Shows
Long Story ShortLong Story Short, There’s Nothing Like Black LoveThis week Skye and Amanda read an anthology of Black love letters and share some of their favorites. The two discuss the power of Black love in all its forms. They share what it feels like to not only have deep love for people, but also for things, places and moments in time. Books mentioned in this week’s episode: Black Love Letters edited by Cole Brown and Natalie JohnsonCheck out what Skye & Amanda have been loving this week:Lessons in Che...2023-11-091h 09Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Here’s How to Know a PersonThis week Skye and Amanda read How to Know a Person by David Brooks and talk about how to make those who we interact with feel valued, heard and understood. According to Brooks, despite this being extremely important to the human experience, many of us struggle with what it takes to really get to know another person and foster deep connection. Listen in as the ladies discuss what lies within what Brooks says is “the creative skill” of seeing others deeply and how gaining that skill then helps you to better see yourself. 2023-11-021h 35Long Story ShortLong Story Short, This is How to BeginOn the season 3 finale of Long Story Short, Skye and Amanda set themselves up for a productive break by reading How to Begin by Michael Bungay Stanier. The two discuss Stanier’s unique perspective around goal setting, where we focus less on what’s SMART and more on what matters. Listen in to learn more about how to establish and work on worthy goals that are worth your time, focus and resources. Find out how Amanda and Skye plan to commit to doing the hard work in order to unlock their greatness. Books mentioned in thi...2023-07-131h 38Long Story ShortLong Story Short, The Therapist Was RightThis week Skye and Amanda read through The Atlantic’s Dear Therapist, a monthly column where author, speaker and psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb guides readers through some of life’s challenges with a written response to their current dilemma. With each article, Skye and Amanda share what they would do if in the reader’s shoes and what books they recommend to help them through their issues. Listen in as the two discuss topics such as: finding out your friends may not be your friends anymore, dating someone who is in debt, relationships where one person sees a future...2023-07-061h 45Long Story ShortREPLAY- Long Story Short, New Year Resolutions Are Out, Atomic Habits Are InThis week we have a rewind episode of one of our favorite books, Atomic Habits, in preparation for the final episode of the season. There would be a special guest so tune and and join us back here next week!Skye & Amanda are back like they never left! With the new year here, resolutions are often a topic of conversation. The ladies decided to shift their mindset away from goals and focus more on the systems they have in place to keep up with the positive changes they are looking to make in their lives. This week...2022-12-221h 34Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Sometimes Friendships HurtThis week Skye and Amanda dig deeper into the topic of friendship and take a look at what might cause our friendships to end. The two discuss Jan Yager’s book, When Friendships Hurt, and discuss Yager’s list of the 21 negative friend types. Hear about how to recognize these destructive types, what can cause these experiences and how to answer the question, does the friendship end or can it be mended?Books mentioned in this week’s episode: When Friendships Hurt: How to Deal With Friends Who Betray, Abandon...2022-12-171h 31Long Story ShortLong Story Short, The Ladies of Potomac are MESSY!This week Skye and Amanda talk about reality show, The Real Housewives of Potomac and offer up each of the women on the show some book recommendations to help them alleviate the mess. Books mentioned in this week’s episode: How to Stand Out: Proven Tactics for Getting NoticedThe Legs are the Last to GoThe Art of GatheringMother HungerQueen Bees and Wannabees Smart Couples Finish RichSeven Principles of Making Marriage WorkSecret Lives of Church LadiesRest is Resistance2022-12-081h 22Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Rejection is a Part of LifeThis week Skye and Amanda touch on another human experience that we are all faced with at some point, rejection. While we all may hate the feelings that come with being rejected, some of us are more sensitive to it than others.The two read several articles on the topic of rejection sensitivity and break down the signs, causes and impact of overreacting to rejection. They end with some tips on how to cope with the “no’s”. Articles mentioned in this week’s episode: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/rejection...2022-12-011h 24Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Grief is Not LinearThe holidays can be a tough time for many - including Skye and Amanda. This week the two continue their discuss of Brené Brown’s Atlast of the Heart, by focusing on a collective human experience that impacts us all differently - grief. Hear about the ways that both ladies have grieved over the years - not just death, but also from life changes that left them at a loss. Trigger warning: suicide is mentioned within the episode.Books mentioned in this week’s episode...2022-11-241h 24Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Words Mean ThingsLet’s talk about feelings! On this week’s episode Skye and Amanda read Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Brené Brown, an exploration of eighty-seven of the different emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. The two talk about the power of having the language needed to properly process, communicate and validate our emoitions and the emotions of those in our