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It's the alphabet soup show! We are breaking down all these letter clusters with guests Tracy Anderson and Dr. Altha Stewart. Tracy is currently the Executive Director of Integrated Communications at the Ten 35 agency but before that she was working with the DEI arm of Toyota Motors. She talks about her experience, how to avoid reheated affirmative action, symbolism and tokenism. The Funky Bunch then weighs in on Biden's State of the Union speech before welcoming Dr. Stewart back to discuss Karen Attiah's  piece on PTSD in the Washington Post. Our community is suffering psychic trauma from watching Black bodies being battered and lives being casually and mercilessly being taken. Whether we know it or not "murder porn" has  a deleterious effect on our spiritual health. Dr. Stewart brings a word as usual! Check it out!

On this episode of Funky Politics, the Funky Bunch revisits reparations. In light of yet another "Tulsa" in Nicodemus, Kansas and the reparations proposal in California, the conversation has taken a turn. We're keeping an eye on California to see how this plays out. The conversation turns to integration. Did it do more harm than good? Lots of opinions on this one. Professor Charles McKinney (Neville Frierson Bryan Chair of Africana Studies and Associate Professor of History) is the guest for both. Kwame Olufemi joins us to talk about the Cop City training compound that will be constructed smack in the middle of Atlanta, sprawling across nearly 300 acres of (razed) green space. Very problematic and we're unpacking it. 

To kick of #BHM, Community Activist Danielle Brown joins the show to talk about Black Activism past and present. Then the conversation dovetails into Black activism and Blue Wall. What happens when the bad actor or rogue cop is Black? Then our financial expert, Mark Smith, dropped in to talk about the wealth gap between Black and White families. Did you know that the average Black family has a net worth of $8??! He shares with us how net worth is calculated and the simple formula for building and growth. This entire hour was a spicy one. Pull up!

Rhyane, Jasper, Lenny and Terence give Biden his grades on Year 2. What say you? Has he been effective? Has he done enough? Has he held up his campaign promises? What should his next moves be? Then they segway to Governor DeSantis - very unaffectionately dubbed Ron Ron by Rhyane - and his move to block AP African American history in Florida school. Yet another odious, hypocritical and outwardly racist maneuver to subvert Black people's importance and erase our country's sullied and bloodied history of othering and oppression. Then moving from one form of idiocracy to the next -- the Funky Bunch talks about the cheating economy. What is that you say? It's a real thing. Listen up to learn more. 

Terence, Rhyane, Jasper and Lenny are joined by Funky Politics Memphis host DC to talk about the melluva hess that President Biden is in with the discovery of classified documents in his personal residence. Is it the politics of distraction? What makes it so different than the 45 situation at Mar-a-Lago? Then there's the government's stilted position on deportation, asylum and Title 42 as it relates to Haitian immigrants. Lastly, our financial expert Mark Smith (SVP and Portfolio Manager, Wells Fargo) joins the show to talk about the debt ceiling. They are raising it AGAIN.  What does all of this even mean? Will America eventually go belly up? What are some predictions for preventative measures? He helps the "little people" understand the big bucks of big politics. Another "edutaining" episode. Pull up and tune in!

Terence, Lenny and Rhyane - The Funky Bunch - opens with more honorable (Hakeem Jeffries!) and dishonorable mentions (Trump's taxes). Later they're joined by Mark Smith (Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Wells Fargo Advisors) to talk about recession-proofing and what Wall Street is saying. He also breaks down the Sam Bankman Fried debacle, the privilege of it all, investing in crypto with caution, better investment options and why anyone would put their faith in this dude anyway! DC (host, Funky Politics Memphis) is on deck to fill in for Jasper.

Brittney Griner has finally been released from prison in Russia in exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout. Naturally, some people are rejoicing while others aren't. Some arguments are valid and some just...aren't. Terence, Jasper and Lenny talk through all the angles! 

There has been some wild stuff happening lately. Our guy Kanye is just handing everyone content and fodder for debate. He's most definitely at the top of the Dishonorable Mentions list. But it's not just him! And, there are some honorable mentions as well. Nicole Moore also joins us to talk about her experience working at Planned Parenthood which ultimately led to a fairly high-profile lawsuit. Then there's the most honorable mention - - victory for Raphael Warnock!  The Funky Bunch breaks down the 45 Effect, turnout stats and what gave Warnock the final push into the winner's circle.  

