Baldwin & Co. Ideas Explored

In a candid, laughter-laced conversation, Tarriona "Tank" Ball pulls back the curtain on vulnerability as both artistic method and emotional necessity. Discussing her poetry collection The Thing About Falling, Ball distinguishes this work from her earlier book Vulnerable by one crucial shift: this time, the poems were not written for anyone else—not an ex, not an audience—but for herself. What emerges is an unguarded meditation on love after heartbreak, the danger of rushing healing, and the quiet education that happens in the “in-between” relationships. Falling, she explains, is never intentional, but survival depends on whether someone—or something—can catch you when it happens. Moving fluidly between humor, romance, self-reckoning, and performance, the conversation affirms writing as one of the most exposed art forms there is: just words, memory, and nerve. In Ball’s telling, poetry does not resolve longing or confusion—it names them, dignifies them, and reminds the listener they are not alone in feeling exactly this way. Order Tarriona "Tank" Ball Books Here: https://bookshop.org/a/20190/9798881600211Order Baldwin & Co. Merch Here: https://shop.baldwinandcobooks.comLearn more about Baldwin & Co. Foundation: https://bcofoundation.orgThis episode is part of the ongoing conversations hosted by Baldwin & Co., a Black-owned bookstore, café, and cultural institution based in New Orleans. Baldwin & Co. exists at the intersection of literature, ideas, and community—creating space for rigorous dialogue, storytelling, and intellectual exchange.Through author talks, podcasts, live events, and community programming, Baldwin & Co. amplifies voices shaping how we understand culture, history, politics, faith, and the future.Stay connected with Baldwin & Co. across platforms:Instagram: @baldwinandcoX (Twitter): @baldwinandcoFacebook: Baldwin & Co.YouTube: Baldwin & Co.Website: www.baldwinandcobooks.comVisit us in New Orleans or online to support independent bookselling, discover powerful literature, and engage in conversations that matter.#TankAndTheBangas #TankBall #SpokenWordPoetry #PoetryReading #PoetryTalk #Vulnerability #TheThingAboutFalling #BlackWomenPoets #LoveAndHealing #HeartbreakToHealing #WritingAsTherapy #ArtAndEmotion #PoetryCommunity #NewOrleansArtists #CreativeProcess #EmotionalHonesty #WomenInArt #PoetryIsPower

Bernice L. McFadden is an award-winning American novelist and memoirist whose work explores Black womanhood, ancestry, trauma, and survival through lyrical, historically grounded storytelling.In a conversation that moves with the force of lived history, Bernice L. McFadden refuses the comfort of distance. Interviewed by Dr. Ebony Perro, Professor of Practice at Tulane University. Bernice's memoir, Firstborn Girls, emerges not as a private act of recollection but as a public reckoning—one that insists family stories and American history are inseparable. Written during the pandemic and the resurgence of Black Lives Matter protests, McFadden frames her life as an “auto-ethnography,” tracing cycles of violence, survival, rage, and resilience across generations of Black women. History, she reminds us, does not simply repeat; it rhymes. And in those rhymes—lynchings, domestic terror, state violence—she recognizes patterns that echo from her ancestors’ lives into the present moment.Selected Popular Books by Bernice L. McFaddenFirstborn Girls: A MemoirSugarGloriousGathering of Waters (New York Times Editors’ Choice)The Warmest DecemberPraise Song for the ButterfliesNowhere Is a PlaceWhat gives the conversation its gravity is McFadden’s refusal to sentimentalize. Motherhood is described as loving but brutal work. Rage is not pathology but fuel—necessary, clarifying, and dangerous only when it calcifies into bitterness. Her stories of formidable women, particularly Aunt Anna, unfold with dark humor and terrifying resolve, revealing how protection sometimes required ferocity. Writing becomes both purge and preservation: a way to honor the dead, confront the living, and free oneself from silence. By naming family members plainly, McFadden creates distance enough to tell the truth, even when that truth fractures family myths.This episode is part of the ongoing conversations hosted by Baldwin & Co., a Black-owned bookstore, café, and cultural institution based in New Orleans. Baldwin & Co. exists at the intersection of literature, ideas, and community—creating space for rigorous dialogue, storytelling, and intellectual exchange.Through author talks, podcasts, live events, and community programming, Baldwin & Co. amplifies voices shaping how we understand culture, history, politics, faith, and the future.Stay connected with Baldwin & Co. across platforms:Instagram: @baldwinandcoX (Twitter): @baldwinandcoFacebook: Baldwin & Co.YouTube: Baldwin & Co.Website: www.baldwinandcobooks.comVisit us in New Orleans or online to support independent bookselling, discover powerful literature, and engage in conversations that matter.#BerniceMcFadden #FirstbornGirls #BlackWomenWriters #LiteraryConversation #Memoir #BlackLiterature #AncestralMemory #GenerationalTrauma #BlackWomanhood #AmericanHistory #RageAndResilience #StorytellingAsResistance #AutoEthnography #LiteraryGenealogy #WritingTheTruth #BlackFeministThought #BooksThatMatter #AuthorsInConversation #LiteraryCulture #HistoryThatRhymes

