<![CDATA[Conversation For Adults]]>59a3c7eb-ec28-555f-a026-0032de95b506Tue, 10 Dec 2024 10:04:22 +0000Captivate.fmJimi Izraelhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/2db8bdd0-000e-4426-a4a2-1719282e019c/cfa-cover-final-itunes.jpgConversation For AdultsJimi IzraelJimi IzraelCulture-critic Jimi Izrael rediscovers America by talking to people you may or may not know, about everything. What comes up, comes out. Lots of fun. No filter.http://conversationforadults.comtrueepisodichttps://feeds.captivate.fm/conversation-for-adults/nopodcast113. Tommy Chong: On The Way Life IsTommy Chong: On The Way Life IsTommy Chong (@heytommychong), comedian, actor, and pot smoker, is a national treasure and speaks with the kind of thoughtful introspection you’d expect from a life-long marijuana enthusiast. In this episode, he educates me on the purpose of life, the role of good and evil, and what I’m missing out on by choosing pussy over weed. 

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]]>Tommy Chong (@heytommychong), comedian, actor, and pot smoker, is a national treasure and speaks with the kind of thoughtful introspection you’d expect from a life-long marijuana enthusiast. In this episode, he educates me on the purpose of life, the role of good and evil, and what I’m missing out on by choosing pussy over weed. 

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]]>e3a54704-452c-49f4-aacd-448f43bf9760Wed, 09 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -050056:03truefull113113Tommy Chong. Actor, Author + ActivistJimi Izrael112. Jasmyne Cannick: My Queer Work-WifeJasmyne Cannick: My Queer Work-WifeJasmyne Cannick is a queer community activist, politician, journalist, commentator, my first internet work-wife and – not for nothing – my #1 lesbian crush. We get fired up on cancel culture, activism, body positivity, and intersectionality in the queer world. She made 2021 the year of the bikini. Will 2022 be the year she dabbles with the D? Bruh – it’s #conversationforadults.

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]]>Jasmyne Cannick is a queer community activist, politician, journalist, commentator, my first internet work-wife and – not for nothing – my #1 lesbian crush. We get fired up on cancel culture, activism, body positivity, and intersectionality in the queer world. She made 2021 the year of the bikini. Will 2022 be the year she dabbles with the D? Bruh – it’s #conversationforadults.

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]]>df84a6a9-0735-4f7e-9591-acde291e434fMon, 31 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -050001:27:14truefull112112Jasmyne Cannick. ActivistJimi Izrael111. Christa Freehands: Chaos Before CreationChrista Freehands: Chaos Before CreationArtist Christa Freehands and I connect on how emotions flow through art and discover the roots of her artistic process through the use of symbolism in her work. 

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]]>Artist Christa Freehands and I connect on how emotions flow through art and discover the roots of her artistic process through the use of symbolism in her work. 

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]]>ec1e5917-e6fe-47c0-a5bc-4d0edd1394feMon, 24 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -050001:22:44truefull111111Christa Freehands. Artist.Jimi Izrael110. Aja Grant: CommUNITY ReverenceAja Grant: CommUNITY ReverenceI had the pleasure of speaking to Aja Grant, a Cleveland-based photographer who challenges White supremacy in the art world by exclusively shooting Black subjects. She shares her creative process behind the lens and why it’s so important to put Black people – as examples of power and influence – in front of the camera. 

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]]>I had the pleasure of speaking to Aja Grant, a Cleveland-based photographer who challenges White supremacy in the art world by exclusively shooting Black subjects. She shares her creative process behind the lens and why it’s so important to put Black people – as examples of power and influence – in front of the camera. 

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]]>86d1f989-2783-49cb-8d99-db86021e757fMon, 13 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -050035:46truefull110110Aja Grant. Photographer.Jimi Izrael109. Phillip Morris: A Plain DealerPhillip Morris: A Plain DealerFor 30 years, Phillip Morris wrote as columnist and editorial board member of Cleveland’s daily newspaper, The Plain Dealer. After Dick Feagler, maybe the best production writer Cleveland has ever produced. Today, we talk about his journey, writing about race, life since getting fired by The Plain Dealer, his note to his daughter and how the onus to recover and repair the relationship with my daughter is on me, which -- of course -- it isn’t.

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]]>For 30 years, Phillip Morris wrote as columnist and editorial board member of Cleveland’s daily newspaper, The Plain Dealer. After Dick Feagler, maybe the best production writer Cleveland has ever produced. Today, we talk about his journey, writing about race, life since getting fired by The Plain Dealer, his note to his daughter and how the onus to recover and repair the relationship with my daughter is on me, which -- of course -- it isn’t.

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]]>025cf9f6-535b-4a27-967c-6b8a00a3c004Mon, 06 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -050058:18truefull109109Phillip Morris. Columnist.Jimi Izrael108. Butters: Losing Your ReligionButters: Losing Your ReligionIn 2013, Charles Ramsey helped rescue three young women from a neighbor’s house and in a split second, he went from outsider to American Hero. Chris Gresham, aka Butters -- a hapless co-worker-- went along for the ride and got Chuck as a roommate on the other side -- Oy vey.  

Butters, joins me to talk about what happened after the day a pretty white girl ran into a black man’s arms, Convincing Chuck NOT to get his tooth/teeth fixed (#branding), what he discovered about America and himself, also what he’s learned about life since then. You can always count on a coworker to pull you into a world of shit.  And if  Anderson Cooper, Snoop Dogg, BMWs and liquor are involved, that’s a #deadgiveaway -- you KNOW it’s #conversationforadults.

BUTTER’S IMDB 

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]]>In 2013, Charles Ramsey helped rescue three young women from a neighbor’s house and in a split second, he went from outsider to American Hero. Chris Gresham, aka Butters -- a hapless co-worker-- went along for the ride and got Chuck as a roommate on the other side -- Oy vey.  

Butters, joins me to talk about what happened after the day a pretty white girl ran into a black man’s arms, Convincing Chuck NOT to get his tooth/teeth fixed (#branding), what he discovered about America and himself, also what he’s learned about life since then. You can always count on a coworker to pull you into a world of shit.  And if  Anderson Cooper, Snoop Dogg, BMWs and liquor are involved, that’s a #deadgiveaway -- you KNOW it’s #conversationforadults.

BUTTER’S IMDB 

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]]>a5360713-2747-4784-a434-35a66d646ca0Mon, 15 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -050001:12:23truefull108108Butters. Writer, Actor, Husband and CookJimi Izrael107. Eric Brewer: on Trump, Russia and NegroesEric Brewer: on Trump, Russia and NegroesEric Brewer, returns to Conversation For Adults. This time around, we’re taking a forensic look at the city of Cleveland, the political dynamics of what it means to be free and rooted in American values, and the concept of The Negro Consciousness. 

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]]>Eric Brewer, returns to Conversation For Adults. This time around, we’re taking a forensic look at the city of Cleveland, the political dynamics of what it means to be free and rooted in American values, and the concept of The Negro Consciousness. 

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]]>8cc4f623-37cc-4dc0-8660-39b740b95e1aMon, 01 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -050001:35:50truefull107107Eric Brewer. Scholar & HistorianJimi Izrael106. Rhonda Crowder: The Ex-Files106. Rhonda Crowder: The Ex-FilesRhonda Crowder’s back and we dig into politics, her ex-files, explore what went wrong with the frogs of her past, and go on a tangent about why big girls are winning the game right now. It’s #conversationforadults 

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]]>Rhonda Crowder’s back and we dig into politics, her ex-files, explore what went wrong with the frogs of her past, and go on a tangent about why big girls are winning the game right now. It’s #conversationforadults 

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]]>45d94c69-c15e-4468-823a-17cd7278a6cdMon, 25 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -050001:11:28truefull106106Rhonda Crowder. Diva Journalist.Jimi Izrael105. Cobbski: Black ConservatismCobbski: Black ConservatismMichael David Cobb Bowen (Cobbski to me) and I go back to when the Internets was young. We talk art, reflect on his father and life living in the legacy of the Forrest Gumps of Black respectability, unleash his conservative-ish voice online, and follow the crumbs that took him from Black nationalism to conservatism.  It’s #conversationforadults.

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]]>Michael David Cobb Bowen (Cobbski to me) and I go back to when the Internets was young. We talk art, reflect on his father and life living in the legacy of the Forrest Gumps of Black respectability, unleash his conservative-ish voice online, and follow the crumbs that took him from Black nationalism to conservatism.  It’s #conversationforadults.

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]]>63e0a7a6-f4bc-4c5b-9986-fc417f44fefbMon, 18 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -050001:53:21truefull105105Cobbski. Army Brat. Scholar, Stoic. My DudeJimi Izrael104. Shalira Taylor: Republican. That ChickShalira Taylor: Republican. That ChickShalira Taylor’s back, and we’re lucky to have her -- she runs her business, runs for office, and she’s running a relationship she can’t talk about (much). She SAYS she didn’t run into The Capitol on January 6th to support her dear President Donald J. Trump. I’m not so sure -- you be the judge.

We talk politics, Black banking and bullets. Shalira Taylor returns to #conversationforadults.

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]]>Shalira Taylor’s back, and we’re lucky to have her -- she runs her business, runs for office, and she’s running a relationship she can’t talk about (much). She SAYS she didn’t run into The Capitol on January 6th to support her dear President Donald J. Trump. I’m not so sure -- you be the judge.

We talk politics, Black banking and bullets. Shalira Taylor returns to #conversationforadults.

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]]>b629860f-8f59-4c95-9954-8e436bdf27ddMon, 11 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -050001:25:19truefull104104Shalira Taylor.Jimi Izrael103. Champagne Smith: Life, Love + LyricsChampagne Smith: Life, Love + LyricsMadd glamorous poet, Champagne Smith, connects with me for a no-holds-barred conversation about family struggles, literary triumphs, and the artistic credibility of Lizzo. 

We talk family drama and the cycle of bad parenting, helping a partner through trauma and debate if there is any truth in treating a black woman too well (hey, don’t shoot the messenger).

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]]>Madd glamorous poet, Champagne Smith, connects with me for a no-holds-barred conversation about family struggles, literary triumphs, and the artistic credibility of Lizzo. 

We talk family drama and the cycle of bad parenting, helping a partner through trauma and debate if there is any truth in treating a black woman too well (hey, don’t shoot the messenger).

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]]>bf1a4934-6fc0-406e-8e07-86e2e78ef2bcMon, 04 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -050001:29:05truefull103103Champagne Smith. Poet. Filmmaker. Diva.Jimi Izrael102. Genna + Dave: Cuter Than You DeserveGenna + Dave: Cuter Than You DeserveGenna P is a gift that keeps on giving. This episode marks the third time she’s been back on the show – and we still have shit to talk about! Mark my words; this is about as cozy as it gets here on Conversations for Adults. 

A lot has changed since our last rendezvous. Join us as we catch up on the usual stuff. You know -- slave ownership, COVID, shacking up, sex education, death, divorce, and the beauty of the modern family.

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]]>Genna P is a gift that keeps on giving. This episode marks the third time she’s been back on the show – and we still have shit to talk about! Mark my words; this is about as cozy as it gets here on Conversations for Adults. 

A lot has changed since our last rendezvous. Join us as we catch up on the usual stuff. You know -- slave ownership, COVID, shacking up, sex education, death, divorce, and the beauty of the modern family.

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Conversation for Adults is a production of Crate Media


]]>294592b5-026d-4d0e-b7d1-5b35c05df501Mon, 20 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -050001:51:39truefull102102Genna + Dave. Couple Goals.Jimi Izrael101. Nina Foxx Writes And Damn near Everything ElseNina Foxx Writes And Damn near Everything ElseNina Foxx, author, podcaster, mother, and thirst-trap Instagrammer, chats about creating quality, publishing, and what goes on behind the scenes at Jack and Jill of America, Inc. 

A tech entrepreneur, cancer survivor, and blended family parent, this woman inspires everyone to become a multi-disciplinary master of some kind. Also, owns a parrot, which -- I dunno. I can’t call that one.

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]]>Nina Foxx, author, podcaster, mother, and thirst-trap Instagrammer, chats about creating quality, publishing, and what goes on behind the scenes at Jack and Jill of America, Inc. 

A tech entrepreneur, cancer survivor, and blended family parent, this woman inspires everyone to become a multi-disciplinary master of some kind. Also, owns a parrot, which -- I dunno. I can’t call that one.

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]]>b4397e40-98bf-4c75-a8e4-25ca7d4b55dbMon, 13 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -050001:23:04truefull101101Nina Foxx. Author.Jimi Izrael100. Carmen Lane: Makes It Plain.Carmen Lane: Makes It Plain.Open, raw dialogue that pushes our comfortable edges is everything Conversation for Adults is about. I’m grateful to artist, writer, and doula Carmen Lane for going all the way with me on some tough topics. Join us as we chat – and clash – over sexuality, queer identity, the difference between harassment, and hollering before coming together to talk about origin stories, the miracle of life and death, and why we all need to wash our mouths out with soap when we utter the word, b***h. 

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]]>Open, raw dialogue that pushes our comfortable edges is everything Conversation for Adults is about. I’m grateful to artist, writer, and doula Carmen Lane for going all the way with me on some tough topics. Join us as we chat – and clash – over sexuality, queer identity, the difference between harassment, and hollering before coming together to talk about origin stories, the miracle of life and death, and why we all need to wash our mouths out with soap when we utter the word, b***h. 

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]]>6c233722-ccda-41cc-8765-efa71a053766Tue, 31 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -050001:46:58truefull100100Carmen Lane. Doula, Writer, Artist, Educator.Jimi Izrael99. Veronica Thornton: Everything Beyond the SurfaceVeronica Thornton: Everything Beyond the SurfaceLife for Veronica Thornton is pretty hectic. She has her fingers in lots of pies – from economics and black empowerment to writing. She’s on her second book right now and thinks The Age of Aquarius brought us together. I beg to differ. 

Join me as I catch up with a perfect stranger to talk about everything from poetry to parenthood – and Huggy Bear from Starsky and Hutch. 

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]]>Life for Veronica Thornton is pretty hectic. She has her fingers in lots of pies – from economics and black empowerment to writing. She’s on her second book right now and thinks The Age of Aquarius brought us together. I beg to differ. 

Join me as I catch up with a perfect stranger to talk about everything from poetry to parenthood – and Huggy Bear from Starsky and Hutch. 

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]]>d454605d-b0df-4946-8d40-adc98894ea32Mon, 23 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -050031:45truefull9999Veronica Thornton. Poet, Economist & MotherJimi Izrael98. Timothy Roberts: From Law Enforcement to EducationTimothy Roberts: From Law Enforcement to EducationTimothy Roberts’ father was shot dead outside a bar when he was 19. With the weight of his family heavy on his shoulders, he was inspired to become a police officer before turning his attention to education. 

We hone in on the act of pulling out a gun – with or without the badge – and explore the cases of Tamir Rice and Ma'Khia Bryant from the perspective of a Black cop. Plus, why education is the real driving force for evolution and why his school has "colored only" signs on their bathrooms. 

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]]>Timothy Roberts’ father was shot dead outside a bar when he was 19. With the weight of his family heavy on his shoulders, he was inspired to become a police officer before turning his attention to education. 

We hone in on the act of pulling out a gun – with or without the badge – and explore the cases of Tamir Rice and Ma'Khia Bryant from the perspective of a Black cop. Plus, why education is the real driving force for evolution and why his school has "colored only" signs on their bathrooms. 

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]]>4d133974-4301-4eca-9b06-b71ab4dd6646Mon, 16 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -050001:00:50truefull9898Timothy Roberts. Law Enforcement and EducationJimi Izrael97. Jason B. Allen: On Critical Race Theory in the ClassroomJason B. Allen: On Critical Race Theory in the ClassroomFor advocate, education leader, and teacher, Jason B Allen, Atlanta is home, and the classroom is a space to mentor the next generation of humanity. Sit with us as we attempt to understand how whiteness is expressed in the education system, and the potential for Critical Race Theory being included in the curriculum. If you don't think this guy deserves to run his own charter school after this episode, you most definitely need to go back to school. #conversationforadults

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]]>For advocate, education leader, and teacher, Jason B Allen, Atlanta is home, and the classroom is a space to mentor the next generation of humanity. Sit with us as we attempt to understand how whiteness is expressed in the education system, and the potential for Critical Race Theory being included in the curriculum. If you don't think this guy deserves to run his own charter school after this episode, you most definitely need to go back to school. #conversationforadults

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]]>58bd2917-42da-48d4-9c8d-37f8268b1404Mon, 09 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -050001:07:16truefull9797Jason B. Allen. Teacher & Critical Race Theory ExpertJimi Izrael96. Byron Crawford. Author, Blogger, Provocateur.Byron Crawford. Author, Blogger, Provocateur.Meet Byron Crawford. Since 2001, he’s been the best writer on the internets, pound for pound. No pleasantries required with this dude; we dive straight into the good shit about what makes good internet commentary, censorship, self-publishing (he’s written an assload of books), and why the girls go crazy for his glasses. 

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]]>Meet Byron Crawford. Since 2001, he’s been the best writer on the internets, pound for pound. No pleasantries required with this dude; we dive straight into the good shit about what makes good internet commentary, censorship, self-publishing (he’s written an assload of books), and why the girls go crazy for his glasses. 

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]]>5c25e654-e7ad-4d67-b4e0-65fbc7ce9f06Mon, 02 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -050001:31:55truefull9696Byron Crawford. Author, Blogger, Provocateur.Jimi Izrael95. Dave Ramsey: Do the Art Thing! Creating a Black Art EconomyDave Ramsey: Do the Art Thing! Creating a Black Art EconomyDave Ramsey creates space for Black and brown artists to showcase their art free from whitewashing. Located in Fairfax, the Cleveland ‘hood, The Deep Roots Experience gallery is for and literally rooted in the Black community. We talk about how the world of art in Cleveland is a racially divided one, the artists changing the cultural landscape of the city, and his current mission to recycle the Black dollar in every aspect of his business. 

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]]>Dave Ramsey creates space for Black and brown artists to showcase their art free from whitewashing. Located in Fairfax, the Cleveland ‘hood, The Deep Roots Experience gallery is for and literally rooted in the Black community. We talk about how the world of art in Cleveland is a racially divided one, the artists changing the cultural landscape of the city, and his current mission to recycle the Black dollar in every aspect of his business. 

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]]>8e51cbc9-f54d-4dbd-bd1b-2ac72a99a04eMon, 26 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -050001:14:14truefull9595Dave Ramsey. Art dealer + gallery ownerJimi Izrael94. Rosebudd: It’s a Hard Pimp’s LifeRosebudd: It’s a Hard Pimp’s LifeRosebudd is one of America’s most famous pimps – a term he does not take lightly. He got to the top of his game with a targeted skill set and a sharp-as-nails, entrepreneurial attitude reserved for his coterie of hoes. 

Now he’s passing on the baton as the dean and professor of SideWalk University, where he has created a male-centric curriculum that teaches the art of confidence from a pimp’s perspective. 

We butt heads over his career trajectory from pimp to professor, and he helps me answer the age-old question: can a hoe ever become a housewife?

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]]>Rosebudd is one of America’s most famous pimps – a term he does not take lightly. He got to the top of his game with a targeted skill set and a sharp-as-nails, entrepreneurial attitude reserved for his coterie of hoes. 

Now he’s passing on the baton as the dean and professor of SideWalk University, where he has created a male-centric curriculum that teaches the art of confidence from a pimp’s perspective. 

We butt heads over his career trajectory from pimp to professor, and he helps me answer the age-old question: can a hoe ever become a housewife?

