Podcast
Down to Astro
Hosted by CHANI Productions · EN
In each episode of Down to Astro, professional astrologers Chani Nicholas, Thea Anderson, and Eliza Robertson look to the sky to make sense of what’s happening here on Earth. This in-depth monthly podcast brings listeners into the astrological group chat to talk through how recent astrology has been landing IRL, how upcoming transits could manifest in the collective, and how we can individually stay grounded amid the flurry.
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Episodes
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The wisdom of Pallas Athena: Her myth, meaning, and strategic impact on your birth chart
Aug 1401:45:59Tap to summarizeEpisode 22In this podcast, professional astrologers Chani Nicholas, Thea Anderson, and Eliza Robertson look to the sky to make sense of what’s happening here on Earth.This special episode is entirely dedicated to Pallas Athena — the asteroid and warrior goddess known for her strategic genius. We start by unpacking her many myths, including the famous story of her birth from Zeus’ head, her role in the beheading of Medusa, and her origins in ancient Libya. Then we get into the astro of it all. We break down how Pallas Athena became one of the four asteroid goddesses, and how the archetypal warrior queen manifests in your birth chart. And finally, we look at the charts of major icons with prominent Pallas placements — like Amelia Earhart, Nina Simone, Issa Rae, and Britney Spears — and dig into the ways they each used intelligence, independence, and innovation to their advantage. Ready to enter your strategy era? Pull up your chart in the CHANI app (yes, your Pallas Athena readings have arrived), and welcome Pallas Athena into the chat.Content warning: sexual assault, domestic violenceTimestamps:(00:00) - Welcome to Down to Astro episode 22(00:50) - An introduction to Pallas Athena(11:16) - Mythological origins and evolution of Pallas Athena(23:46) - Pallas Athena’s role in Greek tragedy(25:00) - The complexities of Pallas Athena’s relationship with the patriarchy(27:16) - Athena and the betrayal of Medusa(36:31) - Pallas Athena and the archetype of the virgin goddess(39:12) - Pallas Athena’s astrological significance(41:06) - The astronomy of the asteroid Pallas Athena(45:39) - Amelia Earhart: aviation and Athena on the ascendant(54:15) - Audre Lorde: “poetry is my primary weapon”(01:00:28) - Nina Simone: child prodigy and musical genius(01:13:09) - Diana Ross: international icon and innovato(01:15:17) - Issa Rae: “Insecure” and strategizing in communit(01:21:38) - Miley Cyrus: Pallas vs. Billy Ray Cyrus(01:24:01) - Britney Spears: a legal battle for freedom(01:27:24) - Tina Turner: superstar, sensation, survivor(01:34:12) - Lucy Lawless: TV’s warrior princess(01:43:02) - How to work with Pallas Athena in the CHANI appThis episode was recorded on 7/30/2025.For more astrological insights, download the CHANI app or follow CHANI on Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky.The song “Midas,” featured in the podcast, was created by NISHA and is available wherever you listen to music.This episode also mentioned the following creative works:“Asteroid Goddesses: The Mythology, Psychology, and Astrology of the Re-Emerging Feminine” by Demetra George and Douglas Bloch“Circe” by Madeline Miller“Flowers” by Miley Cyrus“Hit Me Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears“Insecure” (2016-2021) TV series created by Issa Rae“Metamorphoses” by Ovid“The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl” (2011-2013) Web series created by Issa Rae“Mississippi Goddam” by Nina Simone“The Oresteia” by Aeschylus“What’s Love Got To Do With It?” (1993) Film directed by Brian GibsonP.S. The transcript for this episode is available here.
