BEing Blunt

Our democracy has been challenged in the past few years. We have also seen serious threats to the very promise of democracy. Most of us are aware that in 2021, over 400 bills restricting access to the vote were proposed in 49 states. As we engaged in our first redistricting process in a decade, politicians gerrymandered district lines to keep power within their own hands rather than the hands of their constituents. And one year ago today, our nation experienced an act of unprecedented domestic terrorism aimed at discrediting the results of a fair and free election. Our nation is at a crucial turning point, how we proceed will determine whether our democracy survives. Our system of government is fractured, but the will of the people is strong. We don't have a reputation for backing down and we will not give up now. Quite the opposite. This episode is dedicated to the threat that is upon.   We must continue to fight and continue Being Blunt!!!!Reference:  https://www.lwv.org/blog/5-ways-defend-democracy-5-minuteshttps://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/05/11/americans-in-denial-trump-threat-jan6-elections/https://www.minnpost.com/eric-black-ink/2021/09/a-lifelong-conservative-on-the-dangers-of-donald-trump/

Are you tired of being sick and tired?  Mass shootings? Covid? Inflation? How much more can we take.  Sometimes, we just need to talk it out and get it off our chest.Don't worry Being Blunt gotcha as I want to unload my opinions too.  Come join me real quick and let's talk about  Covid-19; the Slap; Mid-Terms Elections; and Angry Americans.  I won't keep  you long.  I just need 5 minutes (truthfully, its 10 minutes) but who's counting.   Reference MaterialWith variant on the rise, experts warn U.S. could face a Covid resurgence (statnews.com)https://www.rockthevote.org/5 Ways the Trump Administration's Policies Have Harmed Children - Center for American ProgressAmericans are living in a big ‘anger incubator.' Experts have tips for regulating our rage. - The Washington Posthttps://youtu.be/Zv0mKE6uk94https://youtu.be/ow5kHhQkeaY

Southern, the largest HBCU in the country at the time, had black faculty and a black president, but the purse strings were still being held by white elected officials. Figures showed only half as much money per pupil was being spent on students at Southern as was being spent on students at the predominately white LSU.Three or four weeks into the fall 1972 semester, students' dissatisfaction mounted. There was a vibe of unhappiness, The students wanted more teachers, more input into the curriculum, and a better physical space in which to learn."And it started to build, and it started to build........I invite you all to tune in to this episode to hear the final outcome of this tragedy that unfolded at Southern University of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Links:The 1972 Southern University Shooting • (blackpast.org)Deadly 1972 protest at Southern University highlighted in new PBS documentary on HBCUs | Education | theadvocate.comI do not own the rights to the music in this episode.  Diverse Tax Services LLCAtlanta, GeorgiaTelephone: 678-760-5626

Happy New Year Family!!!!I am back.  Join me as I recap 2021 on the Being Blunt Podcast.  Being Blunt is back with all new topics to keep you informed, and alert on local, national, and international issues. I can't lie.  2021 was challenging.  I am glad to see parts of it in my rear-view mirror. When I embarked into this podcast, I gravitated to the role as a new era activist.  I enjoyed reporting out to the community I love about the injustices and the political strategies hurting as a people and a country.  It allowed me to vent my frustration while sharing action steps to counter those moves.   What I realize the emotional toll it was taking on me.  The constant attacks and maybe the disappointment of feeling like our actions were not enough.  I had to come to the realization that not everyone is ready to get off the sidelines.   And that is alright!!!   That just tells me I have more work to do but not at the expense of jeopardizing my own mental health.  Nevertheless, 2-Pac said it best, if my words and action can inspire some young person to change the world then I did my part.  And I am good with that.      So let's have some fun this year while we handle our business.  Thank you for listening to this episode. Make sure you subscribe to Being Blunt Pod anywhere you listen to your podcasts.  Please leave a comment, rate, and review.  Do not be stingy, share the love and this episode with friends and family.  Also follow me on IG and Facebook @ Being Blunt Pod LINKS:The 10 biggest news stories of the year | TheHill  Diverse Tax Services LLCAtlanta, GeorgiaTelephone: 678-760-5626

