Racially Speaking

David drops in for a bonus episode on his recent and life-long experience of being mistaken for someone else. He also drops in to follow up a recent social media post detailing a recent encounter with a stranger. Tap in!

David drops in to give some thoughts on the current culture of patriotism celebrating the 250th birthday of America. He talks about the "Rededicate 250" event that took place two weekends in DC, and breaks down what the event indicates about race, faith, and justice. Patreon: PBS MLK/Billy Graham article"Color of Compromise" by Jemar Tisby

David pops in to share some raw thoughts on the scaling back of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and what it means for racial equality moving forward. He also details some key moments that got us here.

David is joined by friend and young mentee, Travis Woolard, to recount how everything from Lakers fandom, to Kobe Bryant's death, to Thriving multiethnic Christian community have all been foundational to both their faiths and relationship. In short, "God is good... All the time. And all the time... God is good."

David is joined by friend and doctoral candidate, Naomi Leyh, to discuss the state of cultural progress today, as well as why she decided to pursue her PhD in Old Testament studies out of "spite." Naomi shares about why her position as a Black female academic is a powerful opportunity for the next generation when it comes to discipleship, and shares about what drives her in her studies. Finally, the two get real honest about their thoughts on the current political climate and what role Christians have played.

David unpacks the current and upcoming April 21st special election happening in Virginia, and breaks down the racial elements from all angels.

David shares thoughts on the Winter Olympics, DEI discourse, the men's and women's olympic gold medals, and the reaction to the Men's Hockey Team's relationship with President Trump. Patreon:

David is joined by professor, advocate, and author, Princess Joy L. Perry, for a robust conversation on fiction, history, and the thriving of POC. The two share honest thoughts on the current political landscape, and most importantly, discuss Perry's debut novel, "This Here is Love." "This Here is Love," is a historical fiction novel taking place during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade in the Tidewater, VA area. Perry's debut novel (August 2025), has received a wide range of positive reception, and Perry is an award-winning writer! Princess Joy L. Perry

David starts the year off with a swift, honest assessment of how Christians are responding to the overt, legalized racism and disenfranchisement of Black and brown people in the United States, and what it means to the Christian public witness.

David is joined by activist and Executive Director of The Convergence Partnership, Amanda Navarro, to discuss the importance of storytelling, racial disparity within healthcare, and much more! https://convergencepartnership.org/about-us/

David is joined by friend and musical artist, Landon Ray, from Hampton VA. The two guys get in the trenches, touching on everything Christian ethics, especially when it comes to voting. You do not want to miss this honest conversation on how to disagree on bigger issues.

Following two weeks of high-level, politcal and religious discourse, David is joined again by pastor Jefferson Jones to discuss loving your neighbor, whether or not it's possible to agree to disagree about everything, and what a legacy of Christian faith looks like.

David is joined by two returning guests, Allana Dye and Vicky Willis, to discuss the possibility of the Department of Education being dismantled. The three also discuss both the historical and current context of why at times Asian and Black solidarity is difficult, and how that can change. Notes: First half: Dismantling the Department of EducationAround 40:00 - Black and Asian solidarity Recommendations: "We were Liars" "Sinners" "The Day You Begin"Please consider joining the Patreon for as little as $1/month. Patreon

David drops in for a solo episode breaking down the viral video out of Jacksonville, FL showing William McNeil Jr. being assaulted by several police officers. David breaks down the video, why you should watch it, and what it means for ending police brutality in light of George Floyd five years ago. Notes:New York TimesPatreon

David is joined by returning guest, Vicky Willis, to discuss the history and implications of birthright citizenship, and what it would mean for it to be removed.Later, the two discuss what it looks like to engage politically both on and offline. Recommendations:“Dreamers” by Yuki Moraleshttps://www.amazon.com/Dreamers-Yuyi-Morales/dp/0823440559

David drops in for a solo episode in response to several bullying incidents that have taken place in the last couple of weeks concerning children and racial slurs.

David is joined by, artist, rapper, illustrator, and now author, Jefferey Weatherford (AKA Jefferey the Artist), to talk about his new book, what it's been like following in his mother's footsteps, and his calling to inspire the next generation. Later, the two discuss the importance of hip hop as art, story telling, and culture significance.

David is joined by, artist, rapper, illustrator, and now author, Jefferey Weatherford (AKA Jefferey the Artist), to talk about his new book, what it's been like following in his mother's footsteps, and his calling to inspire the next generation. Later, the two discuss the importance of hip hop as art, story telling, and culture significance. "Rap it Up" Please consider joining our Patreon

David is joined by friend and professor, Dr. Mark Samudre to have an honest conversation about the implications of rolling back D.E.I. initiatives.

Special Ed. Professor and David's good friend and college roommate, Dr. Mark Samudre, joins the pod to discuss what eliminating D.E.I. and the Education Department would result in. Later, the two friends share their own personal stories when it comes to conversing with people they may disagree with. Please Join our Patreon!Patreon

Enjoy a special Bonus episode with Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader, Elana Horowitz!

