In Depth With Deon

A new state dashboard reveals rising prison deaths in Oklahoma, but relatives of prisoners say transparency shouldn’t begin after someone dies. Read the full story on Substack. Subscribe to support independent media.

Why do we have more smoke for each other and not for corrupt officials in the U.S. government? Why are we celebrating another trip past the moon when poor communities in the richest country on Earth don't have clean drinking water? How do we restructure the relationship between labor and capital? I break it down with nationally-recognized journalist and writer Aaron Ross Coleman.Subscribe to indepthwithdeon.substack.com to support independent media.

In an interview with Oklahoma's largest statewide 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy organization, we broke down misinformation negatively impacting the trans community, how Freedom Oklahoma shows up for members of the community, and the vision of joy that keeps them going when the battles at the state Capitol seem impossible to win. Subscribe to sustain a platform that amplifies the voices and stories that too often go unheard. https://indepthwithdeon.substack.com/

When he didn't see a space for himself as a Black queer man in Tulsa, Daniel McHenry created his own. As founder of Black Queer Tulsa he's built community in a state hostile to non-hetero norms. As a ballroom performer for Alpha Omega house, he's found a family and shared history that empowers free expression. He even inspired me to share my coming out story as a queer Black man myself. Subscribe to support independent media: https://indepthwithdeon.substack.com/

She's had three transplants and three relapses since being diagnosed with blood cancer as a child. That hasn't stopped Shagah Zakerion from inspiring hope and building a movement. As a patient herself, she organizes blood drive donations to support survivors. As an Iranian American, she longs for a day when her people can live in and visit a Free Iran. We broke it down.Subscribe to support independent media: https://indepthwithdeon.substack.com/

Oklahoma state officials have made it increasingly difficult to teach unapologetic Black history in public schools, but Kristi Williams is on a mission to do it anyway. As founder of Black History Sundays, she's gained national recognition and support for her community classes that feature experts in the fields of history, archeology, music and more.In the latest episode, we discussed Williams' lead role in the creation of a $1.5M interpretive center in the basement of the historic Vernon A.M.E. Church, one of the few structures to survive the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. What is the difference between reparations and generosity? Check out the full episode. Subscribe to support independent media: https://indepthwithdeon.substack.com/

When plans for the NFL didn’t work out, Tulsa native Malik Thompson wasn’t sure what to do with his life, until he became exposed to the world of mixed martial arts. At the end of February, Thompson grappled his way to a championship belt at XFN 407, Oklahoma’s Xtreme Fight Night inside Tulsa’s Riverspirit Casino Resort. Despite the strong finish, Thompson said he’s ready for the next one.Subscribe to support independent media and support my work at indepthwithdeon.substack.com

Oklahoma is known as one of the most conservative states in the nation today, but just over a century ago it was home to one of the largest socialist movements in the country, powered by the organizing of tenant farmers. What lessons can be learned from the past? I spoke with Baron O’Connor, membership coordinator for the modern-day Oklahoma Tenants Union, about Oklahoma’s high rates of evictions, lack of tenant protections and how OTU is working to fill in the gap. Subscribe to support independent media and support my work at indepthwithdeon.substack.com

Tulsa, Oklahoma founder of Save the Children of Gaza, Farouq Allatar has organized vigils and protests calling attention to the victims of Israel's genocide against Gaza and the lack of accountability facing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's regime.We spoke about the billions in funding that has gone to Israel instead of the American people, the cost of endless wars, and what a Free Palestine could look like.Subscribe to support independent media. https://indepthwithdeon.substack.com/

Ten years after Tulsa Police killed her twin brother when he was unarmed with his hands in the air, Dr. Tiffany Crutcher continues to push for justice as executive director of the Terence Crutcher Foundation. From new policies to violence intervention experts and programs for youth, Dr. Crutcher says she envisions a day where her community can live free from violence.Subscribe to support independent media: https://indepthwithdeon.substack.com/

Oklahoma’s Jasmine Thomas has transformed her online virality into a progressive, grassroots campaign seeking to replace one of the country’s most conservative U.S. Senators.A nurse and military spouse who identifies as Black, white and Chickasaw, Jasmine Thomas joined In Depth With Deon Podcast to break down why she believes Oklahoma voters should trust her to safeguard the environment, respect Tribal sovereignty, and push for more resources to the impoverished state. SUBSCRIBE to support independent media. https://indepthwithdeon.substack.com/

In February, Oklahoma began it’s legislative session. Sen. Michael Brooks (D-OKC) has filed Senate Bill 1234, which would require local and state law enforcement officers conducting immigration operations or other duties to obtain approval from a judge before masking their faces.“Any peace officer of this state shall not mask his or her identity with the use of any head or face covering while executing a warrant without first obtaining a court order stating it is permissible to mask the identity of the peace officer. The peace officer shall obtain a separate court order for each warrant execution in which the peace officer desires to mask his or her identity,” the bill states.Read the full story and SUBSCRIBE to support independent journalism: https://indepthwithdeon.substack.com/

The X-Men had Professor X. Tulsa has Emeka Nnaka. I sat down with the motivational speaker, mental health coach, nonprofit founder, and former athlete, opens up about life after a football injury that forced him to confront who he was beyond the labels placed on him.SUBSCRIBE to support independent media. https://indepthwithdeon.substack.com/

Just before the new year, I got a chance to sit down with Leondre Lattimore, an Oklahoma city-based realism artist known for his soul-piercing portraits that often highlight the Black experience. Back in September 2025, he was wrapping up his exhibit, “Black Prairie”, which was featured for months at. OKC’s Paseo Arts District. Months later, on Dec. 2, he was named among Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, along with Oklahoma City Thunder star SGA (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander). I asked Lattimore for his message to the next generation.

