Black Guys in a Box

We're back! This time around, we're joined by an old friend of the pod...king of content, creator, critic, consultant...proper multi-hyphenate tings - it's Scully! As always, we meander through all kinds of topics and start things off with the team's latest and greatest efforts to maintain some kind of athletic, sporting relevance (06:34). With a guest like Scully, you know we had to chat about music, so we dip into a topic that won't go away - INDUSTRY PLANTS. Whether it's Doechii, Drake, Taylor Swift - every week there's new allegations and accusations, so we discuss what and who really is a plant (20:19). We end part one with a chat on anti-intellectualism, in the wake of a lot of debate over Dr. Mark Lamont Hill's regular spot on the Joe Bidden Podcast, but why we think this is exactly what mass media is missing (34:45). Appreciate you all for listening - like, comment, subscribe and all dem ting deh! Check us out on: Instagram - @blackinaboxpodcast TikTok - @blackinaboxpodcast Scully's Instagram - @isthatscully

You know those ones where the mic is hot and you forget you've got a job to do? Yeah, sometimes it be like that. After we've spent 10 minutes bullsh***ing about Oasis tickets and rockstar conspiracy theories, we get into the real talk… Are we all proud to be British (or British residents, in Alahna's case)? We discuss our best and worst opinions of living on this island (8:24) and ponder, what even is the “culture” of Britain (24:20)? Finally, whilst we all live in London, we discuss where else in the world we have felt at-home and why.(35:00). Like, share and subscribe

A recent study showed that almost half of Black Gen Z feel they can't be themselves in the workplace. From name-changing, to code-switching, to creating sideline minority work chats, it seems the latest generation in the workforce feels unsupported in their authenticity. Are we surprised? (4:40) We discuss this and the influence of older generations on Gen Z in the workplace and how can we extend a hand to pull them up (11:50). Also, how do we show up to support other minority groups at work? (22:45) And all this sparks a fun clash of the most egregious code-switching we've witnessed, before ending with our favourite (ahem) “indigenous” British Slang (32:40). Like. Share. Subscribe.

It's Q1 2025 and the crash out threat is already HIGH. Living, working and travelling in London provides a very special level of crash out potential, which the BIAB crew discuss (1:17). So how does one find peace and relief, in these over-stimulating, highly-agitating times? Let's talk mindfulness, spirituality and general peace-seeking (24:00). Enjoy the episode! Please rate & review! Like. Share. Subscribe.

Cold open on Angelo's hairline (let's address the elephant in the room)… from there we discuss Krept & Konan's latest venture into part-ownership of Saveways, a BAME-centric grocery chain. Why are they getting some backlash within the culture and is it warranted? (7:35) Shifting gears, we clash over the BEST three-track runs on an album (31:18). Do you agree with our choices? Let us know your thoughts and whether we missed out on your favourite 3-track run over at @blackinaboxpodcast on Instagram. Enjoy the episode! Please rate & review! Like. Share. Subscribe.

Dom, Alahna and Dan are joined by Tales From the Plantation host Tunde to discuss growing into the Auntie/Uncle era, from dancing embarrassingly to growing old (dis)gracefully. After a quick detour into the serious world of gym hygiene and etiquette, they embark on a thoughtful discussion of childhood moments that defined our identities (16:00), before finishing with Dom's take on Paramore (40:30). Enjoy! Please rate & review! Like. Share. Subscribe.

The BIAB end of year special! We dive into the winners (5:39) and losers (19:16) of the year. A Canadian man's annus horribilis is mentioned. In detail. We then go into our tracks of the year (34:20) and give flowers to artists on both sides of the Atlantic before ending with wild predictions for 2025 (41:59) Tune in for the positivity, stay for the dissection of the greatest beef of the century. Like. Share. Subscribe.

This time, we're joined by an old friend of the pod, with Tunde Odufisan from the Tales from the Plantation podcast back in the studio with the gang. We discuss the challenges with gentle parenting (02:21), before looking at the challenges and rewards of parenting as a modern man (05:42). Next, is an honest conversation about having to teach your parents how to interact with their grandchildren and learning from the successes and failures of the generation that came before (10:18), narratives around absent black fathers and how it shapes parenting (19:54). Alahna asks what masculinity means in 2024 (28:38), before we round things out talking about Diddy, his case and how and why such behaviours are so pervasive in the entertainment industry and beyond (39:15). Please rate and review if you enjoy what we do. Like. Share. Subscribe.

