FANTI

In this episode, Black People Love Paramore host, Sequoia Holmes, chats with author and authoress jarrett hill and Tre'vell Anderson about language, and why Black people love phrases, idioms and colloquialisms.

Transcribed - Published: 8 February 2024

A word from our beloved hosts, Tre’vell Anderson and jarrett hill about the upcoming Tour for their new book, Historically Black Phrases. Live Tour - https://www.historicallyblackphrases.com/live

Transcribed - Published: 17 January 2024

This week, for the final episode, jarrett hill and Tre’vell Anderson give FANTI the FANTI treatment. They recollect memories of the start of the show, the production process behind every episode, and what their hopes are for the future. Then later, they hear messages from listeners about what the show, and its hosts, meant to them. Tune in for this week of FANTI, for the very last time.

Transcribed - Published: 28 December 2023

This week jarrett and Tre’vell host the show’s very last What Was Said, with letters and voice messages from you, the listeners! The hosts react to messages from day-one listeners who have gained confidence, a new perspective, and even found love because of the show. Then later, we hear from the ones who make it all happen: Senior Producer LAURA SWISHERRRRR and Producer Palmira Muniz for a quick send off. All this and more on the second to last episode of the series!

Transcribed - Published: 21 December 2023

This week, jarrett and Tre’vell welcome the very last guest of FANTI: award - winning multi hyphenate, Lena Waithe. They discuss her career, taking public critique, and how audiences’ response to media changes over time. And later, some news on Historically Black Phrases.

Transcribed - Published: 14 December 2023

This week jarrett and Tre’vell bring back FANTI veteran, Dr. Charles H.F. Davis III to discuss prison abolition, the beginnings of its movement and specifically how it differs from the idea of prison reform. They also discuss of crime is more beneficial than punishment after the fact. And later, our hosts get a visit from FANTI friend, Shar Jossell.

Transcribed - Published: 7 December 2023

This week, Tre’vell and jarrett highlight World AIDS Day with award-winning journalist Daric L. Cottingham, and HIV physician Dr. Leo Moore. They discuss the complexity of living with HIV, their own personal connections to HIV/AIDS, and ending the stigma around testing, prevention, and care.

Transcribed - Published: 30 November 2023

This week hosts Tre’vell Anderson and jarrett hill welcome a long time friend of the show, film executive Mychael Chinn!. They catch up with Mychael and talk about family tradition, give our hot takes on what the most underrated dish on the Thanksgiving table is, and play a very special game of FANTI flashback trivia.

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2023

This week, jarrett and Tre’vell discuss the pros and cons of having a multi-faceted multi-hyphen career with the help of television journalist and fashion designer, Nina Parker. We get into Nina’s career, overcoming failure, and how she juggles multiple passions all at once. But first, our hosts discuss Keke Palmer’s legal battle with her son’s father.

Transcribed - Published: 16 November 2023

This week, Tre’vell Anderson and jarrett hill get into the complex & complicado of navigating unprecedented times. Between homophobic politicians, Trump, and global warfare, how do we find the strength to keep on fighting the good fight? But first, our hosts discuss Tiffany “New York '' Pollard's read of the century on House of Villains.

Transcribed - Published: 9 November 2023

Did you think we’d wrap up the show without giving The Kardashians the FANTI treatment? This week, jarrett & Tre’vell enlist the help of guests Amber Abundance and Archie Jay (Archie: The Podcast) to get into the impact that the family empire has had on the culture–beauty and femininity, media, and especially, the Black community. But first, a Pass The Popcorn segment on Flava Flav’s national anthem performance at the Milwaukee timberwolves basketball game.

Transcribed - Published: 2 November 2023

On this week’s episode, hosts jarrett hill and Tre’vell Anderson highlight Halloween with special guests and FANTI vets, Executive Director of The Stonewall Community Foundation, Jarrett Lucas and cultural commentator, Ryan Mitchell. They discuss their experiences with Halloween through a religious lens, how the holiday is inherently queer, and inclusivity for plus size costumes. But first, a word on what’s happening in Gaza.

