The Counter-Narrative show explored the lack of diversity in the cannabis industry. Key statistics include 12% of Americans as active marijuana users, a 67% increase in cannabis sales in 2020, and a $61 billion US industry. Denise Vito, a cannabis epidemiologist, emphasized the health benefits of cannabis, particularly for HIV patients, and the need for better education. Tyrone Russell highlighted the high barriers to entry, such as $200,000 for licensing, and the importance of education and social equity. Shaggy Brown stressed the need for more knowledge in urban communities and the potential of plant medicine for healing. The discussion also touched on the impact of legalization and decriminalization on racial disparities and the criminal justice system. The discussion on the Counter-Narrative show focused on the lack of diversity in the cannabis industry. Speaker 3 highlighted the normalization of cannabis usage through hip hop culture. Speaker 2, a Latina woman, emphasized the need for education and the challenges in hiding cannabis evidence. S. Rasheem and Speaker 4 debated the importance of diversity, with Speaker 4 arguing for inclusivity across races. Dr. Videau stressed the importance of funding mechanisms to support diverse voices. The conversation also touched on the need for proper channels to prevent predatory investors and culture vultures from exploiting knowledgeable individuals.

The Counter-Narrative show featured Natoya and Joy, two black women entrepreneurs, discussing their businesses and challenges. Natoya's brand, Amazing Sophistication, is a footwear line inspired by her children's initials and her background in mental health. Joy's HR consulting firm, HR for the Culture, focuses on supporting black female entrepreneurs, highlighting the struggles of black-owned businesses, which average $24,000 annually. Both emphasized the importance of community, networking, and overcoming misconceptions about entrepreneurship. The pandemic impacted their businesses differently, with Natoya starting during the pandemic and Joy leveraging e-commerce growth. They shared strategies for building generational wealth and the significance of their work in the black community.

Rasheem hosts a discussion with Ali Hassan and Forus about their experiences as brown and foreign individuals in the U.S. Ali, originally from Rockville, Maryland, with roots in Hyderabad, India, discusses the challenges of assimilating into a predominantly white area and the importance of cultural appreciation. Forus, born in Lahore, Pakistan, shares his cultural shock upon moving to the U.S. and the benefits of learning multiple languages. Both emphasize the significance of their Muslim faith and the misconceptions surrounding it. They also discuss the impact of the current election on their communities and the importance of education and cultural understanding.

The discussion on race, politics, and social justice featured Vicky J, a beauty YouTuber and social justice advocate, and Carl, a minister and PhD student. They discussed Colin Kaepernick's national anthem protest, praising his strength and the widespread support he received. They also highlighted Beyoncé's album "Lemonade" as a significant cultural and social commentary. The conversation touched on the importance of holding entertainers accountable, the impact of the 2016 election on race relations, and the evolution of social justice from civil rights to human rights. Both guests emphasized the need for rehumanization and the role of diverse representation in media.

Brooklyn Taylor, a dating coach and matchmaker, discussed compatibility and choosing the right mate on the "Hers, Mine and Yours" show. He emphasized that compatibility is about finding a partner who complements you, not just sharing similar interests or backgrounds. He highlighted the importance of chemistry and the ability to handle situations together, such as dealing with family conflicts. Taylor noted that both experienced and inexperienced daters face challenges, with the latter often lacking relationship skills. He advised regular social interactions and kindness in uncoupling to maintain respect and future possibilities. The hosts also shared personal experiences and insights on dating in different cities.

Rasheem hosts Davon Love, Director of Public Policy for Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS), to discuss the transition from protests to policy. Davon, co-founder of LBS, traces his journey from policy debate to advocacy, emphasizing the need for African American leadership in policy-making. He highlights the insular nature of policy debates and the importance of community engagement. Davon critiques the current political climate in Maryland, particularly the role of the Democratic Party and the need for accountability from new leaders like Brandon Scott. He also discusses the Maryland Public Information Act, the Law Enforcement Officer Bill of Rights, and the potential for legalizing cannabis to benefit impacted communities.

Rasheem hosts a discussion on race, gender, and incarceration, featuring three black women with personal experiences of incarceration. They discuss the challenges of transitioning back into society, including employment, housing, and mental health support. Elizabeth, a drug and alcohol counselor, highlights the lack of mental health services and the need for comprehensive reentry programs. Tia, a community advocate, emphasizes the importance of changing one's mindset and having a supportive network. They also address the stigma and cultural mistrust in seeking mental health services within the black community. The conversation underscores the need for systemic changes to support returning citizens effectively.

The Counter-Narrative Show discussed white supremacy in nonprofit environments with Devon Love, Director of Public Policy at Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle. Love highlighted the pathologizing of black people, the marginalization of black methodologies, and the lack of black leadership in nonprofits. He criticized the dependency on white-led institutions and the performative allyship in anti-racism efforts. Love emphasized the need for black self-sufficiency and independent institutions. He also discussed the co-optation of movements and the role of ego starvation in perpetuating white supremacy within nonprofit sectors.

The Counter-Narrative show discussed black pathology and the nonprofit sector with Dayvon Love, Director of Public Policy for Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle. Love critiqued the nonprofit industrial complex, emphasizing the need for black autonomy and the marginalization of black-led methodologies. He highlighted the Moynihan Report's influence on policies like welfare work requirements and the problematic nature of programs like the Baraka School and Thread. Love also discussed the importance of building autonomous institutions and the need for rigorous training in black-centered methodologies, advocating for a shift in thought leadership and professional development.

The Counter-Narrative show discussed urban farming and food justice in Baltimore with experts including Mama Saray, Franco Mueller Paz, Ms. Harris, and Brother Lee Jordan. Key points included the definition of food sovereignty as controlling one's food system, combating food apartheid, and the importance of local urban farming. Mama Saray emphasized teaching cooking skills and organizing food giveaways. Franco highlighted the Gloria Richardson Solidarity Gardens, which emerged during COVID-19 to address food deserts. Ms. Harris discussed Strength to Love Farm's job opportunities for returning citizens. Black Yale Institute's initiatives include urban agriculture, political education, and food sovereignty organizing.