Free Black Thought Podcast

In this conversation, Michael DC Bowen and Winkfield Twyman Jr. discuss the varying perceptions of Black history, the importance of literature, and influential figures in Black history. They emphasize the need for curiosity and understanding of Black history as an integral part of American history, while also highlighting the impact of Black authors and their contributions to the narrative.

Pushpita Prasad discusses the complex interplay between caste, media representation, and policy-making in the context of Hindu identity in North America. Pushpita is a board member of the Coalition of Hindus of North America . Show notes: “ DEI Training Material Increases Perception of Nonexistent Prejudice, Agreement with Hitler Rhetoric, Study Finds ” by Abigail Anthony for National Review “ Cas...

In this conversation, Kayla (who likes to go by just her first name publicly) shares her personal journey, touching on her upbringing, mental health struggles, and evolving political views. She discusses feeling alienated in her youth and her critiques of both political sides. Kayla also reflects on her love for goth fashion, the importance of empathy, and the challenges of forming connections. Sh...

Adam Gussow talks about his life growing up, his path into music and academia, and his thoughts on race in America. As a blues musician and scholar, Adam offers a unique take on culture and activism. He and host Connie Morgan also discuss the evolving dynamics of interracial relationships, focusing on black women and white men, and how marriage and dating have changed over time. They explore cultu...

Michael DC Bowen and Wink Twyman discuss the impact of recent wildfires in California, particularly in Pacific Palisades and Altadena. They dive into the environmental and emotional challenges for residents, as well as the difficulties firefighters face. They also talk about the aftermath of a disaster in Pasadena, touching on housing, leadership, and community recovery. Finally, they explore issu...

Aaron Fenton-Hewitt discusses the impact of his upbringing, the challenges of stereotypes, and the importance of community. The conversation also delves into the complexities of DEI initiatives and social engineering, exploring how these concepts relate to class and opportunity in the media industry. Show notes: Aaron’s “ DEI: The Arrogance of Social Engineering ” for the Journal of Free Black Tho...

Ian Rowe shares his journey from his upbringing in Jamaica to becoming a leader in education with host Connie Morgan. He discusses the importance of family structure, the impact of education on identity, and his commitment to improving educational opportunities for all children, particularly in underserved communities. Ian also introduces the 'success sequence' as a framework for young people to a...

In this conversation, Michael DC Bowen and Winkfield Twyman Jr. discuss the significance of the New Year, their personal reflections on the holiday, and predictions for the future, particularly regarding the impact of AI on society. They delve into the concept of role models, exploring their influence on personal development and societal expectations, especially within the context of Black America...

In this episode, Kyle Jordan Maxwell shares his journey from posting a black square on social media to questioning the very ideals it symbolized—identity politics and wokeism. He reflects on how he transitioned from following the crowd to thinking critically for himself. What began as a path of self-described ignorance led him to become a self-taught philosophy enthusiast, embracing the realizatio...

The Free Black Thought Podcast returns with guest Monica Harris. Monica holds a Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, where she was an editor of the Harvard Law Review . Over the course of more than a decade, she held senior roles in business and legal affairs at Walt Disney Television, NBCUniversal Media, and Viacom Media Networks. In 2011, Harris...

A writer cannot be told what to write. The artist is free do what he has to do. In this end of the year podcast, Michael Bowen and Wink Twyman close out the year with an honest and moving review of Nikki Giovanni (1943-2024). A Native of Knoxville, Tennessee, Giovanni wrote moving poetry about the meaning of Blackness in America. Poems such as Nikka-Rosa struck a chord with Black Americans in the...

In this episode, guest host Jake Mackey sits down with sociologist Musa Al-Gharbi to discuss his unconventional academic journey, the personal impact of his cancellation, and his current research pursuits. Musa also delves into his book, We Have Never Been Woke , which explores the rise of 'awokenings' and the factors driving major shifts in social justice discourse. He offers thought-provoking in...

