Jill, Aja, and Laiya close out the season with a conversation on changes.

“All that you change changes you. The only lasting truth is change. God is change.”
-Octavia Butler

Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message with your comments on this episode!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s episode Jill, Aja, and Laiya talk to genealogist Brian Sheffey and Donya Williams. They breakdown what’s really hidden in our spit as diasporic Black people. To get a deeper understanding of your own lineage check out the links below to their books, TV show, and genealogy services.

YouTube channel: https://m.youtube.com/@GenealogyAdventures

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genealogyadventuresusa?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Genealogy: genealogyadventures@e360tv.com

Books:

https://a.co/d/btRYDtv

https://a.co/d/cNsqdAe

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In this episode Jill, Laiya, and Aja talk to Aja’s teenage daughter Lana to understand what it’s like to be a teenager in this day and time and how the need to be supported. Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message with your comments on this episode!

Lana recommends we all watch “Who We Are” on Amazon Prime as homework. You can find the show at the link below.
https://www.amazon.com/Who-We-Are-Aviv-Cohen/dp/B07K8WDZPK

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Figuring out how to discipline children is not an easy task. What did our parents do? What does the research say? How do our personal morals shape our chosen methods of punishment? What does the child need? How do we raise children so that they grow up healthy and safe? What's "right" and "wrong" when it comes to disciplining children is not so black-and-white. Aja, Laiya, and Jill talk about the spankings they've gotten, the spankings they've given, and the difficult conversations they've had with their parents about the link between slavery and discipline today.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

12 Innovative Punishment Ideas for Kids (though the advice given is not recommended by Aja, Jill, and Laiya)

Article: "It Is Illegal to Spank Your Child in SA - ConCourt"

"All About Love: New Visons" by bell hooks

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There is merit in working hard and being productive on your own terms. But grind culture takes productivity to a whole other level. The no-sleep, hustle hard mentality has people saying yes to every opportunity, turning down every leisure activity, overbooking, and taking little if any time for self-care. Jill, Laiya, and Aja work hard, but they also affirm the power and importance of rest. In this episode, they get real about what it means to be successful and to make the most out of the time we have.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am

In the Wake: On Blackness and Being

The Nap Ministry

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Holidays can be joyful times of celebration and fellowship. But sometimes we end up participating in holidays that we have no practical or spiritual connection to. And in the U.S., some holidays have been commercialized and divorced from their historical roots. Laiya, Aja, and Jill shout out some Black holidays (like Juneteenth) as well as some of the traditions they've created and observe in their own homes.

Resource mentioned in this episode:

How to Make a Negro Christian

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to U.S. politics, 2020 has shown us how messy, racist, ignorant, and apathetic our leadership can get. Four years of a Trump administration was more than the people of the U.S. ever asked for (quite literally, considering 2016's popular vote outcome). But now that a Democratic presidency is on the horizon, how do we move forward? How do we avoid getting complacent and stay on these politicians' necks? Jill, Laiya, and Aja discuss the realities of the last four years, the upcoming presidential transition, and the work that still needs to be done. Plus, a conversation with Dr. Angel Love Miles, a social justice and disability rights advocate.

Resource mentioned in this episode:

Black Philly Radical Collective

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It’s about time we amplified the stories of Black women who are pioneers in the music industry. In this episode, Jill, Laiya, and Aja highlight some of these iconic artists and entrepreneurs – from Cathy Hughes to Valerie Simpson to Ma Rainey.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Queer Cultural Center

The film Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Any play by August Wilson

Millie Jackson, Labelle, Cathy Hughes, Valerie Simpson

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It's not easy to talk about sexual assault. It's a charged topic that rightfully carries so much weight, so much history, and so much emotion. But as Jill, Laiya, and Aja mention in this episode, it's likely that you know or are a woman who has been sexually assaulted. We have to have an honest conversation about how we talk about sexual assault and treat sexual assault survivors.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

RAINN

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

"Are Prisons Obsolete?" by Angela Davis

"Ain't I a Woman?" speech by Sojourner Truth

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are some things white people love doing that Laiya, Jill, and Aja would never do. Then there are things that white people love doing that Laiya, Jill, and Aja would recommend to their Blackest of Black friends. These are some of those things. (Hot tub outdoors in the winter, anyone?)

Resource mentioned in this episode: 

Check out your local newspaper for tips on things to do around your city.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black people are escaping the U.S. to try to build a better life abroad. But is it worth it? Aja, Laiya, and Jill discuss where they would go if they left the U.S. -- if they would even leave in the first place. Plus, a conversation with educator and activist Dr. Yaba Blay.

