Best Chatmon Podcasts (2025)

1
Unmasked: Safe Spaces, DEI, and Being Our Authentic Selves 43:52

1M ago43:52

43:52

In Paul Laurence Dunbar's poem “We Wear the Mask,” he wrote of a smile that “grins and lies” referring to our inability to show our authentic selves and feelings. This week on Blacktivities, we talk about what it means to take off the mask—especially while moving through workplaces and the world. Shannon, Lisa, and KK talk finding safe spaces, what…

1
I’m Not One of Your Little Friends: Why So Many of Us Need Therapy Now 36:34

1M ago36:34

36:34

In this episode of Blacktivities, Shannon, Lisa, and KK unpack the parenting phrases we grew up hearing—and how many of them still echo in our adult lives and therapy sessions. From “Because I said so” to “I brought you in this world, I can take you out,” we’re talking about how generational trauma gets passed down, sometimes biologically, and how …

1
Black Card Confessions 42:30

2M ago42:30

42:30

We all got 'em—those moments where our Black card might get snatched! In this lighter episode of Blacktivities, Shannon and KK trade Black Card Confessions—from not knowing how to play Spades to secret love for Wilson Phillips and white folks' footwear. But as always, we keep it rooted with a Big Facts segment on the history of the "Black card" and…

1
The Fetishization of Black Men 39:35

2M ago39:35

39:35

In this episode of Blacktivities, Shannon, Mona Lisa, and KK dive into a conversation that’s long overdue — the fetishization of Black men. From historical roots to what it looks like in dating, porn, and pop culture today, the hosts unpack the ways Black men are turned into objects instead of being seen as full, complex people. They share personal…

1
Backlash Against Black: Fighting Erasure and Reclaiming the Narrative 46:43

2M ago46:43

46:43

In this powerful episode of Blacktivities, Shannon welcomes special guest Rick Willis — a proud HBCU alum, veteran, journalist, and outspoken advocate for Black empowerment — to unpack the growing backlash against Black culture, history, and unity. From banned books and rewritten curriculums to erasure in media and targeted attacks on Black progres…

1
Creatively Black, Artistically Appropriated 50:37

3M ago50:37

50:37

Black creativity has always been the blueprint. From the music we vibe to, to the dances that go viral, to the art that shapes culture—Black folks have BEEN leading the way. But history shows us a pattern: when the genius comes from Black communities, the credit often goes elsewhere. In this episode of Blacktivities, Shannon, Lisa, and KK unpack th…

1
Since We've Been Gone 56:58

3M ago56:58

56:58

We’re back—and a lot has gone down. In this season opener, we catch you up on the major stories that have shaped Black culture, politics, and resistance since our last episode. From boycotts and burning plantations to Black dandyism on the red carpet, we connect the dots between history and the headlines. In this episode: Boycott of Dollar General:…

1
Episode 81: Theo Travers (Old Friends, New Industry) 1:05:26

5M ago1:05:26

1:05:26

We are bringing the podcast full circle as our very first guest, Theo Travers, returns for the Season 6 finale of Let’s Shoot! with Pete Chatmon. Theo Travers is a Showrunner and Writer known for “Parish”, “Billions”, “Power”, “Love Life” season 2, and "House of Lies". In this episode, Theo sits down with Pete to discuss new realities and the state…

1
Episode 80: Let's Shoot LIVE! (Take 1) 1:05:40

5M ago1:05:40

1:05:40

Last Wednesday, we brought the hive together for a screening of Pete Chatmon’s YELLOWJACKETS Episode 306, “Thanksgiving (Canada),” followed by a killer in-depth panel and Q&A featuring creators and executive producers, Ashey Lyle and Bart Nickerson, director and executive producer, Jeffrey W. Byrd and actors, Courtney Eaton and Warren Kole. In this…

1
Black Resistance 49:35

6M ago49:35

49:35

At the beginning of the season, we said black women were going on a break, but the sabbatical is over! Lately, it seems like blackness is under attack and our civil rights are being threatened. We're sending out the bat signal for the 92%! It's all hands on deck... time to resist! Shan, Lisa, and KK discuss how our ancestors did it on the plantatio…

