Podcasts about Kwanzaa

I saw the power of storytelling and the responsibility we have to share stories to educate and change lives.Dr. Terésa Dowell-Vest is an Associate Professor of Communication at Prairie View A&M University and President of the University Film and Video Association (UFVA), an organization that supports film, television, and media studies in higher education.In this conversation Terésa and I discuss:* The music of Janet Jackson, Prince, and Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis* Teaching media in a post-truth world* What UFVA is, why it matters, and how professional associations can sharpen teaching and creative practice* What filmmaking trends she sees with her students at Prairie View A&M* The short documentary her students did in collaboration with students from USC (link here)* “The Death of Cliff Huxtable” and the process of separating art from a problematic artistThanks for reading The Creativity, Education, and Leadership Newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Here is an AI generated transcript. Don't come for me.BEN: Hi everyone—Ben Guest here. Welcome to The Creativity, Education, and Leadership Podcast. Today my guest is Professor Terésa Dowell-Vest, an associate professor of Communication and Media at Prairie View A&M University and the President of the University Film and Video Association (UFVA).In this conversation we talk Janet Jackson, the media landscape for young people interested in production, what UFVA does, and more. Enjoy.Professor, thanks so much for joining me today.TERÉSA: Thank you. Thank you for having me. It's my pleasure to be here.BEN: I always like to start with a fun question. Senior year of high school—what music were you listening to?TERÉSA: Senior year of high school—1989. 1990 was a great year to be a Janet Jackson fan. *Rhythm Nation* was probably worn out in my car's tape deck. I was a huge fan.BEN: Did you do the choreography?TERÉSA: Oh yes. I can do the hands and all that—the “A‑5‑4.” I would do it, for real.And Janet Jackson was the big one, even though Prince's *Purple Rain* came out a few years earlier. That album was still in regular rotation for me in high school.And then in 1988 New Edition put out *Heart Break*—produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. That was such a good time. So yeah: Janet, Prince, New Edition—Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis were the soundtrack.BEN: '88 was when Bobby Brown's *Don't Be Cruel* came out, right?TERÉSA: Listen, lemme tell you, the eighties to be a teenager in the eighties, to be in your twenties in the nineties. What a time to be alive.BEN: Yeah. I love it. Okay, second fun question. What's your pick for best picture this year?TERÉSA: I'd say *Sinners*. There are a few this year, but funny enough I actually focused more on television—I was obsessed with *Stranger Things* and *Severance* (and one other show I'm blanking on), so I didn't get to the movies as much. But I did see *Sinners* and it really stuck with me. I should preface that by saying I'm not as familiar with the entire pool, but I'm almost confident it'll be a strong contender.BEN: So good. I saw that your MFA thesis was titled *The African American Producer Is the American Griot*. Can you talk about that—maybe even in relation to *Sinners*?TERÉSA: I've always been fascinated by the power of storytelling. My bachelor's degree and my MFA are both in theater because I love live engagement. That also shaped me as a professor—I love being in front of students and engaging in a transactional, interactive way, not just a linear one. Theater and education give me that kind of exchange with an audience.For my graduate thesis I came to know Dr. Maulana Karenga—best known for creating Kwanzaa. He was chair of the Black Studies program at California State University, Long Beach. During my years there (1994–1997), I was the only Black student in the program, and in 1997 I became the first Black person to graduate with my particular degree from that program. Even in the '90s I was thinking: why are we still talking about “firsts” and “onlys”?I wanted to bridge storytelling with the legacy of slavery and survival—my own ancestors were from Virginia, where I was born and raised. Dr. Karenga taught me the concept of the *griot*—the storyteller—and the responsibility that comes with that. In the U.S., storytelling often gets treated as frivolous—an extracurricular, “nice to have.” A lot of Black parents, especially, don't want their kids studying film, theater, or the liberal arts because it doesn't seem like a stable livelihood. I started undergrad as an accounting major and didn't tell my dad I'd switched to theater until graduation day—he found out when they called my name under the College of Arts instead of the College of Business. That's the mindset I came from: my family wanted us to succeed, and the arts read as struggle, not a viable career.But there's honor in being a storyteller. That idea changed how I saw theater.And it was the '90s—*Rent* was happening, and I was in Los Angeles, flying back and forth to the East Coast to see Broadway shows that weren't just entertaining; they were educating and changing lives. I remember *The Life*—not a massive hit, but it told the story of Black and Brown women working as call girls in New York City. You'd think, “Is that a Broadway story?” But the music was outstanding.And there were so many others—*Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk* with Savion Glover, looking at African American history through tap and music. During that period I really saw the power of storytelling—and the responsibility we have to tell stories that educate and change lives.BEN: That's so powerful. The responsibility of storytelling to educate and change lives.TERÉSA: Yeah.BEN: It's one of the things I've often thought as a teacher: I'm a storyteller. How do you construct a lesson so students are receptive? It's like you're telling a story over a unit, a curriculum, or even a single lesson.TERÉSA: When you engage with students and give them permission to share their stories, you're not really “teaching” in the traditional sense anymore. It becomes more like peer engagement than “I'm the teacher, I know the things, and I'm telling you the things.”Students receive it differently when they feel you're invested in who they are—not just their grade.BEN: There's a great quote, I think it's Roger Ebert films, but really stories are empathy machines.TERÉSA: Yeah.BEN: It allows us to walk in someone else's shoes for a moment. There was a reconciliation group in Mississippi whose motto was: “Enemies are people whose stories we haven't heard.”TERÉSA: Incredibly profound. When we think about fear, it's often a lack of understanding—no connection to the thing you're afraid of. Hearing stories can