Not Your Black Friends

In this special episode, Spencer takes a break from his parental leave to talk about Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com

In this episode, we discuss the Federal trial of Ahmaud Arbery's killers Gregory McMichael, Travis McMichael, and William “Roddie” Bryan” and the sentencing trial of Daunte Wright's killer Kim Potter. We also discuss Ukraine, the conflicts of interest of Ginni Thomas, and the 2022 Winter Olympics. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com

In this episode, we discuss the recent incidents of body shaming involving Nelly, Lil Fizz, and 50 Cent. We also discuss Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's thoughts on the fragile state of American democracy, Rep. Nancy Pelosi coming out against defunding the police, the Super Bowl Halftime Show, and more. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

This week, we discuss the Alabama redistricting case that has the potential to fundamentally alter Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, the Federal grant on harm reduction that conservatives misrepresented as government-funded crack pipes, Whoopi Goldberg's problematic statements on the Holocaust, Thandiwe Newton's difficulty understanding colorism, and more. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com

In this episode, we discuss Janet Jackson's documentary. We also talk about President Biden's efforts to nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court, Prime Minister Boris Johnson partying during lockdown, the viral Golden Corral brawl, and more. For more information, visit us at http://nybfpodcast.com

In this episode, we discuss the firing of racist Wyoming Police Officer Christian Handley at the hands of Sheriff Aaron Appelhans—the first Black Sheriff in the history of Wyoming. We also discuss President Biden losing his cool and getting caught on a hot mic, Wharton students overestimating the income of the average person in the United States, Disney's Encanto, and more. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

In this episode, we discuss Tulsa Pastor Mike Todd going viral for rubbing spit on a parishioner. We also discuss the current status of President Biden's efforts to revise the legislative filibuster in order to pass voting rights legislation, a vandal targeting speed cameras in Wilmington, DE, the closing of the last Sears department store in Pennsylvania, and more. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

In this episode, we discuss what it means now that the original 'Winnie The Pooh' story by A.A. Milne is public domain. We also discuss President Biden's push for an end to the legislative filibuster in order to find a path forward for voting rights legislation and the sentencing of Travis McMichael, Gregory McMichael, and William “Roddie” Bryant for their involvement in the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, and more. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com

In this episode, we discuss Ghislane Maxwell's guilty verdict as well as some of her unusual behavior during her trial. We also talk about the anniversary of the January 6 insurrection, NY Attorney General Letitia James subpoenaing Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump, Jr., Tristan Thompson's admission that he did in fact father a child while dating Khloe Kardashian, and more. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com

In this episode, we discuss Martin Luther King, III and his efforts to gather over 800 faith leaders together to push President Biden and Senate Democrats into passing Voter Rights legislation. We also talk about the conviction of former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter in the killing of Daunte Wright, we debate whether shame ever has a place in the punishment of children, and we give our thoughts on the series finale of Issa Rae's critically acclaimed HBO series ‘Insecure.' For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com

In this episode, we discuss the pending divorce of actress Meagan Good and preacher DeVon Franklin. We also discuss Senator Joe Manchin blocking the Build Back Better Plan and former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin changing is plea to guilty in the Federal trial for his involvement in the murder of George Floyd. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

In this episode, we discuss Dr. Mehmet Oz and his U.S. Senate run, the mysterious money found in a wall at Pastor Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church, Tristan Thompson's alleged third child, Gorilla Glue girl Tessica Brown going bald, and more.

In this episode, we discuss the disturbing sexual assault allegations against Don Lemon as well as his potential involvement in the Jussie Smollett scandal. We also discuss the resolution to the debt ceiling conflict, the firing of Chris Cuomo, and more. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

In this episode, we discuss the Omicron variant and the Black Twitter memes connecting it to singer Omarion. We also discuss the repetitive nature of the debt ceiling crisis, the feud between Rep. Lauren Boebert and Rep. Ilhan Omar, CNN anchor Chris Cuomo's involvement in his brother former NY Governor Andrew Cuomo's scandal, the Ahmaud Arbery verdict, Porsha Williams' involvement with R. Kelly, and more. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com

In this episode, we discuss whether Biden's infrastructure bill goes far enough in its efforts to fix communities that were damaged by the building of the United States interstate system and we give our thoughts on the conversation about whether or not Taylor Swift is a better overall artist than Whitney Houston. We also discuss the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict, the controversial remarks made by a defense attorney in the trial against Ahmaud Arbery's murderers, the feminist backlash against 'King Richard', and more. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com

