Cocoa Mode with Shawna Renee

On behalf of the entire Cocoa Mode team, I’d like to send our love, prayers and condolences to the families of those who lost their children, daughters and friends in the tragic shooting in Newtown, Conneticut. Shawna Renee On this episode of Cocoa Mode, Shawna Renee talks to Chandria Jackson-Saunders, DC Public School Psychologist, the affects of tragedies like the one in Newtown Connecticut and how to help them process the many emotions that are sure to rise as a result.  W...

Writer, mental health advocate and founder of The Siwe Project, Bassey Ikpe,  sits down with me to talk about the dangerous lack of attention being given to mental health problems in the African American community.  We discuss how our community can come together to help those who are suffering from mental health conditions and the importance of lifting the veil of shame that often accompanies it. You can learn more about Bassey’s non-profit on www.thesiweproject.org.

Original air date:  September 22, 2012 In his new film, Wolf, filmmaker Yake pulls no punches in his depiction of the emotional effects of sexual abuse in the Black church among the victims, congregations and the community at large.  He talks about why he chose to take on such a controversial topic and why he believes more black filmmakers should do the same.

Original air date:  September 22, 2012 In his new film, Wolf, filmmaker Yake pulls no punches in his depiction of the emotional effects of sexual abuse in the Black church among the victims, congregations and the community at large.  He talks about why he chose to take on such a controversial topic and why he believes more black filmmakers should do the same.

Original Air Date:  September 15, 2012 Author, Iyanla Vanzant stops by the Lioness’ Den to talk about her new show “Fix My Life” on the OWN Network.   She sheds some light on why women often find themselves in physically and emotionally abusive relationships.

Original air date:  August 18, 2012 With the recent news of Evelyn Lozada and Chad Johnson’s domestic dispute and Rihanna’s comments regarding her concern for Chris Brown’s mental well-being,  I wonder if now is the time to re-evaluate how we discuss Domestic Violence.  Are we missing an opportunity to teach girls/women how to handle conflict without lashing out?  Is it time that we start showing the men, many of them victims of violence themselves, a bit more compassion? ...

Original Air Date: July 21, 2012 I discovered Lauren Von Der Pool a few months ago while researching diet tips for vegetarian athletes.  Lauren, who was just named one of Essence Magazine’s Young, Gifted and Black women under 35, is the personal chef to Venus and Serena Williams.   As fantastic and (F.A.B ulous) as her life is today, it pales in comparison to her incredibly inspiring story of resilience and perseverance.  After spending the hour with her, Lauren Von Der Pool has ear...

Writer, author, and newly discovered relationship expert Tracy McMillan hung out in the Lioness’ Den to discuss her new book, Why Your Not Married Yet; The Straight Talk You Need to Get the Relationship You Deserve. Tracy pulls no punches when it comes to explaining why so many women, who want to be married, are not. If you like this interview - tweet it, share it, scream it out from the rooftops. At the very least like Cocoa Mode on

Writer, author, and newly discovered relationship expert Tracy McMillan hung out in the Lioness’ Den to discuss her new book, Why Your Not Married Yet; The Straight Talk You Need to Get the Relationship You Deserve. Tracy pulls no punches when it comes to explaining why so many women, who want to be married, are not. If you like this interview - tweet it, share it, scream it out from the rooftops. At the very least like Cocoa Mode on

Writer Tracy McMillan hung out in the Lioness’ Den to discuss her new book, Why Your Not Married Yet; The Straight Talk You Need to Get the Relationship You Deserve. Tracy pulls no punches when it comes to explaining why so many women, who want to be married, are not. If you like this interview - tweet it, share it, scream it out from the rooftops. At the very least like Cocoa Mode on Facebook and follow me ...