Best Samra Michael Podcasts (2025)

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Keep Careful Watch on Your Life | Jim Samra (Preaching and the Pastor Theologian Episode 2) 49:59

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3d ago49:59

49:59

CPT fellow and senior pastor of Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Jim Samra, joins Joel Lawrence and Matt Kim for episode two of Preaching and the Pastor Theologian. Together, they explore the connection between a pastor’s inner life and the ministry of preaching. Samra reflects on the church as a “pillar” and “conduit” between heaven and earth, emph…

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There Comes a Point 50:43

3d ago50:43

50:43

Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with chapters 37–40 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez — and the tension is building. In this episode, family loyalties are tested, the past comes knocking, and tough choices put legacy and belief to the ultimate test. We explore how history, rest, and resilience shape the women at the heart of this story — and …

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Hello It's Me 43:59

10d ago43:59

43:59

Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with chapters 33–36 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez — and trust us, the stakes are sky-high. In this episode, four generations land under one roof, “land vs. family” collisions take center stage, and Wade’s rushed trial delivers a gut-punch verdict that threatens the Kingdom itself. We break down the courtroo…

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Speaking God, Listening Church | Kimlyn Bender (Preaching and the Pastor Theologian Episode 1) 54:22

12d ago54:22

54:22

Episode One of “Preaching and the Pastor Theologian” Hosts Joel Lawrence and Matt Kim introduce a ten-part exploration of the theology of preaching, launched through the CPT’s Compelling Preaching Initiative funded by the Lilly Endowment. Their guest, theologian Kimlyn Bender of Truett Seminary, discusses the theme “Preaching God, Listening Church,…

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You Gotta Do What You Gotta Do 56:45

17d ago56:45

56:45

Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with chapters 29–32 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez — and trust us, the drama is drama-ing. In this episode, we talk family reunions, tough choices, and one wild cliffhanger you won’t see coming. We also share what we're watching, and drop some book and show recs you’ll want to add to your list. Whether you’r…

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It's Getting Sticky 1:00:20

24d ago1:00:20

1:00:20

Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with chapters 25–28 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. In this episode, we dive into the return of William, Luella’s impossible choices, and the emotional fallout that leaves everyone questioning love, loyalty, and legacy. From shocking reunions to heartbreaking losses, this section takes us on a wild ride—and …

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Building Thriving Congregations | Steve Williamson 31:05

1M ago31:05

31:05

CPT Manager of Church Programs, Steve Williamson, joins Zach and Joel to discuss this year's slate of cohorts for church leaders, exploring ecclesial identity, the arts, and cultural apologetics. Learn more and apply at: https://www.pastortheologians.co/identity-cohort and https://www.pastortheologians.co/learningcohorts Living Church - Awe and Pre…

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Losing Recipes 59:48

1M ago59:48

59:48

Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with chapters 21–24 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. In this episode, we unpack Nikki’s discoveries about heirs’ property law, the heartbreaking history of Black land loss, and her tense confrontation with one of the Thomas brothers. Whether you’re reading along or just here for the conversation, grab your co…

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Abortionsplaining with Renee Bracey Sherman and Regina Mahone 1:05:32

1M ago1:05:32

1:05:32

Hey well read baddies, surprise! This week we’re bringing you a powerful bonus episode in honor of Sexual Health Awareness Month. We sit down with journalist Regina Mahone and activist Renee Bracey Sherman, the brilliant co-authors of Liberating Abortion: Claiming Our History, Sharing Our Stories, and Building the Reproductive Future We Deserve. As…

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Blood is Thicker than Water 49:24

1M ago49:24

49:24

Hey Well Read Baddies! In this episode we’re diving into chapters 17–20 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. Nikki uncovers the truth about her family’s land, we learn more about heirs’ property, and tensions rise as the Kingdom of Happy Land faces new threats. We also recap Birmingham’s “Behind the Ink” event with Kennedy Ryan and share a few of…

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Becoming a Pastor Theologian | Joey Sherrard 44:06