When people show you who they are believe them the first time. But this time we are talking about America the nation, not Donald Trump, as the former reality star wins a second term against Kamala Harris. The results of the US Election are in and are we surprised? Now that feelings have been felt, we have a few thoughts about what happened (3:40). We also have a few questions, like ‘What is the US vs UK mindset around politics?' (20:00) and ‘Are slogans more influential than facts amongst voters?' (25:00) and 'If we aren't happy with our government, how do we protest?' (32:10) Finally, we end on a brighter note, chatting about the latest viral sensation, DJ AG (41:50) Please rate and review if you enjoy what we do. Like. Share. Subscribe.

We're back with another episode, diving into some of the biggest talking points from the past few weeks. Have you ever seen your heroes up close? The pod discusses some of the times they were lucky enough to bear witness to notable people they'll be telling their grandkids about (01:38). This time, we take a look at Israel and Palestine, just over a year on from the October 7th attacks and the ensuing massacres in Gaza, focusing on perceptions, propaganda and if there is any space for hope (09:08). Back in October, the Met officer charged with the murder of Chris Kaba, Martyn Blake, was acquitted by a jury of his peers. We discuss the case and dialogue surrounding Kaba's death (34:33). There's some heavy topics, but as always, we sprinkle it with as much levity as possible! Please rate & review! Like. Share. Subscribe.

We're back! The team had a much needed break over the summer, focusing on getting married, having babies, jet-setting and just LIVING, but now we're back on our BS. This time around, Alahna, Angelo and Dom discuss some of their highlights of the hiatus (7:44). There's a discussion on women in rap music and exactly why they are DOMINATING in 2024 (19:05), before we look into the latest trend of right-wing comedy and their attempts at reframing racism (34:00) and Dom closes with a few words on a personal milestone from earlier in the year (55:20). Enjoy! Please rate & review! Like. Share. Subscribe.

We're back with another episode, diving into some of the biggest talking points from the past few weeks. We had to kick things off with the disgusting, racist comments made by Tory donor, Frank Hester, about Diane Abbott and the horrific handling by the press and UK parliament as a whole (4:52), before a brief discussion on our voting intentions for the upcoming elections (28:26). After Jamaican dancehall star, Vybz Kartel, saw his murder conviction overturned due to juror misconduct, the team discuss the situation and what it means for the genre as a whole (34:55), before finishing with another trial, which saw a young Black man acquitted of hate crime charges after sending a raccoon emoji to a prospective Conservative MP on social media (50:22). Enjoy! Please rate & review! Like. Share. Subscribe.

On this episode, we are joined by the inspiring and formidable Iron Empress herself, Donna McConnell… Ironwoman, Triathlete, Hip-Hop OG, Journalist and much more! Donna and Alahna met during Ironman training and Donna shares her journey to becoming an Iron(woman) in her 50s! A journey that includes growing up in West London in the 70's, the emergence of hip-hop in the 80's, having a daughter in the 90's and then discovering a love for cycling after age 40 (7:25). We discuss the importance of finding shared culture and community in sport, especially for women of colour in white, male-dominated spaces (20:52). We discuss, the equally important aspect of self-determination (30:10). Donna then shares some legendary stories about the emerging hip-hop scene in the 80's, her own rapping career (42:22) and using her journalistic platform to be a gate-opener for other emerging artists (50:56). Enjoy the episode! Please rate & review! Like. Share. Subscribe.

It's a new year and we're starting with a big one. This time, we welcome two amazing guests to the studio - the collab of all collabs - we're joined by Dope Black Dads founder and BELOVD co-founder, Marvyn Harrison, and we welcome back an old friend of the pod, Tunde Odufisan, from the fantastic Tales from the Plantation Podcast. Dope Black Dads is an incredible community which focuses oncelebrating, healing, inspiring and educating Black fathers for better outcomes for Black families. In a powerful and enlightening conversation, we meander through a wide range of topics, from the changing face of comedy and entertainment (02:40), the inception and purpose of Dope Black Dads and Black fatherhood (30:24), Marvyn's television work (27:48), avoiding red-pill culture (43:52), raising children in London (1:03:22) and much more. As always, tell a friend to tell a friend - all ratings and reviews really help the pod!

