Coffee Conversations with Greg J
Arts & Culture Podcasts
Unapologetically Black perspectives. Culturally Relevant conversation with thought leaders from all over the diaspora. Topics are reflective contemplations of current issues and trends centered in arts and culture in the global Black community. We seek truth. We seek to inform and inspire the Beloved Community.
Greg J. is a media executive, producer, arts and culture advocate and global thinker. His long career at Black Radio has given him a front row seat to the lifestyles, trends and perspectives of the Black American Community. Driven by a deeply thoughtful desire to build bridges of music, arts and culture with Africa and African America, Greg is a culture keeper, seeking to provide information, music and cultural experiences rooted in art from all over the world. He is an accomplished arts experience producer, having created and administered some of the top community music stages and arts activations across the Southland and indeed the world.
This podcast can be heard and downloaded wherever you get your favorite podcasts. You can also view the live-streamed programs on YouTube
Coffee Conversations withy Greg J is a production of Beach City Radio cros
Location:
United States
Genres:
Arts & Culture Podcasts
Description:
Unapologetically Black perspectives. Culturally Relevant conversation with thought leaders from all over the diaspora. Topics are reflective contemplations of current issues and trends centered in arts and culture in the global Black community. We seek truth. We seek to inform and inspire the Beloved Community. Greg J. is a media executive, producer, arts and culture advocate and global thinker. His long career at Black Radio has given him a front row seat to the lifestyles, trends and perspectives of the Black American Community. Driven by a deeply thoughtful desire to build bridges of music, arts and culture with Africa and African America, Greg is a culture keeper, seeking to provide information, music and cultural experiences rooted in art from all over the world. He is an accomplished arts experience producer, having created and administered some of the top community music stages and arts activations across the Southland and indeed the world. This podcast can be heard and downloaded wherever you get your favorite podcasts. You can also view the live-streamed programs on YouTube Coffee Conversations withy Greg J is a production of Beach City Radio cros
Language:
English
Episodes
Contemplations of USAID, THe Congo - Paul Turner, International Economic Development Professional
3/13/2025
In the whirlwind of executive orders and conflagrations of federal government administration, we see this all is happening in the midst of conflict in the Congo, and the concellation of the work being done by USAID.. These actions affect relief and community development work in Africa. Paul Turner has worked on the continent for years providing expertise in economic development and aducation. He brings a knowledgable and sobering perspective on the situation and encourages us to stay tuned to news coming from the Continent. Global Perspectives. Be informed.
Duration:00:41:40
Conversation with Nasty Nes Rodriguez - Rest in Peace
2/21/2025
Recently, the Hip-Hop industry lost a legend. Nasty Nes was essential in claiming Seattle's place in the rap matrix through the massive success of Sir Mix A Lot, NastyMix Records was a dynamic imprint that illuminated an obscure geographic region in terms of rap music. We recorded this broadcast in 2024 and did not publish it because we had a really bad technical day. And so now today as we mourn the passing of Nasty Nes Rodriguez, we dug into our archives, retrieved the interview, carefully edited best we could and published this conversation in honor of his life and legacy. Great memories, great perspectives. Even Nes' dog has a prominent part in this recording lol!!
But yes, Nasty Nes Rodriguez was a great man and a good friend we met in our days of being in the radio, music and marketing industries. Listen, Like, share.
Duration:00:30:54
City of Long Beach votes to raise Pan African Flag during Black History Month
2/12/2025
Following a motion forwarded by Long Beach City Councilmember Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, and seconded by Councilmember Dr. Jodi Ricks-Oddie, the Long Beach City Council unanimously approved the raising of the Pan African Flag. The motion requested that annually, the flag will fly alongside the Stars and Stripes, The State of California Flag and the City of Long Beach flag on the plaza of the Long Beach Civic Center as an acknowledgement of Black History Month.
For this episode, Greg J. contemplates the move and the significance of the flag in this space - a energetic topic in a city that is so diverse and touts its position as a progressive and diverse municipality. We contemplate the essence of the Red, the black and the green flying over City Hall.
I know one thing... Sistas standing on culture in City Hall and that's what's up.
Duration:00:04:38
Liberia to the USA - Gwen AUstin: Businesswoman, Author, Philanthropist
2/7/2025
We are honored to speak with Gwen Austin - a prominent businesswoman, author and philanthropist. She is a Liberian-born American residing in the LA area. She shares her story of immigration to this country and reflects on the changes she has seen in the US and the changes we are seeing on the Continent.
