Broke-ish®

And just like that, it’s a wrap on Season 9! Amber and Erika pause to look back on the highs, lows, and in-betweens of Season 9 and muse about what we’ve learned, our hopes for the future, and what you can expect in Season 10! America is still Broke-ish, but we are we resolved, determined, and excited about creating a better future for us and by us. Tune in to hear our reflections on this season!

In this episode, Amber and Erika pause to reflect on the horrific murder of Sonya Massey and the ascendance of Kamala Harris to the Democratic presidential nominee - all in the same week. We discuss how both women reflect different, yet ugly truths, about the unjust American police state. And we also reflect on the unique emotional impact of both events on Black women. Can we truly mourn Sonya Massey and simultaneously celebrate Kamala Harris? Is representation still a valuable indicator of progress? Can we hold the tension of Kamala’s identity as a law enforcement agent while still celebrating the historic significance of this moment? Tune in to hear what we have to say!

On this payday, Amber and Erika are examining America’s third branch of government, the judiciary, and its often overlooked role in upholding the unjust systems at the base of this country. We examine three recent rulings - the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Chevron Doctrine and expand presidential immunity and the Eleventh Circuit’s ruling dismantling the Fearless Fund - that reveal how judges can wield their power to promote inequitable political agendas. Next, we discuss how nefarious politicians co-opted the playbook of the Civil Rights Movement to dismantle judicial equal protection and racial remediation. Tune in to learn why we all need to pay more attention to the judicial branch!

On this payday, Amber and Erika are throwing it back to an oldie but goodie: Civics 101! So many of us are disturbed, angered, and concerned about the state of our current political affairs - especially after the first presidential debate. But this episode reminds us that our focus needs to go beyond the pageantry of it all to the structural and systemic ways that our government conspires to disempower the common man. So run this one back to get ready for this crazy election cycle!

On this payday, Amber and Erika discuss America’s hijacking of Jesus and the church’s complicity with inequity, exploitative capitalism, and anti-blackness. We are joined by Stephanie M. House-Niamke, a sociologist whose work centers on power, access, and choice, across the areas of race, gender, and religion. Stephanie helps us see how problematic theological frameworks like the prosperity gospel and manifest destiny have resulted in the church being an extension of many of the same exclusionary, unjust practices propagated in our broader society. We also explore whether and under what conditions the Black church can return to itself, extricating the White Supremacy that has crept into its midst. Press play to hear what we have to say!

On this payday, Amber and Erika are talking about the unprecedented attack on America’s public schools by conservative Republicans seeking to ban DEI efforts and replace fact-based curricula with ideological propaganda. Joined by Mike Hixenbaugh, investigative journalist behind the podcast series “Southlake” and author of the New York Times bestselling book “They Came for the Schools.” We look at how one suburban town’s fight against diversity initiatives highlights the role racism plays in shaping public education. We also drill down to the dark money driving the efforts to defund public schools and promote vouchers in its stead. Unsurprisingly, these efforts are likely to have a disproportionately negative impact on Black families. Tune in to get the scoop on the fight brewing over America’s public schools.

On this payday, Amber and Erika deep dive into anti-blackness propagated by other Black people. Although we usually focus on whiteness and white agents of anti-blackness, this episode looks at the unique harms to our community when Black leaders and influencers peddle in anti-blackness. From pathologizing Black people to blaming and shaming us for problems directly caused by white supremacist systems, we unpack how to identify anti-blackness and why white supremacy is invested in amplifying Black agents of it. Using examples like Emmanuel Acho, Al Sharpton, Candace Owens, Charlemagne the God, and Roland Martin, we show that anti-blackness is often insidious and packaged as informative and/or liberation. Tune in to get the scoop!

On this payday, Amber and Erika are debunking millionaire myths. Despite what we see on social media and television, most people will never ascend to the status of millionaire. But even for those who do, it doesn’t always equate to a life flush with cash and no financial worries. And this is, of course, especially true for Black people. We get back to the basics by first explaining how to calculate net worth and then exploring the different asset classes that are included. Next, we discuss who is most likely to be a millionaire and how they got there. Be warned: it’s probably not what you heard on IG! Tune in to get the scoop!

On this payday, Amber and Erika are “celebrating” Financial Literacy Awareness Month. We discuss what financial literacy looks like and how it is distinct from and related to financial education. Although, the Brokers know that financial literacy is not the antidote to the racism and inequitable capitalism that conspires against Black people, we look at the role of understanding money and economics as a means of survival. Walk with us as we navigate what it looks like to be financially savvy AND invested in dismantling this unjust capitalist system. Take a listen to get the steps!

On this payday, Amber and Erika discuss “Secure DC”, the new crime bill recently enacted in the nation’s capital that harkens back to the “tough on crime” approach of the 80s and 90s. Despite history and data overwhelmingly demonstrating that increased policing and carcareal punishment do not reduce crime, we attempt to unpack the reasons why our policy makers constantly revert to this losing strategy. But most importantly, we highlight the anti-Blackness at the core of over-policing and criminal justice policies that ignore the poverty, inequity, and lack of resources that often fuel criminal activity. Press play to get the scoop!