In this second part of their holiday themed episode, Jenn and Daren talk about the importance of chosen family, and not just for queer communities. With Jenn’s partner Jamelle as a guest, they share how they celebrated the holiday season together as a poly family. In survey after survey, it shows that people, especially younger generations, are increasingly dreading going to family events. And some of the prime reasons for this are ideological differences and offensive lines of questioning. If t...
Jan 01, 2024•1 hr
In this holiday themed episode, Jenn and Daren talk about how celebrating the holidays in a non-traditional way can sometimes be the way that best serves you. The queer community has a legacy of chosen families, building families not based on blood but based on the community that loves and supports you. For much of their lives, Jenn and Daren operated under the traditional framework that you celebrate the holidays with your family, even if that family was full of people that mistreated you, made...
Dec 01, 2023•32 min
In this queer themed episode, Jenn and Daren celebrate LGBT History Month and Asexuality Awareness Week by marking the importance of “self-naming” and the power of being able to define yourself for yourself outside of society’s rules and standards. They talk about vulnerable queer youth and how self-naming can be a source of empowerment for them, and furthermore, how acceptance from their family and friends can lead to healthier life outcomes. From there, they discuss the difference between “com...
Oct 27, 2023•32 min
In this episode, Jenn and Daren mark World Mental Health Day (October 10) with a much needed mental health check-in. As the season changes, temperatures drop, and the state of the world is constantly changing, it is important that we check-in with ourselves and with each other to make sure that we are each OK. They emphasize how the trauma of going through the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted marginalized communities especially in relationship with work. As employment has risen steeply we must kee...
Oct 23, 2023•32 min
In this rundown of topical matters, Jenn and Daren celebrate the sheer brilliance of Black women. They start with using Drake’s recent conflict with Halle Berry as an example of how not to treat Black women. Next is a walkthrough or recent major wins for Black women, ranging from the global economic impact Beyonce’s Renaissance tour to the enduring legacy of Black women athletes dominating their fields. They close out their acknowledgement of Black women by celebrating Virgo Season (#virgoszn) a...
Sep 22, 2023•33 min
In the first segment, Jenn and Daren celebrate September (Virgo Season) and update everyone on where they have been. They also explain how important literacy is and how comic books play a part in not just bringing young people to reading but also helping minority and queer readers see themselves reflected in print. In the second segment, they discuss the benefits of reading and how gaps in learning can persist from childhood through to adulthood. Daren also gives insight into the current publish...
Sep 07, 2023•32 min
In this episode spotlighting Black August, Jenn and Daren talk through the legacy of the Black radical tradition, from the Haitian Revolution to today. In the first segment, Jenn and Daren discuss the limited amount of Black history that they were taught in their youth and how that history tended to skew towards elements that support capitalism. But as Black liberation movements have grown in prominence, so too have radical models of possibility. In the second segment, they share the legacy of B...
Aug 25, 2023•39 min
In this episode, Jenn and Daren reflect on 3 expressions of Blackness that brought them joy this week: the 50th anniversary Hip-Hop, the reality show “Hoochie Daddies,” and Montgomery Riverfront Beat-down.They opine on the beauty of Black solidarity and folding chairs, share how Hip-Hop has been a triumph and how it has let us down, and explain why “Hoochie Daddies” is the must-watch lesbian/stud reality show of the year. It has truly been Black August. Reference Material: * Mid-Year 2022: Hip-H...
Aug 11, 2023•38 min
In this episode, Jenn and Daren meditate on the ways that our own experiences with disability policing dovetails with other forms of anti-Black policing in society. We expand the conversation about Disability Pride Month to have a conversation about how our intersectional identities should be considered especially when we discuss our disabilities. We close the episode reflecting on the risks associated with public movement and public Blackness. www.ThatBlackCouple.com FB: www.facebook.com/ThatBl...
Jul 28, 2023•35 min
In the opening episode for season 5, Jenn and Daren focus on the laundry list of obstacles that are facing marginalized people and why it is that much more important to support Black creatives in these times. From Supreme Curt decisions legalizing discrimination and striking down affirmative action to book bans and the proliferation of DEI(&A) initiatives, the troubles of the world can work together to stifle and sometimes snuff out our creative efforts. But sometimes just having one cheerle...
