Best Kurt Cruz Podcasts (2024)

1
Boxing Esq. Podcast #66 - Eric Raskin 2:09:14

8d ago2:09:14

2:09:14

Excited to have one of my all-time favorite boxing writers on the pod this week, Eric Raskin from boxingscene.com (formerly of the excellent Interim Champion Boxing podcast with his longtime podcast partner Kieran Mulvaney). We talked about Eric’s pathway in the sport starting at Ring and KO magazines and branching out to ESPN, Grantland, HBO, and …

1
Boxing Esq Podcast #65 - Tim Smith 1:07:32

11d ago1:07:32

1:07:32

It is my pleasure to have as my guest on the pod Tim Smith, the Vice President of Communications at Haymon Sports and the PBC. We discussed this Saturday’s upcoming card topped by Terence Crawford challenging Israel Madrimov for the WBA Jr. middleweight crown and the PBC fighters on the undercard such as Andy Ruiz, Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz, and David M…

1
US Out of Korea, with Jamie Tyberg of Nodutdol 39:16

18d ago39:16

39:16

In this episode, Niki interviews Jamie Tyberg, organizer with Nodutdol to discuss why the Korean War is so unknown amongst Americans, why there are "two" Koreas, the US' continued and increasing aggression against the Korean peninsula and what that means for the region and the rest of the world, why a ceasefire is not enough, and the fight for reun…

1
Boxing Esq. Podcast #64 - Matt Christie 2:14:23

25d ago2:14:23

2:14:23

This week's guest is one of my favorite boxing writers, Mr. Matt Christie. Matt was until recently the editor of the longest-running boxing publication in the business - Boxing News. He’s now a contributing writer to boxingscene.com and does an excellent podcast with Alex Steedman called The Opening Bell. Matt and I discussed his back story, and in…

1
Boxing Esq Podcast #63 - Cliff Rold 1:34:55

1M ago1:34:55

1:34:55

My guest on this podcast is Cliff Rold, one of the founders of the independent media-run boxing ratings organization the Transnational Boxing Ratings Board. He was formerly, the managing editor of one of the leading boxing sites - BoxingScene.com, and now has his own publication called The Corner Stool on Substack.Cliff and I discussed this weekend…

1
Boxing Esq. Podcast #62 - Jason Cruz 1:30:30

2M ago1:30:30

1:30:30

My guest this week is Jason Cruz, from mmapayout.com and the Legal Submission podcast. Jason writes about MMA and Boxing and is yet another member of one of my favorite MMA podcasts - Show Money. We spoke about the New York State Athletic Commission's Consent Order suspending and fining Ryan Garcia for his positive anti-doping test after his April …

1
Boxing Esq. Podcast #61 - John Nash 1:42:16

2M ago1:42:16

1:42:16

I'm back and very excited to get the pod rolling again. My guest is John Nash, from the Hey Not The Face podcast. John writes primarily about MMA and Boxing and does another excellent podcast called Show Money which covers the business side of MMA. We spoke about the Saudi plan for a boxing league detailed in the New York Times article from June 12…

1
Why Is The US Calling China Imperialist Towards Africa? with Mikaela Nhondo Erskog 50:19

3M ago50:19

50:19

In this episode, Niki interviews Mika Erskog, South African researcher with Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research and host of the podcast The Crane: An Africa-China Podcast Dongsheng Collective. They discuss the relationship between China and the African continent, while dispelling the accusations that China is "imperialist," and what young…

1
Why Is The US Smearing Mexico's President, with Kurt Hackbarth 54:48

4M ago54:48

54:48

In this episode, Niki interviews journalist Kurt Hackbarth, the two discuss Mexico's upcoming historic election, why the US insists on smearing the Mexican president with media lies, and how the future of Mexico has major impacts across the Latin America and the globe. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

1
Why Mass Protests Don't Equate to Revolution, with Vincent Bevins 57:25

4M ago57:25

57:25

In this episode, Niki interviews acclaimed journalist and author, Vincent Bevins. In this conversation, the two discuss the trend of mass protests across the globe often resulting in the opposite of what people were demanding in the streets in the first place. They weave the history of anti-communism, US-backed right-wing coups, the weaking and dem…

