Conscious Connections with Nicole Blackson

What does a conscious connection look like when one partner works in the faith? When you think of church, you often think of a Pastor and a First Lady, in this episode we explore what it's like to be in relationship when only one partner works in ministry. Reverend Twana Malone & Michelle Pope-Malone share with us the ins and outs of maintaining a public spiritual relationship that also makes space for their individual and romantic lives. Special Thanks to our guests Reverend Twana Malone & Michelle Pope-Malone. Watch the video version on Monday here. Produced by Tezarah Wilkins Mixing and sound design by 3crates production Music from Epidemic Sound Video production by Mike Love Production Assistance by LeNia Samuels Graphic Design by Jacqui Stallworth of 10.30 Designs Llc Executive Producer Jos Duncan Asé Host Nicole Blackson Special thanks to the Independence Public Media Foundation, Michael Jordan and the Jordan brand, and the City of Philadelphia for their generous support. Learn more about our work at www.lovenowmedia.com or follow us on all social platforms. Leave us a review! We'd love to hear your thoughts on the show.

What does a conscious connection look like when you agree to follow certain standards? In this episode we hear from a couple about the unique challenges that can arise when you and your partner decide to on celibacy before marriage. We speak with Roberta and Cobbina Frempong who have been married for 9 years and have two beautiful children. Cobbina had been marrried before and Roberta was looking for something new. They share with us what it meant to asses relationships that had fizzled out in order to reimagine and create it better and more beautiful than ever before...one song at a time. Special Thanks to our guests Cobbina and Roberta Frempong. Watch the video version on Monday here. Produced by Tezarah Wilkins Mixing and sound design by 3crates production Music from Epidemic Sound Video production by Mike Love Production Assistance by LeNia Samuels Graphic Design by Jacqui Stallworth of 10.30 Designs Llc Executive Producer Jos Duncan Asé Host Nicole Blackson Special thanks to the Independence Public Media Foundation, Michael Jordan and the Jordan brand, and the City of Philadelphia for their generous support. Learn more about our work at www.lovenowmedia.com or follow us on all social platforms. Leave us a review! We'd love to hear your thoughts on the show.

What does it take to make a conscious connection when your world's are so different? In this episode we hear from a couple about the unique challenges that can arise when you and your partner have different backgrounds and/or life experiences. Angie and Michael knew of each other long before they were dating, but didn't know they would end up married with a child. They help us to navigate uncertainty and belonging in an interracial relationship. Special Thanks to our guests Michael and Angie Greco. Watch the video version on Monday here to see Angie & Michael perform a special in-studio song! Produced by Tezarah Wilkins Mixing and sound design by 3crates production Music from Epidemic Sound Video production by Mike Love Production Assistance by LeNia Samuels Graphic Design by Jacqui Stallworth of 10.30 Designs Llc Executive Producer Jos Duncan Asé Host Nicole Blackson Special thanks to the Independence Public Media Foundation, Michael Jordan and the Jordan brand, and the City of Philadelphia for their generous support. Learn more about our work at www.lovenowmedia.com or follow us on all social platforms. Leave us a review. We'd love to hear your thoughts on the show.

What does a conscious connection look like when you're friends with your partner first? Andrea and John were casual friends for 5 years before they decided to date and then grew to become each other's favorite person. Although they make fun of each other almost all of the time, it is undeniable that they understand, accept and appreciate one another. Special Thanks to our guests John Sanders and Andrea Lawful Sanders. Watch the video version on Mondays here Produced by Tezarah Wilkins Mixing and sound design by 3crates production Music from Epidemic Sound Video production by Mike Love Production Assistance by LeNia Samuels Graphic Design by Jacqui Stallworth of 10.30 Designs Llc Executive Producer Jos Duncan Asé Host Nicole Blackson Special thanks to the Independence Public Media Foundation, Michael Jordan and the Jordan brand, and the City of Philadelphia for their generous support. Learn more about our work at www.lovenowmedia.com or follow us on all social platforms. Leave us a review. We'd love to hear your thoughts on the show.

