In this episode I briefly discuss my journey to recovery after cancer, emphasizing ease and self-care in my life. I share how I found solace in Black romance novels during treatment, introducing you to a few more of my favorite reads from 2023. These books range from modern retellings and essays on Black love to stories that tackle themes like gentrification, race, and second chances. My recommendations include titles like 'Pride and Protest' by Nikki Payne, 'Black Love Matters' edited by Jessica Pryde, and 'Goal' by Alexandria House, among others. This episode celebrates Black romance literat ..read more

The Hiatus is over and I finally getting into a groove. And what better time to come back than when one of my fave Black romance authors releases a new novel? One I couldn't put down and read over two days. Today's show features a deep dive into 'This Could Be Us' by Kennedy Ryan with themes of self-love, empowerment, and resilience post-divorce. I discuss how Soledad Barnes overcomes betrayal and divorce to rediscover her worth and power. Emphasizing the importance of self-partnering and setting boundaries, the story takes us on Soledad’s journey toward self-acceptance and the roles her suppo ..read more

Welcome back! I’ve had a few curve balls thrown at me since my last episode and I’m glad you’re back with me. The biggest thing I’ve had to deal with was a surprise diagnosis of Stage 3 colorectal cancer, which has influenced my approach to hardship and inspired me to dive deep into literature for solace. Among the books I read during treatment was Kennedy Ryan's 'Before I Let Go', a complex tale of love, grief, reconciliation and healing that uniquely highlights the experience of a divorced couple. The story's themes of self-compassion, therapy culmination into growth and resilience resonates ..read more

We’ve been on a roller coaster of unprecedented times. Every time I think things are looking better, the world throws more chaos at us. During times like this, I turn to things that bring me joy. For me, that’s romance novels. Romance readers are often criticized, and the genre itself gets criticized. I would call romance novels my guilty pleasure but eventually I realized that I didn’t have to be ashamed of something that brings me so much joy. Today I’m visiting with Kay P, author of the blog Melanin Mindscape, voracious reader of all things black, in all genres. We’ll talk about what “guilt ..read more

Why does it seem to be that women have to have a certain body type, shape, and size to be worthy of love? I grew up with Seventeen magazine and there was no diversity in there. None. Zero. I’ve always been thick or curvy my whole life and because of the layers of socioeconomic dynamics, white supremacy, and unrealistic beauty standards we all grew up with, I got stuck in the idea that there’s only one body type that is deserving of love. How do romantic narratives explore or influence our ideas of which bodies are desirable or deserving of love or romantic partners? And who decides what those ..read more

If you’re new to Tia Williams, buckle up.  Her new novel, “Seven Days in June,” is smart, sexy, and makes you feel light and floaty, in the best way. It’s a second chance romance spanning 15 years, told in a truly magical way. “Seven Days in June” touches on: Intergenerational trauma Chronic pain and healthcare struggles Louisiana Creole culture The one that “got away” Today’s literature selection is “Seven Days in June” by Tia Williams. Find it on BookShop and support independent bookstores: https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast Culture Lit is a community in celebration of black ..read more

I’m your host, Octavia Marie. I’ve been toying with the idea of making a podcast for over a year now, but I couldn’t settle on what I would talk about.  I’m not a celebrity or an influencer, so who would listen to me? Years ago a close friend asked me what truly makes me happy.  It took me a long time to answer that question.   I’m happiest when I’m exploring, learning something new, or trying a new dish. I also have a deep love of romance novels.  Romance writing has come a long way since my grandma’s book I used to sneak and read.  I decided to discuss the love ..read more

A podcast and community that explores Black women and romantic love through the lens of romance novels. Each episode of Culture Lit trains a spotlight on a new Black romance novel and then deep dives into the many themes facing Black women and love after 40. Be ready to laugh, sigh and talk about Black women falling in love, yes sex too, and the Black authors writing their stories ..read more

We’ve been on a roller coaster of unprecedented times. Every time I think things are looking better, the world throws more chaos at us. During times like this, I turn to things that bring me joy. For me, that’s romance novels. Romance readers are often criticized, and the genre itself gets criticized. I would call romance novels my guilty pleasure but eventually I realized that I didn’t have to be ashamed of something that brings me so much joy. Today I’m visiting with Kay P, author of the blog Melanin Mindscape, voracious reader of all things black, in all genres. We’ll talk about what “guilt ..read more

Why does it seem to be that women have to have a certain body type, shape, and size to be worthy of love? I grew up with Seventeen magazine and there was no diversity in there. None. Zero. I’ve always been thick or curvy my whole life and because of the layers of socioeconomic dynamics, white supremacy, and unrealistic beauty standards we all grew up with, I got stuck in the idea that there’s only one body type that is deserving of love. How do romantic narratives explore or influence our ideas of which bodies are desirable or deserving of love or romantic partners? And who decides what those ..read more