Referential

Dr. Khaliden Nas

Referential is hosted by Dr. Khaliden Nas to have serious conversations about frivolous topics! Each episode takes you on an academically informed deep dive into pop culture and media that never skips out on a stupid joke. Subscribe & join Dr. Khaliden Nas (and the occasional guest!) as we dive into conversations about identity, representation, Blackness, queerness (and so much more) across the cultures that we make; and the cultures that make us. Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. Music by Pampered Fists & Anzahlung. Find out more at www.alsopurple.com

  1. Trans Pride Brighton (with Dr. Sam Hall, Phat Problem & Sarah Savage) (Pt. 2)

    3 FEB

    Trans Pride Brighton (with Dr. Sam Hall, Phat Problem & Sarah Savage) (Pt. 2)

    Part 2! It is currently 2026, I initially wanted to put this series out a lot quicker! (Many these conversations I’ve been holding on to for a few months now!) I’ve been feeling a little guilty about the delay, until recently I decided that it’s a good thing. It’s meant I spent a lot of the past year thinking about this one topic.  This episode spans 3 different conversations I’ve had this past year about the state of our rights- and what does it look like to stand in pride every day. ___________________ Chapter 1: Brighton with Sara Savage (Sarah’s Brighton) I sat with Sarah Savage (CEO of Trans Pride Brighton) after this the 2025 event to talk about her experience of the day- and all the things happening behind the scenes that 15k+ attendees never learn about! As well as how Sarah has already begun her emotional preparations for Trans Pride Brighton 2026!! You can follow Sarah Savage on Insta @OhSarahSavage Pick up your copy of Sarah Savage’s latest book ‘Jackie Trolling and the Evil Human Rights Commission’ ! https://sarahsavage.ink/product/jackie-trolling-and-the-evil-human-rights-commission-2/ You can donate to Trans Pride Brighton https://transpridebrighton.org/keep-trans-pride-brighton-alive-donate-monthly/ ____________________ Chapter 2: Homefront with Dr Sam Hall Dr. Sam Hall is the former lead clinician at Brighton’s WellBN practice; before stepping down from the role last year amid an NHS investigation into gender-affirming care for under-18s. We discuss the past & future of Brighton’s Trans Health Hub, bodily autonomy, narrative violence; and what to do when when hatred visits to your home Read more about Dr. Sam Hall and the WellBN Trans Health Hub service and NHS investigation: https://goodlawproject.org/christian-right-targets-brighton-gp-treating-young-trans-people/ Donate to the Good Law Project https://goodlawproject.org/donate/ ____________________ Chapter 3: Trans Problem with Phat Problem Phat Problem is a Brighton based punk band that was scheduled to perform at the Trans Pride Brighton ’25 stage but never made it after member Frankie was arrested for supporting Palestine a little too loudly. I talked to Frankie and the band to get the story of the day and why it was important to them to stand on that stage especially to speak up for Palestine.  You can follow Phat Problem on Insta @PhatProblem Listen to Phat Problem’s latest on Bandcamp https://phatproblem.bandcamp.com/album/cistem-failure Donate to Southern Gaza relief with The Sameer project https://chuffed.org/project/113222-tent-campaign-the-sameer-project ____________________ Thank you everyone who contributed their voices to this episode and to the Trans Pride Brighton Committee for another year of pride and protest without compromise! Keep up to date with Dr. Khaliden Nas by checking out www.alsopurple.com and following @AlsoPurp on all socials. Hosted, produced & edited by Dr. Khaliden Nas. Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung. Additional audio editing up by Layla Skedaddle Visual production by Victor Alexander (@roughcopyzine on insta!) Podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith.  *This episode feature We Shall Not Be Moved by Phat Problem, used with permission from the band* Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to leave a 5 star rating and review to help people find the podcast! NEXT UP: MIX #3: Breaking Down Brandy’s Full Moon’ [2002] (with Dr. Jonathan Paul Higgins from the ‘Black, Fat, Femme’ Pod!) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 47m
  2. Trans Pride Brighton (with Sarah Savage, Kate Nash and more!) (Pt 1)

