Culture Lit

Culture Lit

Culture Lit is where Black women’s love stories, healing journeys, and cultural brilliance take center stage. Every week, host Octavia Marie dives deep into the romance novels, authors, and conversations that are reshaping how we see Black love — on the page and in real life. From body-positive heroines to soft life living, from second-chance love to the rise of Black romance adaptations hitting our screens, we’re exploring what it means to be seen, celebrated, and loved on your own terms. This isn’t just a book podcast. It’s a space for Black women who are ready to reclaim joy, prioritize peace, and say yes to the stories that make us feel whole. Beyond the episodes, there’s a membership space — The Intentional Edit — for the women who want to go deeper: more reads, more recs, and a community that actually gets it. Whether you’ve been reading Black romance for years or you’re just finding your way in — welcome home. Grab your tea, get cozy, and let’s get into it.

  1. The Shift: How One Single Mom Moved to Mexico Sight Unseen

    FEB 12

    The Shift: How One Single Mom Moved to Mexico Sight Unseen

    What would you do if you woke up one day and decided to leave everything behind—your city, your career, your entire life as you knew it—and move to a country you'd never even visited? That's exactly what Diamond Polk did. And she's never looked back. Diamond is a former Los Angeles realtor, a USC grad, a single mom, and now a relocation guide helping women move from the United States to Mexico. But this isn't just about changing addresses—it's about relocating your mind, your energy, and your entire relationship with freedom, safety, and what's possible. In this episode, Diamond shares the real story of why she left LA, how she chose Puerto Vallarta sight unseen, what the transition was actually like as a Black woman and single mother, and how she's now building a business helping other women do the same through her retreat, The Shift, and her coaching programs. If you've ever fantasized about leaving it all behind, starting fresh somewhere beautiful, or just giving yourself permission to imagine a different kind of life—this episode is for you. Listen now, and then visit @citizendip_ on Instagram to learn more about Diamond's June 2025 retreat, The Shift, and her February group coaching program, Safe Passage. Diamond Polk is a former Los Angeles realtor, USC graduate, and single mother who made the bold decision to leave the United States and move to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico—sight unseen. Now, she helps women transition from the United States to Mexico through soulful real estate guidance, her signature retreat The Shift, and group coaching program Safe Passage. Diamond's work is rooted in empowerment, spiritual alignment, and helping women relocate not just their homes, but their minds. She believes in making healing and relocation accessible, offering tiered pricing and pay-what-you-can options for hypnotherapy sessions. Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer. Subscribe to the Culture Lit Podcast Community here: CultureLitPodcast.com Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts! Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. STAY CONNECTED Instagram: becomingoctavia Threads: becomingoctavia FB: BecomingOctaviaMarie Music credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PROD A Subito Media production

    50 min
  2. Soft Life is Not Luxury-It’s Safety

    FEB 6

    Soft Life is Not Luxury-It’s Safety

    What if the soft life isn't about luxury at all? What if it's about survival? In this episode I explore the soft life as a practice of safety, resistance, and self-preservation for Black women — and why choosing ease is one of the most radical acts we can make. I'm unpacking why softness feels so dangerous for Black women, exploring the cultural conditioning that taught us to perform strength at all costs, and breaking down what it actually looks like to choose ease in a world that profits from our exhaustion. Plus, I'm discussing Where the Wildflowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris—a stunning novel about a woman who stumbles into sanctuary and discovers she's not too broken to heal. Books Mentioned Where the Wildflowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris Find this and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop! Resources & Themes The myth of the “Strong Black Woman”Nervous system regulationRest as resistanceSoft life as sustainability Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer. Subscribe to the Culture Lit Podcast Community here: CultureLitPodcast.com Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts! Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. STAY CONNECTED Instagram: becomingoctavia Threads: becomingoctavia FB: BecomingOctaviaMarie Music credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PROD A Subito Media production Mentioned in this episode: If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com. Visit my bookshop! You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy! Visit my bookshop!

