Monuments to Me: Recent Episodes
Monuments to Me
Monuments To Me celebrates every aspect of black women in a world that tries to ignore or destroy them. This protected place features black women and ONLY black women diving into the conversations that matter. Akilah and Tyi lead an endless range of discussions that will move you from laughter to tears and inspire you toward the best version of self, but trust, they stay unapologetically centered on black women. This ain't your everyday podcast because it ain't every day that a podcast normalizes praising, celebrating, and building monuments to black women.
In the final episode of the season, join our hosts on a heartfelt and reflective journey as they explore the changing seasons in their lives. With a touch of nostalgia, they take a moment to reminisce about the most popular episodes of the season, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and their personal reflections on the impact those episodes had on them and their listeners. It's a candid and introspective conversation that celebrates the growth, challenges, and triumphs experienced throughout the season.
To learn more about our hosts, check out their Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter pages. • Akilah- @akilahffriend Website: https://akilahffriend.com/ • Dawn- @_dawnmontgomery YouTube: @BreakofDM and Twitter: @_dawnmontgomer • Monuments To Me Show: @monumentstome Show Production: Adode Media www.adodemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this episode of Monuments to Me, Chef Carla Hall discusses her journey of reclaiming the kitchen and creating community in the process. As a Black southern woman, Carla Hall embraces the culture of soul food - and spreads the good word about cooking with love. She shares her unique insights about divine timing, aging with grace, and pivoting in your career. Carla didn’t always cook, but she always loved to eat. She went to culinary school at 33 and competed on Top Chef at 44. Proving that it is never too late to chase your passions, Carla emphasizes that everything happens for a reason. What dreams or ideas do you have, sitting on the shelf? This episode will make you want to pull them down, dust them off and run with them at full speed. Chef Carla Hall has been featured as a contestant on Top Chef and appeared on Top Chef: All Stars. She is the Author of multiple cookbooks including Soul Food: Everyday and Celebration, which landed on annual “Best Cookbook” lists across the country and received an NAACP Image Awards nomination. She spent 7 years co-hosting ABC’s Emmy award winning, popular lifestyle series “The Chew”, and is featured on the Food Network in shows such as “Thanksgiving, Holiday and Halloween Baking Championships” as a Judge.
Connect With Carla
Website: https://carlahall.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlaphall/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chefcarlahall
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfZYLw8eI690el8dkO54sJg
To learn more about our hosts, check out their Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter pages.
Akilah- @akilahffriend Website: https://akilahffriend.com/
Dawn- @_dawnmontgomery YouTube: @BreakofDM and Twitter: @_dawnmontgomer
Monuments To Me Show: @monumentstome
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show Production: Adode Media www.adodemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D. is the sound of a new generation. She is a magical, alchemical, viral Poet and Author of the poem “You So Black.” Theresa is a performer of many talents including poetry, empowering children’s literature, vocals, and acting. She has been a Keynote Speaker at corporate events and educational institutions, made television and media appearances and performed at festivals and conferences. In a true monument to Black women, Theresa showers us with the power of her words: inspiring us to be intentional with our beauty, allow ourselves to be soft, and trust our intuition. She shares how she worked through imposter syndrome and learned to express herself through making her own clothes, curating her one-of-a-kind public image and extending her self-love to kindness towards others. If you ask Theresa what makes her so expressive, she will tell you that she inherited her mother’s “delusional confidence.” Bask in the magic of Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D. and prepare to be invigorated by your own power.
Connect With Theresa
Website: https://www.thasongbird.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thasongbird/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/thassongbird
Twitter: https://twitter.com/theresathabird
Purchase Theresa’s book, You So Black: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/you-so-black-theresa-tha-songbird/1141651804
To learn more about our hosts, check out their Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter pages
Akilah- @akilahffriend Website: https://akilahffriend.com/
Dawn- @_dawnmontgomery YouTube: @BreakofDM and Twitter: @_dawnmontgomer
Monuments To Me Show: @monumentstome
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show Production: Adode Media www.adodemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode is focused 100% on Only Fans and it is an amazing one. Akilah and Dawn have an open and honest conversation on the platform Only Fans and is it good or bad for black women. Is it a tool for over-sexualization or a tool for growth and change? Is it setting black women up for their future or is it setting them up for a let down.
A lot of perspective is discussed on this episode but we want you to come to your own conclusion.