Enjoy a special episode with David and Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader, Elana Horowitz! Support the show!

David is joined again by pastor and ministry leader, Jefferson Jones, to discuss their thoughts on the inauguration of President Trump, what it says about Christian morality, and how proximity means everything right now. Join the Patreon:

David sat down with friend, Radford University student, college ministry leader, and youth ministry leader, Ethan Bishop, to talk about growing up in a small town lacking diversity, yet ending up living in a thriving multi-ethnic community as an adult in the same town years later.

David and Kaitlyn Phipps discuss the movie musical adaptation of the Broadway Musical, "Wicked," and unpack its most profound themes.

David is joined by ministry leader and pastor, Jefferson Jones, to discuss next week's presidential election, how Christians should or should not engage, and why the Christian political square is what it is today. healingproject https://www.instagram.com/jeffersonjjones/ Patreon:

David shares some thoughts on the topic of "friendship" as it relates to justice and reconciliation. Fresh off attending a leadership conference on church planting and "friendship," David dives deep into how "friendship" can be the X factor in moving forward or becoming stuck when it comes to pursuing justice.

Catch an update from David on where the show is at and where it's going!

David shares some thoughts on both last month's presidential debate, and July 13th's assassination attempt on former President Trump. Patreon: https://patreon.com/raciallyspeaking?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

David's wife, Kaitlyn, joins the pod to talk about raising their three biracial kids, their own interracial marriage, and the anniversary of the legalization of interracial marriage. Notes: Join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/raciallyspeaking?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink About Loving Day: https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/loving-day/ Loving Documentary: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4669986/ Jodi Piccoult book: https://www.amazon.com/Small-Great-Things-Jodi-Picoult/dp/0345544978/ref=asc_df_0345544978/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693409812949&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12842945080232303830&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008741&hvtargid=pla-450865323591&psc=1&mcid=7244f09947ff39b08a1a7821f4f73968&gad_source=1

As they round out AAPI Heritage Month, David is joined by K-6th grade art teacher, photographer, and new mom, Victoria Willis, out of Northern Virginia to discuss being a rare Asian American voice in the public school system, what motherhood has taught her so far, and much more. Vicky also shares what's unique about her Filipina heritage, and how teaching her students how to navigate race conversions has been both challenging as well as life-giving. Notes: Follow Vicky @veryvicky_ Please consider joining our patreon: https://www.patreon.com/raciallyspeaking

David and John-Mark dissect both what was wrong and what was actually acceptable about Harrison Butker's commencement speech last week. Then the two share their thoughts on Michael Richard's (Kramer from Seinfeld) upcoming memoire amid the fallout from his explicit, racist rant back in 2006. Last, David and John-Mark have a candid conversation on how to discern forgiveness, cancel culture, and accountability in their own lives. Show Notes: 4:50 - Harrison Butker's speech 38:14 - Michael Richards' racist rant Please consider joining our patreon: https://www.patreon.com/raciallyspeaking

David and John-Mark catch up on what's been going on between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift's, "The Torture Poet's Department," and Beyonce's, "Cowboy Carter." The two breakdown the racial implications of Drake and Kendrick's beef, whether or not Black people like Taylor Swift, and whether or not we give Beyonce enough respect. Show Notes: 7:40 - Drake and Kendrick 40:03 - Taylor Swift 122:15 - Beyonce https://time.com/5673476/ken-burns-country-music-black-artists/ https://www.patreon.com/raciallyspeaking

David sits down with pastor, preacher, worship leader, and former wide-receiver, E.L. Smiling, to talk about all the above as it relates to justice. https://www.patreon.com/raciallyspeaking https://www.amazon.com/Church-Heaven-Cultivating-Multiethnic-Kingdom/dp/1514005387

David sits down with returning guest, friend and pastor, Dr. Vince Oliveri, to discuss whether or not the Bible talks about justice at its core. Vince is a pastor at The Vine Church in Blacksburg, VA, and recently finished up his PhD at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. https://www.patreon.com/raciallyspeaking

David sits down with Radford University's Black Student Alliance officers, I'yonah Cartwright and Dayshawn Perry, to discuss activism on campus and this generation's views on everything from representation to voting. https://www.patreon.com/raciallyspeaking

David discusses the recent mass shooting that took place at the Kansas City Chief's super bowl parade, and what can and needs to be done about lethal gun culture. https://www.patreon.com/raciallyspeaking https://www.everytown.org/ https://publichealth.jhu.edu/departments/health-policy-and-management/research-and-practice/center-for-gun-violence-solutions

David is joined by friend of the show, Alethea Lamberson, to discuss "race-norming" in the NFL, the history of racism in the league, and whether or not we should hold musical artists accountable for the things the advocate for in their music. The two discuss Jay-Z's lucrative partnership with the NFL to help combat racism, as well as Taylor Swifts latest Grammy wins, and much, much more. Show notes: https://www.patreon.com/raciallyspeaking https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-nfls-racist-race-norming-is-an-afterlife-of-slavery/ https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/8/16/20808892/jay-z-nfl-kaepernick-roc-nation-partnership-inspire-change-criticism https://www.forbes.com/sites/susanharmeling/2024/01/23/the-politics-of-pop-dei-lessons-from-taylor-swifts-advocacy/?sh=306ac99d75c4 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blackballed/id1690841575

