us the work that she's doing now as a Medicine Woman, with individuals and the collective to restore harmony and balance in our world. She talks about the wisdom and medicine that's in the DNA of women and the matriarchs, as well as the importance of existing in reciprocity with Mother Nature. -----Dra. Rocío on Instagram: @dr.rosalesmeza Shout Out: @courtney.has.words  |  @return2heart  Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Tiffany Hammond is the creator and voice behind Fidgets and Fries. She is Black woman with  Autism, a mother to two boys with autism, an advocate, and a storyteller.  Tiffany uses her personal experiences with Autism and parenting her two boys to guide others on their journey. Her activism is rooted in challenging the current perception of Autism as a lifelong burden, cultivating a community that explores the concept of Intersectionality, challenges dominant culture thinking on matters of race, and inspiring thought leaders through storytelling, education, and critical discourse. In the conversation today, we hear how Tiffany's community online came to be, and how she uses this space to share stories that encourage true feeling and response from her readers. Tiffany shares the backstory to Fidgets and Fries, and how her online community has had her back as her platform grows.  We also hear about how and why writing while angry has a true purpose and message that should not be dismissed or ignored, but accepted, appreciated and honored. -----Tiffany on Instagram: @fidgets.and.fries Shout Out: @nigh.functioning.autism Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Mary Fashik is a Lebanese-born, Queer Disability Rights Activist, author, public speaker and workshop facilitator.  In 2019, Mary founded Upgrade Accessibility, a movement designed to challenge today's accessibility standards.  The movement has grown to include disability rights, intersectionality, disability justice, equity and unequivocally supports Black Lives Matter / Black Disabled Lives Matter.  In the conversation today, Mary shares the backstory to Upgrade Accessibility and where and why the “Mary Mic Drops” have come from. We hear about why so many disabled people have neglected medical care during the pandemic as well as some personal experiences of Mary's during the last few years. Mary also tells us about a very exciting upcoming project with Row House and Wheat Penny Press, and why representation is so vital. -----Mary on Instagram: @upgradeaccessibility  |  @maryfashik  Shout Out: @catalina_bliss Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Kristen McGuiness is the Vice President of Row House. She's the founder of Storyboxing, providing content, coaching and courses for people looking to sell their book, launch their brand or grow their non-profit. She's also the bestselling author of 51/50: the Magical Adventures of a Single Life, and has recently finished her debut novel Live Through This. She has over twenty years' experience in book development, writing and editorial work. In the conversation today, you'll hear about so many things! - Including: the backstory to how a love of reading turned into a love of writing. This writing turned into editorial work, and eventually into mentorship and coaching in the book world.  Kristen tells us how she hit her rock bottom and worked through some of life's biggest challenges while navigating her career. She shares her experience working on other stories while sitting on the biggest story yet - her Dad's story - and the visions behind Row House. -----Kristen on Instagram: @kristenmcguiness Shout Out: @landbackbaddie Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Marcie Alvis-Walker is a writer and the creator of the blog and Instagram feed, Black Coffee with White Friends and Mockingbird History Lessons. She is passionate about what it means to embrace intersectionality, diversity and inclusion in our daily lives. As a history enthusiast, she believes that learning our comprehensive history from diverse narratives is not only racially healing but also radically anti- racist. She recently moved to Chicago, Illinois with her husband, daughter, and their dog Evie where she reads a lot of books, watches a lot of movies, and drinks a lot of tea and coffee.  In this conversation, Marcie shares some really powerful perspectives and experiences behind hurtful narratives, as well as some personal reflections on faith, religion and identity. We hear the backstory to Black Coffee with White Friends, her upcoming book, and about why creating new norms for our kids is so important. -----Marcie on Instagram: @blackcoffeewithwhitefriends  |  @mockingbirdhistorylessons  Marcie's Links: linktr.ee/blackcoffeewithwhitefriends  Shout Out: @thekevingarcia Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Lindo Jones is a Spoken Word Artist, Creator of LindoYes! Clothing Line, and an Event Host who was born and raised in Uptown Philadelphia, PA. He is an unapologetically Black fusion of theatrical poetics and visual art, whose work addresses the constructs of love, masculinity and social injustice.  