A Long Way From The Block podcast

A long way from the block

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Ep. 116-Healing rituals—my conversation with Naïssam Jalal 1:57:38

לפני 13 ימים1:57:38

1:57:38

My guest for this episode is flautist, vocalist, and composer Naïssam Jamal. Born in Paris to Syrian parents, she entered a conservatory at age six to study classical flute. We discuss her early life in Paris and issues surrounding her cultural background; she talks about her experiences in the conservatory and her subsequent travels throughout the Middle East and Africa. Master musicians whom she’s met along the way have been major influences. Her latest album is Souffles , French for “breaths.” It’s composed of eight pieces, all duets, and features jazz saxophone legend Archie Shepp. Join us. https://naissamjalal.com…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 115-Reflection of another self—my conversation with Milena Casado 1:01:38

לפני 27 ימים1:01:38

1:01:38

In this episode, I talk with the talented trumpeter, composer, and arranger Milena Casado. Born and raised in Spain, she’s a graduate of the Berklee College of Music, where she honed her skills working with amazing teachers. She shares about growing up in a small village town, looking different from other members of that community; about meeting her father for the first time; about getting in touch with her Dominican roots; and about her acceptance to Berklee. We also discuss the major influence of her mentor, drummer extraordinaire Terri Lyne Carrington, and dive into her album Reflection of Another Self , a stunning debut that's a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and resilience. https://www.milenacasado.com…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 114-Space-age Africans—my conversation with Ankh West 2:27:43

לפני 5 weeks2:27:43

2:27:43

In this episode, I talk with Ankh West, a science advocate who focuses on scientific literacy within the African-American community. Science, he explains, can be a tool for promoting rigorous academic standards within institutions. He talks about the importance of peer-reviewed scholarship, archaeological data, and linguistic research. Among his primary focuses of research are ancient Egypt, Nubia, and Nile Valley civilizations. He discusses in some depth the work of Charles Darwin and other major figures in the field, as well as Africa’s early influence on what we now recognize as modern science. Lastly, Ankh shares some of the books that shaped his thought and why he considers those books to be still valid and important today.…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 113-Never miss your house—my conversation with Wren T. Brown 1:33:53

לפני 8 weeks1:33:53

1:33:53

I had the pleasure of recording this episode inside the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, in L.A., hometown of the talented Wren T. Brown. Wren is an actor, film producer, and theater director, who cofounded the Ebony Repertory Theatre (ERT). We talk in-depth about what that company has meant to him and how it has affected an entire community in a positive way. Influenced by the likes of his great uncle Lester Young, black excellence shaped his life and is the subject of his new book, The Family Business: Four Generations of One Black Family's Artistic Odyssey . (Friend and jazz giant Wynton Marsalis wrote the foreword.) https://thefamilybusinessbook.com…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 112-The Young Lion-my conversation with Kahlil Childs 1:52:01

לפני 11 weeks1:52:01

1:52:01

For this episode, I sat down with the young lion Kahlil Childs, an alto saxophonist and multi-reedist who leads his own quartet here in San Diego. At 15, he has already made a name for himself on the local jazz scene. We met to discuss why jazz was the path he discerned for himself, and how learning about jazz legends has inspired him to continue his journey. We talk about what it's like to study under jazz master and alto saxophonist Charles McPherson and Grammy Award-winning producer and U.C. San Diego professor Kamau Kenyatta. He shares his experience of growing up with two present, educated, socially conscious parents and how that has influenced him. He names his current favorite jazz artists and describes the experience of playing with some of his heroes. Lastly we discuss his quartet and where he sees himself in the future, most likely attending a jazz conservatory on the East Coast. https://kahlilchilds.com…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 111-Interrogating black history—my conversation with Dr. Kamau Rashid 1:38:59

לפני 15 weeks1:38:59

1:38:59

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Kamau Rashid, professor and director of the Kemetic Institute of Chicago. We speak in detail about the importance of African and African-American history and its power to transform the lives of younger generations, and he references the historians and intellectuals who were his own forebears and inspirations. We discuss Nile Valley civilizations, West African history, the Caribbean Islands, Haiti, and the Americas. Dr. Rashid then becomes my first respondent to rapid-fire interviewing, fielding questions about various authors, activists, poets, historians, and scholars. This is the first installment of a series of discussions on black history, with more to come.…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 110-African Time—my conversation with Elder Herbie Tsoaeli 1:27:36