1
The Legacy of Cuban Medical and Healthcare Solidarity, with Dr. Samira Addrey 1:11:24

5M ago1:11:24

1:11:24

In this episode, Niki interviews Ghanian-American doctor, Dr. Samira Addrey, Graduate of the Latin American School of Medicine in Cuba. In this conversation, the two discuss the legacy of not only the Latin American School of Medicine, but how Cuba has managed to develop some of the world's best doctors, biotech innovations, and their commitment to…

1
Organized Labor, Unions, Strikes and Palestine, with Zaina Alsous 51:01

6M ago51:01

51:01

In this episode, Niki interviews Palestinian labor organizer and author, Zaina Alsous, where the two discuss the history of Palestinian and Arab worker-led revolts, the significance of the largest US labor unions calling for an immediate ceasefire, and the limitations of our current ability to hold general strikes in the US and what is required to …

1
On Palestinian Resistance and Why the US Can't Win Wars, with Vijay Prashad 48:59

7M ago48:59

48:59

In this interview, Niki interviews historian and journalist Vijay Prashad, where the two discuss the history of Palestinian resistance throughout Zionist occupation, why the US may have the power to destroy countries but cannot win wars, and where the seeds of hope lie in this revolutionary moment. Vijay Prashad is the Executive Director of Tricont…

1
Neither Democrats nor Republicans Save Us, So Now What? With PSL Presidential Candidate, Claudia De la Cruz 46:38

10M ago46:38

46:38

"The lesser of two evils politic has not served working class people." In this interview, Niki interviews presidential candidate for PSL (Party for Socialism and Liberation), Claudia De la Cruz. The two discuss the unfolding crises in the US - unemployment, inflation, housing/rent crisis, climate collapse, the threat of war, among other issues and …

1
One Year Ago, I Went on Hiatus! 1:07:51

1y ago1:07:51

1:07:51

In this episode, Niki is interviewed by their best friend and comrade, Sabrina Beydoun. Niki reflects intimately on what themes have been anchoring her this past year of sabbatical and hiatus - the challenges of what it means to leave home and build anew, being in a place of transition and uncertainty, and unprecedented personal challenges, while r…

1
Who Is Wellness For? With Fariha Róisín 1:00:06

2y ago1:00:06

1:00:06

In this episode, Niki interviews Fariha Róisín, author of Who Is Wellness For? In the conversation, the two discuss the role of dignity in affirming one’s healing in the face of trauma, colonialism, capitalism, and other systems of oppression. They also unpack the relationship between spiritual warfare, commodification of wellness, and the corporat…

1
Pandemic Ain't Over, with Elea Chang 49:29

2y ago49:29

49:29

In this episode, Niki interviews Elea Chang, disability justice advocate, community organizer, and artist. The two discuss the capitalist notion of the "pandemic being over," and the ways in which disability justice offers a pathway of care, solidarity, and safety in these uncertain times. In this, they also discuss the limitations of representatio…

1
Connection in a Digital World, with Annika Hansteen-Izora 48:35

2+ y ago48:35

48:35

*This episode was originally published in May 2021* In this episode, Niki interviews Annika Hansteen-Izora, an art director, poet, and designer. The two reckon with the interests (profit, militarism, white supremacy, ableism - to name a few) that dictate social media platforms, algorithms, and the digital world at large, in a time where we are all …

1
Indigenous Resistance As An Antidote to Climate Crisis, with Nick Estes 1:01:32

2+ y ago1:01:32

1:01:32

In this episode, Niki interviews Nick Estes, Indigenous scholar, writer, and co-founder of The Red Nation. The two reflect on 2021's Jan 6th insurrection and some notable political differences between the political economy of the US vs socialist economies in the Global South. They also offer some critiques on the new Netflix sensation, Don't Look U…

1
Hands Off Cuba, with Manolo De Los Santos 44:11

3y ago44:11

44:11

In this episode, Niki interviews Manolo De Los Santos, a Caribbean popular educator and the two discuss the November 15th protests in Cuba, what narratives we should be mindful of in hopes of supporting the lives of Cuban people on the island, and the dangers of advocating for US intervention. Manolo is the co-executive director of The People's For…