1M ago44:06

44:06

In this episode of the CPT Podcast, Zach Wagner and Joel Lawrence talk with CPT fellow Joey Sherrard, discipleship pastor at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church. Joey shares his story of coming to faith, studying theology at Rhodes, Duke, and St. Andrews, and discerning his calling as a pastor-theologian. He reflects on the influence of mentors, th…

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Am I The Drama? 1:13:57

2M ago1:13:57

1:13:57

Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with Episode 4 of Season 6, diving into chapters 13–16 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. This week, Luella steps into leadership, Robert rises as king (and maybe something more…), and Nikki follows fresh clues with Miss Maddie Mae that bring family history into focus. Grab your copy of Happy Land and join our …

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Allegedly...Probably 1:00:46

2M ago1:00:46

1:00:46

Hey Well Read Baddies, we’re back with Episode 3 of Season 6! This week we’re diving into chapters 9–12 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. Whether you’re reading along or just tuning in for the tea, welcome in! Grab your copy of Happy Land, join our discussion on the Bookum app, and share your spoiler-free thoughts with us! 00:00 Intro 00:46 Ch…

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Get the Ick and Leave 1:08:11

2M ago1:08:11

1:08:11

Hey Well Read Baddies, we’re back with Episode 2 of Season 6! This week we’re diving into chapters 5–8 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez, exploring family rifts, community secrets, and the rise of the Kingdom of Happy Land. Whether you’re reading along or just tuning in for the tea, welcome in! Grab your copy of Happy Land, join our discussion …

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Becoming a Pastor Theologian | Shaun Brown 47:39

2M ago47:39

47:39

Shaun Brown, senior minister at Rocky Mount Christian Church and a fellow in the St. Hildegard Fellowship, joins the podcast to explore his journey through the Stone-Campbell movement, academic theology, and vocational ministry. Shaun shares how his faith was shaped by early experiences in church and Christian education, ultimately leading him from…

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Welcome to Happy Land! 52:35

2M ago52:35

52:35

Well Read Baddies, we’re back! Season 6 is officially here, and we’re starting strong with our seasonal book pick—Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. In this premiere episode, Lana and Sam break down chapters 1–4, unpacking family secrets, generational patterns, and the roots of the Kingdom of Happy Land. Whether you’re a returning listener or bran…

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Rewind: Chaotically Functional (Still Us Fr) 1:07:24

3M ago1:07:24

1:07:24

Hey well read baddies—it’s our last rewind episode before the brand new season drops on Wednesday, August 27th, and we’re closing it out with Lana’s favorite throwback from Season 4, Episode 3: Chaotically Functional! See y’all on 8/27 for Season 6! Register for our virtual event with the BWDIK Podcast and Author Danielle Allen: https://forms.gle/k…

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Welcome in Well Read Baddies! 1:26

3M ago1:26

1:26

For Well Read Baddies who love books, pop culture, and everything in between. Best friends Lana and Sam are figuring out how to fit reading into their busy lives—and they know they’re not alone. That’s why they created a book club on the go: a seasonal podcast with bite-sized episodes where listeners vote on what they read each season. Whether you …

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What Makes a Good Shepherd? | Amy Peeler 29:15

3M ago29:15

29:15

Amy Peeler for a rich conversation exploring pastoral identity, theological formation, and the upcoming Pastor Theologians Conference, Good Shepherds: Pastoral Identity and the Future of the Church. Amy shares insights from her latest projects—including a forthcoming book on Ordinary Time and an in-depth study of Paul’s use of birth and incarnation…

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Rewind: #TeamMindYoBizWhenItComesToBlackWomensHair (Still!) 54:43

3M ago54:43

54:43

Hey well read baddies! We’re kicking off our rewind series with Samra’s favorite episode from the vault: Season 3, Episode 11 — #TeamMindYoBizWhenItComesToBlackWomensHair. This one is personal, powerful, and still way too relevant. Register for our virtual event with the BWDIK Podcast and Author Danielle Allen: https://forms.gle/kgCZzezHCRvLodes9 W…

