The Unapologetics Podcast

Fun fact: Did you know that Malachi A+scribe and Rome Herbert share the same birthday?? Join us as we celebrate with a live session while listening to some select tracks from Rome's new EP, COLD NIGHTS. We also present an opportunity to travel abroad to Ghana with Spoken Word Elevated and Speak on it Media along with Anidaso 360. We believe that every descendent of an enslaved African deserves to visit the motherland (especially for FREE #reparationsnow)!! If you would like to go, too, please fill out this interest form (click here).This special episode was recorded at Black Leaf Vegan in Indianapolis, IN. Please follow and support everyone mentioned in this episode (as they appear in order):Rome HerbertRest Black Man RestKorie GriggsPatrice StokesBlack Men's GroupTroy Track Select (not Roy, please pardon our mispronunciation on the recording)Thomas KneelandBlack Church CoalitionAnd, of course, follow and support Malachi A+scribe and The Unapologetics Podcast!

Malachi A+scribe joins AU's MLK Day celebration (2024) to discuss with students and staff their reflections of the days events and implications pertaining to faith, action, and intercultural engagement in a Christian PWI. Click here to follow and support Malachi A+scribe and The Unapologetics Podcast.

So, how do we respond to arguments against Critical Race Theory and its potential compatibility with the Gospel? What should you say when presented with claims from a thought leader like Neil Shenvi? This installment of Theory and Theology with guest Rasool Berry, teaching pastor at The Bridge and author of Critical [G]race Theory: The Promise & Perils of CRT and UnCritical Race Theory, provides some insightful talking points to help us navigate the rhetoric while addressing the heart of the matter. Before or after listening, for context, peep his debate with Neil Shenvi here.Listen to Rasool Berry's podcast and watch the Juneteenth documentary here.Instagram @rasoolb and Twitter @rasoolberryClick here to follow and support Malachi A+scribe and The Unapologetics Podcast.

How did Critical Race Theory even become a whole problem in the church? Who fired shots first? This installment of Reading in Righteousness gives attention to one Christian thought leader who has become the most prominent in white, conservative evangelical spaces concerning the topic of and opposition to Critical Race Theory--Dr. Neil Shenvi. A+scribe reads and scrutinizes his article "Critical Race Theory and Christianity" (click here to read along or on your own).Other written works by Shenvi can be found here--this also includes his lectures and interviews.Here are some interviews that I suggest in which Shenvi talks with black Christians (unlike many of the interviews linked on his website):on Unbelievable? debating Rasool Berry on Southside Rabbi w/ KB and Ameen (also on other podcast platforms)on Tactical Faith along with Matt Burford, and Drs Calvin Bell, Keelan Adams, & Tameka Moment (also on other podcast platforms)on Freemind Podcast along with Samuel SeyHere is another interview, not listed on his page, that gives more roundedness to his arguments.Click here to follow and support Malachi A+scribe and The Unapologetics Podcast.

Does Critical Race Theory put biblical unity at risk? Do we have to choose sides in this culture war for justice and the advancement of the Gospel? Join this Conviction in Conversation. This episode hosts 2 returning guests from Season 2: Dylan Bowen (S2 Ep Unconditioning Performative Allyship) and Pastor Colby Hill (S2 Ep13 Unconditioning Racist Language in the Church).Dylan Bowen, long-time college friend of A+scribe is a staff chaplain at Ascension Indianapolis Hospital where he collaborates with medical team members to provide holistic care to patients and their families and also volunteers on their ethics committee. He and his wife, Kristen, are both Anderson University graduates (2014) where he has also earned his Master of Divinity (2017). Pastor Colby Hill is a millennial, multiethnic, multiplying leader who currently resides in Waldorf, MD with his wife LaToya and their 3 children, and pastors at REAL Church where unity in diversity is valued as much as biblical authority, Christlikeness, disciple-making, local church centeredness, and servant leadership.Click here to follow and support Malachi A+scribe and The Unapologetics Podcast.

Critical Race Theory has become a point of contention not only in politics but also in schools and church spaces to determine how we learn about black history and fight against racism. And now, the work and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are in the hot seat.Should schools, libraries, and even churches discontinue books and teachings of Dr. King? And what does any of this have to do with the Gospel?Join Malachi A+scribe, host of The Unapologetics Podcast, on Zoom for an interactive discussion of one of media's most pervasive political topics.Click here for all sources mentioned. Click here to watch the live video. Click here to follow and support Malachi A+scribe and The Unapologetics Podcast.

