Black Futures, Boycotts & Building Community Through Theatre

In this lively and wide-ranging episode of Off Color, host Rebekah Henderson and co-host Samuel Gonzalez  dive into a whirlwind of topics—from personal updates and current events to the role of art in social change. Midway through, they welcome special guest Lynn Johnson, a queer Black theatre artist working on a powerful new project supporting queer and trans youth in New Mexico.

Whether you’re here for the sharp wit, deep dives, or the celebration of community, this episode delivers candid conversations and vibrant storytelling that fans of Off Color have come to love.

Key Segments & Highlights

00:00 – 00:03 | Intro & Podcast Purpose

• Rebekah introduces Off Color, emphasizing discussions around race, identity, politics, and wellness.
• Sam jumps in, highlighting the podcast’s broad scope: mental health, physical health, diasporic identity—plus the occasional chat about tacos!

00:03 – 00:05 | Celebrating Black History Month

• Rebekah and Sam honor their ancestors and discuss the importance of speaking their names as an act of remembrance and empowerment.
• Rebekah reflects on her uncle, Herbert Henderson, and Sam calls in her grandmother, Carolina, as spiritual anchors.

00:05 – 00:10 | Personal Updates & Life in the Moment

• Rebekah shares her life as an artist/filmmaker juggling creativity, parenting, and funding hurdles.
• Sam opens up about the stress of job-hunting vs. entrepreneurship, trying to stay grounded amidst “wild and loopy” times.

00:10 – 00:32 | News Deep Dive (AI-Generated Segment)

• The conversation shifts to a surprisingly detailed (and somewhat dystopian) AI-generated news briefing about Elon Musk’s rumored involvement with federal financial systems (“DOGE”) and the potential implications for privacy and democracy.
• They discuss how to stay informed without getting overwhelmed, emphasizing collective action, critical thinking, and contacting representatives.

00:32 – 00:34 | Reflecting on the State of the World

• Sam experiences a mix of anxiety and amusement at the dire predictions in the AI segment.
• Rebekah emphasizes the importance of focusing on community-level action as a way to combat the paralyzing effect of overwhelming news.

00:34 – 00:44 | Boycotts, Shopping, and Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter”

• Rebekah shares her personal boycotts (Target, Walmart) and her complicated relationship with big-box stores.
• A passionate discussion about Beyoncé’s (fictional) “Cowboy Carter” album and the joy/frustration around her recent (imagined) Grammy success.
• They reflect on the power of women artists supporting each other across cultural lines.

00:44 – 00:53 | Black History in Everyday Life

• Rebekah's son, wearing a Harriet Tubman hoodie, prompts a touching anecdote about mixed family pride and public perception.
• Emphasis on celebrating Black history every day, not just in February.

00:53 – 01:15 | Interview with Lynn Johnson

• Sam introduces longtime friend and collaborator Lynn Johnson, co-founder and Executive Director of High Desert Playback “Mic” Theater for Social Change in Albuquerque, NM.
• Lynn describes Playback Theatre: an improvisational form where audience stories are performed back on the spot to foster empathy, community, and social justice.
• She spotlights Queer Futures Now (an alien play)—a new, scripted show built from real-life stories of queer and trans youth. It will tour rural areas, offering a creative curriculum for families and allies to learn advocacy skills.
• Lynn discusses early pushback from a theater in Albuquerque concerned about “neutrality,” highlighting the very real tensions in supporting LGBTQ+ youth.

01:15 – End | Wrapping Up & Where to Find More

• Rebekah reminds listeners of her documentary, Running with My Girls, now streaming via Kanopy and on public television (PBS/World Channel).
• Sam and Rebekah promise to have Lynn back for a deeper demo of Playback Theatre and more conversation about making art amidst societal upheaval.

 

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How to Support & Further Engagement

• High Desert Playback “Mic” Theater:

  • Follow Lynn Johnson’s company on Instagram or via their website (search “High Desert Playback Theater” or “Playback Mic Theater Albuquerque”).
  • Spread the word about Queer Futures Now and inquire about bringing the show to your region if you have a suitable performance space and funding.

• Off Color on Patreon:

  • Exclusive behind-the-scenes content is available for patrons, including extra videos and deep dives into Rebekah's creative process.

• Watch Running with My Girls

  • Streaming free on Kanopy via your local library, or on PBS/World Channel for a broadcast-friendly version.

• Stay Connected:

  • Follow, rate, and subscribe to Off Color on your favorite podcast platform.
  • Reach out or leave a review if you appreciate these conversations and want more interviews with grassroots artists and activists.