The Masks We Wear

Simplicity in a World of Complexity (ft. Relando Thompkins-Jones & Farah Harris)

In a world that asks you to be everything—sometimes the most powerful thing you can be is clear. In this episode, we explore what it means to choose simplicity—letting go of overthinking, anxiety and decision fatigue. From politics to social media, it’s hectic navigating the complexities of this world and even our lives.  I speak with macro social worker, Relando Thompkins-Jones and Psychotherapist, Farah Harris. Both give advice on simplicity as a form of resistance and the masks of complexity and simplicity. So through all this chaos, how can we be simple? Why do we make things harder than they need to be? How do systems thrive on confusion?  All will be revealed!  Music Credits * Relax” produced by White Hot; provided by https://freebeats.io/ [https://freebeats.io/#google_vignette] https://youtu.be/sC3zyaw-RQI?si=2kN6HNEYc0TK_PNe [https://youtu.be/sC3zyaw-RQI?si=2kN6HNEYc0TK_PNe] All other music provided by Descript

Women’s History Month: Taylor Crumpton on Hip-Hop, Politics, and the Future of Journalism

In this special episode of The Masks We Wear, journalist Taylor Crumpton speaks about her path from social work into journalism, beginning during the first Trump administration and later shifting into music and cultural criticism as a way to decompress while still treating pop culture as inherently political. Taylor discusses burnout for Black journalists, newsroom training and mentorship, and the current collapse of mainstream media through layoffs, while highlighting the rise of journalist-led independent outlets and the need to demand more from institutions. She shares key influences, career highlights, artists she hopes to interview, and goals for a hip-hop feminist legacy. Connect with Taylor on Instagram @taylorcrumpton and check out her portfolio: https://www.taylorcrumpton.com/ * (00:00) - Welcome * (00:18) - Taylor’s Journey * (02:12) - From Politics to Music Writing * (04:10) - Journalism Under Attack * (07:25) - AI and Industry Advice * (09:01) - Influences and Career Highlights * (12:35) - Dream Interviews and Artists * (15:26) - Finding Your Voice * (17:54) - Boundaries and Ethics * (25:34) - Objectivity Is a Myth * (29:00) - Hip Hop’s Gone MAGA * (32:26) - Legacy and Women in Media * (36:01) - 10 Albums * (37:59) - Final Thoughts

Unmasking Neurodiversity: Stories, Stigma, and Superpowers (Part 2)

In Part 2, journey with me as I connect with professionals, educators, parents, and creatives who walk us through some novel approaches to facing up to the reality -- both what it is and what it isn't -- of neurodiversity. Special Thanks to  * Dr. Nora Ekeanya * Dr. Jeff Gardere * Reverend Tamera Kabemba * Vaughan Harrison * David F. Walker Music Credits * Lofi Chill by DELOSound from Pixbay  * Relax” produced by White Hot; provided by https://freebeats.io/ [https://freebeats.io/#google_vignette] https://youtu.be/sC3zyaw-RQI?si=2kN6HNEYc0TK_PNe [https://youtu.be/sC3zyaw-RQI?si=2kN6HNEYc0TK_PNe] * "Take it slow" by tomh https://youtu.be/JT-4wfo296Q?si=fyG9urNIYL0Fcble [https://youtu.be/JT-4wfo296Q?si=fyG9urNIYL0Fcble]

Unmasking Neurodiversity: Beyond the Label (Part 1)

In Part 1, we'll explore how neurodiversity is portrayed in the media, masking, the societal pressures behind those facades, and politics. Special thanks to: * Tomar Alexander * The Different Spectrums Podcast * Kenneth Mims * Dr. Michelle Meyer * Bendita C. Malakia * Andrew Robinson Music Credits * Lofi Chill by DELOSound from Pixbay  * Relax” produced by White Hot; provided by https://freebeats.io/ [https://freebeats.io/#google_vignette] https://youtu.be/sC3zyaw-RQI?si=2kN6HNEYc0TK_PNe [https://youtu.be/sC3zyaw-RQI?si=2kN6HNEYc0TK_PNe] * Voices by Rexlambo   https://youtu.be/rfmPUt7SfNs?si=RrHYOZGO1Mugu8Kv [https://youtu.be/rfmPUt7SfNs?si=RrHYOZGO1Mugu8Kv]

The Mask of Fame (ft. Kelsey Russell, Pervis Taylor III, Genesis Powell, and Racquel Benjamin)

This episode explores how celebrities and public figures — often idolized or scrutinized — wear emotional masks to hide their pain, trauma, or inner turmoil. We dig into the pressures of fame, toxic perfectionism, public opinion, and the toll it takes on mental health. By looking at real-world figures and fictional parallels, we create a dialogue around visibility, vulnerability, and the cost of hiding behind an image. Guests * Kelsey Russell https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelscruss/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelscruss/] * Pervis Taylor III https://www.pervistaylor.com [https://www.pervistaylor.com] Special thanks to Genesis Powell and Racquel Benjamin too! Music Credits * Voices by Rexlambo  https://youtu.be/rfmPUt7SfNs?si=T6YXMGb0BcENFXsf [https://youtu.be/rfmPUt7SfNs?si=T6YXMGb0BcENFXsf]  * “Take it slow” by Tomh  https://youtu.be/JT-4wfo296Q?si=bBNTCyi6qujZy7ak [https://youtu.be/JT-4wfo296Q?si=bBNTCyi6qujZy7ak]  * “Relax” produced by White Hot; provided by https://freebeats.io/ [https://freebeats.io/] * https://youtu.be/sC3zyaw-RQI?si=UgIi8lNtP_Npg9kz [https://youtu.be/sC3zyaw-RQI?si=UgIi8lNtP_Npg9kz]