Interrupting Everything

We're almost a full year into this administration, and a lot of you are wondering: Where's the justice we fought for? Where's the liberation we voted for? In this episode, Nikki Blak sits down with Los Angeles based community organizer and artist Shelley Bruce, for real and passionate conversation about what happens when your ballots don't deliver what your people need. They talk about how to keep showing up, what to do when the policies don't match the campaign promises, and why the work of liberation cannot be outsourced to politicians — no matter how progressive they claim to be. You'll hear: How to stay politically engaged without being politically manipulated Why we need to organize with more than just hope and vibes The role of grief, boundaries, and realism in movement work How to build your own "presidential term" — the one focused on and unapolgetic about your community, your values, your people Shelley brings grounded wisdom, emotional clarity, and the kind of energy that reminds you liberation is always ours to claim. This is a life-giving conversation for anyone who's been tired, betrayed, or burnt out — and still believes another world is possible. Special thanks to Def Sound for providing the theme for Interrupting Everything.⁣⁣⁣⁣  

This isn't just a celebration of 10,000 downloads. It's a lesson in what it means to stay rooted in purpose, show up consistently, and make the work non-negotiable. In this episode, Nikki Blak reflects on 10 liberatory lessons that came from launching Interrupting Everything in January — lessons about purpose, imperfection, boundaries, and building a body of work that aligns with your values. Whether you're a long-time listener or just found the podcast, this episode is an offering: a roadmap for staying in the work, not just dreaming of or starting it. In this episode, you'll hear: What it really takes to stay consistent in liberation work How Nikki built a podcast that reflects her politics, not just her personality Why boundaries matter more than reach Where the podcast is going next You'll also learn about The Bite-Sized Business Podcast, a new private audio series for building values-aligned businesses without selling out. TAP HERE to tune into The Bite-Sized Business Podcast. Special thanks to Def Sound for providing the theme for Interrupting Everything.⁣⁣⁣⁣  

State sanctioned violence is not theoretical. It's not just a headline. It's not just happening somewhere else.  State sanctioned violence is happening to our people — to your people — and too many of us don't know what to do about it. In this episode, we interrupt the silence. We talk about what real support looks like when someone in your life is targeted by police, ICE, the courts, surveillance, or carceral systems. Because thoughts and prayers are not enough and if that's all you've got, it's time to do better. Nikki walks you through how to show up in meaningful, tangible, and justice-minded ways that your people can actually feel. This isn't a theoretical exercise. It's a survival guide. In this episode you'll learn: What state sanctioned violence really looks like (it's not always a cop with a gun) How to offer help without centering yourself or turning people's trauma into your learning opportunity What to say, what not to say, and how to listen when someone's in crisis The difference between empathy and solidarity and why your silence is not neutral Whether you're scared, unsure, or overwhelmed — that's normal. But that can't be your excuse anymore. It's go time. Special thanks to Def Sound for providing the theme for Interrupting Everything.⁣⁣⁣⁣

You don't have to wait for people to "get it." In this episode, Nikki breaks down how boundaries are not just protection. They're instruction and a relationship building tool. You'll learn how to set clear, loving limits that interrupt and correct the conditioning that says you owe everyone access to your time, energy, labor, or care. Whether you're navigating burnout, people-pleasing, or generational patterns of self-abandonment, this episode will help you build relationships rooted in mutual respect and finally stop teaching people that you'll tolerate less than you deserve. Special thanks to Def Sound for providing the theme for Interrupting Everything.⁣⁣⁣⁣  

You've been avoiding your cousin's problematic Facebook rants all year and now you're sitting next to them at the dinner table. This episode is your go-to survival guide for holiday gatherings where silence feels safer but you refuse to turn down the volume on your values. Nikki shares her signature Confident Conversations framework (1-2-3, A-B-C) to help you lead anti-racist dialogue with family, co-workers, neighbors, and anyone you find yourself in close quarters with this season, even when the stakes feel personal. We'll talk about how to hold your ground, set intentions, and avoid doing all the emotional labor. You'll learn how to turn confrontation into connection, initiate and navigate conversations that actually make sense and shift perspectives, and why you don't need to solve everything in one night to make a real impact. This is how we interrupt harmful and oppressive ideologies without burning everything down. This is how we start building the world we actually want, one dinner table at a time. Special thanks to Def Sound for providing the theme for Interrupting Everything.⁣⁣⁣⁣  