Resource mentioned in this episode:

https://travelnoire.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jill Scott, Laiya St.Clair, and Aja Graydon-Dantzler introduce J.ill, a podcast where they have conversations to spark conversation. The three longtime friends and entertainment icons have heart-to-hearts where there's room for affirmation, questioning, and disagreement. Getting older, rumors, cultural theft – trust that Laiya, Aja, and Jill will keep it 100% on topics that you love and ones that may make you uncomfortable. Join them on J.ill as they ask big questions and celebrate small joys.

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In this Episode Jill, Laiya, and Aja talk about the role and impact their fathers had on their lives. 

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In this episode Jill and Aja talk to Laiya about her physical and spiritual journey with fibroids post removal. Fibroids affect 8 out 20 Black women in the United States. For more information on the bill Vice President Kamala Harris introduced to fund fibroid research check out this article from Essence Magazine:

https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/kamala-harris-fibroid-bill/

Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message with your comments on this episode!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Jill, Laiya, and Aja reflect on what makes an impactful social justice movement. To dive deeper into what it takes to get a community organized check out the two articles below.

How to get organized: https://www.brightest.io/community-organizing

How to support social movements: https://mashable.com/article/social-justice-get-involved

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Jill, Laiya, and Aja talk to Ruth King about rage: what to do with it, how to use it, and how to transform it. For more resources from Ruth check out the links below.

Website:

https://ruthking.net/

Free Webinar: Let’s Talk About Race: What to do with emotional distress:

https://ruthking.net/free-webinar/

Rage Study Course:  Healing Rage: Guidance that educates the heart and transforms the mind:

https://ruthking.net/healing-rage-training/

Publications: 

https://ruthking.net/healing-rage-training/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Jill, Laiya, and Aja talk to the Legendary artist Stephanie Mills about her career, and how she feels about the state of the music industry. Catch her on tour this year link below.

https://www.ticketmaster.com/stephanie-mills-tickets/artist/735658 

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In this episode Jill, Laiya, and Aja talk to F.D. Signifier a content creator who focuses on media, music, and subculture analysis. You can find his content on social media, YouTube, and Patreon. They dive into everything from the world of content creators, the manosphere, and how our algorithm works.

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FDSignifire
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fdsignifier/?hl=en
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@f.dsignifire?lang=en
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fdsignifier

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Jill, Laiya, and Aja dig talk to “The Poly Couple Next Door” Mikki Bey and Raheem Ali about their marriage shifting from monogamy to polyamory. They’re candid about their struggles and why polyamory was the best option for their family.

Follow them on Instagram @thepolycouplenextdoor

To book a coaching call with Mikki start here https://calendly.com/getmikkibey

To book a coaching call with Raheem start here https://dopeconnects.com/index.html

Resources

The Ethical Slut: https://www.amazon.com/Ethical-Slut-Third-Practical-Relationships/dp/0399579664/ref=sr_1_1?crid=14PZ5G01TUZXH&keywords=ethical+Slut&qid=1676410642&sprefix=ethical+slut%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-1

More Than Two: A Practical Guide to Ethical Polyamory: https://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Two-Practical-Polyamory/dp/0991399706/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1L7HYI9WNPQ39&keywords=more+than+two+a+guide+to+ethical+polyamory&qid=1676410686&sprefix=more+t%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Jill, Laiya, and Aja dig into the heart of what it means to build generational wealth with attorney Jennifer Norton. Jennifer walks us through the ABC’s of estate planning. Spoiler alert: estate planning is for everyone. Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message with your comments on this episode!

Estate Planning Document:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16PqnvKLK8DCmRIJaSceyIxuQwwXdbHwp/view?usp=share_link

How to start:

https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/estate-planning

Jennifer’s Website:

https://www.estate-planners.org/

Jennifer’s IG:

https://www.instagram.com/nortonestateplanners/

https://www.instagram.com/thelegacystrategist/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Jill, Aja, and Laiya discusses what it’s like to be a black tourist in a Black country. What are the boundaries we have to uphold and respect as people of different diasporic cultures? They also dive into what it means to be a black gentrifier. To dive deeper into these topics, check out the links below. Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message with your comments on this episode!

https://travelnoire.com/respect-foreign-cultures-travel-abroad

https://www.theroot.com/debating-whether-black-people-can-be-gentrifiers-misses-1846456925

https://www.disneyplus.com/movies/coco/db9orsI5O4gC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Jill, Aja, and Laiya welcome superfan Royce Hall. They discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for all Black people and the joy of showing up as your authentic self. For more on Royce check out the links below. Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message with your comments on this episode!

https://linktr.ee/Royce.Hall

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPIwjSc8qOU 

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“Black Women get us higher” Today Jill, Laiya, and Aja interview the owner of Gorilla RX wellness, Kika Kieth aka Big Kika. She is the first black woman to open a dispensary in LA. She is also a cannabis activist and community leader. She shares her journey of breaking into the industry and the impact it has had on her community.

Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message with your comments on this episode!

https://gorillarxwellness.com/

https://cannabis.lacity.org

https://jamaicans.com/ganja/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Jill, Laiya, and Aja write love letters to themselves and discuss why loving on yourself is so important. Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message with your comments on this episode!

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In this episode Jill, Laiya, and Aja talk to intuitive education coach Sharon Green. Sharon and Jill walk through her experience finding the best educational options for her son Jett. If you want to learn more about finding the right school choices for your family check out some of the articles below. If you want to work with Sharon, you can connect with her through her company BloomTree Educational Services, bloomtreeinc@gmail.com.

https://www.oprah.com/app/the-sonrise-project.html

https://www.readingrockets.org/article/four-steps-selecting-school-your-child

https://schoolchoiceweek.com/tips/ 

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This week’s episode is all about you our listeners! Jill, Aja, and Laiya listen back to the voice mail you’ve sent this season. We love hearing from you keep them coming, Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message. 

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In this episode Jill, Laiya, and Aja talk about the highs and lows of 2022 and what they want to bring into 2023. If you want to reflect on your year, Amber suggest completing the the YearCompass. The year compass is a free resources that asks you the big questions to help you design your ideal year. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s episode is a replay from season one. We’ll be back next week with a fresh new episode!

Holidays can be joyful times of celebration and fellowship. But sometimes we end up participating in holidays that we have no practical or spiritual connection to. And in the U.S., some holidays have been commercialized and divorced from their historical roots. Laiya, Aja, and Jill shout out some Black holidays (like Juneteenth) as well as some of the traditions they've created and observe in their own homes.

Resource mentioned in this episode:

How to Make a Negro Christian

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Jill, Laiya, and Aja talk to Linguist, professor of Gullah culture and language, and content creator Sunn M’Chauex. They dive into all things language, the internet, and having pride in your culture. Check out more of Sunn’s work at the links below.

Website: https://www.sunnmcheaux.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sunnmcheaux
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnmcheaux/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sunnmcheaux
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunnmcheaux 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Jill, Laiya, and Aja talk to Ashon Crawley. Ashon is a writer, artist and teacher, exploring the intersection of performance, blackness, queerness and spirituality. He’s also the Associate professor of Religious Studies and African-American and African Studies at the University of Virginia. Ashon shares what he’s learned as he’s navigated his love for the church and his sexuality.

You can find out more about Ashon on his website ashoncrawley.com and on Instagram and Twitter @ashoncrawley and @ashoncrawleyart.

Links to Ashon’s work are below:

Blackpentecostal Breath: The Aesthetics of Possibility
https://www.fordhampress.com/9780823274550/blackpentecostal-breath/

The Lonely Letters
https://www.dukeupress.edu/the-lonely-letters

Meditation on Abolition
https://www.haymarketbooks.org/books/2035-meditation-on-abolition

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In this episode Jill, Laiya, and Aja reveal a few of their favorite things. Here are links to some of the companies they mention in the episode. 

Doux

Honey Pot 

Kin Apparel

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In this episode Jill, Laiya, and Aja reminisce on their favorite music memories and share the artist currently on their playlist. We’re building a J.ill playlist and we want to hear from you! What would you add to the list? Who are your new favorite artists? Follow us on Instagram @jillscottpodcast and on Twitter @jillscottpod to get the link to the playlist. 

Here are the artist Aja wanted to share with you in the episode

Peter Collins

Samara Joy

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In this episode, Jill, Aja, and Laiya talk about the experience of perimenopause. To learn more about connecting the physical and spiritual process check out this article from Veracityselfcare.com https://veracityselfcare.com/knowledge/body/menopause-goddess-phase

For more info on how to treat symptoms check out this article from Menopause.com https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/menopause-101-a-primer-for-the-perimenopausal

Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message with your comments on this episode!

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In this episode Jill, Laiya, and Aja talk talk about giving those who paved the way for them their flowers and the importance of knowing the history of those who came before us in the music industry.

For a little social media soul food check out @iamcleotrappa. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Jill, Laiya, and Aja talk to Nenna Joiner, owner of Feel More Sex shop about sex, sexuality and owning your pleasure. Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message with your comments on this episode!

You can purchase the products Nenna talked about in today’s episode at https://feelmore510.com/. You can find Nenna on IG @feelmoreadult 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Jill, Laiya, and Aja talk to Aja’s teenage daughter Lanaa to understand what it’s like to be a teenager in this day and time and how the need to be supported. Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message with your comments on this episode!

