Identity Unboxed

Identity Unboxed
  • 4.7 (12)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Identity Unboxed, the culmination of our lived experiences as Black professionals seeking mentorship and representation in the spaces we inhabit, with insight from individuals in our community who have impacted us along the way. In this space, we foster authenticity, embrace diversity, and inspire innovation. Our mission is to amplify Black voices, promote the advancement of the Black community, and highlight the journeys and achievements of outstanding Black individuals.

  1. May 4 ·  Bonus

    The Power of the River with Ed Taylor

    On this special episode of Identity Unboxed, we sat with Dr. Ed Taylor, Professor at the University of Washington College of Education and Dean and Vice Provost, at UW Undergraduate Academic Affairs, as he discussed his new memoir, ‘The Power of the River’. Ed takes readers on a journey from Lompoc, California, through a childhood marked with loss but grounded in the love and support of family and community, to a singular moment that changed everything for a boy set up by the system to be a cog in the machine.

    1h 56m

  2. Apr 29 ·  Bonus

    Tiana's Narratives — Multitudes of Blackness

    In our bonus episode of Identity Unboxed, ‘Occupying Opposing Worlds — Blackness, Identity, and Class,’ Tiana sat on the other side of the interview table as Brad interviewed her about her personal journey, as told through various narratives she has written over the past few years. This episode is a compilation of Tiana narrating short stories: “Don’t Touch My Hair”, "Lineage," and “The Little Black Cowgirl." “Amidst the Pews” - This piece explores her relationship with religion as a young Black girl embedded in the Evangelical Lutheran church amidst the pews of a nearly exclusively white congregation. “Don’t Touch My Hair” - This piece captures the beauty of Blackness and the struggle in the journey of truly feeling that Black is beautiful through the connection to Black hair as an extension of her identity. “Lineage” -  This piece explores the significance of Black ancestral legacies and their influence in the pursuit of liberation and social justice. “The Little Black Cowgirl” - This piece explores her experience immersed in the world of equestrianism as a young Black girl and delves into the role of Black culture in shaping this space throughout history since its inception. By unearthing my culture, she shares her journey in finding her identity and footing in a space that has precluded Black contributions. From Tiana: Thank you to our listeners who encouraged us to create this episode, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to share about nourishing mental health, finding confidence and community, and embracing vulnerability as strength. I am appreciative of Brad for holding this space where I was empowered to share my most unapologetic self. I hope that this conversation reaches someone and helps them in some way. 🤎

    26 min

  3. Apr 17 ·  Bonus

    Occupying Opposing Worlds — Blackness, Identity, and Class with Tiana Cole

    In this bonus episode of Identity Unboxed, we flip the script. Co-host Brad steps into the interviewer’s seat for an intimate conversation with Tiana, exploring her personal journey through the lens of her writing. Together, they unpack the experiences behind her narratives — “Amidst the Pews,” “Lineage,” “The Little Black Cowgirl,” and “Don’t Touch My Hair.” This deeply reflective episode offers insight into Tiana’s evolving connection to her Blackness and the rich history and culture that shape it.

    2h 2m

  4. Feb 27 ·  Bonus

    Tactics of the Oppressor: Learning from Our Past to Inform the Present

    This Black History Month, we are grateful to explore Black history on our inaugural ‘Legacy Lens’ series. The education system frequently gives us a watered-down version of Black history and minimizes our contributions. Many states have already banned and restricted books on Black history. We have always been here and are determined to remind others that our history will not be forgotten.  Biography: George “Conscious” Lee is a dynamic orator, innovator, educator, and influential content creator whose work sits at the intersection of media, socio-political issues, and popular culture. Purposefully provocative, he uses this approach to educate on topics like oppression and intersectionality, translating complex ideas for audiences from Gen Z to Baby Boomers. He believes transformation starts with consciousness, using dialogue to uncover what needs change. Born in Bryan, Texas, Lee overcame childhood adversity to graduate from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor’s and two Master’s degrees. He made history as part of the first African-American duo to become the number-one seed at the National Debate Tournament, innovatively using hip-hop in arguments. Lee’s blend of academic expertise and cultural mastery fuels his impactful work through his podcasts, public lectures, keynotes and workshops. Lee believes: You cannot change what you don’t know needs to be changed. His work aids people in uncovering what needs to be changed and equips them with the tools on how to change. The starting point is “consciousness.” His style provokes dialogue and conflict meant to inspire transformation. Lee has developed a brand of educational entertainment that translates an understanding of oppression, consciousness, intersectionality, and gender identity to both the TikTok generation and baby Boomers alike..  With over 5 million dedicated followers, Lee’s influence is globally recognized. He is a two time NAACP Image Award Nominee, recipient of YouTube’s Content Creator Choice Award, an International Webby Award Nominee and a grantee of YouTube’s Black Voices Fund. His insights have been featured in major publications from Rolling Stone and Forbes to The New York Times and Business Insider.   His views have garnered millions of views and been featured in Rolling Stone, Forbes, Essence, the Washington Post, Yahoo Life, The Atlantic, Business Insider, and The New York Times. In addition to being on the Content Advisory Board for The Fanbase App, he’s partnered with organizations including YouTube, TikTok, BET, NAACP, and many more! In his free time, Lee enjoys traveling, attending trail rides in rural Texas, and creating memories with his family. Career Advice: “Be consistent and execute the plan, even when you don't feel like it.”