What happens when four of the most influential forces in entrepreneurship, media, and culture sit down for a raw, unfiltered conversation at one of the country’s most disruptive Black-owned bookstore? You get a conversation that flips the script on success, reveals the ugly truths behind wealth-building, and shows you how to break generational curses in real-time. In this explosive dialogue moderated by David Shands at Baldwin & Co., Earn Your Leisure co-founders Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal sit alongside hospitality mogul Larry Morrow to break down how they went from kitchen tables and iPhones to multi-million-dollar brands—and why belief in self had to come before the checks ever did. They talk imposter syndrome, the lies we tell ourselves about “failure,” and how cultural capital can become financial power if you’re willing to bet on your own genius. If you've ever doubted your purpose or felt like you're building alone—this conversation will make you feel seen, charged up, and ready to pivot like a boss.Larry Morrow is a New Orleans–based hospitality mogul, entrepreneur, and community builder known for creating some of the city’s most successful restaurants and nightlife experiences.Rashad Bilal is the co-founder of Earn Your Leisure and a financial educator whose work breaks down wealth-building for everyday people.Troy Millings is the co-founder of Earn Your Leisure and a former educator turned media entrepreneur dedicated to making financial literacy accessible and culturally relevant.David Shands is an entrepreneur, author, and host of the Social Proof Podcast, known for spotlighting real stories of business success and practical lessons from top creators and founders.This episode is part of the ongoing conversations hosted by Baldwin & Co., a Black-owned bookstore, café, and cultural institution based in New Orleans. Baldwin & Co. exists at the intersection of literature, ideas, and community—creating space for rigorous dialogue, storytelling, and intellectual exchange.Through author talks, podcasts, live events, and community programming, Baldwin & Co. amplifies voices shaping how we understand culture, history, politics, faith, and the future.Stay connected with Baldwin & Co. across platforms:Instagram: @baldwinandcoX (Twitter): @baldwinandcoFacebook: Baldwin & Co.YouTube: Baldwin & Co.Website: www.baldwinandcobooks.comVisit us in New Orleans or online to support independent bookselling, discover powerful literature, and engage in conversations that matter.#EarnYourLeisure #LarryMorrow #DavidShands #BaldwinAndCo #BlackEntrepreneurs #BlackWealth #CulturalCapital #BuildYourOwn #EntrepreneurMindset #OwnershipMentality #GenerationalWealth #BusinessCulture #CreativeEconomy #FromTheGroundUp #SelfBelief #FinancialLiteracy #BlackOwnedBusinesses #PurposeDriven #SocialProof #HustleWithIntent

Grammy-nominated vocalist Tonya Boyd-Cannon and celebrated visual artist Charly Palmer engage in a riveting, soul-baring conversation that moves between art, ancestry, mental health, and creative purpose. With disarming honesty, they explore how grief, trauma, and generational memory shape their work—and why Black artists must create from spirit, not ego. From Palmer’s reflections on using flowers as both beauty and protection, to Boyd-Cannon’s revelation of how roses became emotional triggers, the two uncover how creation becomes a sacred act of survival and healing. The conversation crescendos into a powerful meditation on legacy, water as a spiritual medium, the sacredness of altars, and Blackness as a universal, unshakable force. What emerges is a profound testimony: art is not decoration—its declaration, remembrance, and resistance.This episode is part of the ongoing conversations hosted by Baldwin & Co., a Black-owned bookstore, café, and cultural institution based in New Orleans. Baldwin & Co. exists at the intersection of literature, ideas, and community—creating space for rigorous dialogue, storytelling, and intellectual exchange.Through author talks, podcasts, live events, and community programming, Baldwin & Co. amplifies voices shaping how we understand culture, history, politics, faith, and the future.Stay connected with Baldwin & Co. across platforms:Instagram: @baldwinandcoX (Twitter): @baldwinandcoFacebook: Baldwin & Co.YouTube: Baldwin & Co.Website: www.baldwinandcobooks.comVisit us in New Orleans or online to support independent bookselling, discover powerful literature, and engage in conversations that matter.#CharlyPalmer #TonyaBoydCannon  #BlackArtMatters #ArtAsResistance #CreateFromSpirit #BlackCreatives #HealingThroughArt #GriefAndCreation #SacredNotSafe #BaldwinAndCo #BlackArtistsUnite #ArtAndAncestry #VisualHealing #EmotionalArtistry #AncestralLegacy #CanvasOfTruth #WaterAsWisdom #AltarsInArt #TriggeredByBeauty #ArtForThePeople #BlackStorytellers #CulturalMemory #ExpressionWithoutPermission #VoiceAndVision #SpiritLedArt #kwamealexander #howsweetthesound

In a wide-ranging, unguarded conversation, Malcolm Gladwell and former New Orleans mayor Mitch Landrieu use the city itself as a lens to examine America’s deeper fractures. What begins as a meditation on why New Orleans remains stubbornly, almost defiantly distinctive—resisting the cultural flattening seen in cities like Austin and Nashville—quickly expands into a larger argument: culture, not capital, is what holds societies together. Music, food, sport, and place are not luxuries, they argue, but the glue that sustains democracy when institutions falter. In New Orleans, joy and pain live side by side, producing a civic soul that cannot be replicated or scaled without losing its truth. From there, the conversation turns darker and more urgent. Landrieu warns that the United States is living through one of the most dangerous moments in its history—not because of disagreement, but because of a growing comfort with autocracy and a collapsing ability to talk across difference. Gladwell probes whether America’s aging population, economic anxiety, and nostalgia for an imagined past are fueling fear rather than curiosity about the future. Together, they trace how trauma—from Katrina to 9/11 to economic precarity—has eroded trust, and why art, culture, and local community may be the last remaining pathways back to common ground. The message is unsettling but clear: democracies do not collapse all at once; they wither when people stop listening to one another, and when culture is treated as expendable rather than essential.This episode is part of the ongoing conversations hosted by Baldwin & Co., a Black-owned bookstore, café, and cultural institution based in New Orleans. Baldwin & Co. exists at the intersection of literature, ideas, and community—creating space for rigorous dialogue, storytelling, and intellectual exchange.Through author talks, podcasts, live events, and community programming, Baldwin & Co. amplifies voices shaping how we understand culture, history, politics, faith, and the future.Stay connected with Baldwin & Co. across platforms:Instagram: @baldwinandcoX (Twitter): @baldwinandcoFacebook: Baldwin & Co.YouTube: Baldwin & Co.Website: www.baldwinandcobooks.comVisit us in New Orleans or online to support independent bookselling, discover powerful literature, and engage in conversations that matter.#MalcolmGladwell #MitchLandrieu #AmericasDangerousMoment #DemocracyInCrisis #CultureMatters #TheSoulOfAmerica #NewOrleans #CivicLife #ArtAndDemocracy #CulturalResilience #PoliticalDialogue #ListeningAcrossDifference #AmericanDemocracy #PublicIntellectuals #IdeasThatMatter #HardConversations #DemocracyAndCulture #AmericanFuture #CulturalIdentity #ThinkingOutLoud 

