Who Knows, It's Just Life

Forgive me for the clickbaity title lol....On today’s episode I delve into both sides of this statement. I share my beliefs that love is truly the only and most powerful force in the universe. The second is a challenge - do we have the capacity to love the wounded child that is Donald Trump? The idea of this epiosde has been in my head for more than two years but now felt like the right time to ta...

On today’s episode I have a repeat special guest - the kiddo! After hearing the last episode of season 1, he wanted to jump on and provide some updates! Some things are new: he’s now a roller coaster enthusiast in training and a YouTuber. Some things are the same, he’s a very introspective guest who challenges me with really tough questions. Enjoy! IG: @thecoolpapabell https://www.youtube.com/@wan...

After an unintentional  2+ year hiatus, we are back with a new season. Life has lifed in all ways (blessings and challenges). The decision to resume the show is less than 24 hours young but I’m excited to see what this next chapter brings. This episode was inspired by thoughts and reflections coming out of this year’s Thanksgiving break. As you might guess, I am still struggling to reconcile the t...

Today is a very special episode. I am joined by the kiddo to celebrate his 10th birthday! First we provide some updates from the Father's Day episode (Episode 37) and we ask each other some thought provoking questions: What is hard about being a kid? Why don't adults play with toys? Would you rather meet your ancestors or your descendants? How do you feel and show love? NEW IG: @thecoolpap...

On today's episode Cierra and I delve into breakups. For the first time on the show, I discuss my divorce. Cierra and I both share our experiences dealing with breakups. References: The Book of Forgiving by Desmond Tutu and Mpho Tutu Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs by Esther Perrel Attached by by Rachel Heller Amir Levine Song I'm Rocking To: Kyle...

On today's episode, Cierra and I tiptoe into restorative justice with a real and ongoing situation. Cierra's car was stolen during the summer and it has put her through a lot. Guided by her faith, she is trying to regain a sense of safety and security, navigate the criminal legal system, and wrestle with the societal implications of it all. We discuss the utility of police, prisons and the...

On this episode I am joined by Ms. Cierra Lewis again! We discuss the eluded to topic of Me vs. We. Individual vs. Community. It often seems like individual and community identities are on opposing ends of a seesaw. We delve into the need to recognize and honor both the importance of individuality and the power in community. References Language and its impact on economic behavior The Crisis of Ind...

Yet again I am joined by Ms. Cierra Lewis on this episode were we dispel the myth that comes from the old adage "sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me". Resources Chen paper Songs Cierra: LaNell Grant - Answer by Fire Kyle: LaNell Grant - Collect Call Contact @cierracarisma @realdadult

On this episode I am joined by Ms. Cierra Lewis! We discuss a few current events (July 4th and Kiki Palmer) before delving into the main topic: The Black Mirror Episode "Striking Vipers". This episode uses a fully immersive fighting game as the basis to explore sexuality, attraction, cheating and results in (spoiler alert) an ethically non-monogamous relationship. We raise several questi...

On this episode I am joined by my dad and the kiddo! NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell

In this episode I recap an eventful spring break with the kiddo. We visited my brother's farm in Georgia. I speak about the joy of seeing him feed chickens, plant potatoes and overall enjoy the spacious outdoors. I also reflect on the differences in small town Georgia and the emotional roller coaster of visiting a place like Lake Lanier. I also reflect on the trip to Richmond, VA where we took...

On today's episode I tackle a subject that's been on my mind for nearly a year - the inequity between men's and women's team sports. I first offer a reaction to Bill Burr's standup bit about why women athletes don't make the money male athletes make. I then share my experience as a basketball fan of the Mystics, Wizards and the Maryland men's and women's basketball...

On this episode I am joined by Cierra Lewis. Cierra facilitated a book club on The 1619 Project in Norfolk, VA. We talk about her thoughts and reflections on the book as well as the experience of facilitating the book club. Book References: Nikole Hannah-Jones - The 1619 Project Khaled Hosseini - And the Mountains Echoed bell hooks - All About Love Song Cierra is Rocking To: Dreamville, Bas, Ayra...

