Podcast
Know Dumb Questions
Hosted by Dr.Steve Perry · EN
Dr. Steve Perry's unique and powerful voice is respected and has been featured on MSNBC, Fox, CNN, Al Jazeera, TV One, BET, and NBC as well as on the Oprah Winfrey network in multiple shows. Join us on Know Dumb Questions where we dive into real questions from real people that others are afraid to ask.
10episodes
Episodes
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KNOW DUMB QUESTIONS FT LEONA TATE
Nov 300:58:03Tap to summarizeSend a textWe sit with civil rights pioneer Leona Tate, who integrated a New Orleans elementary school at six years old and watched the entire building empty by afternoon. We explore how that experience informs today’s fights over school choice, safety, equity, and historical truth.
Transcribe →Beyond the Game Ft Chris Broussard
Jun 2801:07:36Tap to summarizeSend a textWhen Chris Broussard sits down with Dr. Steve Perry, the conversation quickly moves beyond sports statistics to the deeper currents of faith, identity, and purpose. Broussard's journey from Cleveland to Oberlin College reveals the powerful influence of representation – his decision to attend hinged on the discovery that the basketball coach was Black, leading him to a school with a remarkable history as the first American institution to accept African Americans.The heart of their exchange centers on Broussard's spiritual awakening during his senior year of college. Despite having everything a young man could want – basketball captaincy, a girlfriend, and a promising sports writing job waiting after graduation – Broussard describes an emptiness that led to his faith commitment on his 21st birthday. This transformation didn't diminish his Black consciousness but rather deepened it, connecting him to the rich history of African Christianity that predates America by centuries.Perry and Broussard tackle the complex ecosystem surrounding professional Black athletes with unflinching honesty. They identify a troubling pattern where young men with extraordinary talent become isolated from authentic mentorship, surrounded instead by childhood friends who may lack guidance themselves or business associates primarily interested in profit. The conversation explores how stars like LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Jalen Brown navigate these waters, with some creating models for leveraging their platforms to uplift communities.Most compelling is their vision for what could be possible if athletes could unite beyond performative meetings toward sustained action. As Broussard notes, "We need to be building constantly, even in peacetime," pointing to the untapped potential of Black athletic influence in American society. Their conversation stands as both critique and hopeful blueprint for how success in sports might translate to meaningful change for communities that have produced so many of our cultural icons.Subscribe to hear more thought-provoking conversations that push beyond headlines to the heart of issues affecting our communities.
Transcribe →Know Dumb Questions FT Jerron Hurtt: Where Are My Sons? 290 Days of Judicial Separation
Jun 300:59:00Tap to summarizeSend a textJerron Hurt never expected his heartwarming videos with his twin sons would lead to losing them in family court. With raw emotion and remarkable courage, he shares how a judge deemed him "unfit" simply for posting content that garnered over a billion views online.The story begins during the pandemic when Hurt, newly single after his children's mother left, continued raising his sons while creating viral social media content featuring their daily life. What started as family memories shared online blossomed into a thriving business. Yet the very success that allowed him to provide for his children became the weapon used against him in court.Hurt's account reveals the hidden biases in our family court system. Despite spending over $100,000 on legal fees, enduring exhausting court battles, and presenting substantial evidence of his parenting abilities, he found himself labeled an unfit father with only supervised visitation rights. When he spoke out publicly about his case, he was held in contempt for videos that remained online—videos that had brought joy to millions of viewers worldwide."Brothers, we want to be there," Hurt emphasizes, challenging the narrative that Black fathers abandon their children. Instead, he exposes how structural inequalities in family courts systematically separate fathers from their children, particularly when those fathers have limited financial resources. His explanation of how Title IV-D incentivizes maternal custody and how courts lack proper due process sheds light on a system many encounter but few understand.Despite losing his home, car, business, and temporarily his children, Hurt's spirit remains unbroken. He's channeled his pain into purpose by creating a nonprofit to help other fathers navigate similar challenges. His vulnerability and determination are inspiring countless parents fighting similar battles.Listen to this powerful conversation that will forever change how you view fatherhood, family courts, and the courage it takes to stand up for your children against overwhelming odds. Support Jerron's fight by searching his GiveSendGo fundraiser and sharing his story.
