Hand Me My Purse.

Hey Friends & Kin!

FYI:THIS, JUST LIKE ALL EPISODES OF HAND ME MY PURSE, CONTAINS PROFANITY. THIS PODCAST IS FOR ADULTS AND CONTAINS ADULT CONTENT.Now that we've gotten that out of the way...

_________

Friends and Kin in this episode I was blessed enough to be in conversation with a Black unicorn, Jonathan McCrory of the National Black Theatre! His story is one of overcoming, perseverance and understanding WHO you are. What an amazing way to close out Black History Month!

In this two part conversation we learn all about my guest.We learn where he comes from, the obstacles and blessings that he navigated during his journey and what he is up to currently.It was a spiritually uplifting conversation that I am truly excited to share with you.Here’s a little bit about Jonathan:

JonathanMcCroryis a Tony Award and Emmy Award nominated producer, 2x Obie Award-winning, Harlem-based artist who has served as Executive Artistic Director at National Black Theatre since 2012 under the leadership of CEO, Sade Lythcott. He has directed numerous professional productions and concerts. He has been acknowledged as an exceptional leader additionally through Craine’s New York Business 2020 Notable LGBTQ Leaders and Executives. In 2013, he was awarded the Emerging Producer Award by the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston Salem, North Carolina, and the Torch Bearer Award by theatrical legend Woodie King Jr. He is a founding member of the collaborative producing organizations Harlem9, Black Theatre Commons, The Jubilee, Next Generation National Network and The Movement Theatre Company.McCrorysits on the National Advisory Committee for Howlround.comand was a member of the original cohort for ArtEquity. A Washington, DC native,McCroryattended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and New York University’s TISCH School of the Arts.

Enjoy this conversation, as I had such a wonderful time speaking with Jonathan about his life and his work. His story, the work he is doing as well as the work of the National Black Theatre should be something that we know about & THAT, friends & kin is exactly why I am sharing his story with you. Even though, Black History Month is over on the calendar - we should live a life where we strive to learn more and more about our history and the heroes of our communities today.

"GO WHERE YOU ARE ADORED. NOT WHERE YOU ARE TOLERATED..."

• MeMe's Jam No. 83 🎶
• Jonathan McCrory's Website
• National Black Theatre
• SUBMIT A QUESTION FOR “STRAIGHT FACTS”! 🤔
• DAILY GRATITUDE RITUALS.
• FIND YOURSELF A THERAPIST. 🤓
• Black Boy Joy Dance-Off!

_______

EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS HERE! ⬅️ click that

Rate + Review on Apple Podcasts. ⬅️ click that

And as always,"Thank you for your support…"

(said exactly like the80s Bartles and Jaymes commercials)

xoxo

MeMe

*****************

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey Friends & Kin!

FYI:THIS, JUST LIKE ALL EPISODES OF HAND ME MY PURSE, CONTAINS PROFANITY. THIS PODCAST IS FOR ADULTS AND CONTAINS ADULT CONTENT.Now that we've gotten that out of the way...

_________

Friends and Kin in this episode I was blessed enough to be in conversation with a Black unicorn, Jonathan McCrory of the National Black Theatre! His story is one of overcoming, perseverance and understanding WHO you are. What an amazing way to close out Black History Month!

In this two part conversation we learn all about my guest.We learn where he comes from, the obstacles and blessings that he navigated during his journey and what he is up to currently.It was a spiritually uplifting conversation that I am truly excited to share with you.Here’s a little bit about Jonathan:

JonathanMcCroryis a Tony Award and Emmy Award nominated producer, 2x Obie Award-winning, Harlem-based artist who has served as Executive Artistic Director at National Black Theatre since 2012 under the leadership of CEO, Sade Lythcott. He has directed numerous professional productions and concerts. He has been acknowledged as an exceptional leader additionally through Craine’s New York Business 2020 Notable LGBTQ Leaders and Executives. In 2013, he was awarded the Emerging Producer Award by the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston Salem, North Carolina, and the Torch Bearer Award by theatrical legend Woodie King Jr. He is a founding member of the collaborative producing organizations Harlem9, Black Theatre Commons, The Jubilee, Next Generation National Network and The Movement Theatre Company.McCrorysits on the National Advisory Committee for Howlround.comand was a member of the original cohort for ArtEquity. A Washington, DC native,McCroryattended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and New York University’s TISCH School of the Arts.

Enjoy this conversation, as I had such a wonderful time speaking with Jonathan about his life and his work. His story, the work he is doing as well as the work of the National Black Theatre should be something that we know about & THAT, friends & kin is exactly why I am sharing his story with you.

"GO WHERE YOU ARE LOVED. NOT WHERE YOU ARE TOLERATED..."