This episode is dedicated to Turner Cooper, may he rest in peace and power! On this episode I share some highlights of the end of 2022 including some concerts (Burna Boy and Oddisee), Kwanzaa discussions and a New Years Day hike. I also offer a preview of some of what's to come on the podcast in 2023. Happy New Year! Song I'm Rocking To: Ethio Jazz: Yegelle Tezeta NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell

On this episode, I talk to my long time friend Toney.  At 26 years old, Toney is one of the most intelligent, insightful and reflective people I know.  He is at the point of adulthood where he is reflecting  on various things he learned coming of age in DC and how they are applying to life as an adult in the DMV.  Toney had  meaningful experiences with Life Pieces to Masterpieces which instilled P...

On this episode I am joined by a long time college friend MaBiniti Yillah.  She is an avid football (soccer) fan and helped me breakdown the World Cup results and major stories leading up to the final.  We talk about whether or not we should call it football in the US.  We break down Morocco's historic run for Africa and the geopolitical complexities surrounding it.  We also talk about the rac...

On this episode I reflect on my trip to Ghana.  A major theme of my experience was sorting out feelings of home.  Is the US home?  Is Ghana a homegoing of sorts?  I've read Searching for Zion by Emily Raboteau and Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi.  Both delve into the idea of "home" for Black Americans and where in my mind as I processed my experiences in Ghana.  I don't know much about my...

On this episode I interview Mr. Randell Strickland.  He is a Chicago native who now resides in the DC area.  His career has gone from being in the U.S. military to being a non violent advocate and restorative justice worker in DC Public Schools.  We briefly talk about his family upbringing, his decision to join the military and the experiences that shifted his perspective towards nonviolence. NEW...

For this episode I am joined by my cousin Lucas.  We recorded from the beach in Narragansett, Rhode Island - the site of a long time tradition in my mom's family.  As kids, this was our best time to hang out since Lucas is from Seekonk, MA and I was raised in the DC area.  As adults, all 7 cousins are continuing the tradition!  Lucas and I reflected on the similarities and differences in our u...

On this episode I am joined by my younger sister Kendra.  Though we are both technically millennials, it sometimes seems like we are worlds apart in our generational experiences.  We discuss racial identity, the R-word, sexual/gender identity and more.  We also talk about differences in our collegiate experiences, social media, our relationship with the capitalism/the economy, cancel culture, and...

Why can't I vote in the meaningful primary elections in Maryland?  Why is gerrymandering watering down the political process?  Is it at all surprising that the corporate elite in the DNC are spending big money AGAINST progressive candidates within their party?  I discuss all this and more on this episode.  I also propose an alternative to the geographic Congressional Districts - what if we ele...

On this episode I talk to my Uncle Shawn who is an English teacher, world traveler and all around amazing person.  We discuss his travels in South America, Australia/New Zeland and his most recent travels in Kemet (Egypt), Kenya and Ethiopia. He shares what it was like to save up and leave the comforts of the United States prior to finishing his bachelors degree, he describes his perseverance thro...

On this episode I speak about choosing violence.  Yes, I talk about Will Smith choosing violence, Chris Rock & Ketanji Brown Jackson NOT choosing violence, the War in Ukrane, the War in the Tigray region of Ethiophia and the overall disconnects and hypocrisy regarding violence in our society.   NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell The Song I'm Rocking To: Finesse - Pheelz feat. Buju References -  http...

I am dropping this episode exactly a year after I met my guest, Ryan W.  Ryan is an energy wellness practitioner who formed The Humble Practice.  In this episode we truly go down the rabbit hole.  We first discuss the 4th Matrix film (and the series in its entirety).  The discussion went on to delve into evolutionary astrology, and divine masculine and feminine energies (with a focus on the mascul...

In this episode I am joined by my long time friend, Tony Aldridge. We wrestle with definitions of masculinity and speak about toxic masculinity and male fragility. We dissect the depictions of masculinity in each of the following IG posts and compare them to our own lives as partners and fathers. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CX_rdsggSdv/?utm_medium=share_sheet https://www.instagram.com/reel/CYaB...