The National Football League, aka the NFL, is a multi-billion dollar industry that has been built by wealthy white men on the backs of a large number of black men throughout history. As social evolution continues, there still are conversations being held about equity within the organization in all levels as we see on the field. In recent years, Jay-Z and his RocNation conglomerate have partnered with the NFL to help effectuate change in the wake of Colin Kapernick’s kneeling controversy. With this partnership, is the measurement of success on the stage of the biggest televised event of the year? Have we been placated with hip-hop entertainment on display during Super Bowl LVI? Or is this merely an effort to quiet the riffs being made as we hear stories about the number of black coaches being equal in 2022 to where they stood in 2003? Let’s get into the discussion of how much is too little and what needs to be done to make it right once and for all.  

Policies like the Rooney rule were put into place in the NFL with the same thought process as affirmative action laws. But us having policies in place enough and who’s in charge to make sure policies are being followed responsibly? In corporate boardrooms across the country, resumes are being looked over when names sound too ethnic, geographical locations give clues to applicant's demographics & other potentially race identifying clues are discovered. In some cases, even if interviews are granted, decisions are already made that are not in the favor of back and brown folks. But how do we change this? And do we as black and brown people want a job if it’s given out if force rather than merit?  On the other hand, let’s also look at the man in the mirror (or woman) and ask ourselves are we perpetuating the same mindset in our black owned businesses? And if so, is it justified? We definitely don’t have the answers. But we have something to say.   Check out Episode 58 - We In transition. We, you, us, society.   Join the conversation! Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts.  Don’t forget to follow on IG @act2_thepodcast and find us on Facebook - Act 2: The Podcast.  Visit www.ACT2THEPODCAST.com for more!

Rated-R would probably be the rating given to this episode if a rating was to be assessed. The same rating has been applied to movies, TV shows & music since the begin of ratings. Not really sure when that was, but it’s out there. Despite the ratings, this has not stopped the same movies, TV shows & music from being distributed. Although entertaining to some, how many have stopped to listen to some of the lyrics in these songs? We all have bopped our heads, snapped our fingers & maybe danced real close. Let’s not forget - Luke took the 90s by storm! Every block party, basement party, cookout, and strip club.   But when does sexy songs cross the line? When does a compliment go from flattering flirtation to flat out inappropriate? The “Me Too” movement was a perfect example of how many things once seemingly acceptable were in fact hurtful, lewd & just wrong. But do we also blame ourselves for participating in the wrongdoings?  It’s a thought-provoking dynamic that can divide a room. While some may say people are too sensitive, others may say people have been desensitized because it’s so commonplace. And in all honesty, who wants to pick apart songs to decipher if the lyrics are worthy of Maxine Waters bulldozing or if we’re being duped by “America’s Dad” on today’s sitcoms?   Rape culture didn’t start with 2 Live Crew or Bill Cosby. From Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein, we were shown how vast of a problem it is in today’s society. But let’s not stop there. Peeling back the onion will bring some tears. But it’s all necessary for growth.  Like, comment & share! Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts.   Don’t forget to follow on IG @act2_thepodcast & visit www.ACT2THEPODCAST.com.

From babymamas to the G.O.A.T and the Black Mamba, there’s a whole lot of discussion going on at the Deas2Roundtable this episode. After Nick Cannon announced another expectant child, Tom Brady announced the end of an era. Both famous in their own right, but one has racked up trophies while another is increasing the world population.   Another daytime Emmy show participant faces some backlash for expressing her views on a show surprisingly called- wait for it….  - The View. Well, that isn’t much of a surprise. But what was more of a shock is the nurse practitioner & NYPD duo who raked in more than a million dollars selling fake vaccines cards to NYPD officers along with others. Those who were sworn to protect and serve and fight crime are now identified as those complicit in this crime. Do we blame them? Vaccine mandates are happening from state to state. Is it fair to be required to have drugs administered against your beliefs, or does fairness not matter in the midst of a pandemic?  As we move towards the 2-year mark since the start of the pandemic, we continue to see headlines about people's lives impacted by tragedy through suicide. Not knowing exactly if the pandemic was a catalyst in the reasoning for these individuals to take their own lives, it’s probably safe to assume that the anxiety, isolation, and uncertainty over the pandemic has not been beneficial in quelling any emotional instability.   We continue to encourage all of our supporters to remember to do a self-inventory. Remember to ask yourself “How are you?” and truthfully assess your mental well-being. Talk to someone if needed. Utilize resources to help you be your best self. And don’t be afraid to say you’re not ok.  Thank you for your support!  Join the conversation by leaving a comment & giving a thumbs up or down. Share with your family and friends!  Don’t forget to follow on IG @act2_thepodcast  and Act 2: The Podcast on Facebook.  Check out www.ACT2THEPODCAST.com

