Surface Level

Latest Episodes:

Pride & Prejudice Jun 25, 2023

Show notes

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how do we protect our joy when pride is under attack? We bring you something special edition of Surface Level for Pride 2023! We are happy to share our favorite pride memories, delve into a conversation around the attack on Queer representation from conservatives, and offer a little bit of Surface Level drag story time because you know we love the kids(well Jordan and Tony do). Our joy is not optional so with equal parts celebration and defiance we offer you pride in the face of prejudice. 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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Parents Just Don't Understand Pt. 2 Jun 14, 2023

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Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – What was our parent’s journey in accepting our Queer identity? This episode will likely take the crown as our most personal level ever. This week we welcome Annette Epps, Teresa Randall, and Tony Jermin Sr, better known as our parents, to our Surface Level family. We explore the joy, surprise, pain, and confusion that defined our parents journey of accepting their Queer children. We hope that this episode serves as a possibility model for parents, children, and people generally that when you lead with love that bond cannot be broken. 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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Losing My Mind Jun 07, 2023

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Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious - How can we dismantle mental health stigmas and foster understanding? In this episode as we navigate the complex terrain of mental health. We welcome Jarred Denzel Keller to our Surface Level Family. Jarred, a Mental Health Advocate and Senior Press Secretary for the Human Rights Campaign, bears his truth for all to hear and see. Together, we shed light on the commodification of mental well-being, advocating for genuine understanding, compassion, and the urgent dismantling of stigmas. Prepare for an eye-opening discussion challenging preconceptions, cultivating empathy, and embracing a compassionate approach. Journey with us as we strive to create a society fostering support, acceptance, and genuine care for mental well-being. 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 May 31, 2023

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Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – is Black Excellence doing more harm than help? In this thought-provoking episode, we challenge the notion of "Black Excellence" and explore the unrealistic pressures that surround it. This special episode was recorded in front of a live audience, marking an exciting milestone for our podcast. Together, we seek to redefine the true meaning of success and offer a fresh perspective on achievement. Join us as we navigate this transformative exploration, inviting you to embrace authenticity and discover joy on your own terms. Prepare for an enlightening conversation that sparks introspection and opens doors to new possibilities. 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 6 Feb 08, 2023

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Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – are you ready to go beyond the surface level with us? Another season in the books for this journey that we call Surface Level. We have a blast connecting with our listeners through a series of audience submitted questions. We’re a bit off the cuff an we’re sure you’ll enjoy it. This season we’ve worked to create visibility for stories that aren’t often told. This isn’t good buy just a see you later as we prepare to offer more thoughtful conversations in the furture. 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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We Wear The Mask Feb 01, 2023

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Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – who are we…really? This season’s penultimate episode forces us to look within in a very meaningful way. First we give language to the guiding principles that define us at our core, then we assess our intersectional experience as Black Queer people regarding what parts of our identity we are most comfortable with or not. Finally, we reflect on how the experience of building a public platform has amplified truths we previously ignored. We spend this episode looking inward, we hope it encourages you to hold up a mirror and do the same. 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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Pretty Hurts Jan 25, 2023

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Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – why are men afraid to embrace beauty? If you walk away with one thing from this episode, know that if beating that face makes you happy, do it! We welcome Sir John to our Surface Level Family. Sir John, Creative Director and global make-up artist, brings a fun and insightful perspective to this conversation. As men, we tend to shy away from things that make us feel soft. This episode highlights ways in which we can be more confident in those parts of ourselves with some advice from a world-renowned expert. Remember, it’s not about what you’re doing, but why, so find joy through whatever it takes. 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 Pain For Sale Jan 18, 2023

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ordan, Damon & Tony are curious – is categorizing certain stories as trauma porn fair? This week is centered around the hot topic of “trauma porn”. We have seen various stories that highlight the painful history of Black Americans. Sometimes it feels that these are the only stories Hollywood wants to share about us. We interrogate the line between art sharing truth versus what can sometimes feel like a one dimensional depiction of Black life. As a people, we represent an infinite expanse of stories and experiences. Our pain is valid, but we are so much 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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Don't Ask Don't Tell Jan 11, 2023

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Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how does the approval of others lead us to hide parts ourselves? Today’s episode explores the idea of hiding parts of who we are to gain acceptance in various spaces. We welcome Elegance Bratton to our Surface Level Family. Elegance, the director of the critically acclaimed film The Inspection, speaks on his journey from Queer Marine to creative and how his identity colored relationships with people from his mother to superiors in the service. The title of this week’s episode, pulled from the now retired armed services policy, defines a policy many Queer people accept in various areas of our lives. We explore this and so much more so tune to hear what truths we are not telling. 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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I'm Never Drinking Again Jan 04, 2023

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Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how can establishing healthier relationships with alcohol? We are all guilty of the proclamation “I’m never drinking again” after a rough night on the bottle. Maybe that was driven by a desire for a good time or from a need to escape darker emotions. We explore those dueling motives in this episode. From CDC guidelines on recommended drinking, to personal stories on when we decided our relationship with alcohol this episode has it all. Start the new year with us reevaluating habits personal habits and trying to find a but more balance in 2023. 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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