Transcribe →Tina Knowles, Mamdani’s primary win, the Israel–Iran conflict, and more
Jun 2801:40:35Tap to summarizeEpisode 21In this podcast, professional astrologers Chani Nicholas, Thea Anderson, and Eliza Robertson look to the sky to make sense of what’s happening here on Earth.This episode brings you into the astrological group chat to talk through how Jupiter’s long-awaited entrance into Cancer (and its recent square to Saturn) have landed IRL. Covering everything from Tina Knowles’ memoir “Matriarch” and the first-ever CHANI Pop-Up to the No Kings protests, the Israel–Iran conflict, and the NYC mayoral race, we look at how the most anticipated astrology of 2025 has manifested in the collective so far. We also reflect on some of 2025’s other milestone astro (hey, Pluto in Aquarius and Neptune in Aries), dig into how those transits have played out historically, and prep for what’s ahead with Uranus in Gemini. These are unprecedented — yet eerily familiar — times, and we’ve got the charts and chats to help make sense of it all. So let’s dive in.Content warning: mentions of sexual predation, genocide, murder, police brutality, and forced pregnancyTimestamps:(00:00) - Welcome to Down to Astro episode 21(00:41) - Jupiter in Cancer: An era of hope and connection(01:50) - The CHANI Pop-Up: community engagement and collective care(13:26) - The impact of the Saturn square on Jupiter’s abundance(15:32) - Iran’s chart and the Israel–Iran conflict(27:13) - Comparing ancient astrological predictions and current events(30:14) - The growing power of local movements with Jupiter in Cancer(32:53) - ICE protests, No Kings, and the misuse of military force(38:48) - Uranus in Gemini: Historical astrological parallels and predictions(44:27) - Neptune in Aries, NATO’s chart, and redrawing international alliances(54:40) - Mars square Uranus: Israel’s initial strikes on Iran(59:15) - Uranus in Gemini and the US on the brink of war(01:04:30) - The shifting world order and the need for human connection(01:07:40) - The future of intelligence, tech, and critical thinking(01:12:19) - Tina Knowles’ memoir “Matriarch” and the power of art and generosity(01:18:45) - Beyoncé’s Requiem for America(01:25:11) - Ask us anything: What does it mean if I’m in my Neptune square?This episode was recorded on 06/24/2025.For more astrological insights, download the CHANI app or follow CHANI on Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky.The song “Midas,” featured in the podcast, was created by NISHA and is available wherever you listen to music.This episode also mentioned the following creative works:Ali A. Olomi’s translations from Abu Mashar“Matriarch: A Memoir" by Tina KnowlesThe works of Kelly Surtees The works of Nick Dagan BestP.S. The transcript for this episode is available here.
Transcribe →Scorpio Full Moon spotlight: Cassie, ChatGPT, and the Biden cover-up
May 2401:45:12Tap to summarizeEpisode 20In this podcast, professional astrologers Chani Nicholas, Thea Anderson, and Eliza Robertson look to the sky to make sense of what’s happening here on Earth.This episode brings you into the astrological group chat to talk through how the Full Moon in Scorpio, the Uranus cazimi, and Jupiter’s square to the lunar nodes have manifested IRL. We get into everything from the Democratic cover-up of Joe Biden’s decline to the start of the Diddy trial, the fire at a 166-year-old plantation, and the selection of the new Pope — then we break down how these key astrological events have shown up in the collective. We also look ahead to Saturn’s shift into Aries and unpack what that transit means for anyone entering a Saturn return, or any other significant Saturn transit. We rant. We reflect. We keep it real. There’s a lot to get to, so let’s get going.Content warning: sex trafficking, sexual assault, genocide, slavery, murder, wildfiresTimestamps:(00:00) - Welcome to Down to Astro episode 20(08:56) - Personal stories from the Scorpio Full Moon(15:00) - Political reflections: Joe Biden's Scorpio stellium(21:00) - The Diddy trial: uncovering dark secrets(26:56) - Cassie’s case and the Mars Synodic Cycle(36:44) - Historical parallels: Anita Hill and Cassie(38:16) - Mars cazimi, 1991 and now: South Africa in the news(42:22) - The Full Moon and high-profile trials(44:48) - The importance of centering survivors(48:08) - Saturn, Ceres, and Cassie on the stand(50:42) - Burning down the past: Neptune and the Nottoway Plantation fire(57:39) - The Scorpio Moon, the Mars–Pluto opposition, and global politics(01:07:39) - Power outages, tech failures, and the Uranus cazimi(01:14:04) - The significance of Jupiter’s square to the nodes of the Moon(01:18:21) - Jupiter, ChatGPT, and the impact of tech in higher education(01:22:44) - The astrology of Pope Leo XIV(01:30:45) - Saturn’s shift into Aries(01:37:40) - Navigating your second Saturn return(01:39:45) - Saturn squares: key Saturn transits in your 30s and 40s(01:41:09) - Upcoming astrological shifts: Saturn in Aries and Jupiter in CancerThis episode was recorded on 5/20/2025.For more astrological insights, download the CHANI app or follow CHANI on Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky.The song “Midas,” featured in the podcast, was created by NISHA and is available wherever you listen to music.This episode also mentioned the following creative works:Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again by Jake Tapper and Alex ThompsonWe Do Not Care Club series on TikTok by @justbeingmelaniDoppelganger by Naomi KleinP.S. The transcript for this episode is available here.