build that connection.BEN: Can you talk about the importance of media education? I'm a documentary filmmaker, documentary filmmaking in today's world where so much of where we are in a post-truth society.TERÉSA: There are mechanics to telling the truth, and mechanics to telling a lie. In fiction you see this a lot—shows like *The Mentalist* or *Law & Order* where someone reads body language, eye movement, and so on to figure out whether someone is lying.What matters for media education is helping students understand the “tells” in information—how to challenge and debunk claims instead of assuming, “Someone told me a thing, so it must be true.”I didn't fully appreciate how urgent that was until the pandemic, when early reporting was all over the place and a lot of it conflicted. Being able to sort honest, vetted information from dishonest or speculative claims mattered in a very concrete way—like realizing you probably shouldn't drink bleach.Coming out of that period, teaching media studies has meant teaching reporting with integrity. You can't just assume something is true—not because people are “bad,” but because people absorb information differently based on what they've experienced.I do a lecture with my senior capstone students on the difference between **knowledge** and **information**. Knowledge is shaped by culture, character, race, gender, where you grew up, what language you speak, what faith you practice—so it can carry bias. Information, on the other hand, is verifiable and can be vetted. 2 + 2 = 4 no matter who you are.Good storytelling—and good journalism—knows how to bridge knowledge and information with integrity. When I have journalism students who lean into opinion-driven news—whether it's Fox, MSNBC, whatever—I tell them: that's playing to an audience's sensibilities. It can be entertaining, but it isn't the same as straight reporting. Then there's reporting that aims to be more information-based—“Here's what happened today.” That also needs to be taught. We're in a moment where students need tools to tell the truth, recognize lies, pick them apart, and trust their internal compass about what's important to share.And Ben—my answers get long. You might have to cut me off.BEN: I'm going to cut you off when what you're saying stops being interesting—so I doubt I'm going to cut you off.You're the President of the University Film and Video Association. For listeners: what is UFVA?TERÉSA: UFVA is a nationally recognized organization of university and college educators and institutions focused on film, television, and media studies—both practice and theory. We're a collective of makers and scholars. Our members hold a range of degrees—MAs, MFAs, MS degrees, PhDs, EdDs.As an organization, we examine how film and television are used—and we keep digging into how the field is evolving through innovation and emerging technology. Each year we host a conference (typically in July) where we share classroom best practices and research, and we analyze how film sparks conversation.You asked me earlier about a front-runner for Best Picture. I think about *Sinners* as a kind of textbook in a lot of ways. One of my students gave an informative speech last semester on the history of hoodoo, and she referenced *Sinners* heavily because it's central to the film. In that moment she used a movie as a learning text.That's what UFVA does: we create space to share those opportunities through research and scholarship, and we bring it back to our students and institutions.BEN: You said “best practices,” and I want to come back to that because it's a rabbit hole I love.But first: in an interview you did with the *Journal of Film and Video*, you said you were about to start your UFVA presidency and weren't sure what to expect. Now that you've lived it—how was it?TERÉSA: One of the biggest things I've learned—maybe I've only really realized it in the last couple of months—is that joining an association as an educator keeps the fire hot. It keeps you learning.As UFVA President, I've met so many people who've inspired me. It's not that I want the presidency to end; it's more like, “I need more time to implement everything I'm learning from colleagues.” It also pushed me to partner with other organizations and communities I knew about but hadn't been deeply involved with.I joined UFVA because of the pandemic. Before that I'd never even heard of the University Film and Video Association. I was the kind of person who kept my head down and did my work in my silo, and I was fine with that. But when the pandemic hit, no one knew what to do with film production courses in quarantine.I reached out to colleagues—thinking maybe eight or ten of us would hop on Zoom and talk through hybrid and online teaching. That snowballed. People said, “Can I invite a colleague?” I said yes. I posted on Facebook: if you teach film production or media studies and want to talk about what we're doing this fall, let's meet.Jennifer Proctor replied and asked, “Have you heard of UFVA?” I hadn't. She suggested sharing the call with UFVA, and we kept casting the net. By the time we met, there were 126 professors from around the world—about 100 universities represented, including USC, Ivy League schools, and institutions in Germany and Australia.I ran the meeting as breakout rooms—nine of them—named after Black women in film and television: Shonda Rhimes, Julie Dash, and others. So even in the mechanics of the meeting, people were saying these names and being reminded of who matters in media.Two things came out of that experience. First, UFVA invited me to join the board. I said, “Let me be a member first,” but within a few months I knew: yes, this is where I want to be.Second, I saw the gaps. There was very little representation from HBCUs, and very few Black people involved. Not because UFVA was “bad,” but because people simply didn't know. So I understood my call: help bring people in, build bridges, and create collaboration without turning it into a slogan. I love that we get to do the work without making it a “thing.” That's been the value of the presidency for me.BEN: Love it. Can you talk about with your students at Prairie View, what are some trends you're seeing with what the young people are doing?TERÉSA: Oh, child. They want to be influencers.This is the social media age, and a lot of students see it as the primary industry of their generation—and I get it. If you have enough followers and a couple brands offer deals, it can be real money. I have students with tens of thousands of followers. I'm like, I can barely get my family to like a post. And they're like, “Oh, I do nails,” or “I do lashes,” or “I show my sneaker collection,” and they'll get 10,000 likes every time they post.My reaction is: we need to be teaching this. We need to teach students how to parlay that into careers. Even if I don't personally understand every part of it, that doesn't make it non-viable.It reminds me of when we were in school. The internet wasn't even a thing when I was in college (1990–1994), and then suddenly we were on the edge of being connected to the world. Professors were saying, “This will create cheaters—you'll never look things up in books again.” Sound familiar?Now students are figuring out VR, AR, AI. They're building brands, protecting brands, learning to be CEOs of themselves. That's exciting.BEN: Yeah. I think about that all the time. It's like when people first started writing letters—somebody must have said, “No one's going to talk to each other anymore. They're just going to send letters.”TERÉSA: Exactly. Every generation has a thing—“Who's using this calculator? You need to learn long division.”BEN: I graduated high school in '93, so when you're talking about Janet, my “Janet album” is literally *janet.