When Haiti won its independence nearly 200 years ago, it came at a hefty price -- an estimated $21 billion today. The country spent the next century paying off the debt to its former slave owners, France.The island of Hispaniola, shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic, was once the richest colony of the New World. The western third of the island — today's Haiti — was known as Saint-Domingue and was a major destination of the transatlantic slave trade.  In this episode, you will hear me address how the African slaves provided the muscle for an economy during the 1780s  which produced 60% of the coffee and 40% of the sugar consumed in Europe. The French drove their sugar cane–cutting slaves especially hard. This cruel treatment ultimately led to the Haitian Revolution in 1791. The revolution influenced events across the Americas. The French emperor Napoleon gave up on the New World, selling the vast Louisiana Territory to the U.S. Haiti has been ruthlessly exploited by Western powers many times in its 200 years of independence. Western powers often propped up ineffective and corrupt Haitian governments under the strategy of not wanting another Cuba. But despite government corruption and acute poverty, Haitians are among the world's most resilient people. And we wonder why Haiti is struggling?  We need to do right by our Haitian brothers and sisters....and yall know who I am talking about when I say "we".  Let's keep it Blunt.....How colonial-era debt helped shape Haiti's poverty and political unrest - ABC News (go.com)Haiti remains revolutionary despite history of adversity (usatoday.com)Diverse Tax Services LLCAtlanta, GeorgiaTelephone: 678-760-5626

Now that this anti-abortion bill is a reality in Texas, the state has one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country. The measure bans abortions as early as six weeks into a pregnancy.  It allows private citizens to enforce the law by suing abortion providers and anyone else who might have helped.Since the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the law to take effect, make no mistake about it, Roe v. Wade is in jeopardy.The Being Blunt Podcast will dive into this case and talk about steps we need to take to preserve this landmark decision.  Keep up the fight!!!!Links: www.theiconicbond.comHow States Can Protect Roe v. Wade in the Wake of Kavanaugh | IndivisibleTexas created a blueprint for abortion restrictions. Republican-controlled states may follow suit. - The Washington PostHenry Wade - WikipediaNorma McCorvey - WikipediaRoe v. Wade (Decision January 22, 1973) | Subscript LawRoe v. Wade Fast Facts | CNNTexas abortion ban: Democrat says Roe v. Wade in jeopardy | wfaa.com

Highlights from the conversation: [01:45] Sean Blount· Management position with the US Department of Agriculture· Developed his podcast from a “happy hour” with his colleagues[05:45] Critical Race Theory – how it's impacting the spaceCritical Race Theory, or CRT, is a theoretical and interpretive mode that examines the appearance of race and racism across dominant cultural modes of expression. It is an academic framework on how we look at laws and policies that have shaped America at how it impacted us. Some of it, we hear frequently but we have done so much and are so involved. A lot of our history may not be pretty, it may have been violent and very dark, and however, a lot of it has been erased and are not taught to us.[13:15] Suppressing what really happened – doing our part teaching the historyThis could be a play on keeping what really happened which could be due to guilt. The reality is that just because history is not being taught in schools does not mean it will not get taught. This is where we have to take responsibility and learn the history ourselves so we can then teach our children what was not being taught in school.[19:33] Taking Responsibility - Educating ourselves and sharing what we learnedSome people are busy being parents and living life that they have not just opened that door to allow themselves to take time and do the research. This is why we are on a movement to share what we learned and not keep it to ourselves. We play a big role as part of this whole movement to dismantle the system of oppression and suppression of true history and the education system.[22:25] Ripples that create a waveDoing things like going to the school board meetings, being a part of the PTA, educating our children – these are the small steps we can do to create that ripple. And with a whole bunch of ripples, we can create a wave!Catch up with Dr. Miaysha Clairborne by visiting her podcast and various other sites: Maiysha Clairborne MD - Mind Remapping (mindremappingacademy.com)What is NLP? - Mind Remapping (mindremappingacademy.com)‎The Black Mind Garden: ReMap Your Mind! Create a Life You Design on Apple Podcastswww.Anchor.fm/ReMapYourMind  Hosted by: Dr. Maiysha ClairborneGuest:  Sean B.

The legalization of marijuana has spread around the country in recent years. Currently 33 states allow it for medical use and 11 for recreational. Yet scientists and researchers say a paradox about it endures: There has been broad public experience with pot, but the medical community still doesn't know enough about the health effects — and what it does know is often obscured by enduring myths. Opponents say marijuana poses a public health and safety risk, and some are morally against legalization. Proponents, however, argue that it is not as dangerous as alcohol and point to evidence that it has therapeutic benefits, such as stress and pain relief.Advocates also see it as a moneymaker for states and a necessary social justice initiative. Marijuana laws have disproportionately affected people from minority communities, contributing to mass incarceration. States where the drug is legal have sought to retroactively address the consequences of marijuana prohibition, often including provisions allowing for the expungement or vacation of low-level marijuana convictions.Links:https://www.livescience.com/60094-marijuana-popularity.htmlhttps://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/medical-marijuana-faqhttps://www.rtor.org/2019/09/06/worst-side-effects-of-medical-marijuana/Where Is Marijuana Legal? A Guide to Marijuana Legalization | Best States | US NewsTheme Song by Iconic Bond:Iconic Bond (theiconicbond.com 