Lana recommends we all watch “Who We Are” on Amazon Prime as homework. You can find the show at the link below.
https://www.amazon.com/Who-We-Are-Aviv-Cohen/dp/B07K8WDZPK

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Jill, Laiya, and Aja welcome  New York Times best-selling author and famed spiritual life coach, Iyanla Vanzant to the show to share what’s been on her heart 

Iyanla has a new podcast in partnership with iHeart called The R spot. Each week, she invites callers to share their personal relationship issues during live sessions to help inspire, grow and guide them and other listeners to “do the work” toward healing. New episodes air Wednesdays, wherever you get your podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Jill, Laiya, and Aja talk about the controversy surrounding The Woman King. Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message with your comments on this episode! 

Check out this article from the Smithsonian about the Dahomey tribe. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/real-warriors-woman-king-dahomey-agojie-amazons-180980750/

To trace your own African Ancestry check out the test kits on Africanancestory.com. And listen to our episode from season 1 “Our African Ancestry” for more on Jill, Laiya, and Aja’s ancestry. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Jill, Laiya, and Aja talk to Tricia Hersey a.k.a The Nap Bishop talks about the politics of rest, and what I means for the healing of Black people. Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message with your comments on this episode!

Order Tricia’s book Rest its Resistance: A Manifesto from her website https://thenapministry.wordpress.com/. Follow her @thenapministry.

For more information on 4-7-8 breath work, check out this article from Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324417#benefits

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Aja shares the news that she’s going to be a Grandmother, or Yaya! The ladies dive into what it means for family to support young mothers. Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message with your comments on this episode! 

For more ways to support mom’s check out this article from Brown Mamas: https://brownmamas.com/support-groups-for-black-moms/

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In this episode Jill, Laiya, and Aja talk about what being ready for the relationship you want. Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message with your comments on this episode! For more information on knowing of you’re ready for a relationship, check out this article from the Atlantic. 

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In this episode Jill, Laiya, and Aja talk about what it means to be disciplined and why committing to your own well-being is such a challenge. They’re asking themselves and each other how to incorporate rest and well-being into their ideas of discipline and success. Check out the article from Forbes that Jill references in this episode. https://www.forbes.com/sites/brentgleeson/2020/08/25/8-powerful-ways-to-cultivate-extreme-self-discipline/?sh=5c6851c8182d.
Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message with your comments on this episode!

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In this episode, Jill, Laiya, and Aja talk to Dr. Thurman Webb about the effects of sexual assault on young men, how to identify it, and how we should address this as a community. If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault you can access help and resources through RAINN, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network at rain.org. 

You can get in touch with Dr. Webb at Rebrandtheblackman.com or Centeredperson.com. You can also find him on Instagram at @Rebrandtheblackman and @centeredperson. 

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In this episode Jill, Aja, and Laiya interview the founders of Black Girls Film Camp, Jimmeka Anderson and Sierra Davis. Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message with your comments on this episode!

Visit the website: https://www.blackgirlsfilmcamp.com/ 

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In this episode Jill, Laiya, and Aja talk about physical and spiritual enormity of birth and how to support the birthing and postpartum people in your life. Doula’s are a great way to empower pregnant people, if you’re looking for one in your area check on the National Association of Black Doulas at https://www.blackdoulas.org/. Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message with your comments on this episode!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Jill and Aja talk to Laiya about her physical and spiritual journey with fibroids post removal. Fibroids affect 8 out 20 Black women in the United States. For more information on the bill Vice President Kamala Harris introduced to fund fibroid research check out this article from Essence Magazine https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/kamala-harris-fibroid-bill/.

Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message with your comments on this episode!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a season for healing for team J.ill. In this episode Laiya and Aja talk about their summer travels that have sparked big awakenings. For more travel inspiration check out https://travelnoire.com/. Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message with your comments on this episode!

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In this episode Jill, Aja, and Laiya discuss their summer adventures. Jill shares and epic trip she took with her son Jett for his 13th birthday, a BroMitzfa. Epic trips require epic planning, here’s a resource for getting a quick jumpstart on starting your vacation fund. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/best-money-saving-apps

Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message with your comments on this episode!

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In this episode Jill, Aja, and Laiya talk about what it means to know and move in your worth no matter what environment you’re in.

When you need a reminder here’s a link to a quick meditation from Devi Brown on the Therapy for Black Girls podcast.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SQtHWvX74M

Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message with your comments on this episode!

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In this episode Jill, Aja, and Laiya continue the conversation on ending toxic relationships. If you find yourself wading through these waters I want to recommend processing with a licensed therapist. Below is a link to a directory of Black, female, therapist.

https://www.blackfemaletherapists.com/directory/

Call 866-HEY-JILL and leave us a message with your comments on this episode!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.