    3 FEB

    Trans Pride Brighton (with Sarah Savage, Kate Nash and more!) (Pt 1)

    "We will not give in. We will not give up. We will not bow. We will not beg. We will not capitulate. We will survive." - Sarah Savage (Trans Pride Brighton CEO) Captured sounds and interviews from Trans Pride Brighton 2025. Trans Pride Brighton was the first Trans Pride event outside of the United States. It is also one of the largest, gathering tens of thoughts of Trans people and allies people in protest and celebration. Volunteer-led and taking no corporate sponsorship, the TPB organisation keeps the punk and rebellious spirit of Pride alive, defiant and uncompromising. Voices in order of appearance (@'s instagram): Act 1 (Morning Rain) [0 - 5.30] Victor (@uglyknees)Khaliden (@alsopurp)Glow Choir (@glow.choir)Alfie (@alfiesheppard)Laila (@serendipilayher)Bosun (@bosunburaimoh)Ed (@edviney)Tom B. (@tom.jan)Alice (@visualfeastetc)Sarah Savage (@ohsarahsavage) Act 2 (March/Speeches)[5.30 - 28.30] Sarah Savage (@ohsarahsavage)Proud Wellness (@proudwellness)Mikey (@mikey_caleb89)DaveBosunMatthew (@nationaleducationunion)LeoECP (@ecp_org)Olivia Campbell Cavendish (@translegalclinic)Sarah Savage Act 3 (Stages)[28.31 - 46.58] Charlie Allen (@charlieallen.music)Max DobsonClaireZascha (@pennypounddrag)Just Like Us (@justlikeus)Radical Rhizomes (@radicalrhizomesuk)Industrial Workers of the World (@Industrialworkersoftheworld)Terrance Higgins Trust Brighton (@thtbrightonandhove) Act 4 (Kate Nash/Backstage)[46.58 - 1.01.13] Mizz Kimberly (@Mzzkimberly)Kate Nash interview [53.27 - 1.01.13] Act 5 (Afterparty[s])[1.01.14 - 1.23.21] Prince of Persia (@theprinceofp3rsia)Lilya (@asti.pumantini)Bin Fingered (@binfingered)Wesley (@fanciful_chaos)Misha (@mx_misha) Act 6 (Outro)[1.23.22 - 1.25.19] Victor (@uglyknees)Khaliden (@alsopurp)Glow Choir (@glow.choir) Thank you everyone who contributed their voices to this episode and to the Trans Pride Brighton Committee for another year of pride and protest without compromise. Find resources and more about Trans Pride Brighton at https://linktr.ee/transpridebrighton Make a donation at https://transpridebrighton.org/donate/ Keep up to date with Dr. Khaliden Nas by checking out www.alsopurple.com and following @AlsoPurp on all socials. Hosted, produced & edited by Dr. Khaliden Nas. Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung. Video production by Victor Alexander (Check out his film video essays @Clevvergirl on tiktok!) Podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith.  Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to leave a 5 star rating and review to help people find the podcast! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 27m
  3. 'Queer Cancellation' (With Victor Alexander)

    14 JAN · BONUS

    'Queer Cancellation' (With Victor Alexander)

