Keep Me DFRNT

Cultural dialogues from underrepresented voices in the black community. Host Bios: O’Neil Cespedes is a Shakespeare-loving, comedy improv trained, anime obsessed Jiu Jitsu/Tae Kwon Do Backbelt. He’s also a co-host of Finding Mastery AMA. IG: @hyumanbeing Michelle Marques is a neurodivergent writer with a background in journalism and a Master of Arts in African American Studies. Her writing/research focuses on gender/sexuality, race, neurodiversity, and pop culture. IG: @michellemar.ques Garren Strong is an entrepreneur who has worked in sportswear strategy and marketing for over a decade. He’s also an adjunct professor at the University of Oregon and a self-published author. IG: @garrenstrong

To Code Switch or to not Code Switch

Can Black People show up authentically as themselves in every space?

06-05
37:07

Gender, Love and Sexuality Fluidity part 2

Picking up from episode 5, we continue to explore gender and sexual fluidity. 

05-24
36:05

Keep Me DFRNT Episode 5 Gender And Sexuality

Traditional gender norms, labels and antiquated ways of old. Is it time for a reset and updated upgrade for us all?

05-16
34:56

Keep Me DFRNT Episode 3: Are You Afraid of AI?

On this episode we think about how the future of AI will impact black people in the U.S. How can we prepare? Time Stamps: (00:00) Intro (05:00) Black people in STEM (07:00) Access and Exposure (10:00) Where are The Cool Black Scientists? (21:00) Preparing for AI Sources: https://www.mckinsey.com/bem/our-insights/the-impact-of-generative-ai-on-black-communities https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/15/us/politics/irs-black-americans-tax-audit.html  

04-17
34:23

Keep Me DFRNT Episode 2: Emotional Vulnerability and Black Men

We're feeling some type of way! In this episode we explore the obstacles that men face when trying to be vulnerable with peers and romantic partners.  Time Stamps: (0:00) Intro (04:05) What Does It Mean To "Feel Some Type Of Way?" (09:20) Are You Paying Attention To Me? (12:06) Who Can I Talk To? (15:50) Who Can You Be Yourself With? (18:50) Is There Space For Men To Be Multidimensional? (20:44) Can I Take My Mask Off? (24:00) Growing Up Different (29:25) Reexamining Respectability Politics

04-09
36:05

Keep Me DFRNT Episode 1: Welcome to Keep Me DFRNT

Get to know us on our first episode, where we unpack the growing divide between men and women in the United States today.      

04-01
48:04

Keep Me DFRNT Episode 4: These Wages Ain't It!

On this episode we discuss the potential benefits of universal basic income and the growing disillusionment in higher education. Time Stamps: (0:00) Intro (1:53) Pivoting to Prep for AI’s Takeover (9:40) Disillusionment in Higher Education (12:42) Is Traditional Education Not Engaging Enough? (14:31) HBCUs vs Predominantly White Institutions (21:02) The History of Exploiting College Athletes

03-26
25:49

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