Who Knows, It's Just Life: Recent Episodes
Kyle Carson
Who Knows, It's Just Life is hosted by Kyle. Any and all topics are fair game: politics, social/economic justice, the isms, relationships, raising kids, technology, social media, health and wellness - any facet of life.
I admit that I don’t know and that I’m still learning. I’m moving in this world based on my experiences and understanding to this point. But ultimately I'm continuously learning and trying to figure out the world as it comes to me and as I come to it. This is a public expression of that learning process.
IG @realdadult
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?
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 - Oddisee Born Before Yesterday
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 theorize how restorative justice could be used in this situation.
References:
Justice by Miriam Kaba
Who Knows Episode 29 w/ Randell Strickland
Songs We're Rocking To:
Cierra - Madison Ryann Ward Wanda
Kyle - Oddisee
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 Individualism
- American Individualism and Our Collective Crisis
Songs We're Rocking To
Burna Boy - Sitting onto of the World
Ludovico Einaudi - Seven Days Walking Day 1
Contact
@cierracarisma
@realdadult
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 questions including "When is What Cheating?".
References
Striking Vipers Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWs6okRD8bA
That's What Ci Said - Black Girl Introverts
Songs
Cierra: Maverick City - Build My Life
Kyle: Collie Buddz - Love & Reggae
Contacts
@realdadult
@cierracarisma
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 part in a few historical activites (the Trail of Enslaved Africans), visited the Elegba Folklore Society, bought New Orleans Style snoballs from my high school classmates shop, and hit up Kings Dominion on the way home. I also reflect on the life and works of Harry Belafonte.
References:
Amber Ruffin
Harry Belafonte at Townhall on Poverty
The Heritage: Black Athletes, a Divided America, and the Politics of Patriotism - Howard Bryant
My Song - Harry Belafonte
Song I'm Rocking To:
Kalenda Rock (Mourning Song) - Harry Belafonte
IG: @realdadult
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 teams throughout the 2022-2023 seasons. I speak about the experience at games, ticket prices and discrepancies in media coverage. Finally, I talk about the Women's NCAA tournament results including Angel Reese's captivating performance, her reclaiming the "you can't see me" gesture from Caitlyn Clark and I call on sports fans to reflect on the attention they give to women athletes.
References
- Bill Burr
- https://www.si.com/college/2023/03/30/mens-final-four-ticket-prices-womens-march-madnes Ashley Fennell IG Post
Songs I'm Rocking To:
P.M.E. - Danielle Glisper
Rouge jaune vert - Yaniss Odua
iG: @realdadult
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 Starr - Ogogoro
IG: @cierracarisma
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
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 Pan-African ideas around the collective (communal success, hard work and integrity). But now, he is learning to navigate a predominately white professional environment as a Black man while working through the American capitalistic ideals of individual success.
Toney talks about the anxiety that can come from working in white, capitalist, individualist spaces. We delve into the gentrification his family experienced and the disconnect between the historic Civil Rights Movement and contemporary issues effecting the Black community. We talk about the evolution of his Black identity and the growth in his relationships with people of other races/ethnicities and the LGBTQ+ community.
We also discuss his current views and perspectives of activism and the impact of social media.
Book Recommendation:
Ishmael -Daniel Quinn
Song Toney is Rocking To:
Brent Faiyaz - Bad Luck
Toney is on IG @mr.toneytone
Kyle is on IG @realdadult
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 racial composition of "colonizer" teams and the dynamics surrounding national allegiances. Kyle also is searching for club football teams to support. MaBinti gave a strong push for Arsenal....are there others I should consider?
Book Recommendation:
Purification of the Heart - Hamza Yusuf
Song MaBinti is Rocking To:
Anything Stevie Wonder
You can findand support MaBinit's work by following:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheCSEChannel
@cse_media
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 African ancestors. Through African Ancestry.com I do know that my patrilineal ancestor is Portuguese while my matrilineal ancestor is Yoruba and Hausa. These are just fragments of my ethnic and tribal makeup so my journey to Ghana was part birthright/pilgrimage and part cultural immersion. Suffice it to say that the trip has had a huge impact on me and I will look for opportunities to return and continue my learning and processing. This episode features recordings I made while in Ghana as well as footage from my tour of the Cape Coast Castle.
Books Referenced:
1619 Project - Nikole Hannah-Jones
Born on the Water - Nikole Hannah-Jones
Songs I'm Rocking To:
Kidi - Champagne
Burna Boy - Its Plenty
IG - @realdadult
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.
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 upbringing. While mine was heavily influenced by socioeconomic, racial and cultural diversity, his was a stark opposite - mostly white, Christian and hetero-normative. We talk through how this and his familial makeup impacted his journey to self discovery and coming out as a gay man. We talk about autism, "turning in a piece of privilege", being openly gay in pubic, patriarchy and Lucas' current study of Peruvian shamanism.
Book Recommendation:
Jen Sincero - You Are a Badass
Song Lucas is Rocking To:
Sensus Fail - Hell is in Your Head
Contact:
Lucas: Facebook: Lucasccshaman, lucasccshaman@gmail.com
@realdadult
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 more. Kendra is also a huge Dungeons & Dragons player and Dungeon Master. We also shed some light on her efforts to create diverse, inclusive and paradigm shifting worlds through tabletop role playing games like D&D.
