Talkin’ Smack, Intellectually!

Prepare to be uplifted in this soul-stirring episode of "Talkin' Smack, Intellectually!" as we sit down with the incomparable Shirley Murdock, whose voice has graced the airwaves with the timeless classic "As We Lay." With a career spanning over four decades, Shirley's musical influence has been sampled by today's luminaries like Kanye West and Justin Bieber, proving the enduring power of her artistry. In a candid conversation with our host, The Upsetter, Shirley takes us on a melodious journey from her gospel roots to R&B stardom, revealing the divine inspiration behind her transition and the profound lessons learned from her mentor, the legendary Roger Troutman. She opens up about the nuances of singing with soul, the art of staying "touchable" to fans, and the importance of crafting lyrics that resonate with the human experience. Shirley delves into the evolution of the music industry, the role of social media in artist development, and the responsibility that comes with shaping the next generation's musical narrative. She expresses her passion for mentoring young talent and shares her vision for using music as a bridge between the sacred and secular. As an assistant pastor alongside her husband, Shirley also reflects on the seamless integration of her spirituality and musical calling. She offers sage advice for emerging artists, emphasizing the power of divine guidance and the significance of honing one's craft. This episode is an ode to the transformative power of music, the legacy of a living legend, and the unbreakable bond between an artist and her audience. Tune in to this heartwarming exploration of life, faith, and the universal language of music with the inspiring Shirley Murdock.

Dive into another enlightening episode of "Talking Smack Intellectually", as we bring our Women's History Month series to a captivating close with Dr. K. Renee Horton. A revered NASA engineer and the pioneering first Black individual to achieve a PhD in material science and engineering at the University of Alabama, Dr. Horton's journey has solidified her standing in the annals of aerospace engineering. Join us in this episode for a thought-provoking discussion on topics ranging from extraterrestrial existence to the alluring solar eclipse. Dr. Horton delves into her personal challenges and triumphs, emphasizes the importance of fostering African-American representation in STEM fields, and shares heartwarming anecdotes from her work with mentees at Unapologetically Being Inc., an organization dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices in STEM. Explore Dr. Horton's vision for revolutionizing the landscape of STEM, insights on achieving a harmonious work-life balance, and her ventures in crafting science fiction for young adults. Listen as she addresses the obstacles women and minorities face in STEM and imparts invaluable guidance on excelling in these domains. In this episode, Dr. Horton opens up about overcoming her hearing impairment, encourages listeners to steadfastly pursue their aspirations, and details her upcoming plans to witness the solar eclipse in Little Rock, Arkansas, alongside other endeavors on her agenda. Concluding with reflections on her legacy in STEM and a call to action for support towards Unapologetically Being, Inc., discover more about her organization at www.unapologeticallybeing.org.

Welcome to an extraordinary episode of "Talking Smack," celebrating Women's History Month with the trailblazing Senator Val Applewhite, the first Black woman to hold her prestigious position. Our host, the Upsetter, engages in a riveting discussion exploring a plethora of topics, from politics and technology to Generation Z and the “manosphere”. Discover Senator Applewhite’s inspiring journey from Air Force service to public-office leadership. She shares her approach to addressing skepticism within the black community towards politics and her commitment to connecting with her constituents. Gather around as we dive into race and gender relations within American society, revisit stereotypes, and discuss the power of community representation. In this episode, the Senator recounts her journey from multiple caucuses to representing diverse demographics, highlighting the importance of engaging younger generations. She shares her experience sponsoring influential bills ranging from voter fraud prevention to firefighter health benefits and talks about her continuous battle against patriarchy in politics. The episode further explores the dynamics behind the electoral college, emphasizing the critical need for better voter education. Our conversation also touches on the potential 2024 elections and its implications, while expressing concern over the diminishing voting turnout among young people and the promising role they can play. One striking segment involves discussing gender dynamics within the Black community and outlining the looming implications of political decisions on everyday life. We take a futuristic turn, contemplating the potential 2024 elections and its implications. An invigorating exploration of political work, personal transformation, and community representation awaits you in this gripping episode. Join us as we unfold the life and thoughts of a notable figure in modern politics. The episode concludes with a poignant call to personal responsibility for change. Tune in to this episode with a cup of coffee, and let's dig in!