Another lively conversation is in the books! Terence, Jasper, Dr. Stewart, Rhyane and Lenny talk indigenous heritage month and some of the legislation that is on the table. Will the government's rhetoric and proclamations amount to any actual action? Then the panel talks about the difficult subject of the recent spate of violence across the country. It is a disturbing trend and alarmingly normalized amongst some in the younger generations. Lastly, there is the issue of ex-Thanos CEO Elizabeth Holmes, who has been so very graciously allowed to remain out of jail until she gives birth. Oh, the privilege! Lots to say here. Check it out.     

Terence and Jasper are joined by frequent flyer Rhyane Wagner, Darrell "DC" Catron (host, Funky Politics Memphis) and Lenny McAllister (Political Commentator, Former Republican Candidate for US Congress) to break down Trump vs DeSantis, The Blacks vs The Jews and Twitter vs Itself. Make sure you tune in. This was an extra funky one! 

There was even more to unpack about the election outcomes and some of the emerging narratives. There is the imaginary Black male voter turnout problem. There is the issue of White southern and suburban women and their willingness to vote against their own best interests. And lastly, there's Kyrie. That has been a whole dumpster fire then Dave Chappelle poured gasoline on it. There are alot of nuanced feelings around this. While the panel can agree that he isn't quite the "perfect victim" but he isn't quite the evil villain either. It's a feisty conversation. Take a listen!

Jasper, Terence and Jeanette are joined by guests DC (host of Funky Politics Memphis) and Lenny McAllister (Republican commentator and former US Congressional candidate) to talk about the outcomes of the midterms, the red trickle and the outlook for 2024. 

Jasper, Terence and Jeanette are joined by Representative Dianne Hart (D-FL) to talk about the critical elections across the country. What seats are poised to flip? What are the close races? What do we as a country stand to lose or gain? What are the hot button issues that should be considered? They also discuss the pivotal Black vote, voter apathy and engagement. The moral of the story -- the stakes are high during these midterms so it would behoove us all to watch the intersection.

On this episode, we're joined by Anat Sultan Dadon, the Israeli Consul General for the southwest region. Jeanette and Jasper unpack his trip to Israel with the Consul General and the Black women legislators, Israeli sentiment toward Americans and vice versa, the conflict with Palestine and cultural and media biases. There was so much more to touch upon! Terence then joins Jeanette and Jasper to talk with Doc Griggs about cold and flu season along with COVID concerns and the rising RSV cases among children. What can we do? Will this season be worse than the others? In unrelated healthcare news, our panel pulls apart the recent protests at Vanderbilt around gender-affirming surgeries and healthcare for trans individuals. Points were made on both sides of the argument. And there was a very interesting plot twist! Tune in and check it out.

LA, what's going on? The leaked audio of their racist City Council members was truly wild! And these were Democrats and people of color, no less. Lots to unpack here. That's the major headline but the crew also talks about the dangers of the proliferation of Catholic-run healthcare organizations, which allow them to deny women proper access to reproductive care. And then there's President Biden's marijuana "pardons." Sounds great right? Before everyone sings glory hallelujah, there are some things that you should know first. Great show packed with good-to-know intel. Pull up, listen up.

These two shouldn't even be in the same sentence, much less the same state. But here we are. Stacey caught an "L" but somehow Herschel didn't. Jeanette Lenoir and Rhyane Wagner join the conversation about how dangerous Herschel Walker actually is to the political landscape and to the state of Georgia. And of course, we must debate this latest revelation courtesy of his son and another woman he paid to have an abortion. Meanwhile, Stacey Abrams lost her lawsuit against the state but really pulled the covers back on the larger, more widespread issue of racial gerrymandering. Georgia we see you! Lastly, there's bad news fatigue. Do you ever just get sick of the news? We're talking about it along with ways to cope and be intentional about what you take in. It's another good one! Pull up and have a listen.

