Off Color

Rebekah Henderson
  • 4.7 (42)
  • DOCUMENTARY

A podcast where we keep it real when it comes to the uncomfortable conversations about race and identity. Each week we interview community organizers, entertainers, political figures and BIPOC residents about their perspectives on current events. Hosted by Rebekah Henderson aka the Tan Tigress, produced and edited by Janece Matsko.

  1. 02/17/2025

    Spoon Brain, Rap Rivalries, and the Superb Owl

    Host: Rebekah Henderson (spelled R-E-B-E-K-A-H) Co-Host: Samuel Gonzalez Guest: Cel Wilson Time-Coded Highlights 00:00:07 – 00:00:13 Rebekah kicks off the show, introducing Off Color and its focus on race, pop culture, and well-being. 00:00:25 – 00:00:31 Sam enters the conversation and shares their current mood check. 00:01:11 – 00:01:37 The hosts delve into personal updates and set the tone for a candid, wide-ranging chat. 00:20:05 – 00:20:21 Special guest Cel Wilson joins. Brief intro to Cel's background as a musician and vocal coach. 00:21:44 – 00:22:02 Cel explains how anyone can develop their voice with the right techniques and mindset. 00:46:00 – 00:46:30 (approx.) Rebekah tests out her singing chops, sparking a lighthearted lesson on vocal confidence. 01:00:00 – 01:01:00 (approx.) Closing reflections on self-care, community, and sustaining hope amidst stressful news. Listen & Subscribe Patreon: For extras and behind-the-scenes content, visit Off Color Podcast on Patreon. Social Media: Sam on Instagram

    1h 20m

  2. 02/10/2025

    Black Futures, Boycotts & Building Community Through Theatre

    In this lively and wide-ranging episode of Off Color, host Rebekah Henderson and co-host Samuel Gonzalez  dive into a whirlwind of topics—from personal updates and current events to the role of art in social change. Midway through, they welcome special guest Lynn Johnson, a queer Black theatre artist working on a powerful new project supporting queer and trans youth in New Mexico. Whether you're here for the sharp wit, deep dives, or the celebration of community, this episode delivers candid conversations and vibrant storytelling that fans of Off Color have come to love. Key Segments & Highlights 00:00 – 00:03 | Intro & Podcast Purpose Rebekah introduces Off Color, emphasizing discussions around race, identity, politics, and wellness. Sam jumps in, highlighting the podcast's broad scope: mental health, physical health, diasporic identity—plus the occasional chat about tacos! 00:03 – 00:05 | Celebrating Black History Month Rebekah and Sam honor their ancestors and discuss the importance of speaking their names as an act of remembrance and empowerment. Rebekah reflects on her uncle, Herbert Henderson, and Sam calls in her grandmother, Carolina, as spiritual anchors. 00:05 – 00:10 | Personal Updates & Life in the Moment Rebekah shares her life as an artist/filmmaker juggling creativity, parenting, and funding hurdles. Sam opens up about the stress of job-hunting vs. entrepreneurship, trying to stay grounded amidst "wild and loopy" times. 00:10 – 00:32 | News Deep Dive (AI-Generated Segment) The conversation shifts to a surprisingly detailed (and somewhat dystopian) AI-generated news briefing about Elon Musk's rumored involvement with federal financial systems ("DOGE") and the potential implications for privacy and democracy. They discuss how to stay informed without getting overwhelmed, emphasizing collective action, critical thinking, and contacting representatives. 00:32 – 00:34 | Reflecting on the State of the World Sam experiences a mix of anxiety and amusement at the dire predictions in the AI segment. Rebekah emphasizes the importance of focusing on community-level action as a way to combat the paralyzing effect of overwhelming news. 00:34 – 00:44 | Boycotts, Shopping, and Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" Rebekah shares her personal boycotts (Target, Walmart) and her complicated relationship with big-box stores. A passionate discussion about Beyoncé's (fictional) "Cowboy Carter" album and the joy/frustration around her recent (imagined) Grammy success. They reflect on the power of women artists supporting each other across cultural lines. 00:44 – 00:53 | Black History in Everyday Life Rebekah's son, wearing a Harriet Tubman hoodie, prompts a touching anecdote about mixed family pride and public perception. Emphasis on celebrating Black history every day, not just in February. 00:53 – 01:15 | Interview with Lynn Johnson Sam introduces longtime friend and collaborator Lynn Johnson, co-founder and Executive Director of High Desert Playback "Mic" Theater for Social Change in Albuquerque, NM. Lynn describes Playback Theatre: an improvisational form where audience stories are performed back on the spot to foster empathy, community, and social justice. She spotlights Queer Futures Now (an alien play)—a new, scripted show built from real-life stories of queer and trans youth. It will tour rural areas, offering a creative curriculum for families and allies to learn advocacy skills. Lynn discusses early pushback from a theater in Albuquerque concerned about "neutrality," highlighting the very real tensions in supporting LGBTQ+ youth. 01:15 – End | Wrapping Up & Where to Find More Rebekah reminds listeners of her documentary, Running with My Girls, now streaming via Kanopy and on public television (PBS/World Channel). Sam and Rebekah promise to have Lynn back for a deeper demo of Playback Theatre and more conversation about making art amidst societal upheaval.   How to Support & Further Engagement High Desert Playback "Mic" Theater: Follow Lynn Johnson's company on Instagram or via their website (search "High Desert Playback Theater" or "Playback Mic Theater Albuquerque"). Spread the word about Queer Futures Now and inquire about bringing the show to your region if you have a suitable performance space and funding. Off Color on Patreon: Exclusive behind-the-scenes content is available for patrons, including extra videos and deep dives into Rebekah's creative process. Watch Running with My Girls Streaming free on Kanopy via your local library, or on PBS/World Channel for a broadcast-friendly version. Stay Connected: Follow, rate, and subscribe to Off Color on your favorite podcast platform. Reach out or leave a review if you appreciate these conversations and want more interviews with grassroots artists and activists.