לפני 18 weeks1:27:36

1:27:36

South African bassist, composer, and arranger Herbie Tsoaeli is affectionately known, in certain circles, as Malume, a term of respect for older men who serve as elders. In this episode, we discuss his origins and inspiration. He was raised in Cape Town during the 1976 Soweto Uprising and describes the effects of Apartheid on his development. His parents, wanting him to be a doctor, were initially disappointed by his musical path, but he found himself called by legends like Coltrane and Abdullah Ibrahim. He talks in-depth about playing with some of the greatest South African musicians: Bucs Gongco, Winston Mankunku Ngozi, Hugh Masekela, Bheki Mseleku, and many others. Before parting, we discuss his concept of the term "African Time" and its many meanings.. https://herbietsoaeli.com…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 109-Poetry is my foundation—my conversation with Liza Jessie Peterson 1:30:50

לפני 23 weeks1:30:50

1:30:50

Liza Jessie Peterson’s parents provided her with a grounding that allowed her, she says, to teeter at the edge of the cliff but never jump. The artist, activist, poet, playwright, and actor had early success as a model but discovered it wasn’t her true path. In this episode, she shares how her writing career began with journaling and poetry, eventually leading to her performing and honing her skills at the famous Nuyorican Poets Cafe. We discuss in detail her memoir, All Day: A Year of Love and Survival Teaching Incarcerated Kids at Rikers Island . We also dive into her one-woman play, The Peculiar Patriot , performed at more than 35 prisons across the country and resulting in her documentary Angola Do You Hear Us? Voices From a Plantation Prison . Lastly, we talk about her passion for ancient Egyptian history and culture, which inspired her to take a life-changing trip to visit the temples and pyramids. https://www.lizajessiep.com…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 108-Activate my blessings—my conversation with Professor Zahalea Anderson 35:01

לפני 25 weeks35:01

35:01

Professor Zahalea Anderson is a second-generation student of Sanuces Ryu JuJitsu System and founder of RA Life Defense. We recently met at her makeshift outdoor studio, at Bluff Park in Long Beach, to discuss her upbringing and martial arts journey. Anderson learned from her father, Grand Master Urban Muhammad, who was a first-generation student of the legendary Dr. Moses Powell. She talks about the importance she places on incorporating African history and culture in her teaching. She discusses losing her dojo during the George Floyd uprising, and the loss of her husband. Her life experiences are central to her work; we discuss that, and how she fosters mutual respect with her students.…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 107-Honoring Ethiopian roots—my conversation with Romeo Regalli 17:59

לפני 27 weeks17:59

17:59

For this too-short conversation, I sat down with Romeo Regalli, chef and co-owner of Ras Plant Based, located in Brooklyn and New York's West Village. We discussed his upbringing in Ethiopia, embedded in family and community. He described his sense of purpose to make the world healthier and happier one meal at a time, the core of his work, and we dished about his restaurant's original Brooklyn location and its new location in the West Village. From menu to decor, his approach to plant-based Ethiopian cuisine is unique and creative. Romeo's partner in Ras is his wife, Milka Regalli. https://www.rasplantbased.com…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 106-Daughter of the soil—my conversation with Thandiswa Mazwai 1:04:54

לפני 33 weeks1:04:54

1:04:54

In this inspiring episode, I talk with South African rebel singer Thandiswa Mazwai, discussing her upbringing in Soweto, South Africa, during the Apartheid era. Her memories of the violence that took place are vivid. She recalls experiencing a great sense of freedom upon Nelson Mandela's release from prison and describes meeting South African legends Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela, who would become her close friends and mentors. Mazwai's musical influences include Fela Kuti, Grace Jones, and UK punk band Skunk Anansie. Her parents, who were activists, had made her read books like Frantz Fanon's Wretched of the Earth. Her latest album is Sankofa , co-produced by Meshell Ndegeocello and fellow South African musician Nduduzo Makhathini; we talk about the experience of working with them. Our conversation wraps with the recollection of her 2005 performance at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem. https://thandiswa.com https://www.patreon.com/c/ALONGWAYFROMTHEBLOCKPODCAST…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 105-Cultivators of conscious culture—my conversation with Derrick Banks 1:22:14

לפני 36 weeks1:22:14

1:22:14

Derrick Banks is the owner and operator of Freshly Faded Barber + Shop in North Park, San Diego. Coming up, he was mentored by local barbers such as those at Gentry’s, part of the San Diego scene for over sixty years. In this conversation we start by discussing his upbringing and the standards his parents set for him. Black history and culture were always important. Banks studied with the Earth Center, an organization focused on reconnecting people with their ancient African traditions. Dedicated to creating something more than a mere barbershop, he hosts after-hours poetry readings and discussions as well as monthly men’s meetings. Our conversation wraps with a discussion of his role as artist and how he reflects that in his attire. https://www.freshlyfaded.com…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 104-Claiming your own DNA—my conversation with Carl Hancock Rux 2:04:59