    22 min
  3. If I Ruled the World by Amy DuBois Barnett | Ambition, Culture & Taking Up Space

    JAN 27

    If I Ruled the World by Amy DuBois Barnett | Ambition, Culture & Taking Up Space

    What happens when a young Black editor walks away from the glossy magazine world to save a struggling hip hop publication? Everything. In this episode, I'm talking about into If I Ruled the World by Amy DuBois Barnett—a novel that took me straight back to 1999 and the era that shaped so much of who we are. This isn't romance, but it's absolutely about Black women finding their voice, claiming their power, and building the culture that the world tries to erase us from. We're talking late-90s NYC media, hip hop journalism, navigating toxic workplaces, and what it costs to be young, Black, brilliant, and ambitious in rooms that weren't built for you. If you were a Vibe or Honey Magazine subscriber, if Nas and Lauryn Hill were your soundtrack, if you've ever had to choose between fitting in and being free—this one's for you. Hit play, and let's talk about what it really takes to rule your own world. Find this and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop! Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer. Subscribe to the Culture Lit Podcast Community here: CultureLitPodcast.com Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts! Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. STAY CONNECTED Instagram: becomingoctavia Threads: becomingoctavia FB: BecomingOctaviaMarie Music credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PROD A Subito Media production Mentioned in this episode: If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com. Visit my bookshop! You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy! Visit my bookshop!

    15 min
  4. Representation in Romance: Why Young Black Girls Deserve to See Themselves in Love Stories

    JAN 16

    Representation in Romance: Why Young Black Girls Deserve to See Themselves in Love Stories

    What happens when the romance books your teen loves don't feature characters who look like them? This episode is a love letter to young Black girls who deserve to see themselves as the heroine—not the sidekick. Octavia Marie shares seven powerful Black YA romance novels that center Black teens in stories of love, identity, and self-discovery. Find this and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop! Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer. Subscribe to the Culture Lit Podcast Community here: CultureLitPodcast.com Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts! Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. STAY CONNECTED Instagram: becomingoctavia Threads: becomingoctavia FB: BecomingOctaviaMarie Music credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PROD A Subito Media production Mentioned in this episode: You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy! Visit my bookshop! If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com. Visit my bookshop!

    18 min
  5. Manifest Like a Romance Heroine:Vision Boards, Manifestation & Choosing Yourself

    JAN 9

    Manifest Like a Romance Heroine:Vision Boards, Manifestation & Choosing Yourself

    What if you approached your life the way romance heroines approach love — with clear standards, unwavering belief in your worth, and refusal to settle? In this episode, Octavia Marie breaks down how to create a vision board that actually works, using principles from Genevieve Behrend's 1921 classic "Your Invisible Power." Learn the five intentions that are guiding 2026, example affirmations that feel authentic (not cringe), and why manifesting your dream life is an act of rebellion for Black women. Plus: how Hendrix Bell, Nina, and Eva Mercy are basically vision board queens. This isn't just pretty Pinterest boards — this is about choosing yourself, every single day. 📚 BOOKS MENTIONED: "Your Invisible Power" by Genevieve Behrend (1921)"Can't Get Enough" by Kennedy Ryan (Skyland Series #3)"Plus Size Player" by Danielle Allen"Seven Days in June" by Tia Williams Find these and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop! Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer. Subscribe to the Culture Lit Podcast Community here: CultureLitPodcast.com Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts! Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. STAY CONNECTED Instagram: becomingoctavia Threads: becomingoctavia FB: BecomingOctaviaMarie Music credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PROD A Subito Media production Mentioned in this episode: You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy! Visit my bookshop! If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com. Visit my bookshop!

    30 min
  6. Intentional Living: Wellness Insights and Black Romance Novels to Savor in 2026

    12/20/2025

    Intentional Living: Wellness Insights and Black Romance Novels to Savor in 2026

    Sometimes your heart knows what to do before your mind catches up. In this deeply personal episode, Octavia is opening up about her wellness journey post-cancer, the messy politics of health in 2026, and why choosing joy through romance novels is actually revolutionary. Octavia shares what she learned during three months in Portugal, how therapy helped her silence her inner critic, and why she's skeptical of wellness culture while still being intentional about her health. Plus, she's revealing the Black romance novels she's most excited to read in 2026—from Kennedy Ryan's highly anticipated Score to Danielle Allen's final Curve series book. This episode is about trust, healing, and the wisdom that comes from choosing yourself—in wellness and in the stories we consume. Find this and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop! Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer. Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts! Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. STAY CONNECTED Instagram: becomingoctavia Threads: xooctaviamarie FB: BecomingOctaviaMarie Music credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PROD A Subito Media production Mentioned in this episode: You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy! Visit my bookshop! If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com. Visit my bookshop!

