Black & Intellectualish

What's beef? In this episode, MP and Tee Chin discuss the recent rap beef involving Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole. Specifically, the pair debate J. Cole's apology and retraction. Is that hip-hop? Can an artist at the upper echelon of rap refuse to compete with friends for the sake of his mental health and still be considered one of the greatest emcees? Is it fair to call hip-hop a sport if the competition seems to require negativity? We also discuss O.J. Simpson's troubled legacy and much more!

In this episode, MP and Tee Chin talk about the recent war on DEI and the ways in which inflammatory online conversation can distract from the harmful legislation being passed across the country. Next, we dive into the Diddy debacle - covering the recent civil suits that culminated in a raid by the feds this past week. Finally, we talk about Cowboy Carter, giving our thoughts on both the album as a whole as well as the cultural significance of the album.

In this episode, we discuss ReesaTeesa's marriage horror story. The 50+ part TikTok series took the internet by storm, so we had to share our perspective. We also discuss the state of Black history in America and share a Black history fact that we learned WAY too late.

In this episode, we discuss how to care for yourself in the social media era. In this constantly "on" environment, how can we protect our mental health from the negativity and toxicity that is so readily (and addictively) at our fingertips?

In this episode, we discuss the Max documentary, BS High, and chat about the difference between the scams perpetrated by institutions and how they are often overlooked to focus on those carried out by individuals. Next, Tee Chin lowkey breaks girl code to talk about online dating and online communities helping to make it a less scary place.

Tell the truth and shame the devil...In this episode, we discuss the lies of Carlee Russell. What do her lies mean for the Black community? Should her indiscretions mean anything for the Black community at all? We also chat about Ron DeSantis's continued attacks on education in the state of Florida. Did Black people learn valuable skills from slavery? Spoiler alert - no. We wrap up by discussing the most recent attacks on AP Psychology and what this could mean for teachers and students.

Are Juneteenth and July 4th empty performances of freedom? In this episode, we discuss the missed opportunity to have Juneteenth serve as a form of reparation for Black folks. We also break down the recent Supreme Court decision on Affirmative Action in higher education admissions. We wrap things up on a positive note by sharing a few recommendations for freedom songs that get us going.

🎙️ Is this thing on? It's been a while, but WE ARE BACK! In this episode, we discuss where we've been for the past *cough* year and what will be different in Season 2 of the podcast. Then we give our intellectual•ish thoughts on Donald Glover's Swarm and Jonathan Major's rumored relationship with Meagan Good. Spoiler alert, we're big fans of one and big haters of the other.

We kick off this new season of Black & Intellectualish with our reactions to President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness plan. While this relief is undoubtedly good news for those with student loan debt, we share our thoughts on why the policy doesn't go far enough. We wrap up by discussing the fall of FN Meka, the racially ambiguous virtual rapper who was dropped from Capitol Records this week following backlash against his creators. As talks of the metaverse become everpresent, will there be any accountability for the commodification of Blackness?

In Episode 39, we start by discussing what brings us light during these dark times. With so much negativity in the world, we thought we should share the relics in popular culture and social media that give us joy. We also chat about Brittney Griner and how intersectionality plays a role in the lack of coverage around her arrest and detainment in Russia. Finally, we wrap up by briefly sharing something that we've learned recently.

The past couple of weeks has been a lot... This week we try to process the constant barrage of trauma we are experiencing. We begin by processing the anti-Blackness of the shooting at Tops Friendly Market in Buffalo, New York. Next, we discuss the tragic school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and our failure as a nation to pass meaningful gun control laws. We are gonna need a "Black joy" episode soon. 

Credits:

• Thanks to Gracie Lee Pekrul (@gracieleeart on Instagram) for allowing us to use her artwork for this episode. 

