Demetria Reads
By Demetria Bridges
Like the music? Giving a huge shoutout to Otis MacDonald for his track "Behind Closed Doors".
Demetria ReadsJun 18, 2019
"How To Move Toward Your Mountain" by Corey McComb
When it comes to your dreams, is the path you're on leading you to your mountain peak or to a cul-de-sac of endless circling? Here is an inspiring piece by Corey McComb that invokes self-introspection.
"The Incredible Power of Being "Onto Something"" by Corey McComb
Sometimes we can't see the beauty of life and living right in front of our eyes. We become blinded by societal pressures and emotional insecurities and we become lost to what has been there all the time. Using the life of Theodore Roosevelt, author Corey McComb illuminates for us the importance of the lenses through which we choose to look and see life or death.
"When Was The Last Time You Laughed?" by Kris Gage
How important is laughter? For many, laughter heals the wounds of the soul and releases tension and stress. Laughing is a much needed part of life yet we often don't do it - why? After listening to Kris' words, you'll be wanting to laugh like she does.
"How To Form New Habits That Matter" by Darius Foroux
Need an A-HA! moment to get you on the right track to accomplishing your goals? Listen to Darius' words of practical and common sense wisdom and take yourself off the hamster wheel of dead-ends.
LA LIVE! Variety Show
Local artists come together to perform for the community in this variety show LA LIVE based in Lower Allston, Massachusetts.
"The Other Kind Of Coffee" Part 9 by Stephen M. Tomic
Here's part 9 of the sizzling office drama...
"The Other Kind Of Coffee" Part 8 by Stephen M. Tomic
Even more suspicion and curiosity.... catch up with any previous episodes you may have missed or maybe you just want to relive the experience.
"The Other Kind Of Coffee" Part 7 by Stephen M. Tomic
Here's Part 7 of this thrilling office drama.
"The Other Kind Of Coffee" Part 6 by Stephen M. Tomic
Questions & Cliffhangers...this episode will give you plenty of both.
"The Other Kind Of Coffee" Part 5 by Stephen M. Tomic
Want to know a bit more about our Queen villain? Well, here's a little flashback about Janet.
"The Other Kind Of Coffee" Part 4 by Stephen M. Tomic
Part 3 ends with a surprising ending between Janet and Dominic. Part 4 adds to the suspense with a curious twist.
"The Other Kind Of Coffee" Part 3 by Stephen M. Tomic
Part 3 of this sizzling short story. Enjoy !
"The Other Kind Of Coffee" Part 2 by Stephen M. Tomic
Here is the continuation of the short story series. Missed Part 1? Go to episode of 3 of Season 2 of Demetria Reads - Summer Series!
"Don't Give Up, Aaliyah!" by Flora Ekpe-Idang
Every little girl needs to know she can be her own hero and in this children's book, the main character Aaliyah is a great example of determination and ingenuity. The book is the brainchild of business woman, Flora Ekpe-Idang who had a passion to write stories for little girls of color and even begin a line of multi-cultural dolls based on the characters she writes about.
"The Other Kind Of Coffee" Part 1 by Stephen M. Tomic
Love an intriguing short story? Well, Stephen M. Tomic delivers with the first part of his short story series that takes place in a company filled with different personalities and well kept secrets.
"Why The Women in My Family Don't Scrub Floors" by Kay Bolden
There's nothing richer than hearing about the stories that make up the tapestries of our family's lives. In an amusing and wonderfully spun tale, Kay Bolden shares with us the respect, dignity and standards that shaped her as a black person and a woman.
What family stories have been the driving force in your life, the reasons why certain lines would not be crossed? So get your cup of coffee, curl up on the couch and prepare to be swept away.
"Signs of Life" by Bridget Phetasy
"Mirror, Mirror on the wall, help me stay the fairest of all". We can handle the passage of time to grow money, our careers and even in our search for meaning. But it is our reflection in the mirror that can cause the greatest pain. What is it about youth and beauty that keeps us kneeling before their altars? Why do we value the words of wisdom but not the look of wisdom? Hear Bridget Phetasy's journey of how she learned to value life and embrace the signs of aging.
"How Cross-Training Your Brian Leads To Better Kind of Productivity" by Corey McComb
Are you a life-long learner? How do you keep your thinking fresh and always adaptable for life ahead? It's easy once we become settled into our careers and family to-do lists, to keep a steady course. But it's only after years have passed, do we realize the gap we've allowed to grow. This author prefaces his wisdom with a story of Agatha Christie and how she embraced the uncertain and gained more than what she bargained for.