*—“Again,” “That's the Way Love Goes,” all of that. It's funny how, year by year, the soundtrack shifts just a bit.BEN: Okay—teaching and best practices. What's something you've done in your classroom that really leveled up your teaching?TERÉSA: Oh, wow. Gosh, I think it's less something I've done and more the intention of showing the students that their success is not coming from looking up. It's from looking over. It's the concept that. When you graduate from college, it isn't some executive that's going to give you an opportunity. It's the people you're in the trenches with right now that you're gonna build with right now. So I think the thing that's leveled up my teaching is less a thing that I can show them as much as relationships that I can help them forge and the power of networking. So our program has has a pipeline relationship with the Annenberg School of Communication at the university. The University of Southern California professor Mickey Turner, who's a professor there at USC teaches the senior storytelling for Media course similar to the communication capstone course that I teach here. And so every semester, professor Turner and I collaborate. Those two classes together and we introduced those students to each other through pitches, research topic pitches for their final capstone project. And what they see is. Students at an HBCU or students at this PWI are not different at all. They just, they, live in different states. Perhaps they come from different backgrounds, but by and large, they have similar goals. And we teach them that this is who you need to forge a relationship with because when you are at the stage of making deals or going out and work, this is the person you're gonna want to call. So I think the thing that's leveled up my teaching is my understanding. And my teaching of that understanding of how the industry works and how it can best work for them. Since you no longer have to live in LA or New York to, to make movies people are making movies on their devices. You have to now find your tribe to tell your stories and it can be much more localized. And so I teach them to build their team where they are and not. Go after this aspirational. The only way I can make it if is if I put it in the hands of someone so far away from me. No, put it in the hands of the guy sitting next to you or the young lady that's sitting on this other side and shoot your film, make your short tell the story. Do your podcast. I feel like that's leveled up. The final piece to that USC story is that during the pandemic, five of our students from Prairie View and five students from USC collaborated on a short documentary about the pandemic and how it impacted students at HBCUs, at this HBCU versus how it impacted students at a private, pWI Prairie View is 45 minutes outside of the city of Houston. We're a rural community. We're in the middle of nowhere essentially, whereas USC is in the heart of Los Angeles and those students taught, told an amazing story. I'll send you the link to the film. It's on YouTube. Told an amazing story from two different vantage points. That is a great indication of how education can be collaborative. Just as film is.BEN: Yeah. Before we started recording, we were talking about travel—and it just reminds me: travel is one of the best educations people can get. The more you interact with people from around the country and the world, the more you realize how similar we are and what we want: better lives for our kids and a better world to live in.That feels like a good place to end. For people interested in your work, where can they find you?TERÉSA: A good starting point is **thedeathofcliffhuxtable.com**. That's where you'll find my fan-fiction series—and later scholarly series—about separating the art from the artist when the artist is problematic.Bill Cosby's work touched every stage of my life: as a child I watched *Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids* on Saturday mornings; as a teenager in the '80s I watched the Huxtables and wanted to be part of that world; and in college in the '90s—at James Madison University, a PWI—every Thursday night at 8:30 we gathered to watch *A Different World*, and it made us feel connected in a way.When I think about the more than 60 women who came forward, my first thought is: that many people aren't lying. Even if one person tells the truth, it changes everything.In 2015—around the time the New Yorker reporting was circulating and more women were speaking—I started writing fan fiction centered on the Huxtable family at the moment Cliff Huxtable dies. I “killed” Cliff Huxtable to push back on the idea that Bill Cosby was “America's dad.” That moniker belonged to Cliff Huxtable—a fictional character written by an artist who created something meaningful and also did something horrific.We can't see Cliff the same way because he wears Bill Cosby's face, but they are not the same person—one of them isn't even real. Writing the series helped me illustrate that tension, and it eventually became a scholarly project.During the pandemic we hosted a virtual series with 51 artists, scholars, and actors who read chapters and then joined post-show discussions on the themes. You can find all of that through the website, and it's also the easiest way to contact me.BEN: Wow. Professor, thank you for all the, for your time today, but also for all the good work you're doing in so many different spaces.TERÉSA: Thank you. Thank you. And I look forward to listening to the podcast even more. I'm sorry that I'm just now getting hip to your great work, but I tell you what, I am going to tune in and probably hit you up with some questions and excited remarks shortly thereafter.BEN: I love it.That was my conversation with Professor Dowell-Vest. If you enjoyed it, share it with a friend. Have a great day. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit benbo.substack.com

