Podcast - GunnShots Str8 From The Hip

In this episode, I'll introduce you to J. Alexander, aka "Divine". A man of many talents. Barber, paralegal, musician and producer. You'll learn how he used his position as a barber to help other barbers focus on the mental health of their customers and how he was instrumental in getting legislation passed that allows Mobile barbering in Kentucky. 

In this episode, you'll meet Shannon Burton and her husband, Bart. We'll tell the story of how she started modeling late in life at 35 years of age and ended up as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model at 50. You'll also learn about how a commercial and being extras in the movie "Secretariat" brought her and Bart together... Sort of. Shannon is an inspiration to women of all ages because of her dogged determination to chase a dream and make it a reality. Get to know Shannon here.

In this episode, once again, we take a look at the lives of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.My guest is Antonio Pantoja, an award winning photographer and filmaker who turned his love of horror into a thing of beauty to the tune of over 200 awards for his work. His debut feature film, "One Must Fall" is must - see television and you can check him out atwww.antoniopantoja.com

This podcast introduces you to ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Meet Gary Loks, the best kept and worst kept secret in the cigar world. Learn how 1 man's vision became a reality and what being the best kept and worst kept secret in the cigar world means.https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/64286877/download.mp3

In this episode, you'll meet Amanda Mills, a homeless advocate who at one time in her life,weighed over 400 pounds. Find out how she dealt with motherhood, her work with the houseless, and domestic violence, all while fighting a battle to lose the weight that would've killed her if she wasn't successful. Amanda is one of the most inspirational people I've ever met, and you'll think so too.

In our ongoing search for ordinary people doing extraordinary things, I came across Mike Bucci, a banking excutive in Louisville, Kentucky, who's spirit of giving back goes all the way back to his days as a WWE Superstar.

This season, we're taking the podcast in a new direction. We'll put the spotlight on ordinary people just like you doing extraordinary things.In this episode, I'll inroduce you to one of my oldest and dearest friends. Dave Moody, bassist and vocalist of the tribute band, "Hairball" . We'll talk about his humble beginnings, addiction, marriage and life on the road. 

In this episode, we explore some little known baseball history. Did you know that Kentucky is home to the 1st ever integrated kids' baseball team in the Commonwealth? My guest is Ron Schmidt, the Executive Producer of an upcoming feature film that tells the story. It's called "This Field Looks Green To Me".

After a bit of a hiatus, we are back and in this episode, we'll talk about transracial adoptions and I'll introduce you to Brandy David, an Italian immigrant who was adopted at the age of 5 by an African - American family.You'll hear her story and learn a little more about transracial adoptions. You can also see the video version of this episode on my You Tube channel.

Attorney General Merrick Garland came to Louisville to deliver the findings of a 2 year investigation of the Louisville Metro Police Department and Metro Government after the death of Breonna Taylor.In this episode, we take a look at some of the findings and the recommendations spelled out in the Consent Decree. I also have a conversation with Louisville Mayor , Craig Greenberg and LMPD Chief Jaqueline Gwinn - Villaroel about the impact the investigation and findings will have on the city and the police department. You can now see the video version of the podcast at "GunnShots: The Video Clips"Make sure you check us out on "Live In Louisville" on 104.7 WLOU Radio. We stream live at www.wloufm.com.

In this episode, in light of the increased call for Black people to arm themselves after the racist domestic terrorist attack in Buffalo, New York, I have a conversation with one of the few African - American firearms instructors in Louisville. We discuss some of the myths and misconceptions about guns in the Black community and provide information on how you can begin training for your safety and that of your family.

A family reunion of sorts. Christopher "Truth B. Told" Owens celebrates 20 years as a professional spoken word artist with the release of his new retrospective project, "REWIND: Words, Poems & Live Shows". We'll take a look back at his life, career and what he's been up. You'll also learn about our connection as "family".

This is a conversation with the R&B group, "Troop", who made it big with hits like "Mamacita", "Spread My Wings" and "All I Do Is Think Of You" back in the late 80's. I had them on my radio show (www.wloufm.com) and it was 1st time we'd seen each other in over 30 years.

My first episode back in about 6 months! In light of the Will Smith, Chris Rock incident at the Oscars, I decided that it was important for my radio morning show to STOP the music and START the conversation about mental health in the Black Community.What you'll hear is the actual audio from that broadcast from Wednesday, April 20th on WLOU - FM (www.wloufm.com) My guests are Mrs. Cassandra Gray and her husband, Dr. Kilen Gray of Creative Spirits Behavioral Services.We wanted to break down the myths and misconceptions about Black Mental Health and provide resources for those that need them.

As your kids go back to school, America is going backwards when it comes to defeating the Coronavirus and it's due to a group of people I call "CovIDIOTS" that refuse to be vaccinated. In this episode, we'll break down the harm they're causing and we'll share tips on how to deal with them.