Transcribed - Published: 26 October 2023

This week jarrett and Tre'vell welcome psychologist Dr. Dyette to the show to get into some of the downsides of representation. They discuss the impact it has on marginalized communities, the roles Black actors are offered, and how jokes online can lead to death threats. But first, A Pass The Popcorn segment on Will and Jada, followed by a very important message from our hosts you don’t want to miss.

Transcribed - Published: 19 October 2023

This week, FANTI brings you another special installment of We See Each Other: The Podcast. We’ll be back next week to give you the usual good good! On this week’s episode, hosts Tre’vell Anderson and Shar Jossell speak with actor, Brian Michael Smith.The star shares how he is now able to bring all sides of himself to the table as an actor. But first, our hosts discuss masc representation in media, or rather the lack thereof. With cis women actors playing transmasculine characters as the norm back in the day, like Hilary Swank in Boys Don’t Cry, our hosts discuss how this practice creates further confusion and harm into the trans conversation. Then later, we Pass The Mic to our everyday trans siblings and get a lesson on transmasculine activist and civil rights pioneer, Pauli Murray.

Transcribed - Published: 12 October 2023

On this week’s episode, hosts Tre’vell Anderson and jarrett hill celebrate Hip Hop’s 50th! Special guests, Purse First Podcast hosts Sesali Bowen & "Prince" Pierre Phipps, discuss the very moment they both fell in love with the genre, the journey of the queer rap world, and what is missing from the hip hop culture conversation.

Transcribed - Published: 5 October 2023

On this week’s episode, hosts Tre’vell Anderson and jarrett hill discuss their mixed feelings about Usher performing at this year’s Super Bowl. The timing might be perfect but is it pandering to Black audiences considering what the community has gone through over the last few years? But first, a pass the popcorn segment on Tyler Perry’s relationship advice to Black women and other cishetero nonsense.

Transcribed - Published: 28 September 2023

On this week’s episode, hosts jarrett hill and Tre’vell Anderson welcome CEO of Dictionary.Com, Dara Sanderson, to discuss Black American Language. They discuss code switching, how Black culture influences language, and jarrett and Tre’vell’s new book, Historically Black Phrases (Out Now!) Then later, our hosts respond to a letter from a listener who shares their experience with Digital Blackface in the workplace, in response to last week’s episode about non - Black people using Black gifs and memes way too often.

Transcribed - Published: 21 September 2023

On this week’s episode, hosts jarrett hill and Tre’vell Anderson discuss “Digital Blackface”, such as when white people use gifs of Nene Leakes as a form of their own self-expression. Our hosts pose the question, what, exactly, is the motivation behind a white person’s decision to express themselves using Black or non-white digital media online? But first, a sneak peek into jarrett and Tre’vell’s newest book, Historically Black Phrases, dropping September 19th.

Transcribed - Published: 14 September 2023

Back from break, hosts j & t cover the hot topics they missed while they were away: Montgomery Brawl, Trump’s indictment, and Lizzo getting sued. Then later, our hosts recollect themselves after Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour in DisHonorable Mentions. But first, a sneak peek into jarrett and Tre’vell’s newest book, Historically Black Phrases, dropping September 19.

Transcribed - Published: 7 September 2023

The long-awaiting Aquatics Episode is finally here! After much hand wringing and consternation, hosts jarrett hill and Tre'vell Anderson have FINALLY taken the plunge! Dive with them into the deep end as they take their very first swim lessons in beautiful Baldwin Hills. To prepare them for the big day, they speak with Paulana Lamonier, the founder of Black People Will Swim, and get some insight on what Paulana calls, “the only sport that can save your life.” And later, Founder of Legacy Aquatics and swim instructor, Jordan Hunter, works to help our hosts build a proper swimming foundation: breathing, kicking and floating. Will he make swimmers out of them? Find out! This episode is for ALL our FANTI listeners - but do you wanna get into the deep end of extra footage and actually see jarrett and Tre’vell learn to swim? Become a MaximumFun member today! Go to maximumfun.org/join, select FANTI to sponsor, and get access to tons of bonus content!

