Surface Level

Surface Level

A weekly show hosted by longtime friends Jordan, Damon, and Tony, explores the complexities of the Black and Queer experience. Through personal stories, dynamic guests, and curious conversations, this series offers a nuanced understanding of identity, race, and sexuality that goes beyond the surface level, with a touch of humor and a fearless willingness to challenge the norm.

  1. I'm Back On The Apps

    4 JUN

    I'm Back On The Apps

    Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – what's your experience been on the apps? We are excited to welcome our friences Greg, Tylan & Hector to our Surface Level family. They help us explore different end uses for apps like Jack'd because we are way more than hookups. Whether is research for the social scene of a new city or just casual conversation the apps have become a meeting ground for our community. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 4m
  2. Hiding In Plain Sight

    5 MAR

    Hiding In Plain Sight

    Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – where’s the line between secrecy and privacy? This National Black HIV/AIDS Day, we had the privilege of hosting Harlem Stage Presents: Surface Level Live, powered by Gilead Sciences. We are grateful for those who were able to join us in person, and we’re beyond excited to share the experience digitally with our Surface Level Insiders who couldn’t be there. During Part 2 of this special series, we are excited to welcome producer, writer, and director Patrik-Ian Polk to our Surface Level family. We continue the conversation with a unique perspective on sexual health from a member of our community who lived through the AIDS crisis. We also discuss how his beloved work, such as Noah’s Arc, has addressed issues related to sexual health, the evolution of expectations surrounding the disclosure of HIV status over time, and the fine line between secrecy and privacy. It was an honor to have this conversation with someone we admire, and we are excited to share this raw and honest discussion with our audience. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 hr
  3. The Age of Pleasure

    26 FEB

    The Age of Pleasure

    Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – is Queer pleasure a privilege? This National Black HIV/AIDS Day, we had the privilege of hosting Harlem Stage Presents: Surface Level Live, powered by Gilead Sciences. We are grateful for those who were able to join us in person, and we’re beyond excited to share the experience digitally with our Surface Level Insiders who couldn’t be there. During Part 1 of this special series, we explored our connection to pleasure in the age of PrEP. We discussed how modern medicine has created an environment where queer men no longer need to fear sex. We also examined the new stigmas that have emerged from these protection measures, and we shared our thoughts on how we should speak to each other about sexual health. Additionally, we addressed the generational divide in attitudes toward safer sex practices as a preview of what's to come in Part 2 of this discussion. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    31 min
  4. Beyond The Surface Level 10

    20 FEB

    Beyond The Surface Level 10

    Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – are you ready to go beyond the surface level? We end our growth journey and 10th season with a tradition we hold dear—responding to questions and comments from you, our Surface Level Insiders. We laugh, share personal insights, and push back against the inquiries and opinions shared throughout the season. We can't wait to share more parts of this journey with you. Until next time… stay curious. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 24m
  5. Gurl, Bring Back Gatekeeping

    14 FEB

    Gurl, Bring Back Gatekeeping

    Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – has access to the internet reduced the quality of art? In Season 1, we explored the desire for people to use the internet to stunt and fabricate their lives. In this episode, we take that conversation further by examining the positive and negative effects the internet has had on art. We're thrilled to welcome Durand Bernarr, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and artist, to our Surface Level Family. Together, we explore the impact the internet has had on perceived talent, whether the internet could benefit from a quality control department, and parts of Black Queer culture we wish had stayed private. With so many varying views on this topic, we’re excited for you to join in as we dive into the final topic of the season. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    46 min
  6. Gurl, Release Your Wiggle

    5 FEB

    Gurl, Release Your Wiggle

    Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – can freedom and the need for validation coexist? In Season 1, we explored authenticity and living in our truths was interrogated over and over again, and today we’re going to have a conversation about how perception and validation shape us—and the freedom we find when we finally let go and “release ya wiggle.” We’re thrilled to welcome Jonté Moaning true trailblazer in dance, fashion, and queer artistry.to the Surface Level family. We explore the need to perform versions of ourselves on social media, how validation plays a role in our ability to thrive, and explore the moments when we feel most free. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    55 min
  7. Gurl, Stay Woke

    29 JAN

    Gurl, Stay Woke

    Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – how do we balance resistance and protecting our peace? In Season 1, we explored the sacrifices needed to make Black queer lives matter. Today, we ask: what does resistance look like in 2025? With political unrest, DEI rollbacks, and an election that left many Black Americans feeling isolated, how do we keep fighting without burning out? We reflect on the role of Surface Level in activism, how Black identity is shifting in politics, and the ways we’re protecting our peace for the next four years. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    48 min
  8. Gurl, You Good?

    22 JAN

    Gurl, You Good?

    Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – how does loneliness effect Black Queer identity? In Season 1, we explored the disconnect we sometimes feel towards our hometowns in pursuit of our dreams. Today, we go further, centering the loneliness many Queer individuals feel for existing outside of accepted norms. We are excited to welcome Keith “Icy” Parris, beauty influencer and disability advocate, to our Surface Level family. We explore how digital platforms have created both online community and further isolation, how our own standards of personal access can contribute to isolation, and whether we have ever been the culprit in isolating others. The line between protecting your peace and exclusion is fine—where do you draw that line? We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 16m
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About

A weekly show hosted by longtime friends Jordan, Damon, and Tony, explores the complexities of the Black and Queer experience. Through personal stories, dynamic guests, and curious conversations, this series offers a nuanced understanding of identity, race, and sexuality that goes beyond the surface level, with a touch of humor and a fearless willingness to challenge the norm.

Information

  • Creator
    Surface Level
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    125
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Surface Level
  • Show Website
    Surface Level