In a sense "predator catchers" could've been the title for the whole episode! New York Attorney General Tish James is after Donald Trump. She has moved forward with the case against him for financial fraud. Between that and the Mar-a-Lago raid, can he continue to be Teflon Don? Then there are the protests in Iran. In response to the state-sanctioned death of Mahsa Amini, there have been massive protests by women in Iran. And now the world is showing solidarity. The panel also talks about the vigilante predator catcher phenomenon. Is this a good thing? Does this bring justice to victims in underserved communities? Is this an extension of community policing? Or will this present more problems than solutions? Journalist/Communications Expert Jeanette Lenoir and Attorney Derrick Page join Jasper and Dr. Stewart this week. 

There have been some steaming piles of hot mess left on our collective doorstep over the last couple of weeks. And hot mess is a euphemism for what this is. Governors Ron DeSantis and Greg Abbott (Florida and Texas, respectively but also with no respect) sit atop this steaming pile with their cheap political stunt. These wo duped some of the most vulnerable members of our society - undocumented immigrants - by shuttling them to what they consider wealthier "sanctuary cities" ON OUR DIME. And there were a lot of dimes spent on this. Then there's Brett Favre, the Welfare Queen. Scamming welfare money and essentially snatching it from impoverished people in Mississippi, which is one of the poorest states in the country. Then on a different note, Dr. Stewart leads the conversation with Montoiya Collins and Ariane Graves around Mental Illness Awareness Week and National Depression Screening Day. AND it's the ladies in the building this time!

Governor DeSantis is always up to some bull! Our special correspondent and resident Florida expert Rhyane Wagner is here to discuss the several ongoing lawsuits and the bad, bad, ugly and uglier with the poster child for toxicity (toxic masculinity, toxic whiteness, toxic politics, toxic-toxic!).  We also invited Williams Brack to join us again this week (host of Grindset on KUDZUKIAN) to talk about the upside of student loan forgiveness. He, Rhyane and Terence debate its merits and the reality of the average borrower's situation. It's a very interesting push-pull! Last but not least, there is a crisis afoot for women (one of many). Rape kits across the US are backlogged. Victims feel as if they don't matter and as if justice will not come for them if they aren't blonde, white and affluent.  Which was the case recently here in Memphis. DC, host of Funky Politics Memphis, joins Terence along with State Representative Antonio Parkinson to discuss what needs to be done and where the buck stops. Last but not least - and on that note - Rhyane presents a special Watch The Intersection to break down what she calls "Missing White Woman Syndrome." Check it out!

In the episode Terence and Jasper are joined by Jeanette Lenoir to talk about the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the not so warm and fuzzies colonized people across the globe are feeling toward her and the tainted history of the monarchy. They are also joined by Williams Brack, the host of Grindset on KUDZUKIAN, to talk about the pros and cons of the Bank of America zero down mortgage program. Does this put us right back where we started before the housing bubble burst? Lastly, they're joined by Attorney Keith Perry (Perry & Griffin PC) and host of Funky Politics Memphis, DC to talk about truth in sentencing and how the events in Memphis further opened up this conversation. What does this mean? Will this compound the uneven, hamfisted sentencing of Black men that is already in play?  All of these turns of events have caused mixed emotions among many of us.  What do you think? Listen up and let us know!     

We are truly sorry about what's happening in Jackson with the water supply. And a bit upset and disheartened. Wendy Shenefelt from Alternate Roots joins us to talk about it from a boots on the ground and historical perspective. The team also talks with Doc Griggs about falling life expectancy across the U.S. Then, Rhyane Wagner joins us for a quick take on the voting rights madness and malfeasance happening in Georgia. Last but not least DC is back! He will be hosting Funky Politics - the Memphis edition. There has been a lot happening in Memphis lately so he and Dr. Stewart unpack some of the issues surrounding the Eliza Fletcher situation. It's a power-packed show!

First off, these things have zero in common! August 17 was National Nonprofit Day so Jasper and Dr. Stewart took some time with Kevin Dean, who hosts I Was Told There Would Be Snacks, on our network. Kevin is the CEO of Momentum Nonprofit Partners and joins the team to deconstruct the politics of the nonprofit world. Then guest host Derrick Page joins the team to parse the ever-emerging details of the raid at Mar-a-Lago as well as Dr. Boyce Watkins' "interesting" take on the Wakanda Forever trailer and erasure of Black men.  You gotta hear our take on this one. 

