Who Knows, It's Just Life

You know me well enough to know that I HAD to do another episode with Mabiniti given all the storylines, narratives and controversies that this World Cup brought on. We talk about the many geopolitical, racial, religious and societal threads that came to light during this world cup.

Other Place to Catch Mabinti

The Empathy Protocol

CSE TV - Terrence Woods

CSE TV - Spring Football

Forgive me for the clickbaity title lol....On today’s episode I delve into both sides of this statement. I share my beliefs that love is truly the only and most powerful force in the universe. The second is a challenge - do we have the capacity to love the wounded child that is Donald Trump? The idea of this epiosde has been in my head for more than two years but now felt like the right time to talk about it. I’ve read a number of books that have contributed to the content including:

• All About Love - bell hooks

• The Road Less Traveled - M Scott Peck

• Divine Love - Dene Logan

• Return to Love - Marianne Williamson

• Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents - Lindsay Gibson

• Too Much and Never Enough - Dr. Mary Trump

  
  

  I also use footage from a 12/16/2025 IG Post from Hype.r.vigilance

  
  

  This episode is meant to be a challenge. It is meant to push us beyond the seemingly binary dynamic in our politics, culture and society.

  
  

  The Song I’m Rocking To: Roberta Flack - Killing Me Softly

  
  

  My IG: @thecoolpapabell

  Spotify Playlist: Evolution of Black Music: February

  https://www.youtube.com/@whoknowsitsjustlife

On today’s episode I have a repeat special guest - the kiddo! After hearing the last episode of season 1, he wanted to jump on and provide some updates! Some things are new: he’s now a roller coaster enthusiast in training and a YouTuber. Some things are the same, he’s a very introspective guest who challenges me with really tough questions. Enjoy!

IG: @thecoolpapabell

https://www.youtube.com/@wanderingskylineshow

Evolutions of Black Music: January

After an unintentional  2+ year hiatus, we are back with a new season. Life has lifed in all ways (blessings and challenges). The decision to resume the show is less than 24 hours young but I’m excited to see what this next chapter brings.

This episode was inspired by thoughts and reflections coming out of this year’s Thanksgiving break. As you might guess, I am still struggling to reconcile the time I truly appreciate with my family and the horrid, fraudulent history of the day and the incessant marketing that bombards us during this season. I also had a moving experience visiting my grandad at his memory care facility.

Song I’m Rocking To: Sam Cooke - A Change is Gonna Come

Books: Robin Wall Kimmerer “Braiding Sweetgrass” and “The Serviceberry”

NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell

Today is a very special episode. I am joined by the kiddo to celebrate his 10th birthday! First we provide some updates from the Father's Day episode (Episode 37) and we ask each other some thought provoking questions:

• What is hard about being a kid?
• Why don't adults play with toys?
• Would you rather meet your ancestors or your descendants?
• How do you feel and show love?

NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell

On today's episode Cierra and I delve into breakups. For the first time on the show, I discuss my divorce. Cierra and I both share our experiences dealing with breakups.

References:

The Book of Forgiving by Desmond Tutu and Mpho Tutu

Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari

Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs by Esther Perrel

Attached by by Rachel Heller Amir Levine

Song I'm Rocking To:

Kyle - Oddisee Born Before Yesterday

NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell

On today's episode, Cierra and I tiptoe into restorative justice with a real and ongoing situation. Cierra's car was stolen during the summer and it has put her through a lot. Guided by her faith, she is trying to regain a sense of safety and security, navigate the criminal legal system, and wrestle with the societal implications of it all. We discuss the utility of police, prisons and theorize how restorative justice could be used in this situation.

References:

Justice by Miriam Kaba

Who Knows Episode 29 w/ Randell Strickland

Songs We're Rocking To:

Cierra - Madison Ryann Ward Wanda

Kyle - Oddisee

NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell

On this episode I am joined by Ms. Cierra Lewis again! We discuss the eluded to topic of Me vs. We. Individual vs. Community. It often seems like individual and community identities are on opposing ends of a seesaw. We delve into the need to recognize and honor both the importance of individuality and the power in community.

References

• Language and its impact on economic behavior
• The Crisis of Individualism
• American Individualism and Our Collective Crisis

Songs We're Rocking To

Burna Boy - Sitting onto of the World

Ludovico Einaudi - Seven Days Walking Day 1

Contact

@cierracarisma

NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell

Yet again I am joined by Ms. Cierra Lewis on this episode were we dispel the myth that comes from the old adage "sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me".

Resources

Chen paper

Songs

Cierra: LaNell Grant - Answer by Fire

Kyle: LaNell Grant - Collect Call

Contact

@cierracarisma

@realdadult

On this episode I am joined by Ms. Cierra Lewis! We discuss a few current events (July 4th and Kiki Palmer) before delving into the main topic: The Black Mirror Episode "Striking Vipers". This episode uses a fully immersive fighting game as the basis to explore sexuality, attraction, cheating and results in (spoiler alert) an ethically non-monogamous relationship. We raise several questions including "When is What Cheating?".

References

Striking Vipers Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWs6okRD8bA

That's What Ci Said - Black Girl Introverts

Songs

Cierra: Maverick City - Build My Life

Kyle: Collie Buddz - Love & Reggae

Contacts

NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell

@cierracarisma