Transcribe →Know Dumb Questions From Confrontation to Connection: FT King's Randall
May 3000:31:59Tap to summarizeSend a text
Transcribe →Know Dumb Questions FT Dr. Howard Fuller
Mar 17, 202501:56:57Tap to summarizeSend a textIn this profound and revelatory conversation, Dr. Howard Fuller—civil rights icon, education reformer, and revolutionary—unveils the true origins of the school voucher movement in America. Known as "The Oracle" for his firsthand involvement in nearly every significant Black liberation struggle of the past six decades, Dr. Fuller dismantles popular misconceptions about parent choice programs with powerful clarity.Beginning with the aftermath of Brown v. Board of Education, Dr. Fuller explains how physical integration of schools failed to deliver educational equity for Black students. When Milwaukee's public schools were desegregated in the 1970s, Black schools were closed, Black teachers lost their jobs, and Black educators' perspectives were systemically devalued. Even more disturbing, Dr. Fuller discovered school officials deliberately concealed data showing how poorly Black students were performing within "integrated" schools.The voucher movement, as Dr. Fuller shares from direct experience, wasn't born from conservative free-market ideology but from Black parents and community leaders who had exhausted every other avenue for educational justice. "This was never a free market issue," he explains. "It was a social justice issue." After trying to reform schools from within and being blocked from creating a separate school district for Black neighborhoods, vouchers emerged as a mechanism for liberation and self-determination.What sets Dr. Fuller's perspective apart is his lifelong commitment to what he calls "parent choice" rather than "school choice"—a crucial distinction that centers power with families rather than institutions. Drawing from his extraordinary life experiences—from organizing voter registration in the South to spending time with liberation fighters in Mozambique—Dr. Fuller challenges today's activists and educators to define their mission and determine how they'll fight for justice beyond comfortable theories or social media activism.Whether you're an educator, parent, policymaker, or student of social movements, this conversation will transform your understanding of educational equity and the ongoing struggle for Black liberation. As Dr. Fuller reminds us, quoting Frantz Fanon: "Every generation must discover its mission and either fulfill it or betray it."
Transcribe →KNOW DUMB QUESTIONS FT MacKenzie Price |: Founder of 2HourLearning
Nov 1, 202400:38:13Tap to summarizeSend a textJoin us on an educational journey as we introduce you to an inspiring educator MacKenzie Price who is reshaping the way we think about learning. Frustrated with obsolete teaching methods, she founded her own school in 2014, emphasizing personalized learning and fostering a genuine passion for education. Her story, shared a glimpse into how innovative teaching approaches are poised to revolutionize the educational landscape over the next decade.Venture into the heart of Brownsville, Texas, where a private school is defying the odds with a groundbreaking Two Hour Learning program. Alpha School provides personalized education that includes unique activities like mountaineering and international projects. Our conversation explores the triumphs of this model and its potential expansion to charter schools, aiming to offer free education to millions of students. Through this, we hope to bridge educational gaps and inspire institutions worldwide to follow suit.In a world increasingly driven by technology, we explore how AI and digital platforms like Instagram and YouTube are challenging traditional education systems. Imagine a classroom where AI tutors handle curriculum delivery, freeing educators to inspire and support students emotionally. Together, we envision a transformative educational model blending technology-driven learning with sports and performing arts, nurturing a well-rounded development environment. Listen as we share our passion for innovation, adaptability, and the curiosity-driven future of education.
Transcribe →KNOW DUMB QUESTIONS: FT Dr. Alduan Tartt
Oct 12, 202401:11:10Tap to summarizeSend a textWhat if you could transform your marriage into a thriving partnership, redefining love and commitment in today's dynamic world? In this episode, we open up about our journey of marriage and how our own experiences, along with those of others, inspired our mission to nurture relationships through couple retreats. Drawing inspiration from the biblical couple Priscilla and Aquila, we focus on strengthening marriages within the Black community and beyond, offering practical insights to help couples flourish. We explore the societal challenges, such as modern gender roles and the pressures unique to affluent marriages, aiming to equip couples with the tools to overcome these obstacles while maintaining transparency and mutual satisfaction.Our conversation also delves into the intricate dynamics of financial roles in modern marriages, especially when faced with income disparities. We navigate through scenarios where traditional gender roles are challenged, highlighting how couples can achieve harmony and equity in their relationships. With insights from premarital counseling practices like SIMBAS and Prepare/Enrich, we discuss strategies for building trust and integrating finances, ensuring every partner feels valued and understood. Additionally, we touch on the importance of shared financial responsibility and the delicate balance of maintaining individual independence within a joint financial framework.As we explore the complexities of maintaining sexual chemistry and navigating infidelity in marriage, we shed light on the evolving desires and challenges that couples face over time. Our episode offers guidance on aligning sexual preferences and ensuring mutual satisfaction to enhance marital happiness. We emphasize the transformative power of love and connection, inviting couples to join us at "A Weekend for Love" in Los Cabos this November, designed to enrich relationships through workshops, intimate experiences, and a vow renewal ceremony. Celebrate the foundation of marriage, recognizing its impact on family dynamics and overall well-being, and join us in fostering a legacy of affection and unity.