It's almost a wrap on 2023, but we still have plenty to discuss! Starting with a review of this year in music - what were the vibes, how are people consuming music and where to discover new artists (3:00)? We also address the long-overdue #MeToo movement needed in Hip-hop and whether recent headlines are a sign that the movement is on the horizon (21:31). And finally we talk the politicisation of popstars, particularly of Beyonce and her Renaissance film (43:38). This will be the final Black in a Box episode of 2023! So get caught up on anything you missed. Like. Subscribe. Rate. Share. And we will see you with big things in 2024!!

It's November… UK Black History Month is gone, maybe, for good? Let's discuss.(1:40) But looking to the future, your hosts grapple with the trials of family-building (Dan & Dom) vs a child-free future (Alahna & Angelo) (26:45). Finally, enough of love! Let's talk about hate - “hate marches”, specifically. (52:30).

Sometimes world events draw us into difficult conversations. We start by talking about the Israel-Hamas war, discerning the trustworthiness of information being reported as news and the power of language (02:15). Then, in wake of Drake's latest incel-pandering album, we question how and why have we got here? (27:30). We close with a chat on some of the physical and mental trials and triumphs of the gang in recent weeks and what these have taught us (56:40). PLUS A VERY SPECIAL SURPRISE (01:09:14).

First, we're giving flowers to… drum roll… our own Dan Chirwa for an incredible athletic feat, as well as pre-emptive flowers to Alahna, as she raises money to support two Black Mental Health charities in the UK and USA (donation link below and on our socials). Then we get into the meat of the episode, starting with an argument on Stormzy, Top Boy and other sacred cows (4:00). Then, we discuss the recent Peckham shop assault (27:45) and end with the controversial story of “Purple” Aki. (41:06). Like. Share. Subscribe. Donate to support Black Mental Health Services at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ironmanformentalhealth

Former rugby and NFL star Christian Scotland-Williamson joins us to talk about his accidental but completely intentional journey to the Bar Council via two elite collision sports. We start with his unrewarded origins in rugby (5:06) until the day he answered a chance call at University before a shift at a part time job. "You beat book". Education has always been Christian's thing in sport and his life. We heard early stories about how he was treated as a big Black boy in school and how he overcame that treatment thanks to his upbringing (16:52). We touch on his experience with racism in rugby (22:29) and how it is framed as an integration issue before we talk about THE viral tackle (29:15) that changed his life. It led to moving to America into an NFL environment and trying to make it in something entirely new (38.26). Christian's time in the US coincided with the murder of George Floyd (50:14). He went into what it felt like being in a team coached by Black NFL leader Mike Tomlin at that time. Then came career three and the law (56:30). Christian went into how he has been able to make his family's sacrifices worthwhile (1:00:06) before we finish on the Dele Alli interview(1:02:35) his experience and talk about the importance of family units for young Black men. Like. Share. Subscribe.

Currency, Clout & the Cost of Living In this episode we are joined, once again, by the prolific writer, journalist and friend of the pod Symeon Brown. This time, we are discussing Beyonce, Mizzy, and the cost of living crisis in the UK. How are these things connected? Have a listen and find out. We start with celebrations and critiques of the entity that is Beyonce (4:40), then we segue into discussing the controversial social media prankster Mizzy (28.57) before addressing what it's like to exist in the current cost of living crisis (51:32). *In this episode, we refer to Beyonce's private performance in Saudia Arabia after the release of her Renaissance album. We would like to be clear that the performance took place in Dubai, U.A.E. and did not feature any music from her most recent Renaissance album. Like. Share. Subscribe.

