Hung Up Podcast

The homie Sterling Grimes swings by this week and we unpack friendship, Ray J getting knocked out, dating lessons learned or not learned and we end with what we are Hung Up on for the week. Sterling Grimes, Co-Founder of Black Mens Educator Network @sterlyg Up to $825 IMPACT research study link bit.ly/ATNHUP

After a quick check-in on some local civic engagement and my thoughts on the new Is God Is movie, Conrad Benner founder of Streets Dept. joins me unpacking everything Philly cultural arts and public space scene- the past present and where he sees the future of the Philly cultural arts scene going. @streetsdept $$ IMPACT research study link bit.ly/ATNHUP

Dr. Jon Paul Higgins joins Eric this week to unpack what it means to live boldly at the intersections of Blackness, fatness, and femininity—and why joy, audacity, and self-definition are acts of resistance. From therapy and self-worth to breaking free from desirability politics, this is a conversation about choosing yourself in a world that constantly tells you not to. www.doctorjonpaul.com @doctorjonpaul

KevOnStage Doubles Down on LGBTQ+ & PVR Check-In with Friends by Eric Cole

Enjoy this conversation I had with Alexia aka hotweirdg0rl on Instagram who is the host of One Take Wonder Podcast

Unpacking from Jacksonville Florida to San Diego California- and the evolution of ViRR's music and artistry. We also get into the personal story behind his last project 'Formless' and what’s next in music. https://www.youtube.com/@virr_official_

The HIV/AIDS crisis disrupted how many people envisioned their future, making it difficult to see aging and retirement as a reality. Now, there’s an opportunity to reimagine retirement as freedom, possibility, and self-definition. This conversation unpacks the realities and data around retirement for Black and Black queer communities, while asking deeper questions: Where do you want to live? Where do you want to travel? What kind of life are you building toward? So much of the media centers youth and coming-of-age stories—but what does it look like to create space for aging communities to be seen, heard, and celebrated as they continue to evolve and tell their stories? Black Gay and Retired Podcast hosted by: Dr. Ed Rice Vincent Holmes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-gay-and-retired/id1850850208

Friday, February 20, 2026 UnPacking LIVE WURD 96.1 FM & 900 AM Guest: Miracle Jones Director of Advocacy and Policy at 1Hood Media @miujizammilagro 00:48 This week’s shoutouts: Peerspace and Philly Black Pride Chocolate Mixer 06:26 ANTM: Where’s the accountability? 11:58 Breaking down the SAVE Act and implications for voters 29:28 Unpacking the timeline

Friday, February 13, 2026 UnPacking LIVE WURD 96.1 FM & 900 AM Guests: Dr. Jazmin Evans Scholar and Health Advocate @imnotjaze D'Angelo Virgo Education and Community Advocate @dangelovirgo 02:04 Philly School Closures: What happens to Black children and Black communities? 05:47 Closing schools is not the solution- investing in sustainable spaces that enrich our youth is! 09:57 How school closures impact health outcomes, safety, transportation and more 13:44 What are some solutions that the community can impact? 21:22 Bad Bunny Most Watched Halftime performance 29:34 Turning Point USA takes a big loss 31:18 African American Heritage Flag is gaining popularity 32:58 Surya Bonaly is owed an apology!

Friday, February 6, 2026 UnPacking LIVE WURD 96.1 FM & 900 AM Donovan Thompson @i_am_donovan 06:35 Silence equals complicity- Donovan unpacks how he lost opportunities when he spoke up about Palestine 10:09 Is presence and representation enough? We unpack Beyonce & Arthur Ash 12:56 Your activism is void if it doesn’t consider the LGBTQ+ community 16:55 Homophobia only serves white supremacy; being gay is not a choice 19:04 trump calls to nationalize voting 24:28 epstein files got us feeling like we’re living in a simulation

Friday, January 30, 2026 UnPacking LIVE WURD 96.1 FM & 900 AM Miracle Jones @1hoodmedia Chris Rabb @chrisrabb 02:07 Chris Rabb talks about how he has used his platform to inform and activate community 07:30 Miracle Jones unpacks QBURG article: No One Is Safe In A Police State 10:23 Journalists Don Lemon, Georgia Fort arrested 25:39 Are the proud boys now ICE?

