Episode notes

Uncommon Naledge is hosted by Dr. Jabari Evans and edited and produced by Phillip Schlies.

@naledgesince82 on Twitter and Instagram

Original music for introduction and outro produced by Michael "Double 0" Aguilar.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this episode of Uncommon Naledge, Dr. Jabari Evans is joined by Dr. Zari A. Taylor, critical cultural studies scholar and Assistant Professor at NYU, whose work explores how race, beauty, celebrity culture, and the creator economy intersect in digital and popular culture. Dr. Taylor, a core member of the Content Creator Scholar Network (CCSN) and Global Member of the TikTok Cultures Research Network, brings an incisive lens to how marginalized communities both shape and are shaped by the evolving dynamics of media and identity.

Dr. Taylor unpacks themes from her published work in Social Media + Society, Information, Communication & Society, and the International Journal of Communication—and offers reflections on how power and aesthetics operate within the influencer space, particularly for Black women and femmes online.

Together, they discuss the politics of beauty algorithms, the labor of digital visibility, and the risks and rewards of scholarly engagement in public-facing platforms. It’s a wide-ranging and timely conversation about digital culture’s most pressing questions.

Uncommon Naledge is hosted by Dr. Jabari Evans and edited and produced by Phillip Schlies.

@naledgesince82 on Twitter and Instagram

Original music for introduction and outro produced by Michael "Double 0" Aguilar.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this episode of Uncommon Naledge, Dr. Jabari Evans sits down with Dr. Kareem Edouard, assistant professor at Drexel University’s School of Education and a leading researcher at the Expressive and Creative Interaction Technologies (ExCITe) Center. Dr. Edouard is also the founder of the ILLEST Lab—a research space dedicated to designing Inclusive Learning environments and Leveraging Equitable STEM Technologies for students of color.

Together, they explore how culturally responsive pedagogy, informal learning environments, and maker spaces can be used to reframe STEM education for underserved communities. Dr. Edouard breaks down his work on integrating digital video, social networks, and virtual reality into STEM learning—and why honoring students' racial and cultural identities is essential for sustainable engagement.

Uncommon Naledge is hosted by Dr. Jabari Evans and edited and produced by Phillip Schlies.

@naledgesince82 on Twitter and Instagram

Original music for introduction and outro produced by Michael "Double 0" Aguilar.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this episode of Uncommon Naledge, Dr. Jabari Evans sits down with Justin Walters, ESPN broadcaster and sports journalist, to talk about his journey through the fast-paced world of sports media. From covering some of the biggest moments in professional and collegiate sports to navigating the evolving landscape of digital and on-air journalism, Walters shares his insights on breaking into the industry, the challenges Black journalists face in sports media, and the importance of storytelling in shaping athlete narratives.

We also dive into his experiences at ESPN, the future of sports broadcasting, and how young journalists can prepare for success in an increasingly digital-first media environment.

Uncommon Naledge is hosted by Dr. Jabari Evans and edited and produced by Phillip Schlies.

@naledgesince82 on Twitter and Instagram

Original music for introduction and outro produced by Michael "Double 0" Aguilar.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this episode of Uncommon Naledge, Dr. Evans sits down with SJMC alumna Dr. Christina L. Myers, assistant professor at Michigan State University’s School of Journalism, for a powerful conversation on Black representation, media narratives, and racial bias. Drawing from her background as both a journalist and scholar, Dr. Myers shares insights on how Critical Race Theory and Mass Communication intersect in her work, shedding light on the implicit racial biases that shape portrayals of Blackness in music, sports, and news.

The conversation also explores Dr. Myers’ personal journey from reporting on politics and policy for outlets like The State Newspaper, The Associated Press, and NBC News Channel to now producing critical scholarship that confronts systemic racism in media. She offers thoughtful reflections on the responsibilities of journalists, the complexities of Black storytelling, and the need for more authentic and nuanced media representations of marginalized communities.

Uncommon Naledge is hosted by Dr. Jabari Evans and edited and produced by Phillip Schlies.

@naledgesince82 on Twitter and Instagram

Original music for introduction and outro produced by Michael "Double 0" Aguilar.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this special monologue, Dr. Jabari Evans provides an in-depth primer on The Future of Hip-Hop Studies Symposium at Harvard University. Reflecting on the event’s key themes, Dr. Evans unpacks the evolving role of Hip-Hop in academia, its intersections with technology, AI, and digital culture, and the urgent conversations shaping the next frontier of Hip-Hop scholarship. From the genre’s continued impact on social justice movements to its influence on emerging creative industries, this episode sets the stage for a deeper discussion on where Hip-Hop is headed and why it remains a crucial site of study. Whether you're a scholar, artist, or fan, this monologue offers an essential perspective on the state and future of Hip-Hop research.

Uncommon Naledge is hosted by Dr. Jabari Evans and edited and produced by Phillip Schlies.

@naledgesince82 on Twitter and Instagram

Original music for introduction and outro produced by Michael "Double 0" Aguilar.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this special episode of Uncommon Naledge, Dr. Jabari Evans sits down with Dr. AD Carson, award-winning scholar, artist, and professor at the University of Virginia, to unpack the evolving landscape of Hip-Hop scholarship. Fresh off his return from The Future of Hip-Hop Studies symposium at Harvard University, Dr. Evans reflects on key takeaways from the event, exploring the intersections of academia, artistry, and activism in Hip-Hop research.

Together, they discuss the institutionalization of Hip-Hop in higher education, the role of AI and digital platforms in shaping contemporary rap narratives, and the broader implications of Hip-Hop as a cultural force beyond music. Dr. Carson—whose own work seamlessly fuses scholarship with lyricism—offers his insights on the ways Hip-Hop challenges traditional academic norms and what the future holds for Hip-Hop Studies as a legitimate field of inquiry.

Uncommon Naledge is hosted by Dr. Jabari Evans and edited and produced by Phillip Schlies.

@naledgesince82 on Twitter and Instagram

Original music for introduction and outro produced by Michael "Double 0" Aguilar.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this episode of Uncommon Naledge, I sit down with journalist, author, and educator Arionne Nettles, who currently serves as the Garth C. Reeves eminent scholar chair at Florida A&M University. Arionne’s work sits at the intersection of culture, race, and media, and she’s spent her career telling the stories of Black Chicago—its influence, its challenges, and its undeniable contributions to the world.

We dive into her journey from the historic Chicago Defender to shaping the next generation of journalists in the classroom. We’ll discuss her acclaimed book We Are the Culture: Black Chicago’s Influence on Everything, the power of storytelling through audio, and what it means to cover topics like gun violence and racial disparities with nuance and care. Uncommon Naledge is hosted by Dr. Jabari Evans and edited and produced by Phillip Schlies.

@naledgesince82 on Twitter and Instagram

Original music for introduction and outro produced by Michael "Double 0" Aguilar.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.