“You were brainwashed into thinking European features are the epitome of beauty.”

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In this episode, Ornella and I discuss her experiences as a black woman in America. We talk about her experiences during 2020 including Black Lives Matter. We talk about what it was like growing up being biracial, being a black woman in the service industry, and being in an interracial relationship. We do a deep dive on the cultural aspects of being a POC and why black people are not a monolith despite certain narratives that say otherwise.

Anti-Racist Literature/Audio:

Ibram X Kendi

https://youtu.be/KCxbl5QgFZw

Critical Race Theory:

Kimberlé Crenshaw

https://youtu.be/KNKbGFoYC1Q

Advocates against Critical Race Theory/Anti-Racism:

Black Intellectual Panel

https://youtu.be/pHGt733yw3g

Free Black Thought/Brittany Talisa King

https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/arts-letters/articles/dubois-washington-black-lives-matter

“Cops loooooove to shoot their guns... until it’s a white man staring down the barrel back at you”

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In this episode, Daniel and I discuss the most recent event at The Capitol. We talk about what happened, why we’re not surprised, and the aftermath. We go into detail why Trump and his supporters even came to be, why we shouldn’t fetishize politicians, (including Obama), and Social Media Censorship. We talk about the disparities in the treatment of BLM protestors and The Capitol Insurrectionists, and what our predictions are of what happens after the inauguration.

“Never underestimate the power of perseverance and a damn good playlist.”

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In this episode, Lauren and I talk about the beauty of parenting. The sleepless nights, the incessant crying, watching your body change, and trying to keep a level head raising a baby during a pandemic. Sounds beautiful right? We speak about the kind of parents we want to be, where we come up short, and also remind ourselves that all things considered, we’re not doing that bad of a job.

“Balance is the key.”

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*Content Warning* - Brief description of sexual assault.

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In this episode, Marisa and I speak about issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. We speak about gatekeepers, groups that are more susceptible to discrimination, and homeless youth. We have a robust conversation about Trans folk ranging from a recent celebrity coming out, legislation, and sports. Marisa shares a harrowing personal experience and we discuss how conversations regarding sexual harassment need to change behind the bar.

Tulsi Gabbard Bill:

https://apnews.com/article/tulsi-gabbard-legislation-hawaii-gender-identity-markwayne-mullin-fdc7d8b0461a54ee88c1a0c85a0893f1

Trans folk in sports:

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/feb/13/transgender-athletes-girls-sports-high-school

Elliot Page and Dead Names:

https://variety.com/2020/film/news/elliot-page-transgender-ellen-page-juno-umbrella-academy-1234843023/

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/29/opinion/twitter-deadnaming-ban-free-speech.html

“Nothing is easier than to denounce the evildoer; nothing is more difficult than to understand him.”

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Are you staying safe at home for NYE? Nice. Crack open a bottle of booze, sit back, and listen to Ricky and I talk about 2020. I didn’t edit this episode because I wanted to share a version of a conversation that is raw and uncut. There are pauses, “ums,” bathroom breaks, and I feel it was more honest this way. Something that I hope becomes a theme for conversations moving forward.

Diversity Training:

https://www.realclearscience.com/articles/2020/12/05/research_shows_diversity_training_is_typically_ineffective_652014.html

“Inside every cynical person, there is a disappointed idealist.”

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Have you missed every episode of Season 2? Well you’re in luck because I break down over 20 hours of recording into 42 minutes. Give it a whirl if you’re bored at home, or give it a listen if you’ve got a drink in your hand and you don’t want to attend another TOTC Zoom meeting. Whatever the case, thank you all very much for continuing to support the little podcast that could. A big and sincere thank you to all of the guests up to this point and a much bigger thank you for those who continue to share with friends in and out of social media!

“Stay Curious.”

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In the Season Finale of Season 2, Taylor and I talk about Feminism. We speak about what Feminism means to Taylor, the importance of Intersectionality, and why Feminism isn’t just one thing. We speak about the varying positions on the Gender pay gap, gender roles, also if Feminism includes traditionally conservative women. In the end, we also speak about Sex Workers and whether or not that kind of work is empowering to women.

Pay Gap explained:

https://youtu.be/mpE8ttCEd-w

https://youtu.be/13XU4fMlN3w

Panel of women discuss feminism:

https://youtu.be/WMvih_KEMWo

https://youtu.be/4OB8EfHMG4U

https://youtu.be/E37swnRU2fs

“Never be sober again.”

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In this episode, Carlos and I revisit a catalog of topics that we used to talk about when we were still allowed in bars. We clarify why I “troll the left,” why Carlos feels guilty about being a bartender, and why we need to examine this industry all together. We speak about how hospitality needs to be reshaped to dignify the employees who work in this industry, and how despite our cynicism, we remain hopeful for the foreseeable future.

“Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darknesses of other people”

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In this episode, Dushan and I go through a rollercoaster of topics. We talk first and foremost about the role of a bartender, bar culture, and making the bar a safe space for all. We speak about capitalism, socialism, the divide in American culture, and the flaws of being human. We talk about gender roles, being fathers, and how to approach the people we want to cancel.

In this episode, Mike and I talk about the recent lockdown for L.A. County restaurants. We discuss how Covid has impacted our lives in both a positive and negative way, the inconsistencies of safety measures, and wonder what it’s like to eat at the French Laundry. In the end, we remain optimistic and look forward to better days.