Str8Up Show Podcast

Calvin H
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Relationships
  • Biweekly

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. 1d ago

    Surviving Hagee: The Silence That Protected Everyone But Me

    What happens when the people who are supposed to protect you become the very people responsible for your pain? In one of our most emotional and personal conversations, author Nat Hagee joins the Str8Up Show Podcast to share their journey of survival, resilience, and healing. Through their memoir, Surviving Hagee, Nat opens up about growing up in a prominent religious household, enduring childhood sexual abuse, and the painful silence surrounding their experiences. Nat also discusses the lasting effects of trauma, struggles with addiction, the pursuit of justice, and the importance of therapy, self-love, and breaking generational cycles. Host Calvin shares his own experiences as a survivor of childhood abuse, creating an honest and vulnerable conversation about guilt, family betrayal, faith, and finding the courage to heal. This is more than a conversation about surviving. It's about reclaiming your voice, finding peace, and learning how to thrive. In This Episode The story behind Nat's memoir, Surviving HageeChildhood abuse and the consequences of family silenceGrowing up with a father who was a minister and police officerThe emotional and psychological effects of childhood traumaAddiction, relationships, and the search for healingReligious trauma and the abuse of authoritySeeking justice and confronting complicated family emotionsTherapy, mental health, and breaking cycles of abuseFinding happiness and learning to love yourselfNat's message of encouragement for fellow survivorsABOUT NAT'S BOOK SURVIVING HAGEE BY NAT HAGEE A deeply personal memoir exploring childhood trauma, family relationships, survival, and the journey toward healing. Available on Kindle. Paperback release scheduled for October 31, 2026. FOLLOW NAT HAGEE Instagram: @surviving_hageenat TikTok: @.survivinghagee ORDER SURVIVING HAGEE PaperbackHardcoverKindleTRIGGER WARNING  This episode contains discussions of childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, physical and emotional abuse, addiction, and suicide attempts. Some portions of this conversation may be difficult for listeners. Please prioritize your well-being and listen at your own discretion. SUPPORT RESOURCES If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, confidential support is available through RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline. Phone: 800-656-HOPE (4673) Website: https://rainn.org For mental health or suicide crisis support in the United States, call or text 988.

    Surviving Hagee: The Silence That Protected Everyone But Me

  2. Oct 26

    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

  3. Oct 19

    More Than Pressing Play w/ DJ IC3

    DJing is more than selecting songs. It's about understanding music, connecting with audiences, and mastering your craft. IN THIS EPISODE: DJ IC3's journey from house parties to the FIFA World CupHer friendship and professional relationship with Snow Tha ProductEssential DJ equipment, Serato, and music pools for beginnersUnderstanding BPM, musical keys, and seamless transitionsReading the crowd and playing across different genresOvercoming challenges as a woman in the DJ industryPerseverance, chasing dreams, and the emotional power of musicRESOURCES MENTIONED: Serato DJ: https://serato.comDJcity: https://www.djcity.comShazam: https://www.shazam.comFOLLOW DJ IC3 TikTok: @DJ_IC3_Instagram: @DJ.IC3 CONNECT WITH STR8UP SHOW PODCAST Website: https://str8upshowpodcast.com

    More Than Pressing Play w/ DJ IC3

  4. Oct 12

    Book'Em: Jhordynn & Charity Grace

    On this episode of Str8Up, mother and daughter authors Jhordynn and Charity Grace join us for a powerful conversation about literacy, education, representation, and the importance of embracing our differences. From America's literacy crisis and reading comprehension challenges to bullying, self confidence, and inclusion, we explore how storytelling can inspire meaningful change. Jhordynn shares her experiences as an author, her perspective on literacy in Black and Brown communities, and the inspiration behind her writing. Young author Charity Grace discusses her passion for creating stories that encourage children to celebrate what makes them unique. SPECIAL FEATURE: Charity Grace closes the episode by reading a portion of her children's book, I'm Different and I Love Me! BOOKS FEATUREDJhordynnScrape It Out with a Spatula! Charity GraceI'm Different and I Love Me!Come Play with Me! FOLLOW JHORDYNNFacebook: @JHORDYNN Instagram: @JHORDYNN_WRITES TikTok: @GHOSTWRITERJHORDYNN YouTube: @JHORDYNN.WRITES FOLLOW CHARITY GRACEFacebook: @CHARITYGRACE Instagram: @AUTHORCHARITYGRACE TikTok: @AUTHORCHARITYGRACE YouTube: @AUTHORCHARITYGRACE LISTEN, WATCH & SHAREEnjoyed this episode? Share it with a parent, educator, aspiring author, or anyone who believes in the importance of reading and representation. Subscribe to the Str8Up Show Podcast for more conversations that educate, challenge perspectives, and inspire change.

    Book'Em: Jhordynn & Charity Grace

  5. Oct 5

    Day 179

    After living in the United States for 35 years, Danny's life changed when he was taken into immigration custody and spent 178 days in detention before being deported to Mexico. In this episode of the Str8Up Show Podcast, Danny shares his firsthand account of life inside immigration detention, including the conditions he experienced, the physical and emotional toll of being detained, and the moment he learned he was being deported. Danny also takes us beyond detention and into what happened next. He discusses being released at the border, arriving in a country he had not lived in since he was three years old, adjusting to life in Mexico, reconnecting with the culture and figuring out what starting over looks like after 35 years in the United States. Day 179 represents more than the day after detention. It marks the beginning of an entirely different chapter of Danny's life. FOLLOW DANNY TikTok: @danny_darkooo SUPPORT DANNY CashApp: $Dannyortiz87

    Day 179

  6. Sep 28

    Albinism: More Than What You See

    Goldiee joins the Str8Up Show Podcast for a candid conversation about living with albinism and the misconceptions that often come with it. Goldiee opens up about growing up Black with albinism, the bullying she experienced as a child, and the assumptions people have made about her appearance, eyesight, abilities and identity. She also discusses representation of people with albinism in movies and television, dating, confidence, self image and why educating others about albinism is important to her. Through the challenges, Goldiee shares how she learned to stop wishing she looked different and fully embrace who she is today. Her story is a conversation about albinism, but also about confidence, perspective and learning to love what makes you different. FOLLOW GOLDIEE INSTAGRAM: @GOLDIEE.X2XTIKTOK: @GOLDIEE.X2X SUPPORT GOLDIEE CASH APP: $g0ldieex2x

    Albinism: More Than What You See

  7. 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.

  8. 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
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Calvin H
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    129
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2020 STR8 UP
  • Show Website
    Str8Up Show Podcast