Season 2 Episode 5 is the wellness episode and Black in a Box are joined by guest Dora Atim, founder of UltraBlackRunning.

Alahna, Dan and Dom hear about how and why Dora began to build a thriving trail running community that catered for mental wellness as well as fitness for Black women and Black non-binary people. 

A sadly topical issue is that of safety for women when out running after the killing of Sarah Everard. Dora and Alahna talk about how the fitness community can continue to make women safe while they exercise, with Dan and Dom weighing in on the role of men.

On the seventh day God rested. Our guest fills us in too on her Self-care Sundays social media routine.

Finally for our draft we each weigh in with our Top 3 Online Feel-good Gurus.

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ANW3204 - Classic Hip Hop

305 - Health is Wealth w/ Ultra Black Running's Dora Atim

Season 3 Episode 6 covers a topic hot on all our minds... TRAVEL (finally!)

Alahna, Angelo, Dan and Dom explore the ups and downs of traveling whilst Black and share their upcoming holiday plans and places they'd love to visit. We start with each of the BIAB hosts sharing a quintessential 'traveling whilst Black' anecdote and how that experience was shaped or influenced by their Blackness (8:22). Then, we take a look at the occasions where Black people can feel restricted in our ability to travel in spaces and places where we feel unwelcome (23:35). Then Alahna flips the script and asks the group what it's been like to visit African countries and other predominantly Black nations (39:45). We finish off with a draft of the next destinations on our travel bucket lists (44:36).

Season 3

306 - "You better not go to Texas..." - Travelling Whilst Black

Blackfishing. Appropriation. Transphobia. What a week it’s been for shenanigans and the good friends at Black in a Box get into it all in this latest episode. 

We start by addressing the minstrel show that came in the form of Jesy Nelson's “Boyz” music video (1:00) before discussing the difference between appropriation and appreciation (17:00). Then we get into the uncomfortable truth that Dave Chappelle's latest Netflix special may, indeed, need to be cancelled (31:45). Like. Share. Subscribe.

309 - "What in the Rachel Dolezal?"

As we approach the end of another year, the Black in a Box crew reflect on some big questions in this episode. What were our childhoods like and what do we want the future to look like for our children and future generations? 

Is there maybe some futility in procreating given the state of the planet (5:30) We discuss the merit in mentoring future generations and creating intergenerational communities (11:10). Then things take a turn when we discuss the white savior tropes in entertainment & why it’s still a big deal (21:00), before Dom jumps to the defence of White Yardie (35:00) We close things out with a discussion of all the things we like to blame Africa for (41:25), inspired by Prince William. 

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311 - "It all started with Jesus" - Kids, White Saviours & White Yardies

WE BACK! It’s a New Year and a new season of Black in a Box and there’s already an abundance of f*ckry to unpack. Starting off with a look at Kurt Zouma and the many woes his candid cruelty has drudged up (3:05), we then get into the tearful confessions of Thandiwe Newton (18:00). At (33:40), Angelo has a few things to get off his chest about the Labour Party and we share a raised eyebrow at the Brits award of Best “New?” Artist to Little Simz (49:49). Welcome back! 

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401 - Ding Dong, the Witch is Dead - Kurt Zouma, Thandiwe Newton, Little Simz & The Labour Party

This week we are joined by author of 'Get Rich or Lie Trying' Symeon Brown and second time guest, Aniefiok 'Neef' Ekpoudom FRSA, newly anointed Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts and, more importantly, friend of the pod.

We talk Symeon’s inspiration for about his new book (2:21), what even is an influencer (8:49), as well as the limitation of moments built on influencers (17:54), the new marks of influencer culture (22:26) the losers in the world of influencing and what ultimately gives us a fulfilling life (29:42) and how to pursue it among other things

Finally we share the devastating loss to the world of Jamal Edwards with SBTV alumni, Neef, as well as his impact on each of us and the world (37:37).

Please like, share with your friends if you love it, subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen and leave a review on Spotify.

Thank you for listening.

402 - Symeon Brown and Neef Ekpoudom - Get Rich or Lie Trying

In a shorter episode this week and a body short, with Alahna back in the mean-streets of Palm City, we discuss what is an exciting time for rap powerhouse - Top Dawg Entertainment. 

Last week, BIAB favourite, Isaiah Rashad, made a  heart-warming return on the one of the world's biggest stages - the influencer olympics...Coachella (01:16). We discuss how he did, or didn't, address the leaked video and how hip-hop has grown to a much greater level of acceptance. Then a couple of days later KING KENDRICK HIMSELF announced the release date for his new and last album on TDE, Mr Morale and the Big Steppers. We chat about what to expect (19:22) and round things off with our favourite K. Dot albums (32:45).

