If you are a BIPoC writer, Reed, Write, & Create, is the podcast you need to stay motivated and inspired to write. Award-winning author, educator, and creative writing coach, Lori L. Tharps ( ”Hair Story,” ”Kinky Gazpacho,” and ”Substitute Me”) knows how hard it is to stay committed to your writing projects - whether you’re working on that debut novel, a gut-wrenching memoir, or an essay about your trip around the world. Writing can be your passion, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Even if y ...
…
continue reading
Thinking about moving abroad but feel like it’s a crazy idea? Too old, too late, too risky to leave behind everything you’ve worked so hard for the unknown? As a grown woman with real-world responsibilities, it can feel impossible. But guess what? It’s not. Hosted by Cepee Tabibian, She Hit Refresh is a podcast for women age 30+ who want to transform their lives by moving abroad. You'll hear real stories from women in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond who took the bold leap, leaving behind con ...
…
continue reading

1
Fan Favorite Lori L. Tharps Returns: Update from Four Years in Spain | Ep 69
58:08
58:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:08A favorite guest, Lori L. Tharps, returns for her third appearance on the podcast. Lori is an award-winning author, journalist, and founder of the Reed, Write and Create Sanctuary. She updates us four years after her move from the U.S. to Spain. She talks about her life as an expat in Malaga, how her children have adjusted to life and school in Spa…
…
continue reading

1
Two Countries, One Brave Leap: Jacinda’s Journey from the US to Spain to Guatemala | Ep 71
30:13
30:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:13Jacinda Fuller is an international educator and aspiring freelancer who’s passionate about living life abroad. After spending three lovely years in Spain, she knew that living abroad was meant for her. Now based in Guatemala, Jacinda is enjoying the warm hospitality and Latin American culture. Cepee catches up with Jacinda, who speaks about why she…
…
continue reading

1
Behind the Book with David Ruggles: The First Black Man in America to Open a Bookstore
26:41
26:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:41On episode 53 of the podcast, we’re going Behind the Book and back in time, to meet David Ruggles, the first Black American to own and operate a bookstore for Black people. David Ruggles was a revolutionary thinker, a bibliophile, a healer, and a radical abolitionist who believed that reading and the written word would set his people free. He opene…
…
continue reading

1
Self-Employed in France: Mary Alice’s Visa & Life Abroad | Ep 70
51:43
51:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:43In 2021, at 36 years old, Mary Alice took a bold leap… leaving behind her life in Philadelphia to start fresh in France, sight unseen! With her husband and young daughter, she moved to Montpellier on France’s profession libérale visa—the country’s self-employment visa—and has been building a new, more intentional life ever since. Tune in to hear ho…
…
continue reading

1
Behind the Book with Sylvia Arthur, Founder of the the Library of Africa and the African Diaspora
39:53
39:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:53On episode 52 we’re going Behind the Book with Sylvia Arthur, the founder of the Library of Africa and the African Diaspora in Accra, Ghana. Remember, for Season Five of the podcast, we’re going behind the book to talk to people whose livelihood and careers depend on the free flowing circulation of books in society. Sylvia Arthur is the Founder of …
…
continue reading

1
Behind the Book with Bad-Ass Bibliophile Arturo Schomburg
34:20
34:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:20For Season Five of the podcast, we’re going behind the book and talking to people and reviewing the lives of our literary ancestors whose livelihood and life missions require(d) the free circulation of books in society. On episode 51, we’re going back in time to talk about literary ancestor, Arturo Schomburg. Schomburg was a bad-ass bibliophile who…
…
continue reading

1
How Carly Moved to Berlin on Germany’s Artist Visa | Ep 68
50:34
50:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:34Are you an artist dreaming of a creative life abroad? Well, consider moving to Berlin, which offers artists the opportunity to live in Germany on a freelance artist visa! Carly, a holistic health coach, DJ, and storyteller, shares her path to getting a freelance visa in Germany as an artist juggling multiple creative pursuits. If you’re a creative …
…
continue reading

1
Behind the Book with Bibliotherapist Emely Rumble
31:56
31:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:56For Season Five of the podcast, we’re going behind the book to talk to people whose livelihood and careers depend on the free flowing circulation of books in society. On episode 50, our guest is Emely Rumble, LCSW. Emely is a distinguished licensed clinical social worker, school social worker, and a bibliotherapist. Committed to making mental healt…
…
continue reading

