Dark and Lovely Pod
Dark and Lovely Pod is a podcast that centers and amplifies the voices of Black women, specifically dark-skinned Black women. Hosts Deja and Tee share their perspectives on navigating life as twenty-something-year-olds. The show prioritizes open discussions about their experiences and offers insights from their own lives. It aims to create a space for representation and candid conversation.
Episodes
Intentional Black Love Ft. The Frasers
In this episode, we welcome newlyweds Latisha and Sheldon (The Frasers) to discuss the in’s and outs of being intentional in Young Black love. We further discuss how they were able to maintain a strong, healthy relationship throughout their 20’s while maintaining their individuality. We end on the importance of therapy and what we would tell our younger selves about love.
Black People Always Have to Show Grace
Hey guys, we're back again with another episode after a bit of a hiatus! In this episode we catch you guys up on what we've been up to. We also discuss our favourite r&b songs of all time, whether or not Drake has any classic albums and the controversy behind the 'N' word incident a the BAFTA's. We also touch on the pros and cons of AI. We then move on to discuss the "
I Love My Husband But I Hate Men Ft. Ronda
In this episode we welcome a very special guest (Ronda) as a follow up to our earlier episode “Have Your Hoe Phase Before You Get Married”. We discuss the recent diddy documentary on Netflix as well as our thoughts on our sexual liberation as Black women approaching our 30s. Ronda also shares the biggest lesson(s) she’s learned in the first 5 years of marriage. And finally we touch on Ronda’s hair
15. The Price of Community Is Inconvenience
Hey guys! We’re back again. In this episode we discuss the nuances of Cardi B and Nicki’s recent beef. We also discuss if it is ever wise to fully trust a man. We also touch on what ‘community’ means for us and what it means to sometimes put others before ourselves and saying “no” to our friends and family as Black women.
14. I'm Too Old For This Shit
In this oldie but goodie episode, we discuss carnival weekend in Toronto, Davido’s history of infidelity and being the “main” vs “side.” We also touch on our decision making processes and financial literacy as almost 30 year old Black women. And finally we discuss how our ideas of “fun” have changed over the course of our 20's.
13. His Card Declined
In this episode we briefly touch on Love Island. We move on to discuss dating etiquette as women, paying for dates etc. We unpack generational trauma and how we can break cycles. We finally touch on tipping culture in Toronto.
12. Having An Older Sister Is Like Having Someone Looking Into The Future For W Ft. Najaela
Hey guys! We're back again with a very special and wholesome episode featuring Deja's little sister Najaela. We delve into our generational similarities and differences. And we further discuss the perspective of a big sister versus a little sister on various topics.
11. Anti-Blackness Is A Disease
Hey guys, We're back again with another episode! This week Deja shares her professional opinion on private versus public school. We move on to discuss "professionalism" in white spaces and how we show up in our full Blackness in the workplace and academic settings. We then delve into the themes of the blockbuster movie 'Sinners' such as culture appropriation, African spiritua
10. Once You Abuse A Black Woman You Forfeit The Right For Us To Protect You
It’s been awhile! But We’re back again with another to episode to discuss whether or not we would feel comfortable being a housewife, patriarchy in general and how it relates to the Diddy trial and Halle’s recent restraining order on DDG. We further discuss how society enables abusers. We also touch on how the Black community should hold Black men who abuse Black women accountable. And finally w
9. When I Stay Inside For Caribana Weekend, Just Know I’m Grown
Hey guys! We're back again with another episode! In this episode we discuss the Shannon Sharpe scandal and why successful Black men sometimes find themselves in similar predicaments. We also discuss the recent Canadian federal election. And finally we talk about our summer plans.
8. We’re De-Centring Men
Hey guys, we’re back again! In this episode we share our thoughts on Billboard’s list of top 25 female rappers of all time. We also discuss how we have invested in being more emotionally intelligent. And touch on dating light skin men as dark skin women and finally we decide that we are de-centring men.
7. Being an Understanding Woman Won't Take You Anywhere
In this episode we discuss time management and whether we have type A or B personalities. We then move on to describe each other’s “type” of man. We also touch on living together and sharing bills before marriage and finally we touch on Kanye’s most recent twitter rant.
6. We Entertain the Trash, Just to Say We Have Trash Ft. Queenna
In this episode, we welcome a very special guest to discuss the ins and outs of her successful hair business. We then move on to discuss our varying views on life, marriage, and navigating relationships.
