Best Mahogany Books Podcasts (2024)

1
Creating Characters with Heart: Kwame Mbalia on Writing for Young Readers 1:11:27

2d ago1:11:27

1:11:27

Join us for an engaging conversation with author Kwame Mbalia as he discusses his latest book, "Jax Freeman," and the themes of identity, self-perception, and the challenges faced by young readers today. Mbalia highlights the importance of portraying a larger hero who defies stereotypes, emphasizing that Jax's story is not just about size but about…

1
Season 2, Episode 8: After-the-Podcast Womanist Talk, "Shoot'n da Breeze" 46:55

19d ago46:55

46:55

Send us a text In Season 2, Episode 8, podcast host Dr. Mitzi J. Smith and her guests from Season 2, Episode 7, Dr. CL Nash, Dr. Carol Marie Webster, Dr. Almeena Al-Rasheed, and Rev. Shandon Klein stay by to reflect on some of the themes and womanist issues and concerns raised (and not raised) in the podcast. Support the show Thank you for listenin…

1
Season 2, Episode 7: Part II Black Women’s Radical Religious Epistemologies in Mahogany & Steepled Towers 1:02:25

19d ago1:02:25

1:02:25

Send us a text In Episode 7 of Season 2, Dr. Mitzi Smith's guests are two editors, Dr. CL Nash and Dr. Carol Marie Webster of a special issues of The African Journal of Gender and Religion Vol. 30 No 1 (2024) entitled "Black Women’s Radical Religious Epistemologies in Mahogany & Steepled Towers." We are also joined by two contributors, Rev. Shandon…

1
The Unfiltered Truth: Wallo267 on Success Against All Odds 1:02:32

24d ago1:02:32

1:02:32

The Mahogany Books podcast brings to life the profound journey of Wallace “Wallo267” Peeples, who transformed his life after spending two decades within the prison system. With trademark honesty and insight, he shares his narrative of resilience, emphasizing the lessons learned along the way. The discussion goes beyond personal anecdotes, as Wallo2…

1
The Untold Stories of Black Women: Insights from Authors of A Black Woman's History of the United States 57:25

1M ago57:25

57:25

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on "A Black Woman's History of the United States," where authors Dr. Kali Nicole Gross and Dr. Daina Ramey Berry share their insights on the profound impact of Black women throughout American history. This virtual author talk, recorded during the pandemic in April 2021, explores the rich tapestry of experi…

1
Season 2, Episode 6: Theopoetics in Color by Drs. Oluwatomisin Oredein & Lakisha Lockhart-Rusch 56:56

1M ago56:56

56:56

Send us a text Dr. Mitzi J. Smith's guests are Drs. Oluwatomisin Oredein and Lakisha Lockhart-Rusch, the co-editors of Theopoetics in Color: Embodied Approaches to Theological Discourses (Grand Rapids: Wm B Eerdmans, 2024). Available at Amazon.com, Eerdman's publishing, and other book sellers. Dr. Oluwatomisin Oredein is Assistant Professor in Blac…

1
Navigating Relationships and Success: Lessons in Love from Khadeen and Devale 1:13:38

2M ago1:13:38

1:13:38

In this episode of MahoganyBooks Front Row: The Podcast, authors Khadeen and Devale Ellis delve into their book, We Over Me, to discuss the intricacies of relationships and marriage, sharing their journey from dating to married life. The couple discusses key elements of a healthy relationship, such as faith, financial management, and effective comm…

1
Envisioning Possibilities: Imagination’s Role with Jay Ellis and Jason Reynolds 1:01:40

2M ago1:01:40

1:01:40

Actor and debut author Jay Ellis joins award-winning author Jason Reynolds for an engaging discussion about his new memoir, Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend or Just Me?: Essays. In this heartfelt and humorous reflection, Jay shares stories of his childhood and his imaginary friend, Mikey, exploring how imagination shaped his life. The conversa…

1
Season 2, Episode 5: "Black Women's Radical Religious Epistemologies in Mahogany & Steepled Towers" 1:07:10

2M ago1:07:10

1:07:10

Send us a text In Season 2, Episode 5, podcast host welcomes co-editors and contributors of the special issue of the African Journal of Gender and Religion entitled "Black Women's Radical Religious Epistemologies in Mahogany & Steepled Towers." Co-editors: Dr. CL Nash is a Political Theology Research Felow at the University of Edinburgh's School of…