1
Haiti, Cuba, and Lessons of Caribbean Resistance, with Claudia De La Cruz 52:14

3y ago52:14

52:14

In this episode, Niki interviews Claudia De La Cruz, Co-Executive Director of The People's Forum. The two discuss the recent events in Haiti, Cuba, and other political crises in the region and what this means for oppressed people globally. They also discuss the continuous historical patterns of what happens in moments like this, and the ways in whi…

1
Politicizing Journalism, with Clarissa Brooks 58:18

3y ago58:18

58:18

In this episode, Niki interviews Clarissa Brooks, an abolitionist movement journalist and organizer. The two discuss the dangers of status quo "objectivity" in journalism and media, and look alternatively, to grassroots examples of Black investigative journalists who hold political commitments and relationships with the communities they write about…

1
2nd Year Anniversary Special, with Mimi Zhu 58:05

3y ago58:05

58:05

In this celebratory episode, Niki rings in the second anniversary of the podcast by getting into conversation with fellow gemini Mimi Zhu, writer and author of the forthcoming Book, Be Not Afraid of Love. The two discuss the realities that become more possible through storytelling for communities of color, the co-opting necessitated by corporate ca…

1
Work Won't Love You Back, with Sarah Jaffe 54:48

3+ y ago54:48

54:48

In this episode, Niki interviews Sarah Jaffe, labor journalist and author. The two discuss Sarah's new book, Work Won't Love You Back: How Devotion to Our Jobs Keeps Us Exploited, Exhausted and Alone, which offers historical context on the gendered, racialized, and capitalist history impacting workers, families, and what kind of labor society deems…

1
The Role of An Artist and Cultural Worker, with Fresco Steez 50:52

3+ y ago50:52

50:52

In this episode, Niki interviews Fresco Steez, a cultural engineer and organizer who has designed countless slogans, visuals, and communications that center the notion of being Unapologetically Black. In this conversation, the two discuss the role of artists and cultural workers in revolutionary struggles, the potential and necessity behind popular…

1
Abolition and A New Administration, with Derecka Purnell 55:44

3+ y ago55:44

55:44

In this episode, Niki interviews Derecka Purnell, an abolitionist writer, organizer, lawyer. Derecka works to end police and prison violence by providing legal assistance, research, and trainings to community based organizations through an abolitionist framework. In this conversation, the two discuss the limits of identity politics, why anti-capita…

1
Embodying Our Abolitionist Dreams, with adrienne maree brown 56:47

3+ y ago56:47

56:47

In this episode, Niki interviews adrienne maree brown, the author of Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good and Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds. In this conversation, the two discuss what it means to embody abolitionist values, strategies for discerning differences in movement work, boundaries on and offline, moving towa…

1
How To Do Nothing, with Jenny Odell 1:09:39

3+ y ago1:09:39

1:09:39

In this episode, Niki interviews Jenny Odell, author of NYT bestselling book, How To Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy. The two discuss divesting from the act of personal branding on social media, bioregionalism and re-connecting to the living ecosystems that surround us, the danger behind privatization of public and outdoor spaces, and t…

1
Let's Talk Cuba, with Liz of Belly of The Beast 51:07

4y ago51:07

51:07

In this bilingual interview, Niki interviews Liz of Belly of the Beast. The two discuss the US blockade on Cuba and its profound and lasting effect, what the US elections mean for Cubans in Cuba, and they invite nuance into the conversation regarding Cuban politics. They also unpack the emotional and relational challenges that imperialist policies …

1
Boxing Esq. Podcast #60 - Scott Shaffer 1:22:25

4y ago1:22:25

1:22:25

My guest on this podcast is boxing writer and attorney Scott Shaffer. We analyzed last weekend’s busy schedule of fights including Usyk-Chisora, Inoue-Moloney and Davis-Santa Cruz. We also discussed recent comments by Deontay Wilder breaking his silence after Fury-Wilder III fell through, the proposed "Junior Heavyweight" division the WBC is implem…

