What's the Motion?

Bo Cherif and Paul Davis
  • 5.0 (3)
  • News Commentary
  • Updated Monthly

What's the Motion? Delivers sharp analysis and insider insights from two seasoned local political organizers. Stay informed as they break down today's top stories and highlight the talent shaping tomorrow's political landscape.

  1. Oct 8

    The Battle for Attention

    Episode Summary  What's the Motion? is back, and there's a lot to unpack. Fresh off the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference, Paul and Bo break down what they saw, heard, and experienced, from the policy conversations to the social scene. More importantly, they ask a bigger question: What does the future of Black political power look like when voting rights and political representation are under increasing pressure? Then we turn to Virginia, where the November 3 election is fast approaching. Constitutional amendments on reproductive rights, marriage equality, and restoration of voting rights could bring major issues directly to voters. We get into what these ballot questions mean and whether campaigns can cut through the usual political noise. From there, we head into the media landscape and the Trump administration's treatment of political media operations that have provided unfavorable coverage. What happens when trust in political media is already fragmented, and the lines between news, politics, and audience loyalty keep getting blurrier? And because we can't spend an entire episode politicking, we close with what we're watching, listening to, and talking about outside the political arena, including the ongoing Jay-Z and Colin Kaepernick conversation and the very real possibility that there's more strategy behind it than meets the eye. Politics, Black political power, Virginia elections, media, culture, and a little 3-D chess. That's the motion.

  2. Aug 25

    Can Politics Keep Up With AI?

    Episode 33 of What's the Motion? brings together technology, politics, civil rights, and, of course, a little pop culture and hip-hop conversation. Joining the podcast is Sean Perryman, attorney, policy expert, civil rights advocate, and AI governance leader. Sean currently leads AI policy at Uber and teaches AI Governance and Ethics at his alma mater, Vanderbilt Law School. His career has taken him from commercial litigation to Capitol Hill, where he helped lead the first congressional hearing focused on facial recognition and algorithmic bias, and ultimately into the rapidly evolving world of technology policy. We get into the big questions surrounding AI, responsible technology, and the need for effective governance as artificial intelligence continues to reshape our society. Sean also shares his perspective on Virginia politics, his experience as a former statewide candidate, civil rights advocacy, and the intersection of law, policy, and political campaigns. And because this is What's the Motion?, we don't stop at policy. We get into national politics, pop culture, and hip-hop, bringing some culture into the conversation about where technology, politics, and society are headed. Whether you're here for Virginia politics, national affairs, AI, civil rights, or a good hip-hop debate, Episode 33 has plenty to tap into. Follow What's the Motion? wherever you get your podcasts and join the conversation. Follow Our Guest Sean Perryman The Human Cost Substack: https://thehumancostai.substack.com/  Instagram Donate to Haymakers for Hope: https://haymakersforhope.org/events/boxing/h4h-washington-dc-2026/fighters/sean-perryman  Follow What's the Motion Podcast on Social Media  Facebook

  3. Jun 23

    Episode 32: Purpose, Policy, and Controlled Chaos with Philip Wilkerson

    IN THIS EPISODE Episode 32 of What's the Motion? brings together great conversation, thoughtful insights, and a little hip-hop debate. Joining the podcast is Philip Wilkerson, host of the Positive Philter Podcast, with our friend Jalen stepping in as special guest host. Phil shares his journey, the passions that shaped him, and the life philosophy that keeps him grounded and growing. From there, the conversation turns to politics and civic engagement. We discuss why getting involved matters, how communities can hold elected officials accountable, and the policy issues driving today's debates. Of course, we couldn't leave without talking about music. We close things out with what's currently in rotation and dive into some hip-hop discussion that longtime listeners won't want to miss. Whether you're here for personal growth, politics, or culture, Episode 32 has something for you. Tap in and join the conversation. Follow Our Guest Philip Wilkerson Positive Philter Facebook Page (  / positivephilter  ) Positive Philter Twitter (  / positivephilter  ) Positive Philter Instagram (  / positivephilter  )  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipwilkersoniii/ Follow What's the Motion Podcast on Social Media  Facebook

  4. Jun 16

    Party Lines and Playoff Time

    IN THIS EPISODE Summer is here, and What's the Motion? is back with Episode 31. Virginia politics takes center stage as Governor Abigail Spanberger and State Senator Louise Lucas square off over a high-stakes budget battle ahead of the July 1 deadline. With issues like cannabis policy, collective bargaining, teacher pay, and the state's balanced budget on the line, we break down what's at stake and who holds the cards. We also take a look beyond the Commonwealth, discussing California's governor's race and the Maine Senate contest with Graham Platner. Plus, we tackle a bigger question: who really drives political power in America? Then we shift from politics to culture. We discuss the NBA Finals, check in on the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, and react to the latest Jay-Z sighting. From Richmond to the national stage, from the hardwood to hip hop, What's the Motion? brings together the conversations shaping Virginia and beyond. Pull up and join us for another episode. Follow What's the Motion Podcast on Social Media  Facebook