5. We Had A Time On His Dollar
Hey guys! As promised, we’re back again with another episode. In this episode, we spill all the tea on our recent trip to Brazil!
4. My Dark Skin Is The Prettiest Thing About Me
Sorry for the late upload! We're still getting the hang of this video thing! In this episode we celebrate Valentine's Day by centring platonic love. We discuss the love we have for each other and reminisce on the memories we've shared.
3. We Put More Struggle On Top of Our Struggle
Surprise! You can see us now! This week we discuss Trudeau’s recent resignation, immigration policies and navigating inflation as young Black women. We move on to discuss if the mentality that we have to work ”twice as hard” as Black people is outdated.
12. Drake is an Actor
Happy December! This month, we dive into the ongoing rap beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, reflect on the value of genuine long-term friendships, and unpack the latest UK Twitter drama. We also explore the beauty of traveling to predominantly Black countries and share where we’d love to visit next. Tune in for more!
8. Make Space for your Emotions
Happy new month! In this week’s episode we discuss the upcoming carnival weekend in Toronto and how we’ve spent our summer so far. We also touch on how we have learned to navigate our emotions and share our valuable takeaways from the movie Inside Out 2. And finally we discuss how we have come to understand our mothers as women as we navigate our own womanhood.
4. Don’t Forget to Place God In All Of Your Plans
Happy April! 🥳 In this month's episode, we delve a bit deeper into the significance of giving from your heart, then move on to explore the importance of putting yourself out there. We also give our perspective on some hot takes making rounds on social media - tune in to find out!
11. Toronto Festivals
In this week’s episode we discuss our experiences at the Toronto festivals/events that took place last weekend. We then move on to discuss the controversial topic of joint bank accounts in relationships.
6. Am I The Asshole?
In this week’s episode we begin with discussing how “stush” Toronto is. We move on to share our own opinions while reading through #AITA submissions on Reddit.
1. Life Is Already Hard
Hey friends! We’re back again with a brand new season! In our first episode of season 5 we talk about what it means to live a ‘soft life’. We then move on to discuss the different ways we plan to show up for ourselves in our soft girl era.
12. Have Your Hoe Phase Before You Get Married Ft. Ronda
This week we welcome another guest, Ronda to share her love story and her experiences thus far as a married woman. She also discusses the challenges of being in a long distance relationship and offers advice for those of us who haven’t walked down the aisle yet.
7. Black Women Have To Force Their Way Into Beauty Standards
In this week’s episode we discuss the unfair beauty standards black women endure and also share our own personal experiences trying to fit the mould society places upon us.
3. Some of The Best People I Know Have Been Raised by Single Mothers
This week we discuss growing up in two parent households versus a single parent household and how it has affected the way we build romantic and platonic relationships.
14. You Have To Position Yourself To Where You Want To Be In Life Ft. LoungeSix Podcast - Part 1
In this week’s episode we merge with a fellow Toronto podcast, LoungeSixPod, for girl talk to discuss a variety of topics currently impacting our generation.
8. The Hood Turned Me Into The Man I Am Today Ft. Zuber
This week we welcome our very first male guest to have an important conversation surrounding the nuances of being Black and growing up in the hood versus suburbs.
9. Don’t Be Homophobic Guys it’s Just a Waste of Time Ft. Rei
This week we welcome our very first guest Reianne, to discuss homophobia within the Black community through her lens as a Black, Bajan-Canadian, lesbian woman.
7. We Should be Able to Respect the Differences and Bond Over the Similarities
This week we have the sometimes uncomfortable conversation surrounding diaspora wars from the perspective of a Ghanaian-Canadian and a Jamaican/Guyanese-Canadian.
5. Buy Your Own Feathers
Do birds of the same feather flock together? In this week’s episode we discuss whether our personalities are shaped by the people we surround ourselves with.
2. Sorry To Those Girls
In this week’s episode we talk about what it means to be a ‘girl’s girl’.
15. Recognizing Our Attachment Styles
In the season finale of season 4 we discuss our attachment styles within relationships.
11. Does Money Buy Happiness?
In this week’s episode we tackle the long-debated question: does money buy happiness?
10. Anyone Can Get Slapped
In this week’s episode we slap our own critical perspective on an event at the Oscars, currently taking social media by storm. We move on to discuss respectability politics and what it means to protect Black women.
9. Is Pretty Privilege A Thing?
In this week’s episode we discuss whether pretty privilege exists and also share our experiences benefiting, and being disadvantaged by society’s beauty standards.
