In My B.A.G. (Black and Gay) is a weekly podcast series about the current state of black gay culture. “In My Bag” is a statement used in the urban community describing a particular mood a person is in, whether it's good or bad. With segments like #TeaBag and #InMyBag, tune in each week to find o…
In this episode, John sits down Kadeem Alphanso Fyffe. Kadeem is a New York based fashion designer and author of Threading the Needle: A Fashion Designer's Guide to Successfully Launching Your First Collection. Kadeem talks about growing up in a Jamaican household and the relationship with both his parents. Kadeem also talks about how his love for fashion came at a young age through his experiences in the church. John vents about the lack of support from other Black Gay platforms and organizations on the "In My B.A.G." segment. There are a lot of gems that were dropped in this episode. Enjoy!To purchase Kadeem's book, please click the link HERE.
In this episode, John sits down with the Philly boy himself, Bellami Underwood who is known for his outspoken and funny personality and his highly viewed content videos on social media. Bellami talks about growing up in Philly, his religious family, the person who motivated him to start creating content, the importance of therapy, and more. Check out all Bellami Underwood Videos by clicking HERE
In this episode John sits down with creator of Gay Code and multimedia artist Isaam Sharef. Isaam talks about his childhood of growing up in New Jersey, coming out to his mom in his twenties, the unanswered questions of his father not being in his life, and more. Isaam also talks about why he started Gay Code and makes a huge announcement during the In My B.A.G. segment. Leave a comment and tell us what you think.
In this episode John sits down with rapper, actor, and entertainer Peachez With A Z. Peachez talks about growing up in upstate New York, his passion for music and lyricism, how he connected back with his brother, and Black love. John gets a little emotional during the In My B.A.G. segment, and talks about the importance of mental health. Check out Peachez With A Z music on all streaming platforms. Apple MusicSpotifyCheck Peachez with A Z and John Torrence on the latest episodes of The Circle NYC.The Circle NYC
In this episode, John sits down with content creator and social media influencer Tyreak Told You. Tyreak talks about graduating from an HBCU, how he got started creating content, monetizing your content, the pros and cons between Tik Tok and Instagram, and more. In My B.A.G. segment this episode will have you at the edge of your seats as John talks about an event that occurred on a late night. Support the Tyreak Told You Expansion Plan TikTok Instagram YouTube
In this episode, host John Torrence sits down with Creative Strategist and Copywriter John Lesley. Aside having the same name, John Torrence and John Lesley find out that they both have many things in common. Throughout the episode, John Lesley talks about being raised in the south, moving to New York City, becoming an intern at 30 to accomplish his goals to being the creator he is today, and much more.
In this episode, John sits down with corporate recruiter, Julio Nicolas Bueno. Julio talks about his passion for mentoring and recruiting early career talent, and provides advice for those who are interested in entering the workforce. He also talks about the advantages and disadvantages of being Black and Gay in Corporate America. On a personal note, Julio talks about how difficult it was to come out to his parents and siblings, and how moving to New York City was life changing. The "In My B.A.G." segment was very emotional for John as he talks about his experience getting ghosted and the effects it causes. Enjoy!
In this episode, John sits down with content creator and professional baker Kareem Youngblood about his childhood growing up in Brooklyn, how he found his love for baking, and the people who has been having him in his B.A.G. lately. Kareem has been seen on Netflix Sugar Rush and Chopped Sweets.
In this episode, John sits down with performance artist, writer, and educator Kenzi James. Kenzi talks about his recent performance in FOR COLORED BOYZ on the verge of a nervous breakdown/ when freedom aint enuff, a Downtown Urban Arts Festival production. Kenzi also opens up about his childhood and about the current relationship he has with his parents, his educational journey honing his skills as a performer by attending some of the top educational institutions for performing arts, and the many projects that he has written over the years.
In this episode, John sits down with his good friend and Founder of Ebony Voyage, Aaron Westbrook. Aaron talks about "Coming Out" to his parents, his ongoing relationship with his father, the reason behind starting Ebony Voyage, and why it's so important to support black-owned businesses. This season is sponsored by the Counter Narrative Project (CNP), a nonprofit organization that shifts narratives about Black gay men to change policy and improve lives.
Season 3 kicks off with John sitting down with the Founder of Open To All Entertainment (OTA) (@opentoall.ent), the Legendary Leggoh JohVera. Leggoh talks about growing up in multiple cities, how he got started in ballroom, the Iconic MC Debra, his opinion about the HBO Max show Legendary, and more. This season is sponsored by the Counter Narrative Project (CNP), a non-profit organization that shifts narratives about Black gay men to change policy and improve lives.