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Joy and Sorrow | Chris Bruno 43:29

3M ago43:29

43:29

Chris Bruno joins the podcast today to tell us about his recent book, Sharing Christ in Joy and Sorrow: A Theology of Philippians. What are the key theological themes in the book of Philippians? How do those themes fit together and inform one another? How does Philippians encourage and exhort those who are in seasons of suffering? What does Union w…

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I'm Talm 'Bout Innit 35:48

3M ago35:48

35:48

Hey well read baddies! It’s the last bonus episode before we kick off rewind episodes—and we’ve got updates galore. We’re revealing our Season 6 book pick (Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez—our first historical fiction!), and announcing a special virtual book club collab with Chid from the But What Do I Know? podcast featuring author Danielle Alle…

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Becoming a Pastor Theologian | Ed Gerber 50:01

4M ago50:01

50:01

Ed Gerber joins us to share his story of becoming a pastor theologian. How can the Lord use even a significant break up to prepare someone for ministry? How can those who prepare future ministry leaders be both preachers and teachers to their students? What is the balance between head and heart for those who study theology academically? This and mo…

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Beyoncé & Friends 41:30

4M ago41:30

41:30

Hey Well Read Baddies! It’s our 6th anniversary (cue the tears) and we’re catching up on all the bookish tea and pop culture chaos. We’re talking Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour (and the heartbreak over 16 Carriages), I’m Glad My Mom Died getting an Apple TV series, and why billionaire weddings are giving Hunger Games energy. Plus, we’re sharing what …

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What We're Reading — June 2025 36:01

4M ago36:01

36:01

For our June episode on books, we, the CPT staff, have been reading: JD Vance, Hillbilly Elegy (2016) Rémi Brague, Kingdom of Man: Genesis and Failure of the Modern Project, (2018) Elizabeth Goudge, The Dean's Watch, (2012) Living Church - Awe and PresenceBy The Center for Pastor Theologians

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Encountering God in the Bible | Michael Niebauer 50:14

4M ago50:14

50:14

Today on the podcast we are joined by Rev. Dr. Michael Niebauer as he shares about his recent book, Four Mountains: Encountering God in the Bible from Eden to Zion. How can Christians encounter Jesus on every page of the Bible? What can we learn from how the earliest Christians read Scripture, and connect seemingly disparate stories in the text? Wh…

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Booked & Bingeing 36:00

4M ago36:00

36:00

Hey well read baddies! It’s just the two of us this week, and we’re catching up on all the things—reading goals, reality TV rabbit holes, and what it means to truly read for joy. Lana’s deep in her Black romance era and crushing her 12-book goal, while Sam’s still recovering from the whirlwind that was the Black Romance Book Fest. Crispy vid refere…

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Becoming a Pastor Theologian | Jason Meyer 1:04:35

5M ago1:04:35

1:04:35

Jason Meyer, lead pastor of Urban Refuge Church in Minneapolis, MN, joins the podcast today to tell us about his journey towards becoming a pastor theologian. After serving eight years as a pastor at Bethlehem Baptist, Jason shares what he learned about his own calling, and the identity of a "pastor." This and more on today's episode! Living Church…

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Black Romance Book Festival A.K.A Bookchella Recap 18:27

5M ago18:27

18:27

Hey well read baddies! Today we have a very special recap episode where we'll be talking all about our experience at the Inaugural Black Romance Book Festival! You'll also get the chance to hear some Q&A from some of the authors that were there (boy did they give us plenty of recs for our TBR- list on our bookshop)! MARK YOUR CALENDARS!! Tickets fo…

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Feed My Sheep | Doug Sweeney 52:45

5M ago52:45

52:45

CPT board member Doug Sweeney joins the podcast today. He previews his topic for the 2025 CPT Conference, Good Shepherds: Pastoral Identity and the Future of the Church. What are good Christian pastors supposed to be like? On the other hand, what malformative models of pastoral identity are common in our culture today? Doug also tells us about his …