In this episode, Nikki Blak is in conversation with Jade T. Perry  — a spiritual practitioner, mystic, and founder of The Mystic Soul Project — about what it really means to tend to Black wellness at the root. This isn't about high-vibe affirmations or aesthetic altars. It's about building real spiritual technologies for people on the margins. We talk about: How to make spiritual practice more accessible to Black folks living with chronic illness, trauma, and the everyday violence of white supremacy Why mysticism and justice work must be integrated What Jade means by "spiritual reclamation" and how it looks in real, tangible action How we can honor our ancestors while still disrupting inherited spiritual harm The importance of sacred rest, ritual hygiene, and political clarity in spiritual spaces Jade doesn't give you soundbites. She gives you systems. Systems for care, for accountability, for co-liberation. Together we name the ways white dominance creeps into spiritual spaces and how to reclaim them with intention, clarity, and care. This episode is a reminder that mysticism isn't just for those with time, money, and the astethic rituals. It's for those who need it most. And it's one of our most potent tools for personal and collective survival. Special thanks to Def Sound for providing the theme for Interrupting Everything.⁣⁣⁣⁣  

Black mysticism is ancestral technology. In this episode of Interrupting Everything, Nikki Blak is joined by Sanyu Estelle, an Claircognizant Soothsayer and Spiritual Strategist whose work blends personal truth, ancestral memory, and rigorous intuition. Together, they talk about what it means to live a mystic life rooted in integrity, responsibility, and radical self-honesty. They unpack: How spirituality gets co-opted and watered down by capitalism and how that shows up in white-led spiritual spaces The difference between convenience-based mysticism and committed spiritual lineage work Why Sanyu doesn't believe in "gatekeeping" but does believe in sacred boundaries How she uses tarot and archival research as portals into past lives and future strategies The liberatory power of re-authoring your spiritual identity as a diasporic Black person This conversation is layered. Nikki and Sanyu Estelle talk about mysticism as a lifestyle, not a hobby. They name what gets lost when spiritual work is decontextualized from Blackness. And they center the practices that pull us back into our bodies, back into our bloodlines, and back into power with, not power over. If you've been feeling called to deepen your spiritual practice beyond the trends, or if you're unlearning the whitewashed narratives that separate spirituality from justice, this one's for you. Special thanks to Def Sound for providing the theme for Interrupting Everything.⁣⁣⁣⁣

What happens when Black women reclaim the divine from white supremacy and return prayer to its rightful place—as a tool of remembrance, resistance, and radical liberation? In this sacred and searing conversation, Nikki Blak and Bossy Bruja explore what it means to decolonize prayer and reclaim God to expand spirituality beyond the image of the old white male deity. Together, they dismantle the colonized theology that taught Black women to worship their oppressor and reveal how prayer, when practiced through a womanist, African-centered lens—becomes a living praxis of liberation. They discuss: How Black women have always been the theologians, prophets, and conjurers of freedom Why white dominance and patriarchy distorted our relationship with God The spiritual and political power of naming God in our own image How daily devotion, journaling, and solitude can return us to divine alignment The difference between begging for change and becoming the prayer itself This episode is a homecoming for the spiritually-rooted and politically-awake. It's a reminder that God has never been distant, neutral, or white and that Black prayer is both strategy and spell for collective freedom. Special thanks to Def Sound for providing the theme for Interrupting Everything.⁣⁣⁣⁣

In this episode, Nikki Blak calls out the rising trend of "race-neutral" activism that refuses to name whiteness, and exposes why that confusion is not accidental. From the misuse of "moral courage" to the collective amnesia about what racism actually is, we unpack how whiteness hides behind language of unity, neutrality, and "humanity." If you've ever found yourself wondering how so many "liberation spaces" still end up centering white comfort, this episode will make it plain.  It's time to stop confusing individual courage with systemic change and remember that anti-racism — and collective liberation — still requires naming whiteness, always. Special thanks to Def Sound for providing the theme for Interrupting Everything.⁣⁣⁣⁣

In the final part of this foundational 2-part series, Nikki Blak dismantles the confusion surrounding what racism actually is and replaces it with a definition that's clear, powerful, and impossible to ignore. Missed Part 1? Go listen to Episode 45: "How Racism Created Race." It lays the historical foundation for this conversation. Nikki explains why racism is not about intentions, slurs, or "being nice." Unless we're naming what it actually is, we're wasting everyone's time. In this episode, Nikki breaks down: Why state-sanctioned and extra-legal violence are both central to how racism works The myth of "reverse racism" and why impact—not feelings—matters How "racializing projects" operate (i.e., the ways that institutions and policies assign meaning to race) Real-world examples of structural racism messing with every sector (housing, law enforcement, healthcare) Why intent is a distraction, and what real intervention must look like How liberation work changes when we act from structural definitions rather than surface ones A 5-question "Is this racist?" checklist that dismantles confusion in real time This is not the "Racism 101" you're used to. This is a structural breakdown for people ready to confront how white dominance shapes policy, language, and the way we live — or die. Subscribe, share, and come back for what's next. This two-part series is the foundation of Nikki's anti-oppression work — and a resource you'll come back to again and again. Special thanks to Def Sound for providing the theme for Interrupting Everything.⁣⁣⁣⁣  