1
No Regrets: Why Cheryl Chose Albania for Her Midlife Move | Ep 67
36:00
36:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:00Cheryl is a seasoned entrepreneur who built a multi-million dollar business over 32 years. Meanwhile, she traveled to seven continents and over 40 countries. In 2023, she made her dream of living abroad a reality, relocating to Tirana, Albania, after selling and donating most of her belongings. Currently on sabbatical, Cheryl is embracing this next…
…
continue reading

1
Get Ready for Something New! On Season 5 We're Going Behind the Book
17:39
17:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:39Welcome to Season 5 of the Podcast! On this brief episode, Loril will provide a quick recap about her time living in a library in Ghana, followed by a sneak peek into what we have planned for this special season of the podcast. For Season 5, we’re going Behind the Book, bringing you interviews and stories about people who depend on the free circula…
…
continue reading

1
How Sophie Took Her U.S. Nursing Degree to the UK | Ep 66
38:16
38:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:16Are you a nurse in the US dreaming of living and working abroad, but don’t know how? Meet Sophie Blake, a NICU travel nurse who went from travel nursing in the US to working as a nurse in the UK. Sophie shares her experience obtaining a UK skilled worker visa, the licensing process, and the unexpected differences in her daily nursing duties while w…
…
continue reading

1
Taking the Leap: How Patricia Built a Business in France After 50 | Ep 65
41:57
41:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:57At 51, Patricia Brooks traded her corporate paycheck for life in a small town in southern France. A seasoned problem-solver with many years of experience as project manager and a certified coach, Patricia started a business, The Courage Catalyst. Passionate about instilling confidence and courage in others, Patricia now empowers women to confidentl…
…
continue reading

1
How to Go Remote as a Virtual Assistant (Just Like 37,000 Others!) | Ep 64
33:14
33:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:14As founder of Digital Nomad Kit and creator of the Virtual Excellence Academy, Hannah Dixon has empowered over 37,000 freelancers worldwide. Hannah is known for creating inclusive communities that inspire belonging and well-being while empowering learners to build thriving independent businesses. Hannah discusses why being a virtual assistant (VA) …
…
continue reading

1
REPOST of Ep 39: From Philly To Malaga: One Woman's Pre-Move Adventure of Relocating a Family of 4 to Spain (from March 2021)
1:03:30
1:03:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:30This episode from the archive features author and She Hit Refresh member Lori Tharps just before her 2021 move from the U.S. to Spain with her husband and two children. At that time, Lori was just 9 days away from hopping on a plane and making her life abroad dream with her family a reality! Lori gives us an insight into those last final days of cl…
…
continue reading

1
Ask Me Anything: Your Move Abroad Questions Answered | Ep 62
33:08
33:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:08Cepee answers move abroad questions from the November 2024 Move Abroad After 30 Masterclass, providing practical advice and personal insights to help you navigate your move abroad. Moving abroad can be an emotional rollercoaster. But the challenges that you face can be overcome if you surround yourself with like-minded people and maintain a solutio…
…
continue reading

1
It’s Never Too Late: Denise’s Leap to the Netherlands in her 50s | Ep 61
44:19
44:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:19Cepee speaks with Denise, who moved from the US to the Netherlands in her 50s on the DAFT visa. A certified project manager and Prosci-certified change manager, Denise is launching her management consulting business, Pastel Fire Business Consulting, while navigating life in her new home. Denise's story will inspire you to pursue your dreams, no mat…
…
continue reading

1
Golden Visa Countdown: Making the Move to Spain Before April 2025 | Ep 60
38:13
38:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:13Cait Church is a music marketing professional, full-time wanderluster, and typical Pisces. With a passion for amplifying the voices of women in country music, Cait built her career at a major record label as a marketing director and promotion director. But burnout led her to step away, and she embarked on an adult gap year, traveling across Europe …
…
continue reading

1
Work From Anywhere: How to Get a Remote Job & Redesign Your Life | Ep 59
52:32
52:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:32Michelle Coulson is CEO and founder of Remote Rebellion, a company that teaches people how to get remote work and design their lives with freedom and flexibility. In this episode, Michelle shares actionable tips on how to get a remote job, common mistakes to avoid, and the realities of the digital nomad lifestyle. Originally from the UK, Michelle w…
…
continue reading

1
Switzerland, Scotland & Beyond: An Educator’s Guide to Teaching at International Schools | Ep 58
44:31
44:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:31Alyssa is an American writer and educator with a very low tolerance for comfort zones. Ten years ago she took the leap of a lifetime, moving from Boston to teach at an international school in Switzerland. She currently lives in Scotland, where she recently completed her PhD. She loves being an advocate for other solo women looking to take their lea…
…
continue reading

