George M. Johnson knows how to counterpunch the culture wars. ALL BOYS AREN’T BLUE, their memoir of growing up Black and Queer in America, is currently the second-most banned book in America. And that distinction has pushed George to the frontlines of the fight for freedom of expression. “Fighting Words” is George’s chance to bring listeners into the ring with some of today’s most talented, outspoken and courageous creative people, people ready, willing and able to use their words to fight back against intolerance, fear, censorship and marginalization. Each week George talks to someone about their work making culture that takes on the topics some people seem afraid to talk about. It’s a conversation that goes deep but stays light – fleet, fast and fearless. And each episode gives George a chance to shine a light on new music, timeless wisdom and some of today’s rising stars.
George is joined by life coach and content creator Obio Jones. Obio talks to George about how to set boundaries with family, the pressure of visibility, and together they get into the financial and logistical reality of being a Black Queer content creator today.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
George is joined by the fearless activist and author Hope Giselle. Hope was the first openly trans woman to graduate from Alabama State University. Hope talks to George about the current attacks on trans rights, speaking at the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington, and making a documentary about her own life, "Not Your Average Girl."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
George is joined by Karen "Dr K" Baptiste, director of the documentary "Preschool to Prison." She explains why our education system is failing students of color, and how our teachers are taught to perpetuate an unjust system that arrests students instead of helping them.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
George is joined by Emil Wilbekin, one of the founders and former editor-in-chief of the iconic VIBE magazine. Emil tells George about the storied, late night founding of the magazine, and some of his favorite cover photoshoots from his era at the magazine, like B.I.G and Faith in a convertible and Destiny's Child as the Supremes. Emil also talks to George about how he built Native Son, his organization for Black Queer men.
George sits down with actor Darryl Stephens and writer/director Patrik-Ian Polk of Noah’s Arc, the groundbreaking TV show that came out 20 years ago, centering Black Queer characters on screen. Now, they're back with a brand-new Noah’s Arc movie on Paramount+. Darryl and Patrik-Ian talk to George about the original show, and what it felt like returning to that world in the current political climate.
George is joined live in person at the DC Public Library by their close friend, producer and performer Twiggy Pucci Garcon. They talk about George's history of Black Queer icons from the Harlem Renaissance, Flamboyants, and then make their way for a special viewing at the National Portrait Gallery. You can watch George and Twiggy's full discussion on the DC Public Library's Youtube page.
Special thanks to Ellen Rolfes for...
George is joined by travel influencer and writer Imani Bashir to discuss the importance of meeting your global community and meeting yourself in the wider world. Along the way, they talk about modern day Green Books, how not to be a colonizer, why so few Black Americans have a passport — and why that needs to change, especially these days.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
George is joined by Preston Mitchum, a queer civil rights attorney and activist based in DC. Preston talks about his complex experience working at the Trevor Project, clashing with a local gay bar over its racism, and what it’s like to be the only queer cast member on a reality TV set.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
George kicks off Pride Month with fitness influencer Kevin Carnell to talk about putting in the work, maintaining your mental health while using social media, growing up playing sports to mask his queerness, and coming out to his family at an Outback Steakhouse.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
George is joined by Jason King, Dean of the USC Thornton School of Music, a musician, music historian and much, much more. Jason talks about how to live the summoned life, how to be a citizen of the world, the lost art of artist development and how artists like SZA and Beyoncé curates their influences and makes them new. For more Jason, check out his podcast eight-episode podcast documentary&nbs...
George is joined by artist, filmmaker and author Tourmaline to celebrate the release of her new book, "Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson", the first definitive biography of the revolutionary activist who played a central role during the the Stonewall Riots.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
George is joined by Ira Madison III, cultural writer, critic and co-host of the beloved podcast ‘Keep It’. Ira just published his first book, Pure Innocent Fun, a collection of essays about pop culture and how it has influenced his life. George and Ira talk about why pop culture is important, living in a standom era, why the real housewives of Salt Lake City is the best thing on TV right now, and the problem with confla...
George is joined by computational poet Lillian-Yvonne Bertram, who is the author of the books Travesty Generator and Negative Money. Bertram uses coding to create poems that address, among other things, anti-Black racism and police brutality. Lillian speaks with George about their fascinating process, what "computational poetry" actually means, and why AI is biased, through and through. This week's Queer Artist Spotlight is Weekend...
George is joined this week by writer and cartoonist Maia Kobabe, whose illustrated memoir Gender Queer was the most challenged book of 2021, 2022 and 2023. Maia talks about what it's like to have your labor of love attacked and misconstrued, other writers who inspired the book, and why e're so excited for the next generation of Queer storytellers to come of age.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
George is joined by Nigerian-American journalist Rita Omokha. Rita talks about her new book Resist: How a Century of Young Black Activists Shaped America and getting young activists to realize their power. This week's Queer Artist's Spotlight is on 'T4T by Neverending Nina (feat 2AM Ricky).
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
George is joined by actress, author and legendary Ballroom mother Dominique Jackson. Dominique talks about how playing the role of Elektra on the series Pose changed her life, embracing life as an introvert, and why you should always read the comments. This week's Queer Artist's Spotlight is on “Stop Killing Us” by Neverending Nina.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
George is joined by the legendary author Sapphire. Her 1996 novel Push was adapted into the 2009 movie Precious, which won Oscars for Best Supporting Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay. Sapphire talks about what it's like to have her book banned, the authors who inspired her, and how art can heal trauma.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
George is joined by Bob the Drag Queen to discuss his new novel Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert, losing his mother right before filming the Emmy award-winning reality show Traitors, and why we need more class solidarity. This episode's Queer Artist Spotlight is on "Queen of the Underground", one of Bob's two original songs that come with the audio version of his new book.
This episode was edited and s...
George is joined by the iconic Gabrielle Union. An actress (Bring It On, The Inspection), producer, activist and author of three books, Gabrielle talks to George about on-set drama being dredged up from the past, how to get the best work out of her fellow creatives, and what it's like raising a trans child in Trump's America. This week’s queer artist spotlight is “Locked In” by Damez.
George is joined by New York Times Best-selling YA fiction author Nic Stone. Nic comes on to celebrate the release of her 14th book, Dear Manny, to talk with George about being banned authors, and how to continue creating during a period of heightened censorship and conservative backlash. This week’s queer artist spotlight is on “Amusement” by Victor Jackson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.
The Megyn Kelly Show is your home for open, honest and provocative conversations with the most interesting and important political, legal and cultural figures today. No BS. No agenda. And no fear.