Only One Mic Podcast One Mic

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of Black literature with Catyra Polland, the visionary founder of National Black Authors Day. Together, we'll explore the profound impact that Black literature has on our culture and the enduring legacy it leaves behind. We'll also delve into the challenging issues of ignorance and stereotypes that persist in the publishing industry, and how these factors affect the authenticity and visibility of diverse voices. In addition, we'll discuss whether genre or racial categorization better serve Black authors in bookstores, and share our personal experiences with these challenges. The episode will conclude with an emphasis on the power of authenticity in writing, the importance of identifying a target market, and an open invitation to authors to share their stories.

Click the link below to learn more about Catyra Polland Love4Words and National Black Authors Day.
https://www.love4words.com
https://www.rochesterfirst.com/community/community-events/we-are-being-authentic-2nd-annual-national-black-authors-day/
https://www.amazon.com/Professionalism-Whats-That-CaTyra-Polland/dp/B09LGNP8FZ

Dr. Paris Woods returns to take us on a financial empowerment journey that goes beyond her triumphs to become your guide to financial literacy and independence., We discuss the FIRE movement and the importance of understanding the "why" behind each financial decision. We also share our investment missteps and the wisdom we gained from them, dissect common financial pitfalls, and emphasize the crucial role of emergency funds. We delve into the unique challenges families face, particularly within black households, stressing the necessity of increasing income and diving into the intricacies of investments, from cryptocurrencies to index funds. Finally, we celebrate the transformative effect of financial literacy and encourage you to pass on these lessons. Our discussion is about embracing our collective responsibility to ensure everyone can achieve a legacy of prosperity. So plug in, absorb, and share because we all advance when one of us grows.

Click on the links below to learn more about Dr. Paris Woods and purchase her book: The Black Girls Guide to Financial Freedom.
https://pariswoods.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Girls-Guide-Financial-Freedom/dp/1737606607
https://youtube.com/channel/UCLHtabwKhqgLCr6CehorJMA

Tiana Mañón from Mañón Media Management joins us to discuss the impact of the media industry on communities and the power dynamics at play. We talked about funding challenges faced by minority-led media projects and the need for more diversity and equity in the industry. We also highlighted Mañón Media Management's dedication to amplifying local voices and meaningful content creation. Our conversation emphasized the importance of empathy and active listening in narratives, a safe and united community, and the need for fair representation in media.

Could the explosive allegations against P Diddy shake the very foundations of hip-hop? Our latest episode takes a deep and critical dive into the storm surrounding the mogul, dissecting the federal raids and court documents that could tarnish a legacy. 

Anthony McDuffie Jr. author of Grit Grind & Glory and My Life in Poetry joins us to discuss  his path from darkness to being a guiding light, revealing his remarkable transformation through mentorship, knowledge, and the arts. He takes us on a profound odyssey, sharing the intricate dance between personal loss and the search for belonging that ensnares youth within the dangerous grip of gangs.

Our conversation with Anthony delves into the evolution of gang culture, from its origins as community protectors to the complex, often glamorized networks we see today. We tackle the hard truths about cultural shifts, mentorship's role, and artistic expression's power in forging a new identity. Listen as Anthony unfolds his journey, dissecting the pivotal moments that led him from the streets to becoming an inspirational community pillar without ever glossing over the gritty realities of his past.

As we wrap up this episode,  Anthony leaves us with a resonating message of hope, unity, and the unwavering belief in the transformative power of sharing one's story. His experiences serve as a testament to the potential within each of us to break free from life's shackles and soar.

For more on Anthony Mc Duffie Jr. click on the links below.
https://www.gritgrindandglory.com/
Books
https://www.amazon.com/Grit-Grind-Glory-born-resilient-incarceration/dp/B09ZCVNNNN
https://www.amazon.com/Life-Poetry-Anthony-McDuffie-Jr/dp/B0CVNQM3HK/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VDbQFVXxpUoxKEpmgvJHpQ.5wwvMFzjOaF3fqCw7xHYxqT43c9GfbWKDK1T58uDQYc&qid=1708560330&sr=8-1

From the pulpit to the cold iron bars of a prison cell, the journey of the 'bling Bishop' raises questions about redemption, second chances, and the sincerity of a criminal's transformation. We confront the uncomfortable truth that while some leaders cloak themselves in humility, others succumb to greed under the guise of spirituality. This episode is not just about a fallen preacher; it's about the broader epidemic of exploitation within the church and how these dynamics play out in the deeply woven fabric of the black community and beyond.