Talkin’ Smack, Intellectually!

Courtside with Cherelle 'Torch' George: A Globetrotter's Tale

Dive into the electrifying world of basketball with "Talkin' Smack, Intellectually!" as we sit down with the dynamic Cherelle "Torch" George, a woman who's not just an athlete but a beacon of resilience and inspiration. From the projects of Reading, PA, to the dazzling courts of the Harlem Globetrotters as their 16th female player, Torch's journey is a testament to the power of determination and the spirit of the game.
 
In this episode, Torch shares the origin of her fiery nickname and gives us an exclusive look into the unique blend of skill and showmanship that defines a Globetrotter game. With anecdotes that are as heartwarming as they are hilarious, Torch takes us behind the scenes of setting Guinness World Records and the preparation that goes into those awe-inspiring moments.
 
But it's not all about the glitz of the game; Torch opens up about the influence of her mother, her admiration for basketball legends like Allen Iverson and Michael Jordan, and her commitment to being a positive role model for the next generation. She speaks to the importance of representation and the impact of being called a "hero" by young fans.
 
As we explore Torch's off-court endeavors, including her personal brand "Hood to History," designed to inspire greatness from any starting point, we get a glimpse into her aspirations of coaching and giving back to the sport that's given her so much.
 
This episode is a slam dunk of inspiration, a story of triumph that transcends the court, and a reminder that the true legacy of an athlete is the lives they touch and the hope they ignite. Join us for a conversation that's as much about basketball as it is about blazing trails and igniting dreams.

Shattering Silence: A Conversation with Jayce Baron

In this compelling episode of "Talkin' Smack, Intellectually!", we sit down with the indomitable Jayce Baron, a force to be reckoned with in the realms of documentary filmmaking and social advocacy. Known for his groundbreaking work on the documentary "Beyond Ed Buck," Jayce's fearless storytelling has garnered attention from the highest echelons of society, including President Joe Biden, and has sparked vital conversations on systemic injustices within the LGBTQ+ community.
 
Join us as Jayce shares the motivations behind his poignant film, which exposes the intersection of racial and sexual identity politics, and the urgent need to address white supremacy and discrimination within queer spaces. He recounts the real-time activism that unfolded during production and the importance of humanizing the subjects of such harrowing narratives.
 
Beyond the silver screen, Jayce's advocacy extends to the political arena, where his involvement in the passage of SB 813 in California abolished the statute of limitations on rape charges. He discusses the profound impact of this legislation and the importance of creating safe spaces for survivors, especially men, to share their stories without judgment or stigma.
 
As we navigate the complex landscape of celebrity influence, Jayce weighs in on the responsibility of public figures to champion social causes and the personal toll it can take. He also gives us a glimpse into his role as a Los Angeles Neighborhood Council member, intertwining his creative passions with a hands-on approach to community betterment.
 
With the 2024 presidential elections looming, Jayce emphasizes the critical role of voting and civic engagement in shaping the future for marginalized communities. He pays homage to the mentors who have fueled his drive for change, including his parents and late grandmother, whose resilience and dedication continue to inspire his journey.
 
Jayce Baron's story is one of triumph over trauma, a testament to the power of advocacy, and a clarion call for unity and action. As we explore his multifaceted life and upcoming projects, including a documentary on his family's historical ties to the underground railroad, we're reminded of the indelible impact one person's voice can have in the fight for justice.
 
This episode is a rallying cry for the next wave of leaders and activists. Tune in to hear Jayce's empowering message: to know your power, know your worth, and to never underestimate the ability of your voice to enact change. Grab a cup of coffee and join us for an invigorating journey through the heart of advocacy with the remarkable Jayce Baron.

Chart-Topping Truths: The iconic Shirley Murdock Masterclass

Prepare to be uplifted in this soul-stirring episode of "Talkin' Smack, Intellectually!" as we sit down with the incomparable Shirley Murdock, whose voice has graced the airwaves with the timeless classic "As We Lay." With a career spanning over four decades, Shirley's musical influence has been sampled by today's luminaries like Kanye West and Justin Bieber, proving the enduring power of her artistry.
 
