Speak On That!

This week, we're talking all about this year! 2020 has been a notable year, and we're taking some time to reflect on it. From the COVID-19 pandemic to the Black Lives Matter uprising, 2020 has been a year that has forced people to adapt, be agile, and get uncomfortable. We question, is this a year that will contribute to formidable change? What did it teach us and what did we learn? We talk in, about, and around all of this among much more- and we'll *feel* y'all in the new year. Enjoy!

This week, we're talking all about boundaries. A word that's been brought up many times throughout this show, we decided to shed a spotlight on it as a whole. So what do boundaries look like? How do we learn to put them up? And what are some of the repercussions that come with crossing boundaries? All this, plus we decide to unpack respectability politics furthermore than we did past last week's episode. Enjoy!

This week, we’re talking about shame. When we think of shame, we often think guilt, embarrassment, and other synonymous words- but does it work to use those terms interchangeably? Does shame have a place in social justice? We also question if you can shame people into being or doing better? All this, plus we talk about respectability politics, the 2021 Grammy nominations, among much more. Enjoy!

This week, we tackle the beast that is Social Media. Stemming from the Netflix documentary ‘The Social Dilemma’, we talk through how social media has shaped our society and culture. How has it benefitted and how has it harmed us? We also give our take on the most recent updates on Instagram and Twitter platforms. All this, plus our take on that Harry Styles/Candace Owens debacle, and how Michael B. Jordan (deservingly) received a new title. Enjoy!

This week, we tackle impostor syndrome. Woof. We call on times we've experienced and suffered from it, ways in which we continue to- and how we process all of it. But with that, how do we overcome it? We also talk Joe Biden's Presidential win (*bless*), and is 2020 under new management? All this, and so much more. Enjoy!

This week, we tackle Cancel Culture. As one of the most redundant terms used in recent years- we question who gets cancelled, and why they get cancelled. Can cancelled people and/or situations be redeemed? And how do things migrate from problematic TO cancelled? All this, plus- does Kim Kardashian get bragging rights over *that* private island trip? Our Pop Culture PERIODT! gives you our take. Enjoy!

This week, we're joined by the truly inimitable Tanya Bishoff! Together, we talk through one of life's most universal experiences... heartbreak. How has heartbreak shaped us? What are some of the lessons we've learned from it? How has the way we've been conditioned impact how we react to it? All this, plus we talk about *that* Presidential Debate, last week's Emmy Awards, and come full circle in talking about the impact of change. No show notes this week- cause it all came from the heart! Enjoy!

* IG: @tanyalbishoff / Twitter: @TanyaBishoff

AND WE BACK! In the inaugural episode of the brand new podcast, Ali and Lenah delve into a brand new chapter and introduce 'Speak On That!' to your ears! Listen as we talk through the new show, our goals for the show, and create a way that you can get to know us a little bit better. Of course- Beyoncé gets brought up from time to time. Enjoy!

This week, we're coming at you with some life lessons! Elena and I compile a collaborative list of 30 things we've learned by 30. These are mantras, lessons, quotes, and ideas that have shaped us in making us who we are TODAY! By no means are we perfect and finished, which is why we make a point to note that we are all consistently works in progress. The goal, is that hopefully this conversation provides a space where vulnerability can safely exist in an effort to provide learning and growth. Enjoy!

Show Notes:
- @clarajaide

This week, we go off script and let Black joy guide us! Elena and I talk Pop Culture through everything from Beyoncé, to Kanye, to THAT Insecure season finale, and somehow end up on... sunscreen? We may have taken a few left turns from time to time, but Black joy is a form of expression that is vital in times like these. And may it ring in your ears! Enjoy!

All hands on deck! This week, Elena Sampululu is back as we continue our (very) ongoing conversation on Black Lives and why we’ll continue to matter. This week however, we’re doing things a little different. We talk through the intersection of Black Lives and Pride, the importance of that, and how it has impacted us both personally. Then, we’re joined by two guests: the incomparable and admirable Justin Quintin and Kenneth Davey. Though different segments, together we all talk through the history of Black Lives, Pride and how these worlds just happen to interweave here in 2020. Apologies for length... but we all promise it’s worth it! Enjoy!

This week, I’m joined by Kenneth Davey once again- and although Beyonce wasn’t actually with us, she was fully there in spirit. We talk about experiencing her and Jay Z live during their On The Run II trek. And let’s just say- ain’t nobody do it like B. We also chat about a Bette Midler tweet that launched into a multi layered discussion on race, gender, and privilege. Enjoy!

This week, I'm joined by Gagan Sandhu- a brilliant writer who luckily also happens to be a close friend of mine. We talk about how art requires a deeper dive into diversity, how social media and the hashtag culture are currently existing, and the positive impacts surrounding it. Gagan also gave listeners a taste of her writing with an expert of a piece she's sending to publishing. Enjoy!

And we’re back! This week, I’m joined once again by my best friend Justin Quintin. We catch up over what Summer 2018 had to offer, unpack the whole Bert and Ernie ordeal, the access surrounding words thanks to Eminem, how Julie Chen’s decision to ‘stand by her man’ can impact her career, and of course, Beyoncé. Enjoy!

Last week's episode was missing some content in the editing process (blame the mimosas combined with Pride), so I bring you the full, intended version! My sincere apologies, listeners. But thank you for ridin' it out with me!

Bonus episode! In lieu of no new episode on Sunday, I'm joined by Cole Mercur, Kenneth Davey, and Matt Mancuso! Together we unpack a whole lot of topics, including Pride, Robyn and Ciara's new music, Beyonce's incredible new feat (shocking), Jennifer Lopez, and a whole lot more. Enjoy!

This week, I'm joined by not one, but two guests! Victor La and Jay Khatra join me as we discuss the newly revamped Queer Eye, the Emmy nominations, the MTV Video Music Award nominations, and Drake. We also discuss some of the micro-aggressions that come with being queer men of colour. Enjoy!

This week, I'm joined by Vancouver based actor Nils Hognestad! We talk about some of the content existing in the film and television industry- from GLOW, to Pose, to Call Me By Your Name. We also question ScarJo's most recent foray in film (before she announced her retraction). Enjoy!

This week, one of my oldest and best friends, Lauren Thorson joins me! We discuss some of the gender politics surrounding some of television and music's leading women, including Issa Rae, Cardi B, and Christina Aguilera. We also question some of the gatekeeping around accessibility, and who can tell which stories. Enjoy!

This week, another one of my best friends Kenneth Davey joins me. We talk about Beyonce (again), her cultural impact, and also question some of the requisites around RuPaul's DragRace. Enjoy!