Love. There’s been songs written about it since the beginning of songwriting history. Good love. Bad love, Toxic love. Unconditional love. Love going bad. Black love. What’s love gotta do with it? When talking about life - EVERYTHING.  When thinking of a love between man and wife, ya boy, International Walt, host of Act 2: The Podcast, can’t think of a love more fulfilling than the love shared between him & the Co-Hostess with the Mostest. Not often does one have an opportunity to share how, why, when, where & how much they love someone. But when asked, the thought of dedicating an episode to talk about Why I Love Her could not feel any better.  Musical artist Major wrote a song called “This Is Why I Love You” to which the Co-Hostess walked down the aisle during our wedding. As beautiful as the song is, it only gives a glimpse to a beautiful melody the depth of my love. But it was a time I felt undeserving of that love being reciprocated.  Maybe it’s imposter syndrome. Definitely coated with self-deprecating thoughts. When in bondage and facing your own demons, who would think someone would agree to be by your side through it all? Bonnie and Clyde were long dead and gone. How many are really down to ride to the very end? Well it’s not the end, but my wife showed a level of commitment and dedication that enabled me to learn to love her in a way never imagined.  Why I Love Her is a statement, not a question. An undeniable proclamation of my feelings about my heart outside of my chest. I’m not sure if there are enough words to explain. But I’ll do my best.  Thank you for watching & your continued support!  Don’t forget to visit www.ACT2THEPODCAST.com.  Also follow on IG @act2_thepodcast and find us on Facebook on Act 2: The Podcast.  Like, comment, share!

It’s a new year. However, some things still feel and sound the same. 2021 was saturated with conversations being held internationally about vaccinations. And guess what? Hello 2022!!! The conversation continues. With more establishments being mandated to regulate patrons based on their vaccination status, the questions start to evolve. We’re no longer asking should we get vaccinated or not, but instead, why are there so many boosters and is it all for naught?! As citizens are having to make decisions about providing financially for their families vs making the best medical decisions, how will society handle the pressure?   As unemployment rates rise, so does food, gas and housing prices. Could this be the reason for the uptick on crimes in the inner city? The Philadelphia Police Department has began to warn citizens about carjackings as we continue to triple and maybe even quadruple murder rates from last year. How can this be fixed? Do we implement previous strategies used like Operation Safe Streets from the early 2000s? Is martial law required? Is Commissioner Outlaw at fault? No one has all the answers, but we have our opinions.  Check out Episode 54 and join the conversation.

The crack epidemic of the 90s was the first time I remember the war on drugs being declared. But what happens when the war being fought settles & the smoke clears and it’s the “good guys” you’re going against? Prescription drugs have since turned the war on drugs again crack cocaine to the opioid epidemic. Whether it’s Percocet, Xanax, OxyContin, the result is the same. What needs to happen for medical professionals to take an introspective look at policies and procedures? Why isn’t cannabis prescribed in lieu of narcotics in major medical situations?

