Shows
Make It Make Sense Podcast with Davette B and Travis LeeThe Damage Report: “The 100 Days That Felt Like 100 YEARS!!!100 days in—and we already need a nap, a protest sign, and a lawyer.Welcome to The Damage Report: Special Edition—where we break down the political whiplash of the first 100 days under Trump 2.0 and ask the only question that matters: how did it get this bad, this fast?We’re talking: • A Supreme Court that forgot the Constitution exists • ICE agents reopening Alcatraz (no Clint Eastwood, just fascism) • Tariffs on movies, books, and joy • Trans bans, Title IX rollbacks, DEI purges, and a Pope who’s Black, American, and already getting side-eyed by the regime • And of course—Trump declaring hims...2025-05-131h 32
Make It Make Sense Podcast with Davette B and Travis LeeSame as It Ever Was: Old Fascism vs. New FascismWhat do the 1930s and 2025 have in common? A lot more than you think—and none of it’s good. In this special episode of The Make It Make Sense Podcast, Davette and Travis connect the dots between the rise of fascism in Hitler’s Germany and the authoritarian creep happening right now in the U.S.We dig into: • How oligarchs shaped policy then—and how they’re doing it again now • The eerie parallels between Hitler’s rise and Trump’s comeback • Book bans, anti-DEI laws, and the dangerous return of “purity politics” • The role of racist ideology in shaping Americ...2025-04-231h 47
Make It Make Sense with Sureka Thanenthiran-DharumanSARA JAFARI, AuthorToday's guest is Sara Jafari, British-Iranian author of THE MISMATCH and her latest novel, PEOPLE CHANGE. We speak about second book syndrome: the difference between writing the first book and second book, the lead times and the difference in marketing of the second book. We also speak about the importance of discipline over inspiration and whether we should read our own reviews. Sara is frank and honest about the industry and how attention is spread over debut novelists in comparison to mid-list authors.Sara's work has been longlisted for Spread the Word's Life Writing Prize and...2023-02-0859 minMake It Make Sense with Sureka Thanenthiran-DharumanMICAELA ALCAINO, Cover DesignerToday's guest is award-winning cover designer Micaela Alcaino. Micaela moved to London in 2013. She moved without a job in hand and applied for (200) design jobs before she landed her first role with Transworld Publishing. You would recognise her cover on books such as THE SECRET DIARIES OF CHARLES IGNATIOUS SANCHO by Paterson Joseph, Jennifer Saint’s ATLANTA, ELEKTRA and ARIADNE, THE DICTIONARY OF LOST WORDS by Pip Williams and the hardcover for BELOW DECK by Sophie Hardcastle. We talk about the importance of sharing knowledge, mentorship and persistence. She herself is wildly persistent and is encouraged by th...2022-12-141h 07Make It Make Sense with Sureka Thanenthiran-DharumanEMMA NORRY, Children's AuthorToday's guest is our very first children's author, Emma Norry. We talk about topics that most people in the industry shy away from - M O N E Y. We also speak about the need to stay flexible in order to find out what you love writing about and lastly we speak about Emma's untraditional path to publishing and how slow and steady can work just as well as the splashy debut. We talk about writing craft and share some mutual appreciation for children's stories versus adult fiction. Emma has a wealth of books already to her name and...2022-12-071h 03Make It Make Sense with Sureka Thanenthiran-DharumanTALLULAH LYONS, Assistant EditorToday's guest is Tallulah Lyons, Assistant Editor at #Merky Books. We talk about the things I've never asked other editors. What actually goes on in coveted acquisition meetings, what happens to books that are liked but not loved by the team and what does it take for a book to be published.