Cookies & Conversation Podcast

Life looks a lot different for your girl since July of 2022. My journey through motherhood is constantly evolving. Love found me, I let it in, and I've found myself in the deepest love with the most amazing man. Above all things, shadow work this time around is way more intense than I anticipated and I have a lot of work to do.

Being physically assaulted with my life on the line last year triggered a strong desire to get back to my center and it goes hand-in-hand with my Pisces Saturn (12H) return. Healing is not linear and growth can be guaranteed, if you allow it to be. Coming to the mic vulnerably, I share my story... the truth that has been suppressed for years. In this 60-minute episode, I share with you the timeline leading up to that dreadful night; how my love with Malik blossomed; what I've learned about myself since being loved healthily; where I am in my motherhood; and more.

TW: abuse, domestic violence, death

If you see me, you see her. To you, she's Foodish Ways with the coffee recipes and restaurant reviews for days. But to me, she's my Munchkin. Kelci is a DMV food/travel blogger and Black content creator that does it for the people who check the menu before going out. Once upon a time, her brand was called Apple of my Eye, a class assignment that stems back to her college days at St. John's University. From food to shopping experiences, she shared with the masses her adventures in The Big Apple (that I was lucky enough to be a part of at times). Soon enough, this assignment became a brand that's turning The Big 10 very soon with expansion on the horizon. The two of us come together on a late Wednesday night to talk about what it's like being the eldest of The Quad Squad; how essential discipline is and the importance of maintaining her routines; some of her foodie experiences; and so much more.

Just over a year later, I find myself sharing the mic and holding space with my favorite lion-hearted Virgo, LaShawn White. LaShawn made her first appearance on Cookies & Conversation Podcast in Season 1, Episode 5: Nothing Is An L. Soft-spoken in nature, she's amplifying the power of her voice and reaching new levels of confidence with every passing day. With more peace in her heart, she finds herself in a place in her life where the storms she once weathered are rewarding her with a number of blessings. From experiencing an incredibly fulfilling love to doing all that aligns with her soul, LaShawn is ready to embrace the freedom her spirit has always longed for. On a beautiful summer day, the two of us discuss what life has been like since our last conversation; the depths of her relationship with God; the beauty of trusting herself & her journey; and so much more.

Cookies & Conversation Podcast returns from its subtle hiatus with an episode highlighting a group of people that deserve a lot more credit than they receive: Black fathers. Michael Savoy shares the mic with me and wears his heart on his sleeve to give us all a very insightful, detailed conversation. The two times #GirlDad comes to the platform as his most authentic self, sharing parts of his life that one would deem incredibly vulnerable: from the highs & lows of his previous marriage, to how hip-hop saved his life (cue the Lupe Fiasco). In this hour long conversation, Michael shares with me the roles his mother effortlessly fulfilled; the most enjoyable part of being a father; what life was like for him growing up; and more.

Your favorite baker and host is back with another solo episode of Cookies & Conversation Podcast. On a late, rainy night, I unpack a lot of shit with all of you and with my favorite cup of peppermint tea & honey in hand. In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, I come to the mic as my most vulnerable self. From very recent updates in my life to the highs and lows of my mental health journey, you all will learn even more about what impacted the makings of the woman in your earbuds/speaker today. I've never been the type to shy away from my story, my truth. With sincerity in my voice and love moving through my veins, I let you in on how I've improved my relationship with myself; how leaving unhealthy relationships & habits behind me helped me grow; the importance of moving closer to wholeness; my relationship with Tyler's dad; and so much more.

TW: depression, domestic violence, postpartum, sexual assault, suicide

Another trip around the sun and I've found myself sharing space with my fellow Mercury-ruled baby: Ariana Simoni (she/they). Ariana first made her appearance on Cookies & Conversation Podcast in Season 1, Episode 12: My Angels Got Me. Ariana is the owner of Witchy Organics, an incredibly proud mother and a genuine friend. With every ounce of confidence in her voice, she shares with us how life has changed for her since our last conversation together. New levels of growth are constantly making their presence known Ariana has no intentions of bringing that journey to a halt. She's feeling more comfortable in her skin; embracing every ounce of her healing journey; and trusting the process no matter what it takes. In Ariana's first returning solo episode, the two of us discuss how she balances her masculine-feminine duality; the importance of living as free of a life as possible; the importance of our motherhood/parenthood; and so much more.