In honor of the November 15 birthdays of Twinkie Clark and Karen Clark Sheard, we are revisiting our review of ‘The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel' which was released on Lifetime in 2020. This episode originally aired on April 17, 2020. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

This week, we revisit our conversation from July 1, 2020 about the multifaceted effects of racism featuring Dr. Ana Ruediger, a naturopathic physician. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com

This week, we revisit our 2020 Episode entitled ‘Understanding 2016: The Mainstreaming of Racism in American Politics' featuring Professor Sanford F Schram, Ph.D. professor of Political Science at Hunter College discussing his book 'Hard White: The Mainstreaming of Racism in America' written with Richard C. Fording, Ph.D., University of Alabama professor of Political Science.

On this Halloween themed episode, we continue our discussion on the October 13 sexual assault that occurred on the Market Frankford Train Line in the Philadelphia area now that it has been revealed that police officers misrepresented the actions of bystanders in order to fuel a false narrative about urban chaos. We also discuss Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his offer to out-of-state police officers who disagree with vaccine mandates to move to his state with a $5,000 bonus and we give a brief reflection on the fact that the Not Your Black Friends Podcast is now 2. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

In this episode, we discuss the incident that occurred on October 13, 2021 during which a woman was raped on a Philadelphia train in front of several people who chose not to intervene or call authorities. We also discuss the death of Colin Powell. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

This week we discuss the controversy surrounding Dave Chappelle's recent Netflix special ‘The Closer.' We also discuss the short-term solution to the debt ceiling crisis in Congress, TX Governor Greg Abbott's ban on vaccine mandates in private entities, and we give our thoughts on the New York Times article ‘Who is the Bad Art Friend?' For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

In this episode, we discuss Grey's Anatomy actress Ellen Pompeo's decision to share a story of an argument that occurred between she and Academy Award winner Denzel Washington when she undermined his authority while he was a guest director in 2015. We also talk about journalist Katie Couric's decision to retell a story of an awkward interview she had with Denzel Washington in 2004 and we discuss how it is not possible to view either of these incidents without acknowledging the history of white women using their privilege and power to subjugate and endanger black men. We also mention the struggle occurring in the Senate between Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, Sen. Joe Manchin, and other Democrats over the infrastructure bill and we give our thoughts on Season 4 of Dear White People on Netflix. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

In this episode, we discuss Will Smith's GQ interview in which he revealed that he and Jada have had periods of nonmonogamy within their marriage. We also discuss the ongoing saga surrounding with Congress, the debt ceiling, and the need for a spending package, the Arizona audit that reaffirmed President Biden's victory, the COVID-19 false positives on the View, and the guilty verdict in the R. Kelly trial. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com

In this episode, we reflect on what it has been like recording one hundred full episodes of this podcast. We also discuss the debt ceiling controversy in Congress, the poor treatment of Haitian refugees trying to cross the border from Mexico into the United States, the tragic death of Gabby Petito, and more. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

In this episode, we discuss the California Recall Election, US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez's dress at the Met Gala and Whoopi Goldberg's tone deaf reaction to taxing the rich, Chloe Bailey's sexy solo VMA debut, and more. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

In this episode, we take a break from politics and pop culture and focus on something a bit more personal--pregnancy. We talk about how our society regularly devalues the challenges associated with pregnancy and we discuss how Tia's pregnancy is changing both our relationship and our outlook on life. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com

In this episode, we talk about the way that conservatives have latched onto the narrative that blames President Biden and his supporters for the messy U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. We also have a debate about whether or not it is appropriate to bill people who RSVP and then do not show up for weddings and we spend a bit of time discussing the 20th anniversary of Aaliyah's tragic death as well as new revelations about her life from the trial of R. Kelly. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

In this episode, we discuss Sha'Carri Richardson's return to track and field in the Nike Prefontaine Classic. We also discuss Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick's false assertion that African Americans were driving the high COVID numbers in his state. We conclude with a recap of our recent trip to Atlanta and an unfortunate experience with less-than-tasty soul food. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com

In this episode, we bring back Spencer's mother Julia Clayton for a conversation about feeling overwhelmed between the pandemic, natural disasters, and political upheaval taking place this summer. We also discuss TX Governor Greg Abbott's coronavirus diagnosis and the United States Military's withdrawal from Afghanistan. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com

In this episode, we discuss the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's resignation, Republican governors' contradictory responses to the delta variant, the 2020 Olympics, and more. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com

