A soulful experience of life musings, plant medicine, and music.
A Cup of Tea & Jams elevates stories about herbs and their relationship to the healing vibrations of good music. Episodes features reflections from Black and Brown herbalists, land stewards, and healers who have a story to tell about a herb of their choosing and a song that embodies the energy of this plant.
Host Khayla Deans is an herbalist and cultural worker who understands the power of storytelling as a tool for healing and collective care. As a multi-hyphenate artist who has created and amplified the stories of others through various mediums as a curator, writer, and image maker, she believes that art and culture are necessary strategies for empowerment & liberation. As a spiritual herbalist, it brings Khayla great joy to invite others to the creative process of healing through the partnership of supportive plant allies.
Subscribe to our newsletter: acupofteaandjams.substack.com (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)
Navigating Eclipse Season through Embodiment & Lemon Balm Tea
Welcome to A Cup of Tea & Jams — a podcast that is full of life musings, the plant medicine, and music. Today I am sharing revelations about quieting the mind, listening to the body, flowing with as much grace as I can since it is eclipse season during this month of August. I lift up:
Wisdom I received from writer Cole Arthur Riley about the trauma of disembodiment and what it means to truly be in our bodies
My own journey to quiet my mind to become more attuned with my body
How eclipse season is a great time to get in touch with what you are feeling
How lemon balm and a few other herbal allies can be a great nervous system support during this time
To receive the herbal recipe that was shared in the episode, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter — A Cup of Tea & Jams via substack. (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/archive)
30 Jul 2026
Shifting into Perimenopause ft Adaugo Botchway, Certified Health Coach & Registered Nurse
I don’t know about your algorithm, but as for mine — everyone is talking about perimenopause. In my opinion, this wasn’t so much the case around 5 to 10 years ago. However, this natural stage of life is still clouded with some mystery, confusion, and lack of support.
Today, I am speaking with Adaugo Botchway, a Registered Nurse and Certified Health & Wellness Coach that specializes in perimenopause & hormonal shifts.
In today’s episode we discuss:
* Adaugo’s perimenopause journey
* Adaugo’s experience caring for women as a Registered Nurse & her transition to coaching women as founder of Rooted in Her Essence
* Developing the skill of body wisdom & awareness through personal health data to improve an individual’s agency while meeting with a doctor
About our guest:
Adaugo Botchway is the founder of Rooted in Her Essence Coaching (https://www.rootedinheressence.com/) where she assists women with navigating and decoding their body signals that occur during hormonal shifts. As a Registered Nurse, she spent over 25 years caring for women and families at all stages of life— from antepartum and postpartum units to newborn, pediatric, and nursing informatics care. Aduago holds a master of science in Nursing and is also a Certified Health & Wellness coach. She also served on the Board of the Junior League of Wilmington DE for two years and is currently serving as a member of the Delaware Valley Chapter of Mocha Moms.
I truly believe Adaugo’s story and nuggets of wisdom that she gained from her own mid life transformation will benefit others who are experiencing perimenopause. I hope you enjoy our conversation!
P.S.
As Adaugo and I talked, I thought about various plant allies that are very supportive to the perimenopause & menopause journey. The herb that stood out to me the most was Motherwort — a personal favorite of mine. I didn’t get into the details of motherwort in our episode, however I had a great conversation with fellow herbalist Erika Parker-Smith, a couple of seasons ago, about her own relationship to the plant and how it helped her navigate life transitions. Check it out here: https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/p/garden-talk-04-tending-to-a-courageous (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/p/garden-talk-04-tending-to-a-courageous)
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit acupofteaandjams.substack.com/subscribe (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)
10 Jul 2026
Reacquainting with My 23 Year Old Self via Jupiter in Leo Transit
Alrighty, I’m in my astrology bag during this week’s episode. Around June 30, 2026 — the planet Jupiter entered the sign of Leo, after transiting Cancer for a year. And it will be in Leo until July 25 2027. This transit is one of many significant astrological & powerful transits of 2026. As the largest planet in our solar system, it takes nearly 12 years to orbit around the Sun. This also means it takes nearly 12 years for Jupiter to return to a sign of the zodiac. The last time Jupiter was transiting the sign of Leo was from mid July 2014 to mid August 2015. A lot has changed in 12 years, right?