lives. Hear which emotions they each resonate with the most when life takes them certain places. Books mentioned in this...2022-11-171h 24Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Trust is BRAVING ConnectionSkye and Amanda wrap up their three-part series on building health relationships with a conversation around trust. Last week’s author John Gottman believes that while the floors of the Sound Relationship House (covered in Episode 2) are important, they don’t hold together without the pillars of trust. The two look to lecturer and researcher, Brene Brown for a lesson on the anatomy of trust by watching her 2015 Oprah Super Soul Session. They discuss Brown’s break down of the seven fundamentals of trust and how they impact our ability to build true connection with ot...2022-10-201h 21Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Relationships Are Like a HouseThe conversation around building emotionally intelligent relationships continues, as Skye and Amanda read The Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work by psychologist and researcher, John Gottman. The two discuss Gottman’s popular theory within couples therapy, the Sound Relationship House - which breaks down the seven floors (or principles) a couple (even ones who aren’t married) must build to create a sturdy bond. Books mentioned in this week’s episode are linked to our Bookshop.org shop: The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman, PHD...2022-10-131h 19Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Learn the 5 Love LanguagesSkye and Amanda are back for season 2! Inspired by events that occurred over the break the ladies start off the new season with the love basics by rereading The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Last by Gary Chapman. The two discuss the importance of understanding each of the languages and the dialects within, examples as to why they have one primary language over the others as well as other life-changing realizations. Books mentioned in this week’s episode are linked to our Bookshop.org shop...2022-10-061h 23
Off the EaselEpisode 34: How to Know You Are a Fairy with Amanda LynnSend us a textSpeeding tickets can cause mural paintings? They can if you are Amanda Lynn. This week Catherine Moore and Skye Becker-Yamakawa find out how Amanada Lynn followed her dream of becoming a muralist. She tells us about her first mural punishment and shares the serendipitous experiences of her children’s book, ‘How to Know You Are a Fairy’. Get ready to be inspired and grab your chip brush with Amanda Lynn. Check out Skye's and Catherine's work at:Skye Becker-Yamakawa IG: https://w...2022-08-3135 minLong Story ShortLong Story Short, is it Goodbye to New York?Skye and Amanda read Goodbye To All That, a compilation of essays written by New Yorkers who have both loved and left New York. The two have a conversation from their opposing perspectives on NY; Amanda being ready to leave it and Skye still loving it. The conversation evolves and the ladies talk about when and why it could be time to move on from what is comfortable and what to consider when it comes to where you live. *Tune in for a special announcement*Books mentioned in this week’s episode are linked to...2022-07-071h 49Long Story ShortLong Story Short, You Can Keep House While DrowningThis week Skye and Amanda read, How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning & Organizing, a book that teaches them how to move with ease and release the guilt of not being able to keep up by suggesting a life-changing approach to cleaning their homes. Therapist, KC Davis, gives a practical guide on that never ending to-do list while shifting the language and mindset around what mess and functionality can mean while also getting to the root of this programming. Listen in to hear the ladies discuss how they plan to keep their heads a...2022-06-301h 36Long Story ShortLong Story Short, This is How You Make FriendsThis week Skye and Amanda circle back on the topic of friendship and read an Atlantic article ‘The Six Forces That Fuel Friendship’ by Julie Beck, author of The Friendship Files, a series of 100 interviews with friends of all ages, lengths and dynamics. With the series coming to an end Beck gives her readers six recurring themes that she sees help form friendships and maintain them through the years: accumulation, attention, intention, ritual, imagination, and grace. Listen in as Skye talks about what it has been like for her in these recent months of reconnecting with old frien...2022-06-231h 30Long Story ShortLong Story Short, It’s Time to Live Beyond FearThis week Skye and Amanda read a book that has come highly recommended by their peers, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert. The two break down Gilbert’s unique perspective on what it means and looks like to be creative; something she deems us all capable of if we live life in spite of the things that scare us. Listen in to hear the ladies break down the difference between being fearless and brave, what bravery looks like and how it often sounds when we talk ourselves out of pursuing our interests. Learn about Gil...2022-06-171h 17Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Being 16 Really Was SweetThis week Skye and Amanda read This Time Tomorrow, a story about a New Yorker named Alice, who goes to sleep the night of her 40th birthday and wakes up back in 1996 on her 16th birthday. The ladies get inspired to consider what it would be like to be 16 again.Listen in to hear all about their 16th birthdays, what teen life was like for them and find out what they would do differently if they went back in time to the year 2004 to do it all over for a day. B...2022-05-261h 45Long Story ShortLong Story Short, We Don’t Want “This is Us” to EndIn celebration of the final episodes of one