Slingshot The Podcast

Slingshot The Podcast
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

Slingshot The Podcast — The Misunderstood Voice. The Culture’s Power.  Hosted by Kadida Kenner, CEO of the New Pennsylvania Project, Slingshot is where bold conversations meet culture, politics, sports, and real-world issues. We amplify the voices too often overlooked or misrepresented—voices that move the culture forward. Kadida brings her background as a civil rights advocate and former TV producer into each episode, offering fresh perspectives on civic engagement, justice, and power.  Whether we’re talking policy or pop culture, this is unfiltered truth from the ground up.

  1. Oct 9

    Hard Knock Life

    In episode 16 of season 2 of Slingshot The Podcast, Kadida Kenner sits down with Shakaboona’ Marshall, Executive Director of 2nd Chance Voters, to discuss juvenile sentencing, incarceration, returning citizens, and the voting rights many people don’t realize they have - even after serving a felony conviction in Pennsylvania.From Jay-Z’s partnership with Target and the backlash from Colin Kaepernick, to Nicki Minaj’s message to “vote red”, the question begs: What do artists and public figures owe the communities that helped build their platforms? Then, we go from community to culture. Specifically, what happens when celebrities, politics, and community responsibility collide? What we discuss: Celebrities, boycotts, and accountability: Jay-Z, Target, Colin Kaepernick, Nicki Minaj, and what happens when public figures use their platforms to take political or business positions. The “hard knock life” of reentry: Shakaboona Marshall, Executive Director of 2nd Chance Voters shares his journey and the realities facing formerly and currently incarcerated people, including the barriers to understanding and exercising voting rights. How community organizations, like the New Pennsylvania Project, can help people navigate a hyper-partisan, turbulent political landscape and turn lived experience into political power. #SlingshotThePodcast #SecondChanceVoters #VotingRights #ReturningCitizens #CivicEducation #Pennsylvania #BlackVoices #BlackPodcasts #BlackWomenPodcast #BlackMen #Shakaboona #CourtsMatter

  2. Sep 11

    King Of Rock

    In episode 15 of season 2 of Slingshot The Podcast, hosts Kadida Kenner and Charles Gregory discuss all things Philly NBA basketball - including King James and Jaylen Brown joining the Sixers, and why the “Brown is too smart for basketball” narrative is problematic (for agents).  Inspired by “The King of Rock” by Run-DMC’s iconic 1985 hit, we’re discussing what happens when sports, money, culture, and politics collide, and why athletes with a platform should not just “shut up and dribble.” What We Unpack: Will more rings solidify King James as the G.O.A.T? LeBron James in Philly, and what his arrival could mean for the Sixers and the city of Philadelphia financially. Why Jaylen Brown’s education, intelligence and approach to his career challenges expectations placed on Black athletes. Mo’ne Davis and women’s professional baseball: Why seeing Black women succeed in sports can change what the next generation believes is possible. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, of watch us on YouTube. Media inquiries: podcast@newpaproject.org

  3. Aug 27

    Black America Again

    Black Americans?Short answer: not the same as those who have enjoyed everything democracy has to offer for the last 250 years in America.  In this episode, Kadida Kenner and guest Dyneco Gibson, Deputy Director of Programs and Organizing at New Pennsylvania Project, unpack the contradictions of celebrating America’s 250th by confronting the realities of its history. Drawing inspiration from Frederick Douglass’ powerful question, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”, the conversation asks a modern-day version: What does 250 years of America mean to foundational Black Americans? What we unpack: 250 years of freedom and who actually experienced it Voting rights in the age of misinformation Democracy today, under threats such as the SAVE Act How can we properly celebrate such milestones today? During this time when the meaning of American “freedom” is being debated everyday, we ask listeners to reckon with the past and recognize the present for what it is.How do you hold space for celebration and the realities of America’s history?

  4. Aug 14

    Friends (How Many of Us Have Them?)

