The Roll Down

therolldownpodcast
  • 4.7 (65)
  • Society & Culture

A space for People of Color to be known and seen, and guidance for those who are in the pursuit of justice. Follow us!: instagram.com/therolldownpodcast Chasing Justice Podcast Network

  1. May 28

    Book Interview: "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark: Daily Readings for an Anxious World" w/ Cody Balfour

    Sometimes in podcasting you create a script but when you start recording, a different conversation happens - that’s what this episode is. What began as a conversation with pastor and author, Cody Balfour, about his book, “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark: Daily Readings for an Anxious World” turned into an honest and authentic conversation about the Christian faith. We get real as we talk about how some pervert Christianity for power, where we turn when we are feeling anxious, and how important the role of community is as we navigate the world.   Follow and support Cody’s work: Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark: Daily Readings for an Anxious World (you can purchase from wherever aligns with your values) IG: @codyqbalfour   Hosts: Alethea Lamberson & Matthew Melendrez Designer: Cameron Stingley Follow us on IG: @therolldownpodcast The Roll Down podcast is part of the Chasing Justice Podcast Network. To find out more, visit chasingjustice.com.

    1h 5m

  2. Jan 29

    DEI: The Psychological Impact of Oppression & Pathways to Healing

    This is Part 3 of a three-part DEI series on The Roll Down. In this final episode, Matthew and Alethea turn toward the psychological and nervous-system impacts of colonization, racism, and ongoing oppression—and what healing can look like in the midst of it. Using Polyvagal Theory as a grounding framework, they explore how our bodies and brains adapt to chronic threat through hypervigilance, shutdown, and survival strategies that are often misunderstood or pathologized. The conversation names realities such as racial trauma, internalized oppression, intergenerational grief, imposter syndrome, colorism, and the misdiagnosis of marginalized communities, while emphasizing that these are not “disorders,” but adaptive responses to unsafe systems. This episode offers language, validation, and a compassionate lens for understanding how oppression lives in the body—and reminds us that healing is deeply relational, rooted in safety, co-regulation, and being seen.   Hosts: Alethea Lamberson & Matthew Melendrez Designer: Cameron Stingley Follow us on IG: @therolldownpodcast The Roll Down podcast is part of the Chasing Justice Podcast Network. To find out more, visit chasingjustice.com.

    55 min

  3. 06/12/2025

    DEI: The Neuroscience of Memory & History of Colonization and Oppression

    This is part 2 of a three-part series on DEI. In this episode, Matthew and Alethea dive into how the brain creates and stores memories—and explore the critical consequences of misremembering or erasing history. We are living in a time when books are being banned, DEI language is being legislated against, and educators are restricted from teaching accurate historical truths. In this context, preserving and sharing accurate history becomes an act of resistance. Matthew and Alethea offer a brief yet powerful overview of colonization, oppression, and racism—drawing connections to today’s political climate, particularly the ongoing dehumanization of immigrants.dd   Hosts: Alethea Lamberson & Matthew Melendrez Designer: Cameron Stingley Follow us on IG: @therolldownpodcast The Roll Down podcast is part of the Chasing Justice Podcast Network. To find out more, visit chasingjustice.com.

    58 min

  4. 05/29/2025

    DEI is the New ______

    This episode kicks off a three-part series surrounding DEI. In this episode, we break down what DEI is and means, give a brief history about it, and discuss some of the contradictions and hypocrisy from the current administration regarding DEI. While we cannot cover everything that has happened since the inauguration, we wanted to provide some context and lay the groundwork for what is to come in the episodes to follow.   Hosts: Alethea Lamberson & Matthew Melendrez Designer: Cameron Stingley Follow us on IG: @therolldownpodcast   The Roll Down podcast is part of the Chasing Justice Podcast Network. To find out more, visit chasingjustice.com.

    49 min

  5. 05/01/2025

    State of Our Country, Pt. 2 w/ Danielle Coke Balfour

    We have our first guest of the season! Danielle Coke Balfour is back again and joins us as we dive into part 2 of the state of our country. In this episode, we discuss with Danielle her perspective on what’s currently happening with this administration and DEI, and how the past five years got us to this moment. We also talk with her about removing a best-selling product from Target after their DEI rollback, and how she’s continuing to show up and do her part.  Follow and support Danielle’s work: A Heart on Fire A Heart on Fire Guided Workbook Subscribe to The Everyday Advocate (weekly newsletter) https://shop.ohhappydani.com/ IG: @ohhappydani    Hosts: Alethea Lamberson & Matthew Melendrez Designer: Cameron Stingley Follow us on IG: @therolldownpodcast The Roll Down podcast is part of the Chasing Justice Podcast Network. To find out more, visit chasingjustice.com.

    1h 7m

  6. 04/17/2025

    State of Our Country: Let's Do This Differently

    Episode 2 marks the first of a two-part series focused on the current state of our country. In contrast to previous seasons—which focused more on analyzing national events—this episode intentionally shifts the lens toward self-care, strategic resistance, and holistic health in the pursuit of justice. Matthew and Alethea offer psychoeducation on the Central Nervous System, exploring how stress is internalized and how we can intentionally disrupt the stress cycle. The episode highlights the importance of regulation and embodiment as vital tools for sustainability and well-being in the midst of chaos. The worksheet linked is meant to be used after listening to Episode 2. It can be completed individually or in community—whether in a small group, team meeting, classroom, mentorship context, or any space committed to collective learning, healing, and justice. Linked Resources: TRD Worksheet The Logoff (daily Vox newsletter)   Hosts: Alethea Lamberson & Matthew Melendrez Designer: Cameron Stingley Follow us on IG: @therolldownpodcast The Roll Down podcast is part of the Chasing Justice Podcast Network. To find out more, visit chasingjustice.com.

    1h 16m

  7. 04/10/2025

    Season 3 Intro

    We're back! After a bit of a hiatus Alethea and Matthew are back behind the mics and ready for another season. In this season intro they give listeners a brief introduction of who they are, the history of the podcast, and the hopes and values for season 3.   Hosts: Alethea Lamberson & Matthew Melendrez Designer: Cameron Stingley   Follow us on IG: @therolldownpodcast  The Roll Down podcast is part of the Chasing Justice Podcast Network. To find out more, visit chasingjustice.com.

    24 min

  8. 04/04/2024

    Season 2 Finale

    This season launched in January 2023 and is wrapping up in 2024, something that our hosts did not anticipate. In this finale, Alethea and Matthew reflect on what it took to get this season launched and highlight each of the episodes and what they appreciated about them. They express their joy and gratitude in what was accomplished in the midst of more unexpected life circumstances which caused the season to take a year and a half to complete, and they give a brief vision for what the upcoming season will be focused on.  Hosts: Alethea Lamberson & Matthew Melendrez   Engineer: Katie Nguyen Palomares   Designer: Cameron Stingley   Follow us on IG: @therolldownpodcast  The Roll Down podcast is part of the Chasing Justice Podcast Network. To find out more, visit chasingjustice.com.

    39 min
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Trailer

4.7
out of 5
65 Ratings

About

A space for People of Color to be known and seen, and guidance for those who are in the pursuit of justice. Follow us!: instagram.com/therolldownpodcast Chasing Justice Podcast Network

Information

  • Creator
    therolldownpodcast
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Roll Down

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