Shows
SubjectiveCheck On Your Strong FriendsIn this episode, I’m unpacking what it means to be the “strong friend.” The one who’s always checking in but never checked on. The one who performs strength so well, no one realizes she’s falling apart.I share personal stories of how I learned to suppress my emotions, why I thought crying made me weak, and how I built an identity around being dependable and “fine”, even when I wasn’t. I open up about the quiet expectations that formed in childhood, how I used to “practice” being strong in unhealthy ways, and the turning point where...2025-06-1228 minSubjectiveToo Loud, Too Soon: The Cost of Being YourselfThey used to say I “talked back.” Now I talk for a living.In this episode, I’m sharing what it’s really like to be the person who always speaks up—even when it’s easier (and safer) to stay quiet. From being labeled a big mouth as a kid to building a career rooted in communication, I’m unpacking the cost and the calling of radical authenticity.What does it really cost to be yourself in a world that rewards performance? For me, it meant being misunderstood, mislabeled, and left out. It meant being called o...2025-05-2338 minSubjectiveThe 6 Besties Theory: Why One Bestie Will Never Be EnoughWe all have best friends—but have you ever thought about the specific roles they play in your life? According to the 6 Besties Theory, no single person can be everything to you, and honestly? That’s a good thing.In this episode, we’re breaking down why we all need different kinds of best friends; the OG, the Work Bestie, the North Star, the Good Time Bestie, the Dead Body Bestie, and the Seasonal Bestie. You’ll probably start thinking about which category your closest friends fall into.We also talk about: ✔️ The bestie roles...2025-05-0937 minSubjectiveI Know I’m Right, I Just Can't Remember WhyYou ever know something is wrong. Like, feel it deep in your spirit... but can’t remember the tweet, TikTok, article, or headline that told you why? Same. This episode is for the justice-minded with forgetful brains and overwhelmed notes apps.Inspired by a TikTok that called it out perfectly: “I be trying to stand up for what is right... all I know is you need to stay the f*ck away from it.”We’re getting into:Why your instincts are valid, even if you don’t have the f...2025-04-2639 minSubjectiveQuarterly Catch-Up: Life Lately, Lessons & What’s Next Q1 is officially a wrap, and it’s time for a full debrief. In this episode, I’m catching you up on life lately, what I’ve been watching, reading, and obsessing over, plus a full Subjective podcast update, personal growth reflections, and the pop culture moments that had me in a chokehold. I’m talking about what worked, what didn’t, and how I’m setting myself up for success in Q2. Whether you’re here for the tea, the transparency, or the motivation, this episode is a full check-in on where I’ve been and where I’m going. 2025-04-121h 09SubjectiveFrom Small Towns to Big Moves: A Transitional DecadeTurning 30 just hits different. You think you’ll have it all figured out—career, love, stability—but instead, you’re navigating breakups, big moves, and redefining happiness. In this episode, I sit down with Jackie to talk about what really happens when you hit your 30s. From starting over in new cities to breaking up and bossing up, we’re diving into the reality check that comes with this decade. We’re sharing our personal journeys, the highs and lows of love and career changes, and the things we wish we knew in our 20s. Whether you’re single, settled, or st...2025-03-141h 29SubjectiveBlack History 102: Petty for a Cause, History’s Most Iconic Black Protests📢 History will have you believe that all Black protests were peaceful marches—but let’s be real, sometimes you have to shake shit up.In this episode, we’re diving into the Black resistance movements they didn’t teach you about in school. From the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which strategically drained white-owned businesses, to the Birmingham Children’s Crusade, and Colin Kaepernick taking a knee—we’re talking about the moments when Black folks said, “Oh, you thought shit was sweet?”We’ll explore why protests aren’t always just about marching in th...2025-03-011h 03SubjectiveBlack Excellence 101: The Names They Left Out of Your TextbooksIf you were to name three Black historical figures right now, odds are, you’d say Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, or Harriet Tubman. But what about the Black pioneers, inventors, and trailblazers whonever made it into your history books? In this episode, I’m taking my boyfriend (and all of you) to class, breaking down the stories of brilliant Black minds, leaders, and creators youshould have learned about in school. From the Black openly gay man behind the March on Washington to the young lady who was literally the precursor to Rosa Parks, this is Black excellence in i...2025-02-141h 02SubjectivePacking Cubes and Plane Rules: My Unsolicited Travel AdviceListen, nobody asked... but I have opinions on how to pack like a pro, navigate the airport without panicking, and how not to be an annoying seatmate on a flight. So here it is: my unsolicited, no-nonsense travel guide. We’re yapping about my favorite travel tips, the best packing list formula, carry-on vs. checked bag debates, and the unspoken rules of in-flight etiquette that too many people ignore. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or still figuring out TSA, consider this your crash course in traveling smarter, packing better, and not embarrassing yourself at the gate. Pack your bags, gra...2025-01-3140 minSubjectiveFrom Babysitter to Bestie: Growing Up 11 Years ApartWhat’s it really like growing up 11 years apart as siblings? In this emotional episode, my little sister and I dive into our unique bond, sharing stories of love, laughter, family and life lessons. From me taking care of her as a child to navigating completely different life stages, we explore how we grew closer despite the age gap. We’ll unpack the funny moments, sibling challenges, and what it’s like to experience two very different childhoods. Whether you’re curious about family dynamics, sibling relationships, or just looking for a relatable listen, this episode offers real, raw and hone...2025-01-171h 18SubjectiveThe Last Quarter: Chaotic Life Updates, Family Drama, and What I’m Loving LatelyIn this episode, I’m giving you a full Q4 wrap-up and life update—from hosting my first Thanksgiving to an unmotivated fitness phase, some petty thoughts on TikTok trends, and a few family dynamics that have me side-eyeing. We’re unpacking everything I’ve been up to, thinking about, and obsessing over as I close out 2024 and get ready for 2025. Grab a snack, get cozy, and let’s catch up!