Transcribed - Published: 31 August 2023

**This week FANTI is passing the mic to We See Each Other: The Podcast while our show is on a short hiatus. But don’t worry, we’ll be back with all new episodes starting August 31st! This week, we have reached the end of the journey with the final episode of We See Each Other: The Podcast. Hosts Tre’vell Anderson and Shar Jossell welcome Pose and American Horror Story star, Angelica Ross. She speaks on the state of trans media representation, how comedy has been both a gift and curse for the trans community, and what it means to indict one’s self. Then, our hosts speak with political journalist and host of The Anti - Trans Hate Machine, Imara Jones. Imara speaks on how trans representation in media has changed over time, going from no representation at all to hypervisibility in just the span of a few years. While media representation is still an obstacle, Imara asserts that erasure is the most violent act on the trans community. But first, some heartfelt final thoughts in Pass The Mic, where we hear from some community members from the Unique Women Coalition, and a WSEO listener.

Transcribed - Published: 24 August 2023

We’re revisiting our favorite past episodes while our show is on a short hiatus. But don’t worry, we’ll be back with all new episodes starting August 31st! It’s finally here, the long awaited…*drum roll please*...Copaganda episode! That’s right, our hosts were finally able to have a sit down with Tia Oso, the executive director of BLD PWR Productions, and Dr. Jared Loggins, Assistant Professor of Black Studies at Amherst College and co-author of Prophet of Discontent: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Critique of Racial Capitalism to discuss the effects Copaganda has on audiences and its insidiousness. But first - what y’all bringing to the Donald Trump is Going to Jail Party? And don’t say plates and napkins! (This episode aired on March 23rd, 2023)

Transcribed - Published: 10 August 2023

We’re revisiting our favorite past episodes while our show is on a short hiatus. But don’t worry, we’ll be back with all new episodes starting August 31st! This episode is quite the doozy - real complex and complicado! This week the hosts examine the concept of “the white friend” - or is it “a friend who happens to be white”? jarrett and Tre’vell break down what the difference is. But first jarrett sheds some light on the Jussie Smollett case, and the demonstrable lies that formed the public narrative, and the demonstrable truths…that didn’t. Smollett’s lawyers are appealing the case. (Originally aired March 15th 2023)

Transcribed - Published: 3 August 2023

On this week’s episode, hosts Tre’vell Anderson and jarrett hill go over the complex and complicado of the highly anticipated Barbie movie. They get into their thoughts on the film’s rollout, marketing strategy, and how Stereotypical Barbie represents the beginning of white women’s self - reckoning. But first in our Pass The Popcorn segment, our hosts speak on the state of the entertainment industry, from the WGA/SAG - AFTRA union strikes, to Hollywood’s initiative of driving out diversity, specifically at the network executive level.

Transcribed - Published: 27 July 2023

On this week’s episode, we dive into our bag of listener letters from YOU, the #FANTIfam! Hosts jarrett hill and Tre’vell Anderson respond to your questions about Artificial Intelligence, Copaganda, and British Vogue’s Pride Issue featuring Ncuti Gatwa. Our hosts also get into a lesson on Scottish Parliament, potato wedges, why Flava of Love might have actually been a queer show, and more! Then later, some DisHonorable Mentions and a message from our producers.

Transcribed - Published: 20 July 2023

In this week’s episode, hosts Tre’vell Anderson and jarrett hill bring you a little something different: an extended discussion on the pros and cons of authoring a book. Our hosts discuss how challenging the writing process really is with FANTI veteran and author of When Crack Was King, Donovan X. Ramsey. The writers get into the nitty gritty of writing a book, covering everything from the brainstorming stage, finding motivation to write consistently, and fighting tooth and nail over book cover art. Then later, Emmy winning director, Nneka Onuorah’s latest documentary, Truth Be Told, and more highlights in our DisHonorable Mentions.

Transcribed - Published: 13 July 2023

Y’all loved the first one so much, we had to bring it back! Hosts jarrett hill and Tre’vell Anderson welcome writer, editor, and Stop Cop City activist Da’Shaun L. Harrison. Harrison also discusses why they and fellow activists are trying to block the development and construction of a police training compound “Cop City”, on the outskirts of Atlanta. Stop Cop City activists believe that going forward with the development would displace and disenfranchise the lives of marginalized people, and further perpetuate the police state we are currently living in. In addition, they’ll discuss how copaganda goes beyond just “cop shows” and legal dramas and can show up in many different forms in media. Later on the show, Tre’vell and jarrett get into some DisHonorable Mentions and a history lesson on civil rights activist Pauli Murray.