Just what is critical race theory anyway?Critical race theory is an academic concept that is more than 40 years old. The core idea is that race is a social construct, and that racism is not merely the product of individual bias or prejudice, but also something embedded in legal systems and policies.The basic tenets of critical race theory, or CRT, emerged out of a framework for legal analysis in the late 1970s and early 1980s created by legal scholars Derrick Bell, Kimberlé Crenshaw, and Richard Delgado, among others.What does any of this have to do with K-12 education?Scholars who study critical race theory in education look at how policies and practices in K-12 education contribute to persistent racial inequalities in education, and advocate for ways to change them.Links:What Is Critical Race Theory, and Why Is It Under Attack? (edweek.org)econTabReport.pdf (yougov.com)https://www.edweek.org/leadership/what-is-critical-race-theory-and-why-is-it-under-attack/2021/05https://news.yahoo.com/majority-unfavorable-view-critical-race-193300830.htmlWho is Iconic Bond?www.theiconicbond.comIconic Bond - YouTubeComing from an immigrant Egyptian family, Iconic Bond has always been an outsider looking in. Through that lens, he has gained the ability to connect with people of all walks of life.Rather than use his platform as a way to “dumb-down” his listeners, Iconic strives to always have a message in his words. Iconic would “rather be the medicine, than to be sickest…rather be a man that's a little different”

Are you aware how important Juneteenth is to our community?  Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. The symbolic and spiritual significance of a federal Juneteenth holiday can't be diminished. There are many who have fought for this moment, and we bow to the work of our elders, tireless advocates like Mrs. Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth," who has dedicated the last four decades of her life to this cause. Juneteenth marks a date of major significance in American history and shows us that freedom and racial equality have always been a hard-fought battle for black Americans – a battle that continues to this day.By moving forward with this legislation, Congress is celebrating the liberation of slaves in Texas in 1865. But why is it that they can mobilize such quick bipartisan action on a new federal holiday, but not voting rights legislation to protect Black voters in 2021. Why can't they move with such urgency on anti-lynching legislation to protect Black lives, or the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to protect Black civil rights? Yes, this is a time to celebrate but we must be more vigilant than over to continue to fight for a better America and do right by people of color.  Stay Blunt Yall!!!!!Links: Juneteenth: What Is It, Why Is It Important, And How We Should Celebrate It - Bobby BerkJuneteenth: What It Is And How It's Observed : NPR Opinion: Don't get comfortable after getting Juneteenth holiday - CNN

Foreign affairs  deals with international relations and with the interests of the home country in foreign countries. As a new junkie and practicing political analyst, my thoughts about the military and the billions of dollars we spend  had me thinking.  Can't we use some of the of those billions  to help the poor, while investing in the health and wealth of our communities?   After all, soldiers have died on the battlefield for years to see a better America. We just need to do right by the money.    My latest research took aim at military spending and that quickly took me down a road about my own views on the military and should we encourage our young men  and women to consider the military as a career?  Better yet, do we trust the judgement of politicians who often have agendas and are willing to put our children on the front lines to further their agenda.    Thus, I decided to call a a good friend, Frat (Phi Beta Sigma) Brother and a retired Lieutenant Colonel to help me talk this out.  Surprisingly,  this discussion helped me recalibrate and look at the big picture about the military, foreign affairs and wars.  Sit back and relax as I have a one-on-one conversation with retired Lieutenant Colonel,  Dennis Daniels.Links: Afghanistan war: What has the conflict cost the US? - BBC News https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2017/10/05/3-foreign-policy/https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2017/10/05/3-foreign-policy/

House Republicans, who love to complain about “cancel culture,” have canceled Rep. Liz Cheney for the “crime” of living in the real world. However, Liz is not really the problem. Check out my new 5 minute podcast where I talk about the real source of the problem.  Politics in 5-MinutesLinks:Liz Cheney ousted: GOP ties party to Big Lie that Trump won in 2020 (usatoday.comhttps://now.tufts.edu/articles/local-governments-favor-white-and-wealthyhttps://campuselect.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/local_office_description-an_explainer.pdfhttps://www.rockthevote.org/

