Bri Books

Happy 100th Episode of Bri Books: What's Next?! It's so surreal to be bringing you episode 100 of Bri Books podcast. Whether you've been here since Day One or you're brand new, I'd love to hear your voice. Please tell me what you'd like to hear by leaving a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud. Show me your latest read by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.   In this episode, I'm sharing the Bri Books origin story, changes to the Bri Books vision, and so much more. Thank you for giving me the honor of executive producing 100 episodes, I can't wait to give you the next 100. 4:00 - Reflections on 100 episodes of Bri Books 4:45 - What's changed the most about Bri Books and where I want us to go in the future 9:00 - How Bri Books has evolved over 100 episodes and the future of advertisers/ sponsors on Bri Books.  13:00 - Bri Books podcast's origin story  17:15 - What's in store

In this episode, I'm sharing the tips first-time gardeners need to know, and how to start a vegetable garden, raised bed garden, herb garden, or kitchen garden without breaking the bank. These easy gardening tips and gardening hacks that'll make your life easier. Follow theBriGarden on Instagram, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud. Show me your garden by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.   3:00 - #1: Identify your USDA hardiness zone. (Psst...I’ll include maps for San Francisco, NYC, DC, Houston, Philadelphia, Columbus, Chicago, San Diego, Detroit, and Atlanta gardening zones on the Bri Books Instagram and newsletter.)  4:30 - #2: Find your sunspots. Here’s how to identify North, South, East, and West: First, point your left arm towards the sun in the morning. Now, take your right hand and point it toward the west (stretch arms like you’re giving a hug.) You’re now facing south, and your back is facing nor

In this episode, I’m teaching you how to bullet journal like a boss. My bullet journaling strategy is easily customizable to fit whatever you need to focus on. If you’ve been meaning to start journaling, now’s definitely the time. I’ll be sharing the steps you want to follow in order to turn any notebook into a bullet journal, and how to optimize your life using bullet journal strategies like daily and weekly logs.  2:00 - What is a bullet journal?  3:00 - How to create your bullet journal index 3:30 - How to set up your bullet journal categories and prepare yourself for success 5:20 - How your daily logs and weekly spreads will propel your goal-setting in your bullet journal  7:15 - How to pull your bullet journal strategy together from the ground up.  My preferred bullet journal is Leuchtturm1917 from Paper Source.

This episode was a WHIRLWIND! Let’s review "Insecure" season 4 finale: Lowkey Lost. Spoiler Alert: There are spoilers. We’ll discuss the episode’s overarching theme and recap the major moments. At the end of each episode, I’m going to recommend a #BriBooks read for the main character, along with a song of the week and #OOTN--which fit on “Insecure” reigned supreme?  0:30 - 22:30 - “Insecure” season 4 episode 10 recap 23:00 - Episode and character analysis (Andrew! Molly! Issa! Condola! Lawrence! Tiffany! WTF?!)  25:50 - #OOTN: Molly's MONSE Resort 2019 statement coat 27:30 - Song of the night: "Fair Chance" by Thundercat feat. Ty Dolla $ign and Lil B 28:30 - My #BriBooks recommendation for Issa and Molly Thank you so much for joining me for this recap series for "Insecure" season 4! 

Let’s review season 4 episode 9 of HBO’s “Insecure”: Lowkey Trying. Spoiler Alert: There are spoilers. We’ll discuss the episode’s overarching theme and recap the major moments. At the end of each episode, I’m going to recommend a #BriBooks read for the main character, along with a song of the week and #OOTN--which fit on “Insecure” reigned supreme?  0:30 - 17:00 - “Insecure” season 4 episode 9 recap 17:15 - Song of the night: "The World We Created' by Giveon 18:00 - Episode and character analysis 19:00 - #OOTN: In this epsiode, every character rocked their signature lewks. Molly's lewks had Big Kahlana Barfield Brown Energy! 20:20 -  My #BriBooks recommendation for Issa and Molly: "Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close" (July 2020) by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman, hosts of the "Call Your Girlfriend" podcast