To know me is to know that I do not play about my bloodline. Most importantly, I don't play about my sisters. I'm incredibly honored to have three built-in best friends that understand me better than anyone else ever will. Some siblings mesh, some siblings don't, and it's more than a privilege to say that the four us gel perfectly. Ironically enough, the four of us (finally) found some time in our super busy lives to come together on National Siblings Day to share our dynamic with all of you in honor of the holiday. In true Quad Squad fashion, we find ourselves bouncing jokes off of each other & choosing just a little bit of chaos with this lighthearted conversation. Over sips of coffee, Kelci shares who she thinks she's the most similar to; Cortney shares her most vivid memories from her childhood; Devin shares what her favorite part about her life as the youngest sibling; and so much more.

Taurus & Virgo are known to be a dynamic duo, and Kris Brewer (she/they) shared the mic with me on a beautiful Sunday afternoon to prove it to you. The two of us crossed paths almost nine years ago, and life has always managed to make sure that they remain aligned. With an infectious energy that allows people to gravitate towards them, Kris has found themselves dedicated to being a doula. The Postpartum Collective & One By One Postpartum, LLC hold space for constantly growing children & their parents that are experiencing the journey with them. Over cups of coffee, the two of us discuss what support looks like to them in an industry that focuses on extending it to others; when her passion for doula work began; the next big steps they're preparing to take; and so much more.

To know me is to know that I like to switch things up from time to time, and that's exactly what Season 3's inaugural episode is going to give. In honor of Cookies & Conversation Podcast's first anniversary, the script is flipped. I'll be taking a seat in the guest chair & my big sister Kelci Reedy, a Maryland food blogger, takes the mic & opens the door for you to see a different side of my world with her plethora of questions. Being my first built-in best friend, Kelci knows me better than the majority & she'll be taking you through the parts of me that people might think they know but have no idea. Over cups of hot & iced coffee, I share what people & life experiences made the greatest impact on me; the reality of being a small business owner; the birth of & my mission for Cookies & Conversation Podcast; and so much more.

One of the things I'm the most grateful for when it comes to my alma mater is the beautiful people that have become such an important part of my tribe. One of those beautiful people is Alex Myers, a true Aquarius and one of the faces of HBO Max's 12 Dates of Christmas. His authenticity & organic sense of humor on TikTok brought him to the astounding views of Lake Tahoe, California for a chance at love and the opportunity of a lifetime. 12 Dates of Christmas is filled with twists, turns & everything in between. But over sips of refreshing water, Alex shares with me the beauty of the connections that he made during his time filming this season; his insight on some of the tea that I wanted to spill; what he seeks in a partner; and more.

One of the most beautiful things about life is that we collectively travel different paths that somehow, someway intertwine. Many of us are looking at the same painting but we dissect the art differently. Throughout my life, I've encountered so many amazing individuals that inspire me. And I love to bring those same souls together to talk about what makes us different & all the same, all at the same time.

For the midseason finale of Season 2, I brought back two fan favorites: Robert (Season 1, Episode 11) and Habeeb aka Flex (Season 1, Episode 20). Robert is navigating the journey of being a stepfather one step at a time with his loving husband. Habeeb is a new father to a Libra princess & embracing the latest chapter of his life in a new state with his leading lady. Respectively, the two of them have their eyes wide open to the many blessings & possibilities coming their way. With the addition of my two (or three) cents, the three of us discuss our upbringing & dynamics with our fathers; our parenting styles & what they do and don't look like for us; and more.

I'm a firm believer in safe spaces and the discussion of uncomfortable topics & real life matters being normalized. Often times, people tell you to sweep any & everything related to abuse or domestic violence under the rug but that only creates more space and opportunity for the following behavior to occur.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Although the month may be coming to a close, the spread of awareness does not stop there. As a survivor of domestic violence and other forms of abuse, it would be a complete disservice to myself and others if I didn't stand up for myself or show those that have not found the strength to share their story what it's like to work through it and come out on the other side.

Today, for the first time ever, I am publicly sharing the most candid conversation about parts of my journey in detail with my girl Falon (Season 2, Episode 1). She shares with all of us the ins & outs of her journey, and we collectively share with you all the triggers that we've developed/experience; what our healing journeys look like; the importance of standing up for yourself; and more.