Subscribe to my newsletter: https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/ (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/)
Learn more about Jupiter in Leo: https://www.chani.com/blogs/your-guide-to-jupiter-in-leo-2026 (https://www.chani.com/blogs/your-guide-to-jupiter-in-leo-2026)
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit acupofteaandjams.substack.com/subscribe (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)
25 Jun 2026
Sole to Soul: How Our Feet Are Maps to The Inner Workings of Our Bodies
Hey good people! I am excited to bring forward a virtual workshop on Thursday, July 9th at 6pm ET with my good friend & fellow herbalist Brittaney Whitenhill.
On today’s episode, Brittaney and I shared a bit on what to expect from our upcoming workshop as well as our own experiences. Our feet carry us through life, but they also carry important messages about our health. Drawing from African American spiritual herbalism and Chinese Traditional Medicine, this virtual workshop explores the connection between the feet, internal organs, energy pathways, and ancestral healing practices. Participants will learn to recognize common indicators of imbalance and discover rituals and herbs that support restoration from sole to soul.
Link to register: SoleToSoulWorkshop.eventbrite.com (https://SoleToSoulWorkshop.eventbrite.com)
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit acupofteaandjams.substack.com/subscribe (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)
18 Jun 2026
Protecting My Inner Fire with the Energy of Rosemary
This episode, I continue my mini series on taking baby steps into the summer solstice. (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/p/taking-baby-steps-into-the-solstice) Every week, I am tapping into the energy of an herb that is ruled by the Sun to honor the arrival of summer.
This week I am sitting with Rosemary, a protective plant ally of the sun and fire. I know it is a common kitchen herb that many folks cook with because it is packed with aroma and flavor. But it is also potent with medicinal benefits and spiritual fortitude.
Some links I lifted up in the episode:
https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/p/garden-talk-03-remember-yourself (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/p/garden-talk-03-remember-yourself)
https://centersageremedies.com/ (https://centersageremedies.com/)
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit acupofteaandjams.substack.com/subscribe (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)
11 Jun 2026
Taking Baby Steps into the Solstice
Good people,
How is it June already??!! On June 21st, we will experience Summer Solstice. In this podcast episode I share how I plan to embody the essence of summer. For this upcoming solstice, I am calling in abundance, play, growth, and success that will carry me into the rest of the year. What are you thinking about calling in at the turning point of the year? What are the intentions that you have sown and the top of the year that you want to continue to nourish and grow?
I also share how my daily practice of pilates and the nourishing presence of chamomile remind me that taking small, mundane, and incremental steps are just as important as taking big leaps of faith.
I hope you enjoy the episode! Let me know what are you calling in for yourself during the summer solstice? Or what baby steps you are taking in your life that you want to celebrate? You can subscribe to my newsletter at acupofteaandjams.substack.com & share in the comments.
Until next time,
Khayla
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit acupofteaandjams.substack.com/subscribe (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)
25 Feb 2026
Anchoring Our Joy with Calendula ft Brittaney Whitenhill
Welcome to A Cup of Tea & Jams, a podcast and publication that is full of life musings, plant medicine, and music. If this is your first time listening or even if you’ve listened to previous episodes (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/podcast/archive?sort=new) — thank you for tuning in. We made it to season 2! We made it to season 2!
This season, I am highlighting different practices that helped ground, nourish, and fortify me during seasons of transformation. To kick us off, I invited my dear friend & fellow herbalist, Brittaney Whitenhill (https://www.our-backyard.org/our-soil) to chat about sustaining our joy practices during a time of upheaval. This conversation was such a balm for my spirit and I’m excited to share with you. It is also a glimpse into a workshop that Brittaney and I are co-hosting on Wednesday March 4th about joy practices.