#Merky Books is an award-winning imprint launched in 2018 by Stormzy and PRH UK. It’s a fantastic imprint that already boasts an enviable list of non-fiction and fiction titles with Keisha The Sket by Jade LB, We are All Birds of Uganda by Hafsa Za...2022-10-1943 minMake It Make Sense with Sureka Thanenthiran-DharumanMARGAUX VIALLERON, Foreign Rights AgentToday's guest is Margaux Vialleron, Foreign Rights Agent at David Higham Associates. She speaks to us about her love for bringing stories to different parts of the world. It's an area of the industry that I don't know much about but was excited to learn from one of the best. We speak about what is required to do well in this role and what interested might give you longevity in this area of the industry as it's quite a varied role from sales, to networking to admin-centred tasks. I hope you enjoy Margaux's infectious attitude to language and the...2022-10-1247 minMake It Make Sense with Sureka Thanenthiran-DharumanCHLOE TIMMS, AuthorWe've switched things up and are going live with weekly episodes. Today we speak to the refreshingly honest, Chloe Timms, author of THE SEAWOMEN, podcast host, disability rights activist and Zoom Writing Club. We speak about impostor syndrome, the importance of identifying yourself as a writer no matter what stage of the process you're in, as well as giving in to things that you can't control. We touch on her views of disability representation and what she hopes to see for the future.Follow us on Twitter @mimspodFollow Chloe on Twitter @clotimms...2022-10-051h 10Make It Make Sense with Sureka Thanenthiran-DharumanRHEA KURIEN, Editorial DirectorWe're back and I'm so happy to speak to Rhea Kurien from Orion for our first episode, who is possibly one of the kindest people in publishing I have come across. This episode is filled with lots of her sage advice on entering the industry without any connections yet forging and cementing genuine connections with her peers and colleagues. We talk about all the normal woes of rejection but also the ways in which it can at times, lead you somewhere better. We also talk about building your brand (from a publisher's perspective) and how that can be done...2022-09-2857 minMake It Make Sense with Sureka Thanenthiran-DharumanPRETI TANEJA, AuthorToday's episode is with Preti Taneja, award-winning author of debut novel WE THAT ARE YOUNG and her current release, AFTERMATH. This book contends with the pain of unspeakable loss set against public tragedy, as Preti draws on history, memory, and powerful poetic predecessors to reckon with the systemic nature of atrocity. She cites political; historical and social context as well as writings from other respected authors in order to build this world for us. AFTERMATH has been described by Max Porter as a "major landmark in British narrative non-fiction. It is fearless in the way it shows its agonised...2022-06-201h 09Make It Make Sense with Sureka Thanenthiran-DharumanVALERIE BRANDES, Publisher & FounderToday's guest is Valerie Brandes. A force of nature and a woman who has worked tirelessly and with such determination to create a publishing house that thrives on amplifying and uplifting diverse voices and thought. In 2020, Jacaranda introduced the initiative #Twentyin2020 an unprecedented initiative to publish 20 titles by 20 Black British writers in a single year. In 2021 Jacaranda formed a historic partnership with Hachette UK, expanding their sales and distribution to support the flourishing global market for readers of books by diverse voices. As Valerie says, it allowed them to grow without losing their framework to work as an Indie p...2022-06-061h 15Make It Make Sense with Sureka Thanenthiran-DharumanKASIM ALI, Assistant EditorWe're back with podcast regular Kasim Ali. Today we speak about his role as Assistant Editor at Cornerstone, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Kasim is honest and frank in today's conversation as we discuss how books are taken from submission into acquisition and also the multiple reason why manuscripts can be turned down. We also touch on the larger fight that non-white authors have to write something they purely love and for that not to be politicised. Kasim also enlightens us to the realities of publishing roles and their salaries, taking time to compare that of his peers...2022-05-241h 08Make It Make Sense with Sureka Thanenthiran-DharumanAMY BAXTER, Editor-in-Chief & Assistant EditorToday's episode is with Amy Baxter, EIC and owner of Bad Form Review and Assistant Editor for Dialogue Books and a few other Hachette imprints. We talk frankly about the industry as it is and Amy's drive to change the things she finds issue with.Amy offers practical advice for those wanting to make their start in publishing as well as those wanting to shift the problems and realities seen within the industry. She has had her fair share of failures and rejection but with a constant sense of wanting to do better, she has already...2022-05-091h 