of their favorite TV shows, Skye and Amanda are giving book recommendations to the characters of This Is Us. Listen in for the ladies’ analysis of each of the stars of the show and their take on the bibliotherapy that the family needs. *spoiler alerts are throughout the episode*Check out what Skye & Amanda have been loving this week:Sweet Potatoes Restaurant (in New Rochelle)Couples Therapy on Showtime This Is Us on...2022-05-191h 20Long Story ShortLong Story Short, There’s a Nuance to InfidelityThis week Skye and Amanda dive deeper into the taboo topic of infidelity, by reading The State of Affairs by their favorite couples therapist, Esther Perel. The two discuss Perel’s controversial breakdown of the complexities of cheating - how it happens, why it happens, and what the results can be for a couple or individual (both good and bad). Listen in for the ladies’ personal takes on cheating as a deal-breaker, what brings reconciliation and healing, what we can learn from infidelity, and the many layers of what happens before, during, and after an affair. ...2022-05-131h 49Long Story ShortLong Story Short, The Casey Crew Found the MagicThis week Skye and Amanda read Real Life, Real Love by one of the most transparent and vulnerable couples in the industry, DJ Envy and Gia Casey. Listen in to hear what the ladies appreciate most about the couple and book, and what they took from their lessons on love and parenting.Books mentioned in this week’s episode are linked to our Bookshop.org shopReal Life, Real Love: Life Lessons on Joy, Pain & the Magic That Holds Us Together by DJ Envy & Gia Casey Check out...2022-05-051h 24Long Story ShortLong Story Short, There’s Plenty Reasons to Love YourselfTo wrap up their three part series on self esteem, Skye and Amanda get inspired by their recent fiction read, 30 Things I Love About Myself, to make a self love list of their own. Listen in and join the love fest, as the ladies big themselves and each other up by focusing on their best attributes. Books mentioned in this week’s episode are linked to our Bookshop.org shop30 Things I Love About Myself by Radhika SanghaniCheck out what...2022-04-281h 38Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Get You an Alter EgoAs a part two to last week’s discussion on self esteem, Skye and Amanda read The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman and discuss what it means to use our imagination to unleash new, confident versions of ourselves. The two define what an alter ego is and how it can take us from operating from our trapped self who lives in fear and self doubt to living within our heroic self, the self who knows who they are, takes the chances and reaches their goals. Each of the ladies discuss the main area of their life whe...2022-04-211h 10Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Self Esteem is a PracticeThis week Skye & Amanda talk about what it takes to build and sustain a healthy level of self esteem. The two break down the 6 pillars of self-esteem, a concept championed by Dr Nathaniel Branden, a psychotherapist and author known for his work on the psychology of self-esteem. Hear why the ladies wanted to learn more about self esteem, how they relate to each of Branden’s six practices, where they have found that they have built a strong level of self esteem and what areas they find room for opportunity. Books mentioned in t...2022-04-151h 23Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Hearing & Listening Are Not The SameThis week Skye & Amanda read Listen Like You Mean It by Ximena Vengoechea and discuss the author’s ultimate guide to becoming an empathetic listener. The two discuss Vengoechea’s tips for cultivating a listening mindset, staying present in conversation, observing and taking cues from your conversation partner and deepening our understanding of others. The ladies break down the different default listening modes that exist and assess which ones they relate to. Learn where they find their strengths and areas for growth when it comes to making a safe and vulnerable space for communication and connection. 2022-04-071h 31Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Eldest Daughters are Real OnesThis week Skye & Amanda read a book that was made just for them, The Eldest Daughter by Wies Enthoven and Lisette Schuitemaker. The two talk about what it has been like for them being the first born and eldest daughter in their family. After taking a look at the five characteristics that Enthoven & Schuitemaker believe to be shared amongst all eldest daughters, the ladies discuss the pressures & responsibilities that come with the birth order, why they gravitate toward being friendships with other eldest daughters and what they’re considering when it comes to being parents themselves. 2022-03-311h 30Long Story ShortLong Story Short, This Episode is BooklessThis week Skye & Amanda shoot the shit. No set topics and no book talk. Listen to them talk about what they’ve been loving and watching this week. This week’s ‘Bout That Action! highlight is: Quinta Brunson & the team at Abbott Elementary Learn more about their partnership with Scholastics and tune into the sitcom on ABCSupport Long Story Short and Local Bookstores: Libro.FM - get two audiobooks for the price of one when...2022-03-171h 08Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Will Smith is a Master StorytellerThis week Skye & Amanda listen to the audiobook of Will Smith’s self-titled memoir, WILL. The two rave about his innate ability to portray his life story, while leaving us with endless gems along the way. The ladies give teasers of some of their favorite moments throughout Will’s inception to superstardom and share insight into the life lessons that they took from the book. From changing our perspective around tasks, to putting our fears aside, to learning