Shows
The Merwomanist PodcastMer-Magicon 2025 Recap and Experience Teaching Mermaid LoređđŸââïž Took the plunge at Mer-Magicon 2025! From teaching mermaid history to gaining water cred, it was an inspiring journey. Catch the full adventure on my podcast and see why mermaiding is more than just a passionâit's a lifestyle! đŠ My Mermaid Researchhttps://jalondradavis.com/#scholarEvents MentionedMerMagicconMy AssistantTiffany AliyahPrevious Shows MentionedBlack Mermaid Events Recap and My Tips for Attending Mermaid Cons2025-04-0831 minThe Merwomanist PodcastReading Wrap-Up, Catch Up, and Getting Ready for MermagiconFrom Tahitian dance gigs to enchanting mermaid conventions, March has been a whirlwind! đđ¶ Dive into my Merwomanist Podcast for a magical reading wrap-up and preview of #MerMagicCon adventures. âïž My Mermaid Researchâ https://jalondradavis.com/#scholarBooks ReviewedDaughter of the Moon Goddess, Sue Lynn TanThe Broken Kingdom, N.K. JemisinHello Beautiful, Ann NapolitanoDamsel, Evelyn SkyeOnce Upon a Prom, Kat ChoEvents Mentionedhttps://mermagic-con.com/2025-03-2534 minThe Merwomanist PodcastMami Melusine's New Year Goals and 75 Hard ChallengesHappy New Year! Join me as I discuss my academic and creative goals for this upcoming year; from book drafts to content creation plansâdiscover what's on my 2025 agenda and share your own goals!
My Mermaid Research
https://jalondradavis.com/#scholar
2025-01-3119 min
The Merwomanist Podcast2024 Horror and Fantasy Wrap UpBooks Mentioned
The Black Girl Survives This One edited by âDesiree S. Evans
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
The Inheritance Trilogy by N.K. Jemison
Wicked by Gregory Maguire
My Mermaid Research
https://jalondradavis.com/#scholar
2025-01-0632 min
The Merwomanist PodcastMami Melusine Watches: WickedMy Mermaid Research
â https://jalondradavis.com/#scholarâ
Gregory Maguire, Wicked
Stephen Schwartz & Winnie Holzman, Wicked
John Chu, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Wicked
Previous Episodes Mentioned:
â Replay: Dragons, Mermaids, and Diverse Castingâ
2024-12-2051 min
The Merwomanist PodcastMermaid Horror Films 2024Mermaid Horror Films
Dagon by Stuart Gordon
She Creature by Sebastian Gutierrez
My Mermaid Research
â https://jalondradavis.com/#scholarâ
Previous Episodes Referenced
Blackoween and Mertober TBR: Mami Melusine Reads
Black Mermaid Horror Films: The Lake and Erzulie
Mami Melusine Watches-Mermaid Horror Films
Nikyatu Jusu's Nanny-Mami Wata Onscreen
Other References
H.P. Lovecraft, Dagon and Shadow of Insmouth
Some accessible info on Nazism and Eugenics: "How American Raci...2024-11-2726 minThe Merwomanist PodcastMermaids and the ElectionVOTE.
Corrections:
I think I was saying Project 2525. It's Project 2025.
Clinton's â Welfare 'Reform' Act â was passed in 1996, not 1994.
Mentions:
â kpcc.org â
LA County Voting Resource: â LAist Voter Game Planâ
a couple of my other news sources that I forgot to mention: â Democracy Nowâ andâ Al Jazeeraâ
â Chevron Doctrineâ
â A video breaking down Project 2025â by one of my favorite youtube creators, Olorunatti. It is being claimed that this is not officially associated with the Trump campaign but his judicial appointments and their decisions are quite consiste...2024-11-0524 min
The Merwomanist PodcastBlackoween Reading Wrapup: Gothic and Horror NovelsMy Mermaid Research
https://jalondradavis.com/#scholar
Episodes Referenced:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mami-melusine/episodes/Blackoween-and-Mertober-TBR-Mama-Melusine-Reads-this-Month-e2phuel/a-abitltn
Â
Blackoween:
LocâD Booktician Booktube Channel
Blackoween Announcement 2024
In this video you will find a full explanation of Blackoween, the reader levels and locations and prompts, and links to the Toulahâs Parrish map, discord, etc.