In our second episode of our "Gen Z on Justice" series, David sits down with Radford University student, Travis Woolard, to hear his perspective on his generation's views on justice, as well as his mutual, life-long admiration for the late Kobe Bryant. The two weave in and out of justice conversation while also reflecting on the fourth anniversary of the passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. https://www.patreon.com/raciallyspeaking

David gives some brief thoughts on the presidential race and, racially speaking, on what issues stick out. https://www.patreon.com/raciallyspeaking

David and John-Mark celebrate podcasting for three years and recount why they started the podcast, and where it goes from here. https://www.patreon.com/raciallyspeaking

David sits down with friend and Radford University student, Nifemi Ayodele, in this first episode of the pod's new "Gen Z on Justice" series, in which the guys will discuss where justice conversations are headed from the perspective of Gen Z-ers themselves. In this episode, Nifemi shares her perspective on how Gen Z is perceived by older generations, what Gen Z has to offer, reasons for hope moving into 2024, and why she thinks it's important to have justice conversations. Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/raciallyspeaking

David chats with friend, Megan Hilton, about the conflict going on in Israel. The two discuss the different layers to the entire conflict, what's transpired since the HAMAS attack on October 7th, and how we can discuss and help from afar. Throughout, Megan shares about her experience as a Messianic Jew, and what it's like having close family members living in Israel while this is all going on. Show Notes: https://www.patreon.com/raciallyspeaking 6:00 - discussion begins https://theologyintheraw.com/podcasts/ https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/aug/19/israel-apartheid-state-south-africa-netanyahu

David and John-Mark are joined by author, speaker, professor, public theologian, and David's former high school history teacher, Dr. Esau McCaulley, to discuss his new book, "How Far to the Promised Land," as well as much, much more! The three discuss faith, family, and vocation, as well as how all three intersect with storytelling, forgiveness, and justice. You can follow Dr. McCaulley and his work at the link below: https://esaumccaulley.com/ Please also consider joining our patreon where 100 percent of the profit is put toward action! https://patreon.com/raciallyspeaking

David and John-Mark have a timely conversation on how to and how to not engage with the news and social media. They begin by sharing some thoughts on the Israel and Palestine conflict, and then discuss how things like "cancel culture" and "reverse-discrimination" affect how we engage with society today. Please join our Patreon where one hundred percent of the profit is put toward action! https://patreon.com/raciallyspeaking?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

David and John-Mark reunite to discuss the racially charged brawl that happened on a boat dock in Montgomery, AL last month, as well as the pervasive nature of Deep South culture that seems to be rearing its head lately. The two also discuss former Auburn football coach now Alabama State Senator, Tommy Tuberville's, redefining of "white nationalism," and end by discussing Jason Aldean's song, "Try that in a Small Town." Notes: 11:08 - Montgomery Brawl

In this new episode, David interviews long-time activist and gun safety advocate, Karen Fischer. They discuss everything from the increase in gun violence, to mental health, to social media, to legislation, and end with hope and what can be done. They also discuss the racial implications and how gun violence is affecting communities of color disproportionately. Show Notes: Interview with Karen Fischer: 7:10 https://momsdemandaction.org/ https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-marks-25-years-since-worst-mass-shooting-2021-04-28/ "American Carnage" https://www.amazon.com/American-Carnage-Shattering-Myths-Violence/dp/1684812054/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3FH0LAZFP7ENR&keywords=american+carnage&qid=1693447492&sprefix=american+carn%2Caps%2C803&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1 "Fight Like a Mother" https://www.amazon.com/Fight-Like-Mother-Shannon-Watts-audiobook/dp/B07PJT5G4X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=VP1HO9KDAPUA&keywords=fight+like+a+mother&qid=1693447552&sprefix=Fight+like+a+mother%2Caps%2C261&sr=8-1 Suicide rates: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2013/05/24/suicides-account-for-most-gun-deaths/

David is joined by justice advocate and NYU Psychology Professor, Dr. Lauren Mims, to discuss the SCOTUS's latest decision to strike down affirmative action in higher education. The two discuss what the decision both means and doesn't mean, what most people don't understand about how affirmative action works overall, and how everyone can still do their part to ensure higher education moves toward inclusion and equity. Dr. Mims also shares more about her career, her time in the White House, and much, much more! Instagram: @drlaurenmims Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/raciallyspeaking

David and John-Mark finish their discussion on accountability by giving some honest thoughts on where the presidential race might be headed as far as racial issues go. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/raciallyspeaking

David and John-Mark share some honest thoughts and observations on where they see justice conversations heading and why it's problematic. They also discuss how the church and church leaders, including pastors of color, have an obligation to navigate these conversations responsibly. Please also consider supporting what we do at our patreon! https://www.patreon.com/raciallyspeaking