לפני 39 weeks2:04:59

2:04:59

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Rux Revue , the groundbreaking debut album by Carl Hancock Rux. Not long ago, we sat down for an in-depth discussion about his hands-on involvement in its making, from bringing in his own background singers to recording the powerful song "I Recall" in a bathroom, for the acoustics. We talked through the album track by track, enriching their meaning with context. Rux’s adoptive parents were “amateur musicologists,” and his friendships and connections include Nona Hendryx, Sonia Sanchez, Amiri Baraka and Abbey Lincoln. Rux also has an abiding love for Billie Holiday, which he touched on. Lastly we discussed his emotional trip to Ghana years ago and the love and support he got from the community there. http://carlhancockrux.com…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 103-My culture informs my voice—my conversation with Linda Sikhakhane 1:00:33

לפני 41 weeks1:00:33

1:00:33

In this latest episode, I talk with South African saxophonist and composer Linda Sikhakhane, who honors and pays homage to the great elders and master musicians, including Brian Thusi. Sikhakhane, who was raised in Umlazi township, talks about the cultural aspects of being Zulu and the importance of preserving his culture. He shares about his time attending The New School, learning from the likes of Billy Harper and Reggie Workman; he touches on his relationship with mentor and fellow South African Nduduzo Makhathini, a jazz pianist. African cosmology is discussed. Finally we land on his latest album, iLadi , available now on Blue Note Records. https://lindasikhakhane.com…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 102- The process of discovery—my conversation with Kris Davis 1:01:23

לפני 45 weeks1:01:23

1:01:23

After seeing Grammy-winning pianist and composer Kris Davis, live at the Village Vanguard, I knew I wanted to sit down with her and dive into jazz. Here we discuss her philosophy of improvisation and her energy and passion for performing live. The Canadian-born artist fell in love with jazz at an early age, studied jazz piano at the University of Toronto, and cites the legendary Don Pullen as a major influence. Along the way, as she shares, she’s played with innovative performers such as J.D. Allen, Dave Holland, Terri Lyne Carrington, Tyshawn Sorey, and John Zorn. Before our conversation winds down, we talk albums and which speak to her the most.…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 101- The seat of my soul Pt. 3—my conversation with Lynel “Dukeysticc” Allen III 1:15:28

לפני 47 weeks1:15:28

1:15:28

In my first-ever interview with an audience, I sat down with Lynel Allen III for the third installment of “The seat of my soul.” We revisited topics from our prior conversations (Episodes 79 and 81) while discussing his childhood in greater depth. He touched on personal issues such as his heavy drug use, the loneliness of incarceration, and when he decided to turn his life around. Finally, we discussed his current “Bounce Back” recovery program, which helps formerly incarcerated persons adjust to life after prison.…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 100- Great Highland Park Stories Vol. 1 2:22:30

לפני 50 weeks2:22:30

2:22:30

To celebrate the 100th episode of this podcast, a podcast inspired by the concept of roots, I offer you a tribute to Highland Park. In San Diego, when I was young, this park was Mecca—the place where kids met every day after school and for entire summers. The friendships I forged there lasted; most, I still call friends today. For this episode I called on peers and on the OG’s we looked up to, who showed us the way. Together we share stories about what we learned there. The late 80s brought drugs and gang culture, and with that, the whole neighborhood was changed. But I remember the paradise it was, and others do, too. Here, we offer that to you. Volume 2 is scheduled for summer 2025. Enjoy.…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 99- "I started this to heal myself"—my conversation with Azikiwee Anderson 50:08

לפני 52 weeks50:08

50:08

Azikiwee Anderson founded his San Francisco bakery, Rize Up, as a way to heal. In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, Anderson began channeling his feelings one loaf at a time in his home kitchen; from there he became a household name in the city’s sourdough movement. In this episode, we discuss his humble beginnings, his mother’s profound influence, his logo, and the power of imagery. “Z,” as his staff calls him, freely shares his determination to make a difference. If he can inspire black bakers to think outside the box, Rize Up and the wild yeasts populating his starter will have changed the world! https://rizeupsourdough.com…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 98-Surrender to the music—my conversation with Corcoran Holt 34:27