1
The Power of Black Fantasy Stories: Redefining African Mythology with Tomi Adeyemi 58:20

3M ago58:20

58:20

In this episode, New York Times Bestselling author Tomi Adeyemi and actress Zai Silla delve into a rich conversation about Children of Anguish and Anarchy, the final installment in the Legacy of Orisha trilogy. They discuss the emotional depths of Tomi's characters, the influence of African mythology, and the personal experiences that shape her sto…

1
Roots of Resilience: Exploring African American History and Literature with Nikole Hannah-Jones 1:05:20

3M ago1:05:20

1:05:20

Have you ever wondered how deep the roots of African American history and literature go? We are also privileged to have Nicole Hannah-Jones, Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of the 1619 Project, share her journey and personal connection to Black history. She also reads an impactful excerpt from her work and stresses preserving Black history. Moderate…

1
Season 2, Episode 4: "Horror and Religion" with Dr. DeAnna M. Daniels 1:00:01

3M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Send us a text Podcast Host, Dr. Mitzi J. Smith's guest is Dr. DeAnna M. Daniels. She is Assistant Professor of Africana and Religious Studies at the University of Arizona. In 2023 Dr. Daniels earned her Ph.D. in Religion with a concentration in African American Religion from Rice University. Her scholarly interests are diverse, focusing on Black r…

1
The Making of Swift River: Crafting Fiction with Heart and History 54:27

4M ago54:27

54:27

Ever wondered what it takes to craft fiction that truly resonates? Join us as we dive deep into the intricate process behind creating compelling characters like Diamond and the evolution of her father’s haunting voice in "Swift River." Written by the talented Essie Chambers, this episode explores the dedication and passion required to write a novel…

1
Season 2, Episode 3: "Queer Women Preaching" by Rev. Dr. Tijuana Gray 51:25

4M ago51:25

51:25

Send us a text In Episode 3 of Season 2, Podcast host, Dr. Mitzi J. Smith talks with Rev. Dr. Tijuana Gray (DMin, Columbia Theological Seminary) about her completed doctor of ministry project: "Queer Black Women Preaching: Womanist Thought as a Tool for Normalizing Uncomfortable Conversations." Rev. Dr. Tijuana L. Gray recently received her Doctor …

1
Tiffany D. Jackson on Romance and Resilience in YA Literature 57:22

4M ago57:22

57:22

Ever wondered what it takes to bring an iconic superhero to life in literature? Join us in a captivating conversation with New York Times bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson, who shares her heartfelt journey of writing about Storm, the legendary Marvel superhero. Tiffany opens up about her childhood admiration for Storm and her unwavering dedicat…

1
Transformative Dialogues: Hip Hop, Media, and Political Engagement 1:11:52

5M ago1:11:52

1:11:52

What happens when you combine the power of African American literature with the voices of social justice champions? Join us as we welcome Angela Rye and Charlamagne Tha God, who bring their expertise and passion to a lively and thought-provoking conversation about the importance of authentic communication and storytelling in the fight for social ju…

1
Unlocking Healing Through Art and Storytelling: MK Asante's Journey 1:09:32

5M ago1:09:32

1:09:32

Ever wondered how literature and art can become pathways to self-discovery and healing? Journey with us as we sit down with the profoundly multi-talented M.K. Asante, whose work as an artist, filmmaker, musician, activist, and professor at Morgan State University offers invaluable insights into African American literature. Discover how Asante’s boo…

1
Season 2, Episode 2: The Book of Clarence 1:12:53

5M ago1:12:53

1:12:53

Send us a text In Season 2, Episode 2, podcast host Dr. Mitzi J. Smith discusses the film "The Book of Clarence" with Drs. Amy Lindeman Allen (Assoc. Prof. of New Testament at Christian Theological Seminary, IN) , Kyle Brooks (Visiting Asst. Prof. of Theology and Religious Studies at the Univ. of San Diego), and Tina Pippin (Prof. of Bible & Religi…

1
Season 2, Episode 1: Black Women, Black Love Interview with Dr. Dianne Stewart 57:13

5M ago57:13

57:13

Send us a text Podcast host Dr. Mitzi J. Smith interviews Dr. Dianne Stewart about her book Black Women, Black Love: America's War on Africa American Marriage (Seal, 2020). This is an important study of the systematic and unrelenting terroristic attack on Black love and marriage through the capture of Africans, enslavement, emancipation, reconstruc…

1
From Inspiration to Creation: Willow Smith's Journey in Art and Storytelling 48:04

5M ago48:04

48:04

What happens when African roots meet Viking lore? Hear bestselling author and breathwork coach Alex Elle, as she moderates an engaging discussion with Willow Smith about her debut novel, "Black Shield Maiden." Celebrating 17 incredible years of Mahogany Books, co-founder Ramunda Lark Young joins us to highlight the importance of partnerships with i…

