Just months after securing the conviction of Democratic donor and serial predator Ed Buck for the crystal meth overdose deaths of two Black gay men, Gemmel Moore and Timothy Dean, award-winning journalist Jasmyne Cannick is back to doing what she does best--using her platform to bring her trademark passion for finding and exposing compelling stories that are overlooked, underreported, or just ignored. In her new podcast series "Ring the Alarm" Jasmyne takes you to Jamaica where she speaks di ...
…
continue reading
Culture-critic Jimi Izrael rediscovers America by talking to people you may or may not know, about everything. What comes up, comes out. Lots of fun. No filter.
…
continue reading
In the fifth episode of "Ring the Alarm," a special series in partnership with the Advocate Magazine, award-winning journalist Jasmyne Cannick continues with her exclusive look inside Jamaica, one of the world’s most homophobic and transphobic countries. 18-year-old Keneil grew up in Jamaica, where he was sexually abused at home starting at the age…
…
continue reading
In the fourth episode of "Ring the Alarm," a special series in partnership with the Advocate Magazine, award-winning journalist Jasmyne Cannick continues with her exclusive look inside Jamaica, one of the world’s most homophobic and transphobic countries. Jasmyne continues the conversation with Unity Fellowship Church's Reverend Nevin Powell back i…
…
continue reading
In the third episode of "Ring the Alarm," a special series in partnership with the Advocate Magazine, award-winning journalist Jasmyne Cannick continues with her exclusive look inside Jamaica, one of the world’s most homophobic and transphobic countries. Jasmyne interviews Reverend Nevin Powell about his journey from Jamaica to America and now back…
…
continue reading
In the second episode of "Ring the Alarm," a special series in partnership with the Advocate Magazine, award-winning journalist Jasmyne Cannick continues with her exclusive look inside Jamaica, one of the world’s most homophobic and transphobic countries. Jasmyne interviews Sam, a 27-year-old HIV-positive trans man living in a secret safe house. Pl…
…
continue reading
Tommy Chong (@heytommychong), comedian, actor, and pot smoker, is a national treasure and speaks with the kind of thoughtful introspection you’d expect from a life-long marijuana enthusiast. In this episode, he educates me on the purpose of life, the role of good and evil, and what I’m missing out on by choosing pussy over weed. Resources: Instagra…
…
continue reading
1
112. Jasmyne Cannick: My Queer Work-Wife
1:27:14
1:27:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:27:14
Jasmyne Cannick is a queer community activist, politician, journalist, commentator, my first internet work-wife and – not for nothing – my #1 lesbian crush. We get fired up on cancel culture, activism, body positivity, and intersectionality in the queer world. She made 2021 the year of the bikini. Will 2022 be the year she dabbles with the D? Bruh …
…
continue reading
1
111. Christa Freehands: Chaos Before Creation
1:22:44
1:22:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:22:44
Artist Christa Freehands and I connect on how emotions flow through art and discover the roots of her artistic process through the use of symbolism in her work. Resources: Instagram: @Christafreehands Let’s Talk: Website: conversationforadults.com Instagram: @conversationforadults Facebook: facebook.com/conversationforadultswithjimiizrael Twitter: …
…
continue reading
1
Everything Little Thing Isn’t Alright in Jamaica
21:47
21:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:47
Just months after securing the conviction of Democratic donor and serial predator Ed Buck, who was convicted for the crystal meth overdose deaths of two Black gay men, Gemmel Moore and Timothy Dean, award-winning journalist Jasmyne Cannick is back to doing what she does best-- using her platform to bring her trademark passion for finding and exposi…
…
continue reading
I had the pleasure of speaking to Aja Grant, a Cleveland-based photographer who challenges White supremacy in the art world by exclusively shooting Black subjects. She shares her creative process behind the lens and why it’s so important to put Black people – as examples of power and influence – in front of the camera. Resources: Website: ajajoipho…
…
continue reading
For 30 years, Phillip Morris wrote as columnist and editorial board member of Cleveland’s daily newspaper, The Plain Dealer. After Dick Feagler, maybe the best production writer Cleveland has ever produced. Today, we talk about his journey, writing about race, life since getting fired by The Plain Dealer, his note to his daughter and how the onus t…
…
continue reading
In 2013, Charles Ramsey helped rescue three young women from a neighbor’s house and in a split second, he went from outsider to American Hero. Chris Gresham, aka Butters -- a hapless co-worker-- went along for the ride and got Chuck as a roommate on the other side -- Oy vey. Butters, joins me to talk about what happened after the day a pretty white…
