Slingshot The Podcast

“The Choice is Yours”In this powerful episode, our hosts take inspiration from Black Sheep’s classic 1991 hit “The Choice Is Yours” to break down why voting, especially in primary elections, matters now more than ever. Because you can get with this, or you can get with that on May 19th. From affordability and education to voting rights and political history, this episode blends culture, comedy, and community empowerment into a real conversation about democracy. In This Episode:-Why primary elections matter and how they shape who appears on the November general election ballot-Conversations on affordability, education funding, incarceration, and marijuana legalization-A powerful breakdown of the timeline and history of voting rights in America and what voters need to know, and what to bring, before heading to the polls on Tuesday, May 19th. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, or watch us on YouTube.SlingshotThePocast.org #BlackSheep #VotePA #ElectionDay #VotingRights #90sHipHop #Electability

When chaos becomes normal, how do you get folks to stay engaged?Episode 5 of Season 2 features Angie Hinton of PA Youth Vote  breaking down youth empowerment, political accountability, and why listening is the first step to real change.From media failures to political chaos, from disengaged voters to a generation raised in uncertainty, we’re asking the hard questions in this episode.-Why are people tuning out?-Who’s really being heard?-How do we take our power back?Because here’s the truth, if you don’t vote, you’re not a priority, and if you don’t use your power, someone else will.This conversation gets real about what’s broken and what it’ll take to fix it.Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, or find us on YouTube 

Wait…The Klan was founded by Democrats?!?! In Episode 4 of Season 2, hosts Kadida Kenner and Charles Gregory talk about how political parties have “Traded Places” and platforms, between President Eisenhower and now. This episode concentrates on the Southern Strategy, and why understanding that period in time matters.In this episode:-How the Democratic and Republican parties shifted ideologically over time-The truth behind the Southern Strategy and its political impact-Why common talking points about Lincoln, MLK, and the KKK need historical context-How celebrity commentary and misinformation shape political narratives online-Why younger generations are moving toward independent, issue-based thinkingDonate: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/sup...Slingshot The Podcast: The Misunderstood Voice, The Culture’s Power.Slingshot The Podcast is a platform for voices that are too often overlooked, misrepresented, or unheard. Through bold conversations on culture, sports, entertainment, and the forces shaping our world, we challenge narratives and amplify perspectives that matter. This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement to inform, inspire, and empower the culture from the inside out.Media & booking: [email protected]

In Episode 3 of Season 2,  Kadida Kenner and Charles Gregory take on one of the biggest conversations shaping how we live and work right now: artificial intelligence. From research papers to deepfakes, jobs being replaced by AI and the environmental cost of data centers, this episode asks the questions a lot of people are already wrestling with: Is AI helping us, hurting us, or both?This conversation explores what AI really is, how people are using it, what makes it powerful, and why so many are uneasy about where it is headed.In this episode: How technology has changed from the library and microfiche to Google and ChatGPT Whether AI is a tool, a shortcut, or a threat The ethics of using AI at work, in schools, and in everyday life Deepfakes, generative AI, and the fear of losing control of what is real How AI can increase productivity, but also put pressure on jobs and creative work The environmental impact of data centers and what that means for our future Why communities need to understand AI in order to challenge it, shape it, and advocate around it responsibly 👇🏽 Drop a comment: Do you love AI, hate it, or are you still trying to figure it out?🎥 Watch, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who cares about education, youth opportunity, and helping our communities see what’s possible. Catch all episodes of Slingshot The Podcast on YouTube or wherever you stream your podcasts — and don’t forget to subscribe to stay connected to the culture and the movement.Donate: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/supportslingshotSlingshot The Podcast: The Misunderstood Voice, The Culture’s Power.Slingshot The Podcast is a platform for voices that are too often overlooked, misrepresented, or unheard. Through bold conversations on culture, sports, entertainment, and the forces shaping our world, we challenge narratives and amplify perspectives that matter. This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement to inform, inspire, and empower the culture from the inside out.Media & booking: [email protected]

