WOKELAND
38 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 45 ratingsThe podcast about Oakland. A sonic cultural ode. From the locals to the transplants, the deep East to the Lower Bottoms, and the kickback to the function. Each month, we'll take a theme and dissect the different nuances of being Black in the Town from historical and current perspectives. Welcome to the land of the woke.
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Episodes
29. Complexity of Complexion: Black Women's Perspective (Part 2)
June 10, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 206 MBDo you think colorism impacts Black women differently than Black men? We certainly do! In fact, we'd argue that Black men are the main purveyors of colorism (we still love ya'll though!) There are few topics in our community that are more divisive than colorism and in this episode we look to address the nuances of how Black women experience colorism, issues with their identity, worth, and safety based on their skin tone. We are joined by Nchimunya and Shay Bones, who share their personal s...
Complexity of Complexion: Black Men's Perspective (Part 1)
March 10, 2022 16:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBThere are few topics in our community that are more divisive than colorism and in this episode we look to address the nuances of how Black men experience colorism, and issues with their identity based on their skin tone. We are joined by Bebe and Jared, Co-hosts of The Humble Loser Podcast, who share their personal stories on the stereotypes, traumas and complexity of their complexion. Please follow The Humble Loser Podcast on all podcast platforms -- IG: thehumbleloserpodcast // YouTube:...
28. Complexity of Complexion: Black Men's Perspective (Part 1)
March 10, 2022 16:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBThere are few topics in our community that are more divisive than colorism and in this episode we look to address the nuances of how Black men experience colorism, and issues with their identity based on their skin tone. We are joined by Bebe and Jared, Co-hosts of The Humble Loser Podcast, who share their personal stories on the stereotypes, traumas and complexity of their complexion. Please follow The Humble Loser Podcast on all podcast platforms -- IG: thehumbleloserpodcast // YouTube:...
27. Black People Left America and We're Here For It (Part 2)
February 03, 2022 17:00 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBWho knew reimagining travel would be so profound for Black people?! Those of us who chose to leave America also left our problems behind and we get deep into that conversation on this episode. Anitra Smith joins us as we discuss why travel was especially important (and controversial) for Black folks during the panasonic. Anitra is a public health leader, travel blogger and creator of Don't Trip Travel - a blog dedicated to encouraging women to travel and balance their 9-5's. Be sure to...
26. WE'RE BACK & The New Normal Isn't Normal (Part 1)
January 27, 2022 17:00 - 35 minutes - 32.1 MBThe Simone's are back! We kick off Season 3 by catching up on events that turned our world upside down the last 2 years. We had some pretty big life changes and we know you did too. We review some moments in time during lockdown and discuss news in pop culture, and how Black folks reimagined travel in 2020. This episode was recorded at Stay Diff Studios in Oakland, CA. You can watch the full video on our Youtube page @ Wokeland Podcast.
Black People Can't Get Coronavirus? (Part 1)
April 13, 2020 15:00 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MBIf you're like us, you have many questions surrounding covid-19. Enter, Dr. Ivory Dean, who is a scientist with a Ph.D in Cancer Biology. Dr. Dean is trained to understand various disease models and has conducted breast cancer research at UCSF and is now in Washington D.C. finishing a science policy fellowship at the National Science Foundation. We learn how covid-19 came about, why soap (not hand sanitizer) is the real MVP, and some ways to keep you and your family safe. Resources: Suppo...
Oakland Vs. The Rona Feat. Councilwoman Lynette McElhaney (Part 2)
April 13, 2020 15:00 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBWhat Is Oakland Doing To Fight COVID-19? With Councilwoman Lynette McElhaney (Part 2) With so much uncertainty in the world right now with covid-19 influencing our day-to-day lives, we spoke with Councilmember Lynette Gibson McElhaney of District 3, to give us insight on how the virus is impacting the lives of Oakland residents. She informs us of what the city of Oakland is doing to protect renters, the houseless population, and hospitals in need of aid. For information regarding city of ...