Jul 15, 2023•41 min
To close out May/Mental Health Awareness Month, Jenn and Daren recap how the month went for them and just how much they focused on their own mental health. A typically busy month for most people due to annual celebrations like the end of school years and Mother's Day, it is a partiularly busy month for them as they also celebrate Daren's birthday and graduation. Practical tips included in this episode include the importance of technology boundaries at work, taking vacation days, and delegating o...
May 29, 2023•32 min
Jenn and Daren take a different approach to Mental Health Awareness month in this episode, talking about the self care habits that have worked for them personally instead of focusing on how poor mental health can lead to negative outcomes. In this conversational format, Jenn and Daren ask each other questions about their own self care journeys and provide interesting insights around what has worked for them, what has not worked for them, and understanding what a self care journey is all about. T...
May 19, 2023•36 min
Jenn and Daren highlight the dangers of burnout and how this can have heightened impacts for marginalized communities in this 4/20 themed episode. While many people think that sleeping in over the weekend can cure their burnout, the side effects of burnout can extend for anywhere from one year to ten years. This is why it is so important to prioritize self-care today. Within this conversation, they discuss the recent work of Tricia Hersey (Rest is Resistance) and Dr. Arline T Geronimus (Weatheri...
May 06, 2023•25 min
Jenn and Daren tribute Black writers in this episode for National Poetry Month. They start by highlighting Black poets that every reader should have on their pull list including Nate Marshall, Claudia Rankine, and Donika Kelly. Daren then dives into hard facts and figures related to how white-dominated the writing and publishing industry is, and how that can bring about specific challenges for Black writers. They share how difficult it can be to find people within the industry that understand yo...
Apr 07, 2023•42 min
In this rundown episode, Jenn and Daren laugh and chat their way through the current events stuck on their minds. First, they pay homage and mourn the loss of fan favorite actor Lance Reddick and comment on how we are losing Black men at younger ages. Check on your Black man friend today. Then they run through a collection of topics from the looming ban of TikTok to the “Hotep Olympics” of Byron Allen, Tyler Perry, and Diddy trying to buy BET to the cinematic experience that is “Swarm.” They clo...
Mar 24, 2023•48 min
In this Womens History Month episode, Jenn and Daren discuss the high-profile threats to transgender people and why this is even more reason to spotlight them during month. Recent comments from Republicans at the CPAC conference and from famed writer Alice Walker prove how important it is for us to always center and elevate the experiences of all Black trans people. Jenn shares the work of Marsha P. Johnson and how modern Pride celebrations are rooted in her work. To close things out, Jenn and D...
Mar 10, 2023•37 min
In the first segment, Jenn and Daren explain how attacks on Critical Race Theory (CRT) and "Look What I Can Do" culture can hinder Black Excellence. In the second segment, they discuss how Black folx endorsing damaging messaging and white women acting as stand-ins for diversity are perfect examples of how gatekeeping holds us back and why we need to get back to supporting each other. In the third segment, Jenn and Daren reflect on how limiting our own imagination and succumbing to imposter syndr...
Feb 23, 2023•53 min
In this Black History Month episode honoring the legacy of Black creatives, Jenn and Daren share some of their favorite Black creatives from the old school, contemporary times, and present day. In the first segment, Jenn and Daren talk about the legendary and super Black contributions of Ma Rainey and Henry Ossawa Tanner. In the second segment, they share why the works of Audre Lorde and August Wilson are so important to the culture. In the third segment, Jenn and Daren share their pride in how ...
Feb 11, 2023•36 min
In the first segment, Jenn and Daren explain that they like to watch bad movies, but “You People” is not the enjoyable kind of bad movie. In the second segment, they give a quick synopsis of the movie and discuss a litany of issues that this movie has, including implicit racism, gross misrepresentations of Los Angeles, and simple lazy writing. In the third segment, Jenn and Daren expand on this film’s sins including their portrayal is Muslims, diverse instances of misogyny, and centering a white...
Feb 08, 2023•29 min
In the first segment, Jenn and Daren highlight Jenn’s recent talk on polyamory and the breakthrough nominations for the The 95th Academy Awards (2023). In the second segment, they discuss how corny white conservative s are showing up in the news, from trying to legislate away drag queens to Florida’s war on “wokeness.” In the third segment, Jenn and Daren reflect on the upcoming Black History Month and the perks that Patreon subscribers will get during the month. Reference Material: #ThatBlackCo...
