Rambling Through the Brambles

The Trump inaugural has turned out to be simply the clacking journey up to the first hill of a roller coaster that is quickly moving downhill and into whatever twists and turns are ahead.   Hobart and Clark continue their series of examinations of what Trump said in the inaugural as well as implications for us all.   This went up originally before the most recent plane crashes and other such event...

Join Clark and Hobart Taylor in "Rambling Through the Brambles" as they explore the politics of an intriguing era in American history - the Trump administration. This episode delves into the nuances of Trump's inaugural address, highlighting the conversational tone that sets him apart from traditional politicians. Clark and Hobart discuss the implications of his rhetoric, including his focus on so...

In this episode of Rambling Through the Brambles, Hobart and Clark kick off with a heartfelt tribute to the legendary poet Nikki Giovanni, sharing her impactful poems and discussing her lasting legacy. As they navigate through the complex and ever-changing political landscape, the hosts delve into the implications of recent developments in the political arena, including insights on Meta's challeng...

Welcome to another episode of Rambling Through the Brambles, where Clark and Hobart Taylor delve into the chaotic landscape of current American politics. Feeling like one of those sign-spinning figures at a car dealership, Clark shares his thoughts on the state of political discourse, drawing analogies from pop culture to highlight the surreal nature of today's political environment. In this episo...

Join hosts Hobart Taylor and Clark Taylor as they navigate the anxious atmosphere of the election season in this episode of "Rambling Through the Brambles." With the country on edge, the duo discusses the complex dynamics of choosing leadership, drawing on vivid metaphors from singer-songwriter Peter Case to illustrate the nation's predicament. As early voting unfolds in Missouri, the hosts reflec...

In this thought-provoking episode of "Rambling Through the Brambles," hosts Clark and Hobart Taylor dive into the whirlwind of American politics just weeks before the upcoming election. The discussion is framed by the chaotic landscape described as a "fever dream," where reality feels blurred and unpredictable. The conversation touches on a myriad of topics, from the spectacle of political figures...

Join Clark Taylor and Hobart Taylor as they navigate the complex emotions surrounding the upcoming election on September 20, 2024. The episode delves into Oprah Winfrey's recent YouTube livestream featuring Kamala Harris, analyzing the impact of the event and the involvement of Hollywood celebrities. The hosts explore the challenges of modern political advertising and group identity. As they exami...

The conversation kicks off with a heartfelt tribute to Frankie Beverly and Maze, exploring their impact on the Jazz Fest in New Orleans and the broader cultural landscape. The discussion then shifts to the recent debate, highlighting the stark contrasts between the candidates and their approaches. From the intricacies of race relations to the economic struggles of the middle class, Clark and Hobar...

In this episode of Rambling Through the Bramble, hosts Hobart and Clark Taylor delve into the multifaceted appeal of Kamala Harris. They explore how her background as a second-generation American resonates with a growing, yet often overlooked, demographic in the United States. The discussion touches on historical and cultural shifts, comparing the long-standing presence of African Americans with t...

In this episode, Clark Taylor and Hobart explore the dynamic political landscape of August 2024, post-Olympics, and the potential end of Donald Trump's career. The discussion delves into the controversial idea of northern states seceding if Trump wins, examining the structural imbalances in the U.S. political system. They analyze the Electoral College, the Senate's disproportionate representation,...

In this episode of "Rambling Through the Brambles," Clark Taylor and Hobart Taylor delve into Donald Trump's contentious appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists. They discuss Trump's combative stance, his inability to appeal beyond his base, and the racial dynamics at play during the event. Clark and Hobart analyze Trump's thin-skinned responses, the implications of his VP pick...

Where we find our way through the new candidate for President's campaign, image, likeability and chances in our weird-making electoral system.

Hobart wants to know what Clark thinks about this whole Kamala Harris Joe Biden thing.  Clark has some opinions.

Still more to say about the case and the context and what it all means.  

We do our typically searching analysis of what OJ means in the current moment.

We are getting into the personal as we continue to explore.   Today Hobart asked about subtle or hidden prejudices we may each hold about the other's race.  

Hobart and Clark continue to wander the thickets of the Black experience with Country Music and maintain the effort to dig into the personal as well as the broadly cultural.   It's as if we are still trying to find each other before we can move any further.  

Hobart is mad.  Mad that he and I weren't really aware of Mickey Guyton, Brittney Spencer, Rissi Palmer (!) and Chapel Hart among a group of Black women taking a stand for country music that speaks to their lives as well as the typical country music that we all know about.  We discuss that dissonance -- and Beyonce -- and Hobart weighs in on the vagaries of the music business around all this.  

As we begin to hatch this crystal egg of a project, we are working on dealing with the meta-ness of what we are doing.  Fortunately this episode is a quick 20 minutes!

Hobart had a chance to interview Dom Flemons, Grammy-award winning co-founder of the Carolina Chocolate Drops as well as Grammy nominated multi-instrumentalist and vocalist on his new album Traveling Wildfire.  The interview took place at the famed Focal Point music club in Maplewood, Missouri, near St Louis.  Information about Dom Flemons can be found on his website: www.theamericansongster.com

In this initial effort, Hobart and Clark discuss their first encounters with someone of another race.

Hobart and Clark spoke with blues legend Chris Smither at the Focal Point in Maplewood, MO

Hobart and Clark, wowed by guitarist, vocalist and archivist Walter Parks at a performance at the legendary Focal Point in Maplewood, MO, decided to interview him for the inaugural episode.  We discussed Walter's influences from a childhood in north Florida where he encountered the blues through Led Zeppelin and the Allman Brothers before embarking on a decades long career that saw him working for...