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 I recorded with Tiffany herself, all about the best takeaways and life lessons from her fantastic book.
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 from Winfrey’s collection of essays.
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?
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!
EPISODES MENTIONED
“5 Books to Add To Your TBR Pile in May,” featuring “The Art of Making Memories”
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.” the song is about the feeling of being emotionally betrayed, although at time we betray ourselves.
17:30 - #OOTN - Issa Rae in a vegan leather Nanusha wrap skirt and blazer set
OTHER EPISODES MENTIONED
Yvonne Orji, the actor who portrays Molly on “Insecure,” was a speaker at the 2019 MTYRetreat in Cancun, Mexico where she dropped countless gems about remaining laser-focused while reaching for your future. Here’s an episode I recorded with “Swirl Suite” host Sarita Chaves about the retreat experience.
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 Glenconnor is a close member of the royal circle and was Lady-in-Waiting to Princess Margaret, as seen on Netflix’s “The Crown.” If you love the Royals and if Megxit gave you a buzz, you should pick up “Lady in Waiting.”
“Volcanoes and Wine: From Pompeii to Napa” by Charles Frankle (November 2019) takes us across the stunning and dangerous world of volcanic wines. It sounds like the perfect blend of geology, world history, and wine.
“The Art of Showing Up: How to Be There for Yourself and Your People” by Rachel Wilkerson Miller (May 2020) is the perfect companion piece to, well, our current reality. Could it BE any more on-the-nose?!
“The Art of Making Memories: How to Create and Remember Happy Moments” by Meik Wiking (October 2019) is a keepsake worth distilling into a future episode of Bri Books. I’ll definitely write down what I learn from this book and any insights into how we can all make deeper memories during these uncertain times.
SUBSCRIBE TO BRI BOOKS ON APPLE PODCASTS
What have you been reading? Show me your TBR pile on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks. Subscribe to our newsletter bribookspod.com/newesletter!
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). Welcome to the Bri Books Pod Multiplatform Book Club!
Series #1: “Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon
3:25 - The origin story of the “Outlander” historical fiction novel series by Diana Gabaldon and the novel's plot
Series #2: “Wolf Hall” Trilogy by Hilary Mantel
6:30 - “Wolf Hall” series by Hilary Mantel is my all-time favorite historical fiction collection. The trilogy spans “Wolf Hall,” “Bring Up The Bodies,” and Mantel’s final installation “The Mirror and the Light.” Reading “The Mirror and the Light” by Hilary Mantel feels like riding a roller coaster. The first novel, “Wolf Hall,” chronicles the rise of Thomas Cromwell and the fall of Cardinal Wolsey, the Archbishop; and the impact of Anne Boleyn. “Bring Up the Bodies” traces the beginnings (and end) of Anne Boleyn, and the ushering in of Jane Seymour, the third of King Henry’s queens. Oh, and a casual Protestant Reformation sweeping the nation, NBD. I highly recommend you read the entire “Wolf Hall" trilogy, and to accompany your reading, watch the 2015 BBC six-part mini-series “Wolf Hall,” which follows the plots of the first two novels.
What have you been reading? Show me your TBR pile on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks. Subscribe to our newsletter bribookspod.com/newesletter!
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 of tips on what to look for in your fresh produce and ingredients. The recipes are so simple, and they make you feel alive from the inside out.
6:30 - Book 2: “How to Cook Everything” by Mark Bittman. I mentioned this book on the Bri Books episode “How to Build Confidence in the Kitchen” featuring Danielle and Sherrod of “Slice and Torte” Podcast. This cookbook is where I go for technique and ingredient-specific help. For example, I was in search of a chili recipe to make with my Local Roots ground beef, and found the perfect one in “How to Cook Everything” (pssst…here’s the recipe.)
8:20 - Book 3: “Every Day is Saturday: Recipes and Strategies for Easy Cooking Every Day of the Week” by Sarah Copeland. This cookbook is the ultimate comfort food companion. Every recipe tastes like you’re eating at your favorite neighborhood joint; these recipes are 100% restaurant-worthy quality. I love Sarah Copeland’s ‘catch-all’ take on easy, leftovers-based, nibbly Sunday night dinners. The meals in this cookbook call on ingredients you already have--especially the mains! The "Every Day Is Saturday" cookbook reminds me to be my own best chef.
11:40 - Book 4: “Jubilee: Recipes for Two Centuries of African-American Cooking” by Toni Martin-Tipton. I mentioned this book on the “5 Most Delicious Cookbooks” episode of Bri Books. This book brings together the depth of African-American cuisine and techniques, and shines a loving light on the roots of American food. This cookbook is built on learning and sharing our knowledge, and I’m 100% committed.
13:00 - Book 5: “Vegetable Kingdom” by Bryant Terry. Terry is a James Beard Award-winning chef, educator and author of the iconic book “Afro-Vegan.” Terry’s renowned for his efforts to create a healthy and equitable food system. This cookbook is already inspiring the ways I take in the fresh flavors of spring.