23. Black On The Job LIVE!
March 26, 2020 15:00 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBThink of this as your go-to, one stop shop for all of your burning HR questions. Our all Black panel of HR specialists share some best practices in the workplace to assist your level up in 2020. They addressed how to escalate matters of concern, how to address the Becky's in the office, our mental health, how to negotiate salary upon hire, and so much more. Our panelists also help demystify their roles as Human Resources and provide some insight on how their Blackness impacts their jobs at ...
The Wrap Up of The Decade (#ImpeachmentEnergy)
December 23, 2019 15:00 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBThe end of 2019 is near! We started the decade off with a newly elected Black president in Barack Obama, and we're ending it by impeaching a crooked white one, how fitting? There were so many moments this decade that defined our culture and our lives. This episode isn't exhaustive of everything but we dig into some of the highlight moments that happened in Oakland, The Bay, and beyond. See yall in 2020! Keep that #ImpeachmentEnergy going into the new year. -The Simones @wokelandpodc...
21. California Blacks - The Stereotypes, the facts, and everything in between
December 16, 2019 16:00 - 1 hour - 63 MBLet's talk about black people from California...what's the first thing that comes to mind? A WHOLE LOTTA LIES!!! Lol, jk. But in all seriousness, as California natives we've heard alllll the stereotypes about Black people from California: from hippie hoteps to gangbangers to bougie tech people who only date interracially, we've heard it all. And on today's episode, we're going to get into these (whack) stereotypes with two of our friends. DNas from Oakland and host of StreetsIzTalking Radi...
20 - Let's Talk About Blavity's Afrotech
November 14, 2019 15:00 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MBSooooooo.. Your girls attended Afrotech this year and you know we had collect all the deets and provide you with our honest feedback! This is our second year attending the conference (our first time was Afrotech's inaugural year) and it felt so refreshing to be among so many Black professionals. We also discuss some of the social impacts of the conference and we would like to see being offered in the future.
19. LIVE SHOW! Stereotypes of a Black Man Misunderstood
September 30, 2019 14:00 - 1 hour - 97.8 MBThis episode is for the amplification, storytelling, and healing of Black men. Our panelists share their experiences at the intersection of Blackness and Masculinity. Our all black, male panel discuss many of the myths and stereotypes that plague Black men in everyday life. Our panelists -- Dr. Bedford Palmer II (MODERATOR) is a licensed counseling psychologist and Associate Professor in the Counseling Department at Saint Mary’s College of California. He also co-hosts the Naming It podcast...
18. Should Black Teachers Lead Activism on Campus?
August 30, 2019 15:00 - 33 minutes - 31 MBWe felt it was crucial to share the lens of activism on campus from the eyes of a faculty member doing great work at one of the nation's most progressive colleges. Professor Jerome Stewart is the Assistant Professor of Business & Society/Sustainable Business at San Francisco State University and joins us in this conversation surrounding campus activism and how SFSU still has a long way to go in its efforts of creating a safe, autonomous, spaces for Black students and faculty. If you haven’t...
17. Black Students Are Leading The Activism Movement on College Campuses
August 27, 2019 01:00 - 1 hour - 58.6 MBWe spoke with Shay and Leo, who are two students fighting the good fight on their PWI, Bay Area college campuses. They detail the militarization of their campuses, the fight to own Black spaces on campuses, and how they don’t feel safe on the college grounds they pay tuition to be on. #blackactivismoncampus If you haven’t been on a college campus in some time, this episode lends itself as a guide to the many obstacles Black students and faculty face, even at America’s more progressive univ...
16.5 Dear Simones: The Warriors Are Leaving!
June 20, 2019 16:00 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBMannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.... We haven't quite seen the Warriors struggle with injuries the way they have this season so it was extra painful to see them lose at home to the Toronto Raptors in Game 6. But what hurts more is knowing the organization is uprooting to San Francisco which is likely to cause a whole host of issues - more displacement, more gentrification, more traffic, and of course, pricier game tickets. As Bay Area natives we know firsthand what it feels like to be from so...