    In season 2, episode 13, “Friends (How Many of Us Have Them?),” host Kadida Kenner uses Whodini’s 1984 hit “Friends” as a starting point for a deeper conversation about integrating communities, multi-racial friendships, and ensuring the safety of Black friends in predominantly white communities. What does it really mean to be a good friend? And what does it mean for children facing racism in systems that were never designed with their protection in mind? America should not strive for a “colorblind” society. We must acknowledge the role race plays in our children’s lives. From Ruby Bridges and the legacy of school integration to personal dramatic life experiences from the hosts, this episode asks what are we teaching Black children about navigating the world, and what white parents must do now to educate their children about the need to protect their chosen Black friends during turbulent times. What we also unpack:- The death of Nolan Wells and the public’s response- Public criticism of Benjamin Crump and Colin Kaepernick- Black flight from urban communities to suburbia- Protecting Black children in predominantly white schools and neighborhoods from possible harm  Because friendship isn't just about who stands beside you when things are easy. Sometimes, it's about who shows up when it matters most.

  5. Jul 31

    Giving You The Best That I Got

    In this special episode, inspired by the Anita Baker classic, "Giving You the Best That I Got," host Kadida Kenner uplifts some of the best and most memorable moments in episodes from the first two seasons of Slingshot The Podcast. We’re playing back episodes that you commented on the most-many featuring your favorite guests in studio. Whether you've been with us since the beginning, or you’ve just found us, this episode gives you a glance at the moments that made us laugh, reflect, or challenge ourselves to think differently at the intersection of culture and politics.

  6. Jul 16

    I've Got The Power

    Who really has the power in our democracy? Is it elected officials, political parties, or everyday people? In season 2, episode 11 of Slingshot The Podcast, we explore the power of civic engagement, the importance of voting, and the role Black men play in shaping the political landscape.From voter participation and political accountability to understanding how government actually works, we break down why informed and engaged communities are essential to creating lasting change. Inspired by the classic anthem "I've Got the Power," by SNAP, this conversation is a reminder that political power doesn't begin and end on Election Day. It lives in our communities, our voices, and our actions. What We Unpack: -Black men, voting & political representation-Who really runs government?-Turning civic power into action What does political power mean to you? Drop your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation.Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts (Spotify, YouTube), and watch us on YouTube.

  7. Jul 3

    Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'

    Everybody seems to have something to be upset about these days. From social media comments to political debates, polarization has become a daily part of our culture. But when does speaking up become productive, and when are we just adding to the noise? Inspired by Michael Jackson's classic hit "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," episode 10 of season 2 explores rage culture, misinformation, online discourse, and the importance of having thoughtful conversations in an increasingly polarized world. We also dive into current events, pop culture, and the challenge of separating facts from emotions in the digital age. What we unpack: -Rage culture and social media wars -Misinformation, facts, and civic responsibility -Pop culture, politics, and public conversation Are we having real conversations anymore, or just reacting to headlines? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

  8. Jun 19

    Man in the Mirror

    If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make the change. Inspired by Michael Jackson's  "Man in the Mirror," episode 9 of season 2 explores the power of self-reflection, personal responsibility, and civic engagement. It’s time to make Grambling, NC A&T and other HBCUs athletic programs great again. But are young folks willing to boycott the big D-1 schools? Real change doesn't start with politicians, it starts with people willing to look in the mirror and get busy. Watch the latest episode to hear more about : -Athletes and political advocacy -Voting rights, representation in the halls of government, and our civic power-How you can move from reflection (in the mirror) to action at the ballot boxWhat changes would you like to see in your community? And what role can you play in making it happen?Subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts (Spotify, YouTube), or watch us on YouTube.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
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About

Slingshot The Podcast — The Misunderstood Voice. The Culture’s Power.  Hosted by Kadida Kenner, CEO of the New Pennsylvania Project, Slingshot is where bold conversations meet culture, politics, sports, and real-world issues. We amplify the voices too often overlooked or misrepresented—voices that move the culture forward. Kadida brings her background as a civil rights advocate and former TV producer into each episode, offering fresh perspectives on civic engagement, justice, and power.  Whether we’re talking policy or pop culture, this is unfiltered truth from the ground up.

Information

  • Creator
    Slingshot The Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Slingshot The Podcast
  • Show Website
    Slingshot The Podcast