Transcribe →Mars vs. Pluto: the Pope, Beyoncé, Sinners, and Katy Perry in space
May 3, 202501:30:28Tap to summarizeEpisode 19In this podcast, professional astrologers Chani Nicholas, Thea Anderson, and Eliza Robertson look to the sky to make sense of what’s happening here on Earth.This episode brings you into the astrological group chat to talk about how the Mars–Pluto opposition and new Aries era have landed IRL. Covering everything from the Blue Origin flight to Beyoncé’s birth chart reading, the passing of Pope Francis, and the impact of Sinners’ success at the box office, we look back at how recent planetary power struggles manifested in the collective. Plus, we give a preview of what to expect when Saturn changes signs at the end of May. It’s practical. It’s fun. It’s chatty. And it’s the women x space collab you deserve.Content warning: Vancouver and New Orleans terror attacksTimestamps:(00:00) - Welcome to Down to Astro episode 19(03:06) - Previous Mars–Pluto predictions: revolution and struggles for power(05:51) - Venus and Neptune in Pisces: women in space(17:59) - Defying authority: the role of judges and the law(20:57) - Violence and tragedy: the Mars–Pluto opposition reflected in recent headlines(31:12) - The impact of Trump on the Canadian election(39:02) - The passing of Pope Francis and its astrological significance(46:17) - Economic turmoil and the role of Uranus(56:30) - The influence of Venus in Aries: the Met Gala(01:01:01) - Cowboy Carter and Beyoncé’s astrology(01:11:20) - Sinners: 1932’s nodal return reflected in cinema(01:20:50) - Ask us anything: the transition to Saturn in Aries(01:24:41) - Imagining a new reality with the upcoming Saturn–Neptune conjunctionThis episode was recorded on 04/29/2025.For more astrological insights, download the CHANI app or follow CHANI on Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky.The song “Midas,” featured in the podcast, was created by NISHA and is available wherever you listen to music.This episode also mentioned the following creative works:“The Astrology Podcast” hosted by Chris Brennan“Cowboy Carter” by Beyoncé“Cowboy Carter Art Book” by BeyoncéThe New York Times/Siena SurveyP.S. The transcript for this episode is available here.
Transcribe →Witches in the woods, the Canadian election, and Signalgate
Apr 5, 202501:30:53Tap to summarizeEpisode 18In this podcast, professional astrologers Chani Nicholas, Thea Anderson, and Eliza Robertson look to the sky to make sense of what’s happening here on Earth.This episode brings you into the astrological group chat to talk through how all of March’s astro madness landed IRL. Covering everything from the rising groundswell of anti-Trump activism to Cory Booker’s record-breaking Senate speech, the ongoing Signalgate scandal, and Canada’s upcoming election, we unpack all the ways the recent retrogrades and eclipses manifested in the collective. And then we look ahead to April and make predictions about what’s in store with the much-anticipated Mars–Pluto matchup at the end of the month. The world spins on, and we’ve got a lot to discuss. So let’s get into it.Content warning: Abduction, genocide, acts of warTimestamps:(00:00) - Welcome to Down to Astro episode 18(07:17) - Global protests and political movements(22:59) - 2017 vs. 2025: the influence of Venus retrograde(29:38) - State violence and disappearing protestors(35:32) - Saturn and Neptune: a struggle between structure and erosion(40:49) - The astrology of the Signalgate scandal(55:52) - The Virgo eclipse and the loss of both language and detail under Trump(59:56) - Neptune in Aries: a shift in Canadian national identity(01:12:00) - The sociocultural stakes of the Canadian election(01:14:10) - Historic astro parallels: 1960s and modern migration(01:16:30) - Ask us anything: understanding the reverb of astrological transits(01:25:55) - Predictions for April: the Mars-Pluto oppositionThis episode was recorded on 4/2/2025.For more astrological insights, download the CHANI app or follow CHANI on Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky.The song “Midas,” featured in the podcast, was created by NISHA and is available wherever you listen to music.This episode also mentioned the following creative works:Ali Olomi’s (@aaolomi) X thread about the Virgo eclipseAnxiety by Doechii“The Editor Who Was Accidentally Texted War Plans” by The Daily“The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans” by Jeffrey Goldberg for The Atlantic“These Words Are Disappearing in the New Trump Administration” by Karen Yourish, Annie Daniel, Saurabh Datar, Isaac White, and Lazaro Gamio for The New York TimesP.S. The transcript for this episode is available here.