Books Reviewed:
Jessica Cage, Sirenâs TestÂ
(Rec for Blackoween prompts: SheSheâs Kitchen: Spicy paranormal by Black w...2024-10-2946 min
The Merwomanist PodcastBlackoween and Mertober TBR: Mama Melusine Reads this MonthMy Mermaid Research
https://jalondradavis.com/#scholar
Blackoween:
LocâD Booktician Booktube Channel
Blackoween Announcement 2024
In this video you will find a full explanation of Blackoween, the reader levels and locations and prompts, and links to the Toulahâs Parrish map, discord, etc.
Books Mentioned:
Monica Bradhears, House of Cotton
Tananarive Due, The Reformatory
Sarah Daas, It Waits in the Forest
Liselle Sandsbury, Delicious Monsters
Brandon Massey, Black thriller writer
Stephen Grah...2024-10-1221 min
The Merwomanist PodcastBlack Mermaid Wrap-Up Part III Drown Me with DreamsMy Mermaid Research
https://jalondradavis.com/#scholar
Books Reviewed:
Gabi Burton Drown me with Dreams
Written Reviews:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62039217-sing-me-to-sleep?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=rPGqFR8AvK&rank=1
2024-10-0436 min
The Merwomanist PodcastBlack Mermaid Novels Wrapup Part 2: Mami Melusine Reviews Gabi Burtonâs Sing me to SleepMy Mermaid Research
https://jalondradavis.com/#scholar
Books Reviewed:
Gabi Burton Sing me to Sleep
Written Reviews:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62039217-sing-me-to-sleep?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=rPGqFR8AvK&rank=1
2024-09-1430 min
The Merwomanist PodcastBlack Mermaid Books Wrap-up Part IMy Website and Mermaid Research
https://jalondradavis.com/#scholar
Books Reviewed:
Zalika Reid-Benta River Mumma
Natasha Bowenâs Skin of the Sea
Natasha Bowenâs Soul of the Deep
Other Mentions:
My podcast episode, Mami Melusine Reads: Tracey Deonâs Legendborn Cycle and My Thoughts on Black YA Fantasy
Nalo Hopkinson, The New Moonâs Arms
My Written Reviews:
Good Reads: Mami Melusine Reviews River Mumma
Good Reads: Soul of the Deep
Jalondra A. Davis, âMagic, Mermaids, and the Middle Passage: On Natasha...2024-09-0649 minThe Merwomanist PodcastBlack Mermaid Short Stories Wrap-UpOn this episode, we wrap-up my final thoughts and suggestions for black mermaid short stories!
Books
Correction:
I said that the Black mermaid/water story anthology edited by Sheree Renée Thomas was called Tales from the Deep. It is actually called Trouble the Waters and is edited by Shree Renée Thomas, Pan Morigan, and Troy L. Wiggins.
Stories Discussed:
âShiftâ in Nalo Hopkinsonâs Report from Planet Midnight
âThe Living Infiniteâ in Nana Nkwetiâs Walking on Cowrie Shells
âScalesâ in Kinitra Brooks...2024-08-2319 minThe Merwomanist PodcastDragons Yâall: Season review of House of DragonsOn this weeks episode, I give my mid-season review of House of Dragons!My Website and Mermaid Researchhttps://jalondradavis.com/#scholarShow Reviewed: Season Two of House of the Dragon on HBOCorrection: At one point I say Oscar Tully saying âOh Dear!â during the gathering of the houses of the Riverlands, what I really meant was Simon Strong said âOh Dear!â2024-08-1651 minThe Merwomanist PodcastMami Melusine Reads: Black Middle Grade FantasyWelcome back, merfolk! On this mini-episode, I give my brief review of various black middle grade fantasy books that I loved and recommend.