Listen closely and share your thoughts and feelings.
To learn more about our hosts, check out their Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter pages.
Instagram:
Akilah- @akilahffriend
Dawn- @_dawnmontgomery
Monuments To Me Show: @monumentstome
Dawn - YouTube: @BreakofDM and Twitter: @_dawnmontgomer
We are moving mountains in this week’s episode with Kim Carter. She is a Top 10 CNN Hero, Founder and Ambassador for Time for Change Foundation, President & CEO of Center for Housing Advancement and Motivational Projects (CHAMP), author of Waking Up To My Purpose, and a proud Black woman in America. But none of that came easy.
Kim shares how she overcame homelessness, incarceration, addiction, and more and found a way to better herself in a system that perpetuates inequality. She opens up about her journey of going through the worst of the worst, to finding her purpose of helping other Black women by creating resources that empower disenfranchised individuals, starting programs to help women like her, and building communities where Black women are centered to help them thrive.
More importantly, through doing, living, existing, and being enough for herself, Kim shows that the rest of us don’t have to do anything extra, nor do we have to endure the pain and trauma, to be deserving of love, care, and protection. She challenges us to know that we are enough as we are. If you are looking for motivation to step into your power, advice for facing imposter syndrome, or a sign to know that you, as a Black woman, are enough, tune in to get fired up.
To stay in the know with Kim’s programs, upcoming projects, pick up a copy of her book, or connect with her personally, visit www.timeforchangefoundation.org and www.kimschamp.com and follow her on Instagram: @kimcarter4408
To learn more about our hosts, check out their Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter pages.
Instagram:
Akilah- @akilahffriend
Dawn- @_dawnmontgomery
Monuments To Me Show: @monumentstome
Dawn - YouTube: @BreakofDM and Twitter: @_dawnmontgomery
A distressing reality for Black women is that we are three to four times more likely to experience pregnancy-related deaths than white women. That’s why it was important for us to bring on Tracie Collins, former Doula and midwife of 17+ years and CEO and Founder of the National Black Doula’s Association (NBDA), to discuss the importance of having Black doulas and/or midwives when it comes to birthing.
Tracie shares personal experiences as well as expert insight on how the NBDA is a resource for Black birthing people, trends or things that have stayed the same in the industry over the years, and how Black and brown people are reclaiming what was stolen from them and rediscovering our value in the birth space.
Dawn also shares her own birth story including how she almost died and what saved her, while Akilah shares her reservations about pregnancy. Whether you are a mother or not yet, you never want to be one or can’t, this episode is relatable for all. It stresses the importance of how representation empowers birthing people to invest in actively choosing a birthing team from a doula, midwife, medical team, and anyone else that will create a space for them to feel safe and supported through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Tune in to hear from three different perspectives on Black womens’ birth and learn key ways you can advocate for yourself as a birthing person.
For all birthwork, doulas in your geographic region, or training as a birth professional, visit the NBDA at www.blackdoulas.org and follow @nationalblackdoulas on Instagram.
To connect with and learn more from Tracie, visit www.traciecollinsofficial.com or follow her on social media.
Instagram: @traciecollins
Facebook: @traciecollinsofficial
TikTok: @iamtraciecollins
YouTube: @Tracie_Collins
To learn more about our hosts, check out their Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter pages.
Instagram:
Akilah- @akilahffriend
Dawn- @_dawnmontgomery
Monuments To Me Show: @monumentstome
Dawn - YouTube: @BreakofDM and Twitter: @_dawnmontgomery
Things get spicy this week while we explore the topic of embracing sex and our sexualities with Samia Burton, an Intimacy Coordinator and Sexual Educator. Samia is the CEO and founder of Sexual Essentials, helping people create the sex lives they want through education and events. She is also the Owner and Founder of SE Media Group, just opened up SE Content House, and is the host of Not Just Another Sex Podcast.
Nothing is off limits as our conversation touches on everything from foreplay, emotional intimacy, sex toys, orgasms, sexual love languages, and sexual liberation. But we dig deep as Samia confronts a lot of hard truths on how we, as women, act when it comes to these matters. Truths like: how we can be extremely judgmental; how we can become defensive and mean when we get hurt; or how easily we point the finger at men or someone else when there’s a problem of dissatisfaction when we don’t actually know what we want.