…
continue reading
1
107. Eric Brewer: on Trump, Russia and Negroes
1:35:50
1:35:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:35:50
Eric Brewer, returns to Conversation For Adults. This time around, we’re taking a forensic look at the city of Cleveland, the political dynamics of what it means to be free and rooted in American values, and the concept of The Negro Consciousness. Let’s Talk: Website: conversationforadults.com Instagram: @conversationforadults Facebook: facebook.co…
…
continue reading
Rhonda Crowder’s back and we dig into politics, her ex-files, explore what went wrong with the frogs of her past, and go on a tangent about why big girls are winning the game right now. It’s #conversationforadults Resources: Rhonda Crowder LLC: https://www.rhondacrowderllc.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rhonda_Crowder IG: https://twitter.com/Rho…
…
continue reading
Michael David Cobb Bowen (Cobbski to me) and I go back to when the Internets was young. We talk art, reflect on his father and life living in the legacy of the Forrest Gumps of Black respectability, unleash his conservative-ish voice online, and follow the crumbs that took him from Black nationalism to conservatism. It’s #conversationforadults. Res…
…
continue reading
1
104. Shalira Taylor: Republican. That Chick
1:25:19
1:25:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:25:19
Shalira Taylor’s back, and we’re lucky to have her -- she runs her business, runs for office, and she’s running a relationship she can’t talk about (much). She SAYS she didn’t run into The Capitol on January 6th to support her dear President Donald J. Trump. I’m not so sure -- you be the judge. We talk politics, Black banking and bullets. Shalira T…
…
continue reading
1
103. Champagne Smith: Life, Love + Lyrics
1:29:05
1:29:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:29:05
Madd glamorous poet, Champagne Smith, connects with me for a no-holds-barred conversation about family struggles, literary triumphs, and the artistic credibility of Lizzo. We talk family drama and the cycle of bad parenting, helping a partner through trauma and debate if there is any truth in treating a black woman too well (hey, don’t shoot the me…
…
continue reading
1
102. Genna + Dave: Cuter Than You Deserve
1:51:39
1:51:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:51:39
Genna P is a gift that keeps on giving. This episode marks the third time she’s been back on the show – and we still have shit to talk about! Mark my words; this is about as cozy as it gets here on Conversations for Adults. A lot has changed since our last rendezvous. Join us as we catch up on the usual stuff. You know -- slave ownership, COVID, sh…
…
continue reading
1
101. Nina Foxx Writes And Damn near Everything Else
1:23:04
1:23:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:23:04
Nina Foxx, author, podcaster, mother, and thirst-trap Instagrammer, chats about creating quality, publishing, and what goes on behind the scenes at Jack and Jill of America, Inc. A tech entrepreneur, cancer survivor, and blended family parent, this woman inspires everyone to become a multi-disciplinary master of some kind. Also, owns a parrot, whic…
…
continue reading
Open, raw dialogue that pushes our comfortable edges is everything Conversation for Adults is about. I’m grateful to artist, writer, and doula Carmen Lane for going all the way with me on some tough topics. Join us as we chat – and clash – over sexuality, queer identity, the difference between harassment, and hollering before coming together to tal…
…
continue reading
1
99. Veronica Thornton: Everything Beyond the Surface
31:45
31:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:45
Life for Veronica Thornton is pretty hectic. She has her fingers in lots of pies – from economics and black empowerment to writing. She’s on her second book right now and thinks The Age of Aquarius brought us together. I beg to differ. Join me as I catch up with a perfect stranger to talk about everything from poetry to parenthood – and Huggy Bear …
…
continue reading
1
98. Timothy Roberts: From Law Enforcement to Education
1:00:50
1:00:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:50
Timothy Roberts’ father was shot dead outside a bar when he was 19. With the weight of his family heavy on his shoulders, he was inspired to become a police officer before turning his attention to education. We hone in on the act of pulling out a gun – with or without the badge – and explore the cases of Tamir Rice and Ma'Khia Bryant from the persp…
…
continue reading
1
97. Jason B. Allen: On Critical Race Theory in the Classroom
1:07:16
1:07:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:16
For advocate, education leader, and teacher, Jason B Allen, Atlanta is home, and the classroom is a space to mentor the next generation of humanity. Sit with us as we attempt to understand how whiteness is expressed in the education system, and the potential for Critical Race Theory being included in the curriculum. If you don't think this guy dese…