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On Christ and Masculinity | Casey Hough 57:21

5M ago57:21

57:21

Casey Hough joins us to talk about his recent book,When Poets Were Warriors: Retrieving a Biblical Vision of Masculinity (B&H Publishing, 2025). “Masculinity” is an increasingly popular subject for public discourse. Drawing on his experiences as a pastor and father, Hough argues that Christians ought to return to the complex and challenging example…

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Our Book Vote is LIVE! 2:24

5M ago2:24

2:24

Hey well read baddies! No new episode this week; HOWEVER, please make sure to go cast your vote for what book we'll be reading for season 6 of the podcast! Remember, it's all up to YOU! The deadline to vote is May 31st (stay tuned for the inevitable extension lol ;) ) so make sure to go make your choice and share with a friend! Also, if you're head…

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Culture and Christians | Dennis Greeson 48:54

5M ago48:54

48:54

What is culture, and what is our relationship to it as Christians? Dennis Greeson joins the podcast today to talk about his recent book The Way of Christ in Culture: A Vision for All of Life (Lifeway 2024), coauthored with Benjamin T. Quinn. In the book, the authors provide a framework for knowing one’s time in God’s story, one’s place in creation,…

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Owned by God | James Arcadi 53:23

5M ago53:23

53:23

This week, James Arcadi joins the podcast to talk about his latest book, Holiness: Divine and Human (2023). He also shares about his dual calling to both pastoral ministry as a full-time Anglican rector, and to academic theology as a guest professor at Wheaton College. What is the relationship between abstract ideas and practical application? What …

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Becoming a Pastor Theologian | Adam Copenhaver 51:32

6M ago51:32

51:32

On the podcast this week, Adam Copenhaver shares with us about his early ministry caring for an older congregation, and his education and research on Colossians. He also tells us about his current pastoral context leading a church in a small, migrant farm town which had previously been led by an abusive pastor. He previews the breakout topic he wil…

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A Vibe Called Black with Olivia Anthony 53:51

6M ago53:51

53:51

Hey well read baddies! This week, we're joined by fashion designer, influencer, and Birmingham’s own Olivia Anthony—founder of LIV Streetwear and co-creator of A Vibe Called Black, the all-Black, all-bold cultural celebration returning June 18. Recorded on Met Gala night, we dive into the theme of Black Dandyism and talk about how the Black communi…

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Becoming a Pastor Theologian | Ben Burkholder 1:00:46

6M ago1:00:46

1:00:46

This week we are joined by CTP Fellow Ben Burkholder. Ben shares how he developed an interest in learning how people grow as disciples. Reflecting on his time as a student, Ben also shares insights about the relationship between psychology and spiritual formation. This and more on today’s podcast! Living Church - Awe and Presence…

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Becoming a Pastor Theologian | Eric Rivera 47:31

6M ago47:31

47:31

Join us this week as we get to know Eric Rivera. Eric will be a plenary speaker at the 2025 Pastor Theologians Conference, Good Shepherds: Pastoral Identity and the Future of the Church. On this episode, Eric talks about how his story shaped his interests and calling in church history and pastoral ministry. Drawing from his context as a pastor at a…

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Girls Rule The World 55:54

6M ago55:54

55:54

Hey well read baddies! It’s just the two of us this week, and we’re talking all things life lately. From the highs and lows of Coachella Weekend 1 (Megan! Gaga! Bernie??) to health journeys, spring cleaning, and shifting career vibes—we’re in our late twenties and feeling every minute of it. We’re also pulling back the curtain on what’s next for Sh…

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To Gaze upon God | Samuel Parkison 54:28

7M ago54:28

54:28

Samuel Parkison joins the podcast today to talk about his recent book, To Gaze upon God: The Beatific Vision in Doctrine, Tradition, and Practice (InterVarsity Press 2024.) He also shares with us his story and calling to academic ministry at the Abu Dhabi Extension Site at Gulf Theological Seminary in the United Arab Emirates. What is the beatific …