1
Episode 79: Stephen Marks 1:26:47

6M ago1:26:47

1:26:47

Armed with agency expertise, Stephen evolved into a hands-on manager by blending his sharp instincts with long-term career strategy. Stephen Marks is a Manager and the President of Dialed-In-Entertainment. In this episode, Stephen joins Pete to share his insights on the progression of negotiation, the difference between an agent and a manager, the …

1
Social Media & Relationships 47:34

6M ago47:34

47:34

Social media has made us more connected, but it has also brought some new problems into the mix. According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, among those whose partner uses social media, 23% say they have felt jealous or unsure of their relationship because of the way their current partner interacts with others on social media. From "single" m…

1
Episode 78: Rose McIver 1:36:00

6M ago1:36:00

1:36:00

Taking on a new role behind the scenes, Rose balanced both sides of the lens by making her TV directorial debut on episode 413 of CBS’s “Ghosts”. Rose McIver is a New Zealand-born actress known for “Ghosts”, “The Lovely Bones”, “iZombie”, and “Woke”. In this episode, Pete is joined by Rose as they discuss the art of multitasking and leading a show,…

1
Black Men and Polyamory 35:32

6M ago35:32

35:32

Kofi Siriboe, the chocolate brotha who played Ralph Angel in Queen Sugar and is in the current season of Harlem as Seth, recently became part of a headline because he said he practices ethical non-monogamy. Singer Ne-Yo has also made some headlines recently for having four girlfriends. So what is it? And is this what we're doing now? Shannon breaks…

1
Episode 77: Sascha Penn 1:45:31

6M ago1:45:31

1:45:31

Transitioning from writer to showrunner, Sascha now balances storytelling, leadership, and logistics to shape his vision from concept to completion. Sascha Penn is a writer, producer, and showrunner known for “Raising Kanan”, “Creed 2”, “Survivor’s Remorse”, and “Power”. In this episode, Sascha sits down with Pete to discuss pitching and developing…

1
All Skinfolk Ain't Kinfolk 35:59

6M ago35:59

35:59

Zora Neale Hurston, a writer during the Harlem Renaissance, coined the term “All my skinfolk ain’t kinfolk” when she talked about black folks that didn’t agree with her views about how to advance black interests or were not trying to advance black interests at all. We've seen various iterations of these characters throughout history. From tropes li…

1
Episode 76: Kelly McCreary 1:33:10

6M ago1:33:10

1:33:10

After launching her career through both commercial and stage work, Kelly developed a strong on-screen presence and marketable charm which later translated into compelling television roles. Kelly McCreary is an actress known for “Greys Anatomy”, “Scandal”, “Emily Owens M.D., and “Harvey Girls Forever!”. In this special episode, Kelly joins Pete to d…

1
The Death of DEI 45:06

6M ago45:06

45:06

On January 20 and 21, 2025, the President signed two executive orders with the intention of getting rid of DEI in all government entities and even some private sector companies. Shannon, Lisa, and KK discuss their thoughts on merit-based hiring and efforts to kill diversity, equity, and inclusion. Also, Lisa shares what happened when she was asked …

1
Episode 75: Rebecca Asher 1:27:37

7M ago1:27:37

1:27:37

Starting in Script Supervision, Rebecca mastered the mechanics of storytelling before stepping into the Director’s chair with confidence. Rebecca Asher is a Director known for “Big Mood”, “High Potential”, “Ghosts”, and “Grace and Frankie”. In this episode, Rebecca and Pete discuss the evolution of technology, the role of a Script Supervisor and tr…

1
Let's Stay Together: Black Love Edition 41:06

7M ago41:06

41:06

Another Valentine's Day has come and gone, but the ladies of Blacktivities will always promote black love. In this episode, Shannon, Lisa, and KK take a dive into the lyrics of old soul love songs with licensed therapist Mattie Finn to try and gain some insight into how we can have thriving relationships. Bring Blacktivities to your inbox - stay po…

