The Semi-Social Life of a Black Introvert

The Central State University alumni family is grieving the loss of Brandon Lowe, who passed away unexpectedly this past week. Listen as I pay tribute to Brandon's tremendous faith and love for others. For God. For Central. For State.

The world lost a great one this past week. Rest in peace, Aunt Peggy. Thank you for your heart, lessons, and teachable moments.

Alright...I'm finally going to address the Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson turmoil, Let's talk about relationship drama, what to wear if you're a momma, and the reasons people on your team may be cheering for your downfall.

The last episode had y'all talking, so let's continue the conversation. Let's talk about the uproar over fake racism, "black magic" gone wrong, and how I got fired for talking to my Black "family".

Let's dive a little deeper into the "Working While Black" series, and discuss "cocoa butter" magic, tips for getting Black tips, and the reasons why workplace silence can be used as a deadly weapon.

As we venture more into the "Working While Black" series, let's discuss the culture of workplace employee devaluation ,  the difference between preparation and luck, and the why putting people in positions to succeed helps everybody win.  

Sometimes, quitting is conquering.  In this episode, let's talk about aggressive interview questions, the peril of the unprotected, and the reasons why the fight you're in may no longer be yours.  

This episode is dedicated to all the folks who made me smile at work.  Let's discuss the importance of BIPOCs being seen, heard, acknowledged, and protected in the workplace.

I'm back!  Let's discuss the lessons of community and connections that I have experienced during this four-month podcast hiatus.  

This one hit differently.  All skin folk ain't kinfolk, especially when a police badge is involved.   Rest In Power, Tyre.  

With recent good news involving the health of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, let's examine team fandom, job positions, and the purpose of big-picture destinations.  

Before releasing the next chapter of the "Working While Black" series, let's discuss the power of proximity, redefining patriotism, and why being late to the party is better than not showing up. 

In an attempt to unpack this past Saturday's demonstration of hate courtesy of the Proud Boys, let's discuss the dangers of being passive-progressive, the sleight-of-hand of hate groups, and why Clintonville, Ohio is the perfect place to recruit the next Proud Boy.  

As a follow-up to the last week's episode, "Chapter One: The Good Neighbor," part of the "Work While Black" series, let's discuss the pressures of performance, the dangers of white tolerance, and how I found the courage to confront workplace norms in my 30s from the experiences of my adolescence.  

For the first chapter of the "Working While Black" series, let's talk about workplace microaggressions, finding the courage to say YES, and the reasons why a salary should never cost you you. 

Before we embark on the "Working While Black" series, let's talk about the significance of cultural trailblazers and the systemic challenges that many BIPOCs endure each day.    

This episode is the first part of a series that discusses stereotypes, discrimination, and racism that can exist within predominately white workspaces, providing valuable strategies for BIPOCs to thrive both personally and professionally.    

RIP Kirshnik Khari Ball, aka Takeoff, one-third of the hip-hop group Migos.  

Let's wrap up this Kanye fiasco and discuss freedom of speech, the price of consequences, and why it's necessary to bring water instead of gasoline when something is on fire.  

Kanye, Kanye, Kanye! Let's talk about the dramatics of Ye's past couple of weeks and the teachable and unspeakable moments of a billionaire that can't buy peace of mind.  

God,  She matters.   Amen.   

Wrapping up the previous episode, "Reflections of Home", let's talk about time spent, time granted, and time-honored. 

Motherland, I honor you.  Let's talk about the power of a Mother's embrace, finding kinship in unexpected places, and the reasons why home is truly where your heart is. 

Let's break down last week's episode on the murder of PNB Rock and discuss why the music industry stays radio silent when Black blood is spilled.  

RIP PNB Rock.  After this week's senseless murder of  hip-hop star Rakim Allen, aka PNB Rock, let's talk about the monetization of Black pain in the music industry,  America's bloody hand in Black America, and the reasons that why dead rappers get better promotion. 

My babies arent babies anymore, yall.  Let's talk about the ego's affect on parenting, the importance of letting go, and finding faith amongst fear.  

To my daughter,  I am proud of you.  Your heart is as beautiful as your spirit.  Continue to shine your warmth upon this Earth.  I believe in you. Love,  Dad

Son,  I am proud of the man you are.  Thank you for teaching me love, showing me grace, and extending your hand during times of uncertainty.  I hear you, son, and I believe in you.  Believe in yourself.... Love,  Dad

It's summer break y'all and I'm tired.  Let's talk about the experience of Black parenthood, from the joyous smiles to the emotional trials.  This parenting thing isn't easy…

Y'all, why are these summer months moving by so quickly?  Let's talk about the importance of recognizing the seasons of life, the power of reconnecting with loved ones, and the lessons taught when you run your race through the finish line.  

