Black Guy White Guy Talking

In this episode, we welcome the distinguished poet Yusef Komunyakaa, celebrated for his poetry exploring African American identity, his experiences of the Vietnam war, and a writing style influenced by jazz and blues. We begin by discussing one of his latest projects, the comic series Jupiter Invincible, before diving into his poem-writing process. Komunyakaa also reflects on his upbringing in Lou...

In this episode we have an informative conversation with Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, as we discuss the impact of Black Homeownership and the impacts that banks have had on generational wealth for black people.

In this episode, we have an enlightening conversation with Gabriel Bryant about the state of the black community, the external and internal forces that impact the community,  his ongoing service to the people that exist within it, as well as the importance of collective responsibility to ensure its growth.  We also discuss the efforts and significance of past and present leaders within the black c...

In our season finale, we welcome leading American historian and author Nell Irvin Painter. We start by discussing the current political climate, why so many Americans voted for Trump, American exceptionalism, gentrification, political mobilization, and disenfranchisement. Nell reflects on the connection between being an artist and a historian, her encounters with Malcolm X, religion, and the meani...

In Episode 17, we welcome Brother Robb Carter, a leading expert on African and African American history and culture, racial socialization, and the effects of trauma and white supremacy. We ask Brother Robb Carter about his experiences with healing from the trauma of racism, working as a mentor for young men, connecting to the younger generation, and much more. We talk about why trauma is a taboo t...

In this episode we welcome Terrell McCray, a Baptist minister and senior human resources manager, to have a conversation with us about community and religion. Terrell tells us what motivates him to serve as a minister, what it’s like to perform burial ceremonies and give eulogies with COVID-19 restrictions, the importance of seeing the world, and much more. Also, we talk about faith, spirituality,...

In Episode 15, we visit the Point Breeze neighborhood in South Philadelphia to speak with local residents about their feelings on reparations. We hear people’s opinions on if they think Black people are owed reparations, who specifically should get them, and why. Also, we ask the respondents an interesting question: what annoys them most about white and Black people. We reflect on each person’s re...

In this episode, we invite distinguished poet John Murillo to talk about his poetry, storytelling, social justice, how Black people are portrayed in the media, and much more. We also discuss police community relations, being a poet of witness, our society’s obsession with filling silences, and the importance of solitude. Episode links: John Murillo’s book Up Jump the Boogie: https://www.amazon.com...

In Toxic Masculinity Part 3, we welcome our friends Rayvon Sapp and Ben Polcer to continue last week’s conversation from the differing perspectives of black and white men. We discuss traditions, stereotypes, the mental health of men, what masculinity means, and more. Also, we talk about the expectations society puts on boys, feminism, and our own experiences with toxic masculinity and the harm it...

In Toxic Masculinity Part 2, we welcome two women to share their perspectives on toxic masculinity across color lines. Sacil Armstrong, an equity coach and social justice facilitator, discusses double standards, abuse, how gender roles confine people, examples of toxic masculinity in daily life, boys playing with dolls, and more. Sandy, an educator from Philadelphia, reflects on her definition of...

In Episode 11, we start off a three-part series on toxic masculinity. We talk about the definition of toxic masculinity, what it means to be a man, men expressing emotions, and mansplaining. Also, the impact of the Me Too movement, male dominance, violence against women, holding ourselves accountable, and much more. Episode links: Colleen Clemens’s article in Teaching Tolerance: https://www.tolera...

In this episode, we welcome distinguished professor, journalist, and commentator David A. Love to discuss American policing: the history of law enforcement in America, the police as an occupying force, and the desperate need to transform racist and violent policing. We talk about the use of mental health professionals and social workers instead of police, diversity training, the protests in Portla...

In Episode 9, we look at defunding the police – what it means, how it could happen, and why it matters. We talk about the issue of police brutality, how resources could be reallocated, the importance of standards and protocols, and the current civil unrest in Minneapolis. Also, community justice, the influence of the media on our society, ALM, Antifa, and more. Episode links: FBI targets Black act...

In this episode, we talk about the history of housing discrimination in America and how its legacy impacts Americans today – starting with Reconstruction, Jim Crow laws, and the Great Migration. We discuss racial covenants, redlining, white flight, gentrification, and more. Also – having a conversation about our differing political beliefs, respecting others opinions, the divisiveness in America,...

In Episode 7, we discuss the complex issue of reparations for Black Americans. We talk about the imprint slavery has on life in America today, including homeownership, generational wealth, education, health, and much more. We look at 40 acres and a mule, the historical precedent for reparations, how reparations could be quantified, and the many differing opinions on the topic.  Episode links: Ta-N...

In this week’s episode, we talk all about COVID-19. We reflect on our own experiences adapting to change, losing loved ones, the importance of humility, and using this time as an opportunity to grow. We also look at COVID-19 and racial inequality, Mike Tyson returning to the ring, sports coming back, and much more.

In Episode 5, we cover antisemitism. We talk about DeSean Jackson posting a quote attributed to Hitler as well as other antisemitic incidents and what they mean. We look at the history of black and Jewish people working alongside each other and the damaging misinformation surrounding the topic. Also, we reflect on the importance of knowing details about your ancestry, the branches of Judaism in Am...

In this episode, we talk all about gun ownership: how it differs in white and Black communities, its association with conservatism, white entitlement, and more. We reflect on the circumstances of Breonna Taylor’s killing, share personal stories about gun violence, and discuss the cycle of mass incarceration in America. Also, protecting your family, hunting, accidents, and Japanese murder hornets....

In Episode 3, we look at white rage – examples of it and where it stems from. We talk about the Central Park bird watching incident as well as more complicated situations involving white rage, like when a white woman pulled a gun on a Black mom and daughter in Detroit. Also, we touch on looting, generational wealth, and redlining. Episode links: Central park bird watching incident: https://www.nyt...

In this episode, we talk about the complicated, controversial issue of tearing down statues. We discuss the lies in American history, the confederate flag, white supremacy, being actively anti-racist, and more. Also, we dive deep into the power of language and symbolism in our daily lives that most of us don’t even notice. Episode links: Princeton name change: https://paw.princeton.edu/article/pri...

Our Podcast was birthed from a friendship across color lines that developed between two fathers that became good friends, by making a decision to deeply unpack truths and untruths that are pervasive throughout the world; and discuss the impact that they have on race and race relations In our first episode of Black Guy White Guy Talking, we reflect on our friendship, why we’re making this podcast,...