“Detroit is different… it's all because of the melanin that we're getting from the sun.” In this Detroit is Different conversation, Brother Chungalia—an original member of the US Organization founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga, creator of Kwanzaa, and among the first to celebrate it—takes us from post-riot Los Angeles to the deep roots of Black Detroit. He calls his move here “inevitable,” recalling LA's Congress building politics—“Jesse Jackson had an office there”—and the discipline of a movement that spoke Swahili daily. He stitches together Conant Gardens, Paradise Valley, and the Blue Bird Inn with a moment of Black memory so wild it feels like spirit work: “She remembered me… from 1959 and spotted me in 1974,” leading to “the only time I cried tears of joy.” From there, he flips elder testimony into future blueprint—“What's the most important thing in your whole life?… breathing”—and warns that “technology is killing humanity,” pushing him to claim, “I'd rather be known… as a humanitarian,” even while rooted in Black nationalism. This episode is a bridge between the past that made Detroit's African-centered movement possible and the future our children deserve—where the Nguza Saba isn't nostalgia, it's a survival manual for Legacy Black culture today. Detroit is Different is a podcast hosted by Khary Frazier covering people adding to the culture of an American Classic city. Visit www.detroitisdifferent.com to hear, see and experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

From hilarious Kwanzaa parodies to a deep dive into Dan Crenshaw’s political evolution, Michael Berry brings the heat. Plus, a nostalgic chat with Dan Pastorini about the Texans’ big win and that infamous Oilers-Steelers playoff call that changed NFL history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We aired our first show for 2026 which featured our callers and their own hopes and goals for 2026. Our second hour featured our Kwanzaa celebration which helped bring our community together at Alive & Free headquarters. The classroom is truly a special place and we are happy we could fit so many people into it as we shared our talents and learned about the 7 principles of Kwanzaa and the meaning of The Day of Meditation.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Moses Nagel reports on the emergency press conference in Albany in response to the fatal ICE shooting of a legal observer in Minneapolis. Then, the woman who was fatally shot by ICE is named Renee Nicole Macklin Good. We will hear her award winning poem and talk about poetry's role in activism. Later on, Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry reports from a Kwanzaa event that took place in Troy. After that, Gaheul Yi reports on Cafe Dolce in Albany. Finally, we have some adult book suggestions from the Troy Public Library

Kwanzaa Days 5,6,7 Ending (Nia, Kuumba, Imani)Nia: https://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/nia.htmlKuumba: https://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/kuumba.htmlImani: https://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/imani.html

What happens when you combine end-of year reflection, Unity metaphysics, and the principles of Kwanzaa? Some might expect a clash of traditions; but we know it is the convergence of deep and practical spiritual Truth. This final Sunday of 2025 gives us an opportunity to notice how collective intention shapes individual lives -- and how individual healing uplifts the whole. Guided by Dr. Tracy Brown we will celebrate our victories, release patterns that block our future, and prepare ourselves to rise together to reach new heights in 2026.

This week we discuss the esteemed Maulana Karenga and his creation of a holiday, Kwanzaa. We also discuss Lent, high school and the great bastion of opportunistic capitalism, Hallmark.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!I forgot to post last week's episode, so you get a DOUBLE FEATURE.After learning about Kwanzaa, let's learn about a gambling royal whackadoo. This week the Troika begins their multi-party foray into Lord Lucan himself, Richard John Bingham. While Ryan and the Other Steve bitch about Poker being chance vs. skill, Steve tells the tale of gambling and wealth. Enjoy!