Lindo builds curriculum to help youth express themselves through creative writing, visual arts, and performing arts, centered around social activism and personal development. In the conversation today, Lindo shares some insights about a book he's reading on apologizing. He talks about Black superheroes and his own personal superpowers. Lindo tells us about his creative process, and about how imagination has no budget.  We hear about how Lindo is helping support students, offering and sharing his superpowers as tools to carry through our lives.  He expands on social anxiety and how this has played into his spoken word poetry, and what a “flash of Genius” is! -----Lindo on Instagram: @lindoyesLindo's Website: LindoYes.com Shout Out: Octavia E. Butler  |  @BlackMindsPublishing Row House Publishing on Instagram: @RowHousePubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Kina Reed is a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practitioner. She is also the creator and curator behind the social media platforms, The AntiBlackness Reader Project and Divesting From Whiteness. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies and is a published researcher, conference presenter and public speaker. Her public advocacy is largely inspired by her academic research relating to social power and its intersections with race and gender identity constructions. She formerly held a dual faculty administrator appointment at Louisiana State University as the Director of Forensics.In the conversion today, Kina shares the backstory to Divesting from Whiteness and the importance of finding one's personal ethnic heritage story. Kina tells us about how 2016 was such a pivotal year for her, and offers her perspectives on the construction of whiteness in our world. We talk about her gift to herself - the gift of ancestry! - and about the pros and cons to online communities. -----Kina on Instagram: @divestingfromwhiteness Kina's Links: linktr.ee/divestingfromwhiteness Shout Out: @courtney.has.words  |  @thesonjarpriceherbert  |  @tashahunterlcsw   Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymous Cover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Layla F. Saad is an author, speaker, and teacher on the topics of race, identity, leadership, personal transformation and social change.  She is the New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of the groundbreaking book Me and White Supremacy, the host of the Good Ancestor Podcast, and the founder of The Good Ancestor Book Club. In the conversation today, we hear about Layla's latest reads, and what reading rituals look like between reading for work and reading for the podcast. Layla shares her desires and drive to celebrate Black authors and authors of color from all genres, and how reading sci-fi can help offer support when the world feels like it's falling apart.  Layla tells us about her podcast and what experiences in the creative process of writing the YA Edition of Me and White Supremacy was like. -----Layla F. Saad on Instagram: @LaylaFSaad Layla F. Saad Online: LaylaFSaad.com The Good Ancestor Podcast: @GoodAncestorPodcast Shout Out: @MamaGlow  |  @MamaGlowFoundation  Row House Publishing on Instagram: @RowHousePubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.RowHousePublishing.com/Podcast​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Juliet Diaz is a Bruja, Seer, and Spiritual activist. She's an Indigenous Taino Cubana from a long line of curanderos (Healers) and Brujas on both sides of her parents' lineages. She believes Magic lives within us all and feels passionately about inspiring others to step into their truth and waking to their remembrance. Juliet has devoted her life to helping people come back to their Divine Self and liberate themselves from the oppressor within. In this conversation, Juliet shares the backstory to her third and most recent book, The Altar Within. Juliet tells us about her perspectives on decolonizing and dismantling the spiritual and wellness industry. We hear about her near death experience and her lessons in waking up. We hear about the things that were unmasked and revealed during this time, and how her book was truly a gift of channeled messages.-----Juliet on Instagram: @iamjulietdiaz Juliet's Website: www.iamjulietdiaz.com Shout Out: @dr.rosalesmeza Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Content Warning - Traumatic Experiences that Induce PTSD and StressTamela J. Gordon is a New York-bred, Miami revitalized, New Orleans lustin' Black writer, book critic, self-care coach, and performer. Her platforms are dedicated to providing content and resources for marginalized people in need of self-care. Online, she's the founder of Black Lit Book Club, a virtual book café that centers, promotes, and critiques Black literature.In the conversation today, Tamela shares the backstory to Hood Wellness and where the exploration of affordable self care practices began - particularly for marginalized intersections of identity.  