Doula Debrief is a podcast docuseries focused on providing entertaining yet poignant discussion using evidence and research-based information on maternal & infant health for Black, Indigenous, Latino/a/x, Asian and other racially and linguistically diverse communities. The podcast also highlights interviews with community doulas, medical professionals, researchers & advocates on what they see on the front lines as they work to improve health outcomes for the families they support.
How Lillian Went from Community Health Worker to Empowering Doulas in Her Community
In this episode of the Doula Debrief podcast, Ali Buchanan hosts a wonderful conversation with Lillian Olero, an experienced doula and advocate, alongside Kimberly Porter-Ukeje, the CEO of Community Doula Alliance. They discuss the vital role of lived experiences in doula care, highlighting how families of color can navigate the often-overwhelming healthcare landscape.
Lillian, was one of the original doulas and doula trainers with CDA, shares her journey from a community health worker to a key figure in the growing the doula community. You'll discover how her personal experiences of feeling isolated during childbirth drive her mission to ensure no woman feels alone during this pivotal time. Together, they explore the profound impact of culturally competent care, revealing how doulas can bridge the gap in understanding and access to maternal healthcare.
You'll learn:
The transformative power of doula support in improving birth outcomes for African and Black American families.
How community awareness and referral systems have evolved, making doula care more accessible.
The critical conversations around advocacy in hospital settings and the importance of informed choice for expectant mothers.
Don't miss this episode, perfect for expectant parents, healthcare professionals, and anyone passionate about equitable healthcare. Tune in to learn how you can advocate for yourself or others during one of life's most profound experiences!
12 Oct 2026
Language, Culture & Care: Supporting Families and Sustaining Doulas with Jasmine Scott
In this episode of the Doula Debrief podcast, Marnellie Bishop has a conversation with Jasmine Scott, a bilingual birth doula and community leader, about her journey into doula work, the importance of cultural responsiveness in maternal health, and the supportive role of the Community Doula Alliance (CDA).
Jasmine shares her experiences from training to becoming a doula coordinator, emphasizing the significance of empowering families through choice and building a strong community among doulas. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of community-based doula care, as well as the ongoing professional development and support provided to doulas within the CDA framework.
Resources from the episode:
Click here to work with Jasmine
Connect with Jasmine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tu.tia.doula/
Make sure to support Community Doula Alliance
Become a monthly donor - givebutter.com/cda5
CDA Official Website - https://communitydoulaalliance.com/
Join the Community Doula Training waitlist - https://community-doula-alliance.kit.com/76bf23f0ff
Oregon Health Authority - Doula Certification - https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ei/pages/thw_birthdoulas.aspx
Follow us on Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/communitydoulaalliance
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/communitydoulaalliance
5 Oct 2026
Beyond the Birth Room: Intersectional Advocacy in Community Birth Work with Nia Harris
In this episode of the Doula Debrief podcast, Ali Buchanan talks with Nia Harris, the grant writer for Community Doula Alliance, about the many ways birth justice work can show up beyond attending births. Nia shares how her family history, public health background, and current doctoral research all connect to the way she approaches doula work, grant writing, and land stewardship.
The conversation is especially useful for aspiring doulas and birth workers who want to build a sustainable path in the field without burning out. It explores advocacy, storytelling, ancestral knowledge, and the idea that there are many valid roles in reproductive justice work beyond supporting birth.
Resources from the episode:
Read more about the tie between Nia's lineage & reproductive justice
Learn more about Healing Us Evergreen
Follow Nia on Instagram
Connect with Nia on LinkedIn
Make sure to support Community Doula Alliance
Become a monthly supporter here
Want to become a Community Doula with us? Join the CDT waitlist (https://community-doula-alliance.kit.com/76bf23f0ff)
Review the THW requirements – Oregon Health Authority – Doula Certification
28 Sept 2026
Reclaiming Roots: How Cultural Traditions Are Healing Modern Black Maternal Care with Shafia Monroe
In this episode of the Doula Debrief podcast, Ali Buchanan leads a discussion between Kimberly Porter-Ukeje, the CEO for Community Doula Alliance, and the legendary Shafia Monroe, traditional midwife, founder of ICTC doula training, and author of her new book, "Mothering the Mother."