1
The Rhythms of Black Narratives: From Cultural Touchstones to Literary Heritage 1:07:16

6M ago1:07:16

1:07:16

Join us for another captivating episode of MahoganyBooks Front Row: The Podcast as we welcome the renowned Hanif Abdurraqib and Jason Reynolds. In this enriching conversation, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant world of African American literature, exploring how words can dance off the page and resonate deeply with our lives. Hanif Abdurraqib, a m…

1
Navigating the Intersections of Black and Afro-Latinx Identities 1:13:23

6M ago1:13:23

1:13:23

Remember the warmth of sitting around a table, listening to the elders share stories that are equal parts history and heart? That's the essence of what we're bringing to the table in today's episode. We're thrilled to host April Ryan and Natasha S. Alford, two titans of journalism and literature, as they guide us through the rich landscape of Afric…

1
Confronting the Invisible Ache: Black Men's Journey to Healing and Empowerment 1:08:56

7M ago1:08:56

1:08:56

In this episode, we join Mr. Courtney B. Vance and Dr. Robin L. Smith as they discuss their insightful book, "The Invisible Ache: Black Men Identifying their Pain and Reclaiming their Power," at the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Library. Together, they explore the often-overlooked traumas and grief experienced by African American men that challeng…

1
A Bold Conversation on Aging, Financial Insecurity, and Social Change 1:14:19

7M ago1:14:19

1:14:19

Have you ever pondered the narratives that shape our approach to aging, particularly as women? Our latest episode at MahoganyBooks brings together Lyn Slater, Christine Platt, and Elizabeth White, three authors who unravel this complex web with works that challenge and redefine societal expectations. Through Lyn's 'How to Be Old,' Christine's 'The …

1
A Tapestry Woven from Black Struggle, Literature, and Leadership 1:36:21

8M ago1:36:21

1:36:21

As we gather around the warm, inclusive space of a MahoganyBooks author event, we're reminded that the power of literature is not just in storytelling, but in shaping futures and fueling revolutions. Reverend Tony Lee ushers us into this sacred dialogue with a stirring invocation, leading us to explore the growth of our dear sister Rahiel Tesfamari…

1
Crafting a Narrative at the Crossroads of Black Masculinity and Queerness 57:20

8M ago57:20

57:20

Embark on a profound exploration of African-American literature and personal storytelling with Rasheed Copeland and our guest Dr. Tony Keith Jr., as they unravel the threads of identity, language, and the art of narrative. Dr. Keith, a poet whose words paint the truths of the black and LGBTQ+ communities, takes us behind the scenes of his memoir "H…

1
Cultivating Resilience Against Racial Stressors 49:33

9M ago49:33

49:33

When Dr. Rheeda L. Walker graced our Anacostia bookstore, we embarked on a profound journey into the heart of African-American mental health. Her inspiring story, from the roots of Savannah, Georgia to the penning of "The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health," offers a lifeline to those navigating the complexities of wellbeing within the Black…

1
Tracing the Legacy of Black Entrepreneurial Spirit 1:11:40

9M ago1:11:40

1:11:40

As the pages of African-American history are turned, the profound insights of Dr. Malveaux illuminate our podcast with the authenticity and depth of black narratives. Our discussion transcends mere storytelling, delving into the emotional resonance of African-American literature, from the cherished tales at Mahogany Books to the haunting echoes of …

1
Celebrating Black Financial Empowerment with Tiffany Aliche 1:09:22

9M ago1:09:22

1:09:22

Ever wondered how to untangle the often complex web of personal finance? Tiffany Aliche, affectionately known as the Budgetnista, joins us to share her pearls of financial wisdom that have captivated audiences nationwide and landed her features in Forbes and on OWN. With her down-to-earth style, Tiffany transforms confusing financial jargon into bi…

1
Revisiting Our Roots through "Barracoon" with Dr. Ibram Kendi 57:44

9M ago57:44

57:44

When the echoes of our ancestors' voices find a way to whisper through the pages of history, it takes a masterful storyteller to translate that whisper into a roar. That's precisely what Zora Neale Hurston achieves in "Barracoon," her account of Cudjoe Lewis's harrowing journey from African freedom to the trials of Jim Crow Apartheid. Our conversat…

1
Unveiling the Healing Power of Black Storytelling 1:05:25

10M ago1:05:25

1:05:25

Have you ever considered the profound connections between rest, memory, and the stories that shape us? This is the heart of our conversation with Cole Arthur Riley and Tricia Hersey, two luminaries in African-American literature and culture. In this episode of MahoganyBooks Front Row: The Podcast, we are thrilled to escort you through a realm where…

