History

About That Life

To fully understand what we’re living through right now, we need to dig deeper into our history. Hosted by award-winning journalist Garrison Hayes, About That Life uncovers unsung and overlooked figures from Black history who challenged the status quo — from Gloria Richardson to George Washington Williams. Each episode traces the defiant, strategic and deeply human choices they made and sits down with people whose life and work connects to their legacy. The fight for justice has always had a playbook. And these stories provide the blueprint for a better future.

Latest Episodes:

Dick Gregory and The Art of Subversive Comedy (with Josh Johnson) Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

How did comedy get so… political? Well, we have Dick Gregory to partially thank for that. Garrison and comedian/The Daily Show host Josh Johnson talk about Gregory’s subversive brand of political comedy, his activism and how he put his values above the fear of being cancelled.

Who’s a defiant person you think we should feature on the show? Or do you have a story about someone who inspired you to be “about that life"? Leave us a voicemail at 814-326-2866.

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Show Notes

Guest: Josh Johnson

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Read:

N****r

Dick Gregory’s Political Primer

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The One & Only Dick Gregory

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How to Expose a Genocide: The George Washington Williams Story Sep 04, 2026

Show notes

Do you ever feel powerless in the face of an atrocity? Well, that never stopped George Washington Williams, a Black man who went from being a “barely literate” veteran to a crusader who exposed a genocide in the Congo and nearly toppled a king. Garrison and activist Mohammed Elnaiem discuss how we can learn from someone who let his faith and love for Black people around the world guide his actions.

Who’s a defiant person you think we should feature on the show? Or do you have a story about someone who inspired you to be “about that life"? Leave us a voicemail at 814-326-2866.

Support the show by subscribing on Substack

Show Notes

Guest: Mohammed Elnaiem

Want to learn more?

Read:

George Washington Williams: A Biography

History of the Negro Race: 1619-1880

King Leopold’s Ghost

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King Leopold’s Ghost