In this episode, Nikki Blak takes listeners back to the basics — but with a clarity and depth that most "anti-racism" conversations never reach. Despite 5 of protests, DEI trainings, and bookshelf makeovers since the racial reckoning of 2020, too many people still don't understand what racism actually is. That's not an accident. It's by design. This isn't a surface-level chat about being "nice" or having "bias." It's a masterclass on race as a political project and racism as its operating system. And before we can move forward in any liberatory work, we've got to get the definition right. In this episode, Nikki breaks down: Why race is a fabricated social construct, not a biological fact How racism predates race and was used to justify colonialism, enslavement, and exploitation Who benefits from our confusion about race and racism (hint: it's not the most marginalized) Why "colorblindness," mixed babies, and diversity statements are not liberation The only definition of racism that matters  This episode is dense, necessary, and long overdue. Whether you're new to this work or have been "listening and learning" since 2020, it's time to stop debating the obvious and get on the same page. Special thanks to Def Sound for providing the theme for Interrupting Everything.⁣⁣⁣⁣  

In this episode, Nikki celebrates the 5-year anniversary of leaving her "mission-driven" 9–5 to become a full-time entrepreneur. What started as a leap of faith turned into a deep dive into self-liberation, sustainable business, and what it really means to build work around justice, in action, not just a mission statement. Nikki shares five hard-won lessons from her journey—lessons about unlearning grind culture, untangling self-worth from productivity, and building business practices that reflect her values as a Black woman committed to collective liberation. This episode is for anyone dreaming of more freedom, but especially for those navigating the tension between survival and sovereignty. In this episode, Nikki unpacks: How white supremacy hides in "mission-driven" organizations Why rest is a requirement, not a reward The difference between making money and defining success How "doing it all" is a trap, not a flex What it means to build a business that doesn't require code-switching, shrinking, or assimilation Whether you're still clocking in or running your own show, these lessons are an invitation to reimagine your labor, your leadership, and your liberation. Special thanks to Def Sound for providing the theme for Interrupting Everything.⁣⁣⁣⁣  

In September 2020, at the height of a global pandemic and racial uprisings, Interrupting Everything host, Nikki Blak made the decision to walk away from her corporate 9-5 job. On paper, it was the "responsible" path — salary, benefits, unlimited PTO — but safety under capitalism is a scam. What she wanted was something no company could offer: full access to her own time, labor, and freedom. This episode shares the story behind that pivotal moment: what it took to leave, why 2020 made the choice even more urgent, and how reclaiming her labor opened the door to joy, creativity, and collective liberation. This story isn't just about one person quitting a job. It's about the courage to question what we're told is safe, the audacity to imagine more for ourselves, and the reminder that liberation is possible even in chaotic times. Tune in to hear what it looks like to choose self-determination over exploitation and why reclaiming our labor is a collective act of resistance. Special thanks to Def Sound for providing the theme for Interrupting Everything.⁣⁣⁣⁣  

You've read the books. Listened to the podcasts — maybe even this one — week after week. But if you're still afraid to speak up… Still stuck in white guilt… Still playing it safe… Then we need to talk. Because collective liberation doesn't live on your bookshelf. It doesn't come from good intentions. It comes from action. From risk. From being seen and held and challenged in community. In this last call for Interrupting White Womanhood, we're interrupting the belief that thinking about the work is the work and inviting you to step out of consumption and into transformation. 🎧 Listen now and apply to the final round of Interrupting White Womanhood before the doors close at 11:59 pm PT, Friday, September 19, 2025. TAP HERE to apply for the final round. Special thanks to Def Sound for providing the theme for Interrupting Everything.⁣⁣⁣⁣