1
Art, Literature, and Body Positivity Conversations with Vashti Harrison 34:46

10M ago34:46

34:46

Imagine finding a community that not only reads but lives and breathes the stories that reflect your very essence. That's the magic my husband and I aimed to capture when we founded MahoganyBooks 16 years ago. In our latest conversation, New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Vashti Harrison, of the children's book, Big, along with the r…

1
Rachel Cargle Discuss A Renaissance of Our Own 54:53

11M ago54:53

54:53

This author talk featuring author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Rachel Cargle in conversation with Well-Read Black Girl founder, Glory Edim, was everything we'd hoped it would be. Each lady brought warmth and wisdom, discussing how African American literature serves not just as a mirror reflecting personal growth but also as a beacon calling f…

1
Dolen Perkins Valdez Discusses Take My Hand 1:08:45

11M ago1:08:45

1:08:45

MahoganyBooks welcomed NAACP Image Award-winning and New York Times Best-Selling author, Dolen Perkins-Valdez for a book discussion and audience Q&A for her riveting work, Take My Hand. MakerSPACE is here to meet the needs of today’s entrepreneurs, creatives, and work-from-home professionals. We do this through private offices, coworking spaces, an…

1
Cleo Wade Discusses Remember Love 1:14:59

12M ago1:14:59

1:14:59

MahoganyBooks was thrilled to host a special evening with New York Times bestselling author Cleo Wade who discussed her new book, Remember Love: Words for Tender Times with Symone Sanders-Townsend in partnership with our friends at THEARC. Chart a path away from exhaustion and endless crises and toward a place of renewal and radiant love with New Y…

1
Michael Harriot Discusses Black AF History 1:09:44

12M ago1:09:44

1:09:44

MahoganyBooks welcomed beloved columnist Michael Harriot to discuss his new book Black AF History, a comprehensive and bitingly hilarious appraisal of American history, in which the dominant narrative is directly confronted and corrected to showcase the perspectives and experiences of Black Americans. The conversation was led by MahoganyBooks owner…

1
'Vinyl Moon' by Mahogany L. Browne 1:04:08

1+ y ago1:04:08

1:04:08

This episode is my review of 'Vinyl Moon' by Mahogany L. Browne. Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy! Follow our ⁠Instagram page⁠! For any suggestions, questions, thoughts or book recommendations ⁠email me⁠! Check out our ⁠other work⁠!

1
CHIT CHAT: IM BACKK YALLL!! (sorry for disappearing) 11:12

1+ y ago11:12

11:12

Welcome to Chit Chat. Where I talk about anything and everything, completely unedited. So stay tuned for the real, the raw, the genuine snd the fully me! Sit back, Relax and Enjoy! Follow me on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/blackbibliophile02/⁠ For any suggestions, questions, thoughts or book recommendations email me at: ⁠theblackbibliophil…

1
Season 1, Episode 21: Conversation with Dr. Clenora Hudson-Weems, Professor, Author, Screenwriter 1:20:42

1+ y ago1:20:42

1:20:42

Send us a text In this episode 21 podcast host Dr. Mitzi J. Smith talks with Dr. Clenora Hudson-Weems about the 18 tenets of Africana Womanism, which is a term Hudson-Weems conceptualized. The sixth edition of Dr. Clenora Hudson-Weems' classic text Africana Womanism: Reclaiming Ourselves will be published this year by Routledge. Dr. Hudson-Weems is…

1
Season 1, Episode 20: Conversation with Dr. Kenneth Ngwa, Professor, Author, Activist 59:34

1+ y ago59:34

59:34

Send us a text In Episode 20, podcast host Dr. Mitzi J. Smith dialogues with Dr. Kenneth Ngwa, Prof of Hebrew Bible, Drew University Theological School, about his new book Let My People Live: An Africana Reading of Exodus (Westminster John Knox, 2022). Dr. Ngwa's book is available from the publisher, Amazon.com, and other book sellers. He is founde…

1
Season 1, Episode 19: Conversation with Rev. Dr. Raquel S. Lettsome 44:06

1+ y ago44:06

44:06

Send us a text In this Episode 19, podcast host Rev. Dr. Mitzi J Smith talks with Rev. Dr. Raquel S. Lettsome, Distinguished Visiting Professor of New Testament and Womanist Hermeneutics at Eden Theological Seminary about her journey to womanism, her seminal text Call and Consequences, and her ministry (www.RSLministries.com). Support the show Than…