how not to receive advice to interesting views on relationships, Skye and Amanda let you know all the reasons to li...2022-03-101h 29Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Learn Your Bodies’ Sex LanguageAs a continuation to last week’s episode on pleasure, Skye and Amanda read Come As You are by Emily Nagowski and further explore the ways that we can better understand and embrace our sexuality.The two break down Nagowski’s take on the dual control model of sexual response, which further explains what each of us would deem our “breaks” and “accelorators” and just how sensitive we each might be to those turn ons and turn offs. They each share their results of the sexual temperament quiz and whether or not they agree with the results. They als...2022-03-031h 18Long Story ShortLong Story Short, There’s Power in the P-U-S-S-YThis week’s episode Skye and Amanda discuss the area of the bodies that doesn’t get the most shine with their latest read, Pussy Prayers: Sacred and Sensual Rituals for Wild Women of Color by Black Girl Bliss. The two give their thoughts on connecting with their divine rite of pleasure and what it means to reclaim the part of themselves that might have been neglected. They each share details on their ideas of feminine power, appreciation of their womanhood and rituals learned from this book. Books mentioned in this week’s...2022-02-2446 minLong Story ShortLong Story Short, bell hooks’ Words are EverlastingThis week Skye and Amanda start love month with their favorite author on the topic, bell hooks. The two discuss hooks’ third book from the love trilogy, Communion: The Female Search for Love. Listen in to hear hooks’ ideas on the female search for love, the purpose of community in our love lives and sexist views that are holding us back. They each share details about whether they felt the pressure to find “true love”, what have been their examples of marriage and what it means to be a loving partner. Books mentioned in this week’...2022-02-111h 40Long Story ShortLong Story Short, The 90’s Were a TimeThis week Skye and Amanda are inspired by the soon to be released book, The Nineties by Chuck Klosterman. The two head down memory lane and reminisce about what the 90’s were like for them as young girls.They each share details about their personality as children, the things they were into, what they were wearing, what they were watching and of course what they were reading. Books mentioned in this week’s episode are linked to our Bookshop.org shop*The Nineties: A Boo...2022-02-031h 51Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Traditional Chinese Medicine Be KnowingThis week Skye and Amanda read The Five Archetypes and discuss how the five elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine aren’t only associated with nature but also our personalities. The two break down Davidson’s self-guided archetype system that was created to lead us all to self awareness, self regulation and empathy. After taking the assessment and learning more about where they land with each element, they reflect on the strengths and stress states connected to their primary element. Listen in to find out how Skye’s people pleasing shows up in her archetype and what that meant f...2022-01-271h 20Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Rise & Stop GrindingThis week Skye and Amanda break down the idolization of hustle culture. Using articles, the two talk about the effects of toxic hustle culture and how it can essentially become counterproductive. Listen in as the two discuss how they have been managing societal pressures, dealing with competition, and how they are learning to be guilt-free with their leisure time. Learn who is struggling with feeling like they must optimize all of their time and which of them feels like they have learned a good balance between work and rest. Check out what Skye & Amanda ha...2022-01-201h 31Long Story ShortLong Story Short, We’re Setting The Vibe for 2022Skye and Amanda ease into the new year with a check in. The two talk about what they’ve been up to during the break and share their intentions for 2022. Listen in to find out what they each want the year to look and feel like and how they plan to make that happen. They each discuss their upcoming reading goals and share their top tips on how to carve out more time for books. Books mentioned in this week’s episode are linked to our Bookshop.org shop*P...2022-01-131h 27Long Story ShortLong Story Short, We Love Us Some ChristmasSkye and Amanda are ending the year with a steamy holiday romance, Merry Kiss Me by Louise Lennox. The two give their thoughts on how reading their first Christmas novel compared to the many Christmas movies that they’ve watched over the years. Find out why they hope Lennox turns this one into a Netflix movie. The ladies talk about their favorite Christmas movies - from the unconventional classics to the romantic cheesy stories and share some of the movies they’ve watched this year. Books mentioned in this week’s episode are linked...2021-12-161h 25Long Story ShortLong Story Short, We’re Gonna Miss InsecureSkye and Amanda couldn’t let one of their favorite shows come to an end without giving it a dedicated tv/book moment. The two share their thoughts on this latest season of Insecure and give their predictions for the last three episodes of the series. It wouldn’t be a Long Story Short episode without book talk. Listen in to hear which books the ladies recommend for each of the main characters - Issa, Molly, Tiffany, Kelli, Lawrence, Condola, and Nathan. Books mentioned in this week’s episode are linked to our 2021-12-091h 17Long Story ShortLong Story Short, I Wanna be a Carefree Black GirlThis week Skye and Amanda read Carefree Black Girls: A Celebration of Black Women in Pop Culture by Zeba Blay and discuss how