Am I Allowed to Like Anything?

Brooke DeVard, host of the Naked Beauty podcast, joins me! Brooke is a marketing and strategy specialist formerly of Viacom and now Instagram. She’s had an amazing career in media two far, including working in London, where she met her now husband. W...Show More

On this episode, I sat down with Los Angeles Times reporter Tre’vell Anderson to talk about his work covering Black and LGBTQ Hollywood, growing up an military brat, and our current skincare faves. +1 SEGMENT: - Cardi B + Amara Le Negra - My Jade Ro...Show More

Natalie James (also known as NJinLA) is a Los Angeles native who I met when I moved to the city. She’s a creative producer & music, travel and food writer. She's a radio host on NTS, DJ and is just getting started in A&R. We talk about her journey th...Show More

Political strategist Symone Sanders is optimistic because most of the time, she has no choice but to be. She’s the former National Press Secretary of Bernie Sanders, and right now, she’s the youngest commentator on cable TV. We have a frank conversat...Show More

When I came across Somali-Swedish R&B singer Cherrie's breakout song 163 För Evigt, I needed to find a way to have her on my podcast. We talk about being a Black girl growing up in Finland and Sweden, how she and other artists in Sweden are putting R...Show More

Live from SXSW in Austin, I interview film director and writer Sama'an Ashrawi about life growing up in Texas as a first generation Palestinian-American, working with some of Hip Hop’s legends, and the glory of velour suits. Follow Sama'an on Twitte...Show More

Writer Lakin Starling joins me to talk about life growing in the neo-soul capital, some of her proudest work at The FADER and the sacred space she's creating during her own interviews. And! We talk about what we're using on our faces these days, (...Show More

Culture writer Ira Madison III blesses the show. He's at the Daily Beasts and hosts his own podcast, Keep It. We talk about the soaps he grew up watching, and dig into our favorite people, television and songs of 2017. Follow Ira on IG: @kingirairai...Show More

Founder of Spiked Spin and spin instructor Briana Owens graces the podcast to talk about how her mission goes beyond wanting to help people feel good or empower them, but creating a space for people who are left out of the very experience boutique fi...Show More

Author Bernice McFadden, whose novel "Book of Harlan" was recently optioned as a film and filmmaker Numa Perrier, who is working on a film and book based on her life titled "Jezebel" join me at Well-Read Black Girl's first festival in Brooklyn! We ta...Show More

Artist and teacher André Singleton is in the studio! He’s the co-founder of Very Black — a project founded in unapologetic Black love and solidarity — and we talk about his life as an Afro-digital immigrant, his journey battling cancer, trips to Salv...Show More

New York Times culture writer Sopan Deb joins me to talk about the intersection of politics and culture, covering Donald Trump on the campaign trial and how his stand up comedy fits (or doesn't) into his work as a journalist. +1 SEGMENT For right n...Show More

Melissa Kimble is the founder of #blkcreatives, a platform known for their explosive Twitter chats that helps young, Black creatives work through their goals, insecurities and wins. I talk to Melissa about her upbringing, big moments of growth for #b...Show More

This week,Yaya Mazurkevich Nuñez joins me. We talk about the drastic life changes that came with moving to the Bronx after a life in the Dominican Republic, her days in NYC’s nightlife and working the door at clubs downtown, her job now as an experie...Show More

This week Transformation Expert and Self Love Specialist Chenoa Maxwell joins me. Chenoa discusses her transition from both acting and photography, growing up at an early age, significant shifts she's made both personally and professionally, and why ...Show More

Vanity Fair Hollywood Writer Yohana Desta joins me! I reached out to Yohana after wanting to know more about her work as a writer in NYC covering Hollywood. We talk about the films she’s seen recently that really hit a nerve with her, her music writi...Show More

Novelist, journalist and co-host of the podcast “Hey, Sis” Nicole Blades is here with me! Nicole and I talk about some of the cultural moments she remembers when coming up in the media industry. She’s getting ready to release her next book,'Have You ...Show More

Writer, editor, author and critic Myles Johnson joins me to talk about his work, his recent move to NYC + why it was time, Kendrick Lamar’s ‘DAMN’ and what winning looks like, for him. Sign up for the #AIATLA newsletter! bit.ly/1MR18RF +1 SEGMEN...Show More

This week, writer and Associate Editor at Vulture/NYMag Hunter Harris joins me! If that names sound familiar, it's because Hunter was the first #AIATLA guest! She comes back to update us on what she's working on. We talk a lot of movies and why it is...Show More

6 x Emmy nominated TV host & producer, and style authority Kéla Walker joins me. I’ve known Kéla since I was in college, and on this episode, we talk about how we got to know each other, mentorship and what it takes for a mentor/mentee relationship t...Show More

