Episode 1 - The DDQ Podcast Introduction With Janai Thomas The DDQ Podcast: Where Conversation Meets Examination, And Sparks Transformation! podcast

32:25

**Before listening to this episode, you may want to listen to Episode 18: Holding Space - Honoring, Loss, Longing, and all Forms of Mothering ** The DDQ Podcast: Mothers & Daughters series is a special collection of powerful conversations celebrating the unique bond between mothers and daughters across generations. In each episode, we share authentic stories, laughter, lessons, and love as we explore how these relationships shape identity, resilience, and purpose. Whether you're a mother, daughter, or simply someone who cherishes deep connections, this series offers inspiration, reflection, and a reminder of the strength we carry through one another.…

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Episode 19: Mother-Daughter Special with Sonda Parham & Ricki Gordon 1:12:07

14 днів тому1:12:07

1:12:07

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Episode 18: Holding Space – Honoring Loss, Longing and All Forms of Mothering 11:25

21 день тому11:25

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Hey QueenSiS, this is a brief episode of sacred pause. Next month, in honor of Mother’s Day, we are featuring special conversations between mothers and daughters. But first, we want to take the time to acknowledge that Mother’s Day can be a time of joy and pain for many. This episode is our way of showing honor and understanding for all paths of ‘mothering’.…

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Episode 17 - Creating All Things Good with Dorneisha Batson 52:31

28 днів тому52:31

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Dorneisha M. Batson was born in Upper Marlboro, MD in 1981. She moved to Beaufort, SC in 1988. Coming from two different areas molded her creativity. She is predominately an abstract artist in the area of painting and drawing. Her pieces are bold and colorful and meant to make the viewer escape the world around them. Dorneisha completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management at Park University in 2006 and Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2010. She had her first solo art show in Beaufort in 2013 and showcased her work in numerous cities in the United States as well as London, England. Her pieces are currently on display in numerous locations in Beaufort, SC, Washington, DC, New York, NY, and London, England. QueenSiS, you can connect with Dorneisha at these links: https://justdorneisha.com/ https://www.instagram.com/justdorneisha/…

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Episode 16 - Squeezing the Sponge with Angela Simmons 1:04:32

5 weeks тому1:04:32

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Angela Simmons has worked in higher education for 30 years at various mid-sized and large universities in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states and currently serves as the Vice Chancellor for Student Development at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. She has her B.S. and M.S. degrees from Mississippi State University and an Ed.D. from Florida State University. Angela’s previous roles include Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs at Virginia Tech and Assistant Dean of Students at Florida State. Angela lives in Beaufort with her husband Dave and their very spoiled cat. In her spare time, Angela can be found reading a book, sitting on a beach, or Googling to support her curiosity habit. In addition to her work in higher education, Angela has served on various boards, to include chairperson for Hopeful Horizons, and board member for Bluffton Self Help. Service missions resonate her on a personal level as someone who grew up in a family with limited financial resources and is keenly aware of how the services provided by charitable organizations can transform the lives of those most impacted by socioeconomic disparities and inequities. Angela is also an executive coach, with a particular focus on women of color in the academy. Connect with her today QueenSiS: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-simmons-164043262/…

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Episode 15 - Give Them Their Flowers with Ruthie Mae Johnson 42:14

6 weeks тому42:14

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This episode is extra special. I have the honor of sitting down with someone who has shaped my life in more ways than I can count — my Aunt Ruthie Mae Johnson, who is 83 years blessed, and full of grace, joy, and wisdom. She is my mother's oldest sister, and a mother to me in so many ways! In this conversation, we talk about friendships, her years spent living and working in New York, how to prepare for what you prayed for, and why it matters to give people their flowers while they’re still here. I hope this conversation with my Aunt fills your heart the way it filled mine. These are the moments that remind us to celebrate our elders, cherish our roots, and never stop dreaming — no matter our age. If you were moved by something you heard today, take a moment to call someone you love. Say thank you. Make a lunch date with them, and give them their flowers!…

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Episode 14 - The Queen's Roundtable: Part II 42:59

7 weeks тому42:59

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Part II of our special #Herstory month edition of the DDQ Podcast! Featured Guests from January - March 2025 share their feedback and favorite lessons from other guests.