Dr. Daniel Black and Avery Young" "This conversation is a masterclass in Black language, music, spirituality, and survival. Dr. Daniel Black and Avery Young explore how Black people have always communicated with more than words—through rhythm, silence, gesture, melody, and the body itself. From church songs and blues traditions to humming, repetition, and coded speech, they break down how Black expression became a form of protection, resistance, and joy when speech alone wasn’t safe. Moving between personal stories, theology, music, and history, they reveal how gospel and blues are really the same language spoken in different places, and how Black idiomatic expression carries memory, meaning, and power that English alone can’t hold. At its core, the conversation is about survival and freedom—the idea that the real assignment in life is to walk fully as yourself, bring your whole body into the room, and trust that collective rhythm can carry you across even the deepest waters.Dr. Daniel Black is an award-winning novelist and professor whose work excavates Black memory, masculinity, spirituality, and survival with surgical honesty and poetic force. Some of his most notable books are, Perfect Peace, Don't Cry For Me, Isaac's Song, The Coming, Black on Black and The Sacred Place. Avery Young is a poet, the first Chicago poet laureate, he is a composer, and cultural worker whose artistry fuses music, movement, and ancestral knowledge to reveal how Black expression has always carried meaning beyond words.#DanielBlack #AveryYoung #BlackArt #BlackLiterature #BlackPoetry #CreativeDialogue #CulturalMemory #HealingThroughArt #StorytellingAsResistance #BlackIntellectualTradition #ArtAndLiberation #BlackThought #SpokenWord #LiteraryConversations #CulturalWorkers #BaldwinAndCo #BlackCreativity #RadicalImagination

Robert F. Smith is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners and one of the most influential investors and philanthropists in technology and education today.Dr. Monique Guillory is an educator, cultural scholar, and university president known for her leadership in higher education and her work at the intersection of Black studies, innovation, and institutional transformation.This wide-ranging conversation brings together history, technology, education, and moral leadership to confront a single reality: the world is changing faster than our institutions are willing to admit. Robert Smith—in conversation with the President of Dillard University, Dr. Monique Guillory—reflects on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., emphasizing that economic justice—not just civil rights—was always central to King’s vision, and that younger generations are still willing to put their bodies on the line when injustice is clear.From there, the discussion pivots to the present and future, where artificial intelligence and software are rapidly reshaping labor, wealth, and opportunity. Smith argues that higher education—especially HBCUs—faces an existential crisis if it does not radically rethink how it prepares students for an economy driven by AI, automation, and data. The old promise of “get a degree, get a job” no longer holds.Drawing from his own journey—leaving a prestigious career to take calculated risks—Smith makes the case that understanding systems, capital, and arbitrage is now essential for survival. The core message is both urgent and hopeful: those who learn how the new economy works, lean into innovation, and act boldly can shape the future rather than be erased by it. Sitting still, he warns, is the greatest risk of all.Order Robert F. Smith Book Here: https://bookshop.org/a/20190/9781400244102Order Baldwin & Co. Merch Here: https://shop.baldwinandcobooks.comLearn more about Baldwin & Co. Foundation: https://bcofoundation.orgThis podcast is your front-row seat to the world of books, ideas, and thought-provoking conversations with some of the most brilliant minds and celebrated authors of our time.At Baldwin & Co., we believe that stories have the power to inspire, connect, and transform. Through this podcast, we bring the pages of bestselling novels, memoirs, and groundbreaking works of nonfiction to life. Whether you’re an avid reader, aspiring writer, or simply someone who enjoys meaningful discussions, Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues is here to ignite your curiosity and enrich your understanding of the world.What to Expect:Author Talks and Exclusive InterviewsJoin us as we sit down with internationally acclaimed authors, rising literary stars, and thought leaders across genres. Discover the stories behind the stories—their creative processes, challenges, and inspirations—and gain insights into the craft of writing.Spotlight on Book EventsThe Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues goes behind the scenes of our renowned book events and signings, giving you an intimate glimpse into conversations that define literary culture.#LeadBoldly #FutureOfWork #AIRevolution #EducationReimagined #EconomicJustice #MLKLegacy #HBCUs #HigherEducationCrisis #ArtificialIntelligence #TechAndSociety #HumanCenteredWork #CapitalAndLabor #RiskAndInnovation #NextIndustrialRevolution #DigitalTransformation #EquityAndOpportunity #GenerationalChange #BlackInnovation #CommunityLeadership #SystemicChange #RobertSmith #RobertFSmith #billionaire #richestmanintheworld #richestblack