Hear how historical practices are being reclaimed to improve maternal health outcomes in Black communities through Black doula training. They breakdown the importance of systemic changes and policy advancements for Black maternal health over the years plus the significance of cultural identity in doula work to bring back traditions in care like postpartum belly wrapping.
Join us for this inspiring conversation with birth advocates Mama Shafia and Kimberly Porter as they share their journeys, cultural traditions, and the evolution of Black doula work.
Resources from the episode:
Shafia's book Mothering the Mother on Amazon
Mama Shafia's Website - https://shafiamonroe.com/
SMC training - https://smcdoulas.com/
Postpartum African American Training on October 8th (virtual) - https://smcdoulas.com/courses/practicing-african-american-postpartum-care-october-2026/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shafiamonroe
Make sure to support Community Doula Alliance
Become a monthly donor - givebutter.com/cda5
CDA Official Website - https://communitydoulaalliance.com/
Join the Community Doula Training waitlist -
Oregon Health Authority - Doula Certification - https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ei/pages/thw_birthdoulas.aspx
Follow us on Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/communitydoulaalliance
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/communitydoulaalliance
21 Sept 2026
We're Back! 5 years of Building Community Doula Alliance
Welcome back to the Doula Debrief Podcast!
In this episode of the Doula Debrief podcast, Ali, Marnellie, & Kimberly return for the second season, which reflects on the last five years of CDA. The team shares organizational growth, navigating hard-won leadership lessons, and expanding direct support for local families and birthworkers, and the innovative first-of-a-kind Douly Model.
In this episode, we break down:
The 5-Year Evolution: The real story of building Community Doula Alliance from the ground up since our last season.
The Douly Model: How this innovative, wrap-around care framework is redefining sustainable support for families and birthworkers alike.
Organizational Resilience: Key takeaways on team development, community-centered leadership, and expanding our direct local impact.
What's Next for CDA: A transparent look at our future plans, upcoming initiatives, and what to expect throughout Season 2.
Join us as we reflect on the growth, achievements, and future plans of the organization!
Resources from the Episode:
CDA Official Website - https://communitydoulaalliance.com/
Douly Model Program Details - https://communitydoulaalliance.com/douly-program/
Community Doula Training waitlist -
Oregon Health Authority - Doula Certification - https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ei/pages/thw_birthdoulas.aspx
Become a monthly donor - givebutter.com/cda5
5 Year Anniversary Gala Recap Video
Follow us on social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/communitydoulaalliance
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/communitydoulaalliance
1 Jan 2022
Episode 6 - 2021 Year In Review
In Episode 6 of the Doula Debrief Podcast Marnellie and Community Doula Alliance Executive Director, Kimberly Porter, reflect on the growth and impact of the non-profit organization.
Want to Join Community Doula Alliance as a Board Member or Volunteer? Send an email to info@communitydoulaalliance.com
Want to Join the Diverse Doula Project? Send an email to ddp@communitydoulaalliance.com.
Looking for a Diverse Doula? Get Doula Support by completing our Doula Inquiry Form.
Links - Community Doula Alliance
Website: https://communitydoulaalliance.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/communitydoulaalliance
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/communitydoulaalliance/
PURCHASE your very own Community Doula Alliance water bottle and pens: https://forms.gle/FPngVJNbidwKH7oX8
INVEST IN US by making your one-time contribution or reoccuring donations: https://rally.org/f/1x2KcUUjwqy
5 Dec 2021
Episode 5 - What is the Diverse Doula Project
In Episode 5 of the Doula Debrief Podcast Ali and Marnellie interview Executive Director, Kimberly Porter to learn more about the Diverse Doula Project.