Friday, January 23, 2026 UnPacking LIVE WURD 96.1 FM & 900 AM 00:33 Drunk Black History with Creator Brandon Collins 07:01 RIP Boom Balenciaga & Charles Fitzpatrick 08:12 Unpacking life insurance with Financial Advisor Gary Jones 22:26 trump administration demands list of Jewish students, faculty, staff at University of Pennsylvania 25:10 Tommy Lee Walker exonerated 27:18 trump sends message to Renee Nicole Good’s parents

Friday, Jan 16, 2026 UnPacking LIVE WURD 96.1 FM & 900 AM Professor, Health Advocate and Kidney Transplant Survivor Dr. Jazmin Evans Jazminevans.com @jaemedia.llc 06:53 Rapid Fire with Dr. Jazmin Evans 12:05 Druski got the people hot! 15:30 Philly Headline: Khyon Smith-Tate found dead in Chipotle on Temple University Campus 20:15 Renee Nicole Good, Keith Porter 27:22 Mike Epps opens up about his relationship with his daughter 31:41 Iyanla skipped her daughter’s funeral for her sanity 34:42 Honoring the legacy of Claudette Colvin

Friday, Jan 9, 2026 UnPacking LIVE WURD 96.1 FM & 900 AM Rachael Hanible Best Selling Author National Financial Educator of the Year rachaelhanible.com 02:36 Financial Wellness icebreaker- the lies we have been told! 06:56 How Rachael became debt free with a perfect credit score 09:50 What people most misunderstand about credit & traditional banking vs. online banking 14:56 Budgeting- saving when living paycheck to paycheck

Friday Jan 2, 2026 UnPacking LIVE on WURD 96.1 FM & 900 AM wurdradio.com/shows/unpacking-with-eric-cole/ Rachel Rutter, Esq. Founder of ProjectLibertad.org 01:22 Rachel Rutter’s origin at an immigration attorney and why she created Project Libertad, and the power peer to peer support 05:30 Rachel unpacks immigration injustice and the lived experiences of immigrants in Philadelphia- the impacts to the workforce and schools 08:51 Immigrants access and rights to an attorney 11:29 Misconceptions about the immigrant community and the harm it perpetuates 15:17 Rachel unpacks her most influential moments working with immigrant children and families 17:04 What can we do as a community, advocates and allies to support Project Libertad and immigrant families

Friday Dec 19, 2025 UnPacking Live on WURD 96.1 FM/900 AM wurdradio.com/shows/unpacking-with-eric-cole/ 07:44 Philadelphia Housing Authority brings affordable housing to center city and pushback from community. TRIGGER WARNING 16:12 2 Year Old Key'Monnie Bean unalived in South Philadelphia; Boyfriend arrested, but mother was not even though present during the incident. 20:23 Lola from Jenkintown calls in 25:58 Icebreaker with Marquise 27:24 UnPacking Keepin’ it a Bean Podcast, Leroy’s Blend and Due Diligence with Marquise 28:11 Roz from North Philly calls in

Friday Dec 12, 2025 UnPacking Live on WURD 96.1 FM/900 AM wurdradio.com/shows/unpacking-with-eric-cole/ 03:00 2x a week trash pickup extends to North Philly on January 5th 13:37 Porch Pirating is up 6%! 18:11 Icebreaker; Unpacking race based discrimination in algorithms and why calling out institutions is an important part of advocacy for Dr. Evans @imnotjaze

Friday Dec 5, 2025 UnPacking Live on WURD 96.1FM/900AM https://wurdradio.com/shows/unpacking-with-eric-cole/ - 01:24 Mayor Cherelle Parker Cuts DEI Contract Quotas 11:19 Quinta Brunson Wants Philly Kids to Have Free Field Trips 17:00 Guest: Sterling Grimes, Co-Founder of Black Men Education Network @sterlyg UnPacking the 2025 Black Men Convening in Philly

This week on the Hung Up Podcast, we sit down with Bebashi – Transition to Hope’s CEO Sebrina Tate to unpack how one of Philadelphia’s most vital community organizations is tackling HIV, food insecurity, and health disparities head-on. From leading the nation in viral suppression rates to feeding thousands through their FoodFirst Pantry, Bebashi is rewriting what culturally relevant community care looks like. Eric explores the blueprint that takes people from crisis to care—and ultimately, to hope. IG @philly.bebashi

This week on the Hung Up Podcast, we take a hard look at the realities facing at-risk youth in Philadelphia: what’s missing, why too many young people are slipping through the cracks, and how community nonprofits life Prosper and Grow created by guest Ashley Sampson are stepping up. Ashley shares her firsthand experience running a youth-centered nonprofit that’s changing lives with mentorship, resources, and safe spaces. We unpack the challenges, the barriers, and most importantly, the solutions that are giving Philly’s youth a fighting chance at wellness, stability, and a future worth believing in. IG @prosperandgrow_