In Episode 2 of Season 2, Kadida Kenner and Charles Gregory dig into the state of public education, the opportunities our young people deserve, and the beliefs that shape how they see themselves. This conversation asks a bigger question: What happens when children are taught to doubt their own potential?Inspired by the classic Kool Moe Dee anthem, “I Go to Work,” this episode is about what it takes to build stronger communities through education, confidence, and access.Special guest Professor Akil Parker, founder of All This Math, joins the show to talk about how math can open doors to careers, strengthen critical thinking, and help young people imagine a bigger future for themselves.In this episode: Public education and what is at stake for our communities Why access to opportunity matters The stories people tell themselves about math and intelligence How confidence in learning shapes career paths and future options Why representation and teaching style matter in the classroom How math shows up in everyday life, work, and decision-making A question we want you to sit with:Where did you get the information that says you are not good at math?👇🏽 Drop a comment: Are you a math person, an English person, or both? And where did that belief come from?🎥 Watch, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who cares about education, youth opportunity, and helping our communities see what’s possible. Catch all episodes of Slingshot The Podcast on YouTube or wherever you stream your podcasts — and don’t forget to subscribe to stay connected to the culture and the movement.Donate: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/supportslingshotSlingshot The Podcast: The Misunderstood Voice, The Culture’s Power.Slingshot The Podcast is a platform for voices that are too often overlooked, misrepresented, or unheard. Through bold conversations on culture, sports, entertainment, and the forces shaping our world, we challenge narratives and amplify perspectives that matter. This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement to inform, inspire, and empower the culture from the inside out.Media & booking: [email protected]

Welcome to Season 2 of Slingshot The Podcast, where politics and culture meet in real time.In episode 1 of season 2, Kadida Kenner and Charles Gregory kick the conversation off by closing out Black History Month with two truths at once: the excellence we celebrate, and the power we still have to challenge. From the 2026 Winter Olympics to voting rights and the SAVE Act, from what young people are doing in the streets to what is happening in Congress, this episode is a reminder that the power is with the people.In this episode: Why Black History Month exists gets debated, and why that debate matters The BAFTA Awards controversy, disability, accountability, and harm We are not apes: a moment of reckoning, and a call to stay alert about what leaders amplify Black excellence on ice: historic Winter Olympics moments and why access to untraditional sports matters Why young people have always been on the front lines of social change, including local student protest moments The SAVE Act explained, and what it could mean for voter registration and your access to the ballot Honoring Rev. Jesse Jackson and “Keeping Hope Alive” as a necessity in2026 Take action: If you care about protecting voting rights, call your U.S. Senators and tell them where you stand on the SAVE Act.👇🏽 Drop a comment: What part of this episode hit you the hardest, and what does “fight the power” look like in your life right now?🎥 Watch, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who cares about voter turnout, election outcomes, civic engagement, and the real power of the people at the polls. Catch all episodes of Slingshot The Podcast on YouTube or wherever you stream your podcasts — and don’t forget to subscribe to stay connected to the culture and the movement.Donate: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/supportslingshotSlingshot The Podcast: The Misunderstood Voice, The Culture’s Power.Slingshot The Podcast is a platform for voices that are too often overlooked, misrepresented, or unheard. Through bold conversations on culture, sports, entertainment, and the forces shaping our world, we challenge narratives and amplify perspectives that matter. This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement to inform, inspire, and empower the culture from the inside out.Media & booking: [email protected]

As we close out the year, Slingshot The Podcast takes a moment to reflect, reset, and look ahead. This season-ending 20th episode is a year-in-review conversation and reflection of the stories, voices, and moments that shaped 2025—and why the work must continue.Co-hosts, Kadida Kenner and Charles Gregory are joined by special guest, Slingshot editor, content creator, and Touch Management owner Tisha Crippen, to recap 2025's most powerful episodes discussing our courts, incarceration, voting and elections, sports, entertainment, music, and community.We discuss our favorite episodes, hard lessons learned, political realities, and what it means to keep building power in the new year, through conversation, storytelling, and civic engagement and education.Slingshot's first season would not be possible without those who believe in the work and our mission, who fully funded all 20 episodes. Shout out to the New Pennsylvania Project team for bringing it all together Slingshot is thankful for our co-host and coordinating producer, Charles Gregory (@charelesgregory) and Tisha Crippen (@madimtouch) for the care, creativity, and excellence they bring to each episode.Additionally, Slingshot is grateful for every guest who joined us in the studio during our inaugural season, and shared their work, wisdom, and expertise. Your voices moved the conversation forward and helped to shape what Slingshot and the mission is all about.And to our viewers—thank you for watching, sharing, engaging, and most importantly, taking action. We did that in 2025. And we’re carrying that energy straight into 2026 with more civic education ahead, and more work left to do.Ain’t no stopping us now—we’re on the move.👇🏽 We want to hear from you:What was your favorite episode of Season One—and why?🎥 Watch, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who cares about voter turnout, election outcomes, civic engagement, and the real power of the people at the polls. Catch all episodes of Slingshot The Podcast on YouTube or wherever you stream your podcasts — and don’t forget to subscribe to stay connected to the culture and the movement.Donate: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/supportslingshot