• MeMe's Jam No. 82
• Jonathan McCrory's Website
• National Black Theatre
• SUBMIT A QUESTION FOR “STRAIGHT FACTS”!
• PRACTICE LOVING KINDNESS MEDITATION
• FIND A THERAPIST.

_______

EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS HERE! ⬅️ click that

Rate + Review on Apple Podcasts. ⬅️ click that

And as always,"Thank you for your support…"

(said exactly like the80s Bartles and Jaymes commercials)

xoxo

MeMe

*****************

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey Friends & Kin!

FYI:THIS, JUST LIKE ALL EPISODES OF HAND ME MY PURSE, CONTAINS PROFANITY. THIS PODCAST IS FOR ADULTS AND CONTAINS ADULT CONTENT.Now that we've gotten that out of the way...

_________

This episode is one of a three part series of conversations around the culture of dating in the Black community. This series is about looking at some of the shifts in the current climate of dating.Our guest today, my friend Kandis, and I share some personal stories and experiences we have had dating - particularly with dating ONLINE. I also share some experiences with online dating that listeners have submitted for this episode.

Auntie MeMe's Jam: "What's Love Got To Do With It" by Auntie Supreme, Tina Turner.

We Got To Do Better:"I am love. I may not have always made the right choices, but I did my best. I have so much love to give and everyone around me can feel it. I am given a clean slate every single day to be the best version of me that I can be. I am forgiven. I am love."

Today's absolutely delicious drink was made possible by:Cane Collective

BE SURE TO CHECK THEM OUT. THEY CREATE MAGIC... AND THEY'RE A BLACK OWNED BUSINESS!!!

"GO WHERE YOU ARE ADORED. NOT WHERE YOU ARE TOLERATED..."

• MeMe's Retro Jam No. 12
• SHANA TUCKER - "WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?"
• SUBMIT A QUESTION FOR “STRAIGHT FACTS”!
• LOVING KINDNESS MEDITATION #1
• DAILY GRATITUDE RITUALS.
• FIND A THERAPIST.

_______

EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS HERE! ⬅️ click that

Rate + Review on Apple Podcasts. ⬅️ click that

And as always,"Thank you for your support…"

(said exactly like the80s Bartles and Jaymes commercials)

xoxo

MeMe

*****************

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey Friends & Kin!

FYI:THIS, JUST LIKE ALL EPISODES OF HAND ME MY PURSE, CONTAINS PROFANITY. THIS PODCAST IS FOR ADULTS AND CONTAINS ADULT CONTENT.Now that we've gotten that out of the way...

_________

In the spirit of LOVE & BLACK HISTORY MONTH, I decided to go back into the vault. This episode is a retro conversation from, “The Catalogue”.It is one part of a series of conversations I had with some friends about the culture of dating in the Black Community.My guest Bianca & I discuss the shifts in dating within our community, as we recognize the MAJOR shift is what Bianca calls “THE NEW MONOGAMY”. We discuss some HOT TOPICS such as:polyamory, dating from a place of emotional ego, the conceptual origins of the “Strong Black Woman” & the “Absentee Black Man” and how all of these things created a shift in the way Black men and women engage with one another.

We laugh, dig down into our soul of wonder and get real REAL about some things that may make some folks uncomfortable. We draw on the notion that in order to heal – we have to get to the nucleus of the issue and the only way TO IT is straight THROUGH IT.

"GO WHERE YOU ARE ADORED. NOT WHERE YOU ARE TOLERATED..."

• MeMe's Retro Jam No. 13
• SUBMIT A QUESTION FOR “STRAIGHT FACTS”!
• LOVING KINDNESS MEDITATION #1
• DAILY GRATITUDE RITUALS.
• FIND A THERAPIST.

_______

EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS HERE! ⬅️ click that

Rate + Review on Apple Podcasts. ⬅️ click that

And as always,"Thank you for your support…"

(said exactly like the80s Bartles and Jaymes commercials)

xoxo

MeMe

*****************

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey Friends & Kin!

FYI:THIS, JUST LIKE ALL EPISODES OF HAND ME MY PURSE, CONTAINS PROFANITY. THIS PODCAST IS FOR ADULTS AND CONTAINS ADULT CONTENT.Now that we've gotten that out of the way...

_________

Friends and Kin this series has been in the making for a long time! I have been wanting to sit down and speak with a table full of veteran educators for a while. I wanted to discuss the state of education and get a pulse on what they feel is going on. It’s important to me to provide a safe and brave space for people to share their stories with the world - and so I did.In part three the educators & I spoke very candidly about the ways in which they feel hopeful about the next phases of urban education.