My Mermaid Research: â Jalondra Davis' engaged scholar projectÂ
My podcast episode about YA Fantasy, "Mami Melusine Reads Tracy Deonn's Legendborn Cycle and My Thoughts on Black YA Fantasy"
Books Mentioned:
Jewell Parker Rhodes, Bayou Magic
Jewell Parker Rhodes, Ninth Ward
B.B. Alston, Amari and the Night Brother
Justina Ireland, Ophie's Ghosts
Tracey Baptiste, The Jumbies
K...2024-07-3025 min
The Merwomanist PodcastMami Melusine Reads: Tracey Deonâs Legendborn Cycle and My Thoughts on Black YA FantasyOn this episode, I review Tracey Deon's Legendborn Cycle and give my take on Black, young adult fantasy.My Website and Mermaid Researchhttps://jalondradavis.com/#scholarTracy Deonâs Legendborn and BloodmarkedNatasha Bowenâs Skin of the SeaBethany Morrowâs Song Below WaterB.B. Alstonâs Amari and the Night BrothersVideosYoutube Video: W.O.C. Reader, âDone with the Legendborn Seriesâ2024-07-2457 min
The Merwomanist PodcastMid-Season House of Dragons ReviewJoin me as I give my mid-season review on House of Dragons, speaking more broadly about race and fantasy and my views on this season thus far.
Season 1 Mid-Season Review
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mami-melusine/episodes/Replay-Dragons--Mermaids--and-Diverse-Casting-e2lmn62
Media Mentions:
Game of Thrones
House of Dragons
My Website and Mermaid Research
â https://jalondradavis.com/#scholarâ
2024-07-1248 minThe Merwomanist PodcastReplay: Dragons, Mermaids, and Diverse CastingThis episode is about race and fantasy more broadly. I use my thoughts on Episode 7 of Dance of the Dragons, "Driftwood" and the Freeform mermaid show Siren to think (and rant) out loud about race, settler colonialism, casting, and fantasy fandoms. This is a different one so hope that folks enjoy. We'll be back more to mermaids in the next one!
â My Researchâ on Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Mermaids
â My Review of Skin of the Sea in Los Angeles Review of Booksâ
Caveats and corrections: My comments on Dance of Dragons are meant only to...2024-07-0539 minThe Merwomanist PodcastBlack Mermaid Events Recap and My Tips for Attending Mermaid ConsOn this episode, we recap Afro-Mermaid Summit and I give you my main tips for travelling and attending mermaid conventions!
My Website and Mermaid Research
https://jalondradavis.com/#scholar
Recent Article on Black Mermay (talks about Black Mermay Day, âswimming mermaids,â and Afro Mermaid Summit)
https://asapjournal.com/node/our-mermaid-craze-my-mermay-and-the-black-mermaid-renaissance/
https://www.instagram.com/blackmermay/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1667508080126562/
https://www.afromermaid.co/thesummit
Black Mermay Day Afro Mermaid Summit2024-06-2845 minThe Merwomanist PodcastReplay: She "Carries Water" To Her People: My Interview with AfroMermaid Founder Carrie WataWelcome back, merfolk! Your host Mami Melusine, known in academic circles as Dr.
Jalondra A. Davis, is here with another immersive episode. Today's guest is,
the phenomenal Carrie Wata, founder of the Afro Mermaid Summit. Join us as we
plunge into the deep blue of Carrie's captivating journey, from her bond with
water during her Florida childhood to the birth of her transformative Afro
Mermaid conceptâa unique blend of African spirituality, physical wellness, and
environmental awareness for Black women.
We'll be swimming through the enriching experiences of the annual Afro Mermaid
Summit, exploring its empowering storytelling se...2024-06-2459 minThe Merwomanist PodcastReplay: My Mermaiding Journey: Mami Wata, Melusine, and MersonasIn this replay episode I talk about my personal mermaiding journey, the mermaid lore that inspires my mersona, and what my platform is all about.
