Since the start of this pandemic, there has been an infiltration of misinformation and conspiracy theories as it relates to the novel coronavirus. Additionally, mitigation efforts set forth by public health officials have been politicized to the country's detriment. Currently, we are facing a pandemic of the unvaccinated. In this episode, I explain how the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines work and why we all have a personal responsibility to do what is necessary so that this pandemic can end. Lastly, I discuss the "my body, my choice" mantra and how that doesn't apply when trying to end a public health crisis. 

Sources:
Understanding the COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines
The Limits of "My Body, MY Choice" 
Are the COVID Shots Working? 

On January 6, 2021, Americans witnessed a violent insurrection on our nation's Capitol; which was incited by the former President. While the wheels of justice have been extremely slow with regards to holding those responsible for this attack, with the new select congressional investigation, it is anticipated we will get a clearer picture of how exactly an event like this transpired. 

Since the events of January 6th, we have also seen an uptick in the decrying of "cancel culture," yet conservatives never have any qualms canceling others who they feel do not behave according to their guidelines. The most recent example of this was the expulsion of Liz Cheney from Republican House Leadership for having the unmitigated gall of putting country before party. Cancel culture for me, but not for thee is the current GOP mantra.

Sources:

• Capitol Riot: This Is What We Know 6 Months Later
• Day of Rage: An In-Depth Look at How a Mob Stormed the Capitol
• When Republicans Attack 'Cancel Culture,' What Does It Mean?
• Americans and ‘Cancel Culture’: Where Some See Calls for Accountability, Others See Censorship, Punishment

Since November 2020, the Republicans have been amplifying "The Big Lie," in which they have made unfounded claims of mass voter fraud. They have been using this as the foundational reasoning and necessity to pass more restrictive voting laws that disproportionately affect Black and Brown communities. This is not a coincidence. In fact, the GOP has historically sought to stifle the votes of Black and Brown voters since this ensures we will have democracy that is representative of ALL rather than just a few. Thus, it is our obligation to ensure this current Democratic majority Senate does everything humanly possible to pass The For the People Act and the John Lewis Act.

Sources:
History of The Voting Rights Act of 1965
Republican Voter Suppression Efforts Aimed at Minorities
"Bloody Sunday" and the Turning Point of the Civil Rights Movement
John Roberts Decades-long Crusade Against the Voting Rights Act of 1965

In this week's episode of the Speaking Bluntly podcast, I discuss the trial and verdict of Derek Chauvin and what this means for the future of policing. It's rare that Law Enforcement Officials are found guilty of murder, manslaughter, or negligence when they shoot and/or kill an individual.  This is primarily due to Qualified Immunity. It's long past due that we as a society reimagine policing. With Chauvin being a convicted murderer, that change can arrive sooner rather than later through the power of The People!

Tupac's Interview with MTV: Listen to Tupac express his views on Race and Equality in an interview from 1995

History of Qualified Immunity: When and why government officials were granted immunity that has allowed them to avoid civil liability and responsibility while on duty.

History of Policing in America: The beginning of the Slave Patrols and its evolution into modern day law enforcement that disproportionately target Black and Brown people due to its historical roots. 

Welcome to the very first episode of the Speaking Bluntly Podcast! An outlet for real, raw, and unfiltered convos that everyone can relate to while also providing opportunities for some teachable moments.

Many were left wondering what happened with the The Chatterbox Crew and the sudden rebranding. In this episode, we get right to the core of this topic, in addition too, some of the challenges we faced as team. Obstacles like these will present themselves at least once in our lifetimes - this is certain. Overcoming these setbacks can feel like a challenge, but perhaps that is the intent. Listen to how I was able to take a leap of faith and step way outside my comfort zone in this inaugural episode!  

Part 2. It's the most wonderful time of the year! The holidays are here and The Chatterbox Crew is ready to spread their holiday cheer! With the unprecedented times we find ourselves in, the Crew discusses how traditional holiday norms will be different. From gathering with our families to the economic challenges families may find themselves, this year has undoubtedly presented unusual and unique demands on our day to day lives. 

It's the most wonderful time of the year! The holidays are here and The Chatterbox Crew is ready to spread their holiday cheer! With the unprecedented times we find ourselves in, the Crew discusses how traditional holiday norms will be different. From gathering with our families to the economic challenges families may find themselves, this year has undoubtedly presented unusual and unique demands on our day to day lives. 

On November 7, 2020, Americans officially knew that hope is on the horizon. A brighter future is on the horizon. It was this day that Americans learned a new President would be installed on January 21, 2021. While Trump has tried to contest the validity of the election and thus far has not performed a peaceful transition of power, his efforts have been moot. Trump's coup attempt has been an epic failure. However, this is why we needed to vote Trump out. Our democracy would not have survived another four years  under his authoritarian rule. Congrats America!

What is a "toxic relationship?" According to Dr. Lillian Glass, a toxic relationship is any relationship [between people who] don’t support each other, where there’s conflict and one seeks to undermine the other, where there’s competition, where there’s disrespect and a lack of cohesiveness.”

How does toxicity affect our relationships and daily interactions? Do people  realize their behavior is toxic and how it may affect others? Take this journey with The Chatterbox Crew as we discuss our own experiences with dealing with our own toxicity. We also discuss valuable resources which have helped us recognize, correct, and manage these types of relationships - whether they are friendships, romantic partners/spouses, familial, or work. This episode will resonate across the spectrum.

Resources:
Sheila Robinson-Kiss, MSW, LCSW: LIFT YouTube Channel

Battlefield of The Mind: By Joyce Meyer
Approval Addiction: By Joyce Meyer
Managing Your Emotions: By Joyce Meyer

With the 2020 NBA Season now concluded, The Chatterbox Crew discusses the activism that led to this summer's General Strike. We take a look at the long and rich history of social justice activism in sports. We take a deep dive into this history starting with Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, the 1968 Summer Olympics, Billie Jean King (where we tap into feminism activism in sports), Colin Kaepernick, and ending with Lebron James. While critics would prefer that players just "shut and dribble," the fact that these athletes are using their platforms to bring awareness to these very important issues is testament to their character rather than their athletic abilities.