1
Episode 74: Rafael Casal 1:42:16

7M ago1:42:16

1:42:16

With roots in spoken word and rap, Rafael seamlessly blends poetic expression with cinematic structure to shape compelling scripts. Rafael Casal is a multi-hyphenate storyteller known for Blindspotting, Loki, Bad Education, and Wildcat. In this episode, Rafael sits down with Pete to discuss transitioning from music to film, the independent hustle a…

1
I'm Not Your Superwoman - Sincerely, Black Women 45:12

7M ago45:12

45:12

Black women are tired!!! We are taking a break from all the demands society has put on us. From out working everybody else, to having to be overqualified and still being overlooked, to organizing movements and getting little recognition, to enduring abuse... In the understood words of the former First Lady Michelle Obama... we ain't going! Ladies, …

1
Episode 73: Maggie Kiley 1:20:46

7M ago1:20:46

1:20:46

From a young actress staging backyard productions to crafting powerful scenes from the director’s chair, Maggie’s storytelling journey came full circle. Maggie Kiley is a Director known for “American Sports Story”, “Doctor Odyssey”, “Brilliant Minds” and NBC’s upcoming series “Grosse Pointe Garden Society”. In this episode, Pete is joined by Maggie…

1
What We Not Finna Do in 2025 is... 46:23

7M ago46:23

46:23

Happy Black History Month! The ladies of Blacktivities are back with Season 6, serving up a hilarious yet honest intervention for the culture! From over-the-top lashes to social media drama, Shannon, Lisa, and Karen break down what needs to stay in 2024. Listen for unfiltered commentary on everything from beauty trends to relationship dynamics in t…

1
Episode 72: Mike Colter 1:20:09

7M ago1:20:09

1:20:09

Discovering his passion at a young age, Mike embraces the grind by going above and beyond to ensure he’s well prepared for any role he portrays. Mike Colter is an Actor known for “Evil”, “Luke Cage”, “The Good Wife”, and “Alarum”. In this episode, Mike joins Pete to discuss being a student of technique, fueling your artistic passions, collaborating…

1
[BONUS] Isaiah Mack for Mayor 24:28

11M ago24:28

24:28

Blacktivities returns in February!!! Check out the third episode of Shannon's newest podcast, RIGHTing Narratives in this bonus episode. Isaiah Mack is an NFL defensive tackle and former standout at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. During his college career, Mack earned All-American honors and was named the Southern Conference Defensive …

1
Isaiah Mack for Mayor 23:56

11M ago23:56

23:56

Isaiah Mack is an NFL defensive tackle and former standout at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. During his college career, Mack earned All-American honors and was named the Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2018. Known for his resilience and disruptive play on the defensive line, he recorded 20 career sacks and was a dom…

1
Episode 71: Lee Toland Krieger 1:52:34

1y ago1:52:34

1:52:34

At an early age, Lee was captivated by the art of creating illusions for an audience which helped him transition this passion into crafting mesmerizing visual stories. Lee Toland Krieger is a writer and director known for “You”, “Dead Boy Detectives”, “Superman & Lois”, and “The Age of Adaline”. In this episode, Lee sits down with Pete to discuss t…

1
Black Excellence Defined 41:50

1y ago41:50

41:50

We use the term and the hashtag black excellence all the time, but what is it exactly? And... is it a term we like, or does it give black people an inferiority complex? Hosts Shannon, Lisa, and KK and their guest, Shay McCowan, Executive Director of Chattanooga Business Elite, discuss all things black excellence. Follow Shay and the Chattanooga Bus…

1
Episode 70: Anatomy of Booking a Job 1:31:28

1y ago1:31:28

1:31:28

The most frequently asked question of any working Director is “how do you secure a job?”. In this special craft episode, Pete is joined by returning guest Keith Powell to discuss their journeys to directing for television, set culture and protocol, the importance of investing wholeheartedly in your work, creating your own opportunities, recalibrati…