Podcast Music:

• Intro Music by Makaih Beats
• Outro by Yung Kartz
• Transitions Music by Audiobinger and BEATSbyDC (@dcsniper83 on Instagram)

In this episode, we chat about making the most of conferences as academics and professionals. Next, we talk about Harvard's $100M commitment to redress its history of slavery and racism. Finally, we close things out by sharing our intellectual•ish thoughts and hot takes on Netflix's new reality show "Ultimatum." 

We’re back! This episode begins by sharing where we’ve been and why we took an unexpected break. Next, we discuss the smack heard around the world by giving our intellectual-ish perspective on Will Smith slapping Chris Rock onstage at the Oscars. Then we chat about the hearings for President Joe Biden’s SCOTUS nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson. Finally, we wrap up with a brief no-spoilers chat about Bel-Air and season 2 of Bridgerton.

Happy New Year, Fam! We are back with a brand new episode of Black & Intellectualish! In this episode, we address the viral comments that have surfaced from the hosts of the Fresh and Fit podcast. Is it a problem if a Black man “prefers” not to date Black women? Is a preference like that inherently misogynoir? Everyone has preferences, right? You don’t want to miss this raw conversation. We also share some of our favorite books and TV shows from 2021 that we think you should check out. Start the New Year off right with your favorite Black academics! Be sure to follow us on Instagram @BlackIntellectualish to stay up to date on everything we have going on.

As the year comes to a close, we reflect on our goals and resolutions for the year. What did we say we were going to do? We also share some insights from our Spotify Wrapped. In Ph.D. 101, we discuss the different types of faculty positions and their purpose. We spend most of this episode discussing a couple of things from Black Twitter and Instagram that have gone viral - an illustration of a Black fetus in utero and "the African-American urge" memes. Finally, we wrap up by discussing the tragic loss of fashion and culture icon Virgil Abloh. 

In this episode, we chat about Squid Game and what it has to say about capitalism. We also chat about what it would look like if Squid Game were Black (Spades, anyone?). Next, we talk about Dave Chappelle's controversial comedy special The Closer. Does Dave have a point, or did he cause undue harm? Both? Finally, we revisit our conversations on blackfishing by (reluctantly) talking about Jesy Nelson, Whoa Vicky, and Bhad Bhabie. What is the difference between cultural appropriation and emulating what you grew up around? Does it matter?

In this episode, we continue our discussion of critical race theory as MP shares how he plans to use it in his dissertation research. We also discuss Sha'Carri Richardson's suspension and new legislation requiring universities in Florida to survey their faculty, staff, and students to ensure that college campuses are not becoming "hotbeds for stale ideologies". 

The war on critical race theory hits close to home as our state passes a bill banning the theory in schools and stating that it teaches kids to "hate our country and hate each other." In this episode, we talk about how Tee Chin uses CRT in her research with Black mothers. We also chat about a recent example of structural racism at the intersection of the NFL and our healthcare system - an assumption that Black football players start at a lower cognitive function than white players. 

#NoBlackPain It's the joy for me! This episode is all about joy. How do we remain joyful despite the trauma that can come from being Black in America? We both share what joy means to us personally and some things in our lives that bring us joy. 

In Episode 22, We chat about experiencing burnout as a graduate student. We also consider the importance and the burden of keeping up with the Derek Chauvin trial. Next, we pay homage to the legend DMX and what his music and legacy mean to us personally. We end by discussing mistrust of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Black community and the racial disparities in vaccine dissemination. 

Stop Asian Hate. In this episode, we discuss last week's tragic events in Atlanta how it serves as a reminder that the liberation of all racialized minorities is connected. We also discuss Florida's governor's recent remarks regarding critical race theory and why the theory's power is so feared and maligned by political conservatives. We close by chatting about Sharon Osbourne's Meghan Markle-related outburst on The Talk and Justin Bieber's new album and his confusing interlude choices.

