Best Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom Podcasts (2024)

1
FLOWERS for Brandon Taylor | Ep. 172 10:33

6M ago10:33

10:33

In the final part of the mini-series FLOWERS, learn about the remarkable journey of Brandon Taylor, an American writer whose path took unexpected turns from biochemistry to the bestseller lists. From his days at Auburn University Montgomery to his pursuit of graduate degrees at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Iowa, Taylor'…

1
FLOWERS for Isabel Wilkerson | Ep. 171 6:49

6M ago6:49

6:49

In the next episode of the FLOWERS mini-series, we give flowers to Isabel Wilkerson. Inspired by Ava DuVernay's latest film, "Origin," I discovered the compelling narrative of Wilkerson's life and work. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Humanities Medal, Wilkerson's storytelling prowess illuminates the human condition and our nation's h…

1
FLOWERS for Curry J. Hackett | Ep. 170 7:04

6M ago7:04

7:04

In the second installation of the mini-series FLOWERS. In this episode, we give flowers to designer, artist, and educator Curry J. Hackett. He is a Virginia native gaining global recognition for his work which braids Black aesthetics, kinship with nature, and pop culture into surreal scenes of Black Joy. Listen and learn more about an up-and-coming…

1
FLOWERS for Tressie McMillan Cottom | Ep. 169 7:28

6M ago7:28

7:28

This episode is part one of a mini-series, FLOWERS: An Ode to Modern Black Scholars Explore the captivating work of Professor Tressie McMillan Cottom, a renowned cultural critic, sociologist, and award-winning writer. Her insights challenge conventional wisdom and reshape our understanding of society. Allanté uncovers the breadth and depth of her i…

1
From Grad Student to Dr. Whitmore: 34 Lessons Learned One Year After Graduating | Ep. 168 31:48

1+ y ago31:48

31:48

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT BELOW! This is a very special episode of the podcast, where Allanté is celebrating her 34th birthday and the first anniversary of defending her dissertation (aka her Doctorversary). She shares with you 34 reflections on the past year, both personal and professional, that have helped shape her into Dr. Whitmore. Reflecting on the pa…

1
Maximizing Your Professional Network | Ep. 167 26:03

1+ y ago26:03

26:03

In this week's episode, Maximizing Your Professional Network in Grad School, I share my insights and some tips on how to build meaningful professional relationships during your graduate school journey. You'll hear: Why professional relationships are important Where to go to meet your professional people (in person and virtually) How to follow up wi…

1
Pursuing Wellness in Grad School with Angela Crumdy, Ph.D. | Ep. 166 24:48

1+ y ago24:48

24:48

In this episode, hear from Angela Crumdy, Ph.D., a Provost Postdoctoral Fellow who is currently researching the social lives of Black women primary school teachers in Latin America and the United States. Angela is also the creator behind the Instagram page, Grad Girl Wellness. We discuss wellness barriers you may encounter on your grad school journ…

1
3 Questions for New Year's Reflections, Not Resolutions | Ep. 165

1+ y ago

—

Happy 2023! On this new episode listen to Allante's reflections on life in 2022 and life after grad school. Big thanks to Tyler The Creator for this week's musical inspiration--hear what song (is it really a song?) is selected for the Lesson From The Trap. If you are also in a reflective mood for the New Year, follow along and fill out these three …

1
And Then Some (w/ Sherrilyn Ifill) 31:10

2y ago31:10

31:10

Sherrilyn Ifill still believes in the future. The famed civil rights attorney reflects on her time with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LCD) fighting against systemic racism in the courts. And she also has thoughts about the legitimacy crisis of the Supreme Court. Credits: Curtis Fox is the producer. Our researcher is Yessenia Moreno. Production help…

1
The Gas Leak (w/ June Diane Raphael) 41:59

2y ago41:59

41:59

June Diane Raphael on the psychological challenge of being a woman on TV and film sets, and why she’s leery of being “the good girl.” The comedian/actor/screenwriter/podcaster also talks about everything from menstrual moods to career ambitions. Plus, Roxane recounts the plot of one of her favorite bad movies. Mentions: “Oh God, A Show About Aborti…