    Drop Call #6 Victor and I try to make sense of why 2026 is starting with all the queers getting ‘cancelled’.  “Cancellation”Memetic Pile OnsGinger Minj Vs The WorldEscape from Gag CityBowen Yang and Matt RogersDylan Mulvaney Professor Mel CurthHeated Rivalry (again again)The gays in the bubbleGotmik and Violet Chachki and Marilyn MansonLindsay Ellis and Victor Vs Raya the Last DragonContrapointsFujoshis Vs KhalidenGreg Rucka ___________ Find Victor @roughcopyzine on insta and @roughcopyzinebtn on tiktok! Keep up to date by following @AlsoPurp on all socials. Original podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith.  Video Production by Victor Alexander (@Ugly_knees on insta and @clevvergirl on Tiktok) Subscribe to our Youtube Page! https://youtube.com/@referentialpod More at www.alsopurple.com Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to leave a 5 star rating and review to help people find the podcast! _____ NEXT UP: Trans Pride Brighton '25 (with Dr. Sam Hall, Phat Problem & Sarah Savage) (Pt 2) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    53 min
  4. (Video Update) Ancient Hatreds (Or New Antisemitism, and the Left’s ‘Muslim Problem’ with Dr. Jonathan Galton)

    2 JAN

    (Video Update) Ancient Hatreds (Or New Antisemitism, and the Left’s ‘Muslim Problem’ with Dr. Jonathan Galton)

    Video available to view on the Spotify app or YouTube _________ 'The Imperial Sessions Part 2' Conversations on Fascism & Media  / Video Episode 5 Vid version updates on Youtube + Spotify some weeks after initial audio-only release. Ancient Hatreds (Or New Antisemitism, and the Left’s ‘Muslim Problem’ with Dr. Jonathan Galton) In Part 2 of The Imperial Sessions series I'm joined by Dr. Jonathan Galton to talk about his upcoming book 'Does Islamo-Leftism exist? British-Left-Muslim connections beyond the caricatures'. Jonathan shared with me a chapter titled 'Is the Left antisemitic?' and that spurred us to record a conversation unpacking his research and reflecting on what it all means in this current moment.  We talk Histories of Antisemitism, Anti-Zionism and 'New Antisemitism'Palestine as a 'Left wing' cause'Islamo-leftism'The UK Left's 'Muslim problem'The UK Left and AntisemitismConflation as an active practiceSelf contextualisingAn Arab in the WestPositionality and abandoning 'outsider research''Unholy alliance' narrativesDehumanisationZohran Mamdani, Brad Lander and Stephen ColbertIslamophobia and the LeftCentring the research subjectThe centring of Israel in discussions about Jewish identityRise of Judaeo-Christian unityOl' RhodesiaWe are the quotaThe re-branding of Palestinian resistanceThe 'coalition of the willing'Joe Biden *sigh*'Middle-classification''Political Blackness''Islamist cranks'You should listen to The Trojan Horse Affair."We're all we got". __________ If you'd like to donate to a credible organisation seeking to help the people of Gaza here are a few I'd recommend: Support QT Palestinians and the First QTM helpline: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTk5ODA1 The Sameer Project : https://linktr.ee/thesameerproject Al-Jawad Camp's donation links can be found on their Instagram bio: https://www.instagram.com/jawadcamp1 The Rammun Foundation: https://rammunfoundation.org/ __________ CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro 9:42 Introductory chat 20:51 Introduction to Jonathan’s current research on "Islamo-Leftism" narratives 35:20 Overview of Jonathan’s book chapter dissecting tropes of "Left/Muslim antisemitism" 39:09 History of British Jews and the Labour Party's shifting relationship to Israel ("Jewish entry into whiteness", impact of holocaust, "Judaeo-Bolshevik",' "Judaeo-Christian" 49:00 Shifting modes of antisemitism in the 18th century ("emancipation of Jewry") and 20th century (the "new antisemitism") 56:00 Anti-capitalism, antisemitism and anti-Arab sentiment in the 1970s and beyond 1:02:33 Alaska sits Jonathan’s my lap 1:02:30 Antisemitism in Islamic contexts (historical and contemporary) and the myth of "ancient hatred" 1:07:28 The Labour Party "antisemitism" crisis; blurring of anti-Zionism and antisemitism (real and imagined) 1:20:50 Palestine marches and accusations of antisemitism and Islamo-Leftism 1:31:20 Gaza as an electoral issue 1:40:50 Final thoughts https://open.spotify.com/episode/7emSDa7IMxIgAU2vZv4xPr __________ You can download Jonathan's monograph 'Fake Gods and False History: Being Indian in a contested Mumbai neighbourhood' for FREE here: https://uclpress.co.uk/book/fake-gods-and-false-history/ + check out his latest album All The Years: https://open.spotify.com/album/2idFSAr6PRYW4xW9syTyN1?si=Uw7f0OBjRwarGLW4BJWDiw Send an email to referentialpodcast@gmail.com  if you have any thoughts on a past episode you'd like featured in a future episode! You can find Dr. Jonathan Galton on twitter @JonathanGalton. Keep up to date with the podcast by following @AlsoPurp on all socials. Hosted and produced by Dr. Khaliden Nas. Additional editing assistance by Laila.  Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung. Original podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith.  Find our video essays on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@referentialp More at www.alsopurple.com Thank you for listening! Remember to leave the pod a 5* rating and review to help other people find the show! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 47m
  5. (The Lost Pilot) Troye & Sam (Or Queering the Mainstream with Miss Sundi) [RE-RELEASE]

