PODCAST · society
Black in a Box
by Black in a Box
Black in a Box began as an intention to turn up the volume on the rural black voice, before becoming an exploration of modern life, politics and culture for all black faces in white spaces.Black in a Box is Alahna, Angelo, Dan, Dom and Nate. It is nuanced thinking about structural and systemic issues. It is learning and debating and sometimes shelling. It is hip-hop, rare groove, reggae and grime. It is rural and it is urban. It is fun and serious. It is educational and very occasionally it is therapy. And it is about and for all of us.
Episodes
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614 - Scully Pt. 1 - Industry Plants & Anti-Intellectualism
We're back! This time around, we're joined by an old friend of the pod...king of content, creator, critic, consultant...proper multi-hyphenate tings - it's Scully! As always, we meander through all kinds of topics and start things off with the team's latest and greatest efforts to maintain some...
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613 - British Pride & The Beauty of Anonymity
You know those ones where the mic is hot and you forget you've got a job to do? Yeah, sometimes it be like that. After we've spent 10 minutes bullsh***ing about Oasis tickets and rockstar conspiracy theories, we get into the real talk… Are we all proud to be British (or British residents, in...
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612 - Wakanda Workchats & Code Switching
A recent study showed that almost half of Black Gen Z feel they can’t be themselves in the workplace. From name-changing, to code-switching, to creating sideline minority work chats, it seems the latest generation in the workforce feels unsupported in their authenticity. Are we surprised? (4:40)…
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611 - Crash Outs
It’s Q1 2025 and the crash out threat is already HIGH. Living, working and travelling in London provides a very special level of crash out potential, which the BIAB crew discuss (1:17). So how does one find peace and relief, in these over-stimulating, highly-agitating times? Let’s talk…
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610 - "Black Narnia" - Krept & Konan's Saveways & The Greatest 3-Track Runs
Cold open on Angelo’s hairline (let’s address the elephant in the room)… from there we discuss Krept & Konan’s latest venture into part-ownership of Saveways, a BAME-centric grocery chain. Why are they getting some backlash within the culture and is it warranted? (7:35) Shifting gears, we clash...
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609 - "Safe Ninja" - Black Childhood, Auntie/Unclehood and much more
Dom, Alahna and Dan are joined by Tales From the Plantation host Tunde to discuss growing into the Auntie/Uncle era, from dancing embarrassingly to growing old (dis)gracefully. After a quick detour into the serious world of gym hygiene and etiquette, they embark on a thoughtful discussion of...
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608 - "Annus Horribilis" - Year End Recap
The BIAB end of year special! We dive into the winners (5:39) and losers (19:16) of the year. A Canadian man's annus horribilis is mentioned. In detail. We then go into our tracks of the year (34:20) and give flowers to artists on both sides of the Atlantic before ending with wild predictions for...
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607 - "Things Have Changed" - Gentle Parenting, Modern Masculinity and More
This time, we're joined by an old friend of the pod, with Tunde Odufisan from the Tales from the Plantation podcast back in the studio with the gang. We discuss the challenges with gentle parenting (02:21), before looking at the challenges and rewards of parenting as a modern man (05:42). Next…
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606 - "Electing Chaos" - US Election, Protesting & DJ AG
When people show you who they are believe them the first time. But this time we are talking about America the nation, not Donald Trump, as the former reality star wins a second term against Kamala Harris. The results of the US Election are in and are we surprised? Now that feelings have been…
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605 - Heroes, Chris Kaba, Palestine & Israel
We're back with another episode, diving into some of the biggest talking points from the past few weeks. Have you ever seen your heroes up close? The pod discusses some of the times they were lucky enough to bear witness to notable people they'll be telling their grandkids about (01:38). This…
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604 - In Search of Shame
We're back! The team had a much needed break over the summer, focusing on getting married, having babies, jet-setting and just LIVING, but now we're back on our BS. This time around, Alahna, Angelo and Dom discuss some of their highlights of the hiatus (7:44). There's a discussion on women in rap...
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603 - Diane Abbott, Emoji Trials and Dancehall Tribulations
We're back with another episode, diving into some of the biggest talking points from the past few weeks. We had to kick things off with the disgusting, racist comments made by Tory donor, Frank Hester, about Diane Abbott and the horrific handling by the press and UK parliament as a whole (4:52),...