In a candid conversation with our host, The Upsetter, Shirley takes us on a melodious journey from her gospel roots to R&B stardom, revealing the divine inspiration behind her transition and the profound lessons learned from her mentor, the legendary Roger Troutman. She opens up about the nuances of singing with soul, the art of staying "touchable" to fans, and the importance of crafting lyrics that resonate with the human experience.
 
Shirley delves into the evolution of the music industry, the role of social media in artist development, and the responsibility that comes with shaping the next generation's musical narrative. She expresses her passion for mentoring young talent and shares her vision for using music as a bridge between the sacred and secular.
 
As an assistant pastor alongside her husband, Shirley also reflects on the seamless integration of her spirituality and musical calling. She offers sage advice for emerging artists, emphasizing the power of divine guidance and the significance of honing one's craft.
This episode is an ode to the transformative power of music, the legacy of a living legend, and the unbreakable bond between an artist and her audience. Tune in to this heartwarming exploration of life, faith, and the universal language of music with the inspiring Shirley Murdock.

Shattering Boundaries: NASA engineer and STEM scientist Dr. K. Renee Horton

Dive into another enlightening episode of "Talking Smack Intellectually", as we bring our Women's History Month series to a captivating close with Dr. K. Renee Horton. A revered NASA engineer and the pioneering first Black individual to achieve a PhD in material science and engineering at the University of Alabama, Dr. Horton's journey has solidified her standing in the annals of aerospace engineering.
Join us in this episode for a thought-provoking discussion on topics ranging from extraterrestrial existence to the alluring solar eclipse. Dr. Horton delves into her personal challenges and triumphs, emphasizes the importance of fostering African-American representation in STEM fields, and shares heartwarming anecdotes from her work with mentees at Unapologetically Being Inc., an organization dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices in STEM.
Explore Dr. Horton's vision for revolutionizing the landscape of STEM, insights on achieving a harmonious work-life balance, and her ventures in crafting science fiction for young adults. Listen as she addresses the obstacles women and minorities face in STEM and imparts invaluable guidance on excelling in these domains.
In this episode, Dr. Horton opens up about overcoming her hearing impairment, encourages listeners to steadfastly pursue their aspirations, and details her upcoming plans to witness the solar eclipse in Little Rock, Arkansas, alongside other endeavors on her agenda. Concluding with reflections on her legacy in STEM and a call to action for support towards Unapologetically Being, Inc., discover more about her organization at www.unapologeticallybeing.org.

Trailblazing Senator Val Applewhite

Welcome to an extraordinary episode of "Talking Smack," celebrating Women's History Month with the trailblazing Senator Val Applewhite, the first Black woman to hold her prestigious position. Our host, the Upsetter, engages in a riveting discussion exploring a plethora of topics, from politics and technology to Generation Z and the “manosphere”. Discover Senator Applewhite’s inspiring journey from Air Force service to public-office leadership. She shares her approach to addressing skepticism within the black community towards politics and her commitment to connecting with her constituents. Gather around as we dive into race and gender relations within American society, revisit stereotypes, and discuss the power of community representation. In this episode, the Senator recounts her journey from multiple caucuses to representing diverse demographics, highlighting the importance of engaging younger generations. She shares her experience sponsoring influential bills ranging from voter fraud prevention to firefighter health benefits and talks about her continuous battle against patriarchy in politics.The episode further explores the dynamics behind the electoral college, emphasizing the critical need for better voter education. Our conversation also touches on the potential 2024 elections and its implications, while expressing concern over the diminishing voting turnout among young people and the promising role they can play. One striking segment involves discussing gender dynamics within the Black community and outlining the looming implications of political decisions on everyday life. We take a futuristic turn, contemplating the potential 2024 elections and its implications.An invigorating exploration of political work, personal transformation, and community representation awaits you in this gripping episode. Join us as we unfold the life and thoughts of a notable figure in modern politics. The episode concludes with a poignant call to personal responsibility for change. Tune in to this episode with a cup of coffee, and let's dig in!

