Lost In The Woods

Jerid P. Woods
  • 5.0 (3)
  • BOOKS

Lost in the Woods is where books, music, politics, and culture meet. Hosted by Jerid P. Woods — also known as @ablackmanreading — the podcast is about wandering off the beaten path and finding deeper ways to make sense of the world. When we say “lost,” we don’t mean confused. We mean choosing to wander. To sit with books instead of just posting them. To let music, memory, and culture reshape how we understand ourselves and each other. Each episode is a conversation at the intersections of literature, hip hop, politics, and lived experience. A place for constructing understanding — personally and collectively. Out here in the woods, we might just find ourselves. And we might just find each other, too.

Episodes

  1. 11/02/2025

    Lost in the Woods Episode 5: Righteous Willpower

    Dr. Jerid P. Woods Sr., also known as Akili Nzuri, explores his concept of 'righteous willpower' in his solo episode of 'Lost in the Woods.' He draws inspiration from Bell Hooks and literary figures like Milkman Dead and King Tremaine to discuss the journey from wandering to intentional living. The episode emphasizes the importance of love, community, and self-discovery in building a meaningful life.

    30 min

  2. 10/26/2025

    Lost in the Woods Episode 4: Step Brothers For Life

    In this episode of "Lost in the Woods," Dr. Jerid P. Woods takes us on a journey through the back roads of Mississippi, exploring the intersections of history, hip hop, and education. Joined by special guest Alan Wheat, an educator and historian, they delve into the stories that have shaped their lives and careers. From the classrooms of Mississippi to the archives of history, discover how wandering off the beaten path can lead to unexpected and enriching discoveries. Tune in for an engaging conversation about cultural memory, the power of storytelling, and the importance of getting lost to find something worth teaching.

    51 min

  3. 10/22/2025 · BONUS

    Lost in the Woods Episode 3.5: A Moment in Capitolean.

    In this special “.5” episode of Lost in the Woods, we share a conversation that isn’t a full stand-alone episode, but one where real construction of understanding took place — and deserves to be heard. Dr. Jerid P. Woods sits down with Solomon Wilcots of the Beta Theta Achievement Foundation, a group of brothers who are also initiates of The University of Colorado Chapter, the Beta Theta of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Together, they explore the importance of storytelling, cultural representation, the blues, and the power of literature in shaping identity. Their dialogue moves through Dr. Woods’s evolution as a storyteller, the spirit behind his poetry collection Three Pens of Capitolean, and the ways music, mentorship, and education weave into personal and collective growth. The conversation also reflects on the cyclical nature of life and the need for authentic storytelling in both film and literature.

    39 min

  4. 10/04/2025

    Lost in the Woods Episode 3: Books, Beats and Becoming with Dante Stewart

    In this engaging conversation, Dante Stewart and Dr. Jerid P. Woods explore the profound impact of hip hop on personal identity, spirituality, and cultural heritage. They discuss the journey of self-discovery through music, the challenges of vulnerability, and the importance of passing down hip hop to future generations. The dialogue emphasizes the healing power of hip hop and the quest for authenticity in artistic expression, ultimately highlighting the interconnectedness of rappers and authors in their pursuit of freedom and truth.

    44 min

  5. 09/27/2025

    Lost in the Woods Episode 2: How to Show Proper Love with Lawrence Burney

    In this conversation, Jerid P. Woods and Lawrence Burney delve into the complexities of identity, community, and cultural critique, particularly in the context of Baltimore. They explore the impact of personal truths against societal myths, the journey of writing and cultural production, and the nuances of Southern identity as it relates to Maryland. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding history and its influence on contemporary experiences, particularly within the Black community. In this engaging conversation, Lawrence Burney and Jerid P. Woods explore the complex cultural identity of Maryland, its historical ties to slavery, and the impact of migration patterns on the state's demographics. They delve into the musical landscape of the South, discussing how artists like Lupe Fiasco have shaped their understanding of masculinity and artistic expression. The dialogue also touches on the challenges of passing down hip-hop culture to the next generation, highlighting the differences in experiences between fathers and their children. Finally, they conclude with a fun segment called the 'Three by Three Challenge,' where they share their current influences in books, music, and film.

    1h 15m

  6. 09/20/2025

    Lost in the Woods Episode 1: Wandering Through the Written Word with Kiese Laymon

    In this engaging conversation, Jerid P. Woods and Kiese Laymon explore the intersections of culture, community, and creativity. They discuss the influence of hip hop and gospel music on literature, the importance of recognizing and honoring one's roots, and the role of the Bible in shaping a writer's perspective. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of preparation in conversations, the pressure of public speaking, and the responsibility of sharing stories within families and communities. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they highlight the power of writing to connect and inspire. In this conversation, Kiese Laymon and Jerid P. Woods explore themes of community reverence, the role of education, the significance of language and identity in writing, cultural transmission through oral traditions, the importance of place and community, masculinity and responsibility, and the influence of art on personal growth. They discuss how these elements intertwine to shape their experiences and perspectives, particularly in the context of Mississippi.

    1h 5m

  7. 09/16/2025

    LITW - The Introduction

    Lost in the Woods is where books, music, politics, and culture meet. Hosted by Jerid P. Woods — also known as @ablackmanreading — the podcast is about wandering off the beaten path and finding deeper ways to make sense of the world. When we say “lost,” we don’t mean confused. We mean choosing to wander. To sit with books instead of just posting them. To let music, memory, and culture reshape how we understand ourselves and each other. Each episode is a conversation at the intersections of literature, hip hop, politics, and lived experience. A place for constructing understanding — personally and collectively. Out here in the woods, we might just find ourselves. And we might just find each other, too.

    2 min
  • 7 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Lost in the Woods is where books, music, politics, and culture meet. Hosted by Jerid P. Woods — also known as @ablackmanreading — the podcast is about wandering off the beaten path and finding deeper ways to make sense of the world. When we say “lost,” we don’t mean confused. We mean choosing to wander. To sit with books instead of just posting them. To let music, memory, and culture reshape how we understand ourselves and each other. Each episode is a conversation at the intersections of literature, hip hop, politics, and lived experience. A place for constructing understanding — personally and collectively. Out here in the woods, we might just find ourselves. And we might just find each other, too.

Information

  • Creator
    Jerid P. Woods
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Jerid P. Woods