1
Romancing the Podcast (w/ Debbie Millman) 34:13

2y ago34:13

34:13

Designer and podcaster Debbie Millman on creativity, vanity projects, and how to inspire people to change. Also, she is Roxane’s wife, and Roxane tells us how they met and fell in love. Mentions: Marcy Dermansky’s novel “Hurricane Girl” http://www.marcydermansky.com/hurricane-girl-book C.J.Hauser’s book of essays “The Crane Wife” https://cjhauser.c…

1
Tap Dancing on Thin Ice (w/ Imani Barbarin) 35:50

2y ago35:50

35:50

Imani Barbarin uses humor and truth to bring attention to the increasingly dire plight of disabled people in America. The pandemic has revealed a broken system that keeps the disabled in poverty. She talks about how she personally deals with the injustice, and what might be done to improve things. Also, what makes a joke a good joke for the disable…

1
F**k You, I'll Put You on My Fridge (w/ Cameron Esposito) 39:22

2+ y ago39:22

39:22

Actor, comedian and memorist Cameron Esposito is practicing vulnerability. Here she talks to Roxane about their gender-fluidity, about why performing feels normal for them, and about why it’s important not to be funny all the time. Mentions: ● Take My Wife on Starz https://www.starz.com/us/en/series/38334/episodes?season=1 ● Save Yourself https://w…

1
Smallest Footprint, Biggest Room (w/ Genesis Tramaine) 30:28

2+ y ago30:28

30:28

Devotional artist Genesis Tramaine is painting some of the most striking portraits of our time. She talks to Roxane about her process and her practice, and how her faith informs it all. Also, Roxane reflects on her own religious upbringing. Mentions: ● Recent Gallery Show https://www.alminerech.com/artists/5928-genesis-tramaine ● Genesis Tramaine’s…

1
Redefining the Rules (w/ Numa Perrier) 39:39

2+ y ago39:39

39:39

Actor, producer and director Numa Perrier is making space for herself. Her autobiographical film “Jezebel,” about a young woman grieving for her mother while working as a cam girl in Las Vegas, breaks new ground in independent cinema for its complex candor. Roxane talks to her about how a girl from a Washington state farm ended up making TV and mov…

1
A Moving Target (w/ Margo Jefferson) 38:35

2+ y ago38:35

38:35

Cultural critic Margo Jefferson deconstructs her nervous system… or at least explains to Roxane how the culture, not just family, has made her who she is. She talks about her new memoir, which situates cultural criticism alongside personal memories. Also, Roxane reflects on what memoirists reveal, and don’t reveal, to their readers. Mentions: ● C.J…

1
Where'd That Decade Go? (w/ Ally Sheedy) 28:36

2+ y ago28:36

28:36

1980’s movie star Ally Sheedy is back with a plum role in a new TV series. She talks to Roxane about her other careers as an editor and teacher. Plus, Roxane speculates on why The Slap (at the Oscars ceremony) has grabbed so much of our attention. Mentions: ● Single Drunk Female https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13790652/?ref_%3Dfn_al_tt_1 ● Ally’s essa…

1
The Market Is Fickle (w/ Barbara Kruger) 27:21

2+ y ago27:21

27:21

Roxane on the pleasures and perils of collecting art, and a conversation with one of the artists whose work she collects. Barbara Kruger came up through the magazine industry, where she applied her editorial design skills in the making of provocative, conceptual images, films and sculptures. She talks about her belated success, and how there’s not …

1
Twitter (w/Janicza Bravo) 43:54

2+ y ago43:54

43:54

How Janicza Bravo turned a hilarious Twitter thread into a hilarious movie. Aziah King’s epic Twitter thread about a road trip gone bad took the internet by storm in 2015. Several years and a pandemic later, Janicza Bravo translated it into “Zola.” Here, she explains some of the creative decisions she made—like not showing the nudity. Mentions: ● A…

1
English With an Accent (w/ Sanaz Toossi) 31:35

2+ y ago31:35

31:35

Sanaz Toosi channeled her anger about the Muslim travel ban into comedy. Her play “English,” set in Iran, explores the lives of an English teacher and her students. She talks to Roxane about the experience of so many immigrants–imperfectly speaking a second language, never fully fitting in. Plus, Roxane reflects on her own parents’ accents. Mention…