Tamela talks about life as a nurturer, emotional growth, the power of community and online spaces, and the three phases of her personal teeth journey - offering some insights on establishing boundaries. -----Shout Out: @theblackfairygodmotherofficial Tamela on Instagram: @shewritestolive Tamela's Links: https://linktr.ee/shewritestolive Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Trudi Lebrón is a business coach who helps entrepreneurs build businesses that change lives without compromising their values, their money, or their commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. She stands behind this practice of equity centered coaching and leadership that focuses on frameworks that support social impact business models. In this conversation, Trudi shares her own journey with coaching, and a backstory and brief history of the coaching industry.  She offers insights on the differences between a business person, an entrepreneur and a coach, and where sales and marketing impact intentionality and overall coaching practices.  She tells us about how coaches and mentors changed the trajectory of her life, what culturally responsive teaching looks like, how equity is about far more than just racism, and how important a true commitment to learning is. -----Trudi on Instagram: @trudilebron Trudi's Website: https://trudilebron.com/ Preorder The Antiracist Business Book here: www.rowhousepublishing.com/books Shout Out: *please support the local grassroots social service agencies and nonprofits and organizations in your communities that are supporting others!*Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Leslie Priscilla is a first generation non-Black Chicana mother to three bicultural children. She founded this bilingual organization and movement intentionally rooted in children's rights, social and racial justice, the individual and collective practice of nonviolence and reparenting, intergenerational and ancestral healing, cultural sustenance, and the active decolonization of oppressive practices in our families.In this conversation, Leslie talks about feeling really angry and experiencing rage towards the systems that have allowed men to benefit from the woundedness and the pain of women. She's reached a new level of understanding and compassion for her Mom as a Mom herself, witnessing and experiencing carried rage and self-abandonment. Leslie shares about her mission to raise her son as intentionally as she can, as well as celebrating the opportunity to break intergenerational cycles of harm and abuse and violence. She talks about “Reparenting' as a discipline, the value of turning inward, representation in the parenting world, and the importance of sustaining and uplifting culture. -----Leslie's Instagram + All Links: @latinxparenting Shout Out: @latinxgrief | @prntgdcolonized | @raisingreaders   Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Leesa Renée Hall is a mental wellness advocate with a deep interest in humanity and psychology. She helps highly sensitive people and deep feelers explore unconscious biases so they can become better ancestors while protecting their own energy. In this conversation, Leesa shares about her journey decolonizing herself - and her bookshelf, exploring social, biological and ethnic identities. Her work dives into meeting and understanding our Inner Oppressor, venturing into Inner Field Trips and exploring oneself with love and compassion.  Leesa also shares perspectives on how mislabeling leads to unfair expectations, and the differences between withdrawing to hide vs withdrawing to recharge.-----Leesa on Instagram: @leesareneehall Shout Out: *please support a local mental health charity or support a mental health activist*Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

*Content Warning: Pregnancy Loss* Brittany Carmona-Holt is a full spectrum doula, Tarot reader, birth and life photographer, artist, reproductive justice advocate, and author of the forthcoming book called Tarot for Pregnancy: A Companion for Radical, Magical Birthing Folks.In this conversation, Brittany starts by sharing her journey into writing and the importance of writing from a place of passion and understanding our divine assignments. She tells us about her upcoming book and about the creative process. Brittany talks about the community and lack thereof during pregnancy and postpartum, and how white supremacist and patriarchy culture factor into the deprioritization of those who have the physical mechanics of bringing and baby into the world. We wrap up with some powerful perspectives on honoring Black Grand Midwives and why funding Black midwives and birth workers is so important - and why it's owed. -----Brittany on Instagram: @brittanythebirthwitch Shout Out: ​​@4kira4moms  |  @delaflormidwifery  |  @doctor_midwife  |  @poetagoddess Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepub​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymous Cover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

