The ICE Raids and National Guard deployments being conducted by the Trump Administration are loudly decried by leftist groups, but there is plenty of recent historic precedence for them. Even President Barak Obama was widely known as “The Deporter-in-Chief”. He deported millions of illegal aliens, but he was Black, which gave him political cover to do wildly unpopular things no white President could get away with. Trump’s ICE raids make good political theater, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he fails to break Obama’s record. I am concerned all this violent rhetoric and deadly confrontations are ripe conditions to be exploited in a way that hurts all of us regular people.Sources and Methods:Gavin Newsom Cleaning Up San Franciscohttps://src.senate.ca.gov/content/lipstick-pig-newsom-cleans-san-francisco-days-celebrity-event-after-years-failuresRegular Black Citizens Acknowledge Guard Deployments Are Workinghttps://x.com/TheThe1776/status/1977435636878705003https://x.com/Breaking911/status/1977471825585361246Riots Used for Political PowerHow Politics Sometimes Uses High Crime This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.focuslbk.show/subscribe
Focus LBK is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.focuslbk.show/subscribe
*Note: Last week, during our conversation with visiting artist Randy Groden, the name came up of another world renowned local artist. We refer to master ceramicist James Watkins. We thought we would dig this deep conversation out and present it anew, since our audience has grown since we first published it.Sometimes, a person comes to your attention in a way that seems pre-planned. Each step in the process is a synchronicity, like you were ultimately bound to meet them. And, upon meeting them, the result is a harmonious alchemy1, a mixing of disparate elements, themes, generations and art forms which imparts subtle lessons and leaves a distinct impression.Mr. James C. Watkins is that type of soul. His quiet manner seems to hint at a knowledge of deep things; the secrets of fire and clay, mixed together, come what may.Black cauldrons, standing on tripod feet, bubbling on flames you’ve been charged to keep. Memories in the bones, Earth deep.We visited Mr. Watkins’ exquisite studio on November 23rd, 2024. He showed us around while we spoke of first of one thing, then another, in ways that entwined and coiled back upon themselves.We gleaned hints of his workflow, and his mindset. We captured him amongst his tools, and felt like we knew exactly where he was coming from. Some details were elusive, but certain points were etched in gold, and danced over the surface of our discourse.Mr. Watkins has travelled the globe on the strength of his artistic vision, yet he seems to keep a firm grasp on what counts: the heart, the soul and the very dust that makes us. The grit that gets into you and makes you reach for what lies beyond.His roots lie in Alabama, on the family farm. His people were makers and free spirits, and Free Men who believed in God, their land, and the skill of their own hands.Their finger prints seem etched into his mind, and dusted across his heart, looking like the lines and swirls pressed into the fields that surround our fair flat city. Lubbock, Texas, USA, jewel of the High Plains.Mr. Watkins has heralded this place at each step in his broad travels, leaving traces on the globe like Arabic calligraphy. Repping the Hub City from Colombia to Vietnam, and plunging his fingers into the dirt at each stop.In our conversation for today’s show, we talk about some of the technical aspects of ceramics, but we also touch on some of the more esoteric parts of throwing clay.We explore the concept of traveling through our dreams to retrieve the blueprints of our work. Completing the piece, and them contemplating it, refining it, and starting again on the never ending process of creation.We hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did. We’d also like to send special thanks to Liz Adams, who introduced us to Mr. Watkins. Check out Liz’ work at The Atom.Focus LBK is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.focuslbk.show/subscribe
World renowned traditional and expressionist artist Randy Groden stopped by Focus LBK Studios to talk to us about his fascinating life and work. He grew up in Dallas, where he gravitated toward painting at an early age. From there he eventually travelled the world on the strength of his celebrated nude and expressionist paintings. His works are on display at Caviel’s Museum and Art Gallery, where they can be viewed during this coming First Friday Art Trail on September 3rd.Mr. Groden will later have a private opening party at 6 p.m. on October 18th, also at Caviel’s. He has graciously invited listeners of the Focus LBK Show to join him for the event.Mr. Groden also offers private art classes. Call him at (808) 280-8134 for details.Focus LBK is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.focuslbk.show/subscribe
In today’s show, Robert expounds on the spirit of evil that seems to be circulating through the country. It’s spread is facilitated by those who push lies and confusion.From killing peaceful speakers to acting possessed on Texas Tech, unfortunately it all connects!Sources and Methods This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.focuslbk.show/subscribe
““Dirty deeds and they’re done dirt cheap”. This is my basic understanding of what politics is. Which is why I don’t claim either political party. I’m not interested in politics. Politics is the game of gaining and maintaining power by election to public office.The basic nature of this “game” involves lying, theft and force. As a libertarian, I desire freedom, which is being able to use your gifts and abilities to run your life as you see fit.As you can see, these two concepts, “politics” and “freedom” are polar opposites. Politics is giving YOUR power to others, to wield as THEY see fit!Freedom is maximizing your power to do as you see fit, as long as you’re aren’t lying, stealing and using force against others. Notice how close freedom is the Golden Rule. Do unto to others as you would have them do unto you.I know which one seems more appealing to me!Focus LBK is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.focuslbk.show/subscribe
