In the House and Beyond: From Bowman to Plumbers, TikTok to Traitors
Congressman Jamaal Bowman – I Was In The House
Congressman Jamaal Bowman is back to talk about what life was like in Congress. What does it take to get stuff passed? What was it like dealing with crazy Republicans? A really open convo about the reality of Congress.
Breathtakingly Stupid
On this episode Aries and Andy talk about beef, the new guy, actors/directors, cop shows, fire in la, tik tok, Chappelle on SNL, Brad Pitt, the Honky Know What Hot in Black Culture, white artists, and, a Scroll.
Tik Tok, Traitors And Scary Island
This week, Hunter Harris and Peyton Dix tackle the latest season of Traitors on Peacock, the new Tik Tok replacement Rednote, and a little thing called “Scary Island” from the Real Housewives of New York. And for Wondery Plus subscribers, the rumored Justin Bieber comeback tour.
FAMILY BUSINESS: SAM THE PLUMBER
The Sopranos, considered by many the greatest show in television history, made the New Jersey mafia water cooler talk across the country from 1999-2007. While based on fictional characters, there was an actual mafia family neck deep in criminal activities across the Hudson River from their La Cosa Nostra contemporaries in New York. In New Jersey, starting in the 1960’s, the DeCavalcante family ran the show and are considered the inspiration for many of The Sopranos characters and storylines that fans are familiar with today. This season on FAMILY BUSINESS, we will look at the rise and fall of the DeCavalcante family.
Beloved Black-Owned Bookstore In Pasadena Becomes A Safe Haven For Fire Victims
Throwback Spotlight
Kendrick Lamar – How To Be An MC
Kendrick Lamar is the greatest MC of his era. Is it even a question? But how did he get to be that? In this throwback interview, I talked to Kendrick to find out how he became Kendrick. We talk about how he got to be so good. What are his favorite words? We also talk about his best verses and his best song. And what was the impact of seeing dead bodies on the street when he was a kid. Awesome conversation with a genius.
Blame It On The Train But The Boss Is Already There
What was it like to work for Prince? It could be Heaven, it could be Hell. He gave people opportunities to succeed and to do jobs that they would not have gotten from anyone else. He changed people’s careers by elevating them to roles they didn’t know they could fulfill. But he could also be a very tough, demanding boss. He could make people cry.
What We Are Loving
WATCHING: Mad Men on AMC+ A show about the intricate world of ad men in the 50s/60s. I’m catching all the nuance and brilliant writing that went over my head the first time I watched it ten or twelve years ago.
LISTENING: Generations by The Baylor Project - It’s just good, Black, nostalgic, inspiring, help-you-get-through music - from the vocals to the musicianship.
Fun Fact
Until 450 B.C. January did not exist on the Roman calendar and was considered dormant
Story From History
This week in history: On January 24, 1977, Roots premiered on television, leaving a significant mark on American culture.