In this powerhouse episode, Becky and Taina go deep on the tangled roots of American music—from Negro spirituals and funk to country and bluegrass—and how Black artists have always shaped the sounds we now call “mainstream.” They unpack Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter backlash, how misogynoir fuels that criticism, and the difference between cultural appreciation and appropriation. And yeah, they go in on white defensiveness, Trump regrets, and what true harm repair looks like (hint: “sorry” isn’t enough). If you’re uncomfortable, good. You’re probably learning something.

Discussed in this episode:

• The healing power of funk and the somatic joy of dancing alone
• The PBS documentary A History of Funk Music and Black Liberation of the 1970s
• Cultural appropriation vs. appreciation in music (Justin Timberlake, anyone?)
• Misogynoir and the gatekeeping of country music
• Why Beyoncé absolutely belongs in the country genre
• Taina’s fire analogy about AI and cultural appropriation
• The impact > intent distinction (and the $10 egg drop)
• What true harm repair actually looks like
• Why “sorry” is step zero, not step one
• The Venn diagram of justice, and why it all comes back to humanity and collectivism
• Angry grannies, Trump regretters, and FAFO energy

Resources mentioned:

• A History of Funk Music and Black Liberation of the 1970s on PBS YouTube
• “James” by Percival Everett
• Rhiannon Giddens and Carolina Chocolate Drops

Listen to The Empowered & Embodied show on this or any podcast platform, or get more information and links on their website.