4. What Happens When Jealousy Becomes Badmind?
This week we get carried away discussing everything from Kanye, to the (lack of) Black creative scene in Toronto to vaccine passports. We then move on to tackle the topic of jealousy & explore why it’s often perceived to be such a taboo emotion.
3. We’re Too Busy Experiencing Racism To Come Up With Solutions
In this week’s episode we engage in a critical conversation about BHM and also offer our perspectives on what it means to ‘celebrate’ Black history.
2. Knowing Everyone’s Black & Checking For You Makes A Difference Ft. Amira
In this week’s episode we welcome a special guest Amira, to discuss her experience living in Ghana! We move on to discuss trying to ‘make it’ in the Western world and the possibility of relocating to our native countries for good.
1. Your Preference Is Inherently Colourist
Hey friends! We’re back again with another season!! In this week’s piece we circle back to our first ever episode (season 1, episode 1) and reflect on how our perspectives of colourism have changed or remained the same.
15. Don’t Place Any Doubt On My Goals
Happy New Year’s Eve! In this week’s episode we share our proudest accomplishments of 2021, our fondest memories, and what we hope to attain in 2022.
9. Why’s The Blame Always Placed On Women?
In this week’s episode we delve a bit deeper into the Da Baby x Dani Leigh’s co-parent relationship, currently taking social media by storm. We discuss how Black women often perceive themselves to be the exception when dealing with serial abusers and offer our perspectives on how colourism may or may not be at play.
8. Rule #1 Don’t Tell Your Parents How Much You Make
As usual we begin the episode with discussing the hot topics on the TL. This week we discuss Summer Walker’s second album ‘Still Over It’ and the Astroworld tragedy. We move on to discuss the burden(s) of being a high achiever and how our definition of success has evolved over time.
2. I’m Not Scared of 30
We’re back like we never left with the 2nd episode of season 3. This week we tackle all things ‘adulting’ and discuss how the pressures of our 20’s are currently kicking our asses.
13. Figure Out What is Toxic and Not Toxic Within Your Family
This week we tackle generational curses/patterns we are trying to unlearn for our future children.
11. Social Media is Fake as Fuck and We’re All Sick
This week we discuss the unhealthy ways that we engage with social media and how our generation is in bondage with the instant gratification that can only be found on social media.
9. Everyone Can Get Cancelled
We’re back again with another episode! This week we share our thoughts surrounding “cancel culture”.
7. BBL Is Killing My People
This week we’re back with an all new episode discussing our thoughts on the rising popularity of BBL’s.
5. Buddy Put Your Buddy Away
This week we discuss rape culture in Toronto.
4. You’ve Been Galavanting All Over My Boundaries
In this week’s episode we discuss boundaries: the ways in which we choose to implement and sustain them in our own lives, when boundaries are necessary and how we recognize when they’re being implemented by others.
3. You Wake Up From a Nap and You're Blocked on Everything
Is it ever justified to ghost someone?! This week we discuss ‘ghosting’ and it’s psychological effect(s).
14. Your Mental Health is Your Foundation for Everything
In this week’s episode we discuss our experiences with mental health as Darkskin women, and offer lifestyle practices we use to sustain our mental well-being.
13. I Bossed Up 100% and I’m Just That Muva Ft. Bryy
In this week’s episode we welcome our second guest Bryanna, to share her experience as a young, Black, single-mother in today’s generation.
10. I Promise You it Gets Better and You Will Be Better
In this episode we discuss our past experiences with heartbreak and toxic relationships as Dark skin women, also offering advice for any Black women who may be currently experiencing it.
8. Tell a Black Person You’re Proud of Them Today
This week we discuss the trials and tribulations we experience striving for Black excellence or being an “Independent Black Queen”.
5. The White Way is Not the Right Way Honey
This week we discuss anti-black racism in Canada and share our personal experiences combatting micro aggression as Dark skin Canadian Black women.
3.Every Single Hardship I've Been Through In My Life Sisterhood Has Saved Me
This week we discuss how essential Black sisterhood is for Black women’s livelihood.
1. I Want My Kids To Be Blackity Black Black Black
In our first episode, we get straight into colourism and how we as Dark skin women have experienced it similarly and differently.
Welcome to the Dark and Lovely Pod: Meet the Hosts
In this segment we introduce ourselves while we shake off our first-time recording jitters. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store; a story of how we met & the purpose of our podcast.
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