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]]>384787e0-e1c0-4d81-afe6-7e23670235a1Mon, 19 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -050001:39:16truefull9494Rosebudd. Pimp turned professorJimi Izrael93. Rev. Ron Buford: Racists AnonymousRev. Ron Buford: Racists AnonymousRev. Ron beams a light and love that sees the good in everybody – even racists. His 12-step program, Racist Anonymous (yes, you read that correctly), helps people exorcise the prejudice that (apparently) is inside us all. Racist Anonymous is helping people around the US (and beyond). Rev. Ron Buford and I actually go back -- we connect to discuss sex, community, coming out, my time with the United Church of Christ, blended families to interracial barbershops and LGBTQ. 

Hallelujah! -- it’s #conversationforadults.

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]]>Rev. Ron beams a light and love that sees the good in everybody – even racists. His 12-step program, Racist Anonymous (yes, you read that correctly), helps people exorcise the prejudice that (apparently) is inside us all. Racist Anonymous is helping people around the US (and beyond). Rev. Ron Buford and I actually go back -- we connect to discuss sex, community, coming out, my time with the United Church of Christ, blended families to interracial barbershops and LGBTQ. 

Hallelujah! -- it’s #conversationforadults.

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]]>260b6a1b-d6d8-4de2-ac3b-334438836987Mon, 12 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -050001:27:50truefull9393Rev. Ron Buford, on Racist Anonymous, the barbershop and telling his girlfriend he was gayJimi Izrael92. Latoya Davis: A Study in EvolutionLatoya Davis: A Study in EvolutionBy the time you finish this episode, it's highly likely that Latoya Davis has already evolved into something else. Here is a woman who lives life on her watch (which, FYI, needs an upgrade). She likes to keep things moving – and if you're not here for her growth, well... then she's not here for you. Period. 

Latoya kindly tolerated me in her crystal-adorned home as we explored the circadian rhythms of life and what it means to outstay your welcome in relationships – and get-the-fuck-out-season needs to become a thing. It’s #conversationforadults

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]]>By the time you finish this episode, it's highly likely that Latoya Davis has already evolved into something else. Here is a woman who lives life on her watch (which, FYI, needs an upgrade). She likes to keep things moving – and if you're not here for her growth, well... then she's not here for you. Period. 

Latoya kindly tolerated me in her crystal-adorned home as we explored the circadian rhythms of life and what it means to outstay your welcome in relationships – and get-the-fuck-out-season needs to become a thing. It’s #conversationforadults

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Conversation for Adults is a production of Crate Media

]]>73f7646a-4b35-4134-a7dd-1913f6255291Mon, 05 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -050001:18:02truefull9292Latoya Davis. A Woman In MotionJimi Izrael91. Antwoine Washington: Art Strokes for Black FolksAntwoine Washington: Art Strokes for Black FolksAntwoine Washington is a Michigan-born artist with a mission to create a collaborative platform for black voices. The Museum of Creative Human Art is a safe space for local artists to empower themselves and find solutions to the entrenched problems plaguing the community.

For a long time he silenced himself, spending years slogging away at a post office like a black Buckowski, before stepping into the role as a full-time artist.  We talk about his creative drive, why he can’t find funding within the black community, and his plans to independently scale his project to get more kids off the street and onto canvas. 

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]]>Antwoine Washington is a Michigan-born artist with a mission to create a collaborative platform for black voices. The Museum of Creative Human Art is a safe space for local artists to empower themselves and find solutions to the entrenched problems plaguing the community.

For a long time he silenced himself, spending years slogging away at a post office like a black Buckowski, before stepping into the role as a full-time artist.  We talk about his creative drive, why he can’t find funding within the black community, and his plans to independently scale his project to get more kids off the street and onto canvas. 

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]]>be577f3e-1183-4c5c-abb7-edb6c9d7bdbbMon, 28 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -050050:12truefull9191Antwoine Washington. Artist -- Eff the Post OfficeJimi Izrael90. Andy Kindler: Actually, Everybody Loves Andy, Amirite?Andy Kindler: Actually, Everybody Loves Andy, Amirite?I discovered Andy Kindler as the other funny guy on “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Currently, he voices Mort the mortician on “Bob’s Burgers,” which I don’t fuck with, but I may now on principle. In this episode, we dig deep: why he's been in bed with me a lot lately, his OCD, his writing, traditional Jewish humor, my crush on Kristen Schaal, the omnipresent H. Jon Benjamin  (who I’ve loved since “Dr. Katz” and “Hey Monie!”, but enough already, with the this, the THAT, the ARBY’S and the jock-itch cream-- yeesh) and his fond memories of summer camps (mine, notsomuch). But he takes me on his journey, and we talk comedy, my adopted Jewish grandfather, writer Harvey Pekar, and the artistic merit behind everyone’s favorite sitcoms and films. What -- I should say more? It’s #conversationforadults.

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]]>I discovered Andy Kindler as the other funny guy on “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Currently, he voices Mort the mortician on “Bob’s Burgers,” which I don’t fuck with, but I may now on principle. In this episode, we dig deep: why he's been in bed with me a lot lately, his OCD, his writing, traditional Jewish humor, my crush on Kristen Schaal, the omnipresent H. Jon Benjamin  (who I’ve loved since “Dr. Katz” and “Hey Monie!”, but enough already, with the this, the THAT, the ARBY’S and the jock-itch cream-- yeesh) and his fond memories of summer camps (mine, notsomuch). But he takes me on his journey, and we talk comedy, my adopted Jewish grandfather, writer Harvey Pekar, and the artistic merit behind everyone’s favorite sitcoms and films. What -- I should say more? It’s #conversationforadults.

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]]>228d447f-8134-4c9f-b398-55b04cedeecdMon, 21 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -050001:32:58truefull9090Andy Kindler. Comedian, voice actor and stand-up guyJimi Izrael89. Mark E. Howard Paints ReligiouslyMark E. Howard Paints ReligiouslyMark E. Howard’s work is everywhere, particularly in Cleveland. He’s done murals, garbage cans and other public art that is all over the city, from Hopkins Airport to the Federal Building to 55th and Euclid and beyond -- but finding him? That’s another matter. Somehow, I do and we explore his creative projects – past and present – and discuss how religious themes express themselves in his work. Plus: why he has taken an intentional hiatus, away from the art scene. Also, and exclusive on his foot -- doesn’t get any deeper than this. #conversationforadults 

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]]>Mark E. Howard’s work is everywhere, particularly in Cleveland. He’s done murals, garbage cans and other public art that is all over the city, from Hopkins Airport to the Federal Building to 55th and Euclid and beyond -- but finding him? That’s another matter. Somehow, I do and we explore his creative projects – past and present – and discuss how religious themes express themselves in his work. Plus: why he has taken an intentional hiatus, away from the art scene. Also, and exclusive on his foot -- doesn’t get any deeper than this. #conversationforadults 

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]]>65ba7f6a-a2f0-4dd9-bc5c-683e2a800027Mon, 14 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -050030:38truefull8989Mark E. Howard. Artist Who Paints ReligiouslyJimi Izrael88. Effie Brown: Breakthroughs, Breakdowns and Black HollywoodEffie Brown: Breakthroughs, Breakdowns and Black HollywoodFilm producer, Effie Brown, lifts the lid on Black Hollywood, recalling her experience navigating LA-LA land as a strong, black female who isn’t here to sell cookie cutter, white savior, black poverty porn narratives. 

We pitch and fantasize about Black people getting funky on-screen, educating, entertaining by elevating marginalized groups – on and off-screen, the time and place to pitch to producers, and the crucial difference between fuckable dudes and marriageable guys. 

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]]>Film producer, Effie Brown, lifts the lid on Black Hollywood, recalling her experience navigating LA-LA land as a strong, black female who isn’t here to sell cookie cutter, white savior, black poverty porn narratives. 

We pitch and fantasize about Black people getting funky on-screen, educating, entertaining by elevating marginalized groups – on and off-screen, the time and place to pitch to producers, and the crucial difference between fuckable dudes and marriageable guys. 

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]]>d4ab3b92-9ab3-4bbc-9d5e-f1fe5b51c1e0Mon, 07 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -050001:50:08truefull8888Effie Brown. Film producerJimi Izrael87. Cindy Likes to Be Spanked . . . and Shared.Cindy Likes to Be Spanked . . . and Shared.Cindy likes to swing -- she’s in The Lifestyle. She’s a swinger: polyamorous and all that. For CFA, we disguise her voice because, hello? (and MY voice sometimes gets caught in the wash) as she speaks up for the thriving, pulsating Black kink community. Cindy talks about married life, her Five Guys (not the burger place), her favorite gangbang, bondage and Shabari ropes, double penetration and spanking. Yup. She recounts the highlights from her archives and reveals her biggest taboo: intimacy.  

This is #conversationforadults.

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]]>Cindy likes to swing -- she’s in The Lifestyle. She’s a swinger: polyamorous and all that. For CFA, we disguise her voice because, hello? (and MY voice sometimes gets caught in the wash) as she speaks up for the thriving, pulsating Black kink community. Cindy talks about married life, her Five Guys (not the burger place), her favorite gangbang, bondage and Shabari ropes, double penetration and spanking. Yup. She recounts the highlights from her archives and reveals her biggest taboo: intimacy.  

This is #conversationforadults.

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]]>01e43a3b-734e-4ac8-827a-7122e49a1e9dMon, 31 May 2021 06:00:00 -050038:00truefull8787Cindy. BDSM, DPs and other acronyms NSFW.Jimi Izrael86. Patrice Hampton: Cigars, Dates & Applebee’sPatrice Hampton: Cigars, Dates & Applebee’sFor Patrice Hampton, 2020 was a sticky stew of endings and beginnings. 

We discuss death from a position of equal and profound loss and we delve into widowhood and life after death for the living. The Patrice of today is a woman who knows who she is, what she’s looking for in a partnership, and where she’s going – and it sure as hell ain't an Applebees. We talk about being too picky and her life in cigars, and why women smoke them in the first place.

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  • Instagram: @aladyandhercigar

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]]>For Patrice Hampton, 2020 was a sticky stew of endings and beginnings. 

We discuss death from a position of equal and profound loss and we delve into widowhood and life after death for the living. The Patrice of today is a woman who knows who she is, what she’s looking for in a partnership, and where she’s going – and it sure as hell ain't an Applebees. We talk about being too picky and her life in cigars, and why women smoke them in the first place.

Resources:

  • Instagram: @aladyandhercigar

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]]>e292df92-b6ce-44fe-8829-5b07b01effe2Mon, 24 May 2021 06:00:00 -050001:27:39truefull8686Patrice Hampton. Cigar matronJimi Izrael85. Liz Burr: Family, Feminism & Finding Your FireLiz Burr: Family, Feminism & Finding Your FireLiz Burr and I go back -- we met online when the Internet was young. 

Today, we talk offline. From blended families and absent fathers to (toxic) male/female characteristics and our collective connection to tech, be it swiping dating apps, calling someone out online, or understanding the interpersonal dynamics of POC-founded start-ups. Also, Very Smart Brothers and Bossip.

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]]>Liz Burr and I go back -- we met online when the Internet was young. 

Today, we talk offline. From blended families and absent fathers to (toxic) male/female characteristics and our collective connection to tech, be it swiping dating apps, calling someone out online, or understanding the interpersonal dynamics of POC-founded start-ups. Also, Very Smart Brothers and Bossip.

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]]>67f67533-665c-449a-bdf5-e7d3e8ffb46bMon, 17 May 2021 06:00:00 -050001:25:54truefull8585Liz Burr. Holly-GoHard -- the dope Olivia Pope of this Internet shitJimi Izrael84. Craig Serluco: The Italian son I never had -- from Russia with LoveCraig Serluco: The Italian son I never had -- from Russia with LoveCraig Serluco is a gamer and story wizard who ran to Russia in pursuit of employment and ultimately, love.

In this episode, he shares his tale as an American in the land of Putin and perogis and gives his insights into the cultural fabric of a country most of us only see through our TV screens. We talk Trump, weed, whiskey, #popcorn and Black Russians.

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]]>Craig Serluco is a gamer and story wizard who ran to Russia in pursuit of employment and ultimately, love.

In this episode, he shares his tale as an American in the land of Putin and perogis and gives his insights into the cultural fabric of a country most of us only see through our TV screens. We talk Trump, weed, whiskey, #popcorn and Black Russians.

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]]>98d71686-dc35-41ee-b615-e42e30b10c0eMon, 10 May 2021 06:00:00 -050001:55:34truefull8484Craig Serluco. Gamer. Traveler. Lover and FighterJimi Izrael83. Sheila Bee: In the Smoking Room with a Pretty Ash LadySheila Bee: In the Smoking Room with a Pretty Ash LadySheila Bee, a confessed “alpha female,” has a foxy mouth and a penchant for cigars. She works hard, plays harder, but has struggled to receive the same from men. Fortunately, she’s found her female tribe with her smoking buddies at Pretty Ash Ladies Club in Cleveland, Ohio. 

We talk about wigs, work, motherhood and what makes a good cigar. 

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]]>Sheila Bee, a confessed “alpha female,” has a foxy mouth and a penchant for cigars. She works hard, plays harder, but has struggled to receive the same from men. Fortunately, she’s found her female tribe with her smoking buddies at Pretty Ash Ladies Club in Cleveland, Ohio. 

We talk about wigs, work, motherhood and what makes a good cigar. 

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]]>216cddaf-439f-4419-8264-0631ed9aa11bMon, 03 May 2021 06:00:00 -050001:25:16truefull8383Devoted mother and entrepreneur Sheila Bee brings some smokin’ topics to the table and grades my cigar collection.Jimi Izrael82. Bahjah Eckstein & Co: Republicanism, Relationships and Real LifeBahjah Eckstein & Co: Republicanism, Relationships and Real LifeI’m getting real on republicanism and relationship politics with the ladies of this roundtable debate, delving into the complex umbrella of right-wing politics and finding Mr. Right as a single, black, educated woman in America. 

Lady Bahjah and her +1 give me the scoop on their recent experiences in Cleveland, confronting the Karens of the Trump era, and how they’re carving out space to show up authentically as confident WOC in a diverse dating scene.

Resources

Facebook: lady.bahjah

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Conversation for Adults is a production of Crate Media

]]>I’m getting real on republicanism and relationship politics with the ladies of this roundtable debate, delving into the complex umbrella of right-wing politics and finding Mr. Right as a single, black, educated woman in America. 

Lady Bahjah and her +1 give me the scoop on their recent experiences in Cleveland, confronting the Karens of the Trump era, and how they’re carving out space to show up authentically as confident WOC in a diverse dating scene.

Resources

Facebook: lady.bahjah

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Conversation for Adults is a production of Crate Media

]]>dea3f8b5-084e-442a-937f-b7e1409fd13dMon, 26 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -050001:30:30truefull8282Education wonk and president of her condo association, Bahjah Eckstein, keeps her finger on the pulse of her community. We talk republicans, relationships and being a role model.Jimi Izrael81. Marcus Alan Ward: The Mind as a Creative UniverseMarcus Alan Ward: The Mind as a Creative UniverseSelf-taught musician Marcus Alan Ward and I butt heads on the credentials of mainstream hip-hop culture and what it means to be a creative in the Midwest. 

We map out his journey, learning instruments as a young outsider in Bedford, Ohio, and hustling as a touring musician before making money moves as a filmmaker. As he settles comfortably into the swing of his 30’s, he shares how he’s made his way back to music with God by his side and an evolved mindset as his guide. 

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]]>Self-taught musician Marcus Alan Ward and I butt heads on the credentials of mainstream hip-hop culture and what it means to be a creative in the Midwest. 

We map out his journey, learning instruments as a young outsider in Bedford, Ohio, and hustling as a touring musician before making money moves as a filmmaker. As he settles comfortably into the swing of his 30’s, he shares how he’s made his way back to music with God by his side and an evolved mindset as his guide. 

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]]>3ad908bf-0495-4eee-864f-a82809032d4dMon, 19 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -050001:38:14truefull8181Singer, songwriter, producer, and Ohio-native Marcus Alan Ward, talks about growing up in the Midwest and making it in the music industry.Jimi Izrael80. Tonia Primm: Sewing Your Life Back Together AgainTonia Primm: Sewing Your Life Back Together AgainMaking a family work isn’t easy. There’s no solution or approach that’s one-size-fits-all. Pregnancies can end in abortions; marriages curdle into divorce – modern family dynamics are straight-up fucked up. Broken homes, traumatized kids, child-support manhunts – the list goes on. 

I talk to Tonia Primm, a (single) mother of three, fashion designer, and CEO of Sew Diva about what it means to bring up the next generation of girls and boys without forcing them to live out your dreams or repeat your mistakes. 

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]]>Making a family work isn’t easy. There’s no solution or approach that’s one-size-fits-all. Pregnancies can end in abortions; marriages curdle into divorce – modern family dynamics are straight-up fucked up. Broken homes, traumatized kids, child-support manhunts – the list goes on. 

I talk to Tonia Primm, a (single) mother of three, fashion designer, and CEO of Sew Diva about what it means to bring up the next generation of girls and boys without forcing them to live out your dreams or repeat your mistakes. 

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]]>0304116a-0909-4093-ac34-11691f23dd67Mon, 12 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -050001:25:12truefull8080Tonia Primm, seamstress and Superwoman, reflects on family life and building her business, The Sew Diva.Jimi Izrael79. Eric Freeman: Satan Saves the Streets of Cleveland with House of WillsEric Freeman: Satan Saves the Streets of Cleveland with House of WillsEric Freeman is not a spawn of Satan, exactly.

Instead, he’s bringing that big devil energy to talk about House of Wills: an Addams-Family-style-house built in the 1900s. Rest assured, this is not some sick-ass Satan school (although plenty of people have questioned his motives). Once you get over the fact that he’s a Satanist, you can get on board with good intentions.

He reveals why he spent $20,000 on a pile of historical rubble, and the philanthropic goals he has for the community. This guy is genuinely here to serve the city's people and pump pride into a disenfranchised neighborhood. Who knew it would take a devil to help bring the people of Cleveland together again?

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]]>Eric Freeman is not a spawn of Satan, exactly.

Instead, he’s bringing that big devil energy to talk about House of Wills: an Addams-Family-style-house built in the 1900s. Rest assured, this is not some sick-ass Satan school (although plenty of people have questioned his motives). Once you get over the fact that he’s a Satanist, you can get on board with good intentions.

He reveals why he spent $20,000 on a pile of historical rubble, and the philanthropic goals he has for the community. This guy is genuinely here to serve the city's people and pump pride into a disenfranchised neighborhood. Who knew it would take a devil to help bring the people of Cleveland together again?

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Conversation for Adults is a production of Crate Media

]]>aeb2d8e2-d995-44b2-9526-afc9abdb25baMon, 29 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -050001:53:19truefull7979Eric Freeman: old School SatanistJimi Izrael78. DJ Freekie London: Behind the Scenes of the Viral "New York Thug vs. Arizona Trucker" Video,DJ Freekie London: Behind the Scenes of the Viral "New York Thug vs. Arizona Trucker" Video,DJ Freekie London Johnson’s worst day has been seen by millions and millions of people world-wide on World Star Hip-Hop, but there is so much more to him than that. London comes on CFA to talk about his life, fatherhood, his passion for cooking, his porno, and why he turned down a rematch and coaching from the Gracies — the first family of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Also, in this CFA exclusive, he gives a blow by blow breakdown of the infamous “New York thug vs Arizona trucker” clip. Despite it all, DJ Freekie London stands tall and undefeated … on #conversationforadults.