…
continue reading
1
96. Byron Crawford. Author, Blogger, Provocateur.
1:31:55
1:31:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:31:55
Meet Byron Crawford. Since 2001, he’s been the best writer on the internets, pound for pound. No pleasantries required with this dude; we dive straight into the good shit about what makes good internet commentary, censorship, self-publishing (he’s written an assload of books), and why the girls go crazy for his glasses. Resources: Website: byroncra…
…
continue reading
1
95. Dave Ramsey: Do the Art Thing! Creating a Black Art Economy
1:14:14
1:14:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:14:14
Dave Ramsey creates space for Black and brown artists to showcase their art free from whitewashing. Located in Fairfax, the Cleveland ‘hood, The Deep Roots Experience gallery is for and literally rooted in the Black community. We talk about how the world of art in Cleveland is a racially divided one, the artists changing the cultural landscape of t…
…
continue reading
1
94. Rosebudd: It’s a Hard Pimp’s Life
1:39:16
1:39:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:39:16
Rosebudd is one of America’s most famous pimps – a term he does not take lightly. He got to the top of his game with a targeted skill set and a sharp-as-nails, entrepreneurial attitude reserved for his coterie of hoes. Now he’s passing on the baton as the dean and professor of SideWalk University, where he has created a male-centric curriculum that…
…
continue reading
1
93. Rev. Ron Buford: Racists Anonymous
1:27:50
1:27:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:27:50
Rev. Ron beams a light and love that sees the good in everybody – even racists. His 12-step program, Racist Anonymous (yes, you read that correctly), helps people exorcise the prejudice that (apparently) is inside us all. Racist Anonymous is helping people around the US (and beyond). Rev. Ron Buford and I actually go back -- we connect to discuss s…
…
continue reading
1
92. Latoya Davis: A Study in Evolution
1:18:02
1:18:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:18:02
By the time you finish this episode, it's highly likely that Latoya Davis has already evolved into something else. Here is a woman who lives life on her watch (which, FYI, needs an upgrade). She likes to keep things moving – and if you're not here for her growth, well... then she's not here for you. Period. Latoya kindly tolerated me in her crystal…
…
continue reading
1
91. Antwoine Washington: Art Strokes for Black Folks
50:12
50:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:12
Antwoine Washington is a Michigan-born artist with a mission to create a collaborative platform for black voices. The Museum of Creative Human Art is a safe space for local artists to empower themselves and find solutions to the entrenched problems plaguing the community. For a long time he silenced himself, spending years slogging away at a post o…
…
continue reading
1
90. Andy Kindler: Actually, Everybody Loves Andy, Amirite?
1:32:58
1:32:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:32:58
I discovered Andy Kindler as the other funny guy on “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Currently, he voices Mort the mortician on “Bob’s Burgers,” which I don’t fuck with, but I may now on principle. In this episode, we dig deep: why he's been in bed with me a lot lately, his OCD, his writing, traditional Jewish humor, my crush on Kristen Schaal, the omnip…
…
continue reading
Mark E. Howard’s work is everywhere, particularly in Cleveland. He’s done murals, garbage cans and other public art that is all over the city, from Hopkins Airport to the Federal Building to 55th and Euclid and beyond -- but finding him? That’s another matter. Somehow, I do and we explore his creative projects – past and present – and discuss how r…
…
continue reading
1
88. Effie Brown: Breakthroughs, Breakdowns and Black Hollywood
1:50:08
1:50:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:50:08
Film producer, Effie Brown, lifts the lid on Black Hollywood, recalling her experience navigating LA-LA land as a strong, black female who isn’t here to sell cookie cutter, white savior, black poverty porn narratives. We pitch and fantasize about Black people getting funky on-screen, educating, entertaining by elevating marginalized groups – on and…
