In this wide-ranging episode, Rich and Kevin take a sharp, unapologetic look at the power—and pitfalls—of protest. From Pepsi's DEI backpedal to the economic ripple effects of modern boycotts, the duo wrestles with whether change can still come from collective action. Through the lens of civil rights history, institutional mistrust, and community responsibility, they challenge listeners to step into leadership without waiting for permission. Candy talk, Kobe tribute fits, and spicy takes on Kroger vs. Whole Foods add levity to a heavy and important conversation.

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📍 00:43 – Welcome to the Jersey Episode
Kobe jerseys, Braves gear, and sports banter set the tone as the hosts ease in before dropping the heavy hitters.

📍 06:48 – Why Kevin Stopped Drinking Pepsi
Pepsi’s quiet retreat from DEI commitments sparks a larger convo about corporate accountability and personal protest.

📍 10:11 – Boycotts That Hurt Black Businesses
They unpack how economic protest can unintentionally harm Black entrepreneurs, especially those in big box retailers like Target.

📍 14:55 – Legacy Lessons from the Civil Rights Movement
Rich and Kevin dive into the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Rosa Parks, and how those protests were structured to succeed—then ask why we haven’t done better since.

📍 27:52 – We Don’t Take Care of Our OGs
From Coretta to Rosa to modern leaders, the hosts call out how civil rights icons were left unsupported—then flip it to ask what younger generations should do differently.

🐍 Mamba Mentality Award

🏆 Kobe Bryant – For setting the standard of leadership without waiting for a handoff. Kobe didn’t wait for permission—he led. A model for all of us to stop waiting and start doing.

In this powerful episode of the Southern Comfort Podcast, Kevin and Rich dive into everything from wedding ring mishaps to launching a game-changing grassroots incubator. They open up about their evolving views on politics, the crisis of Black male college enrollment, the case for investing in trade skills, and what HBCUs must rethink to meet the moment. Plus, they give flowers to a young leader fighting the good fight in Georgia politics. Real talk, critical thinking, and a lot of laughs—this is an episode you don't want to miss.

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📍 04:05 – The Beauty and Challenge of Local Elections
Kevin discusses why local elections matter, how working with grassroots candidates keeps him grounded, and the purity of helping good people step into leadership.

📍 09:46 – Launching GRITS: Grassroots Incubator for the South
Rich reveals the upcoming launch of GRITS, a new organization to train first-time candidates and operatives across the South, focusing on building real political infrastructure.

📍 16:16 – The Decline of Black Male College Enrollment
Kevin and Rich break down the startling drop in Black male college enrollment, the economics behind it, and how culture, incarceration, and affordability all tie into this urgent issue.

📍 31:22 – The Case for Trade Skills and Early Certification
They argue that every high school graduate should leave with a trade skill, highlighting how trades like HVAC can offer faster, debt-free paths to financial security compared to college.

📍 36:59 – HBCUs, Trump, and the Future of Black College Enrollment
The conversation shifts to how political changes, like cuts to DEI initiatives, could impact HBCUs—and whether alumni will step up to support a new generation of students.

🏆 Mamba Mentality Award Goes To…

🐍 Ebenezer Abelarian - For his relentless commitment to public service, leadership within Georgia’s political landscape, and continued mentorship and generosity toward the next generation of changemakers.

Kevin and Rich are back in Atlanta, and this episode kicks off with barbershop banter and ends with a powerful tribute to political courage. The two dive deep into the importance of grooming—physically, professionally, and politically. From hairline disasters and beauty appointments to Senator Cory Booker’s 25-hour filibuster, this conversation blends humor, vulnerability, and reverence for Black leadership. It’s a timely reflection on what it means to stand up, stand out, and lead with purpose.

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📍 00:01 – Back in the A, Back in the Chair
Rich shares a barbershop horror story and laments the struggle of finding a solid, consistent cut.

📍 14:25 – The 25-Hour Filibuster
The convo shifts to Cory Booker’s historic floor speech. Rich and Kevin unpack the physical demands, the message behind the moment, and how it flipped the legacy of a tool once used to block civil rights.

📍20:53 – The Spirit of John Lewis
Kevin draws a powerful line between Booker’s stand and the beatings sustained on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. They reflect on generational sacrifice and what "getting in good trouble" looks like today.

📍 29:54 – What If I’d Gone with Booker?
Rich recounts the career crossroads where he had to choose between working for Elizabeth Warren or Cory Booker, and how a health crisis made him realize timing is everything.

📍 36:09 – Still Questioning Cory’s Blackness?
The hosts get real about the way Booker’s Blackness has been questioned, despite his consistent, targeted advocacy for Black communities. They argue it’s time to revisit who we label “real.”