Let’s review season 4 episode 8 of HBO’s “Insecure”: Lowkey Happy. Spoiler Alert: There are spoilers. We’ll discuss the episode’s overarching theme and recap the major moments. At the end of each episode, I’m going to recommend a #BriBooks read for the main character, along with a song of the week and #OOTN--which fit on “Insecure” reigned supreme?  0:30 - 11:30 - “Insecure” season 4 episode 8 recap 11:45 - Episode and character analysis  12:30 - My #BriBooks recommendation for Issa 13:45 - Song of the night: "Out Of Your League" by Blood Orange ft. Steve Lacy 15:30 - #OOTN: Issa's red lazer cut-out blazer, designed by LVMH Prize 2019 finalist and South African designer Thebe Magugu. Much love to "Insecure" costume designer Shiona Turini for expertly constructing Issa's vulnerable-yet-in-control look for the evening, from head to toe! 

Let’s review season 4 episode 7 of HBO’s “Insecure”: Lowkey Trippin. Spoiler Alert: There are spoilers. We’ll discuss the episode’s overarching theme and recap the major moments. At the end of each episode, I’m going to recommend a #BriBooks read for the main character, along with a song of the week and #OOTN--which fit on “Insecure” reigned supreme?  0:30 - 11:30 - “Insecure” season 4 episode 7 recap 11:45 - Episode and character analysis (we’re looking at you, Molly!) 13:45 - #OOTN: Molly's Opening Ceremony cardigan sweater-dress and boots designed by MCM Global Creative Partner Misa Hylton 14:30 - My #BriBooks recommendation: "Drop the Ball: Achieving More By Doing Less" by Tiffany Dufu. Here’s the episode of Bri Books I recorded with Tiffany herself, all about the best takeaways and life lessons from her fantastic book. 18:10 - Song of the night: "Como Si Na" by Melli EPISODES AND BOOKS MENTIONED "Drop the Ball: Achieving More By Doing Less" by Tiffany Dufu. Here’s the episode of Bri Books

Let’s review season 4 episode 6 of HBO’s “Insecure”: Lowkey Done. Spoiler Alert: There are spoilers. We’ll discuss the episode’s overarching theme and recap the major moments. At the end of each episode, I’m going to recommend a #BriBooks read for the main character, along with a song of the week and #OOTN--which fit on “Insecure” reigned supreme?  0:30 - 11:0 - “Insecure” season 4 episode 6 recap 11:30 - Episode and character analysis (we’re looking at you, Issa!) 13:10 - My #BriBooks recommendation: “What I Know For Sure” by Oprah Winfrey. Here’s an episode of Bri Books I recorded all about the best takeaways and life lessons from Winfrey’s collection of essays. 15:00 - Song of the night: “Paid in Full” by BOSCO 15:52 - #OOTN: Issa’s Telfar bag, by black fashion designer Telfar Clemens, a black fashion designer you need to know! EPISODES MENTIONED “7 Things Brionna Knows for Sure (a la Oprah Winfrey). Here’s an episode of Bri Books I recorded all about the best takeaways and life lessons f

Let’s review season 4 episode 5 of HBO’s “Insecure”: Lowkey Movin’ On. Spoiler Alert: There are spoilers. We’ll discuss the episode’s overarching theme and recap the major moments. At the end of each episode, I’m going to recommend a #BriBooks read for the main character, along with a song of the week and #OOTN--which fit on “Insecure” reigned supreme?  1:00 - 12:20 - “Insecure” season 4 episode 5 recap 12:30 - #OOTN: Issa’s vintage 'Waiting to Exhale' sweatshirt/ tee (vintage from eBay) 13:30 - Song of the night: “Wobble” by VIC 14:20 - My #BriBooks recommendation: “Codependency for Dummies” by Darlene Lancer, MFT. for Molly. This book was ‘prescribed’ to me by my therapist in 2015, and it completely revolutionized how I saw myself vis-a-vis friends and family members and helped me establish strong emotional boundaries that are still in place to this day. It 100% deserves a spot in your library.