14:50 - Book 6: “Cook Beautiful” by Athena Calderone, which I discovered at Sezane, one of my favorite French brands. Athena is a creator of beauty, a stylist, a lifestylist, an interior expert and advocate, she breathes life/ texture creativity into rooms. In this cookbook, she reveals the secrets to preparing unforgettable meals. You can feel how Athena loves to create a sense of belonging and warmth in both food and in life. One of my favorite things about the book is that it’s broken into seasons--you can come back to different sections for inspiration! Athena was featured on Glamour.com as 1 of 11 female interior designers to support (and follow on Instagram). Athena Calderone’s entire ethos is that you don’t need a sprawling space and an endless supply of farm-fresh food to live well— just need a bit of tender care, attention to detail, and inspiration. But the farm-fresh food doesn’t hurt ;) (Hiii, Local Roots!)
What have you been eating? Show me your meals on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks. Subscribe to our newsletter bribookspod.com/newesletter!
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” 👩🏿💼featuring the star products currently in my rotation—including my take on the @fentybeauty “Full Frontal” mascara.
All links to the products are at https://bribookspod.com/home/fenty-mascara-review.
I’m curious, What’s in your “office beat” makeup routine? Let me know by reviewing Bri Books on Apple Podcast, and show me your office #OOTD and selfie using #bribooks!
1. @lauramercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30, $47
2. @tomfordbeauty Glow Stick, $55
3. @lorealmakeup Blush Please, $9.99
4. @fentybeauty Full Frontal Mascara, $24
5. @maybelline Brow Precise Brow pencil, $7.99
6. @ilmakiage Infinity Lip Cream, $22
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.
Feeling nostalgic? Watch these black-and-white movies in your cozy socks with a cup of hot chocolate. Here are the5 black-and-white movies from the first 100 years of cinema that you should experience this holiday season.
Mildred Pierce, 1945
‘Mildred Pierce’ is a 1945 crime-drama film starring Joan Crawford in the Oscar-winning title role. The style in this movie is UNREAL, and I love that the Max Factor makeup creator worked exclusively with Joan Crawford on this film—such a cool piece of film and makeup history.
All About Eve, 1950
‘All About Eve’ stars Bette Davis. The director and screenplay creator is Joseph Mankiewicz. Bette plays a stage actress named Margot who is slowly but surely being edged out by her protegee, Eve. The monologues! The hairstyles! The shade!
A Raisin in the Sun, 1961
‘A Raising in the Sun’ is the film starring Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Claudia McNeil and Diana Sands following the Younger clan in Chicago as they navigate their future as a family unit and as individuals. 'Based on the play by Lorraine Hansberry, the scoring in this film accents the theatric foundation of the story.
Madame Bovary, 1949
Based on the controversial 1856 novel ‘Madame Bovary’ by French author Gustave Flaubert, the 1949 adaptation challenged public ‘morality’ and the Motion Picture Production Code fought to censor the film.
Show me what you're watching by using #bribooks on Instagram, and @bribookspod on Instagram and @bribookspod on Twitter.
Before you re-watch ‘The Office’ or ‘Scandal’ from the beginning for the 10th time, check out these Netflix hits before everybody else.
If you liked ‘The Crown,’ you’ll love ‘The Last Czars’ - Costume drama meets historical documentary in this 6-part show.
If you liked ‘Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat’, you’ll love ‘The Taco Chronicles’ - A Netflix original that profiles tacos and culinary culture around Mexico.
If you liked ‘Parasite,’ you’ll love ‘Burning’ - Investigate what it means to burn for acceptance with this mind-bending thriller-drama.
If you liked ‘You',’ you’ll love ‘Romance is a Bonus Book’ - I’ll admit, ‘Romance is a Bonus Book’ is a 180-degree change from ‘You,’ but once you’re thoroughly sketched out by Joe Goldberg, run to Dan-i for bubbly, sweet notions of unrequited love.
If you liked ‘Marriage Story,’ you’ll love ‘Take This Waltz’ - This film is cringe-y, sexy, and touches perfectly on the universal fear of commitment and unfulfillment.
Show me what you're watching by using #bribooks on Instagram, and @bribookspod on Instagram and @bribookspod on Twitter.
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean your green thumb has to wither up and die. Turn your nurturing and love inward with these houseplants that will keep your urban jungle growing even in the depths of winter. If you want more gardening inspo, check out this episode recorded with gardener and creator ABeautifulNestTV all about the book “The Garden in Every Sense and Season” by Tovah Martin.
@BriBooksPod’s Houseplants in @TheBriGarden
Pilea peperomioides - The pilea peperoioides has circle-shaped leaves and prefers well-draining soil and partial light.
Indoor herb like basil or cilantro - I repotted and over-wintered the basil and cilantro growing in the garden. Choose an herb you love and plant it on your kitchen windowsill for an instant injection of freshness.
Small parlor palm - Preferring 55-70 degrees, moist soil and filtered sunlight, the small parlor palm adds density to any indoor garden. The mini-trees create a faux forest look.
Pothos - Pothos is arguably the easiest of all houseplants to grow and the most recognizable houseplant. It does well in rooms like offices, dorm rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens (yes, it even grows under fluorescent lighting). Pothos tend to vine, so I love to use them to take up area and create a living web of plants.