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602 - Donna "The Iron Empress" McConnell
On this episode, we are joined by the inspiring and formidable Iron Empress herself, Donna McConnell… Ironwoman, Triathlete, Hip-Hop OG, Journalist and much more! Donna and Alahna met during Ironman training and Donna shares her journey to becoming an Iron(woman) in her 50s! A journey that…
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601 - Black Fatherhood, Manhood and Emotional Wellbeing w/ Marvyn Harrison and Tunde Odufisan
It's a new year and we're starting with a big one. This time, we welcome two amazing guests to the studio - the collab of all collabs - we're joined by Dope Black Dads founder and BELOVD co-founder, Marvyn Harrison, and we welcome back an old friend of the pod, Tunde Odufisan, from the fantastic...
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511 - Beyonce's Politics, Hip-Hop #MeToo & Wrapped
It’s almost a wrap on 2023, but we still have plenty to discuss! Starting with a review of this year in music - what were the vibes, how are people consuming music and where to discover new artists (3:00)? We also address the long-overdue #MeToo movement needed in Hip-hop and whether recent...
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510 - In The Bin: Suella Braverman, The Cost of Parenting & Black History Month?
It’s November… UK Black History Month is gone, maybe, for good? Let’s discuss.(1:40) But looking to the future, your hosts grapple with the trials of family-building (Dan & Dom) vs a child-free future (Alahna & Angelo) (26:45). Finally, enough of love! Let’s talk about hate - “hate marches”,...
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509 - Difficult Conversations, Israel & Palestine and...Drake
Sometimes world events draw us into difficult conversations. We start by talking about the Israel-Hamas war, discerning the trustworthiness of information being reported as news and the power of language (02:15). Then, in wake of Drake’s latest incel-pandering album, we question how and why have…
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508 - Sacred Cows, Peckham Assault & “Purple Aki”
First, we’re giving flowers to… drum roll… our own Dan Chirwa for an incredible athletic feat, as well as pre-emptive flowers to Alahna, as she raises money to support two Black Mental Health charities in the UK and USA (donation link below and on our socials). Then we get into the meat of the...
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507 - Christian Scotland-Williamson - "The Luxury of Fearlessness"
Former rugby and NFL star Christian Scotland-Williamson joins us to talk about his accidental but completely intentional journey to the Bar Council via two elite collision sports. We start with his unrewarded origins in rugby (5:06) until the day he answered a chance call at University before a...
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506 - Beyonce & Mizzy - Currency and Cloutrage with Symeon Brown
Currency, Clout & the Cost of Living In this episode we are joined, once again, by the prolific writer, journalist and friend of the pod Symeon Brown. This time, we are discussing Beyonce, Mizzy, and the cost of living crisis in the UK. How are these things connected? Have a listen and find out.…
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505 - Tyla Grant - Black and Neurodivergent
In our latest episode, we have the change-making Tyla Grant chatting with us about neurodiversity, living with autism as Black woman and more. Tyla takes the floor to introduce what neurodiversity means to her and how race and gender played a role in her belated diagnosis (6:00). We discuss some…
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504 - Ade Adepitan - "Don't allow anyone to put you in a box"
We're back with a bang this time, as the Black in a Box crew sits down with Ade Adepitan MBE. It'll be no surprise to hear this was a dream for us - Ade has been a trailblazer in British broadcasting for over two decades. We talked all about how he got started in the industry, his past as an…
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503 - Aesop Rocky Strikes Again
We begin by acknowledging our weakness in having no woman on the pod in Alahna's absence during international women's month. You can head to our Tik Tok and IG Reels for content celebrating a number of Black women changing the world for the better. Our first topic is a discussion on the notion of...
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502 - You People, Emotional Butlers and Vicarious Trauma
For whose comfort should Black people be cultivating their conversations? Alahna, Dan, Dom and Gelo negotiate exactly that question, in relation to cinema and conversations within the Black community, as well as the role of trauma porn in indicating the value of black life. We open discussing…
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501 - Prince Harry, CheckTate and Benedict's last plantation party.
The episode about broken social contracts. We begin our first pod of 2023 with Prince Harry's media blitz about his stripped royal status. He thought he was the Prince who was promised until the reality of falling in love with and marrying a mixed race woman revealed royal status is not...
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410 - A Tale of 2 Comedians
We needed to talk about some Daves. Dave Chappelle's monologue on SNL generated heat with some commentators saying it engaged in anti-semitic tropes whilst others praised its nuance. We discuss it and how Chappelle's skill as a comedian doesn't always translate. (5:22) We then get onto David...