לפני 1 year34:27

34:27

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Corcoran Holt before his performance with the Kenny Garrett group, at the world-famous Blue Note. The jazz bassist, composer, and educator discussed the early influences of African drum and dance and learning about African culture from his parents. We also talked about djembe player Mamady Keïta’s influence on the drumming scene in DC; meeting and connecting with Kenny Garrett; and his musical relationship with jazz drummer Kweku Sumbry. Lastly, we considered the significance of his song "Raven's Wing," from his album THE MECCA. https://www.corcoranholt.com…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 97-From block to bishop—my conversation with Cornelius Bowser 1:45:20

לפני 1 year1:45:20

1:45:20

In 1984, Bishop Cornelius Bowser experienced a major transition: he decided to leave gang- and street-life behind and turn his life over to Christ. In this episode, we talk about the years that preceded and the years that followed that momentous decision. We cover his growing up in The Coast—a neighborhood in San Diego that was the home of the West Coast Crips, the gang he was heavily involved with in the 70s and early 80s—and the process of opening his own church. Drawing on his roots and his sense of mission, he worked with local gang members and became involved in several intervention programs, becoming a certified drug prevention specialist along the way. Finally, we discuss his current work, including No Shots Fired and Seasons of Peace, both focused on gun violence prevention. https://www.corneliusbowser-gangs.com…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 96-Food, Family, Music—my conversation with DJ Nu-Mark 1:09:33

לפני 1 year1:09:33

1:09:33

In this episode, I talk with DJ Nu-Mark, world-renowned producer, turntablist, and member of the legendary hip-hop group Jurassic 5. He has a brand-new cookbook/memoir out, called Amu Nu . In describing the book, he offers some stories about his beloved mother and extended family, and we talk about how it all came together. He also touches on his time in Jurassic 5, and we bond over our love for comedy and our favorite comedians. https://djnu-mark.com…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 95-Show them that light—my conversation with Sanah Kadoura 19:47

לפני 1 year19:47

19:47

Prior to her performance at Dizzy's Club, I had the pleasure of talking with Lebanese-Canadian drummer, composer, producer, and educator Sanah Kadoura. This week's episode encompasses that conversation. We discuss the Arabic and popular American music that was prevalent during her growing up in Calgary, Canada. Sanah talks about her role as an artist and musician, and how she came to understand that her work involves more than just playing music. Her jazz journey was informed by masters of the craft. She discusses her work as a contribution in the midst of current world events. Lastly, she describes her latest album, "Duality." https://sanahmusic.com…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 94-The Sun Rises in The East—my conversation with Tayo and Cynthia Giwa 1:12:33

לפני 1 year1:12:33

1:12:33

In this episode, I sat down with Brooklyn’s own Tayo and Cynthia Giwa, the husband and wife filmmaking team and creators of Black-Owned Brooklyn. Their current documentary, “The Sun Rises in The East,” is streaming now on Amazon Prime. We talked in detail about the filmmaking process and the vital role that current elders play in preserving black history and culture. They discussed the standards in place during their upbringings, in their households, and why a film such as theirs is so necessary now: it shows what potential can look like when a group of like-minded people come together to display black excellence. The subject of the film, The East, was cofounded by educator and activist Jitu Weusi. It embodied black self-determination, building dozens of institutions, including its own African-centered school, food co-op, newsmagazine, publishing company, record label, restaurant, clothing shop, and bookstore. https://www.sunrisesintheeast.com…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 93- “My fingers are dancing grassroots”—a tribute to Horace Tapscott 3:36:17

לפני 1 year3:36:17

3:36:17

In this episode, we celebrate the legendary Los Angeles community leader, mentor, jazz pianist, and composer Horace Tapscott. Among my guests are former members of the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra, founded by Tapscott in 1961, and others who appreciate his contributions to the culture. Tune in to hear poets Kamau Daáood and Anthony Joseph; saxophonists Abraham Burton, Michael Session, and Steve Lehman; former Eso Won Books co-owner James Fugate; pianist Eric Reed; bassist Roberto Miranda; and author Steven Isoardi. Myka 9 of Freestyle Fellowship delivers the intro.…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 92-A competitor like no other-my conversation with Keith Barksdale. 55:38