    1h 19m

  3. 02/03/2025

    Disturbing Echoes: Mississippi, Civil Rights, and Collective Action

    Episode Summary In this lively and unfiltered episode, Sam and Rebekah delve into everything from personal financial challenges and collective boycotts to civil rights parallels between 1968 and 2025. Rebekah shares her powerful experience screening her film, Running With My Girls, in Jackson, Mississippi—reminding her why community, sisterhood, and collective action matter. They also discuss recent executive orders affecting immigrant advocacy organizations, reflect on the historical echoes of disenfranchisement, and premiere a quirky AI-generated tune about dieting woes. As always, expect humor, candid moments, and even a quick spiritual tarot reading. What We Discuss Personal Check-Ins: Sam's ongoing financial struggles; Rebekah's travel anxiety and life updates. Boycotts & Big-Box Stores: The difficulty of organizing true collective action and rolling back of inclusive policies. Civil Rights Echoes: Linking the struggles of 1960s Mississippi to 2025 Colorado, especially regarding immigrant rights. Jackson, MS Trip: Rebekah's transformative time screening Running With My Girls and connecting with women running for office. AI Music Surprise: Hear an offbeat track capturing the frustrations of calorie deficits. Tarot & Inspiration: Sam pulls cards that encourage listeners to "serve the world by being you." Key Takeaways History Repeats: Recent executive orders echo tactics from Jim Crow-era disenfranchisement. Community Uplift: Collective action and sisterhood remain powerful forces for change. Know Your Past: Understanding lesser-known civil rights histories—like Colorado's Chicano movement—enriches current activism. Support & Solidarity: Whether giving $1 on Patreon or volunteering at local nonprofits, small contributions add up. Authentic Expression: Lean into your unique voice and experience as part of the larger fight for justice. Links & Resources Running With My Girls (Rebekah's film) RMIAN (Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network): https://www.rmian.org/ Connect with Sam on Instagram: @1rdescent1 (first "i" is a 1, last "l" is a 1). Patreon  Thanks for Listening! Every listen and share helps keep these critical conversations going. If you enjoy the show, consider subscribing, leaving a review, or supporting us on Patreon. Off Color is produced and edited by Rebekah Henderson (Tan Tigress Productions LLC) and co-hosted by Samuel Gonzalez. Theme music by James Meakim and additional interludes by DLulu Jones (AI Collaborations).