Having no shame to ask the real questions, listen in to hear how Samia has achieved a deeper level of sexuality through speaking her own truth, learn how sex goes beyond physical pleasure, and be empowered to acknowledge what you want toexercise your own sexuality.
For 50% off any Sexual Essentials masterclass and 15% off thigh high socks, use the code NJASP at thesexualessentials.com.
To connect with and learn more from Samia, check out the following Instagram pages.
Personal: @miabuggzy
Education: @sexualessentials
Podcast: @notjustanothersexpod
Events: @se.xperience
Content House: @secontenthouse
To learn more about our hosts, check out their Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter pages.
Instagram:
Akilah- @akilahffriend
Dawn- @_dawnmontgomery
Monuments To Me Show: @monumentstome
Dawn - YouTube: @BreakofDM and Twitter: @_dawnmontgomery
Mental health, especially as a Black woman, is a difficult thing to talk about, but it’s one of the most important topics that we can discuss. Though she is already very vocal and public about it, Dawn opens up about her own journey with mental health through the years while Akilah navigates the conversation as someone who recently started her own mental health journey.
Our discussion explores Dawn’s lived experiences that include generational trauma, being diagnosed with bipolar disorder at a young age, what led to her starting therapy at the age of 9 and why she still continues seeing a therapist today, how she became a mental health advocate, and much more.
This solo episode with our co-hosts can get uncomfortable, but it’s real and it’s raw. Tune in to be inspired by Dawn’s story, get a fresh perspective on how and why seeking help for our mental health is not just for when things are bad, and to hear where she’s at in her journey today.
To learn more about our hosts, check out their Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter pages.
Instagram:
Akilah- @akilahffriend
Dawn- @_dawnmontgomery
Monuments To Me Show: @monumentstome
Dawn - YouTube: @BreakofDM and Twitter: @_dawnmontgomery
Last season, Monuments to Me, set out to create a safe space for Black women to feel, to create, and to just be. Coming back for season 2 shows that what we tried to do from the beginning was enough - and there’s no stopping us as we continue to build a community for Black Women by Black Women to talk about things that are important to them.
This new season begins with returning co-host Akilah Ffriend introducing a former listener turned new co-host, Dawn Montgomery, and a sneak peek into some of the topics they’re going to discuss in future episodes. From cheating, to relationship and family dynamics, to activism, and more, there’s going to be lots of exciting conversation ahead.
Tune in to this speed-dating style introductory episode to get to know your hosts, how they feel about the upcoming season, their travel plans for the year, and their dream for Black Women.
Connect with us further by following us on social media:
Akilah - Instagram: @akilahffriend
Dawn - YouTube: @BreakofDM, Instagram and Twitter: @_dawnmontgomery
Podcast - Instagram: @monumentstome
https://www.instagram.com/monumentstome/
https://www.instagram.com/akilahffriend/
https://www.instagram.com/_dawnmontgomery/
https://www.youtube.com/@BreakofDM/
Today, as we close out season 1, we bring the Monuments to Me podcast back home as we talk about how black women are winning and the huge role REVOLT plays in this space. We are joined by Monique Chenault, president of REVOLT News at REVOLT Media & TV (a cable network owned by Diddy which specializes in creating and cultivating programming for Black audiences), Head of REVOLT Studios, Atlanta, and creator of REVOLT’s series, “Black Girl Stuff”. A UCLA grad who started in local news, her journey as a writer and executive producer has led her to become a non-fiction programming specialist with 25 years of industry experience and four Emmy nominations.
In this episode, we discuss how Black women are having an extraordinary renaissance right now after being in the background for so long. We discuss how REVOLT News intentionally elevates, recognizes, and puts Black women and their stories at the forefront. We also explore the importance of Black people having their own media outlets to uplift our stories.
Join us for this discussion about the significant role of diverse non-fiction media in Black communities and how it is helping Black women win by ensuring they are represented and allowing them to be their real selves.
