The WhoDeannyPod

The 2024 election brings to mind echoes of the 1864 election. That was a moment in which Americans had a chance to opt out of war. And chose heroically. The Gettysburg Address: https://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/speeches/gettysburg.htm

Michael Harriot asked Black Twitter, “Who is the most ‘blackfamous’ person of all time?” We're going to start our #BlackFamous Series with Billy Dee Williams, someone White folks think they know and someone Black folks LOVE. Enjoy this fun new ride! Billy Dee's IMDB page.

Some reminders that Kyle Rittenhouse isn't the end; he's another opportunity for beginning. Please know there are no punches pulled in this episode. If you're not ready to hear this one, just save it for later. Connect with us when you can. We're @whodeannypod on Twitter and Facebook. You can also email us@ whodeannypod@gmail.com. We truly want to hear your thoughts on this episode and these difficult days.

Franklin shares some of his thoughts on interacting with strangers in public spaces. Do you have some of the same instant reactions he does? Feel free to connect with us, sharing your own thoughts on this episode via Twitter and FB @whodeannypod and email at whodeannypod@gmail.com. We look forward to continuing the conversation!

Check out host Rishab Prakash as he explores the incredible world of Kanye West. Join him for the WEST. POD. EVER.

What do badges, Confederate symbols, and UFOs have in common? They're part of this short and sweet podcast about undersold stories that should bring us hope! Share your hopeful stories with us through email@ whodeannypod@gmail.com or via FB and Twitter @whodeannypod. Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth,” https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/01/04/metro/new-book-harvard-astronomer-pushes-theory-about-object-that-passed-through-solar-system-alien-world-may-have-sent-it/

Franklin shares his admiration for a magnificent love poem, Resignation, by Nikki Giovanni. It helps to be a hopeful romantic. Read the whole poem here. https://poets.org/poem/resignation

At the NBA's regular season halftime, Franklin takes a look at a few continuing lessons from the first half of the season then suggests a couple fun things to look forward to from here on out. This pod is FAN-TASTIC!

Franklin pays homage to Audre Lorde by sharing an important revelation her poetry provides. Here's a hint: poems are temporary.

Franklin takes a 10 minute look at the life and legacy of Coretta Scott King, one of America's greatest social justice warriors. Please share your thoughts with us via email@ whodeannypod@gmail.com or on FB and Twitter @whodeannypod.

Franklin highlights four ways the Biden administration has already brought a little normal back to America. Sometimes, normal is good.

Franklin makes the case that the Democratic Party should make plans now for a bonus VP, someone to enlist in the event Biden's age keeps him from serving his full term in office. Who should be on the list? Let us know through email@ whodeannypod@gmail.com or via FB, and Twitter @whodeannypod.

In the wake of the Super Bowl, Franklin tackles the idea of guilty pleasures. What are your favorite guilty pleasures? Do you feel guilty about them? Just let us know via FB and Twitter @whodeannypod or through email@ whodeannypod@gmail.com.

Franklin expresses his amazement at what January 21, 2021 has brought. And hasn't. There are lots of reasons to breathe easier today. Enjoy the pod and let us know what you're happy about by email: whodeannypod@gmail.com or via FB and Twitter: @whodeannypod.

Franklin shares a magnificent quote from Rumi and what he's learned about love by returning to in person work. He also reads a short poem he's never performed before. Enjoy "Tuesday Night" for the first time. Please share your favorite words of love! You can connect with us through email@whodeannypod@gmail.com or via FB and Twitter @whodeannypod.

Franklin encourages his listeners to read MLK's Letter From Birmingham Jail and consider where it applies to you. You know about King’s Dream. Now, what will you do to make it a reality? This podcast is worth five minutes of your time.

Franklin shares some of the poems he's written in conjunction with IUPUI’s Religion, Spirituality, and the Arts seminar. The seminar's theme of Cultural Ecologies centers on Noah and various stories about flooding. Check out some of his work here then share your thoughts by email@ whodeannypod@gmail.com or @whodeannypod on FB and Twitter. Enjoy the pod!

Franklin uses a new book to suggest different ways of thinking about history, heroism, and ourselves. Check out the book The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks: https://rosaparksbiography.org/introduction/

Franklin considers ways his work as a teacher can help young people explore their capacity for change. How are you helping change the world? We'd love to learn so please connect with us over email @whodeannypod@gmail.com or via FB and Twitter @whodeannypod.

This is the first BIG episode in the new era of The WhoDeannyPod. Franklin reflects on the Trump Insurrection and his determination to be a voice working for change in this hard moment. We went a little past five minutes this time. Today requires a little more from all of us.