Cover Art:
Photo by â Natasha Gumbs Artâ
My Mermaid Research:
â Link to All Publicationsâ
Article that most addresses topics in this episode (African Indigenous Religions, Mami Wata): â Crossing Merfolk Narratives of the Sacredâ . The bibliography also has a lot of sources that you can check out!
Other Sources Referenced and Cited:
â Ytasha Womack, Afrofuturism, The World of Black Sci-Fi and Fantasy Cultur...2024-06-1434 min
The Merwomanist PodcastWhere She BeenSheâs Back!!!
Greetings yâall, I missed you! In this first episode of
Season Two I talk about some of what I have been doing these last months and why my season break was so long, share about my recent pubs and events, preview my plans for Season Two, and reflect upon the complexities of online activism against colonial violence.
My Website, Research, and Social Media
www.jalondradavis.com
https://jalondradavis.com/#scholar
Instagram and Threads: @mami_melusine
Instagram: @merwomanistpodcast
2024-06-0728 min
The Merwomanist PodcastBlack Mermaid Horror Films: The Lake and ErzulieTrigger Warning: Brief, non-graphic discussion of themes of grooming, sexual abuse, and intimate partner violence.
Summary:
Mami Melusine discusses Tananarive Due's short story and Joe West's film adaptation "The Lake," about a mysterious woman with a dark past who is drawn to a lake that something also dangerous dwells in and Christine Chen's Erzulie, a film about four friends' encounter with a Black mermaid goddess at a campsite where they find their lives to be in danger.
Notes:
Though I warn in the beginning of the...2023-12-2251 min
The Merwomanist PodcastBonus Episode: Cobra ReviewTrigger Warnings:
Gun Violence, Violence against women, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation
Summary:
A reaction to Megan Thee Stallion's new video, Cobra. Discusses the Mami Wata aspects of the imagery as well as my thoughts about Black female performance and the song's themes.
Mentions/Citations:
Megan Thee Stallion, "Cobra"
2023-11-0625 min
The Merwomanist PodcastOctober Review, Traveling Mermaid, and More Black HorrorTrigger warning: some brief mentions of horror scenarios: violent death, body horror, child death, and gore
Summary: In this bonus episode, I review my very busy month of October, talk about some more Black horror films I watched, and describe my trip to DC for another very Black mermaidy art exhibit!
My Mermaid Research:
https://jalondradavis.com/#scholar
Citations and Mentions:
University of California, Santa Cruz, Festival of Monsters
Â
California S...2023-10-3144 min
The Merwomanist PodcastTalking Black Horror with Nicole SconiersTrigger Warnings:
We are talking about horror. So there is some mention of violence, murder, and sexual violence. There are no graphic descriptions.
Summary
In the second episode of my Black horror series, I interview my friend, writer and screenwriter of horror and speculative Fiction, Nicole D. Sconiers. This is such a rich, vibrant, productive conversation full of so many Black horror recs!
My Mermaid Research
https://jalondradavis.com/#scholar
Mentions/Citations:
Nicole Sconiers
...2023-10-2752 min
The Merwomanist PodcastMami Melusine Watches-Mermaid Horror FilmsEpisode Summary:
Welcome Back to the Merwomanist Podcast! I am excited for October, the month of my favorite holiday, Halloween, and we are celebrating with a series of episodes focused on mermaid horror and Black mermaid horror. Mermaid horror is a little-known but very rich subgenre in horror film. This episode gives my rankings (from the worst to the best) and very brief reviews of my top nine mermaid horror recs.
Mermaid Horror Films with their Rankings
9. Killer Mermaid
Director:
Milan Todorovic
Writers:
Marko B...2023-10-0947 min
The Merwomanist PodcastRenaissance Tour and Why Beyonce is Still a MermaidSummary:
Welcome back to the Merwomanist Podcast! We just finished a grief series so I am keeping it light. This episode I will be talking about the mermaid aspects of Beyonce's incredible Renaissance Tour which I finally saw in LA. (Inglewood, really!)