Are you safe enough to consciously connect? According to Maslow's heirarchy of needs, a person must first have their physiological needs met before they can love and have a sense of belonging. After their physiological needs are met, then they must feel safe before they can consider being loved or loving. Zita takes us on a journey of how her wife Waliyyah has always made her feel safe through cultural differences, shyness and self examination. Special Thanks to our guests Waliyyah Muhsin and Zita Castillo Topics discussed in this episode: Safety, exes, LGBTQIA and coming out, religious/cultural differences Production Team Produced by Tezarah Wilkins Mixing and sound design by 3crates production Music from Epidemic Sound Video production by Mike Love Production Assistance by LeNia Samuels Graphic Design by Jacqui Stallworth of 10.30 Designs Llc Executive Producer Jos Duncan Asé Host Nicole Blackson Special thanks to the Independence Public Media Foundation, Michael Jordan and the Jordan brand, and the City of Philadelphia for their generous support. Learn more about our work at www.lovenowmedia.com or follow us on all social platforms.

What are boundaries in a conscious connection? In this episode, queer-married couple, Kenneth and Theresa share how they found independence, partnership, and balance all while sustaining the organic chemistry. K. Kenneth Davis and Theresa S. Thames have been married a little over a year. They take us on a journey through their 5 + years together and how they have been able to cultivate conscious connections. Over laughter, tears of joy and aww moments, we hear of how surprise notes, favorite snacks, “pulse checks,” boundary settings and more, sustain their partnership. Special Thanks to our guests K. Kenneth Davis & Theresa S. Thames Watch the video version Produced by Tezarah Wilkins Mixing and sound design by 3crates production Music from Epidemic Sound Video production by Mike Love Production Assistance by LeNia Samuels Graphic Design by Jacqui Stallworth of 10.30 Designs Llc Executive Producer Jos Duncan Asé Host Nicole Blackson Special thanks to the Independence Public Media Foundation, Michael Jordan and the Jordan brand, and the City of Philadelphia for their generous support. Learn more about our work at www.lovenowmedia.com or follow us on all social platforms.

What does a conscious connection look like when you've been married, divorced, and engaged again? In this episode our couple shares the ups and downs of creating a blended family in a household with two career driven public figures while also dealing with past traumas. Stephen and Tomaka discuss when you're grown grown and you’ve done your healing work, you've been married, and feeel like you've been there and done that! Then, you meet someone who challenges you to level up. Well...it’s time to clock back in! Special Thanks to our guests Stephen Gardner and Tomaka Ravenell Topics discussed in this episode: Blended families, Deal breaking and testing limits, Intention vs. Impact Watch the video version Production Team Produced by Tezarah Wilkins Mixing and sound design by 3crates production Music from Epidemic Sound Video production by Mike Love Production Assistance by LeNia Samuels Graphic Design by Jacqui Stallworth of 10.30 Designs Llc Executive Producer Jos Duncan Asé Host Nicole Blackson Special thanks to the Independence Public Media Foundation, Michael Jordan and the Jordan brand, and the City of Philadelphia for their generous support. Learn more about our work at www.lovenowmedia.com or follow us on all social platforms.

What does a conscious connection built on love and words sound like? In this episode we talk with Philadelphia/Baltimore Poetry Power-Couple Lady Sarkazym and E the poet-emcee about their work being modern day griots and what it truly means to have a "Conscious" connection. Creating is not a production and only requires you to just be you and communicate. Communication is a way of life and recognizing how to best communicate with your spouse when conflict arises, takes precedent over who is wrong or right. When individuals are able to have their own authentic power reflected back to them through the eyes of their spouse, conflicts become opportunities to connect even deeper. The deeper connection is always available when intentions are intact. Special Thanks to our guests Tami & E Muhammad Topics discussed in this episode: Empathy, Conflict resolution, Sex and intimacy Watch the video version Production Team Produced by Tezarah Wilkins Mixing and sound design by 3crates production Music from Epidemic Sound Video production by Mike Love Production Assistance by LeNia Samuels Graphic Design by Jacqui Stallworth of 10.30 Designs Llc Executive Producer Jos Duncan Asé Host Nicole Blackson Special thanks to the Independence Public Media Foundation, Michael Jordan and the Jordan brand, and the City of Philadelphia for their generous support. Learn more about our work at www.lovenowmedia.com or follow us on all social platforms.

What happens when couples have honest conversations about connectedness? Join Love Now Media this Thursday March 24th for the launch of a brand new podcast, Conscious Connections, hosted by Nicole Blackson. The podcast explores everything from chemistry to co-parenting and beyond. About Love Now Media: Love Now Media is an empathy-centered media company that uses storytelling to advocate for justice, wellness, and equity. In addition to producing and distributing content, Love Now Media leads impact-focused conversations and activities that deliver positive outcomes. LNM social media platforms: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram www.lovenowmedia.com