This conversation traces a sweeping and urgent history of Black women as architects of the global human rights movement, long before the language of “human rights” became mainstream. Historian Keisha N. Blain explains how her book Without Fear uncovers the forgotten women—activists, writers, missionaries, and organizers—who refused to limit their demands to U.S. civil rights and instead framed Black freedom as a universal human claim.Moving from the 19th century to the present, the discussion highlights figures like Ida B. Wells, Madam C.J. Walker, Maria Stewart, Margaret Cartwright, and Katie Diallo, revealing how these women forged international alliances, challenged imperialism, and exposed state violence as a human rights abuse—often without access to power, funding, or formal political spaces. Their work crossed borders, languages, and movements, linking Black struggles in the United States to anti-colonial fights across the globe.Blain also reflects on the emotional and ethical challenges of archival research—deciding what to reveal, what to protect, and how to honor lives lived under constant risk. The throughline is clear: Black women have always been thinking globally, acting strategically, and organizing without fear and hesitancy, even when history refused to remember them. The conversation is both a recovery of the past and a call to action for the present.Keisha N. Blain is an award-winning historian and bestselling author whose work centers on Black women, human rights, and global freedom movements. Author of "Without Fear: Black Women and the Making of Human Rights." Co-author of "Four Hundred Souls."Kathe Hambrick is the Executive Director of the Amistad Research Center, a cultural preservationist, and a public historian known for her work documenting Black history in Louisiana and beyond.Order Keisha N. Blain Books Here: https://bookshop.org/a/20190/9780393882292Order Baldwin & Co. Merch Here: https://shop.baldwinandcobooks.comLearn more about Baldwin & Co. Foundation: https://bcofoundation.org#keishanblain #keisha #keishablain #blain #withourfearbook #withoutfear #democracy #blackwomen #fannielouhamer #marybethune #madamcjwalker #humanrights 

What happens when two of America’s sharpest thinkers get brutally honest about race, power, hope—and the lie of progress? In this electric, no-holds-barred conversation, Charles Blow and Don Lemon blow the lid off respectability politics, coalition fatigue, and the myth of a post-racial America. From the illusion of diversity to the erasure of Black history, they lay bare the truth: we’re not returning from the edge—we’re going over it.Charles Blow, a New York Times columnist and bestselling author known for his sharp, uncompromising analysis of race and politics, and Don Lemon, is an Emmy-winning journalist and longtime news anchor recognized for his fearless commentary on social and cultural issues.Charles challenges the idea of waiting for white America to "come around" while Don urges Black America to build without begging. They debate reparations, the crumbling political system, and why the mask is finally off—for everyone. It’s personal, intellectual, spiritual, and radical. If you’ve ever felt exhausted, enraged, or inspired by what’s happening in America right now, this conversation will shake you—and maybe wake you up.#CharlesBlow #DonLemon #CNN Welcome to Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues, the official podcast of Baldwin & Co. coffee + bookstore—a sanctuary for literature, creativity, and community. Sponsored by Baldwin & Co. Foundation 501(c)3.This podcast is your front-row seat to the world of books, ideas, and thought-provoking conversations with some of the most brilliant minds and celebrated authors of our time.At Baldwin & Co., we believe that stories have the power to inspire, connect, and transform. Through this podcast, we bring the pages of bestselling novels, memoirs, and groundbreaking works of nonfiction to life. Whether you’re an avid reader, aspiring writer, or simply someone who enjoys meaningful discussions, Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues is here to ignite your curiosity and enrich your understanding of the world.

Order Imani Perry Books Here: https://bookshop.org/a/20190/9780062977397Order Maurice Ruffin Books Here: https://bookshop.org/a/20190/9780593729410Order Baldwin & Co. Merch Here: https://shop.baldwinandcobooks.comLearn more about Baldwin & Co. Foundation: https://bcofoundation.orgImani Perry and Maurice Carlos Ruffin delivered a conversation that was part history lesson, part cultural critique, and part sermon on survival. Imani Perry, with her blend of razor-sharp intellect and poetic cadence, challenged the myths America tells itself about freedom and progress, while Maurice Ruffin brought wit and piercing clarity to the lived realities of race, class, and power in New Orleans and beyond. Together, they wrestled with the contradictions of American democracy, the erasure of Black voices, and the radical necessity of joy as resistance. Their dialogue was less about answers than about urgency—an insistence that literature is not escape, but confrontation, and that remembering the past is the most revolutionary act we can commit.SUBSCRIBE NOW!! #impaniperry #mauriceruffinWelcome to Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues, the official podcast of Baldwin & Co. coffee + bookstore—a sanctuary for literature, creativity, and community. Sponsored by Baldwin & Co. Foundation 501(c)3.This podcast is your front-row seat to the world of books, ideas, and thought-provoking conversations with some of the most brilliant minds and celebrated authors of our time.At Baldwin & Co., we believe that stories have the power to inspire, connect, and transform. Through this podcast, we bring the pages of bestselling novels, memoirs, and groundbreaking works of nonfiction to life. Whether you’re an avid reader, aspiring writer, or simply someone who enjoys meaningful discussions, Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues is here to ignite your curiosity and enrich your understanding of the world.