1
Comparing and Contrasting the Crack Epidemic to the Opioid Crisis 30:33

1y ago30:33

30:33

The Crack Epidemic had a long-lasting effect on the black community, as a majority of crack users were black. The War on Drugs imposed minimum prison sentences that led to a dramatic increase in incarceration rates for black males. While the Crack Epidemic was criminalized, the Opioid Crisis, which predominately affects the white community, has bee…

1
Episode 69: Tara Miele 1:13:29

1y ago1:13:29

1:13:29

Being relentless in her journey during the peak of personal trials and industry strikes created the foundation for this Director’s ability to explore complex emotional landscapes in her work. Tara Miele is a film and television Director and Writer known for “Lessons in Chemistry”, “Wander Darkly”, “The Nomads”, “Little America’ and more. In this ep…

1
Pause: Questionable Lyrics in Black Music 41:56

1y ago41:56

41:56

Back in the day, we used to be singing songs and never paid any attention to what they were actually saying. In this episode, Shannon, Lisa, and Karen take a deep dive into some of the lyrics that made us pause and say, "Now what now?" They also give their thoughts on whether the culture is influencing the music or the music is influencing the cult…

1
Episode 68: Linda Lowy 1:33:58

1y ago1:33:58

1:33:58

This well-rounded Casting Director brings a unique perspective and commitment to inclusive casting practices after seamlessly transitioning into her role from teaching American Sign Language in England. Linda Lowy is a Casting Director known for “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Friday Night Lights”, “Scandal”, and more! In this episode, Linda sits down with Pete…

1
When Working For Black Women Goes Wrong 36:26

1y ago36:26

36:26

Out of the eight black CEOs in the Fortune 500, only two of them are black women. As black women ourselves who are eager to cheer on the next sista doing her thing, working for another black woman should be glorious. However, that's not always the case... but why? Shannon and KK discuss their traumatic experiences working for black women and their …

1
Episode 67: The Cast of Dead Boy Detectives 1:07:00

1y ago1:07:00

1:07:00

Despite an unexpected schedule change that required filming the season finale before the two preceding episodes, this cast showcased their unwavering commitment and passion for storytelling. “Dead Boy Detectives” is among Netflix’s latest hit series and stars George Rexstrew, Kassius Nelson, and Yuyu Kitamura. In this special roundtable episode, Pe…

1
Is Everything Really About Race? 44:45

1y ago44:45

44:45

Have you ever been asked the question, "Why does it always have to be about race?" Amanda Seals came under fire a few months ago after an interview with Shannon Sharpe where he questioned if her stories all had to do with race, or could there be another factor. Is race involved in everything, or are we just being hypersensitive? Shannon and KK reve…

1
Episode 66: Janine Nabers 1:05:39

1y ago1:05:39

1:05:39

Making the transition from track to theater was an easy call the moment Janine stepped on stage for the first time. Janine Nabers is a playwright, television writer, and producer known for “Atlanta’, “Serial Black Face”, “Watchmen” and the Amazon Prime hit series “Swarm”. In this episode, Janine sits down with Pete to discuss the importance of a Wr…

1
Canceling Black Men 38:14

1y ago38:14

38:14

We've seen a lot of our black male celebrities get "canceled" lately - from Diddy to Jonathan Majors to Chris Brown. Not that some of them don't deserve it, but why does it seem like black men have become the face of cancel culture when there are other people doing the same things? Shannon, Lisa, and Karen discuss canceling's humble beginnings to h…

1
Episode 65: Aja Naomi King 1:20:26

1y ago1:20:26

1:20:26

Maintaining an optimistic outlook while navigating the highs and lows of show business is something that Aja continues to master. @ajanaomi_king is an actor known for "Lessons in Chemistry”, "Sylvie's Love", “The Birth of a Nation”, and the hit series “How to Get Away with Murder”. In this episode, Pete and Aja discuss the importance of asking ques…