negative stereotypes and identities continue to follow us women through everyday life, pop culture, and beyond. Listen in as the two discuss what they consider their definition of a carefree girl by using examples of Black women in pop culture who have shown them what it means to show up as their true selves, take up space and have fun while doing it. Amanda finds inspiration to practice being more carefree in particular areas o...2021-12-021h 13Long Story ShortLong Story Short, It’s Time We Show Up DifferentlyThis week Skye and Amanda read How We Show Up by Mia Birdsong and discuss what it looks and feels like to dismantle the so-called American Dream, a system that for many of us has caused toxic individualism. The two discuss Birdsong’s suggestion that we create the family, friendship and community dynamics that best serve us and our well being, rather than having a focus on nuclear households or doing it all on our own. Amanda finds inspiration in the book’s take on bringing an added layer of care and intimacy to relationships outside of coup...2021-11-241h 30Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Girlhood Memories Can Last a LifetimeThis week Skye and Amanda go down memory lane after reading the short story collection, On Girlhood by author and founder of Well Read Black Girl, Glory Edim. The ladies use the themes in this curated anthology - Innocence, Belonging, Love, and Self-Discovery - to talk through some of the parts of the Black girlhood experience that shape who they’ve become. Listen in as the two discuss “rules” that they were told by others that have stuck with them over the years, sixth grade crushes and their first experiences with being friendzoned, those childhood friendships that dwindle...2021-11-171h 39Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Good Flirting Takes SkillsThis week Skye and Amanda read How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams, a romance novel about how a daring to-do list and a crash course in flirtation turns a Type A overachiever’s world upside down. The book leads to a conversation about that first stage of dating and the two talk about what type of flirt they each are (or aren’t). Hear what the ladies consider to be good flirting and what they don’t suggest people do when approaching someone of interest. Find out how the residue of a past relationship has impacte...2021-11-101h 28Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Procrastination is HarmfulThis week Skye & Amanda read Solving the Procrastination Puzzle: A Concise Guide to Strategies for Change by Timothy Pychyl and discuss what it looks like to avoid tasks for the sake of avoiding negative emotions. From sending emails at work, to writing essays for school, to washing dishes, to having difficult conversations and spending money, the ladies admit to the ways that they each find themselves procrastinating the most and why. Listen in to hear the hosts break down different types of procrastination scenarios and the ways that Pychyl suggests we combat the urge to put things off...2021-11-031h 28Long Story ShortLong Story Short, We Couldn’t Be VampiresIn honor of Spooky Season, Skye & Amanda read the horror anthology, Black Magic Women: Terrifying Tales by Scary Sisters. From magical dolls to flesh eating bees to birth control with abnormal side effects to witches and vampires, the two discuss some of their favorite stories from the book and think about what they would do if faced with horror-like situations.Hear their thoughts on Black Magic and how far each of them are willing to go with potions and spells. Amanda opens up about an experience she had with an ancestor and Skye tells us about that...2021-10-281h 26Long Story ShortLong Story Short, It’s Time to Get FocusedSkye & Amanda read Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted Word by author and professor, Cal Newport and discuss what productivity can look like when we go into a state of distraction-free concentration that pushes our cognitive capabilities to their limit. The two break down Newport’s theory on deep work vs shallow work and how much of our time is taken away from the focus we need to take us, our passions, skills and careers to the next level. They each reflect on where they struggle when it comes to focusing their attention and tim...2021-10-211h 38Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Be Kind to YourselfThis week Skye & Amanda read a Psychology Today article by Juliana Breines, “Self-Compassion vs. Letting Yourself Off the Hook”. The two define self compassion and discuss where they were with it prior to reading. They open up about what areas they see that they can make improvements with how much grace they give themselves. Together the ladies run through the four questions that Breines suggests we ask ourselves if we’re unsure whether we are being genuinely self compassionate or just letting ourselves off easy.Skye talks about how hearing and receiving what other people think o...2021-10-131h 25Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Yesterday’s Price Is Not Today’s PriceSkye & Amanda are back with a part two to their professional development discussion. After going through the upsetting stats that make it very clear where Black women fall in the pay wage gap, they revisit Next Move, Best Move: Transitioning Into a Career You’ll Love by Kimberly B. Cummings and dive into her chapters on advocating for yourself and negotiating your salary. The two open up about their experiences or lack thereof with asking for more in the workplace. Skye talks about why she’s never negotiated or asked for a raise until now and tells us ab...2021-10-061h 26Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Our Next Career Move Will Be Our Best MoveAfter reading Next Move, Best Move: Transitioning Into a Career