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Venus retrogrades through the Oscars, the Oval Office, and Bernie’s anti-oligarchy tour
Mar 6, 202501:15:28Tap to summarizeEpisode 17In this podcast, professional astrologers Chani Nicholas, Thea Anderson, and Eliza Robertson look to the sky to make sense of what’s happening here on Earth.This episode brings you into the astrological group chat to talk through how Venus’ retrograde in Aries and the North Node–Neptune conjunction have shown up on the world stage — and set the scene for the rest of this month’s milestone astro. Covering everything from Zelensky’s Oval Office visit to Bernie Sanders’ anti-oligarchy tour, nationwide town hall takeovers, and Anora’s Oscar wins, we break down the many ways these transits have manifested in the collective. Plus, we give a preview of what’s to come. (Spoiler: It’s a lot.) March’s madness is just getting started. So buckle up, and settle in.Timestamps:(00:00) - Welcome to Down to Astro episode 17(00:25) - Neptune and the North Node: what happens when things fall apart(06:50) - The role of Neptune in current events(10:49) - The impact of retrogrades on global dynamics(19:45) - Zelensky’s chart: a Venusian figure in politics(37:20) - Bernie Sanders’ chart: astrology and the fight against oligarchy(44:57) - Art as resistance: the upside of Venus retrograde(49:50) - The spirit of disruption: local movements and protests(51:14) - Oscars recap: politics and representation in film(56:22) - Inanna and Ereshkigal: the Venus Rx journey of transformation(01:01:39) - Venus in Aries: love, relationships, and personal growthThis episode was recorded on 3/3/2025.For more astrological insights, download the CHANI app or follow CHANI on Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky.The song “Midas,” featured in the podcast, was created by NISHA and is available wherever you listen to music.This episode also mentioned the following creative works:“The Astrology Podcast” hosted by Chris BrennanP.S. The transcript for this episode is available here.
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Mars chaos: Executive orders, Elon’s coup, Kendrick Lamar, and Cowboy Carter
Feb 8, 202501:28:48Tap to summarizeEpisode 16In this podcast, professional astrologers Chani Nicholas, Thea Anderson, and Eliza Robertson look to the sky to make sense of what’s happening here on Earth.This episode brings you into the astrological group chat to talk through the flood of chaos that kicked off 2025 and Mars’ retrograde through Cancer. Covering everything from the influx of devastating executive orders to Trump’s catastrophic colonial ambitions, Elon’s continuing coup-attempt, Kendrick Lamar’s Song of the Year, and Beyoncé’s historic Grammy win for Cowboy Carter, we look back at the many ways that this retrograde has manifested in the collective. Plus, we give a preview of what’s still to come, including the protest potential of Venus’ retrograde in Aries and the illusion-bursting end of Neptune in Pisces. It’s been a long year already, and we’re just getting started. Let’s get into it.Timestamps:(00:00) - Welcome to Down to Astro episode 16(07:39) - Astrological insights on Mars retrograde(12:47) - The significance of Mars in Cancer(19:08) - Activating Cancerian themes of home, security, and family(28:15) - Neptune’s influence and the power of narrative control(35:15) - Neptune and the North Node in Pisces: the “flood the zone” strategy(41:04) - Mars stations direct: collective unrest and class consciousness(48:08) - Venus retrograde and the rise of protests(56:10) - Healing through personal and collective violence(01:01:59) - Cultural reflections: Mars retrograde at the Grammys(01:08:56) - Neptune, Saturn, and the return of “manifest destiny”(01:20:59) - Pluto in Aquarius: a new era for change(01:32:52) - Focusing on community and resistance amid climate catastropheThis episode was recorded on 2/5/2025.For more astrological insights, download theCHANI app or follow CHANI onInstagram,TikTok, andBluesky.The song “Midas,” featured in the podcast, was created byNISHA and is available wherever you listen to music.This episode also mentioned the following creative works:“Libri Mysteriorum: The Astrological Metaphors” by Abû Ma'sar The “Octavia Butler tried to tell us” T-shirt by exittheappleP.S. The transcript for this episode is availablehere.