Terence is joined by attorney Derrick Page and our special correspondent Rhyane Wagner today as they deconstruct the federal charges brought forth against the officers involved in the Breonna Taylor case. So many lies! And of course, Daniel Cameron (the presiding attorney general) did not escape the roasting he was due (again). Also in the news - Brittney Griner was sentenced to 9 years in prison in Russia, which brings the practice of hostage diplomacy to the forefront. The panel discusses whether the punishment fits the crime and the imbalance in the trade. Lastly and on a lighter note, there has been a kerfuffle in the Star Wars Universe over a Black character. Again. It's fiction people! Pull up and be "edutained."

Jasper, Dr. Stewart and Terence attempt to unravel the mysteries of the electoral college as they discuss the Reform Act that is in play. It was created well over a century so perhaps we should consider revamping it, no? The panel is then joined by DC attorney Derrick Page for a very candid conversation on growing feelings of dismay with Democratic party. When will they come with the fire? The Republicans are "running a Boston" while they're setting books (you have to listen to the show to get it!). Attorney Page sticks around to talk about the Respect For Marriage act which ONE FORTY SEVEN reps voted against. That is sending a very powerful message. Tune in and drop us your thoughts and comments.

Terence Patterson has a sit down with Rhonda Broussard, the CEO of Beloved Communities, to talk about rubrics in education and the release of her book, One Good Questions: How Countries Prepare Youth To Lead. How can we do better for our children? How can we build leaders and thinkers versus churning out kidbots? How can we reshape paradigms in our educational systems and curricula? Tune in and let's talk about it.   

June is Men's Health month. Dr. Eric Griggs (Doc Griggs) keeps it super extra funky with us with advice to Black men. He talks very openly about men's experiences in healthcare starting from a young age, dissecting the reasons behind the reticence. (Good) Jeanette Lenoir and Political Advisor Kristal Knight join Dr. Stewart and Jasper to talk about the positive economic impact of Black entrepreneurship (also good) and the findings and fallout from the January 6th Commission proceedings (good and turrble).

The ladies of Funky Politics weigh in on the Roe v Wade decision that sent shockwaves through our country. Dr. Stewart, Jeanette Lenoir and Judge Carlyn Addison get very candid about their feelings around this subject, the impact on women's health and some of what they suspect to be the real reasons behind this very anti-woman movement.   

There was so much left on the table in the last conversation about LGBT issues, we added a part 2 with Dewayne Murrell. Then there's the shameful side of American life -- eugenics in America. Author Dolen Perkins-Valdez joins us to share her insight and inspiration (the Relf Sisters) behind her powerful newly released novel, Take My Hand. She explores the underbelly of American racism as it relates forced sterilizations and how it has affected Black women. There are versions of this that are still legal! Jeanette Lenoir and Rhyane Wagner join the conversation as well then stick around to deconstruct the goings on in the Biden White House regarding the apparent "Blaxit." What's up with that Uncle Joe? Let's discuss! 

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon join Dr. Stewart, Rhyane, Jasper and Terence to talk about navigating between old school and new school, their respective legacy legislations, serving the community versus not kicking the can and so much more. They are both the youngest elected Mayors in their respective cities but have been in service to the community on the City Council for a decade or better. It was a phenomenal conversation. Gems and mics were dropped.  If you missed it live, here's your chance to catch it.   

It's been a year since Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday and there are still so many mixed emotions around this. Many people have been celebrating this all along and many have been pushing for years to make this holiday official. Now, like everything else, it is quickly becoming commercialized. How do we feel about this? And how do we not lose the meaning and the message? How do you feel, friends? Have a listen and drop us a comment on FB or IG. 