1
Season 1, Episode 18, Conversation with Dr. Ralph Basui Watkins, The Scholar with a Camera 43:14

1+ y ago43:14

43:14

Send us a text In this episode 18 podcast host Dr. Mitzi J. Smith welcomes guest and colleague Dr. Ralph Basui Watkins, the Peachtree Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA. He is a documentarian, pastor, professor who teaches with digital media, and the scholar with a camera who is building bridges …

1
Season 1, Episode 17 Conversation with Rev Dr Angela N. Parker, Asst Prof of New Testament, McAfee School of Theology 40:59

1+ y ago40:59

40:59

Send us a text In Episode 17 podcast host Dr. Mitzi J. Smith has a conversation with womanist colleague the Rev. Dr. Angela N. Parker. Dr. Parker is assistant professor of New Testament and Greek at McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University, Decatur, GA. We discuss how Dr. Parker became a womanist biblical scholar and her wonderful book If God S…

1
Season 1, Episode 16: Interview with Dr. Mmapula D. Kebaneilwe, Womanist HB/OT Scholar, Univ of Botswana 59:01

1+ y ago59:01

59:01

Send us a text In this episode 16 podcast host Dr. Mitzi J. Smith conducts a fascinating interview with Dr. Mmapula D. Kebaneilwe, Hebrew Bible/OT Womanist Scholar, University of Botswana, Humboldt Research Scholar based in University of Bamberg, Germany, and Project Partner with Profs. J. Stiebert of Leeds University and Dr. Katie Edwards of Sheff…

1
Season 1 Episode 15: Conversation with Rev Dr Renita Weems and her Recent Essay on Katie Cannon 59:05

2y ago59:05

59:05

Send us a text Hebrew Bible/OT womanist scholar, author, preacher, and public theologian Rev. Dr. Renita J. Weems is the guest of this episode 15 of Season 1 of the Beyond the Womanist Classroom Podcast. The host, Rev. Dr. Mitzi J. Smith speaks with Dr. Weems about her essay "The Biblical Field's Loss Was Womanist Ethics' Gain: Katie Cannon and the…

1
CHIT CHAT: Gurll Where Have You Been?! 13:44

2y ago13:44

13:44

Welcome to Chit Chat. Where I talk about anything and everything, completely unedited. So stay tuned for the real, the raw, the genuine snd the fully me! Sit back, Relax and Enjoy! Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbibliophile02/ For any suggestions, questions, thoughts or book recommendations email me at: theblackbibliophile02…

1
Season 1, Episode 14 Interview with Rev Dr Sharon Ellis Davis 54:52

2y ago54:52

54:52

Send us a text In this Episode 14, podcast host Rev. Dr. Mitzi J Smith (womanist scholar, author, professor) interviews Rev. Dr. Sharon Ellis Davis about her new book The Trauma of Sexual and Domestic Violence: Navigating My Way through Individuals, Religion, Policing and the Courts. Support the show Thank you for listening! Check Out My Website at…

1
Season 1, Episode 13 Interview with Dr. CL Nash of Misogynoir to Mishpat 41:40

2y ago41:40

41:40

Send us a text In this Episode of Beyond the Womanist Classroom, podcast host Dr. Mitzi Smith interviews Dr. C L Nash about her womanist activist work in the United Kingdom and her brainchild Misogynoir to Mishpat, a website devoted to the work of Black women (of African descent) religious scholars. Listeners can find Misogynoir to Mishpat on Faceb…

1
Season 1, Episode 12: Black Women Professors in Theological Education at PWIs: Challenges, Resilience, and Progress 1:12:51

2y ago1:12:51

1:12:51

Send us a text In this Episode 12, Dr. Mitzi Smith (Podcast Host) has a conversation with her womanist colleagues, Dr. Marcia Y. Riggs (womanist ethicist) and Dr. Lisa Weaver (womanist scholar of liturgy) about negotiating life and work in a predominantly white academy and institution. We discuss the challenges, Black women's resilience, and our be…

1
Season 1, Episode 11: Plenty Good Room with Dr. Marcia Riggs 57:28

2y ago57:28

57:28

Send us a text In Episode 11 of BTWC, Dr. Mitzi J. Smith's guest is Dr. Marcia Y. Riggs, a womanist ethicist. Dr. Riggs discusses her book Plenty Good Room: Women Versus Male Power in the Black Church. Dr. Riggs argues that we must break free from the social mythologies that we inherited from our enslavement and from white-patriarchal-capitalist so…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Mahogany Books Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide