Free Black Thought Podcast

This conversation explores the often overlooked narratives of old black money and the impact of social capital on identity and success. Mike and Wink discuss historical examples of wealthy black families, the importance of diverse narratives, and the challenges posed by stereotypes and secrecy.

Jen opens up about growing up in Scientology, surviving a traumatic childhood and navigating life as a mixed-race woman.

Show notes:

• Jen on X
• Tom Cruise yells at movie crew

Kaizen Asiedu shares his journey from growing up in the Bronx to attending Harvard, where he initially felt lost despite achieving academic goals. He discusses his transition into the e-sports industry, where he found direction and success, leading to a sort of awakening during the pandemic. Kaizen advocates for a rethinking of education, focusing on empowering the next generation and fostering critical thinking.

Show notes:

• Kaizen on X
• Kaizen’s Substack
• Kaizen on YouTube
• Kaizen on Instagram
• Kaizen on Facebook
• Kaizen on TikTok
• Kaizen’s website

Quinn Que talks about his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a writer and journalist. He discusses the evolution of journalism, the importance of self-education, and the changing landscape of the industry. Quinn emphasizes the need for meritocracy over race-based policies in DEI initiatives and reflects on the impact of AI on writing. He advocates for political moderation and free thinking, challenging the notion that one must be radical to be considered a true leftist.

Show notes:

• Quinn on X
• Quinn’s Substack
• Quinn’s “Racebending—What It Is and Why It Should End” for the Journal of Free Black Thought
• Quinn’s “Reforming the DEI Reforms” for the Journal of Free Black Thought
• “Whistleblower: Lockheed Gave Bonuses Based on Skin Color” in City Journal

Courtney Teasley, known as the Black Law Girl, shares her story from growing up in a marginalized community to becoming a lawyer. She discusses issues within the criminal justice system and the importance of legal literacy. Courtney emphasizes the role of lawyers in fighting for their clients and the necessity of understanding one's rights.

Show Notes:

• Courtney’s website
• Emeffen
• Family Justice Law Center
• Movement for Family Power
• Courtney on YouTube

Season five of the Free Black Thought Podcast kicks off with Dr. Pamela Denise Long (who casually goes by Denise). She shares stories about growing up in Mississippi and moving to Illinois, sharing the life experiences that shaped who she is and how she sees the world. She opens up about how Barack Obama's presidency influenced her thinking and why she’s stayed committed to the Republican Party—even when it hasn’t always been welcoming.

Show notes:

• Denise on X
• Campaign website
• Obama’s original view on marriage
• North American Man/Boy Love Association
• More on Obama and Abortion

Mike Bowen and Wink Twyman explore the multifaceted themes of black manhood, family dynamics, and the impact of first encounters on perceptions of race.

Wink and Mike dive into how AI is shaking up everything—from jobs and schools to global power plays. They keep it real, balancing excitement with skepticism as they talk about the big stuff: job loss, AI in education, ethical gray areas, and whether machines could one day be conscious. They also touch on China’s AI strategy, the idea of an intelligence explosion in 2027, and how culture (like Japan’s tech aesthetics) ties into all this. It’s a deep but casual convo about where humanity and AI might be headed.

Michael DC Bowen and Winkfield Twyman explore how AI is reshaping law, identity, and human connection. From legal ethics to cultural shifts, they unpack the challenges and possibilities of living with intelligent machines in a rapidly evolving world.

Dr. George A. Yancey shares how his experiences shaped his work as a race scholar and why he thinks today’s DEI efforts are missing the mark. He and host Connie Morgan talk about the need for real, collaborative conversations around race, the politics of Juneteenth, and the rise of black Republicans.

Show notes:

• George’s “The Future of DEI” for the Journal of Free Black Thought
• George’s website
• George on X
• George’s book Compromising Scholarship
• George’s book What Motivates Cultural Progressives?
• George’s “What Is Antiracism and What Is the Problem with It?” for the Journal of Free Black Thought
• George’s book There is No God
• George’s book So Many Christians, So Few Lions
• George’s book Beyond Racial Gridlock