16.5 Dear Simones: The Warriors Are Leaving!
June 20, 2019 16:00 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBMannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.... We haven't quite seen the Warriors struggle with injuries the way they have this season so it was extra painful to see them lose at home to the Toronto Raptors in Game 6. But what hurts more is knowing the organization is uprooting to San Francisco which is likely to cause a whole host of issues - more displacement, more gentrification, more traffic, and of course, pricier game tickets. As Bay Area natives we know firsthand what it feels like to be from somewhere t...
16. The Weird Bay Area Dating Scene - Pride Edition
June 19, 2019 15:45 - 1 hour - 56 MBDating is hard. But dating in the Bay?! That's a whole 'nother story. Welcome to part 3 of the Weird Ass Bay Area Dating Scene series, #Pride edition! This episode centers around the foolishness of the Bay Area dating scene and how the LGBTQIA+ community navigates dating here. Whether you're a transplant or are born and bred here, when it comes to dating you're most likely looking like confusion Susan aka lost AF. We sat down with Nenna, owner of the sex shop, Feelmore in downtow...
16. The Weird Bay Area Dating Scene - Pride Edition
June 19, 2019 15:45 - 1 hour - 56 MBDating is hard. But dating in the Bay?! That's a whole 'nother story. Welcome to part 3 of the Weird Ass Bay Area Dating Scene series, #Pride edition! This episode centers around the foolishness of the Bay Area dating scene and how the LGBTQIA+ community navigates dating here. Whether you're a transplant or are born and bred here, when it comes to dating you're most likely looking like confusion Susan aka lost AF. We sat down with Nenna, owner of the sex shop, Feelmore in downtown Oakland...
15. Mental Health, Black Psychology and the Privilege of Self Care
June 03, 2019 14:00 - 1 hour - 67 MBIn honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we spoke to Dr. Palmer and Dr. Hill about the spectrum of mental health and how the trauma African Americans have historically faced still impact us today. In fact, one study reports that, "African Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population", and still, we are the least likely to seek help. We discuss the different reasons why seeking help may not be considered an option for some ...
15. Mental Health, Black Psychology and the Privilege of Self Care
June 03, 2019 14:00 - 1 hour - 67 MBIn honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we spoke to Dr. Palmer and Dr. Hill about the spectrum of mental health and how the trauma African Americans have historically faced still impact us today. In fact, one study reports that, "African Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population", and still, we are the least likely to seek help. We discuss the different reasons why seeking help may not be considered an option for some Black peo...
(BONUS) Mental Health Myths & Dear Simones
June 03, 2019 14:00 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MBBonus Episode with Naming It Podcast! We talk about mental health myths and we answer a readers question on Dear Simones! Follow: @namingitpodcast and @wokelandpodcast Got a question you want us to answer on air for Dear Simones? Email us at [email protected] or DM us!
14. "N*gga" in The Bay (Season 2 Premiere)
April 22, 2019 13:00 - 1 hour - 55.3 MBOur Season 2 premiere provides for an interesting discussion on the use of the n-word, specifically as it pertains to its use by our non-black homies. Refa One joins us as we dissect the behaviors, intentions, and desires of those wanting to align themselves with Black culture and identity but not realizing how their efforts are inherently discourteous. In this conversation, we also discuss the role of Black people providing space for other people of color (who are not Black/African America...
14. "N*gga" in The Bay (Season 2 Premiere)
April 22, 2019 13:00 - 1 hour - 55.3 MBOur Season 2 premiere provides for an interesting discussion on the use of the n-word, specifically as it pertains to its use by our non-black homies. Refa One joins us as we dissect the behaviors, intentions, and desires of those wanting to align themselves with Black culture and identity but not realizing how their efforts are inherently discourteous. In this conversation, we also discuss the role of Black people providing space for other people of color (who are not Black/Africa...