In a sharp, witty, and unflinching conversation at Baldwin & Co. bookstore, W. Kamau Bell and Cebo Campbell dissected the deep roots and modern manifestations of privilege, power, and race in America. Drawing parallels between environmental mismanagement and cultural erasure, they lamented how indigenous wisdom and Black creativity are often ignored or co-opted, while white privilege continues to reward audacity and mediocrity—evident in everything from Silicon Valley scams to the myth-making of American media. Cebo reflected on the inspiration for his book, “Sky Full of Elephants,” revealing how the simple act of swapping a Black protagonist into a classic white-centered narrative exposes the double standards and biases embedded in American storytelling. Both men skewered the way white-collar criminals are lionized and how trust and opportunity are so often reserved for those who fit a narrow, privileged mold. Their exchange ultimately challenged the audience to question who gets to fail, who gets to dream, and why America still struggles to see beyond the surface.W. Kamau Bell is an Emmy-winning comedian, director, author, and social commentator best known as the host of CNN’s United Shades of America. Combining humor with incisive cultural critique, Bell uses storytelling and satire to confront race, identity, and inequality in the United States. His work spans bestselling books, acclaimed documentaries, and stand-up stages across the country, making him one of today’s most essential and influential voices on race and social justice.Cebo Campbell is an author, creative director, and storyteller whose work blends sharp cultural insight with imaginative, emotionally rich narratives. Known for his novel Sky Full of Elephants and his acclaimed audio fiction projects, Campbell’s writing explores identity, love, memory, and the surreal dimensions of everyday life. His voice is distinct, lyrical, and deeply human—marking him as one of the most inventive contemporary storytellers of his generation.Order W. Kamau Bell Book Here: https://bookshop.org/a/20190/9781101985885Order Cebo Campbell Book Here: https://bookshop.org/a/20190/9781668034927Order Baldwin & Co. Merch Here: https://shop.baldwinandcobooks.comLearn more about Baldwin & Co. Foundation: https://bcofoundation.orgThis podcast is your front-row seat to the world of books, ideas, and thought-provoking conversations with some of the most brilliant minds and celebrated authors of our time.At Baldwin & Co., we believe that stories have the power to inspire, connect, and transform. Through this podcast, we bring the pages of bestselling novels, memoirs, and groundbreaking works of nonfiction to life. Whether you’re an avid reader, aspiring writer, or simply someone who enjoys meaningful discussions, Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues is here to ignite your curiosity and enrich your understanding of the world.#KamauBell, #CeboCampbell, #RaceInAmerica, #CulturalBias, #StorytellingMatters, #PrivilegeExposed, #AmericanScam, #MediaBias, #DoubleStandards, #BlackExcellence, #RepresentationMatters, #SystemicRacism, #PowerAndPrivilege, #DismantleTheSystem, #TruthToPower, #UnmaskingPrivilege, #DiversityInMedia, #BlackVoices, #ComedyWithPurpose, #BookTalk, #BaldwinAndCo, #MustWatch#WhitePrivilege, #BlackCreativity, #SkyFullOfElephants, 

This conversation with Dr. Daniel Black moves through the delicate and difficult terrain of healing—across bloodlines, across memory, across time. Drawing from his novel Isaac’s Song, Dr. Black explores what it means to face generational wounds without letting them define us. He breaks open the quiet myths of Black masculinity, the fear of vulnerability, the stories we fabricate to survive, and the ancestral technologies that still guide us toward freedom.Through intimate storytelling and sharp cultural insight, Dr. Black unpacks power, forgiveness, usefulness, memory, and the ritual genius of Black people. This is a conversation about reclaiming the parts of ourselves we abandoned, learning to touch without violence, honoring flawed parents, and choosing a version of manhood that doesn’t destroy the men who carry it.A profound, soulful dialogue that lingers long after it ends.Bio: Dr. Daniel Black — Professor at Clark Atlanta UniversityDr. Daniel Black is an award-winning novelist, scholar, and professor whose work centers the depth, beauty, and complexity of Black life. A graduate of Clark Atlanta University and Temple University, he is known for novels such as The Coming, Perfect Peace, and Black on Black, blending storytelling with cultural history, spirituality, and ancestral wisdom. As a longtime professor at Clark Atlanta, Dr. Black has become one of the leading literary voices of his generation, celebrated for his ability to illuminate the inner lives of Black families, explore generational healing, and honor the traditions that shape the African American experience.Bio: Pastor Jonathan Everett — Rock of Ages ChurchPastor Jonathan Everett is the visionary leader of Rock of Ages Church in New Orleans, where he is widely known for his dynamic preaching, community-centered ministry, and unwavering commitment to empowering families, healing neighborhoods, and developing the next generation of leaders. Through bold outreach initiatives, innovative programs, and a message rooted in faith and real-life transformation, Pastor Everett has become one of the city’s most influential spiritual voices and a driving force for hope, unity, and uplift.Bio: Jerid P. Woods — A Black Man ReadingJerid P. Woods, known to thousands as A Black Man Reading, is a celebrated literary curator, educator, and digital tastemaker who has reshaped contemporary reading culture through his vibrant engagement with Black literature. With a platform dedicated to amplifying Black authors, uplifting community storytelling, and sparking critical dialogue, Woods has become one of the most trusted voices in modern book advocacy. His work bridges classrooms, bookstores, and online communities, inspiring people everywhere to read more deeply, think more critically, and love Black stories unapologetically.Watch on YouTube Here: https://youtu.be/ajCPpUKL8L4Order Dr. Daniel Black Books Here: https://bookshop.org/a/20190/9781335090416Order Baldwin & Co. Merch Here: https://shop.baldwinandcobooks.comLearn more about Baldwin & Co. Foundation: https://bcofoundation.org#drdanielblack #danielblack #isaacssong #blackonblack #dontcryforme #perfectpeace #theytellmeofahome #jeridpwoods #ablackmanreading #pastoreverret #rockofages 