    25 min
  7. Wrapped in Love: Black Christmas Romance Book Recommendations for Your Holiday TBR

    12/09/2025

    Wrapped in Love: Black Christmas Romance Book Recommendations for Your Holiday TBR

    Curl up with your favorite blanket, sis — this one's for your holiday TBR. In this cozy episode of Culture Lit, Octavia Marie shares a curated list of Black Christmas romance novels that bring all the festive vibes: forced proximity, fake dating, second chances, bookstore magic, royal romance, and big feelings wrapped in twinkling lights. If the holidays feel hectic, consider this your invitation to slow down, grab your tea, and disappear into love stories where Black women are cherished, chosen, and celebrated. From Christmas in Spite of You by KC Mills and Not in the Christmas Plan by Etta Easton, to Second Chance Christmas by Jahquel J, The Christmas Catch by Toni Shiloh, Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory, Only for the Holidays by Abiola Bello, The Holly Dates by Brittany Cherry, Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello, and A Novel Christmas by Charity Shane — consider this your guided tour through holiday romance heaven. Loved these recommendations? Share this episode with your Black romance book-loving friends, sign-up for the Culture Lit newsletter for special guides and more, Hit subscribe, and grab one at Culture Lit's digital bookstore — where every purchase supports independent bookstores and celebrates Black authors. Find this and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop! Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer. Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts! Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. STAY CONNECTED Instagram: becomingoctavia Twitter: xooctaviamarie FB: BecomingOctaviaMarie Music credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PROD A Subito Media production Mentioned in this episode: You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy! Visit my bookshop! If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com. Visit my bookshop!

    30 min
  8. Unapologetically Black: Love, Legacy, and the Power of Storytelling in Jahquel J's Universe

    11/27/2025

    Unapologetically Black: Love, Legacy, and the Power of Storytelling in Jahquel J's Universe

    In this engaging conversation, Octavia Marie interviews Jaquel, a prolific author in the Black romance genre. They discuss Jaquel's extensive literary universe, the personal connections readers have with her work, and the dynamics of her characters, particularly in her latest release, 'Heart of a Goon.' The conversation delves into reader reactions, character development, and the marketing strategies that have contributed to Jaquel's success. Additionally, they touch on the importance of self-care for writers and the authenticity of dialogue across different storylines. In this engaging conversation, Jahquel J. and Octavia Marie delve into the intricacies of character development, the writing process, and the balance between realism and hope in storytelling. They discuss the interconnectedness of plotlines, the impact of community support on a writer's journey, and the importance of redemption arcs for characters. Jahquel shares insights into her writing process, the themes she explores in her work, and her excitement for upcoming projects, all while emphasizing the significance of creating relatable characters that resonate with readers. Find Jahquel's books and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop! Find Jahquel: Instagram @jahquel_ Threads: @jahquel_ JahquelJ.com Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer. Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts! Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. STAY CONNECTED Instagram: becomingoctavia Twitter: xooctaviamarie FB: BecomingOctaviaMarie Music credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PROD A Subito Media production Mentioned in this episode: If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com. Visit my bookshop! You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy! Visit my bookshop!

    1h 1m
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Culture Lit is where Black women’s love stories, healing journeys, and cultural brilliance take center stage. Every week, host Octavia Marie dives deep into the romance novels, authors, and conversations that are reshaping how we see Black love — on the page and in real life. From body-positive heroines to soft life living, from second-chance love to the rise of Black romance adaptations hitting our screens, we’re exploring what it means to be seen, celebrated, and loved on your own terms. This isn’t just a book podcast. It’s a space for Black women who are ready to reclaim joy, prioritize peace, and say yes to the stories that make us feel whole. Beyond the episodes, there’s a membership space — The Intentional Edit — for the women who want to go deeper: more reads, more recs, and a community that actually gets it. Whether you’ve been reading Black romance for years or you’re just finding your way in — welcome home. Grab your tea, get cozy, and let’s get into it.