We discuss how the wisdom our our ancestors is a repository of strength and insight that can help us avoid being led astray in times of universal deceit. The fruit of being deceived about the basic nature of the world around us manifests itself in the death and chaos we see around us today. The word of God and those of of elders can help us avoid the many pitfalls around. They also help us combat the whispers of those who seek to use as pawns in their games.We also mention ways we plan to highlight our “Words from the Elders” in future content.Focus LBK is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.focuslbk.show/subscribe
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.focuslbk.showIn this episode Robert discusses a busy week of travel and filming that he just completed. On Friday 15 August, Robert and the Jenkins Clan stayed at a dope little place called The Hotel Turkey. Located in Turkey Texas, the spot is a well-loved music venue that serves great food and drinks alongside vintage hotel rooms and groovy containers. While we were there we filmed an episode of the LBK Rhythm and Roots podcast, which will air this Friday at 5pm.Then, on Monday 18 August, Robert flew to New Orleans to attend a conference for camera creatives and communications officers. The sessions were very informative about vertical video and social media marketing. Of course you know we put those new found skills to work making photos around the historic neighborhoods and entertainment districts.Here are some photos we made:And here is our second ever vertical video:But This Was The Best Part:
Man, we have been ripping and running lately, but we’ve got to get the show out no matter what. We are several hundred miles away from the LBK, but thanks to modern technology, we were still able to record and upload. Technology is great right up until the moment it’s not, but don’t fear, we go over some easily doable online safety protocols to help when technology shows it’s shady side.We also recite a poem relevant to the way tech seems like it’s out to get us sometimes.Finally, stay tuned for some of the pics we’ve taken here in “The Big Easy”.The song I mentioned: And here is the poem:Focus LBK is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.focuslbk.show/subscribe
Boy, I’ll tell you what: the adversary was trying to get to us on this episode. We came in to the studio fresh from covering the “National Night Out” at Patterson Library (Shout out to Theresa Wilson and her stalwart crew). Although we got off to a decent start, we then had “technical difficulties” with our lighting and audio. But, we did ameliorate them as well as we could in post production, so all in all, we came out with a good show. We are official boosters for the LBK, so in this episode, we discuss how much we have to be thankful for here in this fair, flat city. We also get into some content additions that we plan to soon implement. Thank y’all for bearing with us, and we hope you enjoy this episode. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.focuslbk.show/subscribe
Hey Lubbock, we are proud to announce we will film the 100th Episode of the Focus LBK Show Live. Plus we get into the importance of where you place your focus. Your focus determines your reality. That’s why we focus on Lubbock on the people who make it special. We get into discussions of our motivations and mission, and then we venture into some thoughts about privacy, freedom and what it means that your cell phone is spying on you.Show Notes This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.focuslbk.show/subscribe
As I was filming today’s episode, I had the beginnings of an epiphany. I sometimes imitate the way my grandpa used to talk. Later, talking to Lovely Wife, it dawned on me that part of my identity is to be a link to the past. I am from a generation where I knew and was raised by not only both of my parents, but also by many of my grandparents.I think this is part of my love for history. I’m basically a link to a much earlier time in the history of black people in America. I remember the example, attitudes, strengths and outlooks of a group of black people that came of age during the Great Depression, World War II, and the great migration out of the South. They tended to be of greater resilience, self-reliance and determination compared with most people of the last couple of generations. Their out look shapes mine greatly, and it the genius of these might by flawed regular old folks that is worth conserving so that we can reach back and take of their strength and wisdom to help us in these fairly bleak times.I also got real about the source of one of our greatest obstacles: black-on-black violence. Have you heard of the meme “13/52”? I get into the painful truth about it and more.Focus LBK is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.focuslbk.show/subscribe
We had a very interesting conversation Mr. Rocc Sanders, proprietor of Rocc Solid Fitness. We talked about everything from the roots of bullying, to children being seduced into “that street life”. Unfortunately, we were a bit time-constrained, but please believe we plan to finish our wide-ranging discussion in the near future.The main point to take away from this episode is that Mr. Sanders’ company Creating Equal Opportunity (CEO) is sponsoring a back to school drive which will take place on Saturday August 2nd from 10a-2p. If you would like to help by donating items, please drop off grade-appropriate supplies at Rocc Solid Fitness on 19th and MLK between the hours of 8a-8p. They will be accepting donations until July 31st.Focus LBK is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.focuslbk.show/subscribe