This episode is the first of the mini-series, Theory in Theology. A+scribe chops it up with Joseph L. Tucker Edmonds, an Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Africana Studies at Indiana University’s School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI as well as the Associate Director of the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture. Together, they explore the theological context through which we can begin answering the question: is Critical Race Theory compatible with the Gospel.Click here to purchase his latest book, The Other Black Church: Alternative Christian Movements and the Struggle for Black Freedom. Click here to follow and support Malachi A+scribe and The Unapologetics Podcast.

Reading in Righteousness explores various books from a widespread of Black authors who focus on topics related to antiracism in the Black Christian context, or as it applies. In this first installment, Malachi A+scribe reads 'Biblical & Social Justice: What Is It? An Everyday Person's Guide to Understanding Justice And the Role of the Church in Our Society' and is joined by author Bryan Hudson. Bryan Hudson is founding pastor of New Covenant Church in Indianapolis, esteemed ministry and  technology consultant, contributing writer to Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) national/international periodicals, and founder of Vision Stream Network among a myriad of other credentials.Click here to purchase and know more about the book and here to read Pastor Hudson's weekly blog.Click here to read the article referenced in the intro.Click here to follow and support Malachi A+scribe and The Unapologetics Podcast.

Season 3 is finally here! We have returned to talk about what they don't want us to talk about: Critical Race Theory. Today's political climate fields competing ideas as to what it is and its function in society, education, and social interactions. This includes the church and Christian spaces where the debate has arrived at this question: is CRT compatible with the Gospel? In this season, we hope to provide (better) answers to that question and offer perspective from a variety of sources.Episode 1 is an installment of a new mini-series called "Conviction in Conversation." Ana Luis and Malachi A+scribe talk with Ben Tapper, podcast host of "What would it take?" and "Invisible Truths." Together, they set the stage for conversation about the ever-growing debate on CRT's existence at the intersection of Christianity and Black community. Read Ben Tapper's work here and follow his podcasts here.

Ana and A+scribe recap the final installments of The Unconditional Series (12-17) while reflecting on this season while looking forward to Season 3.Support for Malachi A+scribe and The Unapologetics Podcast:PatreonInstagrammusic and merchFollow and support Watershed Voice:https://www.watershedvoice.com/subscribe/Follow and support Nu Vintage:InstagramMusic

Ana and Malachi A+scribe look back at this season's episodes of The Unconditional Series (1-13ish) for final reflections and insight on A+scribe's personal unconditioning journey. Support for Malachi A+scribe and The Unapologetics Podcast:PatreonInstagrammusic and merch

Natalie Pipkin, founder of Pulse Project Indy and Black Worldschoolers, returns to talk about what it means and looks like to do education without the racially oppressive structure and methods found in the American schooling system. This interview was recorded back in February 2021 so you'll hear some references to Black History Month as well.Follow and support Natalie and Black Worldschoolers here.Follow and support Malachi A+scribe and The Unapologetics Podcast here.

To commemorate the life of Eugene Vincent Patton, I dug in the vault of old files from my college days and found this gem: a recording of an interview I did with him. To all of Vince's family, dear friends, and the Indy artist community, let this bless you. Much love. Listen to and download Vince's music here: https://linktr.ee/evincentObituary: https://www.wishtv.com/news/local-news/indy-musician-remembered-for-his-passions-after-death-in-geist-reservoir/

This episode is a complementary discussion from an earlier episode (be sure to listen to Ep 15 first) where the brothas chop it up about our role in honoring, protecting, advocating for, and partnering with black women to uncondition the doubly oppressive harm that works against them in society and the church. Together we discuss our takeaways from the book Too Heavy a Yoke: Black Women and the Burden of Strength by Chanequa Walker-Barnes.Purchase the book here. <<< Please gift one to a black woman with whom you have a genuine friendship or kinship. Watch and subscribe to Bryce's podcast here.Support Oluwadara's Impact ministry here.Follow and support Malachi A+scribe here.

This is Part 2 of a two-part review of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.You should listen to Part 1 first on the I Can MARVEL All Day podcast: https://marvelalldaypod.buzzsprout.com/998896/8440877-mcu-the-falcon-and-the-winter-soldier-recapA+scribe is joined by good friends Camara Wallace and rapper Ty Luv the MC to celebrate all things black in the mini-series while using it as a critical lens for looking at modern day policing.Follow Ty Luv here: https://www.instagram.com/tyluvthemc/and peep his Agatha Trap Remix verse: https://hypeddit.com/track/fif9deand Leland Philpot who produced it: https://soundcloud.com/lelandphilpot/leland-philpot-agathatraphiphop-remixIf your don't already, follow us on socials: https://linktr.ee/a_scribeAnd special thanks to Nu Vintage for producing the podcast theme song: https://www.instagram.com/nuvintagebeats/

Laurie and A+scribe continue to say the things that need to be said. At the end of the day, we are working for and towards a better future for black and brown children--our children. 

