Just Being Brothers

Mike & Steve

From Crypto- to racism to crime. Real life brothers Mike and Steve, and their guests lead discussions on all topics all the time, from a realistic black free thinking perspective. The brothers bring “comedy through news and news through comedy.” The “Afro Boomers” admit they don’t understand much of the social media goings on, but they’re talking about with you, in studio with guests and by call-in. They bicker with each other, but that’s what brothers do. They don’t always know what they’re talking about, but it doesn’t stop them. Join them.

  1. Katie's Fight - From George Floyd to Banned Books

    06/30/2024

    Katie's Fight - From George Floyd to Banned Books

    Send us a text What happens when an African-American fifth-grade social studies teacher brings an ambitious Black History Month project to a predominantly white school? In our much-anticipated return to "Just Being Brothers," we sit down with Katie, a dedicated educator and advocate for education reform, who shares her compelling journey and the unexpected resistance she faced. Her story not only highlights the intricacies of navigating diversity, equity, and inclusion in education but also underscores the broader issues of banned books and the challenges of teaching under today's heightened scrutiny. Katie’s resilience shines through as she recounts a tense encounter over a classroom mural, which led to a restorative circle led by the school principal. Employing the fishbowl technique, Katie and other administrators addressed the concerns and questions of fellow educators and stakeholders. Through this dialogue, Katie passionately defends the mural’s intent and advocates for teaching difficult historical truths. Her reflections on the George Floyd era and her commitment to representing diverse narratives provide a poignant reminder of the enduring importance of inclusive education. As we wrap up, we explore the shifting attitudes toward education across generations. Katie offers valuable insights into the loss of neighborhood schools and the growing disconnect between educators and their communities. We discuss the need to rekindle pride in education and the role of teachers in making learning relevant and engaging for today’s youth. Join us as we bid a heartfelt farewell with our guest, Katie, and extend our gratitude to all our listeners. This compelling episode will challenge and inspire you to rethink the landscape of education. Don’t miss it!

    38 min
  2. 06/30/2024

    Trump and the Allure of the Antihero

    Send us a text What happens when you mix billionaire bravado, unyielding political ambition, and an unprecedented media presence? We unravel the intricate mystique of Donald J. Trump, dissecting his controversial presidency and his refusal to concede the 2020 election. We dig deep into his personality traits - especially his defiance against loss and the status quo - to understand why so many remain magnetized by his polarizing yet captivating allure. Learn how his wealth and perceived immunity from consequences make him an aspirational figure for many Americans. We explore the cultural and societal dynamics that have led some Americans, particularly from economically disadvantaged and rural backgrounds, to gravitate toward Trump. Drawing insights from Tennessee Brando, we examine the shift in regions like West Virginia, where the wealthy were once despised but are now idolized. We also discuss the role of race and identity in shaping political allegiances, highlighting the paradox of supporting a flawed individual with a questionable reputation. This conversation dives into the allure of antiheroes and how Trump's persona fits into this cultural phenomenon. Finally, we tackle the contentious issue of racism in American politics, particularly under Trump's leadership. We debate the implications of his policies on existing prejudices and inequalities, even as his platform claims to champion freedom for all. By examining Trump's tax cuts favoring the rich and discussing the broader impact of political choices, we provide a cautionary tale for voters. This episode promises a thought-provoking journey into understanding the complex motivations behind Trump's enduring appeal and its broader implications for American society.

    24 min
  3. PROSTATE CANCER - One Man in Four...

    05/28/2024

    PROSTATE CANCER - One Man in Four...

    Send us a text Battling prostate cancer can feel like an uphill climb, but early detection can be the game-changer that saves lives. This week on Just Being Brothers, we return with a powerful episode dedicated to prostate cancer awareness and prevention. Meet Deuce, our new associate producer, and get personal with updates about Steve's endeavors in education and Mike's own journey confronting prostate cancer. With prostate cancer being the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the U.S., our discussion underscores the pressing need for regular health check-ups. We delve into risk factors such as age, family history, and race, while highlighting that race is a social construct. Our aim is to remind everyone of how essential it is to take your health seriously and the lifesaving impact of early diagnosis. Shattering the myths and misconceptions about prostate cancer, we clarify that high sexual activity doesn't cause the disease and emphasize the need for regular physical exams. Learn about various treatment options, from hormone therapy to prostate removal, and the primary screening tests like the PSA test and digital rectal exam. We also touch on early signs and symptoms to watch for. To inspire hope, we recount the resilient journeys of actors Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro, who conquered prostate cancer and continued to thrive. Their stories, along with our personal anecdotes, serve to encourage men to take proactive steps in health monitoring and remind us all that a cancer diagnosis is not the end, but a fight that can be won.

    24 min
  4. CHURCH: A Deep Dive into Faith, Money, and Pastor Worship

    08/05/2023

    CHURCH: A Deep Dive into Faith, Money, and Pastor Worship

    Send us a text Picture this: You're seated in a pew, a hushed congregation around you, and the pastor's sermon is weaving a spiritual web. A familiar scenario for many, isn't it? But did you ever stop to wonder why we do it? Why do we go to church? My brother Steve and I scratched beneath the surface of this life-long habit in our latest episode. We dove into the varied reasons that pull people to church, from guilt, job opportunities, to familial obligations and more. We also pulled back the curtain on the darker aspects of the church, such as the infamous Al Capone finding solace within its walls, or the heartbreaking incidents of abuse and shootings. Churches and their leaders walk a fine line between spiritual guidance and financial gain. Are your eyebrows raised? So were ours. We took a hard look at the rich side of the church, zeroing in on the substantial salaries of high-profile pastors like Joel Olstein, Kenneth Copeland, Pat Robertson, Benny Hinn, and Joyce Meyer. We questioned whether such opulence helps or hinders the faithful, and provoked thoughts about the role of church as the only way to a righteous life. Our personal stories lend an intimate touch to this enlightening discussion, as we shared our journey through grief and the solace that church sermons can bring during challenging times. Regardless of your church-going habits, this episode promises to deliver fresh insights into the role of church in our lives and the multitude of paths available towards becoming a better person. From skeptics to devout believers, we invite you to join this thought-provoking conversation. You might just find yourself seeing church – and maybe life – through a brand new lens.

    38 min

About

From Crypto- to racism to crime. Real life brothers Mike and Steve, and their guests lead discussions on all topics all the time, from a realistic black free thinking perspective. The brothers bring “comedy through news and news through comedy.” The “Afro Boomers” admit they don’t understand much of the social media goings on, but they’re talking about with you, in studio with guests and by call-in. They bicker with each other, but that’s what brothers do. They don’t always know what they’re talking about, but it doesn’t stop them. Join them.