This past Independence Day weekend, senseless violence broke out in pockets across the nation from Philadelphia, to Cincinnati. The LBK also experienced it’s own tragic mass shooting.Our Founding Fathers believed that freedom was only possible among moral people. Immoral people can’t govern themselves. This lack of self-control ensures government will use force to control them. And of course government force, in turn, limits freedom. Sobering thoughts.Also, I recently got a chance to speak with some smart kids at the Parkway-Sommerville Center who are striving for good things in life. I spoke about the How and Why of Podcasting, and it felt like many of those young folks were interested in what I had to say. Hopefully, they represent a strong fresh generation of people who move and do things. Catch the speech I gave during the second half of the ‘cast.Sources and Methods Watch some of the videos in question, if you can bear it.Philly:Cincinnatihttps://www.lubbockonline.com/story/news/crime/2025/07/06/police-id-17-year-old-killed-in-officer-involved-shooting-in-lubbock/84485245007/https://www.facebook.com/The806erOfficial/posts/watch-decide-a-new-video-has-surfaced-from-the-july-5-shooting-on-parkway-drive-/722298340547835/Focus LBK is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.focuslbk.show/subscribe
Mr. Brady Baldwin is a quiet hero here in LBK. A longtime resident of the Dunbar neighborhood, he served as a Deacon at Lyons’ Chapel, and worked at many different professions during his long, well-lived life. In fact, he is one of the men who helped build many parts of the city, including Lyons' Chapel itself. Mr. Baldwin’s 102nd Birthday celebration will be held at Mae Simmons Community Center on Monday July 14th at 5pm. We plan to document the event and would encourage you to try to make it out.We interviewed Mr. Baldwin at his home in 2023, and since his birthday is around the corner, we decided to publish this oral history interview again, to allow those who don’t know Mr. Baldwin to hear his story.Mr. Baldwin is a sharp and solid link to the past, and we are blessed to have Elders like him still with us. Their memories and stories provide important context for our lives and struggles today. Their accomplishments and examples also keep us grounded and provide a deep well of strength and wisdom that we can call on when needed.Focus LBK is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.focuslbk.show/subscribe
We had a great, though very busy time this Juneteenth Week. On Thursday, Juneteenth Committee co-chairs Cory Powell and D’Juana McPherson kicked off the festivities at the Patterson Library. Afterwards, I spoke on the subject of “The First Four Lessons of Freedom”. I attached that speech to the end of this podcast in case you missed it. Later that weekend, The Focus LBK crew made video and pictures out in the community at several different events.We found out somewhat late about the bombing campaign in Iran and were disgusted by what we heard. As we thought about all of this, we realized that a subtle thread of modern-day slavery runs through the whole thing.Nevertheless, we were uplifted when we viewed the pictures we made of the events. You can check them out here:And here are even more:Focus LBK is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.focuslbk.show/subscribe
Today we had a rollicking-good conversation with self-described “Hick-Lib” Kyle Rable, who’s seeking to unseat the current District 19 Congressman Jodie Arrington.Kyle is proud of his progressive take on how to fix what ails our beautiful-but-gritty little-city and the region beyond. We conversed about everything from unions to drag queens, then shook hands and made plans to do it again.Check Kyle out at his website: https://www.rableforwesttexas.com/Focus LBK is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.focuslbk.show/subscribe
A few weeks ago, Focus LBK did our first on site studio at the Guadalupe-Parkway Neighborhood Center, aka “Sommerville”. The young people we spoke to were all intelligent, thoughtful and engaging to the extent that it actually gave us a better feeling about the future of this country.We met the Senior Program Director, Dalexae Johnson, and were immediately intrigued to see such a young man being so obviously successful and at home in his position of leadership.Needless to say, we invited him on to the show and had and just really broke down all the excellent programs Sommerville Center offers to the community. Check out the live show we did a few weeks ago that kicked this whole journey off: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.focuslbk.show/subscribe
News and personal interactions have helped me realize the importance of being free from the influence of those who would do you ill. I get into an article about how the government expected violence from people who were against the government over-reactions of the covid era. I then connect the dots to a stressful family situation one of my friends recently concluded. We realized that being physically mentally, or financially beholden to “the system” puts you under the control of those who are in “the system” solely to wield power.Basically, it is a form of slavery to be unhealthy, and in-debt. Duh!Sources and Methods: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.focuslbk.show/subscribe
Did you know Mr. Brady Baldwin Day is around the corner? You didn’t? Well that’s ok, we just made that holiday up. But, if anyone in Lubbock was to have a day named for them, we’d heartily nominate Mr. Baldwin, of East Lubbock.He will soon be 102 years of age. He helped build this fair, flat city of ours. He is a deacon at Lyon’s Chapel Baptist Church, and get this: Dr. Lyons, one the LBK’s first black dentists, was actually Mr. Baldwin’s dentist. Check out our previous article on Mr. Baldwin below.Plus, one of Lubbock’s City ordinances is, in our estimation, just plain silly! See what in the world Robert is talking about on episode 89 of the focus LBK Show!And here is the full Interview:Focus LBK is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.focuslbk.show/subscribe