"That Time I Got Revenge On An Annoying Customer" by Rachel Khona
Revenge is never sweeter than for those in the service industry. Dealing with mankind can make ya wanna just...you know... stick it to them when they are at their worst. But is revenge sweet? Is it worth the price? Listen to Rachel's experience and determine for yourself if in her shoes, you'd dabble in revenge again.
"Warning Signs That A Bubble Is About To Burst" by Scott Galloway
Are we headed for a financial crisis? Have we put too much faith into boyhood genius instead of seasoned experience? Scott Galloway gives us his opinion on the trajectory of our economy and the future of the corporate arena.
I Am Learning To Unlearn What Society Has Taught Me by Mai Pham
The mind is the battlefield and when it comes to unlearning, our thinking and mindsets can become horrific dictators to our lives. However, before one can choose to change their thinking, they must become aware of their thinking patterns. Mai Pham shares how she learned to question what she was taught by her family and society that no longer served her best interests. As you listen, reflect on the thinking patterns you hold to and if they are serving you well. And if not, are you willing to let them go?
Are You Done Yet? Women On How Long Sex Should Last by Bridget Phetasy
Like everything else, women hold the monopoly on even time limits for sex. And according to this author, men would be wise to heed. When she starts thinking about checking on her roast in the oven....dude, you're done. Enjoy!
Why I'm Selling All My Shit by Rishabh Dev
Could you live without everything you felt you needed? Your apartment, car, credit cards, clothes...could you just walk away from all the upkeep and appearance of things and live a simpler lifestyle? This author gives us a quick look into how he's shedded all he didn't need in order to live the life that matters.
The Truth About Farting In Front Of Loved Ones by Benjamin Davis
Does your significant other allow you to break wind in front of them? Or do you hold it in from fear of what they might think? In a world where image outranks reality, I'm sure there's many of us who would clench rather than release. Benjamin Davis gives us a funny and unashamed peek on how he had no choice but to tackle this painful hurdle with his girlfriend.
Losing The Argument Against Life by Jonas Ellison
No one can teach you how to live. Life is an experiment, a melting pot of recommendations, fighting against ingrained patterns and leaping by faith, even if you don't believe in a higher power. Wouldn't it be wonderful to receive yearly reviews from Life? To sit down with Life and go over the choices we've made and be guided away from pits and towards higher planes? But Life doesn't provide such feedback, it simply demands that we trust that it knows and that we let go.....of ourselves. Even let go of what we thought life would be and what we planned. Can you let go? Can you trust life to know better than you and submit to its guidance? Jonas Ellison encourages us to die to ourselves, our ego and let Life win.
"I Went Out With A Guy And He Sent Me An Invoice" by Rachel Khona
On a scale of 1-10, how much do you hate first dates? Well, if you didn't hate first dates, you will now. Listen to the funny and shocking tale of this author's unforgettable experience with a first date gone horribly wrong. It could happen to you...
Stop Apologizing For Being Yourself by Darius Foroux
We may not admit it but a crucial part of our wardrobe is the mask we wear everyday that hides our true selves. This mask is more familiar to our friends, family and colleagues than our true face. Why is it so hard to be ourselves? Why are we content to hide that which is authentic and full of clarity? Is it that we are strangers with our true selves? Have we assimilated so well that we believe the mask is real? And when we do find glimmers of our true selves, why do we apologize for it?
Today's featured author, Darius Foroux challenges us to discover what is unashamedly true about being ourselves and embrace it wholeheartedly.
Amazon Alexa, My Girlfriend and I are in a Love Triangle by Benjamin Davis
Favoritism. Humans do it but what about the artificial intelligence we bring into our homes and lives? Does Alexa, Siri or even the voice of your car's GPS seem to show a predilection for you despite the angst of others around you? This is the dilemma of the three voices sharing a household in this humorous article where one voice is favored and the other is undermined.
To Music, With Love by Jennifer Sartore Hulst
Music has a universal language that connects us beyond the barriers of language, culture and even personal differences. Music is a power that can move us suddenly from one emotion to another without warning. And music is never more powerful than in our pre-teen and teenage years when we are in the chaos of figuring out who we are and carving out our lives. In this love letter, the author gives tribute to the role music has played in her life. Her words reminds us that without music, life wouldn't have been as impactful or even as memorable. If you had to write a love letter to the role music has played in your life, what would you say?
