The Truth About...

Lauren & Dionne

The Truth About... dissects a variety of topics as only best friends can. Dionne and Lauren have been friends for over 20 years and they LOVE to talk about everything. Join the conversation as they dig into the truth about soul care, self-care, family, community, and friendship. At the end of each episode, they will share the books they are reading now and the things they are loving (you know, the simple things that add joy to our lives). Feel free to connect with Dionne and Lauren to share your own truth, submit show ideas, or to ask questions. Email: thetruthabout.est2022@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/the_truth_about_est2022 read less
Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

The Truth About...Gifts for Book Lovers
Oct 17 2022
The Truth About...Gifts for Book Lovers
The gift giving season is upon us! If you are anything like Dionne and Lauren you too believe that a book is the perfect gift for anyone! In this episode the ladies talk about their favorite books to give as gifts for children/youth, cookbooks, coffee table/lifestyle books and subscriptions for the book lover in your life. They also both give an idea of a gift that pairs well with a book. When you finish this episode you just might have all “your people” covered for this holiday season!    Please feel free to connect with The Truth About... your favorite books to give. If you have any suggestions for the ladies they would love to hear from you! If you don’t know by now they are always ready to hear about good books. thetruthabout.est2022@gmail.com instagram.com/the_truth_about_est2022   Links we mentioned in this episode: Dionne’s books for Children and Youth Heart and Soul by Kadir Nelson https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Soul-America-African-Americans/dp/0061730793/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3SLOC1LUXJBCY&keywords=heart+and+soul+by+kadir+nelson&qid=1665926864&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjYyIiwicXNhIjoiMC40NSIsInFzcCI6IjAuNDEifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=heart+and+soul+by+%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-1 On This Day: History of the World in 366 Days by DK https://www.amazon.com/This-Day-History-World-Days/dp/0744029171/ref=sr_1_1?crid=280TZORWACOZN&keywords=DK+publishing+this+day+in+history&qid=1665926957&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjU3IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=dk+publishing+this+day+in+history%2Caps%2C66&sr=8-1 Timelines from Black History: Leaders, Legends and Legacies by DK https://www.amazon.com/Timelines-Black-History-Leaders-Legacies/dp/0744039096/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=ZYTITSNVC1S3&keywords=timelines+in+black+history&qid=1665927166&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=timlines+in+black+history%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1         Dionne’s Coffee Table and Lifestyle Books Restoration House: Creating a Space That Gives Life and Connection to All Who Enter by Kennisha Buycks https://www.amazon.com/Restoration-House-Creating-Space-Connection/dp/031009206X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3L8UGU0IYJBG4&keywords=restoration+house+kennesha+buycks&qid=1665927319&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=Restoration+house%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-1 The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living with Less by Christine Platt https://www.amazon.com/Afrominimalists-Guide-Living-Less/dp/1982168048/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1665927466&sr=8-1   Dionne’s Cookbooks Magnolia Table Volumes 1 and 2 by Joanna Gaines https://www.amazon.com/Magnolia-Table-1-Joanna-Gaines/dp/B08972TCFG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=77HOGA1W3G8O&keywords=magnolia+table+cookbook+volume+1+and+2&qid=1665927661&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjA0IiwicXNhIjoiMS43NiIsInFzcCI6IjEuNjQifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=magnolia+table%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1   Dionne’s Subscription Ideas The Magnolia Journal