All of the thoughts...all of the feelings...all of the implications--let's talk about it.

To celebrate Women's History Month, this episode is about black women, led by black women. Friend, Shawanee' Patrick, hosts and facilitates the conversation on loving oneself in a world and society that perpetually treats our sisters as "the least of these."  Shawanee’ Patrick is a doctoral candidate in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M. She teaches senior engineering students the importance of ethics in the profession. She is also the president of the young women’s ministry of her church. She has a passion for laughter, and education. Mickeala Carter is a graduate of Texas A&M University in Agriculture Leadership. Mickeala is a part of the praise and worship team and the leadership over the college ministry at her church. She is also the Deputy Director of Communications at USDA.Shiarra Patrick is on the path to completing a degree in criminal justice at Sam Houston University. She desires to go to law school and focus on making changes in the legal system. She currently works in stock management. She is the vice president of the women’s ministry at her church. Follow Malachi A+scribe and support here: https://linktr.ee/a_scribe

Join Malachi A+scribe for a panel discussion with some of his friends on the effects of colorism in their personal lives and how they are unconditioning it. This episode is blackety-BLACK-black with a side of melanin.  All of the things A+scribe: https://linktr.ee/a_scribe

This episode is a follow-up from Episode 11, Unconditioning Racist language. A+scribe and Pastor Hill explore what racist language looks like in the church context as Black Christians navigating three intersecting worlds: blackness, whiteness and the religious spaces that host each (exclusively and/or collectively).Pastor Colby Hill is a millennial, multiethnic, multiplying leader. After being raised in the AME Church and pastoring at Heartland Church for several years, Pastor Colby felt the call to relocate his family in 2019 to the DC Metro area where he now leads the Encounter Church. He currently resides in Waldorf, MD with his wife LaToya and their 3 kids.

Enjoy this special holiday episode! Malachi A+scribe's parents join to share their stories and learnings of navigating holidays as a Black Christian family. Links to all my pages: https://linktr.ee/a_scribe

Returning guests, Ana and Keondre, join to give exposition to words and phrases you didn't know were racist while playing a heaping game of "Name That, Racist."Follow Malachi A+scribe: https://linktr.ee/a_scribe

On this episode we are getting our friendships in check!Kristen "KB" Newton has been an international recording artist and DJ for the last 10 yrs, most known for being the official in-arena DJ for the NBA’s Indiana Pacers and the WNBA's Indiana Fever (2013-2020). However, over the past 2 years she has been pursuing her passion with her latest endeavor, Heart Convos. Most of us have trouble navigating friendship as adults. We aren't in college anymore, it's been over a decade or two for some of us and we're still trying to figure this friendship thing out. Heart Convos exists to empower YOU and solve all of those problems. Heart Convos are Honest. Elephant-Sized. Authentic. Real. Transparent Conversations and KB looks forward to having the Heart Conversation with you.Follow KB @heart_convosLinks to all the things Malachi A+scribe: https://linktr.ee/a_scribe

2020 has been a lot and is taking its toll on our emotional well-being. How do we continue the fight for justice with battle fatigue? Korie "KP" Pickett, creative entrepreneur and editor of Queen Spirit Magazine, shares her unconditioning story of grief, brokenness, and healing. Donate for new laptop: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-malachi-get-a-new-laptopFollow KP:@hoosierqueenkpQueen Spirit MagazineJewelryCoffee People Zine

Aubrey "Aubs" Barnes, content creator (hop hop, spoken word, podcasts), educator, and community organizer chops it up with A+scribe about the pains of liberating a black soul from the chains of a white-catering ministry. Yes, we said it just like that; that's how it is. 

Is the Black church relevant in today's movement? Does it any longer play a vital role in this generation's sense of blackness? Pastor Jeffery A. Johnson aka "Pastor Jay" of Eastern Star Church chop it up about the Black church's role in our community today.

College friends Dylan Bowen and Blake Alford join Malachi A+scribe to discuss the do's and don't's of being a white ally in pursuit of social justice for black people.

From Confederate statue removals to riots, this episode provides the framework for reviewing current events in social justice with clear vision. Returning guests, Chris Mack and Rome Herbert (fka LJ) join A+scribe in a hilarious game of "Naw, That Ain't It."