🏆 Mamba Mentality Award Goes To…

🐍 Senator Cory Booker – For turning a historically oppressive tool into a mic-drop moment of resistance. Twenty-five hours of truth, grit, and purpose earned him a permanent seat at the table—and a well-deserved Mamba Mentality Award.

From moonlighting on campaigns to building his own political firm, Anthony Davis Jr. returns for Part Two of The Southern Comfort Podcast to dive deeper into the realities of being a Black operative navigating politics across the South and Northeast. He breaks down what it means to earn respect in every room, the tension between local and national strategy, and why organizing in Boston hits different. With stories that span from Ayanna Pressley’s historic win to the chaos of Mississippi elections, this episode is a masterclass in mentorship, growth, and grit.

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📍 04:23 – "Swiss Army Knife Operatives"
Anthony explains how Black campaign staffers are expected to do it all—organize, handle press, coordinate with electeds—without the title or the pay.

📍 08:15 – "The Pain of Losing Maryland"
Why Ben Jealous’s loss for governor hit harder than any other campaign defeat—and what it revealed about Black voter turnout in PG County.

📍 17:54 – "Coalition Fractures & Black Men for Trump?"
Why campaigns keep failing to understand the diversity of the Black male vote—and how group chats reveal more than polling ever could.

📍 29:06 – "A Boston Awakening"
Anthony shares how working on Ayanna Pressley’s campaign introduced him to organizing in the Northeast—and to his future wife.

📍 56:12 – "Finding His Voice on Warren’s Campaign"
From imposter syndrome to commanding the mic at a rally in front of thousands—how Anthony stepped into his power on the 2020 trail.

🏆 Mamba Mentality Award Goes To…

🐍 Ayanna Pressley – For leading with courage, grace, and clarity—especially in the face of political dysfunction and public scrutiny.

🐍 AOC & Bernie Sanders (Honorable Mention) – For showing up across the country and using their platforms to speak truth to power in a time when voters are losing faith in institutions.

🐍 The Wives (Mamba Moment of Love) – Jill, Erin, and Lady O, for being the unshakable support system behind the scenes.

What does it take to turn a quiet college kid into a political powerhouse? In this special episode, Rich and Kevin welcome Anthony “College” Davis, Jr.—a Morehouse man, campaign vet, and proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi—for a candid, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation on his journey from not voting in 2012 to running major organizing ops in 2020. From frat life to fried turkey runs in Alabama, this episode is a masterclass in growth, grit, and the power of HBCU networks. And if you’ve ever wondered what it really feels like to watch history unfold from behind the scenes, this one’s for you.

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📍 03:10 – "PG County to the West End"
Anthony breaks down growing up in Maryland's Black excellence bubble and how a college tour unexpectedly rerouted his dreams toward Morehouse.

📍 13:00 – "I Didn’t Vote for Obama…"
Anthony drops the bombshell: he didn’t vote in 2012. But why? And how did that moment flip the switch for his future in politics?

📍 27:00 – "The First Campaign Hit Hard"
Thrown into Alabama with no plan and no housing, Anthony gets his crash course in political organizing—and earns his stripes fast.

📍 34:00 – "Campaigns Are Sports for Nerds"
How basketball, teamwork, and that competitive edge gave Anthony the mindset to crush campaign life like game day.

📍 50:56 – "Thanksgiving Turkey Test"
Rich sends Anthony on a last-minute Popeye’s mission across Alabama. A hazing moment? Maybe. But also a turning point in building trust and showing hustle.

🏆 Mamba Mentality Award Goes To…

🐍 Anthony Davis, Jr. – For going from a disengaged freshman to a frontline campaign leader. His transformation wasn’t just professional—it was personal, intentional, and inspiring. A living example of what happens when opportunity meets preparation and heart.

Rich and Kevin head to New York and take a detour from their usual political breakdowns to embrace a more cultural moment—catching Denzel Washington live in Othello. From stage brilliance to campaign basics, they unpack the power of storytelling, the decline of true organizing, and how the Democratic Party needs to stop depending on data and start depending on people. Oh, and they definitely got smoke for modern organizers and media consultants. This one’s for the political junkies and the cinephiles.

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📍 01:00 – Denzel in Othello & What Makes a Real Actor
The gentlemen break down their live theater experience and Denzel’s stage presence. Spoiler: it’s different when you’re breathing the same air as greatness.

📍 06:14 – Top 5 Denzel Performances & Oscar Robberies
Favorite Denzel flicks—Malcolm X, Training Day, The Hurricane—and wonder how the Academy keeps getting it wrong.

📍 11:06 – Movie Star vs. Actor
Rich and Kevin debate who’s acting and who’s just cashing checks. Is Whoopi underrated? Is The Rock even acting?

📍 21:53 – Rallies Ain’t Organizing & Digital Ain’t Strategy
They challenge the lazy campaign tactics of today. Spoiler alert: a viral post isn’t a voter contact.