https://www.amazon.com/Meredith-The-Magnolia-Journal/dp/B01N35UMQV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=72DENC4OPSU5&keywords=magnolia+magazine+subscription&qid=1665927763&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMS4zNSIsInFzcCI6IjEuMjQifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=magnolia+magazine+subscription%2Caps%2C72&sr=8-1   The Week Junior Magazine https://theweekjunior.com/subscribe?channel=paidsearch&gclid=Cj0KCQjw166aBhDEARIsAMEyZh4iALKOsP7NyYd188avlgoZ_JES-efx2gL6YcOTxi4Q2ZVyaOSWykAaAvV3EALw_wcB       Dionne’s Gift That Goes Well with a Book The Ultimate Reading Challenge:Complete a Goal, Open an Envelope, and Reveal Your Bookish Prize by Weldon Owen https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Reading-Challenge-Complete-Envelope/dp/1681888238   Lauren’s Books for Children and Youth The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+7+1%2F2+deaths+of+evelyn+hardcastle&crid=1C1Q4Y8FSJ574&sprefix=the+7+1%2F2%2Caps%2C83&ref=nb_sb_ss_deep-retrain-0-ops-acceptance_1_9   Parker Looks Up by Parker Curry https://www.amazon.com/Parker-Looks-Up-Extraordinary-Moment/dp/1534451862/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3DNXV9G07RGNT&keywords=parker+looks+up+book&qid=1665928408&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjcwIiwicXNhIjoiMS4yOCIsInFzcCI6IjEuMDUifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=parker+loo%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-1   Lauren’s Coffee Table and Lifestyle Books Glory by Kahran Bethencourt https://www.amazon.com/GLORY-Magical-Visions-Black-Beauty/dp/1250204569/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3DZE0XH8G5AWL&keywords=Glory&qid=1665928470&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjQ4IiwicXNhIjoiMy44NyIsInFzcCI6IjEuODUifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=glory%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-3 At Home with Dogs: A Rescue Love Story by Patricia Hart McMillan https://www.amazon.com/At-Home-Dogs-Rescue-Stories/dp/0764360469/ref=sr_1_2?crid=37ZHUXVWQWUO3&keywords=At+HOme+with+Dogs&qid=1665928559&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjgxIiwicXNhIjoiMC44OSIsInFzcCI6IjAuOTIifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=at+home+with+dogs%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-2         Lauren’s Cookbooks Betty Crocker’s Cooking Basics: Learning to Cook with Confidence https://www.amazon.com/Betty-Crockers-Cooking-Basics-Confidence/dp/0028624513/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2KOP8W1ELQUDY&keywords=betty+crocker+cookbook+basics&qid=1665928667&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=betty+crockers+cookbook+basics%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-2 Taste of Home Five Ingredient Cookbook https://www.amazon.com/Taste-Home-5-Ingredient-Cookbook-Groceries/dp/1617654086/ref=sr_1_1?crid=36KYRXT9YVL7V&keywords=taste+of+home+five+ingredient+cookbook&qid=1665928806&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjAzIiwicXNhIjoiMS42NSIsInFzcCI6IjEuMzYifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=taste+of+home+five+%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-1   Lauren’s Subscriptions The Owlcrate https://www.owlcrate.com/?utm_source=google&utm_campaign=17535893493&utm_medium=ad&utm_content=605092676629&utm_term=owl%20rate&campaignid=17535893493&adgroupid=137384672545&adid=605092676629&gclid=Cj0KCQjw166aBhDEARIsAMEyZh5KCxsWdLxHfkGumgh_7ziWpIISfoEOvFsPMfNSsE9PvXs9y0oSB7YaAl5MEALw_wcB Once Upon a Book Club https://www.onceuponabookclub.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw166aBhDEARIsAMEyZh4KtkdKrGkJ6wgEqcP8lkp52qUA-iZEgOW59Gu0lkzGcDtAuxDlcZ4aAkPAEALw_wcB   Lauren’s Gift That Goes Well with a Book https://www.amazon.com/Inspirational-Magnetic-Bookmarks-Encouraging-Positive/dp/B086DH3CVS/ref=sr_1_11?crid=JIOMT5Z12KZ4&keywords=magnetic+bookmarks&qid=1665929036&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI2LjgyIiwicXNhIjoiNy4wOSIsInFzcCI6IjYuNzcifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=magnetic+boo%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-11
The Truth About...Faith Over Fear
Aug 15 2022
The Truth About...Faith Over Fear
