In this episode of Knowledge Gumbo, we explore Nikki Giovanni's powerful quote: "Deal with yourself as an individual worthy of respect and make everyone else deal with you the same way." Through real-life stories and wisdom from Black women's literature, we examine how self-respect shapes our relationships, success, and personal growth.

Episode Highlights:

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• The fundamental connection between self-respect and attracting positive relationships
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• An inspiring encounter with a teenage cancer survivor learning to value her voice
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• Nikki Giovanni's transformative journey at Fisk University and the power of admitting mistakes
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• How Olympic champion Simone Biles demonstrates self-respect in the face of criticism
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• Understanding and addressing microaggressions before they escalate
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• The distinction between flying with eagles and scratching with chickens
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Key Takeaways:

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2. Self-respect repels negativity and attracts authenticity
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5. You get what you tolerate - setting boundaries is crucial
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8. Everyone's journey includes mistakes and growth
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11. True respect comes from being human first, titles second
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This Week's Challenge:

Choose one small act of self-care to boost your self-respect this week. It could be as simple as not laughing at an inappropriate joke or addressing someone's passive-aggressiveness.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Nikki Giovanni
• Simone Biles - Olympic gymnast
• PodFest
• Ecamm: https://aliciatsays.link/ecamm

Support the Show:

• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform
• Share this episode with two friends who might benefit from it

Episode 4: "Courage Does Not Always Roar" explores the subtle power of quiet determination through thought-provoking stories and wisdom from Black women authors. Host Alicia Thomas unpacks Tomi Adeyemi's profound quote, weaving together historical examples like Rosa Parks and Ida B. Wells with contemporary stories including an inspiring encounter at a coffee shop with NBA star Steph Curry.

Through these narratives, discover how courage manifests in everyday actions, from standing up against workplace injustice to defending others when no one's watching. Featuring insights from "Children of Blood and Bone" and a fascinating exploration of courage's Latin root meaning "heart," this episode challenges listeners to recognize the strength in silence and the impact of small, brave actions.

📚 Featured Book: "Children of Blood and Bone" by Tomi Adeyemi: https://aliciatsays.link/cobab

#KnowledgeGumbo #Courage #PersonalGrowth #Inspiration

Discover profound wisdom in this episode of Knowledge Gumbo Podcast as we explore Coretta Scott King's timeless quote: "Revenge and retaliation always perpetuate the cycle of anger, fear, and violence." Host Alicia Thomas delves deep into understanding how holding onto anger and seeking revenge ultimately damages our own well-being and personal growth.

Learn about Coretta Scott King's remarkable legacy beyond being MLK Jr.'s wife - from her classical music training to her powerful advocacy for social justice. This episode unpacks the destructive nature of revenge and offers practical insights on breaking free from the cycle of anger and resentment.

🕒 Key Moments:

0:00 - Introduction and Coretta Scott King's quote

0:58 - Understanding the relationship between anger and fear

3:00 - The transformation of negative energy

7:30 - Practical steps for acknowledging and releasing hurt

14:57 - Challenge: Self-reflection on forgiveness

17:42 - Coretta Scott King's Harvard address and lasting legacy

Key Highlights

• Deep exploration of how revenge and retaliation create a destructive cycle of anger and fear, with practical insights on breaking free from this pattern
• Fascinating look at Coretta Scott King's lesser-known achievements and her remarkable resilience in continuing her advocacy work after her husband's assassination
• Personal story illustrating the liberating power of choosing forgiveness over revenge, including practical steps for releasing anger and resentment
• Powerful message about transforming negative energy into positive action and the importance of not letting others control your peace of mind

Join our growing community of knowledge seekers as we explore wisdom from Black women's voices and apply their teachings to our modern lives. Remember, as Grandma says, "There's always room for one more at the table!"

Dive deep into Octavia E. Butler's profound wisdom from "Parable of the Sower" in this enlightening episode of the Knowledge Gumbo Podcast. Host Alicia Thomas explores Butler's timeless quote about survival and resilience, breaking down its relevance to our current times and personal growth journey.

Key Highlights

• Explores Octavia Butler's profound quote about survival and hope from "Parable of the Sower"
• Discusses the balance between taking action and maintaining patience during challenging times
• Introduces the "Feed Jar" concept as a practical tool for building resilience and documenting personal growth
• Emphasizes the importance of consistent action and preparation, illustrated through the two farmers parable

Learn how to navigate the space between hope and despair, drawing inspiration from the first science fiction writer to receive the MacArthur "Genius Grant." This episode offers practical insights on maintaining resilience, the importance of consistent action, and preparing for better times while enduring challenges.

Join our growing community where wisdom meets practical application. Remember, there's always room at the table in our gumbo kitchen!

Episode 001: Starting Late, Looking Different: Success Has No Timeline

Welcome to Knowledge Gumbo, where we mix timeless wisdom with thought-provoking stories from Black women authors and leaders. In our debut episode, host Alicia Thomas explores Misty Copeland's powerful quote: "Know that you can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed."

Episode Breakdown:

[00:00] Welcome and Introduction

[00:31] Exploring Misty Copeland's Quote

[01:30] Understanding Relative Success

[02:07] Challenging the "Too Late" Mindset

[03:18] Breaking Beauty Standards

[04:52] Embracing Uncertainty

[05:32] Defining Personal Success

[07:42] Misty Copeland's Ballet Journey

[09:18] Your Challenge: Taking the First Step

Key Takeaways:

• Starting "late" is relative - Misty Copeland began ballet at age 13 and became ABT's first African-American principal dancer
• Success should be defined on your own terms, not by others' standards
• Uncertainty can be a sign of awareness rather than weakness
• Small, consistent steps build the foundation for significant achievement

Resources Mentioned:

• Gumbo Newsletter: Sign up at https://aliciatsays.com/
• Example: James Clear newsletter at https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1

Connect With Us:

Website: aliciatsays.com

Discover Knowledge Gumbo, an enlightening podcast that celebrates and explores the wisdom of Black women through quotes, proverbs, and literary passages. Join host Alicia Thomas, a former mechanical engineer whose journey began after watching "Hidden Figures," as she uncovers the untold stories of brilliant Black women who shaped history.

🕐 TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Introduction to Knowledge Gumbo

0:38 - The inspiration behind the podcast

1:42 - What to expect and call-to-action

Each episode serves up a flavorful conversation examining powerful words through the lenses of wisdom, history, and culture. From breaking down meaningful quotes to exploring profound literary passages, Knowledge Gumbo creates a space where learning meets laughter and reflection.

This podcast is specifically crafted for and about Black women, though all are welcome to join this feast of knowledge. We'll dive deep into the stories behind the words, connecting historical wisdom to contemporary life while maintaining an engaging and enjoyable atmosphere.

Want to be part of this enriching journey? Subscribe to Knowledge Gumbo and share it with two friends who would appreciate this blend of inspiration, education, and community. Get ready to feast on knowledge that nourishes both mind and soul.

Subscribe then grab your bowl and spoon – the feast of knowledge awaits! 🥄