]]>DJ Freekie London Johnson’s worst day has been seen by millions and millions of people world-wide on World Star Hip-Hop, but there is so much more to him than that. London comes on CFA to talk about his life, fatherhood, his passion for cooking, his porno, and why he turned down a rematch and coaching from the Gracies — the first family of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Also, in this CFA exclusive, he gives a blow by blow breakdown of the infamous “New York thug vs Arizona trucker” clip. Despite it all, DJ Freekie London stands tall and undefeated … on #conversationforadults.

]]>009b99f6-d442-4a2f-a6d1-eda1e541f2cbMon, 22 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -050001:33:05truefull7878Despite everything, Dj Freekie London stands tall and undefeated.Jimi Izrael77. Lester Jay: One of the Hardest Relationship Conversations You’ll Ever Have, Educating Yourself When a Loved One is Transitioning, and Black Masculinity on TrialLester Jay: One of the Hardest Relationship Conversations You’ll Ever Have, Educating Yourself When a Loved One is Transitioning, and Black Masculinity on TrialLast month, Lester Jay came through to talk about spirituality, sexuality, faith, family, and House music. Today, he returns to talk about having one of the biggest conversations you can have with a significant other: The Transition Talk. Lester gets into what the experience has been like from his side of the relationship, what surprised him most, and what you can do to support a loved one who is transitioning. We’re also dropping our first musical collab — a house’d version of “Anyone (who had a heart)” by Dionne Warwick and Burt Bacharach — on Friday (3.19). 

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]]>Last month, Lester Jay came through to talk about spirituality, sexuality, faith, family, and House music. Today, he returns to talk about having one of the biggest conversations you can have with a significant other: The Transition Talk. Lester gets into what the experience has been like from his side of the relationship, what surprised him most, and what you can do to support a loved one who is transitioning. We’re also dropping our first musical collab — a house’d version of “Anyone (who had a heart)” by Dionne Warwick and Burt Bacharach — on Friday (3.19). 

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]]>ec5c11dc-3c2c-4d3b-bdf8-1e025e9bb8efMon, 15 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -050045:12truefull7777Lester Jay. Vocalist. House artist. Performer. Teacher.Jimi Izrael76. Garrett McQueen: On Decolonizing Classical Music, Creating a Black Public Radio Aesthetic, TRILLOQUY, and Should We Cancel Seduction?Garrett McQueen: On Decolonizing Classical Music, Creating a Black Public Radio Aesthetic, TRILLOQUY, and Should We Cancel Seduction?Garrett McQueen is a classically-trained Bassoonist who performs everywhere, giving voice and offering space to music by Black and contemporary composers. We talk about how isolating it can be to be a professional Black performer in classical music, and how he’s decolonizing the phrase “classical music” with TRILLOQUY. We also get into the controversy following his firing from Minnesota Public Radio, the DJ who was fired for sexual assault allegations afterward, and I ask the young head to school me on the difference between sexual harassment, abuse, and manipulation. It’s an intriguing talk on #conversationforadults.

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]]>Garrett McQueen is a classically-trained Bassoonist who performs everywhere, giving voice and offering space to music by Black and contemporary composers. We talk about how isolating it can be to be a professional Black performer in classical music, and how he’s decolonizing the phrase “classical music” with TRILLOQUY. We also get into the controversy following his firing from Minnesota Public Radio, the DJ who was fired for sexual assault allegations afterward, and I ask the young head to school me on the difference between sexual harassment, abuse, and manipulation. It’s an intriguing talk on #conversationforadults.

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]]>c330764c-68fa-45f1-b556-b986fa7b7d0dMon, 08 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -050001:09:40truefull7676Garrett McQueen. Bassoonist. Founder and co-host of TRILLOQUY. Classical performer. Educator. Decolonizing the phrase “classical music.”Jimi Izrael75. What’s the Difference Between Dicks and Assholes?What’s the Difference Between Dicks and Assholes?Let’s be real: everybody’s got a COVID boo. But your boo may have a boo, too… and while everyone’s worried about ‘The Virus,’ you can’t forget about the bacteria. So today, B. Cleveland is going to share the cautionary tale of what it’s like to get the clap while you're just trying to stay sane during COVID. You can take some medicine to clear up the drip in a few days, but that drama sticks around for a minute.

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]]>Let’s be real: everybody’s got a COVID boo. But your boo may have a boo, too… and while everyone’s worried about ‘The Virus,’ you can’t forget about the bacteria. So today, B. Cleveland is going to share the cautionary tale of what it’s like to get the clap while you're just trying to stay sane during COVID. You can take some medicine to clear up the drip in a few days, but that drama sticks around for a minute.

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]]>c64f0099-9818-45a7-8dd9-6b549e9e34ccMon, 01 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -050054:16truefull7575B. Cleveland. Fucked around, found out.Jimi Izrael74. Derek Hess: Growing Up an Atomic Punk, Creating Art That Outlives You, Reckoning with Alcoholism, The Best Drugs, and a Captain America Art HeistDerek Hess: Growing Up an Atomic Punk, Creating Art That Outlives You, Reckoning with Alcoholism, The Best Drugs, and a Captain America Art HeistDerek Hess is a self-described “superhero and overrated artist” and a mental health advocate. His work has been featured on album covers, installations in the Louvre, human skin, comic books, and the walls of Jimi Izrael’s home. I kick things off with an apology, then we get into his Atomic Punk days: dysfunctional underage drinking communities, the best drugs for a 10-year bender, why his first time dropping acid was the best day of high school he ever had, and sharing his struggles with alcoholism and bipolar disorder in a documentary. Then we shift to his lifelong history as an artist, how relationships factor into the art equation, creating shit that will outlive you, and the never-solved heist of his Captain America comic covers.

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]]>Derek Hess is a self-described “superhero and overrated artist” and a mental health advocate. His work has been featured on album covers, installations in the Louvre, human skin, comic books, and the walls of Jimi Izrael’s home. I kick things off with an apology, then we get into his Atomic Punk days: dysfunctional underage drinking communities, the best drugs for a 10-year bender, why his first time dropping acid was the best day of high school he ever had, and sharing his struggles with alcoholism and bipolar disorder in a documentary. Then we shift to his lifelong history as an artist, how relationships factor into the art equation, creating shit that will outlive you, and the never-solved heist of his Captain America comic covers.

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]]>eb9ec120-d74f-4ce2-860f-88fcd763289eMon, 22 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -050001:41:19truefull7474Derek Hess. Artist with work featured in the Louvre and Rock Hall. Subject of “Forced Perspective.” Mental health advocate. Radio show host on WCSB.Jimi Izrael73. Lester Jay: Spirituality and Sexuality, Faith and Family, House and Hip-HopLester Jay: Spirituality and Sexuality, Faith and Family, House and Hip-HopLester Jay is a vocalist who blends old-school church vocals, hip-hop hooks, and pop production to create his upbeat brand of House music. But before we get into music, we have to talk family and faith: the family that ain’t kin and the kin that ain’t family, navigating spirituality outside the heterornormative bubble, and coming out to your people. Then we explore the how Lester discovered he was a vocalist and performer in church, why he fell for House music, why I stopped DJ, and why I’m anticipating our forthcoming collab. If I ever bummed you out with one of my late DJ sets, that’s my bad.

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]]>Lester Jay is a vocalist who blends old-school church vocals, hip-hop hooks, and pop production to create his upbeat brand of House music. But before we get into music, we have to talk family and faith: the family that ain’t kin and the kin that ain’t family, navigating spirituality outside the heterornormative bubble, and coming out to your people. Then we explore the how Lester discovered he was a vocalist and performer in church, why he fell for House music, why I stopped DJ, and why I’m anticipating our forthcoming collab. If I ever bummed you out with one of my late DJ sets, that’s my bad.

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Conversation for Adults is a production of Crate Media

]]>9f0510c8-7ca9-45a0-811f-54e75a24dac3Mon, 15 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -050001:23:01truefull7373Lester Jay. Vocalist. House artist. Performer. Teacher.Jimi Izrael72. Dan Curtin, DJ: Influencing Modern Techno, The Evolution of House, and Why There’s No Cleveland SoundDan Curtin, DJ: Influencing Modern Techno, The Evolution of House, and Why There’s No Cleveland SoundDan Curtin, DJ and creator of Metamorphic Recordings, is one of the key players in creating the sound of modern techno over the last three decades. Dan shares stories from Cleveland to Berlin, from breakdancing in his parents’ basement to spinning in European nightclubs, from choosing between buying cat food or human food to starting his own label. Curtin also gives us a rundown of what it takes to get started in the scene today: starting a label, blowing up your tracks, and making house and techno music that does’t suck.

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]]>Dan Curtin, DJ and creator of Metamorphic Recordings, is one of the key players in creating the sound of modern techno over the last three decades. Dan shares stories from Cleveland to Berlin, from breakdancing in his parents’ basement to spinning in European nightclubs, from choosing between buying cat food or human food to starting his own label. Curtin also gives us a rundown of what it takes to get started in the scene today: starting a label, blowing up your tracks, and making house and techno music that does’t suck.

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]]>42e35ae6-339f-4a0b-9261-ada35293171eMon, 08 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -050001:29:52truefull7272Dan Curtin. AKA Apogee, Entity, Lucky Charm, Planetary, Plasm Nesonic, Prototype, Time Undefined. Techno and House DJ. Creator of Metamorphic Recordings.Jimi Izrael71. Christine Jones Woods: A Jersey Diva in RomeChristine Jones Woods: A Jersey Diva in RomeChristine Jones Woods is a professional opera and jazz vocalist who has performed on stages across the U.S. and Europe. We talk about the first time she opened her mouth to sing, and trace her career from New Jersey to Rome and back. Then, we talk about the romantic night she met her husband, the brothers dissing big girls, and her unlikely ranking of our bedroom shenanigans. Her date with Mike Tyson and onscreen, with Adam Driver. All love, all the time, from our girl in Rome, and all that jazz … on #conversationforadults.

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]]>Christine Jones Woods is a professional opera and jazz vocalist who has performed on stages across the U.S. and Europe. We talk about the first time she opened her mouth to sing, and trace her career from New Jersey to Rome and back. Then, we talk about the romantic night she met her husband, the brothers dissing big girls, and her unlikely ranking of our bedroom shenanigans. Her date with Mike Tyson and onscreen, with Adam Driver. All love, all the time, from our girl in Rome, and all that jazz … on #conversationforadults.

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]]>71eb0ce2-81a6-41b2-838c-9bccf81409cdMon, 25 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -050001:32:09truefull7171Christine Jones Woods. Opera and Jazz Vocalist.Jimi Izrael70. Michael Gill: on CAN Journal, elder care and White PeopleMichael Gill: on CAN Journal, elder care and White PeopleMichael Gill MFA is the Editor and Publisher of CAN Journal, the collaborative arts magazine of the Collective Arts Network and, a few days after Christine Priola, Susan Allan Brock and other Donald Trump supporters try to take the U.S. Capitol hostage, answers the musical question “what the hell is going on with white people?” We talk about why liberals love James Baldwin and Ta-nehisi Coates, how white women try to restrain black opportunity (#Karen) and the two types of whiteness. Also, taking care of the edlerly and the rules to handling a Black Man’s Money. It’s cocksuckery, printmaking and white accountability -- at last-- on #conversationforadults. 

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]]>Michael Gill MFA is the Editor and Publisher of CAN Journal, the collaborative arts magazine of the Collective Arts Network and, a few days after Christine Priola, Susan Allan Brock and other Donald Trump supporters try to take the U.S. Capitol hostage, answers the musical question “what the hell is going on with white people?” We talk about why liberals love James Baldwin and Ta-nehisi Coates, how white women try to restrain black opportunity (#Karen) and the two types of whiteness. Also, taking care of the edlerly and the rules to handling a Black Man’s Money. It’s cocksuckery, printmaking and white accountability -- at last-- on #conversationforadults. 

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]]>df211f9b-ae9b-4024-9cdb-34b585a9ca59Mon, 18 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -050001:51:48truefull7070Michael Gill. Writer. MFA. Executive Director of the Collective Arts Network. Editor and Publisher of CAN Journal. White Spokesperson for The Day.Jimi Izrael69. Angelique Kingsbury, The Saucy Dame: A Minneapolitan Report on George Floyd Protests, #BLM, “Purple Rain,” and Why Blogs Are DeadAngelique Kingsbury, The Saucy Dame: A Minneapolitan Report on George Floyd Protests, #BLM, “Purple Rain,” and Why Blogs Are DeadAngelique Kingsbury is a former blogger and e-acquaintance I haven't talked to in about a decade. We talk about not letting anyone sew a scarlet letter on her breast, the difference between North and South Minneapolis, dealing with colorism, and advice for maintaining relationships with adult children. Angelique also shares her on-the-ground report of the George Floyd’s protests: his GFs, the pattern of police violence beforehand, the Purge-like scene at the 3rd Police Precinct, and the conflict over defunding the police. It’s line-dancing teeth, Prince and too many blogs … on #conversationforadults

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]]>Angelique Kingsbury is a former blogger and e-acquaintance I haven't talked to in about a decade. We talk about not letting anyone sew a scarlet letter on her breast, the difference between North and South Minneapolis, dealing with colorism, and advice for maintaining relationships with adult children. Angelique also shares her on-the-ground report of the George Floyd’s protests: his GFs, the pattern of police violence beforehand, the Purge-like scene at the 3rd Police Precinct, and the conflict over defunding the police. It’s line-dancing teeth, Prince and too many blogs … on #conversationforadults

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]]>960f2d88-fa20-496f-b9f3-00cb1e2386c5Mon, 11 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -050001:09:23truefull6969Angelique Kingsbury. Saucy Dame, Native Minneapolitan. NOT jumping in Lake MinnetonkaJimi Izrael68. Michelangelo Lovelace: Outsider Artist, Hustlin’ Since Birth, Paints Life As he Knows ItMichelangelo Lovelace: Outsider Artist, Hustlin’ Since Birth, Paints Life As he Knows ItArtist Michelangelo Lovelace’s paintings depict the soul of the streets: real life in America. We talk about being raised to hustle, belt vs. extension cord whoopings, meeting his first wife (who is also his fourth wife), how many jobs a man really needs, and why it’s never Momma’s fault. What artist and mentor Reverend Albert Wagner taught him about life, paint, and sex. Then, we explore the life of an outsider artist, from selling his work in the streets to selling at Tina Knowles’s benefit and collectors abroad, and all of the rejections and hustles in between. It’s vodka love, Superman, and Black Kryptonite ...  on #conversationforadults.

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]]>Artist Michelangelo Lovelace’s paintings depict the soul of the streets: real life in America. We talk about being raised to hustle, belt vs. extension cord whoopings, meeting his first wife (who is also his fourth wife), how many jobs a man really needs, and why it’s never Momma’s fault. What artist and mentor Reverend Albert Wagner taught him about life, paint, and sex. Then, we explore the life of an outsider artist, from selling his work in the streets to selling at Tina Knowles’s benefit and collectors abroad, and all of the rejections and hustles in between. It’s vodka love, Superman, and Black Kryptonite ...  on #conversationforadults.

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]]>9d194906-fc09-4a0c-9d57-51f89d01dcb9Mon, 04 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -050001:08:18truefull6868Michelangelo Lovelace. Outsider artist. Hustler.Jimi Izrael67. Aunt Maisy: Unboxing Decades of Family Beef, Spanking White Kids for $5, Octogenarian Life, and a 90-Year-Old’s Thoughts on COVIDAunt Maisy: Unboxing Decades of Family Beef, Spanking White Kids for $5, Octogenarian Life, and a 90-Year-Old’s Thoughts on COVIDI never knew much about my Great Aunt Maisy. My grandmother’s oldest sister, they had been fighting since the 40s. So I went down to the house she’s lived in for 57 years to get her side of the story and chat about what she’s seen over the last 90 years. We share stories about taking care of your siblings, white people not raising their own children, why the coronavirus is the new flood, the only four things Aunt Maisy needs in life, family that only has a problem until they need some cash, and two big things we have in common: stepping up to fill a parental role real young and losing your spouse. And we really get into the beef; Aunt Maisy always tells it like it is, but her daughter Cassandra comes in with the assist to spill all the tea.

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]]>I never knew much about my Great Aunt Maisy. My grandmother’s oldest sister, they had been fighting since the 40s. So I went down to the house she’s lived in for 57 years to get her side of the story and chat about what she’s seen over the last 90 years. We share stories about taking care of your siblings, white people not raising their own children, why the coronavirus is the new flood, the only four things Aunt Maisy needs in life, family that only has a problem until they need some cash, and two big things we have in common: stepping up to fill a parental role real young and losing your spouse. And we really get into the beef; Aunt Maisy always tells it like it is, but her daughter Cassandra comes in with the assist to spill all the tea.

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]]>8898efba-373a-4e8b-aade-4b6361238a47Mon, 21 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -050001:19:35truefull6767Great Aunt Maisy. My grandmother’s oldest sister.Jimi Izrael66. Anastasia Pantsios: Photographing 50 Years of Rock, Race Politics, Getting Radiaclized, Underground Abortions, and Jimi’s Almost-Groupie MomentAnastasia Pantsios: Photographing 50 Years of Rock, Race Politics, Getting Radiaclized, Underground Abortions, and Jimi’s Almost-Groupie MomentFreddie Mercury, Waylon Jennings, Gene Simmons, Joan Jett, Dolly Parton, Todd Rundgren, Alice Cooper, Rod Stewart, Meatloaf: that’s just an abbreviated list of the music legends that Anastasia Pantsios has photographed over the last 50 years. We talk about growing up in the middle of Chicago’s redlining (five blocks from Michelle Obama), witnessing segregation in action, Cleveland’s porn days, a white woman’s take on Blaxploitation, and growing up when women were given three choices out of college: marry, teach, or grad school. Then we share stories about how Anastasia became a rock photographer, the most scandalous situations she witnessed, why she was always the consummate professional, how Linda McCartney gave female photographers a bad rap, and my almost-groupie moment with Samantha Fox.

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]]>Freddie Mercury, Waylon Jennings, Gene Simmons, Joan Jett, Dolly Parton, Todd Rundgren, Alice Cooper, Rod Stewart, Meatloaf: that’s just an abbreviated list of the music legends that Anastasia Pantsios has photographed over the last 50 years. We talk about growing up in the middle of Chicago’s redlining (five blocks from Michelle Obama), witnessing segregation in action, Cleveland’s porn days, a white woman’s take on Blaxploitation, and growing up when women were given three choices out of college: marry, teach, or grad school. Then we share stories about how Anastasia became a rock photographer, the most scandalous situations she witnessed, why she was always the consummate professional, how Linda McCartney gave female photographers a bad rap, and my almost-groupie moment with Samantha Fox.

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]]>31ead5de-9043-43f2-b2fe-826c64679222Mon, 14 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -050001:43:34truefull6666Anastasia Pantsios. Rock photographer. Writer.Jimi Izrael65. Denise Oliver: Authenticity, Modern-Day Colonialism, Communism, Feminism, #MeToo, Misogyny, BDSM, Swirling and What It’s Like to Date Jimi Izrael?Denise Oliver: Authenticity, Modern-Day Colonialism, Communism, Feminism, #MeToo, Misogyny, BDSM, Swirling and What It’s Like to Date Jimi Izrael?I first met Denise Oliver when I was a solid B+ student in her English 099 class, but we went on to become peers, engage in a brief romantic interlude, and, years later, sit down in my home for a conversation — my first with an “ex” of any kind. We talk about writing, colonialism, why you can’t be an effective agent for change in the Black community with a white partner, and if that is fair or not. Then we get into relationships: her swirl year with a white boy, me getting caught up in some BDSM raceplay, how a Case history major grows up to date a truck driver, dating and mating within your caste and she rates our romantic sojourn, which makes me feel some type of way. It’s a walk down memory lane … on #conversationforadults.