You’ll Love by Kimberly B. Cummings, Skye and Amanda are discussing their own professional development. In the book, Cummings uses her years of experience as a former career development advisor to guide readers toward utilizing their highest potential, skills and passion to strategically ensure success in their careers. With such different experiences, both ladies open up about the journeys of their career up until now and how this book is helping them prepare for the future. Skye reflects on how much she has been pouring into her...2021-09-291h 38Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Somebody Done Killed GregThis week the ladies switch it up, as Amanda goes into the book talk blind. She listens as Skye reads a true crime article from Vanity Fair. “The Body in Room 348” tells the story of Greg Fleniken, a middle-aged popular gas and oil man who is found dead in his room at the Eleganté Hotel in Houston Texas. Detectives have no explanation for Fleniken’s bizarre death or who would want to harm him.Listen along to hear Amanda’s ever-changing predictions and make some predictions of your own. Stay until the end to find out who is the cu...2021-09-221h 17Long Story ShortLong Story Short, We Have Unlocked The Stress CycleSkye and Amanda are both experiencing burn out, so they thought it would be the perfect time to read Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily & Amelia Nagowski. The book breaks down the stress cycle and the scientific importance of dealing with your stress as a separate process from dealing with the things that cause your stress. Listen in as the ladies define the stress cycle, break down the difference between stress and our stressors and talk about how burnout usually shows up in each of their bodies. From physical activity to gu...2021-09-151h 27Long Story ShortLong Story Short, We Keeping it LightThis week Skye & Amanda take a break from reading altogether and have a much-needed shoot the shit session. Listen in as the two have random conversations ranging from check-ins, first loves, and favorite summer moments. And in true Long Story Short fashion, the conversation leads back to a book they have discussed to tie their discussion in. Tune in to hear the ladies compare their “Before 40” bucket list. Hear who has a revelation on their goals and which one of the ladies plans to take the next steps to complete a goal. Check out what Sky...2021-09-081h 30Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Our Mind is Playing Tricks on UsThis week Skye & Amanda read a Positive Psychology article titled “Cognitive Distortions: When Your Brain Lies to You” by Courtney E. Ackerman, MA and discuss the ways that we all tend to have errors in our thinking, that can impact the way we see ourselves, those around us and the world. The two define cognitive distortion and its tie to our survival instincts, as well as coping mechanisms. They then run down the line of the 16 types of cognitive distortion and how they see themselves and others in each. The ladies discuss everything from how black...2021-09-011h 30Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Talk to Us DirtyAfter discussing erotic intelligence last week, Skye & Amanda decide to give erotic a go. The two read Erotique Noire/Black Erotica, an anthology of literature that explores and celebrates Black sensuality. They each give their honest opinions about whether the book met their erotic expectations and question what exactly it is they are looking for in a hot and steamy story. Amanda realized her need for a relationship build up and Skye puts us on to where she finds the best erotic and sensual audio storytelling. Listen in on some of the ladies’ favorite pieces from Erotique Noi...2021-08-271h 13Long Story ShortLong Story Short, We’re Increasing Our Erotic IntelligenceOn this week’s episode, Skye and Amanda explore the question, is it possible to keep desire alive in a long term secure relationship? After reading Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence by reowned couples therapist, Esther Perel, who challenges our idea of modern love and sex in relationships, the two discuss finding the balance between love and sexual desire. Listen in to hear the ladies breakdown their understanding of eroticism and erotic intelligence, both before and after reading this book. With Skye currently dating and Amanda in a long term relationship, they talk through both their dif...2021-08-181h 22Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Black Girls Invented Playground GamesThis week Skye & Amanda read The Games Black Girls Play by Kyra Gaunt, where Gaunt explores how the traditions of black music are intertwined in the games black girls grow up with. The ladies go down memory lane thinking of all of their girlhood fun from hand clapping songs to double dutch to cheer & dance routines. The two also discussed the forms of play that they would like to incorporate into adulthood as they work to tap into their inner child. This week’s ‘Bout That Action! highlight is: RebundleFollow Rebundle on IG @re...2021-08-111h 18Long Story ShortLong Story Short, We’re Redefining AdulthoodOn this week's episode, Skye & Amanda are debunking the myth of adulthood. After reading the article, "For Millenials, The Dream of Adulthood is Dead- & That's OK," the two discuss what being an "adult" really means to them and how societal expectations no longer apply. Considering all that millennials have gone through, the ladies discuss the factors and decisions that are unique to their generation and how it has shaped their worlds. Hear why Skye might be struggling with certain perceptions of being an adult and how Amanda has come to embrace it.This week’s ‘Bout That...2021-08-041h 07Long Story ShortLong Story Short, It’s Our Anniversary!It’s the one year anniversary of the