Who Knows, It's Just Life

On this episode I quickly address the MLB lockout, it's racist Hall of Fame (Barry Bonds should be in), Brian Flores, the exploitative Super Bowl halftime show and the idea of Black authenticity at work in general. References: For Colored Nerds: Authenticity at Work is a Trap with Jodi-Ann Burey Song I'm Rocking To: El Camino De Mirabel - Germaine Franco NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell

This episode isn't heavy.  I summarize the holiday season and set my sights on what 2022 will bring to the podcast.  I also speak on the passing of Betty White, Sidney Poitier, and Bob Saget. Songs I'm Rocking To: Black Pumas - Colors Mickey Guyton - Remember Her Name NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell

On this episode, I speak about patriarchy and a specific workplace example of Patriarchy's persistent pollution of workplace culture.  Amid Omicron outbreaks, I ponder when coronavirus will no longer be "novel" and I reflect on the impact the late great bell hooks had on my life. Song I'm Rocking To: Sickick - I Can Feel It (Michael Jackson x Phil Colins Remix) Book References: R...

On this episode I reflect on the fact that it's been over a year since I started Who Knows It's Just Life.  I speak on a number of topics in this episode including an update on Red House Series, MLB and my continued frustration with it's racial progress, election results, Colin Black and White, the Counter Revolution of 1776, my "7 Days Walking" meditation, and more. Song I&#...

It is with some hesitation that I touch on these topics.  But as a friend of mine reminded me, that is what your show is all about.  In this episode I provide a number of updates including the Nyumburu Cultural Center 50th anniversary, the Philly Spartan Race and more.  I also focus on my struggles with the conversion of Columbus Day to Indigenous People's Day.  I also broach the topic of Dave...

In this episode I tap into my archive of audio footage and share recordings of my maternal grandparents.  These were recorded from 2007 - 2008.  September is a big month because both of my grandparents were born in September and my grandma passed away in September 7 years ago.  We also celebrated my granddad turning 90 this year. My grandma talks about witnessing Jim Crow segregation in the south...

In  this episode I reflect on Black August 2021.  I acknowledge my unfortunate ignorance of the history and customs of Black August and reflect on my involvement in Herb and Temple's Black August activities, highlighted by a pilgrimage to Richmond, VA. References: @herbandtemple @efsinc Black Power Media - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDKIYemHFTo  Artists I'm Rocking To: Fr33Sol & L...

In this episode I rebroadcast an episode from the Raceisms Podcast team.  I talk at length about what Reparations for Black Americans could look like. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reparations-or-bust/id1525297952?i=1000530183731 @raceismspodcast Song I'm Rocking To: Raury - Take Back the Power NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell

In this episode I speak about the anniversary of the Tulsa Massacre, the Olympic Qualifiers and Sha'Carri Richardson and my Juneteenth/Father's day trip to Indianapolis with my son. Song I'm Rocking to: Protoje and Koffee - Switch it Up NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell

In this episode I am joined by my mom.  We talk about how her parents and the major world events that took place in her childhood shaped her worldview.  She speaks about playing sports as a young woman in the 70s, experiencing white privilege, feminism and the decision to stay home to raise us kids, and her activism on local school boards. Books: My Song - Harry Belafonte Nine Continents - Xiaolu...

On this episode I am joined by my dad.  We talk about what it was like for him to grow up in Newport, Rhode Island.  Dad shares life lessons and experiences including being an engineering major in the 70s, a feminist in the 80s and transitioning through to "Chapter 2" in life where he is prioritizing relationships and experiences. Books: Undefeated by Steve Sheinkin Song Dad is Rocking T...

We're one quarter through 2021!  On today's episode I speak about the plethora of positive messages I see about self care and mental health.  This is MUCH needed.  But I also want us to properly diagnose the SYSTEM for causing the need for focus in these areas.  Capitalism highlights individualism, quantifiable value and material possessions.  This leaves us isolated, creatively disconnect...

In this episode, I speak about recovery in a few forms.  One is my recovery from COVID (which is part of the reason for the gap between episodes).  I also speak about my recovery from the events of January 6th, and a period of dismay about the next strategic move for Black people.  I also offer some thoughts on recent films including Queen Sugar, One Night in Miami and Judas and the Black Messiah....

I reflect on 2020, look to 2021 and react to the takeover of the Capitol.    I express gratitude for the positives I took from 2020.  I'm not big on resolutions so I focus on staying the course (though, course corrections are cool, too).  The takeover of the US Capitol today, while predictable, was still shocking to actually see.  My unprocessed reaction to the events today made it clear to me...

As we close out 2020, I talk with my long time friend Jazz Lewis, State Delegate of the 24th District in Maryland. We discuss the Maryland Legislature, recap 2020 and look towards 2021.  We also reflect on life post kid and our love for music. NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell

In today's episode, I speak about two major events that took place December 4th 1969: the assassination of Fred Hampton at the hands of Chicago Police and the birth of Jay-Z in New York City.  The importance and legacies of these two men are simultaneously in sync and at odds with each other. In this episode I reflect on what these events meant to the Black Community and what it says about rac...

On today's episode, I go "behind the music" on the Raceisms Mixtape: Season 1.  This is a collection of original music inspired by the first season of the Raceisms Podcast.  You can hear the entire mixtape on bandcamp.  There, you can also purchase the downloadable album to support the production of the Raceisms Podcast.  Season 2 of Raceisms is coming soon! References: https://freeq...

On today's episode, I am joined by Vickie Ramirez, Stina Hamlin and Barrie Adleberg.  I was humbled to be welcomed into the ongoing conversation about Thanksgiving.  The team offered great insight on how to reframe Thanksgiving by considering Native perspectives on gratitude, food and the truth of U.S. history. Song Lyla June - All Nations Rise NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell

On today's episode I welcome my long time friend Mai Spann-Wilson to get his perspective on the state of Philadelphia.  We discuss the killing of Walter Wallace Jr., the people's reaction and the tone of Philly after the election.  Mai is a Professor of conflict resolution at Temple University, President and CEO of Kofa Kicks, LLC, diversity facilitator and therapist specializing in workin...

I cover my thoughts and reactions to the 2020 election.  I mention the need to make Election Day a holiday, protest voting, parallels to the 1920 Ocoee Massacre and the need to push Bidden/Harris to do even more than they promised. Song I'm Rocking To: Mixed Messages by Big KRIT - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIHJyDY-nC0  NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell

This is the first episode of Who Knows, It's Just Life the podcast,  hosted by Kyle. This episode includes a brief introduction to Kyle and the podcast.  As a big baseball fan, the conclusion of the World Series was a good time to reflect on Major League Baseball's frustrating reaction to the Black Lives Matter movement and its lukewarm legacy of racial issues in the U.S.  Should I stop su...