Just over a year into his administration, I sat down for a third conversation with Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols. We reflected on what it’s really been like to lead Tulsa as its first Black mayor, what’s moved forward, what’s stalled, and what still feels unresolved.

The University of Oklahoma is facing national backlash after removing a psychology instructor who failed a student essay that used the Bible to justify anti-transgender views. Critics say the move threatens academic freedom, hundreds have protested on OU's campus and thousands have signed a petition demanding OU preserve academic freedom. I spoke with ‪The Conscious Lee‬ , a former OU student and instructor, about what this controversy means for higher education, institutional credibility, and the value of an OU degree.

Nick Coffey has turned in his badge as a longtime federal prosecutor to run as a Democrat for the office of Oklahoma Attorney General. He told me about his plans to protect children from traffickers, go after state corruption and take a different approach to the death penalty.

Domestic violence as a public health crisis with DVIS CEO Tracey Lyall

I spoke with Steph Simon, a north Tulsa rapper and producer who is transforming the city's music scene and creating a path for the next gen eration of artists.To support the show, become a paid subscriber (indepthwithdeon.substack.com)#podcast #indepthwithdeon #stephsimon #dreamland #tulsa #greenwood #blackwallstreet #rapper #oklahomarapper #oklahoma

In a follow up interview with Mayor Monroe Nichols, we discuss the city’s response to recent gun violence, an update on his plans to repair Greenwood, honoring tribal sovereignty, protecting democracy and more. Subscribe at IndepthwithDeon.substack.com

I spoke with Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, a conservative Republican who expressed support for cultural tourism, the diversity that makes the state unique, and Oklahoma's brand new Civil Rights Trail. Subscribe at IndepthwithDeon.substack.com

In an interview with Bixby Public Schools Superintendent, Rob Miller, he explains why he’s running to replace fellow Republican and far-right chaos agent Ryan Walters as the next Oklahoma education leader. Subscribe at IndepthwithDeon.substack.com

In this episode I speak with Kaysa Whitley, coordinator for Westwin Resistance, about her efforts to defend tribal sovereignty and stop a toxic refinery from polluting her community of Lawton, Oklahoma, which sits on the Kiowa/Comanche/Apache (KCA) reservation

In this episode I speak with Charles Wilkes, a Cherokee Freedmen descendant and a descendant of Tulsa Race Massacre survivors, about his effort to become the first Freedmen to serve on the Council in over 100 years and his plans for District 5, which includes parts of North Tulsa, if elected on June 7.

In this episode, I speak with Dr. George Henderson, a civil rights scholar and professor who helped end Norman’s Sundown town past and opened doors for thousands after him at the University of Oklahoma. He was the third Black professor at OU, and he and Barbara Henderson became the first Black couple to purchase a home in Norman in the 1960s. He just announced his retirement after nearly 6 decades at the university of Oklahoma.

In this episode I speak with Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. about his efforts to defend tribal sovereignty and promote equity and reconciliation for the Black descendants of Freedmen who were formerly enslaved by the Cherokee Nation.

In this episode I speak with Kode Ransom, a Greenwood tour guide, music artist, youth coach, and owner of Black Wall Street Liquid Lounge, about how we can reclaim the spirit of Greenwood during a time of division inside and outside our communities.

In this episode I speak with Kashá Taylor, a Memphis-born digital content creator and founder of Melanin Vibes, about how she cultivated community in Tulsa and how she overcame the backlash she received from speaking out.

In this episode I speak with Tyrance Billingsley, a descendant of Greenwood and founder of Black Tech Street, to learn how he’s leading the effort to transform Black Wall Street into a premiere tech hub.

In this episode, I speak with Tulsa entrepreneur, author and survivor of the foster care system Amnoni Myers about how she builds community authentically.

In this episode I speak with newly elected Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols about his historic election win and what he hopes to accomplish for the city.

In this episode of In Depth With Deon, I speak with Terence Crutcher Foundation deputy director Sheyda Brown about how Tulsa was able to elect its first Black mayor in a state that overwhelmingly voted for Donald Trump.

In this episode of In Depth With Deon I speak with Georgia NAACP President Attorney Gerald Griggs about Trump’s failed effort to remove DA Fani Willis from his election interference case, the racial backlash against DEI, opposition to the construction of Atlanta's "Cop City," & how we should respond with solidarity in this new civil rights era.

In this episode of In Depth With Deon, I speak with Emmy-awarding winning Local News Live D.C. national broadcast anchor and former OU classmate Rasheeda Kabba about what drives her to tell the overlooked stories of forgotten souls.

In this episode of In Depth With Deon, I speak with nationally recognized journalist and author of “Built From The Fire” as he takes you through the birth of Black Wall Street, the 1921 Massacre, Greenwood’s rebirth, urban renewal and issues impacting the community today.

In the premiere episode of In Depth With Deon, I introduce you to Ashley Moss, an unapologetic broadcast journalist in Oklahoma City whose exclusive angle on a school shooting revealed a valuable lesson for questioning police narratives.