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409 - Jason 'Scully' Kavuma - "The bigger you live, the longer you live"
Lock in for a journey through astrology, living the life that fulfils you, lunar travel, pirates and miscellaneous money and so much more with Jason “Scully” Kavuma. Scully – one of the voices behind the rise of lockdown internet sensation #NS10v10 at No Signal – cut his teeth as a new media...
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408 - Musa Okwonga - In The End, It Was All About...Ginger
The one where we talk about football. Football podcasting great and award-winning writer Musa Okwonga joined the pod at the start of the season for a wide-ranging deep dive on the relationship of our game, media and the England team with Black Britain. We begin talking about how Blackness has...
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407 - Nels Abbey - "All Skinfolk Ain't Kinfolk" - Identity Politics & Black Tories
The Tory leadership contest has seemingly been a showcase for diversity. Our guest, Nels Abbey, a celebrated author and essayist joins the team to talk through the candidates. We start off with "Black out the Box" where we celebrate the best of Britain, big and small (1:30). Then we ask whether…
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406 - Ewa Effiom - Movin' on Up - Architecture, Housing and Black Communities
As we reflect on the anniversary of Grenfell, we are joined by guest Ewa Effiom, architect and expert on the built environment, to discuss his success as a Black face in a predominantly white industry, as well as housing and development issues affecting Black and Brown people. First we get to…
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405 - Joanna Jarjue - Started on The Apprentice now she's here...
We follow up our March episode with Symeon Brown and Neef Ekpoudom, in which we discussed the plight of young people chasing fame and money as influencers, by welcoming former BBC Apprentice contestant, businesswoman Joanna Jarjue. Joanna joins Alahna, Dan and Dom to talk about achieving through...
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404 - Isaiah's Triumph (feat. Mr Magoo & the Big Steppers)
In a shorter episode this week and a body short, with Alahna back in the mean-streets of Palm City, we discuss what is an exciting time for rap powerhouse - Top Dawg Entertainment. Last week, BIAB favourite, Isaiah Rashad, made a heart-warming return on the one of the world's biggest stages - the...
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403 - Slaps & Crazy Baldheads
We know you're probably sick of it by now and we are too, but we had a hiccup with the recording so we're a week late...but anyway, we start with the spectacle on everyone’s feeds…the SLAP heard around the world (01:26). Such a brief moment, yet so much to unpack...or maybe not? We get into it...
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402 - Symeon Brown and Neef Ekpoudom - Get Rich or Lie Trying
This week we are joined by author of 'Get Rich or Lie Trying' Symeon Brown and second time guest, Aniefiok 'Neef' Ekpoudom FRSA, newly anointed Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts and, more importantly, friend of the pod. We talk Symeon’s inspiration for about his new book (2:21), what even…
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401 - Ding Dong, the Witch is Dead - Kurt Zouma, Thandiwe Newton, Little Simz & The Labour Party
WE BACK! It’s a New Year and a new season of Black in a Box and there’s already an abundance of f*ckry to unpack. Starting off with a look at Kurt Zouma and the many woes his candid cruelty has drudged up (3:05), we then get into the tearful confessions of Thandiwe Newton (18:00). At (33:40),...
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312 - Year End Wrap-Up
Merry Christmas, happy new year and all dem ting deh! Glad to see the back of 2021? Us too. We got together for a year-end wrap up, discussing all of the highs and lows of another crazy lap around the sun. We kick things off with our individual reflections and give flowers to SimplySayo, Mark...
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311 - "It all started with Jesus" - Kids, White Saviours & White Yardies
As we approach the end of another year, the Black in a Box crew reflect on some big questions in this episode. What were our childhoods like and what do we want the future to look like for our children and future generations? Is there maybe some futility in procreating given the state of the…
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310 - Azeem Rafiq, Rittenhouse's dramatics, MBEs and micro aggressions & mental health
How do you solve a problem like institutional racism? Deny, deny, deny then reaccuse if the Azeem Rafiq Yorkshire County Cricket club experience is anything to go by. The team got together for Series 3 Episode 10 to discuss the mishandling of the scandal, what constitutes “banter” and whether...
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309 - "What in the Rachel Dolezal?"
Blackfishing. Appropriation. Transphobia. What a week it’s been for shenanigans and the good friends at Black in a Box get into it all in this latest episode. We start by addressing the minstrel show that came in the form of Jesy Nelson's “Boyz” music video (1:00) before discussing the difference...
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308 - Chimamanda Cancels Cancel Culture & Michaela Triumphs
"We have to be able to walk and chew gum." In the latest episode of Black in a Box, we discuss Chimamanda Adichie's blistering essay on cancel culture, after a friend and apparent mentee of hers took to the internet to denigrate her for, what she perceived as, dangerous and transphobic rhetoric...