What does it take to break away from the traditional lane and build something of your own? In this episode, award-winning journalist, author and radio show host Ernest Owens unpacks how audacity fueled his career, why he launched his own journalist association called Philadelphia Association of Black Journalist, and some the gems you will find in his latest book The Case for Cancel Culture. IG @mrernestowens

Liberation comes in layers: financial, emotional, and relational. In this episode of the Hung Up Podcast Real Estate Mogul, Food-Travel-Fitness Content Creator and Creator of Affirmations for Black Men @affirmationsforblackmen Nicole Glass @nicolejglass unpacks how real estate can liberate you financially, why she created Affirmations for Black Men and what healthy boundaries look like for her while dating. Please subscribe, rate and comment.

From breaking out of the boxes that never fit, to serving up the holy spirit and soul in and out of his pop up restaurant business— Kellen Myers @thegr8tkellen joins me to talk faith without fear, brotherhood without boundaries, and why it’s giving liberation. And of course we had to unpack his tiktok viral moment. This is The Gospel According to Kellen.

Full episode streaming on YouTube! This week Kris and Shana aka our favorite bad Queers unpack how Queer people are breaking molds and stereotypes by reclaiming culture and demanding representation not only in pop culture but also in mainstream media. In pop culture we unpack: Tyler Perry, Online Dating, Bathhouses, and Poppers. Follow Kris and Shana @BadQueersPodcast

This week on the Hung Up Podcast is Artist and Vocal Coach Twyla Joy @twilightjoi This episode is centered around what it means to connect your outer voice to your inner voice, Twyla says this is where the magic happens! -- We unpack Twyla's journey as a Black woman artist and singer navigating creativity, building legacy, and cultural resistance. This is an intimate and spirited conversation about what it really means to OWN your voice in a society that wants to profit from it but rarely protects it.

This week on the Hung Up Podcast is Victor Nasir Terry, Education Leadership and Belonging Coach, Founder of Necessary Means Consulting and Coaching, and member of the Divine Nine! We unpack our introduction to social impact leadership coaching,, what Queer advocacy looks like from the inside of the Divine Nine, and how the attacks on DEI are impacting our communities, organizations as a collective, but also on a personal level. -- Please subscribe, rate, and review! You can find Victor on Instagram @victorious_mindset_360

🎙️ Philly, Stand Up! Produced by Marquise Richards @marquisedavon The Hung Up Podcast welcomes West Philly’s own Actor Milan Carter @milanbcarter back to the city as he promotes his hit Netflix series FUBAR! 💥 From growing up in the 215 to starring alongside @schwarzenegger Arnold Schwarzenegger, Milan is living the dream and reppin Philly every step of the way. We talk about what it feels like to be back home and how FUBAR changed the game for his career. This convo is full of laughs and gems as we unpack the FUBAR series and what it takes to grind, grow, and stay grounded in the Hollywood industry especially as a Black actor. 🎧 Stream this full episode on YouTube and all podcast platforms. #HungUpPodcast #MilanCarter #FUBARNetflix #PhillyPride #BlackExcellence #PhillyJawn #NetflixAndGrind #BackInThe215

This week on Hung Up Pod, we’re talking therapy—but not the Instagram version. I’m joined by Natasha Mosby, LCSW @healthandwellness_nsmlcsw—clinical expert, therapist, and founder of Health, Wellness and Integrated Care—for a deep and refreshing conversation on how therapy is evolving in today’s world. We unpack: The impact (and risks) of AI in mental health spaces The rise of toxic therapy buzzwords and how they’re missing the mark How to cultivate nontraditional healing spaces rooted in culture, community, and truth

This week on The Hung Up Podcast, Eric is joined by the hilarious and unapologetically insightful XD—podcaster, award winning producer, and cultural critic—for a sharp and hilarious conversation that spans the spectrum of Black queer experience. From the surge of ICE raids and public protests to the return of Noah’s Arc, we dive deep into the state of (Black) Pride Month, the evolution of the DL identity, the TS Madison and Nene Leaks viral clip and why Khia and JT’s moment at DC Pride had everybody talking. It’s Black, it’s Queer, it’s real—and it’s definitely not your average Pride episode. 🎧 Tap in for culture, commentary, and cackles.

In this Pride Month episode, I'm joined by Black Psychotherapist, Author, and Lightworker Tony Purnell @tonypurnelllightworker for a hilarious and insightful convo around what it means to heal while being Queer, dating with intention (or not), and showing up in the heat of summer dating/hookups. We talk therapy, spiritual wellness, boundaries, and what Pride Month means to us. Tap in for reflections and a little shade!

