That's Debatable Sharon Lin, RTI

Hair, Embodied Knowledge, Ancestral Recall, Audacity of Survival, Bobby Pins. These are the materials of the sculptural work Oculus by artist Nafis M. White, whom you’ll get to know in this episode.



In the midst of injustice, racism, and double standards in the current state of the world, how could we show up for ourselves and for others, with care, empathy, and solidarity? Today’s guest, Nafis, is one of the people I would turn to. Stemming from Nafis’ work: Strand (2019), A Burst of Light (2018), and Oculus (2021), we reflect on BIPOC bodies in spaces, institutional racism, honoring African and African American traditions, and so much more. I hope you feel the positive energy and the abundance of wisdom of my guest today, and find the strength in yourself to continue to show up for you and for people in need.



Nafis M. White is an interdisciplinary artist based in Providence, RI, USA. White draws inspiration from the rich Diaspora of experiences and traditions of Black beauty and self care built upon centuries old histories of embodied knowledge that honors, celebrates, and values the innovation, technology and imagination carried through and passed on by the fingertips of Black people. Through play and continuous exploration, White employs her research on the intricate customs of Victorian Hair Weaving and mourning traditions and appropriates them using Black hair, beauty products, and hairstyling techniques where they were never imagined to take up space and esteem.



White’s work has been shown at the RISD Museum, the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco, University of New Mexico Art Museum, National Queer Arts Festival San Francisco, and many more.



Check out the website of Nafis M. White: https://www.nafiswhite.com/

Dog breeding is a topic that often triggers strong reactions from people. In this episode, we’re not here to change or challenge anyone’s point of view. We’re here to expand our understanding of the topic from some personal stories from my guest/colleague today. Let’s get started.

This is part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Mikki Stelder. Mikki is originally from the Netherlands and has over 10 years of experience in Palestinian Solidarity organizing, especially reflecting on anti-colonial queer politics. Make sure to listen to part 1 of our conversation where we talked about Pinkwashing in the context of Zionist settler colonialism of the current state of Israel.



In this episode, Mikki shares with us how oftentimes issues of gender and sexuality become weapons of warfare, and helpful tools and informative content people could read about to acquire knowledge to stay better informed. Also, Mikki shares the importance of cultivating openness - to learn and unlearn, and to center and be attentive to narratives and insights of indigenous communities because they bring us to think outside of the framework that we learned in our educational systems.
For example, reading content by Palestinian writers and organizers. 

We also reflected on the history of Dutch colonialism in Taiwan. Let’s start.



Mikki points out several informative articles on alQaws' website

Today we’ll talk about Pinkwashing, especially when it’s coupled with the Zionist settler colonialism of the current State of Israel. In brief, the Pinkwashing propaganda strategy of the current state of Israel presents a facade of queer rights to cover up their oppression of Palestinians.

In this episode, you’ll hear from Dr. Mikki Stelder. Mikki is originally from the Netherlands and has over 10 years of experience in Palestinian Solidarity organizing, especially reflecting on anti-colonial queer politics. In 2010, Mikki went to Nablus in the Occupied West Bank as an exchange student at An-Najah National University, where they worked closely with local Palestinian comrades and also taught at an UNWAR school. In our conversation, Mikki also points us to alQAWs, a Palestinian civil society organization for Sexual & Gender Diversity in Palestinian Society. Stemming from alQAWs and insights from Palestinians on the ground, Mikki also shares with us the importance of not falling into the narrow view of identity politics.



Learn more about alQAWs

In this episode, we’ll hear from Sharaf DarZaid, Palestinian artist, dancer, and program coordinator at the Popular Art Center in Ramallah. Sharaf is also a dancer and choreographer for the Palestinian Dance Troupe El-Funoun.



In this episode, we will learn more about the Palestinian Dabke dance, Palestinian music, and the music El-Funoun produces which is deeply rooted in Palestinian folklore music, such as the Shamali. The history and stories of this powerful form of art shows the deep connection of the Palestinian people with their land. We’ll also learn about what life is like for Palestinians in the West Bank, under the brutal occupation of the state of Israel. Sharaf also shares with us what the spirit of resistance means to him as a Palestinian and as a Palestinian artist.



Follow El-Funoun: https://www.el-funoun.org/

Today we're back with Grzegorz Sienkiewicz to break down some of the chess scenes in the hit TV show The Queen's Gambit. In The Queen's Gambit, we've seen some unforgettable portrayals of chess playing but how realistic are they? Do players go over games in their heads? When do you resign? What was the chess scene like during the period of the Cold War? Also, a common debate: Is chess a sport? We actually had a chessboard set up in the studio during recording. Head to @rtienglish on Instagram to check out video highlights! Without further ado, let's dive right back into the world of chess.



This is part 2 of our conversation so make sure to listen to part 1 if you haven't.



Follow Grzegorz’s work here: https://m.facebook.com/people/Rosetta-%E8%A5%BF%E6%B4%8B%E6%A3%8B/61552688285075/