Fighting Words with George M. Johnson
Fighting Words with George M. Johnson
George M. Johnson knows how to counterpunch the culture wars. ALL BOYS AREN’T BLUE, their memoir of growing up Black and Queer in America, is currently the second-most banned book in America. And that distinction has pushed George to the frontlines of the fight for freedom of expression. “Fighting Words” is George’s chance to bring listeners into the ring with some of today’s most talented, outspo…Social links:
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ICYMI: "Music is the Weapon of the Future" (w/ Jason King)
We bring back George's conversation with Jason King, Dean of the USC Thornton School of Music, a musician, music historian and much, much more. Jason talks about how to live the summoned life, how to be a citizen of the world, the lost art of artist development and how artists like SZA and Beyoncé …
49:18
“Queer Superpower” (w/ Ian L. Haddock)
George is joined by Ian L. Haddock, the founder and executive director of the Normal Anomaly Initiative, a nonprofit that provides direct services to the LGBTQ+ community in Houston. Ian tells George about getting kicked out of his house as a teenager; finding a new home with the LGBTQ+ community i…
30:20
ICYMI: "Just Getting Started" (w/ Angelica Ross)
Today, we revisit one of our first conversations on the show, with the iconic Angelica Ross, actress, musician, businesswoman and activist known for her iconic roles on Pose and American Horror Story. Angelica talks about holding her head high and keeping her integrity in Hollywood, or as Angelica …
37:03
"Creating Music That Feels Good" (w/ Julian King)
George is joined by Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter Julian King. Julian tells George about his approach to making music, how living in China transformed him and opening for Mary J Blige.
35:02
"There is Always Pop Culture" (w/ Shar Jossell)
George is joined by award-winning journalist Shar Jossell. Shar talks about how Oprah and Wendy Williams influenced her career, about approaching pop culture with a critical lens and how to make sense of the current media environment.
33:19
"Is Writing Activism?" (w/ Leah Johnson)
George is joined by Leah Johnson, award-winning YA author and owner of Loudmouth Books, an independent bookstore in Indianapolis uplifting banned books and marginalized authors. Leah tells George about publishing her first novel in the midst of the George Floyd protests and why she thinks bookstore…
29:56
ICYMI: "Choosing to Remember" (w/ Sapphire)
Today, we bring back George's conversation with the legendary author Sapphire. Her 1996 novel Push was adapted into the 2009 movie Precious, which won Oscars for Best Supporting Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay. Sapphire talks about what it's like to have her book banned, the authors who inspire…
35:29
"Make Something Shake” (w/ Sean Coleman)
Sean Coleman joins George on the podcast to talk about how ballroom and incarceration shaped his life, why he wanted to change the non-profit sector and start Destination Tomorrow, and opening the first city-funded shelter for transgender homeless people.
37:56
“Without a Vision, People Perish” (w/ Bishop Joseph W. Tolton)
George is joined by Bishop Joseph William Tolton, who discusses the history of white Christian Nationalism in America, how this anti-democratic and anti-Black movement has spread around the world, and how to fight against it.
32:49
"Art Should Agitate" (w/ Charlene A. Carruthers)
George is joined by storyteller and community organizer Charlene A. Carruthers. Charlene talks about how growing up in Chicago shaped her organizing, about occupying the Chicago police headquarters in 2020, doing her work through a Black queer feminist lens, and why telling stories is central to be…
36:05