Unfiltered: 2BLKWomen Podcast

Unfiltered 2BLKWomen

What started as Coffee & Conversations is now something bolder, louder, and realer. No sugarcoating. No holding back. Just honest conversations, real perspectives, and unapologetic voices. 🎙️ Welcome to Unfiltered: 2 Black Women with Dana James and Lya Williams

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    Beyond the Ads, Before the Vote

    On this episode of Unfiltered, Lya and Dana take a candid look at Iowa’s election season, challenging misleading political ads, AI-generated campaign imagery, and candidate flip-flops. The conversation explores voter accountability, campaign spending, and the importance of authentic representation for Black, LGBTQ+, Latina, and other often-overlooked communities. From public schools and rural hospitals to grocery costs and environmental concerns, the hosts connect election outcomes to everyday life while encouraging listeners to research candidates beyond the ads, stay engaged year-round, and make their voices heard at the ballot box.

  2. Oct 9

    Beyond the Tap: The Truth About Water Quality in Iowa

    In this episode,  Lya Williams and Dana James explore the critical water quality issues in Iowa, highlighting environmental concerns, health impacts, and the importance of community action. They discuss the systemic challenges and potential solutions to ensure safe water for all, especially marginalized communities.

  3. Sep 23

    Your Gas Bill, Your Kid's School, Your Vote: It's All Connected

    Lya and Dana open this episode of Unfiltered with the Oskaloosa homecoming incident, where racist remarks targeted a staff member and the school district responded by canceling a football game and homecoming dance. They connect this to workplace racism, sharing personal stories involving a noose incident at a data center and another at a training in Madison, Wisconsin. The conversation shifts into a passionate call to action around voting, with the hosts breaking down how many Iowa races get decided by fewer than 100 votes. They cover rising costs at the gas pump and grocery store, the impact of fuel prices, and the importance of holding candidates accountable to Black communities specifically. The episode touches on food insecurity solutions, the case of a young athlete facing deportation, the criminalization of Black mothers seeking better schools for their kids, and Nikole Hannah-Jones' school choice dilemma. Lya and Dana close with concrete Iowa election dates and resources, urging listeners to vote on November 3 and get involved in their communities.

  4. Aug 28

    Keeping it Real, No Filter Revisiting the 90's and Back to School Reality

    In this episode, Lya and Dana get real about what it actually takes to build community — from the classroom to the ballot box to the block party down the street. They dig into why authenticity matters more than ever in how we communicate, starting with historical Black women activists to the organizers doing the work today, and talk about what real representation looks like when it shows up in local events, education, and public spaces. Along the way: the wins and the growing pains in education for Black students in Iowa, why voter engagement is a year-round job (not just an election-season sprint), and how community media and local advertising quietly hold neighborhoods together. If you care about Iowa, community, and showing up as your full self — this one's for you. Topics covered: authenticity in communication • Black women's activism, then and now • education and community engagement • the power of local events • political activism and voter engagement in Iowa • representation of Black culture in public spaces • challenges and opportunities in education • the role of community media and advertising 🎧 New episode of Unfiltered: 2BLKWomen Podcast — listen now.

  5. Aug 10

    Fear, Fun and Fatigue

    In this episode of Unfiltered: 2 Black Women Podcast, Lya and Dana explore the challenges and opportunities within Black Iowa News, addressing community engagement, funding, and the importance of authentic journalism. They also discuss personal experiences with fear, fatigue, and the need for self-care and advocacy.

  6. Jul 23

    Unfiltered: The Hidden Dangers in Hair Products and Community Resilience

    Join Dana and Lya, as we explore the impact of toxic chemicals in hair products, the importance of natural beauty, and community efforts to promote literacy and health awareness. This episode highlights personal stories, research insights, and actionable advice for healthier living. For the story referenced in the show go to BLACKIOWANEWS.COM.

  7. Jul 14

    The Safety Gap: What Every Parent Needs to Know

    The Safety Gap: What Every Parent Needs to Know In this powerful episode of Unfiltered: 2BLK Women, hosts Lya Williams and Dana James tackle some of the most urgent issues impacting Black communities today—racial safety, online harassment, gun violence, and the realities Black families face navigating predominantly white spaces.  The conversation begins with the importance of supporting community-focused journalism and the role outlets like Black Iowa News play in keeping communities informed and connected. From there, Lya and Dana share personal reflections on the fears and challenges of raising Black children in a society where race can directly impact safety and belonging.  The discussion also explores the tragic case of Nolan, an 18-year-old whose disappearance sparked difficult conversations about racial dynamics, trust, and the unique concerns many Black parents carry. Lya and Dana speak candidly about the importance of open dialogue, awareness, and preparing children to navigate situations that may put them at risk.  The episode further examines the rise of online bullying and racial discrimination, including the emotional toll of harassment and the challenges of holding social media platforms accountable. Finally, the hosts address the ongoing epidemic of gun violence, reflecting on recent tragedies, community impact, and the urgent need for collective action and advocacy.  This honest and heartfelt conversation is a reminder that awareness, community support, and meaningful dialogue are essential tools for change. Join Lya and Dana as they share experiences, challenge perspectives, and encourage listeners to be part of the conversation.  🎙️ Listen, reflect, and join the dialogue. Share your thoughts, experiences, and topic suggestions for future episodes of Unfiltered:2BLKWomen Podcast.

  8. Jun 26

    Black Women's Resilience in Iowa

    Join us for an authentic conversation on Juneteenth, Black history, social justice, and the experiences of Black women in Iowa. Hosts Lya Williams and Dana James share personal stories, community insights, and call for greater awareness and action.

  • 8 Episodes

About

What started as Coffee & Conversations is now something bolder, louder, and realer. No sugarcoating. No holding back. Just honest conversations, real perspectives, and unapologetic voices. 🎙️ Welcome to Unfiltered: 2 Black Women with Dana James and Lya Williams

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