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In the 8 AM hour, Larry O’Connor and Julie Gunlock discussed: INTERVIEW - JESSICA VAUGHAN KWANZAA MINNESOTA FRAUD Toilet Seat Shatters Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Monday, December 29, 2025 /8 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's podcast we discuss - the meaning of Kwanza and Comedian Ben Palmer's insight into American entitlement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Don’t miss this powerful opportunity: Kwanzaa creator Dr. Maulana Karenga returns to our classroom on Wednesday morning! Discover the inspiring origin of Kwanzaa as Dr. Karenga shares how he conceived this celebration of heritage and unity—and why Kwanzaa is so much more than an alternative to Christmas. Dr. Karenga will reveal how he developed the seven guiding principles, the Kinara, and the candle lighting ceremony that make Kwanzaa a transformative experience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kwanzaa Ujima Day 3https://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/ujima.html

Kwanzaa Ujamaa Day 4⁠https://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/ujamaa.html

Kwanzaa Umoja and Kujichagulia Day 1-2⁠https://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/umoja.html⁠⁠https://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/kujichagulia.html⁠

Hosting Kwanzaa celebrations for more than 20 years, Malcolm X College continues to honor African heritage and culture during it's week-long celebration.

Session 303 of In Class With Carr frames the passage of the Northern Hemisphere's Winter Solstice as a time for celebration, remembrance and disciplined renewal. On the second day of Kwanzaa, Kujichagulia [Self-Determination], we reinforce Governance principles to center study over spectacle, memory over amnesia, and defining ourselves rather than allowing narratives imposed by others with different motives to define us.Are you a member of Knarrative? If not, we invite you to join our community today by signing up at: https://www.knarrative.com. As a Knarrative subscriber, you'll gain immediate access to Knubia, our growing community of teachers, learners, thinkers, doers, artists, and creators. Together, we're making a generational commitment to our collective interests, work, and responsibilities. Join us at https://www.knarrative.com and download the Knubia app through your app store or by visiting https://community.knarrative.com.To shop Go to:TheGlobalMajorityMore from us:Follow on X: https://x.com/knarrative_https://x.com/inclasswithcarrFollow on Instagram IG / knarrative IG/ inclasswithcarr Follow Dr. Carr: https://www.drgregcarr.comhttps://x.com/AfricanaCarrFollow Karen Hunter: https://karenhuntershow.comhttps://x.com/karenhunter IG / karenhuntershowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Welcome!

Dr. Tia Jackson-Truitt, Director of Staff & Community Engagement at the Penn Museum, joins us to talk about the Museum’s annual Kwanzaa celebration and the meaningful partnerships with local communities, artists, performers, and Black-owned businesses that make the event possible. also on the program... Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for Church choir directors. We'll check in with 2 Harrisburg church musicians to see how they prepare, the process of choosing among a wide variety of carols and hymns, how one year's service differs from another, and what are some of their holiday favorites.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Qool DJ Marv Live at Plant and People Kwanzaa Celebration in Philadelphia - December 26 2025Giving thanks to Amma, Cherron and Dewey for including me and DJ/Producer Neal Conway as part of the program celebrating Kwanzaa.  They have been doing so for 35 years, primarily in their home but this year's celebration was at their amazing plant shop and community hub in West Philly. The space, full of life, gives you life.https://plantandpeople.com/This recording is only my set from the celebration, you can learn about and listen to Neal Conway here: https://www.nealconwaymusic.com/As we all said in unison that day one of the seven days of Kwanzaa, "HARAMBEE"---  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5gQLsodBsCys1_3Zbm83vg   https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/qool-dj-marv-aural-memoirs-and-buttamilk-archives/id269880758    https://music.apple.com/us/artist/qool-dj-marv/1558418894 https://bsky.app/profile/qooldjmarv.bsky.social    https://www.instagram.com/qooldjmarv/    https://qooldjmarv.bandcamp.com/album/sound-paths-v-1    https://tidal.com/browse/artist/23883666    https://www.mixcloud.com/qooldjmarv/    https://open.spotify.com/artist/48vhJ2d1hVaFHf6gqXeTm0?si=fWO0N456QeWRMWLUtqe4Yg    https://soundcloud.com/qooldjmarv    https://www.twitch.tv/qooldjmarv    https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/QoolDJMarvMusic 

Qool DJ Marv Live at Plant and People Kwanzaa Celebration in Philadelphia - December 26 2025Giving thanks to Amma, Cherron and Dewey for including me and DJ/Producer Neal Conway as part of the program celebrating Kwanzaa.  They have been doing so for 35 years, primarily in their home but this year's celebration was at their amazing plant shop and community hub in West Philly. The space, full of life, gives you life.https://plantandpeople.com/This recording is only my set from the celebration, you can learn about and listen to Neal Conway here: https://www.nealconwaymusic.com/As we all said in unison that day one of the seven days of Kwanzaa, "HARAMBEE"---  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5gQLsodBsCys1_3Zbm83vg   https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/qool-dj-marv-aural-memoirs-and-buttamilk-archives/id269880758    https://music.apple.com/us/artist/qool-dj-marv/1558418894 https://bsky.app/profile/qooldjmarv.bsky.social    https://www.instagram.com/qooldjmarv/    https://qooldjmarv.bandcamp.com/album/sound-paths-v-1    https://tidal.com/browse/artist/23883666    https://www.mixcloud.com/qooldjmarv/    https://open.spotify.com/artist/48vhJ2d1hVaFHf6gqXeTm0?si=fWO0N456QeWRMWLUtqe4Yg    https://soundcloud.com/qooldjmarv    https://www.twitch.tv/qooldjmarv    https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/QoolDJMarvMusic 

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This is the first day of Kwanzaa, a celebration of African American culture and heritage along with seven guiding principles, such as unity, purpose, and self-determination. Light the kinara with us as we share some of our favorite Kwanzaa memories from our annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganzas! Plus, my conversation from August with Denver musical artist Such, whose passion to help others has been a guiding principle in her life. 