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Episode 13 - The Queen's Roundtable - Part I 1:00:09

8 weeks тому1:00:09

1:00:09

This is a special #Herstory month edition of the DDQ Podcast! Featured Guests from January - March 2025 share their feedback and favorite lessons from other guests.

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Episode 12 - The Sisterhood and a Mighty Long Way with Rhonda Greene 1:06:36

9 weeks тому1:06:36

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Radiant – as in beautiful on the inside and outside. Real – as in 100%, straight with no chaser. Righteous - not only in terms of her faith walk, but in terms of her stance on the side of justice and equity. That’s Rhonda Greene. She is the amazing mom of an amazing 15-year-old young man. Her previous role was as a Senior United States probation officer for the eastern District of Virginia Richmond division where she was responsible for the daily operations of a United States federal drug court program. She is a certified substance therapist and has worked in the profession for over 27 years. She is a proud graduate of the Virginia State University, where she received her undergrad and master’s degrees. Rhonda currently works at Matoaca high school as a school security officer and it is her greatest work yet. Tune in to hear how this native New Yorker’s journey in life has brought her from what she calls ‘ a mighty long way ’! To get in contact with Rhonda, send her a message on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhonda.greene.908 Hey QueenSiS! Do you want to be a featured guest on the DDQ Podcast? Enter your information on this quick survey and we will follow up with you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DDQmmunity…

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Episode 11 - Ten Steps to Write the Vision 45:13

10 weeks тому45:13

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In this episode, we are diving deep into a topic that has been a game-changer for me and so many others: personal vision planning! I break down my 10-step process to wo manifesting the life you deserve. Because you and I are worth it QueenSiS! Taking the time to visualize and plan will pay off in ways you can’t even imagine. So grab your tea, your DDQ journal and your DDQ day planner - be prepared to hit pause, write some notes, rewind, and get it again. You might even want to listen to this podcast with your BFFs and tribe – make it a girl’s night in! Here are the links I mentioned in this episode: One of my book club favorites, The Revisioners by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton List of my favorite podcasts: Black Woman Leading She’s Got Drive Therapy for Black Girls (especially episode 393 - Estate Planning) The Back to Me Podcast - especially episode 169 - Cultivating Resilience in STEM) Stay Spiritually Fly & Shades of Soul Meditation Series by Faith Hunter Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast Enjoy and Love Your Life’s Journey ( Continue to rest in peace and power Aunt Josephine – thank you for leaving us this treasure via your YouTube Channel! )…

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Episode 10 - What is Womanism? 1:38:52

11 weeks тому1:38:52

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Hey QueenSiS! I’m putting my professor tam on for a few moments, but don’t worry, there is no final exam at the end! Today’s episode is about Womanism - I use it in the title of the DDQ Journal, and tag our episodes with #WomanistWinsDay so I thought it only fair to dedicate an episode of the podcast sharing some more information about the concept. Here I define womanism and discuss just a few luminaries in the field; I talk about why this discussion matters today, by examining womanism's relevance from perspectives of the academy, environmental sustainability, and theology. And, I play a few excerpts from womanist thought leaders for added context. Here are links to the many (many!) items I reference in the episode: Video Links Democratic Womanism – poem by Alice Walker read on Free Speech TV. https://youtu.be/iuHfX-dX4-I (September 28, 2012). Excerpt from Alice Walker’s October 3, 2003 address at "Jumpin' at the Sun: Reassessing the Life and Work of Zora Neale Hurston at Barnard. https://youtu.be/iUyOQ3DpqzM?si=-c8xYOoS0TfHPqdg . Dr. Wil Gafney: Biblical Language for a God Who Transcends Gender. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLfpaRhsSUI (TheoED Talk, 2.20.2020). Books & Articles Mentioned in the Episode In the service of social equity: Leveraging the experiences of African American women professors (article by Najmah Thomas, 24 Jan 2019) https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15236803.2018.1565041 . Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm’s Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land. By Leah Penniman. https://www.soulfirefarm.org/media/farming-while-black/ Ecowomanism: African American Women and Earth-Honoring Faiths. By Melanie L. Harris. https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/melanie-l-harris/2053506/ Three Womanist Theologians I'm Following: Raquel S. Lettsome, PhD - https://youtu.be/XXAhxuie47g?si=8itI8yWhOKN5_qUN Dr. Renita Weems - https://youtu.be/lOo040NYrOw?si=TDiOclrXHUiFbdIB Judy Fentress Williams - https://www.youtube.com/live/O1QWdf5WlyE?si=2aWdYyO6vG63WxwH KweliTV Movie Reference ( “Jesus loves the sex worker too” ). Africa United. https://www.kweli.tv/watch/kweli/africa-united . 3.15.25 DDQ Vision Board Day Party (go to the https://www.mydayclean.com/store-2/p/ddq-vision-board-day-party to purchase your tickets – very limited quantities available!) Hey QueenSiS! Do you want to be a featured guest on the DDQ Podcast? Enter your information on this quick survey and we will follow up with you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DDQmmunity…

