Episode Title:

Host: Ella Shawn

Guest: Karen J. Johnson

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation as we kick off the first of three sessions featuring our special guest, Karen J. Johnson. In this episode, Karen delves into the art and craft of expressing the nuances of skin tones in writing, the profound connection between nature and creativity, and the transformative journey of becoming an erotic spoken word artist.

Key Highlights:

- Descriptive Language & Natural Inspiration: Karen shares her journey of finding the right words to describe skin tone, and exploring colors and natural elements, such as okra, to inspire unique expressions.

- The Art of Erotic Poetry: Karen challenges misconceptions about erotic poetry, emphasizing the depth and dedication required. She emphasizes studying diverse poets for inspiration and growth in the craft.

- Art vs. Lifestyle: Ella and Karen discuss the fine line between erotic art as a professional craft and a personal lifestyle, underscoring the importance of artistic integrity and professional conduct.

- Professionalism in Poetry: The conversation sheds light on the professionalism required in performance art, touching upon youth engagement and the impact of excessive reliance on texting in modern interactions.

- Healing & Intentional Living: Karen opens up about her healing journey, focusing on living intentionally with clear goals in health and personal growth.

- Sexuality, Inclusivity & Empowerment: Ella and Karen explore the intersections of sexuality, spirituality, and empowerment within the Black community, stressing the value of communication and the necessity of updating one's sexual knowledge.

- Karen's Spoken Word Journey: Discover Karen's unexpected entry into the world of erotic spoken word, including her reflections on past performances and the challenges of crafting this art form.

Take advantage of 3-part series as we dive deeper into this multifaceted dialogue about love, identity, and creative expression. Be sure to stay tuned for the next two parts of this captivating series!

Karyn J. Johnson, also known as Karma Eve, is an erotic writer, author, blogger, and former erotic spoken word artist who has performed at adult-themed events. In addition, she has written advice and sex columns for several Nashville publications and newsletters. Her goal is to promote positive and mature conversations about sex and encourage sexual self-empowerment within the Black community because she believes sexual knowledge is power. Born on the south side of Chicago and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, Karyn resides in Nashville, Tennessee, where she earned her bachelor's degree in mass communication from Tennessee State University and her master's degree from Vanderbilt University in Liberal Arts and Science. Get a copy of her most recent book, Thank You, Ma'am: The Truth About Love and Sex of Older Black Women, filled with beautiful, witty, and intimate conversations from older Black women discussing their sexual journey as they age. Karyn's Facebook group @ChocolateCocainePresents on Instagram Karyn's Facebook page Karyn on YouTube

Thank you for joining us on the Black Writer Therapy Podcast! We hope you enjoyed today's episode and found inspiration in the stories and insights shared. If you loved what you heard, please leave us a review...

From Erotic Exploration to Kink: A Candid Talk with Lyvonne Briggs

Parts of this session deal with sensitive subject matter that may disturb some listeners. Protect your healing and honor your journey.

In this episode of the Black Writer Therapy Podcast, host Ella Shawn converses with Lyvonne Briggs, a body- and sex-positive womanist preacher and podcast host. They discuss the importance of listening to intuition, healing trauma, and integrating spirituality with sensuality and eroticism. Lyvonne shares her journey, including her work on the Sensual Faith podcast and her TEDx talk on childhood sexual abuse. The dialogue underscores the importance of authenticity, self-awareness, and decolonizing perceptions of the Erotic.

Time Stamps

• 00:00 Introduction to Black Writer Therapy Podcast
• 01:38 Meet Lavonne Briggs: A Multi-Talented Visionary
• 03:31 The Journey of Sensual Faith Podcast
• 07:37 Healing Through Radical Truth-Telling
• 20:54 The Importance of Intuition and Self-Expression
• 29:45 Deciding on Marriage
• 30:21 Challenging Traditional Beliefs
• 31:38 Embracing Pleasure and Self-Love
• 34:32 Redefining Identity and Roles
• 35:45 The Importance of Knowing Your Body
• 38:00 The Power of Masturbation
• 39:36 Marriage and Personal Growth
• 43:36 Living Through the Erotic
• 48:57 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

Connect with our guest:

Lyvonne Briggs, MDiv, ThM, an Emmy Award winner, is a pleasure-centered womanist author, speaker, and creator. She is the host of Sensual Faith Podcast and the author of Sensual Faith: The Art of Coming Home to Your Body. She was the co-host of Sanctified, a faith-based, Spotify-exclusive podcast on Jemele Hills Unbothered Network. An embodiment coach and TEDx speaker, she has been featured in Essence, Cosmopolitan, Rolling Stone, and The Washington Post, and Sojourners named her one of "11 Women Shaping the Church. Briggs is a graduate of The Lawrenceville School, Seton Hall University, Yale Divinity School, and Columbia Theological Seminary. A New York City native, she is currently based in Washington, DC and you can follow her across platforms: @LyvonneBriggs Lyvonne's Facebook page @LyvonneBriggs on Instagram @LyvonneBriggs on Twitter Lyvonne's Website Lyvonne on YouTube

Thank you for joining us on the Black Writer Therapy Podcast! We hope you enjoyed today's episode and found inspiration in the stories and insights shared. If you loved what you heard, please leave us a review and recommend the show to your family and friends. Your support helps us continue to uplift and amplify the voices of Black women writers.

Questions or thoughts? Please email us at blackwritertherapy@gmail.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and content. And be sure to check out our merch and join our vibrant community.

Until next time, remember writing is an intentional act of healing. Thanks for listening!

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Black Writer Therapy is affiliated with the Authentic Connections Network. This podcasting network was founded to amplify the voices that are missing from the landscape of podcasting.

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