The Diverse Doula Project is a community based doula program dedicated to creating spaces for diverse doulas, especially Black, Indigenous, Latino/a/x, Asian and other racially and linguistically diverse, underrepresented doulas, to reclaim, celebrate, and receive mentorship and emotional support to practice their cultural and traditional birth and postpartum models of care. Based on client requests and preferences, DDP matches expectant parents with culturally specific doulas to help families successfully navigate and mitigate social determinants of health such as racism, stress, poverty, education, employment, housing, and access to other culturally specific services.
Want to Join the Diverse Doula Project? Send an email to ddp@communitydoulaalliance.com.
Looking for a Diverse Doula? Get Doula Support by completing our Doula Inquiry Form.
Links - Community Doula Alliance
Website: https://communitydoulaalliance.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/communitydoulaalliance
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/communitydoulaalliance/
PURCHASE your very own Community Doula Alliance water bottle and pens: https://forms.gle/FPngVJNbidwKH7oX8
INVEST IN US by making your one-time contribution or reoccuring donations: https://rally.org/f/1x2KcUUjwqy
20 Nov 2021
Episode 4 - Interview with Raeben Nolan, Program Director of Portland Doula Training
In Episode 4 of the Doula Debrief Podcast Ali and Marnellie interview Raeben Nolan, Program Coordinator of the Portland Doula Training program of Community Doula Alliance.
Raeben Nolan is a leader in the Oregon doula community as a doula coordinator, educator, mentor and curriculum developer for Birthingway College of Midwifery since 2013, a member of the TEMPS Subcommittee for the Traditional Healthcare Worker Commission and as the representative Doula Chair of the THW Commission from 2014-2019. As a doula with two decades of birth and postpartum experience in Oregon, she has a compelling interest in creating greater accessibility for doula care in our region as well as pathways for more doulas to build sustainable careers.
Links - Community Doula Alliance
Website: https://communitydoulaalliance.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/communitydoulaalliance
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/communitydoulaalliance/
PURCHASE your very own Community Doula Alliance water bottle and pens: https://forms.gle/FPngVJNbidwKH7oX8
INVEST IN US by making your one-time contribution or reoccuring donations: https://rally.org/f/1x2KcUUjwqy
24 Oct 2021
Episode 3 - Interview with Executive Director Kimberly Porter
In Episode 3 of the Doula Debrief Podcast Ali and Marnellie interview Executive Director, Kimberly Porter to discuss how Community Doula Alliance was founded and why a community based organziation like this is needed.
Links - Community Doula Alliance
Website: https://communitydoulaalliance.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/communitydoulaalliance
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/communitydoulaalliance/
PURCHASE your very own Community Doula Alliance water bottle and pens: https://forms.gle/FPngVJNbidwKH7oX8
INVEST IN US by making your one-time contribution or reoccuring donations: https://rally.org/f/1x2KcUUjwqy
10 Oct 2021
Episode 2 - Why We Became Doulas
In Episode 2 of the Doula Debrief Podcast, Ali and Marnellie share why they became doulas.
Links - Community Doula Alliance
Website: https://communitydoulaalliance.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/communitydoulaalliance
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/communitydoulaalliance/
PURCHASE your very own Community Doula Alliance water bottle and pens: https://forms.gle/FPngVJNbidwKH7oX8
INVEST IN US by making your one-time contribution or reoccuring donations: https://rally.org/f/1x2KcUUjwqy
To follow Marnellie and Ali visit their Instagram pages:
Marnellie at Hanau Doula (https://instagram.com/hanaudoula)
Ali at The Forty Day Doula (https://www.instagram.com/thefortydaydoula/)
26 Sept 2021
Inaugural Episode - The Role of a Doula
In this first episode of the Doula Debrief Podcast, your hosts Marnellie and Ali talk about the role of a doula, what is a community-based doula and what to expect on future episodes.
Links:
Website: https://communitydoulaalliance.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/communitydoulaalliance
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/communitydoulaalliance/
PURCHASE your very own Community Doula Alliance water bottle and pens: https://forms.gle/FPngVJNbidwKH7oX8
INVEST IN US by making your one-time contribution or reoccuring donations: https://rally.org/f/1x2KcUUjwqy
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