In this episode, I talk about Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles and her decision to opt out of competition for mental health reasons.I'll also deal with the trauma being suffered by Capitol Police Officers as they testify in the investigation of the January 6th domestic terrorist attack.

There's a movement that's been around for awhile that's just starting to get mainstream attention. It's called "MGTOW". Men Going Their Own Way. Men are opting out of relationships and women don't like it. Learn about what this is about and why it came to be in the first place.

In this episode, I take a look at the importance of more Black kids and Kids of Color getting involved with STEM. (Science Technology Engineering & Medicine). You'll also meet G.J. Dennis, a 13 year old who's heavily involved with STEM and is about to launch his own computer building & repair business.

In this episode, I look at the impact of Tik Tok and how it helps educate people on Critical Race Theory, politics and life in general

In this episode, we examine the hypocritical nature od the recently passed Juneteenth Federal Holiday. We also take a look at the ongoing campaign to discredit Critical Race Theory and Congress's failure to pass any meaningful legislation that would benefit the lives of Black People.

In this episode, we'll take a look at the "Blacklash" some Whites are starting to feel because of their refusal to deal with this country's ongoing racism. You'll also hear from a former White Supremacist who's now working to heal the racial wounds he caused.

June is Black Month Music and this is a first of a series of episodes putting the spotlight on some of the biggest artists in the genre. This week, we pay tribute to Earth Wind & Fire and you'll hear a conversation I had with Maurice White before he passed away.

In this episode, we'll take a look at Critical Race Theory, Black History and why portions of White Americans are so afraid of it. You also learn the truth about one of the biggest lies being taught in school.

Clarence Avant is one of the most influential people in all of entertainment. Music, sports and media in general. He is also someone I'm honored to have had as a mentor in radio. We met back in the early 90's when I worked in Los Angeles and the lessons he taught me back then are things I carry on to this very day.In this episode, you'll hear from Quincy Jones, Jamie Foxx, L.A. Reid and several of the industry's biggest heavy hitters. You'll also hear from the man himself.I'm very excited to see Mr. Avant inducted into this year's Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Class and this episode is my way of saying "thank you" for everything he's done for me.

In observance of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, we'll take a look at the ongoing mental health challenges faced by Black people in the face of systemic racism and a stigma within the Black Community when it comes to seeking help.

Here's my take on Marvel Studios "Falcon & The Winter Soldier" and the way the show deals with issues of race.

This episode takes a look at the Derek Chauvin conviction and features the young lady that shot the video of George Floyd's murder, Darnella Frazier. It also features my conversation with one of my oldest friends, Minnesota State Senator, John Hoffman, who actually knew George.

In This episode, we'll take a look at 5 African - American guitarists who don't get the recognition they deserve for their contributions to an artform we created in the first place; Rock N' Roll

My guest this week is Dr. Antonio Webb, an orthopedic spine surgeon based in San Antonio, Texas and one of the less than 1% of Black doctors in the field. We'll discuss the ongoing rollout of the coronavirus vaccine and efforts to combat the mistrust in the Black community when it comes to taking it. You can learn more about Dr. Webb on his website, www.antionwebbmd.com and check out his documentary, "Overcoming The Odds" at www.oveercopmingtheoddsmovie.com

Here are highlights from a panel discussion I was part of earlier this week. We tackle the ongoing controversy between "The Talk's" Sheryl Underwood and former host, Sharon Osborne (As of this episode, she's been fired by CBS) We also discuss ways to talk about racism through teachable moments. You can see the broadcast in its entirety at https://youtu.be/JG-L2Xe36Gc

In this episode, you'll hear from authors Robin D'Angelo (White Fragility - Why It's So Hard For Whites To Talk About Racism), Reni Eddo - Lodge (Why I'm No Longer Talking To White People About Race) and Emmanuel Acho (Uncomfortable Conversations With A Black Man). You'll also learn why more Black people are no longer talking to White people about racism.

This is the conclusion of my Afro -futuristic sci-fi story, "The Baraagua". The confrontation begins as all is revealed. How will "The Administration" deal with the fallout and we'll talk about the national push to extend Black History Month through what's being called "Melanin March" and why?

Episode 78 of my podcast, GunnShots Street From The Hip - "The Awakening" (part 2) An Afro - Futuristic short story I wrote that tells the tale of a brilliant young geneticist who, with the help of some of the most brilliant minds in Africa, the young children of the Motherland, develops a plan to free Black people in America from Jim Crow 2.0. The story is set in a dystopian future where "The Administration" has brought back slavery and much worse. The Doctor and his team hatch a plan to deliver freedom with help from the source of all life itself. "Lucy".

