Surface Level

Latest Episodes:

Black Joy vs Black Resistance Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

Damon, Jordan and Tony are curious – Is prioritizing Black joy really an act of defiance?

“Joy as Resistance” is a nice catchphrase that’s been taking the Black internet by storm. The phrase has mass appeal and some say political strategy to it too, but in the face of extreme threats to personal liberties and even freedom of speech, is it the strategy really appropriate for this moment?

Brooklyn’s powerhouse viral city councilman Chi Osse joins us to dig into these questions. He talks about his strategy for this moment as an elected official, while the hosts question their level of involvement as citizens. The conversation even delves into questions of personal liberty vs collective liberation when thinking of the growing movement of Black people going from escapism to actually leaving the US altogether.

You can join the conversation on socials and let us know your thoughts.

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Sex, Secrecy, and Survival Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

Damon, Jordan and Tony are curious – Does hiding sex make us safer or is it more dangerous?

Many people hide sexual encounters in order to control and manage public opinion, or just because they’re a private lady. But does that secrecy open us up to more trauma?

In this especially dynamic episode, the hosts dive into this topic with a pastor and LGBTQ ally, Kristian A Smith. They get into the up and down sides of being private about sex and Kristian opens up about his thoughts on why the church should heal its relationship to sex and sexuality.

We getting vulnerable y’all! You can join the conversation on socials and let us know your thoughts.

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Too Black, Too Queer, Too Much Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

Damon, Jordan and Tony are curious – Can you be too loud and proud?

We’ve all either had those moments or seen those moments where we or someone in our orbit is wearing their queerness out loud but very hyped up. They’re usually causing a scene of some sort, whether in person or online. And for some that’s always an expression of freedom whereas other queers feel it works against the community.

On today’s episode, Broadway and reality TV star Robert Hartwell joins us to unpack the dilemma of if it’s possible to be too loud and proud. Respectability buzzwords aside, the question forces hosts and our guest to outline what freedom looks like to them, what they consider obnoxious or harmful representation and why. Buckle up for this one!

You can join the conversation on socials and let us know your thoughts.

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Say Less | Why does everyone online have a "Blaccent"? Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

Damon, Jordan and Tony are curious – Who’s to blame for the mainstreaming of Black language? We’ve all seen the ways that Black slang and especially Black queer lingo becomes everyone’s slang on the internet. Non-Black people have been monetizing off of our twang and sass, and now Republicans are even coopting and weaponizing words like Woke against our communities. All of this can feel like some inevitable uncontrollable charade at times. But there are still people behind these choices. In this unmissable season opener we’re digging into who needs to be stopped in this exploitative system and how. You can join the conversation on socials and let us know your thoughts.

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I'm Back On The Apps Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – what's your experience been on the apps?

We are excited to welcome our friences Greg, Tylan & Hector to our Surface Level family. They help us explore different end uses for apps like Jack'd because we are way more than hookups. Whether is research for the social scene of a new city or just casual conversation the apps have become a meeting ground for our community.

We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

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Hiding In Plain Sight Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – where’s the line between secrecy and privacy?

This National Black HIV/AIDS Day, we had the privilege of hosting Harlem Stage Presents: Surface Level Live, powered by Gilead Sciences. We are grateful for those who were able to join us in person, and we’re beyond excited to share the experience digitally with our Surface Level Insiders who couldn’t be there.

During Part 2 of this special series, we are excited to welcome producer, writer, and director Patrik-Ian Polk to our Surface Level family. We continue the conversation with a unique perspective on sexual health from a member of our community who lived through the AIDS crisis. We also discuss how his beloved work, such as Noah’s Arc, has addressed issues related to sexual health, the evolution of expectations surrounding the disclosure of HIV status over time, and the fine line between secrecy and privacy. It was an honor to have this conversation with someone we admire, and we are excited to share this raw and honest discussion with our audience.

We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

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The Age of Pleasure Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – is Queer pleasure a privilege?

During Part 1 of this special series, we explored our connection to pleasure in the age of PrEP. We discussed how modern medicine has created an environment where queer men no longer need to fear sex. We also examined the new stigmas that have emerged from these protection measures, and we shared our thoughts on how we should speak to each other about sexual health. Additionally, we addressed the generational divide in attitudes toward safer sex practices as a preview of what's to come in Part 2 of this discussion.

We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

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Beyond The Surface Level 10 Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – are you ready to go beyond the surface level?

We end our growth journey and 10th season with a tradition we hold dear—responding to questions and comments from you, our Surface Level Insiders. We laugh, share personal insights, and push back against the inquiries and opinions shared throughout the season. We can't wait to share more parts of this journey with you. Until next time… stay curious.

We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

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Gurl, Bring Back Gatekeeping Feb 14, 2025

Show notes

Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – has access to the internet reduced the quality of art?

In Season 1, we explored the desire for people to use the internet to stunt and fabricate their lives. In this episode, we take that conversation further by examining the positive and negative effects the internet has had on art. We're thrilled to welcome Durand Bernarr, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and artist, to our Surface Level Family. Together, we explore the impact the internet has had on perceived talent, whether the internet could benefit from a quality control department, and parts of Black Queer culture we wish had stayed private. With so many varying views on this topic, we’re excited for you to join in as we dive into the final topic of the season.

We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

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Gurl, Release Your Wiggle Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – can freedom and the need for validation coexist?

In Season 1, we explored authenticity and living in our truths was interrogated over and over again, and today we’re going to have a conversation about how perception and validation shape us—and the freedom we find when we finally let go and “release ya wiggle.” We’re thrilled to welcome Jonté Moaning true trailblazer in dance, fashion, and queer artistry.to the Surface Level family. We explore the need to perform versions of ourselves on social media, how validation plays a role in our ability to thrive, and explore the moments when we feel most free.

We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

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