It's Pride month across the US. On this show, we are joined by Dr. Racquel (Rocky) Woodard, Kenyatta Andrews and Representative Torrey Harris, the first openly gay State Representative in Tennessee. The trio talk about moving through this world without shame, operating in corporate or government spaces and some of the noxious pieces of legislation that are currently afoot in so many states. And while prejudice may be a stretch - or is it acceptable prejudice? - the crew pivots to the controversial new hire at Morehouse. Should a white woman be the public face of this prestigious Black men's university (as Chief Brand Officer and Vice President of Strategic, Marketing and Admissions)? Are we just prejudiced? (Spoiler: Consensus is NO) Does she have the cultural sensitivity for this job? Is this a springboard for her to the next thing? Morehouse, we got questions! Morehouse alum and host of the Da House '94 podcast, Karl B, joins us for the second to discuss.   

It's a lot but that's the headline. Since there was so much left unsaid in the previous episode as it relates to gun violence/control and mental health, we decided to keep the conversation going. Ariane Graves (Health Connect America) joins the panel again to share her perspective along with  journalist and Communications Director Jeanette Lenoir. There are some verrrry strong perspectives! Suffice it say, points were made. Then Rhyane Wagner presents another Watch the Intersection segment to discuss the infiltration of police departments by white supremacists. [Hint: we're surprised but not surprised at the same time] The conversation turns to Loving Day, which commemorates the ruling that struck down anti-miscegenation (also known as "race mixing") laws in this country. Jeanette shares her personal experience as a child that is a product of an interracial couple.  And lastly, we are joined by Director Q (Quovella Maeweather - Public Safety Director for Somerset, NJ) who sheds some new light on the impact of the menthol ban that is currently in play. We packed a lot of things into this hour! But we promise that you'll be both edified and enlightened, just as we were. 

We would be remiss if we didn't talk about the spate of gun violence and domestic terrorism in this country. Sadly, this is us. This is America. And it ain't pretty.  Ariane Graves and Rhyane Wagner join us as we talk about gun violence, mental health and legislation. Will mental health clearance really help or will it create more problems? Dr. Stewart and Ariane have thoughts! Rhyane and Jeanette Lenoir hang join the group to further discuss social media and homegrown terrorists as well as framing and representation in the media.

Rhyane joins Terence and Jasper in this episode to talk about the other "big lie" that's being perpetuated -- white people are being replaced! The browning of America has "some people" in a full panic. Until recently Tucker Carlson has very loudly promoted this theory which was parroted by Peyton Gendron, the terrorist behind the massacre in Buffalo. This theory dovetails into the lingering potency of "he who shant be named." Clips from some of his rallies show that there is a fervent belief that he is still President as well as willingness to blindly follow him, cleaving to anything he says and declaring it the gospel truth. Terence will also provide an Education Quick Take with the pros, cons and implications of school choice vouchers being approved by the State Supreme Court for Memphis and Nashville.

May has many awareness days and weeks within it. But this month happens to have a few that are near and dear to our Funky Politics Fam - Mental Health, Women's Health and Foster Care. Dr. Stewart and guest Ariane Graves (Director of Core Services for Health Connect America) lead the conversation on mental health, access and stigma in the Black community. (Stay tuned for part 2 - some much ground to cover!) The panel then segues into a very edifying conversation Black women's health, the very anti-woman movement that is afoot in the hallowed hall of the Capitol and SCOTUS and the healthcare disparities in treatment, diagnoses, morbidity rates and other outcomes. Last but not least we are joined by Judge Carlyn Addison, who has become a frequent flyer on the show, to shed some light on the heartbreaking reality of kids in foster care.     

 Our panel is joined by Judge Carlyn Addison to discuss the possibility of the Supreme Court overturning the Roe v Wade verdict and the disastrous effects it will have on women's reproductive health. The panel is then joined by Cindy Ettingoff, the CEO of Memphis Area Legal Services,  to talk about the TN Eviction bill being proposed -- also a disaster and poised to be a major contributor to the vicious cycle of poverty and homelessness.  The show closes with Watch the Intersection,  where special correspondent Rhyane Wagner breaks down prison gerrymandering, which the average person has never even considered. Keep one eye open y'all. And get into these very powerful conversations! 