  5. Jun 1

    Plot Twists and Villains

    IN THIS EPISODE On Episode 30 of What's the Motion?, we tackle a packed agenda of politics, policy, and culture with implications that stretch from Richmond to Washington and beyond. We break down the recent Virginia Supreme Court decision that effectively nullified a redistricting effort and discuss what it means for representation, political power, and the future of electoral maps in the Commonwealth. We also examine a major U.S. Supreme Court ruling involving the Voting Rights Act and explore the potential impact on voting rights protections across the country. Back in Virginia, we unpack Governor Spanberger's latest veto actions, what they signal about her governing priorities, and how they could shape the political landscape moving forward. Then we turn our attention to a provocative national conversation: Is a proposed federal funding initiative simply a political slush fund, or could it represent a pathway toward addressing longstanding inequities and conversations around reparations? We explore the arguments, the politics, and the stakes. Finally, we close the show with a culture check. Every villain needs a hero, and every rap battle needs a next chapter. We discuss Drake's new album Iceman, the narratives surrounding its release, and where it fits in the current state of hip hop. From courtrooms and capitol buildings to the recording booth, we've got you covered. Tune in, join the conversation, and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share What's the Motion? with a friend. Follow What's the Motion Podcast on Social Media  Facebook

  6. May 18

    The Motion in Ohio

    On Episode 29 of What's the Motion?, we sit down with Dontavius Jarrells, a rising leader representing Columbus, Ohio, and currently running for reelection to a third term in the Ohio House. From grassroots beginnings to the Statehouse, Representative Jarrells shares what drives his leadership, the realities of serving his community, and the legislative work he's most proud of. We also break down what a state representative actually does in Ohio, how that compares to the Commonwealth of Virginia, and why local and state government decisions matter more than people think. The conversation expands into national headlines, political culture, and the challenges of leading in unpredictable times. Of course, this wouldn't be What's the Motion? without a few detours into hip hop, comic books, and the culture shaping the next generation of leadership. Politics, personality, and real conversation all in one episode. Tap in. Follow What's the Motion Podcast on Social Media  Facebook Representative Dontavius Jarrells Facebook Campaign Website

  7. Apr 15

    From Richmond to the Moon

    IN THIS EPISODE In Episode 28 of What's the Motion, we're connecting the dots from Richmond to the cosmos and back again. We start in Virginia, breaking down the high-stakes redistricting referendum and what it could mean for control of the U.S. House. Then we look at Governor Spanberger stepping into her power, signing major legislation while drawing clear lines with key vetoes. From there, we zoom out to the escalating tensions in Iran and unpack how global conflict is shaping political narratives here at home. Back stateside, we get into the algorithmic battlefield, exploring how AI is quietly rewriting the rules of social media and political communication. Then we take things skyward. With the Artemis mission heading to the Moon, we talk about why space is no longer just exploration, it's strategy, influence, and the next frontier of geopolitics. And of course, we close it out with culture. The latest twists, headlines, and courtroom drama from the hip hop world that you can't ignore. Politics, technology, culture, and a little bit of outer space. This episode moves. Follow What's the Motion Podcast on Social Media  Facebook

  8. Mar 19

    Midterms Start Now: Texas Primary, Virginia Redistricting & the SAVE Act

    IN THIS EPISODE Episode 27 of What's the Motion? drops you straight into the heat of the moment. We head to Texas to break down the Democratic primary and what it signals for the 2026 midterms, then bring it back home to Virginia to unpack the high-stakes April 21 redistricting referendum and the early voting curveballs already shaking things up. With the legislative session wrapped, we sort through the wins, the misses, and the eyebrow-raisers including the Fairfax casino proposal. On the national stage, we dig into the gridlock around the SAVE Act and what it could mean for voting rights across the country, no spin, just the real implications. And because politics isn't the only stage that matters, we close out with a run through awards season from the Academy Awards to the Golden Globe Awards and the Primetime Emmy Awards, plus a quick pulse check on what's moving in hip hop right now. If you're trying to stay informed without getting lost in the noise, this episode keeps it sharp, honest, and moving. Hit subscribe and stay in the loop. Follow What's the Motion Podcast on Social Media  Facebook

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

What's the Motion? Delivers sharp analysis and insider insights from two seasoned local political organizers. Stay informed as they break down today's top stories and highlight the talent shaping tomorrow's political landscape.

Information

  • Creator
    Bo Cherif and Paul Davis
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    What's the Motion?