Welcome to Season 2…Words to Live By! In this episode the ladies kick off the season with their FIRST guest interview, Brianna Downing, of Stoop and Stank. Brianna shares how she has experienced having faith over fear! Not only does Brianna offer some “tshirt quotable” wisdom she also left the ladies with a long list of fellow Black women owned businesses that she loves and believes you will love too. However, pace yourself, these are some great shops to keep in mind as we get ready for the holiday season right around the corner:) Please feel free to connect with The Truth About...to share how you have exercised faith over fear in your life. We’d love to hear all the ways you have tackled dreams that felt out of reach and ways you have grown in your faith. You can always connect with us at: thetruthabout.est2022@gmail.com instagram.com/the_truth_about_est2022   Links Brianna mentioned in this episode: Boho Gal https://www.boho-gal.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwuuKXBhCRARIsAC-gM0j1tny628_G8QiPTlsTQlz7Kvs7N1inRWeTu9rdwvG4wWumGmDeJRUaAqyfEALw_wcB   Angie Watts Beauty https://www.angiewatts.com/   Nubian Hueman https://nubianhueman.com/   Sable Collective https://www.thesablecollective.com/   A Meaningful Mood https://www.meaningfulmood.com/   Essential Tees Shop https://essentialteesshop.com/   I’m On My Way by Anton Milton and Glorified https://www.google.com/search?q=on+my+way+anton+milton+and+glorified&rlz=1CAIGZW_enUS996&oq=on+my+way+anton+milton+and+glorified&aqs=chrome..69i57.9194j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8   Lauren’s Masterpiece https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ELH37bvReDmW08X1N030ap6mJ7w-TxKz/view?usp=sharing
The Truth About...Summer Travel
Jul 20 2022
The Truth About...Summer Travel
This week Lauren and Dionne share tips and tricks for summer travel. They have found out over the years that the preparation for a trip  and what they do once they return from a vacation is just as important as the trip itself. Don’t worry, they also share their ideas for what they always do when they make it to their destination. Perhaps you will be traveling this summer or you’ll take a trip at another time, these tips can work in any season! Please feel free to connect with The Truth About...your tried and true vacation must haves. Do you have an idea that makes traveling less stressful and more enjoyable? We’d love to hear them. You can always connect with us at: thetruthabout.est2022@gmail.com instagram.com/the_truth_about_est2022 Links we mentioned in this episode:   Lauren’s Summer Favorites Toiletry bag - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F13RJWM/?coliid=I83LX6OQS16X5&colid=35MMVJLBCDQ1&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it Travel Laundry bag - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B099F1P7F8/?coliid=I1VZR4Z48D1W4E&colid=35MMVJLBCDQ1&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it Foldable shopping bag with wheels https://www.amazon.com/NymphFable-Trolley-Foldable-Shopping-Capacity/dp/B09Y38GKP8/ref=sr_1_17?crid=3SA4G610EVWXC&keywords=foldable+bag+with+wheels&qid=1657025661&sprefix=foldable+bag+with+wheels%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-17 Sunhat https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VHL3IPA/?coliid=IUXP08UHPVOZ4&colid=35MMVJLBCDQ1&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it   Dionne’s Summer Favorites Packing Cubes https://www.amazon.com/DIMJ-Compression-Foldable-Organizer-Lightweight/dp/B07QNHM12F/ref=sr_1_6?crid=19BKJJZ8JMCY&keywords=packing+cubes+for+travel&qid=1658243512&sprefix=packing+cubes%2Caps%2C482&sr=8-6   Bath and Body Works Sun-washed Citrus https://www.bathandbodyworks.com/p/sun-washed-citrus-gentle-foaming-hand-soap-026487392.html?cm_sp=Search-_-Results-_-026487392&trackingid=prodType Chaco Sandals https://www.chacos.com/US/en/z-cloud-2/24096W.html?dwvar_24096W_color=JCH108576#cgid=women-featured-best-sellers&start=1 Kids Travel Subscription https://lettersafar.com/ Hotel Game Idea https://www.amazon.com/Games-25254-Flipslide-Game/dp/B079D7XHSY/ref=sr_1_10?crid=MUNBRZE4HBVF&keywords=Logic+toys+tweens+flip+it&qid=1658244032&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=logic+toys+tweens+flip+it%2Ctoys-and-games%2C58&sr=1-10
The Truth About...Our Mothers
May 2 2022
The Truth About...Our Mothers
