
I had the best time talking with New York Times‘ bestselling author and love goddess adrienne maree brown!
I stumbled upon her work through a sidebar article about her most recent book, Pleasure Activism, and was sufficiently intrigued to reach out to her publisher for a copy of the book and a request for an interview.
Once the book arrived, I knew I was in for an education.
Her life journey, consciousness, and activism have led her to experiences and adventures and understandings that I had never considered. I found myself flummoxed and challenged on nearly every page.
And, truth be told, pretty nervous about the interview. Rarely do I approach an interview feeling so out of my depth.
adrienne couldn't have been more engaging, welcoming, and warm. Within minutes, we were just chatting away, sharing our life stories and weaving connection.
I hope you get as much out of our conversation as I did.
Oh, and if you'd like to learn more about her work, definitely pick up a copy of Pleasure Activism, and check out her podcast episode from a couple of weeks ago, where her sister interviews her about the concept and the book. In some ways, this episode of Plant Yourself is a primer for that deeper conversation.

And here's adrienne's official bio:
adrienne maree brown is author of Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds and Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good, and the co-editor of Octavia’s Brood: Science Fiction from Social Justice Movements. She is a writer, social justice facilitator, pleasure activist, healer and doula living in Detroit.
brown has been facilitating professionally for over fifteen years, and has worked with hundreds of organizations at all levels of scale including informal collectives, foundations, national networks and more.
She is the cohost of the How to Survive the End of the World podcast.
Enjoy, add your voice to the conversation via the comment box or audio recording box below, and please share – that's how we spread our message and spread our roots.
Links
adrienne maree brown's website
How to Survive the End of the World Podcast
Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good, by adrienne maree brown
The Combahee River Collective Statement
Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds, by adrienne maree brown
Octavia's Brood: Science Fiction Stories from Social Justice Movements, co-edited by adrienne maree brown
“Bloodchild,” by Octavia Butler
Parable of the Sower, by Octavia Butler
Parable of the Talents, by Octavia Butler
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Music
The Plant Yourself Podcast theme music, “Dance of Peace (Sabali Don),” is generously provided by Will Ridenour, a kora player from North Carolina who has trained with top Senegalese musicians.
It can be found on his first CD, titled Will Ridenour.
You can learn about Will, listen to more tracks, and buy music on his website, WillRidenour.com.
Gratitudes
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