I had 7 fellow educators to join me in conversation about what is going on in schools as we know it. We all work in Baltimore City School District - a community riddled with violent crime, trauma (direct trauma, vicarious trauma, generational trauma, etc.), lack and sometimes just flat out hopelessness. Tune in to hear part ONE of a three part series with these open, honest, caring and brilliant educators. Be sure to listen and get ready for parts two & three in the upcoming weeks!

"GO WHERE YOU ARE LOVED. NOT WHERE YOU ARE TOLERATED..."

• MeMe's Jam No. 81
• SUBMIT A QUESTION FOR “STRAIGHT FACTS”!
• LOVING KINDNESS MEDITATION #1
• PRACTICE LOVING KINDNESS MEDITATION
• FIND A THERAPIST.

_______

EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS HERE! ⬅️ click that

Rate + Review on Apple Podcasts. ⬅️ click that

And as always,"Thank you for your support…"

(said exactly like the80s Bartles and Jaymes commercials)

xoxo

MeMe

*****************

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey Friends & Kin!

FYI:THIS, JUST LIKE ALL EPISODES OF HAND ME MY PURSE, CONTAINS PROFANITY. THIS PODCAST IS FOR ADULTS AND CONTAINS ADULT CONTENT.Now that we've gotten that out of the way...

_________

Friends and Kin this series has been in the making for a long time! I have been wanting to sit down and speak with a table full of veteran educators for a while. I wanted to discuss the state of education and get a pulse on what they feel is going on. It’s important to me to provide a safe and brave space for people to share their stories with the world - and so I did.In part two the educators spoke about how they are navigating the world of urban education.

I had 7 fellow educators to join me in conversation about what is going on in schools as we know it. We all work in Baltimore City School District - a community riddled with violent crime, trauma (direct trauma, vicarious trauma, generational trauma, etc.), lack and sometimes just flat out hopelessness. Tune in to hear part ONE of a three part series with these open, honest, caring and brilliant educators. Be sure to listen and get ready for parts two & three in the upcoming weeks!

"GO WHERE YOU ARE LOVED. NOT WHERE YOU ARE TOLERATED..."

• MeMe's Jam No. 80
• SUBMIT A QUESTION FOR “STRAIGHT FACTS”!
• PRACTICE LOVING KINDNESS MEDITATION
• DAILY GRATITUDE RITUALS.
• FIND A THERAPIST.

_______

EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS HERE! ⬅️ click that

Rate + Review on Apple Podcasts. ⬅️ click that

And as always,"Thank you for your support…"

(said exactly like the80s Bartles and Jaymes commercials)

xoxo,

MeMe

*****************

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey Friends & Kin!

FYI:THIS, JUST LIKE ALL EPISODES OF HAND ME MY PURSE, CONTAINS PROFANITY. THIS PODCAST IS FOR ADULTS AND CONTAINS ADULT CONTENT.Now that we've gotten that out of the way...

_________

Friends and Kin this episode has been in the making for a long time! I have been wanting to sit down and speak with a table full of veteran educators for a while. I wanted to discuss the state of education and what they feel is going on. It’s important to me to provide a safe and brave space for people to share their stories with the world - and so I did.In this episode get to know the educators you will be hearing from, as they dive right into what they believe is one of the biggest obstacles schools in underserved communities are facing today.

I had 7 fellow educators to join me in conversation about what is going on in schools as we know it. We all work in the Baltimore City School District - in a community riddled with violent crime, trauma (direct trauma, vicarious trauma, generational trauma, etc.), lack and sometimes just flat out hopelessness. Tune in to hear part ONE of a three part series with these open, honest, caring and brilliant educators. Be sure to listen and get ready for parts two & three in the upcoming weeks!

"GO WHERE YOU ARE LOVED. NOT WHERE YOU ARE TOLERATED..."

• MeMe's Jam No. 79
• SUBMIT A QUESTION FOR “STRAIGHT FACTS”!
• PRACTICE LOVING KINDNESS MEDITATION
• DAILY GRATITUDE RITUALS.
• FIND A THERAPIST.

_______

EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS HERE! ⬅️ click that

Rate + Review on Apple Podcasts. ⬅️ click that

And as always,"Thank you for your support…"

(said exactly like the80s Bartles and Jaymes commercials)

xoxo

MeMe

*****************

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey Friends & Kin!

FYI:THIS, JUST LIKE ALL EPISODES OF HAND ME MY PURSE, CONTAINS PROFANITY. THIS PODCAST IS FOR ADULTS AND CONTAINS ADULT CONTENT.Now that we've gotten that out of the way...

_________

Friends and Kin this episode is very personal for me. I am swiftly approaching the anniversaries of my Grandparents transitioning/leaving the earthly realm & I really do not want to be super sad. As a result I am seeking out ways to honor them and hold their spirit up. If you’ve listened to this podcast for a while, you already know how close I was to my grandparents. They were my riders. The chose me over and over and over again. They were an integral part of my life just as I was to theirs.