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404 - Isaiah's Triumph (feat. Mr Magoo & the Big Steppers)

The one where we talk about football. Football podcasting great and award-winning writer Musa Okwonga joined the pod at the start of the season for a wide-ranging deep dive on the relationship of our game, media and the England team with Black Britain.

We begin talking about how Blackness has permeated football culture (5:17), charting from Wenger's Arsenal through Nike's Londoner advert to now. We then discuss the marketing of the England team(35:28) behind not just Black faces but Black identities with the unspoken caveat of "Conditional Identity" afforded to those players(43:19).

We then touch on the traditional media discourse about Black athletes(50:15) and why there have been no "clever" Black footballers(1:01:06), before finishing on Musa's experience moving abroad and the impact it had on his life and career(1:18:02). 

Our regular segment "Black in the Box" closes out pod, with us giving love to chicken, carnival, Munya and Musa's exceptional latest book "In The End, It Was All About Love"(1:29:41).

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408 - Musa Okwonga - In The End, It Was All About...Ginger

Lock in for a journey through astrology, living the life that fulfils you, lunar travel, pirates and miscellaneous money and so much more with Jason “Scully” Kavuma.

Scully – one of the voices behind the rise of lockdown internet sensation #NS10v10 at No Signal – cut his teeth as a new media dabbler at Vice before becoming a presenter and A&R as well as a producer on the rise. It has to be said though that the 29-year old is much more than all this.

After a wild journey through him bursting onto the scene(20:48, we hear how a life turning point (38:02) brought him back...until covid had other ideas. After talking #10v10, the conversation switches to grime and “gatekeeping the culture” (1:02:10), before we turn to Kanye, Nore and podcasters calculating the cost of clicks and clout (1:13:45).

We close with heartfelt condolences to actress and writer Josephine Melville who tragically passed away in October, during a run of the much-lauded Nine Night.

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409 - Jason 'Scully' Kavuma - "The bigger you live, the longer you live"

We're back with a bang this time, as the Black in a Box crew sits down with Ade Adepitan MBE.

It'll be no surprise to hear this was a dream for us - Ade has been a trailblazer in British broadcasting for over two decades. We talked all about how he got started in the industry, his past as an elite athlete and a whole heap of other things. Oh, and the story of him climbing an active volcano without his chair? One for the ages. 

Ade, thank you for continuing to inspire all of us.

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504 - Ade Adepitan - "Don't allow anyone to put you in a box"

In our latest episode, we have the change-making Tyla Grant chatting with us about neurodiversity, living with autism as Black woman and more. 

Tyla takes the floor to introduce what neurodiversity means to her and how race and gender played a role in her belated diagnosis (6:00). We discuss some of the challenges people with neurodivergences, especially people of colour,  face in school and the workplace (18:24), as well as certain challenges in social and home life (44:11), before finishing up on the Metropolitan police overreach and other foolishness on display during the coronation (56.30). 

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505 - Tyla Grant - Black and Neurodivergent

Currency, Clout & the Cost of Living

In this episode we are joined, once again, by the prolific writer, journalist and friend of the pod Symeon Brown. This time, we are discussing Beyonce, Mizzy, and the cost of living crisis in the UK. How are these things connected? Have a listen and find out. We start with celebrations and critiques of the entity that is Beyonce (4:40), then we segue into discussing the controversial social media prankster Mizzy (28.57) before addressing what it’s like to exist in the current cost of living crisis (51:32). 

*In this episode, we refer to Beyonce’s private performance in Saudia Arabia after the release of her Renaissance album. We would like to be clear that the performance took place in Dubai, U.A.E. and did not feature any music from her most recent Renaissance album. 

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BIAB

506 - Beyonce & Mizzy - Currency and Cloutrage with Symeon Brown

First, we’re giving flowers to… drum roll… our own Dan Chirwa for an incredible athletic feat, as well as pre-emptive flowers to Alahna, as she raises money to support two Black Mental Health charities in the UK and USA (donation link below and on our socials). 

Then we get into the meat of the episode, starting with an argument on Stormzy, Top Boy and other sacred cows (4:00). Then, we discuss the recent Peckham shop assault (27:45) and end with the controversial story of “Purple” Aki. (41:06). 

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Donate to support Black Mental Health Services at:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/ironmanformentalhealth

508 - Sacred Cows, Peckham Assault & “Purple Aki”

It’s almost a wrap on 2023, but we still have plenty to discuss! Starting with a review of this year in music - what were the vibes, how are people consuming music and where to discover new artists (3:00)? We also address the long-overdue #MeToo movement needed in Hip-hop and whether recent headlines are a sign that the movement is on the horizon (21:31). And finally we talk the politicisation of popstars, particularly of Beyonce and her Renaissance film (43:38). 

