Str8Up Show Podcast

Calvin H

Our world has many voices. We all share this space together, but each of us has our own opinions, our own identity. Join hosts Calvin, Brandon, Kristina and Lee, as they bring in guests to discuss various social issues that effect everyone. Each episode will tackle a different issue, with insights by members of some diverse communities. The only rule on this show? You gotta be...STR8 UP.

  1. 6d ago

    Book'Em: XeroPrime 99

    BOOK'EM WITH XEROPRIME 99 | STR8UP SHOW PODCAST | SEASON 10 Reading is fundamental, but are we doing enough to encourage the next generation to pick up a book? The Str8Up Show Podcast introduces Book'Em, a new segment dedicated to celebrating authors, writers, poets, and the power of literature. For our inaugural installment, Calvin welcomes back longtime friend of the show Dorsey, better known as XeroPrime 99, to discuss his transition from gaming enthusiast and storyteller to published fantasy author. XeroPrime 99 takes us inside his creative process, explains why he wanted to develop fantasy worlds featuring characters who reflect Black culture, and discusses the importance of making literature exciting and accessible to younger generations. IN THIS EPISODE: Why Calvin created the Book'Em segment to spotlight authors and encourage literacy.The growing concern surrounding reading proficiency and literacy in our communities.How an elementary school assignment inspired XeroPrime 99's lifelong passion for writing.The connection between video games, anime, fantasy literature, and original storytelling.The inspiration behind Dreadwake, a horror fantasy adventure blending online gaming, artificial intelligence, and real-world consequences.Exploring The Unimaginable Realm of Prime: Origins Volume One, a collection of six stories featuring superheroes, assassins, and fantasy adventures.Why Black representation, natural hair textures, cultural identity, and diverse characters are important in fantasy literature.Introducing How to Become a Thief: The Black Paw Method, a fantasy adventure featuring a goblin and a mysterious raccoon.Overcoming writer's block and learning to finish a story before worrying about editing.Encouraging aspiring writers and young creators to take positive risks and share their work.A special reading from Lyrical Flux, a space adventure described as Romeo and Juliet meets Bonnie and Clyde.BOOKS DISCUSSED: DreadwakeA horror-inspired fantasy adventure exploring what happens when an artificial intelligence begins influencing the direction of an online game.The Unimaginable Realm of Prime: Origins Volume OneSix interconnected stories set in the fictional world of Prime, featuring the cities of New Saint and Nocturne, with superheroes, assassins, and culturally inspired characters.How to Become a Thief: The Black Paw MethodA fantasy adventure set in Nocturne following a young goblin whose encounter with a mysterious raccoon leads him into the world of thievery.BONUS READING: LYRICAL FLUX Stay tuned for a special reading from Lyrical Flux, a science fiction adventure combining romance, danger, and space exploration. FOLLOW XEROPRIME 99 TikTok: @XEROPRIMEInstagram: @BOOKS_BY_XEROPRIME99 BOOKS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON Search for XeroPrime 99 and his published titles on Amazon. CONNECT WITH STR8UP Website: https://str8upshowpodcast.com Catch up on previous episodes, discover more guest stories, and explore the conversations that make Str8Up a platform for culture, creativity, and authentic storytelling. ABOUT BOOK'EM Book'Em is a Str8Up Show Podcast segment highlighting authors, poets, and storytellers whose work deserves to be discovered. From emerging independent writers to established literary voices, Book'Em celebrates the imagination, culture, and experiences behind the stories we read. Have a story to tell or a book to share? Connect with the Str8Up Show Podcast for future guest opportunities. Remember, there's only one rule to our show. You gotta be Str8Up!

    Book'Em: XeroPrime 99
  2. Sep 21

    He Left El Salvador at 7. Now He Wants to Lead It.

    Orlando Delcid left El Salvador at seven years old and grew up in Houston, Texas. Decades later, he returned to the country of his birth and is now seeking the presidency with Fraternidad Patriota Salvadoreña, or FPS. In this episode, Orlando shares his experience immigrating to the United States as a child, the teacher whose kindness had a lasting impact on his life, and the role faith has played in shaping his path. The conversation also explores Orlando’s vision for El Salvador, including creating jobs and investment, expanding opportunities for Salvadorans, strengthening the country so people do not feel forced to leave in search of opportunity, and encouraging Salvadorans abroad to bring their knowledge and experience back home. Calvin also presses Orlando on current U.S. immigration enforcement, whether a seven year old Orlando arriving in America today would have the same experience he did, and how his years living in the United States influence his perspective on immigration. Finally, Calvin asks a question Orlando may face throughout his campaign: after spending most of his life in America, why should Salvadorans trust him to understand and lead El Salvador? Topics Discussed Orlando’s childhood in El SalvadorImmigrating to America at seven years oldGrowing up in HoustonFaith and public serviceReturning to El SalvadorWhy Orlando entered politicsJobs and investment in El SalvadorThe Salvadoran diasporaU.S. immigration enforcementSalvadorans returning homeU.S. and El Salvador relationsWhy Salvadorans should trust his leadershipOrlando’s vision for El Salvador

    He Left El Salvador at 7. Now He Wants to Lead It.
  3. Sep 14

    Music Monday - RenRiot

    On this edition of Music Monday, we turn the spotlight on RenRiot, a Black, queer, female alt-rock/grunge-punk band from Washington, D.C. Blending the vulnerability of emo, the grit of grunge, and the energy of punk and alternative rock, RenRiot is creating music rooted in raw emotion, personal experiences, and a desire to make space for voices and perspectives that haven’t always been centered in rock. IN THIS EPISODE We talk with RenRiot about: The origin of RenRiot and how the band came togetherDeveloping a sound that blends alt-rock, emo, grunge and punkTheir experiences as Black women making rock musicNavigating intersectionality as Black and queer artistsRepresentation and creating space within the alternative music sceneBreaking expectations surrounding what a rock band is “supposed” to look and sound likeUsing vulnerability and personal experiences as inspirationHow music can become an outlet for identity, emotion and self-expressionBuilding RenRiot’s sound, chemistry and creative directionWhat’s next for the bandSPECIAL PERFORMANCE  The conversation doesn't end with the interview. RenRiot closes out this edition of Music Monday with a special performance of their new song, “Hunt You Down.” ABOUT RENRIOT RenRiot is a Black, queer emo soft-grunge band from Washington, D.C., blending raw emotion and vulnerable lyricism with influences from alternative rock, grunge, emo and punk. Their music combines nostalgia with a perspective and sound distinctly their own. FOLLOW RENRIOT WEBSITE: WWW.RENRIOT.NOISEYARD.COMINSTAGRAM: @RENRIOT.WAVTIKTOK: @RENRIOTBANDBANDSINTOWN: @RENRIOT

    Music Monday - RenRiot
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Our world has many voices. We all share this space together, but each of us has our own opinions, our own identity. Join hosts Calvin, Brandon, Kristina and Lee, as they bring in guests to discuss various social issues that effect everyone. Each episode will tackle a different issue, with insights by members of some diverse communities. The only rule on this show? You gotta be...STR8 UP.