Surface Level

Latest Episodes:

Healing In My Hoe Phase Jun 19, 2024

Show notes

Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – how can casual sex be used as a tool for exploration and empowerment?

During this dynamic episode, we welcome storyteller and activist Tarek Ali to our Surface Level Family. Tarek contributes to a conversation centered on the complex relationship that queer men have with casual sex. Casual sex is often viewed simply as a coping mechanism, but we'd like to interrogate that idea a bit further. Like everything in life, these are experiences from which there is a lesson to be learned. From developing agency over our bodies to deepening our relationship with pleasure, these experiences can be amazing teachers. So whether you are at home, at a bathhouse, or vacationing, give yourself grace in casually exploring your desires.

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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Hookup Horror Stories Jun 12, 2024

Show notes

Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – what impact does hookup culture have on Queer male intimacy?

For our ninth season titled “Throb,” we are embarking on a journey to explore all aspects of sex and sexuality. We kick off this journey with a topic familiar to queer men: hookup culture. Where have we found the most joy in hooking up, and what memories do we hope to bury? How does instant physical gratification affect our ability to connect emotionally with romantic interests? We also delve into the safety implications of anonymous encounters. Personal stories make this episode a thrilling ride, and it's just the beginning of a season that is sure to get everyone talking.

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 8 Feb 14, 2024

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

We made it through another cycle of the Surface Level journey. Through this season of reflection, we hope that we were able to introduce you some new figures or expand your knowledge of familiar faces. We believe truly that there is much to learn from our Queer ancestors and elders and are proud that we did our part in preserving their legacies. Now once again it’s your turn to ask the question so strap in as we wrap up the eighth installment of our curious voyage.

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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Fellow Travelers Feb 07, 2024

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Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – with time can Queer love exist without shame?

In this episode, we are excited to welcome actor Noah J. Ricketts to our Surface Level family. Exploring the themes of his incredible character Frankie from the miniseries Fellow Travelers we delve into the expanse of how Queer people express love. We close our season of reflection exploring how the themes of shame and personal triumph play equal roles in our journey to love ourselves and other Queer folx. This season has given us much to look back on to grow our own perspectives on life we hope this final installment encourages everyone reflect on who they are today and constantly strive to be a better version of that person tomorrow.

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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C.R.E.A.M. Jan 31, 2024

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Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – does cash rule everything around you?

This week we talk about the ever-looming presence of capitalism. What experiences have shaped our relationship with money, have we ever felt looked down upon because of material things we lacked, how have we navigated mainly White professional spaces as Black Queer professionals. An often-quoted scripture says that the love of money is the root of all evil. We explore how we find the balance of meeting our economic needs but not being consumed by the constant capitalistic need for more.

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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Queens Of Comedy Jan 24, 2024

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Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – where is the line between funny and offensive?

In this episode, we are joined by comedian, actor * writer Jay Jurdan. The artform of comedy has been in the spotlight in recent years as we all try and define the line between jokes and insensitivity. We explore the artform and the need for specificity in discussing its subjects. Is the concept of punching down a hard rule or should there be nuance instead of hard rules? Depending on who you ask those answers can vary greatly, and we explore our individual points of view on the topic. We close with a very Black moment of laughing at our pain and sharing ridiculous life expereinces that we think would make a hilarious sketch comedy.

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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Beautiful Gowns Pt. 2 Jan 17, 2024

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Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – is fear of femininity the thief of joy?

This week we revisit our relationship with the expression of femininity in what we wear. Are we uncomfortable with expressing ourselves outside of the confines of the gender binary? Is that fear greater for men within our community than for women? We challenge what we’ve been taught but also interrogate who has the right to own this aesthetic in the future, if anyone at all. The beauty in finding new ways to outwardly express who we are is a joy we revel in. So in the future let’s be more masc, fem and everything in between.

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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Fake Smart, Real Dumb Jan 10, 2024

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Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – what place does AI have in the creation of art?

This week we bring a fresh topic to our listeners debating the benefits and concerns around artificial intelligence. We focus in on generative AI and its effect on the world of art. Should we look for ways to make the creation of art more efficient and democratize its various forms for more people? Should we view art forms and creation as sacred where the journey is as valuable as the outcome? The world is changing and we are curious about how to best navigate what at this point is the inevitable.

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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Don't Be A Drag, Just Be A Queen Jan 03, 2024

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Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – why are conservatives so scared of drag queens?

In this episode, we are joined by drag phenom Olivia Lux. With her first-hand account from her time on Drag Race, we use the life and lessons of RuPaul in this week’s reflection. We explore our first impressions of the art form filled with surprise and delight. Olivia gives us insight into the people and experiences that crafted her personal journey. We dive deep into the current assault on drag from conservative politicians and what we believe is the motivation behind it. We end by highlighting the joy drag can bring, both through sharing stories of the people behind the persona and by highlighting the craft of its artists.

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

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Never Again, For Anyone Dec 27, 2023

Show notes

Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – if your humanity is conditional is it humanity at all?

Surface Level began as a show reflecting the lives, experiences, and conversation of its three host. To have a season live during the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict and not share our experience processing, learning, and developing our views towards the situation felt inauthentic. We do not believe we are experts on Middle Eastern relations but human beings witnessing a humanitarian disaster unfold in real time. What do the views of Black Queer folx have to do with this topic? What is the key driver behind the more vocal support of Palestine particularly from communities of color? What resources have helped us make sense of this and develop thoughtful views on the topic? These are a few of the questions we explore during this episode. We ask that this show serve as a spark to think, reflect, to research, to learn, and to see all people as human.

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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