A Candid Chat with Emmy Nominee Diarra Kilpatrick

Welcome to the latest episode of talking smack intellectually, where today's esteemed guest is the multi-talented, Emmy Award nominee Diarra Kilpatrick. In celebration of Women's History Month, it is our pleasure to catch up with Diarra and dive into the exciting details of her highly anticipated TV series Diarra from Detroit.
Known for her exceptional talent, Diarra opens up about her winding journey towards a production deal with BET, discussing the lessons learned from past setbacks that have shaped her as a writer. In this episode, she offers an enlightening take on collaborating in creativity while ensuring the project aligns with her artistic vision.
Starting humbly in LA theatre and short films, Diarra attributes her breakthrough to writing and producing the show 'American Coco'. This significant turn marked the beginning of numerous successful gigs that adorned her unparalleled career, reinforcing her image as a formidable talent in the industry. Passionate about authentic and true representation, especially for Black Americans, her work strives to create meaningful conversations and connections among her audience.
We reflect on Diarra's inspiring journey, characterized by authentic portrayal and layers of creative insights. As we eagerly anticipate the release of 'Diarra from Detroit', we take a moment to commend this remarkable woman's dedication to raising the bar in the entertainment industry.
In this intimate conversation, Diarra shares heartfelt narratives about what drives her zeal for storytelling. She credits her mother and grandmother, memorable figures who inspired her with their unyielding support. In the spirit of Women's History Month, she even questions concepts of legacy and remembering, stressing the power of love and representation.
From discussing the importance of self-care and overcoming challenges in the entertainment world to her eagerly envisaged upcoming collaborations, Diarra conveys a refreshing perspective on success and happiness. She stresses the significance of staying true to one's passion, celebrating personal achievements, and crafting stories that spark an emotional connection. Leaving us on a motivational high, she reminds listeners to honor their uniqueness and chase their dreams, without seeking external approval.

The Storytelling Journey of Award-winning Filmmaker Kelley Kali

In this latest episode of 'Talkin Smack Intellectually' featuring the incredibly talented Kelley Kali! An LA native and powerhouse in the film industry, Kelley's journey from Howard University to student Academy Award-winning director, writer, and producer is truly inspiring. In this episode, we delve into Kelley's cinematic journey and her groundbreaking project 'KEMBA,' now available to watch on  BET Original.
Kelley shares her experiences spanning countries like Belize, Haiti, China, and the USA, discussing her mission to amplify voices within marginalized communities through storytelling. Hear firsthand about her latest projects and the impact of 'KEMBA' in shedding light on systemic issues and the fight for justice.
We also explore her award-winning film "LALO’S HOUSE" that won the 45th Annual Student Academy Award. Discover how these achievements have shaped her future projects and aspirations in the film industry.
Kelley dives into the inspiration behind telling Kemba Smith's story, highlighting resilience, hope, and the pursuit of justice and freedom. She aims to shed light on the complexities of the 'war on drugs,' unfair sentencing practices, and the importance of second chances and redemption through her work.
As a director and content creator, Kelley's storytelling has been recognized by prestigious organizations and film festivals, focusing on important issues faced by marginalized communities. She shares her goals and aspirations for the future, aiming to raise awareness and foster positive change through her impactful narratives.
For aspiring women in the film industry, Kelley offers guidance on navigating their path to success, drawing from her own experiences and challenges she has overcome along her remarkable journey.

Celebrating Black Excellence in Business with James Lindsay + Rap Snacks

The latest episode of Talkin’ Smack, Intellectually! is a celebration of Black excellence in business. Hosted by The Upsetter and special guest Mugga, the show featured James Lindsay, the mastermind behind Rap Snacks. Lindsay's journey from struggle to success resonates deeply, showcasing the importance of partnerships and authentic cultural representation. Rap Snacks' impact extends from local communities to a larger movement for economic empowerment within the Black community. Lindsay's inspiring words on mentorship and resilience underline a powerful narrative of cultural pride and success. Tune in to Talkin’ Smack Intellectually, where inspiration meets conversation.