This starts a bit abruptly because it was a part of another episode that I decided to split into two after filming.
Scholarship Cited:
Both of these sources are chapters in Scaled for Success: The Internationalisation of the Mermaid, edited by Philip Hayward.
Malam...2023-09-2734 min
The Merwomanist PodcastMami Melusine Reflects: Mermaids, Motherhood and GriefTrigger Warnings for death, trauma, and grief.
Summary:
This episode is my reflection on this month's grief series. I talk about lessons learned from my interviews this month, the crossing merfolk concept, and building ancestral altars in the midst of the conditions of Black life and death. I also talk about the emotional challenges of parenting a child with disabilities and reclaiming the true meanings of self-care.
My Mermaid Research:
https://jalondradavis.com/#scholar
Books Mentioned or Cited:
Audre Lorde, A Burst of Light
Other...2023-09-1820 min
The Merwomanist PodcastChasing Waterfalls: Black Mermaids Founder Julia Mallory on Grief, Care, and HealingTrigger Warnings:
child loss, Covid pandemic
Summary:
Welcome Back to the Merwomanist Podcast with Mami Melusine. On this third episode of my grief and mermaids series, I interview Black Mermaids Brand founder Julia Mallory. Julia Mallory is a writer, multi-modal artist, healing facilitator, and entrepreneur. She created her company around her poetry collection, Black Mermaids, which envisioned the transformation of people lost to the transatlantic slave trade into mermaids, a story also depicted in her picture book, Kareemah and the Black Mermaids. She uses her writing, creativity, and community work to create collective...2023-09-0255 min
The Merwomanist Podcast"Grief is Part of my DNA" Mermaiding Through Loss with Nicia the Bright Eyed SirenIn this series on grief, we are thinking about the role of mermaids in processing grief and pain. On this episode, your host Mami Melusine speaks with Nicia the Bright Eyed Mermaid about her journey of mourning and mermaiding after the sudden loss of her husband.
Nicia recalls the fairytale gift of her first custom mermaid tail from her late partner, supporting her childhood aquatic dreams. To honor his spirit, she later attended a mermaid retreat they had planned together. Through the physical demands of mermaiding, Nicia found an emotional release and transformation during her grief.Â
2023-08-231h 00
The Merwomanist PodcastMami Melusine Talks: Halle Bailey's "Angel," Chloe Discourse, and the Madonna-Whore ComplexThough this month is my grief series, I just wanted to take a moment to talk about the release of Halle Bailey (Hallariel!)'s single "Angel," it's public reception, and thoughts I am having about the discourse about the Bailey sisters and binary discussions of sexuality and Black womanhood and girlhood.
Note: Since this is a quick bonus episode I am not doing any editing but one thing that I want to add to it: I realize that Halle herself might not mean angel in the kind of connotations of purity, goodness, sexual virtue...2023-08-1532 min
The Merwomanist PodcastMami Melusine Reads: Introducing Grief Series and Black Mermaid Stories Wrapup
Welcome back, merfolk! I'm your host Mami Melusine, also known as Dr. Jalondra A. Davis, mer-scholar extraordinaire. This is the first in a series exploring the connections between mermaids and grief in literature.
In this thought-provoking episode, we'll dive deep into powerful black mermaid books and stories dealing with loss and healing. We'll encounter diverse experiences of grief through themes of motherhood, childhood, Caribbean lore, and magical realism.
Art and Media Referenced:
Books:
Flowers for the Sea by Zin E. Rocklyn (novella)
Josephine Against the Sea by...2023-08-0817 min
The Merwomanist PodcastThe Little Mermaid: My Review
Welcome back, everyone! I'm your host, Mami Melusine, also known as Dr. Jalondra A. Davis in academic circles. For those who are still thinking about the latest take on Disney's The Little Mermaid, this episode is for you. I am breaking down what's new and what's canon in the latest live-action movie starring Halle Bailey.
Make no mistake - I loved it! But I think the updates to the music, costumes, and plot points really make it a different movie from the 1989 animated classic. Dive in with me to see what I thought!