In our latest episode, we have the change-making Tyla Grant chatting with us about neurodiversity, living with autism as Black woman and more. Tyla takes the floor to introduce what neurodiversity means to her and how race and gender played a role in her belated diagnosis (6:00). We discuss some of the challenges people with neurodivergences, especially people of colour, face in school and the workplace (18:24), as well as certain challenges in social and home life (44:11), before finishing up on the Metropolitan police overreach and other foolishness on display during the coronation (56.30). Like. Share. Subscribe.

We're back with a bang this time, as the Black in a Box crew sits down with Ade Adepitan MBE. It'll be no surprise to hear this was a dream for us - Ade has been a trailblazer in British broadcasting for over two decades. We talked all about how he got started in the industry, his past as an elite athlete and a whole heap of other things. Oh, and the story of him climbing an active volcano without his chair? One for the ages. Ade, thank you for continuing to inspire all of us. Like. Share. Subscribe.

We begin by acknowledging our weakness in having no woman on the pod in Alahna's absence during international women's month. You can head to our Tik Tok and IG Reels for content celebrating a number of Black women changing the world for the better. Our first topic is a discussion on the notion of masculinity within the Black community(3:34)rooted around the much-debated framing of ASAP Rocky (in relation to Rihanna) and Jonathan Majors in cover shoots for Vogue and Ebony respectively. Awards season is upon us and so is another year of Beyoncé being snubbed for album of the year, and other Black entertainers not even making their nomination lists (20:00). Is it time for Black people to stop expecting more? We then talk about diversity in each of our respective fields and industries(25:31)and whether the look of the rooms we are in are changing with time. ***** We are marking international month with a series of content on TikTok and IG Reels shining a light on some Black women leading the way in their respective fields, locally and globally. They are names to know with followings to grow. Head to our channels and show some love

For whose comfort should Black people be cultivating their conversations? Alahna, Dan, Dom and Gelo negotiate exactly that question, in relation to cinema and conversations within the Black community, as well as the role of trauma porn in indicating the value of black life. We open discussing Kenya Barris and Jonah Hill race rom-com and Guess Who remake “You People” (2:20) and whether it is harmless fun of harmful to stereotypes in 2023. The viral clash on Higher Learning podcast between Van Lathan and Emmanuel Acho then has us talking, asking whether anyone should be comfortable when the topic is discrimination against Black people (25:41). The killing of Tyre Nicholls at the hands of police in America set us on to an all too familiar topic. We discuss the prevalence of trauma porn (42:48) and whether it is necessary or simply results in death becoming content. Finally, we finish on film and music culture (1:05:04). Is Batman the REAL villain? When did we lose our male SANGERS? Like. Share. Subscribe.

The episode about broken social contracts. We begin our first pod of 2023 with Prince Harry's media blitz about his stripped royal status. He thought he was the Prince who was promised until the reality of falling in love with and marrying a mixed race woman revealed royal status is not unconditional, nor is it afforded equally (4:41). We then discuss the rise and elevation of misogynist huckster Andrew Tate to internet sensation status by a generation of men feeling as though they were promised more than what they have (21:17). The family of Benedict Cumberbatch may well be about to have less than they have. We talk about Barbados its high profile plans for reclamation of generational lands used for slave plantations (37:19). Finally we finish on Home Sec Suella Braverman's reported Windrush generation betrayal (53:11), before closing out on the music that made our 2022 (1:01:05). Like. Share. Subscribe.

We needed to talk about some Daves. Dave Chappelle's monologue on SNL generated heat with some commentators saying it engaged in anti-semitic tropes whilst others praised its nuance. We discuss it and how Chappelle's skill as a comedian doesn't always translate. (5:22) We then get onto David Baddiel, his appearance on Jason Lee's podcast, his documentary "Jews Don't Count" and how the effects of his anti-black racism have blighted his efforts to talk about anti-semitism (27:19) Lastly, the team is split on following the World Cup, with some all out and others all in. Is it possible for this specific tournament to be escapism? (48:25) As always, like. Share. Subscribe

Lock in for a journey through astrology, living the life that fulfils you, lunar travel, pirates and miscellaneous money and so much more with Jason “Scully” Kavuma. Scully – one of the voices behind the rise of lockdown internet sensation #NS10v10 at No Signal – cut his teeth as a new media dabbler at Vice before becoming a presenter and A&R as well as a producer on the rise. It has to be said though that the 29-year old is much more than all this. After a wild journey through him bursting onto the scene(20:48, we hear how a life turning point (38:02) brought him back...until covid had other ideas. After talking #10v10, the conversation switches to grime and “gatekeeping the culture” (1:02:10), before we turn to Kanye, Nore and podcasters calculating the cost of clicks and clout (1:13:45). We close with heartfelt condolences to actress and writer Josephine Melville who tragically passed away in October, during a run of the much-lauded Nine Night. Like. Share. Subscribe.

