Podcast
The Napkin In Between
Hosted by Daijné Jones · EN
Welcome to The Napkin In Between Podcast where we dive into social commentary, personal life, politics, & everything in between. The Napkin In Between Podcast delivers necessary hard truths, but don't worry...we'll give you a napkin to soften the blow!
Need advice? Want a chance to be featured on the podcast? Submit your stories, scenarios, & situations at thenapkininbetweenpodcast@gmail.com!
New episodes every Sunday at 12:00 PM EST. Subscribe & turn on post notifications so you don't miss out!
22episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Unpacking Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Protest
Mar 16, 202500:48:55Tap to summarizeJoin me in today's episode as we do an in-depth analysis of Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime performance—my current "Roman Empire" that I can't stop thinking about. This wasn't just entertainment; it was revolution televised. From the opening red "detonator button" signaling disruption to the PlayStation controller representing how America "plays games" with its citizens, particularly Black Americans, Lamar's performance was layered with profound symbolism. Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam, the symbolism of "40 acres and a mule," and the powerful positioning of dancers all conveyed a message about refusing to "shut up and dribble."Have you noticed how often we're encouraged to play by rules designed to maintain existing power structures? Kendrick's performance brilliantly exposed this dynamic, inviting us to question whether we're playing the game or being played.
Transcribe →What "Radicalized" Me?
Mar 9, 202500:30:13Tap to summarizeWhat happens when the affirmations you give to a child become the mirror that transforms how you see yourself? In this deeply personal episode, I unpack my journey from internalized racism to radical self-love, sparked by an unexpected source – a 19-month-old girl named Callie who I nannied.Growing up in predominantly white Meadville, Pennsylvania, I never experienced outright racism, but something perhaps more insidious: the absence of celebration for my natural features. By my early twenties, I was getting hair relaxers every six weeks, chemically altering my appearance until my beautician finally refused to continue damaging my hair further. Still, I resisted fully embracing my natural self, hiding behind protective styles and clip-ins.The transformation began when I started nannying Callie after moving to Atlanta. As I poured affirmations into this little girl – telling her how beautiful her natural hair and features were – something profound clicked: if these truths were undeniable for her, why couldn't they be true for me too? This realization coincided with facing racist comments on my early social media content, forced me to confront both external prejudice and my own internalized biases.Through this journey, I discovered that what we often call "radicalization" is simply the recognition of our inherent worthiness. The standards that made me question my beauty weren't my burden to bear but society's problem to fix. There's nothing wrong with kinky, coily hair, wide noses, full lips – these are our natural gifts, not flaws to overcome.What parts of yourself are you still hiding? What beauty within you is waiting to be affirmed? I hope my story inspires you to embrace every natural aspect of who you are.
Transcribe →Fighting for Justice: The Legacy of Daisy Bates
Mar 2, 202500:17:07Tap to summarizeIn today's episode, we take a powerful journey into history by focusing on the life of Daisy Bates. As an unsung hero of the Civil Rights Movement, Daisy's advocacy for the Little Rock Nine showcases her unwavering strength in the face of adversity. Throughout the episode, we explore how Daisy's childhood experiences shaped her drive to fight against racial injustice, making her a pivotal figure in the integration of schools. Join us as we honor Daisy Bates and her unwavering support and fight for civil rights.
Transcribe →The BlacKkKlansman: Ron Stallworth and Unmaksing The KKK
Feb 23, 202500:27:48Tap to summarizeIn today's episode, we unravel the audacious undercover operation led by Ron Stallworth, a black detective who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s. With his partner Chuck taking on the in-person meetings, Stallworth's bold tactics exposed the shocking naivety of the white supremacists, even gaining approval from David Duke himself. We recount the jaw-dropping moment when Stallworth posed for a photo with Duke, all without blowing his cover, and discuss why the operation, despite its success in thwarting potential hate crimes, was abruptly shut down. Join us for a tale of wit, courage, and the remarkable impact of challenging deeply ingrained prejudice.
Transcribe →Pioneers of Change: The Legacy of The Freedom House Ambulance Service
Feb 16, 202500:23:54Tap to summarizeJoin me in today's episode as we journey back to the 1960s to honor the unsung heroes of the Freedom House Ambulance Service in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania . These pioneers, despite facing systemic racism, revolutionized emergency medical care for Black communities and laid the groundwork for modern paramedics. With the visionary leadership of Phil Hallen and groundbreaking medical contributions from Dr. Peter Safar and Dr. Nancy Caroline, these 25 Black men proved that resilience and innovation could overcome adversity. We reflect on their enduring legacy and the need to recognize their pivotal role in shaping emergency services as we know them today.