03Make It Make Sense with Sureka Thanenthiran-DharumanNELLE ANDREW, Literary AgentToday's episode features a frank, honest and at times hilarious discussion with Nelle Andrew on the state of publishing. We speak about her persistence in this field and where her drive stemmed from as she entered rooms that were filled predominantly by others who had found themselves there through connections and networks.Nelle represents an array of internationally bestselling and award-winning authors across both fiction and non-fiction. Among those on her list are Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, Sara Collins (winner of the Costa Debut fiction award), Jing-Jing Lee (a longlistee for the Women’s Fiction Prize and Wa...2022-04-191h 05Make It Make Sense with Sureka Thanenthiran-DharumanJESSICA GEORGE, AuthorToday's episode features the ray of light that is, Jessica George. Her infections laughter and spirit help us understand how she came to write her compelling debut novel MAAME, using her diary entries, following the passing of her father. She shares how she was able to write such a tender and witty novel on a topic that is so close to home, how she understands the editing process to be an enriching experience for both herself and her characters as well as when she knew she had to break up from her first agent. MAAME is Jess' sixth novel...2022-04-041h 19Make It Make Sense with Sureka Thanenthiran-DharumanBONUS EPISODE: KASIM ALI, Author*BONUS CONTENT* from my two-hour long conversation with Kasim Ali, author of Good Intentions. We touch on his US and UK book covers, how he decided to write from the point of view of Nur and not Yasmina, as well as the pretty obvious origin of her name that he only came to realise once his mother learned the book was going to be published. Kasim speaks about the importance of writing about an interracial couple and anti-blackness in the South Asian community. Carrying on from the second episode, we talk more about his mastering of dialogue and his...2022-03-2834 minMake It Make Sense with Sureka Thanenthiran-DharumanKASIM ALI, AuthorSureka speaks with British-Pakistani author Kasim Ali whose debut novel GOOD INTENTIONS is a heart wrenching novel about love; family obligation and anti-blackness within the South-Asian community. We speak about the multiple manuscripts and multiple rejections Kasim had to get through and the one that made him stop writing for a while. He shares how he picked himself up again and what he suggests other writers ask themselves when trying to build resilience to rejection within the industry. We also touch on the editing process and his tips for being a better writer by reading and writing constantly. We...2022-03-1548 minMake It Make Sense with Sureka Thanenthiran-DharumanLIZZIE DAMILOLA BLACKBURN, AuthorSureka speaks with British-Nigerian author, Lizzie Damilola Blackburn whose debut novel YINKA, WHERE IS YOUR HUZBAND? is set to be an era defining debut. We speak about her goal of writing the stories that her and her friends never saw in books and film, the use of sensitivity readers. Lizzie helps make sense the editing process when you have US and and UK editors, tackling the Marketing and PR side as an introvert. Lizzie also helps to make sense of second book syndrome and what she does to overcome it to keep writing.Follow us on...2022-02-2858 minMake It Make Sense with Sureka Thanenthiran-DharumanTRAILERIt's here! A new podcast for writers and publishing hopefuls to make sense of an industry that is less than transparent. Every week, I will be joined by an author from historically excluded backgrounds, in order to learn how they made sense of the process. I'll also be joined by agents, editors and other professionals from the industry to help paint a more complete picture of publishing.Follow Us on Twitter @mimspodArtwork by Coline TinevezSound Design By Jane Arnison Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...2022-02-0901 min
#MIMS2022 NON NEGOTIABLE BELOVEDIt’s a brand new year & brand new season! I can’t be entertaining 2021 shenanigans in this New Yearbook2022-01-1209 min