1
Permission Granted: How Nicole Convinced Her Boss to Take Her Remote Job Abroad | Ep 57
51:43
51:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:43Nicole is a 44-year-old American who moved from California to Portugal, sight unseen, with her husband, two cats, and a dog. Before moving, Nicole was successful in convincing her employer to let her work remotely from overseas. Three years later, she’s happily living in Porto, learning the language, building a community, and sharing her immigrant …
…
continue reading

1
Still Saying Yes: How Cindy Built a Life Abroad in Her 60s | Ep 56
51:41
51:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:41Your host, Cepee, is joined by a returning favorite, Cindy Sheahan, for an update on her incredible journey. Cindy learned about the possibility of obtaining Italian citizenship through descent, a much faster process than waiting for Portuguese citizenship. This led to a swift change of plans, packing up her life in Portugal and heading to Italy. C…
…
continue reading

1
Why Wait? Taking a Sabbatical While You’re Still Young, Healthy & Child-Free | Ep 55
47:37
47:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:37Masha is an American marketing executive from New York City. After nearly 15 years of working in advertising as a public relations specialist, community manager, social media expert and strategist, Masha decided to take a sabbatical abroad for a year with her husband and cat Trudy. Masha and her husband now live in Valencia, Spain, where they spend…
…
continue reading

1
What's Happening with the Reed, Write, & Create Podcast in 2025?
11:09
11:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:09Tune in to this brief episode for updates about the Reed, Write, and Create podcast, and some exciting news from host, Lori L. Tharps. Links for more resources and information. The Reed, Write, and Create Website Find Out More about The Reed, Write, & Create Sanctuary for BIPOC women writers. Apply to The Sanctuary HERE The Blog Post About Lori's U…
…
continue reading

1
We’re Back! What’s New, What’s Next & Why Now? | Ep 54
21:47
21:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:47Welcome back to the She Hit Refresh podcast! Your host, Cepee, is thrilled to be back after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus. This episode is a reintroduction (or introduction!) to She Hit Refresh, explaining the break, what's been happening, and what exciting things you can expect this season. The She Hit Refresh podcast is for women age 30 and up who…
…
continue reading

1
Ignore the Experts: You Can Write All the Things with Jabari Asim
53:39
53:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:39On episode 46 of the podcast, I’m replaying my inspiring, 2023 conversation with award-winning author, journalist, professor, and poet, Jabari Asim. Jabari Asim is the Distinguished Professor of Multi-Disciplinary Letters at Emerson College. He is the author of 23 books, including Yonder, the essay collection We Can’t Breathe, and Preaching to the …
…
continue reading

1
Telling Black Women's Stories across Platforms with Rebecca Carroll
53:21
53:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:21This is our last episode of Season 4! On episode 46 of the podcast, I am so excited to share my conversation with Rebecca Carroll, whose new book, I Know What the Red Clay Looks Like: The Voice & Vision of Black Women Writers (Haymarket) was re-released on December 3, 2024. Rebecca is a writer, cultural critic, and host of the podcasts Come Through…
…
continue reading

1
Write Yourself Into History with Arturo Schomburg
34:58
34:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:58On episode 45 of the podcast, I’m giving you a pep talk about writing as resistance. About how you can push back against oppressive systems, defy stereotypes and limitations, and leave a lasting legacy, all with the power of the written word. And I will be using the life and work of literary ancestor, Arturo Schomburg as my source material. Arturo …
…
continue reading

1
How We Fight White Supremacy with Journalists Akiba Solomon & Kenrya Rankin
1:04:41
1:04:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:41As much as it pains me to write this, I decided now is the right time to revisit this episode of the podcast featuring two dynamic journalists, Akiba Solomon and Kenyra Rankin. Akiba and Kenrya are the co-authors of the book, How We Fight White Supremacy. How We Fight White Supremacy was published in 2019, at the tail end of the first Orange Dust p…
…
continue reading

1
How Oral Storytelling Can Make You a Better Writer with N. Scott Momaday
26:35
26:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:35On episode 43 of the podcast, I’m going to be giving you a pep talk about how BIPOC writers can use Oral Storytelling traditions to up-level their writing practice. And I’m going to use the life and work of award-winning poet and author, N. Scott Momaday as my source material. N. Scott Momaday was the first Native American to ever win a Pulitzer Pr…
…
continue reading