Let’s review season 4 episode 4 of HBO’s “Insecure”: Lowkey Losin’ It. Spoiler Alert: There are spoilers. We’ll discuss the episode’s overarching theme and recap the major moments. At the end of each episode, I’m going to recommend a #BriBooks read for the main character, along with a song of the week and #OOTN--which fit on “Insecure” reigned supreme?  1:00 - 6:20 - “Insecure” season 4 episode 4 recap 6:30 - The overarching theme of the episode: Every character is “Insecure” about their ability to juggle it all and keep their shit together 8:30 - My #BriBooks recommendation: “The Art of Showing Up” for Issa. Here’s an episode I recorded about the book, and why it deserves a spot in your library. 9:54 - “Temperature” by TeaaMarr 10:40 - #OOTN: Molly’s Maison Margiela laser cut-out jeans ($660)   EPISODES MENTIONED “5 Books to Add To Your TBR Pile in May,” featuring  “The Art of Showing Up”

What are you reading? Let me know by reviewing Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, joining the community on Instagram, and show me your book shelfie using #bribooks! Let’s review season 4 episode 3 of HBO’s “Insecure”: Lowkey Thankful. Spoiler Alert: There are spoilers. We’ll discuss the episode’s overarching theme and recap the major moments. At the end of each episode, I’m going to recommend a #BriBooks read for the main character, along with a song of the week and #OOTN--which fit on “Insecure” reigned supreme?  0:30 - 9:30 - “Insecure” season 4 episode 3 recap 10:00 - The overarching theme of the episode: Every character is “Insecure” about their investments 11:25 - My #BriBooks recommendation: “The Art of Making Memories” for Molly. Here’s an episode I recorded about the book, and why it deserves a spot in your library. 13:00 - Song of the week is “Case of the Ex” by Mya 14:15 - #OOTN: Molly’s asymmetric blazer from the brand Monse has a gorgeous cape effect: think Carmen SanDiego meets Olivia Pope ($3,793)

Let’s review season4 episode 2 of HBO’s “Insecure”: Lowkey Distant. Spoiler Alert: There are spoilers. We’ll discuss the episode’s overarching theme and recap the major moments. At the end of each episode, I’m going to recommend a #BriBooks read for a main character, along with a song of the week and #OOTN--which fit on “Insecure” reigned supreme?  1:30 - 10:50 - “Insecure” season 4 episode 2 recap 11:00 - The overarching theme of the episode: Every character is “Insecure” about their position 14:10 - My #BriBooks recommendation: Journals! Everyone needs to start journaling, STAT! Here’s my #bujo journal tutorial for the girls.  15:00 - Song of the week is “Waste My Time” by Zaia 15:30 - #OOTN: Molly’s wearing an emerald kelly green sweetheart neckline velvet ruched bustier-style top from The Attico (via Luisaviaroma) is the DREAM!

Today’s episode is kicking off a series of recaps and reviews of “Insecure,” Issa Rae’s hit show on HBO. In these episodes, we’ll discuss the episode theme, do a recap of the major moments, and a deep dive into characters. At the end of each episode, I’m going to recommend a #BriBooks read for the main character, along with a song of the week and #OOTN--which fit on “Insecure” reigned supreme?  1:40 - As they say on the "Black Girls Squee" podcast, “Spoiler alert: We spoil shit.” 2:08-10:22: “Insecure” season 4 episode 1 recap  10:15 - The overarching theme of the episode: Every character is “Insecure” about their history 14:20 - My #BriBooks recommendation: I recommend Issa pick up “The Defining Decade: Why Your 20s Matter—And How to Make the Most of Them Now” by Meg Jay, PH.D. Here's an episode about “Bri Books” I recorded about the book, featuring actor and creator Cyndii Johnson.  16:15 - Song of the week is “Cool Enough” by TeaMarrr. TeaMarr recently signed with Issa Rae’s music label “Raedio.

