PODCAST · society
Surface Level
by Surface Level
A weekly show hosted by longtime friends Jordan, Damon, and Tony, explores the complexities of the Black and Queer experience. Through personal stories, dynamic guests, and curious conversations, this series offers a nuanced understanding of identity, race, and sexuality that goes beyond the surface level, with a touch of humor and a fearless willingness to challenge the norm.
Episodes
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Touch Grass
This week we end our mini series Have We Lost the Plot? — a stripped-down, at-home series born out of group chat energy and that constant feeling of: what is actually happening right now? In this conversation, we ask if always being online helps our social lives and careers, or do we feel trapped...
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AI & Intimacy
This week we continue our mini series Have We Lost the Plot? — a stripped-down, at-home series born out of group chat energy and that constant feeling of: what is actually happening right now? Next we wonder if AI is really able to meet human emotional and intimate needs? You can join the...
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The Soft Life vs Financial Responsibility
This week we continue our mini series Have We Lost the Plot? — a stripped-down, at-home series born out of group chat energy and that constant feeling of: what is actually happening right now? Next we ask if the soft life a choice or a luxury we can’t all afford? You can join the conversation on...
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Midterms 2026
This week we continue our mini series Have We Lost the Plot? — a stripped-down, at-home series born out of group chat energy and that constant feeling of: what is actually happening right now? Next we wonder what the biggest concerns are heading into the 2026 midterm elections? You can join the...
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Relationships as Content
We are kicking off something a little different. We’re calling it, Have We Lost the Plot? — a stripped-down, at-home series born out of group chat energy and that constant feeling of: what is actually happening right now? First up we ask is sharing our relationships online necessary…
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Trans Day of Visibility
Support REVOLT Podcast Network & Vote Surface Level Podcast For the 2026 Webby Award's Visit the link below and search Surface Level to vote today! https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2026/apps-software-immersive/app-excellence/accessibility-inclusion Damon and Tony are curious — if so...
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Beyond The Surface Level 11
Support REVOLT Podcast Network & Vote Surface Level Podcast For the 2026 Webby Award's Visit the link below and search Surface Level to vote today! https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2026/apps-software-immersive/app-excellence/accessibility-inclusion Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious…
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Black Famous
Support REVOLT Podcast Network & Vote Surface Level Podcast For the 2026 Webby Award's Visit the link below and search Surface Level to vote today! https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2026/apps-software-immersive/app-excellence/accessibility-inclusion Damon, Jordan and Tony are curious –...
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The Gay Cousin
Support REVOLT Podcast Network & Vote Surface Level Podcast For the 2026 Webby Award's Visit the link below and search Surface Level to vote today! https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2026/apps-software-immersive/app-excellence/accessibility-inclusion Damon, Jordan and Tony are curious –...
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Blue Eye’d Soul
Support REVOLT Podcast Network & Vote Surface Level Podcast For the 2026 Webby Award's Visit the link below and search Surface Level to vote today! https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2026/apps-software-immersive/app-excellence/accessibility-inclusion Damon, Jordan and Tony are curious –...
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Black Joy vs Black Resistance
Damon, Jordan and Tony are curious – Is prioritizing Black joy really an act of defiance? “Joy as Resistance” is a nice catchphrase that’s been taking the Black internet by storm. The phrase has mass appeal and some say political strategy to it too, but in the face of extreme threats to personal...
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Sex, Secrecy, and Survival
Damon, Jordan and Tony are curious – Does hiding sex make us safer or is it more dangerous? Many people hide sexual encounters in order to control and manage public opinion, or just because they’re a private lady. But does that secrecy open us up to more trauma? In this especially dynamic…
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Too Black, Too Queer, Too Much
Damon, Jordan and Tony are curious – Can you be too loud and proud? We’ve all either had those moments or seen those moments where we or someone in our orbit is wearing their queerness out loud but very hyped up. They’re usually causing a scene of some sort, whether in person or online. And for...
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Say Less | Why does everyone online have a "Blaccent"?
Damon, Jordan and Tony are curious – Who’s to blame for the mainstreaming of Black language? We’ve all seen the ways that Black slang and especially Black queer lingo becomes everyone’s slang on the internet. Non-Black people have been monetizing off of our twang and sass, and now Republicans are...
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I'm Back On The Apps
Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – what's your experience been on the apps? We are excited to welcome our friences Greg, Tylan & Hector to our Surface Level family. They help us explore different end uses for apps like Jack'd because we are way more than hookups. Whether is research for the...