Long Story Short podcast. To celebrate, Skye & Amanda look back on the past year, discussing their feelings on having been committed to the show for this amount of time and the ways that the podcast has changed their lives for the better. Hear about each of their favorite episodes, which ones they’ve had the most fun doing and which episodes were the toughest to record. The two check in on where they are with their self development and how they’ve grown after reading specific books. They en...2021-07-281h 16Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Less is MoreOn this week’s episode Skye & Amanda are unpacking what it truly means to be a minimalist. The two read a book that they have both been excited to get their hands on; newly released, The Afrominimalist's Guide to Living with Less by Christine Platt. After gushing about their love for Platt, they each give their overall thoughts on the book, the difference between their original idea of minimalism vs Platt’s afrominimalist take on this attainable and culturally rich lifestyle change, and share what made this the perfect time in their lives for this read.Li...2021-07-211h 40Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Harper Wasn’t Being The Best ManIn this week’s episode the ladies are back with another TV x book hybrid episode! This time they’re giving book recommendations to the cast of The Best Man (1999 Movie). Skye & Amanda explain how rewatching the show recently has changed their original point of view and why it was completely necessary to talk about their thoughts. Hear the two discuss whether or not they would put up with any of the shenanigans going on within the movie. Books mentioned in this week’s episode are linked to our Bookshop.org shop* ...2021-07-141h 19Long Story ShortLong Story Short, We’re Back Like We Never LeftThe break is over! Skye & Amanda are back with all new episodes. Hear a bit of how each of the ladies spent their time off. Before they hop into their book talk for the week, Skye gives her take of the long awaited, Life After Death by Sister Soulja (spoilers are given). The two start their summer off with the newly released romance novel, Seven Days in June by Tia Williams. Listen in as Skye & Amanda discuss how they felt about the book and ask each other “what would you do?” questions based on the storyline. Find out w...2021-07-071h 08Long Story ShortLong Story Short, There’s Levels to a Proper ApologyWe all make mistakes but do we all know how to apologize to those we hurt, disappoint or frustrate? This week Skye & Amanda read When Sorry Isn’t Enough by Gary Chapman & Jennifer Thomas and discuss the 5 apology languages. The two break down Chapman and Thomas’ approach to forgiveness and reconciliation through understanding and becoming fluent in the ways that we each need to give/receive an apology in order to truly move forward.Listen in to learn each of the 5 languages, how they are best used and which ones most resonated with each of the ladies. ...2021-05-261h 23Long Story ShortLong Story Short, I Am Home (Featuring Toya From Harlem)This week Skye & Amanda are joined by their Historian Homie and host of the That Wasn’t in My Textbook podcast, Toya aka Toya From Harlem. The two get to know more about Toya as a fellow avid reader and learn the inspiration behind her podcast that uncovers the things that we didn’t learn in textbooks at school. The ladies have a book talk about one of their latest reads, Black Girl, Call Home, a poetry collection by Jasmine Mans. The three sing Mans' praises and share some of their favorite moments from her love...2021-05-191h 42Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Boundaries Will Set You FreeOn this week’s episode Skye & Amanda talk boundaries. The two rave about their recent read, Set Boundaries, Find Peace by therapist, Nedra Glover Tawwab. Tawwab is an expert in relationship building and cultivating healthy boundaries with ourselves and others. The ladies share Tawwab’s definition of a boundary, signs you’re in need of healthier boundaries, the 3 levels of boundaries and the 2 steps to take to set new boundaries. They discuss the reasons why people tend to struggle with expressing their needs to others in an assertive way and share their personal experiences with lacking boundaries in seve...2021-05-121h 24Long Story ShortLong Story Short, There’s Feelings & Desires Hiding Behind Our Food CravingsThis week Skye & Amanda read Women, Food, and Desire by Alexandra Jamieson and begin a conversation around their individual relationships with food and how much of it is tied to something much deeper than what’s on their plate. The two talk about their cravings patterns and how much willpower they feel that they have around giving into them. Jamieson’s point around the fact that we inherit eating habits in the household lead to discussion around what their food behavior was like growing up and what comfort foods and desires from childhood have maintained themselves as adults. The...2021-05-061h 31Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Married At First Sight Couples Could Use A Lil’ BibliotherapyThe ladies are back with another TV x book hybrid episode! This week they’re giving book recommendations to the five couples on the latest season of Married at First Sight. Skye & Amanda explain the premise of the show’s experiment and each give their overall thoughts. Hear the two discuss whether or not they would sign themselves up for a modern day arranged marriage and Skye’s idea for a less committed version of the show. Find out what books each host would suggest for a wife struggling with an emotionally abusive partner, a relationship that lacks i...2021-04-281h 22Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Some Books are a Therapy SessionSo often you’ll hear Skye & Amanda say “it