Today we’d like to introduce you to Addae and Nya Jahdai-Brown.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
We’re a couple of New Yorkers living in LA. We’ve been married for 15 years and have three children. We’re trying to find balance between work, side hustles, children, family, and “us” time. We love listening to podcasts about current events, pop culture, life hacks, spirituality, and anything to make our lives more productive and enjoyable.
Addae being a life coach/educator, and Nya a Chiropractor, people would always say we were both knowledgeable and funny. We realized they were right, and we have a lot to share! We started the Black Spark Podcast in January of this year and we’re loving it.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There’s been no shortage of challenges! Being married for 15 years and having three children under the age of 8, we face tough decisions every day. We started our professional lives just as the economy was crashing. We’re part of the group of older millennials who came of age amidst 911, wars, and an economy in crisis. While we had “done everything right” by achieving higher education in preparation for lucrative careers, our lives weren’t shaping up quite as we’d imagined. For years we’ve had to choose between childcare and work. Like so many, student loan debt looms over us, and the idea of homeownership feels like a distant dream. Our podcast has given us the outlet to talk about these things and alleviate stress. We hope to inspire others through sharing our stories, shedding light on our struggles and successes, and laughing all the way through.
Due to the pandemic, Addae’s been working from home and Nya’s been managing the children’s virtual schooling. We’ve started a local cleaning company (www.westLAmaids.com) in order to provide the community with a much-needed service and create financial stability in these uncertain economic times.
The Black Spark Podcast – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We’re known for our on-air chemistry, witty banter, and our ability to see the positive aspects of our struggles. Podcast listeners say that our segment on “Dem Damn Kids” keeps them coming back every week!
What sets you apart from others? – In listening to podcasts, we didn’t come across many shows centered around Black marriage and the Black family, that also incorporated self-care, empowerment, and humor. Each episode consists of 4 unique segments (Dem Damn Kids, Ask Addae, The Black Spark Speaks, & Nya’s Need to Know).
• Dem Damn Kids – We discuss something crazy our children have done each week (because there’s always something).
• Ask Addae – We read and answer listener questions ranging from funny “would you rathers” to serious relationship and parenting issues.
• The Black Spark Speaks – Addae shares the wisdom of his latest revelations and offers advice on how to be the light in your own life.
• Nya’s Need to Know – Nya spills the tea on the latest in politics and pop culture and WTF moments of the week.
What are you most proud of as a company? – Every time with do an interview or an IG Live, it’s clear that people are struggling with similar issues, jut in a different context. We’re proud to be a conduit, to normalize, and to give voice to not just our common issues, but the unique and inherent genius unfolding as we triumph over our circumstances.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
We define success as reaching and inspiring as many lives as possible. We recently passed 1000 downloads and are looking forward to 1 million! We hosted a number of IG Live interviews with people from various fields (life/parent/financial coaches, and authors). In addition to our regular segments, we just released our 3rd interview episode, where we do a deep dive with other Black couples.
Contact Info:
- Email: itstheblackspark@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblacksparkpodcast/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_Black_Spark
Image Credit:
Idriss Njike, Jaquie Cecchi
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