On this episode we acknowledge, analyze, carry, and lift the heaviness of the summation of tragedies we've witnessed in 2020 (Ahmaud Arbrey, Breonna Taylor, Dreajon Reed, George Floyd). This episode is for those who are feeling all of the feels, some of the feels, none of the feels, and those who don't want to feel at all. Join A+scribe and Elijaih Tiggs.Elijaih Tiggs, rapper and husband, serves in the Air Force as a Staff Sargent and Non-commissions Officer in Charge in Command Information and a John Levitow award winner, with a Masters degree in Business Administration.

Prof. Ashley Mack-Jackson gives some words of wisdom from her experiences and unconditioning story.

This episode begins the first of the Unconditional Series. By an ever growing number, black Millennials are leaving the church, refuting and discrediting their worth and value, oftentimes because the behaviors of certain church members or groups whose practices didn’t render themselves consistent with God’s Word or Christian principles.As a matter of fact, the term Christian has now become synonymous with white supremacy, oppression, unhealthy homogeneity and xenophobia. The Unconditional Series exists to foster conversations as springboards to undo the destructive conditioning taught to us, while learning or relearning God’s unconditional love for us that we should demonstrate in our daily social interactions.Guest Ashley Mack-Jackson shares her unconditioning story. 

Season 2 opens with a sort-of reintroduction to The Unapologetics Podcast. Educator and Phd student, Ana Luis, collabs with A+scribe to discuss last season's highlights and this season's features. You will also hear some vulnerability, looking into the personal life and personhood of Malachi A+scribe.

Malachi A+scribe answers your questions about the podcast, life, and all things unapologetics.

Community leader, Natalie Pipkin of Pulse Project Indy, comes to educate and dispel the notion that you can't celebrate both Christmas and Kwanzaa. Join A+scribe for his very first Kwanzaa celebration, in the name of Jesus for the culture!

Mr. Keondre Montgomery, friend and fellow teacher, gives the play-by-play on Lamar Jackson, Colin Kaepernick, Steven A. Smith, and every otha brotha in the strugga! Every move one makes as a black male in this country is an important one, and this episode highlights the impact of the movers and shakers in the NFL whose unfolding embodies our common striving for success in an relentless white world.

Damon Golden (rapper, photographer, videographer, teacher, etc.) joins the conversation surrounding recent events of Kanye West's 'Jesus Is King' and Colin Kaepernick's never-ending struggle to return to the NFL. Both are symbolic of the narrative of the black Christian: simultaneous battles for validated personhood and freedom. The fight is not just on the field or in the flashing lights; it's in the comment sections. How do we pick and choose our battles? This episode is a starting point.

This is the second part of "Episode 6: Hugs, Hip Hop, and Hermeneutics." LJ and A+scribe get into the homiletic of his message on faithfulness and justice, and what black forgiveness looks like, in light of the events of the Botham Jean murder (and the hugs) while playing more rounds of "They Ain't Ready for That."

Rapper and campus leader, Rome Herbert (fka "LJ"), joins A+scribe for an honest discussion on recent events surrounding the Botham Jean killing and Amber Guygher sentencing hearing. Together they break down relevant scriptures that offer navigation through this situation at the intersection of Black and Christian.

A+scribe brings the mic to Black Lives Matters. Members of the Indianapolis chapter, Leah DeRae and Kyra Jay, join us to dispel the some of the myths surrounding BLM, protesting for social justice, and the work being done to bring value to disenfranchised communities.

On this special summer episode, I meet up with friends Camara Wallace, Nayela Chowdhury, and Sarah Diviney at the 2019 Indy Juneteenth Celebration on Indianapolis' west side. We, being the most unlikely bunch at this event(black, biracial, Bangladeshis, and white), discuss the complex joys of this holiday.

Percy Bland Jr., Youth Pastor at Eastern Star Baptist Church, and his teen youth group join me with the middle schoolers and high schoolers of my church to talk about racism as they see it in their classrooms.

Rapper Chris Mack joins A+scribe at his favorite soul food joint to discuss the nuances of using hip hop to engage in dialogue about racism and social justice.

A+scribe and artist-friend, Mickey Young exchange tips, pedagogy, and best practices with college friend Jacob McCall as he celebrates Black History Month with his 5th graders. Jacob teaches at Columbus Signature Academy, a school dedicating to preparing “socially engaged citizens who excel in an information and technology rich society.” If you’re a teacher, white, and unsure how to engage with your diverse or mainstream students in February, then this is the convo for you, Fam!