Transcribe →KNOW DUMB QUESTIONS FT Teej Mercer
Sep 6, 202400:40:50Tap to summarizeSend a textHave you ever wondered what happens to foster youth who age out of the system without a safety net? Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Teej Mercer, the inspiring founder of Moving Day Mafia, who has dedicated her life to supporting students entering Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that face severe financial hardships or lack a stable home. She shares the stirring story of how an encounter with a young woman aging out of foster care propelled her to create this nonprofit in a matter of just 52 days. We explore the myriad challenges these students face as they transition into college life, from being suddenly left on their own at 18 to overcoming significant financial obstacles. Learn how Moving Day Mafia has rallied community support, raising over a million dollars through HBCU bingo, to make a tangible difference in these students' lives.Teej Mercer takes us deeper into the personalized efforts of Moving Day Mafia, ensuring that each scholar feels genuinely cared for and valued. Drawing from her own experience of being lovingly cared for by her mother, Teej Mercer discusses the meticulous care packages tailored to each student's unique needs, easing their stress so they can focus on their education. We touch on the importance of building trust with students who are not used to asking for help and the emotional impact of personalized dorm room makeovers that create a sense of belonging and security. Join us as we highlight the incredible compassion and resilience of these young individuals and call upon the community to support Moving Day Mafia, helping to ensure every student receives the support they need to thrive in their educational journey.
Transcribe →KNOW DUMB QUESTIONS FT Miss Marianna: Revolutionizing Education Through Mentorship, Community, and Self-Care
Aug 6, 202400:35:46Tap to summarizeSend a textWhat if the future of education isn't in the classroom at all? This episode challenges everything you thought you knew about schooling. Join us as we welcome an inspiring guest Miss Marianna who champions mentorship, real-world experiences, and the Ubuntu spirit to revolutionize the way we nurture young minds. Discover how community engagement and a multi-faceted approach can offer more meaningful development for today's youth compared to traditional educational systems. We dive into the value of integrating diverse educational roles like therapists and coaches to better serve students' holistic growth.Meet the unsung heroes of our schools—paraprofessionals, security officers, behavior techs, secretaries, and coaches—who often go unnoticed yet play crucial roles in creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for students. Our guest sheds light on how these individuals connect deeply with marginalized students, fostering a sense of belonging and love. We also explore the disillusionment many educators face within rigid school structures and how some find greater satisfaction and effectiveness in more flexible and autonomous roles.Lastly, we tackle the pressing issue of educator burnout and its link to the school-to-prison pipeline, particularly for Black boys. Our discussion emphasizes the importance of personal development for educators, encouraging them to remain lifelong learners to better connect with their students. We also highlight innovative approaches to engaging students beyond the classroom, including leveraging their interests and using social media effectively. Finally, we follow the inspiring journey of an edutainment specialist dedicated to global education and self-care, sharing practical strategies to maintain energy and effectiveness while making a significant impact. Tune in for a treasure trove of insights and tools for anyone passionate about transforming education.
Transcribe →KNOW DUMB QUESTIONS: FT Garrain Jones
Jun 14, 202401:05:41Tap to summarizeSend a textCan personal challenges transform into stepping stones for a fulfilled life? Join us as we unravel the transformative journey of self-discovery with Garrain Jones, defining happiness beyond societal markers, and finding true inner peace. Reflecting on a deeply personal story, I share how the tragic loss of a close friend ignited my quest for authentic living. We explore the pivotal moments that shifted my focus from external success to inner joy, and how confidently pursuing my vision inadvertently empowered others.What does it take to clear negative energy and foster a healthier existence? In a heartfelt chapter, we discuss the transformative power of apologies and the act of taking responsibility for past actions. I recount a poignant experience of reaching out to someone I wronged during childhood and the surprising emotional impact it had. By creating a list of 250 names to apologize to, I discovered how liberating it is to clear negative energy, leading to profound personal growth and positive life changes.Discover the power of vulnerability and community support on the path to healing and self-improvement with Garrain Jones. We delve into my journey of embracing vulnerability, particularly as a man in a society that often misconstrues it as weakness. Sharing my struggles on social media in 2013 was a turning point that resonated deeply with others, even saving lives. We also highlight exciting opportunities like the upcoming "Artist Power Awakened" retreat and the mastermind "Artist Power Expressed," both designed to foster accountability and personal development. To wrap up, we enjoy a spontaneous and uplifting musical moment, celebrating the strength found in authenticity.
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