Transcribed - Published: 6 July 2023

On this week’s episode, hosts Tre’vell Anderson and jarrett hill make a call back to Tre’vell’s Dis/Honrable Mention of Ncuti Gatwa’s British Vogue’s Pride Issue feature in Ep #174. In the issue, Gatwa claims he chooses not to label himself as queer, which poses the question: has Pride rebranded (again) to fit those who do not identify as queer? But first, jarrett and Tre’vell discuss the state of employment, or rather unemployment, in media considering the rise of publication layoffs, like Buzzfeed News with 15% staff layoffs and Insider with 10%, just this past April. With many more platforms following the same trend, the future of journalism looks uncertain. And later, we get a history lesson on the very first Queen of Drag.

Transcribed - Published: 29 June 2023

This week FANTI is passing the mic to We See Each Other: The Podcast. After you listen to the episode, make sure to check out Kristen Lovell’s The Stroll which premiered on Max the evening before this episode dropped. Hosts Tre’vell Anderson and Shar Jossell welcome producer and co - director of the documentary, The Stroll, Kristen Lovell as they discuss the documentary’s portrayal of trans sex workers who worked in the Meatpacking District of New York City during the 90s. Lovell also speaks on finally having the control of the Black trans narrative behind the camera, and not just as the subject. Then, our hosts speak with the producer and director of the documentary, Kokomo City, D. Smith. She discusses the audience's reception to the film and the legacy of Koko Da Doll, the star of the film who was tragically murdered earlier this year.

Transcribed - Published: 22 June 2023

On this week’s episode, hosts jarrett hill and Tre’vell Anderson give Artificial Intelligence the FANTI treatment. On the plus side, jarrett finds Siri incredibly helpful, and asks her to set alarms for him multiple times a day. But they also share some concerns, like AI bots taking over journalists' jobs or programs making it easier for students to get away with plagiarism. Plus, jarrett and Tre’vell give Janelle Monae her flowers for Age of Pleasure, the new album that’s been ruffling feathers since it’s been out. And later, our hosts discuss the history that was made this past Sunday at the Tony Awards, as J. Harrison Ghee and Alex Newell become the first openly non - binary actors to ever win a Tony.

Transcribed - Published: 15 June 2023

On this week’s episode, Hosts jarrett hill and Tre’vell Anderson welcome writer Mikelle Street for a conversation about The Swirl, or interracial dating. They dig into what’s behind the “trend” of highly-visible Black queer celebrities who seemingly only go out with white partners, as well as how our upbringing influences our attitudes around interracial dating. They also get into some of the misconceptions of interracial dating that are projected onto queer interracial couples. But first, Tre’vell and jarrett respond to Abbott Elementary’s Tyler James Williams’ instagram post, in which the actor details why he thinks it’s dangerous when people try and guess whether someone is gay or not.

Transcribed - Published: 8 June 2023

What does it mean to be successful? Hosts Tre’vell Anderson and jarrett hill discuss what it means to be successful, how the measurement of success shifts as we age, and finding success beyond financial status. But first - the two talk high school and college reunions.

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2023

On this week’s episode, hosts jarrett hill and Tre’vell Anderson get into the complex and complicado of “Learning In Public”, similar to what jarrett had to do when he was called in for being fatphobic a few episodes back. The two discuss navigating the pressures that come with making mistakes publicly and why being willing to continue to learn to do better is so important. But first, Tre’vell poses A Tough Question: Is there ever a right time to call the police, in today’s climate? And later, jarrett and Tre’vell’s Dis/Honorable Mentions and some updates on the summer swimming lesson BOCO we’ve got cooking up.