*Content Warning: sexual assault and disordered eating*James Rose is a non-binary, genderfluid actor, Health at Every size Personal Trainer, trauma-informed yoga teacher, and DEI consultant in NYC/Lennapehoking.  They write about gender, eating disorder recovery, sex, their feelings, and their exes on their Instagram, where they hope to leave the internet a little better than they found it. In this candid conversation today, James shares their excitement about the future of theater and witnessing different experiences through performances on stage, and what and where their inspiration comes from. James talks about the power of Individual change as well as how they show up in their social media corner of the internet.  Social media has become a space to share, heal, connect, and be held accountable for going to therapy!  You'll also hear about the healing powers of alone time and learning to enjoy the company of oneself. -----Shout Out: @wagatwe James on Instagram: @jamesissmiling Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Rebekah Bruesehoff is a passionate, outspoken, and heart-driven teen with her heart set on change and the greater good. Between the numerous projects she's a part of and the visions she has, Rebekah is changing the world one conversation at a time. In our chat today, Rebekah shares the coolest gift idea for the holidays, as well as how impactful it's been for her - and others - to have a reverse mentorship role working with large companies in order to educate the workforce for upcoming generations of employees. Rebekah shares the importance of language and finding the right words to describe who we are, and how special playing sports is to just be yourself.  We talk about the representation in the media and safety in faith communities - this conversation is one you don't want to miss! -----Rebekah on Instagram: @therealrebekah Shout Out: campstompingground.org Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Tasha Hunter is a Licensed Clinical Social worker, an author, and a podcast host.  She's a heart forward friend and leader who is open and honest about her own healing journey in order to help others feel more connected and less alone. In this conversation, Tasha opens up about realizing the ways she silenced her own voice - primarily after having read Women Who Run With The Wolves. We talk about the importance of turning inward, and the fact that it is okay to do so.  We talk about naming and acknowledging our stories and the power of friendship and love.  We also hear about how Tasha calls out white supremacy and patriarchy as she sees it, and shares how she does this in her daily life. -----Tasha Hunter on Instagram: @tashahunterlcsw Shout Outs: @sincerely.lettie | @courtney.has.words | @blackcoffeewithwhitefriends | @herstoryspeakspodcast | @monicadicristina | @chabare | @theancestorproject       Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepub​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymous Cover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Rebekah “Bex” Borucki is the Co-Founder and President of Row House Publishing, Wheat Penny Press (Row House's children's imprint), and the WPP Little Readers Big Change Initiative. In this episode, Bex shares the backstory to Row House and the way that Row House Publishing is breaking norms in the traditional publishing world. She talks about the business structure and the pillars of Row House's “CRED” commitment - Community, Responsibility, Equity, Disruption - and what each means to her.Bex also opens up about how Row House and the experiences over the last year have far exceeded anything she could have ever dreamed of, and elaborates on the investment opportunities available for supporting Row House. -----BOOKS AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER: www.rowhousepublishing.com/books Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Gina Moffa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York. She specializes in grief and trauma work, and has recently started her latest endeavor as a published author, writing about a more modern approach to grief and grieving in the world today. In the conversation today, Gina shares about her transition into grief and trauma therapy and the differences between “big T and little t” trauma.  Gina tells us about how trauma and grief are linked and about how this has been especially apparent since the onset of the global pandemic.  She talks about the importance of using proper language around grief with children and why bringing caregivers, parents and teachers into the conversation is so important. -----Gina Moffa on Instagram: @ginamoffalcswShout Out: @imtiffanyyu  Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Britt Hawthorne is an anti-racist educator, teacher, speaker, visionary, and activist committed to raising a generation of anti-racist children by centering families of the global majority and fostering equitable learning environments for students and children of all ages and backgrounds. Britt's work moves the idea of equity in education from a goal to reality. In this dynamic conversation, Britt shares the backstory to her online community and Collective Liberation.  She also tells us about her experience being pushed out of teaching, when her two Black sons experienced educational racism.  We talk about “power over, power with, and power within,” as well as the prison technologies upheld in many schools. We also hear about Britt's new book, "Raising Anti-Racist Children: A Practical Parenting Guide" which will be out in 2022. -----Britt Hawthorne on Instagram: @britthawthorne Britt's Website: britthawthorne.comJoin Collective Liberation: collective-liberation.mn.co  Shout Out: @ameliaasherwood + @sankofalearningcenter Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Charnaie Gordon is an author, an entrepreneur, a content creator, podcast host, and a lover of books.  