In the season 2 finale episode, John sits down with artist, rapper, and lyricist Medino Green to discuss his new mixtape (IN MY BAG), participating in the MOBIfest Cypher, and more. John and Medino also talk about the announcement that Xtube recently released and the new Black LGBTQ+ on-demand live streaming platform iElevate+ TV that is set to launch soon.
In this episode, John sits down with Creative Director and International Model Chad Bailey, who also is President/A&R of Pynk Gorilla Entertainment, and Owner of 4NI Visuals. Chad talks about what it was like growing up in Jamaica, how moving to New York City made him a stronger person, working with the love of his life, Bugz Gutta, and more. Both John and Chad had a lot in their “B.A.G.” this episode that you don't want to miss!
In this episode, John sits down with Ian Haddock, Executive Director of The Normal Anomaly Initiative to discuss homelessness, sex work, and entrepreneurship. From the I in LGBTQIA to microwavable relationships, both John and Ian go deep into conversation about these two topics.
John sits down Kerry D, singer/songwriter and member of the signing duo RM8. Kerry D talks about what it was like growing up with his grandmom and not having his parents fully in his life as a child and what its like filming on the hit reality show web series, Chasing Dallas. This is a must listen as John and Kerry D let the listeners know what has them both in their "B.A.G.".
John sits down with Charles Stephens, Founder and Executive Director of Counter Narrative Project (CNP) to discuss the traditions of black gay writers, the importance of black gay media, the vision that he has for CNP, and more.
John sits down with award-winning journalist Ernest Owens to discuss gentrification in gay communities, the lack of vetting on the new social media platform Clubhouse, and the increasing number of social media scammers. This episode will definitely keep you on your toes.
In this episode, John invited celebrity hairstylist and beauty blogger, Nathaniel Jaye to discuss the misconceptions of being a hairstylist, multiple streams of income, and working at Full Figure & New York Fashion Week. John and Nathaniel also discuss the the black gay norm on television along with deciding if we should cancel Karamo Brown from the community or not. Listen now to find out what has John and Nathaniel in their "B.A.G.". Lets just say that there is a lack of black gay relationships, the lack of consistency with guys, and the lack of this & that in regard to dating.
In this Season 2 premiere episode, John sits down with openly gay hip-hop artist Bugz Gutta (@Bugz_Gutta) to talk about his latest venture, Pynk Gorilla Entertainment, his struggles growing up in Virginia, the love of his life, and so much more! In addition, both John and Bugz express their opinions on 'Love Is Blind' cast member Carlton Morton actions on the show, and 'Good Times' star Jimmie Walker (JJ) being accused of making homophobic statements by fellow comedian Sampson McCormick.
In this season finale episode, John sits down with his good friend @theonlyjamel to talk about the Mobi Artist Showcase that took place in November, Saucy Santana shooting in Miami, Mondaire Jones who could be the first openly gay black man elected to Congress, and more. John expresses why he prefers talking rather than texting when getting to know someone.
John sits down with openly gay hip-hop artist/producer EarthTone to talk about his latest project Gourmet, being a cast member on The Circle NYC, his current relationship status, and so much more! John and EarthTone also talk about what has them both in their B.A.G.
In this episode John has invited one of his close friends Charlie Jones (@cjaysfit_) who is a well known bartender in NYC. Both John and Charlie discuss Todrick Hall's nonpayment accusations, black gay reality shows, and more. Later in the show John reveals what a soft top is and Charlie talks about his views on interracial dating.
John invites one of his best friends Joshua Starr (@Joshua_Starr) to the show to recap their hot boy summer. Both John and Josh give their honest opinion on the transgender community, what's been having them in their "B.A.G." lately, and more.
In this week's episode, John invites one of his “good good” girlfriends, Ashley Scarboro as a guest host to discuss transgender activist Janet Mock on filing for divorce to her husband, the different ways black women in today's society act around their gay best friends, and more.
In this last two part interview, John confesses to his mom on why he feels guilty about being a gay male. In addition, his mom expresses her opinion on John’s previous relationships and ex boyfriends.
In this part 1 of 2 interview, John gets to know his mom a little better by getting her thoughts on the LGBTQ community, knowing what really went through her mind when he came out as being gay, and more.
This week, John introduces himself as the host of In My B.A.G., talks black gay history, and gives his opinion on the Jussie Smollett attack.