This will be the final Black in a Box episode of 2023! So get caught up on anything you missed. Like. Subscribe. Rate. Share. And we will see you with big things in 2024!!

511 - Beyonce's Politics, Hip-Hop #MeToo & Wrapped

It's a new year and we're starting with a big one. This time, we welcome two amazing guests to the studio - the collab of all collabs - we're joined by Dope Black Dads founder and BELOVD co-founder, Marvyn Harrison, and we welcome back an old friend of the pod, Tunde Odufisan, from the fantastic Tales from the Plantation Podcast.

Dope Black Dads is an incredible community which focuses oncelebrating, healing, inspiring and educating Black fathers for better outcomes for Black families. In a powerful and enlightening conversation, we meander through a wide range of topics, from the changing face of comedy and entertainment (02:40), the inception and purpose of Dope Black Dads and Black fatherhood (30:24), Marvyn's television work (27:48), avoiding red-pill culture (43:52), raising children in London (1:03:22) and much more.

As always, tell a friend to tell a friend - all ratings and reviews really help the pod!

601 - Black Fatherhood, Manhood and Emotional Wellbeing w/ Marvyn Harrison and Tunde Odufisan

We're back with another episode, diving into some of the biggest talking points from the past few weeks. 

We had to kick things off with the disgusting, racist comments made by Tory donor, Frank Hester, about Diane Abbott and the horrific handling by the press and UK parliament as a whole (4:52), before a brief discussion on our voting intentions for the upcoming elections (28:26). After Jamaican dancehall star, Vybz Kartel, saw his murder conviction overturned due to juror misconduct, the team discuss the situation and what it means for the genre as a whole (34:55), before finishing with another trial, which saw a young Black man acquitted of hate crime charges after sending a raccoon emoji to a prospective Conservative MP on social media (50:22).

Enjoy! Please rate & review!

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603 - Diane Abbott, Emoji Trials and Dancehall Tribulations

We're back! The team had a much needed break over the summer, focusing on getting married, having babies, jet-setting and just LIVING, but now we're back on our BS.

This time around, Alahna, Angelo and Dom discuss some of their highlights of the hiatus (7:44). There's a discussion on women in rap music and exactly why they are DOMINATING in 2024 (19:05), before we look into the latest trend of right-wing comedy and their attempts at reframing racism (34:00) and Dom closes with a few words on a personal milestone from earlier in the year (55:20).

Enjoy! Please rate & review!

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604 - In Search of Shame

This time, we're joined by an old friend of the pod, with Tunde Odufisan from the Tales from the Plantation podcast back in the studio with the gang. We discuss the challenges with gentle parenting (02:21), before looking at the challenges and rewards of parenting as a modern man (05:42). Next, is an honest conversation about having to teach your parents how to interact with their grandchildren and learning from the successes and failures of the generation that came before (10:18), narratives around absent black fathers and how it shapes parenting (19:54).
 
Alahna asks what masculinity means in 2024 (28:38), before we round things out talking about Diddy, his case and how and why such behaviours are so pervasive in the entertainment industry and beyond (39:15).

Please rate and review if you enjoy what we do.

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607 - "Things Have Changed" - Gentle Parenting, Modern Masculinity and More

Dom, Alahna and Dan are joined by Tales From the Plantation host Tunde to discuss growing into the Auntie/Uncle era, from dancing embarrassingly to growing old (dis)gracefully.

After a quick detour into the serious world of gym hygiene and etiquette, they embark on a thoughtful discussion of childhood moments that defined our identities (16:00), before finishing with Dom's take on Paramore (40:30).

Enjoy! Please rate & review!

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609 - "Safe Ninja" - Black Childhood, Auntie/Unclehood and much more

When people show you who they are believe them the first time. But this time we are talking about America the nation, not Donald Trump, as the former reality star wins a second term against Kamala Harris. 

The results of the US Election are in and are we surprised? Now that feelings have been felt, we have a few thoughts about what happened (3:40). We also have a few questions, like ‘What is the US vs UK  mindset around politics?’ (20:00) and ‘Are slogans more influential than facts amongst voters?’ (25:00) and 'If we aren’t happy with our government, how do we protest?' (32:10) Finally, we end on a brighter note, chatting about the latest viral sensation, DJ AG (41:50)

Please rate and review if you enjoy what we do.

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606 - "Electing Chaos" - US Election, Protesting & DJ AG

The BIAB end of year special!

