Mike and Wink reflect on their writing journeys, exploring themes of identity, heritage, and the complexities of black culture. A year in review.

The conversation explores the many layers of black identity in America, touching on social distance, cultural nuance, genealogy, and the weight of historical narratives. Wink and Mike discuss attraction, dating, and family influence, sharing personal stories about how skin color, upbringing, and intellectual connection shape relationships. Broader themes include aging, community, cultural heritage, generational change, and the pressure of navigating impressive or damaged people.

Author Louis C. Hook, also known as “the Educated Hood Rat,” joins us to discuss his new book, Black in the Saddle, which traces the legacy of black horsemanship from African cavalry empires to the rise of black cowboys in the American West and the riders carrying that tradition forward today. Louis and host Connie Morgan explore the history that was erased and the powerful resurgence of black equestrian culture in the modern era.

Show notes:

• Black in the Saddle, from African Cavalries to Modern Cowboys
• Louis’s website
• Compton Cowboys

Host Connie Morgan speaks with David Hanna, a software engineer by day and Israeli-Palestinian conflict researcher by night. David discusses his peace plan, which emphasizes education, cultural reconciliation, and the role of the international community in fostering a two-state solution.

Show notes:

• David’s Peace Plan
• The Jews of Arab Lands: A History and Source Book by Norman Stillman
• From Haven to Conquest: Zionism and the Palestine Problem Until 1948 by Walid Khalidi
• The Birth of the Palestinian Refugee Problem Revisited by Benny Morris
• The Missing Peace: The Inside Story of the Fight for Middle East Peace by Dennis Ross

Winkfield F. Twyman Jr. and Michael DC Bowen explore the complexities of personal turmoil, family dynamics, and the importance of emotional vulnerability. They reflect on the legacy we leave behind, the wisdom of generations, and the burdens of family property, ultimately emphasizing the need for emotional revelation and consensus in navigating life’s challenges.

Adam Szetela, author of That Book Is Dangerous! How Moral Panic, Social Media, and the Culture Wars Are Remaking Publishing, joins the pod to talk about censorship, sensitivity readers, and how wokeness is reshaping literature. A Ph.D. graduate from Cornell and former Harvard fellow, Adam shares his perspective on class, creativity, and the growing pressures facing writers and editors today, and why he believes publishing needs a more balanced, open-minded approach to storytelling.

Show notes:

• That Book Is Dangerous! How Moral Panic, Social Media, and the Culture Wars Are Remaking Publishing
• Adam’s website

Tamyra Mensah-Stock aka WWE wrestler Tyra Mae Steele joins the podcast to talk about her road to a goal medal, how her faith drives her and why she is proud to be an American.

Show notes:

• Tamyra’s Instagram
• Tamyra on X

Mike and Wink delve into the complexities of American history, identity, and the evolution of black culture. They explore generational perspectives on the past, the impact of Jim Crow laws, and the importance of entrepreneurship and education in shaping the future of black Americans.