In this episode, we discuss New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's disastrous response to the results of the New York Attorney General Letitia James' investigation into the sexual harassment allegations against him. We also discuss rapper DaBaby's homophobic rant and Simone Biles' triumphant return to the balance beam during the 2020 Olympics. Visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com

In this episode, we talk about gymnast Simone Biles' bold decision to prioritize her mental health by pulling out of the Gymnastics Team Final at the 2020 Olympics this week. We also discuss the House Committee Hearing about January 6, the CDC's reversal on mask guidance, and more. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

In this episode, we discuss the Billionaire Space Race and the fact that the spacecraft that Jeff Bezos launched resembled a giant phallus. We also talk about Texas House Democrats, their effort to fight against voter suppression, and Senator Lindsey Graham's reaction and we give our thoughts on the relationship between capitalism and Japan's need for the Olympics to go forward in spite of the presence of COVID-19 in the Olympic Village. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com

In this episode, we talk about the way that conservatives have latched onto the word “woke” in their culture war against the teaching of our nation's racist history. We also discuss the trend for terms and customs that originate in the Black community to become a part of mainstream American society often with no credit or attribution and give our thoughts on the recent strike among Black tiktok creators. We conclude by spending time reflecting on our three years of marriage. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com

In this episode, we discuss several of the racist incidents involving the penalization of Black women in the 2020 Olympics including Sha'Carri Richardson's suspension, Brianna McNeal's five-year ban, Alice Dearing and the Soul Cap, Simone Biles having her amazing gymnastic skills undervalued by judges, and the many African women banned from running 400m and 800m because of their naturally high testosterone. We also discuss Nikole Hannah-Jones' decision to go teach at Howard University after finally being offered tenure at UNC Chapel Hill, and two recent incidents in the Philadelphia area where white supremacists got the exact kind of unceremonious welcome they deserved. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com

In this episode, we discuss the realization that we are no longer in the target age bracket for the entertainment industry after being woefully unaware that the BET Awards were airing last weekend. We also discuss, Texas Rep. Dan Crenshaw's efforts to have Olympic Hammer Thrower Gwen Berry removed from the U.S. Team due to her protesting the National Anthem, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his efforts to survey the political beliefs of staff and students of Florida State Universities, Attorney General Merrick Garland's efforts to sue Georgia over its restrictions to voting, the Derek Chauvin sentencing trial, and the BET Awards. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

In this episode, we discuss Olympic sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson and the sexist and classist overtones in the reactions to her means of self expression. We also discuss the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and their decision to draft a formal statement that would give individual bishops the ability to prevent pro-choice Catholic politicians from receiving the Eucharist, the irony of the Senate's inability to pass the “For the People Act” after voting to make Juneteenth a Federal holiday, Nick Cannon's rapidly increasing number of children, and as promised, we give our review of ‘In the Heights.' For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

This week, we discuss the controversy surrounding the absence of Afro-Latinx actors from most of the principal roles in the film adaptation of ‘In the Heights.' We also discuss the surprising end to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's term, the Senate confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the D.C. Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals, and the Chrissy Teigen bullying saga. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com

In this episode, we discuss Sen. Joe Manchin's refusal to vote in favor of the "For the People Act," Hunter Biden's use of the N-word while texting his lawyer, Maryland's decision to limit the use of commercial genealogy websites in criminal investigations, the end of the critically acclaimed series 'Pose,' and more. Visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

In this episode, we talk about the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre and discuss the history of White rage responding to Black progress in the United States. We also talk about the Philadelphia location of Steak 48 implementing a dress code and a $100 food and beverage minimum and how people are split on whether this is a positive development or a part of the trend of denying access to private entities using vague policies to deny access to people of color. We then have a mini debate about the necessity of high school reunions since this month marks 20 years since our high school graduation. Finally, we share details from our recent vacation. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com

This week, we discuss Pennsylvania becoming the first state in the country to limit the power of its Governor as a result of pandemic-related emergency declarations. We also discuss the Philadelphia District Attorney Democratic primary race between incumbent and progressive Larry Krasner and his ill-fated establishment challenger Carlos Vega. We revisit our very first interview with Stephanie Webb about ‘Harriet’ starring Cynthia Erivo. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