Resources/References:
- https://news.gallup.com/poll/389792/lgbt-identification-ticks-up.aspx
- https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0551044002.html
Books Recommended by Kendra:
- She Who Became the Sun - Shelley Parker-Chan
- 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - Taylor Jenkins Reid
Song Kendra is Rocking T0:
- Best of my Love - The Emotions
Contact Kendra:
- dragonborndruid.wordpress.com
- Twitter: @dragonborndru1d
Kyle can be reached on Twitter @realdadult
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 elected representatives by household income brackets instead? I also shed some light on the South African Constitution as an example for what we could do differently.
References:
Updates on Violence
- Israel's Involvement in the murder of Shireen Abu Akleh
- Steve Kerr on violence and HR8
Democracy Now! Episode 5/18/2022
- David Sirota
- David's Article - They Are Not Even Pretending Anymore
- Nina Turner
Other Sources
- State Campaign Spending Limits
- US Household Income Statistics
- 2021 MLB MVP Voting Results
- Represent US - Ranked Choice Voting
- South African Constitution
- My collegiate paper on income based representation
Song I'm Rocking To:
Thanks to the kiddo - For Good - Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel on Wicked the Musical & Nipsey Russell - Slide Some Oil To Me
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 through some scary incidents, and the need to adjust and go with the flow while living abroad.
TikToc: @doepicshit13
Youtube: @shawnlcarson
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.
IG: @realdadult
The Song I'm Rocking To:
Finesse - Pheelz feat. Buju
References -
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/the-worlds-deadliest-war-isnt-in-ukraine-but-in-ethiopia/2022/03/22/eaf4b83c-a9b6-11ec-8a8e-9c6e9fc7a0de_story.html
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1293492/ukraine-war-casualties/
Jazz's Campaign - https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/04/14/jazz-lewis-4th-district-maryland/
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 masculine). Finally we discussed Ryan's path towards creating The Humble Practice; combining her gifts, passion and spiritual calling to the radical work of energy wellness.
Ryan's Book Recommendation:
The Spirit of Intimacy: Ancient African Teachings in the Ways of Relationships by Sobonfu Somi
Song(s) Ryan is Rocking To:
Luther Vandross So Amazing & Anything Tems
Connect:
@ryan__w
@thehumblepractice | https://linktr.ee/TheHumblePractice
@realdadult
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/CYaB0VkpO6A/?utm_medium=copy_link
Song Tony is Rocking To:
Anything Tobe Nwigwe
Books:
bell hooks - The Will to Change
Contact:
@imjustsayin86
@daddytimesmokehouse
@realdadult
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
@realdadult
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
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:
Ready Player One - Ernest Cline
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'm Rocking To:
Seal - Ain't No Better Love
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 Chappelle and his controversial "final" standup on Netflix.
References:
http://nyumburu.umd.edu/
Vox Article on Chappelle Stand Up
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 while my granddad played minor league baseball. My granddad recalls his brother's experience at Pearl Harbor. They both talk about immigration and their experiences in school (my grandma not being permitted to go to college). It was really nostalgic hearing them speak about these stories.
Song I'm Rocking To:
Tems - Vibe Out
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 & Lavva - Star Dust, Promis3, Fertile Soil, Ankh Udja Seneb
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
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
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 Guo
Song Mom is Rocking To:
Gene Harris - Down Home Blues
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 To:
Leslie Odom Jr. - The Room Where it Happens
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 disconnected and full of materials that ultimately don't serve our human spirit.
Shout out:
Lauren White - https://thepoeticengineer.com/
Mt Pleasant Acres Organic Farm - Riparian Buffer Planting - Choptank River Watershed
Song I'm Rocking To:
Sampa the Great - Energy
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.
Songs I'm Rocking To:
Michael Kiwanuka - Black Man In A White World
Bob Marley - I Shot the Sheriff
Wizkid, H.E.R. - Smile
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 that knowing something to be true and seeing it unfold are two different things. Today's events, reminded me that we may need to change the pace of our efforts - whether its to slow down and center on self or to up the ante on our community building to get this country back on track. I end with a reminder that all of this starts with us being mentally and physically healthy and loving ourselves.
Resources:
Jan 3 - Stay the Course by Lauren White
Song I'm Rocking To:
Raury - Take Back the Power
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.
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 racial and economic justice in America today.
References:
Dr. Jared Ball - The Myth of Black Buying Power
Chicago Tribune - December 3rd 2019 Article
Song I'm Rocking To:
Michael Kiwanuka - Hero
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://freequensee1.bandcamp.com/releases
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
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 working with men who have committed domestic abuse. He is also a musician/MC/producer and the artist from the song I was rocking to for Episode 1.
Mai - @maimusic5
Me - @RealDadult
References:
NPR - Philadelphia Police Release 'Traumatic' Bodycam Video Of Walter Wallace Jr. Shooting (References no tasers)
Billy Penn - Philly police rebuffed offers from crisis response center to work together, director says
Billy Penn - How mental health pros intervene on a 911 call — what didn’t happen for Walter Wallace Jr.
Songs Mai is Rocking To:
Busta Rhymes, Anderson .Paak - YUUUU
H.E.R. - Damage
H.E.R. - I Can't Breathe
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
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 supporting MLB the way I did the NFL?
You can comment on the episode on SoundCloud or reply to me via IG @realdadult, Twitter @RDadult or email at whoknowsitsjustlife@gmail.com.
References:
Raceisms Podcast - anchor.fm/raceismspodcast
MLB Black Players Roundtable - www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVLFnDpz-ao&t=2034s
Stand Up by Mai Spann - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKSxySFYMNY
Trigger Warning by Killer Mike