Sick Empire

A devastating truth that cannot be ignored any longer is that the Black and Brown kids of New York City are not alright. During the coronavirus pandemic, the schools are closed, the libraries are closed, the afterschool programs are defunded, and the poorest children of the city are footing the bill. Our host Branden Janese interviews four New Yorkers who have dedicated their lives to uplifting the forgotten kids of New York City.

On this week’s episode of Sick Empire, we talk honestly about what environmental racism looks like in New York City, the sustainable habits for life after lockdown, and what New Yorkers can do during the pandemic to advocate for more green spaces in the city’s poorest neighborhoods. Our host Branden Janese interviews three environmental advocates, based in New York City, who all work in different arenas to battle the climate crisis during the coronavirus.  

This week Sick Empire presents interviews from an eclectic mix of musical guests. You’ll hear our host, Branden Janese, ask questions about the experience of making music during lockdown, the value of vulnerability, and the power of protest songs during this pandemic. What is extraordinary is that each guest has prepared a piece just for Sick Empire. Listen to hear a unique showcase featuring the sounds of two Brookylnites - one, a classical violinist, and the other a house DJ - alongside a composer and trumeteer based in Harlem. Covid-19 left a devastating hole in Black American community. With this show we honor the vibrations of our Black ancestors by honoring the gift of healing melodies they left in our blood. New episodes every Monday until July 20th, 2020.

The Coronavirus pandemic has left staggering numbers of the New York City's workers out of a paycheck. Rent has become a problem for people who never had difficulty with their rents before the pandemic. On top of that, the city’s most vulnerable population, the people without homes, are left to suffer in a deafening silence. This episode of Sick Empire is an investigation on what homelessness and rent tension look like on the ground in NYC.

In this episode you'll hear the stories of New Yorkers who are documenting the protests that have sparked up all around the city following the murder of George Floyd. Our host Branden Janese focuses on the presence of white allies at protests and in the media, the emotional journey of black creatives during these rebellions, and the nationwide grief we all share during this heavy time in our history. The idea of adding a revolt to a pandemic, seems like a recipe for disaster. But here we are, marching, shouting, and changing our world — one protest at a time. Sick Empire is a proud addition to the army of frontline fighters, soldiering peacefully for justice and liberation. New episodes every Monday until July 20th

The coronavirus pandemic has introduced New York City’s citizens to one of the most emotionally draining times in modern American history. On the first episode of Sick Empire, Branden Janese talks to essential workers throughout New York City about what it looks and feels like to work on the front lines in this global pandemic. Branden interviews two supermarket crew members, an Amazon Warehouse whistleblower, a Harlem-based restaurant owner, and a public servant running for a congressional seat. This episode gives voice to the people who risk it all for the work they are proud to do. New episodes every Monday for 8 weeks.

The coronavirus pandemic has magnified the injustices that make up the world we live in - from insufficient protection of workers to rampant homelessness and so much more. This podcast exists to lift the voices of people on the frontlines during these unprecedented times. The first full episode will be live on all podcasting platforms on Monday, June 1st. It is live NOW to members of The North Star. To listen to the first episode early, become a member at TheNorthStar.com.