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Did you know that Najee means "friend of God" and Kirk means "Church?" The fact that these guys go way back and have such a warm kinship makes complete sense. There was nothing but good vibes and brotherly love! Kirk speaks with the one and only Najee about how they floated into each other's lives, about his commitment to his spirituality and his experience growing up in the Bronx. But don't think these are your average everyday musicians. You can also tune in to hear them use words like "paradisiacal" and "attenuated." It's not a simplistic conversation by any stretch! (Aren't you curious now?) AND they both played a little music -- vibes on vibes!    

On this episode, Kirk chats with Memphis-based, Brooklyn-tested legend-in-the-making, IMAKEMADBEATS. For those of us a touch north of Gen X, he is indeed mad-mad but mad meaning very, super, much, many and aggressively producing music. And that music is pretty doggone dope. If you haven't heard his music, do yourself a favor. He and Kirk go on to talk about all of the influences in his music, becoming unapologetic, his family dynamics coming up, The Mound (Orange Mound where they both were raised), how they got out of Memphis and what brought them both back. So many common threads and so many deeply resonant points made! Have a listen.     

That's it. That's about all the description we need. The O'jays have such an expansive catalogue of music that has inarguably touched most Americans in some way, shape or form.  Most of us get the warm and fuzzies when we hear the opening bars of "our song" by the legendary trio. Original member Walter Williams takes us down memory lane, and elaborates on his unshakable faith while Eric Nolan talks about enjoying life, loving everything you have, smelling the roses and the privilege of singing with his idol. (Eddie Levert is recovering from COVID. Sending love, light and healing energy!) Catch their latest album, The Last Word, and catch them on tour in a city near you!

You may know Alonzo Bodden as one of the winners of Last Comic Standing. Or, you may know him from his regular rotation on NPR's wildly popular show Wait Wait Don't Tell Me. But do you know-know him? Get to know Alonzo Bodden a bit more alongside Kirk as the two pack in a lot during this fun-filled hour. Did you know he started out, much like Bill Withers, as an aerospace mechanic and instructor?  He talks about how he got it from his mama, the gift of improv and the benefits of knowing a little bit about a lot of things. And, he notes that the best comedians are great listeners. But there was so much more to this conversation. You must tune in and listen for yourself!    

The soul sangin Omar Wilson is coming for us all with his incredible vocals and delivery. [Check him out on the remake of Secret Garden with Shawn Stockman, Raheem DeVaughn and Sisquo.] Kirk has the pleasure of sitting with Omar to deep dive into self love, fearless faith and making peace with not always understanding the why's behind the way God moves. They also talk about the loss of a child and how it rattles the faith of even the most steadfast among us. AND Omar talks about his multi-layered and deep-rooted connection to Kirk's beloved hometown of Memphis. He also declared our BBQ the undisputed champ so he is welcome back to our show and our city any time! Listen up.

This was A SHOW. There may need to be a part two in fact. Kirk chats with long-time friend and warm hugger (you have to listen in to get it) Robyn Crawford, on the heels of the release of her memoir, A Song For You - My Life with Whitney Houston. It was a beautiful energy exchange with a palpable openness, honesty and authenticity that you have to hear for yourself. 

Kirk sits down with the inimitable Nnenna Freelon! She is a legendary Grammy-nominated jazz singer in her own right with a career that spans 2 decades.  In addition to her own award-winning bodu of work, she's collaborated with many other greats like Ellis Marsalis, Diana Krall,  Herbie Hancock and Anita Baker.  She discusses her podcast Great Grief with Kirk as well as the music and the joys of life.

Kirk has a fantastic sit-down with the multi-hyphenate (radio personality, TV personality, comedian, singer, community activist) Willie Moore Jr.  As men of faith and family, the conversation took a natural turn in that direction as they talked about walking the walk in the entertainment business and instilling core values in their children. But that's not it. There's so much more. Touch your neighbor and say, Pull up!

In the extra special edition of Humans Being Kirk talks to Kortland Whalum, Kevin Whalum, Chantae Cann and Grammy Award winning super group Take 6. Each of these artists make guest appearances on his newly released Christmas album,  How Does Christmas Sound?  Need we say more? (A: No) Have a listen!

Bishop Yvette Flunder joins the show for a fantastic conversation about radical inclusivity in the church, what's beautiful and where the church can do better. She is the Senior Pastor of City of Refuge Church of Christ in Oakland, which was Walter Hawkins' church until his passing. She is also the voice  - yes THAT voice - behind the classic gospel song, Thank You. She and Kirk dig a little deeper to talk about being fully human (within the church body), synergizing our secular and spiritual selves and the invisibility of same gender loving people in the church. Whew!  And there's MORE. This is a must hear show.   