In this episode, we discuss whether or not Lion King can be considered a Black movie. This leads to a broader conversation on what makes something a "Black" show or film. Is Scandal a Black show? What about Orange Is the New Black? Next, Tee Chin introduces MP to the latest controversy in the Bachelor nation. We talk about cancel culture and the racism that has long been a part of the Bachelor's history. 

In this episode, Tee Chin shares some of her experiences from being on the academic job market. MP finally stops being cryptic and tells everyone about the business he just launched. Tee Chin shares her shocking 23 & Me results, which leads to a conversation about who would be eligible to receive reparations from the United States. We wrap up by chatting about the Chloe Bailey video that broke the internet and sparked the viral #silhouettechallenge. 

Happy New Year! We begin the podcast by discussing how some of the madness of 2020 has followed us into 2021. We chat about the importance of remaining resilient while also giving ourselves grace as we face multiple historical moments, one after another. Of course, we chat about the horrendous acts of domestic terrorism carried out at the nation's Capitol this week and the differences in how the nation processes Black death versus White death. We wrap up with a spoiler(ish) conversation about the new Netflix show 'Bridgerton' produced by Shonda Rhimes. Should the show have handled race differently? Can you guess our perspective on the interracial relationship in the show? We're excited to back!

A quick update from the Black & Intellectualish crew. See you in 2021!

Black women played a critical role in delivering President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Madam Kamala Harris, the White House (even if Trump isn't quite ready to admit defeat). In this episode, we discuss the significance of having a Black woman serve as the Vice President of the United States of America. We also consider Stacey Abrams and other Black women's activist work to register nearly 1 million voters in Georgia, which resulted in Biden winning the state. Finally, we chat about Black women voters' consistency and what it really means for Black women to have "saved America" by voting overwhelmingly for Democrats in this election. Even Eva Longoria had to give props.

This episode is all about the upcoming election. We chat about Ice Cube working with Donald Trump to create the "Platinum Plan" for Black Americans and how it stacks up against Biden & Harris's "Lift Every Voice" plan. We also talk about voting and choice for Black folks in the United States and how the U.S.'s voting system differs from Canada's. And of course, we discuss two best parts of the vice presidential debate - Kamala Harris' facial expressions and the fly that stole the spotlight from Mike Pence. Also, what does the GOP have to offer Black folks? 

In this episode, we talk about the tragic shooting of Jacob Blake and the type of revolution that can make lasting change in America. We also chat about the support systems that have helped us thrive in our doctoral programs. 

In this episode, we talk about two popular and controversial pieces of art; Black is King by Beyonce and WAP by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion. First, we discuss the criticism that WAP has received and what it can tell us about the nature of gendered racism in our society. We also discuss whether there is value in an imagined pan-African homeland for the descendants enslaved people, even if Africans don't perceive that value. We don't have all the answers, but it's a fun journey nonetheless.

In this episode, we talk about how white supremacy can undermine our capacity to build a transnational Black identity. We also talk about seeking tenure while Black and the need for white people to decenter their whiteness when learning about race and racism. 

This episode we do our best to process everything going on in our nation. We talk Christian Cooper, George Floyd, and the protests in Minneapolis. We also spend some time talking about Critical Race Theory and how it helps understand the current moment. Finally, we share how we are caring for ourselves during this tumultuous time. We are tired, but not shocked. This is not new.

This episode we call for justice in the untimely death of Breonna Taylor at the hands of the Louisville Metro Police Department. We connect Breonna's story to the stories of Ahmad Arbury, Douglas Lewis, and others who have been murdered by reckless white assailants that judge them unworthy of dignity. We also talk about Danielle Bergoli (Bhad Bhabie) and her recent "blackfishing" incident. Should white women be called out, or called in?

In this episode, we chat about Black male protectionism and how it appears to have forged an unsettling bond between Bill Cosby and Snoop Dogg. Can a Black woman speak out against Black men without being crucified? We aren't sure. We also chat about the hit Netflix show All American and why sports movies and shows seem to be the perfect backdrop for dialogues around race and racism.