Best Layton Cooke Podcasts (2026)

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You Are Who You Think You Are 59:02

Play Pause

4d ago59:02

59:02

In this episode, Kelli and Kendra close out the year with a wide-ranging, grounded conversation about celebration, grief, creativity, and stepping into the next season with intention. Kendra reflects on turning 50 and hosting a party that became a collective experience of joy, freedom, and Black community. The conversation moves into how the holida…

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This Is The Fixing with Dr. Tahirah J. Walker, Pt. 2 59:41

18d ago59:41

59:41

Kelli and Kendra welcome Dr. Tahirah Walker back into the group chat for a conversation about lineage, scholarship, and the ways Black women continue to speak ourselves into a future our foremothers dreamed for us. Together, they explore rhetorical intersectionality— Dr. Walker’s framework for naming the erasure of Black women’s voices and the insi…

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Kate Layton Part 2 54:16

1M ago54:16

54:16

In this episode we talked about Kate's struggles with being deaf, bullying and some little funny things we tell our kids!By Corey

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Back to Basics: Book Clubs & Birthday Parties 1:02:59

1M ago1:02:59

1:02:59

This week, Kelli King-Jackson and Kendra Ross return to the group chat to talk about the everyday things keeping us grounded as the world keeps shifting. From celebrity parties and “eat the rich” threads to flu and COVID shots, we name how uncertain this season still feels for many of us. Kendra shares why she’s recommitting to reading after hearin…

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Kate Layton Part 1 1:18:27

2M ago1:18:27

1:18:27

By Corey

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This Is An Us Thing with Dr. Tahirah J. Walker, Pt. 1 56:15

2M ago56:15

56:15

This week, hosts Kelli King-Jackson and Dr. Kendra Janelle Ross welcome writer-scholar Dr. Tahirah J. Walker for Part 1 of a rich, generous conversation about womanism, faith, academia, and radical honesty at midlife. Dr. Walker traces her journey from Newark to Haiti to Pittsburgh— and how living, learning, working, and even giving birth in commun…

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Ooda Layton Part 2 1:03:24

2M ago1:03:24

1:03:24

In part two we discuss Ooda's addictive personality which lead him to massive weight cuts to fight in the cage, yoyo dieting and politics!

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Ooda Layton Part 1 39:36

2M ago39:36

39:36

I sat down with Ooda this episode we touched on our stance on covid and how it affected us. We also talked about his life growing up as a part of the Plymouth Brethren and how he was unaware of how broken a lot of other people's families are.By Corey

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Sammy Cook Part 2 35:03

2M ago35:03

35:03

In part 2 we get into finding balance in life, cloning ourselves to be our own best friends and the time Sammy asked Marko to be her boyfriendBy Corey

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Sammy Cook Part 1 49:56

3M ago49:56

49:56

This episode we talk about letting people sit with their feelings, growing up as the mum in the friend group, getting kicked by a pony and being really fortunate to have great house matesBy Corey

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Marko Marceta Part 2 56:31

3M ago56:31

56:31

By Corey

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My Mic Sounds Nice: Lipsticks, Libraries, and Liberation 1:00:54

2M ago1:00:54

1:00:54

This week, co-hosts Kelli King-Jackson and Dr. Kendra Janelle Ross are back in the group chat: no guests, just real talk. We kick off with beauty faves (hi, Lip Bar!) and hair-care trials (when allergies and menopause enter the chat!), then move into media diets and why we’re reinvesting in Black-owned outlets. The episode winds down with reading l…

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Marko Marceta Part 1 45:09

3M ago45:09

45:09

In Part One, Thommo sits down with Marko, a former professional water polo player from Serbia who packed up his life and moved to Australia — with next to no research and a whole lot of guts. Marko opens up about what life was really like growing up in Serbia — from getting the odd smack from teachers at school (which was still a thing back then), …

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Back to Basics: Bodega Baddie and Pocket Altars 59:42

3M ago59:42

59:42

In this episode, Kendra and Kelli are deep in the group chat, unpacking what it means to get free—spiritually, politically, and personally. From unlearning rapture theology to building a pocket altar with tips from both Catholic and Wiccan Reddit communities (yes, that Reddit), this conversation is a love letter to the Black women doing the work to…

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Ten things about Thommo 42:29

3M ago42:29

42:29

By Corey

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Joe Van Opynen Part 2 47:49

4M ago47:49

47:49

Part 2 of my conversation with Joey. getting into some great stories of joes wild side hes certainly a character this fellaBy Corey

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Should’ve Stayed in the Group Chat with Dr. Chiyah A. Lawrence 1:04:11

4M ago1:04:11

1:04:11

This week, Kelli, Kendra, and our honorary third host (and original podcast co-founder) Dr. Chiyah A. Lawrence bring the group chat back to life. What starts as catching up turns into a deep dive on everything from pop culture dust-ups to church politics to the state of our digital lives. We talk Tabitha Brown and the backlash against her recent co…

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Joe Van Opynen Part 1 1:02:38