1
Is Hip-Hop Beef Good for the Culture? 36:22

1y ago36:22

36:22

The Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef has been epic! Kendrick has the whole world chanting OVHoe and we got some great music, but is it good for the culture as a whole? SnobHop founder, John Wright, joins Shannon and Lisa to talk rap beef of the past and present. Subscribe to SnobHop Follow John on Instagram Bring Blacktivities to your inbox - stay pos…

1
Episode 64: Kelly Park 1:04:52

1y ago1:04:52

1:04:52

Kelly made the seamless transition from acting coach to television director by creating a supportive environment that enhances an actor’s creativity and confidence on-screen. Kelly Park is a director known for “Lopez vs. Lopez”, “Frasier”, "The Neighborhood”, and “Station19”. In this episode, Kelly and Pete discuss the importance of nurturing creat…

1
Skip You & Reverse: Politicians Playing Uno with our Rights 37:46

1y ago37:46

37:46

Juneteenth represents freedom, but if we fast forward to 2024. It seems like politicians are playing Uno with house rules, using multiple skips and reverses when it comes to the freedoms we have fought so hard to get in the past. Shannon and Lisa discuss Project 2025 and the ramifications it might have for black people. Bring Blacktivities to your …

1
Episode 63: Maria Mantia 1:33:11

1y ago1:33:11

1:33:11

Starting as a set production assistant, Maria gained invaluable experience on film and TV sets which led to the development of a keen eye for detail and organization. Maria Mantia is a 1st AD known for “Star Trek: Picard”, “Westworld”, “Welcome To Chippendales”, and “Interior Chinatown”, an upcoming Hulu series. In this episode, Maria sits down wit…

1
Episode 62: Jameel Saleem 1:17:18

1+ y ago1:17:18

1:17:18

After finding the confidence to skillfully translate his sense of humor into written words, Jameel knew it was time to pursue a career as a comedy writer. Jameel Saleem is a writer, producer, diirector, and actor best known for “Bob’s Burgers”, “South Park”, “Disenchantment” and “Exit Strategy”. In this episode, Pete and Jameel discuss the pillars …

1
Court of Emotions: Grappling with Grief as a Student Athlete 49:26

1+ y ago49:26

49:26

Recently, players like Caitlyn Clark, Angel Reese, and Kamilla Cardoso have brought major attention to women’s basketball. There are several other young women on that team that you don’t hear about who dominated at the high school level, but aren’t the superstars on their college teams. You don’t hear about the immense pressure, tough choices, and …

1
[BONUS] Court of Emotions: Grappling With Grief as a Student Athlete 50:33

1+ y ago50:33

50:33

Blacktivities returns June 17th!!! Check out the first episode of Shannon's newest podcast, RIGHTing Narratives in this bonus episode. Recently, players like Caitlyn Clark, Angel Reese, and Kamilla Cardoso have brought major attention to women’s basketball. There are several other young women on that team that you don’t hear about who dominated at …

1
Black Women and Murder 28:37

1+ y ago28:37

28:37

According to a study completed by the CDC between 1999 and 2020 that analyzed homicide rates of Black women ages 25 to 44 across 30 states, black women are 6 times more likely to be killed than white women. In Wisconsin, they’re 20 times more likely! Black women living in Midwestern and Northeastern states were also more likely to be killed by a fi…

1
Season 4, Episode 8 Trailer 1:57

1+ y ago1:57

1:57

A preview of episode 8's discussion of black women, murder, and femicide. Full episode premieres 3.25.24. Season 4, Episode 8 Trailer Bring Blacktivities to your inbox - stay posted on what's happening with the pod... more black culture, black history, black perspectives, and black panache! Other Ways to Join in the Blacktivities: Share this episod…

1
Black Parenting: Then vs. Now 45:08

1+ y ago45:08

45:08

These days, we hear terms like "gentle parenting," but have you ever been popped so hard you can't scream or speak? Historically, black parents didn't play because that could literally be a life or death situation. Shannon, Lisa, and Karen discuss their own parenting styles versus the way they were parented, the disappearance of "the village," and …

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