Black & Intellectualish

In this episode, we chat about the Kyle Rittenhouse and McMichael-Bryan trials. If only we had a theory that could help us critically analyze the role that race is playing in these cases and our legal system more broadly...wait. We also chat about the Howard University student protests and how important it is not to allow very real problems with higher education funding to turn into an anti-black...

In this episode, we chat about Squid Game and what it has to say about capitalism. We also chat about what it would look like if Squid Game were Black (Spades, anyone?). Next, we talk about Dave Chappelle's controversial comedy special The Closer. Does Dave have a point, or did he cause undue harm? Both? Finally, we revisit our conversations on blackfishing by (reluctantly) talking about Jesy Nels...

In this episode, we discuss the tragic murder of Miya Marcano and how coverage of her story is starkly different than the coverage of Gabby Petito's case. We also revisit the importance of having a supportive doctoral advisor in light of an abusive advising relationship that was recently made public. On a lighter note, we share our perspectives on diversity statements as a part of the academic job...

We begin this episode with MP discussing a recent trip he took with his wife to St. Simons, Georgia, and the racist ahistoricism they faced learning about the history of the island. We also discuss the inhumane treatment of Haitians at the southern U.S. border and how the media frenzy around the Gabby Petito case is evidence of America's obsession with missing white women and ambivalence toward mi...

We are back! After a much-needed break, we are returning to a regular podcast schedule. In this episode, we talk about anti-mask mandates in K-12 schools and how people of color almost always lose when mixing education and politics mix. We also chat about Pomona College transfer student Drew Carter and how the COVID policies meant to keep all students safe left him homeless. And of course, we brea...

In this episode, we continue our discussion of critical race theory as MP shares how he plans to use it in his dissertation research. We also discuss Sha'Carri Richardson's suspension and new legislation requiring universities in Florida to survey their faculty, staff, and students to ensure that college campuses are not becoming "hotbeds for stale ideologies". 

The war on critical race theory hits close to home as our state passes a bill banning the theory in schools and stating that it teaches kids to "hate our country and hate each other." In this episode, we talk about how Tee Chin uses CRT in her research with Black mothers. We also chat about a recent example of structural racism at the intersection of the NFL and our healthcare system - an assumpti...

What exactly is critical race theory (CRT), and are educators really teaching it to their students? Conservative lawmakers are determined to outlaw the use of the theory in K-12 and higher education. It is evident that many don't know what CRT actually is and what it purports to be true about this country and institutional racism. In this episode, we revisit what CRT is and is not. We also discuss...

#NoBlackPain It's the joy for me! This episode is all about joy. How do we remain joyful despite the trauma that can come from being Black in America? We both share what joy means to us personally and some things in our lives that bring us joy. 

It's our Jordan episode! In this episode, we talk about the Derek Chauvin verdict and what it means (and doesn't mean) for this country. We also discuss justice and policing more broadly. What does it mean that we couldn't even make it through Chauvin's trial without another Black man being murdered? Why does it seem like the police often lack the imagination for finding non-lethal solutions when...

In Episode 22, We chat about experiencing burnout as a graduate student. We also consider the importance and the burden of keeping up with the Derek Chauvin trial. Next, we pay homage to the legend DMX and what his music and legacy mean to us personally. We end by discussing mistrust of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Black community and the racial disparities in vaccine dissemination. 

Stop Asian Hate. In this episode, we discuss last week's tragic events in Atlanta how it serves as a reminder that the liberation of all racialized minorities is connected. We also discuss Florida's governor's recent remarks regarding critical race theory and why the theory's power is so feared and maligned by political conservatives. We close by chatting about Sharon Osbourne's Meghan Markle-rela...

It's the one-year anniversary of Black & Intellectualish! We thought the best way to celebrate would be by hosting our first guest. In this episode, the brilliant scholar (and our mentor) Dr. Chris Busey joins us to talk about what it means to him to advise a graduate student and the difference between being a scholar of race/racism and a scholar of color. We also chat about the challenge of consu...

In this episode, we discuss whether or not Lion King can be considered a Black movie. This leads to a broader conversation on what makes something a "Black" show or film. Is Scandal a Black show? What about Orange Is the New Black? Next, Tee Chin introduces MP to the latest controversy in the Bachelor nation. We talk about cancel culture and the racism that has long been a part of the Bachelor's h...

In this episode, Tee Chin shares some of her experiences from being on the academic job market. MP finally stops being cryptic and tells everyone about the business he just launched. Tee Chin shares her shocking 23 & Me results, which leads to a conversation about who would be eligible to receive reparations from the United States. We wrap up by chatting about the Chloe Bailey video that broke...

This episode, we give our non-PC thoughts on MLK Day, discuss the Inauguration of President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, and give our intellectual•ish thoughts on the Pixar movie Soul.

Happy New Year! We begin the podcast by discussing how some of the madness of 2020 has followed us into 2021. We chat about the importance of remaining resilient while also giving ourselves grace as we face multiple historical moments, one after another. Of course, we chat about the horrendous acts of domestic terrorism carried out at the nation's Capitol this week and the differences in how the n...

A quick update from the Black & Intellectualish crew. See you in 2021!

Black women played a critical role in delivering President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Madam Kamala Harris, the White House (even if Trump isn't quite ready to admit defeat). In this episode, we discuss the significance of having a Black woman serve as the Vice President of the United States of America. We also consider Stacey Abrams and other Black women's activist work to register n...

This episode is all about the upcoming election. We chat about Ice Cube working with Donald Trump to create the "Platinum Plan" for Black Americans and how it stacks up against Biden & Harris's "Lift Every Voice" plan. We also talk about voting and choice for Black folks in the United States and how the U.S.'s voting system differs from Canada's. And of course, we discuss two best parts of the...

We're back! Despite countless attempts to downplay the pandemic, President Trump has contracted COVID-19. We discuss the impact that this could have on the upcoming election. We also chat about Jessica Krug, the award-winning professor who admitted to deceitfully claiming to be a Black woman for years. Finally, we talk about the grand jury's decision not to charge any of the officers involved in t...

In this episode, we talk about the tragic shooting of Jacob Blake and the type of revolution that can make lasting change in America. We also chat about the support systems that have helped us thrive in our doctoral programs. 

In this episode, we talk about two popular and controversial pieces of art; Black is King by Beyonce and WAP by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion. First, we discuss the criticism that WAP has received and what it can tell us about the nature of gendered racism in our society. We also discuss whether there is value in an imagined pan-African homeland for the descendants enslaved people, even if Afric...

This episode, we pull back the curtain on doctoral coursework. We also discuss the future of cancel culture and whether or not it has gone too far already. Finally, we break down Black people's uncanny ability to infuse humor into any situation, and how this functions as a form of resistance to oppression.

In this episode, we talk “entanglement” and why Black love is radical. We also discuss whether Terry Crews should be considered an Uncle Tom and break down the Trump administration's decision to rescind its requirement for international students to return to their home countries in the Fall.