Black Girl Stuff
Today on the Monuments to Me podcast, we’re here to talk about voice amplification. More specifically, we’re discussing how we amplify the voices of Black women, especially when everyone doesn’t have a microphone. To help us navigate this discussion, we’re joined by Christal D. Jordan and Ardre Orie. Christal is a journalist and writer for newspapers and radio before noticing the lack of opportunities for Black women’s voices to be heard. Now, she’s a publicist, author, and YouTuber who talks about relationships and things that Black women talk about amongst themselves. Andre is a celebrity ghostwriter, the founder of 13th and Joan Publishing House, and the executive producer of Lipstick Monologues. In this episode, we
discuss how we even begin amplifying our own voices. We discuss the obstacles and gatekeepers of our voices in the mainstream media. We also discuss the effects of finding your own voice, overcoming the range of emotions once your story is published, and the issue of sharing traumatic experiences in our stories as Black women.
Join us for this discussion about the responsibilities we have when it comes to amplifying voices of all types, the struggles of amplifying voices that you might not agree with, and the different ways to distribute the voices that need to be heard.
Tune in to this episode and be inspired.
To learn more about our hosts and guest, make sure you check out their below pages.
Tyi @tyi.mccray
Akilah @akilahffriend
Ardre Orie
Christal D. Jordan
Monuments to Me Show: @monumentstome
And please email the show at Monumentstomepodcast@gmail.com
What does it mean to be full and comfortable with being yourself within the constraints of the mainstream media industry? Sharron Reed and Ann Hill Bond join us today to discuss how Black women in media can make their mark while finding joy and authenticity.
Sharon Reed is a news anchor in major markets, such as Atlanta and Cleveland. She’s worked on National Television as a correspondent and morning host. Ann Hill Bond has been a journalist for the past 6 years, a mother to 3 children, and someone with a strong footing in the historian and preservation world. They joined the Monuments to Me podcast to chat all about being Black women who have made their mark in both the journalism and media fields.
We discuss the sustainability of Black Press and Black News, the difference in experience between print and being an anchor on air, and how to get power back when it comes to owning your own voice within the constraints of mainstream media. Together, we touch on the idea of entrepreneurship and how Black women are creating their own opportunities and so much more.
Tune in to this episode and get ready to be inspired by Sharon and Ann.
To learn more about our hosts and guest, make sure you check out their Instagram pages.
Tyi @tyi.mccray
Akilah @akilahffriend
Monuments to Me Show: @monumentstome
And please email the show at Monumentstomepodcast@gmail.com
We have a very special episode of Monuments to Me, all about self-expression, creativity, and telling your story.
Tamika Newhouse is a natural-born creator and storyteller. She has written and published 18 books, and she runs an independent publishing house called Delphine Publications, where she’s published well over 300 titles. Kimberly Jones is a New York Times bestselling author, NAACP Image award nominee, GC Germany Voice of the Year, and Route 100 most influential African Americans. She’s also a filmmaker and a mother.
Both influential ladies join us today to chat about the purity of reading and how we can encourage more people to engage with it. They also share how they’re able to bring a story to life as artists and writers, the gaps and opportunities that still exist in the literary space for Black women, and how Black women can make their mark in their own version of activism.
We discuss authenticity and the most how both of them are able to hold on to that in the literary world. This is an empowering episode that reminds Black women to feel empowered through their stories. Tune in and hear the words of encouragement from Tamika and Kimberly, so you can exercise your creativity and take control of your story.
To learn more about our hosts and guest, make sure you check out their Instagram pages.
Tyi @tyi.mccray
Akilah @akilahffriend
Monuments to Me Show: @monumentstome
And please email the show at Monumentstomepodcast@gmail.com
Today on the Monuments to Me podcast, we’re joined by Ensa Huger. Ensa is an accountant, speaker, author, consultant, and entrepreneur enthusiast. She’s an Atlanta native and accounting graduate from George State, and she loves all things finance and empowerment.
In today’s episode, Ensa is sharing the tools, information, and resources to help Black women grow in the finance space, build wealth, and pursue financial empowerment. Together, we discuss Ensa’s unique approach to finances as fitness. We also discuss how to identify your financial decisions as wise choices or ones that come from an emotional place. We talk about budgeting, how Ensa helps businesses get financially healthy, and why corporate America is a toxic environment – especially for Black women.
This is an episode with all the tools you need to achieve financial freedom and feel empowered with your financial situation. So tune in and take notes; you won’t want to miss this.
To learn more about our hosts and guest, make sure you check out their Instagram pages.