Transcribed - Published: 25 May 2023

On this week’s episode, journalists Tre’vell Anderson and jarrett hill discuss the very complex and complicado career of Don Lemon, and how his legacy has not only affected pop culture, but the Black community. Our hosts get into the dichotomy of the journalist, as both a victim and perpetrator of homophobia and anti-blackness. But first, a special FANTI exclusive on Tre’vell and jarrett’s upcoming book, Historically Black Phrases (Dropping September 19th). And later Tre’vell shares their-run in with somebody’s Bible-thumping grandmother during their book tour of We see Each Other: A Black Trans Journey Through Television and Film.

Transcribed - Published: 18 May 2023

We’re shaking things up a bit this week, beautiful people! FANTI brings you, [cue drum roll]...an episode of We See Each Other: The Podcast hosted by FANTI’s very own, award-winning journalist and authoress, Trev’ell Anderson, and FANTI MVP, award-winning journalist and media personality, Shar Jossell. The first two episodes of the nine episode series are both available to download right now, but what you’re about to hear is episode #2, “Remain Teachable” featuring the incomparable actress, dancer, and DJ, Lina Bradford. Lina came up in the NYC club scene in the 80s, and speaks to how far the culture has shifted with regard to trans visibility, and why it’s important for this new generation of trans people to appreciate and acknowledge the activism of our trancestors that’s paved the way for this moment of trans visibility, and its accompanying backlash. Over the course of this series, Tre’vell and Shar will be including the personal experiences of ‘everyday’ trans people. To that end, anyone in community who wishes to comment on or speak to issues brought up on the show, please share your thoughts with them. We’ve made it easy to record a message. Just click SpeakPipe.com/WeSeeEachOther and follow the very simple instructions. If you’d like to email Shar and Tre’vell, you can send any message to [email protected] and put WSEO in the subject line.

Transcribed - Published: 11 May 2023

On this week’s episode, FANTI hosts Tre’vell Anderson and jarrett hill kick off the celebration of AAPI Heritage Month - cause there’s Black people in every community! - With very special guest, Executive Director and Co - founder of PEAK, Kristian Fanene Schmidt, who shares his expertise on the state of AAPI representation in media. But first, in A Tough Question, jarrett asks: Have you given yourself permission to be happy? Plus, authoress Tre’vell Anderson has a special announcement about their debut book, We See Each Other: A Black, Trans Journey Through TV and Film, out May 9th.

Transcribed - Published: 4 May 2023

On this week’s episode, hosts Tre’vell Anderson and jarrett hill discuss the do’s and don'ts of a group watch party. The two have complex feelings on what the correct etiquette is, but both have the same one big take away: the food better be good. But first, Tre’vell and jarrett rank their favorite WWOC (white women of color) singers.

Transcribed - Published: 20 April 2023

Back in March, it was reported that very anti - queer and very married Tennessee LT. Governor Randy McNally was caught using his main instagram account to interact with sexually suggestive social media posts belonging to the account of a much younger queer man. Despite his very firm stance on banning drag in Tennessee, McNally was “outed” publically. Outing is defined as disclosing information on a person’s sexuality, gender, health, etc. without their permission and consent, and on this week’s episode, hosts Tre’vell Anderson and jarrett hill pose the question: Is it ever acceptable to “out” or disclose information about a person without their knowledge or consent? The two discuss their experiences with being outed in the past, and the repercussions. They also get into the differences between “DL”, “Discreet” and “Masc”, and how correcting someone using the wrong pronouns may not always be safe. But first, thoughts on Jill Biden’s buffoonery with LSU’s women’s basketball team.

Transcribed - Published: 13 April 2023

So much can be said about the beauty industry, as it is one of today’s fastest growing industries. This week, hosts Tre’vell Anderson and jarrett hill speak with beauty reporter Darian Symoné Harvin, as she elaborates on what it means to cover beauty at the intersection of politics and pop culture. But first, jarrett poses the question: Is Real Housewives Of Atlanta’s Porsha Williams a journalist? While guest hosting The Breakfast Club, the reality star spoke of feeling “unsupported” and “attacked” by the questions Tamron Hall–a legit journalist– asked of her.