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]]>I first met Denise Oliver when I was a solid B+ student in her English 099 class, but we went on to become peers, engage in a brief romantic interlude, and, years later, sit down in my home for a conversation — my first with an “ex” of any kind. We talk about writing, colonialism, why you can’t be an effective agent for change in the Black community with a white partner, and if that is fair or not. Then we get into relationships: her swirl year with a white boy, me getting caught up in some BDSM raceplay, how a Case history major grows up to date a truck driver, dating and mating within your caste and she rates our romantic sojourn, which makes me feel some type of way. It’s a walk down memory lane … on #conversationforadults.

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]]>ac5ee089-2d45-4464-9b3a-99f1446a8ebcMon, 07 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -050001:26:22truefull6565Neecy Oliver. Former teacher, peer, and partner.Jimi Izrael64. Kisha Foster: Making Love, Wu-Tang Tattoos, Groupie Vs. Fan, & the Cleveland Arts Prize for Emerging ArtistsKisha Foster: Making Love, Wu-Tang Tattoos, Groupie Vs. Fan, & the Cleveland Arts Prize for Emerging ArtistsKisha Foster returns, and a lot has changed since she last appeared: she had a daughter named Love, published "Poems 1999-2014," and won the Cleveland Arts Prize for Emerging Artist in Literature. We talk about co-parenting and why you can’t throw sex into the co-parenting mix, why she loves Ghostface Killer and why someone gets seven Wu-Tang tattoos. What makes a great poet? She tells us about what it took to win the Cleveland Arts Prize. The president is temporary but Wu-Tang is forever… this is #conversationforadults.

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]]>Kisha Foster returns, and a lot has changed since she last appeared: she had a daughter named Love, published "Poems 1999-2014," and won the Cleveland Arts Prize for Emerging Artist in Literature. We talk about co-parenting and why you can’t throw sex into the co-parenting mix, why she loves Ghostface Killer and why someone gets seven Wu-Tang tattoos. What makes a great poet? She tells us about what it took to win the Cleveland Arts Prize. The president is temporary but Wu-Tang is forever… this is #conversationforadults.

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]]>ad8836b2-f7ac-4695-8e86-713ae9932d94Mon, 30 Nov 2020 06:00:00 -050059:27truefull6464Kisha Foster. Poet. Child of Wu-Tang. Mother of Love.Jimi Izrael63. Jalen Izrael: Our Father-Son Relationship, Advice for Stepparents, The Jimi Show, “Hamilton” is for White People, and Parents Don’t Get No RespectJalen Izrael: Our Father-Son Relationship, Advice for Stepparents, The Jimi Show, “Hamilton” is for White People, and Parents Don’t Get No RespectJalen Izrael took a break from 10-hour shifts in the Bezos mines for a conversation with his dad (and dinner). We talk about what he remembers from his childhood, the disillusionment that led to getting his GED and a job instead of finishing high school, the Arby’s-to-Coco-Bread Spectrum of female genitalia, and why “Hamilton” is for white people. Then we get into family: my role in his life, his siblings, his advice for stepparents, and the thankless job of parenting. I didn’t get rated a 10, but hey, I ranked infinitely better than “Hamilton.”

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]]>Jalen Izrael took a break from 10-hour shifts in the Bezos mines for a conversation with his dad (and dinner). We talk about what he remembers from his childhood, the disillusionment that led to getting his GED and a job instead of finishing high school, the Arby’s-to-Coco-Bread Spectrum of female genitalia, and why “Hamilton” is for white people. Then we get into family: my role in his life, his siblings, his advice for stepparents, and the thankless job of parenting. I didn’t get rated a 10, but hey, I ranked infinitely better than “Hamilton.”

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]]>aabab41a-9604-483b-8ed3-0987c48ca607Mon, 23 Nov 2020 06:00:00 -050001:20:28truefull6363Jalen Izrael. Impresario. Music-maker. My youngest son.Jimi Izrael60. Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett: Anxiety Disorders, Carrying a Boujie Card, “Acting White,” & the Story of KarenDr. Angela Neal-Barnett: Anxiety Disorders, Carrying a Boujie Card, “Acting White,” & the Story of KarenDr. Angela Neal-Barnett is a professor in Kent State University’s Department of Psychology, where she is Director of the Program for Research on Anxiety Disorders among African Americans (PRADAA), and the author of "Soothe Your Nerves: The Black Woman's Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety, Panic, and Fear." We talk about growing up in a rural town where your family IS the Black community, being forced to reckon with your Blackness, and having to choose: get mad about institutional racism in psychology or do the research. Then we hash out how and why Dr. Angela thinks Black men give Black women the blues, my theory on why Black women can’t find good Black men, the myth of “acting white,” and the one indisputable fact about being Black in America. Also, my “Boujie Card” and why she would be reticent to fix me up with any of her friends, beyond the obvious. It’s #conversationforadults.

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]]>Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett is a professor in Kent State University’s Department of Psychology, where she is Director of the Program for Research on Anxiety Disorders among African Americans (PRADAA), and the author of "Soothe Your Nerves: The Black Woman's Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety, Panic, and Fear." We talk about growing up in a rural town where your family IS the Black community, being forced to reckon with your Blackness, and having to choose: get mad about institutional racism in psychology or do the research. Then we hash out how and why Dr. Angela thinks Black men give Black women the blues, my theory on why Black women can’t find good Black men, the myth of “acting white,” and the one indisputable fact about being Black in America. Also, my “Boujie Card” and why she would be reticent to fix me up with any of her friends, beyond the obvious. It’s #conversationforadults.

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]]>d27ceb2b-f07b-4a0a-8555-f8250f41043aMon, 16 Nov 2020 06:00:00 -050001:13:03truefull6060Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett is a professor at Kent State. Director of the Program for Research on Anxiety Disorders among African Americans (PRADAA). Author of "Soothe Your Nerves: The Black Woman's Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety, Panic, and Fear."Jimi Izrael61. Damentia Wright: Flipping East Cleveland, The Secret of Co-Parenting, Free Sugar at the Children’s Salon, and Hood Stories From Behind Bars (feat. D. M. Gaines)Damentia Wright: Flipping East Cleveland, The Secret of Co-Parenting, Free Sugar at the Children’s Salon, and Hood Stories From Behind Bars (feat. D. M. Gaines)Damentia Wright is the (recently married) owner of Wright Cummings Property Management and an 18-year Army veteran. That’s D-A—mentia, not d-E—mentia; don’t get it twisted. We talk about working with international investors from everywhere but Mars, opening a children-only hair salon, the secret to co-parenting a 16-year-old valedictorian with two businesses, and messing around with folks who have master degrees and PhDs, not EBTs and STDs. Then we’re joined by a special guest, D. M. “Donny” Gaines, who tells us about the novels he wrote during an 18-year stint in prison and the woman who stole his publishing money. Then, Damentia flexes her parenting skills a bit more.

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]]>Damentia Wright is the (recently married) owner of Wright Cummings Property Management and an 18-year Army veteran. That’s D-A—mentia, not d-E—mentia; don’t get it twisted. We talk about working with international investors from everywhere but Mars, opening a children-only hair salon, the secret to co-parenting a 16-year-old valedictorian with two businesses, and messing around with folks who have master degrees and PhDs, not EBTs and STDs. Then we’re joined by a special guest, D. M. “Donny” Gaines, who tells us about the novels he wrote during an 18-year stint in prison and the woman who stole his publishing money. Then, Damentia flexes her parenting skills a bit more.

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]]>f6032699-c556-44d8-8098-7d91815367dcMon, 09 Nov 2020 06:00:00 -050001:14:00truefull6161Damentia Wright. Realtor and Property Manager at Wright Cummings Property Management. Founder of Rated G Styling Studio. 18 year Army veteran.Jimi Izrael60. John “Yungdresscode” Boles: Widowers, Crackers, and Communists… Oh My!John “Yungdresscode” Boles: Widowers, Crackers, and Communists… Oh My!John Boles is, to dramatically oversimplify things, a communist: the red menace that American politicians have been using as a boogieman since the end of World War 2. But it doesn’t matter what label you use or identify with — Socialist, Leftist, Commie — it still scares the shit out of folks in this country. We go beyond the label to talk about what his political beliefs actually are, class issues, disentangling class and race, the problem with allyship, the big blob of bullshit that is the healthcare-industrial complex, political trauma, and the etymology of “cracker.” We also talk about another label that we both wear, widower, what his wife was like in high school, getting married at 19, supporting her through mental health crises, the bar she still haunts, and his advice for other men who have lost their wife.

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]]>John Boles is, to dramatically oversimplify things, a communist: the red menace that American politicians have been using as a boogieman since the end of World War 2. But it doesn’t matter what label you use or identify with — Socialist, Leftist, Commie — it still scares the shit out of folks in this country. We go beyond the label to talk about what his political beliefs actually are, class issues, disentangling class and race, the problem with allyship, the big blob of bullshit that is the healthcare-industrial complex, political trauma, and the etymology of “cracker.” We also talk about another label that we both wear, widower, what his wife was like in high school, getting married at 19, supporting her through mental health crises, the bar she still haunts, and his advice for other men who have lost their wife.

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]]>26609a87-8057-433c-be27-eaa048a23d9dMon, 02 Nov 2020 06:00:00 -050001:13:33truefull6060John Boles. Blue collar communist. Widower. Twitter activist.Jimi Izrael59. Shalira Taylor: Black Republican, remembering the Black Tail Magazine Talent Search, Archie Bunker Racism, Dog Whistles, & Trump’s unabiding love of Black PeopleShalira Taylor: Black Republican, remembering the Black Tail Magazine Talent Search, Archie Bunker Racism, Dog Whistles, & Trump’s unabiding love of Black PeopleShalira Taylor is the owner of DMT Cleveland and a rising GOP politico — she ran three times for two Republican positions. We talk about how we met at a talent search for Black Tail Magazine, doing makeup for "The New Binky Show" and “#POPCORN (APOTHEOSIS),” and growing up as a popular unpopular kid. Then, unlike President Donald Trump, Shalira answers the hard questions: Did Trump grab her booty? Does Trump have any Black friends? Is he racist, and how do Black Republicans reconcile Trump’s attitude towards black people? Also, could Trump “get it?” She’s black, fine and #MAGA … on #conversationforadults.

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]]>Shalira Taylor is the owner of DMT Cleveland and a rising GOP politico — she ran three times for two Republican positions. We talk about how we met at a talent search for Black Tail Magazine, doing makeup for "The New Binky Show" and “#POPCORN (APOTHEOSIS),” and growing up as a popular unpopular kid. Then, unlike President Donald Trump, Shalira answers the hard questions: Did Trump grab her booty? Does Trump have any Black friends? Is he racist, and how do Black Republicans reconcile Trump’s attitude towards black people? Also, could Trump “get it?” She’s black, fine and #MAGA … on #conversationforadults.

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]]>0fd7cd62-213a-43e6-bd55-756f66469931Mon, 26 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -050001:30:42truefull5959Shalira Taylor. Former Republican candidate for Ohio’s 11th District. Ward Leader. Member of the Republican Party of Cuyahoga County (RPCC) executive committee. Makeup artist. Entrepreneur.Jimi Izrael58. Erykah “E.T.” Townsend, Pop Artist: Dr. Seuss, Surrealism, The Art of Curly Fries, Misery Gospel, & Getting Karen’dErykah “E.T.” Townsend, Pop Artist: Dr. Seuss, Surrealism, The Art of Curly Fries, Misery Gospel, & Getting Karen’dErykah “E.T.” Townsend is a pop artist using pop-culture imagery to comment on consumerism, breaking down traditions, and life in general — her work picks up where Andres Serrano, Jean Michel Basquiat, and Andy Warhol left off. We talk about being Afropunk, Freak Stylee and exploring creative identity, and how to be “Boujie.” We explore the Dirty Bubble, the Plain White World, getting bullied (and revenge) at Arby’s, Mr. Rogers, the challenge of parenting a young creative Black child, the everyday knee on the neck, and when this dude tried to Karen me. It’s the cool life on #conversationforadults

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]]>Erykah “E.T.” Townsend is a pop artist using pop-culture imagery to comment on consumerism, breaking down traditions, and life in general — her work picks up where Andres Serrano, Jean Michel Basquiat, and Andy Warhol left off. We talk about being Afropunk, Freak Stylee and exploring creative identity, and how to be “Boujie.” We explore the Dirty Bubble, the Plain White World, getting bullied (and revenge) at Arby’s, Mr. Rogers, the challenge of parenting a young creative Black child, the everyday knee on the neck, and when this dude tried to Karen me. It’s the cool life on #conversationforadults

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]]>6580ad93-d93c-48e3-8fc4-c2d2dc77c85aMon, 19 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -050001:33:16truefull5858Erykah “E.T.” Townsend. Pop artist. Creator of Milk Crate Studio.Jimi Izrael57. Toni Blackman: Finding Peace During a Pandemic, Making Amends With Your People, The Art of Simping, Toxic Relationships and Loyalty vs. FaithfulnessToni Blackman: Finding Peace During a Pandemic, Making Amends With Your People, The Art of Simping, Toxic Relationships and Loyalty vs. FaithfulnessToni Blackman is a poet, global music educator, and Hip-Hop Ambassador. We reminisce about when meeting and getting money when the Black Internets was young, how gentrification killed the gypsy cabs, and that time in Denver she curved me like Bubba Wallace #daytona500. We the man who seduced her with his cooking and other fly exes (except the one that gave her a wrinkle), the choices she makes in relationships, being single, finding peace with her Pops and whether any man, woman, or otherwise is really loyal. Black Women’s Inspirational Booties, what Toni is looking for in a man (asking for a friend) and convincing me I owe my ex an apology for that book  … we go there on #conversationforadults #ImNotBeingSued for this.

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]]>Toni Blackman is a poet, global music educator, and Hip-Hop Ambassador. We reminisce about when meeting and getting money when the Black Internets was young, how gentrification killed the gypsy cabs, and that time in Denver she curved me like Bubba Wallace #daytona500. We the man who seduced her with his cooking and other fly exes (except the one that gave her a wrinkle), the choices she makes in relationships, being single, finding peace with her Pops and whether any man, woman, or otherwise is really loyal. Black Women’s Inspirational Booties, what Toni is looking for in a man (asking for a friend) and convincing me I owe my ex an apology for that book  … we go there on #conversationforadults #ImNotBeingSued for this.

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]]>6085ae33-665b-4ca6-aef6-960b3140afcaMon, 12 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -050001:36:59truefull5757Toni Blackman. Poet. Artist. Musician. Dope Queen. Creator of Rhyme Like a Girl, #LyricalDebate.Jimi Izrael56. RA Washington: on Black Poetic Society, The Most Villainous Stepparent In Modern History, Mourning [A] BLKstar, Facebook Lynching and “He Said / She Said”RA Washington: on Black Poetic Society, The Most Villainous Stepparent In Modern History, Mourning [A] BLKstar, Facebook Lynching and “He Said / She Said”RA Washington was a child preacher at tent revivals all over the South who found a calling in music, poetry, and prose. We talk feminism, young black men suffering abuse at the hands of caregivers (and how being a rape victim affects manhood), the history of the Black Poetic Society, and that time I bought an 18-dollar “artisan chocolate” candy bar — WTF? Oh snap! — I know his sister?! Then we address the controversy and accusations that rocked the relationship with his band, Mourning [A] BLKstar, and table the “he said/she said/they said” beef between the two of us I had no idea existed. Jehovah’s Witnesses, college life and low-key shade …  brothers gonna work it out … on #conversationforadults.

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]]>RA Washington was a child preacher at tent revivals all over the South who found a calling in music, poetry, and prose. We talk feminism, young black men suffering abuse at the hands of caregivers (and how being a rape victim affects manhood), the history of the Black Poetic Society, and that time I bought an 18-dollar “artisan chocolate” candy bar — WTF? Oh snap! — I know his sister?! Then we address the controversy and accusations that rocked the relationship with his band, Mourning [A] BLKstar, and table the “he said/she said/they said” beef between the two of us I had no idea existed. Jehovah’s Witnesses, college life and low-key shade …  brothers gonna work it out … on #conversationforadults.

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]]>00927a8c-a319-4bf6-8d0e-887c8b90a6c6Mon, 05 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -050001:59:36truefull5656RA Washington. Poet. Writer. Musician.Jimi Izrael55. Miss Wanda: On Love, Sex and How Life IsMiss Wanda: On Love, Sex and How Life IsMiss Wanda is an amazing woman with a bright smile and warm spirit. We talk about growing up in the projects, meeting her husband at a fruit stand and why her marriage ended. We talk about vaginismus, sexual trauma and having difficult conversations about intimacy in relationships. Then, she asks for advice on three situations: the widower on the love boat, the plumber who may want to lay some pipe, and Dude with an extra ticket to Jamaica. Signals get crossed, cues are misconstrued and ulterior motives are revealed, to Miss Wanda’s surprise. It’s like “Love and Hip-Hop” with none of either on a very special #conversationforadults.

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]]>Miss Wanda is an amazing woman with a bright smile and warm spirit. We talk about growing up in the projects, meeting her husband at a fruit stand and why her marriage ended. We talk about vaginismus, sexual trauma and having difficult conversations about intimacy in relationships. Then, she asks for advice on three situations: the widower on the love boat, the plumber who may want to lay some pipe, and Dude with an extra ticket to Jamaica. Signals get crossed, cues are misconstrued and ulterior motives are revealed, to Miss Wanda’s surprise. It’s like “Love and Hip-Hop” with none of either on a very special #conversationforadults.

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]]>c19ba993-cbda-47aa-bf83-944280d93400Mon, 28 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -050001:32:45truefull5555Miss Wanda on life, love and intimacy.Jimi Izrael54. Vonda Gardner: Clearing Up the Spirit Airlines Scissor Stabbing Incident, the Difference Between Black and White Households, Interracial Relationships, Co-Parenting, and Not Going to JailVonda Gardner: Clearing Up the Spirit Airlines Scissor Stabbing Incident, the Difference Between Black and White Households, Interracial Relationships, Co-Parenting, and Not Going to JailThe first time I saw Vonda Gardner, she was a stranger on the street. The second time I saw Vonda, her mugshot was in the news. The third time I saw her, she was sitting behind a microphone in my apartment. We talk about the Spirit Airlines scissors incident, making your own fun and sandwiches as a poor kid, and all the folks she saw come through while living above Kermit “The Super Star Maker” Henderson’s record store: Will Smith, En Vogue, Too Short, Queen Latifah, The Fat Boys. Then we get into the conversations Black people won’t have around white people, co-parenting with multiple partners, and the video that vindicated Vonda.

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]]>The first time I saw Vonda Gardner, she was a stranger on the street. The second time I saw Vonda, her mugshot was in the news. The third time I saw her, she was sitting behind a microphone in my apartment. We talk about the Spirit Airlines scissors incident, making your own fun and sandwiches as a poor kid, and all the folks she saw come through while living above Kermit “The Super Star Maker” Henderson’s record store: Will Smith, En Vogue, Too Short, Queen Latifah, The Fat Boys. Then we get into the conversations Black people won’t have around white people, co-parenting with multiple partners, and the video that vindicated Vonda.