In this episode Dionne and Lauren talk about the two women they know best, their mothers! They reminisce about childhood memories, share some words to live by from their mothers and dive into what it's like to be a “friend” to their mothers as adults. Though this episode is in celebration of Mother’s Day we know that this holiday can be hard for some listeners. If you have lost a mother, long to be a mother or are having a difficult time in your motherhood we see you and we stand with you.  Please feel free to connect with The Truth About...your mother or another woman in your life that is like a mother to you. If you have any suggestions for the ladies about their “trouble spot” routines they would love to hear from you! thetruthabout.est2022@gmail.com instagram.com/the_truth_about_est2022 Links we mentioned in this episode: Rhythms and Renewals: Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose by Rebekkah Lyons https://www.amazon.com/Rhythms-Renewal-Trading-Anxiety-Purpose/dp/0310356148/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3AN6XTES3VZGI&keywords=rhythms+and+renewal&qid=1651408455&sprefix=rythms+and+rene%2Caps%2C54&sr=8-1 Dionne’s Favorite laundry stain treatment https://www.dollartree.com/las-totally-awesome-laundry-pre-wash-stain-remover-32oz-/808178 The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh https://www.amazon.com/Love-My-Life-Novel-ebook/dp/B098J337VY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19M1Y3NE2RVK&keywords=the+love+of+my+life+rosie+walsh&qid=1651408773&sprefix=the+love+of+%2Caps%2C68&sr=8-1 Lauren’s Favorite Skincare Line on the company website here https://www.boldenusa.com/collections/kits/products/bolden-clear-skin-travel-kit It’s also sold  a la carte on Amazon here https://www.amazon.com/Bolden-BCC1480-Skin-Clarifying-Cleanser/dp/B01LYNHTZ8/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?crid=16BHQK29EL96B&keywords=bolden&qid=1651409030&s=beauty&sprefix=bolden%2Cbeauty%2C65&sr=1-4-spons&psc=1&smid=A8R7E7M9T02O6&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEySEM5VjRKWUw1RlZMJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUExMDI5ODUxMVYwMzBXSDQ5UTI1NCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzgzODYwMlJZTUdQOVdQRktLSSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
The Truth About...Rhythms and Routines that are Keeping Us Balanced
Apr 18 2022
The Truth About...Rhythms and Routines that are Keeping Us Balanced
In this episode Dionne and Lauren talk about the rhythms and routines that they have that are helping them care for themselves and those around them. They explore what’s working and where they need to “level up”. They even share some childhood routines that they have scrapped and reinvented. As always they share what they are loving, and what they’re reading There might even be some talk about how to turn water into wine!    Please feel free to connect with The Truth About... to share your truth as it relates to your rhythms and routines. If you have any suggestions for the ladies about their “trouble spot” routines they would love to hear from you! thetruthabout.est2022@gmail.com instagram.com/the_truth_about_est2022   Links we mentioned in this episode: Jeremy Fink and Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass https://www.amazon.com/Jeremy-Fink-Meaning-Life-Wendy/dp/0316058491/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1DEF9JK2U8JPU&keywords=jeremy+fink+and+the+meaning+of+life&qid=1650027596&sprefix=jeremy+F%2Caps%2C52&sr=8-1 Dionne’s Favorite Kumbucha https://www.target.com/p/health-ade-organic-vegan-pink-lady-apple-kombucha-16-fl-oz/-   Song of a Captive Bird by Jasmine Darznik https://www.amazon.com/Song-Captive-Bird-Jasmin-Darznik-ebook/dp/B0738L1LSJ/ref=sr_1_1?c Lauren’s Bose Wireless Speaker https://www.amazon.com/Bose-SoundLink-Color-Bluetooth-speaker/dp/B01HETFQKS/ref=sr_1_4?crid=MVYO2HLUI0AC&keywords=bose+wireless+speakers&qid=1650028397&sprefix=Bose+wireless%2Caps%2C67&sr=8-4
The Truth About...Our Favorite Things
Mar 21 2022
The Truth About...Our Favorite Things