This episode is my relaunch  of the Being Blunt Podcast and a sneak peak into my mind and how I process the issues facing our community.  At time, I have to laugh to keep from crying,  but I feel the need to talk it out with my peeps who are  who are ready to get off the sideline and make a difference.I appreciate you waiting for me to pull it all together. I hope and pray you will trust me to bring you all the shades of  Being Blunt to you. This would include positivity, inspiration, and amazing guests.  I  urge you to stay involved and check out my new episode ONE VOICE, SAME MISSION.I would like to dedicate this show to my friend Nandi.  She encouraged me to keep going.  Thanks for all your guidance and supportLINKS:https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/10/06/amid-national-reckoning-americans-divided-on-whether-increased-focus-on-race-will-lead-to-major-policy-change/ https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/voting-laws-roundup-march-2021

What is Yoga?Is it just an exercise? Is it a religion, a philosophy, an ideology? Or is it something else entirely? The word "Yoga" literally means “to unite or integrate”.  It is a powerful practice to unite mind, body, and spirit. The Black community has and continues to be exposed to layers of trauma at an unparalleled rate. A consistent yoga practice can start to alleviate some of the trauma as well as increase self love, self acceptance and self compassion. Study have also shown that yoga helps with managing high level of stress and as a complement to therapeutic work .  In this episode,  Sean and Nandi did a deep dive into yoga with our two guests, Maharri Lodge and Andrea Smith. Maharri and Andrea enlightened us about the benefits and misconceptions of yoga .  They also shared numerous tips on how  to begin one's own personal yoga journey. Our GuestsAndrea Smith moved to Sunny South Florida in 2009 from Bristol, Connecticut. After wanting something to compliment her high intensity workout routines, Andrea turned to yoga.  She has always lived by the saying "Dare to be different" and to do so her yoga class incorporates strength training, Pranayama (breath control) and meditation to help her students go deep within. You will want to be present in this yoga class!Andrea - Yoga Teacher

What is Yoga?Is it just an exercise? Is it a religion, a philosophy, an ideology? Or is it something else entirely? The word "Yoga" literally means “to unite or integrate”.  It is a powerful practice to unite mind, body, and spirit. The Black community has and continues to be exposed to layers of trauma at an unparalleled rate. A consistent yoga practice can start to alleviate some of the trauma as well as increase self love, self acceptance and self compassion. Study have also shown that yoga helps with managing high level of stress and as a complement to therapeutic work .  In this episode,  Sean and Nandi did a deep dive into yoga with our two guests, Maharri Lodge and Andrea Smith. Maharri and Andrea enlightened us about yoga and the different types of yoga .  They also shared their  personal journeys, educated us on the origin of this powerful practice and shared tips to start a yoga journey. Our GuestsAndrea Smith moved to Sunny South Florida in 2009 from Bristol, Connecticut. After wanting something to compliment her high intensity workout routines, Andrea turned to yoga.  She has always lived by the saying "Dare to be different" and to do so her yoga class incorporates strength training, Pranayama (breath control) and meditation to help her students go deep within. You will want to be present in this yoga class! Andrea - Yoga Teacher

Happy New Years - the Being Blunt Podcast is back with a new conversation that we can't wait to share with our community. Making a New Year's resolution is a great idea, as it means you are taking time to evaluate yourself and your life over the past year and discover what you would like to see change during the next year. However, is this really the best methodology to change your life for the better? Rituals have the power to ground and stabilize us, and keep us focused and purposeful. They increase confidence, provide us with a sense of security, alleviate the weight of grief and help to reduce anxiety. Can you believe that create Rituals can do that??? Being Blunt explored the benefits of rituals with our guests Laurie Ellington and Paul E. McFadden of Zero Point Leadership, Inc. Founded in 2011, Zero Point Leadership, Inc. is a globally recognized science-based leadership learning and development organization with foundations in neuroscience, heart intelligence, social intelligence, quantum theory, systems thinking and mindfulness. Zero Point Leadership™ | HomeIt was a great conversation with plenty of laughs and a game twist at the end, so sit back and enjoy Being Blunt!!

Gifting can be defined as giving some kind of experience or asset that one person transfers to another while receiving nothing or less than fair market value in return. What we give friends and loved ones for holidays or special occasions is as much a reflection of the times as it is of personal taste. For this episode, Being Blunt sits down for a light-hearted discussion with a talented friend to get some gifting tips for the every-day shopper. However, we had to keep it blunt, so we raised some unique scenarios for her to tackle. You might be surprised at her responses!Our friend AKA Jessie tapped into her life's purpose thanks to a remarkable experience that reinforced the notion of giving back and helping others. So sit back and enjoy this Holiday Episode with Being Blunt.This podcast is for educational and enlighten purposes only!!**FAIR USE**Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research.Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