Order Ta-Nehisi Coates Books Here: https://bookshop.org/a/20190/9780593230381Order Joy-Ann Reid Book Here: https://bookshop.org/a/20190/9780063068803Order Baldwin & Co. Merch Here: https://shop.baldwinandcobooks.comLearn more about Baldwin & Co. Foundation: https://bcofoundation.orgIf you’re not ready for the truth, stay in your bubble. But if you want to witness the most unfiltered, unapologetic, and necessary conversation of our time, then buckle up. Ta-Nehisi Coates and Joy-Ann Reid just dropped what can only be described as the Dialogue of the Decade at Baldwin & Co. bookstore in New Orleans—a conversation so raw, so real, and so utterly necessary that America might just pretend it didn’t happen. But we won’t let that happen.In a world where soundbites pass for substance and political theater replaces real justice, Ta-Nehisi and Joy sat down to burn through the illusions and expose the rot at the core of America’s so-called values. And trust me, no one walked away unscathed.Truth #1: America has never truly cared about Israel.Truth #2: White America is still as racist as ever.Truth #3: People only support you if they’re getting something in return.Truth #4: Why Kamala Harris lost to Donald Trump.Truth #5: Black authors are being banned for a reason.Truth #6: The genocide in Gaza is funded by American tax dollars.This wasn’t just another intellectual discussion—it was an awakening. And it happened at Baldwin & Co., the heartbeat of radical thought in New Orleans. If you missed it, fix that mistake now. Watch. Listen. Share. Because this is the most important dialogue you’ll witness this decade—and America needs to hear it.Baldwin & Co. isn’t just a bookstore. It’s a battleground for truth. And last night, Coates and Reid went to war.Welcome to Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues, the official podcast of Baldwin & Co. coffee + bookstore—a sanctuary for literature, creativity, and community. This podcast is your front-row seat to the world of books, ideas, and thought-provoking conversations with some of the most brilliant minds and celebrated authors of our time.At Baldwin & Co., we believe that stories have the power to inspire, connect, and transform. Through this podcast, we bring the pages of bestselling novels, memoirs, and groundbreaking works of nonfiction to life. Whether you’re an avid reader, aspiring writer, or simply someone who enjoys meaningful discussions, Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues is here to ignite your curiosity and enrich your understanding of the world.#tanehisicoates #joyannreid #joyreid #reidout #baldwinandco #baldwinandcompany

Order Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah Books Here: https://bookshop.org/a/20190/9780593469316Order Baldwin & Co. Merch Here: https://shop.baldwinandcobooks.comLearn more about Baldwin & Co. Foundation: https://bcofoundation.orgBestselling author Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah doesn’t just tell stories—he dissects the systems that shape our reality. In this electrifying conversation with Jerid P. Woods (aka Akili Nzuri), the two dive deep into why Nana’s work thrives at the intersection of fiction and brutal truth. From the dystopian horrors of capitalism to the everyday absurdities of American injustice, they unpack why the world’s most pressing systemic issues make for the most compelling storytelling.Welcome to Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues, the official podcast of Baldwin & Co. coffee + bookstore—a sanctuary for literature, creativity, and community. This podcast is your front-row seat to the world of books, ideas, and thought-provoking conversations with some of the most brilliant minds and celebrated authors of our time.At Baldwin & Co., we believe that stories have the power to inspire, connect, and transform. Through this podcast, we bring the pages of bestselling novels, memoirs, and groundbreaking works of nonfiction to life. Whether you’re an avid reader, aspiring writer, or simply someone who enjoys meaningful discussions, Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues is here to ignite your curiosity and enrich your understanding of the world.What to Expect:Author Talks and Exclusive InterviewsJoin us as we sit down with internationally acclaimed authors, rising literary stars, and thought leaders across genres. Discover the stories behind the stories—their creative processes, challenges, and inspirations—and gain insights into the craft of writing.Spotlight on Book EventsThe Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues goes behind the scenes of our renowned book events and signings, giving you an intimate glimpse into conversations that define literary culture. Celebrating the Joy of ReadingWhether it’s uncovering hidden literary gems, diving deep into classic works, or exploring contemporary issues through literature, every episode is a celebration of books and the role they play in shaping our perspectives.Baldwin & Co. as a BusinessGet an insider's view of Baldwin & Co. coffee + bookstore, from its beginnings in the vibrant city of New Orleans to becoming a hub for intellectual and cultural exchange. We’ll share stories about our journey, our mission to champion literacy and creativity, and our partnerships with local and global literary communities.Smart Conversations for Intellectual MindsEach episode features engaging discussions that challenge conventional thinking, spark curiosity, and inspire action. From social justice to personal growth, every conversation is a testament to the transformative power of ideas.Why Listen?For Book Lovers: If you’re passionate about reading and crave deep, thoughtful conversations, this is your space.For Writers: Learn from the experiences and advice of established authors and find inspiration to hone your craft.For Thinkers: Dive into stimulating discussions that expand your horizons and provoke meaningful reflection.For the Curious: Whether you’re exploring a new genre or seeking fresh perspectives, The Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues offers something for everyone.About Baldwin & Co. Coffee + BookstoreLocated in the heart of New Orleans, Baldwin & Co. is more than just a bookstore—it’s a community-driven space where books, coffee, and culture converge. Known for its artful design, close partnerships with non-profits, and dedication to literacy, Baldwin & Co. is a haven for readers and thinkers alike. Through Baldwin & Co. podcast, we aim to bring this unique experience to listeners everywhere.Featured Guests and EventsOur episodes feature authors whose works resonate with the spirit of Baldwin & Co., including:Bestselling novelists who redefine storytelling.Poets and essayists who illuminate the human experience.Non-fiction authors who explore history, politics, and culture.Local voices and global icons, all united by their passion for sharing ideas.From deep dives into groundbreaking works to candid discussions about the writing life, Baldwin & Co. podcast captures the essence of intellectual and creative excellence.#nanakwame #jeridwoods #jeridpwoods #ablackmanreading #baldwinandco #authordialogues #baldwindialogues #authortalk #authoronauthor #history #chaingangallstars #fridayblack

