Surface Level

Surface Level
  • 4.6 (209)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Surface Level

A weekly show hosted by longtime friends Jordan, Damon, and Tony, explores the complexities of the Black and Queer experience. Through personal stories, dynamic guests, and curious conversations, this series offers a nuanced understanding of identity, race, and sexuality that goes beyond the surface level, with a touch of humor and a fearless willingness to challenge the norm.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Gurl, You Tried It

    Damon, Jordan & Tony are curious – when is criticism friend or foe? In season one, we discussed the environment of cancel culture. Today, we go further in examining public critique and when it is helpful—and when it is not. We are honored to welcome Lena Waithe, actor, producer, and screenwriter, to our Surface Level family. Together, we explore the societal boxes we are often defined by, the importance of cultivating community both on and off screen, how social media chatter does or does not affect the art we create, and the stories we tell. This episode is one we are truly excited to share as we begin the journey into 2025. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

    1h 18m

  2. 12/25/2024

    Gurl, Who Gone Be The Boy

    Damon, Jordan & Tony are curious – where do we stand on toxic masculinity? In season one, we discussed the obsession with masculinity in the queer community—chasing "trade," butching it up around straight people, and learning to embrace our femininity. Today, let’s examine where we stand on toxic masculinity. We are excited to welcome Sailey Williams, creative director, photographer, and publisher, to the Surface Level family. Together, we explore the desires of "masc for masc" gays, the inclination of some queer men to distance themselves from femininity, and how both masculinity and femininity can thrive within our community. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

    48 min

  3. 12/18/2024

    Gurl, Are Yall Open?

    Damon, Jordan & Tony are curious – how varied are our views on non-monogamy? We are excited to welcome you to Season 10 of Surface Level: Gurl, Grow Up, where each week we will revisit a different episode from Season 1 through the lens of growth. In this first episode, we explore the topic of romantic relationships and how our experiences with non-monogamy have evolved since recording our first season. We discuss the experiences that have led us to our current beliefs, whether relationships are stronger when open from the beginning or at a later point, and any rules we have in our individual relationships. This topic truly highlights the range of opinions among the hosts, and we are excited for you to join in on the conversation. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

    54 min
  4. The Personal Is Political Pt. 3

    10/16/2024

    The Personal Is Political Pt. 3

    Damon is curious – how do anti-LGBTQ+ laws impact the Black Queer community, and what’s being done to fight back? In this final episode of our 3-part mini-series, Damon is joined by Dr. David Johns, CEO & Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition, Tabytha Gonzalez, Human Rights Specialist for the NYC Commission on Human Rights, and Olivia Lux, drag artist, actor, singer, and musician. Together, they dive into the legislative battles that disproportionately affect the Queer community, especially Black and Brown folx. From anti-trans laws to attacks on drag performances, we discuss how these harmful measures are shaping the political landscape—and what Black Queer leaders are doing to make their voices heard. As we close out the series, we look at how personal experiences often drive political action and explore what political issue hits closest to home for our guests. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

    56 min
  5. The Personal Is Political Pt. 2

    10/09/2024

    The Personal Is Political Pt. 2

    Jordan is curious – how is politics shaping the daily lives of young Queer Americans? In this episode, we continue our 3-part mini-series with a focus on the youth vote and political engagement. Jordan is joined by Jay Jones, first Trans President of the Howard University Student Association, Kevin Ortega-Rojas, host of Here’s Why News and co-host of ByLatinMen Podcast, and Herby Revolous, culture critic and creator. Together, they dive into how young people are interacting with politics online and the ways these interactions are shaping real-world outcomes. From school safety to social media censorship, they explore the unique challenges faced by younger generations in today’s political climate. As we navigate topics like gun violence and the role of social media in political campaigns, we’re reminded of how much the youth vote matters—and why their voices must be heard. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

    1h 7m
  6. The Personal Is Political Pt. 1

    10/02/2024

    The Personal Is Political Pt. 1

    Tony is curious – how will this election effect Queer healthcare? We welcome you to part one of our three-part miniseries, “The Personal Is Political,” in partnership with GLAAD. This series is centered around the current political landscape and will explore issues with a focus on Black and Queer communities. Tony is happy to welcome Lala B. Zannell, Senior Campaign Strategist at the ACLU; Kris Chessen, co-host of the Bad Queers Podcast; and Zach Stafford, journalist and co-host of the Vibe Check Podcast, to our Surface Level family. In this first episode, we interrogate abortion care as an issue not just for cis women, discuss the misinformation surrounding gender-affirming care, and explore how HIV stigma impacts the spread of HIV. We close each part of this series by giving our panel a chance to highlight the political issue that is most personal to them. This is not your boring political show; it is our kitchen table—a place to talk like real people about increasingly urgent issues. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

    37 min

  7. 09/04/2024

    The Deliverance

    Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – when will folx learn to trust Black women? This week, we're thrilled to welcome director, producer, and screenwriter Lee Daniels to our Surface Level family. We’ll dissect the theme of trusting Black women in his new film, The Deliverance. We’ll also highlight some of the Black women who have helped shape our perspectives, address the unique challenges faced by Black trans women, and explore why Lee consistently creates complex work for this widely underrepresented group. We’re excited to return with fresh content between seasons and hope you enjoy it. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

    58 min

  8. 08/21/2024

    Beyond The Surface Level 9

    Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – are you ready to go beyond the surface level with us? With this episode, we close another chapter in the journey of Surface Level. For the ninth time, we open the floor to questions from you, our Surface Level Insiders. We explore a range of topics, including dating, sex, work life, parenthood, and more. It’s a fun way to wrap up this season. We’re excited to take some time to develop the next part of this story. Until then… stay curious. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

    1h 26m
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Trailer

4.6
out of 5
209 Ratings

About

A weekly show hosted by longtime friends Jordan, Damon, and Tony, explores the complexities of the Black and Queer experience. Through personal stories, dynamic guests, and curious conversations, this series offers a nuanced understanding of identity, race, and sexuality that goes beyond the surface level, with a touch of humor and a fearless willingness to challenge the norm.

Information

  • Creator
    Surface Level
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    115
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Surface Level
  • Show Website
    Surface Level

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