1
Context > Content, with Phil Agnew 49:38

4y ago49:38

49:38

In this episode, Niki talks to Phil Agnew, former Senior Advisor for Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign and co-founder of Dream Defenders. As 'content' takes precedence over 'context' for the sake of social media likes and mass re-tweets, the two discuss the nuances of building political power, the necessity to prioritize slow and steady work ov…

1
Boxing Esq. Podcast #59 - Chris Byrd 1:57:09

4y ago1:57:09

1:57:09

My guest on this episode is former two-time Heavyweight Champion of the World - Chris Byrd.We talk about Chris’s miraculous recovery from years of debilitating pain from nerve damage in his foot, hip replacement surgery, and numerous shoulder problems. We discussed Chris's new diet and alternative therapies that aided his recovery.We also spoke abo…

1
Boxing Esq. Podcast #58 - Mike Silver 1:18:14

4y ago1:18:14

1:18:14

My guest on this episode is author and boxing historian Mike Silver. We talk about Mike’s new book, "The Night The Referee Hit Back - Memorable Moments from the World of Boxing". It’s a compilation of articles and interviews that Mike’s done over the years that is really captivating and provocative.We discuss Mike’s background and how he had the ch…

1
Like a Bird, with Fariha Róisín 43:54

4y ago43:54

43:54

In this episode, Niki interviews Fariha Róisín, a Bangladeshi multidisciplinary artist, writer, podcaster, and poet. In light of Fariha's debut novel launch, Like a Bird, the two discuss the commodification of trauma, queerness and Islam, and the ongoing work of healing familial and ancestral wounds. Fariha's work has been featured in Vogue, PAPER,…

1
Boxing Esq. Podcast #57 - Jessica McCaskill and Rick Ramos 1:11:39

4y ago1:11:39

1:11:39

My guests on this episode are the undisputed Women’s World Welterweight Champion and unified WBC/WBA Junior Welterweight Champion Jessica McCaskill and her manager and trainer Rick Ramos.We talked about their backgrounds growing up in Illinois and how both of them came to the sport of boxing. I spoke to Jessica about her time at Pagedale Boxing in …

1
Boxing Esq. Podcast #56 - Dr. Margaret Goodman and Scott Shaffer 1:32:52

4y ago1:32:52

1:32:52

My first guest on this is episode one of the heroes of our sport - Dr. Margaret Goodman. We talked about her views on COVID protocols and which states are doing it right. We discussed how VADA’s testing protocols have been affected by COVID and how they have used the downtime in the sport to make informational videos available on the VADA website. …

1
We Can't Win Unless We're Organized, with James Lopez 44:58

4y ago44:58

44:58

In this episode, Niki interviews James Lopez, Executive Director at Power U Center for Social Change. Grounded in an organizing tradition and a leftist framework, the two discuss what it means for "defund the police" to go mainstream, the benefits and limitations of social media politickin, and what is needed to win meaningful material social chang…

1
Boxing Esq. Podcast #55 - Tim Smith 1:36:46

4y ago1:36:46

1:36:46

My guest on this episode the VP of Communications at Haymon Sports - Mr. Tim Smith.We spoke about the PBC’s game plan in not rushing to be first to come back to the airways Post-COVID. And how their schedule of fights came together over the months that they were off-air.We got into the difficulties of putting on shows with the various medical and l…

1
Boxing Esq. Podcast #54 - Joe DeGuardia 1:14:01

4y ago1:14:01

1:14:01

My guest on this episode is promoter and New York State Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Joe DeGuardia.We spoke about Joe’s upbringing in the Bronx where his father and uncle were professional fighters. We talked about Joe’s amateur boxing career which culminated in him winning the 1988 New York Golden Gloves. We got into how he started in the pro game…

1
Unpacking Black Capitalism, with Francisco Perez 1:00:20

4y ago1:00:20

1:00:20

In this episode, Niki interviews Francisco Perez aka Platanomics, a Black solidarity economy activist, educator, and researcher currently pursuing a PhD in economics. In this interview, the two unpack Black capitalism, how buying Black unfortunately won't free us, and how this crisis offers us some openings for transformation. The conversation atte…

1
Being a Lowkey Superstar, with Kari Faux 52:31

4y ago52:31

52:31

In this episode, Niki interviews Kari Faux, a multidisciplinary artist, rapper, and producer. The two get vulnerable and real about the impact of social media, the conflation of visibility with fame and financial security, and the power that having supportive friends and family has on our mental health. Through this candid conversation, Kari talks …

