Its Not Black or White

Tim Stevenson and Diane Blakeley
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to It’s Not Black or White—a podcast where real stories meet honest conversations. Each episode explores the people, ideas, and experiences that prove life is rarely lived in absolutes. Hosted by Tim Stevenson and Diane Blakeley, we sit down with actors, dancers, musicians, politicians, entrepreneurs, business leaders, technology innovators, medical experts, survivors, community voices, and everyday people with extraordinary stories. From health and leadership to culture, current events, and resilience, we invite you to listen, learn, and see the world differently.

  1. 1d ago

    Julie Roland pt 1

    In this episode, hosts Tim Stevenson and Diane Blakeley talk with Julie about why creativity matters, even in an institution built on uniformity. She describes the backyard art show she started while on active duty and how it grew into a nonprofit. She also talks about honoring her late mother’s poetry in New York and helping pass what was then the strongest AI safety law in the country. Diane opens up about beating cancer and finding joy again through hip-hop dance in Tim’s class. The conversation ends on a big question: how do we get back to civility? 💬 Who in your life has that rare mix of service and creativity? Tell us in the comments. 👍 If you enjoyed this conversation, like it, subscribe and share it with someone who needs a little inspiration. 🎙️ It’s Not Black or White is a podcast about world events and inspiring stories that can help other people. Follow, subscribe, all the things! #NavyPilot #Veteran #WomenInAviation #TEDx #PublicArt #Creativity #AISafety #CivicEngagement #Democracy #ItsNotBlackOrWhite #Podcast #JulieRoland

    Julie Roland pt 1

  2. Oct 8

    Bonner Paddock Pt 2 - Boundaries & Energy Vampires

    In Part 2, Bonner Paddock tells Tim Stevenson and Diane Blakeley how he built Project Possible, a foundation with six centers in five countries where every dollar raised goes to the kids it serves. He talks about the anger he carried toward his parents, the forgiveness he found with his dad, and why he now loves some people from a distance.Then the conversation turns to energy vampires: who they are, why they hate boundaries, and why setting them was "the hardest yet smartest thing I've ever done." Bonner closes with his return to soccer at 48 and winning the Copa América with the U.S. para-national team

    Bonner Paddock Pt 2 - Boundaries & Energy Vampires

  3. Oct 7

    Bonner Paddock Pt 1 _Met Death on Kilimanjaro

    Bonner Paddock was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck. Seven doctors gave six different diagnoses before he was correctly diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 11. He went on to climb Kilimanjaro, finish the Ironman, and write the bestselling book One More Step.In Part 1, Bonner sits down with Tim Stevenson and Diane Blakeley to talk about the day he sat down at 17,000 feet, out of water in 50-below cold, and made peace with dying. He also opens up about the year of depression that followed the summit, and the four-year-old boy named Jakey who changed his life #ItsNotBlackOrWhite #BonnerPaddock #CerebralPalsy #Kilimanjaro #Ironman #Podcast

    Bonner Paddock Pt 1 _Met Death on Kilimanjaro

  4. Sep 24

    Sarah Wilson Pt 1

    🎙️ In this episode of It’s Not Black or White, we sit down with Sarah Wilson, host of theEverything’s Messy Podcast, for an honest conversation about her health journey. Sarah opens up about diabetes, experiencing a heart attack, recovery, resilience, and the life lessons she’s learned along the way. Her story is a powerful reminder to listen to your body, take your health seriously, and keep moving forward through life’s unexpected challenges.👉 Watch the full conversation, subscribe, and join us for more real stories and honest conversations on It’s Not Black or White

    Sarah Wilson Pt 1

  5. Sep 17

    Ana Allen Pt 1. - Midlife, social media, identity

    In Part 1 of It’s Not Black or White, we sit down with Ana Allen for an open and honest conversation about midlife, social media, identity, change, and what it means to keep evolving. Ana shares her perspective on navigating this stage of life, the pressure and influence of social media, and the lessons that come with experience, growth, and learning to trust yourself. It’s a thoughtful, relatable conversation about where we are, where we’ve been, and how we continue moving forward. 🎙️ Listen now to Ana Allen – Pt. 1: Mid Life, Social Media and More.

