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. 

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 individu

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

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 houseplant

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  Bubbles or no? (shoutout to Sarita of The Swirl Suite podcast for always encouraging bubbles to kick off the night) Learn the rules, then break them. I choose wines based on my own flavor principle: the lighter the flesh, the lighter the wine. Hence white wine with fish and creamy pasta dishes, red wines with tomato dishes and red meats, and Rosé flows best with vegetables. From there, I forget everything I know and opt for a left-of-center pick such as Pinot Gris in place of a classic white wine or an orange wine in lieu of Rosé.  Pick up a wildcard--perhaps a liquor--that you can use to create quick cocktails Think about analogous and complementary flavors relative to the meal   Brionna’s @BriBooksPod Wine Menu Recom

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 @br

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.  Korea Costa Rica Puerto Rico  Uruguay/ Chile/ Peru Mexico Senegal Morocco  Zanzibar  Portugal Bordeaux Ghana 

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. Sit at the bar, it's like being at the theater  Research the menu and specials on the restaurant site and Instagram  Read the menu, and ask questions Go for the gold standard  Pre-dine and pre-game your dinner Two restaurants I mention in this episode:  Endswell, a French-American Bistro in Brooklyn, New York Lowerline, a Cajun restaurant and oyster bar in Brooklyn, New York   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.