Theo aka PleaseDontIrkMe Blogger, YouTube Creator, and Podcaster unpacks his journey to being a creator and the motivations that keep him engaging with community.

Marquise Richards Host of Keepin' It A Bean podcast, Owner of Leroy's Coffee Blend, and Co-Host of Due Diligence taps in this week and it is a GOOD time! ——— We unpack some of our favorite scenes from the Sinners movie and how vampirism is used to portray white supremacy. ——— May is Mental Health Awareness Month. We unpack growing up with the house rule "what goes on in this house stays in this house" and its impact on our mental health as adults and MORE. Tap in. Leave a review.

The Hung Up Podcast returns with season 7 episode 1 This week's shout out goes to Doechii and Marquise Richards of Keeping It A Bean Podcast. UnPack or Packing it UP: Kim Burrell & Jamal Bryant Viral Video LGBTQ Sanctuary Opens in Pennsylvania Ericka Alexander, Kim Coles Re-Living Single Podcast A'Jay Love gets World Star Hip Hop Post Removed Rodney Hinton, Jr. Say His Name.

This week we focus on local Philly politics and community with Andre D. Carroll. Andre is an educator, juvenile justice advocate and he is currently the Democratic Candidate for the 201st Legislative District State House Representative. 🏳️‍🌈 Carroll would be the second openly Black gay male to serve as a PA State Rep, the first being Malcolm Kenyatta. Hosts: @hunguppod @tonypurnelllightworker Producer: @marquisedavon Creative Assist: @sterlyg

Watch this full episode @YouTube This week Eric and Tony talk about affection and bromance between straight men. Why is it so controversial? Why is it harder for men to show affection towards each other? How does this show up in our own community and how is it perpetuated? Hosts: @hunguppod @tonypurnelllightworker Production: @marquisedavon Creative Assist: @sterlyg Studio: @recphilly

This week we have 3D artist and owner of Taylored Faces and Balloons Tee Taylor in the studio to talk about her unique 3D art style and how she was able quit her 9 to 5 to focus on art full time. Hosts: @hunguppod @tonypurnelllightworker Production: @marquisedavon Creative Assist: @sterlyg Studio: @recphilly

You can watch this full episode on YouTube by searching Hung Up Podcast. Subscribe and comment! This week we are joined by Janell Johnson owner of The Suite by J. Nicole home of your favorite Black Women owned bath, body, skin, hair, candles and more! Janell is an award winning business owner, retail merchandising coach and consultant. @thesuite.byjnco @suite.828 Catch Us 📺 Mondays at 7p EST @YouTube Hosts: Eric Cole IG/Twitter: @hunguppod Tik Tok: hunguppodcast Tony Purnell: IG/TikTok - @TonyPurnellLightWorker Twitter - @TonyLightWorker Producer: Marquise Richards IG/Tik Tok/Twitter - @MarquiseDavon Youtube: Marquise Davon Productions Creative Director: IG - @sterlyg Music Credit: One To One Make It-Rob Barbato

Eric and Tony sit down with Leemy and J Marquise…cast members of Philly on the Rise. The cast members discuss their experiences on the show as well as their entrepreneural side of life. Philly On The Rise is a queer reality showed, based right here in Philadelphia! Check out season one! Leemy on IG @leemyhendrix and youtube @TheLeemyHendrixShow J Marquise on IG @j.marquise_ and on youtube @POTRProductions

Watch the full episode on YouTube! Tony and Eric are back from winter vacation. This week’s episode is all about the Lovers! The single Lovers that is! Tony and Eric break down “Singles Awareness Day.” The cohosts talk about the pressures of being in a relationship and the value of being single vs in a relationship. What is the pettiest reason you won’t date someone? Let us know in the comment below. #HungUp

This week with Nell of The Does That Make Sense Podcast: “Back In The Day” poll results (39:23) Was the Nicki diss a bop or a flop? (44:32) Nicki Rant explicit language warning (46:43-48:19) Sports Update with Nell: NFC/AFC Championship (51:26) Draya Michele dating Jalen Green, is the age gap too WIDE?! (52:28) Juanita Bynum homophobic rant from the pulpit- what’s new? (01:01:45) Send your questions, comments, feedback to [email protected]

Intro Credit: @MoneyGorgeous on TikTok Guest Co Host: Nell Simmons of The Does That Make Sense Podcast @Nellll__ This Week: Black Fatherhood and shielding versus exposure to prepare the youth for the world (12:12) Stand in Pride filling in the gap for LGBTQ+ people at weddings, graduations, etc. (18:08) How much do you tell the person you are “hooking up” with? (21:30) What do you consider “Back in the Day?” (33:13) Sports Update: The Eagles, Buffalo Bills, Josh Giddy (43:31) Tank says he performs for the fellas just like he does for the ladies! (01:00:00) Send episode feedback, comments, and questions to [email protected]