Transcribe →2025 forecast: the astrology of a new era
Dec 14, 202402:11:32Tap to summarizeEpisode 15 In this podcast, professional astrologers Chani Nicholas, Thea Anderson, and Eliza Robertson look to the sky to make sense of what’s happening here on Earth. This episode, we’re digging into the astrology of 2025 and what it reveals about the year to come. Marked by major planetary shifts, lots of activity in Aries, and some historically era-defining transits, 2025 is not for the faint of heart. Between the Mars and Venus retrogrades that point to conflict over traditional ideals, Saturn and Neptune transits that seem to signify the erosion of institutions, and Uranus in Gemini promising to usher in a new world order, there’s a lot to unpack. So buckle up. We’re breaking down the year month-by-month to give you insight into what to expect, takeaways to apply to your own chart, and tips to help you plot a course through the chaos. Let’s get into it. Timestamps: (00:00) - Welcome to Down to Astro episode 15 (02:28) - Introducing 2025, the year of massive change (06:53) - January’s major astrological moments (20:51) - The personal and political impacts of Mars in Cancer (26:19) - February and the crisis of patriarchy (35:35) - March and the Venus retrograde parallels to 2017 (39:13) - Counter movements to traditional gender roles (42:16) - Astrological insights on Venus and Mars retrogrades (46:24) - Eclipses and their influence on personal growth (50:55) - Neptune in Aries: the “war of ideals” and the modern implications (01:01:25) - The American Civil War and the power of historical narratives (01:09:27) - April 2025 forecast (01:12:15) - The Venus–Saturn conjunction: committing for the long-haul (01:17:09) - The Mars–Pluto opposition: the final confrontation (01:20:40) - May madness: Saturn and Neptune in Aries and the erosion of institutions (01:30:43) - Jupiter’s exaltation in June: a hopeful turn (01:35:25) - Navigating Saturn’s challenges and Jupiter’s blessings (01:39:17) - The tension between individualism and community (01:40:39) - Utopian visions of collective living (01:41:37) - July and Uranus in Gemini: a catalyst for change (01:48:10) - A new world order: shifting borders and information dynamics (01:55:05) - August’s astrological highlights and cautions (01:58:10) - September eclipses and returning to old patterns (01:59:29) - Navigating themes of desire and consequence (02:02:04) - Sorting through loss and serving your community: the Virgo–Pisces axis (02:07:58) - Preparing for change: the movements of the outer planets (02:12:02) - Assessing the landscape: political and global perspectives (02:17:00) - Ending the year with clarity: a new beginning This episode was recorded on 12/2/2024. For more astrological insights, download the CHANI app or follow CHANI on Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky. The song “Midas,” featured in the podcast, was created by NISHA and is available wherever you listen to music. This episode also mentioned the following creative works: “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoyevsky “The Dads,” directed by Luchina Fisher “War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy P.S. The transcript for this episode is available here.