We still have tickets available! Purchase here: https://joyinthemidst.eventbrite.com (https://joyinthemidst.eventbrite.com)
Our Backyard: https://www.our-backyard.org/ (https://www.our-backyard.org/)
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit acupofteaandjams.substack.com/subscribe (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)
20 Apr 2025
Slowing Down to Witness
During this month of April, I am celebrating the first anniversary of the launching of my newsletter, A Cup of Tea & Jams! Today, I am returning to a previous reflection from my newsletter titled Freedom in the Quiet.
To Read: https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/p/freedom-in-the-quiet (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/p/freedom-in-the-quiet)
Playlist Referenced: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/02hYVtOFkX7xobllxA8Sbp?si=LEk8WFLnRmer6O03uPVHYg (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/02hYVtOFkX7xobllxA8Sbp?si=LEk8WFLnRmer6O03uPVHYg)
Subscribe to A Cup of Tea & Jams newsletter: https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/ (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/)
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit acupofteaandjams.substack.com/subscribe (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)
15 Feb 2025
Sweet Like Honey Groove
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit acupofteaandjams.substack.com (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_7)
I had no intention to send an offering today and yet here I am. I've learned that when my spirit and creativity decide to move and flow, listen to it. I'm realizing that I was inspired by the power of music today, so shout out to all of the musicians and artists that create beautiful love songs and stories that capture our experiences.
Let me back up.
Today is Friday, February 14th, 2025, known to everyone around the world as Valentine's Day. There are all types of hearts and love and roses and chocolates and conversations about love and all the forms of love. As the day went on, I thought about a particular playlist that I created nearly eight years ago. Now, it is one of my favorite playlists and it's timeless, at least to me. I was inspired by a couple songs that really captured the sweetness of love, the joy of love ,and the romance of a budding relationship. And so that inspired me to create Sweet Like Honey Groove (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2eUhOpYU7EKQ4JSc9ELHux?si=7c8275f595374275) because your girl loves a good groove. I hope you enjoy.
Subscribe to A Cup of Tea & Jams (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/) and read the rest of this post to retrieve the Damiana Delights recipe.
31 Dec 2024
Garden Talk 04: Tending to A Courageous Heart with Motherwort featuring Erika Parker-Smith
A Cup of Tea & Jams (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/) is a reader-supported publication and podcast. If this offering blesses you, consider upgrading to a paid subscription or buy me a cup of tea (http://buymeacoffee.com/KhaylaD).
On the last new moon of 2024, I thought it would be fitting to share today’s offering, which is about the beautiful and powerful plant motherwort. It’s interesting that this episode is premiering at the start of winter yet the plant itself flourishes during the hot summer months of Leo season.
While there are definitely some folks who know what motherwort is, there are quite a few folks who are not familiar. I was definitely one of the latter. In early spring, I decided to try my hand in growing motherwort, which is very easy to do because it is part of the mint family. As a result, it grows abundantly.
After spending some time with the flowering herb and receiving support during a year that was full of grief and heartache, I decided to bring it forward in my Garden Talk series to lift up how it has bolstered me through this time. I am joined by a wonderful woman and fellow herbalist, Erika Parker-Smith who also has a deep relationship with motherwort and has so much knowledge & wisdom to share.
In our conversation, we talk about how motherwort is supportive for the womb and heart. We also discuss navigating life transitions, cycling through grief, and how a walk with motherwort has led Erika to become a death doula.
To learn more about Erika and her work as an herbalist check her out at Rebelmancy (https://rebelmancy.com/) and on IG via @rebelmancy (https://www.instagram.com/rebelmancy/) and @the_eccentriccousin (https://www.instagram.com/the_eccentriccousin/).
Other gems shared in this episode:
* Black Grief Practitioners Are Protecting Black Life In Death (https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/black-death-doulas-grief-practitioners-history)
* Alua Arthur Ted Talk: Why thinking about death helps you live a better life (https://www.ted.com/talks/alua_arthur_why_thinking_about_death_helps_you_live_a_better_life?subtitle=en)
* Going With Grace (https://goingwithgrace.com/)
Get full access to A Cup of Tea & Jams at acupofteaandjams.substack.com/subscribe (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
29 Nov 2024
Garden Talk 03: Remember Yourself with Rosemary featuring Marasia Simone
Marasia Simone, a soul care herbalist and founder of Center Sage Herbal Remedies, shares the transformative power of Rosemary in navigating life's challenges and reclaiming inner wisdom.