2023-07-2642 min
The Merwomanist PodcastBeyonce is a Mermaid - Part 2Welcome back, everyone! I'm your host, Mami Melusine, also known as Dr. Jalondra A. Davis in academic circles. In this thought-provoking episode, we're diving in again to Beyonce's connection to the fascinating realm of water spirits, and its profound connection to rivers, danger, and transformation.
Through Beyonceâs Black is King, we explore some of the complex issues around Mami Wata, including her associations with wealth, infertility, sexuality, and colorism. Let's dive in!Â
Art and Media Referenced:
Movie: Lion King (2019)Â
Music Albums: Lemonade (2016), Black is King (2020), Homecoming (2019) Beyonce
Snake Char...2023-07-0940 min
The Merwomanist PodcastSwim, Don't Scoot Through Fear: AfroMermaid Recap and My Water Journey ReflectionWelcome back, everyone! I'm your host, Mami Melusine, also known as Dr. Jalondra A. Davis. In this episode, I'm taking you through my transformative experience at the recent Afro Mermaid Summit in Florida and my personal journey with water.
I'll be sharing some of my experiences at the Summit, exploring the dynamics of community, safety, and the power of shared rituals. We'll delve into my complicated relationship with water, shaped by childhood experiences and the path to overcoming my fears.
We'll explore the significance of the water ceremony, a turning point in my journey, and...2023-06-2836 min
The Merwomanist PodcastShe "Carries Water" To Her People: My Interview with AfroMermaid Founder Carrie WataWelcome back, merfolk! Your host Mami Melusine, known in academic circles as Dr.
Jalondra A. Davis, is here with another immersive episode. Today's guest is,
the phenomenal Carrie Wata, founder of the Afro Mermaid Summit. Join us as we
plunge into the deep blue of Carrie's captivating journey, from her bond with
water during her Florida childhood to the birth of her transformative Afro
Mermaid conceptâa unique blend of African spirituality, physical wellness, and
environmental awareness for Black women.
We'll be swimming through the enriching experiences of the annual Afro Mermaid
Summit, exploring its empowering storytelling se...2023-06-151h 01
The Merwomanist PodcastMami Melusine's Mermay RecapMerwomanist Podcast: Show Notes
Itâs MerMay! Recap - Episode 9Â
Hey, my beautiful merfolk! It's me, Mami Melusine, but you may also know me as Dr. Jalondra A. Davis. In this solo episode, I let you dive into my MerMay as I share my recent experiences. There's a delicate dance in being an educator and not overextending myself, and I've been learning how to strike that balance.
Fasten your seatbelts as we ride the waves of excitement when I chat about Wangechi Mutuâs Intertwined Exhibit and all the other interesting stops that I mad...2023-06-0639 min
The Merwomanist PodcastCookie Washington's MermaidsCookieâs Mermaids - Episode 8
Hey there, merfolk! Your host Mami Melusine, or as you may know me, Dr. Jalondra A. Davis, is back with a fascinating episode. This time, we're swimming through the vibrant currents of the African diaspora and diving deep into the world of black mermaids with renowned artist Torreah "Cookie" Washington.
Washington takes us on a journey through her mission to counteract oppressive narratives, celebrating the divine origins of black women through the figure of the mermaid. We explore the undercurrents of her upcoming exhibit "Celebrating Black Mermaids from Africa to Am...2023-05-2449 min
The Merwomanist PodcastMy Mermay!Merwomanist Podcast: Show Notes
Itâs MerMay! - Episode 7Â
Hey there, merfolk! I'm Mami Melusine, but you might know me as Dr. Jalondra A. Davis. In this episode, I invite you to join me on an unexpected adventure that took me through the bustling streets of New York and Philadelphia. I share my own tales of triumph and challenge as I juggled the relaunch of this very podcast and celebrated the publication of a feature story about my research at my university. We'll dive deep into the murky online waters where I experienced trolling and sur...2023-05-1925 min
The Merwomanist PodcastBeyonce is a Mermaid Part IIn this episode, Dr. Jalondra A. Davis, also known as Mami Melusine, delves into the mesmerizing realm of African diasporic culture, spirituality, and its intriguing connection to Beyoncé's visual masterpiece, "Lemonade." Embarking on an intellectual journey from the mystical depths of whales to the divine orishas, Mami Melusine uncovers the connections between mermaid lore, African spirituality, and Queen Bey's life and artistry.