1
Boxing Esq. Podcast #53 - Doug Fischer 1:45:50

4y ago1:45:50

1:45:50

My guest on this episode is the Editor-in-Chief of Ring Magazine - Mr. Doug Fischer.We spoke about how The Ring Magazine and ringtv.com are faring during this pandemic. We also undertook the difficult task of making mid-year assessments of the traditional year-end categories such as Fight of the Year, Round of the Year, KO of the Year, Upset of the…

1
Boxing Esq. Podcast #52 - Lou DiBella 53:00

4y ago53:00

53:00

My guest on this episode is a 2020 IBHOF inductee, top promoter, film producer, and minor league franchise owner - Mr. Lou DiBella.Lou shared his feelings on not being able to enjoy his induction into the IBHOF this year due to the COVID shutdown. We spoke about how major league baseball is making a mistake in retracting a big part of its minor lea…

1
Boxing Esq. Podcast #51 - Kieran Cunningham and Ewan MacKenna 1:04:29

4y ago1:04:29

1:04:29

My guests on this episode are two distinguished Irish sports writers - Kieran Cunningham, Chief Sports Writer at the Irish Daily Star in Dublin and Ewan MacKenna, Host of The Black Eye Podcast and Columnist for the Irish Independent News. We discussed the recent comments by Promoter Bob Arum about using alleged drug cartel boss Daniel Kinahan as hi…

1
Cannabis Politickin, with Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey 54:56

4+ y ago54:56

54:56

In this quarantine episode, Niki interviews Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey, a multidisciplinary cannabis entrepreneur, artist, and writer. Gushing in their shared gemini curiosity, Niki and Mennlay discuss the politics of weed, the hype moment of CBD, ancestral wisdom present in food, and how the African Diaspora is expansive and in every corner of the wor…

1
Boxing Esq. Podcast #50 - Roberto Diaz 1:38:13

4+ y ago1:38:13

1:38:13

My guest on this episode is one of the top matchmakers in the game, Golden Boy’s Roberto Diaz. We discussed how Roberto got into the sport through a chance meeting with one of his favorite fighters - Marco Antonio Barrera and how Eric Gomez drafted him to be a matchmaker for Golden Boy out of necessity.We got into how Roberto learned matchmaking on…

1
Mother's Day Special: Challenging Oppressive Ideas of Motherhood, with Cynthia Cervantes Gumbs 56:18

4+ y ago56:18

56:18

In this quarantine episode, Niki interviews Cynthia Cervantes Gumbs, creative director and co-founder of Maroon World. As COVID-19 begins to shift perspectives around the indispensable value of childcare labor and reproductive work, Niki brings in Cynthia for a fresh perspective on what it means to be an artist, a mother, and an emerging voice in t…

1
Talkin' Music Industry and Music as a Tool of Solidarity, with Doris Muñoz 1:07:16

4+ y ago1:07:16

1:07:16

In this quarantine episode, Niki interviews Doris Muñoz, founder of Mija Mgmt, representing some of the top emerging Latinx artists. At 23, she took indie artist Cuco from backyard shows to Coachella in just one year. Understanding that representation is not enough for improving the material conditions for immigrants, she started Solidarity for San…

1
Boxing Esq. Podcast #49 - Mike Borao 1:21:42

4+ y ago1:21:42

1:21:42

My guest on this episode is one of the foremost attorneys and managers in the game - Mike Borao. We spoke about two heavyweights Mike is involved with who scored big wins in the last few months Charles Martin and Robert Helenius. We also talked about future plans for other fighters who Mike represents including middleweight Matt Korobov and heavywe…

1
Getting Real About the Art World and Social Media, with Decolonize This Place 53:54

4+ y ago53:54

53:54

In this quarantine episode, Niki interviews Marz and Amin of Decolonize This Place, a collective of organizers, artists, and cultural workers in NYC who have led actions of solidarity with Palestine, Black Liberation, and decolonizing the land NYC landlords profit off of. Some of their most notable actions have been against museums across NYC in ho…

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