Free Black Thought favorite Winkfield Twyman joins his good friend and host Connie Morgan for a conversation about their friendship and the role that free thought plays in their bond. They discuss the outcome of the recent election, the challenges of dogma, and explore whether free thought is something we're born with or something we're taught. Show notes: Wink and Jennifer Richmond’s episode from...

Z.K. Paschal recounts his unique journey from being a military brat born in Japan to returning years later and navigating cultural identity as a black American. He discusses cultural acceptance, family dynamics, and the challenges of raising children in a different cultural context. Show notes: Paschal’s “ On Being a Carlton ” for the Journal of Free Black Thought Paschal’s Substack: Upon Feeblest...

In this episode David T. Beito discusses his book The New Deal's War on the Bill of Rights , exploring the historical context of the New Deal and its implications for civil liberties. The discussion covers a multitude of FDR’s civil liberty offenses including the Newport sex scandal, mass civilian surveillance, and the failure to pass anti-lynching legislation. David argues that while FDR is often...

In this long overdue conversation between Olga and Connie, Olga talks about what it was like to grow up under Apartheid in South African and compares that to the current state of racial dynamics in the United States and Israel. She discusses the complexities of identity, the influence of Western values on African culture, and her advocacy for Israel.

Henry shares his journey from a challenging childhood marked by the absence of his mother to finding faith. He discusses the influence of his father and the pivotal moments that led him to embrace Christianity. Henry shares his journey through career transitions, the impact of family dynamics on his beliefs, and why he doesn’t care if he passes for “culturally black.” Show notes: Henry’s “ Why I’m...

In this conversation, Star Parker discusses the impact of abortion, education, housing, and social security on the black population. Star shares her life journey from a rebellious child to a life of criminal and destructive activities, until she found faith and turned her life around. She became involved in welfare reform and worked with the GOP to bring about change. Show notes: Center for Urban...

Ildi Tillmann shares her unique childhood growing up in Hungary during the late Soviet era. Ildi eventually moved to the United States and ended up in Africana Studies after auditing a class on African history and wanting to learn about different cultures. She discovered her passion for photography and realized the importance of telling stories through both writing and photography. Show notes: Ild...

In episode Mike and Wink delve into the implications of declining black enrollment at elite universities, particularly Harvard, following changes in affirmative action policies. The hosts discuss the media's framing of these changes, the complexities of race in college admissions, and the evolving concept of identity. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of authenticity and the potential for uni...

Dr. Remi Adekoya shares his unique upbringing as a mixed-race individual in Nigeria, Poland, and the UK with host Connie Morgan, highlighting the cultural influences that shaped his identity. Remi also discusses his book, It's Not About Whiteness, It's About Wealth , where he explores the economic dimensions of race and the importance of collective wealth in determining status and power. Show note...

This conversation explores the concept of blackness and who can be considered black. Mike and Wink discuss different perspectives on black identity, including self-identification and societal perception. They raise questions about conformity, individuality, and the external versus internal dimensions of black identity. The conversation also touches on the historical creation of whiteness and its i...

In this episode Dr. Fatimah Fanusie shares her personal journey growing up in an African-American Muslim family and the history of African-American Islam. She discusses the origins of the Nation of Islam and its role in giving a new identity to African-Americans. The conversation also touches on the relationship between jazz musicians and Islam Show notes: The Black Muslims in America by C. Eric L...

Connie Morgan and Outdoor Afro founder Rue Mapp sit down and talk about Rue’s journey from a baby in and out of foster homes to one of the most impactful outdoor advocates in America. Show notes: Outdoor Afro Rue’s website Rue’s book: Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors Get tickets to the Glamp Out The best book Rue has read this year: Let There Be Havens: An Invitatio...

This episode features guest Ada Akpala. Ada is a writer, podcaster and head of content at The Equiano Project which is a forum to promote freedom of speech and open dialogue on race, culture and politics. Ada was Born in Nigeria, and now resides in the United Kingdom. She and host Connie Morgan talk a lot about the immigration politics and general unrest currently happening in Britain. Ada special...