…
continue reading
1
87. Cindy Likes to Be Spanked . . . and Shared.
38:00
38:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:00
Cindy likes to swing -- she’s in The Lifestyle. She’s a swinger: polyamorous and all that. For CFA, we disguise her voice because, hello? (and MY voice sometimes gets caught in the wash) as she speaks up for the thriving, pulsating Black kink community. Cindy talks about married life, her Five Guys (not the burger place), her favorite gangbang, bon…
…
continue reading
1
86. Patrice Hampton: Cigars, Dates & Applebee’s
1:27:39
1:27:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:27:39
For Patrice Hampton, 2020 was a sticky stew of endings and beginnings. We discuss death from a position of equal and profound loss and we delve into widowhood and life after death for the living. The Patrice of today is a woman who knows who she is, what she’s looking for in a partnership, and where she’s going – and it sure as hell ain't an Appleb…
…
continue reading
1
85. Liz Burr: Family, Feminism & Finding Your Fire
1:25:54
1:25:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:25:54
Liz Burr and I go back -- we met online when the Internet was young. Today, we talk offline. From blended families and absent fathers to (toxic) male/female characteristics and our collective connection to tech, be it swiping dating apps, calling someone out online, or understanding the interpersonal dynamics of POC-founded start-ups. Also, Very Sm…
…
continue reading
1
84. Craig Serluco: The Italian son I never had -- from Russia with Love
1:55:34
1:55:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:55:34
Craig Serluco is a gamer and story wizard who ran to Russia in pursuit of employment and ultimately, love. In this episode, he shares his tale as an American in the land of Putin and perogis and gives his insights into the cultural fabric of a country most of us only see through our TV screens. We talk Trump, weed, whiskey, #popcorn and Black Russi…
…
continue reading
1
83. Sheila Bee: In the Smoking Room with a Pretty Ash Lady
1:25:16
1:25:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:25:16
Sheila Bee, a confessed “alpha female,” has a foxy mouth and a penchant for cigars. She works hard, plays harder, but has struggled to receive the same from men. Fortunately, she’s found her female tribe with her smoking buddies at Pretty Ash Ladies Club in Cleveland, Ohio. We talk about wigs, work, motherhood and what makes a good cigar. Resources…
…
continue reading
1
82. Bahjah Eckstein & Co: Republicanism, Relationships and Real Life
1:30:30
1:30:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:30:30
I’m getting real on republicanism and relationship politics with the ladies of this roundtable debate, delving into the complex umbrella of right-wing politics and finding Mr. Right as a single, black, educated woman in America. Lady Bahjah and her +1 give me the scoop on their recent experiences in Cleveland, confronting the Karens of the Trump er…
…
continue reading
1
81. Marcus Alan Ward: The Mind as a Creative Universe
1:38:14
1:38:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:38:14
Self-taught musician Marcus Alan Ward and I butt heads on the credentials of mainstream hip-hop culture and what it means to be a creative in the Midwest. We map out his journey, learning instruments as a young outsider in Bedford, Ohio, and hustling as a touring musician before making money moves as a filmmaker. As he settles comfortably into the …
…
continue reading
1
80. Tonia Primm: Sewing Your Life Back Together Again
1:25:12
1:25:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:25:12
Making a family work isn’t easy. There’s no solution or approach that’s one-size-fits-all. Pregnancies can end in abortions; marriages curdle into divorce – modern family dynamics are straight-up fucked up. Broken homes, traumatized kids, child-support manhunts – the list goes on. I talk to Tonia Primm, a (single) mother of three, fashion designer,…
…
continue reading
1
79. Eric Freeman: Satan Saves the Streets of Cleveland with House of Wills
1:53:19
1:53:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:53:19
Eric Freeman is not a spawn of Satan, exactly. Instead, he’s bringing that big devil energy to talk about House of Wills: an Addams-Family-style-house built in the 1900s. Rest assured, this is not some sick-ass Satan school (although plenty of people have questioned his motives). Once you get over the fact that he’s a Satanist, you can get on board…
…
continue reading
1
78. DJ Freekie London: Behind the Scenes of the Viral "New York Thug vs. Arizona Trucker" Video,
1:33:05
1:33:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:33:05
DJ Freekie London Johnson’s worst day has been seen by millions and millions of people world-wide on World Star Hip-Hop, but there is so much more to him than that. London comes on CFA to talk about his life, fatherhood, his passion for cooking, his porno, and why he turned down a rematch and coaching from the Gracies — the first family of Brazilia…
…
continue reading
1
77. Lester Jay: One of the Hardest Relationship Conversations You’ll Ever Have, Educating Yourself When a Loved One is Transitioning, and Black Masculinity on Trial
45:12
45:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:12
Last month, Lester Jay came through to talk about spirituality, sexuality, faith, family, and House music. Today, he returns to talk about having one of the biggest conversations you can have with a significant other: The Transition Talk. Lester gets into what the experience has been like from his side of the relationship, what surprised him most, …
…
continue reading
1
76. Garrett McQueen: On Decolonizing Classical Music, Creating a Black Public Radio Aesthetic, TRILLOQUY, and Should We Cancel Seduction?