Tyi @tyi.mccray
Akilah @akilahffriend
Monuments to Me Show: @monumentstome
And please email the show at Monumentstomepodcast@gmail.com
A few episodes ago, we discussed fibroids and how it affects Black women. Today, Dr. Soyini Hawkins joins the Monuments to Me podcast to chat more in-depth about understanding infertility, reproductive justice, and how you can take your own fertility into your own hands. Dr. Soyini Hawkins is a Gynecologist who specializes in the minimally invasive surgical management of fibroids, endometriosis, and pelvic pain. She is specifically dedicated to helping Black women own their respective fertility journeys.
In today’s episode, Dr. Soyini Hawkins shares her wealth of knowledge from understanding infertility along with other ailments associated with reproductive health, such as endometriosis and PCOS. She shares lifestyle changes that individuals can explore in order to support their fertility, how Black women specifically can protect their fertility and advocate for reproductive health, and why it’s so important to be respectful of other reproductive choices in the name of reproductive justice.
This is an incredibly important episode for Black women and women everywhere. So tune in, take notes, and use the knowledge that Dr. Soyini Hawkins shares to empower your reproductive health and choices.
To learn more about our hosts and guest, make sure you check out their Instagram pages.
Tyi @tyi.mccray
Akilah @akilahffriend
Monuments to Me Show: @monumentstome
And please email the show at Monumentstomepodcast@gmail.com
We are joined by one of the most well-known couples in the South on today’s episode of the Monuments to Me podcast.
Brandé Elise, a voiceover actor and TV host, and Danielle Gray, a marketing strategist and graphic designer, join us today to share all about their company, Unoia. Established in Atlanta, Unoia has taken the CBD world by storm with their tinctures, gummies, topicals and CBD for pets. Brandé and Danielle share their journey in the marijuana industry, and they help us understand the difference between CBD and THC.
They also share how their products are centered around finding peace and different mindfulness practices, the importance of representation as Black and queer women, and how they manage to juggle their love and business relationship. Get ready to get hooked in as Danielle, and Brande’s energy and charisma can be felt right through the microphone.
So tune in and learn all about CBD, THC, representation, business, and love.
To learn more about our hosts and guest, make sure you check out their Instagram pages.
Tyi @tyi.mccray
Akilah @akilahffriend
Monuments to Me Show: @monumentstome
And please email the show at Monumentstomepodcast@gmail.com
Today’s episode of the Monuments to Me is going to be a spicy one. We’re joined by none other than Medinah Monroe and Kiki Said So, the brilliant, bright, and funny duo behind the Cocktales: Dirty Discussions podcast.
Medinah and Kiki are removing the thin, laced veil between dating for purpose and dating for pleasure. They talk about sex in a completely unfiltered way that paves the way for liberation, full expression, and allowance to ask for what you want. They share their thoughts on body counts (and what society might deem as a “respectful” number), the biggest misconceptions on sex from a female perspective, how to up your sex game, and how to take your dating beyond pleasure.
This episode removes all the stigmas around sex, so join Medinah and Kiki for this fun and oh-so-intimate discussion and learn how you can spice your sex life up unapologetically.
To learn more about our hosts and guest, make sure you check out their Instagram pages.
Tyi @tyi.mccray
Akilah @akilahffriend
Kiki @kikisaidso
Medinah @coffeebeandean
And please email the show at Monumentstomepodcast@gmail.com
What is the role that Black women play in moving industries and infrastructure within their communities? Akilah and Tyi speak with Dr. Key Hallmon and Kellye Britton to dive deep into the ways Black women in business, youth, and small business initiatives within Atlanta are ever-thriving and ever-growing.
Dr. Key Hallmon is the founder of 3 companies and a partnership, including Village Market, Village Retail, and an amazing nonprofit, Our Village. She is also the co-founder of Three Ten Studios and has spent the last couple of years celebrating and amplifying Black businesses. Through her and her business’s efforts, they’ve been able to make a substation economic impact in the city of Atlanta by contributing $7.3 million dollars in direct sales to Black businesses.
Kellye Britton, inspired by Dr. Key’s journey, has also started 3 businesses after having worked in the music industry for 13 years. For the last four and a half years, she’s been working at a nonprofit organization that focuses on youth development and education.
