Shows
The Napkin In BetweenA Year of The Podcast. What Happens Now...?A birthday for Luna and a birthday for the pod should feel simple—cake, joy, gratitude—but sometimes milestones flip a light on in the corners you’ve been avoiding. I share how a scrappy pandemic rescue became my anchor through breakups, state lines, and long walks, then admit something harder: the show is a year old, we hit real milestones, and I’m still not as fulfilled as I want to be.We trace where that feeling comes from. I talk openly about the energy shift when there’s another voice in the room, why the episode wi...
2025-12-2826 minThe Napkin In BetweenStarstruck, Sexism, & The System: The Diddy DocumentaryThe photos from a thirtieth birthday party sparked something bigger than nostalgia: a reminder that peace is a choice you have to defend. I talk about cutting off toxic ties—even when they’re family—and how that pain made room for a community that actually shows up. That shift sets the stage for a harder conversation sparked by the new documentary on Diddy and the accounts surrounding Cassie Ventura: what happens when jurors bring celebrity worship and misogyny into the room where justice is supposed to live.I unpack the moments that made my blood boil—like a j...
2025-12-1429 minThe Napkin In BetweenDon't Follow Me Before You Watch This...If a single word can spark a fight, it’s rarely about the word. We open the door to a bigger, braver conversation: why “cis” and “trans” are descriptive terms, how sex and gender actually differ, and what it takes to create a space where learning beats defensiveness. We’re celebrating a creator milestone with our show landing in Spotify’s top 5%, but the takeaway isn’t just the numbers. It’s the responsibility that comes with growth and the promise we’re making to our community: we’ll keep telling the truth, even when it stings, because that’s how we all get smarter...
2025-12-0733 minThe Napkin In Between30 Lessons For 30 Years!!!Thirty doesn’t feel like a deadline; it feels like a doorway. I’m stepping through it with a list of thirty lessons that reshaped how I love, rest, create, and choose my people. From the radical act of saying no without a paragraph of justification to the freedom of ignoring faceless critics, these are the truths I’m taking into a new decade—and the ones I wish I’d learned sooner.We talk about what it really means to treat yourself as your longest relationship and why boundaries are a daily habit, not a one-time speech. I...
2025-11-2353 minThe Napkin In BetweenWHAT WAS THE REASON!!! *Cardi B Voice*The high was real—and so was the crash. After celebrating big electoral wins and a fresh wave of optimism, we watched lawmakers fold on a shutdown fight that had voters and even unpaid federal workers urging them to hold firm. That twist didn’t just sting; it exposed how quickly trust evaporates when bold speeches turn into soft votes and “we’ll vote later” promises fade on contact with reality.We unpack the core questions people are asking: Why were federal employees expected to work without pay while Members of Congress kept collecting checks? What did forty days...
2025-11-1628 minThe Napkin In BetweenBlue Called...She Wants Her Shift Back!!!!!The night the “blue shift” never showed up still sits heavy—the 4 a.m. doom-scroll, the Barbie Land coping, the dread that followed. This week, the vibe flipped. We felt a real surge of hope as wins rolled in across New York City, Virginia, Pennsylvania, California, and more. While these wins reignite feelings of hope, we must not to confuse good news with a done deal. The heartbeat here is simple and urgent: celebrate the victories, then turn them into a plan.We get honest about skepticism. Politicians promise change; voters get whiplash. So we draw a line b...
2025-11-0919 minThe Napkin In BetweenPROTECT BLACK WOMEN!!!!!!A cozy Halloween intro turns into a tough but needed conversation about racism, accountability, and how fast the internet can lose the plot. We share why inner-child joy and speaking up are connected, then walk through a viral moment where a racial slur got brushed off as “awkward laughter.” If you’ve ever wondered where apology ends and accountability begins, or why audiences keep mistaking critique for “hate,” you’ll find clarity here—along with a push for action that goes beyond statements.We talk candidly about how donations and concrete commitments shift apologies from optics to outcomes, and...
2025-11-0230 minThe Napkin In BetweenAI & The Spread of Misinformation: It's Spooky Season!!!!A week on the water brought peace, but the feed was waiting with a storm. We open with the relief of a long-delayed family cruise and pivot into a story that exposes how fast nuance disappears online: a DoorDash delivery, an open door, indecent exposure, a report filed, and a viral clip that cost a job. Instead of picking a side on reflex, we walk through the gray space most people skip. It can be predatory for someone to be visibly exposed to a courier, and it can also be harmful for a victim to upload identifying footage. Recording...
2025-10-2631 minThe Napkin In BetweenThe Swifties Are After Me...A new hair era, a new lens on pop—a candid analysis of Taylor Swift’s latest album discourse, the limits of “hits,” and why popularity isn’t proof of quality.In today's episode, I read Swiftie comments and respond point by point: the “biggest tour” flex without sources, the myth of the self-made star when family capital paved lanes, and the way fans conflate streams with standards. We talk about infantilization after a very public 2009 moment, how white feminism gets weaponized to shut down critique, and why calling out privilege isn’t “tearing women down.” If folklore and evermor...