We dive into the winners (5:39) and losers (19:16) of the year. A Canadian man's annus horribilis is mentioned. In detail. We then go into our tracks of the year (34:20) and give flowers to artists on both sides of the Atlantic before ending with wild predictions for 2025 (41:59)

Tune in for the positivity, stay for the dissection of  the greatest beef of the century.

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608 - "Annus Horribilis" - Year End Recap

Cold open on Angelo’s hairline (let’s address the elephant in the room)… from there we discuss Krept & Konan’s latest venture into part-ownership of Saveways, a BAME-centric grocery chain. Why are they getting some backlash within the culture and is it warranted? (7:35) Shifting gears, we clash over the BEST three-track runs on an album (31:18). Do you agree with our choices? Let us know your thoughts and whether we missed out on your favourite 3-track run over at @blackinaboxpodcast on Instagram.  

Enjoy the episode! Please rate & review! 

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610 - "Black Narnia" - Krept & Konan's Saveways & The Greatest 3-Track Runs

It’s Q1 2025 and the crash out threat is already HIGH. Living, working and travelling in London provides a very special level of crash out potential, which the BIAB crew discuss (1:17). So how does one find peace and relief, in these over-stimulating, highly-agitating times? Let’s talk mindfulness, spirituality and general peace-seeking (24:00).

Enjoy the episode! Please rate & review! 

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611 - Crash Outs

A recent study showed that almost half of Black Gen Z feel they can’t be themselves in the workplace. From name-changing, to code-switching, to creating sideline minority work chats, it seems the latest generation in the workforce feels unsupported in their authenticity. Are we surprised? (4:40) We discuss this and the influence of older generations on Gen Z in the workplace and how can we extend a hand to pull them up (11:50). Also, how do we show up to support other minority groups at work? (22:45) And all this sparks a fun clash of the most egregious code-switching we’ve witnessed, before ending with our favourite (ahem) “indigenous” British Slang (32:40).

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612 - Wakanda Workchats & Code Switching

You know those ones where the mic is hot and you forget you've got a job to do? Yeah, sometimes it be like that. After we've spent 10 minutes bullsh***ing about Oasis tickets and rockstar conspiracy theories, we get into the real talk…

Are we all proud to be British (or British residents, in Alahna’s case)? We discuss our best and worst opinions of living on this island (8:24) and ponder, what even is the “culture” of Britain (24:20)? Finally, whilst we all live in London, we discuss where else in the world we have felt at-home and why.(35:00).

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613 - British Pride & The Beauty of Anonymity

We're back! This time around, we're joined by an old friend of the pod...king of content, creator, critic, consultant...proper multi-hyphenate tings - it's Scully!

As always, we meander through all kinds of topics and start things off with the team's latest and greatest efforts to maintain some kind of athletic, sporting relevance (06:34). With a guest like Scully, you know we had to chat about music, so we dip into a topic that won't go away - INDUSTRY PLANTS. Whether it's Doechii, Drake, Taylor Swift - every week there's new allegations and accusations, so we discuss what and who really is a plant (20:19). We end part one with a chat on anti-intellectualism, in the wake of a lot of debate over Dr. Mark Lamont Hill's regular spot on the Joe Bidden Podcast, but why we think this is exactly what mass media is missing (34:45).

Appreciate you all for listening - like, comment, subscribe and all dem ting deh!

Check us out on:

Instagram - @blackinaboxpodcast
TikTok - @blackinaboxpodcast
Scully's Instagram - @isthatscully

614 - Scully Pt. 1 - Industry Plants & Anti-Intellectualism

The Wakanda Social Club presents — Black Guys in a Box. 

Episode 2 has slowly rolled round but at last, it's here and ready for your ears!

*DISCLAIMER* We did this one over Skype and we have some audio issues in places but none the less, this one is still a riveting listen.

Nate can't be with us this time but we still manage to digest the reaction to Dom's reality slapping and honest essay 'Grandma's Rules' which tells us of a sweet night out gone sour (07:30).

The untimely passing of Nipsey Hussle opens up a dialogue around digital detox (37:01), Dr Sebi (48:54) and the relationship between black communities and conspiracy theories (50:00) before discussing the harsh realities of having to cut friends who refuse to wake up and address their racially insensitive bullshit (01:04:30).

And as per usual, we close with our regular feature — “What song would you _____ to?” (01:20:57) — this time it’s "What song would you glide passed a bouncer to after they initially denied you entry but then you get let in!"