Duration:00:46:18
Serving Altadena Community thru the Devastating Eaton Fire - Dr. Belinda Allen, West Angeles Community Development Corporation
1/29/2025
The fires raging across the Los Angeles area have been devastating. Entire neighborhoods have been wiped out. In Altadena the devastation is apocalyptic as thousands are left with nothing after thier homes have completely burned down. Generations of African Americans left homeless and in despair. And yet, the West Angeles Community Development Corporation once again steps into its more than 30 year old reputation of being a solid and reputable source of help in time of trouble in the community.
Dr. Belinda Allen serves as the Executive Director for this awesome non-profit organization and today, she shares how the CDC is helping fire victims and other avenues of support the CDC provides in the community.
Duration:00:20:23
Civic Engagement & Cultural Celebrations
1/28/2025
Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day has been a centerpiece in cities all over the Southland. In recent years, it would appear that black centered cultural celbrations have been muted.So what are the cultural and civic nuances in presenting cultural celebrations? Is there an air of anti blackness? In Long Beach, CA activists believe city government has minimized black reppresentation in the MLK celebrations. How do community and civic entities link and sync? Open conversation for thought and critical analysis.... #preservearts #culture #relevance
Duration:00:21:11
Black Immigration Perspective - Pamela Asobo-Anchang, Publisher Immigrant Magazine
1/21/2025
nd so, as the peaceful transition of power takes place, the government is taking action against immigrants. We hear talk of mass deportation and birthrights, The narrative has folk stereotypically thinking of Latino immigrants. However; the discussion affects the Diasporic immigrants. Black folk from Africa, the Caribbean, South America et. al. We discus immigration with the publisher of Immigrant Magazine, Pamela Asobo Anchang who has long been in the fight to support the African Immigrant community. She is from Cameroon, West Africa. Join us for robust and informative conversation!
Duration:00:51:03
Boots on the Ground-the Altadena Fires: Pastor G. LaKeith Kenebrew
1/16/2025
As wildfires siege LA County, we turn our attention to the community of Altadena, where a vibrant community of black folk have lived for generations. The neighborhood has been deeply impacted by the wildfires in an incredibly and unimaginable way. Pastor G. LaKeith Kenebrew of the Hillside Church of God in Christ in Altadena joins us to share his experiences in the fire. A part of the church property was burned and Pastor lost his home as did other members of his family. And yet, he and others are strong on the street organizing, coordianating and wanting to be a service to the people. This is an incredible story of resilience, service and steadfast faith. #altadena #wildfires
Duration:00:47:36
The Consciousness of Holistic Nutrition - Dr. Sharita Yazid
12/30/2024
As we move through the festive season and into the new year, we are eating a lot. Being mindful of how and what we eat is essential to our consciousness as a people. Disease, unhealthy diets and pratices set us up for discproportinate disease and malady in our communties. Dr. Sharita Yazid speaks to us live from Accra Ghana with a strong conversation about food and the necessity of holistic nutrition consciousness.
Duration:00:28:52
The Meaning of Kwanzaa - Did Karenga really invent the Nguzu Saba? - RW Akile
12/27/2024
We're taking an examination of Kwanzaa - What is it? How did it start? Did Dr. Karenga really develop the Nguzu Saba? Long time Kwanzaa and the former/original Director of the Kwanzaa People of Color Coordinating Committee RW Akile as he shares first hand observations of the history of Kwanzaa. You will be surprised!
Duration:01:22:44
Conversation with Wutah Kobby - One of Ghana's Biggest Music Stars
12/14/2024
Its the seaso of "Ghana in December" and we're linking with one of Ghana's top music stars. Wutah Kobby is well know having a huge discography of hits and production credits for many of the most popular artsts in the West African Nation. We're talking cultural exchange, Ghana's relevance in the world music scene and general perspectives on music, arts and culture. This is a fascinating conversation.
Duration:00:32:50
Reparations in California: Where Do We Go From Here? - Attorney Kamillah V. Moore
12/6/2024
As we face uncertain paths in government, reparations has been a vigorous discussion in California. After a landmark 1100 page report composed by a select Reparations Task Force and supported by State Government, two critical reparations bills were to be voted on during the last Legislative Session in the State Capitol. Suddenly and with seemingly no explanation, the vote for those bills did not happen. It would seem that the California Legislative Black Caucus was disjointed. Activists groups like Coalition for a Just and Equitable California has been on the leading edge of community advocacy in this space.
Now, as government evolves in its present post-election iteration, new leaders, legislative reset, and an unclear world view, Where do we go from here? We are glad to have attorney Kamillah V. Moore with us to discuss the reprations issue in California and reparative justice across the globe. Tap in
Duration:00:44:00
Black Men won't Vote?! Reparations Controversy?! Election concerns in SoCal?!