Guest: Nell Simmons Co-Host of The Does That Make Sense Podcast IG: @NELLLL__ Intro: @thedanielleyoung interview with @tarajiphenson “I was told I’m not HOLLYWOOD pretty.” Christmas is over, are parents relieved? Nell says that malls in America are dying (00:17:45) PrEP vs. Doxy PEP (00:23:18) Waiting to Exhale celebrates 28th anniversary (00:35:15) Taraji P. Henson speaks out; Are roles being created for Black actresses? (00:42:46) Taraji/Oprah Body Language TikTok @openmichero (00:53:10) Disclosing who you slept with to your new lover? (00:58:42)

Nell Simmons Co-Host of The Does That Make Sense Podcast dials back in this week. We unpack some recent trending topics. Coping with seasonal depression (00:11:29). Charleston White says it’s femmine to groom and lotion (00:17:50). Mark Bryan pushing gender norms with how he dresses (00:27:19). Should men disclose to women they are dating if they have been with a man in the past? (00:34:21).

This week on Hung Up Podcast feat. Nell Simmons of The Don’t That Make Sense Podcast: PrEP is not just for Queer men- let’s talk about how HIV has been impacting the straight community recently (00:04:57) What precedent is Philly setting by banning the face ski mask? There are arguments on both sides (00:13:33) Rocks in the sink, and why it went viral this week (00:27:53) Philadelphia Parking Authority is hell! (00:33:46). The infamous K&A (Kensington & Allegheny) in Philly (00:44:13) Why are there so many rules for straight men?! We debate toxic masculinity and straight men watching porn before wrapping up (00:48:34).

Hung Up Fam I finally got my Frat Brother on my podcast! Nell is a father, basketball official, and co-Host of The Don’t That Make Sense Podcast. This week we have a candid conversation about going through your spouse’s phone. And we unpack toxic relationship norms.

Things get a little spicy as Tony and Eric sit down with their next in-studio guest! The cohosts meet up with Philly Socialite/Influencer Bryheim, and Rapper, songwriter, and serial entrepreneur Ra Blanco. The cast members discuss their new queer reality showed, based right here in Philadelphia and upcoming projects. Bryheim on IG @bry.heiim RA Blanco on IG @rablanco

Tony and Eric sit down with another in-studio guest, we meet up with Philly Experience Enthusiast Mo, aka Mo B Outside! Mo sits down with the cohosts to talk about being outside in Philly and what the city has to offer from art, to fashion, to food! Get into this episode as we dive into the MO EXPERIENCE. You can find Mo on IG @mo_b_outside Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Interested in being a guest or have a topic to discuss? Email us at [email protected] Catch Us 📺 Mondays at 7p EST @YouTube

Bonus Episode Intro @MistyKnight40 TikTok “Stop Telling People NOT to Vote!” Project 2025 06:35 Israel-Palestine War; my thoughts. 10:17 Thank you Vincent Marc aka MarcMyStyle Philly Tennis Photoshoot. 11:45 What Happens When You Become The Single Friend in the Group? 17:00 Shout out to 1Philadelphia and Innovation Weekend celebrating equity in Philly’s Tech community.

This week on HungUpPodLIVE Eric and Tony are joined by John of Bomaye. They discuss everything with medical marijuana, Bomaye, and how he is helping the Black and brown community become better advocates for themselves. Catch Us 📺 Mondays at 7p EST @YouTube

This week on HungUpPodLIVE Eric and Tony are joined by singer-songwriter Dominic Patrick to discuss his background as a musician. They talk inspiration, the song writing process, Dominic's time on The Voice, and play some song association at the end of it all. Make sure to tap in with the episode! #HungUP Catch Us 📺 Mondays at 7p EST @YouTube Guest: Dominic Patrick (IG: @dominic_patrick / Tik Tok: TheDominicPatrick) Hosts: Eric Cole IG/Twitter: @hunguppod Tik Tok: hunguppodcast Tony Purnell: IG/TikTok - @TonyPurnellLightWorker Twitter - @TonyLightWorker Producer: Marquise Richards IG/Tik Tok/Twitter - @MarquiseDavon Youtube: Marquise Davon Productions Assistant Producer: Matt Jackson IG - @makinmattmatt Creative Director: IG - @sterlyg