A Loose Woman by Kay Bolden
The relationship between mothers and daughters is classically one of love and hate. It 's also a tug-of-war of individuality, identity and dependency. Both parties are guilty of the pushed upon sculpting of the other. A daughter trying to make her mother understand what age is blind to, a mother trying to make her daughter see what youth keeps her in ignorance of. And for many, by the time both sides can finally "see", time has passed and opportunity lost. Enjoy this quick invitation of the author to experience the complex, rich and rewarding quagmire that was the relationship with her mother.
The Shameful Life of Childhood Dolls by Roxanne Batty
Have you replaced your childhood toys with an adult version that makes it socially acceptable to indulge in the fantasies of your mind? The author gives us a peak into the arena of human behavior and the human playground that is the mind. The question must be pondered - why does the author characterize the life of her dolls or doll experience as "shameful"? Why is it an addiction? Do we have those addictions that we secretly play out in socially acceptable venues? This is the conundrum this short and seemingly light story offers us.
The Giving Tree Is Done Being A Push Over by Kyrie Gray
Are you the giver or the taker in your relationship? This smartly crafted story by Kyrie Gray reveals how easy we take others for granted and forget that in everything balance is required to ensure success. After listening, do you have more empathy for Tree or side with Rebecca?
Reflecting On My Failure To Build A Billion Dollar Company by Sahil Lavingia
Many times what really matters gets lost in the hustle to dominate the start-up game and bring in the trophy of massive profits. But it's only on the entrepreneurial journey do we have those rare opportunities to discover what matters most and why we had ideas to begin with and the impact we dreamed of making.. Sahil's story is a profound one that every entrepreneur and start-up can relate to. A story of discovery, resilience and value.
Gillette Brand purPositioning: What's behind toxic masculinity? by Serdar Paktin
In a society where multimedia sings the praises of strong women, responsible non-profits and embracing diversity, it can feel a little daunting for the rest of the population..meaning men. Serdar Paktin takes on Gillette's effort to rally men to be better, an effort that didn't quite meet its mark. But the author sheds light on what Gillette and other companies should and can still do to make the impact that brands them positively to the world. Serdar's words are worth listening to, for companies and entrepreneurs alike.
"You Are Not Equal. I'm Sorry" by Dina Leygerman
I don't think we realize how unequal women in America still are. In the hustle and bustle of technology, conveniences and the American flag, it's easy to forget that the scales still aren't balanced, not even a smidge. Dina reminds us with her words how much there is still to fight for when it comes to women and the rights we deserve. We can't become complacent with the freedoms we currently enjoy but must remember there are still battles that have yet to be won and victories future generations may only benefit from. This is a must listen for all as we must fight for the daughters yet to be born.
How To Be Good At Sex
Want to be good at sex? Kris Gage tells it like it is, unapologetically. Her candor and no frills tone made this article a must-read and then a must-narrate for me! Kris gives to us hard on what should and shouldn't be between the sheets. Narrating was such a blast that I recorded more than a few times to polish the gauntlet of sarcasm to sultry. Listen, resonate, laugh and maybe even learn a thing or two.
Lunch at Woolworth's Five and Dime by Miles White
Some of the best stories are hidden in the past. Despite the discomfort of the harsh realities of racism, such stories always leave its listeners with a gem allowing them to embrace remembering. This story is based in the Jim Crow South and the tale illuminates human dynamics when color lines are crossed and civil disobedience occurs. A great short story with rich characters woven together in a way that it'll leave you wishing the author continued the story.
SABOTAGE!
Siblings...nuff said! So many of us can relate to the" competitive, getting over the other, why do they get to do it, it's mine" quagmire that is the sibling relationship. The little one in this story gets his way and I wonder if after listening, can any of you relate? Would you have done the same? What mischievous things did you do towards your siblings to get your way? Don't worry, I won't judge you, I want to laugh with you because we're all guilty! Thanks to Stephen M. Tomic, an author on Medium.com for writing this fun and interesting tale of sibling antics.
A Love Letter To Entrepreneurship by Justin Cox
Whether you're an entrepreneur or are thinking about the benefits of launching out on your own - this article will resonate with you! Justin Cox truly embodied through his writing the love of taking the chance on one's passion and what it feels like to be on the winning side. I couldn't help but give this love letter a sultry tone that beckons and woo's especially when Justin is giving me words like "titillating" and "lustful"! A fun read and I hope you'll be convinced of the forbidden joys of joining the entrepreneur club! See you on the other side!