2025-10-1232 minThe Napkin In BetweenFrom Moving Boxes to Tenant Rights: A 24 Hour Recap Of My New ApartmentThe boxes aren’t even unpacked and the story already has plot twists: a shower that won’t shower, a bedroom lock that locks you in, a front door that barely holds on, and a management team dodging the only question that matters—who checked this place before handing over the keys? We walked in expecting a soft reset and got a hard lesson in habitability and accountability.We open with the fun stuff—new setup, decor ideas, and the “peak of the week” that kept spirits up: a Renee Rapp show where the mic was on and the hone...
2025-10-0524 minThe Napkin In BetweenReminiscing & Reflecting: My Move to NYCTaking a leap of faith can transform your entire life – even when you don't have everything figured out beforehand. When I found myself increasingly unhappy in Atlanta despite being closer to family, I kept daydreaming about New York City during visits to friends there. The six-lane highways triggered my driving anxiety, making friends as a nanny proved nearly impossible, and something essential was missing from my life.The turning point came unexpectedly. My employer, who had never heard me mention wanting to move, texted out of nowhere: "I could really see you living in New York City." Th...
2025-09-2832 minThe Napkin In BetweenA Sunday Afternoon Rant...Moving apartments shouldn't feel like a fight to the death, yet that's exactly what it's become in New York City. Picture this: you're balanced on a pedestal, unable to step off too early (landlords won't show you apartments a month before your move date), forced to wait until the perfect moment when you must sprint against countless others toward the same limited housing options. This absurd reality perfectly captures how we've complicated the most basic human needs.Why do landlords insist on showing apartments only two weeks before availability? Why do employers require multiple interviews for straightforward...
2025-09-2123 minThe Napkin In BetweenRacism, Relationships, and Recognizing Your Worth: What Would Daijné DoWhat do you do when a lifelong friendship is compromised by racism? In this raw and candid episode, I dive deep into the difficult terrain of friendship boundaries, specifically when it comes to race and respect.The heart of this episode centers on a listener submission through my "What Would Daijné Do" segment. A young Black woman writes about her 13-year friendship with someone who consistently demonstrates problematic behavior: maintaining relationships with Trump supporters, defending racist comments, and using her as a token "Black friend" to prove she isn't racist herself.This situation raises profound q...
2025-09-0734 minThe Napkin In BetweenI Fell For A Scam!!!!!Something strange happens when we spend too much time scrolling through feeds, watching reality shows, and following strangers online. We forget the line between entertainment and reality. The imaginary relationships we build with public figures start feeling real, and suddenly we're fighting like our lives depend on defending people who don't know we exist.This episode dives deep into the disturbing trend of parasocial relationships through the lens of recent Love Island drama. What should be light entertainment has morphed into something darker, with fans resorting to racist attacks to defend their favorite contestants – often while claiming to...
2025-08-3124 minThe Napkin In BetweenTexas Takes Hostages?!?!Finding your perfect place in the world feels like coming home to yourself. In this powerful episode, I open by sharing my journey through small Pennsylvania towns to Pittsburgh, Atlanta, and finally New York City – where I've discovered that perfect balance of quiet neighborhood living with big-city opportunities just a subway ride away.This sense of place becomes a metaphor for something much bigger as I dive into the disturbing situation unfolding in Texas. State Representative Nicole Collier was recently held hostage in the Texas Capitol building for refusing to participate in voter suppression tactics. While other De...
2025-08-2433 minThe Napkin In BetweenSometimes It's Okay To Shut The F*ck Up...The journey toward authentic self-expression online isn't easy, especially for those from marginalized communities. In this candid episode, I open up about my recent creative project that unexpectedly resonated with so many of you, and how much it means to finally be embraced for my genuine self after years of feeling pressure to conform.As I describe my "firecracker" personality (courtesy of my Sagittarius sun, Sagittarius moon, and Leo rising placements), I reflect on the liberation that comes with no longer trying to fit in. Being fully myself online—outspoken, passionate, and unfiltered—has created a space wher...
2025-08-1720 minThe Napkin In BetweenI Fell In Love With My Psychiatrist....????Finding your voice can be one of life's most challenging yet essential skills. As a former therapist with a master's degree in social work, I offer a unique perspective on the viral TikTok controversy where a woman claims her psychiatrist reciprocated romantic feelings. I break down why basic rapport-building techniques are often misinterpreted as romantic interest, and why clear boundaries are crucial in professional relationships.Drawing from my experience working with vulnerable populations, I explain the importance of documentation, clear communication, and appropriate measures when boundaries are crossed. It's a delicate balance, but it must be maintained...