לפני 1 year55:38

55:38

For this episode, I sat down with a former Hoover High basketball backcourt teammate. Back then, he went by Keith Williams; later in life, he changed his last name to Barksdale, in recognition of his biological father. Together we reminisced about our time in high school and his stellar career as one of the best overall athletes ever to play at Hoover, following his arrival in San Diego from Kentucky at age 15. He talked about his brief stint in the Army and how he returned to fitness, personal training, and athletics. Keith is a self-taught tennis player who eventually became a full-time tennis coach, teaching and coaching his daughter, a back-to-back CIF Singles champion. His daughter is now a college player, planning to pursue the WTA after graduation. Keith has his own clothing line, Top Bark Apparel, and recently co-authored a book, Behind The Mirror - 24 Exceptional Men Volume 2.…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 91-Drums of Passion-my conversation with Nic Cacioppo 52:56

לפני 1 year52:56

52:56

While traveling on the East Coast, I stopped by the Jersey City apartment/studio of jazz drummer and composer Nic Cacioppo, to discuss his jazz journey. In this interview, he talks about the influence of his parents, both classically trained musicians. Nic has been blessed to play with jazz greats like Slide Hampton, Gene Perla, Wallace Roney, David Murray, and Tyshawn Sorey. I ask him about his relationship with tenor saxophonist JD Allen, with whom he’s played and recorded for several years, and what it's like being a member of JD’s band. Nic describes his approach to playing the drums and the fire he brings to his live performances. Lastly, he talks about the influence of the legendary jazz drummer Papa Jo Jones, and what his playing style has meant to him.…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 90-Wordsmith of the highest degree—my conversation with Myka 9 1:10:03

לפני 1 year1:10:03

1:10:03

Myka 9 is one of the most prolific MCs of all time. In this interview, he talks in depth about the components of thought and influence that shape his rhyme style. His entire approach is inflected with jazz, with random sounds sparking melodies and harmonies. These are overlaid and interwoven with an extensive vocabulary. In 2022 the folks at Medium found that Myka 9 has the largest and most unique vocabulary in hip hop history. Myka discusses the importance of reading everything from the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita to books on African history. He reminisces about a pivotal point in his rapping career, when he opened up for some hip hop legends on the East Coast. Lastly, he shares news of an upcoming Freestyle Fellowship project.…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 89-“She is known for her soil”—my conversation with Dr. Theresa “T” Ford 1:43:40

לפני 1 year1:43:40

1:43:40

Dr. T. Ford is a venerable elder in San Diego. As part of my series dedicated to documenting elders, we sat down together to discuss her upbringing—how her parents showed her at an early age what black excellence looked like, and how she carries their influence and example in all she does. (Her great-great grandmother, who shared her own wisdom, lived to be 109.) We discussed Dr. T. Ford’s contributions to communities both local and nationwide, including her involvement with the Black Storytellers of San Diego; Rite of Passage; and the former Fanno Academy School. In addition to possessing expertise as a grant writer, she has worked as an activist and organizer. She shared about her journey to achieve her Juris Doctor, and the relevance of the law to her other endeavors. Lastly, we touched on her relationship with Sister Helen Prejean, a leading voice for death penalty abolition and the author of Dead Man Walking .…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 88-You're not going to pass me—my conversation with Regina Peters and Hannibal Smith 1:17:52

לפני 2 years1:17:52

1:17:52

For this episode, I sat down with two incredible ultra-runners: Hannibal Smith, who has appeared on this podcast before and is a trainer and co-owner of NXPT Fitness; and Regina Peters, who is also a trainer at NXPT and, like Hannibal, has competed in 100-mile marathons. Together we discussed the preparations involved in taking on the Spartan Race, Deka, Hyrox, and many others. They described the physical and mental exertions of racing, including hallucinations, cramps, and major body pain. They talked about being African-American ultra-runners and how they hope to inspire and teach young African-Americans about resilience and perseverance. Lastly, they both shared their philosophies of success within grueling challenges. Although their perspectives on success differ somewhat, each expressed that once they start a race, they would rather die than quit. https://www.nxptfit.com…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 87-Make room in the mouth for grass—my conversation with Layli Long Soldier 3:05:55

לפני 2 years3:05:55

3:05:55

In this episode, I sat down with Layli Long Soldier in her Albuquerque studio to talk about her upbringing. I spoke with the Oglala Lakota poet, writer, artist, and activist about some of the history of broken treaties experienced by Native peoples. We discussed the 2022 documentary "Lakota Nation vs. United States," a film in which she plays a major role, and her response to the 2009 U.S. Congressional apology to all Native peoples. We talk about the craft of poetry and her approach to writing. Lastly, we discuss her latest book of poetry, titled "Whereas."…

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The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About

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