    1h 23m
  4. MLK, Miscegenation, and Mixed Emotions

    01/27/2025

    MLK, Miscegenation, and Mixed Emotions

    Show Notes Summary In this lively (and often hilarious) episode of the Off Color Podcast, hosts Rebekah and Sam experiment with their show's format while grappling with the emotional ups and downs of current events. They kick things off by acknowledging listener feedback and the ongoing evolution of the podcast. Rebekah shares her raw feelings about the political turmoil post-inauguration—expressing frustration, anxiety, and hope in equal measure. A key highlight is Rebekah's story about meeting Pulitzer Prize–winner Isabel Wilkerson, author of Caste, and how that powerful encounter reinforced her own commitment to storytelling and truth-telling. The co-hosts delve into the resonance of MLK Day, discussing how Dr. King's message of nonviolence and community care feels more urgent than ever in the face of rising social and political challenges. They also explore the importance of personal check-ins and small acts of kindness, whether that's volunteering, showing up for friends, or even that time someone paid for a stranger's meal. A fun twist arrives when "Ethan and Olive" (their playful nickname for AI-generated voices) chime in on racial hierarchies and historical legacies. While they poke fun at the stiff, over-intellectualized tone of AI, Rebekah and Sam manage to extract real lessons about bridging divides—both from technology and from each other. Finally, they close by reflecting on the power of forming true community, urging listeners to find mutual support, engage in local organizing, stay informed in healthy ways, and call in to the show to keep the conversation going.     What We Learned by "Listening" Community Is Everything: Whether it's meeting a literary hero or venting about political stress, gathering in real life (or online) can offer comfort and hope. Kindness Still Matters: From someone paying for lunch unexpectedly to forging relationships with new neighbors or newcomers, small gestures often have a massive emotional impact. News Is Better With a Friend: Consuming headlines alone can be stressful; sharing the burden (and the laughs) builds resilience. We're All in Flux: From personal growth goals (like directing a Langston Hughes play) to national crises, it's a reminder that change—both good and bad—is inevitable. Stay Curious, Stay Hopeful: Whether exploring Afrofuturism or simply remembering MLK's message, Rebekah and Sam remind us that hope can be a radical, necessary act.     Want to join the conversation? Call or leave a message: (They sing the number in the episode—give it a listen!) Share feedback on social media or wherever you follow the Off Color Podcast. Light a candle, channel good vibes, or just send a quick note letting Rebekah and Sam know how you're doing and what you think. Tune in, get inspired, and remember: community care, laughter, and love are among the strongest antidotes to uncertain times. Support the podcast! https://www.patreon.com/OffColorPodcast Sam's Offerings! https://www.iridescent1.com/  Sam's Instagram (for questions or comments) Off Color Hotline: +1(209)259-0039 Sam's Instagram FOR INQUIRIES

    1h 25m
  5. Who Gets to Be Black, Anyway? Mixed Race Truths, HSP Realness, and Parenting Under Pressure

    01/20/2025

    Who Gets to Be Black, Anyway? Mixed Race Truths, HSP Realness, and Parenting Under Pressure

    Episode Summary In this lively episode of Off Color, host Rebekah Henderson and co-host Samuel Gonzalez welcome two special guests: Soltahr Tiv-Amanda – a therapist and spiritual teacher Janae Burris – a Denver-based comedian Together, they dive into topics guaranteed to spark both insight and debate: Personal Updates & Humor Rebekah's unfiltered life updates set a candid tone. Sam shares reflections on navigating transitions and creative ruts. Janae adds her trademark comedic edge, juggling parenthood, career, and cultural identity. Being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Soltahr introduces the concept of HSP traits, discussing overlaps with ADHD and deep empathy. Practical tips for maintaining emotional balance, grounding, and self-care so sensitivity becomes a superpower instead of a burden. Race and Identity in Colonial America Rebekah references historian A.B. Wilkinson's Blurring the Lines of Race and Freedom: Mulattoes and Mixed Bloods in English Colonial America. They unpack how colonial laws (especially partus sequitur ventrem) entrenched the "one-drop rule" and shaped rigid racial hierarchies still affecting us today. Modern-Day Colorism & 'Who Gets to Be Black?' The group confronts the lingering question of who's "allowed" to claim Blackness. Insights on how internal divisions—rooted in white supremacy—still play out in families and communities. Parenting & Tough Artistic Choices Janae opens up about balancing her comedic freedom with the need to provide for her child. The reality of microaggressions, gatekeepers, and navigating predominantly white spaces as a Black artist—especially with bills to pay. Spiritual Guidance & Personal Liberation Sam pulls an oracle card, sparking a reflection on creativity, birth, and weaving beauty into daily life. Soltahr explores healing intergenerational trauma and embracing every facet of one's heritage, from the deeply spiritual to the everyday practical. A Call for Unity They underscore how racism thrives on division. A rallying cry for finding shared humanity and building community strength across generational lines.     Notable Quotes On the burden of identity: "We'll never be free until we stop worrying about what other people think about us." – Soltahr Tiv-Amanda On speaking truth to power: "It's a lot easier to say how you really feel when you don't have to worry about feeding a child… but as a mom, I can't cost my kid his meals." – Janae Burris "I want to get free—that's what the podcast is about. I want to be able to just be myself and not wonder what other people are thinking. I think it has ruined a lot of wonderful moments in my life and a lot of artistic, creative endeavors I've embarked upon, because I'm so concerned that people are not liking it." — Rebekah Henderson     Show Credits Hosted by: Rebekah Henderson Co-Hosted by: Samuel Gonzalez Guests: Soltahr Tiv-Amanda (Therapist, Spiritual Teacher) Janae Burris (Comedian) Theme Song: James Meakim Music & Editing: Tan Tigress Productions LLC     Links & Resources A.B. Wilkinson's Book Blurring the Lines of Race and Freedom: Mulattoes and Mixed Bloods in English Colonial America Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Resources hsperson.com – Dr. Elaine Aron's pioneering research Connect with Soltahr Tiv-Amanda Contact info: soltahr.tivamanda62@gmail.com Connect with Janae Burris Upcoming Shows & Socials: [@negativenegro on Instagram ]     Listen & Subscribe Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support keeps these conversations going and growing.     Thank you for tuning in to Off Color! We appreciate every listener who joins our mission of exploring race, identity, and the ongoing quest for personal and collective liberation. Feel free to share your thoughts or questions—and until next time, stay curious!