In this incredibly insightful episode, Dr. Key and Kellye share their wealth of knowledge on running a business and entrepreneurship. They discuss how new entrepreneurs can decide which direction to take when it comes to nonprofit and for-profit businesses. They also discuss the different tactics for each business type, their drive to build their own empire, and the key mindset that is most commonly seen in successful entrepreneurs. Dr. Key and Kellye share their personal opinions of the most important trait to have as an entrepreneur at any step of the journey, and they discuss the power of the Black dollar, not only when it comes to starting businesses but as it pertains to the American economy as a whole.
Tune in to this educational and inspirational episode to hear Dr. Key and Kellye’s advice and stories as Black women in the entrepreneurship space.
To learn more about our hosts and guest, make sure you check out their Instagram pages.
Tyi @tyi.mccray
Akilah @akilahffriend
Dr. Key Hallmon @drkeyhallmon
Kellye Britton @_themissb_
And please email the show at Monumentstomepodcast@gmail.com
Today, Akilah and Tyi are joined by Anana Parris and Ecleynne Mercy. Both Anana Parris and Ecleynne Mercy are daughters of revolutionaries, and they live up to their ancestry by being radical revolutionaries paving the way for self-care and rest for Black women.
Anana Parris is an excellent and devoted mom to her son. She focuses on liberation and her devout love for supporting Black women. Ecleynne Mercy is an attorney who has carried her ancestral revolutionary spirit with her. She’s also a part of the founding base of the wellness and injustice group, as well as a phenomenal creative writer.
In this episode, Anana and Ecleynne share how they came together to do the remarkable work that they do. They discuss how they collectively decided that self-care, justice, and activism are 3 inseparable words. Then, both women share why the act of self-care, especially as it pertains to Black women, is an incredibly revolutionary act. From redefining self-care from bubble baths to little daily acts that check in with yourself, to assessing and fulfilling your spiritual and emotional needs, this episode is a must for anyone who wants to practice the act of self-care and rest.
Tune in as Anana and Ecleynne share their incredibly inspirational stories while also bestowing a great self-care exercise for you to practice moving forward.
To learn more about our hosts and guest, make sure you check out their Instagram pages.
Tyi @tyi.mccray
Akilah @akilahffriend
Anana @ananajohariharrisparris
Ecleynne @mercylaw_ga
And please email the show at Monumentstomepodcast@gmail.com
In today’s episode of the Monuments to Me podcast, Akilah and Tyi are speaking with Ashley Gardner and Tanika Valburn about fibroids. This is an important conversation for women everywhere, whether you’re new to the term fibroids, or have heard it before and are unsure of what it means.
Tanika Valburn is a journalist by trade who is also the founder of the White Dress Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of uterine fibroids and ensuring that anyone who suffers from fibroids is able to manage life. Ashley Gardner is a project manager at Google by day and content creator by night. She is passionate about equity and diversity and uses her digital platform to talk about lifestyle, including her experience getting a hysterectomy at the age of 32.
In this episode, Tanika and Ashley explain what fibroids are and why it is so important, especially for Black women, to have this conversation more frequently and openly. Then, they explain the surgical and medical terms commonly associated with fibroids in a more digestible way as Ashley opens up about her personal experience. The topic of having open conversations regarding feminine health, becoming your best health advocate, and considering your mental health along with your physical health.
This is an incredibly important conversation aimed at educating and supporting you in becoming your best health advocate. So tune in, take notes, and get ready to learn from these inspirational women.
To learn more about our hosts and guest, make sure you check out their Instagram pages.
Tyi @tyi.mccray
Akilah @akilahffriend
Ashley @growingwiththegardners
Tanika @wecanwearwhite
And please email the show at Monumentstomepodcast@gmail.com
Dating in 2022 can feel like the hunger games, but does it have to be? Tyi and Akilah tackle the questions we've all had about finding our true match.
This week they are joined by celebrity dating coach Damona Hoffman who has been coaching singles on how to find love online and offline for over 15 years, and Koereyelle, host of the Girl Stop Playin Podcast, where she encourages women to stop playing with their potential and start working for what they want in life and love.
These two dynamic women share how they see the dating space and what would be their top tips for those of us looking for love.
So if you're wondering if it's time to make a change in your dating strategy or you're just looking for some motivation to keep going, this episode is for you!
To learn more about our hosts Akilah and Tyi make sure you check out their Instagram pages.
Tyi @tyi.mccray
Akilah @akilahffriend
And please email the show at Monumentstomepodcast@gmail.com
9-5 jobs can feel all-consuming. Oftentimes, people in the corporate world don’t feel like they have the time and space to explore their hobbies and interests, or even spend time with their families. If this is you, or you’ve just been laid off of your 9-5 job, listen up. Life is short, it’s probably time to switch things up!