The one where we talk about football. Football podcasting great and award-winning writer Musa Okwonga joined the pod at the start of the season for a wide-ranging deep dive on the relationship of our game, media and the England team with Black Britain. We begin talking about how Blackness has permeated football culture (5:17), charting from Wenger's Arsenal through Nike's Londoner advert to now. We then discuss the marketing of the England team(35:28) behind not just Black faces but Black identities with the unspoken caveat of "Conditional Identity" afforded to those players(43:19). We then touch on the traditional media discourse about Black athletes(50:15) and why there have been no "clever" Black footballers(1:01:06), before finishing on Musa's experience moving abroad and the impact it had on his life and career(1:18:02). Our regular segment "Black in the Box" closes out pod, with us giving love to chicken, carnival, Munya and Musa's exceptional latest book "In The End, It Was All About Love"(1:29:41). Like. Share. Subscribe.

The Tory leadership contest has seemingly been a showcase for diversity. Our guest, Nels Abbey, a celebrated author and essayist joins the team to talk through the candidates. We start off with "Black out the Box" where we celebrate the best of Britain, big and small (1:30). Then we ask whether the ethnic diversity in the contest makes us feel represented (10:31) and we have an in depth discussion on Kemi Badenoch and what her reaching the final four tells us about the direction of the Conservatives and Black Britons. We close things off with our first reactions to The Forde Report into racism within the Labour Party and the lack of news coverage it has been given (49:05), before discussing Nels' (and Dr Boulé Whytelaw III) superb book "Think Like a White Man" and his journey in making it (1:04:42). Like. Share. Subscribe.

As we reflect on the anniversary of Grenfell, we are joined by guest Ewa Effiom, architect and expert on the built environment, to discuss his success as a Black face in a predominantly white industry, as well as housing and development issues affecting Black and Brown people. First we get to know Ewa as he takes us through his rise, experiences and observations as a prominent Black architect (6:05). Then, we discuss Grenfell and why not much has changed since the tragedy (44:13) and finally, we look at some of the barriers to home ownership for Black people and examine the question of ‘will there ever be Black middle class communities in Britain?' (59:10). Like. Share. Subscribe.

We follow up our March episode with Symeon Brown and Neef Ekpoudom, in which we discussed the plight of young people chasing fame and money as influencers, by welcoming former BBC Apprentice contestant, businesswoman Joanna Jarjue. Joanna joins Alahna, Dan and Dom to talk about achieving through adversity. We begin with her journey growing up in Wakefield after leaving Gambia (8:46), before moving on to Joanna's experience as a Black woman at a redbrick university (28:50). And then the juicy stuff, we speak about the Apprentice (41:28), the depiction of Black women by TV producers in the UK and finally her life path since the show (57:19). It's honest, it's candid and its good for your soul. Like. Share. Subscribe.

In a shorter episode this week and a body short, with Alahna back in the mean-streets of Palm City, we discuss what is an exciting time for rap powerhouse - Top Dawg Entertainment. Last week, BIAB favourite, Isaiah Rashad, made a heart-warming return on the one of the world's biggest stages - the influencer olympics...Coachella (01:16). We discuss how he did, or didn't, address the leaked video and how hip-hop has grown to a much greater level of acceptance. Then a couple of days later KING KENDRICK HIMSELF announced the release date for his new and last album on TDE, Mr Morale and the Big Steppers. We chat about what to expect (19:22) and round things off with our favourite K. Dot albums (32:45). Like. Share. Subscribe.

