United Roots

Our first episode in a series where we explore the cultural impact of people and cultures that have become etched into the American culture and become a permanent part of the American swirl.  Today we talk about the wonder that is Sister Rosetta Tharpe and the influence artists like her and Robert Johnson are still having on American music today.  Also, there's a little bonus conversation at the end of the episode where we really just talk about what we've talked about in a less guarded way. We've often said that's always the best conversations throughout this whole process. Maybe you'll agree.  If you get a chance, pick up Changes. 

Rall and Rudy are back after a too long hiatus. We're talking Tyre Nichols and Rhianna this time around. And we mention this awesome poem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AVKvy9PebE. We're rusty, but dammit feels good to be back.

Rall still thinks America is a solid 7 while Rudy isn't sure it's a 5. We talk Roe v. Wade and their experience as men and abortion (hint: we're in favor). They talk video games and a few other things. And Rall has some really awesome news! 

Last week we had high hopes for our next episode. Then American did what America does. 

Rudy and Rall talk about moving to Paris and Greece, respectively. Rudy explains the pinch and roll method.  The little old racist lady makes Rudy afraid to make friends in the South. We revisit how to treat bullies.  Rall's beautiful, breathtaking mama has a birthday! No seriously, she is stop-traffic gorgeous. Rudy tells a heartwarming story that'll make you vomit.  Rudy's dirty. Rudy talks too much.

Rall carries Rudy while Rudy sounds like a whiney depressed shit. It's good clean fun. 

Rall and Rudy talk about that shit that went down at the Oscars. Also, they discuss Rall's newfound whiteness and Rudy is Japanese. Also, the awesome new Supreme Court Justice!

Aside from Rall's ashy knees, we discuss Ukraine. Listen, we know we're not experts in the field, but we are human. And this is a very human issue.  And for those inclined, here is that thing I wrote: When I am 70 Enjoy. And let us know what you think.  Rudy and Rall

We talk some VD, T-Pain, mental health, and that bomb ass halftime show.

Rudy gets Rall's opinion on using THAT word.  Trinidad James and Don Lemon Rapper Gunna opens free grocery store And remember: Rudy LOOOVVEEEESSS Stacey Abrams!

Rall and Rudy welcome in the new year with new plans for the year!  Things on tap this episode: the wonder that is Stacy Abrams, the sentencing for the murderers of Ahmaud Arbery, Rudy's obsession with Rall's obsession with his wife, and plans for 2022! 

This week Rall is hiding in the closet. We talk old video games, Ted Lasso, Wrexham, the horrible English accent and Rall reminds Rudy that world does not always suck.

Wow, Rudy gets off to a banging start. Thank god Rall was there to pick up his slack. We celebrate the Atlanta indictment. Suck it DJT fans. We talk about the shitty week that involved the three beautiful black folks in Jacksonville murdered for having melanin; the murder of Laura Ann Carlton for having the audacity to hang a rainbow flag to show support to the LGBT+. We also talked about the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington. Rudy leaves Rall strict instructions to keep the U.S. in line next week. Thanks for listening. Show notes: https://www.them.us/story/laura-ann-carleton-killed-pride-flag https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2023/08/26/developing-heavy-police-presence-reported-on-kings-road/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_on_Washington_for_Jobs_and_Freedom

We're back with a whole new show and swagger! This week we explain why we changed up the name and the feel of this podcast. We dive deep into the rumble on the river, the Michael Oher story (where Rudy WAS SO VERY WRONG about Sandra Bullock's ethnicity), and Rudy tells the story of that one time he became friends with the kid who kicked his ass in Jr. High. It's good, clean fun.

This week we interview author Joshua Kramer and illustrator C. Fulsty about their beautiful new children's book: We. A Reminder of the Kindness In Us All.  Joshua Kramer is a husband, father, fireman, Superhero, and author. In his spare time he likes to help make the world by working with Punk Rock Saves Lives. C. Fulsty is an illustrator and author. We, is his 13th children's book. You can find all of his books on his website: cfulstybooks.com benefit charities as Punk Rock Saves,  the Colorado Veterans Project, and the Tony Sly Music Foundation For Kids. Soon he will publish a book that will also benefit the Colorado Skateboarding Society. These two guys are making the world a better place!  You can purchase We in Kindle or paperback. A portion of the proceeds will go to Punk Rock Saves Lives. Punk Rock Saves Lives is a catalyst at  events allowing the punk rock community to start focusing on Health and  Wellness (with an emphasis in mental health), human rights, and  equality. A portion will also go to The Chip Terry Fund for First Responders. The Chip Terry Fund's mission is to provide  educational, financial and emotional support and counseling to police,  fire, and other emergency personnel and their families, particularly  those affected by PTSD and other occupational related stress disorders. Finally, we catch you up on just what has been keeping us away these last couple of months. Hint: life has been very good to us. 

This  week we are talking to our good friend - artist, advocate, beautiful  human - from across the pond, Josh George about all things Meghan Markle  and the Royals! Josh also helps educate us on proper use of pronouns  and explains just what a "nonce" really is! Do listen in. And share! You can see Josh's artwork on the new weekly singles drop by Danny Gruff over on Spotify. 

This week we got a new theme song! Shoutout to Rasul Elder for putting that together for us.  We talk about the wonders of comic books and WandaVision! And we added a little bonus from last week's missed episode. Enjoy,  Rudy and Rall.

In this episode Rall drops some knowledge about colorism. Rudy gets a little heated discussing the rise in racism towards our Asian brethren. Warning: questionable language.

Rall and Rudy talk about the impact Covid is having on the Latino community, the never ending nightmare that is Donald J. Trump, and the emotions of the inauguration.  Thanks for listening!

Hell of a lot of fun talking to Poppa The Don Elder today! Everything from MLK, the Plainfield Riots, JFK, and a father's love for his son. Buckle up for this one, it is one hell of a ride. More info on some of today's topics:  MLK and the government plot Plainfield Riots Language warning.