For those that may be/are triggered by the following, this episode might not be for you. For those that are struggling to speak up, we're here for you. You are stronger than you know. If you know someone that is experiencing any form of abuse/domestic violence, be as safe of space as possible for them and help if/whenever you can. I ask that you listen without silent or vocal judgement, and to receive every second of this episode with an open mind & heart. It's time to continue the conversation.

The tables have turned & I'm here to shake them. Your favorite baker & host is blessing your ears with a solo dolo episode for the one time to talk about a pretty controversial topic: COVID-19. To know me is to know that there are no cut cards. From learning that those close to me are anti-vax to me being pro-vaccine & unexpectedly contracting the virus in September, I lay it all out for you. I may rub some of you the wrong way with my thoughts & opinions but what would a podcast be without the host sharing their true thoughts & opinions by way of their platform? I chop it up with y'all — officially COVID free — and take you through the ups & downs of my experience; how the virus impacted my family & The MonAlicia Bakes; the shift in a couple of my connections; and the importance of nurturing my mental health within the four walls I quarantined in for almost three weeks.

Christin and I bonded over the truffle case at Montgomery Mall’s Lolli & Pops and have been thick as thieves since the day. What started off as a business bond turned into an unbreakable sisterhood. Over the last four years, we’ve experienced many highs and lows. Together & apart, we’ve overcome obstacles that nothing could have ever prepared us for. 

Christin’s Golden Year is blessing her with a number of new experiences which include different levels of healing, letting go of what isn’t serving her a greater purpose &  embracing her highest self. Over tea & daytime sips of vodka, Christin shares with me the importance of breaking out of her comfort zone; how she’s nurtured her inner child; the deep focus she has on her shadow work; and more.

Who better than The Weed Doc to shut down all of those damn cannabis stigmas? Anything related to weed, Dominique "Domo" Smith is in it. Domo is a cannabis specialist & advocate and the owner of the rising brand Extreme Heights, a luxury Black-owned business that provides cannabis infused products & education for those curious to learn the science behind it all. Taking pride in her Prince George's County roots, Domo's goal is to make Extreme Heights a successful local brand, following in the footsteps of our fellow Bishop McNamara alum that she's had the pleasure of working with & for: Hope Wiseman, the founder of Mary & Main. The Weed Doc & her fur babies sit down with me to discuss the stereotypes associated with the world of cannabis; how the brand came to be; the knowledge & opportunities she's been given separate her from the rest; and more.

Mimosa cookies from The MonAlicia Bakes, reiki sessions over FaceTime, and an abundant amount of laughs is what brought Daniel Ruggiero & I together. Daniel has practiced tarot for a little over 15 years. His experience fueled him to create the rising spiritual business The Tattooed Tarot.

Raised half Christian, half Jewish, and full-time spiritual, he found himself fascinated by the ins & out of religion. With his mother being a psychic medium, spiritual work became second nature to him at a young age. Obstacles throughout his life opened doors for him & introduced him to opportunities that have brought him the closest he’s ever been to his humanity including dedicating his time to nonprofit organizations such as New Dawn Tanzania.

Daniel shares with me the importance of maintaining his peace; how going after what you desire will always bring you exactly where you need to be; and more.

Sasha D. is bold, honest, and organically positive. Throughout her healing journey, she released behaviors & bonds that no longer served her. Now, she allows doors that are meant for her to open bring her to different levels of expansion & growth. Her true Aquarian nature that goes hand-in-hand with her creative spirit brought her to developing her brand & podcast, Adulting With Wine. Adulting With Wine serves as a safe space for a community of people that are focused on healing, growing & getting real about the journey of adulthood. Sasha shares with me what self care looks like to her; the future of Adulting With Wine; the importance of intention; and more.

Simone Miles is a renaissance woman that is beginning to embrace the titles that she fulfills. From being a creator to a connector of people, she brings her organic extroverted nature to the forefront with Nice To Meet You! Podcast. After a day's worth of work, Simone found herself at happy hour, connecting with strangers over cocktails, and discovering the beauty of these unexpected conversations. Since then, Nice To Meet You! Podcast has blossomed into a platform for individuals to showcase who they are & a movement that's dedicated to giving back to the community. For the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic, The Podcast Queen & I get together (in person!) with cookies to nibble on & a bottle of wine that we didn't get the chance to sip from. Simone shares with me the ups & downs of her experience during the COVID-19 pandemic; how her growth is limitless; and more.