1
So Many Bad Apples (w/ Cerise Castle) 39:26

2+ y ago39:26

39:26

Cerise Castle broke the first extensive investigation about alleged gangs in the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department in a 15-part series for KNOCK LA. Now, Cerise Castle reports with a bodyguard by her side. Roxane and Cerise discuss the shocking details of Cerise’s investigative series and political, and personal, consequences of her work. Plus, Roxa…

1
Our Tax Code is Racist (w/ Dorothy A. Brown) 36:40

2+ y ago36:40

36:40

Dorothy Brown says she got into tax law precisely because it had nothing to do with race. After twenty years of research, Dorothy discovered—and this is going to shock you—the tax system is racist as hell. Roxane and Dorothy explore how the tax code caters to white Americans in almost every way, from home ownership to marriage. Plus, Roxane reflect…

1
Medium-Thick (w/ Randa Jarrar) 33:38

2+ y ago33:38

33:38

Randa Jarrar says her skin is neither thick or thin when it comes to attacks on her writing. Roxane and Randa explore how to stay creative under difficult circumstances. Plus, Roxane reflects on the toll her haters have taken on her and her writing. Mentions: Randa Jarrar’s books: https://randajarrar.com/home/books/ Credits: Curtis Fox is the produ…

1
Undeniably Good (w/ Nicole Byer) 37:21

2+ y ago37:21

37:21

Comedian and actress Nicole Byer on the ups and downs and ups of her young career, and why things are looking up for fat, Black performers. Plus, Roxane waxes poetic about her cake catastrophes. Mentions: ● Killing Eve https://www.bbcamerica.com/shows/killing-eve/seasons/season-1--1010619 ● Nailed It! https://www.netflix.com/title/80179138 ● Grand …

1
It’s Not Just the Dukes of Hazard (w/ S.A. Cosby) 37:48

2+ y ago37:48

37:48

Crime novelist S.A. Cosby on tragic masculinity, growing up poor, and what he wants people to understand about the South. Plus, Roxane talks about the important escapist pleasures of genre fiction. Mentions: ● Razorblade Tears, by S.A. Cosby https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250252708 ● Abbott Elementary: https://abc.com/shows/abbott-elementary ● …

1
Love + in Grad School | Ep. 164 54:07

2+ y ago54:07

54:07

Happy [Early] Valentine's Day! Blk + in Grad School is returning with the grad school love story. Meet Dr. & Dr. Grimes two love-birds who met in graduate school. In this week's episode, they share their paths to the doctorate degree and then to each other. It's a love story like no other as they managed to both finish and defend their dissertation…

1
Pots and Cakes (w Seth Rogen) 45:32

2+ y ago45:32

45:32

What do pottery and pot do for Seth Rogen? The writer and actor talks to Roxane about the pleasures of making something that doesn’t matter, the secrets of his longstanding collaborations, and about what he brings to the weed business. Plus, Roxane tells how she got eaten by an edible. Mentions: ● Euphoria: https://www.hbo.com/euphoria ● Houseplant…

1
Managing a Full Plate During your Master's Degree w/ Latoya | Ep. 163 38:26

2+ y ago38:26

38:26

Meet Latoya! She’s a mom, manuscript editor, and recently finished her MA in Humanities. In 2020, she retired from the military then started her graduate program. Juggling her own classes, homeschooling, and her business Latoya realized she needed more support to get to and through her grad school journey. She joined The Scholar Circle (TSC) in 202…

1
Permission to Be Uncomfortable (w/ Terry McMillan) 31:35

2+ y ago31:35

31:35

Novelist Terry McMillan set the table for so many Black creative women working today. She tells Roxane about how she became a writer without knowing she was one, and how she continues to write narratives that so many Black women identify with. Mentions: ● Roxane’s Story “North Country” is in her book Difficult Women: https://roxanegay.com/books/dif…

1
Earn Your Mullet (w/ Tressie McMillan Cottom) 41:04

2+ y ago41:04

41:04

Roxane introduces the new podcast with her former co-host, Tressie McMillan Cottom. They talk about the new year, new endeavors (including a new dog), Senator Kyrsten Sinema’s vacuity, and the real meaning of Morgan Wallen’s mullet. Mentions Tressie's New York Times newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/column/tressie-mcmillan-cottom Credits: Curtis …

1
Momentum Over Motivation: A Strategy You Can Try to Get Work Done this Year | Ep. 162 17:49

2+ y ago17:49

17:49

It's NOT a rewind! Took a small break from writing my dissertation to bring this episode. Press play for a Lesson From The Trap, a quick update on my life and of course what's been working for me as I write for my life! If you're noticing that you're experiencing dips in motivation that are impeding your progress, definitely give this episode a lis…

1
Trailer: The Roxane Gay Agenda 1:43

2+ y ago1:43

1:43

New year, new show. The Agenda kicks off January 25. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Roxane Gay

1
How to Write When It's the Last Thing You Want to Do | Ep. 161 27:06

2+ y ago27:06

27:06

This episode gets straight to the point by digging deep into a problem we all face at one point or another in our grad school journey - writer’s block. It doesn’t matter if you love writing or hate it; writer’s block will come kicking in your door and live in your brain rent-free for as long as it wants. Enter Dr. Lacy, founder of Qual Sisters. Qua…

1
Tips for Crafting a Strong Grad School App | Ep. 160 31:24

3y ago31:24

31:24

*SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* You're invited to join Allanté for a special conversation to help prospective grad students Settle the Score! She is continuing the conversation to help empower and support you in fulfilling your goal of getting to grad school. Join Allanté along with a panel of her peers for this session hosted by the GRE®. They will be shar…

1
Grad School, Okay?! (Inspired by Insecure S5) | Ep. 159 1:27:35

3y ago1:27:35

1:27:35

In honor of Insecure's #SeasonByeve this week's rewind comes from the archives way back in 2018 when Blk + in Grad School collaborated with WokeSTEM for “Hella Intersections: The Digital Insecure Kickback”. This isn't your typical Insecure chat. It was a really dope, really big kickback talking about INSECURE...and not just the #basic stuff, but th…

1
Self-Care in Grad School and Beyond | Ep 158 37:11

3y ago37:11

37:11

*IT'S A REWIND* Meet Alana, a social worker that balanced her coursework and full-time work while in grad school with very intentional self-care. During a conversation inside Blk + in Grad School's private community, The Scholar Circle, Alana brought up the topic of rest and how it differs from restoration. In this week's episode, we dive into thes…

1
Three People You Need in Your Corner In Grad School | Ep. 157 41:04

3y ago41:04

41:04

This episode is formally called Emotional Rollercoaster because sometimes grad school can leave you feeling like a Mr. Krab’s meme. In Allanté's journey, November definitely had some twists and turns, and with it came a range of emotions. In this episode, she shares an update about everything that has gone down, from a guilt-free personal trip to t…

1
Setting Yourself Up for Success in Grad School | Ep. 156 31:26

3y ago31:26

31:26

"I know there's always rooting before blossoming." - Tracy G. This affirmation is a whole word, which inspired this week's episode on setting your goals. If you're a scholar, rooting is the planning and blossoming is the goal achieved. That goal could be a paper, a research project, building your network, etc. Setting a goal in our heads may be as …

1
How to Get Settled in Your New City | Ep 155 25:29

3y ago25:29

25:29

Moving to a new city can be hard, so is finding a place with all your personal comforts. Don’t worry though, Allanté’s got your back! Preparation is your friend so the first step is getting ahead of the curve and really understanding your needs and wants. Listen in this week for the 6 critical steps to success as you prepare to step forward into yo…

1
Best of Hear to Slay: Chopped and Screwed (with Isabel Wilkerson) 50:40

3y ago50:40

50:40

Isabel Wilkerson reframes race and racism in her book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. Here she talks about what inspired the book and about the craft behind her complex, big narratives. Spoiler: it doesn’t involve outlines. Plus, Tressie and Roxane on why you need to read more than one book about racism. Mentions: Caste: The Origins Of Our D…

1
Best of Hear to Slay: Taking Up Space (with Amber J. Phillips, Brittany Gibson) 1:04:01

3y ago1:04:01

1:04:01

Activist and storyteller Amber J. Phillips on the importance of being who you are, politically and publicly. Also, journalist Brittany Gibson on the breathtaking scope of new Republican voter suppression efforts. Notes: Articles on voter suppression by Brittany Gibson Amber J. Phillip’s Instagram Hear To Slay theme music by Taka Yasuzawa and Alex S…