📍 30:06 – When Data Becomes a Crutch Instead of a Tool
The duo explains how over-reliance on data and underinvestment in community organizing leads to political failure. our turn.

🏆 Mamba Mentality Award Goes To…

🐍 Denzel Washington – For his unmatched consistency, craft, and commitment to excellence. From stage to screen, he’s still setting the bar.
🐍 Whoopi Goldberg – A true EGOT and trailblazer whose impact transcends entertainment.
🐍 The OG Organizers – Those who knocked doors with clipboards, phone books, and heart. Respect.
Black Broadway Excellence – From Denzel to Viola to Samuel L., they continue to carry the torch of unapologetic storytelling.

Rich and Kevin go deep on the cost of courage in politics. From Congressman Al Green’s unapologetic stand against Trump to Rich’s powerful testimony at the Georgia State Capitol about his personal battle with kidney failure, this one’s a gut punch. They expose how weak party leadership, bad strategy, and cowardice are failing the people—especially in the South. The duo pulls no punches talking about Medicaid, healthcare hypocrisy, and why the Democratic Party needs new blood, new tactics, and a serious backbone.

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📍 02:35 – Al Green Stands Alone when courage looks like shaking your cane. Congressman Al Green becomes the only member of Congress to call out Trump during his address—and gets censured while 10 Democrats side with the GOP.

📍 10:56 – Losing the Narrative: How Democrats Keep Fumbling the Bag
Town halls > bingo cards. Kevin and Rich explain how the Democratic Party missed a huge opportunity to connect with real voters during Trump’s speech.

📍 15:05 – Personal Becomes Political: Rich’s Kidney Journey
Testimony from the trenches. Rich shares how his personal battle with kidney failure turned him into an unexpected advocate for Medigap insurance coverage in Georgia.

📍 23:27 – Health Care Hypocrisy: Pro-Life but Not Pro-Care
They fight to birth them, then cut the funding. The hosts expose the contradiction of right-wing politics when it comes to healthcare, Medicaid, and kids.

📍 34:09 – Time for New Blood: The Party Needs a Trade
Where’s the coach? Who’s the LeBron? A fiery conversation about stale leadership in the South, rising stars like Jasmine Crockett, and why it's time to stop waiting our turn.

🏆 Mamba Mentality Award Goes To…

🐍 Congressman Al Green – For standing 10 toes down, refusing to be silenced, and carrying the torch of Southern Black resistance.
🐍 Rich McDaniel – For turning pain into purpose and testifying on behalf of 45,000+ dialysis patients who need real healthcare solutions.
🐍 American Kidney Fund – For stepping up where the government hasn’t, helping people cover lifesaving treatments without red tape.
🐍 All HBCUs – For shaping underdogs into leaders, holding students accountable with love, and building generational excellence.
🐍 The Southern Black Political Tradition – For being the last line of defense and the loudest voice of truth, even when the party stays quiet.

In this episode of Maroon Bison Presents: The Southern Comfort Podcast, Rich and Kevin break down the intersection of culture, politics, and influence—who’s using their platform for change and who’s just collecting checks. From Outkast’s long-overdue Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination to the legacy of Barack Obama, the duo explores the power of entertainers, athletes, and institutions like HBCUs in shaping Black political engagement. Plus, Rich shares a deeply personal story about how a chance encounter and a little tough love got him into Morehouse.

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📍 03:12 – Outkast & The Politics of Celebrity Influence:
Does every Black artist have to be an activist, or is it enough just to make great art?

📍 09:52 – Do Celebrity Endorsements Still Move the Needle?
John Legend, Dave Chappelle, and why some artists actually show up for the people.

📍 19:55 – Michael, Kobe, LeBron: The Evolution of Athlete Activism
From "Republicans buy sneakers too" to More Than A Vote—how sports stars got political.

📍 26:39 – Malcolm vs. Martin, Obama vs. The System:
Good cop, bad cop, or just two necessary sides of the same fight for justice?

📍 46:34 – How a Random Conversation Got Rich Into Morehouse:
A lesson in faith, fate, and the power of just showing up.

🏆 Mamba Mentality Awards Go To…

🐍 Barack & Michelle Obama (and the whole damn family, including Bo & Sunny) – For redefining Black excellence on the world stage with intelligence, class, and an unshakable sense of purpose.

🐍 HBCUs Everywhere – For taking in kids the world overlooked and molding them into leaders who change the game.

🐍 The Educators Who See Potential Before You See It in Yourself – Special shoutout to Ms. Portia Potts, William Murray, Michael Hodge, Andre Patillo, and the countless Black teachers shaping futures every day.

🐍 Outkast – For showing the world that being unapologetically Southern, weird, and Black is a damn superpower.

🐍 Dave Chappelle & John Legend – For understanding that showing up for the people matters more than just saying the right things.