Charnaie is also the founder of the Instagram and growing online community called “Here Wee Read,” connecting people with diverse and inclusive books, kid-friendly products, and family experiences they will love.In today's conversation on The Book Stoop, Charnaie shares the story behind Here Wee Read.  She shares her perspectives and realities as a content creator and a writer, and opens about how isolating yet rewarding the creative process can be. -----Charnaie on Instagram: @hereweeread Here Wee Read: https://hereweeread.com/ Charnaie's Links: https://hereweeread.com/linktree Charnaie's Website: ​​https://charnaiegordon.com/ Shout Out:  @myleik Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Tina Strawn is a Black joy advocate, a liberation activist, a podcast host, and an author.  Her upcoming book "Are We Free Yet?"  -  takes us through 2020 through Tina's eyes.  It is both a personal reflection and a collective examination of the ways that we interact with systems of oppression, including patriarchy, white supremacy, and capitalism. In this conversation, we hear Tina share about healing, joy, peace and pleasure. She tells us about her political activation in 2017 after losing all faith in the system, the backstory behind Legacy Trips, the take-over of the Speaking of Racism podcast, about her experience as a Black woman in Jamaica, and her decision to Blaxit.-----Links to Support Tina: linktr.ee/tina_strawn_life Tina on Instagram: @tina_strawn_lifeLegacy Trips: @legacytripsSpeaking of Racism: @speakingofracism  Shout Out: @blaxitglobal Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Myisha T Hill is a mental health activist, healer, speaker, author, entrepreneur and founder of Check Your Privilege, a global movement that supports individuals on their journey of becoming actively anti-racist. In this conversation, Myisha speaks about the importance of making space for Black men to exist as whole human beings, and why centering the teachings of Elders is necessary for guidance, growth, change, and inspiration. Myisha tells us all about her journey with her upcoming book, Heal Your Way Forward, and the backstory behind Check Your Privilege. You'll also hear about how therapy, peer support groups, Zumba, and SCUBA diving are sources of nourishment for Myisha! -----Myisha on Instagram: @myishathill Check Your Privilege: @ckyourprivilege Co-Conspirator's Lounge: www.coconspiratorslounge.com Shout Out: @upgradeaccessibility Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Courtney Napier is a writer, journalist, gatherer, and antiracism coach from Raleigh, North Carolina.  She is also the founder of Black Oak Society, a collective of Black creatives in the greater Raleigh area. Their flagship publication, BOS Magazine, is a literary magazine focused on giving Black Raleigh her flowers now. Courtney has coached individuals and organizations as they seek to lead and live in a way that undermines white supremacy and honours the humanity of all people. In this conversation, Courtney shares her perspectives and objectives with learning for liberation's sake, and why it's so important for people to understand their local histories - not just what's taught in traditional classrooms by predominantly white teachers. Courtney tells us the story behind her workshop, Know Better, Do Better: The Legacy of White Allyship, and how reading exposed her to a part of herself she'd never known. -----Courtney on Instagram: @courtney.has.wordswww.courtneynapier.com www.patreon.com/blackoaksociety Shout Out: @sonyareneetaylor Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Christopher Rivas shares how his personal practices and ability to observe the world around him keep him inspired.  He shares his perspectives and life experiences that have helped him create his upcoming book, Brown Enough, and how important it's been for Christopher to meet himself where he is at, in any given moment. As a creator, Christopher talks about the importance of safety and feeling safe in order to create, and why storytelling and community are so important. -----Christopher Rivas on Instagram: @christopher__rivaswww.christopherrivasstorytelling.com  Row House Publishing: www.rowhousepublishing.comShout Out: @bexlife Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)

Chrissy King; writer, fitness and strength coach, and creator of The Body Liberation Project. In the conversation today, Chrissy shares the story behind her book deal with Tiny Reparations, how her fitness journey has changed her life, what keeps her inspired, and what Chrissy's definition of Black Joy is. -----Chrissy King on Instagram: @iamchrissyking ChrissyKing.comChrissy King - Is Fitness Only For Thin, White Women?Shout Out: @decolonizing_fitness Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubPodcast Transcriptions Available: www.rowhousepublishing.com/podcast ​​Learn more about Row House Publishing and our mission to Raise the Volume on Voices That Matter™: http://rowhousepublishing.com Original Book Stoop theme: anonymousCover art: Danielle Pioli (https://www.daniellepioli.com)