This episode begins a multipart series as I present an Afro - Futuristic Sci - Fi story I wrote a few years ago. I was inspired to finally share it after getting the results from an ancestral DNA test. My roots run deeper in the continent of Africa than I even realized. Ironically, this story is a journey of self - discovery and the biological connection our protagonist has with the rest of the world.. Copyright 2017 - 2021. Mark Gunn Media Inc.

In this episode, in light of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez sharing her story of the January 6th Domestic Terrorist attack on the US Capitol, we take a look at the potential mental health issues that she and other victims will have to deal with and we'll also look at America's longest untreated mental health issue, Post Traumatic Slavery Syndrome.

For all of the history Black people have made as of late, for every two steps forward, we take four steps back.

Here's my take on this week's history making inauguration and the challenges being faced by the new Biden/Harris Administration.

This is a follow up to last week's domestic terrorist attack. An update on arrests and the consequences of a country failing to heed the warnings Black America has been giving it for years!

Democrats gain control of the Senate. Congress goes through its tradition of certifying the Electoral College votes and Donald Trump continues his delusion of having not lost the election. Just when you think America is getting back to some sense of normal human decency, Trump supporters have to commit an act of domestic terrorism and treason.

Here's a look back at perhaps one of the worst years in our lifetime.

In this episode, we'll take a look at some of the toys we got for Christmas way back in the day. Would you believe that some of them are still around? What was your favorite toy growing up? Send your reply to mark@markgunnmedia.com. We'll share your responses on the next episode.

In this episode, we'll take a look at some of my all time favorite Christmas movies along with a few honorable mentions. A few of these I've watched every year since I was a child.

In this episode, we'll take a look at the fast moving developments' relating to the distribution of the Covid - 19 vaccine. We'll also take a look at racism in America's healthcare system and the well founded and well documented reasons Blacks don't trust it or the vaccine.To put things into historical context, you'll hear from some of the survivors of the Tuskegee Experiments and the Associated Press reporter who exposed it and the United States Government 40 years after the experiment began.

On this special episode, we take a look at the more humorous side of Thanksgiving through the eyes of some of your favorite comedians. Nightmare relatives, bad food, the whole nine yards. Fun for the entire family!

In this episode, I'll give you an update as to where the country stands with the coronavirus, information about 2 new vaccines that could be released next month and I'll take a look at an aspect of Covid - 19 that's not talked about enough. The mental health of our first responders. You'll hear some of their stories in their own words.

Here's a final look at Election 2020. How it happened, the stunts the Trump Administration is trying to pull as far as the results, what went wrong for the Democrats, the problem they have with Black men, and a clear sign that at least 70 million White Americans need to own up to their racism.

In this episode, I'll attempt to break down the election results as they stand of this this recording. I'll also look at the problems the Democrats will continue to have even in a Biden/Harris Administration. Why did Donald Trump get 30% of the Black Male vote? Why does White America continue to vote against its own self interests?

In this episode, I break down everything you need to know about early voting, absentee ballots, some of the voter suppression tactics being used by the GOP and I take a look at how Hip - Hop has affected voter turnout in past elections.I also feature some Edutainment from an artist named Yellow Pain and a rap battle of sorts about this election.

My tribute to one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Eddie Van Halen. In this episode, you'll hear from Sammy Hagar, Quincy Jones, Toto's Steve Lukather. You'll hear the story of how Eddie got involved in the recording of Micheal Jackson's "Beat It" and how the song almost didn't make it to "Thriller" because of Eddie. You'll also hear the Van Halen story in Eddie's own words.

In this episode, we take a look back at this week's Presidential Debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump with reaction late night TV hosts Trevor Noah, Steven Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, commentator Roland Martin, Biden's running mate, Senator Kamala Harris and a conversation with Senator Cory Booker.We're also looking for your feedback on our website. www.markgunnmedia.com/gunnshots.Check out past episodes by subscribing to our You Tube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc62tXAv8yiDoWyZrhU1aemBjlAvt1zOM

On this episode of "GunnShots Str8 From The Hip", as my city of Louisville deals with the aftermath of Attorney General, Daniel Cameron's decision regarding the Breonna Taylor murder, it occurs to me that America simply doesn't learn from its mistakes when it comes to this issue of race.As a means of continuing education, I'll take you back 28 years to the Rodney King Uprising. I lived in Los Angeles at the time, so what you'll hear is all factual and you'll hear a conversation from 22 years ago with a man I now have the honor of calling a friend, KRS - One. In it, you'll realize that the same challenges we talked about back then are the same ones we're facing today.Meantime, you can check out past episodes by subscribing to my You Tube Channel or wherever you get your podcasts. You Tube Link - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc62tXAv8yiDoWyZrhU1aemBjlAvt1zOM