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Aliens, AI, and the aftermath of the US election
Nov 23, 202401:13:35Tap to summarizeEpisode 14 In this podcast, professional astrologers Chani Nicholas, Thea Anderson, and Eliza Robertson look to the sky to make sense of what’s happening here on Earth. This episode brings you into the astrological group chat to debrief after the US election. We start by comparing our past predictions to the actual results, and discussing where hope fits into the equation. Then we get into all that’s still to come — from the tech, AI, and alien(?) implications of Pluto in Aquarius to the cazimi following Inauguration Day and how it could act as a fluorescent spotlight on the seedy underbelly of American politics. We also revisit the planetary parallels to the 1968 election for historical hints regarding the work that lies ahead. And finally, we dig into the upcoming Mars and Venus retrogrades, including what they might reveal about gender dynamics and activism in this new era. These uncertain times (and the sky) are always changing. But we know we’ve got each other. So let’s get into it. Timestamps: (00:00) - Welcome to Down to Astro episode 14 (02:58) - Post-election reflections (06:01) - The role of hope in astrology (09:03) - The complexity of political astrology (11:50) - Mars square Pluto: a battle of forces (15:01) - The future landscape of politics (17:59) - Inauguration Day and the Pluto cazimi (21:00) - The underbelly of American politics (23:59) - The “age of Aquarius” and its challenges (30:40) - Pluto’s influence on technology and society (31:59) - The rise of tech oligarchs and the corruption of money in politics (35:59) - The media’s shifting role in election cycles (40:06) - Astrological parallels to 1968 (56:34) - Gender dynamics and Mars’ retrograde (01:01:52) - The impact of Venus’ retrograde on activism (01:08:01) - Ask us anything: breaking down critical degrees in astrology This episode was recorded on 11/18/2024. For more astrological insights, download the CHANI app or follow CHANI on Instagram and X. The song “Midas,” featured in the podcast, was created by NISHA and is available wherever you listen to music. This episode also mentioned the following creative work: “How many husbands control the votes of their wives? We’ll never know” by Rebecca Solnit P.S. The transcript for this episode is available here.
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From eclipse szn to Election Day: Cardi B, Ta-Nehisi Coates, natural disasters, & national reckoning
Oct 26, 202401:35:29Tap to summarizeEpisode 13 In this podcast, professional astrologers Chani Nicholas, Thea Anderson, and Eliza Robertson look to the sky to make sense of what’s happening here on Earth. This episode begins with a look back at all the events that played out during the latest eclipse season and in its wake, including Cardi B’s split with Offset, the indictment of New York City mayor Eric Adams, the devastation wrought by recent hurricanes, and the politics of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ press tour for The Message. Then we look ahead and dig into the astrology surrounding the US election — the shadowy power struggles signaled by the upcoming Mars–Pluto opposition, the potential for heightened paranoia with Mars in Cancer, and the inconvenient timing of a Mercury retrograde as we await a final vote count — all while reviewing the birth chart of the United States. Suffice it to say, there’s a lot to unpack in the astrological group chat. So settle in, and let’s get started. Content warning: genocide, natural disasters Timestamps: (00:00) - Welcome to Down to Astro episode 13 (01:44) - Reflections on the Libra eclipse (05:56) - Recap of world events during eclipse season (21:42) - Ta-Nehisi Coates and the press tour for “The Message” (32:45) - Upcoming astrological influences surrounding the US election (36:26) - The Mars–Pluto opposition: power struggles and hidden conflicts (39:46) - The enemy within: Mars in Cancer, domestic threats, and paranoia (42:58) - Mars and Pluto: Reflecting power dynamics in politics (47:47) - The battle for reproductive rights and Mars in Cancer (51:52) - Mercury's role in understanding election outcomes (01:02:29) - Mars opposing the Sun: A final meltdown before Inauguration Day (01:12:03) - Astrological insights about the US birth chart (01:14:03) - Transits and their implications throughout US history (01:16:31) - The United States’ Uranus return and what it signals (01:20:00) - Election day astrology and predictions (01:29:00) - Mars retrograde: personal and collective reflections This episode was recorded on 10/17/2024. For more astrological insights, download the CHANI app or follow CHANI on Instagram and Twitter. The song “Midas,” featured in the podcast, was created by NISHA and is available wherever you listen to music. This episode also mentioned the following creative works: The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates The Sibly Chart P.S. The transcript for this episode is available here.
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