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]]>558f91bb-196a-4f6e-8a0b-5d7e5f0d9727Mon, 21 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -050002:03:01truefull5454Vonda Gardner. Total stranger. Spirit Airlines employee. Proficient with scissors.Jimi Izrael53. Jonathan Mannion: From Aaliyah to Jay-Z, the Anne Leibovitz of Hip-Hop, Lessons on How to Hustle, How to Be White Within The Culture and the 3 Secrets to PortraitsJonathan Mannion: From Aaliyah to Jay-Z, the Anne Leibovitz of Hip-Hop, Lessons on How to Hustle, How to Be White Within The Culture and the 3 Secrets to PortraitsYou probably have Jonathan Mannion’s work in your home. Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, Aaliyah, Outkast, Nas, Eminem, Nicki Minaj, MGK – D.J. Khaled? Yep. That’s his work on the CD cover — he’s the Annie Leibovitz of Hip-Hop. We chat about growing up the son of creatives, his first shot, being his authentic self, and studying with legendary photographer Richard Avedon. Then, we hit the highlights, including shooting the cover of “Reasonable Doubt” in Conan O'Brien’s (soon-to-be) crib and working on the Beats by Dre “Straight Outta _____” campaign. 

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]]>You probably have Jonathan Mannion’s work in your home. Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, Aaliyah, Outkast, Nas, Eminem, Nicki Minaj, MGK – D.J. Khaled? Yep. That’s his work on the CD cover — he’s the Annie Leibovitz of Hip-Hop. We chat about growing up the son of creatives, his first shot, being his authentic self, and studying with legendary photographer Richard Avedon. Then, we hit the highlights, including shooting the cover of “Reasonable Doubt” in Conan O'Brien’s (soon-to-be) crib and working on the Beats by Dre “Straight Outta _____” campaign. 

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]]>79b84279-a4aa-498c-94d4-22054dce2b30Mon, 14 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -050059:56truefull5353John Mannion. Photography credits include Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, Aaliyah, Outkast, Nas, Eminem, DMX, Public Enemy, Nelly, Ludacris, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, Run-D.M.C., R. Kelly, Brandy, 50 Cent, E-40, Nicki Minaj, MGK, D.J. Khaled, Beats by Dre, Cadillac, Bushmills.Jimi Izrael52. Eugene S. Robinson: Lover, fighter, editor, hardcore writer, post-punk avant garde.Eugene S. Robinson: Lover, fighter, editor, hardcore writer, post-punk avant garde.Eugene S. Robinson is a multihyphenate of the highest order  — a singer-writer-artist-punk-ass-kicker-Editor-at-Large — and the first dude I’m going to call if I get into a fight. We talk about starting a hardcore band at 19, Black “authenticity,” life at Stanford University and getting invited to an orgy at 18-year-olds. We finally talk about the rise and fall of Code Magazine, and how Lenny Kravitz’ nipple may have short-circuited the greatest men’s magazine in history. I ask what Franz Fanon would think of an Oxbow show and Eugene has a really good reason for disliking Ohio.”

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]]>Eugene S. Robinson is a multihyphenate of the highest order  — a singer-writer-artist-punk-ass-kicker-Editor-at-Large — and the first dude I’m going to call if I get into a fight. We talk about starting a hardcore band at 19, Black “authenticity,” life at Stanford University and getting invited to an orgy at 18-year-olds. We finally talk about the rise and fall of Code Magazine, and how Lenny Kravitz’ nipple may have short-circuited the greatest men’s magazine in history. I ask what Franz Fanon would think of an Oxbow show and Eugene has a really good reason for disliking Ohio.”

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]]>9404d384-f92f-4175-8a87-dc451d4cdcc2Tue, 08 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -050001:54:02truefull5252Eugene S. Robinson -- OZY Editor-at-Large. Oxbow vocalist, Author of “Fight,” “A Long Slow Screw,” and “The Inimitable Sounds of Love.”Jimi Izrael51. Jamilah Lemieux: Corona Life 2.0, Black Love, The Sexiest Part of Beyoncé’s Brand, Accountability and R. Kelly, and Revisiting “The Denzel Principle” 10 Years LaterJamilah Lemieux: Corona Life 2.0, Black Love, The Sexiest Part of Beyoncé’s Brand, Accountability and R. Kelly, and Revisiting “The Denzel Principle” 10 Years LaterWhen my book was published, Jamilah Lemieux was one of the first critics to come out swinging. 10 years later, she’s one of the leading writers and critics discussing race, gender, and sexuality for the Millennial market. We converse about how “The Denzel Principle” was received by women (and how those women will receive Jamilah coming on this show), why you won’t find Jimi anywhere near the Dick Pic Defense Force, and the tangled web of father-daughter relationships. And we post up in different corners to weigh in on some big questions: Is Black Love dead? Has three generations of rap contributed to our culture’s transactional cynicism? Will you buy Jamilah a drink as your patriarchal sales tax or tell her how you’re going to burn that shit down? It’s a dichotomous conversation to make Dres and Mista Lawnge proud. Who’s right? The choice is yours.

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]]>When my book was published, Jamilah Lemieux was one of the first critics to come out swinging. 10 years later, she’s one of the leading writers and critics discussing race, gender, and sexuality for the Millennial market. We converse about how “The Denzel Principle” was received by women (and how those women will receive Jamilah coming on this show), why you won’t find Jimi anywhere near the Dick Pic Defense Force, and the tangled web of father-daughter relationships. And we post up in different corners to weigh in on some big questions: Is Black Love dead? Has three generations of rap contributed to our culture’s transactional cynicism? Will you buy Jamilah a drink as your patriarchal sales tax or tell her how you’re going to burn that shit down? It’s a dichotomous conversation to make Dres and Mista Lawnge proud. Who’s right? The choice is yours.

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]]>e5d87199-079f-4b73-8973-95637bf998a9Mon, 31 Aug 2020 06:00:00 -050002:32:33truefull5151Jamilah Lemieux. Writer. Fixer. Beautiful Struggler. Millennial feminist thinker with a focus on race, gender, and sexuality. Co-host of Slate’s Mom and Dad are Fighting.Jimi Izrael50. Dallas Penn: The Combat Jack Show, Sneakerheads, and The InternetsDallas Penn: The Combat Jack Show, Sneakerheads, and The InternetsDallas Penn is a scholar, griot and certified keeper of the culture: the current co-host of The Internets Podcast, past lieutenant of the legendary Combat Jack Show, we talk about getting on with the inlaws, the potential colorism politics of marriage, Michael Jordan, trappin’ and the Blackness of sneakerhead culture (and why white kids eat that shit up), and the Holy Trinity of Black Twitter. Also, Chocolate Snowflake, the woman who saved his life. Then we get off into the Nixon, Ford, Carter and Reagan-era politics that seeded hip-hop culture, how The Combat Jack Show began, and then slowly came apart. Dallas rates my sneakers, then turns the tables … and makes a grown man cry.

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]]>Dallas Penn is a scholar, griot and certified keeper of the culture: the current co-host of The Internets Podcast, past lieutenant of the legendary Combat Jack Show, we talk about getting on with the inlaws, the potential colorism politics of marriage, Michael Jordan, trappin’ and the Blackness of sneakerhead culture (and why white kids eat that shit up), and the Holy Trinity of Black Twitter. Also, Chocolate Snowflake, the woman who saved his life. Then we get off into the Nixon, Ford, Carter and Reagan-era politics that seeded hip-hop culture, how The Combat Jack Show began, and then slowly came apart. Dallas rates my sneakers, then turns the tables … and makes a grown man cry.

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]]>82ba0953-356e-474c-963d-d49128f9fdfdMon, 24 Aug 2020 06:00:00 -050002:13:04truefull5050Dallas Penn. OG Internet Celebrity, Combat Jack Show alum, Sneakerhead.Jimi Izrael49. Erin O'Brien: Honoring The Dead, Finding Hope on a Burlesque StageErin O'Brien: Honoring The Dead, Finding Hope on a Burlesque StageErin O'Brien is an engineer-turned-writer, with the Fall calendar on her résumé to prove it, and the co-author of “Rust Belt Burlesque: The Softer Side of a Heavy Metal Town.” We talk about honoring her brother, John O'Brien, the gifts left behind by tragedy, and finding hope in the most unsuspecting place: a Rust Belt city’s Burlesque scene. Shout out to Bella Sin. We chat about who Erin might match with on Tinder, some good old-fashioned cuckolding by some good old boys, and how to guerilla market your interracial gangbang Down South. It’s sex and dead folks all the way down.

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]]>Erin O'Brien is an engineer-turned-writer, with the Fall calendar on her résumé to prove it, and the co-author of “Rust Belt Burlesque: The Softer Side of a Heavy Metal Town.” We talk about honoring her brother, John O'Brien, the gifts left behind by tragedy, and finding hope in the most unsuspecting place: a Rust Belt city’s Burlesque scene. Shout out to Bella Sin. We chat about who Erin might match with on Tinder, some good old-fashioned cuckolding by some good old boys, and how to guerilla market your interracial gangbang Down South. It’s sex and dead folks all the way down.

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]]>26d57103-6134-4725-8623-f363b50f2363Mon, 17 Aug 2020 06:00:00 -050001:12:09truefull4949Erin O'Brien. Writer. Author of “Rust Belt Burlesque.” Sister of John O'Brien, author of “Leaving Las Vegas,” the book that was adapted into the movie that earned Nicolas Cage an Oscar.Jimi Izrael48. Mike Paramore Jr., Comedian: The Art of the Clapback, The #1 Rule of Cruise Ship Comedy, and Finding the Right #CoronaBooMike Paramore Jr., Comedian: The Art of the Clapback, The #1 Rule of Cruise Ship Comedy, and Finding the Right #CoronaBooMike Paramore Jr. is a good dude who stumbled into comedy. We talk about building the bridge between who you were and who you are, and my (alleged) stint as a white-collar high school hustler. We also chat about becoming a comedian the hard way: a knee injury, finding God on your sister’s couch (if any of you find him, let me know, dude owes me money), and getting signed up for a comedy contest behind your back. Finally, looking for the right boo to ride out the rest of this pandemic? We got you. #coronaboo

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]]>Mike Paramore Jr. is a good dude who stumbled into comedy. We talk about building the bridge between who you were and who you are, and my (alleged) stint as a white-collar high school hustler. We also chat about becoming a comedian the hard way: a knee injury, finding God on your sister’s couch (if any of you find him, let me know, dude owes me money), and getting signed up for a comedy contest behind your back. Finally, looking for the right boo to ride out the rest of this pandemic? We got you. #coronaboo

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]]>e40562e7-7bbc-4776-b6d5-8debb81b0ba6Tue, 11 Aug 2020 06:00:00 -050001:08:00truefull4848Mike Paramore: full-time comedian, content creator. One comedy special and one album: “You’ve Just Been Flirted With” and “The Things We Tell Ourselves.”Jimi Izrael47. Derf: on Jeffrey Dahmer, his book on the Kent State Massacre, & groupiesDerf: on Jeffrey Dahmer, his book on the Kent State Massacre, & groupiesDerf sells a nude portrait of his sixth-grade teacher for $2 and starts his career as a cartoonist-turned-bomb thrower who could be found in the pages of that “other” newspaper you saw at off-brand coffee shops. We talk about Mad Magazine, National Lampoon, and the rest of the cartoon underground, and how a grown-ass man draws cartoons for a living. Then we dive into Derf’s graphic novel and subsequent movie about his high school days with serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, his new book about the untold story behind the Kent State Massacre and the death of White Innocence, and how the cycle comes full circle 50 years later. Finally, who gets better groupies: talking-head journalists, cartoonists, or Van Halen?  We investigate.

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]]>Derf sells a nude portrait of his sixth-grade teacher for $2 and starts his career as a cartoonist-turned-bomb thrower who could be found in the pages of that “other” newspaper you saw at off-brand coffee shops. We talk about Mad Magazine, National Lampoon, and the rest of the cartoon underground, and how a grown-ass man draws cartoons for a living. Then we dive into Derf’s graphic novel and subsequent movie about his high school days with serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, his new book about the untold story behind the Kent State Massacre and the death of White Innocence, and how the cycle comes full circle 50 years later. Finally, who gets better groupies: talking-head journalists, cartoonists, or Van Halen?  We investigate.

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]]>c36f4885-4287-40df-8ad7-527212bf1e35Mon, 03 Aug 2020 06:00:00 -050001:01:06truefull4747John “Derf” Backderf. Author of the newly-released “Kent State: Four Dead in Ohio.” Award-winning cartoonist behind “The City,” “My Friend Dahmer,” and “Trashed.” Co-responsible for the Pulitzer-winning Akron Beacon Journal.Jimi Izrael46. Betsy Banks: Bigamy, Body Butter, Eggplant Emojis, & Rebirth (Part 2 of 2)Betsy Banks: Bigamy, Body Butter, Eggplant Emojis, & Rebirth (Part 2 of 2)One year and some change after our first conversation, Betsy Gates returns to CFA all Patti LaBelle’d up with a new attitude, a new name, new stories, and a surprise guest-- her 16-year-old daughter. Betsy and I talk about the drunk-text from 8,000 miles away about drugs, extra “wives,” stray babies(?) and  “wyd?” Also, the daughter gives her take on the entanglement, parental respect and a forgive-but-sure-as-hell-don’t-forget approach to healing. In the aftermath, Betsy discovers Bumble, Tinder and other dating apps after 21 years of marriage and wonders “why does Date #3 keep texting me an eggplant emoji?” Maybe he’s a gardener. But not likely.

This special two-part episode of CFA is sponsored by Simply Betsy Company, where you can use the promo code CONVO to buy four bars of soap and get one free.

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]]>One year and some change after our first conversation, Betsy Gates returns to CFA all Patti LaBelle’d up with a new attitude, a new name, new stories, and a surprise guest-- her 16-year-old daughter. Betsy and I talk about the drunk-text from 8,000 miles away about drugs, extra “wives,” stray babies(?) and  “wyd?” Also, the daughter gives her take on the entanglement, parental respect and a forgive-but-sure-as-hell-don’t-forget approach to healing. In the aftermath, Betsy discovers Bumble, Tinder and other dating apps after 21 years of marriage and wonders “why does Date #3 keep texting me an eggplant emoji?” Maybe he’s a gardener. But not likely.

This special two-part episode of CFA is sponsored by Simply Betsy Company, where you can use the promo code CONVO to buy four bars of soap and get one free.

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]]>2b2692bc-e82f-4bbb-9f14-6df17a3fe643Mon, 27 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -050001:11:59truefull4646Betsy Banks, owner of The Simply Betsy Company, one year later, has a new attitude and name.Jimi Izrael45. Betsy Gates, Faithful Wife, Doting Mother, Huxtable prototype, Entrepreneur (Part 1 of 2)Betsy Gates, Faithful Wife, Doting Mother, Huxtable prototype, Entrepreneur (Part 1 of 2)Betsy Gates is a wife and mother who owns The Simply Betsy Company, her own soap and oil imprint --- she was Denise Huxtable before Denise Huxtable. In Part 1 of this two-part opus, we discuss white flight, Bobby Brown, and how civilized people have sex. Then, we dive into how she met her (then) husband and why she’s okay with his abscond to South Africa to coach basketball in the name of Jesus Christ, like Shaquille O’Neal as, say, a recently converted, over-zealous Kwai Chang Caine. Could this get “entangled?” Oh Boy.

This special two-part episode of CFA is sponsored by Simply Betsy Company, where you can use the promo code CONVO to buy four bars of soap and get one free. .

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]]>Betsy Gates is a wife and mother who owns The Simply Betsy Company, her own soap and oil imprint --- she was Denise Huxtable before Denise Huxtable. In Part 1 of this two-part opus, we discuss white flight, Bobby Brown, and how civilized people have sex. Then, we dive into how she met her (then) husband and why she’s okay with his abscond to South Africa to coach basketball in the name of Jesus Christ, like Shaquille O’Neal as, say, a recently converted, over-zealous Kwai Chang Caine. Could this get “entangled?” Oh Boy.

This special two-part episode of CFA is sponsored by Simply Betsy Company, where you can use the promo code CONVO to buy four bars of soap and get one free. .

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]]>e5f78e23-853a-4505-ad75-f0f48a869293Mon, 20 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -050001:58:50truefull4545Betsy Gates, owner of The Simply Betsy Company, has a love story.Jimi Izrael44. Frank Lewis: Real Journalist, Real Good Guy, Real into Eric BrewerFrank Lewis: Real Journalist, Real Good Guy, Real into Eric BrewerFrank Lewis is a veteran journalist and the editor-in-chief of Storylogic Media. We chat about why journalists are natural hipsters and that time he stole my signed copy of Black Tail Magazine (for research purposes, he says). We reminisce about the stories he edited for me — like the one about Elecia Battle, the *alleged* (wink-wink) blackmailer and lottery ticket liar and among the first American media misfits to “go viral.” We laugh about that time he watched me get fired, and how American treasure, amazing writer and journalist Scott Raab got on a very short list. On a related note, we discuss why it’s sometimes OK to be tokened by your white friends, in the name of “diversity.” There may or may not have been whiskey involved in this conversation.

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]]>Frank Lewis is a veteran journalist and the editor-in-chief of Storylogic Media. We chat about why journalists are natural hipsters and that time he stole my signed copy of Black Tail Magazine (for research purposes, he says). We reminisce about the stories he edited for me — like the one about Elecia Battle, the *alleged* (wink-wink) blackmailer and lottery ticket liar and among the first American media misfits to “go viral.” We laugh about that time he watched me get fired, and how American treasure, amazing writer and journalist Scott Raab got on a very short list. On a related note, we discuss why it’s sometimes OK to be tokened by your white friends, in the name of “diversity.” There may or may not have been whiskey involved in this conversation.

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]]>583bf714-8ab2-4421-a923-999cbc150589Mon, 13 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -050001:27:59truefull4444Frank Lewis. Scribe. Journalist. Father. Irishman. Shout Out to Don King.Jimi Izrael43. Kevin Harris: Coronavirus Warrior, Oprah Guest, OG Ponzi-SchemerKevin Harris: Coronavirus Warrior, Oprah Guest, OG Ponzi-SchemerKevin Harris is the fifth person infected with COVID-19 in Ohio. Live from quarantine, we talk about “colorblind” white people -- the most dangerous people on the planet. We share stories about our kids, the difference between white vs. black Baby-Mommas, Oprah and his kidnapped children, and his prison bid for a $483M Ponzi scheme. Oh yeah -- we talk about fighting COVID-19 and how this could help him with the ladies. A true prince among men who’s lived three life’s worth of adventure, Kevin Harris may have the best worst luck in America.

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]]>Kevin Harris is the fifth person infected with COVID-19 in Ohio. Live from quarantine, we talk about “colorblind” white people -- the most dangerous people on the planet. We share stories about our kids, the difference between white vs. black Baby-Mommas, Oprah and his kidnapped children, and his prison bid for a $483M Ponzi scheme. Oh yeah -- we talk about fighting COVID-19 and how this could help him with the ladies. A true prince among men who’s lived three life’s worth of adventure, Kevin Harris may have the best worst luck in America.

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]]>f1df6a24-3cc1-4ff4-8dea-43048dd61655Mon, 06 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -050056:46truefull4343Kevin Harris says being the fifth person infected with the coronavirus in Ohio can put a crimp in your love-life, but not for the reasons you think.Jimi Izrael42. Tyisha Blade: Black Girl MagicTyisha Blade: Black Girl MagicTyisha Blade is a freelance journalist and daisy-fresh college-graduate celebrating her birthday with CFA. Recovering from a house fire, we sip whiskey and talk about the fire, fixing family and figuring out who’s to blame for R. Kelly. Oddly, when we met, I thought she’d been hitting on me, but her Black Girl Magic rightly pulls the wig off my ego with pomp and aplomb.