13. Simones Out - Season 1 Finale!
December 22, 2018 08:28 - 55 minutes - 51.1 MBWhat a dope year it's been with you! Thank you to everyone who has tuned in the last 12 months, joined in on the convos, and debates. We've enjoyed every email, comment, DM, everything -- let's keep it going! Season 2 is coming up soon but in the meantime we're taking a mini break cuz #selfcare. We'll be back in 2019 with some fresh heat! We'll be around still out in these Oakland streets so keep checking out our past episodes (be sure to leave a 5-star review wherever) and say hi when y...
12. F.U.B.U.
November 30, 2018 15:00 - 59 minutes - 54.2 MBOn this episode, we talk to some of the prominent Black-owned business owners in the Bay to figure out how they've maintained their presence and survived through the storms. Keba Konte, founder of Red Bay Coffee, founded his coffee business in 2014 from his garage in Oakland. His ethically sourced coffee is quickly becoming a Bay Area mainstay, and his beautiful brewery in Fruitvale hosts some of the dopest events in the Bay. Chaney Turner was homeless when she began launching her business...
12. F.U.B.U.
November 30, 2018 15:00 - 59 minutes - 54.2 MBOn this episode, we talk to some of the prominent Black-owned business owners in the Bay to figure out how they've maintained their presence and survived through the storms. Keba Konte, founder of Red Bay Coffee, founded his coffee business in 2014 from his garage in Oakland. His ethically sourced coffee is quickly becoming a Bay Area mainstay, and his beautiful brewery in Fruitvale hosts some of the dopest events in the Bay. Chaney Turner was homeless when she began launching her...
11. The Weird Ass Bay Area Dating Scene (Part 2)
October 02, 2018 05:20 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MBPart 2! Dating is hard. But dating in the Bay?! That 's a whole 'nother story. We've been in many conversations centered around the foolishness of the Bay Area dating scene. Whether you're a transplant or are born and bred here, when it comes to dating you're most likely looking like confusion Susan aka lost AF. Why is that? We sat down with three brave souls who walked us through their dating experiences. After our discussion with Brandon (from Alabama), fellow podcaster (The Seeds You...
10. The Weird Ass Bay Area Dating Scene (Part 1)
October 02, 2018 04:45 - 54 minutes - 50 MBDating is hard. But dating in the Bay?! That 's a whole 'nother story. We've been in many conversations centered around the foolishness of the Bay Area dating scene. Whether you're a transplant or are born and bred here, when it comes to dating you're most likely looking like confusion Susan aka lost AF. Why is that? We sat down with three brave souls who walked us through their dating experiences. After our discussion with Brandon (from Alabama), fellow podcaster (The Seeds You Sow) Ays...
09. Gentrification: A West Oakland Story (Part 2)
August 20, 2018 15:00 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MBFor this episode on gentrification, we sat down with our neighbor Stanley, to provide us some context on how he has seen his neighborhood in West Oakland change. He recounts his Black Panther days, the high crime rate, and all the drugs that were in the neighborhood, but also the strong Black population that once occupied The Lower Bottoms (headquarters of the Black Panther Party.) Stanley has lived in Oakland for 57 years and is a dedicated advocacy coordinator at the Western Service Worker...
09. Gentrification: A West Oakland Story (Part 2)
August 20, 2018 15:00 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MBFor this episode on gentrification, we sat down with our neighbor Stanley, to provide us some context on how he has seen his neighborhood in West Oakland change. He recounts his Black Panther days, the high crime rate, and all the drugs that were in the neighborhood, but also the strong Black population that once occupied The Lower Bottoms (headquarters of the Black Panther Party.) Stanley has lived in Oakland for 57 years and is a dedicated advocacy coordinator at the Western Servi...
08. Can Black People Be Gentrifiers? (Part One)
August 09, 2018 13:00 - 55 minutes - 50.7 MBWhere did gentrification come from? In the midst of a homeless and housing crisis, we are unable to escape the harsh reality of what is becoming the "New Oakland." From Permit Patty to BBQ Becky, to the fading Black population of Oakland, to the increasing cost of living we can't help but feel for all of the people who no longer recognize their city and are being pushed out of the place they call home. In order to get some insight, we sat down with three people from the Town who are in the...