Between the two of them, Tyi and Akilah have a wealth of knowledge and experience in leaving corporate life to pursue other endeavors. In this discussion, Tyi and Akilah aim to shift the narrative around leaving your 9-5 job by talking about what it really means to leave corporate life and pivot in your career.
From getting laid off to confidently leaving your day job, this conversation dives deep into what it’s like to be fresh out of corporate life and the crucial steps you need to take before leaving your job.
If tomorrow is not promised, do you want to give your full day to what you’re doing right now?
To learn more about our hosts Akilah and Tyi make sure you check out their Instagram pages.
Tyi @tyi.mccray
Akilah @akilahffriend
And please email the show at Monumentstomepodcast@gmail.com
What does it mean to be a Black woman? This is a question that garners a very diverse response. Denene Millner and Sharonda L. Britton join the show to help us answer this question while exploring the current state of Black womanhood.
Denene Millner is a New York Times bestselling author and frequent contributor to publications such as NPR, Essence, and Glamor. Sharonda L. Britton is the VP of customer relations and customer relationship marketing at Loewe.
Bringing their wildly different backgrounds to the table, Denene and Sharonda highlight the important fact that Black women are not a monolith. Throughout the discussion, you’ll find differences in opinions and experiences, all of which are valid in and of themselves. Starting with Denene and Sharonda’s respective thoughts on the current state of Black womanhood, the conversation then moves into how both of them respectively achieve success while balancing resilience and accomplishments.
This conversation dives deep into the issues of authenticity and assimilation, the distinction of Black women as compared to other women, and thoughts on spaces created for Black women. We invite you to tune into this conversation to experience the different viewpoints and opinions on what the current state of Black womanhood is today.
To learn more about our hosts Akilah and Tyi make sure you check out their Instagram pages.
Tyi @tyi.mccray
Akilah @akilahffriend
And please email the show at Monumentstomepodcast@gmail.com
It has been a difficult and heavy couple of months. With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, many women, especially Black women, are left feeling scared, worried, and unheard.
Judge Shermela Williams and Monica Simpson join the Monuments to Me podcast to help make sense of it all. Judge Shermela Williams was elected to be superior court judge in 2021, making her a part of a small rare club of Black female judges. Prior to her election, she was a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney.
Monica Simpson is a dynamic, queer, Black woman from North Carolina. She is the executive director of Sister Song, a Southern-based, women of color reproductive justice collective. Monica has dedicated her life and career to activism, working in multiple areas from the prison industry, violence against Black women, and LGBTQ+ issues.
In this conversation, Monica and Judge Shermela break down how we got to the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 so that we can better understand how and why this happened. Then, they share why it’s important to understand how this ruling doesn’t just affect Black women, but Black women of a certain socioeconomic status and what this means for them. The issue of white supremacy is also discussed as it is deeply interlaced with this ruling. Finally, Judge Shermela and Monica share how they’re taking care of their mental health and well-being since their line of work is incredibly taxing and heavy.
This episode is a must-listen for women everywhere as we try our best to move forward and create a truly accessible society where all women have the basic right of bodily autonomy.
To learn more about our hosts Akilah and Tyi make sure you check out their Instagram pages.
Tyi @tyi.mccray
Akilah @akilahffriend
And please email the show at Monumentstomepodcast@gmail.com
In the very first episode of Monuments to Me, your hosts - Akilah Ffriend and Tyi McCray are taking you through the heart and soul of this brand new show.
This episode will introduce you to both Akilah and Tyi, their varied backgrounds, who they are outside of the podcast world, and what this show means to them.
Then, Akilah and Tyi discuss their goals and dreams for Monuments to Me, as well as their vision for Black women. Monuments to Me is a podcast for Black women that will discuss the multifaceted topics of colorism, access injustice, racism, and so much more. And Akilah and Tyi will be leading important conversations with guests that highlight the diaspora of Black women around the world.
Tune in to this introductory episode to the Monuments to Me podcast and prepare for an exciting yet important show ahead!
Connect with the host by following them on social media Akilah - https://www.instagram.com/akilahffriend/ Tyi - https://www.instagram.com/tyi.mccray/