In this episode, we discuss the duality of motherhood as both a gift and a burden, and the societal expectations placed on women regarding their roles as mothers and professionals. We discuss the challenges of balancing personal identity, career aspirations, and the realities of motherhood, while also addressing the myth of 'having it all' in a capitalist society. The dialogue highlights the need for a shift in how motherhood is perceived and valued, advocating for greater support and understand...
Jul 17, 2025•58 min
In this episode, Shanti recaps taking her daughter to her first arena concert, while Antoinette saw the F1 movie and nearly lost her mind. For politics, we discuss the Texas floods, climate change, and the need for political accountability, as well as Mamdani's recent "scandal" surrounding his identity. For pop culture, we discuss the challenges faced by Essence Festival this year, highlighting the disconnect between its traditional audience and newer generations, and if Jay-Z is a dead beat dad...
Jul 14, 2025•1 hr 22 min
*Trigger Warning* This episode discusses suicidal thoughts and alcoholism This week, Antoinette and Shanti start with some light-hearted pleasantries and respond to some comedic listener voicemails. We are then joined by Antoinette's father, Jay Henry. Mr. Henry's full humanity is on display as he shares his experience as both an intentionally present father and recovering alcoholic. Antoinette and her father navigate this conversation with nuance and grace, while offering listeners the opportun...
Jul 10, 2025•1 hr 37 min
In this week's episode, Shanti hosts visiting family while Antoinette may be getting something off her chest (literally). For politics, we react to the ugliness of the "Big Beautiful Bill" as well as Elon Musk's villainous promise to politicians. For pop culture, Antoinette goes in on the Diddy verdict, we discuss Beyonce's recent scare, and laugh at Drake's abs. Join us... Contact Us: Hotline: (215) 948-2780 Email: aroundthewaycurls@gmail.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/aroundthewaycurls for exclu...
Jul 07, 2025•1 hr 45 min
In this episode, we follow no script. We randomly discuss topics that range from which dog breeds are Black, who our celebrity "hear me outs" are, Monica and Brandy's coming tour, and our friend group's real feelings about Shanti's singing finally emerge. Join us... Contact Us: Hotline: (215) 948-2780 Email: aroundthewaycurls@gmail.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/aroundthewaycurls for exclusive videos & bonus episodes See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice...
Jul 03, 2025•1 hr 14 min
In this episode, Shanti lamps during her luteal phase while Antoinette has an epiphany. For politics, Antoinette celebrates the New York primary win of Zohran Mamdani and the recent Supreme Court ruling to limit its own power against undermining presidential executive decisions. For pop culture, we catch up on the Diddy case and it's recent dropping of charges, we discuss B. Simone's recent podcast episode which touched on friendship and finances, and we comment on the random competition between...
Jun 30, 2025•1 hr 42 min
For this episode, Shanti shares how affected she was by the preventable passing of Ananda Lewis. Together, we explore how our beliefs about healthcare may influence our treatment decisions, and whether a healthy dose of caution is warranted in today's modern medicine as Black women. What is a healthy balance of rejecting and accepting treatment in this day and age? Join us... Contact Us: Hotline: (215) 948-2780 Email: aroundthewaycurls@gmail.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/aroundthewaycurls for exc...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 5 min
In this episode, Shanti recovers from rained out expectations while Antoinette returns from vacation as a reigning Queen of Spades. For politics, Antoinette shares her research on the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, particularly focusing on the implications of nuclear weapons and international relations. For pop culture, we discuss Tyler Perry's film 'Straw', and the broader implications of representation in media. Is Tyler Perry really the leadership and power we need for Black rep...
Jun 23, 2025•2 hr
In this episode, Shanti and Antoinette lament the loss of lightning bugs. After listening to caller voicemails, we catch up on pop culture! We discuss the recent interview between T.S. Madison and Nene Leakes. Together, we explore what it means to be a true ally to the transgender community, while acknowledging the areas in which we have more work to do personally as we reflect on our own biases. We comment on Cardi B's new relationship with Stefan Diggs and share our favorite 'breakup upgrades"...
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 46 min
In this episode, Shanti discusses Jolie's graduation and her beginning busy season, while Antoinette pushes through the challenges of moving and her daily workload. Heads up! This is a full politics-as-usual episode! Together, we discuss the recent ICE raids in Los Angeles, the community's response, and the political implications of the National Guard's deployment. We highlight the growing disconnect between Black and immigrant communities, the numbness felt in the face of ongoing injustices, an...