    26/12/2025 · BONUS

    (The Lost Pilot) Troye & Sam (Or Queering the Mainstream with Miss Sundi) [RE-RELEASE]

    RE-RELEASE A lot of you joined us since the first days of the pod so I figured I'd re-up the first ever test episode of REFERENTIAL recorded with the one and only Miss Sundi for those of you who mixed it!Give it a listen and REFERENTIAL will be back with you proper in a few days! ---------- Tangent Episode #1** *Apologies for the audio quality! It's not too bad but we were still learning. Miss Sundi will be back on the pod soon with the mic their voice deserves!* *'Tangents' are audio-only episodes posted more frequently than Video Episodes because they require less work/research/editing Expect quick reviews, edited out content, collabs, mailbags, live audio, and so on.. * Miss Sundi and I sit down to talk about and queerness in the mainstream, baby gays and how we're imagining queer futures. + Find out how we also fit the following in: Troye Sivan & Sam SmithQueer JoyPost-EmpowermentCritiquing with empathyIdina Menzel is a 'Beast'Queer male bodiesLatinx MadonnaPride partiesJanet Jackson moaningQueer utopiasMoeshaQueerness & palatabilityRemember when Adele was dressed like Jamaica? And more! If you like homework, or looking for a recommendation list you can find the 'Citation Page' for this episode on the website www.alsopurple.com. You'll find all the books, shows and pods referenced in this conversation. Find Miss Sundi at sundi.in.the.park on Instagram and & @MJSundi elsewhere. Keep up to date by following @AlsoPurp on all socials. Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung. Podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith.  More at www.alsopurple.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    48 min
  6. 'Pillion' x 'Gay Media Catch-Up' (With Victor Alexander)

    20/12/2025 · BONUS

    'Pillion' x 'Gay Media Catch-Up' (With Victor Alexander)

    Drop Call #5 Victor and I review Pillion and catch up on all the gay media that's been hitting 'the discourse' SPOILERSPillionDudley in the closetHeated Rivalry (again)Fujoshis Vs Jordan FirstmanGay v Queer mediaRotting in the SunAMC's Anne Rice's Interview With the VampirePaper Bag GirlsI Love LADrag RaceSusan Sontag Camp SexyHenry?Phantom Thread ________ Directed by Harry Lighton, Pillion is a coming of age film about a timid young gay man named Colin (Harry Melling) who enters into a BDSM relationship with Ray (Alexander Skarsgard), an enigmatic and handsome biker ________ Find Victor @ugly_knees on insta! Keep up to date by following @AlsoPurp on all socials. Original podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith.  Video Production by Victor Alexander (@Ugly_knees on insta and @clevvergirl on Tiktok) Subscribe to our Youtube Page! https://youtube.com/@referentialpod More at www.alsopurple.com Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to leave a 5 star rating and review to help people find the podcast! _____ NEXT UP: Trans Pride Brighton '25 (with Dr. Sam Hall, Phat Problem & Sarah Savage) (Pt 2) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    54 min
  7. 'Heated Rivalry' (With Victor Alexander)