What have you been reading? Show me your TBR pile on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks. Subscribe to our newsletter bribookspod.com/newesletter! You know you need a break from the screen, so Bri Books is here with 5 books worth adding to your ‘TBR’ (‘To Be Read’) pile. Last Sunday, I woke up on a mission: organize the Bri Books library’s several TBR piles that were inexplicably cropping up around my home. Here are the reads I’m diving back into (after finishing “The Mirror and the Light” by Hilary Mantel, of course.) Pssst, Bri Books just published a podcast episode about historical fiction novels and TV shows you should watch. “The Paris Hours” by Alex George (May 2020) - Told over the single day in 1927 Paris, this novel takes four ordinary people whose stories, told together, are as extraordinary as the city they inhabit.  “Lady in Waiting: My Extraordinary Life in the Shadow of the Crown” by Anne Glenconner (March 2020) is an extraordinary memoir of royal secrets, legacy, and loss. Anne Glenconno

Anyone else in the mood for comfort reading? In this episode, I'm revealing the two historical fiction series that’ll get you through the next phase of social distancing. What are you reading? Let me know by reviewing Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, joining the community on Instagram, and show me your TBR pile using #bribooks! SUBSCRIBE TO BRI BOOKS ON APPLE PODCASTS Bri Books Best Historical Fiction Novels to Read During Quarantine (and What to Watch) Historical literature, in a nutshell, is a piece of writing wherein the plot takes place in the past. What sets historical fiction apart is the detail the author takes to create a world that pays attention to the period being discussed. When it comes to historical fiction, you want to select an author who will ‘do right’ by the characters being created. Women write fantastic historical fiction. I’m certain former Bri Books guest Liana Rodriguez would agree!  These two historical fiction novel series have visual counterparts (like an accompanying TV series). Welco

I'm sharing the quarantine cookbooks and recipes that have been the most used and helpful to me during these first few weeks of the global pandemic. These are the titles that have been feeding my soul, my tummy, and aligning with my community. I’ve been buying a local CSA box from Local Roots NYC, while independently supporting my favorite Greenmarket farmers.  When I get my Local Roots CSA subscription box delivered, I go straight to the indexes of my favorite cookbooks to uncover any recipes I can create with my new produce finds. What have you been eating? Show me your meals on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks. Subscribe to our newsletter bribookspod.com/newesletter and check out more behind-the-scenes photos on bribookspod.com!  Bri Books 6 Best Cookbooks for Nourishing Meals During Quarantine 3:00 - Book 1: “From the Oven to the Table: Simple Dishes that Look After Themselves” by Diana Henry. Thanks to the Local Roots CSA, I’ve been able to experiment more with cooking meats! This cookbook is full

Because your tastebuds don't have to perish and February dinners don't have to suck. In this episode of "Bri Books," we're discussing what’s in season (and delicious) during deep winter in places like New York, Boston, Atlanta, DC and St. Louis, and Los Angeles.  Here's the food you can pick up at your local farmers market (shoutout to GrowNYC Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket, my personal home market) or grocery store.  For a full breakdown of each ingredient and 3 quick winter recipes, learn them on bribookspod.com.  Bri Books Deep Winter Fruit and Veggie Seasonality List: 1.Apples 2. Beets 3. Cabbage 4. Onions 5. Parsnips 6. Turnips 7. Squash 8. Carrots  

I call this my makeup bag highlight my “office beauty beat”

In this episode, I’m sharing my first observations in 2020. Show me what you're working on by using #bribooks on Instagram, and @bribookspod on Instagram and @bribookspod on Twitter.    2:30 - #1: People think about you for three seconds...then they move on. 4:30 - #2: Just because you ‘can’ doesn’t mean you *have* to. 6:45 - #3: Reading and curiosity will last a lifetime. 9:20 - #4: You have food at home. Act like it. 12:00 - #5: Audit your time (and be realistic about it!) I'm inspired by tip to entrepreneur, influencer and investor @Patricia Bright who guest-starred on Bri Books season 5 episode 1 “Heart and Hustle."  

Happy 2020! Thanks for joining me for briCember--we recorded 17 podcast episodes in 31days and crossed the 10,500+ downloads milestone! Here’s what I know to be true in 2020 and beyond: 1." Travel while you have the light.” That means don’t let knowledge go wasted, and make the most of everything being illuminated. 2. “Don’t waste brainpower on perfect.” Don't waste your brain’s muscle on limiting beliefs about what we’re capable of creating! 3. “You get one body.” One. Take care of it accordingly!   Show me your goals by using #bribooks on Instagram, and @bribookspod on Instagram and @bribookspod on Twitter.