A Halftime Break

A Zesty Reflection From Your Host and Producer

Taka gets together with producer Rose Marina Boubion to look back on making the podcast this season. They reminisce even more on the regional R’n’B that ruled their youth before going mainstream, and look forward to Season 2 in 2026. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thezestypodcast.substack.com [https://thezestypodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

A Cyberpunk Crime Drama Built on the Ruins of Earth

A new cyberpunk crime drama set on the far-off planet Gaia follows cartel members Shion Juarez and Leon Estevez, millennia after humanity left Old Earth behind. Co-author AJ Lynch talks about creating Gunsmoke Icarus [https://globalcomix.com/c/gunsmoke-icarus], how the world of Gaia took shape, and what drives its characters. Credits Hosted by: L. Malik “Taka” Anderson Produced by: Rose Marina Boubion Theme: Shake Sum’n (Epidemic Sound) Produced by: A P O L L O Composed by: Nickalaus Jackson This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thezestypodcast.substack.com [https://thezestypodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Emotional Side of Sexual Intimacy with Liz Smith

Sex educator Liz Smith talks about their experiences with sex ed growing up, why inclusive sex ed is crucial to providing care, and what they look for in intimate and fulfilling relationships of all kinds. Credits Hosted by: L. Malik “Taka” Anderson Produced by: Rose Marina Boubion Theme: Shake Sum’n (Epidemic Sound) Produced by: A P O L L O Composed by: Nickalaus Jackson This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thezestypodcast.substack.com [https://thezestypodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

A Creole Traiteur’s Recipe for Story, Survival, and Soul

Louisiana Creole journalist and activist Quinn Foster talks about weaving culture, social justice, and history into their work, from documenting community members' efforts to their latest contribution to the Hands of Heritage: A Collaboration Book [https://creoleculture.com/shop-1/ols/products/hand-of-heritage-a-collaboration-project]. Credits Hosted by: L. Malik “Taka” Anderson Produced by: Rose Marina Boubion Theme: Shake Sum’n (Epidemic Sound) Produced by: A P O L L O Composed by: Nickalaus Jackson This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thezestypodcast.substack.com [https://thezestypodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

A Halftime Break

Don’t worry— we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming next week. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thezestypodcast.substack.com [https://thezestypodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]