We know you're probably sick of it by now and we are too, but we had a hiccup with the recording so we're a week late...but anyway, we start with the spectacle on everyone's feeds…the SLAP heard around the world (01:26). Such a brief moment, yet so much to unpack...or maybe not? We get into it nevertheless. We then discuss the disgusting, disturbing, but not so surprising case of Child Q and the systemic failures that led to this violation (27:13), before finishing up with Jamaica's response to Will & Kate's visit (43:44) and what this may foretell for the future of the Monarchy in the Caribbean, whilst throughout we consider the question, “How are these three issues connected?” Like. Share. Subscribe.

This week we are joined by author of 'Get Rich or Lie Trying' Symeon Brown and second time guest, Aniefiok 'Neef' Ekpoudom FRSA, newly anointed Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts and, more importantly, friend of the pod. We talk Symeon's inspiration for about his new book (2:21), what even is an influencer (8:49), as well as the limitation of moments built on influencers (17:54), the new marks of influencer culture (22:26) the losers in the world of influencing and what ultimately gives us a fulfilling life (29:42) and how to pursue it among other things Finally we share the devastating loss to the world of Jamal Edwards with SBTV alumni, Neef, as well as his impact on each of us and the world (37:37). Please like, share with your friends if you love it, subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen and leave a review on Spotify. Thank you for listening.

WE BACK! It's a New Year and a new season of Black in a Box and there's already an abundance of f*ckry to unpack. Starting off with a look at Kurt Zouma and the many woes his candid cruelty has drudged up (3:05), we then get into the tearful confessions of Thandiwe Newton (18:00). At (33:40), Angelo has a few things to get off his chest about the Labour Party and we share a raised eyebrow at the Brits award of Best “New?” Artist to Little Simz (49:49). Welcome back! Like. Share. Subscribe.

Merry Christmas, happy new year and all dem ting deh! Glad to see the back of 2021? Us too. We got together for a year-end wrap up, discussing all of the highs and lows of another crazy lap around the sun. We kick things off with our individual reflections and give flowers to SimplySayo, Mark Phillips of RDC World, Jadakiss amongst others, then we jump into our regular end of year music segment, with best album (31:26) and best track (42:14). Who is your Dick of the Year? We put forward a few of our own suggestions (50:35) and round things off with another tribute to our dear brother, Nate (56:10), as we reflect on how his devastating loss has shaped our lives. Like, share and subscribe.

As we approach the end of another year, the Black in a Box crew reflect on some big questions in this episode. What were our childhoods like and what do we want the future to look like for our children and future generations? Is there maybe some futility in procreating given the state of the planet (5:30) We discuss the merit in mentoring future generations and creating intergenerational communities (11:10). Then things take a turn when we discuss the white savior tropes in entertainment & why it's still a big deal (21:00), before Dom jumps to the defence of White Yardie (35:00) We close things out with a discussion of all the things we like to blame Africa for (41:25), inspired by Prince William. Like. Share. Subscribe.

How do you solve a problem like institutional racism? Deny, deny, deny then reaccuse if the Azeem Rafiq Yorkshire County Cricket club experience is anything to go by. The team got together for Series 3 Episode 10 to discuss the mishandling of the scandal, what constitutes “banter” and whether things will change from here. The performative tears of American teen shooter Kyle Rittenhouse at his trial are also on the agenda. We tackle the selective weaponsation of both age and white remorse in America as Angelo makes the argument that America needs Rittenhouse to walk free. Marcus Rashford picked up his MBE and Barbados was taking back control of its head of state duties from Britain's monarchy. Which if us would take a royal honour? Finally we look at Netflix series Colin in Black and White and the impact of microaggressions on your mental health as a minority. Like. Share. Subscribe.

Blackfishing. Appropriation. Transphobia. What a week it's been for shenanigans and the good friends at Black in a Box get into it all in this latest episode. We start by addressing the minstrel show that came in the form of Jesy Nelson's “Boyz” music video (1:00) before discussing the difference between appropriation and appreciation (17:00). Then we get into the uncomfortable truth that Dave Chappelle's latest Netflix special may, indeed, need to be cancelled (31:45). Like. Share. Subscribe.

