As 2025 comes to a close, me and my co-host, Kaity Rodriguez, ring in the New Year with a playful yet reflective vibe of Black Love, dating, marriage, and public relationship moments that dominated the culture. Month by month, we revisit viral stories, celebrity relationships, and headline-making moments—judging each one as either messy or magical! January 2025 The viral cultural moment surrounding Aaron Pierre, sparked by his public appearances and widespread online admiration. We discuss attraction, aura, confidence, and what people perceive as universally appealing. February 2025 We discuss ethical non-monogamy, prompted by revelations about Kofi Siriboe and the overlap between his personal life and his role on Harlem. We explore honesty, desire, emotional bandwidth, jealousy, and the complexity of sustaining multiple relationships. March 2025 We discuss AD from Love Is Blind and her engagement with Ollie and Clay’s public reaction. April 2025 We discuss the viral Dear Future Wifey podcast appearance featuring Pastor Reggie and First Lady Kelly Steele. The discussion addresses church socialization, marital grace, infidelity, humiliation, and gendered expectations in Christian marriage. May 2025 We discuss Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s third pregnancy announcement and women rebounding after difficult relationships. Cardi B’s pregnancy and post-separation are also discussed in relation to recovery, public scrutiny, misogynoir, and Black women course-correcting at love. June 2025 We discuss Ashanti and Nelly following a clip from their reality show that sparked conversation about caretaking expectations and the negotiations couples make when bringing children into a relationship. July 2025 We discuss Shannon Sharpe’s scandal, financial fear, lust, reputation loss, and how avoidance of marriage does not necessarily protect men from relational or financial consequences. August 2025 We revisit the aftermath of Meagan Good and DeVon Franklin’s divorce, focusing on public commentary, protection of a former partner’s honor, and contrasting visions of marriage and parenthood. September 2025 September was quiet. October 2025 We discuss Coco Jones’ engagement, highlighting intentional dating, mentorship from married couples, and the role of community in supporting relationships before marriage. November 2025 We discuss Laterras Whitfield’s wedding and earlier engagement announcement. The discussion focuses on presentation, visibility, role fulfillment, image management, and the tension between mission-driven marriages and cherishing a partner’s personhood. December 2025 We close with Venus Williams’ engagement, using the moment to explore Black women’s autonomy in love, swirling, historical context, community expectations, and the difference between collective ideals and individual romantic choice. Don’t forget - if you have a Secret Story you want to share with me like the one I share in this episode, then I invite you to drop your truth for the next Secret Story episode! HOW I CAN HELP YOU: Interested in our services? Choose your option here. HOW YOU CAN HELP ME: Contribute to my dissertation by sharing your romantic experiences. Submissions: Submit your Secret Story Book your Awareness + Secret Story Session Submit your Safe Story Connect with Me: Website: www.joyicerobinson.com Instagram: @joyicerobinson Patreon: Become a Patron Work With Me: Book a Session