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]]>Tyisha Blade is a freelance journalist and daisy-fresh college-graduate celebrating her birthday with CFA. Recovering from a house fire, we sip whiskey and talk about the fire, fixing family and figuring out who’s to blame for R. Kelly. Oddly, when we met, I thought she’d been hitting on me, but her Black Girl Magic rightly pulls the wig off my ego with pomp and aplomb.

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]]>cbf4f088-a6d7-44c1-9d84-62003729184cMon, 29 Jun 2020 06:00:00 -050001:31:38truefull4242Tyisha BladeJimi Izrael41. Eris Eady: Sister Warrior, EverywomanEris Eady: Sister Warrior, EverywomanEris Eady, “Non-Binary, Bisexual, Black Femme of center writer, artist and advocate operating under the auspice of Black Womanhood & the glory it brings” is the cape-less superhero you’ve been waiting for. While she hides her lollipop, we talk about re-homing a cat, marriage and divorce, resisting the binary, and my lame, white woman-esque politics. And I get educated on why being an LGBTQ ally — if that’s your thing — just isn’t enough. She drops a poem too, FTW.

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]]>Eris Eady, “Non-Binary, Bisexual, Black Femme of center writer, artist and advocate operating under the auspice of Black Womanhood & the glory it brings” is the cape-less superhero you’ve been waiting for. While she hides her lollipop, we talk about re-homing a cat, marriage and divorce, resisting the binary, and my lame, white woman-esque politics. And I get educated on why being an LGBTQ ally — if that’s your thing — just isn’t enough. She drops a poem too, FTW.

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]]>4176a6af-7eff-431f-a61d-ffb03ce588e4Mon, 22 Jun 2020 06:00:00 -050001:56:00truefull4141Eris Eady: Sister Warrior, EverywomanJimi Izrael40. Aaron Sechrist aka OKPants: Mensch, artist and designer who makes things coolAaron Sechrist aka OKPants: Mensch, artist and designer who makes things coolAaron Sechrist, best known as Pants (alternately, okPants), is an artist, illustrator, graphic designer, and actor. His art is bold, simple and everywhere -- album covers, beer cans, t-shirts, magazines and restaurants-- alluding to a psychedelic anime slash graffiti edge paired with clean, principled design sensibilities.  But beyond the art, Pants is a sweet guy: a working artist in a working man’s town.

We talk about what “good design” really means, not shitting on Wendy’s napkins, art school girls, not getting hit on when you’re not happy, getting laid (or not) in Mike Tyson’s mansion, the subliminal racial metaphors of the movie “Gremlins,” and the thanklessness of fatherhood.

Full disclosure: okPANTS’ work hangs in my living room, home office AND the shitter, FTW, plus he’s responsible for CFA’s podcast cover art, which is why it looks so dope.

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]]>Aaron Sechrist, best known as Pants (alternately, okPants), is an artist, illustrator, graphic designer, and actor. His art is bold, simple and everywhere -- album covers, beer cans, t-shirts, magazines and restaurants-- alluding to a psychedelic anime slash graffiti edge paired with clean, principled design sensibilities.  But beyond the art, Pants is a sweet guy: a working artist in a working man’s town.

We talk about what “good design” really means, not shitting on Wendy’s napkins, art school girls, not getting hit on when you’re not happy, getting laid (or not) in Mike Tyson’s mansion, the subliminal racial metaphors of the movie “Gremlins,” and the thanklessness of fatherhood.

Full disclosure: okPANTS’ work hangs in my living room, home office AND the shitter, FTW, plus he’s responsible for CFA’s podcast cover art, which is why it looks so dope.

Resources:


Conversations for Adults is a production of Crate Media


]]>c0fa9edd-2287-4adf-ab09-6f5332ab4808Mon, 15 Jun 2020 06:00:00 -050001:15:16truefull4040okPANTS. Artist, illustrator, Pants.Jimi Izrael39. Dj Dean Rufus: The White Voice of Black RadioDj Dean Rufus: The White Voice of Black RadioCleveland born and raised, @deanrufus is a nationally-known and respected OG who helped craft the sound of Black radio in the 80s and 90s. Currently the eponymous owner of The Dean Rufus House Of Fun, a fixture in Hingetown for the past eleven years and music lover, as the voice of 108 WDMT and the master of the mix behind the Clubstyle show back in the day, Dean Rufus gave the Midwest a sound of its own. 

Mostly a recluse, Dean came out to talk about family secrets, what brought him to his eclectic mix of hip-hop, soul, funk, new wave and disco for mainstream radio, falling in and out of love with radio, sex drugs and Cher and offers me a free bottle of Fuck Water.  OK.


Resources:



Conversations for Adults is a production of Crate Media


]]>Cleveland born and raised, @deanrufus is a nationally-known and respected OG who helped craft the sound of Black radio in the 80s and 90s. Currently the eponymous owner of The Dean Rufus House Of Fun, a fixture in Hingetown for the past eleven years and music lover, as the voice of 108 WDMT and the master of the mix behind the Clubstyle show back in the day, Dean Rufus gave the Midwest a sound of its own. 

Mostly a recluse, Dean came out to talk about family secrets, what brought him to his eclectic mix of hip-hop, soul, funk, new wave and disco for mainstream radio, falling in and out of love with radio, sex drugs and Cher and offers me a free bottle of Fuck Water.  OK.


Resources:



Conversations for Adults is a production of Crate Media


]]>32c2b831-0d90-4f26-8b8f-3092faa0b7c8Mon, 08 Jun 2020 06:00:00 -050001:46:46truefull3939Dean Rufus. Former DJ, current House of Fun operator.Jimi Izrael38. Photographer Amber Ford: Ebony EyesPhotographer Amber Ford: Ebony EyesA 2016 graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art, Amber Ford is a photographer with an eye for portraiture (what she describes as “collaborative engagement between photographer and sitter.”) We conversate* about Cleveland, black art in white spaces, why Instagram doesn’t make you a photographer, her biggest artistic risk, and the nude pictures of me that sold for lots and lots of money.

*Conversate is not a word

Resources:



Let’s Talk:



Conversation for Adults is a production of Crate Media

]]>A 2016 graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art, Amber Ford is a photographer with an eye for portraiture (what she describes as “collaborative engagement between photographer and sitter.”) We conversate* about Cleveland, black art in white spaces, why Instagram doesn’t make you a photographer, her biggest artistic risk, and the nude pictures of me that sold for lots and lots of money.

*Conversate is not a word

Resources:



Let’s Talk:



Conversation for Adults is a production of Crate Media

]]>791dc095-5a4d-4602-b44c-2e8b0d7b8bf9Mon, 01 Jun 2020 06:00:00 -050001:12:25truefull3838Amber Ford. Photographer, artist, and truth seeker.Jimi Izrael37. Yofreeka, the Drag Queen with A Porno MoustacheYofreeka, the Drag Queen with A Porno MoustacheKedarrow Brown, aka Yofreeka, was Cleveland's premier drag queen before drag became a Rupaul, cable TV thing. We talk about house music, the time the gays protested me, how he was gay, growing up gay in rural Ohio, and how Yofreeka - the black drag queen with a Lamont Sanford moustache - was born. Also, I discover "shade."

]]>Kedarrow Brown, aka Yofreeka, was Cleveland's premier drag queen before drag became a Rupaul, cable TV thing. We talk about house music, the time the gays protested me, how he was gay, growing up gay in rural Ohio, and how Yofreeka - the black drag queen with a Lamont Sanford moustache - was born. Also, I discover "shade."

]]>81528c2797d040acb0548cad8637928bMon, 28 Jan 2019 11:00:00 -050001:17:15truefull3737Kedarrow Brown, aka Yofreeka, was Cleveland's premier drag queen before drag became a Rupaul, cable TV thing. We talk about house music, the time the gays protested me, how he was gay, growing up gay in rural Ohio, and how Yofreeka - the black drag queen with a Lamont Sanford moustache - was born. Also, I discover "shade."jimi izrael36. Barber Lathan Bennett pt. 2: Live From the BarbershopBarber Lathan Bennett pt. 2: Live From the BarbershopThis is part two of the conversation with Lathan Bennett - this one recorded live at Professional Polish, his barbershop on Larchemere in Cleveland. We talk watches, shoplife, white people and women in the black barbershop (and why they have no business there), the difference between plaids and argyles, and the straight razor shave. Also, I nearly get shot, kinda. This isn't a public radio play - this is authentic barbershop banter. Square biz.

]]>This is part two of the conversation with Lathan Bennett - this one recorded live at Professional Polish, his barbershop on Larchemere in Cleveland. We talk watches, shoplife, white people and women in the black barbershop (and why they have no business there), the difference between plaids and argyles, and the straight razor shave. Also, I nearly get shot, kinda. This isn't a public radio play - this is authentic barbershop banter. Square biz.

]]>93c54a2a448b4f8983c7df55ed5c7171Mon, 14 Jan 2019 11:00:00 -050058:34truefull3636this is part two of the conversation with lathan bennett -- this one recorded live at Professional Polish, his barbershop on Larchemere in Cleveland. We talk watches shoplife, white people and women in the black barbershop (and why they have no business there), the difference between plaid and argyles, and the straight razor shave. also, I nearly get shot, kinda. this isn't a public radio play -- this is authentic barbershop banter. square biz.jimi izrael35. Barber Lathan Bennett pt. 1: His Mother Was A GangsterBarber Lathan Bennett pt. 1: His Mother Was A GangsterLathan Bennett is a father, veteran, and barbershop co-owner; he cut my hair from 2013 to 2016-ish. This two-parter evokes the conversation like the kind we had back in the day: we talk about the barber hustle, the projects, divorce, racism during his military service, excavating and interrogating manhood as the product of single mothers, Kim Kardashian's secret, drug dealers, hood chicks = good chicks, and "young, dumb and full of cum." Also, baby-mamas and the family courts vs. The Good Guy.

]]>Lathan Bennett is a father, veteran, and barbershop co-owner; he cut my hair from 2013 to 2016-ish. This two-parter evokes the conversation like the kind we had back in the day: we talk about the barber hustle, the projects, divorce, racism during his military service, excavating and interrogating manhood as the product of single mothers, Kim Kardashian's secret, drug dealers, hood chicks = good chicks, and "young, dumb and full of cum." Also, baby-mamas and the family courts vs. The Good Guy.

]]>dbbbcf389d1045648629d0fbff198ea7Mon, 24 Dec 2018 11:00:00 -050001:31:58truefull3535Lathan Bennett is a father, veteran, and barbershop co-owner; he cut my hair from 2013 to 2016-ish. This two-parter evokes the conversation like the kind we had back in the day: we talk about the barber hustle, the projects, divorce, racism during his military service, excavating and interrogating manhood as the product of single mothers, Kim Kardashian's secret, drug dealers, hood chicks = good chicks, and "young, dumb and full of cum." Also, baby-mamas and the family courts vs. The Good Guy.jimi izrael34. Fayola Shakes, Rattles, and RollsFayola Shakes, Rattles, and RollsFayola Shakes is a writer and journalist from Cleveland and I'm a big fan of her work. We talk about her Jamaican roots, writing in search of the truth, her Tinder date, and handling family with mental issues. Also, Anthony Sowell and that curious implant some Cuban men put on their penis.

]]>Fayola Shakes is a writer and journalist from Cleveland and I'm a big fan of her work. We talk about her Jamaican roots, writing in search of the truth, her Tinder date, and handling family with mental issues. Also, Anthony Sowell and that curious implant some Cuban men put on their penis.

]]>76c6584beeae4e6aaabfd085519be4b2Mon, 03 Dec 2018 11:00:00 -050001:42:33truefull3434Fayola Shakes is a writer and journalist from Cleveland and I'm a big fan of her work. We talk about her Jamaican roots, writing in search of the truth, her Tinder date, and handling family with mental issues. Also, Anthony Sowell and that curious implant some Cuban men put on their penis.jimi izrael33. Rhonda Crowder Worked For Don King, lolRhonda Crowder Worked For Don King, lolRhonda Crowder is an author and journalist, and we talk about her book, her work at Cleveland's black newspaper "The Call and Post" under its current owner, Don King, and her #MeToo moments there, sibling rivalries and her father's fidelity issues, why she cooks, and the difference between the "hood" and "down-the-way." Also, the legend of white women who prowl the ghetto stealing black men from black women.

]]>Rhonda Crowder is an author and journalist, and we talk about her book, her work at Cleveland's black newspaper "The Call and Post" under its current owner, Don King, and her #MeToo moments there, sibling rivalries and her father's fidelity issues, why she cooks, and the difference between the "hood" and "down-the-way." Also, the legend of white women who prowl the ghetto stealing black men from black women.

]]>1b827f1c231a4a87b98347dd671a9830Mon, 05 Nov 2018 11:00:00 -050001:38:03truefull3333Rhonda Crowder is an author and journalist, and we talk about her book, her work at Cleveland's black newspaper "The Call and Post" under its current owner, Don King, and her #MeToo moments there, sibling rivalries and her father's fidelity issues, why she cooks, and the difference between the "hood" and "down-the-way." Also, the legend of white women who prowl the ghetto stealing black men from black women.jimi izrael32. Eric Brewer Doesn't Care What You Think About His Life OR His EyelinerEric Brewer Doesn't Care What You Think About His Life OR His EyelinerEric J. Brewer is the former mayor of East Cleveland and the politically-brazen black male consciousness of Cleveland's inner city who just happens to wear a dress when it suits him. We talk about Vietnam, old-school Cleveland politics, Cleveland's porn history, St. Louis, movie producer Reggie Hudlin, Hillary Clinton, his father, bowel movements, the real story of "Erica," and what his son said when he saw his father on the national news in drag. He finally tells the whole story about how those pics came out. Also, that time I danced with drag queen RuPaul all night.

]]>Eric J. Brewer is the former mayor of East Cleveland and the politically-brazen black male consciousness of Cleveland's inner city who just happens to wear a dress when it suits him. We talk about Vietnam, old-school Cleveland politics, Cleveland's porn history, St. Louis, movie producer Reggie Hudlin, Hillary Clinton, his father, bowel movements, the real story of "Erica," and what his son said when he saw his father on the national news in drag. He finally tells the whole story about how those pics came out. Also, that time I danced with drag queen RuPaul all night.

]]>d87c268871454c02b1fcfae77e462be8Mon, 15 Oct 2018 10:00:00 -050001:25:04truefull3232Eric J. Brewer is the former mayor of East Cleveland and the politically-brazen black male consciousness of Cleveland's inner city who just happens to wear a dress when it suits him. We talk about Vietnam, old-school Cleveland politics, Cleveland's porn history, St. Louis, movie producer Reggie Hudlin, Hillary Clinton, his father, bowel movements, the real story of "Erica," and what his son said when he saw his father on the national news in drag. He finally tells the whole story about how those pics came out. Also, that time I danced with drag queen RuPaul all night.jimi izrael31. MC Chill pt. 2: Beyoncé's Choreographer, and Dude, Who Stole My G-Ma?MC Chill pt. 2: Beyonce's Choreographer, and Dude, Who Stole My G-Ma?In part two of this conversation, MC chill and I talk about the sound of Cleveland, Todd Samms - the Clevelander (by way of Shaker Heights) who started out dancing for Levert and ended up teaching Beyoncé - Usher and Chris Brown, how to dance, and the epic true story of the time Art McCoy of Black on Black Crime Inc. (Cleveland's answer to Al Sharpton) stole my grandmother.

]]>In part two of this conversation, MC chill and I talk about the sound of Cleveland, Todd Samms - the Clevelander (by way of Shaker Heights) who started out dancing for Levert and ended up teaching Beyoncé - Usher and Chris Brown, how to dance, and the epic true story of the time Art McCoy of Black on Black Crime Inc. (Cleveland's answer to Al Sharpton) stole my grandmother.

]]>a083eae0cc6343c885f537325865beabMon, 01 Oct 2018 10:00:00 -050001:19:26truefull3131In part two of this conversation, MC chill and I talk about the sound of Cleveland, Todd Samms - the Clevelander (by way of Shaker Heights) who started out dancing for Levert and ended up teaching Beyoncé - Usher and Chris Brown, how to dance, and the epic true story of the time Art McCoy of Black on Black Crime Inc. (Cleveland's answer to Al Sharpton) stole my grandmother.jimi izrael30. MC Chill pt. 1: He Was Almost Will Smith, MaybeMC Chill pt. 1: He Was Almost Will Smith, MaybeKevin Heard - aka MC Chill - was Cleveland's first rapper to get a national record deal. In many ways, MC Chill was the prototype for the nice-guy, middle-American, aspirational rapper like Philadelphia's Will Smith. We talk about the real MC Chill, his connection to Roxanne Shante, working with Melle Mel, dropping out of college to be an emcee, and why the Midwest has no distinct hip-hop sound of its own.

]]>Kevin Heard - aka MC Chill - was Cleveland's first rapper to get a national record deal. In many ways, MC Chill was the prototype for the nice-guy, middle-American, aspirational rapper like Philadelphia's Will Smith. We talk about the real MC Chill, his connection to Roxanne Shante, working with Melle Mel, dropping out of college to be an emcee, and why the Midwest has no distinct hip-hop sound of its own.

]]>4efd575265f84621b36f62766b1b7850Tue, 18 Sep 2018 10:00:00 -050001:00:22truefull3030Kevin Heard - aka MC Chill - was Cleveland's first rapper to get a national record deal. In many ways, MC Chill was the prototype for the nice-guy, middle-American, aspirational rapper like Philadelphia's Will Smith. We talk about the real MC Chill, his connection to Roxanne Shante, working with Melle Mel, dropping out of college to be an emcee, and why the Midwest has no distinct hip-hop sound of its own.jimi izrael29. Scott Muscatello: Trent Reznor Bent His Wookiee :(Scott Muscatello: Trent Reznor Bent His Wookiee :(Scott Muscatello is a club kid turned urban planner. We talk about Cleveland club life, his foray into the gangster life (#nobody), DJ Rob Sherwood (RIP), the death of disco, why not name your daughter "Cocaine?," and also that time Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor stole his girl.

]]>Scott Muscatello is a club kid turned urban planner. We talk about Cleveland club life, his foray into the gangster life (#nobody), DJ Rob Sherwood (RIP), the death of disco, why not name your daughter "Cocaine?," and also that time Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor stole his girl.

]]>61bc2ebefe3e48fcacf03f5072e80da7Mon, 27 Aug 2018 10:00:00 -050001:52:52truefull2929Scott Muscatello is a club kid turned urban planner. We talk about Cleveland club life, his foray into the gangster life (#nobody), DJ Rob Sherwood (RIP), the death of disco, why not name your daughter "Cocaine?," and also that time Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor stole his girl.jimi izrael28. MC Squirt Emcees, DJs, But Not That Other ThingMC Squirt Emcees, DJs, But Not That Other ThingArguably, Rhonda Saxton-Sheron - aka MC Squirt - is Cleveland's first female emcee. She was on the "OH-10," the rap compilation released in the 80s, and has done touring and the whole nine. She has the bonafides. We talk about her start in hip-hop, her life in a group home, her move into internet radio, and how she evolved into DJ Squirt.