Virginia Rivers, Vice Mayor of Mason, TN joins the show to talk about the SSDD shenanigans in her city. Then talk turns to the R Word.  The one that makes the people quake in their boots - REPARATIONS.  The Mayor and citizens of Tullahassee, OK are pushing for restitution.  Meanwhile,  Harvard University (Terence's alma mater!) has acknowledged its role in slavery and set aside a $100m endowment.  What does all this really mean? Let's discuss! 

It's test time for many students across the country. They are assessed by standardized metrics to ascertain their level of absorption during the school. However, it always bears the question(s) - How much testing is too much? There are so many other mitigating factors that aren't factored into these equations. So what do we do? Dr. Archie Moss Jr. joins Terence, Dr. Stewart and Jasper for a very interesting conversation around this. Then he sticks around to join the panel and our special correspondent Rhyane Wagner to talk about the conservatives and their pushback to Social Emotional Learning. Ron DeSantis is at it again! Leading the way on major policy changes colored by flawed logic, fragility and hypocrisy. On another note, the Elon Musk twitter sale happened this past week. It's presumably predicated on free speech but will it open the door to digital WWIII?  Rhyane hangs out to discuss this in more detail. Check it out! What's your opinion friends? 

Dr. Stewart, Terence and Jasper tackle healthcare and the rising cost of food. Teen mental health is on a steady decline - pre-pandemic. Needless to say, COVID didn't help. What are the factors? How can we be more mindful of what our kids are going through? How do we know it's more than a mood? There is also movement afoot in the House to abate the sometimes staggering cost for the over 7 million American who are insulin-dependent and the 1 in 4 who have taken to rationing their insulin. The panel is joined by Shelby County Health Department Health Officer Dr. Bruce Randolph as they discuss the impact on our most vulnerable citizens. Lastly, we are joined by Dr. Andrew Muhammad from the University of Tennessee's Institute of Agriculture to talk about the rising cost of food, which is compounded - and perhaps caused by - the rising cost of gas. He shares his expertise and personal experience on the global supply chain, high level causations before dovetailing into pre-existing conditions and mitigating impact in our more micro communities. Tune in for a very enlightening show! 

It's 420 time again. There's much to talk about, particularly with the passage of the decriminalization bill in the House which is now on its way to the Senate. Beyond that, there's the much-needed conversation around cannabis justice and what happens to those who have been incarcerated for minor offenses, where is this newfound weed money concentrated, what does this mean for states and tax revenue, how can growers circumvent the red tape and steep costs to buy into the cannabis game. Guest Steven Van Patten (publisher of Growth: The Basics From Our Gardens) joins Dr. Stewart, Terence and Jasper to provide some historical context along with ag industry veteran and growers advocate Patrick Ellis and attorney Jan Waddell who provide the boots on the ground and legal perspective. 

April is Second Chance month for ex-offenders who are reentering society. This awareness month sheds light on the challenges these men and women face while highlighting the resources and advocacy organizations that are available to them. Terence and Jasper are joined by guest William Arnold (known to most as Fry) as he talks about his experience and his work at the Tennessee Reentry Collaborative. Terence and Japser then discuss the historic signing of the Emmit Till Anti-Lynching Bill by President Biden, which is in a sense America's second chance to get this right. After 100 years and numerous down votes by the House and the Senate, this heinous act is finally characterized as a hate crime. In our last segment, Chancellor Will Perry joins the show to talk about the "what if's" surrounding Justice Clarence Thomas. Will this be Biden's second chance to add someone to the SCOTUS? Chancellor Perry helps us unpack the some of the legalese and legal maneuvering in play. 

There has been alot of movement in Florida, which some may consider to be less than progressive or even anti-Black, anti-LGBT, anti-intellectual, anti-other and anti- a whole lot of things. But Florida isn't the only state that's moving in this direction; they've just moved the ball further and first. Texas and Georgia have equally noxious bills in the works. Is Florida the model? Our panel is joined by Rhyane Wagner and Florida Representative Tracie Davis to unpack this movement. Rhyane's special segment, Watch the Intersection, will further dissect some of these same states' voter suppression initiatives. Last but not least, Judge Carlyn Addison joins us to talk about the triggering effect AND the feelings of pride and joy around the confirmation hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. It's a full show!