Taka gets together with producer Rose Marina Boubion to look back on making the podcast this season. They reminisce even more on the regional R’n’B that ruled their youth before going mainstream, and look forward to Season 2 in 2026.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thezestypodcast.substack.com

A new cyberpunk crime drama set on the far-off planet Gaia follows cartel members Shion Juarez and Leon Estevez, millennia after humanity left Old Earth behind. Co-author AJ Lynch talks about creating Gunsmoke Icarus, how the world of Gaia took shape, and what drives its characters.

Credits

Hosted by: L. Malik “Taka” Anderson

Produced by: Rose Marina Boubion

Theme: Shake Sum’n (Epidemic Sound)

Produced by: A P O L L O

Composed by: Nickalaus Jackson

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thezestypodcast.substack.com

Sex educator Liz Smith talks about their experiences with sex ed growing up, why inclusive sex ed is crucial to providing care, and what they look for in intimate and fulfilling relationships of all kinds.

Credits

Hosted by: L. Malik “Taka” Anderson

Produced by: Rose Marina Boubion

Theme: Shake Sum’n (Epidemic Sound)

Produced by: A P O L L O

Composed by: Nickalaus Jackson

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thezestypodcast.substack.com

Louisiana Creole journalist and activist Quinn Foster talks about weaving culture, social justice, and history into their work, from documenting community members' efforts to their latest contribution to the Hands of Heritage: A Collaboration Book.

Credits

Hosted by: L. Malik “Taka” Anderson

Produced by: Rose Marina Boubion

Theme: Shake Sum’n (Epidemic Sound)

Produced by: A P O L L O

Composed by: Nickalaus Jackson

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thezestypodcast.substack.com

Don’t worry— we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming next week.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thezestypodcast.substack.com

Brooklyn-based poet, actor, and director Karl Michael Iglesias reflects on the one-year anniversary of his poetry collection, The Bounce. He talks about growing up in Milwaukee and building a career in the arts.

Credits

Hosted by: L. Malik “Taka” Anderson

Produced by: Rose Marina Boubion

Theme: Shake Sum’n (Epidemic Sound)

Produced by: A P O L L O

Composed by: Nickalaus Jackson

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thezestypodcast.substack.com

TV connoisseur Jacoby Hardy shares what’s worth watching this season, from “Bel-Air” to “Reasonable Doubt” and “Damascus,” while breaking down storytelling, innovation, and the shows pushing television forward.'

Credits

Hosted by: L. Malik “Taka” Anderson

Produced by: Rose Marina Boubion

Theme: Shake Sum’n (Epidemic Sound)

Produced by: A P O L L O

Composed by: Nickalaus Jackson

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thezestypodcast.substack.com

Lakyn Carlton, “The Ethical Stylist,” talks about the 2000s fashion of her youth, the impact of social media on how we shop for clothes, and how to stay above it all while staying true to your style.

Credits

Hosted by: L. Malik “Taka” Anderson

Produced by: Rose Marina Boubion

Theme: Shake Sum’n (Epidemic Sound)

Produced by: A P O L L O

Composed by: Nickalaus Jackson

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thezestypodcast.substack.com

Graphic novelist Miranda Mundt talks about MUTED, their hit coming-of-age Webtoon about a young witch in the Louisiana swamps. Volume 2 publishes Oct. 14.

Credits

Hosted by: L. Malik “Taka” Anderson

Produced by: Rose Marina Boubion

Theme: Shake Sum’n (Epidemic Sound)

Produced by: A P O L L O

Composed by: Nickalaus Jackson

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thezestypodcast.substack.com

The Zesty Podcast host L. Malik “Taka” Anderson sits down with producer Rose Marina Boubion to talk nicknames, chosen family, life in New York City, and how becoming and confidence shape the spirit behind The Zesty Podcast.

Credits

Hosted by: L. Malik “Taka” Anderson

Produced by: Rose Marina Boubion

Theme: Shake Sum’n (Epidemic Sound)

Produced by: A P O L L O

Composed by: Nickalaus Jackson

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thezestypodcast.substack.com