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr 26 min
For this episode, we keep our updates very brief as we save time to be in conversation with the brilliant Ki of "Kickin It with Ki". In this conversation, we explore the themes of mindfulness, community wellness, and the importance of rest, particularly for Black women. We discuss the challenges of managing emotions and grief in a politically charged environment. Ki offers practical steps for letting go and surrendering and guides us all with a meditation we hope you engage with as you listen. J...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr 15 min
In this conversation, Dating Coach Anwar discusses the challenges faced by Black and Brown women in dating and relationships. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and setting boundaries then addresses the issue of self-sabotage. Anwar also explores the concept of masculine and feminine energy and how it impacts relationships. He provides insights into when someone is ready to date and offers advice for women navigating the dating world. The conversation explores the difference between w...
Jun 10, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Antoinette is joined by renaissance creative, Franchesca Ramsey. Our convo covers a wide range of topics, including self-discovery, societal critique, and political commentary. Franchesca details the many pivots she's made in her career & personal life while providing insight into how she seamlessly & successfully incorporates her many talents into her brand. To end, Franchesca generously provides us with advice on navigating advocacy & authenticity while growing in your chosen field...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 19 min
We are celebrating 400 episodes! With the help of our listeners, we let loose with a completely unstructured, free-flowing episode. Together, we answer listener questions and talk about any and everything such as circumcision, The Star Spangled Banner, biblical prophesies, why female orgasms are better than males, the growth of our podcast, and our personal predictions for 2025. Join us for an Around The Way crash out... Contact Us: Hotline: (215) 948-2780 Email: aroundthewaycurls@gmail.com Patr...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr 5 min
It's another monthly crash out, it's just us and no script. Together, we discuss how Alfredo is ravishing the Black community, our reviews of Forever on Netflix, Antoinette being "Almond-y", Shanti's coming hair extensions and how Shanti's daughter may be more mature than her mom. Join us... Contact Us: Hotline: (215) 948-2780 Email: aroundthewaycurls@gmail.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/aroundthewaycurls for exclusive videos & bonus episodes See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and...
May 29, 2025•1 hr 24 min
In this episode, Shanti prepares for a busy season with The Sable Collective, while Antoinette has the most biracial weekend ever. For politics, we focus on the complexities of political decisions and their effect on healthcare, particularly regarding a case in Georgia involving a brain-dead pregnant woman. For pop culture, we talk about the sensationalism of "fake journalism" in the Diddy case, and the impact of media on public perception of victims. Antoinette explains the racial undertones an...
May 26, 2025•1 hr 56 min
In this episode, Shanti shares her recent relationship experience and the unconscious patterns of self-sabotage that can arise when things feel too good to be true. Together, we discuss the fear of embracing goodness in life and how self-worth is the foundation for not only inviting but also accepting happiness into one's life. Join us... Contact Us: Hotline: (215) 948-2780 Email: aroundthewaycurls@gmail.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/aroundthewaycurls for exclusive videos & bonus episodes See...
May 22, 2025•57 min
In this episode, Shanti gives Kendrick Lamar his props while Antoinette manages micro-aggressions. Together, we discuss the new eligibility requirements for Medicaid and SNAP and how these changes will affect millions. For pop culture, Shanti becomes a new Draymond Green fan, and we share our thoughts on the recent Diddy trial as Cassie takes the stand. Do we think Diddy will walk free? Join us... Helpful Resource from this episode to help understand the Diddy case more fully: https://www.youtub...
May 19, 2025•1 hr 43 min
In this episode, we are inspired by the recent conversation between podcaster Shannon Boodram and actress Cree Summer. Together, we dissect the dynamics of leadership in partnerships, the balance of masculine and feminine energies, and the challenges of relinquishing control in a relationship that lacks the safety to do so and how this lack of safety affects our notions of generosity, affection and respect. Join us... Contact Us: Hotline: (215) 948-2780 Email: aroundthewaycurls@gmail.com Patreon...
May 15, 2025•1 hr 28 min
In this episode, Shanti reflects on a successful Mother's Day photo shoot while Antoinette enjoys a new, lovely haircut. For politics, we keep it brief and discuss the threat to housing policies posed by Trump's recent federal cuts. We discuss the Met Gala and share our thoughts on the overall theme of Black Dandyism. Do we think folks embodied it? In the end, we discuss the scholar, Mark Lamont Hill's presence on the seemingly low-brow Joe Budden podcast and the effect of intellectual discourse...