Synclaire E. Roberts is a new mother to a little Leo king; a woman blessed with the God-given talent of creating poetry; and the author behind Makings of a Woman. But above all things, she’s a wholesome soul on a mission to shed light on Black women. Synclaire is a DMV native that currently resides in Pennsylvania. She finds beauty in her duality & takes pride in achieving balance which makes showing up as herself an effortless task. Her self love journey has involved unlocking the deepest layers of herself & allowing herself to experience being rebuilt. Synclaire shares with me how forgiveness plays a role in her growth; how accountability cannot exist without self awareness; the importance of her commitment to herself & God; and more.

Falon Turner is a Prince George's County native with an aura that impacts every person she crosses paths with. Her kindhearted nature and giving spirit go hand-in-hand with the family members before her that have a passion for education. As she steps further into her purpose, she also finds herself pursuing her passion & bringing joy to individuals by way of the magic her hands create. Over bites of my best-selling PB&J cookies, Falon sits down with me & shares how she's embraced the beauty of her self love journey, the joy in being loved out loud, and more.

In April 2018, I crossed paths with Erin Kirby, a true renaissance woman in the world of energy/spirit & healing. Erin gave me an unexpected message from my grandparents that crossed over & we've been friends ever since. She ended her work as a paralegal six years ago to pursue the reiki industry. Since then, Erin has assisted individuals in reaching the highest version of themselves. With her colorful background & profound sense of knowledge, she shares with me the importance creating safe spaces; the intensity that can come with being able to connect with others on the other side; and gives me a reading with a spirit that I never thought I would cross paths with again in the Season 1 finale of Cookies & Conversation Podcast.

George Hawkins III is a wholesome Virgo (one of my favorites, to be exact), a man that speaks with good intention, and an individual that serves others in a way that God Himself could never be disappointed in. With ease, George steps into enhanced versions of himself that bring him closer to his purpose. He selflessly shares what’s on his heart so others can be connected to God & discover the power in their purpose. The two of us discuss how his default is to love no matter the circumstances; the importance of giving others grace; how essential it is to not feed into any form of delusion; and more.

To know Habeeb is to know that he could never be regular. With his mother being Wonder Woman, his father being the most solid man he knows and life experiences that shifted his focus, he effortlessly stands in his purpose: designing & styling. In 2015, his passion for looking fly & feeling good became a part of him & Flex came to be. Soon after, the D.C. native created Flexessories (now Beloved Habeeb Creations), a brand focused on enhancing the beauty of real bodies & ensuring that every client feels more confident then when they came. Habeeb, always warm & grounded, takes on life with a smile that lights up every room. Because he remains true in every aspect of his life, the universe bestows upon him never-ending blessings that include an understanding partner & a bundle of joy on the way. Over grapefruit vodka & a good bit of Simply juice, the two of us discuss his journey throughout 2020; how essential it is to be mindful of the connections we make; the importance of checking one’s energy; and more.

Zana Allen is a D.C. native, lover of life, and a true renaissance woman. The owner of Diaspora Botanica currently resides in Baltimore, MD and is on the path of becoming a clinical herbalist which perfectly suits the new lifestyle she has fully embraced. Through trial and error over the years, Zana learned that sharing her darkness & light with individuals came with new levels of evolution. While standing firm in her boundaries & remaining self-aware, life brought her a partner that balances her out. The two of them have invested their energy into creating an accountable, disciplined, and selfless love. Over sips of water & wine, the two of us unfold the reality of connections in our lives; the art of dating; the importance of healing ourselves; and more.

Six years ago, Maryland native Jonice Moody took a chance on herself & immersed herself in the love she has for fashion. One leap of faith brought her to a space of creating Styles of a Curvy Girl: a personal blog & clothing brand that touches people in countries that she has yet to visit. Confident in nature, her ultimate goal is to inspire women to be comfortable in the skin they're in & feel beautiful with every idea she brings to life. Jonice shares with me who the beauty is behind the brand; the importance of embracing every part of her being; and how knowing herself has become her superpower. With a solid circle surrounding her, an incredible support system and the ability to make Styles of a Curvy Girl all that she wants & more, nothing can get in her way.

Priscilla O. Agyeman, MPH & I crossed paths a little over seven years ago in Queens, New York. Since then, she has become a public health professional that's proactively making her mark in all discussions about mental health. Priscilla is the CEO & founder of Saddie Baddies, a virtual sanctuary designed for people of color that has highlighted 75+ topics focused on mental health, wellness, and experiences that occur within minority communities.

