Black, White But Mostly Gray

Aliki, Dan and Erika bring Season 2 to a close by revisiting some highlights and trying to tie up some loose end.  The crew also take a deep dive into the perfect number and how it's inspired "The Gray."  ThinkFree Threads CEO David Murray joins us and gives us a preview of his Spring collection, and share some thoughts on his new role in the Musical "The Color Purple."

Tune in as we talk about America’s new epidemic – loneliness. Experts say loneliness is s causing increased risk of heart disease, dementia, stroke, and even premature death. Can we combat loneliness by connecting better with one another? Join the crew as they discuss loneliness and possible ways to help others and ourselves be less lonely.

In Coming to America, Part II, we explore some of the challenges that our new citizens and neighbors face when they pursue the American dream. We also focus on the immigrant experience from the immigrant perspective,  as Aliki, Erika and Geoffrey share their personal journeys to America.

While a majority of Americans still say immigrants strengthen the country, a growing number say immigrants burden the country by taking jobs, housing and health care support from tax paying citizens.  Join our all-star panel of American immigrants who will share their personal experiences and perspectives on immigration, border security and their "Coming to America" journeys.

While the pandemic affected all of us all in so many ways, it REALLY impacted our kids.   Tune in as Aliki, Dan and Erika talk about the effect the Pandemic has had on the kids that came of age during the pandemic -- Gen Alpha. We'll talk about how some have struggled with mental health challenges while others thrived with digital skills further entrenched in their lives.  We also ponder what a new normal may look like for our kids.

Why are Americans so damn mad?  Could it be that politicians, media influencers and marketers are manipulating us, knowing that fear and anger as the most potent emotions for driving engagement? Has the growing disparity between haves and have-nots led us to the tipping point in America?  What part do racism and prejudice play in the toxic and increasingly polarized mood of America?  Tune in and join us for this reflection on America’s pissed-off psyche.

Our new contributing editor Erika  joins us as we explore the Asian American experience, the concept of feeling like a banana (white on the inside, yellow on the outside), as we also challenge the model myth minority and delve into the rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans, especially during the COVID 19-19 pandemic.  Join us as we shed light on the multi-faceted Asian American experience.

Join Dan, Aliki and special guest Dr. Amiri Mahnzili, Professor of African American Studies at UC-Riverside as they delve into the issue of free speech and hate speech on college campuses.  Some feel the institutions once revered as bastions of free thought  are now limiting 1st amendment rights.  Others feel that some speech, specifically hate speech, has no place on college campuses. They argue it must be stopped from escalating into something more dangerous.   We'll discuss both sides of this equation and explore if its possible to balance free speech with the need to ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on how Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka and Colin Kaepernick used their platforms as star athletes to speak out on issues that were important to them.

Join our special guests NFL Hall of Famer Kramer and Box Fox, co-author of his latest book “Run to Win” as we dive into the issue of Aaron Rodgers and other famous athletes who wield influence and use their platform to address social and political issues. We’ll also talk about the social issues of Jerry’s time in the NFL and how legendary Vince Lombardi treated the issue of race. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of sports, activism and the responsibilities that come with athletic stardom.