So. About two years ago I interviewed Yvette Noel-Schure who is Beyoncé’s publicist (and has formerly repped Destiny’s Child, Mariah Carey, and Prince) for a project I never released. This week, I decided to release the interview on #AIATLA because s...Show More

Executive Director of the National Book Foundation Lisa Lucas stops by the show to talk about life growing up and the sort of work she was doing that led to her current role. We also talk about the ebbs of flows of reading and how books can serve as ...Show More

This week Culture Editor at GIPHY Jasmyn Lawson joins me to talk about some of the history making projects she's working on for Black History Month (and beyond.) Plus, Beyoncé and why LEMONADE gave us more than any Grammy could. Things we like: BET ...Show More

Dodai Stewart joins me! She's the Editor-In-Chief of fusion.net and formerly of Jezebel, where she served as Deputy Editor — and was also one of the first hires at the publication. Dodai talks to me about growing up in NYC, the inclusivity of teen cu...Show More

Ashley Weatherford is the Associate Beauty Editor over at NY Mag's The Cut, and if you’ve been following her work you know she expertly writes about the intersection of makeup, skincare, culture, women of color, hair and celebrities. We talk very int...Show More

Brittany Luse is the co-host and co-proucer of the For Colored Nerds podcast with Eric Eddings and a host and producer at Gimlet Media, a podcast network. Brittany and I exchange survival tips for this ridiculous world we live in, talk about how we a...Show More

What sense does it make to have a podcast about liking things and not do a year-end wrap up?! I talk about all of my favorite + most meaningful personal and cultural moments of 2016.

Entertainment journalist and on-air host Gia Peppers joins me. We're kind of on this career journey/figuring life out journey together. We talk about her work so far (NBA, Complex, Essence and lots of red carpet work), the entertainment industry and ...Show More

I head over to CNN's NYC newsroom to meet up with CNNMoney Digital Correspondent Tanzina Vega. We talk about Netflix's 'The Get Down,' Tanzina's upbringing and life in NYC, and all of the feelings about diversity in media. Follow Tanzina on twitter...Show More

Carri Twigg is a public engagement strategist. Lately she’s been working with media companies to show them how to engage with young people in ways that are authentic during a time when when race, political and social justice are now a part of the Ame...Show More

Writer and editor Jason Parham joins me. He's currently a Senior Editor at THE FADER and formerly of Gawker. We discover his Wikipedia page, talk about existing on the Internet, his literary magazine SPOOK and the times we met Ms. Tina Lawson. Foll...Show More

I stop by artist, teacher, writer Elise Peterson's crib in Brooklyn to talk about growing up in the suburbs (for better or worse), her days at Howard University, sex work, and of course, her writing and art. Follow Elise on Twiiter: @currently_elis...Show More

Mayukh Sen writes about the intersection of food culture, race and heritage for Food52. He joins me to talk about his writing, his old gig at This, M.I.A., and HBO's 'The Night Of.' Follow Mayukh on Twitter @senatormayukh

I give Devi Dev a call at 93.7 The Beat, where she's Music Director and a host at the Houston station. We talk about the biz, her new business, Karma Bliss, and how everything she's doing right now, for her, is about finding ways to empower (and insp...Show More

Brittany Sky joins me! Brittany is a DJ, influencer and creative who went from wanting to be a lawyer to launching a career that lets her travel the world for a living. We talk about music, her college days and what we're using on our faces. Follo...Show More

Recording from Cincinnati, Ohio I meet up with journalist and TV reporter Megan Mitchell. We talk about her current gig as morning anchor at Cinci’s WLWT, storytelling, and some of the people and communities she’s covered so far.

Announcement! We're on Acast: acast.com/aiatla Also find #AIATLA on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c Today's episode is with celebrity stylist Raquel Smith, who's been working with Beyoncé for the past 10 years. We talk about growing up in Georgia, tour l...Show More