Transcribed - Published: 6 April 2023

On this week’s episode, jarrett and Tre’vell talk about church. Can we get an A - THEM?! The hosts examine their experiences growing up in church as baby gays, and now as out adults. jarrett is attending church again, and in a “state of flow." Tre’vell has expanded the definition of “church”, and their house of worship has strobe lights. But first, in the wake of Jonathan Majors' arrest on Saturday for alleged domestic assault, our hosts react to the conversations happening online. [Note: this conversation was recorded on Tuesday, March 28th]

Transcribed - Published: 30 March 2023

Ready for some FANTI BOCO? Here’s a little taste of what you’ll be getting if you sign up for a membership today! A special reading from We See Each Other: A Black, Trans Journey Through TV and Film read by Authoress Tre’vell Anderson and with a Q&A led by jarrett hill.

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2023

It’s finally here, the long awaited…*drum roll please*...Copaganda episode! That’s right, our hosts were finally able to have a sit down with Tia Oso, the executive director of BLD PWR Productions, and Dr. Jared Loggins, Assistant Professor of Black Studies at Amherst College and co-author of Prophet of Discontent: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Critique of Racial Capitalism to discuss the effects Copaganda has on audiences and its insidiousness. But first - what y’all bringing to the Donald Trump is Going to Jail Party? And don’t say plates and napkins!

Transcribed - Published: 23 March 2023

This episode is quite the doozy - real complex and complicado! This week the hosts examine the concept of “the white friend” - or is it “a friend who happens to be white”? jarrett and Tre’vell break down what the difference is. But first, jarrett sheds some light on the Jussie Smollett case, and the demonstrable lies that formed the public narrative, and the demonstrable truths…that didn’t. Smollett’s lawyers are appealing the case.

Transcribed - Published: 16 March 2023

And the nonbinary Oscar goes to…Well, The Academy isn’t there quite yet. Nevertheless, jarrett and Tre’vell grapple with the question: Is it time we leave gender out of awards? They get into some of the thornier issues award shows face navigating gender in honoring artists. Plus, is jarrett fatphobic (again) for donning shapewear? Tre’vell has thoughts. They cover all this and more!

Transcribed - Published: 9 March 2023

…And we’re back! A lot of stuff happened during jarrett and Tre’vell’s hiatus, so to kick off SEASON FOUR of FANTI, we’re catching up on some of the hot topics we missed while we were away. We touch on Rihanna and the superbowl, Black-as-hell ASL, the New York Times Trans Letter, and more. So strap in, cause we’re bringing you even more of that FANTI good good. It’s a brand new season with a whole new look, new topics and a new way to enjoy the show.

Transcribed - Published: 2 March 2023

Our FANTI producers are on the mic in this week’s episode! We take a stroll down memory lane and recount all our favorite moments that are in the spirit of Black History Month.

Transcribed - Published: 23 February 2023

If you tuned into last week’s minisode, you’ll know we discussed the struggle that comes with enjoying an artist as a person, but their art…maybe not so much. This week we flip the script and discuss the art that we absolutely love and the artists who we actually can’t stand that made it.

Transcribed - Published: 16 February 2023

Have you ever liked an artist for who they are, but not necessarily for what they bring to the table? In this week’s minisode, Tre’vell and jarrett discuss artists they love, whose work is…fine? No, it is. Really! It’s fine! But the artist THE PERSON? Just the best.

Transcribed - Published: 9 February 2023

Just because we’re on a hiatus doesn’t mean we’ve run out of things to say! In this week’s minisode, jarrett shares his thoughts on You People and Tre’vell …sorta…explains why they’re not in a particular rush to see it. The two also react to the horrific behavior of the Memphis Police Department’s so-called Scorpion unit and their killing of Tyre Nichols. Plus, Tre’vell has an honorable mention that should bring some joy to word nerds.

Transcribed - Published: 2 February 2023

We Love LA! But the city means something different for everyone. In this week’s episode, jarrett and Tre’vell bring on the LA expert and host of the LAist podcast, “How to LA”, Brian De Los Santos. The Angeleno speaks on stereotypes, community, asserting space as a queer POC, and his insight on how where one lives, truly does impact their unique experience.

Transcribed - Published: 26 January 2023