1
How to Build Digital Community | Ep 154 32:07

3y ago32:07

32:07

If you’re used to using social media solely for your personal enjoyment with memes, quotes and the like, it’s a different ballgame when it comes to using it as a rising thought leader (that’s you!). This episode explores some of the ways you can navigate the Twitterverse, with some practical tips on handling clapbacks and finding your community. Li…

1
Best of Hear to Slay: Freedom to Breathe (with Senator Elizabeth Warren) 55:16

3y ago55:16

55:16

Senator Elizabeth Warren on the moral and political imperative of forgiving student loan debt. Plus Roxane and Tressie respond to listener voicemails about what they would do if their student loan debt was forgiven. Hear To Slay theme music by Taka Yasuzawa and Alex Sugiura. Curtis Fox is the senior producer. Sarah Wyman and Catherine Fenollosa are…

1
Best of Hear to Slay: Fat is Not a Feeling (with Julia Turshen) 43:49

3y ago43:49

43:49

Tressie is hungry, and Roxane is into cookbooks. Cookbook author Julia Turshen talks about making healthy comfort food, and her own struggles with body image. Mentions: Simply Julia: 110 Easy Recipes for Healthy Comfort Food Carmen Cool, therapist and body justice advocate Hear To Slay theme music by Taka Yasuzawa and Alex Sugiura. Curtis Fox is th…

1
Communities for Graduate Students | Ep 153 33:54

3y ago33:54

33:54

Issa Rewind! Enjoy a quick update from Allanté and a list of communities to support you along your journey. Grad School doesn’t usually come with a course on how to navigate all the things that come along with it. These things are often described as the “hidden curriculum” — things you’re just expected to know or somehow learn on your own—or else. …

1
Best of Hear to Slay: Adults Ain't It (with Jason Reynolds) 1:03:12

3y ago1:03:12

1:03:12

YA (aka the Young Adult genre) author Jason Reynolds on his love for teens and why he writes specifically for them. Plus Roxane and Tressie x-ray Meghan and the Royal Family, and we hear from publisher Chris Jackson on why 2020 was such a big year for Black writers. [Editor's note: this episode originally aired March, 2021, but we think it's worth …

1
Best of Hear to Slay: The Fat Tax (with Sabrina Strings and Sonya Renee Taylor) 1:18:13

3y ago1:18:13

1:18:13

An episode so good it deserves to be heard again. Sabrina Strings joins Roxane and Tressie to discuss the racist historical roots of fat phobia and what it means for health care today . Plus, Sonya Renee Taylor coaches Roxane and Tressie on how to accept their bodies, and why self-love is a contagious political act. Hear all episodes of Hear to Sla…

1
Hear to Slay: I See You (with Esther Perel) 1:03:46

3y ago1:03:46

1:03:46

Therapist Esther Perel on what happened to us during COVID, and how to reconnect with friends and lovers after a year of isolation and grief. Plus, Roxane and Tressie look back on some highlights of Season 2. Mentions: Esther Perel’s website: https://www.estherperel.com/ Credits: Curtis Fox is the senior producer. Catherine Fenollosa is the produce…

1
Hear to Slay: Swipe Right for The Climate (with Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson) 56:06

3y ago56:06

56:06

Climate change is coming for us all, especially black and brown people. What can we do about it? Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, marine biologist and co-host of the podcast “How to Save a Planet,” talks about her solutions-oriented approach. Plus listeners explain how the climate is changing their lives. Mentions The Green New Deal text: https://www.c…

1
Hear to Slay: The Hot Vax Relationship Podcast (with Kiaundra Jackson) 10:20

3y ago10:20

10:20

How to reconnect with friends and lovers, with Kiaundra Jackson, a marriage and family therapist. Also, Tressie and Roxane tell how they met, and we hear from listeners about what changed in their relationships in COVID times. Mentions: Boomers Got the Vax SNL gag Kiaundra Jackson’s website Credits: Curtis Fox is the senior producer. Catherine Feno…

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Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom Podcasts

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