1
Laila Lalami Had to Decolonize Her Language In Order to Write Her Stories
42:36
42:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:36On episode 42 of the podcast, we have award-winning author Laila Lalami on the show, discussing her powerful novel, The Other Americans. The Other Americans was a finalist for the National Book Awards. Laila is the author of several award-winning novels including, The Moor's Account and Secret Son. A native of Morocco, Laila is a professor of creat…
…
continue reading

1
Writers: You Need a Reading Habit, Not Just a Reading Hobby
25:09
25:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:09On episode 41 of the podcast, I’m going to be giving you a quick but important pep talk about reading, because you may be doing it all wrong. You see, writers, need an intentional reading habit, not just a reading hobby. I’m going to break down the important difference between the two, and then share five easy steps, and a message from James Baldwi…
…
continue reading

1
Stay Ready, So You Don't Have to Get Ready: Writing Advice You Need Now from Tracey Lewis-Giggetts
1:02:17
1:02:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:17Press play on this fan-favorite, rewind episode with award-winning author, Tracey Lewis-Giggetts. Tracey Lewis-Giggetts has written over 30 books in multiple genres. She writes fiction, nonfiction, poetry and screenplays. She is the author of the award-winning, Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration and Then They Came For Min…
…
continue reading

1
Veronica Chambers Shares the Secrets of Her 30+ Years of Literary Success
1:04:47
1:04:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:47On episode 39 of the podcast, I am so excited to share my conversation with memoirist, journalist, editor, celebrity collaborator, novelist and all around literary icon, Veronica Chambers. Based in London, Veronica Chambers is a New York Times best selling author of over 25 books, and is currently the editor of narrative projects at The New York Ti…
…
continue reading

1
How Tembi Locke Turned Her Greatest Loss Into A Bestselling Memoir, From Scratch
50:53
50:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:53Are you trying to write a memoir and don’t know where to start? Are you worried about oversharing, or writing about people you know and love getting mad at you for spilling their secrets? Is the idea of getting the essence of your own life down on paper overwhelming? Then stick around for this inspiring and informative rewind episode with actress-t…
…
continue reading

1
Would You Give Up Your Freedom to Be a Writer? Meet Sor. Juana Inés de la Cruz, Mexico's First Feminist Writer and Nun
31:43
31:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:43On episode 37 of the 'Reed, Write & Create' podcast, you’re getting a pep talk about what can happen when we truly commit ourselves to our writing life. And I am using the life and work of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, a renowned 17th-century Mexican nun, as my source material. Be clear, Sor Juana was no ordinary nun. She was a renegade and a revoluti…
…
continue reading

1
Marita Golden on How to Prioritize Your Health, Wealth & Community for a Productive Literary Life
45:14
45:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:14On episode 36 of the podcast, get the actual blueprint for a happy, healthy, productive literary life. Enjoy this episode from our archives with Marita Golden, award-winning author, journalist, writing coach, and living, literary legend. Marita Golden is an award-winning author of over twenty works of fiction and nonfiction. Her books include the n…
…
continue reading

1
Turn Your Pain Into Art with Chester B. Himes, The Father of African-American Crime Fiction
28:53
28:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:53Get ready for a pep talk that explains how perseverance, persistence and pain can lead to productivity, fame and fortune in a writer's life. When you hear about the life and work of African-American crime writer, Chester B. Himes, you will overstand what’s possible for a writer, even when confronting the worst things life can throw at you. Racism, …
…
continue reading

1
Season 4 Preview: What's Coming up on the Podcast and for "Literary Lori"
10:48
10:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:48We’re back for the fourth season of the Reed, Write and Create podcast! On this short episode, find out what you can expect on this season of the podcast, and some exciting personal and professional updates about the literary life of your host, Lori L. Tharps. ******************************** If you want more information, inspiration and resources …
…
continue reading

1
Bonus Episode with Black & Published: Vanessa Riley Writes Regency Romance with Black People in the Starring Roles
51:42
51:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:42SURPRISE! It’s a Bonus Episode. Yes, I am officially on summer vacation, working on my novel, and the podcast is on a summer hiatus. So, why am I back in your podcast feed? Because I have a special bonus episode for you! I want to introduce you to a literary podcast I love to listen to called Black & Published. Hosted by author Nikesha Elise Willia…
…
continue reading

1
Busting the Myth of The Solitary Writer: Virginia Woolf Got it Wrong
21:25
21:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:25On episode 32 of the podcast, our final episode of Season 3, I’m going to share a final pep talk meant to get you to stop thinking that you have to do this writing thing all alone. On today's show, I’m going to dispel the myth of the solitary writer, sharing why it’s a myth, how it got started, why it’s a dangerous myth, who the myth actually benef…
…
continue reading