17 Oct 2024
Garden Talk 02: Ancestral Medicine with Hibiscus and Qubilah Huddleston
A Cup of Tea & Jams (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/) is a reader-supported publication and podcast. If this offering blessed you, consider upgrading to a paid subscription or buy me a cup of tea (https://buymeacoffee.com/khaylad). To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming subscriber.
Growing hibiscus is truly a journey. I had the pleasure to chat with my friend Qubilah Huddleston about her journey with the beloved flower for my second installment of my Garden Talk audio series. Qubilah is a fellow herbalist, gardener, and writer. She is founder of The Holistic Agenda and Black Women Get to Be (https://open.substack.com/pub/blackwomengettobe), a place where Black women get to receive actionable advice on how to do more of what feeds their soul.
In this episode, you will hear us refer to hibiscus by its various names. Also, we discuss Qubilah’s call to return back to land, her pursuit in personal wellness and community care, and the ancestral medicine that Hibiscus provides.
Gratitude to Qubilah for saying yes and becoming my very first guest at A Cup of Tea & Jams! Y'all are in for a treat! The transcript is available to read on the web version of the publication in the upper right corner under the title of the article.
To stay in touch with all of the cool things Qubilah is up to, be sure to subscribe to her publication, Black Women Get to Be (https://open.substack.com/pub/blackwomengettobe) and follow her on IG @qubilahsays (https://www.instagram.com/qubilahsays/). Also, if you live in the DMV area, she is leading two upcoming herbal workshops! See the flyer below for more information and register via here (https://linktr.ee/theholisticagenda).
Get full access to A Cup of Tea & Jams at acupofteaandjams.substack.com/subscribe (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
15 Sept 2024
Garden Talk Episode 1: A Rainy Day with Lemon Balm
Hello Good People! Welcome to A Cup of Tea & Jams podcast. This is an audio companion to my newsletter. Every now and again, I want to chit chat and send a little voice note about life, plants, and good music. Today, I am excited to share the first installment of my Garden Talk series. This is where I bring stories about the different plants I am currently growing this season and all that I am learning about myself and life during the process. This episode is about the beautiful and uplifting Lemon Balm, which has supported & replenished myself over the last couple of weeks.
My musical offering is “Symptom of Life” by WILLOW. In the episode I break down my interpretation of this song and how it feels like my time with lemon balm.
Lastly, as I mentioned at the end of the podcast, there is a wonderful Spiritual Herbalism Conference (https://www.nycspiritualherbalismconference.com/) that is happening the first week of October, 10/5-10/6. This year’s theme is A Healer in Every Home. It will be a powerful time so I hope that folks who are interested, can attend!
Enjoy this episode! There is also a transcript provided to read on the web version of A Cup of Tea & Jams (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/). After you listen, let me know what you think in the comments or send me an email.
Get full access to A Cup of Tea & Jams at acupofteaandjams.substack.com/subscribe (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
25 Aug 2024
The Joy of Putting My Hands In Dirt
Welcome to A Cup of Tea & Jams podcast. This is an audio companion to my newsletter (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/). Every now and again, I want to chit chat and send a little voice note about life, plants, and good music. In my first episode, I give a quick overview on what to expect in this audio experience and share a bit about how my garden is currently a source of joy in my life. Future episodes I will bring stories about the 10 different plants I am currently growing this season and all that I am learning about myself and life during the process. Of course, there will still be some great music to share and maybe some herbal goodies. Also, here is the link to my Plants Are Portals volume 1 playlist (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3CWaCnf0MdxYPjAIV5bIuM?si=ea63c915e9c040cf) and my first newsletter (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/p/my-call-to-pursue-herbalism) about the call to spiritual herbalism.
Stay awhile, grab some tea, & jam with me!
Music from Uppbeat (https://uppbeat.io/t/fe77a/euphoria).
Get full access to A Cup of Tea & Jams at acupofteaandjams.substack.com/subscribe (https://acupofteaandjams.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 11 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
8
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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