#MIMSHabitsWe can choose habits that build our lives into its greatest form or we can choose habits that knock us down a few levels. The decision is entirely up to us2021-10-2516 min#MIMSCultivate Your DreamsIn todays episode we talk about not letting our dreams die within is simply because we haven’t seen it cultivated around us.2021-10-1808 min#MIMSFight for the Life You WantAsk yourself are you living the life you want? Or are you dreams just that a pigment of your imagination? If the answer to question 1 is no then you’ll wanna take a listen to todays episode. I hope it helps cause we all Deserve the very best! Keep growing + glowing I’m praying for y’all always do2021-10-1215 min#MIMSSTOP CHASING, HEAL +ATTRACTTodays episode is all about how chasing ideas of happiness will not creat it, stop chasing people and things, that stuff is just a reflection of your own bliss but it ain’t the source. The real key is to love and accept yourself just as God created you to be💗2021-10-0428 min#MIMSLoosen Your GripToday’s episode is all about loosen up on controlling everything around us.2021-09-2007 min#MIMSMicrowave MillennialsNow a days our generation just wants things to happen over night, within an instant but that’s not necessarily how life works. Why are you we in such a rush to obtain things we aren’t ready for yet. In today’s episode we explore our obsession with our need for instant gratification2021-09-1316 min#MIMS“Mi Want Grand Pickney”In today’s episode I interview my mom, as we talk about life, parenting & what my moms expects from me sooner rather than later2021-09-0725 min#MIMSRandom Acts of KindnessKindness really does go a long way, you never know what people are going through especially with all the craziness in today’s world, ya girl Anti talks about random acts of kindness2021-08-3019 min#MIMSHumble Thy SelfIn today’s episode I discuss what it means to humble yourself in all that you do, we’ve all done and said things opposite from being humble, it’s all about education learning from our experiences to help ourselves and others2021-08-2326 min#MIMSTestimonyToday’s episode is a testimony, as ya girl Anti talks about how God continues to come in the clutch, I hope y’all enjoy it 🙏🏾🤘🏾2021-08-1616 min#MIMSGIVE IT TO GODLiterally what the title says is what this entire episode is about, lay it all at the Lords feet and DONT pick it back up. Follow the IG page @mimspod & click the link for more content https://linktr.ee/ANTI932021-08-0917 min#MIMSHOW TO START A PODCASTOn today’s episode I briefly talk about how I started my podcast on a budget. Ain’t no shame in my game, you can still pursue your passion even on a budget, never let lack of of funds stop you from pursuing your dreams, cause hunny where there is a will their is a way! Be sure to click the link https://linktr.ee/ANTI93 and follow the IG page @mimspod2021-08-0309 min#MIMSManifestation w/ Bad Gyal ShanShanOn today’s episode I chop it up with my home girl Shan Shan as we talk about our views on life, manifestation, religion and spirituality. Follow Me on IG @_duh.it’s.anti & @mimspod. Be sure to click the link https://linktr.ee/ANTI93 to stay locked and loaded!2021-07-2649 min#MIMSValidationQuestion How can we navigate the opinions of culture? What type of validation are we seeking and why does being validated matter so much. Today’s episode explores all this & more on how no matter what we are always validated in Christ! Check it Out!2021-07-1916 min#MIMSBe Aware of Your Emotions: The Devil vs SelfToday’s episode talks about the blame game…are we really giving the devil more credit than he deserves by not keeping our emotions in check? God’s love for us runs so deep that he gave us free will +free choice but sometimes our feelings take over and cause confusion. Be sure to like,comment and subscribe Stay connected on IG @mimspod And click the 🔗 https://linktr.ee/ANTI932021-07-1214 min#MIMSI Just Wanna Be SuccessfulIn today’s episode Antoinette speaks about success and what that means to her. Everyone has their own definition of success there isn’t a blanket statement for everyone but none the less we all gotta go forth and MAKE IT MAKE SENSE for ourselves. I hope y’all enjoy it. Stay connected on IG @mimspod Check out my personal page @_duh.its.anti Smash the 🔗 👇🏾 https://linktr.ee/ANTI932021-07-0528 min#MIMSThe Mental Health Battle:Fear& AnxietyIn today’s episode Antoinette shares her testimony of how she struggled with mental health. The war in the mind ain’t no joke, fear and anxiety ain’t no joke take a lesson of what she went through and how she overcame2021-06-2835 min#MIMSBelieve in yourself, Let Go & Let GodHey y’all, I know it’s been a hot minute but I’m back with another episode of why believing in yourself is so powerful. We need to remember we can do all things through Christ whom strengthens us so let’s take our hands off and let Jesus literally take the wheel.2021-06-2128 min#MIMSFighting the FunkSeason 2, it’s 2021 now what? In this weeks episode to express how I’ve been feeling lately, ya girl is trying to fight the Funk2021-02-1016 min#MIMS2020 RECAPIn the final episode of season 1 I talk about what 2020 was like for me I am in amazement of how my year started off and where I am at now, to God be the glory. 