We all have our subtly different definitions of freedom. Whatever that may be for you, it's likely a long road before you get there. How might we fortify ourselves to acquire the kind we desire?

Many of us aren't shocked by the destructive actions of our fellow Americans. Our moral failings are as old as our Democracy itself. We discuss these issues, spirited by the recent attack on The Capitol along with all its implications.

The subject of race is ever-present in our society. Despite "moving forward" we continually find ourselves taking steps back. What will it take to truly move forward? We explore this topic and all its subtle layers.

At the dawn of our adulthood, the wind blew, the sea rose, the levee’s breached, and the world tragically opened up to us. Hurricane Katrina was the impetus for our growth from boys to men. This conversation is a reflection on what occurred 15 years ago.

Sometimes we are close to Freedom but then we feel a coldness at its gates. We find ourselves "otherized," ostracized, antagonized, resented. We go back to the warmth of the crowd, away from the fear of the unknown. But does this come with a price? Are we losing our truest possible Freedom?

As if coming out of a state of amnesia, again and again, one realizes the transience of life, the preciousness of it. May we hold onto gratitude whenever it finds itself available to us. We speak to our good fortune despite the times.

This conversation is a reflection on the joys and pains of life, and the need for quality relationships to help see us through this life. We all need partners in this journey—spirited hands to hold in times of joy, and those who will embrace us in times of pain.

This conversation is a few years old but has some relevance as we begin to socialize again. In this period of isolation and social distancing, it’s easy to romanticize the depth of our connections, our social gatherings, and our intimate conversations. It’s a reminder that we still have something greater to strive for, we still have conversational depths that haven’t been broadly reached. As we slowly reconnect, let’s be more attentive, curious, and compassionate in our interactions with those we care for or even care less about.

America, being a "Christian nation," has seemed to have lost interest in pursuing the "Christian spirit." (Not only Christians, but people of other major religions as well.) We delve into this spiritual deficit and consider its implications.

This week’s conversation is from the archives, but the essence will be felt by all who have surrendered efforts to hold on to a relationship—or helped a friend navigate that terrain. The conversational music is of the blues genre.

For more information on this podcast, check out twoblackmen.com