Rooted In Reality

In this episode I discuss the U.S. and Isreal attack on Iran and put it in historical context. We zoom out to see what's really going on and why. Ohio primaries are coming up so I give some important dates to look out for. I'm also not done celebrating black women, and during what better time than Women's History Month. This one is on the activist, the icon, the revolutionary Angela Davis. Tune in, it's a good one!

This week, I’m honoring Ida B. Wells — the investigative journalist who exposed the truth about lynching when telling the truth could cost you your life.After her friends were lynched in Memphis in 1892, she used data, reporting, and fearless writing to dismantle the lies that justified racial terror. Her work reshaped journalism and civil rights history — even as she was pushed to the margins.In this episode, I’m breaking down her story and why her name deserves to be centered, especially during Black History Month.

This week on Rooted in Reality, we’re diving into the Haitian Revolution — one of the most powerful freedom movements ever fought.We break down how it started, the leaders who organized it, and how formerly enslaved people defeated empire to create the first Black republic. And we connect that history to right now — to conversations about race, migration, resistance, and what true freedom has always required.This isn’t just history. It’s a reminder of what people are capable of when they decide they’ve had enough.

This week on Rooted in Reality, I’m breaking down the life and legacy of Marcus Garvey — a Jamaican immigrant who helped build Pan-Africanism, Black pride, and global Black political power.I talk the UNIA, the Black Star Line, his conflicts with other leaders, and how the U.S. government worked to shut his movement down.Perfect for Black History Month — and necessary for right now

This week we're back on the Yard with my girl Maya, continuing the HBCU series. Sit back, relax, and join us in reminiscing our time at the illustrious Howard University.

In this episode of Rooted in Reality, I take a hard look at what’s happening in Minnesota with ICE enforcement and community response, especially in the wake of the recent fatal shooting of Renee Good and the broader surge in federal immigration activity in Minneapolis-Saint Paul. From local protests to questions about civil rights and public safety, I explore how this moment echoes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s calls for justice, dignity, and the protection of human rights — and what his legacy invites us to consider about state power today.Below listeners can see how to document or report ICE activity, support immigrant communities, and stay informed:• National Immigration Law Center (NILC) — resources on immigrant legal rights• ACLU — tips on recording and reporting civil rights violations• Monarca Minnesota Rapid Response Team — volunteer observer training and hotlines for reporting ICE presence in Minnesota This episode is both a reflection and a call to stay vigilant, informed, and grounded in the values Dr. King championed — equality, justice, and community care.

Five days into the new year and there’s already… a LOT going on. In this episode, I break down Trump’s latest move in Venezuela, Ohio’s changes to weed laws, and a Rolling Stone report raising serious questions about Amazon data centers and health impacts like cancer and miscarriages. I also get into what it means now that ACA subsidies have expired, and why the Trump administration is restarting wage garnishment for people with defaulted student loans.It’s a packed episode — news, context, and how all of this actually affects real people’s lives. Tap in.

This week we're continuing with the HBCU series and this one features a Southern University grad. Aaron takes us through the journey of student-althete turned Defensive Line coach and drops a lot of gems a long the way. Tune in, you don't want to miss this one!

In this episode of Rooted in Reality, I talk about ICE’s presence in Columbus, Ohio — and why it’s not needed or wanted. I break down what ICE actually does here, how their presence creates fear instead of safety, and why local communities are pushing back. Resources below:- https://immigration.ablelaw.org/know-your-rights/- https://www.nilc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/EmployerGuide-NELP-NILC-2017-07.pdf- columbus.gov/allofus- ohioimmigrant.org

This week on Rooted in Reality, I’m talking about what happens when power goes unchecked. I break down Trump’s executive order blocking states from regulating A.I., his dangerous attacks on Somali Americans in Minnesota, and Congress failing to act as ACA subsidies get closer to expiring. These might sound like separate issues, but they all point to the same problem — communities being targeted, protections being stripped away, and everyday people left to deal with the consequences. I talk about who’s being protected, who’s being ignored, and why all of this matters.

We're back and there's sooo much to cover this week. This episode talks about how the government keeps crossing lines that shouldn’t be crossed. Ohio is sending driver’s license info to Homeland Security, Trump is threatening to cut SNAP from blue states unless they hand over personal data, and ICE is changing its story again in the Marimar Martinez case. We wrap up with the tragic killing of Ta’Kiya Young and why her death was completely avoidable.It’s a heavy episode — but a necessary one — about power, privacy, and the real people caught in the middle.