Time keeps on slippin’, and in this episode we’re soaring straight into the world of sports, culture, money, and the revolution happening on the gridiron and the playing fields. From the Philadelphia Eagles’ record  to the history behind wide receiver “diva” culture, to T.O.’s unforgettable antics, we’re breaking down the real dynamics inside the NFL.We also get into the impact of Native American History Month, “Blue-Eyed Soul” musical artists, and why certain voices reshape culture in ways people don’t always acknowledge.Then we take it statewide:🏈 The NFL Draft is coming to Pittsburgh in 2026 — and hotel prices are already out of pocket💸 Why games now cost families hundreds just to attend🦅 What’s really going on with the Eagles🔥 From AJ Brown to McNabb & T.O., we look at how egos, beef, and brilliance shape the leagueAnd because Slingshot always goes deeper — we shift to the women breaking barriers in sports:⚾ The new Women’s Pro Baseball League launching in 2026💰 NIL deals changing the landscape — including the first $1M+ softball deal🏆 Venus, Serena, Mo’ne Davis, and the athletes redefining gender, pay, and powerThis episode is for the sports lovers, the culture analysts, and anyone who knows sports is never just sports — it’s politics, identity, money, and America itself.Slingshot: The Misunderstood Voice, The Culture’s Power.New episodes every Thursday at 12PM ET.👉 Share with a sports fan who loves BIG conversations🎥 Watch, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who cares about voter turnout, election outcomes, civic engagement, and the real power of the people at the polls. Catch all episodes of Slingshot The Podcast on YouTube or wherever you stream your podcasts — and don’t forget to subscribe to stay connected to the culture and the movement.Slingshot The Podcast: The Misunderstood Voice, The Culture’s Power.Slingshot The Podcast is a platform for voices that are too often overlooked, misrepresented, or unheard. Through bold conversations on culture, sports, entertainment, and the forces shaping our world, we challenge narratives and amplify perspectives that matter. This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement to inform, inspire, and empower the culture from the inside out.Media & booking: [email protected]#SlingshotThePodcast #HappyFeelings #2025ElectionRecap #BlueWave #BlackVoters #PAElections #VoterTurnout #DemocracyInAction #TheMisunderstoodVoice #PoliticalCulture #ElectionAnalysis #VotePower

 In this powerful episode of Slingshot The Podcast, we break down the 2025 election results and what they reveal about the current political climate in Pennsylvania and the nation. From record-breaking voter turnout to historic wins led by Black voters, women, and marginalized communities, this episode explores what happens when people decide to show up and shift power.Kadida Kenner and Charles Gregory unpack the Blue Wave, the rejection of extremist policies, and the renewed energy for affordable living, fair representation, and democratic accountability. We explore: Record-breaking turnout across Pennsylvania counties Mississippi flipping seats and breaking GOP supermajority New Jersey’s historic governor win California’s redistricting shift New York’s historic mayoral race The role of Black women voters and emerging coalitions Why voters mobilized in such unprecedented numbers From Montgomery County’s highest-ever turnout to Philadelphia’s dramatic increase in participation, this episode examines why the 2025 elections mattered — and what they signal for the future of democracy.This isn’t just a celebration of voters. It’s analysis, truth, and context for where we go next.📢 Subscribe to Slingshot The Podcast on YouTube🎥 Watch, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who cares about voter turnout, election outcomes, civic engagement, and the real power of the people at the polls. Catch all episodes of Slingshot The Podcast on YouTube or wherever you stream your podcasts — and don’t forget to subscribe to stay connected to the culture and the movement.Slingshot The Podcast: The Misunderstood Voice, The Culture’s Power.Slingshot The Podcast is a platform for voices that are too often overlooked, misrepresented, or unheard. Through bold conversations on culture, sports, entertainment, and the forces shaping our world, we challenge narratives and amplify perspectives that matter. This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement to inform, inspire, and empower the culture from the inside out.Media & booking: [email protected] 