]]>Arguably, Rhonda Saxton-Sheron - aka MC Squirt - is Cleveland's first female emcee. She was on the "OH-10," the rap compilation released in the 80s, and has done touring and the whole nine. She has the bonafides. We talk about her start in hip-hop, her life in a group home, her move into internet radio, and how she evolved into DJ Squirt.

]]>76e9070ce87146e4944410526e3e76c6Mon, 13 Aug 2018 10:00:00 -050001:17:05truefull2828Arguably, Rhonda Saxton-Sheron - aka MC Squirt - is Cleveland's first female emcee. She was on the "OH-10," the rap compilation released in the 80s, and has done touring and the whole nine. She has the bonafides. We talk about her start in hip-hop, her life in a group home, her move into internet radio, and how she evolved into DJ Squirt.jimi izrael27. Mekkah pt. 2: The Creative's Life, with KidsMekkah pt. 2: The Creative's Life, with KidsMekkah picks up where she left off talking about her creative evolution, men like me who have their "pick of the litter" (such that it is), why single black women have it so tough (t'yeah) and what they REALLY want, partner parenting, my perfect match, and all the people she loves.

]]>Mekkah picks up where she left off talking about her creative evolution, men like me who have their "pick of the litter" (such that it is), why single black women have it so tough (t'yeah) and what they REALLY want, partner parenting, my perfect match, and all the people she loves.

]]>a993e75ac7c146b3b1e7b8bff49f2e30Mon, 16 Jul 2018 10:00:00 -050001:09:42truefull2727Mekkah picks up where she left off talking about her creative evolution, men like me who have their "pick of the litter" (such that it is), why single black women have it so tough (t'yeah) and what they REALLY want, partner parenting, my perfect match, and all the people she loves.jimi izrael26. Mekkah pt. 1: Rebuking Your Lesbian AssumptionsMekkah pt. 1: Rebuking Your Lesbian AssumptionsMekkah is one of Cleveland's best-known voices from college radio and the poetry scene of the 90s. She fell off the radar for years and then I saw her at Wal-mart and invited her in for a two-parter - a first for my show. In part one, we talk about how she made me hate poetry and my penis all in the same night, KRS-One tough-talking an infant, "I'm not Jimmy Woody," co-parenting, men and their lesbian assumptions, feminism, and the repressed sexual abuse of men.

]]>Mekkah is one of Cleveland's best-known voices from college radio and the poetry scene of the 90s. She fell off the radar for years and then I saw her at Wal-mart and invited her in for a two-parter - a first for my show. In part one, we talk about how she made me hate poetry and my penis all in the same night, KRS-One tough-talking an infant, "I'm not Jimmy Woody," co-parenting, men and their lesbian assumptions, feminism, and the repressed sexual abuse of men.

]]>42fa5398d38e4adabd6d16fa95048e57Mon, 02 Jul 2018 10:00:00 -050056:11truefull2626Mekkah is one of Cleveland's best-known voices from college radio and the poetry scene of the 90s. She fell off the radar for years and then I saw her at Wal-mart and invited her in for a two-parter - a first for my show. In part one, we talk about how she made me hate poetry and my penis all in the same night, KRS-One tough-talking an infant, "I'm not Jimmy Woody," co-parenting, men and their lesbian assumptions, feminism, and the repressed sexual abuse of men.jimi izrael25. Dr. Lyz Bly Split My PantsDr. Lyz Bly Split My PantsFeminist thug and intellectual Dr. Lyz Bly returns and we talk about Oprah Winfrey's friend Gayle King's butt, black women's jealousy, women scoring other women's butts, her free-range chickens vs. the cops, and that time I had to euthanize one of her chickens. She schools me about feminism, as usual.

]]>Feminist thug and intellectual Dr. Lyz Bly returns and we talk about Oprah Winfrey's friend Gayle King's butt, black women's jealousy, women scoring other women's butts, her free-range chickens vs. the cops, and that time I had to euthanize one of her chickens. She schools me about feminism, as usual.

]]>3d7bf34bdf5c4d18ae48596f3bbb353cFri, 08 Jun 2018 10:00:00 -050001:22:39truefull2525Feminist thug and intellectual Dr. Lyz Bly returns and we talk about Oprah Winfrey's friend Gayle King's butt, black women's jealousy, women scoring other women's butts, her free-range chickens vs. the cops, and that time I had to euthanize one of her chickens. She schools me about feminism, as usual.jimi izrael24. Steve Presser Sells Toys, Tells Funny StoriesSteve Presser Sells Toys, Tells Funny StoriesAfter Steve Presser announced he was closing Big Fun - his store full of classic toys, video games, antiques, nerdabilia, and ephemera on Cleveland Heights' storied Coventry Road - I brought him over to talk Cleveland Jews, collecting, his favorite toy, the Coventry Riots, meeting Muhammad Ali, that time his daughter moved a brother in, and how he met his wife.

]]>After Steve Presser announced he was closing Big Fun - his store full of classic toys, video games, antiques, nerdabilia, and ephemera on Cleveland Heights' storied Coventry Road - I brought him over to talk Cleveland Jews, collecting, his favorite toy, the Coventry Riots, meeting Muhammad Ali, that time his daughter moved a brother in, and how he met his wife.

]]>60376d343b784801a65de3158c543fc5Mon, 21 May 2018 10:00:00 -050001:36:51truefull2424After Steve Presser announced he was closing Big Fun - his store full of classic toys, video games, antiques, nerdabilia, and ephemera on Cleveland Heights' storied Coventry Road - I brought him over to talk Cleveland Jews, collecting, his favorite toy, the Coventry Riots, meeting Muhammad Ali, that time his daughter moved a brother in, and how he met his wife.jimi izrael23. Sandra Bishop Is Too Many Things, All GoodSandra Bishop Is Too Many Things, All GoodNot sure what to say about Sandra. We met when I was on my book tour and somehow have managed to stay in touch ever since. She comes over and we sing, we dance, we laugh. Men, politics, sex and barbershops - this conversation goes everywhere.

]]>Not sure what to say about Sandra. We met when I was on my book tour and somehow have managed to stay in touch ever since. She comes over and we sing, we dance, we laugh. Men, politics, sex and barbershops - this conversation goes everywhere.

]]>e38210482c46c24e5ef467ec41beb7e5Mon, 07 May 2018 10:00:00 -050001:41:29truefull2323Not sure what to say about Sandra. We met when I was on my book tour and somehow have managed to stay in touch ever since. She comes over and we sing, we dance, we laugh. Men, politics, sex and barbershops - this conversation goes everywhere.jimi izrael22. Rich Cihlar Literally Fought To Get His Wife BackRich Cihlar Literally Fought To Get His Wife BackRich is a good dude whom I've come to dig a lot - he's a teacher and artist. He qualifies as a "virtual stranger" because we only know each other professionally. We talk about the Cleveland art scene, barroom brawling, getting his hot wife back, and epidermolysis bullosa, which is kinda like osteogenesis imperfecta (aka "Mr. Glass" disease), but not.

]]>Rich is a good dude whom I've come to dig a lot - he's a teacher and artist. He qualifies as a "virtual stranger" because we only know each other professionally. We talk about the Cleveland art scene, barroom brawling, getting his hot wife back, and epidermolysis bullosa, which is kinda like osteogenesis imperfecta (aka "Mr. Glass" disease), but not.

]]>9276c92ab6fc7354a2a195f3b50e888fMon, 23 Apr 2018 10:00:00 -050001:26:09truefull2222Rich is a good dude whom I've come to dig a lot - he's a teacher and artist. He qualifies as a "virtual stranger" because we only know each other professionally. We talk about the Cleveland art scene, barroom brawling, getting his hot wife back, and epidermolysis bullosa, which is kinda like osteogenesis imperfecta (aka "Mr. Glass" disease), but not.jimi izrael21. Gina P. Will Watch Your Cat, Because Why?Gina P. Will Watch Your Cat, Because Why?Gina P. returns to discuss the cat-sitting hustle, defend Kim Kardashian, and kinda give the finger to Lena Dunham. Gina tells me about making out dressed as the McDonald's "Hamburglar," her choice in men, and economic compatibility. She meets my cat and I give her something special.

]]>Gina P. returns to discuss the cat-sitting hustle, defend Kim Kardashian, and kinda give the finger to Lena Dunham. Gina tells me about making out dressed as the McDonald's "Hamburglar," her choice in men, and economic compatibility. She meets my cat and I give her something special.

]]>afda566b16d5daee2f840802d53f7248Mon, 09 Apr 2018 10:00:00 -050001:36:21truefull2121Gina P. returns to discuss the cat-sitting hustle, defend Kim Kardashian, and kinda give the finger to Lena Dunham. Gina tells me about making out dressed as the McDonald's "Hamburglar," her choice in men, and economic compatibility. She meets my cat and I give her something special.jimi izrael20. DJ Lady Skill, the Voice of Cleveland RadioDJ Lady Skill, the Voice of Cleveland RadioLady Skill was a DJ and definitely one of the original fly girls in Cleveland's hip-hop heyday. She came by and we talked about integrating Cleveland Heights, jumping rope, when Cleveland was an influential music city, and the evolution of rap radio and rap music in general.

]]>Lady Skill was a DJ and definitely one of the original fly girls in Cleveland's hip-hop heyday. She came by and we talked about integrating Cleveland Heights, jumping rope, when Cleveland was an influential music city, and the evolution of rap radio and rap music in general.

]]>6c2d1d55b436ae8751a79a1953eee73cMon, 12 Mar 2018 10:00:00 -050001:18:38truefull2020Lady Skill was a DJ and definitely one of the original fly girls in Cleveland's hip-hop heyday. She came by and we talked about integrating Cleveland Heights, jumping rope, when Cleveland was an influential music city, and the evolution of rap radio and rap music in general.jimi izrael19. Michael Oatman Casts Biff To Play MLKMichael Oatman Casts Biff To Play MLKMichael Oatman, classic guest on Bill Maher's "Politically Incorrect" and award-winning playwright and reformed journalist, filled Langston Hughes' shoes at the world-famous Karamu Theater. Unlike other guests, we've known each other a long, long, long time. We talk about marriage, I roleplay as political garbage man and firestarter Eric Brewer. We rap on white people, gays, Cosby and the cult of black disbelief, rumors about my penis, Trump and conservative blacks, "The Dutchman," and how casting a white man as Martin Luther King Jr. in his Kent State production of Katori Hall's epic "The Moutaintop" killed his career.

]]>Michael Oatman, classic guest on Bill Maher's "Politically Incorrect" and award-winning playwright and reformed journalist, filled Langston Hughes' shoes at the world-famous Karamu Theater. Unlike other guests, we've known each other a long, long, long time. We talk about marriage, I roleplay as political garbage man and firestarter Eric Brewer. We rap on white people, gays, Cosby and the cult of black disbelief, rumors about my penis, Trump and conservative blacks, "The Dutchman," and how casting a white man as Martin Luther King Jr. in his Kent State production of Katori Hall's epic "The Moutaintop" killed his career.

]]>260f9f8bdb30f3eef2b2f653d82ac1beWed, 21 Feb 2018 23:42:00 -050001:18:32truefull1919Michael Oatman, classic guest on Bill Maher's "Politically Incorrect" and award-winning playwright and reformed journalist, filled Langston Hughes' shoes at the world-famous Karamu Theater. Unlike other guests, we've known each other a long, long, long time. We talk about marriage, I roleplay as political garbage man and firestarter Eric Brewer. We rap on white people, gays, Cosby and the cult of black disbelief, rumors about my penis, Trump and conservative blacks, "The Dutchman," and how casting a white man as Martin Luther King Jr. in his Kent State production of Katori Hall's epic "The Moutaintop" killed his career.jimi izrael18. Cody Boyce Talks Star Wars, Beer, and Life in Trump CountryCody Boyce Talks Star Wars, Beer, and Life in Trump CountryCody Boyce is a super-sweet kid from Trump Country, Ohio, and also the boss of Crate Media, the podcasting agency that co-produces this show. By "kid", I mean Cody is the same age as my oldest son. Truth to tell, he's a grown-ass man with a tiny, smokin'-hot wife, amazing ambition and good home training - he brought beer, after all. I am a client, but we'd never met until I invited him over. Cody came by the pad and we talked about the business of podcasting, his life as a hip-hop producer, The Trump Effect, beer, Star Wars, freemasons, his people, and particularly his father, Craig "Ace" Boyce.

]]>Cody Boyce is a super-sweet kid from Trump Country, Ohio, and also the boss of Crate Media, the podcasting agency that co-produces this show. By "kid", I mean Cody is the same age as my oldest son. Truth to tell, he's a grown-ass man with a tiny, smokin'-hot wife, amazing ambition and good home training - he brought beer, after all. I am a client, but we'd never met until I invited him over. Cody came by the pad and we talked about the business of podcasting, his life as a hip-hop producer, The Trump Effect, beer, Star Wars, freemasons, his people, and particularly his father, Craig "Ace" Boyce.

]]>b35d115dbd2149e4ec10cc3e62885209Wed, 07 Feb 2018 22:10:00 -050001:11:34truefull1818Cody Boyce is a super-sweet kid from Trump Country, Ohio, and also the boss of Crate Media, the podcasting agency that co-produces this show. By "kid", I mean Cody is the same age as my oldest son. Truth to tell, he's a grown-ass man with a tiny, smokin'-hot wife, amazing ambition and good home training - he brought beer, after all. I am a client, but we'd never met until I invited him over. Cody came by the pad and we talked about the business of podcasting, his life as a hip-hop producer, The Trump Effect, beer, Star Wars, freemasons, his people, and particularly his father, Craig "Ace" Boyce.jimi izrael17. Johnny Coggins, Gay Play-Uncle and Drag Show ProducerJohnny Coggins, Gay Play-Uncle and Drag Show ProducerJohnny Coggins is not blood, but he is family to me: I can't remember a time he and his brother LeBron didn't live down the street from my maternal grandmother. I didn't know Johnny was gay until I bumped into him during my 4-year DJ residency at Numbers, a gay bar in Cleveland, back in the mid-90s. We sat down at the loft and I ask him if his brother ever learned his ABCs. I tell him about the protest around having a straight DJ (me) at a gay bar. We talk about why a drag queen with a Lamont Sanford mustache makes (queer) sense, white-flight and classism in Cleveland, his father's barbecue business, and homophobia(?). Also, Johnny and I talk about that time Janet Jackson (imposter) grabbed my package, men having sex on the sink in the men's' room, leaving steaming piles of "chocolate passion" on the floor while i'm trying to piss (ijs), and how while working in a gay bar for four years, I only got hit on a handful of times. I mean, I'm kinda handsome - wtf?! Our conversation is not intentionally about his sexuality, but it comes up a bit, and he lets me ask stupid questions. Johnny, the gay uncle I never knew I needed, patiently explains it all, and more.

]]>Johnny Coggins is not blood, but he is family to me: I can't remember a time he and his brother LeBron didn't live down the street from my maternal grandmother. I didn't know Johnny was gay until I bumped into him during my 4-year DJ residency at Numbers, a gay bar in Cleveland, back in the mid-90s. We sat down at the loft and I ask him if his brother ever learned his ABCs. I tell him about the protest around having a straight DJ (me) at a gay bar. We talk about why a drag queen with a Lamont Sanford mustache makes (queer) sense, white-flight and classism in Cleveland, his father's barbecue business, and homophobia(?). Also, Johnny and I talk about that time Janet Jackson (imposter) grabbed my package, men having sex on the sink in the men's' room, leaving steaming piles of "chocolate passion" on the floor while i'm trying to piss (ijs), and how while working in a gay bar for four years, I only got hit on a handful of times. I mean, I'm kinda handsome - wtf?! Our conversation is not intentionally about his sexuality, but it comes up a bit, and he lets me ask stupid questions. Johnny, the gay uncle I never knew I needed, patiently explains it all, and more.

]]>3717095f5d08dc0cd1a863b0613b35ecMon, 22 Jan 2018 18:02:00 -050001:26:32truefull1717Johnny Coggins is not blood, but he is family to me: I can't remember a time he and his brother LeBron didn't live down the street from my maternal grandmother. I didn't know Johnny was gay until I bumped into him during my 4-year DJ residency at Numbers, a gay bar in Cleveland, back in the mid-90s. We sat down at the loft and I ask him if his brother ever learned his ABCs. I tell him about the protest around having a straight DJ (me) at a gay bar. We talk about why a drag queen with a Lamont Sanford mustache makes (queer) sense, white-flight and classism in Cleveland, his father's barbecue business, and homophobia(?). Also, Johnny and I talk about that time Janet Jackson (imposter) grabbed my package, men having sex on the sink in the men's' room, leaving steaming piles of "chocolate passion" on the floor while i'm trying to piss (ijs), and how while working in a gay bar for four years, I only got hit on a handful of times. I mean, I'm kinda handsome - wtf?! Our conversation is not intentionally about his sexuality, but it comes up a bit, and he lets me ask stupid questions. Johnny, the gay uncle I never knew I needed, patiently explains it all, and more.jimi izrael16. Greg Murray Makes Happiness From Dogs and Peanut ButterGreg Murray Makes Happiness From Dogs and Peanut ButterPhotographer Greg Murray takes dog pictures, and he's brilliant. We talk about his life as a big brother in Philly, his first pet, my robot cat, and how he got a whiff of my underwear. Also, a preview of his amazing book "Peanut Butter Dogs," which will make you smile so hard, it'll hurt.

]]>Photographer Greg Murray takes dog pictures, and he's brilliant. We talk about his life as a big brother in Philly, his first pet, my robot cat, and how he got a whiff of my underwear. Also, a preview of his amazing book "Peanut Butter Dogs," which will make you smile so hard, it'll hurt.

]]>1065fcbf92cbfd8cc1f8a13eb8c93585Mon, 08 Jan 2018 11:00:00 -050001:18:11truefull1616Photographer Greg Murray takes dog pictures, and he's brilliant. We talk about his life as a big brother in Philly, his first pet, my robot cat, and how he got a whiff of my underwear. Also, a preview of his amazing book "Peanut Butter Dogs," which will make you smile so hard, it'll hurt.jimi izrael15. Deena Nyer Mendlowitz Almost Killed HerselfDeena Nyer Mendlowitz Almost Killed HerselfDeena Nyer Mendlowitz is a fine writer and comedian living her best life with mental illness. Deena and I talk about Jewish life, Kosher foods, her improv show "Mental Illness and Friends", and her bisexual ex-husband and parenting partner. We talk about the 28 minutes it took to buy a gun to kill herself with. Also, about waking up with sperm in her hair, my experience with PTSD, and EDMR and her loss of memory of her son and everything else that counts while doing The McMurphy - also known as Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), aka shock treatment.

]]>Deena Nyer Mendlowitz is a fine writer and comedian living her best life with mental illness. Deena and I talk about Jewish life, Kosher foods, her improv show "Mental Illness and Friends", and her bisexual ex-husband and parenting partner. We talk about the 28 minutes it took to buy a gun to kill herself with. Also, about waking up with sperm in her hair, my experience with PTSD, and EDMR and her loss of memory of her son and everything else that counts while doing The McMurphy - also known as Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), aka shock treatment.

]]>05dce69c1407f3b25259e5db34cc1e64Tue, 19 Dec 2017 11:26:00 -050001:37:21truefull1515Deena Nyer Mendlowitz is a fine writer and comedian living her best life with mental illness. Deena and I talk about Jewish life, Kosher foods, her improv show "Mental Illness and Friends", and her bisexual ex-husband and parenting partner. We talk about the 28 minutes it took to buy a gun to kill herself with. Also, about waking up with sperm in her hair, my experience with PTSD, and EDMR and her loss of memory of her son and everything else that counts while doing The McMurphy - also known as Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), aka shock treatment.jimi izrael14. Alex Sukhoy: Mother, Author, and FriendAlex Sukhoy: Mother, Author, and FriendAlex Sukhoy of Creative Cadence and I have a great chat about the 90s, her return to Chicago, being a good parenting partner, and she becomes the first guest who I (unintentionally) make cry by flippantly mischaracterizing a very sacred Jewish ritual and birthright.