1:09:40
1:09:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:40
Garrett McQueen is a classically-trained Bassoonist who performs everywhere, giving voice and offering space to music by Black and contemporary composers. We talk about how isolating it can be to be a professional Black performer in classical music, and how he’s decolonizing the phrase “classical music” with TRILLOQUY. We also get into the controve…
…
continue reading
1
75. What’s the Difference Between Dicks and Assholes?
54:16
54:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:16
Let’s be real: everybody’s got a COVID boo. But your boo may have a boo, too… and while everyone’s worried about ‘The Virus,’ you can’t forget about the bacteria. So today, B. Cleveland is going to share the cautionary tale of what it’s like to get the clap while you're just trying to stay sane during COVID. You can take some medicine to clear up t…
…
continue reading
1
74. Derek Hess: Growing Up an Atomic Punk, Creating Art That Outlives You, Reckoning with Alcoholism, The Best Drugs, and a Captain America Art Heist
1:41:19
1:41:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:41:19
Derek Hess is a self-described “superhero and overrated artist” and a mental health advocate. His work has been featured on album covers, installations in the Louvre, human skin, comic books, and the walls of Jimi Izrael’s home. I kick things off with an apology, then we get into his Atomic Punk days: dysfunctional underage drinking communities, th…
…
continue reading
1
73. Lester Jay: Spirituality and Sexuality, Faith and Family, House and Hip-Hop
1:23:01
1:23:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:23:01
Lester Jay is a vocalist who blends old-school church vocals, hip-hop hooks, and pop production to create his upbeat brand of House music. But before we get into music, we have to talk family and faith: the family that ain’t kin and the kin that ain’t family, navigating spirituality outside the heterornormative bubble, and coming out to your people…
…
continue reading
1
72. Dan Curtin, DJ: Influencing Modern Techno, The Evolution of House, and Why There’s No Cleveland Sound
1:29:52
1:29:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:29:52
Dan Curtin, DJ and creator of Metamorphic Recordings, is one of the key players in creating the sound of modern techno over the last three decades. Dan shares stories from Cleveland to Berlin, from breakdancing in his parents’ basement to spinning in European nightclubs, from choosing between buying cat food or human food to starting his own label.…
…
continue reading
1
71. Christine Jones Woods: A Jersey Diva in Rome
1:32:09
1:32:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:32:09
Christine Jones Woods is a professional opera and jazz vocalist who has performed on stages across the U.S. and Europe. We talk about the first time she opened her mouth to sing, and trace her career from New Jersey to Rome and back. Then, we talk about the romantic night she met her husband, the brothers dissing big girls, and her unlikely ranking…
…
continue reading
1
70. Michael Gill: on CAN Journal, elder care and White People
1:51:48
1:51:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:51:48
Michael Gill MFA is the Editor and Publisher of CAN Journal, the collaborative arts magazine of the Collective Arts Network and, a few days after Christine Priola, Susan Allan Brock and other Donald Trump supporters try to take the U.S. Capitol hostage, answers the musical question “what the hell is going on with white people?” We talk about why li…
…
continue reading
1
69. Angelique Kingsbury, The Saucy Dame: A Minneapolitan Report on George Floyd Protests, #BLM, “Purple Rain,” and Why Blogs Are Dead
1:09:23
1:09:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:23
Angelique Kingsbury is a former blogger and e-acquaintance I haven't talked to in about a decade. We talk about not letting anyone sew a scarlet letter on her breast, the difference between North and South Minneapolis, dealing with colorism, and advice for maintaining relationships with adult children. Angelique also shares her on-the-ground report…
…
continue reading