The first Kwanzaa was celebrated on this day in 1966. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A CPR tradition turns 10 this year. The Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza returns with bluegrass, mariachi, comedy and storytime. And as always, we pay homage to Judy Garland. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply value togetherness, this audio gift is for you! 

For the holidays, we're re-running some of our very favorite holiday-themed episodes! It's hard not to feel like we've got to be doing ALL the things at the holidays, especially when social media tells us we should be. Here are some tips for taking perspective at the holidays and operating in "high magic, low effort" mode. We discuss: pre-gaming with your (older) kids about the preferred responses to less-preferred gifts starting with what family members really do love most about the holidays (their answers will surprise you) why you don't have to go the Nutcracker, or lights at the zoo, or Aunt Martha's house, this year, let alone every year Rosie Colosi for Today Parents: ⁠⁠Moms are challenging the idea that they are the sole keepers of holiday ‘magic'⁠⁠ SNL's "Christmas Morning" sketch: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOVCtUdaMCU⁠ ⁠Read all of our listeners' great advice on the original Facebook thread⁠... and here, as promised, is Amy's recipe for the⁠ Italian pepper cookies⁠ that seem to be unique to northeast Pennsylvania... Italian Pepper Cookies (makes about 72 cookies, more if they're small) 1/2 cup Crisco  2 cups of milk or water (or more if needed) If dough is really sticky you can add a little bit more of milk 1/2 lb. raisins  1 cup cocoa 2 1/2 cups sugar 4 tbsp. baking powder 7 cups of flour (add more if needed) 1 1/2 tsps. cinnamon 1 1/2 tsps. cloves (not whole) 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1 1/2 tsps. black pepper (if you don't want them too spicy, you can cut back on the pepper, I never do though) Optional, you can add nuts or I've seen people add chocolate chips too. We aren't big nut eaters, so I've never made them with nuts. Preheat oven to 375 Cream sugar and Crisco together in a bowl  In a different bowl, sift together all the dry ingredients. Add sifted dry ingredients to creamed sugar and Crisco alternately with milk. Mix well. It will be very sticky, it's easier to work with your hands. I usually coat my hands with some Pam to be able to work the dough. Add your raisins and mix it up more.  Using your hands, take enough dough to roll a small ball (my mom likes them big, I like them smaller) Place cookie balls on your cookie trays (I usually fit around 16 on a tray, all depends on the size of your cookie balls)  Bake in oven for 8-10 minutes. Icing: 2 cups confectioner's sugar 1 to 2 tablespoons milk 1/2 teaspoon butter splash vanilla For icing: Mix together all ingredients, adding milk until achieving creamy consistency, not stiff. When cookies are slightly cooled, top with icing. Sign up for the What Fresh Hell newsletter! Once a month you'll get our favorite recent episodes, plus links to other things to read and watch and listen to, and upcoming special events: ⁠http://eepurl.com/h8ze3z⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/⁠ Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at ⁠www.monarchmoney.com/FRESH Ready to raise money-smart kids? Start now with your first month FREE at acornsearly.com/FRESH! What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Santa, Elf on the Shelf, gift exchange, holiday, holiday shopping, holiday gifts, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, toddler, holiday recipes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send us a texthttps://linktr.ee/millennialisticpodMerry Christmas, ya filthy animals!!! What other gift could we squeeze into your stocking that would be any better than a quick interview with our dear friend @missy.midwest !!! Jordan talks about her come up in the DJ game during the pandemic, manifesting playing @GoddessAwakeningFest and bring some serious mic drop material for DJ's new in the game! DJ gives a brief rundown on his Christmas trip to Europe on some of the highlights (more to come). From all of us at #Millennialistic we want to wish you and you family a Merry Christmas, happy Chanukah, happy Kwanzaa, and a happy new year! Wishing you all many blessings and that you get to listen to this podcast 100,000 times in 2026!!!#Millennialistic #MillennialisticPod #MissyMidwest #BadBitchBass #STLEDM #GoddessAwakening Support the show

Join Lil' Lo and Big Shot Shae as they discuss their own quirks and traits, The Founder of Kwanzaa being a crook, Australia taking a huge step and banning social media for anyone under 16, these pastors and preachers taking every last dime from the congregation, and more ! Email for advice / to be featured: LetMeStayFocused@gmail.com Follow Our Hosts:@lilloworldwide @bigshotshae**DISCLAIMER: THIS IS A COMEDIC PODCAST** Scenarios and responses from this show should be taken with a grain of salt. In other words, this is all a joke. Unless otherwise noted, any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events, is purely coincidental.