In this episode I dive into how it’s important and the steps to take to create your own experiences around honoring and celebrating your ancestors. Go take a listen and get ready to take some notes if this is something that piques your interest - we are because of them. They deserve to be celebrated…

"GO WHERE YOU ARE LOVED. NOT WHERE YOU ARE TOLERATED..."

• MeMe's Jam No. 78
• LOVING KINDNESS MEDITATION #1
• PRACTICE LOVING KINDNESS MEDITATION
• SUBMIT A QUESTION FOR “STRAIGHT FACTS”!
• FIND A THERAPIST.

_______

EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS HERE! ⬅️ click that

Rate + Review on Apple Podcasts. ⬅️ click that

And as always,"Thank you for your support…"

(said exactly like the80s Bartles and Jaymes commercials)

xoxo

MeMe

*****************

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey Friends & Kin!

FYI:THIS, JUST LIKE ALL EPISODES OF HAND ME MY PURSE, CONTAINS PROFANITY. THIS PODCAST IS FOR ADULTS AND CONTAINS ADULT CONTENT.Now that we've gotten that out of the way...

_________

Friends and Kin HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! Y’all it is 2024… WOW!!! Well, this episode is all about preparing for this new year that is upon us. It’s all about focusing on how to make this year the b best year that we can by being GRATEFUL & remaining in a state of GRATITUDE.Also, by being intentional about how we navigate - from something one would see as minuscule to a major moment or decision. It is such an important aspect of JOY & I don’t think a lot of people really understand that.It’s at the very nucleus of our JOY!And if we are going to be INTENTIONAL about JOY, we must first be INTENTIONAL about being GRATEFUL.

I also dive into how my aunt, my cousin and I pick a word to focus our attention and intentions on each new year. This year my word is DISCIPLINE. Do you do this? It’s so helpful and super intentional. What New Year practices or rituals do you do with your loved ones - or solo?

Also, if you’re in the DMV area, please check out Alexandra Healing Spa! Her services are STELLAR and she is a very gifted practitioner.She does it all! Check out her website below and if you book a service or schedule an appointment - use the promo code: HANDMEMYPURSE at your checkout OR mention it at the start of your appointment to receive 15% off of your first services!!! YOU WILL THANK ME LATER!!!

"GO WHERE YOU ARE LOVED. NOT WHERE YOU ARE TOLERATED..."

• MeMe's Jam No. 77
• MYLO THE CAT - LUCHINI. THIS IS IT.
• ALEXANDRA HEALING SPA - 15% off WITH CODE
• DAILY GRATITUDE RITUALS.
• SUBMIT A QUESTION FOR “STRAIGHT FACTS”!
• FIND A THERAPIST.

_______

EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS HERE! ⬅️ click that

Rate + Review on Apple Podcasts. ⬅️ click that

And as always,"Thank you for your support…"

(said exactly like the80s Bartles and Jaymes commercials)

xoxo

MeMe

*****************

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey Friends & Kin!

FYI:THIS, JUST LIKE ALL EPISODES OF HAND ME MY PURSE, CONTAINS PROFANITY. THIS PODCAST IS FOR ADULTS AND CONTAINS ADULT CONTENT.Now that we've gotten that out of the way...

_________

Friends and Kin in this episode Marcy DePina & I conclude our conversation about the man, the myth, the legend - Sweet Daddy Grace. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be in conversation with Marcy DePina, creator + host of the, “SWEET DADDY GRACE” podcast.Who is Sweet Daddy Grace, you ask…Well go back and listen to episode No. 74 and No. 75 before listening to this one, then just sit back and get ready to learn all about the genius that was a millionaire who created the model for the modern day mega church.A Black man (because that’s exactly what he was) from the island country of Cape Verde, West Africa.

Marcy & I have a very candid conversation that flowed like water down a river about this powerfully eccentric man and all of his accomplishments, accolades, scandals and so much more. If you don’t know who he is - trust me, you will know so much more about him after this series about his life and Marcy’s research in creating this podcast.It’s a beautiful conversation and it just might intrigue you enough to go learn something else for yourself!

ENJOY!

"GO WHERE YOU ARE ADORED. NOT WHERE YOU ARE TOLERATED..."

• MeMe's Jam No. 76
• LISTEN TO THE SWEET DADDY GRACE PODCAST
• DAILY GRATITUDE RITUALS.
• SUBMIT A QUESTION FOR STRAIGHT FACTS!
• FIND A THERAPIST.

_______

EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS HERE! ⬅️ click that

Rate + Review on Apple Podcasts. ⬅️ click that

And as always,"Thank you for your support…"

(said exactly like the80s Bartles and Jaymes commercials)

xoxo

MeMe

*****************

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.