    Ana Allen Pt 1. - Midlife, social media, identity

  6. Sep 14

    Cole Blakely pt 2-

    In Part 2 of our conversation with Cole Blakeley on It’s Not Black or White, we go deeper into the creative journey behind the music.Cole opens up about his process as a songwriter and artist, the ups and downs of building something from the ground up, and the progress he’s made along the way. He also shares where he finds inspiration, how he works through challenges, and what keeps him moving forward as a young creative.At just 17, Cole is already the founder, songwriter, and guitarist of the band Dove Cottage. He taught himself guitar, formed his own band, writes original music, and released the album Peeking Through while still in high school.His creativity reaches far beyond music, spanning theater, film, visual art, and digital media. From award-winning digital artwork to film production and performing on stage, Cole continues to explore different ways to tell stories and express himself.Part 2 is about growth, resilience, creativity, and trusting the process.#ItsNotBlackOrWhite #ColeBlakeley #DoveCottage #PeekingThrough #YoungArtist #Songwriter #CreativeProcess #MusicJourney #ArtistJourney #Inspiration #EmergingArtist #PodcastInterview

  7. Sep 12

    Cole Blakeley Pt 1

    In this episode of It’s Not Black or White, we sit down with Cole Blakeley, the 17-year-old founder, songwriter, and guitarist of the band Dove Cottage.At an age when most people are still discovering what they want to pursue, Cole is already building an impressive creative career. He taught himself guitar, formed his own band, wrote original music, and released the album Peeking Through—all while still in high school.But Cole’s creativity goes far beyond music. He is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans music, theater, film, visual art, and digital media. His digital artwork earned First Place recognition at the Laguna Art Festival, and he has also received multiple awards for his film productions.On stage, Cole has appeared in more than 30 musical theater productions, taking on an incredible range of leading and featured roles, including Danny Zuko in Grease, Captain Hook in Peter Pan, Gomez Addams in The Addams Family, P. T. Barnum in The Greatest Showman, and King George III in Hamilton.From writing and performing original music to acting, filmmaking, and visual art, Cole represents a new generation of young creatives who refuse to be defined by just one medium.🎙️ Join us as we talk about his journey, his creative process, forming Dove Cottage, releasing music while still in high school, and what’s next for this talented young artist.#ItsNotBlackOrWhite #ColeBlakeley #DoveCottage #PeekingThrough #YoungArtist #YoungMusician #SingerSongwriter #IndieMusic #OriginalMusic #TeenMusician #EmergingArtist #MusicalTheater #Filmmaker #DigitalArtist #CreativeJourney #NextGenerationArtist #MusicInterview #ArtistSpotlight #CreativeExpression #PodcastInterview

    Cole Blakeley Pt 1

  8. Sep 6

    JEANIE BALLARD – Integrative Energy Healer | Part 2

    In Part 2 of It’s Not Black or White, we go even deeper with Jeanie Ballard as the conversation moves further into the spiritual side of energy, healing, intuition, and connection. Jeanie shares more about how she listens to Spirit, how energy can guide the work she does, and what it means to become more aware of what we feel, sense, and receive beyond the physical. We also explore: ✨ Spiritual connection and awareness 🔮 Listening to Spirit and trusting intuition 💫 Energy work on a deeper level 🌎 How collective energy can affect us 🧘 Becoming more in tune with yourself and others ❤️ Healing through awareness, connection, and intention This conversation continues to challenge the way we think about energy, spirituality, and the unseen forces that may influence our lives. 🎙️ Subscribe to It’s Not Black or White and join us for more conversations that go beyond the surface. #JeanieBallard #ItsNotBlackOrWhitePodcast #SpiritualHealing #EnergyHealing #Spirituality #Intuition #CollectiveEnergy #EnergyWork #HealingJourney #MindBodySpirit

    JEANIE BALLARD – Integrative Energy Healer | Part 2
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to It’s Not Black or White—a podcast where real stories meet honest conversations. Each episode explores the people, ideas, and experiences that prove life is rarely lived in absolutes. Hosted by Tim Stevenson and Diane Blakeley, we sit down with actors, dancers, musicians, politicians, entrepreneurs, business leaders, technology innovators, medical experts, survivors, community voices, and everyday people with extraordinary stories. From health and leadership to culture, current events, and resilience, we invite you to listen, learn, and see the world differently.

Information

  • Creator
    Tim Stevenson and Diane Blakeley
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Tim Stevenson and Diane Blakeley
  • Show Website
    Its Not Black or White