Battle Fatigue

The 90s were a TIME to be Black and be in film. And a lot of us were raised by the content from this film. It was also a moment for relevance, connectivity, and realizing that the spectrum of Blackness was a lot closer together than we may have realized. Set It Off? Above the Rim? Friday? New Jack City? Black folks were living on the silver screen. In this episode, Dalin and AJ dive into the subject of 4 movies from the 90s - Boomerang, Soul Food, Bad Boys, and Love & Basketball - that influenced their relationships with the culture and how it cultivated who they became as adults. They'll also talk about the relevance these films may have today. So grab that popcorn, chocolate of your choice, and extra large icee (go to the bathroom first) because Battle Fatigue is taking you to the movies!

At Battle Fatigue’s core, finding reasons for joy and laughter amongst the madness is key. And today’s history re-telling is no different. Prepare yourself for a wild ride and very true story. In this episode, AJ regales us with the story of what happens when a counterfeit prodigy, a big bad with Thanos vibes, a relentless secret service agent (think Tommy Lee Jones in U.S. Marshals), and a smooth talking informant get together for an insane plot with more twists than a pretzel factory! Oh, what’s the plot? 

To steal Abe Lincoln’s body.

Join a fully-invested Dalin as he tries to keep up with everything going on in an episode we call: Counterfeit Lincoln! 

In this episode of Battle Fatigue, AJ and Dalin slow things down for a second for a check-in with each other. The world is literally going to hell in a daisy-painted handbasket and the duo wants to chill and process some of the major moments happening around us, together. If you are feeling overwhelmed or unmoored and need something to help give you words that make you feel like, “yup, I felt that too,” join these best friends for a very honest check in. 

Okay BF community, we have a ridiculous treat for you today (and us as well)! As you all know, AJ has her list of top 5 favorite historical figures, one of which is Robert Smalls. We spoke about this legendary life in a previous episode (Regulators, Mount Up! We’re Stealing A Boat) and received amazing responses from you! One of those responses came in the form of (*deep breath*) educator, thought leader, legacy keeper, CEO, father, husband, and great-great grandson of Robert Smalls: Michael Boulware Moore! And he chose to share his story on the show. Excuse us while we do a wildly choreographed dance break of joy. During this special guest-featured episode, the dynamic duo interview Mr. Michael B. Moore on the connective tissue that is his life and the legacy of his great-great grandfather, Congressman Smalls. We’ll get into - as AJ puts it - “my man Rob’s” existence outside of the history books too. Did he laugh often? Did he enjoy Sunday afternoons on the porch with a glass of iced tea? What section of the paper did he read first? We’ll also hear how the legacy of Robert Smalls continues in Mr. Moore and what it’s like to carry the beauty and weight of it all throughout fatherhood. This is not an episode to miss! 

The office is often a not-so-conventional space for Black people to exist. Most people are told to hang up their problems when they get to work, but what about having to hang up your Blackness? Working in predominantly White spaces can come with its own sets of prejudices and stresses. In this episode, AJ and Dalin recall some of their early and more current experiences of systemic racism in and around the cubicle. They’ll talk microaggressions and other discriminations as only they know how.

***NOTE: This episode was recorded one day before the horrific events in Uvalde, Texas at Robb Elementary School.*** In this blerd-to-end-all-blerd episodes, AJ and Dalin are back with another Debate Mixtape throw down. In volume 4, they tackle the still unresolved issue: Is The Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie and is there a middle ground for the two? We’ll also discover the best and SECOND best Disney villains with their friend-affirming answers and hear the moment when Dalin renders AJ speechless (not for long, but still). Then things get more serious when they ponder whether OG Justice League member Martian Manhunter chose Blackness as a visual representation and home of his personal grief. Go deep into the questions inside of the questions on this blerd-i-sode ep of Battle Fatigue. 

Sometimes you just need a Black joy and friendship session to get through the day... to get through the week, even. And if a good laugh is the medicine you need too, then join us for a little comedy and camaraderie. 

Well, it finally happened. AJ finally gets to nerd out about one of her other favorite historical figures: her main man Rob. In this episode of Battle Fatigue, the duo journey through the fascinating life of Robert Smalls. This spy story is wild and winding and just when you think it’s over, there’s more. The reveals are too many to count and Dalin has a lot of questions. There aren’t too many stories from the days of enslavement that end with a sense of unbridled hope and overflowing pride. This isn't just a tale of survival. It's a tale of what's possible. So buckle up, buttercup! We’re going on a wild ride with the badass, Robert Smalls. Hope you don't get seasick. 

Well, it was a wild Women’s History Month and Black women are still getting the sh*t end of the deal. In this episode of Battle Fatigue, the bestie duo look at the treatment of Black women, past and present. And Dalin, like only he can, gets AJ to give some insight into what being a Black woman looks like in her slice of reality. Between the confirmation hearings of Judge Kentanji Brown Jackson to the countless moments during Women's History Month, in which Black women have not been cared for, this one is a heavy episode.

If you have Black women in your life and don’t know how to love and support them, maybe this is the episode for you. In true BF fashion, we get through it with love, laughter and friendship.