Free Black Thought Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 106 - The Klan Whisperer (Daryl Davis) Apr 30, 2025

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In this conversation, Daryl Davis talks about growing up around the world, facing racism as a kid, and what led him to sit down with members of the KKK. It’s a wild, powerful story about curiosity, fear, and how real conversations can change minds.

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Ep. 105 - Civil Rights Succeeded (Daniel Aldridge) Apr 23, 2025

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In this colorful conversation, Daniel Aldridge shares his journey from a civil rights-focused upbringing to life as a public defender and professor. He talks about the importance of self-education in black history, personal responsibility, and pushing past a victim mindset. Dan challenges romanticized views of crime, critiques how history is taught, and urges individuals to take charge of their own growth—regardless of background.

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Ep. 104 - You Should be Reading Charles Chesnutt (Tess Chakkalakal) Apr 16, 2025

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Tess Chakkalakal chats with Connie Morgan about her deep dive into the life and work of Charles W. Chesnutt. They explore race, identity, and the challenges black writers face, especially when expectations clash with lived experience. The conversation highlights Chesnutt’s impact, his key relationships, and why his work still matters today.

Show notes:

Tess’s A Matter of Complexion: The Life and Fictions of Charles W. Chesnutt

Ep. 103 - Do NOT Get Divorced (Anthony Bradley) Apr 09, 2025

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Anthony Bradley is an expert on family structure and its impact on academic success. He and host Connie Morgan discuss the importance of marriage, fatherhood, and strong family dynamics.

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Ep. 102 - Together Without Race (Sheena Mason) Apr 02, 2025

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Dr. Sheena Mason opens up about her tough childhood and how it shaped her passion for racial justice and education. She talks about the role literature played in her life, and her journey into academia, where she developed her views on race and anti-racism. Sheena shares her vision of the Togetherness Wayfinder, a framework to challenge racial constructs and promote unity.

Show notes

Sheena’s bookThe Raceless Antiracist: Why Ending Race Is the Future of Antiracism
Sheena’s book Theory of Racelessness: A Case for Antirace(ism)
Sheena’s “I Am American” for the Journal of Free Black Thought
Sheena’s “Theory of Racelessness: A Case for Antirace(ism)” for the Journal of Free Black Thought
Sheena on X
Togetherness Wayfinder
Sheena on YouTube

Ep. 101 - Free Thoughts with Bowen & Twyman, Ep. 18 Apr 01, 2025

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Mike and Wink dive into topics like U.S. military actions in Yemen, the impact of asymmetrical warfare, and media influence. They talk about the pros and cons of economic sanctions versus military intervention, plus the role of independent thinkers in today’s media. The conversation also touches on AI's limitations, its impact on society, and its potential for the future. They explore how tech, race, and identity intersect, and discuss the importance of staying connected to authentic human experiences in a tech-driven world.

Ep. 100 - Reforming Black Thought (Chocolate Knox) Mar 26, 2025

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In this fun conversation, the Chocolate Knox shares his journey from a charismatic upbringing to embracing Reformed theology. Chocolate Knox also dives into his experiences in ministry, his move to Idaho, and his approach to parenting, highlighting the importance of nurturing each child’s unique talents. An episode for those who like discussing faith and family

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Ep. 99 - Not Black but Café au lait (Greg Thomas) Mar 19, 2025

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Music entrepreneur and race abolitionist Greg Thomas shares his passion for jazz and writing, discussing the role of education, music, and his views on race and culture. He emphasizes moving beyond racial identities to focus on cultural contributions and understanding regional differences within black American culture. In this conversation with host Connie Morgan, they explore cultural identity, family heritage, and the Jazz Leadership Project, which uses jazz principles to foster leadership and teamwork.

Show notes:

The Jazz Leadership Project
The Omni-American Future Project
Greg’s “Why Did Trump Prevail Again?” for the Journal of Free Black Thought
The Arc of a Bad Idea: Understanding and Transcending Race by Carlos Hoyt
Sheena Mason’s Togetherness Wayfinder

Ep. 98 - Affirming Gender Reality (Gabrielle Clark) Mar 12, 2025

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Gabrielle Clark shares her journey from a diverse upbringing in Houston to becoming a single mother and homeschooling advocate. She discusses the challenges of raising five children after losing her husband, her concerns about indoctrination in the public education system, and her work as a parent coach. Gabrielle emphasizes the importance of parental involvement and the need for education reform, particularly in relation to Critical Race Theory and social-emotional learning.

Show Notes:

Affirming Reality (Gabrielle’s website)
Gabrielle on X

Ep. 97 - Leave the Kids Alone (Kofi Montzka) Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

Activist Kofi Montzka gives host Connie Morgan advice on finding like-minded individuals and building supportive communities. Kofi shares her thoughts on how the ethnic studies curriculum may promote a narrative of hopelessness for Black children and opens up about the backlash she’s faced for speaking out against these ideas. She also talks about the importance of curiosity over certainty, the need for kindness in disagreements, and the value of engaging with diverse perspectives.

Show notes:

Kofi speaks out against critical race theory
Kofi addresses the Minnesota State Legislature
Kofi’s "Teaching Hopelessness to Kids of Color" in the Journal of Free Black Thought
Brandy Shufutinsky’s “I Am Not Your Negro” in the Journal of Free Black Thought
“Professional Rapper” by Lil Dicky

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