Join us on a serene journey of gratitude and reflection. No matter how you celebrate this season, whether it's Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply cherishing the beauty of winter, this meditation is crafted for everyone. We embrace the spirit of togetherness, inviting you to find peace and joy in the simple things that unite us all. Tune in, unwind, and let the light of gratitude fill your heart. Listen now and let this season be a reminder of our shared humanity and the strength in our diversity.#DailyCalm #GratitudeMeditation #InclusiveCelebration #FestiveSeason #MindfulnessForAll #ReflectAndEmbrace #PodcastLife #HolidaySpirit #UniversalJoy #FindYourCalmSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/find-your-daily-calm/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this holiday edition of Selective Ignorance, Mandii B is joined by super producer A-King and journalist Jayson Rodriguez for a layered, reflective conversation unpacking the cultural, emotional, and commercial realities of the holiday season. The episode opens with a warm introduction to the holidays and the shifting energy that comes with this time of year [00:00], setting the tone for a discussion rooted in nostalgia, cultural awareness, and modern-day realities. The hosts reflect on childhood Christmas memories and past holiday crazes, revisiting the toys, traditions, and moments that defined earlier eras [02:47], before examining how Christmas hits differently in adulthood—especially when navigating single life, expectations, and social pressure during the season [06:05]. From there, the conversation expands into cultural perspectives on how Christmas is celebrated across communities, highlighting both shared traditions and meaningful differences [08:56]. A deeper historical lens is applied as the crew breaks down the origins and evolution of Christmas, unpacking how religion, capitalism, and culture have reshaped the holiday over time [12:05]. That history connects directly to a discussion on Christmas crazes, consumer trends, and the role of marketing, questioning what gets lost when tradition becomes transactional [14:57]. The symbolism of Santa Claus and cultural identity is also explored, challenging how myths are constructed and who they are designed to serve [18:07]. As the episode progresses, the conversation turns toward historical revisionism and dominant cultural narratives, examining how certain stories are amplified while others are erased [37:37]. This naturally leads into a candid discussion about Black identity, the African American experience, and cultural inclusion during the holidays [39:34], followed by a thoughtful breakdown of Kwanzaa as a cultural alternative that emphasizes community, heritage, and self-determination [42:58]. Lighter moments balance the depth as the hosts touch on sports as part of holiday traditions [46:35], before diving into the timeless role of Christmas movies and holiday music in shaping seasonal mood and memory [54:41]. The conversation then turns to celebrity commentary and controversies surrounding Christmas, highlighting how public figures influence cultural debates during the season [01:00:51]. As the episode winds down, Mandii, A-King, and Jayson discuss the realities of navigating family plans and emotional boundaries during the holidays [01:01:19], along with the often-overlooked workplace dynamics, expectations, and burnout that come with end-of-year professional life [01:05:36]. The episode closes with reflective energy, positioning the holiday season as both a moment of pause and a bridge into the new year ahead. No Holes Barred: A Dual Manifesto Of Sexual Exploration And Power” w/ Tempest X!Sale Link Follow the host on Social MediaMandii B Instagram/X @fullcourtpumps Follow the show on Social MediaInstagram @selectiveignorancepodTiktok @selective.ignoranceX/Twitter @selectiveig_podSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sign up for our Patreon go to-> Patreon.com/cultofconspiracypodcastMeta Mysteries Podcast---> https://open.spotify.com/show/6IshwF6qc2iuqz3WTPz9Wv?si=3a32c8f730b34e79Cajun Knight Youtube Channel---> https://www.youtube.com/@CajunknightTo Sign up for our Rokfin go to --> Rokfin.com/cultofconspiracyTo get 20% OFF GoodFeels THC Selzter----> shop.getgoodfeels.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cult-of-conspiracy--5700337/support.

In this festive episode of MOJO: The Meaning of Life and Business, Jennifer Glass warmly welcomes both new and returning listeners to join in the spirit of the season. As the holidays bring opportunities to connect with loved ones—whether you're celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or simply savoring time with friends and family—Jennifer invites you to reflect on what these moments truly mean for us, both personally and professionally.Drawing thoughtful connections between the traditions of faith and hope that holidays represent and the qualities we need to grow in business, Jennifer encourages listeners to carry that sense of trust and optimism into their ventures for the coming year. This episode is filled with heartfelt wishes for a bright holiday and a successful new year, as well as an inspiring reminder to let the light and joy of the season fuel your passion all year long. Happy holidays from MOJO, and here's to your continued success!Keywords: holidays, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, celebrations, meaning of life, business, Mojo podcast, loved ones, family, gratitude, faith, trust, opportunities, new year, growth, success, listeners, loyalty, community, sharing time, light, hope, basics, opportunity, personal growth, wishes, continuous improvement, holiday spirit, celebration