In this episode, we discuss the revelation that Bill Gates was unfaithful in his marriage to his soon-to-be ex wife Melinda and how cheating isn’t limited to attractive men. We also discuss the Supreme Court’s decision to take on a case about Mississippi’s abortion ban on abortions after fifteen weeks of pregnancy, the dropping of charges in the case of Andrew Brown, Jr., Federal investigations into the death of George Floyd, and the overall operations of the Minneapolis Police Department as well as the announcement of an investigation into the overall operations of the Louisville Police Department in response to the unjust killing of Breonna Taylor. Later, we give our thoughts on the cancellation of ABC’s ‘Mixed-ish,’ the announced end of ‘Black-ish,’ and the rapidly approaching end of ‘Pose’ on FX. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com

In this episode, we examine Critical Race Theory--the framework that Republicans across the country are trying to ban. Adjunct Professor, scholar, and Ph.D. candidate Kate Jackson Cruz joins us for this conversation. We also talk about the pending ouster of Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney from Republican leadership due to her criticism of Trump as well as her potential Trump-endorsed replacement New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, the recent rise and fall of Dogecoin, and the suspicious timing of 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' star Porsha Williams' engagement to her former costar's ex husband. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

This week, we discuss President Biden’s goal to reach 70% vaccination in the United States by July 4. We also talk about the Republican backlash against Rep. Liz Cheney for standing up to former President Trump’s off to undermine our democracy, the divorce of Bill and Melinda Gates, NJ Vice Principal Michael Smurro going viral defending his wife's transphobic rant, and a few stories of people who lost their jobs due to their racism. Tia returns from her break. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

In this episode, we discuss the impact of the 2020 Census on House seats and the Electoral College. We also discuss the police-involved killings of Ma’Khia Bryant and Andrew Brown, Jr. as well as the police-involved shooting of Isaiah Brown. Poet, playwright, and Marvel aficionado Victoria Crenshaw joins us to talk about ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.’ For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

In this episode, we discuss our reactions to the Derek Chauvin guilty verdict while remembering the upcoming trials and investigations surrounding police brutality including the recent deaths of Daunte Wright, Adam Toledo, and Ma’Khia Bryant. We also discuss Republican attempts to censure Rep. Maxine Waters even though they excused former President Trump for saying and doing far worse things. We also sit down with pastor and filmmaker Tai Birch for a conversation about what it is like to parent Black children at this trying time. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

In this episode, special guest (and Spencer’s little cousin) Jordan Williams-Crenshaw shares his story about how he was radicalized by the far right as a teen by way of the internet. We also give updates on President Biden’s American Jobs Plan and we discuss the Derek Chauvin trial, the death of Daunte Wright in suburban Minneapolis at the hands of a 26-year police department veteran who claims she got a taser confused with a gun, and the video of Army Lt. Caron Nazario’s problematic encounter with the Windsor Police Department. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com

In this episode, we give our thoughts on Lifetime’s ‘Mahalia’ starring Danielle Brooks and produced by Robin Roberts. This conversation features special guest Julia Clayton who is Spencer’s mom. We also talk about Biden’s infrastructure plan, the Matt Gaetz scandal, the arrest of Jen Shah of ‘Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,’ and the firing of former NBA player Paul Pierce from his position as an NBA analyst for ESPN following his posting of a racy video to his Instagram account. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com

In this episode, we discuss President Biden’s first news conference and Republican voter suppression efforts in Georgia, Lil Nas X’s controversial new video for his song “Montero” and the long tradition of artists pushing boundaries, and Sharon Osbourne’s exit from ‘The Talk’ following her ill-advised attempt at supporting Piers Morgan. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

In this episode, we discuss how Republican NY Rep. Tom Reed’s attempt at calling out NY Governor Andrew Cuomo only served to expose his own indiscretions. We also discuss how relationship guru Derrick Jaxn is used his apology for being caught cheating as a means of launching a new endeavor with his previously hidden wife, we talk about the role of anti-Asian racism in the Atlanta mass shooting, and we marvel at how law enforcement and some media outlets go out of their way to humanize perpetrators when they are not people of color. During the self care segment, Spencer reflects on what it’s like to lose a 20-year friendship. For more information, visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com.

In this episode, we discuss the fallout from the leak of audio of gospel recording artist Kirk Franklin’s profanity-laced rant from a heated conversation with his eldest son Kerrion. We also discuss the decision to remove Pepe Le Pew from all subsequent Looney Tunes projects after an opinion piece by New York Times columnist Charles Blow. We spend the remainder of the episode discussing stimulus check shaming, Republicans refusing coronavirus vaccines on partisan grounds, ‘The Bachelor’ controversy over racist social media posts that led Matt James to break up with winner Rachael Kirkconnell, and ‘Coming 2 America.’ Visit us at http://www.nybfpodcast.com