"We have to be able to walk and chew gum." In the latest episode of Black in a Box, we discuss Chimamanda Adichie's blistering essay on cancel culture, after a friend and apparent mentee of hers took to the internet to denigrate her for, what she perceived as, dangerous and transphobic rhetoric (03:25). We then jump into Michaela Coel finally getting her flowers after winning the Emmy for Outstanding Writing (34:24), before closing on our new segment, in which we'll be focusing on Black male mental health (42:22). Like. Share. Subscribe.

“But the game is out there, and it's either play or get played” Michael K. Williams was one of the great small screen actors of his time. And yet, even with characters as compelling as the legendary Omar Little, Chalky White, Bobby McCray and Montrose Freeman on his resume, he was so much more. The pod took to the mics to talk about the loss of a man who redefined black masculinity for an entire generation of men, while becoming an icon (05:27). In the rest of this episode we talk music. Alahna, Angelo, Dan and Dom run through their projects of the year so far (35:24) and inevitably get into Donda v Certified Lover Boy (42:10). Like. Share. Subscribe.

Season 3 Episode 6 covers a topic hot on all our minds... TRAVEL (finally!) Alahna, Angelo, Dan and Dom explore the ups and downs of traveling whilst Black and share their upcoming holiday plans and places they'd love to visit. We start with each of the BIAB hosts sharing a quintessential 'traveling whilst Black' anecdote and how that experience was shaped or influenced by their Blackness (8:22). Then, we take a look at the occasions where Black people can feel restricted in our ability to travel in spaces and places where we feel unwelcome (23:35). Then Alahna flips the script and asks the group what it's been like to visit African countries and other predominantly Black nations (39:45). We finish off with a draft of the next destinations on our travel bucket lists (44:36).

Season 2 Episode 5 is the wellness episode and Black in a Box are joined by guest Dora Atim, founder of UltraBlackRunning. Alahna, Dan and Dom hear about how and why Dora began to build a thriving trail running community that catered for mental wellness as well as fitness for Black women and Black non-binary people.  A sadly topical issue is that of safety for women when out running after the killing of Sarah Everard. Dora and Alahna talk about how the fitness community can continue to make women safe while they exercise, with Dan and Dom weighing in on the role of men. On the seventh day God rested. Our guest fills us in too on her Self-care Sundays social media routine. Finally for our draft we each weigh in with our Top 3 Online Feel-good Gurus. Like. Share. Subscribe.

This episode is a tribute to Nate. Talking as a podcast about your friend who is no longer here to talk back is not something you ever think you’ll have to do. The world lost one of its brightest with the death of our friend and fellow pod founder Nate Alexander Sterling. We wanted to get together out of respect for a man that meant so much to us and so many others and share some thoughts, stories and precious laughs. Thank you for sharing this time with us. From Alahna, Angelo, Dan and Dom. Nate Sterling forever X

The abduction and murder of Sarah Everard and the national response to it led us to recording a special episode, joined once again by guest contributor Shabazz. We open up the episode by providing a space for Alahna and Shabazz to express how they feel (4:15). Next Dan talks about his experience of being at Sarah Everard's vigil at Clapham Common (15:46). As violence against women is a men's issue, Angelo, Dan and Dom have an awkward, uncomfortable and extremely necessary conversation about male behaviours around sex and consent, the socialisation of men and what steps they need to be taking to do better (34:00) and striking a balance between leaving toxic groups and staying and changing them from within (50:09). We finish by thinking about the next steps for men and society in general (1:26:42) Learn. Share. Subscribe.

In this Women’s Day episode, midwife and baker elite, Shabazz Irving and actor and writer, Yana Penrose join us in the Box to discuss a few issues at the intersection of race and gender. We open up the episode with a discussion on toxic masculinity in the workplace (03:06). Next Shabazz guides us through an understanding of racism and sexism within the medical profession (33:00) and how to ensure Black and Brown patients receive good care. Then, we switch gears to talk about safely navigating dating, chat-ups, and new relationships in these pandemic times (1:02:30). WOMEN WHO BE WINNING DRAFT: In our second Draft in a Box (1:21:40) we each take turns to pick our Top 3 Black Women we are honouring for Women’s Day (and beyond). Each of our lists will be posted to IG so let us know whose list is your favourite. Love. Share. Subscribe.

