Oakland Girl LIVE: The Podcast

Oakland Girl Live

Welcome to Oakland Girl Live: The Podcast, where Oaklanders take the stage and share their stories of struggle, growth, and triumph. Hosted by Shanita Perdomo and Avia Thomas, they bring listeners audible love letters of those who call Oakland home and carry it with them wherever they go. These stories are here to inspire and empower, proof that good things come out of The Town. Interested in being a guest? Email us at oaklandgirlbook@gmail.com New episodes drop weekly on Tuesdays.

Episodes

  1. May 20

    "From Ghosttown to Global" w/ Tashara Newton

    Welcome to another powerful episode of Oakland Girl Live! 🎙️ Tashara Newton joins us for a raw and inspiring conversation in “From Ghosttown to Global: Hustle, Healing & Building Legacy in Oakland.” Born and raised in the Ghosttown section of, Tashara opens up about the realities of growing up surrounded by street life, survival, and hard lessons — while still finding a way to dream bigger for herself and her family. This episode dives deep into how the streets can either break you or build you. Tashara reflects on the survival instincts, resilience, and street smarts she developed early on, and how those same lessons later helped shape her into the businesswoman she is today. From traveling the world as a merchant seaman to owning property, running a successful cleaning business, and recently opening her own daycare/preschool, Tashara’s story is about transformation, vision, and breaking generational cycles. She also speaks on marrying into a Black Panther family legacy, the importance of community leadership, motherhood, and why investing into Oakland’s children matters now more than ever. In this episode, Tashara Newton opens up about:• Growing up in Ghosttown & West Oakland• Street survival, resilience & life lessons• Traveling the world as a merchant seaman• Entrepreneurship & building businesses• Property ownership & financial growth• Opening a daycare/preschool in Oakland• Motherhood & breaking cycles• Creating generational change through business This conversation is honest, funny, emotional, and full of wisdom for anybody trying to turn struggle into purpose. TUNE IN:📅 New episodes every Tuesday🕖 7:00 PM PST / 10:00 PM EST Follow Oakland Girl Live:📲 Instagram: @oaklandgirllive🎵 TikTok: @oaklandgirllive📺 YouTube: Oakland Girl Live

    45 min

  2. May 20

    "The Creatives of Here & Now" w/ Tajianna Okechukwu

    Tapping in with our guest Tajianna Okechukwu, a name you’ve probably already heard, and if not… you’re about to. She’s really out here doing work for the culture.We’re getting into her journey from acting to filmmaking, what it really looks like working behind the scenes with major studios, and how she’s carving out her own lane telling bold, Black stories. From award-winning projects to building future-focused narratives, this one is all about process, growth, and staying true to your voice.Tap in live tonight or catch the replay tomorrow! Trust, you’re gonna want to hear this conversation, because I know its GONE BE GOOD!📲 @oaklandgirllive on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube🎙 Want to be a guest? Email us: oaklandgirllive@gmail.com #oakland #oaklandgirl #viral #california #bayarea

    49 min

  3. May 20

    "From Murder Dubbs to Motherhood" w/ Raychell Simmons

    Born and raised in Oakland, California, she is a proud fourth-generation West Oakland native who entered the world at Highland Hospital in what many locals call the “Murder Dubbs.” Her life story reflects the complex reality of Oakland — a city filled with both struggle and greatness.Her family’s roots run deep in Oakland’s history, with connections to influential figures and movements that have come out of the city, including ties to the legacy of the Black Panther Party, artists like Tupac, and family members who have gone on to become professional athletes, lawyers, and other leaders. At the same time, she witnessed the harsher realities many communities face, with relatives impacted by gang life, drug addiction, and prostitution.Growing up surrounded by both inspiration and adversity, she learned early on how resilience is built. Each experience — the good and the difficult — became part of the tapestry that shaped her life.Today, she is a devoted mother of five who once relied on the resources of the city to help raise her children while navigating poverty, domestic violence, community violence, depression, and the challenges of neighborhood crime and drugs. Through faith, perseverance, and determination, she ultimately experienced a transformation that lifted her family into a new chapter beyond those hardships. Tune in every Tuesday at 7 p.m. for another Oakland story. And if you’re from Oakland and want to be a guest, email us at ⁠oaklandgirllive@gmail.com⁠. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube at @OaklandGirlLive.

    57 min
  4. "From Me to We: Journeying Through Family Ties & Community Unity" w/ Chi Aurelia Spencer

    Mar 10

    "From Me to We: Journeying Through Family Ties & Community Unity" w/ Chi Aurelia Spencer

    Welcome to another powerful episode of Oakland Girl Live! Podcast, with host Shanita Perdomo and co-host Avia Thomas. This week, we’re joined by ChiAurelia Spencer, whose story is rooted in purpose, resilience, and the commitment to pouring back into the community. ChiAurelia shares her journey and the experiences that helped shape the mindset she carries today. Growing up, ChiAurelia learned early that life’s challenges can either define you or develop you. Through perseverance, faith, and determination, she chose to turn obstacles into lessons and opportunities for growth. Her story reflects the power of self-awareness, personal development, and understanding that your journey can become a guide for others. Throughout the conversation, ChiAurelia speaks about the importance of community, mentorship, and helping the next generation recognize their potential. She shares how the lessons she’s learned along the way have inspired her to uplift others and create spaces where people can grow, heal, and move forward with purpose. Today, she continues to lead by example—showing that when you invest in yourself and your community, you create lasting impact. Her story is honest, inspiring, and grounded in the belief that growth and transformation are always possible. Tune in every Tuesday at 7 p.m. for another Oakland story. And if you’re from Oakland and want to be a guest, email us at oaklandgirllive@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube at @OaklandGirlLive.

    53 min

  5. Feb 27

    "It's Time to Tell My Story" w/ Jessica Morton

    Welcome to another unforgettable episode of Oakland Girl Live! Podcast, with host Shanita Perdomo and co-host Avia Thomas. This week, we sit down with Jessica Morton, who shares something she told us no one had ever asked her before — her story. Raised in the Acorn neighborhood of West Oakland by a single mother, Jessica longed for consistency and a real childhood. Growing up with her mother and stepfather, she tried to be a normal kid alongside her peers at Havenscourt Middle School, but life behind closed doors was far from normal. Jessica opens up about enduring repeated sexual abuse, rape, and betrayal, only to be further ostracized from her innocence and her family when she tried to survive it. Her story is raw, painful, and powerful — a testimony of what so many endure in silence. Listen in. This is one you won’t forget. Tune in every Tuesday at 7 p.m. for another Oakland story. And if you’re from Oakland and want to be a guest, email us at oaklandgirllive@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube at @OaklandGirlLive!

    1h 16m

  6. Feb 27

    "Breaking Free and Healing From Generational Curses" w/ Tajanee Simmons

    Welcome to another powerful episode of Oakland Girl Live! Podcast, with host Shanita Perdomo and co-host Avia Thomas. This week, we’re joined by Tajanee “Tajee” Simmons, a true crown jewel of the Town. Tajee takes us on her journey growing up in Oakland, California, starting at Castlemont where much of her early life felt chaotic and almost took a turn for the worst. Surrounded by challenges that could have defined her future, Tajee made a different choice. With the help of her community, she graduated high school, went on to college, and began the intentional work of breaking generational curses and healing from them. Today, she stands as an example for her family and her community, proving that cycles can be broken and new legacies can be built. Her story is honest, inspiring, and deeply Oakland. Tune in every Tuesday at 7 p.m. for another Oakland story. And if you’re from Oakland and want to be a guest, email us at oaklandgirllive@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube at @OaklandGirlLive!

    51 min

  7. Feb 12

    "What's Your Here and Now" w/ Brian Darensburg

    Welcome to episode two of Oakland Girl Live! Podcast, with host Shanita Perdomo and co-host Avia Thomas. This week, we’re joined by Brian Darensburg, who takes us on a raw journey through his past and present in Oakland. Brian shares how, as a youth, he sought respect and how today, he’s found a new path, dedicating his life to Jesus Christ and becoming a role model for his sons. His stories will keep you on the edge of your seat. Tune in every Tuesday at 7 p.m. for another Oakland story. And if you’re from Oakland and want to be a guest, email us at oaklandgirllive@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube at @OaklandGirlLive!

    49 min

  8. Feb 12

    "Surviving Oakland: Making It Through" w/ Shaunice Murphy

    Welcome to the first episode of Oakland Girl Live! Podcast, with host Shanita Perdomo and co-host Avia Thomas, where we spotlight the powerful stories of people from Oakland, "The Town". In this debut episode, we sit down with Shaunice Murphy, who shares her incredible journey—surviving separation, hardship, and rebuilding her life in Oakland. Tune in every Tuesday for a new episode, and if you’re from Oakland and want to share your story, reach out at oaklandgirllive@gmail.com. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube at @OaklandGirlLive!

    1 hr
  • 8 Episodes

About

Welcome to Oakland Girl Live: The Podcast, where Oaklanders take the stage and share their stories of struggle, growth, and triumph. Hosted by Shanita Perdomo and Avia Thomas, they bring listeners audible love letters of those who call Oakland home and carry it with them wherever they go. These stories are here to inspire and empower, proof that good things come out of The Town. Interested in being a guest? Email us at oaklandgirlbook@gmail.com New episodes drop weekly on Tuesdays.

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