    1h 18m
  6. TikTok, Beyoncé, and Why We All Need a Nap In the New Year

    01/13/2025

    TikTok, Beyoncé, and Why We All Need a Nap In the New Year

    In this episode, Rebekah and her co-host Sam dive deep into the evolving conversations around race, identity, and cultural representation, as seen through the lens of TikTok's algorithm-driven echo chambers. The discussion explores the complexities of blackness, mixed-race identity, and the historical baggage that shapes these dialogues today. The hosts reflect on their personal experiences, generational differences, and the ways social media both amplifies and distorts these critical conversations. Key topics include: The role of TikTok in fostering discussions on race and identity. Beyonce's cultural significance and recent online controversies. The historical and social implications of the "one-drop rule." Personal reflections on navigating black and mixed-race identities in America. The intersection of art, sensitivity, and emotional resonance in addressing societal issues. Amidst the humor and sharp critiques, this episode also touches on the emotional weight of living in a world shaped by racial hierarchies and the potential for art to inspire and heal. Support the podcast! https://www.patreon.com/OffColorPodcast Sam's Offerings! https://www.iridescent1.com/ Off Color Hotline: +1(209)259-0039 Sam's Instagram FOR INQUIRIES

    1h 21m
  7. A I VERY COVID CHRISTMAS

    12/23/2024

    A I VERY COVID CHRISTMAS

    In this special year-end episode of Off Color, hosts Rebekah Henderson and Samuel Gonzalez experiment with a hybrid format of voice messages, AI-generated commentary, and raw reflections. Rebekah—under the weather and feeling the weight of another challenging year—introduces a unique "very COVIDed Christmas" approach, weaving humor and vulnerability into the show's fabric. Amidst muffled masks and muffled feelings, the conversation drifts through the complexities of personal authenticity, the odd comfort of AI-generated praise, and the sometimes uneasy dance between sincerity and skepticism. Sam's presence, though partially off-mic this time, is acknowledged as a grounding force who brings ancestral healing, spiritual insight, and transformative energy into the partnership. The duo considers the show's trajectory and what it means to keep creating in a world that can feel overwhelming. Balancing laughter and sobering truths—like the threat of rising fascism and the fragility of free speech—this episode becomes a reflective tapestry: a reminder that Off Color is not just entertainment, but a space of resistance, healing, and radical honesty. Listeners are invited to contemplate what it means to engage deeply with complex issues, to find solace in community, and to embrace one's own voice and weirdness. As the year closes, Off Color champions the messy, human work of showing up, being seen, and pushing forward—imperfect, heartfelt, and determined. Support the podcast! https://www.patreon.com/OffColorPodcast Sam's Offerings! https://www.iridescent1.com/ Off Color Hotline: +1(209)259-0039 Sam's Instagram FOR INQUIRIES

    28 min
  8. Mental Health as Generational Wealth with Special Guests; Soltar Tiv-Amanda & Janae Burris

    12/16/2024

    Mental Health as Generational Wealth with Special Guests; Soltar Tiv-Amanda & Janae Burris

    This episode of Off Color is a wonderful resource for anyone navigating mental health, mixed-race identity, and the joys and struggles of living authentically. Yay! 🎉 We dive deep into therapy, ancestral connections, and how comedy can heal, with laughs and insights all along the way. If you loved this episode, we'd love to hear from you! Call us and leave a message (the funnier, the better!) or slide into Sam's DMs on Instagram—your thoughts could even make it into a future episode! And hey, if you want to support what we're doing, head over to our Patreon. Every little bit helps us keep creating the content you love. 💛 Thanks for listening, and see you next time on Off Color—stay bold, stay funny, and stay you! Off Color Hotline: +1(209)259-0039 Sam's Instagram Esteemed Guest Information Soltar Tiv-Amanda Spark Talk Website/Contact for Sliding Scale Therapy/Spiritual Sessions Janae Burris: Comedy Works, Denver Tickets on SALE NOW!  Sunday January 5, 2025!

    1h 21m
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4.7
out of 5
42 Ratings

About

A podcast where we keep it real when it comes to the uncomfortable conversations about race and identity. Each week we interview community organizers, entertainers, political figures and BIPOC residents about their perspectives on current events. Hosted by Rebekah Henderson aka the Tan Tigress, produced and edited by Janece Matsko.

Information

  • Creator
    Rebekah Henderson
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    93
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Tan Tigress Productions LLC
  • Show Website
    Off Color