Join us for a powerful and timely podcast discussion between Jarvis Deberry and Bakari Sellers as they dive into the critical themes of When Dictatorship Becomes a Fact, Revolution Becomes a Right. In this conversation, they’ll explore the historical and modern-day implications of authoritarianism, the resilience of marginalized communities, and the urgent need for collective action in the face of oppression. Their insights will challenge, inspire, and spark dialogue about what it truly means to stand up for justice. Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion—tune in and be part of the conversation!Order Bakari Sellers Books Here: https://bookshop.org/a/20190/9780063085022Order Jarvis Deberry Book Here:https://bookshop.org/a/20190/9781608011858Order Baldwin & Co. Merch Here: https://shop.baldwinandcobooks.comLearn more about Baldwin & Co. Foundation: https://bcofoundation.orgWelcome to Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues, the official podcast of Baldwin & Co. coffee + bookstore—a sanctuary for literature, creativity, and community. This podcast is your front-row seat to the world of books, ideas, and thought-provoking conversations with some of the most brilliant minds and celebrated authors of our time.At Baldwin & Co., we believe that stories have the power to inspire, connect, and transform. Through this podcast, we bring the pages of bestselling novels, memoirs, and groundbreaking works of nonfiction to life. Whether you’re an avid reader, aspiring writer, or simply someone who enjoys meaningful discussions, Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues is here to ignite your curiosity and enrich your understanding of the world.What to Expect:Author Talks and Exclusive InterviewsJoin us as we sit down with internationally acclaimed authors, rising literary stars, and thought leaders across genres. Discover the stories behind the stories—their creative processes, challenges, and inspirations—and gain insights into the craft of writing.Spotlight on Book EventsThe Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues goes behind the scenes of our renowned book events and signings, giving you an intimate glimpse into conversations that define literary culture. Celebrating the Joy of ReadingWhether it’s uncovering hidden literary gems, diving deep into classic works, or exploring contemporary issues through literature, every episode is a celebration of books and the role they play in shaping our perspectives.Baldwin & Co. as a BusinessGet an insider's view of Baldwin & Co. coffee + bookstore, from its beginnings in the vibrant city of New Orleans to becoming a hub for intellectual and cultural exchange. We’ll share stories about our journey, our mission to champion literacy and creativity, and our partnerships with local and global literary communities.Smart Conversations for Intellectual MindsEach episode features engaging discussions that challenge conventional thinking, spark curiosity, and inspire action. From social justice to personal growth, every conversation is a testament to the transformative power of ideas.Why Listen?For Book Lovers: If you’re passionate about reading and crave deep, thoughtful conversations, this is your space.For Writers: Learn from the experiences and advice of established authors and find inspiration to hone your craft.For Thinkers: Dive into stimulating discussions that expand your horizons and provoke meaningful reflection.For the Curious: Whether you’re exploring a new genre or seeking fresh perspectives, The Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues offers something for everyone.About Baldwin & Co. Coffee + BookstoreLocated in the heart of New Orleans, Baldwin & Co. is more than just a bookstore—it’s a community-driven space where books, coffee, and culture converge. Known for its artful design, close partnerships with non-profits, and dedication to literacy, Baldwin & Co. is a haven for readers and thinkers alike. Through Baldwin & Co. podcast, we aim to bring this unique experience to listeners everywhere.Featured Guests and EventsOur episodes feature authors whose works resonate with the spirit of Baldwin & Co., including:Bestselling novelists who redefine storytelling.Poets and essayists who illuminate the human experience.Non-fiction authors who explore history, politics, and culture.Local voices and global icons, all united by their passion for sharing ideas.From deep dives into groundbreaking works to candid discussions about the writing life, Baldwin & Co. podcast captures the essence of intellectual and creative excellence.Join the ConversationBaldwin & Co. Author Dialogues isn’t just a podcast—it’s a community. Follow us on social media, share your favorite episodes, and let us know what books, authors, and topics you’d like us to cover. Together, let’s celebrate the power of books to inspire, educate, and connect us all.#bakarisellers #jarvisdeberry #baldwinandcompany

Food has always been more than just nourishment—it’s a universal language that brings people together. In this engaging discussion, Tamron Hall and Lish Steiling explore how food has become the ultimate friendship glue, fostering deep connections and lifelong memories.From shared meals that strengthen bonds to the magic of cooking together, they dive into the ways food shapes relationships, sparks conversations, and creates moments that last a lifetime. Whether it’s the comfort of a home-cooked dish, the adventure of trying new flavors with friends, or the joy of gathering around the table, this conversation highlights the profound role food plays in building community.If you’re a food lover, a friendship enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys a meaningful conversation, this is one discussion you won’t want to miss. Tune in now and get inspired to break bread, share stories, and connect in new and delicious ways!