May 12, 2025•2 hr 23 min
In this conversation, we speak with Sharifa from Agenos to explore the deep connections between sexuality and spirituality, emphasizing the power of the erotic as a source of empowerment. We discuss the societal taboos surrounding sex, the importance of self-exploration, and how sexual energy can be harnessed for creative manifestation. We explore the impact of past experiences on sexual expression, the significance of energy exchange in relationships, and the cultural perspectives surrounding s...
May 08, 2025•1 hr 18 min
In this episode, Antoinette considers a break from social media while Shanti reflects on the last virtual meeting with the Artist Way Patreon group. For politics, we discuss the first 100 days with Trump in office, and his recent executive orders supporting martial law. For pop culture, we discuss Saquon Barkley's visit to the White House and question the responsibilities of athletes in political discourse. We then ask ourselves the most serious question of recent collective discourse: Can a hun...
May 05, 2025•1 hr 46 min
It's the moment you've all been waiting for! We share our reactions to the new film, "Sinners"! We dive into Ryan Coogler's direction, the movie's casting, character analysis, story pacing and storytelling. We discuss our thoughts about the movie's representation of allyship, cultural appropriation, brotherly love, capitalism and freedom. Is this movie 10/10? Join us... Contact Us: Hotline: (215) 948-2780 Email: aroundthewaycurls@gmail.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/aroundthewaycurls for exclusive...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 35 min
In this episode, Shanti realizes she has developed a new adult fear, while Antoinette catches up on her shows and shares an unpopular opinion. For politics, we discuss the possible murder of the Pope, the continued complications of the nation's student loan crisis and Trump wanting more women to have babies as the world's population declines. For pop culture, we discuss Shannon Sharpe's recent allegations of rape and abuse, Kanye's disturbing confession, Mama Tina's new memoir and the newfound f...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 37 min
In this episode, we flow freely, no outline! It is a free form, anything goes kind of episode, aka The Crash Out... We talk astrology, sperm science, Lizzo, Ryan Coogler, Lil Wayne's comments on future Super Bowls, and how much can change in a year. Join us... Contact Us: Hotline: (215) 948-2780 Email: aroundthewaycurls@gmail.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/aroundthewaycurls for exclusive videos & bonus episodes See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at ht...
Apr 24, 2025•1 hr 16 min
In this episode, Shanti has a Mother's Day photoshoot while Antoinette parties in Philadelphia. For politics, we discuss firings that may affect the nation's social security, and the normalization of abuse against black and brown bodies which is dulling the urgency for political activism and community support in regards to the recent unlawful deportations. We discuss the Democratic Party, the challenges of uniting diverse factions, and the delicate balance of free speech regarding anti-Zionism. ...
Apr 21, 2025•1 hr 49 min
In this episode, Shanti sits with Dr. Raquel Martin to discuss accountability. Together we explore what does accountability really look like? Inspired by recent events in her own life Shanti asks if we can't handle accountability in our personal lives, how can we begin to perform it collectively? Join us... To learn more about Dr. Raquel Martin, Go to her website https://www.raquelmartinphd.com/ Follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/raquelmartinphd/?hl=en Learn more about Burn the Ca...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr 17 min
In this episode, Shanti explains why she has been crying happy tears lately while Antoinette mourns the gentrification of Bedstuy. For pop culture, we discuss the recent SAVE Act, its potential impact on voter suppression, and the stark narrative differences from different news channels. For pop culture, we discuss Keri Hilson's recent comments about her career, the pressures of the music industry, and the impact of Beyoncé on her trajectory. The discussion shifts to Ciara's new video, KFC's new...
Apr 14, 2025•1 hr 39 min
In this episode, Shanti finds the best potato chip curation in Philly while Antoinette learns something new about skin car. After listening to caller voicemails, we discuss what healthy practices of support and boundaries look like in our friendships. Do we find ourselves emotionally dumping on our friends? Do we find ourselves constantly holding space for friends beyond our own capacity? How do we find balance and create boundaries with our friends? Join us... Contact Us: Hotline: (215) 948-278...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 15 min
For this episode, Shanti considers cutting her hair, while Antoinette remembers Val Kilmer and his impact on her childhood. For politics, we discuss Elon Musk's recent attempt and failure at using his money to influence elections, as well as Cory Booker's historic 25-hour speech in the Senate. We attempt to understand the reasoning behind Booker's speech, its impact, its motivations, and the complexities of his political stance, regarding Israel and Palestine. For pop culture, we share our opini...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 27 min