Black & Brainy Podcast

Laura Essel and Myriam Kadeba•podcasters.spotify.com

An independent podcast weaving together psychology, philosophy, and the diverse experiences of life in the African Diaspora. Each episode, psychologists Myriam Kadeba and Laura Turner-Essel explore important psychological concepts and place them in the context of African Diasporic experience. Their lively and sometimes meandering conversations highlight the relevance of African-centered psychology to an understanding of global Black mental health, past and present.

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Episodes

Episode 9: Black Power

In this final episode of Season 1, Dr. Myriam and Dr. Laura seek to ask whether we are using the right frameworks to tackle issues of Black empowerment and Black liberation. What do those terms mean to Black people today anyway, and do we have to agree on issues of identity and strategy in order to play our part? Resources mentioned in this episode: Kevin Cokley and Ramya Garba (2018). Speaking Truth to Power: How Black/African Psychology Changed the Discipline of Psychology. https://doi.org/10....

Apr 26, 2022•46 min•Season 1Ep. 9

Episode 8: Creative Visioning

Black cultures are such fountains of creativity, so why does it seem like there's a serious LACK of imagination when it comes to the stories we tell ourselves about being Black in this world? Just in time for the season of rebirth and new awakenings, join Dr. Laura in this creative visualization exercise designed to help us all focus our attention on the best possible outcomes and re-imagine what it means to be Black and thriving now and into the future. Not familiar with creative visualization ...

Mar 28, 2022•22 min•Season 1Ep. 8

Episode 7: Family & History

Amos Wilson, the Pan-African psychologist, said "cultural continuity is achieved by educating children in the ways of their culture." He also said that "the way to conquer a people is to destroy the love they have for one another." So in honor of Black History Month and Valentine's Day, Dr. Laura and Dr. Myriam discuss how we can balance our needs for mental health and the passing down of real Black history through the love of the Black FAMILY.

Feb 14, 2022•45 min•Season 1Ep. 7

Episode 6 (Part 2): Grief & Remembrance

Dr. Myriam and Dr. Laura continue their conversation about grief by delving into the idea of ancestor veneration, which is really not as uncommon as Americans like to pretend. Finally, some tips for rebirth and renewal in our daily lives.

Jan 25, 2022•35 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Episode 6 (Part 1): Grief & Remembrance

Dr. Laura and Dr. Myriam explore existential psychology, stages of grief, and an African concept that reminds us of the continuity of life. Ideas mentioned in this episode: Existential psychology/existentialism: https://dictionary.apa.org/existential-psychology Critique of the Kubler-Ross Stages of Grief model: https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/health-history/its-time-let-five-stages-grief-die Dikenga dia Kongo cosmogram: https://isikuro.tumblr.com/post/25587587862/the-congo-cosmogram-called-the...

Jan 11, 2022•46 min•Season 1Ep. 6

2021 End-of-Year

A quick message from Dr. Laura as we transition from 2021 to 2022, and appreciate the wisdom of this season. Learn more about the Dikenga Dia Kongo here: http://www.diaspora.illinois.edu/news1207/news1207-2.html

Dec 31, 2021•6 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Episode 5: Belief & Trust

What is the difference between religion and spirituality? How have people across the African Diaspora managed to retain elements of their indigenous spirituality even while adopting other faiths? And what does it mean to "grow up" spiritually? Dr. Myriam and Dr. Laura share a little of their own spiritual journeys as well as some of the perspectives in the field of psychology related to belief, faith, and trust in a "higher power." There are more questions than answers...but that's what makes it...

Nov 19, 2021•1 hr 46 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Episode 4: Freedom & Actualization

Dr. Myriam Kadeba and Dr. Laura Turner-Essel explore the meaning(s) of freedom, relate it to the psychological construct of self-actualization, and discuss exemplars from across the African Diaspora that have embodied the concept of freedom on both personal and collective levels. Important freedom fighters mentioned in this episode: -Kwame Nkrumah -Thomas Sankara -Marcus Garvey -Toussaint L'ouverture -Dessalines -Abdaraya (Aunty) Toya

Nov 01, 2021•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Episode 3: Black Joy as Resistance

Part 2. Dr. Myriam Kadeba and Dr. Laura Turner-Essel explore Black joy as a strategy to combat the trauma of anti-Black oppression. Whether through music, comedy, spirituality, food, or family, people of the African Diaspora have always found ways to honor their humanity and celebrate their connections despite the war waged against Black bodies, minds, and spirits. Myriam and Laura explore the concepts of joy, resilience, and flourishing as powerful tools to train our attention in ways that supp...

Oct 12, 2021•52 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Episode 2: Trauma & Joy

PART 1. What is trauma and how does it relate to the African Diaspora? Although it is often defined in ways that pertain only to the individual, trauma is a regular and deeply impactful aspect of Black life under systems of racial oppression. Dr. Myriam and Dr. Laura describe the ways that trauma can manifest itself within our bodies and our communities. How do Black joy and resilience serve as forms of resistance to White supremacy? Watch out for more on Black joy during the forthcoming Part 2....

Sep 27, 2021•59 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Welcome to the Black and Brainy Podcast!

Episode 1: Identity and Belonging. What is the difference between individualist cultures and collectivist cultures? How does African-centered psychology deal with the concept of the individual? And what does it mean to 'belong' within the Black community? Psychologists Myriam Kadeba and Laura Turner-Essel explore these fundamental ideas within both mainstream and Black psychology.

Sep 09, 2021•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 1

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