This week Dionne and Lauren talk about all things FAVORITE! They share their favorite books, podcasts and television shows. The ladies share why having entertainment that is enjoyable is an important part of soul care. Some of their favorites they knew the other would choose but there were some that came as a surprise. Listen and find out what “favorite” they shared. As with every episode, these avid readers shared what they are reading now and what they are loving now.  Be sure to listen all the way until the end for a few outtakes.  Please feel free to connect with The Truth About... to share your favorites. D0 you have some of the same favorites as Dionne and Lauren? thetruthabout.est2022@gmail.com instagram.com/the_truth_about_est2022 Links we mentioned in this episode: Dionne’s Favorite Books The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall https://www.amazon.com/Dearly-Beloved-Novel-Cara-Wall/dp/1982104538/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2W3ERQMK2M1GW&keywords=the+dearly+beloved+by+cara+wall&qid=1647125413&sprefix=the+dearly+%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-1 The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave https://www.amazon.com/Last-Thing-He-Told-Me/dp/1501171348/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1IG0226AWKQAC&keywords=the+last+thing+he+told+me&qid=1647131404&sprefix=the+la%2Caps%2C267&sr=8-1 The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo https://www.amazon.com/Light-We-Lost-Jill-Santopolo/dp/0735212767/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2BKDCLUFXSE3H&keywords=the+light+we+lost&qid=1647131533&sprefix=the+light+we%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-1 Lauren’s Favorite Books City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert https://www.amazon.com/City-Girls-Novel-Elizabeth-Gilbert/dp/1594634734/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1647132970&sr=8-1 The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett https://www.amazon.com/Vanishing-Half-Novel-Brit-Bennett/dp/0525536299/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1647133074&sr=8-1 Other People’s Houses by Abby Waxman https://www.amazon.com/Other-Peoples-Houses-Abbi-Waxman-ebook/dp/B073TJTN9T/ref=sr_1_1?crid=327630Y0ZPYQO&keywords=other+peoples+houses&qid=1647133160&sprefix=other+people%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-1     Dionne’s Favorite Podcasts What Fresh Hell…Laughing in the Face of Motherhood https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/ The Happy Hour with Jaime Ivey https://www.jamieivey.com/tag/the-happy-hour-podcast/ Girl Next Door Podcast https://www.girlnextdoorpodcast.com/ Lauren’s Favorite Podcasts History This Week https://www.history.com/history-this-week The Lazy Genius https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy Two Mr. P’s in a Podcast http://www.2mrpspodcast.com/ Dionne’s Favorite Television Shows Parenthood https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_cblVvo5bg All American https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIaujmoukqU Lauren’s Favorite Television Shows Grey’s Anatomy https://abc.com/shows/greys-anatomy And Just Like That… https://www.hbomax.com/grw-jlt?utm_id=sa%7c71700000089153280%7c58700007525423917%7cp67742119746&gclid=CjwKCAiAprGRBhBgEiwANJEY7GvK1ti5om1OpB_SGIDd91Wobs5N9d2-OYxvra2UIzbSo39Mc6wbWBoCgUgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds They both said that  this Hbo Max series was a favorite https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqeQVi1nPqs      What We’re Reading Dionne is reading Enough: 10 Things We Should Be Telling Teenage Girls by Kate Connor https://www.amazon.com/Enough-Things-Should-Teenage-Girls/dp/1433682931/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3RKQRHHKJ9DOK&keywords=enough+10+things+we+should+be+telling+teenage+girls&qid=1647129451&sprefix=Enough+10+%2Caps%2C347&sr=8-1   Lauren is reading The Midnight Library by Matt Haig https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Library-Novel-Matt-Haig/dp/0525559477/ref=sr_1_1?crid=J1NY0UEOGF5I&keywords=midnight+library&qid=1647129669&sprefix=midnight+%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-1 What We’re Loving This Week: Lauren cannot get enough of https://www.audible.com/ Dionne is obsessed with her new polymer clay earrings by  https://www.etsy.com/shop/SunflowersandRhymes?page=4#items And remember when Dionne said “whatever Laura Bush Hager tells me to read,I read it” You can find her book club selections here https://www.today.com/shop/read-with-jenna