All I wanna say is that… they don’t really care about us.In this episode of Slingshot The Podcast, Kadida Kenner is joined by co-host Charles Gregory and special guest Tisha Crippen, editor of Slingshot The Podcast, to unpack what happens when governmental power goes unchecked and everyday people become collateral damage.Starting from the Michael Jackson 1996 classic “They Don’t Care About Us”, the crew digs into the shocking reality that more than 170 U.S. citizens have reportedly been picked up or detained by ICE in their own neighborhoods. No due process. No clear oversight. No real accountability.They break down: How ICE is operating with weak checks and balances — and why that should scare all of us Everyday people and grassroots groups like Indivisible training volunteers to watch, document, and challenge ICE actions on the ground Voters who crossed party lines expecting economic relief — and are now “finding out” the hard way The role of Black women mayors in protecting their constituents  National Guard deployments, public safety, and why “more police” doesn’t always translates as safer communities If you’ve ever wondered “What would I have done in the 1960s?” — this episode challenges you to look at what you’re doing right now. Are you speaking up? Protecting your neighbors? Paying attention to who has power…and how they use it?🗳️ Watch, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who cares about civil rights, immigration, policing, or voting in the upcoming elections. Watch all Slingshot The Podcast episodes on YouTube, or anywhere you watch/listen to podcasts & subscribe.💬 Drop a comment: What are YOU willing to do when power is being abused in plain sight?

What does incarceration in America look like in 2025—and how do judges shape our future? In this episode, we unpack Angola’s plantation-style prison labor,  over-incarceration, juvenile life-without-parole, and why courtrooms (and the people in them) impact our daily lives. Guest Robert Saleem Holbrook, Executive Director of the Abolitionist Law Center, joins host Kadida Kenner to connect policy, lived experience, and community power—plus what you can do next.You’ll learn:-Why PA is one of the most incarcerated states—and how that shifts rural demographics-How landmark Supreme Court cases opened doors for incarcerated people sentenced as kids-What Court Watch programs reveal about courtroom culture and outcomes-Voting rights for people who are incarcerated or formerly incarcerated in PA-Why judicial elections and retentions matter on November 4th—and how to make a plan to votePA: Make a plan to vote on November 4th - Bring a friend. Talk to a returning citizen you know—if their feet are on the street in PA, they can vote (with limited exceptions).Subscribe, like, and share to keep these conversations moving from talk to action.About Slingshot The PodcastSlingshot: The Misunderstood Voice, The Culture’s Power. Bold conversations on culture, sports, entertainment, and the forces shaping our world—amplifying voices too often overlooked. This isn’t just a podcast; it’s a movement to inform, inspire, and empower from the inside out.Stay Connected:For media/booking: [email protected] for new episodes and clips every week.Listen in wherever you get your podcasts (Apply, Spotify, etc) or watch the episode at SlingshotThePodcast.org

This one’s for everyone who’s ever said, “my vote doesn’t count.” We break down how Pennsylvania’s courts shape your daily life, why judicial elections are on the ballot this November 4, and how youth turnout and registration can swing outcomes in real ways. If you marched at the No Kings Rally, this is the action step that follows: vote. 🎯 Why watch PA is one of only 7 states where voters elect all judges, from local benches to the PA Supreme Court. In odd years, you’re voting for judges, mayors, DAs, school boards, and more. Youth registration is lagging: only 1 in 4 PA high schoolers of voting age are registered; in Philly/Pittsburgh it’s about 15%; at Chester High it’s 6%. Retention votes this year include Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, David Wecht on the PA Supreme Court. Retention is a Yes/No box — no party labels. 💡 What you’ll learn -How courts work in PA: minor courts → Courts of Common Pleas → Commonwealth & Superior Courts → PA Supreme Court-Why retention matters, and what happens if seats go vacant-Your rights in PA’s state constitution (clean air, pure water; thorough and efficient education) and the school funding decision-Practical voting tips: provisional ballots, voting on campus, and planning your vote-by-mail or in-person plan 🗓️ Key dates (Pennsylvania) Election Day: Nov 4 (ballots must be received by 8pm) Voting by mail? Seal, sign, date the envelope and use an official drop box if you don’t trust the mail.If there’s a problem at the polls, request a provisional ballot — it’s your right.Review your ballot before you go. Check nonpartisan resources like the PA Bar Association and your county election office. If you want change after the rally, the ballot is where you make it stick.

