Best MahoganyBooks Podcasts (2025)

1
Tia Williams Discusses Her New YA Novel: A Journey of Friendship and Love 53:14

3d ago53:14

53:14

Join us for an illuminating evening as we celebrate the launch of Tia Williams' latest young adult romance novel, "Audre & Bash Are Just Friends." This engaging discussion features both Tia Williams and Nikki Payne, who share their insights into the intricacies of character development and the nuances of writing within the realm of young adult lite…

1
Empowering Young Readers: Nick Brooks Discusses 'Up in Smoke' 52:48

19d ago52:48

52:48

Nick Brooks, the esteemed author, filmmaker, and hip-hop artist, returns to his roots in the Washington, DC area to unveil his latest young adult mystery novel, *Up in Smoke*. In this engaging and thought-provoking discussion, hosted by Derrick Young, co-owner of MahoganyBooks, Brooks articulates his profound affection for his hometown and elucidat…

1
Afrocentric Style: Celebrating Black Culture in Modern Media 49:42

1M ago49:42

49:42

The discussion between Shirley Neal and Gina Paige centers on the profound impact of Blackness in contemporary pop culture, particularly as articulated in Neal's anthology, "Afrocentric Style." This anthology serves as an exploration of the intricate relationship between Black identity and mainstream culture, showcasing how Afrocentric aesthetics h…

1
Behind the Scenes of the Harlem Renaissance: Insights from Victoria Christopher Murray 52:04

2M ago52:04

52:04

The episode features a compelling conversation with Victoria Christopher Murray, an accomplished author, who discusses her latest work, 'Harlem Rhapsody'. The narrative centers around the life of Jessie Redmond Fawcett, a pivotal figure of the Harlem Renaissance whose contributions have been largely overshadowed. Victoria reveals the profound impor…

1
Building Wealth in Our Communities: Insights from Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal 1:59:07

2M ago1:59:07

1:59:07

The illustrious evening hosted by MahoganyBooks features an enlightening discourse with the esteemed creators of the Earn Your Leisure financial literacy podcast, Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal, as they unveil their groundbreaking book, *You Deserve To Be Rich*. This engaging dialogue serves as an invaluable opportunity for individuals aspiring to …

1
Black Girls Matter: A Deep Dive into Jayne Allen's Literary World 56:02

6M ago56:02

56:02

Join us for an engaging discussion with author Jayne Allen as she shares insights into her latest novel, "The Most Wonderful Time," which explores themes of identity, belonging, and personal healing. Jayne delves into the contrasting lives of two women, Ramona and Chelsea, who navigate their struggles in Chicago and Malibu, respectively. Through th…

1
Creating Characters with Heart: Kwame Mbalia on Writing for Young Readers 1:12:11

7M ago1:12:11

1:12:11

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
The Unfiltered Truth: Wallo267 on Success Against All Odds 1:03:16

7M ago1:03:16

1:03:16

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 59:26

8M ago59:26

59:26

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
Navigating Relationships and Success: Lessons in Love from Khadeen and Devale 1:14:22

8M ago1:14:22

1:14:22

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

9M 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
The Power of Black Fantasy Stories: Redefining African Mythology with Tomi Adeyemi 57:36

9M ago57:36

57:36

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 1:04:35

10M ago1:04:35

1:04:35

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

10M 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
Tiffany D. Jackson on Romance and Resilience in YA Literature 57:22

11M 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

11M 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

12M 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
From Inspiration to Creation: Willow Smith's Journey in Art and Storytelling 48:04

12M 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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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

1+ y 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…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

MahoganyBooks Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
MahoganyBooks Front Row: The Podcast

MahoganyBooks

1
Tia Williams Discusses Her New YA Novel: A Journey of Friendship and Love 53:14

1
Empowering Young Readers: Nick Brooks Discusses 'Up in Smoke' 52:48

1
Afrocentric Style: Celebrating Black Culture in Modern Media 49:42

1
Behind the Scenes of the Harlem Renaissance: Insights from Victoria Christopher Murray 52:04

1
Building Wealth in Our Communities: Insights from Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal 1:59:07

1
Black Girls Matter: A Deep Dive into Jayne Allen's Literary World 56:02

1
Creating Characters with Heart: Kwame Mbalia on Writing for Young Readers 1:12:11

1
The Unfiltered Truth: Wallo267 on Success Against All Odds 1:03:16

1
The Untold Stories of Black Women: Insights from Authors of A Black Woman's History of the United States 59:26

1
Navigating Relationships and Success: Lessons in Love from Khadeen and Devale 1:14:22

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

1
The Power of Black Fantasy Stories: Redefining African Mythology with Tomi Adeyemi 57:36

1
Roots of Resilience: Exploring African American History and Literature with Nikole Hannah-Jones 1:04:35

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1
Cultivating Resilience Against Racial Stressors 49:33

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