    04/12/2025 · BONUS

    'Heated Rivalry' (With Victor Alexander)

    Drop Call #4 Victor and I were convinced by the gay internet to watch Heated Rivalry. Listen try to us process the experience CockyHockeyBoysYuri in OttowaWestern BLDemon Twink MediaSubs and Doms and stereotypesAnalYaoiHeartstoppers, Fellow Travellers, Red, White & Royal Blue, Queer As FolkNoah's ArcDouble speed scaleQueer v GayThe homonormative (?)____ Heated Rivalry is a Canadian sports romance television series created, written and directed by Jacob Tierney for Crave. Based on Rachel Reid's Game Changers novel series, it follows two rival professional hockey players, Canadian Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and RussianIlya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), whose on-ice animosity conceals a passionate, secret romance. ________ Find Victor @ugly_knees on insta! Keep up to date by following @AlsoPurp on all socials. Original podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith.  Video Production by Victor Alexander (@Ugly_knees on insta and @clevvergirl on Tiktok) Subscribe to our Youtube Page! https://youtube.com/@referentialpod More at www.alsopurple.com Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to leave a 5 star rating and review to help people find the podcast! _____ NEXT UP: Trans Pride Brighton '25 (with Dr. Sam Hall, Phat Problem & Sarah Savage) (Pt 2) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    40 min
  8. 'The Cages' (With Alexander Pavlis & Ash Alleyne)

    28/11/2025 · BONUS

    'The Cages' (With Alexander Pavlis & Ash Alleyne)

    Drop Call #3 Ash and I got together to interview Alexander Pavlis the writer and creator of the indie series 'The Cages'. We talk about the work that went into making S1 and the kickstarter for S2! _________ THE CAGES is a passion project created from the love of superpowered action and queer drama. Written and created by Alexander Pavlis, featuring art by CJ Camba, Olivia Ratkins, Seye Sanyaolu, Karen Charm, Addriano Divino and Leonardo Cino; and lettered by Danny Djeljosevic! The StoryFor the people of State 16, life is spent inside a walled city, governed by a mysterious AI company that tells them it's for their own good. There's no way out, except for [THE CAGES] --a massive, televised event in which robots and enhanced humans clash for the opportunity at recruitment into State 16's military force and a chance to see beyond the walls. One team of recruits, determined to go the distance, might discover along the way that the price for victory might be higher than they can pay. _________ You can help fund Season 2 by supporting the team on Kickstarter! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thecages/the-cages-season-2-battle-round Find Alexander and more about the project @al_pavlis on socials __________ Keep up to date with Dr. Khaliden Nas by checking out www.alsopurple.com and following @AlsoPurp on all socials. Hosted, produced & edited by Dr. Khaliden Nas. Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung. Video production by Victor Alexander (Check out his film video essays @Clevvergirl on tiktok!) Podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith.  Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to leave a 5 star rating and review to help people find the podcast! NEXT UP: Trans Pride Brighton '25 (with Dr. Sam Hall, Phat Problem & Sarah Savage) (Pt 2) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    38 min
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About

Referential is hosted by Dr. Khaliden Nas to have serious conversations about frivolous topics! Each episode takes you on an academically informed deep dive into pop culture and media that never skips out on a stupid joke. Subscribe & join Dr. Khaliden Nas (and the occasional guest!) as we dive into conversations about identity, representation, Blackness, queerness (and so much more) across the cultures that we make; and the cultures that make us. Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. Music by Pampered Fists & Anzahlung. Find out more at www.alsopurple.com

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Khaliden Nas
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Referential

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