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Hiding In Plain Sight
Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – where’s the line between secrecy and privacy? This National Black HIV/AIDS Day, we had the privilege of hosting Harlem Stage Presents: Surface Level Live, powered by Gilead Sciences. We are grateful for those who were able to join us in person, and we’re…
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The Age of Pleasure
Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – is Queer pleasure a privilege? This National Black HIV/AIDS Day, we had the privilege of hosting Harlem Stage Presents: Surface Level Live, powered by Gilead Sciences. We are grateful for those who were able to join us in person, and we’re beyond excited to...
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Beyond The Surface Level 10
Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – are you ready to go beyond the surface level? We end our growth journey and 10th season with a tradition we hold dear—responding to questions and comments from you, our Surface Level Insiders. We laugh, share personal insights, and push back against the...
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Gurl, Bring Back Gatekeeping
Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – has access to the internet reduced the quality of art? In Season 1, we explored the desire for people to use the internet to stunt and fabricate their lives. In this episode, we take that conversation further by examining the positive and negative effects the...
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Gurl, Release Your Wiggle
Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – can freedom and the need for validation coexist? In Season 1, we explored authenticity and living in our truths was interrogated over and over again, and today we’re going to have a conversation about how perception and validation shape us—and the freedom we...
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Gurl, Stay Woke
Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – how do we balance resistance and protecting our peace? In Season 1, we explored the sacrifices needed to make Black queer lives matter. Today, we ask: what does resistance look like in 2025? With political unrest, DEI rollbacks, and an election that left many...
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Gurl, You Good?
Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – how does loneliness effect Black Queer identity? In Season 1, we explored the disconnect we sometimes feel towards our hometowns in pursuit of our dreams. Today, we go further, centering the loneliness many Queer individuals feel for existing outside of...
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Gurl, We're Just Friends
Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – can failed romance become friendship? In Season 1, we explored how we navigate platonic friendships. Today, we take it a step further by discussing the intersection of past romance and current friendship. We'll examine past relationships through the lens of…
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Gurl, Who Raised You?
Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – who has shaped our Queer identities? In season one, we explored our relationships with our fathers. Today, we go further by bringing our “Gay Mothers” on the show to shed light on the people who have shaped our Queer journeys. We are excited to welcome Corey...
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Gurl, You Tried It
Damon, Jordan & Tony are curious – when is criticism friend or foe? In season one, we discussed the environment of cancel culture. Today, we go further in examining public critique and when it is helpful—and when it is not. We are honored to welcome Lena Waithe, actor, producer, and screenwriter,...
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Gurl, Who Gone Be The Boy
Damon, Jordan & Tony are curious – where do we stand on toxic masculinity? In season one, we discussed the obsession with masculinity in the queer community—chasing "trade," butching it up around straight people, and learning to embrace our femininity. Today, let’s examine where we stand on toxic...
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Gurl, Are Yall Open?
Damon, Jordan & Tony are curious – how varied are our views on non-monogamy? We are excited to welcome you to Season 10 of Surface Level: Gurl, Grow Up, where each week we will revisit a different episode from Season 1 through the lens of growth. In this first episode, we explore the topic of...
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The Personal Is Political Pt. 3
Damon is curious – how do anti-LGBTQ+ laws impact the Black Queer community, and what’s being done to fight back? In this final episode of our 3-part mini-series, Damon is joined by Dr. David Johns, CEO & Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition, Tabytha Gonzalez, Human Rights...
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The Personal Is Political Pt. 2
Jordan is curious – how is politics shaping the daily lives of young Queer Americans? In this episode, we continue our 3-part mini-series with a focus on the youth vote and political engagement. Jordan is joined by Jay Jones, first Trans President of the Howard University Student Association…
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The Personal Is Political Pt. 1
Tony is curious – how will this election effect Queer healthcare? We welcome you to part one of our three-part miniseries, “The Personal Is Political,” in partnership with GLAAD. This series is centered around the current political landscape and will explore issues with a focus on Black and Queer...
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The Deliverance
Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – when will folx learn to trust Black women? This week, we're thrilled to welcome director, producer, and screenwriter Lee Daniels to our Surface Level family. We’ll dissect the theme of trusting Black women in his new film, The Deliverance. We’ll also highlight...
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Beyond The Surface Level 9
Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – are you ready to go beyond the surface level with us? With this episode, we close another chapter in the journey of Surface Level. For the ninth time, we open the floor to questions from you, our Surface Level Insiders. We explore a range of topics, including...
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Pornhub
Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – what role does porn play in our understanding of sex? We round out Throb, our season on sex, with an exploration of our past and present relationship with pornography. We discuss our initial introduction to porn and the positive and negative impacts it had on…
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Sorry, We're Not Sexually Compatible
Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – how important is sexual compatibility? This week, we explore the value placed on sexual compatibility when considering romantic partners. We discuss our role in fulfilling our partners' various desires, how honest we have been about our own desires in new...