4M ago1:02:38

1:02:38

This episode we talk to joe and dig into what makes him tick ! we talk about his sporting achievements and his day to day life.By Corey

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The Earth is in Pain Waiting for You to Be Revealed with EbonyJanice 1:18:20

4M ago1:18:20

1:18:20

This week, Kelli and Kendra sit down with the brilliant EbonyJanice—author, hip hop womanist, and all-around force of nature. From the very start, EbonyJanice brings her full self to the conversation, sharing how her journey through faith, womanism, and self-discovery has shaped her life and work. We get real about what it means to be a “free woman…

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Our Calling Comes from our Frustration with Rev. Cynthia Layton and Rev. Dr. Vanessa Monroe 1:05:44

4M ago1:05:44

1:05:44

In this episode of This Womanist Work, we are joined by guests Pastor Cynthia Layton and Rev Dr. Vanessa Monroe. They discuss the impact of Womanist Theology on their personal and professional lives, highlighting the importance of Black women in faith spaces and leadership positions. Kendra and Kelli dive into their spiritual practices, while their…

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Life is a School and We Don’t Always Get A’s with Deborah Santana and Keisha Cook 1:09:36

5M ago1:09:36

1:09:36

In their Season Two debut episode, hosts Kelli King-Jackson and Kendra Ross are back together again for an with Kendra's cousin Keisha Cook and Kelli's aunt Deborah Santana. In this episode, they explore the nuanced journeys of spiritual deconstruction, the richness and challenges of the Black church, and the importance of grounding in one's faith …

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Season Two Trailer- Welcome back to the group chat! 1:55

5M ago1:55

1:55

In this season two trailer of the This Womanist Work podcast, hosts Kendra Ross and Kelly King-Jackson invite listeners to join a journey that intertwines spirituality with politics and pop culture. The season focuses on the role of Black women in theology, exploring their historical contributions and contemporary influence. Throughout the season y…

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A Seat at the Table: A Mother's Day Table Talk 1:05:58

8M ago1:05:58

1:05:58

Recorded live over a beautiful, catered dinner at the Pittsburgh Public Theater, your hosts Kelli King-Jackson and Kendra Ross gathered with special guests to honor the sacred work of mothering. With laughter, a few tears, and lots of love, we kicked off Season Two exploring the beauty and complexity of motherhood and daughterhood. This conversatio…

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Ep. 12- Looking Towards the Ancestors for Guidance with Ashley Allison of Watering Hole Media 45:42

1y ago45:42

45:42

In our season one finale episode, we are joined by Watering Hole Media's Chief Executive Officer, Ashley Allison. Ashley helps us break down steps for navigating life post-2024 general election. She encourages us to become clear and fortify our beliefs so we can stand ten toes down when needed, especially in our day-to-day interactions. She also ca…

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Ep. 11- My Religion is the World: On Spirituality with Sheryl Thomas-Washburn 47:38

1y ago47:38

47:38

Now that we are past the election and getting ready for the holiday season, we are returning for our full episode with Mama Sheryl! Sheryl Thomas-Washburn joins Kelli and Kendra to share more about how she got to where she is today. Mama Sheryl is Meg's mom, and she brings a whole lotta recipes for us to take with us. She starts by sharing her jour…

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Ep. 10- God Exists, But So Does PCOS: On Black Women's Reproductive Health with Regina Townsend of the Broken Brown Egg 1:25:07

1y ago1:25:07

1:25:07

Kelli and Kendra continue their conversation on Black women's reproductive health. This week they are joined by Regina Townsend, founder of The Broken Brown Egg. This organization exists to empower, inform, and advocate for those questioning or experiencing the impact of infertility, with an emphasis on the Black experience of it. Regina shares her…

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Ep. 9- Why Do I Know So Many Black Women With A Broken Uterus?: On Black Women’s Reproductive Health with Dr. Chiyah A. Lawrence 1:08:15

1y ago1:08:15

1:08:15

Good Sis of the Pod, Dr. Chiyah A. Lawrence is back with Kendra and Kelli to discuss something we don't often discuss openly: reproductive health and the challenges Black women face. You'll hear each of them describe their experiences of navigating over the years, how it's impacted (or not impacted) their confidence as a woman, and Kendra even real…

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Bonus Ep. 4- One Week Later: Post-Election Reflections 25:07

1y ago25:07

25:07

The pod is podding! Kendra and Kelli share their reflections one week after the general election of 2024. Joined by their producer and digital media manager, Leatra and Meg, the hosts share their feelings immediately following the election and what they hope this means for our society going forward. Find your community, Black women, for such a time…

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Ep. 8- I Did Not Know What Freedom Was Until I Left: On Black Women Expats with Roshida Dowe and Stephanie Perry of ExodUS Summit 1:09:35

1y ago1:09:35

1:09:35

Black women-- we see you, hear you, and share your concerns post-election 2024. This week, Kendra and Kelli are joined by Roshida Dowe and Stephanie Perry, co-founders of ExodUS Summit. This organization hosts virtual and live events and workshops that show Black women ways to plan their ExodUS while fostering community. Roshida and Stephanie tell …