2025-08-1031 minThe Napkin In BetweenKenny, When I Catch You...Trust betrayed, time wasted, and the painful reality of being used—this episode, we dive into the shocking breakup between Kenny Rodriguez and JaNa Craig from Love Island Season 6. What appeared to be a beautiful love story spanning nearly a year has unraveled into something far more disturbing and all too familiar for many Black women.The breakup between Kenny and JaNa has unleashed a firestorm that goes far beyond reality TV drama. What looked like a fairytale romance—from their third-place finish to nearly a year of seemingly happy dating—has crumbled into something far more sinist...
2025-08-0330 minThe Napkin In BetweenSteven Colbert, South Park, & Censorship: What's Really Going On?Freedom of speech is under attack, and I'm not staying silent about it. Just as I've reached 2,100 subscribers by being authentically myself, I'm witnessing escalating censorship that should alarm everyone who values free expression.My journey from quiet child to outspoken podcaster reflects a personal revolution against self-silencing. Growing up, I was that kid who barely spoke, always flying under the radar to avoid conflict. When people would say "you're so quiet, you should talk more," I'd try—only to be criticized for what I said. This led me into adulthood as a people-pleaser, a doormat letting ot...
2025-07-2730 minThe Napkin In BetweenLove Island, Hate Machine: Black Women and Reality TV VillainsThe villainization of Black women in media isn't new, but the recent treatment of Love Island USA contestants Chelley and Olandria offers a powerful case study in how this harmful pattern continues today.When major outlets like Time Magazine and Buzzfeed deliberately misrepresent situations to fit the "angry Black woman" narrative, we must call it what it is: racism. Time Magazine twisted Chelley's perfectly healthy communication (recognizing she was too emotional for a productive conversation) into "toxic interruption" – while later in the same article praising this exact behavior as healthy! The hypocrisy is stunning but unsurprising.
2025-07-2038 minThe Napkin In BetweenNicolandria and the Power of Being Gentle: Reflections on Love IslandWe've all heard about "putting yourself first," but for Black women, that concept often feels foreign or even forbidden. This week, I'm diving deep into what it truly means for Black women to prioritize themselves in a world that constantly demands our energy, care, and emotional labor.Drawing from the current season of Love Island, I explore how the relationship between Nic and Olandria beautifully demonstrates what happens when a Black woman is genuinely cared for rather than being the constant caretaker. As a self-proclaimed president of "Nicolandria Nation," I break down why I'm so invested in...
2025-07-1338 minThe Napkin In BetweenThe Joy of Unsticking YourselfWhat does it truly mean to embrace your identity entirely, without reservation or apology? In this candid exploration of Black joy and self-acceptance, we dive deep into the transformative power of recognizing your own worth in a world that often fails to do so.The journey from internalized anti-Blackness to profound self-love reveals how embracing your heritage becomes not just a personal victory, but a revolutionary act. "Being Black is my superpower," isn't just a catchy phrase—it's a recognition of the inherent strength, creativity, and resilience that has allowed Black people to thrive despite countless attempts at...
2025-06-2940 minThe Napkin In BetweenStraight Up NOT Having A Good Time...Sometimes the weight of the world becomes too heavy, and we struggle to find even one thing that brings us joy. That's exactly where I found myself this week, sitting in front of my microphone for over an hour, unable to identify a single moment that made me truly happy.This raw, unfiltered conversation explores what happens when our mental health takes a hit from the constant barrage of disturbing news and political developments. From impending international conflicts to the erosion of reproductive rights, 2025 has become a brutal landscape to navigate emotionally, and I'm not afraid to...
2025-06-2230 minThe Napkin In BetweenNo One Is "Illegal" On Stolen Land!!!!!!!The warmth of summer brings a curious duality – the freedom to embrace joy juxtaposed against a backdrop of urgent social issues. In this candid conversation, I reflect on how kicking off summer with Beyoncé's concert and experiencing Gov Ball's electric atmosphere provided much-needed mental respite while still acknowledging the weight of our current political landscape.T-Pain's nostalgic performances transported me back to simpler college days, sparking reflections on educational paths not taken and how we define success beyond traditional routes. This naturally flows into a deeper examination of what brings authentic fulfillment – for me, it's creating diges...
2025-06-1529 minThe Napkin In BetweenThe Privilege Paradox: Recognizing Systemic Oppression Across Different GroupsHave you ever wondered why speaking truth comes with such a high price tag in the content creation world? As I celebrate reaching 112k followers just one month after rebuilding my TikTok presence, I'm struck by the beautiful paradox of authentic connection—the more unfiltered I am, the stronger our community grows.The pressure to self-censor is real. I've sat through meetings with talent agencies who love my numbers but squirm at my politics. They never directly tell you to stop talking about race or social justice—they just hint around it, hoping you'll voluntarily muzzle yourself for...
2025-06-0830 min