Marvin Gaye asked the question, “What’s Going On” in 1971 - and we’re still asking it today. In this powerful episode (recorded in early September), Kadida sits down with guest co-host, Charles Gregory to unpack the headlines, the policies, and the real lives behind them. From civil unrest to due process to kitchen-table economics, we connect the dots and offer clear steps you can take right now.🎶 Why this matters nowWar is not the answer. We need some loving here today. That refrain anchors a conversation about rights, dignity, and how communities can push for change with both urgency and care.💬 In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:✅ Civil discourse, decorum, and why it’s disappearing✅ Second Amendment debates and restoring rights for returning citizens✅ Picket lines and picket signs, what’s inside massive federal bills, and who pays the price✅ Union power, living wages, and the legacy of sanitation worker strikes🗳️ Your MoveListen, share, register, vote, and bring three friends along. Change is live, not televised.📌 Stay Connected:🌐 Website: https://slingshotthepodcast.org/📺 YouTube: @SlingshotThePodcast📩 Media: [email protected]

We dig into what kids are facing today, why youth engagement matters, and how we can teach them well then get out the way.Joining host Kadida Kenner with co-host Charles Gregory is Cory B. Long, Sr. of Making a Change Group, sharing real stories from mentoring, diversion programs, and bringing joy back to childhood. From the school-to-prison pipeline to the youth vote, this episode is a call to listen, support, and let young people lead.💬 In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:✅ Gen X to Gen Alpha and how the internet reshaped childhood✅ The school-to-prison pipeline and proven solutions like diversion and restorative practices ✅ The youth vote in Pennsylvania where only 1 in 4 eligible high school students are registered✅ How to talk with young people about civic power and actually hear themAsk the young people in your life: “Are you registered to vote?” Then listen. Help them register and make a plan to vote in every election.Listen in wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Spotify, etc.) or watch it at SlingshotThePodcast.org📌 Stay Connected🌐 Website: https://slingshotthepodcast.org📸 Instagram: @slingshotthepodcast📘 Facebook: @SlingshotThePodcast📺 YouTube: @SlingshotThePodcast⏲️ TikTok: @slingshotpodcast📩 Media Contact: [email protected]

This week, Slingshot The Podcast dives deep into the impact of defunding public education and public broadcasting  — and how these decisions fuel the school-to-prison pipeline. Inspired by the iconic PBS series Reading Rainbow, we reflect on how stories, voices, and representation shape generations, and what happens when those resources are stripped away.Joining us for this extended episode is Brent Johnstone, co-founder of FathersRead365, who is using the power of reading and mentorship to uplift Black and brown youth. Together, we explore how to keep young people engaged, motivated, and joyful even in turbulent political times.💬 In This Episode, You’ll Hear About: ✅ The legacy of Reading Rainbow, PBS, and public broadcasting as tools for education and empowerment ✅ How harsh school policies push kids toward the criminal justice system ✅ How defunding public television and schools connects to the school-to-prison pipeline ✅ Brent Johnstone’s mission with Father’s Read 365 and the role of fathers in literacy and leadershipWhether you grew up with Reading Rainbow or are currently advocating for equitable education, this conversation will inspire you to take action on behalf of the next generation.📌 Stay Connected: 🌐 Website: https://slingshotthepodcast.org/ 📸 Instagram: @slingshotthepodcast 📘 Facebook: @SlingshotThePodcast 📺 YouTube: @SlingshotThePodcast ⏲️ TikTok: @slingshotpodcast 📩 Contact: [email protected]

The revolution will not be televised, but it will be live. In Episode 11 of Slingshot The Podcast, we reflect on Gil Scott-Heron’s timeless words and why they matter just as much today.Joining host Kadida Kenner is Charles Gregory, bringing a sharp perspective on what revolution really looks like in 2025 from redistricting battles in Texas to the fight for voting rights and the dangerous normalization of authoritarian tactics.💬 In This Episode, You’ll Hear About: ✅ Why Gil Scott-Heron’s message still speaks to today’s democracy crisis ✅ How redistricting and gerrymandering strip power from Black and brown communities ✅ The role of performative politics — from Jasmine Crockett’s clapbacks to Cory Booker’s marathon speech ✅ Trump’s latest executive orders and what they mean for our rights, safety, and democracyThis isn’t just a podcast. It’s a call to action. The revolution won’t be handed to us by TV pundits — it will be lived, organized, and fought for in real time by people like you.📌 Stay Connected: 🌐 Website: https://slingshotthepodcast.org/ 📸 Instagram: @slingshotthepodcast 📘 Facebook: @SlingshotThePodcast 📺 YouTube: @SlingshotThePodcast ⏲️ TikTok: @slingshotpodcast 📩 Contact: [email protected]