"Now's not the right time." How many times have you said that to yourself about joining Interrupting White Womanhood, taking a leap, and showing up more boldly in the work? In this episode, we're confronting the myth of the perfect moment. The illusion that if life were just a little calmer, a little more stable, a little more together, then you'd finally be ready to step in. The truth is that moment doesn't exist. And waiting for it allows you to stay stuck. This is the final round of Interrupting White Womanhood. There is no next time. If you've been waiting for a sign, this is it. 👉🏾 Applications for the final round of Interrupting White Womanhood close this Friday, September 19th. TAP HERE to apply for the final round. Special thanks to Def Sound for providing the theme for Interrupting Everything.⁣⁣⁣⁣

You've been reading the emails, liking the posts, listening to the podcast. You're informed. You're thoughtful. You care deeply. But you still haven't applied to Interrupting White Womanhood. So what's stopping you? In this newest episode of Interrupting Everything, I'm calling in the quiet pattern of lurking instead of leading and convincing yourself that watching from the sidelines is doing the work. Spoiler: it's not. If you've been hovering in this ecosystem for months (or years!) but haven't stepped into the container, this one's for you. I break down why the fear of being seen, messing up, or "not being ready yet" is holding you back and why the real transformation happens when you get in the room. This is the final round of Interrupting White Womanhood. The doors are closing on Friday, for good. 🎧 Tune in to hear why now is the moment you've been preparing for. 👉🏾 Applications for the final round of Interrupting White Womanhood close this Friday, September 19th. TAP HERE to apply for the final round. TAP HERE to register for the free Open House event (Sept 17th @ Noon PT). Special thanks to Def Sound for providing the theme for Interrupting Everything.⁣⁣⁣⁣

In this episode, Nikki Blak names the financial hesitation many folks feel when it comes to joining a program like Interrupting White Womanhood. If you've ever said, "I can't afford it," this conversation is for you. We'll unpack: Why most of us have internalized scarcity and shame around investing in ourselves How systems of white dominance, capitalism, and patriarchy shape our spending habits The real reason your Sephora cart gets the green light — and your liberation work doesn't What becomes possible when your values and your money actually align 👉 Applications for the final round of Interrupting White Womanhood close this Friday, September 19th. TAP HERE to apply for the final round TAP HERE to register for the free Open House event (Sept 17th @ Noon) Special thanks to Def Sound for providing the theme for Interrupting Everything.⁣⁣⁣⁣

If you've been spinning the block on Interrupting White Womanhood and telling yourself "maybe later," this episode is your invitation to interrupt that pattern and get real about what's possible when you reclaim just 60 minutes a week for transformation. You'll learn: Why "not having time" is often a trauma-induced response — but not the end of the story How Interrupting White Womanhood was built to increase capacity, not drain it Why this final round of the program matters more than ever What's inside the 4-month mentorship (and why it's nothing like a book club or lecture series) 👉🏾 Applications close this Friday, September 19th. This is your moment. The door is open. TAP HERE to apply for the final round of Interrupting White Womanhood TAP HERE to register for the free Open House event (Sept 17th @ Noon) Special thanks to Def Sound for providing the theme for Interrupting Everything.⁣⁣⁣⁣

Waiting isn't neutral, it's a decision. In this newest episode of Interrupting Everything, Nikki calsl out the ways fear, guilt, perfectionism, and white feminist socialization keep you stuck in cycles of delay, preserving the very systems you claim to oppose. From "bookmarking resources" to "waiting for permission," she shows you how postponing action costs the collective clarity, power, relationships, and even the world we hope to transform. This episode drives home the urgency of acting now, not later. You'll learn how to interrupt your own holding patterns, move from performance to practice, and step into collective liberation with clarity and courage. If you've been lingering on the sidelines, this is your invitation to stop waiting and start interrupting. This is the final week to join the last round of the 4-month mentorship and community program, Interrupting White Womanhood. Interrupting White Womanhood is the place for folks racialized as white and socialized as women develop the clarity, courage, and community to break up with white feminism and show up in solidarity without consuming more books and trying (and failing) at perfection. TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION Special thanks to Def Sound for providing the theme for Interrupting Everything.⁣⁣⁣⁣

In this episode of "Interrupt Everything," Nikki breaks down the concept of "interrupting" as a crucial step towards liberation. Listen to explore the 4 zones of interrupting and get an introduction to the action framework which, a teaching tool Nikki developed especially for the Interrupt Series. Apply to join the final round of Interrupting White Womanhood, the 4-month mentorship and community for folks racialized as white and socialized as women. You'll be supported to develop the clarity, courage, and community to break up with white feminism and show up in solidarity without consuming more books and trying (and failing) at perfection. TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION Special thanks to Def Sound for providing the theme for Interrupting Everything.⁣⁣⁣⁣