Claim OwnershipDear Charlie,
Subscribed: 0Played: 0
Subscribe
© Ryan Shepard
Description
Whether you believe The Wire is better than Breaking Bad or want to argue who had the best verse on "1 Train," this podcast has something for you. Each day, I take a deep dive into a matter of societal importance or cultural influence. There's one catch. Each episode is its own diary entry to my father, who I lost at the age of six. Not only am I speaking to you the listener, I am speaking to him. I am discussing the things he's not here to see in the 21st century and asking the questions I'd love to ask him. You ready? Let's go!
14 Episodes
Reverse
Don't call it a comeback. Well, it kind of is. After three years, I needed to get a few words on the page if that makes sense. I'm three years older, three years wiser and I still don't know a whole lot. So, I've got a few questions. This is a test run. We'll see how it goes.
In episode thirteen, I delve into the idea of wanting more from your career with wanting more. I also dive into the unprecedented circumstances we are facing globally and how that may impact your career moving forward.
Ahmaud Arbery. Breonna Taylor. Sean Reed. We remember those names and thousands of others. Today, we talk about the battle between survival and living as a Black person in America.
In episode nine, I use Ashley Fetters' "What to Ask Instead of ‘How Are You?’ During a Pandemic," as a starting point to discuss conveying your emotions in everyday conversations. How do we view the question of "How Are You?"
Similar to many Black men of my age and older, I often think about health and the possible health problems I am predisposed too. My father dealt with high blood pressure and high chloesterol prior to his death before the age of 60. As a result, I often think about the things I can do to take better care of myself and avoid the same fate he did. In the same breath, I think about the legacy I would leave if I were to die young. I don't wish that upon myself, but it does push me to live every day to the fullest.
On Monday night, Teddy Riley battled Babyface in the latest edition of the Verzuz series hosted by Timbaland and Swizz Beatz. After three weeks of waiting, the music arrived as expected. However, Teddy Riley did not. Dealing with technological issues and case of "doing too much," the battle was cut two rounds short. While it became clear that Babyface won because he managed to hold his composure, it wasn't clear if those of my generations and younger appreciated Teddy Riley for what he is. From "The Show" to "Just Got Paid," Teddy Riley is undeniably one of the greatest producers music has ever seen. However, his greatness seems to have been lost over time to those under 30. Dad, am I doing too much by explaining the greatness of Teddy Riley or are you more of a Babyface fan?
After watching the first two episodes of ESPN's The Last Dance documentary, I reflect back to the first I was called a "nigger." It happened on the basketball court as I attempted to mimic Jordan's push off on Byron Russell in the 1998 NBA Finals. Yes, I said it. It was a push off.
Deciding which college to attend is often a decision of privilege and circumstance. In 2014, I earned the privilege of being able to attend a handful of different schools. Ultimately, my decision came down to four schools, University of New Haven, Howard University, University of Miami and American University. My decision to go to the nation's capital and attend American University is something that will forever change my young adult experience.
Jalen Green broke the internet on Thursday when he elected to bypass his collegiate eligibility and head for the NBA's G League next season. Unfortunately, he did not have the opportunity to break this news. Instead, an ESPN reported by the name of Jonathan Givony did. His reporting was met with criticism from NBA players such as Tyler Ennis and Tyus Jones, who felt that he did not need to report this information before Green made his announcement. Few media members came to his defense citing a journalist's duty to report the news as it comes to them. As a journalist, I ask myself and my father, what is the responsiblity of a journalist in this situation. Do you do your job or do you hold back?
In this episode, I dive into something a bit more personal. Instead of discussing a news event or a political movement, I talk about my relationships with friends, significant others and much more. If today's episode was a question it would be when did you know that you wanted to get married?
Yesterday, Valence Media laid off 30% of its staff at The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard and Vibe. As a media member, it hits close to home when this type of stuff happen. Media is a fickle business like many and its vulnerable business during the pandemic like many others. No career is safe, so you always have to prepare for the worst. With that being said, I'm pushing forward. ABC and Def Pen appear to be in good shape despite the media landscape.
In today's episode, I'm still very much figuring all of this out. From the equipment to the sound editing, it's a struggle. This is a more of a test run than anything. Nevertheless, here we go. This is episode zero of my debut podcast, Dear Charlie.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States