Rest easy, Nate Miller, Springfield hoop legend, community leader, father, and friend.  

Happy Father's Day!  Let's discuss the neighborhood connections, challenges with pandemic relationships, and the true essence of fatherhood.  

Let's make ourselves right at home and discuss: The power of embracing self with an open heart Community impact, Northland community, and jollof rice

After a brief two-week "break", let's discuss: The fears and faith of moving to new place in life My bout with 'rona, and the lessons that I learned through body chills A call-to-action for the brave in response to the mass school shooting in Texas

Moving day is tomorrow...and I'm both tired and excited.  Let's talk about chasing out wildest dreams, the importance of embracing faith over fear, and reasons to find peace while moving up the steps.  

In light of Saturday's mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, let's discuss the significance of embracing life, the importance of listening to your "gut", and the reasons why love will always conquer hate.  

Brief moments of impact create lasting memories.  Thank you, Robert "Robbie" Gueth III, and may you find the type of peace in the afterlife you were searching for on Earth.  

Episode Topics: Inspired by the classic movie "Coming to America", let's discuss the reasons that you should always let your "soul glow". Goal setting and staying motivated when facing the "long runs" moments of life.  "The little light of mine...I'm going to let it shine..."

Let's discuss the life, lessons, and legacy of Dwayne Haskins, former NFL quarterback, who tragically passed away on April 9, 2022.  

In light of the untimely passing of NFL quarterback Dwayne Haskins, I honor one of my students, Thaddeus Laurol, whose charisma, empathy, character, and smile were taken from this earth too soon.  

Episode Topics: Reclaiming "winning time", motivation to finish life's "4th quarter" moments. Discovering the purpose and pain of the "ugly middle", ways to embrace the process within the purpose.

Thank you to all of the women athletes out there competing as champions, inspiring generations, and breaking down the barriers that you face both on and off the playing field.  You're more than an athlete.  You're a trailblazer, creating HERstory with every move.  

Let's wrap up all of this drama from The Oscars.  Episode Topics: Being purposeful in creating quality time, face-to-face communication, and healthy human connections. Discussing Chris Rock and Jada Pinkett-Smith, self-pride, and the need for protection. The importance of elders in our communities, sharing wisdom and being the "cool" in host situations.  

Episode Topics: Aaron discusses his personal struggles with trauma, revenge, why it doesn't always feel good to do "right". Discussing the triggers of trauma and defining the conflict of being "right" vs. "right now". Issues with respectability politics, Black masculinity, perceive purity at the Oscars, and the pressures to be the token negro.   Highlighting the examples of #blacklove in the midst of the Oscars situation.    

R.I.P. Aunt Gail Episode Topics:  Reflecting on the life, love, and lessons of my Aunt Gail, who passed away late last year Discussing the power of vision, seeing people at their best when they are going through their worst moments. Concluding our three-part Kanye series and the reasons why Aunt Gail would have fed his soul a hearty helping of love and support.  

Episode Topics: Breaking down the dynamic between Will and Jada vs Chris Rock Discussing the imperfections of #blacklove and the fight for marriage The purpose of protecting at all costs.

Episode Topics:   Pursuing purpose (and not perfection) when "living your best life". Breaking down the first episode of the Kanye West "Jeen-Yuhs" documentary and highlighting the importance of faith, family, and healthy friendships.  

Episode Topics: The art of storytelling and the power(and choice) of voice. I examine the music industry's production and Kanye's pitfalls surrounding the introduction of "Yeezy" into the mainstream. The perspective of seeing individuals as people and not products.  

Episode Topics: The importance of looking forward and creating the experience of a "new normal". Life perspectives from existing in the "gray" of life and embracing the nuance, hypocrisy, and contradictions of the human experience. Revisiting Kanye West and the reasons why his story is provides many with not only great lessons but also common ground.  

Episode Topics: The importance of creative spaces and communities that embrace inclusivity, inspiration, and introspection. Kanye's "Jeen-Yuhs" documentary, side-eyes, fake smiles, and why all laughs aren't created equal. Reasons why we all have a "Ye" personality, designed to protect the person by projecting performance.

"It seems we living the American dream/ But the people highest up got the lowest self esteem/ The prettiest people do the ugliest things/ For the road to riches and diamond rings..."- Kanye West (All Falls Down)   In the first installment of this new series featuring Kanye West, let's talk about music industry exploitation, the manipulation of genius, and the reasons why Kanye should be seen as a person and not a product.