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who loves a good catch-u...2025-01-0342 minSubjectiveElection Reflections and Actions for the Next Four YearsAfter the recent election, I’m once again processing a wave of disappointment—a feeling many Black women know all too well. This isn’t just about politics; it’s about being reminded, once again, that we can be twice as good, twice as qualified, and still fall short in a system that rewards mediocrity and hate. In this episode, I’ll share my reflections on the election aftermath and it’s impact on marginalized communities, the importance of boundaries and self-preservation, and actionable steps we can take over the next four years.
Enjoyed this episode...2024-11-2935 minSubjectiveI found the Camera Man: How a Viral TikTok Brought Us TogetherIn this episode, I’m joined by my boyfriend LJ as we take you through the twists and turns of our love story. From a viral TikTok to a DM slide, we’ll share the highs, surprises, and memorable first moments that shaped our relationship. Listen in as we reflect on our first meeting, the journey from casual to committed, and the little things that make us work. Whether you’re single, dating, or just love a good story, we hope you enjoy this look into our journey. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best stories come from unexpect...2024-11-151h 09SubjectiveHow TF Did We Get Here? The Journey to Launching SubjectiveWelcome to the very first episode of Subjective! I’m Donyelle, and I’m honestly just so excited to finally kick this off. If you’re here, thank you for being part of the start of what I hope will become a space for real, unfiltered conversations about life, love, and all the messy stuff in between.
This episode is all about kicking things off, sharing the story behind Subjective, and setting the vibe for what’s to come. It’s real, it’s raw, and hopefully, it’s a space we can build together.
...2024-11-0111 minSubjectiveSubjective TrailerWelcome to Subjective! In this trailer, host Donyelle introduces the vibe of the show—honest, unfiltered conversations about how the same reality can feel different depending on who's telling the story. Expect plenty of laughs, a little tea, and the kind of yapping that feels like a chat with your bestie. Whether you’re here to reflect, laugh, or just vibe, Subjective is your new go-to space for fresh perspectives.
Find us on Instagram, TikTok @TheSubjectivePod, and on YouTube at The Subjective Podcast. Don't forget to drop a review and share with a friend!2024-09-3001 min
Vintage Saints and SinnersBody and Soul: Practices to Shape A LifeIn the final episode of Season One, Donyelle McCray of Yale Divinity School and host Karen Wright Marsh talk about embodied practices that bring spiritual vitality into everyday life. The best kind of spirituality enlivens us: body, soul and spirit. Donyelle McCray and Karen Marsh explore the many ways in which we can practice faith in the world, from self care to soul care, from standing in solidarity to fighting for justice. Even the practices of play and retreat have a place in a full, faithful life. Enjoy this final episode of the Vintage Saints and Sinners P...2020-02-2316 minVintage Saints and SinnersHenri NouwenVulnerable. Gentle. Pastoral. These words describe Henri J.M. Nouwen, (1932-1996), the spiritual writer and priest who experienced both academic status at Harvard and Yale and service at L’Arche, a community of people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers. Nouwen speaks honestly of anguish and freedom, struggle and belovedness, with insights that touch us even today. Meet host Karen Wright Marsh, and learn more about the show here: www.karenwrightmarsh.comGuest Donyelle McCray, Assistant Professor of Homiletics at Yale Divinity School, writes about the ways African American women and lay people use the...2020-02-0123 minVintage Saints and SinnersJulian of NorwichDonyelle McCray of Yale Divinity School joins host Karen Wright Marsh to tell the startling story of the visionary Julian of Norwich. During a terrifying time of deadly plague and war, Julian of Norwich (1342-c.1416) received an extraordinary vision of Christ’s saving, comforting presence. Now, more than ever, we need to hear sister Julian’s radical message: that despite the alarming events of our own present day, God’s love will have the final word. “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.” It’s a truth to embrace. ...2019-12-2821 minVintage Saints and SinnersAmanda Berry SmithBorn enslaved on a Maryland plantation, Amanda Berry Smith (1837-1915) went on to preach the Gospel across the United States, Europe, Africa and India. How did an impoverished black woman achieve such freedom and influence? Did she ever overcome her anxious fears? Hear the story of one of the greatest Christians you’ve never heard of.Donyelle McCray, Assistant Professor of Homiletics at Yale Divinity School, writes about the ways African American women and lay people use the sermon to play, remember, invent, and disrupt. Her book, The Censored Pulpit: Julian of Norwich as Preacher, offers a homil...2019-11-2220 min