2020 has been a year of personal growth, I am never going back to the woman I thought I was. I am now standing in my truth pressing forward to all that God has in store for me. 2021 is the year of no fear so let’s get it!2020-12-3034 min#MIMSSLAYEDBY10Chatting with the Toronto’s very own designer Miss Slayedby10 on being a Boss, Paris fashion week and so much more!2020-12-0828 min
#MIMSTALK REAL ESTATE TO ME 🏡🏘💰✅Today we chat with my home girl Caitlin about the real estate market and her journey of being her own boss. Follow her on IG @caitlin.e.hartley and check out business website www.carolfoderick.com2020-12-0245 min#MIMSFall Down 7x, Get up 8Today I chat with entrepreneur Lexi she got it out the mud, telling us her life journey on how she made it to where she’s at own being her own boss2020-11-251h 00#MIMSWhat else do you have to offer ?In today’s episode I sit with Ryan aka Mr. KOA as we talk about his brand, the times were in and perceptions on why other peoples’ opinions shouldn’t define us.2020-11-1851 min
#MIMSAsante AthleticsBrendan talks with us about his athlesuire brand, what it means to be a black business owner, love, COVID-19 and his goals for the rest of 20202020-11-1151 min
#MIMSPARENTING 101: MOMMIES TELL ALL🤰🏾🤱🏾Today episode I have my girls talking about what it’s like to raise kids in the 20th century. Each one sharing their POV, what roles family and friends have in raising their kids; Plus the differences and similarities on how our panel was raised. Oh the joys of motherhood🖤🤎🤍🍼🤦🏾♂️🤷🏾♀️2020-11-041h 24
#MIMSITS A GIRL CHAT EH!Only girls allowed this episode;as I sit with sisters Dani & Anna. We chop it up over black culture, toronto mans and our generation like are we really doomed!? Come join the conversation!2020-10-2856 min
#MIMSThe Comeback KidToday I chat with Michael a videographer who is the truest representation of the quote “fall down 7x and get up 8” you don’t wanna miss it2020-10-211h 09
#MIMSLET’S GET PHYSICAL 💪🏾🍎🥇🏆🤸🏾♀️In Episode 8 I sit down with the my girl Deb to talk about her love for working out and her business as a personal trainer. She gives us the 411 on what you can do to stay fit and much more!2020-10-1451 min
#MIMSWELCOME STEVE!Today I chat with entrepreneur boss man Steve. We talk about his sport apparel business, face masks and how it ties into sports, what it means to him to be his own boss and keeping the conversation going about racial injustice2020-10-0738 min
#MIMSTEA WITH CRUMPEpisode 6 with my girl @itsjessicaalexa we talked about her blog/ business @teawithcrump faith, relationships and just her life journey and what’s she’s learned along the way.We salute you Queen keep doing the damn thing💕🤍💜2020-09-301h 05
#MIMSEPISODE 5: Queen TalkOn todays episode I chat with the CEO of her very own lash business Miss Moca! We talk about God, courage, love & what it takes to be a BO$$!2020-08-2247 min
#MIMSEP 4:BROTHERLY LOVE🤍🤎This week’s episode features my Brothers Peter & Adolfo as we discuss their careers, coming out stories, insights into the LGBTQ community& what a CERB summer looks like for them.2020-08-052h 23
#MIMSEP 3: MY RIVAL GOES HERE WAIT WHAT!?this weeks episode talks about friendship & sports from the ups, downs and everything in between with special guests the Thombs sisters Jenique & Jamila. follow them on social media✨ |Ig: @jeniqueshante| YT: @jeniqueshante| Ig:jusmilaaa| SC: jamilaebony|2020-07-271h 25#MIMSEP 1Welcome to my podcast so happy for you all to embark on this journey with me as to why I wanted to get the conversation going in the first place.2020-07-1326 min#MIMSep 2 THE YEAR OF THE WAR CRYTalking about all the twists and turns that 2020 has brought not even halfway through the year. Can we finish the mission and vision we had for ourselves at the beginning of the year in one piece2020-07-1335 min