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307 - "I got the shotgun, you got the briefcase..." - RIP Michael K. Williams
“But the game is out there, and it’s either play or get played” Michael K. Williams was one of the great small screen actors of his time. And yet, even with characters as compelling as the legendary Omar Little, Chalky White, Bobby McCray and Montrose Freeman on his resume, he was so much more.…
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306 - "You better not go to Texas..." - Travelling Whilst Black
Season 3 Episode 6 covers a topic hot on all our minds... TRAVEL (finally!) Alahna, Angelo, Dan and Dom explore the ups and downs of traveling whilst Black and share their upcoming holiday plans and places they'd love to visit. We start with each of the BIAB hosts sharing a quintessential...
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305 - Health is Wealth w/ Ultra Black Running's Dora Atim
Season 2 Episode 5 is the wellness episode and Black in a Box are joined by guest Dora Atim, founder of UltraBlackRunning. Alahna, Dan and Dom hear about how and why Dora began to build a thriving trail running community that catered for mental wellness as well as fitness for Black women and…
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Black in a Box - A Tribute - RIP Nate Sterling
This episode is a tribute to Nate. Talking as a podcast about your friend who is no longer here to talk back is not something you ever think you’ll have to do. The world lost one of its brightest with the death of our friend and fellow pod founder Nate Alexander Sterling. We wanted to get…
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304 - RIP Sarah Everard
The abduction and murder of Sarah Everard and the national response to it led us to recording a special episode, joined once again by guest contributor Shabazz. We open up the episode by providing a space for Alahna and Shabazz to express how they feel (4:15). Next Dan talks about his experience…
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303 - International Women's Day feat. Yana Penrose and Shabazz Irving
In this Women’s Day episode, midwife and baker elite, Shabazz Irving and actor and writer, Yana Penrose join us in the Box to discuss a few issues at the intersection of race and gender. We open up the episode with a discussion on toxic masculinity in the workplace (03:06). Next Shabazz guides us...
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302 Bonus - Chiedu Oraka - "Don't walk into a label if you're not ready for the industry"
Chiedu Oraka, “The Black Yorkshireman”, one of the UK’s most exciting musicians joins Angelo to talk about his motivation to make music during lockdown and how to make it in music. First up we talk about what caused him to make music during the lockdown than he did in the year prior (01:27) Next,...
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302 - DJ Cueball - Galileo was like "Guys aren't rating my drawings man..."
DJ Cueball joins Alahna, Angelo, Dan, Dom and Nate to talk about creativity and methods and motivations behind making music during lockdown. We open up talking about the Golden Globes snubbing of I MAY DESTROY YOU and whether it is down racism or the nature of the content and audiences today.…
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301 - Black Boris Goes Clear
New year, new series. Black in a Box welcome 2021 with Series 3 and the whole cast celebrating Angelo’s cameo performance and writing in Netflix feature Death to 2020. Recorded the day after the Inauguration (18:19) Black in a Box seek the view of our resident American Alahna now that Joe Biden…
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Black in a Box Teaser - S02E11 Snippet
A designer, a management consultant, a marketing guru and teacher embark on a multimedia venture. As far as origin stories, it is lacking. All of them are black. Slightly more interesting, but so what? Three of them are proud Yorkshireman. Ok, I’m listening. Black Guys in a Box is the lovechild…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Black in a Box began as an intention to turn up the volume on the rural black voice, before becoming an exploration of modern life, politics and culture for all black faces in white spaces.Black in a Box is Alahna, Angelo, Dan, Dom and Nate. It is nuanced thinking about structural and systemic issues. It is learning and debating and sometimes shelling. It is hip-hop, rare groove, reggae and grime. It is rural and it is urban. It is fun and serious. It is educational and very occasionally it is therapy. And it is about and for all of us.
HOSTED BY
Black in a Box
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Black in a Box have?
Black in a Box currently has 71 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Black in a Box about?
Black in a Box began as an intention to turn up the volume on the rural black voice, before becoming an exploration of modern life, politics and culture for all black faces in white spaces.Black in a Box is Alahna, Angelo, Dan, Dom and Nate. It is nuanced thinking about structural and systemic...
How often does Black in a Box release new episodes?
Black in a Box has 71 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Black in a Box?
You can listen to Black in a Box on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Black in a Box?
Black in a Box is created and hosted by Black in a Box.
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