Welcome to the latest episode of talking smack intellectually, where today's esteemed guest is the multi-talented, Emmy Award nominee Diarra Kilpatrick. In celebration of Women's History Month, it is our pleasure to catch up with Diarra and dive into the exciting details of her highly anticipated TV series Diarra from Detroit. Known for her exceptional talent, Diarra opens up about her winding journey towards a production deal with BET, discussing the lessons learned from past setbacks that have shaped her as a writer. In this episode, she offers an enlightening take on collaborating in creativity while ensuring the project aligns with her artistic vision. Starting humbly in LA theatre and short films, Diarra attributes her breakthrough to writing and producing the show 'American Coco'. This significant turn marked the beginning of numerous successful gigs that adorned her unparalleled career, reinforcing her image as a formidable talent in the industry. Passionate about authentic and true representation, especially for Black Americans, her work strives to create meaningful conversations and connections among her audience. We reflect on Diarra's inspiring journey, characterized by authentic portrayal and layers of creative insights. As we eagerly anticipate the release of 'Diarra from Detroit', we take a moment to commend this remarkable woman's dedication to raising the bar in the entertainment industry. In this intimate conversation, Diarra shares heartfelt narratives about what drives her zeal for storytelling. She credits her mother and grandmother, memorable figures who inspired her with their unyielding support. In the spirit of Women's History Month, she even questions concepts of legacy and remembering, stressing the power of love and representation. From discussing the importance of self-care and overcoming challenges in the entertainment world to her eagerly envisaged upcoming collaborations, Diarra conveys a refreshing perspective on success and happiness. She stresses the significance of staying true to one's passion, celebrating personal achievements, and crafting stories that spark an emotional connection. Leaving us on a motivational high, she reminds listeners to honor their uniqueness and chase their dreams, without seeking external approval.

In this latest episode of 'Talkin Smack Intellectually' featuring the incredibly talented Kelley Kali! An LA native and powerhouse in the film industry, Kelley's journey from Howard University to student Academy Award-winning director, writer, and producer is truly inspiring. In this episode, we delve into Kelley's cinematic journey and her groundbreaking project 'KEMBA,' now available to watch on BET Original. Kelley shares her experiences spanning countries like Belize, Haiti, China, and the USA, discussing her mission to amplify voices within marginalized communities through storytelling. Hear firsthand about her latest projects and the impact of 'KEMBA' in shedding light on systemic issues and the fight for justice. We also explore her award-winning film "LALO’S HOUSE" that won the 45th Annual Student Academy Award. Discover how these achievements have shaped her future projects and aspirations in the film industry. Kelley dives into the inspiration behind telling Kemba Smith's story, highlighting resilience, hope, and the pursuit of justice and freedom. She aims to shed light on the complexities of the 'war on drugs,' unfair sentencing practices, and the importance of second chances and redemption through her work. As a director and content creator, Kelley's storytelling has been recognized by prestigious organizations and film festivals, focusing on important issues faced by marginalized communities. She shares her goals and aspirations for the future, aiming to raise awareness and foster positive change through her impactful narratives. For aspiring women in the film industry, Kelley offers guidance on navigating their path to success, drawing from her own experiences and challenges she has overcome along her remarkable journey.

The latest episode of Talkin’ Smack, Intellectually! is a celebration of Black excellence in business. Hosted by The Upsetter and special guest Mugga, the show featured James Lindsay, the mastermind behind Rap Snacks. Lindsay's journey from struggle to success resonates deeply, showcasing the importance of partnerships and authentic cultural representation. Rap Snacks' impact extends from local communities to a larger movement for economic empowerment within the Black community. Lindsay's inspiring words on mentorship and resilience underline a powerful narrative of cultural pride and success. Tune in to Talkin’ Smack Intellectually, where inspiration meets conversation.