Trendlines

Trendlines

By NATHANSociety & Culture
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Trendlines episodes

  • Interview w/Kara Wilkins of Flyght Black: From Napa Vines to Arkansas Wines BONUS EPISODE
    The rise of Black-owned wineries is more than a matter of representation; it's also a matter of economic opportunity.
    The wine industry contributes billions to the U.S. economy. As Black-owned wineries gain prominence, they create jobs, contribute to economic growth, and empower communities.
    Brands like McBride Sisters Wine, the largest African-American-owned wine company in the U.S., and Mouton Noir Winesare the only two black-owned wineries sold in Arkansas, exemplifying the possible economic impact and empowerment.
    41 min
  • The Day I Met President Trump

    I will never forget the day President Trump invited me to the White House. Not once, but twice. I attended a conference in Washington, D.C., the Presidential Sites Summit, in 2018. I made it pretty public that I got to tour the White House, but I didn't share with many that a few days later, I met President Trump, the First Lady (and Betsy Devos, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Steven Mnuchin, and Kellyanne Conway). Many did not accept the invitation to attend, but I am so glad I did.

    8 min
  • Little Rock's Billion Dollar Blueprint
    This past week brought announcements of expansions and renovations for three major landmarks in Little Rock: the Clinton Presidential Center, the new venue for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and the historic Boyle Building. These updates spurred me to reflect on the city’s robust developmental blueprint, valued at nearly a billion dollars.
    But these projects? They're just beginning.
    6 min
  • My Transformation as a Watson Fellow BONUS EPISODE
    There's a part of my life that I've held close to my chest, a transformative and deeply personal story. I'm a Thomas J. Watson Fellow, a title I've often hesitated to share openly, not out of shame but a complex blend of modesty and reverence for the experience. But today, as I'm heading to Bowdoin College for a returning fellows conference, I feel encouraged to share more about this chapter of my life. If you’re interested in knowing the details, you're in the right place.
    5 min
  • Welcome to Season Two
    After a two year hiatus, Trendlines is back! This season will feature audio recordings of my blog, interviews, and informal conversations on topics that matter.
    1 min
  • Barbie: Still Trapped in the Box

    This surge of excitement surrounding Barbie showcased nostalgia, curiosity, and for some of us, a hopeful anticipation of witnessing an icon's transformation.
    The trailers promised a fresh take on Barbie—a figure not defined by fashion or aspiration but one of depth and humor. Expectations were high, and the film appeared poised to shatter norms. However, as the narrative unfolded, a disheartening realization set in: the Barbie Movie seemed unable to transcend its legacy. Barbie is still trapped in their box.

    4 min
  • The Chicks: The Rebel Sounds of the South

    Last week I was hit by an ad that said The Chicks were coming to Simmons Arena. I will not be the first or last Black American with a bad relationship with Country music, but I was intrigued and got tickets to the show. If I ever had the tenacity to sing karaoke, you would hear me sing every single word of "Landslide" by heart. But most importantly, I faintly remembered them being featured in Advocate - the leading source of LGBT news - and abandoning "Dixie" Chicks to be on the right side of a divided country.


    Few artists can claim to have defied convention, weathered the storm of controversy, and emerged stronger than ever. Fewer still can claim to have done so in the traditionally conservative landscape of country music. Last night, I witnessed just that: The Chicks performing live in Little Rock, Arkansas. Known formerly as the Dixie Chicks, their concert was more than a display of musical talent – but was a surprising example of the power of progressive messages in music - and inspired this blog post.

    5 min
  • AI Evolution: From WatsonX and QuantumBlack to BlackRock's Aladdin and the Echoes of WestWorld

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is not just a futuristic concept anymore. It's woven into every facet of our lives, revolutionizing sectors from finance to healthcare to entertainment. It's making our lives easier, our jobs more efficient, and even our entertainment more immersive. But with all its remarkable capabilities, one pressing question remains: Could AI be used for good? That's the central theme we'll explore today, taking our cues from popular media, specifically the TV series Westworld, and real-world applications.

    7 min

About Trendlines

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to Trendlines - Here, I dive into various intriguing topics that pique my interest. From the nuances of technology trends to thought-provoking insights into leadership, my podcast combines…