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Bonus Ep. 3- If You're Not Uncomfortable, You're Not Doing the Work with Sheryl Thomas-Washburn 46:22

1y ago46:22

46:22

In this extended bonus episode, Kelli and Kendra are joined by Sheryl Thomas-Washburn, AKA Mama Sheryl, who highlights her JEDI-B (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging) work experience and gives us an overview of her consulting work with Tomia LLC. They cover related topics such as white fragility and the discomfort of change. Speci…

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Ep. 7- Wine Down with This Womanist Work 1:05:51

1y ago1:05:51

1:05:51

Kendra and Kelli cover it all this week-- from The Church (and politics!) catering to entertainment purposes these days to a mighty read from Kendra towards Donnie Swaggart regarding his recent words condemning the Black Church. The nerve! Kelli also shares updates on her office renovations, and Kendra gives a shout-out to her friend, WNBA All-Star…

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Ep. 6- Forging Our Way Towards a New Church: On Allyship and Healing with Denele Biggs 1:07:52

1y ago1:07:52

1:07:52

Sign us up for the Christian Jubilee because we are getting into it on this episode! Our guest, Denele Biggs, takes us on a journey exploring critiques of the church and its exclusion of certain community members. She also shares her healing journey after a painful response from the church when she sought support, and the women share ways they've e…

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Ep. 5- THROWBACK: Grown Ass Black Women Standing on Business. 54:34

1+ y ago54:34

54:34

Kelli and Kendra are taking a much-needed break from recording new episodes this week, but we want to give you a glimpse into where they started on their podcast journey. Hop into the way back machine with us as we listen to their first episode, recorded with friend of the pod, Dr. Chiyah A. Lawrence, back in February 2024. This week, they discusse…

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Ep. 4- The Dichotomy of What We Were Taught in the Black Church vs What's Real with Tanika Harris 1:03:20

1+ y ago1:03:20

1:03:20

Make sure you grab your church hanky for this episode! This week's guest, Tanika Harris, takes us on a journey as she shares her experiences as a church girl throughout the years, describes what it means to be a recovering people pleaser, and offers some loving critiques for the Black Church. She even closes us out in a beautiful prayer that will s…

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Bonus Ep. 2- Unpacking The Black Tax 19:16

1+ y ago19:16

19:16

In this bonus episode, hosts Kelli and Kendra unpack the Black tax they referenced at the end of Episode 3- "You ARE That Man" (click here to listen to the last full episode if you haven't heard it yet). You'll also hear Kelli talk about how impactful Melissa Harris-Perry's research on the Black tax has been for her over the years, Kendra gives a s…

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Ep. 3- You ARE That Man... Live from Martha's Vineyard with Dr. Chiyah A. Lawrence 46:15

1+ y ago46:15

46:15

This week, This Womanist Work hits the road! In this episode, Kelli and Kendra are joined by their good sis Dr. Chiyah A Lawrence, who co-created the vision and visuals for the podcast, their producer, Leatra, and their social media manager, Meg, in person in Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard. From the (not) "Eco-Lodge" in Martha's Vineyard, these three…

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Ep. 2- Ego is the Fear of Not Being Needed. 59:11

1+ y ago59:11

59:11

Welcome to This Womanist Work, a podcast for former church girls who woke up one day and realized that life was bigger than what Big Mama and the Bible say. In this episode, Kelli and Kendra discuss succession planning in personal, professional, and political spaces, how Black women are leading the charge on staying ready to mobilize for political …

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Bonus Ep. 1- To Love Her is to Critique Her. 26:04

1+ y ago26:04

26:04

Welcome to This Womanist Work, a podcast for former church girls who woke up one day and realized that life was bigger than what Big Mama and the Bible say. In this episode, Kelli and Kendra discuss the social media comments about Montgomery, Alabama's mayor, Steven Reed, their early days in the hip-hop haven of Clinton Hills, Brooklyn, in the '90s…

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Ep. 1- Group Chatting Since Weinstein Hall. 50:33

1+ y ago50:33

50:33

Welcome to This Womanist Work, a podcast for former church girls who woke up one day and realized that life was bigger than what Big Mama and the Bible say. In this episode, you will meet the hosts, Kelli King-Jackson, ACC & Kendra Ross, PhD, learn how they are connected, and hear them talk in real time about how they could even be kin. Shoutout to…

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Teaser Trailer- Join us in the group chat! 0:44

1+ y ago0:44

0:44

Welcome to This Womanist Work, a podcast hosted by Kelli King-Jackson, ACC, and Kendra Ross, PhD. The hosts invite you into their group chat as they talk about faith, f(r)amily, community, politics, and pop culture. They don't believe in leaving any Black woman behind so all are invited into the conversation! In each episode, our hosts invite you t…

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Relationship 3:07

7+ y ago3:07

3:07

My view on relationships