Art and Media Referenced:
Cover Art: Still shot from "Hold Up" from Beyoncé's Lemonade (2016)
Article: "The Death and Resurrection of Oshun in Beyoncé's Lemonade: Subverting the...2023-05-0253 min
The Merwomanist PodcastNikyatu Jusu's Nanny-Mami Wata OnscreenNote: Halfway through this, I inexplicably started calling Anansi the Spider Asanti. I know and always have known that it is Anansi. I blame sleep deprivation.Â
This episode is a review and discussion of the role of Mami Wata and Anansi the Spider in the Sundance award-winning horror film, Nanny . I also discuss Wangechi Mutu's mermaid artwork and the role of African spirituality and folklore in film.
Art and Media Referenced:
Nikyatu Jusu, Nanny
Wangechi Mutu, "Killing you Softly" & "If We Live Through It, She'll Carry us Back" in Nguva na N...2023-01-1343 min
The Merwomanist PodcastMerfolk and Fugitivity: Watery Visions in Wakanda Forever and Rivers Solomon's The DeepThis episode ties some of my reflections to the mermaidy aspects of the Black Panther sequel Wakanda Forever to Rivers Solomon's novel The Deep. I connect what I call the 'crossing merfolk' narrative in Solomon's novel to the film's reimagining of Atlantis through the history of conquest and colonization. I don't think I give away the end or any major twists but this discussion may contain some spoilers for Wakanda Forever.
My Research on Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Mermaids
My Review of Skin of the Sea in Los Angeles Review of Books (In this I...2022-11-2841 minThe Merwomanist PodcastDragons, Mermaids, and Diverse CastingThis episode is about race and fantasy more broadly. I use my thoughts on Episode 7 of Dance of the Dragons, "Driftwood" and the Freeform mermaid show Siren to think (and rant) out loud about race, settler colonialism, casting, and fantasy fandoms. This is a different one so hope that folks enjoy. We'll be back more to mermaids in the next one!
My Research on Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Mermaids
My Review of Skin of the Sea in Los Angeles Review of Books
Caveats and corrections: My comments on Dance of Dragons are meant...2022-10-0842 min
The Merwomanist PodcastMy Mermaiding Journey: Mami Wata, Melusine, and MersonasIn this episode I talk about my personal mermaiding journey, the mermaid lore that inspires my mersona, and what my platform is all about.
Cover Art:
Photo by Natasha Gumbs Art
My Mermaid Research:
Link to All Publications
Article that most addresses topics in this episode (African Indigenous Religions, Mami Wata): Crossing Merfolk Narratives of the Sacred. The bibliography also has a lot of sources that you can check out!
Other Sources Referenced and Cited:
Ytasha Womack, Afrofuturism, The World of Black Sci-Fi and Fantasy...2022-09-2736 min
The Merwomanist PodcastIt's Time...Meet the Merwomanist Podcast with Mami MelusineThis first episode introduces me, my work, and why I am starting the Merwomanist Podcast right now.Â
My Mermaid Research:
www.jalondradavis.com/engaged-scholar-1
Cover Art:
Mami Melusine by Salt Drift Mermaids
Creators Cited:
On Twitter:
DatWitchBitch @Darealbigfine1
@ArieTheHeretic
Mermaid Books and Media Mentioned:Â
Sukey and the Mermaid by Robert D. San Souci and Brian Pinkney
"No Ordinary Love" by Sade
Drexciya
Parliament Funkadelic "Motor Booty Affair"
Clipping "The Deep"
...2022-09-2021 min