Is Authenticity a Privilege?

Is Authenticity a Privilege?

This week, Dr. Nola Haynes sits down with political strategist, former presidential campaign advisor, and The Real Ones author Maya Rupert for one of the most personal conversations we've had on the show. Together, they unpack why Black women are often expected to perform authenticity while simultaneously navigating respectability politics, code-switching, racism, and impossible double standards. They explore Kamala Harris, Jasmine Crockett, the politics of electability, the Democratic Party's future, and why voters are craving bold ideas instead of endless ideological labels. Plus: a surprisingly deep conversation about Saved by the Bell, Hollywood stereotypes, and why "realness" may be a better goal than authenticity. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout

Rep. Veronica Escobar on America's Humanity Test

This week on Nola Haynes Is Not A Spy, Dr. Nola Haynes sits down with Congresswoman Veronica Escobar for a conversation about the human side of foreign policy. Growing up in El Paso shaped how Rep. Escobar sees borders, not just as lines on a map, but as places where families, cultures, and communities intersect. Together, they explore why humanitarian values should remain central to American leadership, the role of foreign aid in advancing U.S. interests, and how compassion and national security can work hand in hand. They also discuss Texas politics heading into the midterms, the changing political landscape of the Lone Star State, and why understanding people is essential to effective leadership. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout

Revisited: Summer Lee on Power, Transparency & the Epstein Files

Some stories don't go away. As questions continue to swirl around the Epstein files, government transparency, and who gets held accountable in America, we're revisiting one of our most talked-about conversations. Congresswoman Summer Lee joins Dr. Nola Haynes to discuss her push for greater transparency around the Epstein files, what real accountability looks like when power protects itself, and why public trust in institutions continues to erode. They also explore the challenges facing progressives inside the Democratic Party, the growing frustration among voters, and the difference between demanding accountability and actually achieving it. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout

The State of the Black Union with Reecie Colbert & Chad Thompson

This week on Nola Haynes Is Not A Spy, Dr. Nola sits down with SiriusXM host Reecie Colbert and Chad Thompson, founder of BLXCKMRKT, for a Juneteenth conversation about the State of the Black Union. From diaspora wars and online division to voter turnout, Black political influence, and the future of Democratic politics, they unpack the forces shaping Black America at a moment when the stakes couldn't be higher. They discuss the Cori Bush and Jasmine Crockett debate, third-party voting, Amanda Seales and Marc Lamont Hill's critiques of the Democratic Party, misinformation in Black media spaces, and why so many voters feel politically exhausted. Along the way, they ask a bigger question: Who gets to speak for Black America and are they actually delivering results? We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout

What Comes After Trump? Joel Rubin & Ameshia Cross Get Real

This week on Nola Haynes Is Not A Spy, Dr. Nola sits down with political strategist Ameshia Cross and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Joel Rubin for a conversation that spans foreign policy, race, media, misinformation, and the future of American leadership. Together they unpack the gap between political slogans and geopolitical reality, the consequences of "America First" foreign policy, the growing influence of disinformation, and why America's adversaries may understand our divisions better than we do. They also discuss mental health, the long-term impact of the pandemic on young people, the role of Black voices in national security, and what comes after the Trump era. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout