B-Side Conversations

In the wake of what can only be described as a human tragedy - the election of Donald J. Trump as President of the United States - I think this conversation with past guest, Anthony Jackson, is apropos. The focus of this episode is human civilization, the myths that surround it, the cost and benefits of, and some somewhat uncommon ideas on how to look at this thing most assume is overwhelmingly positive. This is a premise questioning episode, a conversation where we go directly to the assumptions within the subconscious so take your time, open your mind, and question why you think what you think you know. And by all means, call us out on what we may have gotten wrong. Cheers!

In the wake of what can only be described as a human tragedy - the election of Donald J. Trump as President of the United States - I think this conversation with past guest, Anthony Jackson, is apropos. The focus of this episode is human civilization, the myths that surround it, the cost and benefits of, and some somewhat uncommon ideas on how to look at this thing most assume is overwhelmingly positive. This is a premise questioning episode, a conversation where we go directly to the assumptions within the subconscious so take your time, open your mind, and question why you think what you think you know. And by all means, call us out on what we may have gotten wrong. Cheers!

Professor Atiba Ellis is back as B-Side's first repeat guest to talk about the Voting Rights Act (VRA). Amidst this contentious shit-storm that may precede the apocalyptic future of this country it is important to understand the history of voting and struggle this nation has and continues to have with making good on its ideals. The Voting Rights Act was a landmark piece of legislation in this country that continues to be assaulted for reasons that Professor Ellis and I discuss in Season 2's second episode. Much of the context surrounding VRA is largely unknown to most people, but it is key for understanding the social tensions that have given rise to our ever increasing vitriolic political environment. Enough with the academic-speak! This is one of the most important episodes to date and one that will stick with you this election season. Enjoy!

Anthony and I continue the conversation about blackness in the world today as we pivot to talk about black identity in the United States. What was it like to be a black man living abroad for all of Barrack Obama's historic presidency? How are people in other countries thinking and talking about the 2016 Presidential race? We also cover topics such as unsolicited white ignorance on issues of race, how police shootings of unarmed black folks are talked about in corporate America, the perspective one gains from living as an outsider, and how this year's olympics might precipitate the apocalypse.

If you've ever wondered what it's like to live in Nigeria, Qatar, South Korea, and far east Russia, as a black man then this is the episode for you. I sit down with my former college roommate, best man, and brother from another mother to talk about his experiences working for The Man, starting a family, and navigating multiple different cultures. This episode has something for just about everyone and will broaden your horizons. Part 2 coming soon!

Ever meet people and almost instantly know you're going to be friends? In the words of Ricky Bobby, "THAT JUST HAPPENED!" I record episode 5 of B-Side while at a retreat for graduate students of color aspiring to the professoriate. My guests are Dr. Pranav Jani, Associate Professor of English at Ohio State University, and Elena Costello, graduate student at Ohio State University, two attendees of the 4th Annual Preparing for the Professoriate retreat sponsored by my alma matar Ohio State University. We reflect on a number of topics including student let actions at universities, tenure's influence on activism, how activism is done, the role of retreats in providing outlets for social change, hashtags, and the problems with BMI. Some serious talk with a healthy dose of jokes and levity.

That's right folks, we're talking about interracial relationships in this fourth episode of the podcast. Nichole is one of my best friends, a black woman, and someone with a unique perspective and experience around dating outside ones race. Topics include the origins of staying within ones race while dating, first romantic experiences outside ones race, the social implications of black men marrying white women, and the value of "tasting the rainbow". We've only scratched the surface, but this is a good starting point. Enjoy!

Black on the outside, white on the inside, or so many of us are told that's what we are. What is it like to be the only black kid and to be called on your blackness? What are the life events that lead to this isolation? I'm really happy to bring you this conversation with Dr. (Dr.) Nadine Bowden-Ramos, a very good friend of mine. We cover "the Dubble Doc-tah's" (she's a DVM and has a Ph.D.) beginnings growing up in white suburbia and the struggles one has to endure with being the only black person in school. We then cover what it's like to be released from racial captivity and be reintroduced to black folks. Spoiler alert, both scenarios are really hard. This story is one I've lived and continue to live. There's trouble, discomfort, loneliness, but in the end a strong sense of self that only comes from having your identity questioned on a regular basis. This one's a goodie folks. Enjoy!

Pull up a chair as my mom and dad drop by, drop some knowledge, and tell us about growing up black and poor in the south in the 40s and 50s. My mom and dad grew up in Georgia and Florida, respectively, and were kind enough to retell some old stories and put the beginnings of the civil rights movement into a context few have ever heard. We end the show with their thoughts on the state of blackness in the U.S.

Pull up a chair as my mom and dad drop by, drop some knowledge, and tell us about growing up black and poor in the south in the 40s and 50s. My mom and dad grew up in Georgia and Florida, respectively, and were kind enough to retell some old stories and put the beginnings of the civil rights movement into a context few have ever heard. We end the show with their thoughts on the state of blackness in the U.S.

IN THIS EPISODE I TALK WITH LAW PROFESSOR, ATIBA ELLIS, ABOUT HIS THOUGHTS ON POLICE KILLINGS OF YOUNG BLACK FOLKS OVER THE PAST YEAR, HIS OWN EXPERIENCES WITH RACISM, AND THE BEGINNINGS OF STOP AND FRISK. WE BLERD OUT A BIT AND TALK SOME STAR WARS AND THE MATRIX, BUT ALWAYS KEEP THINGS 100.

In this episode I talk with law professor, Atiba Ellis, about his thoughts on police killings of young black folks over the past year, his own experiences with racism, and the beginnings of stop and frisk. We blerd out a bit and talk some Star Wars and the Matrix, but always keep things 100.