Biden Wins Presidency, Ending Four Tumultuous Years Under TrumpJoseph R. Biden Jr. achieved victory offering a message of healing and unity. He will return to Washington facing a daunting set of crises. In this episode, BEing Blunt will share their thoughts about the outcome, highlights, and the challenges ahead. We also included a bonus round of FILL-THAT-CABINET (Jeopardy-Style).Show Notes:National Popular Vote - Status of National Popular Vote Bill in Each State | National Popular Vote

Voting is an American Principle and a basic Democratic right that should be protected, promoted, and practiced. In this episode, Nandi and Sean are going to talk about some of the attacks on voting and the history of voting on the heels of an important upcoming election. So sit back and enjoy Being Blunt!!!!Urgency to Vote - https://nowthisnews.com/videos/politics/exclusive-obama-on-the-urgency-of-2020s-senate-down-ballot-races?jwsource=clRegister to Vote - https://votesaveamerica.com/Candidates Platform - https://www.astartingpoint.com/411.org - https://www.vote411.org/Voter's Threat - https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/13/voter-suppression-2020-democracy-america Voting Rights Overview - https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2020/08/06/blood-sweat-and-tears-shed-to-ensure-right-to-vote-after-it-became-legal-for-all-san-antonio-historian-says/Voting Strategies - https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/8/28/21405510/donald-trump-reelection-joe-biden-hillary-clinton-2020-presidential-election-2016-editorial

Show notes Resources What You Should Eat To Add Years To Your Lifehttps://medium.com/wake-up-call/eat-this-and-add-years-to-your-life-6b785e195b25How Poor Diet Contributes to Coronavirus Riskhttps://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/20/well/eat/coronavirus-diet-metabolic-health.htmlPlant Pure Nation Documentary https://youtu.be/yBKnG9Y0owQFed Up Documentary https://youtu.be/ceRFvhlcsiYMcGovern Reporthttp://zerodisease.com/archive/Dietary_Goals_For_The_United_States.pdf

The definition of entanglement is when you tangle in the sheets according to August Alsina. This R&B singer-songwriter from New Orleans, Louisiana, recently collaborated with Rick Ross on the new track called "Entanglements". However, Sean and Nandi will take this discussion a little further as they tackle such topics as sexual communication, infidelity, and yes....Jada & August. So sit back and enjoy Being Blunt!Notes:August and Angela Yee Interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q91Z1gW_iHwRed Table Talk w/Jada & Will - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjL5wrGhqoUWho is John Maxwell - https://www.johnmaxwell.com/

For too long, people in power have conspired to rig the game, forcing Black people or minorities to work twice as hard to barely get half as much as our counterparts. Now that political candidates have our attention, the cry for a black agenda should now enter into all political conversations. We deserve and demand thoughtful, visionary policies and practices that make us powerful in every aspect of our lives. Sean and Nandi will explore this policy platform and the benefits to our community. So sit back and enjoy Being Blunt!Notes:The Black Agenda - https://black2thefuture.org/black-agenda-2020/The Black Census - https://blackcensus.org/Alicia Garza - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alicia_GarzaJouvert - https://www.itzcaribbean.com/carnival/jouvert/

Amid a national reckoning over racism and police brutality, how important is it for the Democratic Nominee and former Vice President to pick the right candidate as his VP? Sean and Nandi explores the various names potentially being vetted and what each candidate brings to the table. So sit back and let's be blunt!!!!!!!

In this episode of BEing Blunt, Sean & Nandi tackles the impacts of COVID-19 and Racism. Our hosts will share how they are coping with each during these times while encouraging their listeners to get off the sidelines to strategize and mobilize. It's time to Be Blunt!!!! Links Mentioned:ttps://blackfutureslab.orghttps://black2thefuture.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/BlackAgenda2020.pdfhttps://blackcensus.org/https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/killer-mike-speech-atlanta-protestors-press-conference-1007816/amp/People Mentioned:Charlamagne_tha GodKiller MikeAlicia Garza

Sean B and Nandi participates in a "Getting to Know" game designed to enlighten and introduce the 2 co-hosts with their listeners and themselves. We hope you enjoy this segment we called WhoDat!!!!!!!

The Being Blunt Podcast is an online podcast that provides a sneak peak into two best friends everyday conversations. The podcast is hosted by Nandi, a Caribbean gyal from the U.S. Virgin Islands and Sean B. a true southern gentleman from Louisiana. Our differences in cultures sparks in-depth, thought provoking conversations and even some spirited debates over a wide range of everyday topics. We hope to promote and encourage our listeners to join in these conversations and freely be their “blunt” selves.