Chiedu Oraka, “The Black Yorkshireman”, one of the UK’s most exciting musicians joins Angelo to talk about his motivation to make music during lockdown and how to make it in music. First up we talk about what caused him to make music during the lockdown than he did in the year prior (01:27) Next, Chiedu speaks on how lockdown has helped him innovate and how he has learned not to put too much focus into streaming numbers (05:20) before speaking about his experiences with record labels and the importance of focusing on your art over clout (7:20). We go in depth on the things that up and coming artists can do when they get to the position of levelling up their career and how to balance commercial success with keeping your creative vision (10:20) He also speaks honestly about the successes and failures he has had over the last year (12:05) and how artists need to broaden their horizons if they want to take the next steps (16:05) Chiedu speaks honestly about finances and how being an emerging artist has presented its own challenges (21:00) He finishes by speaking about what 2021 has in store for him 24:50. Love. Share. Subscribe.

DJ Cueball joins Alahna, Angelo, Dan, Dom and Nate to talk about creativity and methods and motivations behind making music during lockdown. We open up talking about the Golden Globes snubbing of I MAY DESTROY YOU and whether it is down racism or the nature of the content and audiences today. Next Cue gets into how lockdown hit the music industry (26:40) and how he kept his creativity up regardless. We go into how DJs and the music industry pivoted to the changing circumstances with livestreams (44:45) and other innovations before grilling Cue on the economics of the business, (55:55) picking up on a theme begun in rapper Chiedu Oraka’s recent interview with Angelo. NEW SEGMENT ALERT: In Draft in a Box (1:16:00) we each take turns to pick one of our Top 5 of a given category. To get things going we pick out five slow jams to mark Valentines Day. Each of the lists will be posted to IG so let us know whose was the best, then take in the combined playlist on Spotify. Love. Share. Subscribe.

New year, new series. Black in a Box welcome 2021 with Series 3 and the whole cast celebrating Angelo’s cameo performance and writing in Netflix feature Death to 2020. Recorded the day after the Inauguration (18:19) Black in a Box seek the view of our resident American Alahna now that Joe Biden has been confirmed as the 46th US President. The pod gang talk through goal setting and our respective strategies for success in 2021 (41:12) before finishing with a discussion on Amazon Prime film One Night in Miami (58:42). Who is Ali, which of us is Malcolm X, who is as smooth as Sam Cooke and who would you place as Jim Brown? Listen in to find out. Like. Share. Subscribe.

A designer, a management consultant, a marketing guru and teacher embark on a multimedia venture. As far as origin stories, it is lacking. All of them are black. Slightly more interesting, but so what? Three of them are proud Yorkshireman. Ok, I’m listening. Black Guys in a Box is the lovechild of Dan, Dom and Nate, three friends from university and Alahna and Angelo, who came along for the ride. If this podcast sounds different, it’s because it is. The Northern working class black voice is one that is rarely heard from in the media.

Season’s greetings. For our final pod of 2020 sadly Nate had to sit this one out but the rest of the gang get straight into some of the things that gave us surprise and delight in a year where simply surviving was a success. (0:56) But 2020 gonna keep on 2020ing and Alahna, Dan, Dom and Gelo pile up the talking points after Millwall fans booed players taking a knee in the first fixture fans were allowed back in post-Covid (09:47). 

From alleged Marxism to the warm and fuzzy feels of capitalism. Have you noticed the increasingly common centreing of brown families Christmasing merrily in big brand adverts? Empty corporate CSR or essential representation (30:50)? We talk the UK government scheduling a deportation flight during a global pandemic of Windrush British citizens. Just why is an opposition lead by a human rights lawyer maintaining a wall of silence?(59:20) It's December so we close out on our music of the year (1:12:48) and our moments of the year (1:27:52). And a final shout out to all our listeners who have helped us go from strength to strength. We’ll see you in 2021. Merry Christmas. Happy Hannukah. A joyous Kwanzaa and enjoy your holidays. Like. Share. Subscribe.