The KJ Says Podcast

In this episode, Kenya interviews two special guests: good friends, and two of the most LITTY (ayyy) Black women ensconced in the Lit community today, LIT-erally. She spoke with Melody Simpson, an up-and-coming YA author, who is the Creator, Editor, TV & Film Critic of Hollywood The Write Way, and the Founder and CEO of Melanin in YA, a resource for all things Black in traditional Young Adult publishing. And the Queer Black Woman who created the #SupportBlackWomenWhoWriteWeirdShit hashtag, Teri Clarke, who is a published Horror/Fantasy author that writes under the name Zin E. Rocklyn. Teri has a novella on the way, Flowers for the Sea, (currently available for pre-order on Amazon). 

The friends talk about everything from their current projects and being a part of the literary writing community, to how living through the pandemic still affects their creative process.

Kenya & Jay are back! It’s like they never left as they discuss some of their favorite, iconic examples of classic black women friendships in film and television. Walk down memory lane, reminiscing on the journeys of so many of the Black women that graced our screens over the last few decades. The two besties MAY go off on a slight tangent or two, reckoning with some of the colorism, homophobia, and fatphobia prevalent in their 90s-set picks. But despite pointing out their flaws and all, they have no choice but to stan and put respect on these examples of strong, tight-knit, lasting friendships that continue to shape and influence our relationships today.

In another bonus episode (because they talk too damn much), Kenya & Jay discuss their faves: the UBER talented Michaela Coel, the busy and bossy young Marsai Martin, and the SEXIEST MAN ALIVE Michael B. Jordan! Listen to the full segment to hear all the reasons K & J Stan Michaela, Marsai and Michael B.!

In this bonus episode, Kenya & Jay discuss how Black women showed up and showed out, voting overwhelmingly to bring Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to victory in this fraught Presidential election. They highlight political heavyweights who did the work to flip Red states Blue: Stacey Abrams (of Fair Count/Fight) and LaTosha Brown (of Black Voters Matter). They dissect the controversy surrounding Latina actress and activist Eva Longoria's perceived anti-Black comments and whether or not her many apologies were successful. Plus, later in the show, they big up the newest member of Congress’ progressive 'Squad', Representative-elect Cori Bush, and all the newly elected Black, Brown, Native and LGBTQI Representatives we have gained to represent us in government! They ask: does this backlash against the dangerous extremism of the Trump administration, and seeming push towards more progressive politics and an inclusive government give you hope? 

Join Kenya & Jay as they discuss Black entrepreneurs who are self-made multi-hyphenates changing the landscape of business, industry standards, shaking up culture norms, building their own tables, and inviting fellow creatives and pioneers of color to have a seat. They focus on multi-millionaire bad-girl, the self-professed Savage Queen herself, Miss Robyn Rihanna Fenty, demanding that you put some RESPECT on her legacy! And, later in the show, K & J Put You On to some products that they as Black women actually use in their everyday lives. It’s highly recommended that you come up off them coins for these Boss Ass Black Women-owned businesses, whose brands have earned K & J’s fangirl seal of approval!

In another bonus episode (because they talk too damn much), Jay & Kenya discuss their faves Megan Thee Stallion, Amber Riley (just RILEY to you), Rahul Kholi and T’Nia Miller (aka, The Haunting of Bly Manor’s Owen and Hannah, our new OTP). Plus, they shout out a few Black YouTube critics whose episodic break-downs and reviews became staples while watching Lovecraft Country! Listen to the full segment to hear all the reasons K & J Stan Megan, RILEY and Rahul.

In this bonus episode, Jay & Kenya discuss the nostalgia of classic Black television series finally hitting streaming sites in the full segment: Black Art Streaming, or How Netflix, Hulu, Disney + and HBO Max are bringing Black Classics Back Into the Mainstream For a Whole New Generation To Stream. Is it worth the price of admission?

Join Jay & Kenya as they introduce themselves, discuss the cultural phenomenon that is Lovecraft Country, the nostalgia of classic Black television series finally hitting streaming sites, and the renaissance of Black created horror. Later, in the introductory “We Stan!” segment, they gush about  Amber Riley’s first EP, Rahul Kohli serving us hot chef bae realness in The Haunting of Bly Manor, and more!

Friends Kenya & Jay discuss the good, the bad, and the delicious of entertainment media and the fandoms it inspires with some intelligence, some love, and a whole lotta humor.