Philodendron - Philodendron plants like bright, indirect sunlight, and regular fertilization to grow into its best self.
Show me what you're growing by using #bribooks on Instagram, and @bribookspod on Instagram and @bribookspod on Twitter.
How many times have you gone into a wine shop, perused bottles and labels with glazed-over eyes, and left unfulfilled and over budget? Here are four categories I consider when planning what wine to bring to an event, serve to guests, or buy for myself:
Brionna’s @BriBooksPod Wine Menu Tips
Brionna’s @BriBooksPod Wine Menu Recommendations
Show me what you're sipping on by using #bribooks on Instagram, and @bribookspod on Instagram and @bribookspod on Twitter.
Want to plan a weekender getaway but don't know where to start? Here are the fool-proof steps I took to explore Ithaca, New York along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail in the Finger Lakes, NY region.
To accompany this episode, I’ve produced an IGTV video on @bribookspod and @brionnajay Instagram accounts sharing my recommendations for Ithaca, NY.
@BriBooksPod Tips for Planning the Perfect Weekend Getaway
Choose how far you’re willing to travel
Choose where you want to be vis-a-vis the ‘action’
Choose a destination with a unique natural history, culinary tradition, art scene, etc.
Bonus: Visit a museum and support local artists at a market while traveling
Where to visit in Ithaca, New York
RESTAURANTS:
Just A Taste Wine Bar and Tapas
Waffle Frolic
Maxie’s Supper Club and Oyster Bar
EXPERIENCES
Ithaca Farmers Market
Fall Creek Gorge
Wineries
Americana Winery
The sunset over Cayuga Lake!
Show me your holiday photos by using #bribooks on Instagram, and @bribookspod on Instagram and @bribookspod on Twitter.
On today’s episode, I’m sharing my travel dream list for 2020 and beyond. As I reflect on 2019, I realize that international travel was (welcomely) replaced by domestic adventure this year. I left the country only once(to attend the Myleik Teele MTY Retreat in May, here’s a link to the podcast all about the retreat!). In the spirit of adventure, here's a peek at my personal worldwide bucket list. Show me yours by using #bribooks on Instagram, and @bribookspod on Instagram and @bribookspod on Twitter.
Let's raise a glass to those restaurant trips that leave us wanting more. When dining out, these are the tips that’ll ensure you always have the best experience possible.
Two restaurants I mention in this episode:
What are your restaurant hacks? Show me by using #bribooks on Instagram when you're out dining next time, and check out bribookspod.com and join the newsletter for more restaurant tips and recommendations.
It's time for the Sephora VIB Sale--everyone gets $15 off $75 until 12/17, and VIB Insiders earn $20 of $75, and VIB Rouge members earn $25 off $75. Here's what I'd stock up on if I were you:
MAKEUP
SKINCARE
FRAGRANCE
GIFT SETS
TRIAL SIZES
I’ve curated the 5 best beauty books (say that five times fast!) that I relied on this year. They’re a great starting place for digging deeper into something we all practice—caring for our body’s biggest organ, our skin—and a bit of natural health. Hope this inspires you to investigate what you’re using, and discover the ingredients you didn’t know you needed. Let me know what your skincare routine looks like at @bribookspod on Instagram and Twitter, and by using #bribooks while you listen!
“The French Beauty Solution: Time-Tested Secrets to Look and Feel Beautiful Inside and Out” by Caudalie founder Mathilde Thomas (June 2015): Mathilde founded the skincare company Caudalie with her husband after taking inspiration from her family’s vineyard in Bordeaux. Not only is “The French Beauty Solution” filled with recipes, but it’s also filled with research about the composition of skin, how it changes over time, and how to care for it at every step of the way. I especially love chapter 5, “Your Skincare Ingredients,” where Mathilde teaches us how to decode skincare ingredient labels. (Link to “The French Beauty Solution”)
“Plant-Based Beauty: Your Essential Guide to Detoxing Your Beauty Routine” by Jess Arnaudin (Sept. 2019): Jess moved to upstate New York after working and studying on an active farm, where she cultivated a deep appreciation for plants. “Plant-Based Beauty” book breaks down operates from the understanding that nature is the master chemist. (Link to “Plant-Based Beauty)
“Wild Beauty: Wisdom and Recipes for Natural Self-Care” by Jana Blankenship. It’s more of a science-based resource that I revisit before investing in any skincare or new products. (Link to “Wild Beauty”)
“Seeking Slow: Reclaim Moments of Calm in Your Day” by Melanie Barnes focuses on injecting a sense of slowness, purpose, gratitude, and reflection into every single day. (Link to “Seeking Slow”)
“Recipes for Self-Love: How to Feel Good in a Patriarchal World” by Alison Rachel is a balm for your soul. The recipes aren’t for food, but for something more sustaining…YOUR well-being. (Link to “Recipes for Self-Love”)
Here are the skin care products in my current rotation that I’m reaching for every day.
AM skincare:
PM skincare
Brionna’s reviews on Glamour.com
Whether you're having a gloomy day or need something uplifting to watch in the background, here are the laugh-out-loud-worthy movies you need to revisit.