#AIATLA is also on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c Teen Vogue's Social Media Director Terron Moore joins me! We talk about what it takes to run a social platform for young women and men (aka THE TEENS), representation, growing up black in white spaces, a...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c I talk to novelist Angela Flournoy about her debut book, The Turner House, which has received wide recognition and accolades. Angela herself was nominated for a National Book Award and The Turner House was na...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c I talk to BuzzFeed's pop culture writer Sylvia Obell about her career so far in journalism, her upbringing, and her recent piece on Blac Chyna. 'How Blac Chyna Beat the Kardashians at Their Own Game' — by @...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c Scholar, writer, artist and teacher Dr. Eve Ewing joins me to talk about her hometown, growing up around art, the significance of nick names, and the importance of the intentional, pervasive dialogue around e...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c Three guests join me to talk about their experiences with Beyoncé's latest project, the visual album LEMONADE. Bené Viera - @beneviera - is a journalist and writer who covers pop culture, gender and race. ...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c On this week's episode, I have Brandon "Jinx" Jenkins of Complex News on the show with me. We take stock of self, and everything we have been loving — The FADER's artists features, Blink 182, Grime in the UK,...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c On this week's episode, I talk to Ericka Pittman, who is currently serving as the VP of Combs Enterprises Chairman's Office. We talk about her early days working on marketing and media, money and her new book...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c Southern food and Soul food continue to evolve though the hands of Black cooks, chefs and those a part of food culture. I talk to Nicole Taylor, author of 'The Up South Cookbook'. Nicole is an amazing cook, a...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c JJ Maxwell is an accomplished creative and art director who has worked on both the agency and media side of the crazy fashion world. We talk about what he's working on now, and this week, we've got high- and ...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c For the 20th episode of #AIATLA, I talk to Saada Ahmed who is the Co-Founder of one of NYC’s biggest Everyday People. We talk about how the party has evolved over time, our travels through Kenya, Ethiopia, ...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c Donovan Ramsey is a writer and journalist from Columbus, Ohio. His work has appeared in the New York Times, The Atlantic, BuzzFeed and Gawker. He is a Fellow at the public policy organization Demos Action. W...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c Alex Wolf is the founder of #BOSSBABE, "a lifestyle brand teach ambitious millennial business-minded women how to take full personal responsibility over their lives and put their happiness first." We talked a...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c Teen Vogue's Ella Cerón joins me to talk about growing up at a radio station, Amandla Sternberg and Oreos — plus a game of This or That. Things we like: - Having no chill - Trap Karaoke You can find Ella ...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c This week I'm in Buffalo, NY, my hometown, for the holidays. I interview entrepreneur and stylist Simone Webb who I've known since I was 16-years-old. Even back then, she was brilliant. We talk about the bala...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c Tai Beauchamp is a former Beauty Editor at Seventeen, O Magazine and media veteran who is now running The Tai Life. She uses fashion to empower women. We talk about working in media, interviewing Oprah, freez...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c I took the train to Brownsville, Brooklyn to visit Mott Hall Bridges Academy and interview Founder and Principle Nadia Lopez. Many became familiar with the school through an interview one of her students, Vid...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c Recording from Los Angeles, I stop by the GOOD Magazine office to talk with staff writer Tasbeeh Herwees. Things we like: - iZombie tv series - LA's Mohawk Bend Find Tasbeeh on Twitter @THerwees | therwees....Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c Recording from Los Angeles, I talk to journalist Ann Friedman. We discuss Mike Erskine's "The Middle Ages Millennials, you literally cannot call yourselves adults until you take this pledge", and Ann's op-ed ...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c This week’s guest is social media strategist and founder of The Branding Muse Emmelie De La Cruz. Emmelie is someone who has found cool ways to teach people how to make money doing what they’re good, and find...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c Danyel Smith is a journalist, music critic, novelist and editor from California. She’s interviewed music's most influential artists and covered Hip Hop before it was an acceptable, mainstream genre of music. ...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c Casey Gerald is the co-founder and CEO of MBA’s Across America — an organization that gets MBA candidates out of the classroom and working with entrepreneurs in cities and towns across the country. You’ll qui...Show More

iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c Maritza Alarcón has been a Dream Director at The Future Project and is the Co-Creator of M.O.V.E., a youth organization that worked to increase college enrollment rates in NYC public high schools. She’s been honored as one...Show More

iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c On this episode of 'Am I Allowed to Like Anything?": Soleil Grant (@ayesoleil)joins me! Soleil is Hip-hop DJ and visual artist who works with artists to develop their brand and image. We talk about growth as a DJ, hip-hop...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c This week's guest is Michael Arceneaux. Michael is a writer who has contributed to some of your favorite publications: Complex, Gawker and The Root. He’s also contributed to New York Times Magazine, BuzzFeed ...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c This week's guest is James Harness. He’s a Social Media Editor over at BuzzFeed - we met in college and became fast friends. I consider him a student of pop culture. We cover a lot of ground this week: love ...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c This episode, I talk to my good friend, Danielle Howe, a staff writer at STASHED.com and Editor-in-Chief of The Library. We talk about STASHED, HRDCVR's HRDlist, writing, print mags, going to college in Bosto...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c I speak to Entrepreneur and Founder of Blavity, Morgan DeBaun, about the making of Blavity, living in San Francisco, loving our 20's, and life in general, tbh. Things we like: - Instagram, @blackgirlinom -...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c Culture Curator and impressive individual, Syreeta Gates, and I talk about how much we love exploiting the internet, who really won Drake vs Meek Mill, failure, digital archiving and showing gratitude. Thin...Show More

#AIATLA is on iTunes: itun.es/us/7WgY8.c Writer, college friend, and magical Black girl Hunter Harris joins me. Things we like: - Boscia's Clear Complexion Blotting Linens - Small elastic headbands to keep edges laid You can find her on Twitter ...Show More