07. Transplants Everywhere
June 13, 2018 06:05 - 1 hour - 64.4 MBBay Area Transplants: What they're doing here, why they settled in the Bay Area, and why they love Oakland Wondering what a "transplant" is? Most would define a transplant as someone who has moved, relocated, or settled in an area that they are not from and plan to live short term; usually in the pursuit of higher education, industry, or appeal of a better life. As natives of The Bay Area, it is far more common for us to meet people who are NOT from here then it is to meet locals. Why i...
06. Listen To The Kids, Bro! Edutainment w/ Ben Gilbarg & Griot B
May 25, 2018 06:47 - 55 minutes - 51.1 MBWith the rise of social media, video games, and iPhones, engaging children in classrooms is harder than ever. We spoke to Ben Gilbarg of Big Picture Anthems and Griot B of Schoolyard Rap about edutainment aka "educational entertainment" and how schools can turn their low engagement around by fusing hip hop culture into their curriculum. We also get into the difference between charter schools and public schools, what tech companies can do to give back to underrepresented communities, and how ...
05. Where Are The Black Girls In Tech?
April 26, 2018 15:00 - 1 hour - 69.2 MBWhen we found out that only 3% of Black women occupy the tech space, we were both astonished and saddened by the statistic. So we kept digging. Turns out, that not only do they only account for 3% of tech roles but those numbers are on the decline. In fact, the amount of Black women in tech is 13% less than it was 10 years ago. Yes, you read that right! But why is that? We needed to know, so we went out to find the factors that were contributing to this. Enter Tamisha Monet and Zakiya Harri...
04. In The Bay We Dance A Lil Different
March 30, 2018 01:00 - 1 hour - 64.3 MBAnyone who grew up in the Bay Area knows that the nightlife scene is pretty interesting to say the least. Growing up in San Jose, we didn't have many options as far as big clubs or events, and apparently Oakland didn't either. For a few years, Greek parties took over the Bay Area party scene, and when that came to a halt there was a monopoly between 1-2 promoters who held down ALL the functions in the Bay (shoutout to Demetrius from Location415, where Amina & Shayla first met). Now, years la...
03. Panther On The Prowl
March 01, 2018 19:15 - 1 hour - 77.3 MBWith all the hype of the Black Panther movie, we cannot forget the history, contributions, and revolutionists that were the Black Panther Party. They are the soul of Oakland, and are a huge part of why Oakland's spirit is so #BlackPower centric today. We got a chance to speak with Jabali aka James Burford, who is an original Black Panther Party member from the San Francisco chapter. He was, as he says, "Ready to talk." If you like what you hear, give Wokeland a positive review on iTunes! Fol...
02. From Wakanda To Oakland
February 23, 2018 09:48 - 1 hour - 69.4 MBSurprise! We're back with a new and hella unplanned episode! Black Panther is seeing huge success, breaking records, and causing a frenzy of unnecessary thinkpieces. We sat down to have an impromptu chat discussing our favorite characters in the film, African booty scratchers, Africans vs. African-Americans, the significance of Oakland in the film, and more. #staywoak If you like what you hear, give Wokeland a positive review on iTunes! Follow Wokeland on social media: Instagram: @wokelandpo...
01. Oakland, Parts Unknown
January 27, 2018 01:03 - 33 minutes - 31 MB"Oakland, Parts Unknown" - Welcome to the land of the woke. A sonic cultural ode to city of Oakland. On our inaugural episode we spoke to five Oakland natives who dissect Oakland stereotypes, gentrification, and their love of the town. Featuring your favorite Oakland neighbors, influencers, and rappers. Featuring Refa 1, Kyona Palmer, Albert aka Run The World Rothstein, Valorie Wynn, and Mistah F.A.B. aka Fabby Davis Jr. If you like what you hear, give Wokeland a positive review on iTunes! F...