The Lighter Side with Jay

One of my favorite episodes. Aria and Catherine of Nutley for Black Lives, are two of the youngest, and also the most impressive, guests I've had on the show to date. These two young women are motivated and focused on getting their message out, and I am proud to give them whatever platform I can.

Recently, they participated in a march in Nutley, NJ which drew headlines when a group of counter-protestors showed up to prevent the destruction of a statue of Columbus. The statue was never a part of anyone's plan, but that didn't stop them from shouting hate while Aria gave her speech. You can read about it, and even see video footage, here.

Follow Nutley for Black Lives on Instagram and Facebook.

This summer, I spoke with a young man who made a difference in his traditionally very white/not so secretly racist town. Clarence Celius.

Clarence Celius is a young, black man who grew up in Wall Township, NJ, an idyllic suburb where he describes the very "air quality" as being "filled with racism and discrimination". In light of recent events, and as an act of love for his younger twin sisters, Clarence took it upon himself to do something about it: He organized a Black Lives Matter March in Wall.

Since then, Clarence has been thrust into activism at a breakneck pace. He is ready to give a part of himself over to the cause for racial equality. He bravely took me through the seemingly endless, exceedingly racist moments he has endured as black man growing up in suburbia. I applaud Clarence and implore you to follow him, as I know he will be making big waves in the future. 

My friend Khy and I had a long chat. 

Khy Garner is tired. He was raised to be, and is, a gentleman to the core. But, he is tired. Of the loss. Of the ignorance. Of the systemic racism. Of learning that many people he thought were allies were anything but. And, he is tired of having to repeat himself, so I made sure to put a microphone in front of him and press record. 

Besides that, I got to catch up with someone I greatly admire and learn more about his past, present, and future. Khy is a true teacher, and gives all of himself to his craft. It was an honor and a pleasure to chat with Mista Khy.

Sara and I chatted a few months ago. She's done some great work since then. You should read it.

Sara Benincasa wrote a book called "Agorafabulous", all about her adventures in mental health. As you would imagine, Sara has been training her whole life for a quarantine, and she is dominating by putting out stellar episodes of her podcast, "Well, This Isn't Normal" , which blends one-on-one interviews with relaxation techniques. Go listen to it. After you listen to this. She wrote more books too. It's all here. 

Sara and I went to high school together in a suburb of NYC called Manalapan. It was one of those seemingly perfect places, which now has a seemingly endless list of alumni who suffer with substance use disorder. Sara told me a story of a long road to recovery, one filled with setbacks and toxic relationships, but ultimately one of inspiration and hope. 

This is a raw conversation about drug use, so be ready for that. But also be ready for a woman who is full of guilt over her past, but who really emanates nothing but empathy and compassion for those around her. I am so happy for her and so glad she chose my podcast as one of the first times she has publicly spoken about her past, present, and future. 

My friend Marder was the Exec Producer of It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, The Mick, and now, Rick and Morty.  We recorded this in June. Since then he won an Emmy for his work on Rick and Morty. He's great Enjoy 

Happy New Year!

I sat down with the USA Singers, creators of true protest music for our times. Enjoy their latest single, " Dance on Your Graves" 

With 5 days until the election, it is more important than ever that you get out there and vote. Donate if you can. Volunteer if you can. 

My best friend Michael Buckley tells me the story of how he met the love of his life on a cruise ship right before Corona and moved across the country to take a chance on love. 

UPDATE:  THEY ARE ENGAGED. 

Please vote. 

I talk to one of my oldest friends about our time growing up together, and our divergent paths since.  Mike takes me through his substance use disorder, and gives perhaps the most raw interview I have conducted.

Mike is now one year and sixteen days sober. Since recording this episode back in April, he has been diagnosed with epilepsy and hit with a tremendous number of medical bills, while also not being able to work. If you are so inclined to do so, please visit this fundraiser in his name. 

Also, VOTE. 

My cousin Angela and I both grew up around addiction and abuse. We compared notes.

Please vote.  

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