Take a gander at us on Medium:

https://medium.com/wakanda-social-club

Like what you hear? See what we look like on Instagram:

Kofi - @kofi_smiles
Dom- @dom_ht
Angelo- @theblackunicornblog
Nate- @nasdesignmdi
Dan- @copycatgram

Don't hate, mail us:

wakandansocialclub@gmail.com

Enjoy!

102: "I don't want to find out that my brother, killed my brother..."

Don’t call it a comeback. For the return of season 2 of Black Guys in a Box, the four horsemen of the blapocalypse Dan, Dom Nate and Angelo are back in residence. As is The Official Voice of Women™, Alahna, who survived the season 1 cliffhanger.

Sadly one member did not. This episode we pour out some liquor for (and spray some corn at) our fallen brother Kofi; before delving into the importance of Allyship and the roles we all play (2:38);  Courtney Lawes vs. Chardine Taylor Stone and how we can educate without being condescending (30:13); Dave's Brits performance (37:15); Ash Sakar vs. Britain First on Question Time (49:25); and we finish on (58:28) Windrush and British Identity in light of the government’s recent deportation flights and the guys share a few unfortunate brush-in's with the law (01:13:50).

Episode 9 feature is “Songs to say…goodbye…to” in honour of Kofi (01:30:20). Good luck, big guy.

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201 - The Elephant not in the Room

The Black Guys live from their own Boxes!

In the first of a series of lockdown specials, the guys revisit ESPN/Netflix's latest phenomenon, The Last Dance (02:10). We dive into the age old Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James debate, the legend of Dave Thompson and Scottie Pippen's contract woes.

Then we dissect the latest BGIAB Soundclash - this week it's the 2000-2004 hip-hop edition (22:08). Dom (28:09), Angelo (32:11) and Nate (37:25) take it in turns to  defend their picks, but will anyone cop a plea?

Lockdown Soundclash Special I - The Dave Thompson VIIs

We all needed to talk. We all needed to listen. The recent police killing of George Floyd sparked global uproar. George was just the latest name. With the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Belly Mujinga also in the UK, it's been a tough time to be a black person. Out of the pain, can we heal?

We cover the George Floyd killing, Killer Mike’s intervention (43:18), the changing mood (01:17:52)virtue signalling and the suppression of the Covid report by the UK government (01:45:19).

Dan, Dom, Nate and Angelo are joined again by Alahna to get a US view on the current situation.

#podcast #UK #2020 LM #BlackLivesMatter #GeorgeFloyd #BellyMujinga #BreonnaTaylor #society #BlackOutTuesday #podcasting #conversation #media #mediahypocrisy

202 - We Needed to Talk - Black Lives Matter

What do riots, sit-ins, boycotts, kneeling, marching and now dancing have in common? They are all unacceptable ways to show displeasure at inequality, discrimination against and at worst elimination of the black existence. 

The Black Guys and Gals in a Box return to talk about reaction to Diversity’s BLM referencing performance on Britain’s Got Talent and the idea of moving past kneeling in sport. We touch on how discourse around equality and racial equity has moved on post black tile and how we can make sure people “do the work” and hold up their end of the bargain.

On the eve of a second national lockdown Alahna, Dan, Dom, Gelo and Nate finish up talking lockdown and alleviating boredom as well as nominating their lockdown MVPs both within and without the digital world.

Special shout out for Mrs Teezy too, going clear on twitter and being the mum and auntie we don’t deserve but are lucky to have.

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204 - "It was Stomp without the bin-lids"

In this Women’s Day episode, midwife and baker elite, Shabazz Irving and actor and writer, Yana Penrose join us in the Box to discuss a few issues at the intersection of race and gender. 

We open up the episode with a discussion on toxic masculinity in the workplace (03:06). Next Shabazz guides us through an understanding of racism and sexism within the medical profession (33:00) and how to ensure Black and Brown patients receive good care. Then, we switch gears to talk about safely navigating dating, chat-ups, and new relationships in these pandemic times (1:02:30). 

WOMEN WHO BE WINNING DRAFT: In our second Draft in a Box (1:21:40) we each take turns to pick our Top 3 Black Women we are honouring for Women’s Day (and beyond). Each of our lists will be posted to IG so let us know whose list is your favourite. 

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303 - International Women's Day feat. Yana Penrose and Shabazz Irving

Black in a Box began as an intention to turn up the volume on the rural black voice, before becoming an exploration of modern life, politics and culture for all black faces in white spaces.

Black in a Box is Alahna, Angelo, Dan, Dom and Nate. It is nuanced thinking about structural and systemic issues. It is learning and debating and sometimes shelling. It is hip-hop, rare groove, reggae and grime. It is rural and it is urban. It is fun and serious. It is educational and very occasionally it is therapy. And it is about and for all of us.

Black In A Box

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