Jan 27, 2023•41 min
Jenn and Daren open season 4 of That Black Couple exploring what the political futures of Black folx looks like. In the first segment, Jenn and Daren share their feelings about recent political developments like the "Red Wave" that wasn't and the historic and embarrassing vote for the Speaker of the House. In the second segment, they discuss the importance of the youth vote, abortion protection, and weed legalization in predicting where we are heading politically. They also talk through notable ...
Jan 13, 2023•42 min
In the first segment, Jenn and Daren reflect on the most important things they learned in 2022, including not to overthink things and that you are enough all by yourself. In the second segment, they discuss the things they will be taking with them into 2023, from having more confidence and self-assurance to clarity around wants, goals, and personal and professional boundaries. In the third segment, Jenn and Daren share what they are hopeful about for 2023, most importantly the new projects they ...
Dec 31, 2022•28 min
In the first segment, Jenn and Daren mourn the loss of Stephen “tWitch” Boss, other recent celebrity losses, and how so many people in society don’t understand that the personas celebrities put forth are not the entirety of who they are. In the second segment, they discuss the rising rates of suicide in the Black community and do a deep dive on what work needs to be done around Black masculinity and vulnerability for them to be able to thrive in a world structured for their destruction. In the t...
Dec 30, 2022•57 min
In the first segment, Jenn and Daren detail the problem with centering pain in Black narratives and how white people struggle to understand Black characters without pain as an entry point. In the second segment, Jenn and Daren rave about the brilliance of “The Woman King”, Lashana Lynch, the film’s costuming department, and John Boyega’s twist out. They also explain how the film deftly tells a story about the slave trade without centering Black pain. In the third segment, Daren lists the reasons...
Oct 29, 2022•43 min
In the first segment, Jenn and Daren explain where they have been for the last month and detail the initiatives you should tap into like the Black Feminist Book Club and thri upcoming Author Series. In the second segment, Daren asks “Who really cares about the Queen?” and Jenn talks through why we are not obligated to mourn her loss. In the third segment, Jenn and Daren outline why it’s time for us to stop handling Kanye West with kid gloves and lament how compelled and conflicted they feel abou...
Oct 16, 2022•45 min
In the first segment, Jenn and Daren speak about the brilliance of Jordan Peele’s NOPE and Beyoncé’s Renaissance and how we should all be putting respect on the names of artists that elevate artistry. In the second segment, Jenn and Daren talk through Britney Griner’s current situation and how it speaks volumes about the disparities in professional sports pay and the particular peril that Black queer women face. In the third segment, Daren mounts the loss of Bill Russell and Nichelle Nichols an...
Aug 16, 2022•54 min
In the first segment, Jenn and Daren discuss how Kendrick Lamar's "Family Time" exposes the complexities of "daddy issues". In the second segment, Daren lays out the stats around fatherhood and single motherhood in America, and Jenn makes it plain how imperative it is that children seek therapy to deal with their daddy issues and that we focus on the particular issues single mothers and daughters face. In the third segment, Jenn and Daren reflect on how the alignment of Juneteenth and Father’s D...
Jul 31, 2022•28 min
In the first segment, Jenn and Daren spotlight the intersection of Black Music Appreciation Month and how much of a tragedy it is that we will never "know know" the truth about Luther Vandross. In the second segment, Jenn and Daren share their own experiences of how they came to understand and accept their queerness. In the third segment, Jenn and Daren tease Jenn's appearances on the new Discovery+ show The Book of Queer. www.ThatBlackCouple.com FB: www.facebook.com/ThatBlackCouple Twitter: www...
Jun 03, 2022•28 min
In the first segment, Jenn and Daren discuss the current threats to Roe v. Wade and how the confrontation between Will Smith and Chris Rock at the Oscars brought discussions around toxic masculinity to the forefront. In the second segment, they bring up a range of current examples of toxic (Black) masculinity including Kevin Samuels and Tory Lanez. In the third segment, Jenn and Daren give a preview of their next episode that will be all about critiquing the Black middle class. Reference Materia...
May 24, 2022•35 min
In the first segment, Jenn and Daren celebrate the landmark confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court and the burden that she will need to bear as a result. In the second segment, they discuss why celebrating “firsts” for Black people can be complex and problematic and ask if the “race for firsts” is even a good thing for Black people. In the third segment, Jenn and Daren reflect on the conversation and explain why we need to shift the conversation to interrogate what we me...
Apr 27, 2022•29 min
