Vixen: Black Beauty and Pop Culture

Latest Episodes:

Black Beauty, Black Media: JET Beauty of the Week Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we trace the history of JET’s Beauty of the Week feature, from its 1950's origins, through its cultural peak! We break down the conversations around colorism, sexuality, and representation that shaped page 43 of one of the most iconic and recognizable pieces of black media.

You can keep up with all things Vixen by finding links at https://linktr.ee/thevixenmemoirs, and if you’d like to sign up for the monthly newsletter, The Vixen Index, head to the website: https://www.thevixenmemoirs.com/.

Thank You’s:

VHS Logos On Soundcloud

Dania Denise + Natasha Raisor

"Exploring Black Sexuality" By Robert Staples

"Black Is Beautiful: JET Beauties of the Week" By LaMonte McLemore

“The Beauty Standard Trade-Off: How Ebony, Essence, and Jet Magazine Represent African American/Black Female Beauty in Advertising” By Jerrika M. Anderson Edwards

“Body Shape and Size Depictions of African American Women in Jet Magazine” By Scott Parker, James J Gray, José Angel Soto, And Nana Dawson-Andoh
Mentioned:

The New Yorker
AndScape (formerly The Undefeated)
Let It Be Known News
AdAge
Las Vegas Black Image

Talent & Tabloids: Blu Cantrell Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

In the early 2000s, Blu Cantrell stepped on the scene with the looks, the voice, the style, and a chart-topping debut. However, as rumors got louder and the industry shifted, she disappeared from the public eye. What happened? In this episode, we revisit Blu’s career and examine how talent can be overshadowed by headlines, and how quickly the GP moves on. Stay to the end for a personal update on where I’ve been and what’s next!

You can keep up with all things Vixen by finding links at https://linktr.ee/thevixenmemoirs, and if you’d like to sign up to the upcoming monthly newsletter, The Vixen Index, head to the website: https://www.thevixenmemoirs.com/.

Thank You’s:

VHS Logos On Soundcloud

BourgeoisGhetto On Instagram

"Shakin' Exploitation: Black Female Bodies in Contemporary Hip Hop And Pornography" By Amber Walker

Mentioned: Metro, The Guardian, The Independent, Women’s Wear Daily, YouKnowIGotSoul.Com

Shine Bright: Danyel Smith Apr 06, 2022

Show notes

Back for a bonus episode! Join me as I talk with Danyel Smith, author, writer, and host of the Black Girl Songbook podcast about her brand new book, Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop!
We discuss the impactful careers of three of the many women highlighted in the book- Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, and Stephanie Mills. Later, we talk about Danyel's connection to these three women, and get up close and personal with her about the music she loves!
Buy Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop: https://rb.gy/ukad6d
Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS
Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM
Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs
Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos
Submissions: VIXENPODCAST@GMAIL.COM

Film Review Finale: Black Girlhood In Southern Gothic Films Mar 23, 2022

Show notes

On this season's film review finale episode, we talk about Southern Black Gothic movies centered around black girlhood- specifically Beloved and Eve's Bayou. We're back with a BRAND NEW SEASON on 5.11.22! ⁠
Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS
Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM
Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs
Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos
Submissions: VIXENPODCAST@GMAIL.COM

Black Beauty Pageants Part Two: Miss Black USA Mar 16, 2022

Show notes

Today's episode is the second and final part of a two-part series on the history of black beauty pageants! This one talks about Miss Black USA, the uniqueness of the pageant's mission, and controversy over the years.
Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS
Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM
Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs
Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos
Submissions: VIXENPODCAST@GMAIL.COM

Black Beauty Pageants Part One: Miss Black America Mar 09, 2022

Show notes

Today's episode is the first part of a two-part series on the history of black beauty pageants! Today, we talk about the inception of Miss Black America pageant and how it progressed over the years.
Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS
Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM
Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs
Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos
Submissions: VIXENPODCAST@GMAIL.COM

Fashion's Hidden Figure: Zelda Wynn Valdes Mar 02, 2022

Show notes

On this week's episode, we talk about the life and career of Zelda Wynn Valdes, her black starlet clientele, and the innovative moves she made to propel the fashion world forward.
Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS
Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM
Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs
Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos
Submissions: VIXENPODCAST@GMAIL.COM

Crime Crossover: Sadia Morrison Feb 23, 2022

Show notes

Sadia Morrison was a promising, determined, young stylist and image consultant with a very bright future. Then, she was found behind the Highbridge Projects in the Bronx. What happened to Sadia? Trigger Warning: in this episode, we discuss the topics of suicide and murder.
Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS
Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM
Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs
Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos
Submissions: VIXENPODCAST@GMAIL.COM

Black Betty Boop: Baby Esther Feb 16, 2022

Show notes

Today's episode talks about the short (or was it?) life of Esther 'Baby Esther' Jones, the young black singer, dancer, and entertainer who was the inspiration behind the iconic Betty Boop character.
Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS
Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM
Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs
Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos
Submissions: VIXENPODCAST@GMAIL.COM

BONUS: Let's Talk About Black Girl Luxury... Feb 09, 2022

Show notes

This week we've got a bonus episode centered around the Black Girl Luxury phenomenon currently taking the Internet by storm. Where did it come from? What defines 'luxury'? Is the popularity of this 'movement' helpful or harmful (or a mix of both) for black girls?
Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS
Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM
Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs
Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos
Submissions: VIXENPODCAST@GMAIL.COM

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