Episodes

"Compassion, empathy, respect, trust." That's a word from Aja on the qualities that are important in relationships with Black men, whether they are platonic or romantic ones. But we all know that building solid, healthy relationships takes time and looks different for everybody. There's a delicate balance between Black women loving and caring for themselves, and loving and caring for Black men. Jill, Laiya, and Aja get into how complex and difficult and beautiful relationships between Black men ...

We need all the Black stories. The mundane ones. The extravagant ones. The heartbreaking ones. Black life is expansive, and the more we get to see ourselves on screen in new ways, the better. Uplifting the real, raw humanity of Black people on film and television is so important. Jill, Laiya, and Aja talk about the value of slavery narratives, the stories that they want to see produced, and how grateful they are for how far Black storytelling has come. And they ask the question: How do we find a...

Jill, Laiya, and Aja have all been the subject of rumors -- some based in truth, some comically false, and some wildly insulting. It's human nature to speculate and gossip, but sometimes we go too far. According to rumors, Jill had a baby with D'Angelo; Kindred the Family Soul performed at a wedding in the early '90s; and Laiya has a big mouth. (OK, Laiya says that one may have been true at one point.) Some rumors are fun. But others are just "foul," as Jill puts it. Let's keep it light. And if ...

Being "the other woman" comes with a whole host of stigmas and assumptions. Having a relationship with a married person can be toxic, and like Jill says in this episode, "You cannot win by causing someone else harm." Relationships built on infidelity and dishonesty will deal damage in one way or another. But the desire to cheat or to be a mistress can come from a deeper place than surface-level selfishness or cruelty. Jill, Aja, and Laiya reject the moral high ground in favor of a hard but hones...

From music, to hair, to fashion, non-Black people prove time and again that they're willing to take from Black culture without giving credit where it's due. What's the line between appropriation and celebration? How can we make sure that we value and take pride in what we own? Laiya, Jill, and Aja explore how we check ourselves, protect ourselves, and hold others accountable when it comes to cultural theft. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.c...

Figuring out how to discipline children is not an easy task. What did our parents do? What does the research say? How do our personal morals shape our chosen methods of punishment? What does the child need? How do we raise children so that they grow up healthy and safe? What's "right" and "wrong" when it comes to disciplining children is not so black-and-white. Aja, Laiya, and Jill talk about the spankings they've gotten, the spankings they've given, and the difficult conversations they've had w...

There is merit in working hard and being productive on your own terms. But grind culture takes productivity to a whole other level. The no-sleep, hustle hard mentality has people saying yes to every opportunity, turning down every leisure activity, overbooking, and taking little if any time for self-care. Jill, Laiya, and Aja work hard, but they also affirm the power and importance of rest. In this episode, they get real about what it means to be successful and to make the most out of the time w...

Holidays can be joyful times of celebration and fellowship. But sometimes we end up participating in holidays that we have no practical or spiritual connection to. And in the U.S., some holidays have been commercialized and divorced from their historical roots. Laiya, Aja, and Jill shout out some Black holidays (like Juneteenth) as well as some of the traditions they've created and observe in their own homes. Resource mentioned in this episode: How to Make a Negro Christian Learn more about y...

When it comes to U.S. politics, 2020 has shown us how messy, racist, ignorant, and apathetic our leadership can get. Four years of a Trump administration was more than the people of the U.S. ever asked for (quite literally, considering 2016's popular vote outcome). But now that a Democratic presidency is on the horizon, how do we move forward? How do we avoid getting complacent and stay on these politicians' necks? Jill, Laiya, and Aja discuss the realities of the last four years, the upcoming p...

It’s about time we amplified the stories of Black women who are pioneers in the music industry. In this episode, Jill, Laiya, and Aja highlight some of these iconic artists and entrepreneurs – from Cathy Hughes to Valerie Simpson to Ma Rainey. Resources mentioned in this episode: Queer Cultural Center The film Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Any play by August Wilson Millie Jackson, Labelle, Cathy Hughes, Valerie Simpson Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee om...

It's not easy to talk about sexual assault. It's a charged topic that rightfully carries so much weight, so much history, and so much emotion. But as Jill, Laiya, and Aja mention in this episode, it's likely that you know or are a woman who has been sexually assaulted. We have to have an honest conversation about how we talk about sexual assault and treat sexual assault survivors. Resources mentioned in this episode: RAINN National Sexual Violence Resource Center "Are Prisons Obsolete?" by A...

There are some things white people love doing that Laiya, Jill, and Aja would never do. Then there are things that white people love doing that Laiya, Jill, and Aja would recommend to their Blackest of Black friends. These are some of those things. (Hot tub outdoors in the winter, anyone?) Resource mentioned in this episode: Check out your local newspaper for tips on things to do around your city. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/liste...

Black people are escaping the U.S. to try to build a better life abroad. But is it worth it? Aja, Laiya, and Jill discuss where they would go if they left the U.S. -- if they would even leave in the first place. Plus, a conversation with educator and activist Dr. Yaba Blay. Resource mentioned in this episode: https://travelnoire.com/ Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jill Scott, Laiya St.Clair, and Aja Graydon-Dantzler introduce J.ill, a podcast where they have conversations to spark conversation. The three longtime friends and entertainment icons have heart-to-hearts where there's room for affirmation, questioning, and disagreement. Getting older, rumors, cultural theft – trust that Laiya, Aja, and Jill will keep it 100% on topics that you love and ones that may make you uncomfortable. Join them on J.ill as they ask big questions and celebrate small joys. ...