stems from childhood” and this week they take a look at what that really means. The two read The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller and discuss the effects that repressed childhood emotions and memories can have on us as adults. The ladies break down Miller’s definition of “gifted” and find out that it's less about intelligence or talent, and more about being highly sensitive to others needs. Listen in to find out who was initially hesitant to read this book and who was excited to dig in. Le...2021-04-211h 13Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Cash Rules Everything Around MeApril is Financial Literacy month, so this week Skye & Amanda are talking dollars! The two read You’re a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero and take a deep dive into their personal relationships with money. They discuss what their childhood thoughts were on money based on what they saw and heard in the household and they each consider all of the ways that it has impacted how they’ve viewed money as adults. Listen in to hear about each of the ladies’ past and current fears around money, how much they have operated from a scarcit...2021-04-141h 45Long Story ShortLong Story Short, We Take Astrology with a Grain of SaltThis week Skye and Amanda have fun reading Black Sun Signs: An African-American Guide to the Zodiac by Thelma Belfour and discussing their overall thoughts on astrology. The two go into Belfour’s definition of the sun sign, which element each sign falls under and who are known to be most compatible. From the positive and negative personalities trait to dating and sexual behavior to how they grocery shop, listen in to hear Skye & Amanda each agree and disagree with Belfour about what she finds to be commonalities of their sun signs, Gemini & Leo. Book...2021-04-071h 13Long Story ShortLong Story Short, We’re Understanding & Overcoming Anxiety*trigger warning - this episode mentions suicide* This week Skye & Amanda read Soothe Your Nerves: The Black Women’s Guide to Understanding & Overcoming Anxiety, Panic and Fear by Dr Angela Barnett and have a discussion around their personal experiences with anxiety. Listen in to hear Dr. Barnett’s definitions of anxiety and fear and learn the main psychological, environmental and biological reasons why Black women experience anxiety. The two also dive into the 5 types of anxiety and reflect on how they relate to each. Amanda shares her experience with anxiety after a devastating loss and how sh...2021-03-241h 24Long Story ShortLong Story Short, It’s Because of SlaveryThis week the ladies are talking sex! Skye & Amanda discuss their recent read, Stolen Women: Reclaiming Our Sexuality, Taking Back Our Lives by Dr. Gail Elizabeth Wyatt and give their thoughts around what ended up being an insightful history lesson on the myths and stereotypes that surround the sexuality of Black women, dating back to pre-slavery. The two open up about their early years - when and how they learned about sex, whether or not sex was discussed in their households or at school and how much of their first sexual experiences lived up to any expectations t...2021-03-171h 18Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Quality over Quantity (w/ the hosts of Beauty Needs Me)On this week’s episode, Skye & Amanda are joined by Dunni and Taleah, the hosts of Beauty Needs Me, a podcast centered around a holistic 360 view on beauty that includes the mind, body and soul. Dunni and Taleah open up about their experience working together on the podcast and what they’ve learned about themselves and each other through the process. Long Story Short wouldn’t be complete without some book talk. Listen in to learn about what type of reader each of the guests are, what books have changed their lives, everyone’s love for audiobooks and find...2021-03-121h 59Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Work Should Make Life SweetThe ladies are starting off Women’s History month with another bell hooks read, Sisters of the Yam. The two give their thoughts on hooks’ views and approach to managing the emotional health of Black women, as we face being at the intersection of racism, sexism and capitalism. They then dive into a deeper conversation around one major aspect of life that hooks believes Black women should focus on during their self-recovery journey, that being their relationship with work. Listen in as Skye & Amanda open up about their individual experiences and beliefs around the importance of work. The t...2021-03-031h 17Long Story ShortLong Story Short, I'ma Ride...No DieAfter weeks of dissecting love and its many layers, Skye & Amanda decide to have some fun by putting themselves into the shoes of characters from some of their favorite fictional reads. The two discuss The Perfect Find by Tia Williams and give their thoughts on work romance and whether or not they would be open to dating someone 18 years their senior or junior. They chat about Luster by Raven Leilani and break down why they would each have a difficult time being in an open marriage. They finish with An American Marriage by Tayari Jones and ask each other...2021-02-241h 29Long Story ShortLong Story Short, Learn Your Attachment StyleThis week Skye & Amanda read Attached. by Amir Levine, a psychiatrist & neuroscientist and Rachel Heller, a psychologist, who together define the three main attachment styles that show up in adult relationships - Anxious, Avoidant and Secure. The ladies break down how the theory on attachment styles came to be, how to identify your style based on both your childhood and adult behaviors and what learning your style might explain about the way you and your partner perceive and respond to intimacy in a romantic relationship.Listen in as the hosts relate over their experiences with having an...2021-02-171h 27