Free Black Thought Podcast

Host Connie Morgan interviews her father, and the truth behind who she is finally comes to light.

Michael DC Bowen and Winkfield F. Twyman Jr. reflect on their New Year's resolutions, focusing on personal growth and the pursuit of knowledge.

Jamie shares his harrowing journey from being born into a Scientology community to overcoming extreme neglect and poverty. Jamie emphasizes resilience, curiosity, and the idea that genius exists in every community, regardless of socioeconomic status. Jamie’s Child X: A Memoir of Slavery, Poverty, Celebrity, and Scientology Jamie’s Hybred: A Graphic Novel Jamie on Instagram

Sabrina Joy Stevens talks on how she moved from a passionate young lefty activist to someone who now rejects much of the progressive pedagogy. She discusses the personal cost of truth, including lost friendships and ideological divides, and emphasizes the importance of faith and knowledge in navigating the chaotic political landscape. Sabrina’s “ The Counter-Disinformation Industry Promotes Left-w...

Mike and Wink reflect on their writing journeys, exploring themes of identity, heritage, and the complexities of black culture. A year in review.

The conversation explores the many layers of black identity in America, touching on social distance, cultural nuance, genealogy, and the weight of historical narratives. Wink and Mike discuss attraction, dating, and family influence, sharing personal stories about how skin color, upbringing, and intellectual connection shape relationships. Broader themes include aging, community, cultural heritage...

Author Louis C. Hook , also known as “the Educated Hood Rat,” joins us to discuss his new book, Black in the Saddle , which traces the legacy of black horsemanship from African cavalry empires to the rise of black cowboys in the American West and the riders carrying that tradition forward today. Louis and host Connie Morgan explore the history that was erased and the powerful resurgence of black e...

Host Connie Morgan speaks with David Hanna, a software engineer by day and Israeli-Palestinian conflict researcher by night. David discusses his peace plan, which emphasizes education, cultural reconciliation, and the role of the international community in fostering a two-state solution. Show notes: David’s Peace Plan The Jews of Arab Lands: A History and Source Book by Norman Stillman From Haven...

Winkfield F. Twyman Jr. and Michael DC Bowen explore the complexities of personal turmoil, family dynamics, and the importance of emotional vulnerability. They reflect on the legacy we leave behind, the wisdom of generations, and the burdens of family property, ultimately emphasizing the need for emotional revelation and consensus in navigating life’s challenges.

Adam Szetela, author of That Book Is Dangerous! How Moral Panic, Social Media, and the Culture Wars Are Remaking Publishing , joins the pod to talk about censorship, sensitivity readers, and how wokeness is reshaping literature. A Ph. D. graduate from Cornell and former Harvard fellow, Adam shares his perspective on class, creativity, and the growing pressures facing writers and editors today, and...

Tamyra Mensah-Stock aka WWE wrestler Tyra Mae Steele joins the podcast to talk about her road to a goal medal, how her faith drives her and why she is proud to be an American. Show notes: Tamyra’s Instagram Tamyra on X

Mike and Wink delve into the complexities of American history, identity, and the evolution of black culture. They explore generational perspectives on the past, the impact of Jim Crow laws, and the importance of entrepreneurship and education in shaping the future of black Americans.

Monique Duson, president of the Center for Biblical Unity, talks about growing up in South Central LA, finding faith in Christ, and how shifting from Critical Race Theory to a biblical worldview completely changed how she thinks about race, culture, and unity. Notes The Center for Biblical Unity Monique’s “ Walking in Unity ” co-authored by Krista Bontrager

Onome educates host Connie Morgan on the power of sound healing and vocal expression. She discusses the profound impact of sound on consciousness and the spiritual connection of voice. Onome emphasizes the power of singing as a tool for healing and self-discovery. She also touches on the societal challenges of expressing differing opinions and the need for empathy and understanding in today’s pola...

Thomas Dearie is a biologist, communications architect, and committed pro-humanist. He’s raising a daughter within one of the most unique family structures you’ll ever hear of—mixed-race, mixed sexual orientation, and without holding formal parental rights. This experience has shaped Tom’s worldview and deepened his passion for promoting empathy, inclusivity, and a truly pro-human perspective.

Frenchman Raphaël Lambert studied in America then moved to Japan where he now teaches African-American studies. He discusses the evolving dynamics of race relations in France compared to America, the impact of Afro-pessimism, and the historical optimism of African Americans. Lambert critiques the notion of Afro-pessimism, advocating for a more unified cultural identity that embraces creativity and...

Connie Morgan and Amos Tarfa discuss the challenges and opportunities in math education, particularly in the context of homeschooling. Amos shares his personal journey from Nigeria to the U.S. and highlights the differences in educational rigor between the two countries. Amos emphasizes the beauty of mathematics and its historical context, while also addressing the impact of AI on education. Amos’...

Wink and Mike dive into the complicated legacy of George Washington—covering everything from his early years and military career to his personal relationships and shifting views on slavery. They explore his leadership style, money troubles, and tensions with other founding fathers, all while reflecting on what his life still teaches us today.

Jeff Charles shares his personal journey from a politically unaware youth to a passionate advocate for liberty and individual rights. He discusses how significant events such as 9/11 transformed him from identifying as a Democrat to embracing libertarian ideals. He and host Connie Morgan delve into the role of government, the importance of local engagement, and the need for community-driven soluti...

Ricky Baxter discusses the challenges of discrimination he faced growing up in East London and how it influenced his writing. He describes his creative process, the themes of belonging and friendship in his work, and the cultural dynamics of nerd culture in the UK. He also highlights his current projects, including a sequel to his novel 'Blue Lunar and the Apex Grail.' Show Notes Blue Lunar &...

Wink and Mike have a candid conversation about the layers of black identity, from history and class to culture and personal experience. They explore how black nationalism has evolved, how class shapes community dynamics, and how media and elite institutions influence perception. Through personal stories, they touch on the pressure to represent, the weight of racial expectations, and the tension be...

Rachel Maleza shares her experiences growing up in Tanzania, discussing her childhood, education, and the communal lifestyle that shaped her values. She reflects on the impact of Western culture on African traditions, particularly in parenting and gender roles. Rachel advocates for a balanced approach to parenting that incorporates both traditional values and modern practices, ultimately highlight...

Dr. Nafees Alam talks about his journey from Libya to the U.S., touching on identity, education, and why having different perspectives really matters. He shares what he's seen in academia, reflects on today’s free speech climate and why protecting it is so important. Show notes: Nafees’s “ Neo-White Supremacy and the Assumption of Black/Brown Inferiority ” for the Journal of Free Black Thought Naf...

Connie Morgan and Dumisani Washington discuss the complexities of the current geopolitical situation surrounding Israel. They analyze the differences in Trump's current administration's approach to Israel compared to the previous administration as well as the rise of anti-Israel sentiment on the political right, and the implications of these attitudes on broader societal issues. They also touch on...

Wink interviews Mike as he shares his “why” behind writing a memoir. The two explore themes of identity, relationships, and the importance of personal narratives. Mike reflects on his family background, the lessons learned from past relationships, and the impact of love and marriage on his life. The discussion delves into the significance of understanding one's own story and the broader implicatio...