1
"Pursue Your Writing Life Like a Dog Pursues a Bone" with Bernice L. McFadden
50:38
50:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:38On episode 31 of the podcast, I have saved the best for last. Our final author interview this season is with the incomparable, American-Book-Award-winning author, Bernice L. McFadden. Bernice L. McFadden is the author of over a dozen books, including Sugar and Glorious. Her latest novel, Praise Song for the Butterflies, was long listed for the 2019…
…
continue reading

1
Why BIPOC Writers Should Consider a Life Abroad: Lessons from James Baldwin
24:42
24:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:42On episode #30 of the Reed, Write, & Create podcast, we’re doing two things; we’re honoring the late, great James Baldwin, who would be turning 100 years old in 2024, and I'm giving you a pep talk about being an American writer abroad. Yes, I’m sharing the life and times of Mr. James Baldwin to offer you the opportunity to consider what travel can …
…
continue reading

1
From Self-Published to New York Times Bestseller: Sadeqa Johnson Shares Her Story of Success
52:52
52:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:52On episode #29, New York Times bestselling author Sadeaqa Johnson is on the show sharing her inspiring author journey and her practical strategies to living a successful literary life. Sadeqa Johnson is the New York Times bestselling author of five novels, including Yellow Wife and her latest, The House of Eve, which was the February 2023 Reese Wit…
…
continue reading

1
The Paradox of Jessie Redmon Fauset: The Harlem Renaissance's Most Prolific Novelist that You Don't Know
25:30
25:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:30Episode #28 of the podcast is dedicated to the literary life and legacy of Jessie Redmon Fauset, the most prolific novelist of the Harlem Renaissance, and also, sadly, the most overlooked and under-appreciated. On this episode of the Reed, Write, & Create podcast, I will be sharing Fauset’s fascinating life story, as well as four reasons why she is…
…
continue reading

1
Being a Writer is Hard Work:A Masterclass in Creative Writing with Phillip B. Williams
58:43
58:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:43On episode 27 of the podcast, award-winning poet and debut novelist, Phillip B. Williams, is on the show. You might have heard about Williams because his brand new novel, Ours, was one of Oprah’s most anticipated books for 2024. Ours is an epic story about a conjure woman named Saint, who goes around destroying plantations in the south, and then fr…
…
continue reading

1
How Do You Make a Living as a Writer in Hard Times? Ask Langston Hughes!
22:59
22:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:59On episode #26 of the podcast, I’m using the life of the illustrious Langston Hughes, to give you a pep talk on how to make a living with your writing. Even in hard times. Did you know that Langston Hughes is recognized as the first African-American writer to make a living solely from his writing? Yes, Langston Hughes was definitely the hardest wor…
…
continue reading

1
How to Bring History's Hidden Figures to Life on the Page with New York Times Bestselling Author, Ilyon Woo
56:38
56:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:38On episode 25 of the podcast, my guest is New York Times Bestselling author, Ilyon Woo. Ilyon is the author of the new book, Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom and The Great Divorce: A Nineteenth-Century Mother’s Extraordinary Fight Against Her Husband, the Shakers, and Her Times. Her writing has also appeared in The…
…
continue reading

1
Art, Activism, and Audre Lorde: How to Use Your Words to Change the World
18:59
18:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:59On episode 24 of the podcast, you’re getting a pep talk about art and activism, using the life and times of the incredible Audre Lorde as our role model. We’re talking about the intersection of identity, writing, and making the world a better place. Audre Lorde was a Black feminist writer and activist who authored several books of poetry, essays, a…
…
continue reading

1
Writing Romance, Race, and Ricki Wilde with New York Times Best-Selling Author, Tia Williams
44:17
44:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:17We’re back with season 3 of the Reed, Write, and Create Podcast! On episode 23 of the podcast, my guest is New York Times best-selling author, Tia Williams. Tia is an author of both YA titles and adult fiction. She wrote the bestselling debut novel The Accidental Diva and then penned two young adult novels, It Chicks and Sixteen Candles. Her award-…
…
continue reading

1
A Short But Important Announcement about the Podcast!
6:22
6:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:22Lori is taking a break from her winter break to share an update about the future of the podcast. The podcast is getting a new name! Find out what it is and what caused the change on this short but important episode. New Links for all things Reed, Write, & Create. The Reed, Write, & Create website. Reed, Write, & Create on Facebook. Reed, Write, & C…
…
continue reading