Honesty On The Table

Black Progress...and Regress. We're in 2023 and there's a lot to be thankful for. We have made it to another year, another opportunity of continuance but we cannot proceed in our evolution without admitting the faults, flaws, and bad habits that could stunt it. As "The Accountability Podcast" and as Black Men, let's have the conversation. Are we, as a Black community, as fulfilled, progressive, collaborative, and loving as we aspire to be or is it just smoke and mirrors? Let's get into it.

Self preservation is key. This is a statement we have to embody to able to exemplify our best selves, no matter how much we are challenged or things that are not in alignment with what we expect. Maintaining our peace, understanding, and mental health are paramount. According to the CDC, 'Mental Health' is someone's social, psychological, and emotional wellbeing. So, when we refer to mental health, it applies to every facet of our lives that affects our wellbeing. In this episode, we unpack how we are managing our overall wellbeing and if we are honoring our own mantra, "Self Preservation is Key".

The FIVE Can Kill A Man! What the hell are The FIVE?! Fear. Insecurities. Vices. Ego. Men hesitate unpacking these four themes in thinking that it could demean their sense of value, self-esteem, and control in life yet, there is nothing more liberating, strengthening, and affirming than to express how fear, insecurities, vices, and ego takes shape in one's life. One of the keys of self-mastery is being vulnerable enough to acknowledge the daily battles with managing these pillars and the Brothers were phenomenal in putting their Honesty On The Table when it comes to The FIVE. Will you be able to meet them halfway and share your truth?

Black Fathers Are Irreplaceable. Regardless of where we were and stood in our young adult life with our fathers, we longed, valued, and cherished having a healthy, open, and restorative relationship with them. The humorous aspect of being someone's child is that no matter where we are in the world and where we stand with them, we still hope for them to be there in our corner. We still have to acknowledge how their subtle characteristics mirror ours. No matter how independent and self-actualized we are, we still respect, marvel, and look at them as our superhero, our mentor, our protector, our father. Enjoy this episode and tell your father, however you define them to be and wherever they are, you love them.

"If I didn't have the music, I don't know where I would be". "I cannot live without music". "I love classic 80s, 90s R&B to Kings of Leon. There's no limits. If it is good, I'll rock with it". Music is the topic of discussion on this episode, if you can't already tell. The HOTT boys unpack the songs we all love to sing in the shower and the songs we sing while we cuddle the pillow, in a fetal position at night, after a breakup. Who's on your ATL Mt. Rushmore (Rap)? What's a song you'll sing that you think no one would know you love? The Soundtrack of Our Lives, Season Two Episode 11, is here.

It would have been foolish to close out our first season without a season recap episode. Thus, we reviewed the highs and lows of the season, covered topics that were left uncovered, and delved deeper into areas that, in some aspects, we wish could have investigated sooner, personally and as a collective. Nonetheless, this was a celebratory event. Bottles were popped, we came sharply dressed for the occasion, and most importantly, no crumbs were left on the table. We hope you have enjoyed us as much as we have enjoyed producing this for you. Season Two on the way!

Who don’t love Black Women?! We certainly do! “It’s the essence of Black woman that I love. From the way you walk, talk, smell, act, everything!” “Black women are the cheat code. I wouldn’t be where I am today, literally, figuratively, personally, if it weren’t for a Black woman”. “At times of my deepest or lowest point, she always made sure I felt safe and was encouraged”. “I love the way Black women hold us accountable, because usually they are always right. I appreciate them for that”. Everything we discussed, from situationships to the meaning of Black Love, was welcomed and shared with respect, understanding, and straightforward honesty so we’re excited for y’all to tune in. “Black Women, We Love You”, Season Two premiere, Episode 10, is here. A special shout out and appreciation to the lovely Black Queens who accompanied us on this episode, Josephanie, Tomeka, Aaliyah, and Victoria.

family. name. wealth. longevity. immorality. Legacy. What does legacy mean to you? Who are your "legacy influencers", those you admire and aspire to duplicate in principles and actions to cultivate your own legacy? What are some things you learned from your family history that influence your present, your future? What are generational positives you will keep? What are generational curses you will discard?

From outlining their legacy blueprint to highlighting their life's mission, the Gentlemen of HOTT conclude their inaugural season with Episode VIII: 'Legacy'.

What is success? What does it mean to be successful? Is it in the milestones, the recognition, the financial gains, the assets? Everyone wants everlasting success but what is also housed in every success story are sacrifices, doubt, failure, and questions. Questions of whether success benefits those around them as well as themselves, whether success would have arrived sooner if chosen another path, or whether the success experienced is even success at all.

How would you define success when you are hailed as being one in your community? Is that something to celebrate or reason to feel some guilt because you represent the few and not the many? When you are successful, you willingly donate your expertise, time, and money to friends and loved ones without expecting anything in return, is that a cost or a benefit? Can it be both?

Can success extend life expectancies? Does life get any easier? Does it worsen? Is it more tiresome being Black and successful? This is Episode VII and these are the ‘Trials with Triumph’.

It was inevitable that this conversation arrived at our table. "What it means to be Black in America? Is it any easier, or more progressive, as a Black millennial today?" You tell us.