Surface Level

Latest Episodes:

The Risk It Takes To Bloom Dec 20, 2023

Show notes

Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – what are the risks it takes to bloom into who we really are?

In this episode, we're honored to be joined by trans activist and the author of "The Risk It Takes To Bloom: On Life and Liberation," Raquel Willis. To kick things off, we engage in an icebreaker game that pays homage to Sylvia Rivera, a trailblazing trans activist from the 60s and 70s. Each of us then reflects on the pivotal moments when we embraced our sexuality or gender identity. Diving deep into the themes of Raquel's book, we explore the intricacies of the trans experience and culture. The episode concludes with a thought-provoking discussion on the future of the Queer revolution, emphasizing the crucial need to amplify the voices and experiences of Black Trans individuals.

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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Coming Out Is A Scam Dec 13, 2023

Show notes

00:00-Introduction

00:54-Recap since season 7

10:00-Unveiling the season 8 theme: "A Reflection"

10:46-Engaging in a game inspired by Little Richard

18:04-Exploring the toughest aspects of our journey to self-acceptance

29:37-Thoughts on creators who reject or conceal their queerness

35:51-Delving into what aspects of our lives we choose to keep private

41:25-Examining the question of oversharing in our stories

46:13-Celebrating and recognizing a queer individual we admire

Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – where do we draw the line between living out loud and our right to privacy? We start our season of reflection focused on the life of Little Richard. We explore the complex relationship that many of us have with living our Queer truth in public. We explore how social media has added to that complexity and the line we draw between sharing and privacy on Surface Level. Like icon Little Richard: friends, family, religion, and public opinion may limit our ability to live out loud. In reflection, we hope to rid ourselves of that pressure and live most honestly in the future. 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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Make Me Water Pt. 2 Nov 01, 2023

Show notes

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how have our views around relationships become more fluid? This week we offer a second look at fluidity; this time through the lens of relationship types. We welcome Jahad J.C. Carter, host of the Hopeless Romantic Society, back to the Surface Level table. A topic that is enriched through the technicolor lens of Queer experience; we are sure you all will have a lot to say. Are our views around relationships similar to how we grew up? Have they been varied based on the partner? or are we still just figuring it out? All levels of experience are valid as we share views that hopefully make you think differently, even if you disagree. Get ready for the ride as we close this special bonus series. 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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Make Me Water Pt. 1 Oct 31, 2023

Show notes

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how have our views around our sex lives become more fluid? Surprise we’re back for a special two-part bonus series! We’re adding the fluidity of water to our season, first tackling the topic of sexuality. We welcome Jahad J.C. Carter to our Surface Level Family. Host of the viral digital series, Hopeless Romantic Society, Jahad brings his special brand of humor and humanity to our show. We are excited to explore the ever-evolving topic of sexuality, and how our perspectives have been influenced by personal experiences and public perception. Are we brave enough to go against the grain and explore our desires? Let’s see. 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 7 Aug 02, 2023

Show notes

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – are you ready to go beyond the surface level with us? Once again we sign off after this very special season grounded in earth, freed through wind, and emboldened by fire. We hope we’ve succeeded in our mission to make you more curious about topics that are not typically broached. Special thanks to all of our amazing guest in sharing their stories and experiences in making the journey of Surface Level that much more special. So here’s our love letter to you our Surface Level Insiders, your questions shape the end of each season and we are happy to share our experiences on things you’re curious about. So farewell for now as we take some time to keep living, growing, and preparing more stories for the future. 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 Girls Are Fighting Jul 26, 2023

Show notes

Damon, Jordan & Tony are curious – how can healthy disagreement lead to personal growth? Closing the fire series, our penultimate episode for season seven explores what happens when tempers boil over. We recognize that even in our closest relationships there is bound to be conflict, but how we approach these situations make the difference in our lives. Will we accept uneasy conversations as an opportunity to grow or let ego take over? Will we assert ourselves to those around us while still showing them respect or get down in the gutter? Depending on the day the answer is different but we hope to learn a bit more each day even if some lessons don’t always come with a smile. 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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Bad Bitches Only Jul 19, 2023

Show notes

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how does aligning with traditional beauty standards benefit and harm our community? Pretty privilege, the hot-button topic that has been at the forefront of many kitchen tables has made its way to Surface Level. This week we welcome Obio Jones, Digital Creator and LGBTQIA+ Advocate to our Surface Level family. We ask ourselves, can we work against a system that we benefit from? The age of social media has thrust physical appearance into the forefront of anyone looking to garner attention for their work. Is it fair? No. Is it reality? Absolutely. When operating from a place of privilege, we believe it is the work of those individuals to recognize it, speak out about it, and use the attention, not just for their own advancement, but to create a better community for all of us. 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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Black Excellence Is A Scam Pt. 2 Jul 12, 2023

Show notes

Jordan & Tony are curious – how can we broaden what it means to be Black and excellent? In this unprecedented bonus episode, we revisit our season opener, 'Black Excellence Is A Scam,' from a fresh perspective. While Damon is absent this week (rest assured, he'll be back in full effect next week!), we are excited to welcome Eboni K. Williams, an Author, Attorney, and Host, to our Surface Level family. Eboni, the first Black Housewife on Bravo's Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY), is a disruptor in the media landscape who continues to offer a unique take on Black Excellence. Join us as we delve into the intricate relationship between Whiteness, classism, and mental health, and their influence on our perception of Black Excellence. We also touch on the polarizing 'bus driver gate' and the role of power in our romantic lives. Additionally, we address criticisms surrounding Eboni's time on RHONY. Prepare for a spirited and engaging discussion about a topic that our community can't seem to stop talking about. 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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Butch Queen On The Scene Pt. 2 Jul 05, 2023

Show notes

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how does the work of Queer nightlife curators impact our ability to find community? In closing out Wind series, we are excited to pay tribute to a space that has long represented freedom for Queer individuals: nightlife. This supersized episode of Surface Level is dedicated to the legacy of Black Queer nightlife giant, Frank Watson, who we lost earlier this year. We welcome 3 impressive curators in their own right to our Surface Level family, Joe Morris founder of Joe Morris Events and co-owner of Brunch Harlem, Micah Marquez co-founder of Deviant Events, and Chuck co-owner of Lambda Lounge Harlem and Club Lambda Brooklyn. From discriminations they have faced, to the complexities of managing large crowds, to the desire they have in curating brands that represent the broad desires of Queer individuals looking for community, we cover a lot. This episode was a fun one to be a part of so get ready for a wild ride. 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 Stroll Jun 28, 2023

Show notes

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how is the quest to not just survive but thrive unique within Black Trans experience ? In an effort to continue to introduce you to amazing members of our community this week we welcome Tabytha Gonzalez to our Surface Level Family. A human rights professional and a woman with a story that deserves to be told we speak with her through the lens of new documentary The Stroll streaming on Max. The Stroll tells the story of trans women of color who’s economic survival was tied to their time as sex workers in what is now New York City’s Meatpacking District. It is a story of hardship, love, violence, community, but most importantly resilience. Tabytha shared parts of her story on The Stroll and we are excited to go beyond the surface level with her here. 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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