On this powerful episode of the Baldwin & Co. Podcast, Dr. Eddie Glaude Jr. and Imani Perry engage in a transformative conversation about imagining freedom in captivity. With unmatched depth and clarity, they explore how the human spirit envisions liberation even within the confines of oppression—whether through history, culture, or personal struggle. This isn’t just an intellectual exercise; it’s a profound dialogue that challenges the very fabric of American identity and dares us to reconsider what freedom truly means. Their compelling insights and raw honesty will stir your soul, expand your mind, and leave you reflecting long after the episode ends. This is more than a podcast—it’s a conversation that could reshape American dialogue as we know it, one you’ll want to experience over and over again.Follow Baldwin & Co.:Subscribe and watch Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues on YouTube for video of this episode. Instagram: @baldwinandcompanyTikTok: @baldwincompanyYouTube: @baldwinandcoFacebook: @baldwinandcompanyLinkedIn: @linkedin.com/in/dj-johnsonShop Baldwin & Co. Bookstore: https://bookshop.org/shop/baldwinandcompanyShop Baldwin & Co. Merch: https://shop.baldwinandcobooks.com/

Join award-winning authors Jesmyn Ward and Clint Smith in an intimate and thought-provoking podcast conversation about Writing Our Roots. Together, they explore the power of storytelling to preserve history, honor ancestry, and shed light on the lived experiences of Black communities across generations. From the Deep South to the broader African diaspora, Ward and Smith discuss how their personal journeys influence their writing, the importance of historical memory, and the role of literature in shaping cultural identity. Tune in for a compelling dialogue that delves into themes of resilience, legacy, and the profound connection between place and narrative.Welcome to Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues, the official podcast of Baldwin & Co. coffee + bookstore—a sanctuary for literature, creativity, and community. This podcast is your front-row seat to the world of books, ideas, and thought-provoking conversations with some of the most brilliant minds and celebrated authors of our time.At Baldwin & Co., we believe that stories have the power to inspire, connect, and transform. Through this podcast, we bring the pages of bestselling novels, memoirs, and groundbreaking works of nonfiction to life. Whether you’re an avid reader, aspiring writer, or simply someone who enjoys meaningful discussions, Baldwin & Co. Reels is here to ignite your curiosity and enrich your understanding of the world.

The Baldwin & Co.: Author Dialogues invites you to an electrifying episode featuring two of the most profound voices in literature and social commentary today: Nikole Hannah-Jones and Dr. Daniel Black.Subscribe and watch Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues on YouTube for video of this episode. Donate to Baldwin & Co. 501c3 nonprofit: https://bcofoundation.org/donateNikole Hannah-Jones, the Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of The 1619 Project and a trailblazer in reframing America’s history through the lens of Black resilience and contributions, sits down with Dr. Daniel Black, the acclaimed author of Isaac’s Song and a masterful storyteller renowned for his deep explorations of culture, identity, and the human spirit.In this captivating dialogue, they delve into the intersections of history and fiction, the transformative power of storytelling, and the role of Black creatives in shaping our collective future. How do stories reclaim erased histories? What is the emotional labor of telling the truth about race in America? And how can literature inspire both healing and action in turbulent times?Prepare for an engaging, thought-provoking, and heart-stirring conversation that goes beyond the page and into the heart of the human experience. Whether you’re a lover of literature, a seeker of truth, or simply someone who craves meaningful dialogue, this episode of The Baldwin & Co.: Author Dialogues is not to be missed.Follow Baldwin & Co.:Subscribe and watch Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues on YouTube for video of this episode. Instagram: @baldwinandcompanyTikTok: @baldwincompanyYouTube: @baldwinandcoFacebook: @baldwinandcompanyLinkedIn: @linkedin.com/in/dj-johnsonShop Baldwin & Co. Bookstore: https://bookshop.org/shop/baldwinandcompanyShop Baldwin & Co. Merch: https://shop.baldwinandcobooks.com/

Subscribe and Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@baldwinandcoIn this inspiring episode of Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues, we sit down with Nicole Richie and Cleo Wade to explore the transformative power of reading and how it can unlock personal growth, foster intentional living, and help you find alignment in every aspect of life. Nicole Richie, the daughter of Lionel Richie is a creative powerhouse—a television personality, actress, and designer. She’s known for her wit, authenticity, and ability to seamlessly blend humor with heartfelt reflections on life, family, and personal growth.Cleo Wade, a poet, NY Times Bestselling author, and self-described "heart activist." Cleo is celebrated for her empowering words that inspire readers to reflect, heal, and thrive. With books like “Heart Talk” and “Remember Love”, she’s made an incredible impact on countless lives by encouraging us to embrace compassion, courage, and connection.  Nicole and Cleo share their unique journeys, from the books that shaped their perspectives to the life lessons they've uncovered through literature. Discover how storytelling can be a catalyst for self-discovery and change, why reading intentionally is a key to aligning with your purpose, and how to curate a personal library that inspires and empowers. Whether you're a lifelong book lover or just beginning your reading journey, this conversation is packed with insights and actionable advice to help you thrive.Tune in for an enlightening discussion filled with wisdom, laughter, and the profound connection between words and well-being. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from two incredible women about the joy of living a life guided by the stories that speak to your soul.Follow Baldwin & Co.:Subscribe and watch Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues on YouTube for video of this episode. Instagram: @baldwinandcompanyTikTok: @baldwincompanyYouTube: @baldwinandcoFacebook: @baldwinandcompanyLinkedIn: @linkedin.com/in/dj-johnsonShop Baldwin & Co. Bookstore: https://bookshop.org/shop/baldwinandcompanyShop Baldwin & Co. Merch: https://shop.baldwinandcobooks.com/Keywords: Nicole Richie, Cleo Wade, intentional living, personal growth, reading for alignment, self-discovery, storytelling, book recommendations, empowerment through literature.