As medical cannabis becomes an international headline, let’s get into the representation of melanin in the cannabis industry. As with many other industries, black and brown people are minorities when it comes to ownership. However, progress is being made in C-Level suites…so how much more progress is on the way? What loopholes and bureaucratic red tape is limiting us from making our mark in the world of cannabis? Also, as more legislation pushes for the legalization of marijuana, what will that look like for us in the next 3-5 years?  Let’s talk! Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts.  Thank you for your support!  Like, comment, share!   Follow on IG @act2_thepodcast and Facebook - Act 2: The Podcast Visit www.ACT2THEPODCAST.com

A lot can happen in a year. And as we see over the last two years with the onset of the pandemic, life can change drastically in a year. For us, it did. Act 2: The Podcast was born and became our baby. Just like with any newborn, we had to learn the ropes. How to nurture, feed, and help our baby to grow. After 52 weeks, we are so humbly grateful for all the support given throughout our first year. As we began a new calendar year, we have lots in store in our personal lives as well as for A2:TP. Having an action plan and setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals will help keep us focused and on track. At least that’s our intention. What’s your short-term goals? Long-term goals? What boundaries are you putting in place this year to help you achieve the life you dream of having?  Join the conversation and let us know how you plan to make 2022 the year you choose you.  Happy New Year and Happy Birthday to A2:TP!  Thank you for your support & don’t forget to check out www.ACT2THEPODCAST.com.  Follow on IG @act2_thepodcast and Facebook- Act 2: The Podcast.

Do you sometimes feel like the last two years have all run together in our minds? Almost like it was a 24 month year instead of two 12 month years. With the pandemic of 2020, the shutdown across the world, travel restrictions, stimulus checks, virtual school, work from home, Zoom calls, and all the other elements of society that have been dropped in our laps, it’s not hard to understand if the timeline of 2021 isn’t all too clear. 

 For us, this has been a year that can be best described as “A Ride”. In retrospect, the vehicle changed throughout the months. We were coasting in the Caribbean on a catamaran in January, found ourselves on a shuttle bus in Montego Bay in the Spring, hitched a ride with dolphins in the summer, jumped aboard the healing train as the summer ended (CHOO-CHOO!), went cruising in a Ferrari in the Fall, all while on a roller coaster throughout the entire year. Probably would cause motion sickness for some. But most importantly, we did our best not to park & get out.   

As 2021 comes to an end, take a trip with us down memory lane as we recollect our most memorable moment. The biggest WOWs & most shocking WHOAs, the biggest beefs, and most talked about ‘grams - we remember it all.  Our biggest lesson learned this year is how important it is to CHOOSE YOU. All ways, always. We look forward to continuing our journey on the healing train & hope you’ll continue that ride with us as well.  Thank you for joining this ride and coming along with us. We appreciate your support, encouragement, referrals, comments, and views.  Check us out at www.ACT2THEPODCAST.com & follow on IG @act2_thepodcast and on Facebook - Act 2: The Podcast.

Being sad isn’t just an emotion. It can actually be a medical disorder. Yup! SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder is a medical diagnosis affecting more people than you know. We all know the feeling of feeling gray & gloomy when the weather is gray and gloomy. You probably thought it was just in your head and told yourself to shake it off. Maybe that worked. But if it didn’t, don’t feel hopeless. You can get treatment and your seems can get brighter…literally. And with the holidays upon us, brighter days are needed for all of us. Amongst the bustle & hustle of Christmas shopping it’s so hard not to feel overwhelmed. The excitement can almost make us feel like this moment will last forever. Well guess why? It won’t. Nope! It’s the holiday “season” but Christmas Day is just that. A day. Let’s remember the reason for the season. Enjoying time with loved ones, spreading joy and laughs, and if possible giving gifts of love within reason. Let’s no go broke, stress ourselves out & enter the new year in the red.   Thank you for your support! Add Act 2: The Podcast swag to your list if you’ve been naughty or nice. We don’t care either way…but but 2 and share! Shop at www.act2thepodcast.com.  Follow on IG @act2_thepodcast

Healing is the new “it” word post-pandemic. As we were all forced to sit down and the country shut down, we realized we were sitting in a pile of muck. Some our own, some belonging to others. Nevertheless less, the muck needed to be cleared. As we faced toxicity that maybe we didn’t know existed, or maybe we did and accepted, we realized the healing journey wasn’t the sunflower field we imagined ourselves running through.