    1h 12m

  5. Feb 20 ·  Bonus

    Through the Lens of Us: Framing the Future of Film with Aaron Chapman

    This Black History Month, we are grateful to explore Black history on our inaugural ‘Legacy Lens’ series. The education system frequently gives us a watered-down version of Black history and minimizes our contributions. Many states have already banned and restricted books on Black history. We have always been here and are determined to remind others that our history will not be forgotten.  Biography: Aaron Chapman is an award-winning director known for his ability to uncover humanity and emotion behind sport, culture, and storytelling. A former Division I football player at the University of Washington, he draws on his firsthand experience as an athlete to craft cinematic narratives that balance raw authenticity with striking visual artistry. Chapman’s work spans commercial, branded, and documentary filmmaking, with clients including Nike, Adidas, Meta, AT&T, NFL, and many more. He has directed compelling projects featuring some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment, including Mark Wahlberg, LeBron James, and Don Cheadle. His ability to capture the personal struggles, triumphs, and identity shifts of high-level competitors has made his work resonate across audiences. In addition to commercial directing, Chapman has established himself in documentary filmmaking. His debut short documentary, Mr. 50, which he single-handedly directed, filmed, and edited, was a Best Short Documentary, Best First-Time Director, and Best Editing Nominee at Indie Shorts Fest 2021, exploring NBA star Aaron Gordon’s journey to the historic 2020 NBA Dunk Contest. His latest documentary, Against All Odds: Sidney Jones IV, premiered in 2024 and won Best Documentary Short at the New York International Film Awards, highlighting the resilience of an NFL player overcoming adversity. Chapman’s work has seen wins at Cannes Lions, The One Show, D&AD, and the New York International Film Awards. Based in Los Angeles and San Francisco, he continues to push creative boundaries, shaping stories that bridge sport, culture, and human resilience. Career Advice: “I care less about hype and more about momentum. If you’re consistent, intentional, and obsessed with quality, the results eventually compound.”

    1h 5m

  6. Feb 13 ·  Bonus

    A Mosaic of Musical Moments – History of Jazz

    This Black History Month, we are grateful to explore Black history on our inaugural ‘Legacy Lens’ series. The education system frequently gives us a watered-down version of Black history and minimizes our contributions. Many states have already banned and restricted books on Black history. We have always been here and are determined to remind others that our history will not be forgotten.  Biography: Born and raised in Seattle, Gary “Jubil” Hammon is one of a number of musicians from the area that have enjoyed a long and successful career in the performing arts. Gary began his study of the saxophone while a junior at Garfield High School. With diligent practice, he advanced rapidly on the instrument, and soon began playing in bands around the thriving Seattle music scene. With some encouragement from Jim Wilke, he applied for further musical study at the renowned New England Conservatory of Music. Awarded a scholarship, he began attending in 1969, the first year black students were accepted. While there he benefitted greatly while studying with Kenny Dorham, Mary Lou Williams, Carmen McRae and others. He also helped inaugurate the jazz studies program at the Conservatory in 1972, as part of Gunther Schuller’s ensemble. Impressing the likes of Isaac Stern and Arthur Fiedler, the program has been a success ever since.   Gary went on to establish himself on the jazz scene in Boston and New York, frequently filling in for Harold Vick before leading his own bands, becoming a regular at Wally’s in Boston and Manny’s Car Wash in New York. This led to working and touring with blues greats Albert King and Albert Collins, a long stint with Big Jim Patton’s band, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, and further jazz work with Barbara Donald and Grant Green.   Gary Hammon returned to Seattle in 2004 after a long career as a sideman and an educator. After being in so many great bands led by others, he was eager to pursue his own musical directions. Gary teamed up with saxophone great Hadley Caliman to make a two tenors album, “Fangs,” and they performed regularly throughout the Seattle area for some years. When Hadley Caliman got called to play with Bobby Hutcherson one weekend, Gary called trumpeter Erik Esvelt to fill in at the last minute. The two musicians quickly recognized their shared enthusiasm for an old-school, lyrical approach to playing the music. A long-term collaboration sprung from there, and the two horn players were soon rehearsing together, working on blending their sounds and learning each others’ music. Gigs in 2011 culminated in recording their album, “Slightly in the Tradition,” that summer.   Still active as an educator, Hammon has been teaching saxophone and sharing his love of music for over four decades. As well as having tutored dozens of award-winning musicians, Gary has also worked closely with Ballard High School’s program in recent years, helping them become one of the region’s top programs and regular attendees of the prestigious Essentially Ellington competition held annually in New York City. “Know the business of music.”

