Black Writer Therapy Podcast

Black Writer Doula Sessions: Don't Allow Guilt and Shame to Steal Your Stories
EPISODE 52 • SEASON 4 00:29:38
  • September 18, 2025
  • 09:17 AM
  • Ella Shawn
Keywords

Black Writer, storytelling, shame, guilt, creativity, emotional health, writing community, self-discovery, empowerment, Black women writers


Summary
In this inaugural episode of Black Writer Doula Sessions, host Ella Shawn introduces a new platform focused on empowering Black women writers through storytelling. The session delves into the emotional barriers of shame and guilt that hinder creativity, offering insights and practical exercises to release these feelings and embrace one's creative potential. Ella emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and community support in the writing journey, encouraging listeners to confront their emotions and reclaim their narratives.
Takeaways
  • We are moving the Black Writer brand in a new direction.
  • Shame and guilt are significant barriers to creativity.
  • Shame originates from external expectations, while guilt comes from within.
  • Emotions like shame and guilt can block creative energy.
  • It's essential to identify where shame and guilt manifest in the body.
  • Practicing gratitude for shame can help in releasing it.
  • Guilt can lead to a lack of trust in oneself and decision-making.
  • Creative freedom requires letting go of past burdens.
  • Engaging in self-reflection is crucial for emotional healing.
  • Community support is vital for writers to thrive.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Black Writer Doula Sessions
02:52 The Role of Shame and Guilt in Creativity
05:30 Understanding Shame: Its Origins and Impact
07:50 The Weight of Guilt: How It Affects Us
10:02 Tools for Releasing Shame and Guilt
12:43 Practical Exercises for Creative Freedom
15:38 Conclusion and Call to Action

Sound Bites
"You never have to stay stuck."
"Guilt is heavy, it weighs you down."
"Let that shit go."

Linktree


All audio, artwork, episode descriptions and notes are property of Ella Shawn, for Black Writer Therapy Podcast, and published with permission by ALIVE Podcast Network.
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