10/17/2024
There is this narrative out there that says Black men will not vote for VP KLamala Harris because she is a woman. I have never heard any man speak like that. Brothas are looking at policy as far as I know... And then in California, the California Legislative Black Caucus botched reparations vote advanced after the historic and detailed report delivered by the Reparations Task Force. Some say the bills were flawed. OThers say the bills' author was acting alone - a lone wolf. OThers say the fiscal capacity to administer reparations was not there. Whatever the case, to the everyman, it looks really crazy that our black politicians cant even come together on reparations. But is that the case? What happened? THe people deserve to know.
We are privileged to discuss these issues with Dr. Anthony Samad, Executive Director of theMervyn M. Dymally African American Political and Economic Institute at Cal State Dominguez Hills. Also joining us is the Controller of the California Democratic PArty and the Chair of the DSemocratic PArtyh WOmen's Caucus, Carolyn Fowler.
This is informative and frank talk.
Duration:00:50:07
Haiti: Lingering Crisis at Home; Racism in the US - Dr. Jude Azad
10/2/2024
We wanted to get an update on the crisis in Haiti. and then Trump made the outrageous claim that Haitian immigrants are eating cats and dogs in Springfield, OH. Today, we are joined by Haitian Community activist Dr. Jude Azad who shares with us the hooros in Haiti, and his community'sd experience in Springfield as rumps remarks have ignited a firestorm of hate against Haitians in thier town.
Duration:00:31:49
Ancestral Intelligence - Dr. Tony Browder
9/16/2024
As we are consumed with a contentious presidential election, are we in danger of losing our African Centered Consciousness? Are we losing the essence of African Centered thought? How do we reconcile our ccultural center in this day and time that also tries to stoke our patriotism? Dr. Tony Browder joins us to discuss our Ancestral Intelligence, encouraging the audience to read and research and become aware and educated about our African origins. Dispel the yths told. Fascinating discussion.
Duration:00:50:47
Trump & Christians: A Black Church Perspective - Pastor Mark Whitlock, Reid Temple AME Church
8/6/2024
Trump exhorts all Christians to vote for him... What does this mean? We reached out to one of our most endearing theological scholars and Church leaders, Dr. Mark Whitlock, Pastor of the Reid Temple AME Church in Glenn Dale, MD for perspective.. This is fascinating discussion from a black church perspective...
Duration:00:40:44
Wait. What?!!! NABJ invites Trump to confab - Beverly White, renowned journalist
8/2/2024
The Nationa Association of Black Journalists is holding its national convention this week in Chicago. They invited Former President Donald Trump. Many objected to the invitation, some even resigned their membership within the organization. And then the line of questioning... we reached out to longtime NABJ member and veteran, renowned news anchor Beverly White (now retired) as she reflects on what she witnessed today in a fireworks of a day at the NABJ Convention.
Duration:00:24:00
Kamala and the Democratic Pivot - Carolyn Fowler, California Democratic Party
7/30/2024
What a whirlwind of events!! First the debate debacle.... then the Assassination Attempt... then Presidential COVID... then the bombshell announcement of pulling out of the race and endorsing VP Kamala Harris... tens of thousands of black women and men mobilize to raise millions of dollars and to drum up support for this historic moment... We reached out to speak with Carolyn Fowler, Controller of the California democratic Party and Chair of the Women's Caucus for the Party... she shares process and perspective in this important time.
Duration:00:53:58
30 Years of Democracy: Post Apartheid South Africa - Pastor Kelvin Sauls
5/10/2024
Its been thirty years since the dismantling of Apartheid in South Africa. Nelson mandela merged from 27 years of imprisonment. Duly Elcted President and the long fought democratic government was put in place. Now, its been thirty years. Where is South africa now? Hat are the triumphs? What are the challenges? WQe are joined live from Johannesburg South Africa by Pastor Kelvin Sauls as he shares from a faith based social justice lens. We know him from his activism in South LA, but here we are hearing his perspewcdtive from his hometown of El Dorado Park, located in the township of Soweto, South Africa. Fascinating..
Duration:00:56:01
Public Art in Long Beach, CA - Cynthia Lujan, Arts Council for Long Beach
4/30/2024
It's a sad story. In the 6th District near Martin Luther King Jr. Park, are various artistic expressions in homage to Dr. King. ON such expression of street art was a utility box adorned with a beautiful painting of Dr. King. Unfortunately, gang culture made thier presence known by defacing the face of Dr. King with the identification of thier set. It was tragic and alarmed many in the community. With the help of concerned residents, i was able to locate the artist and made provision for her to get reimbursed for the materials she would use to repaired the vandalism. By the time she got there, the City had already come through and whitewashed the entire box. The situation gives pause to examone public art policies, challenges and triumphs as the Arts Council of Long Beach fervently advocates for mural repair and maintenance policies within the City. Listen. Its fascinating
Duration:00:42:55