    1h 37m

  7. Feb 6 ·  Bonus

    The Black Panther Party: Coalition Building through Generations

    This Black History Month, we are grateful to explore Black history on our inaugural ‘Legacy Lens’ series. The education system frequently gives us a watered-down version of Black history and minimizes our contributions. Many states have already banned and restricted books on Black history. We have always been here and are determined to remind others that our history will not be forgotten.  Biography: Elmer Dixon has spent his life fighting for justice, equality, and belonging — values rooted in who he is and the experiences that shaped him. At 17, inspired by the Black Liberation Movement of the 1960s, he co-founded the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party with his older brother, Aaron. It was the first chapter outside of California, and together they built a movement that provided essential services to Black and Brown communities in their city. That work opened doors to new opportunities to serve. Elmer became the director of the Al Davis Girls and Boys Club in Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood, a predominantly Black community, before stepping into leadership roles with the Seattle Parks Department. There, he helped create anti-sexual harassment policies, recruited women into non-traditional roles, and led investigations into workplace discrimination. Elmer’s work caught the attention of Mayor Charles Royer, who appointed Elmer to his cabinet as director of the Citizens Service Bureau. Eventually, Elmer was recruited into Executive Diversity Services, Inc. (EDS), where he found his calling in training and consulting. Today, as president of EDS, Elmer leads a team that designs and delivers DEIB programs, organizational development, and conflict management training to major corporations, nonprofits, government agencies, and police departments — both in the U.S. and globally. Elmer has had the honor of sharing his work internationally, serving as a guest lecturer in Finland, and teaching in France. He takes immense pride in being a former president of SIETAR USA and a frequent speaker at SIETAR Europa. My TEDx Talk, 'Stories from the Revolution’s Front Lines,' reflects his journey — from activism to global consulting. In his memoir, 'DIE STANDING: From Black Panther Revolutionary to Global Diversity Consultant,' Elmer tells his full story. It’s a tribute to the real legacy of the Black Panther Party and a call to action for the next generation of justice seekers. The fight continues, and Elmer remains committed to helping create a world where diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are more than ideals — they are reality. Career Advice: “It’s important for the youth to understand their role in the future society, and I encourage them to go after their dreams while remembering the collective whole, to not forget their fellow students and community. To stand up for freedom and justice while pursuing their life goals is critical to all of our survival. Being ‘woke’ means being self-aware and aware of what's going on around you. Don't believe the negative narrative, love yourself and love your fellow man, woman, and others. All Power to The People.”

    1h 33m

  8. Trailer

    Black History Month: Legacy Lens Series Announcement

    This Black History Month, we are grateful to explore Black history on our inaugural ‘Legacy Lens’ series. By honoring the legacies of our ancestors, we discovered the weight of our community’s contributions locally in the Central District and beyond, from music and film to education, and grassroots activism. We have reaffirmed that Black history is not only American history, but also critical to understanding the true path to lasting liberation for all marginalized communities globally.  It has been an honor to interview individuals who have contributed to Black culture and history in this series, including Elmer Dixon, Gary Hammon, Aaron Chapman, and Conscious Lee. Black history has been the subject of erasure and heightened scrutiny as democracy experiences seismic rifts steeped in white supremacy and the vilification of our people’s passion for justice. It’s imperative that we share these stories and pass them down so they don’t get lost through generations.  The education system frequently gives us a watered-down version of Black history and minimizes our contributions. Many states have already banned and restricted books on Black history. We have always been here and are determined to remind others that our history will not be forgotten.  Listen to ‘Legacy Lens’ this Black History month to pay homage to Black leaders both past and present. Our first episode is set to release on Friday, February 6th, at 7:00 AM PST!

    4 min
See All (75)

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Welcome to Identity Unboxed, the culmination of our lived experiences as Black professionals seeking mentorship and representation in the spaces we inhabit, with insight from individuals in our community who have impacted us along the way. In this space, we foster authenticity, embrace diversity, and inspire innovation. Our mission is to amplify Black voices, promote the advancement of the Black community, and highlight the journeys and achievements of outstanding Black individuals.

Information

  • Creator
    Identity Unboxed
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    75
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Identity Unboxed
  • Show Website
    Identity Unboxed

You Might Also Like