As we enter the Annual Kwanzaa/Christmas/New Year two week corridor, Session 302 of In Class With Carr centers on the meaning of naming, framing, and narrative as sites of Governance, self-determination and collective power. Drawing on Carter Godwin Woodson's “Much Ado About a Name” essay in his 1933 book “The Miseducation of the Negro,” this week we use our Africana Studies Framework to reflect on, subjects such as Kwanzaa, Black Nationalism, and Pan-Africanism, emphasizing content and context, distinguishing Social Structure from Governance questions in order to empower community-centered knowledge. Rejecting both narrowly-framed academic framings and superficial efforts to rename and redirect the potential of collective power, we use this season of reflection and gratitude to remind ourselves of frameworks that support action, intergenerational learning and expectations, and movement-building rooted in ourselves.Are you a member of Knarrative? If not, we invite you to join our community today by signing up at: https://www.knarrative.com. As a Knarrative subscriber, you'll gain immediate access to Knubia, our growing community of teachers, learners, thinkers, doers, artists, and creators. Together, we're making a generational commitment to our collective interests, work, and responsibilities. Join us at https://www.knarrative.com and download the Knubia app through your app store or by visiting https://community.knarrative.com.To shop Go to:TheGlobalMajorityMore from us:Follow on X: https://x.com/knarrative_https://x.com/inclasswithcarrFollow on Instagram IG / knarrative IG/ inclasswithcarr Follow Dr. Carr: https://www.drgregcarr.comhttps://x.com/AfricanaCarrFollow Karen Hunter: https://karenhuntershow.comhttps://x.com/karenhunter IG / karenhuntershowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For incarcerated people and their families, the holidays are the most painful time of year. In this episode of Rattling the Bars, host Mansa Musa and TRNN Editor-in-Chief Maximillian Alvarez speak frankly about what it's like to be locked up during the holidays, why inmate suicides, violence, and depression spike this time of year, and about the life-saving and society-improving steps we can take this holiday season to help prisoners maintain contact with the outside world.C/W: Discussion of suicide and depression Producer / Videographer / Post-Production: Cameron GranadinoBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-news-podcast--2952221/support.Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Follow us on:Bluesky: @therealnews.comFacebook: The Real News NetworkTwitter: @TheRealNewsYouTube: @therealnewsInstagram: @therealnewsnetworkBecome a member and join the Supporters Club for The Real News Podcast today!

In this episode of "Reading with Your Kids," host Jed Doherty sits down with Scott and Victoria Kyle, authors of the insightful book "The Other Birds and Bees: The Financial Facts of Life, Money Secrets No One Ever Taught You." Discover how to empower your children with essential financial literacy skills as the Kyles share practical advice for teaching kids about money and creating healthy family financial habits. From explaining the basics of saving and budgeting to fostering a mindset for long-term financial success, Scott and Victoria offer relatable stories, transparent conversations, and actionable tips for parents aiming to raise money-smart kids. Learn how to talk about college costs, develop good financial habits early, and find creative ways to make financial learning a natural part of family life. Later in the episode, we listen back to a conversation we had with master storyteller Donna Washington. Donna joined us to explore the traditions and meaning of Kwanzaa. Donna shares the roots of this cultural celebration, emphasizing the power of community, gratitude, and giving back. Her stories offer families accessible ways to incorporate Kwanzaa's values into everyday life, focusing on unity and empowerment. Tune in for a warm, friendly discussion rich with expert advice on financial literacy for kids, plus inspiration for celebrating meaningful traditions as a family.

Lionel presents "Ventilation Friday," a raw and irreverent journey through the absurdities of modern life. In this episode, Lionel skewers the hollow rituals of holiday greetings, the "red pill" moment of discovering the Santa myth, and the pagan origins of the Christmas tree. He explores the cultural creation of Kwanzaa, shares his "talent" for manualism (hand-crepitation), and tackles listener questions on the roots of prejudice and anti-semitism. From fake health supplements made of wood pulp to the pretentiousness of family photo cards, nothing escapes Lionel's biting wit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A CPR tradition turns 10 this year. The Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza returns with bluegrass, mariachi, comedy and storytime. And as always, we pay homage to Judy Garland. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply value togetherness, this audio gift is for you! 

Shoutout to the Hanukkah and Kwanzaa gerls, you deserve your own shine. Christmas is doing too much, so hear me out… let's move the holidays.

Merry Christmas, everybody! The last day of our Culkin Keatmas is upon us, and with it, our final gift to you.  Jim and I break down the Star Wars Holiday Special and take it for all it's worth.  Wookiee porn, deeply unfunny instructional videos, ill-fitting helmets, and hours of uncaptioned Wookiee dialog are considered and de-coded but we're still left with the big question... Why?  Since all involved have disowned the project we may never know.  But whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Life Day or any other tradition that aims to turn the coldest, darkest part of the year into something more, you are in our thoughts, and you have our gratitude for all the love and support you've shown us this past year.  We'll see you in 2018! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metaphysician and Master Herbalist Doctah B will take over our classroom this Wednesday morning. He will preview this Sunday’s Winter Solstice and explain its significance, as well as discuss his latest book, "What’s Eating You," sharing insights on how to free your body from mental, physical, and energetic parasites. Before Doctah B’s segment, Brother Shujaa. will highlight the importance of celebrating Kwanzaa. Former NY Lawmaker Charles Barron will also report on the latest developments in the Sahel Nations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jessica Grose, opinion writer at The New York Times, reflects on her family's interfaith holiday traditions, and listeners offer their own.