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Watch Me with Climate Justice Y'all Podcast 1:02:48

7M ago1:02:48

1:02:48

Hey well read baddies! In this minisode, we’re joined by Abigail Franks and Mareshah Malcom—the dynamic duo behind Climate Justice Y’all—for a conversation that flips the script on environmentalism as we know it. Together, we explore the real meaning of climate justice, how systemic inequality fuels the crisis, and why Southern communities are not …

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What We're Reading — April 2025 33:41

7M ago33:41

33:41

For our April episode on books, we, the CPT staff, have been reading: CR Wiley, In the House of Tom Bombadil (2021) Ryan Holiday, The Obstacle Is the Way (2014) Percival Everett, James (2024) Harold Netland, Religious Experience and the Knowledge of God (2022) Living Church - Awe and PresenceBy The Center for Pastor Theologians

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Mothers, Dignity, and Utility | Nadya Williams 50:54

7M ago50:54

50:54

Nadya Williams joins the podcast to talk about her recent book, Mothers, Children, and the Body Politic: Ancient Christianity and the Recovery of Human Dignity (IVP Academic, 2024.) How do our attitudes towards motherhood reflect either a commodification of human life or, by contrast, a rich affirmation of the imago dei? This and more on today’s po…

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F the Fairytale (Again) with Damona Hoffman 49:14

7M ago49:14

49:14

Hey well read baddies! She’s baaaaack! Dating and relationship expert, podcast host, and author Damona Hoffman returns for another #Black365 ep and for a much-needed update on love in the year 2025. A year after the release of her book F the Fairytale, Damona reflects on how dating has evolved—from the rise of AI-generated profiles and text traps, …

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Becoming a Pastor Theologian | Stephen Campbell 52:51

7M ago52:51

52:51

Stephen Campbell joins us today on the CPT podcast. Stephen tells us about witnessing his family's ministry through his childhood. He also shares how the Lord prepared him for his current context pastoring in Germany, and his research on the book of Deuteronomy. This and more on today's podcast! Living Church - Awe and Presence…

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What is Holiness? | Matt O'Reilly 46:04

8M ago46:04

46:04

Matt O'Reilly joins us today to talk about his recent book Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification. What does the Bible teach us about holiness? How can the broader Evangelical community learn from historically Methodist theologies of sanctification? How can ecclesial styles of theological writing serve pastors and congregations as t…

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Lost Black History with Dolen Perkins-Valdez 1:03:27

8M ago1:03:27

1:03:27

Hey well-read baddies! This week, we’re back with another #Black365 minisode and we sit down with bestselling author Dolen Perkins-Valdez to talk about her new novel Happy Land, inspired by the real-life Kingdom of the Happy Land—a self-sufficient Black community founded by formerly enslaved people in 1873. With little recorded history on this lost…

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A Vision of Freedom | Brad Littlejohn 49:03

8M ago49:03

49:03

Brad Littlejohn joins the podcast today to talk about his new book, Called to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License. What is human "freedom"? Where do American theological, moral, and political concepts of freedom and liberty come from? How do Scripture and our culture view "freedom" differently, and how can pastors help the Ch…

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Becoming a Pastor Theologian | Steve Turnbull 47:19

8M ago47:19

47:19

Steve Turnbull joins the podcast to share his journey of becoming a pastor and Biblical scholar. As a pastor theologian, Steve has worked to develop a rich Biblical narrative imagination. Today, he serves as a senior pastor of Upper Arlington Lutheran Church in Ohio, as well as the provost and professor of New Testament at The Master's Institute in…

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Writing For Us with Tembe Denton-Hurst 1:16:25

8M ago1:16:25

1:16:25

Hey well-read baddies! This week, we’re back with another #Black365 minisode and are joined by Tembe Denton Hurst (@tembae)—writer, author, and biscuit connoisseur. She’s the brilliant mind behind Homebodies, a novel that perfectly captures the burnout, disillusionment, and existential mess that comes with being a young Black woman just trying to m…