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Bedroom Playlist
Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – are we ready for Queer men to sing about sex? This week, we're thrilled to welcome music artist serpentwithfeet to our Surface Level Family. We'll dive into the overtly sexual themes of his latest album, Grip, and examine how these themes have been received by...
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HIV Is Not A Crime
Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – do HIV criminalization laws increase stigma? This week, we are excited to welcome Robert Suttle, a social justice advocate, to our Surface Level Family. We'll be discussing his personal experiences and advocacy work concerning the impact of HIV criminalization...
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Sexual Media Pt. 2
Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – are you sexual on social media? We're thrilled to announce a two-part crossover episode with special guests, Busy Boys Uncensored. In part two, we welcome Jah and Sekani into our Surface Level family. Together, we delve into how sex and dating have permeated...
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Sexual Media Pt. 1
Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – are hookup apps in their flop era? We're excited to announce a two-part crossover episode featuring special guests, Busy Boys Uncensored. In part one, we welcome Mayce and Damontae into our Surface Level family. Together, we delve into the culture of "the apps"...
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Are You Clean?
Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – what language should we use to discuss STIs? Part of maintaining a healthy sex life involves regular screenings for STIs. Over time, the way we discuss this topic has taken a negative turn. The question "are you clean?" has become synonymous with STI…
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Sex Ed
Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – what is medical fact vs fiction when it comes to Queer male sex? This week, class is in session, and we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Leo Moorei, the Medical Director for Clinic Services at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, to our Surface Level...
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Healing In My Hoe Phase
Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – how can casual sex be used as a tool for exploration and empowerment? During this dynamic episode, we welcome storyteller and activist Tarek Ali to our Surface Level Family. Tarek contributes to a conversation centered on the complex relationship that queer men...
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Hookup Horror Stories
Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – what impact does hookup culture have on Queer male intimacy? For our ninth season titled “Throb,” we are embarking on a journey to explore all aspects of sex and sexuality. We kick off this journey with a topic familiar to queer men: hookup culture. Where have…
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Beyond The Surface Level 8
Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – are you ready to go beyond the surface level with us? We made it through another cycle of the Surface Level journey. Through this season of reflection, we hope that we were able to introduce you some new figures or expand your knowledge of familiar faces. We...
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Fellow Travelers
Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – with time can Queer love exist without shame? In this episode, we are excited to welcome actor Noah J. Ricketts to our Surface Level family. Exploring the themes of his incredible character Frankie from the miniseries Fellow Travelers we delve into the expanse…
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C.R.E.A.M.
Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – does cash rule everything around you? This week we talk about the ever-looming presence of capitalism. What experiences have shaped our relationship with money, have we ever felt looked down upon because of material things we lacked, how have we navigated mainly...
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Queens Of Comedy
Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – where is the line between funny and offensive? In this episode, we are joined by comedian, actor * writer Jay Jurdan. The artform of comedy has been in the spotlight in recent years as we all try and define the line between jokes and insensitivity. We explore…
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Beautiful Gowns Pt. 2
Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – is fear of femininity the thief of joy? This week we revisit our relationship with the expression of femininity in what we wear. Are we uncomfortable with expressing ourselves outside of the confines of the gender binary? Is that fear greater for men within our...
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Fake Smart, Real Dumb
Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – what place does AI have in the creation of art? This week we bring a fresh topic to our listeners debating the benefits and concerns around artificial intelligence. We focus in on generative AI and its effect on the world of art. Should we look for ways to make...
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Don't Be A Drag, Just Be A Queen
Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – why are conservatives so scared of drag queens? In this episode, we are joined by drag phenom Olivia Lux. With her first-hand account from her time on Drag Race, we use the life and lessons of RuPaul in this week’s reflection. We explore our first impressions…
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Never Again, For Anyone
Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – if your humanity is conditional is it humanity at all? Surface Level began as a show reflecting the lives, experiences, and conversation of its three host. To have a season live during the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict and not share our experience processing,...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A weekly show hosted by longtime friends Jordan, Damon, and Tony, explores the complexities of the Black and Queer experience. Through personal stories, dynamic guests, and curious conversations, this series offers a nuanced understanding of identity, race, and sexuality that goes beyond the surface level, with a touch of humor and a fearless willingness to challenge the norm.
HOSTED BY
Surface Level
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Surface Level have?
Surface Level currently has 138 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Surface Level about?
A weekly show hosted by longtime friends Jordan, Damon, and Tony, explores the complexities of the Black and Queer experience. Through personal stories, dynamic guests, and curious conversations, this series offers a nuanced understanding of identity, race, and sexuality that goes beyond the...
How often does Surface Level release new episodes?
Surface Level publishes regularly with 138 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Surface Level?
You can listen to Surface Level 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 Surface Level?
Surface Level is created and hosted by Surface Level.
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