This episode picks up where Pt.1 left off and we get even more deep and personal in this one. To the school that changed our lives forever, HU, we love you!

This episode kicks off my new HBCU Series — a monthly deep dive into real stories from graduates of historically Black colleges and universities. In Part 1, I sit down with my best friend Carlissa to talk about our time at Howard University: the culture, the surprises, the lessons, and how The Mecca shaped who we are today.

This week I'm challenging my listeners with a simple question. What are you willing to do to fight for the country you want? Can you commit to the blackout strike? I also talk about the Abby Zwerner civil trial - the teacher who was shot by her 6 y/o student. Did she deserve 10 million? And lastly I talk about the history of health care in this country and how we almost had medicare for all. Tune in, you don't want to miss this. https://weaintbuyingit.com/https://www.blackoutthesystem.com/

This week on Rooted in Reality, I'm talking about the Democrats’ big election wins — and the major loss that followed. While voters pushed progress nationwide, Trump is in court fighting to block SNAP funding, and Democrats folded their leverage in the shutdown fight, getting nothing in return.Ohio SNAP BenefitsFranklin County Food ResourcesOhio Legal Help – SNAP InfoUSDA – National SNAP FactsFeeding America – Find Your Local Food Bank

This week on Rooted in Reality, I'm talking about what happens when everyday people push back. From Columbus City Schools facing deep budget cuts, to Ohio’s new redistricting map that reshapes political power, to the shocking case of a woman who reported ICE misconduct and was deported for it — I'm digging into how communities are standing up and saying, “enough.”

In this episode I give another update on the Government shutdown and how it's not only impacting federal workers but also everyone in America. I talk about what the American farmers are going through because of the tariff and the Government shutdown. I also talk about Ohio's upcoming elections and give important dates to pay attention to and the segment "So This Is Thing" is back - tune in for that and more!

I talk about how SCOTUS heard oral arguments last week that puts the VRA of 1965 under attack. I give an update of Ohio redistricting map and the Government shutdown. Tune in to hear how they are trying to disenfranshise you.

This week we're celebrating the 10th episode of the podcast, wooo! No politics, all reality... tv that is. From Potomac to Salt Lake City, Khey and I give our unfiltered opinion on some of our fav shows. Tune in for a light-hearted, fun episode.

This week I break down the government shutdown and how it will effect you. I discuss the recently introduced Ohio House Bill allowing utility companies to control your thermostat. & I give my opinion on Diddy's sentencing.

This week I talk about the voter suppression bills SB 153 and HB 233 that are in the Ohio General Assembly Commitee and the voter suppression that's happening on a federal level. I also talk about the life and legacy of revolutionary Assata Shakur. -Contact Your Representatives Info:League of Women Voters of Ohio - https://www.lwvohio.org-Tell your Ohio representatives and members of Ohio's government committees in the Ohio Senate and Ohio House to OPPOSE SB153 & HB233 https://lwvohio.salsalabs.org/protectohiosdirectdemocracy.-Tell US Senators Moreno and Husted to OPPOSE the SAVE Act https://lwvohio.salsalabs.org/opposesaveact/index.html. -Planned Parenthood https://www.weareplannedparenthoodaction.org/a/stop-sb-153

In this episode the pod goes through a bit of a rebrand. I talk through the SOCTUS decision on ICE arrest in Los Angeles and we get into Ohio's redistricting map.

In this episode, I get into the occupation happening in DC, what's to come, and how people are resisting. I decide whether a situation is toxic or zodiac? and give my opinion on the Unknown Number documentary. SPOILER!

SPOILER ALERT! This week, I give my opinion on The Truth About Jussie Smollett documentary and his case. Make sure you watch so you can lock in with me on this journey to the truth. Also update on Texas/gerrymandering (Solo Pod)

We recap Love Island reunion and give our unfiltered opinions as we say goodbye to the show of the summer. Who took accountability? Who stood on business? And who were our faves? Tune in; it's going to be a journey! #TeamNicolandria? #TeamChellace? #TeamChellandria?

I get some parenting advice, we talk the mayoral race and press send on our drafts! Tune in for the knowledge, stay for the laughs!

We give our opinions on the sitcoms that raised us. Tell us your favorite sitcom and why in the comments.

Segments: This Is America: Texas Edition, AITA, Hear Me Out: Zoo's . (This episode was recorded two weeks prior to release. There are new updates.)

Before we dig in, here's what to expect from the pod.