NEXT with Marcus Atkinson

The Supreme Court's rulings on presidential powers have profound implications for the nation's governance and constitutional balance. Each decision sets precedents that shape the scope and limits of executive authority, impacting everything from national security to civil liberties. These rulings can either bolster or constrain presidential actions, influencing policies on immigration, hea...

Segment One: The first 2024 presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump was a highly anticipated event, drawing millions of viewers eager to witness the clash between two vastly different political titans. President Biden, seeking re-election, emphasized his administration's achievements and plans for the future, focusing on unity, economic recovery, and healthcare. Former President...

From the Trump and Biden convictions to Gaza, the U.S. border, and beyond, in today's fast-paced world, the news cycle is a dynamic tapestry of groundbreaking stories that capture the essence of our rapidly changing society. These stories not only inform and educate but also inspire and provoke thought, reflecting the diversity and complexity of human experience. In this episode, Marcus and Ch...

Major League Baseball has officially incorporated Negro Leagues statistics into the Major League record, the league announced Wednesday. MLB elevated the Negro Leagues to "Major League" status in 2020. It recognized the "statistics and records" of approximately 3,400 players who played in the Negro Leagues between 1920-48 to include several Erie standouts. In this episode, Marc...

In this episode, we dive into a complex and nuanced discussion about the role of classism in shaping political landscapes, particularly focusing on its potential impact on Trump's popularity in the polls.

Barbershops hold a unique and invaluable place in Black culture, serving not only as centers for grooming but as vital community hubs. Generations have gathered in these spaces for more than just a haircut; they are forums for lively discussions, cultural exchange, mentorship, and mutual support. Barbershops foster a sense of belonging and identity, providing a safe space for expression and solida...

In this episode, Marcus and his co-hosts, Marc Blount and Chuck Cammarata, address a local controversy stirred up in a past episode. They also talk candidly about what’s going on locally and nationally. The topics include local development and investment, a prophet with no honor in his land, the Trump Trials, the WNBA launch, Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar, Tom Brady’s roasting, and so much more. If you...

How did you get to be you? How did you develop the beliefs you possess and the way of looking at the world that you have? Why do you have the goals that you pursue? And what happens when those goals don't lead to what you thought they would lead to? What do you do when the beliefs you've always held seem inadequate to deal with life, or to explain the reality that you are seeing every day?...

On today’s episode of NEXT2.0, we bring you two unique interviews from the campus of Penn State Behrend. Segment One: In 2024, the residents of Erie, Pennsylvania, were treated to a spectacular celestial event as a total solar eclipse graced the skies above their city. Thousands of eager onlookers gathered in parks, rooftops, and open spaces, armed with special viewing glasses and cameras, to witn...

Caitlin Clark, a rising star in women's basketball, embodies the fierce determination and talent that define the sport. Caitlin represents the pinnacle of athletic achievement as a standout player for the Iowa Hawkeyes and the top pick in the 2024 WNBA draft. In the context of race, Caitlin's success shines a light on the systemic inequalities that persist in sports, with many black athlet...

Dr. Michelle LeBaron is bringing together insights from Neuroscience, the Arts, and Conflict Resolution studies to create new ways of helping individuals and communities to work toward reconciliation and building better lives and communities. On this episode of Next 2.0 Dr. LeBaron will share some of those insights. Chuck Cammarata interviewed Dr. LeBaron while at an inspiring conference in Ashevi...

In today's episode, we're taking a journey through the highlights of past episodes, revisiting the most intriguing discussions, groundbreaking insights, and memorable moments that stood out to us.

In recent months, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs has faced several legal battles, with lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault and trafficking. As a result of the "alleged" activity, homes belonging to Sean "Diddy" Combs in Los Angeles and Miami were   raided by officials from US Homeland Security on Monday, 25 March. The raids were reportedly tied to sex-trafficking allegatio...

For the past decade, Dr. Julia Robinson Moore has been researching and uncovering the truth about burial grounds for enslaved people in churches and communities in and around here home in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Moore is an ordained Presbyterian pastor and as she traveled around preaching at various churches she noticed something about the cemeteries that are on the church grounds of so many churches....

Life is heavy these days – complicated and contentious and lots of us are struggling with simple things like – how do we talk to people – often people we love – who are on the other side of some of the most important issues of our time. Author and activist Gareth Higgins is our guest today. Gareth was born in Belfast in 1975, grew up during a time of violent conflict in northern Ireland. He writes...

Donald Trump's history of offensive language toward Black people is deeply troubling and has sparked widespread condemnation. From referring to African nations as "s***hole countries" to repeatedly attacking Black public figures with derogatory terms, such as calling Congresswoman Maxine Waters "low IQ" and labeling athletes who protested racial injustice as "sons of B...

The Katt Williams interview with Shannon Sharpe garnered widespread attention and a large viewership for several compelling reasons. Katt Williams is known for his unfiltered and outspoken nature, making the interview highly anticipated by fans eager to hear his unapologetic insights about the industry and some of its most successful comedians. The interview became a must-watch due to the fusion o...

Christian nationalism poses significant dangers as it intertwines religious fervor with political ideology, potentially undermining the principles of religious freedom, pluralism, and democratic governance. By conflating religious beliefs with national identity and policy objectives, it can lead to the marginalization of minority groups, the erosion of civil liberties, and the exclusion of diverse...

When we talk about black history, one of the things that we forget is we are all living history, so we want to highlight those people that are laboring in our community. They are serving the community, especially with our young people and with our economic circumstances. The work continues and we want to shine the light on that a little bit today, so to that we’ve got three very special guests tha...

In February 2018, Erie’s Public Schools embarked on a stakeholder-driven strategic plan. Many of the goals and benchmarks declared in that plan had a target year of 2024 to accomplish those goals. COVID-19 presented many unforeseen challenges for the nation and our local community. So where are we today? Are the students better prepared? How can the community do its part to ensure student success?...

You are about to enjoy our first Community Crossover Edition of NEXT 2.0. On this episode of NEXT 2.0 Marcus is in studio with Rob Davis and Martin Long, hosts of the podcast, Let's Fail. You may be wondering what a community crossover edition is. It's real simple. We've got a show, they've got a show. And this will air on their platform and ours.

When citizens have a voice in library decision-making, it builds trust and strengthens relationships between the library and the community. Citizens are more likely to support a library that values their input and actively seeks to address their needs and concerns. Like many places throughout the country, the public library in Erie, PA, is becoming a constant battleground around book banning and p...

In this episode of NEXT 2.0, Marcus reflects on the recent MLK Junior Day in Erie, Pennsylvania. He discusses the annual march, charitable dinner, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s message of pride and empowerment for the African-American community. Marcus highlights the contributions of the African-American community in Erie and their commitment to making a positive impact. The script conclude...

To the dismay of many, Erie Mayor Joe Schember votes to appoint Mel Witherspoon to a vacant city council seat. None were more disappointed than former Council appointee Susannah Faulkner who publicly opposed this action. Chuck Cammarata sits down for a one on one interview to hear her thoughts and concerns for how this all played out. Today, on NEXT2.0.

In 2024, many compelling news stories are poised to shape the global landscape, influencing political, economic, and social trajectories. Societal conversations around equity, justice, and human rights are expected to evolve, focusing on addressing systemic issues and fostering inclusivity. The Trump trials and the 2024 election will undoubtedly be etched in the annals of history, leaving a profou...