Those that know Kirk, know that he has a way with people. His talk with singer Tiffany Bynoe was no different and was, in fact, inspirational at times. It is a very honest and open conversation about music, life and love. She talks about her hiatus and return to her music career, her love affair with her husband, her daughter's illness and how her spirituality has carried her through it all. And, naturally, they talk about her new jazz album and the heavy hitters behind it.     

 "You may have weeded out some good but the great was your calling." "Staying centered is where the magic is". "What you seek is seeking you." These are but a few of the truths shared by renowned bass player/producer/composer/music director Rickey Minor. And there were many more "amen corner" moments throughout his chat with Kirk. But first understand who this man is. Bandleader for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Musical Director for mega tours with Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera and Whitney Houston (among others!). Musical Director for The Grammys, NAACP Awards, the Super Bowl.  Two-time Primetime Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Musical Direction. Now that you're enlightened, pull up a seat and soak up this light and wisdom. Phenomenal conversation!

You know how some people radiate beauty from within? Well that is singer-songwriter-actress Sheléa - a very lovely person inside and out with an even lovelier powerful voice. You may not know her but you do in fact know her. Have you seen her tribute to Whitney? Have you seen her as Dorinda Clark Cole? Have you heard her on any Stevie Wonder tracks? Or heard the theme song for the sitcom All of Us? Or the song I'll Never Let You Go from the movie Jumping the Broom? If not, check out Kirk's conversation with her then rush to get up to speed. 

In this episode, Kirk and Pastor Davis discover their shared lived experiences as they talk about the importance of their grandmothers in their personal and spiritual development. But they also talk about how their respective sensibilities have evolved beyond merely emulating their elders and reflexive religion to a broader acceptance and understanding of Jesus, Christianity and, yes, humanity. AND of course they talk about music as Pastor Davis is a fan of the old school mainstays like Willie Hutch and Bobby Womack. You absolutely must hear him unpack the melody of Stevie Wonder's Isn't She Lovely. Tune in and treat yourself! 

On this episode of Humans Being, Kirk talks music, life and world views with his Summer Horns tour mates - Dave Koz, Mindy Abair and Vincent Ingala.  They will be touring into September so be sure to check Kirk's website and social media for dates!

Kirk relishes the opportunity to "nerd out" with cosmologist and astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi. He talks to Kirk about this somewhat transient childhood, traversing the country before settling in Mississippi. Hakeem shares his story of how went from the hood to high school valedictorian to Stanford. And of course they take a deep dive into his book, A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Street to the Stars. Bonus -- Kirk fans out just a little bit!   

 It ain't easy being April Ryan! But she walks with the angels and ancestors at her back, gratitude in her heart and faith in her soul.  She talks to Kirk about her career as a journalist in the White House Press Corps, her daughters, her former life as a disc jockey at a jazz station, her love of gospel music and much more. Pull up for another really cool episode of Humans Being!

In this Birthday episode of Humans Being Kirk celebrates his birthday with some very special guests, people and places that are near and dear to him. Pete Gathje from Manna House, Elaine Turner from Slave Haven museum and his mom all join the show! But wait! There's also video with some special surprises for Kirk. Stay tuned in to our social media channels to check it out!

Jamal Bryant stopped by and gave us a Word without even trying. It was a Sunday Word for whatever day of the week you listen to this. He and Kirk talk about embracing the LGBT community and rejecting "heterosupremacy," Morehouse, how COVID changed his ministry and the difference between preaching and pastoring.

Kirk talks with Avery Sunshine about her gospel roots, the genesis of her career and her stage name, her grandmama, her influence and his own family, her self acceptance, Southern roots and music. So many rays of sunshine (pun intended) and gems packed into a short time. (Stay tuned for part 2!) Enjoy!  

Kirk is joined by singer-songwriter-musician Jonathan Butler. They're talking music, the genesis of their relationship, South Africa and global politics. Very enlightening and inspiring. So much joy in the (virtual) building!

Kirk Whalum sits down with hip hop artist Al Kapone and Jazz artist Kandace Springs to talk life, music, spirituality and more in this episode of Humans Being. Hear more about their careers in music, motivation behind their craft, and more. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of Humans Being with Kirk Whalum at kudzukian.com, the Kudzukian App, or your favorite podcast provider.

Kirk Whalum sits down with Jonathan Capehart, renowned journalist to talk politics, music, religion and more in this inaugural episode of Humans Being. Hear more about their world travels, navigating new languages, plus we get their initial reactions to the Derek Chauvin verdict from the George Floyd case. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of Humans Being with Kirk Whalum at kudzukian.com, the Kudzukian App, or your favorite podcast provider.  

Humans Being with Kirk Whalum coming soon!