]]>Alex Sukhoy of Creative Cadence and I have a great chat about the 90s, her return to Chicago, being a good parenting partner, and she becomes the first guest who I (unintentionally) make cry by flippantly mischaracterizing a very sacred Jewish ritual and birthright.

]]>7f015a13b219548ab2ba5d8d0fa040d4Mon, 04 Dec 2017 11:00:00 -050001:44:55truefull1414Alex Sukhoy of Creative Cadence and I have a great chat about the 90s, her return to Chicago, being a good parenting partner, and she becomes the first guest who I (unintentionally) make cry by flippantly mischaracterizing a very sacred Jewish ritual and birthright.jimi izrael13. Monique Judge: Her Gun, Her Men, and Her Poison PenMonique Judge: Her Gun, Her Men, and Her Poison PenMonique Judge - aka The Journalista and staff writer at The Root.Com - hails from California and is only the second non-Clevelander I've had on the podcast thus far. We talk about her sex life, her time as a side-chick and advice I should give my daughter, guns, social justice, and getting our nails done. Also, about the love I want her to have. She's also got company - and the bruise to prove it.

]]>Monique Judge - aka The Journalista and staff writer at The Root.Com - hails from California and is only the second non-Clevelander I've had on the podcast thus far. We talk about her sex life, her time as a side-chick and advice I should give my daughter, guns, social justice, and getting our nails done. Also, about the love I want her to have. She's also got company - and the bruise to prove it.

]]>de8448e3cbd29c609d7822e46a8cb11aMon, 20 Nov 2017 11:00:00 -050001:18:45truefull1313Monique Judge - aka The Journalista and staff writer at The Root.Com - hails from California and is only the second non-Clevelander I've had on the podcast thus far. We talk about her sex life, her time as a side-chick and advice I should give my daughter, guns, social justice, and getting our nails done. Also, about the love I want her to have. She's also got company - and the bruise to prove it.jimi izrael12. Butters + Charles Ramsey, American HeroButters + Charles Ramsey, American HeroChris Gresham starred alongside John Travolta's awful hairpiece in "Criminal Activities," but that's not how I know him. I met him while hanging with Charles Ramsey, American Hero, who freed Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry, & Michelle Rodriguez from over a decade of captivity on Cleveland's west side. Butters is maybe one of the nicest people I have met in Cleveland ever; a sweet human being. So I got to his place, and we start talking, then his roommate Charles bursts in. Butters and I talk about movies, Judaism, racism, weed, and Cleveland, before Charles suggests that Donald Trump's strongest qualification for president is his whiteness.

]]>Chris Gresham starred alongside John Travolta's awful hairpiece in "Criminal Activities," but that's not how I know him. I met him while hanging with Charles Ramsey, American Hero, who freed Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry, & Michelle Rodriguez from over a decade of captivity on Cleveland's west side. Butters is maybe one of the nicest people I have met in Cleveland ever; a sweet human being. So I got to his place, and we start talking, then his roommate Charles bursts in. Butters and I talk about movies, Judaism, racism, weed, and Cleveland, before Charles suggests that Donald Trump's strongest qualification for president is his whiteness.

]]>7c636a388f7ba91b3b08320697be5a79Mon, 06 Nov 2017 11:00:00 -050054:32truefull1212Chris Gresham starred alongside John Travolta's awful hairpiece in "Criminal Activities," but that's not how I know him. I met him while hanging with Charles Ramsey, American Hero, who freed Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry, & Michelle Rodriguez from over a decade of captivity on Cleveland's west side. Butters is maybe one of the nicest people I have met in Cleveland ever; a sweet human being. So I got to his place, and we start talking, then his roommate Charles bursts in. Butters and I talk about movies, Judaism, racism, weed, and Cleveland, before Charles suggests that Donald Trump's strongest qualification for president is his whiteness.jimi izrael11. Sid Allen: O.G. Hip-Hop WriterSid Allen: O.G. Hip-Hop WriterClevelander Sid Allen is the writer and publisher of "It's A Rap," one of hip-hop culture's first magazines. Allen talks how rap freestyling started in Cleveland, smoking weed with Biggie, how the Midwestern work ethic killed the rap business, Cleveland gang history, and rare book-hunting.

]]>Clevelander Sid Allen is the writer and publisher of "It's A Rap," one of hip-hop culture's first magazines. Allen talks how rap freestyling started in Cleveland, smoking weed with Biggie, how the Midwestern work ethic killed the rap business, Cleveland gang history, and rare book-hunting.

]]>880452e0be5dc83c86d3ec85131c3fe1Mon, 23 Oct 2017 10:00:00 -050001:17:47truefull1111Clevelander Sid Allen is the writer and publisher of "It's A Rap," one of hip-hop culture's first magazines. Allen talks how rap freestyling started in Cleveland, smoking weed with Biggie, how the Midwestern work ethic killed the rap business, Cleveland gang history, and rare book-hunting.jimi izrael10. Anna Krogern, ex-Jehovah's Witness, Makes Jesus CryAnna Krogern, ex-Jehovah's Witness, Makes Jesus CryAnna Krogern is an ex-Jehovah's Witness and complete stranger. She comes by the pad and we talk about the history of the JWs, old JW print propaganda, JW lawsuits, how she got flim-flammed into marriage by #Jesus, JWs who didn't go to college because #Jesus (haha), why angels cry every time you give or get head, plus she pitches something she can't talk about. We roleplay, wherein she plays the proselytizing Jehovah's Witness. Also, we exchange hood names and credentials. She was the "ghetto" white girl in her crew. OK. I won't judge that.

]]>Anna Krogern is an ex-Jehovah's Witness and complete stranger. She comes by the pad and we talk about the history of the JWs, old JW print propaganda, JW lawsuits, how she got flim-flammed into marriage by #Jesus, JWs who didn't go to college because #Jesus (haha), why angels cry every time you give or get head, plus she pitches something she can't talk about. We roleplay, wherein she plays the proselytizing Jehovah's Witness. Also, we exchange hood names and credentials. She was the "ghetto" white girl in her crew. OK. I won't judge that.

]]>55086ed52a5a5168d6ef139bb2d41023Mon, 09 Oct 2017 10:00:00 -050001:14:36truefull1010Anna Krogern is an ex-Jehovah's Witness and complete stranger. She comes by the pad and we talk about the history of the JWs, old JW print propaganda, JW lawsuits, how she got flim-flammed into marriage by #Jesus, JWs who didn't go to college because #Jesus (haha), why angels cry every time you give or get head, plus she pitches something she can't talk about. We roleplay, wherein she plays the proselytizing Jehovah's Witness. Also, we exchange hood names and credentials. She was the "ghetto" white girl in her crew. OK. I won't judge that.jimi izrael9. Kisha Foster Knows Lesbian SecretsKisha Foster Knows Lesbian SecretsKisha Foster is one of Cleveland's best-known, most well-traveled poets - she's not a stranger, but we've never talked for so long about so much. She talks about her book, the late-night fellatio habits of lesbians and other queer theory culled from Facebook, how she came to poetry as her life, her stay at Pink Doors (a woman's literary retreat), the definition of feminism, and losing her father and her son.

]]>Kisha Foster is one of Cleveland's best-known, most well-traveled poets - she's not a stranger, but we've never talked for so long about so much. She talks about her book, the late-night fellatio habits of lesbians and other queer theory culled from Facebook, how she came to poetry as her life, her stay at Pink Doors (a woman's literary retreat), the definition of feminism, and losing her father and her son.

]]>2cc146f9e0560c3a45327d879ca75cd3Mon, 25 Sep 2017 10:00:00 -050001:16:34truefull99Kisha Foster is one of Cleveland's best-known, most well-traveled poets - she's not a stranger, but we've never talked for so long about so much. She talks about her book, the late-night fellatio habits of lesbians and other queer theory culled from Facebook, how she came to poetry as her life, her stay at Pink Doors (a woman's literary retreat), the definition of feminism, and losing her father and her son.jimi izrael8. Cocoa Brown Talks Comedy, Tragedy, and HollywoodCocoa Brown Talks Comedy, Tragedy, and HollywoodActor and comedian Cocoa Brown takes some time to talk about her road from tragedy to comedy. We talk about me meeting her parents, and my grandmother's pitch to her boss, Tyler Perry.

]]>Actor and comedian Cocoa Brown takes some time to talk about her road from tragedy to comedy. We talk about me meeting her parents, and my grandmother's pitch to her boss, Tyler Perry.

]]>6703609faa362968b832f84d1d06ddc5Mon, 11 Sep 2017 10:00:00 -050057:45truefull88Actor and comedian Cocoa Brown takes some time to talk about her road from tragedy to comedy. We talk about me meeting her parents, and my grandmother's pitch to her boss, Tyler Perry.jimi izrael7. Dr. Lester Spence Gets #Trumped On A BetDr. Lester Spence Gets #Trumped On A BetDr. Lester Spence is a public intellectual, author, and Associate Professor of Political Science and Africana Studies at Johns Hopkins University and the Center for Emerging Media Scholar in Residence. When NPR's Michel Martin asked me to put together a squad, he was the first call I made. Not a stranger, strictly speaking, but in 15 years, we'd only met four times, and never had a one-on-one conversation longer than 10 minutes. In Cleveland, on his book tour, he sits in my kitchen and tries to steal a few grapes while we talk about politics, NPR, how "The Barbershop" changed radio and television, my phat child support earnings, divorce and fatherhood, and why Donald Trump would never be elected president. Also, he talks about being there the moment I met my future wife, Teshima Izrael.

]]>Dr. Lester Spence is a public intellectual, author, and Associate Professor of Political Science and Africana Studies at Johns Hopkins University and the Center for Emerging Media Scholar in Residence. When NPR's Michel Martin asked me to put together a squad, he was the first call I made. Not a stranger, strictly speaking, but in 15 years, we'd only met four times, and never had a one-on-one conversation longer than 10 minutes. In Cleveland, on his book tour, he sits in my kitchen and tries to steal a few grapes while we talk about politics, NPR, how "The Barbershop" changed radio and television, my phat child support earnings, divorce and fatherhood, and why Donald Trump would never be elected president. Also, he talks about being there the moment I met my future wife, Teshima Izrael.

]]>36866f9977ff4b4f1ae10c57e3a2d167Mon, 28 Aug 2017 10:00:00 -050001:17:47truefull77Dr. Lester Spence is a public intellectual, author, and Associate Professor of Political Science and Africana Studies at Johns Hopkins University and the Center for Emerging Media Scholar in Residence. When NPR's Michel Martin asked me to put together a squad, he was the first call I made. Not a stranger, strictly speaking, but in 15 years, we'd only met four times, and never had a one-on-one conversation longer than 10 minutes. In Cleveland, on his book tour, he sits in my kitchen and tries to steal a few grapes while we talk about politics, NPR, how "The Barbershop" changed radio and television, my phat child support earnings, divorce and fatherhood, and why Donald Trump would never be elected president. Also, he talks about being there the moment I met my future wife, Teshima Izrael.jimi izrael6. Donna Nowak Is Hypnotic, Trust MeDonna Nowak Is Hypnotic, Trust MeDonna Nowak is mesmerizing - see what I did there? She is a consulting hypnotist, regression therapist, and ballroom dancer. We talk about her journey from corporate America into hypnosis, how she met her husband, hypnotizing racism out of people, and we talk about Trump as if he were a client of hers. Donna and I were virtual strangers before this sit-down.

]]>Donna Nowak is mesmerizing - see what I did there? She is a consulting hypnotist, regression therapist, and ballroom dancer. We talk about her journey from corporate America into hypnosis, how she met her husband, hypnotizing racism out of people, and we talk about Trump as if he were a client of hers. Donna and I were virtual strangers before this sit-down.

]]>a3b7b254dbf655e9648929dcc89a2617Mon, 14 Aug 2017 10:00:00 -050001:00:16truefull66Donna Nowak is mesmerizing - see what I did there? She is a consulting hypnotist, regression therapist, and ballroom dancer. We talk about her journey from corporate America into hypnosis, how she met her husband, hypnotizing racism out of people, and we talk about Trump as if he were a client of hers. Donna and I were virtual strangers before this sit-down.jimi izrael5. Dr. Lyz Bly, Feminist Thug, Knuckles-Up On MisogynyDr. Lyz Bly, Feminist Thug, Knuckles-Up On MisogynyDr. Lyz Bly's work and study is centered on gender, race, sexuality, and popular culture in post-World War II United States. She's the author of a new book, "Diary Of A Feminist Thug." She comes to the loft to talk about feminism, her love of black men, and that time she tried to Bigfoot me into giving her kid a better grade, which is technically how we met.

]]>Dr. Lyz Bly's work and study is centered on gender, race, sexuality, and popular culture in post-World War II United States. She's the author of a new book, "Diary Of A Feminist Thug." She comes to the loft to talk about feminism, her love of black men, and that time she tried to Bigfoot me into giving her kid a better grade, which is technically how we met.

]]>6ad3d8743294c26794201727180352ffMon, 31 Jul 2017 10:00:00 -050001:20:47truefull55Dr. Lyz Bly's work and study is centered on gender, race, sexuality, and popular culture in post-World War II United States. She's the author of a new book, "Diary Of A Feminist Thug." She comes to the loft to talk about feminism, her love of black men, and that time she tried to Bigfoot me into giving her kid a better grade, which is technically how we met.jimi izrael4. Caroline Renko, Super GeniusCaroline Renko, Super GeniusCaroline Renko is a physics and philosophy major from Zimbabwe, and she also voices the drops for Conversation For Adults. Her accent is mellifluously nondescript. We know each other directly, but not well, so she is virtually a stranger. She comes by the loft to talk about fitting in, African vs. Black American work ethic, dating Black American guys, Al Sharpton, how many planes are in an African air force (more than one), why I can't holla at her moms, and the correct pronunciation of her first name. I am the ugly, ignorant Black American and she is not.

]]>Caroline Renko is a physics and philosophy major from Zimbabwe, and she also voices the drops for Conversation For Adults. Her accent is mellifluously nondescript. We know each other directly, but not well, so she is virtually a stranger. She comes by the loft to talk about fitting in, African vs. Black American work ethic, dating Black American guys, Al Sharpton, how many planes are in an African air force (more than one), why I can't holla at her moms, and the correct pronunciation of her first name. I am the ugly, ignorant Black American and she is not.

]]>a493d006124439bf0f21fcb794bd343fMon, 17 Jul 2017 10:00:00 -050043:20truefull44Caroline Renko is a physics and philosophy major from Zimbabwe, and she also voices the drops for Conversation For Adults. Her accent is mellifluously nondescript. We know each other directly, but not well, so she is virtually a stranger. She comes by the loft to talk about fitting in, African vs. Black American work ethic, dating Black American guys, Al Sharpton, how many planes are in an African air force (more than one), why I can't holla at her moms, and the correct pronunciation of her first name. I am the ugly, ignorant Black American and she is not.jimi izrael3. Gina P.: Holly Go-Lovely, Woman About TownGina P.: Holly Go-Lovely, Woman About TownGina P. is everywhere there is sun in Cleveland, which as it turns out is mostly at Cleveland Flea, better dinner parties, and hipster bars. She comes by the loft and we talk about being Italian, my robot cats, pet sitting - hustle, scam, or both? - her love/lust of Jewish nerds, and my public radio (non-)fame.

]]>Gina P. is everywhere there is sun in Cleveland, which as it turns out is mostly at Cleveland Flea, better dinner parties, and hipster bars. She comes by the loft and we talk about being Italian, my robot cats, pet sitting - hustle, scam, or both? - her love/lust of Jewish nerds, and my public radio (non-)fame.

]]>0b4b9115fbc219cfe00d912e0c11dc8fMon, 03 Jul 2017 10:00:00 -050001:08:52truefull33Gina P. is everywhere there is sun in Cleveland, which as it turns out is mostly at Cleveland Flea, better dinner parties, and hipster bars. She comes by the loft and we talk about being Italian, my robot cats, pet sitting - hustle, scam, or both? - her love/lust of Jewish nerds, and my public radio (non-)fame.jimi izrael2. DJ Swamp Chose Beck Over Eminem, No RegretsDJ Swamp Chose Beck Over Eminem, No RegretsDJ Swamp is the Marilyn Manson of turntablism and DJ culture, and his incredible show takes him all around the world. Swamp came by the loft and talked about his years of bitter struggle, making his own big break as a (fake) hip-hop news reporter, why he turned down a gig with Eminem, street-sweeping, classic DJ equipment, playing the Grammy Awards, and why successful people always leave Cleveland.

]]>DJ Swamp is the Marilyn Manson of turntablism and DJ culture, and his incredible show takes him all around the world. Swamp came by the loft and talked about his years of bitter struggle, making his own big break as a (fake) hip-hop news reporter, why he turned down a gig with Eminem, street-sweeping, classic DJ equipment, playing the Grammy Awards, and why successful people always leave Cleveland.

]]>9c46124237283eb9e50f3d2c7716cd4bMon, 19 Jun 2017 10:00:00 -050001:13:44truefull22DJ Swamp is the Marilyn Manson of turntablism and DJ culture, and his incredible show takes him all around the world. Swamp came by the loft and talked about his years of bitter struggle, making his own big break as a (fake) hip-hop news reporter, why he turned down a gig with Eminem, street-sweeping, classic DJ equipment, playing the Grammy Awards, and why successful people always leave Cleveland.jimi izrael1. Marc Face Knows Her Feet Better Than YouMarc Face Knows Her Feet Better Than YouMarc Face is the owner and operator of Everything By Face, maybe the hottest hair and nail salon in Cleveland. Like me, he's been known to wear a wrap skirt in the summer. I invite him to the loft to talk about the hustle in Cleveland, Kent State, club parties, and how he ended up giving pedicures for a living. He knows my ex, so we talked about HER feet for lolz. My oldest son is here, and he wants ANOTHER cat. Also, Marc and I have a "watch battle" - his toy Apple Watch vs. my Citizen Eco-Drive. Guess who wins.

]]>Marc Face is the owner and operator of Everything By Face, maybe the hottest hair and nail salon in Cleveland. Like me, he's been known to wear a wrap skirt in the summer. I invite him to the loft to talk about the hustle in Cleveland, Kent State, club parties, and how he ended up giving pedicures for a living. He knows my ex, so we talked about HER feet for lolz. My oldest son is here, and he wants ANOTHER cat. Also, Marc and I have a "watch battle" - his toy Apple Watch vs. my Citizen Eco-Drive. Guess who wins.

]]>0330d74965ab7296c40d0679a00fd081Wed, 14 Jun 2017 11:00:00 -050001:09:56truefull11Marc Face is the owner and operator of Everything By Face, maybe the hottest hair and nail salon in Cleveland. Like me, he's been known to wear a wrap skirt in the summer. I invite him to the loft to talk about the hustle in Cleveland, Kent State, club parties, and how he ended up giving pedicures for a living. He knows my ex, so we talked about HER feet for lolz. My oldest son is here, and he wants ANOTHER cat. Also, Marc and I have a "watch battle" - his toy Apple Watch vs. my Citizen Eco-Drive. Guess who wins.jimi izrael