Filling the Mad Cup: Navigating Personal Struggles, Art, and Validation
Release Date: 09/30/2024
Spoon Brain, Rap Rivalries, and the Superb Owl
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Host: Rebekah Henderson (spelled R-E-B-E-K-A-H) Co-Host: Samuel Gonzalez Guest: Cel Wilson Time-Coded Highlights 00:00:07 – 00:00:13 Rebekah kicks off the show, introducing Off Color and its focus on race, pop culture, and well-being. 00:00:25 – 00:00:31 Sam enters the conversation and shares their current mood check. 00:01:11 – 00:01:37 The hosts delve into personal updates and set the tone for a candid, wide-ranging chat. 00:20:05 – 00:20:21 Special guest joins. Brief intro to Cel’s background as a musician and vocal coach. 00:21:44 – 00:22:02 Cel explains how anyone...
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MLK, Miscegenation, and Mixed Emotions
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Show Notes Summary In this lively (and often hilarious) episode of the Off Color Podcast, hosts Rebekah and Sam experiment with their show’s format while grappling with the emotional ups and downs of current events. They kick things off by acknowledging listener feedback and the ongoing evolution of the podcast. Rebekah shares her raw feelings about the political turmoil post-inauguration—expressing frustration, anxiety, and hope in equal measure. A key highlight is Rebekah’s story about meeting Pulitzer Prize–winner Isabel Wilkerson, author of Caste, and how that powerful encounter...
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Who Gets to Be Black, Anyway? Mixed Race Truths, HSP Realness, and Parenting Under Pressure
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Episode Summary In this lively episode of Off Color, host Rebekah Henderson and co-host Samuel Gonzalez welcome two special guests: Soltahr Tiv-Amanda – a therapist and spiritual teacher Janae Burris – a Denver-based comedian Together, they dive into topics guaranteed to spark both insight and debate: Personal Updates & Humor Rebekah’s unfiltered life updates set a candid tone. Sam shares reflections on navigating transitions and creative ruts. Janae adds her trademark comedic edge, juggling parenthood, career, and cultural identity. Being a Highly Sensitive Person...
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TikTok, Beyoncé, and Why We All Need a Nap In the New Year
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In this episode, Rebekah and her co-host Sam dive deep into the evolving conversations around race, identity, and cultural representation, as seen through the lens of TikTok's algorithm-driven echo chambers. The discussion explores the complexities of blackness, mixed-race identity, and the historical baggage that shapes these dialogues today. The hosts reflect on their personal experiences, generational differences, and the ways social media both amplifies and distorts these critical conversations. Key topics include: The role of TikTok in fostering discussions on race and identity....
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A I VERY COVID CHRISTMAS FINAL
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In this special year-end episode of Off Color, hosts Rebekah Henderson and Samuel Gonzalez experiment with a hybrid format of voice messages, AI-generated commentary, and raw reflections. Rebekah—under the weather and feeling the weight of another challenging year—introduces a unique “very COVIDed Christmas” approach, weaving humor and vulnerability into the show’s fabric. Amidst muffled masks and muffled feelings, the conversation drifts through the complexities of personal authenticity, the odd comfort of AI-generated praise, and the sometimes uneasy dance between sincerity and...
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Mental Health as Generational Wealth with Special Guests; Soltar Tiv-Amanda & Janae Burris
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This episode of Off Color is a wonderful resource for anyone navigating mental health, mixed-race identity, and the joys and struggles of living authentically. Yay! 🎉 We dive deep into therapy, ancestral connections, and how comedy can heal, with laughs and insights all along the way. If you loved this episode, we'd love to hear from you! Call us and leave a message (the funnier, the better!) or slide into Sam’s DMs on Instagram—your thoughts could even make it into a future episode! And hey, if you want to support what we’re doing, head over to our Patreon. Every little bit helps us...
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The Wicked Episode- Part 1
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If You Think We're Talking About You, We Probably Are
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Show Notes 00:00:00 - 00:02:06 - Introduction and Buffy the Vampire Slayer Discussion Rebekah shares her thoughts on the Thanksgiving episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, focusing on the portrayal of the Native American Chumash tribe. Sam criticizes the episode for its handling of racial topics, noting that it features white characters discussing Thanksgiving without proper insight. Rebekah mentions that James Marsters (who played Spike) is available on Cameo and humorously suggests she would love a personalized message. 00:02:06 - 00:03:20 - Debate on Representation and Context Sam...
info_outlineEpisode Summary
In this heartfelt episode, Rebekah and Samuel dive deep into personal challenges and the complexities of pursuing art in today's society. They open up about financial hardships—Samuel shares his struggle with potential foreclosure—and discuss how friends can support each other during tough times, even when everyone is facing their own battles.
The conversation shifts to the state of philanthropy and the difficulties artists face in securing funding for projects related to mental health and the arts. They critique the gatekeeping nature of grant applications and the systemic issues within philanthropic organizations that often hinder genuine creative efforts.
Samuel provides Rebekah with a psychic reading about her financial prospects, leading to a candid discussion about expectations, the allure of quick fixes, and the reality of seeking validation through external means. They explore the impact of social media platforms like TikTok, debating the difference between content creation and true artistry.
Touching on recent events in the entertainment industry, the duo contemplates the responsibilities of artists and public figures without delving into unverified claims. They reflect on the challenges of separating art from the artist and the importance of ethical considerations in creative work.
Rebekah shares insights into her creative process, including her experiences with AI-generated music and the emotional journey behind her song "A Million Likes to Fill My Mad Cup." Together, they discuss the struggles of seeking validation through social media likes and the impact it has on mental health.
Towards the end, they express gratitude to their listeners, discuss plans for upcoming episodes—including a guest appearance by Dr. Les Hutchinson—and encourage audience engagement through subscriptions and reviews.
Key Topics Covered
- Personal Financial Struggles: Navigating hardships and supporting friends during crises.
- Philanthropy Critique: The gatekeeping and challenges in securing arts funding.
- Art vs. Content Creation: Debating the value and impact of social media platforms on artistry.
- Psychic Reading: Samuel provides insights into Rebekah's financial future.
- Validation and Self-Worth: The quest for external approval and its effects on mental health.
- AI in Music: Rebekah's experiences with AI-generated music and ethical considerations.
- Industry Reflections: Contemplating recent events involving public figures responsibly.
- Upcoming Projects: Teasers for future episodes and guest appearances.
Notable Quotes
- Rebekah: "What do you do when your friend is having a real-life crisis... How can you support them when your boat is not afloat your damn self?"
- Samuel: "There's tons of money out there... but it's all gatekept."
- Rebekah: "I need a million likes to fill my mad cup."
Call to Action
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Your support helps us continue creating content that resonates and fosters meaningful conversations.
Connect with Us
- Rebekah Henderson
- Please don't.
- Samuel Gonzalez
- Instagram: @1r1descent
- Note: The username includes numbers in place of some letters—it's spelled with a '1' at the beginning and end.
- Instagram: @1r1descent
Upcoming Episode Teaser
Stay tuned for our next episode featuring Dr. Les Hutchinson, where we'll delve into the challenges of academia and the experiences of marginalized communities within it.
Additional Resources
- Rebekah's Documentary Screening: For listeners in Milwaukee, catch Rebekah's documentary screening at the Oriental Theatre on September 30th. Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for seniors and students. Don't miss this opportunity to support her impactful work!
- Music Mentioned:
- "A Million Likes to Fill My Mad Cup" by Rebekah Henderson
- "Big Fat Gap" now available to stream on major platforms.
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