Everything Priscilla does is rooted with intention & the hope of inviting more people of color to have a seat at the table to make the topic of mental health easier to discuss. The Sagittarius queen shares with me how her brand came to be & the doors that have opened for her because of it; the layers of her shadow work that enhanced her relationship with herself; the power instilled in her by way of her parents & those before them; and more.

Everyone's family is special but mine is a little different. I take pride in being a Quander, one of the oldest & largest documented Black families in America. My blood line means everything to me & being able to call to a number of amazing human beings my kin is the greatest flex of all time. Shameeka Butler, my cousin & Virgo twin, is an outstanding social worker & an advocate for making health care as accessible as possible. Being a natural born giver, Shameeka finds joy in being able to serve others & helping them get to where they want and need to be. Selfless in nature, she also shares with me the importance of prioritizing herself, her peace & what means the most to her. The two of us discuss our relationships with ourselves; how daily gratitude brings her to where she needs to be; and how essential it is for us to keep our heads up no matter what odds are stacked against us.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I brought together two of the most important people in my life to speak about Black mental health. Miya Cottoms (Ep 3 & Ep 14) & Ethan Gaskin, a "dude with a brain" that proactively absorbs knowledge from his mentors join me to discuss the reality of our personal experiences & what we've seen in our community.

Black people deserve safe spaces & healthy conversations that can encourage the ending of generational cycles and bring a level of awareness to their behavior/environments. We unpack what comes with generational differences; how important it is to nurture & to be nurtured; and more.

The visual can be found on YouTube.

The first panel recording for Cookies & Conversation Podcast features returning guests Miya Cottoms (Ep 3), the owner of the KarmaKreations, LLC; Kimani Haynes, a home remodeling ambassador focused on generational wealth (Ep 4); and Eric Jefferson (Ep 4), an actor & natural performer.

In a world that doesn’t give Black people much grace, it’s important to be surrounded by people that hold you down in the midst of it all. The panel comes together to discuss our journeys as Black men & women; meeting people where they are; what keeps our foundations solid; how generational cycles can be passed on; and more.

Ariana Simoni is a Maryland-based tarot reader & the mastermind behind Witchy Organics, a local small business that provides aromatic handmade candles infused with good intention. A true empath & gentle soul, Ariana finds themselves conquering hints of nervousness in this conversation & gives me the opportunity to learn about the now blooming journey of Spencer. They share with me how important it is to live in their truth & without restrictions; the fulfillment motherhood brings to their everyday life; and how essential it is to be whole before sharing a slice of themselves with anyone else.

Wolfgang is the individual that took a bet on himself, said yes to opportunities, and made the world of designing his livelihood. Robert is the kindhearted, family man that cut off deadweight & remained his most authentic self to get there. With the two of us being in each other's corner for years, organic conversation is easy for us. Over sips of kombucha & champagne, Robert Howze-Edge shares how essential it is for him to honor & learn from himself; the ins and outs of married life and parenthood; the difference between being creative & a creative; and more.

Mahmoud "Blue" Lamptey became a part of my life off the strength of a typo in their cellphone number & became family the moment I brought them on to my Lolli & Pops team in 2016. Blue is the epitome of an optimist & an individual that takes pride in their multifaceted nature. An advocate for the LGBTQ+ community & speaking up against Islamophobia, they encourage others to "see the other side of the coin". In the midseason finale for Season 1 of Cookies & Conversation Podcast, Blue shares with me how their journey of self-acceptance started years ago but the power of amplifying their voice has only come to the surface in recent months. We also discuss the importance of doubting the doubts we all experience & being mindful of how we invest our energy.

When a DMV native crosses paths with a NOLA native, the energy exchange is unmatched. Chasity Pugh, a Black food blogger & content creator better known as letdatgirleat, has made her mark in the foodie world by way of her authentic personality & seeking out everything that screams culture. Chasity discusses the foodie scene & the reality of maintaining her brand/social media presence; her experiences & observations as a supporter of small businesses (The MonAlicia Bakes included); and who she is beyond the aesthetically pleasing food she shares with the world.

First gen Ambrey de la Roca is strictly on her grind & simply trying to make it. The busyness of her full-time student & work life along with making sure that her family has everything they need keeps her hands full but she's making a conscious effort to prioritize her well-being. Ambrey & I discuss how burnout makes us move differently; political controversy & moments of sheer racism; and the importance of pouring into ourselves the same way we do others.