The Grass is Ghetto

I'ts the end of women's history month, and we wanted to have a conversation about feminism and how it intersects with black bodies in america.

In the first episode of the Grass is Ghetto Podcast, hosts Donnie-Ray and Jamia Zarzuela introduce themselves and set the stage for engaging discussions on black identity, cultural nuances, and the impact of historical racism. With a mix of humor and insight, they invite listeners to explore the complexities of race in America. Welcome to the Grass is Ghetto Podcast.

 In this episode we I will bring on one of my friend to explore how what we believe, either individually or collectively, influences social norms, culture and policies. (Especially ones that effect how we view black men and boys in our society today) Dustin Edwards is a comedian and US veteran from Lousiana who received his BA in Sociology and MA in Criminal Justices at the University of Louisiana in Lafgaye. His passion is to explore the ivtersectionalities of the black diaspora and comedy. Bring a comedy relief to the harsh realities of being black in america. Find Dustin on Youtube Instagram

In this episode, I'll talk to my favorite anti-racist media strategist to explore how what we believe, either individually or collectively, influences social norms, culture and policies. as well as ask this burning question: Do we control the algorithm or does the algorithm control us? Kayla Katalyst is a social justice storyteller and business strategist from Queens, NY whose home base is currently Tacoma,WA. Kayla jumped off the corporate ladder to pave her own way towards success freelancing her business services and founding the blog Wise, Well, and Woke where she publishes content and gives soulful lifestyle advice. Helping her audience and consultants find comfort and solutions to their problems in this crazy modern-day society. Find Kayla and Well Wise & Woke @kaylakatalyst @wisewellnwoke and www.wisewellandwoke.com

In this episode we I will bring on a beloved friend and village member to explore how what we believe, either individually or collectively, influences social norms, culture and policies. Especially in motherhood as it personally pertains to my life and how I navigate in the world. Chelsea Lawyer is a wife and mother of 4 who is the Director and Founder of Being The Village. Being The Village is a support group for Black mothers. “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child” is a famous quote that at its core, explains the necessity of community. At Being The Village, agrees with the phrase while also recognizing that community doesn’t just start when a child is born — rather, we as adults also thrive when surrounded by healthy relationships & interactions. Find Chelsea Lawyer and Being The Village @beingthevillage & www.beingthevillage.com

In this episode we I will bring on a my mentor and professor to explore how what we believe, either individually or collectively, influences social norms, culture and policies. (Especially the ones we are dealing with today) Dr. Kamara Taylor is an award winning professor holding  a Bachelors and Master degree in Political science, A Masters in Clinical  Psychology and a PhD in neuro Psychology with a  specialized  emphasis in  cognition and  instruction. Her unique teaching style creates teaching moments in the mundane and allows the classroom to be wherever she is. The Illinois native strives to break the stigma of mental illness with projects that incorporate mental health and music, her books Outta my Mind, The Uncurable, & The Myths of Crazy, in the classroom and the various a conference and workshops. Kamara ‘s  Passion is  to  Infect, Influence  and  Insulate by working with  institutions  nationally to bring forth changes.

In this episode we are going to be exploring how the I am statement affects the brain. Dr. Gabe Crenshaw is a licensed clinical psychologist in Los Angeles who provides therapy to individuals, groups, and families to treat depression, anxiety, and more. He has appeared on many TV and radio talk shows where he shares the most updated information on mental health matters. In addition to being a skilled therapist, he is an experienced forensic psychologist, keynote speaker, and mentor to high school, college, and graduate students. Contact him today to learn how he can help improve your mental health. Find him at askdrgabe.com [email protected] and @Askdrgabe

In this episode we are going to be examining faith based perspectives on how our thoughts become our reality with Rev. Arlene Hylton. Rev. Arlene Hylton is a Spiritual Teacher who delights in assisting Youth and Adults alike in remembering their Spiritual Potential and Capacity. Through her Workshops, Lectures, and One-on-One council, she assists individuals in realizing their God given attributes. She created “I’m Keeping True,” a multi-dimensional workshop which includes and focuses on fasting, prayer and setting intentions: these modalities support individual transformation. Many healings, revelations and clear insights have been experienced by participating in her workshops. Rev. Arlene’s Vision is to assist individuals in remembering their Spiritual Potential through prayer, meditation and embodying spiritual principles. Find Rev. Arlene Hylton https://www.revarlene.com

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Despite the thriving black population in southern states such as Georgia, Alabama Mississippi or Louisiana the unwavering loyalty to the Republican Party seemed even that much stronger. So I brought out Political Science major, Poet and Mississippi native Sip so talk about Tha good ole Souf.

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On this episode I sat down with San Antonio rapper 7098 to get his perspective as a black man on what’s going on in our America today

Often I say that my favorite era was the Harlem renaissance. And with advancement of technology and growth of social media, I feel we are in the “digital renaissance” or at least thats what I call it. But with 2020 bringing us a Pandemic as well as A crazy election. With murders of black people being broadcasted from someone’s camera phones to the tvs in our homes: social media , once a place used to escape from the world, is something I often avoid. That’s why I brought on recording artist, tic Tok entertainer and San Antonio native, Simply Rayne, to discuss how this afrotona spreads love and positivity, as well as build a sense of community with her 1 million fans despite months of quarantine.

In this episode, I sat down with recent graduate, Madison Goodrich who Double majored in Government & African Diaspora study, a major that focuses on the mass dispersion of peoples from Africa during the Transatlantic Slave Trades, from the 1500s to the 1800s. We discuss graduating in 2020, what rethinking our America's government system and hows its ran, along with a number of other things.

When you Hear random facts spewed such as from 1882 -1968 4,743 people was lynched & 72.8% were black do you feel detached because you capture numbers What if you knew 1892 was the year that American saw the most Strange Fruit Hanging When you hear them naming another victim on the news When murder has 1 mil views I wonder if there a difference If there change If we grew past 1892

In the midst of Covid there are a lot of questions to be asked. I go to my favorite educator, one of my biggest inspections in life and aunt, Alphalisha Johnson, to help me make sense of it all. Or maybe at least figure out where to start. In the open dialogue we talk about prejudice in versus racism, reparations, along with a few other things. So stay tuned

Before Rome Burned is more of the intro of what you can expect during this Series as well as introducing the Host, me, Jamia Zarzuela. Suffice it to say that Poetry, Prose & Politics, this podcast, is a combination for my love of art & passion for politics. As far as Nina Simone is Concerned, "An artist Duty... is to reflect the time." So while many find that coinciding with the aloofness and abstract concept that art is and the, perceived bland construct that Politics is, I believe that this juxtaposition is a perfect ebb and flow. (Sorry if I've lost ya there) But I Promise this episode won't be a monologue. But I don't want to say that this Podcast is not entertainment news, rather its entertaining news that presented in a more digestible way. I can't want to continue this journey with you all. And remember as always SPEAK FREE