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Episode 9 - Making it to Sunday with La Fonda McWilliams-Wyatt 1:34:52

12 weeks тому1:34:52

1:34:52

A child of many names, the daughter of many “mothers,” and a woman rising from the destruction she was left to navigate, Mrs. La Fonda Elizabeth McWilliams-Wyatt has turned survival into strength. By day, she serves as an educational conference coordinator for Virginia’s Community Colleges, a role she has passionately held for over 20 years. She lends her time as a walk coach for The Downtown Monument Ave 10K, affectionately known as “Coach La, the Pear Diva, Queen of the Turtles,” and is an active member of Black Girls Do Bike RVA. Committed to keeping children out of the foster care system—of which she is an alum—she and her husband have opened their home to multiple minor children until their parents could successfully regain stability. In April, she will begin coursework to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate® in Henrico County, furthering her commitment to advocacy. She is also in the process of writing four books— i am Truth, D@mn Beverly, How to Survive Reunification, and The Book of La —with plans to open her own daycare center. You can get in touch with La Fonda here: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.instagram.com/authenticlabydesign/ Instagram Profile: https://www.instagram.com/authenticlabydesign/ You can use these links to learn more about and support the Great Expectations program at VCCS: Program website: https://www.greatexpectations.org/ Program Director Rachel Mayes Strawn - rstrawn@vccs.edu Hey QueenSiS! Do you want to be a featured guest on the DDQ Podcast? Enter your information on this quick survey and we will follow up with you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DDQmmunity…

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Episode 8 - EmpowHERd to be with Gaynelle Dantzler 1:34:53

13 weeks тому1:34:53

1:34:53

Gaynelle has been in the healthcare field for over 27 years. Including leadership roles at the Beaufort Jasper Hampton Comprehensive Health Services, the Naval Hospital in Beaufort, and the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Service. In 2024 Gaynelle founded Empower Her2Be (EH2B), a nonprofit organization in Northern Beaufort County. EH2B was formed to prepare young women, ages 12-18, to meet the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood through a coordinated, progressive series of high-quality activities and learning experiences that help them to achieve social, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. Get connected with Gaynelle and her work at the links below! Empower Her2Be (EH2B) https://www.empowerher2b.org/our-program Gaynelle's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaynelle-dantzler-mph-b9585813b/ Gaynelle's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gaynelle.dantzler Hey QueenSiS! Do you want to be a featured guest on the DDQ Podcast? Enter your information on this quick survey and we will follow up with you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DDQmmunity…

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Episode 7 - Taking This Hard Life Easy with Kersha Burton 1:05:01

14 weeks тому1:05:01

1:05:01

Kersha Burton is a passionate individual who has had a diverse journey, including serving in the Navy for 22 years. Joining the Navy at eighteen years old instilled in her a sense of discipline and commitment, shaping my character and values. Outside of her military career, Kersha finds joy in both nature and creativity. Her love for gardening allows her to connect deeply with the earth, feeling the soil in hand and experiencing the tranquility it brings. Kersha expresses her creativity through crochet, crafting handmade items that reflect my appreciation for natural beauty. She also enjoys creating skincare products, combining my love for nature with the art of self-care. Connect with Kersha on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kershastouch/ Click here for Kersha’s Touch handcrafted skincare products: https://www.kershastouch.com/shop Hey QueenSiS! Do you want to be a featured guest on the DDQ Podcast? Enter your information on this quick survey and we will follow up with you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DDQmmunity…

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Episode 6 - Healing and Revealing with Abenaa Moore 1:39:32

15 weeks тому1:39:32