Transcribe →The Untold Story of Courage, Change, and Claudette Colvin
Feb 9, 202500:20:16Tap to summarizeHAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH!!! I don't know about y'all, but I wake up every day proud to be BLICKETY BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK!!!In honor of Black History Month, I'd like to take some time to shed light on people in black history who may have been forgotten. In today's episode, let's journey through the unsung heroism of Claudette Colvin, the young girl whose defiance against segregation laws preceded Rosa Parks’ famous protest. Despite facing the harsh reality of Jim Crow laws and an unjust legal system, her defiant spirit remained unyielding. This episode doesn't just stop at sharing her story but also reflects on the broader struggle for respect and recognition in the Black community. We'll tackle controversial actions surrounding Black History Month, DEI rollbacks, and celebrate the enduring strength and pride of being Black, all while honoring those who've paved the way before us. Join me in this tribute to resilience and legacy.
Transcribe →It's Been A Week…
Feb 2, 202500:26:46Tap to summarizeGirl...idk. Trump has been back in office for a week & he's hit the ground RUNNING! In today's episode, we tackle the chaos of Trump's first week in office, reflecting on the disbelief and emotional turmoil it has unleashed. The episode explores not only the alarming rollback of civil rights protections but also the underlying motivations and personal vendettas driving these changes. When reflecting on the things Trump has done so far, it made me think...what would a world where I was President look like? What executive orders would I sign? What changes would I make? Let's talk about G.U.R.L., centering women, & our monthly punch cards!Join me in this episode as I try to navigate feeling overwhelmed, remembering to unplug & step away, & finding the small joys of the week.
Transcribe →Unraveling the TikTok Ban: Politics, Privacy, and Personal Vendettas
Jan 26, 202500:24:58Tap to summarizeIs TikTok truly a national security threat, or was it just a target in a personal vendetta by former (& now current) President Donald Trump? Join me, Daijné Jones, on The Napkin In Between Podcast as we unravel the tangled web of politics and personal grievances that fueled the explosive debate over the TikTok ban in the United States. This episode promises a thorough exploration of the contentious journey from Trump's initial claims to the potential sale to Microsoft, all while questioning the real motives behind the headlines. Was it all about safeguarding data, or did it have more to do with Trump’s portrayal on the app?Travel with us through a timeline marked by high-stakes political maneuvers, from the routing of U.S. TikTok traffic to Oracle to the controversial bipartisan bill linking its fate to international aid. We lay bare the strategic decisions of political leaders, including President Biden's pivotal role, and reflect on TikTok CEO's actions under pressure. Were they strategic defenses or mere surrenders? This episode is a comprehensive guide to understanding the political theatre and business interests that have shaped TikTok's turbulent history in the U.S., offering insights into the broader implications for free speech and user privacy.
Transcribe →___is the JLO of___
Jan 19, 202500:28:31Tap to summarizeFrom the quirks of Florida to the peelable joy of Twizzlers, we have a blast comparing everything to the one and only Jennifer Lopez. Ever thought about Colleen Hoover as the JLO of romance authors or debated Tyler Perry's influence on societal stereotypes? We tackle these topics with humor and insight, throwing in some spicy takes on the Jenner clan, Hilary Duff, and Blake Lively. Get ready for a rollercoaster of laughs, nostalgia, and sharp social commentary that promises a unique perspective on pop culture and beyond.
Transcribe →Challenging Misconceptions: Building Inclusive Advocacy and Addressing Systemic Injustice
Jan 12, 202500:24:32Tap to summarizeWaking up with an inexplicable burst of joy is a rare blessing that sets the tone for a meaningful exploration of topics often shrouded in misunderstanding. Join me, Daijné Jones, as we unpack the misconceptions surrounding pro-black ideologies, emphasizing that being passionately against white supremacy does not equate to being anti-white. This journey takes us through my personal reflections on building friendships that transcend race, built on mutual respect and understanding. It's a call to focus on the character of individuals rather than historical baggage and systemic barriers.We then pivot to the grim reality of systemic failures within the prison system, spotlighting the tragic death of Robert Brooks and the broader implications of economic exploitation and dehumanization. This episode doesn't shy away from challenging topics, including the complexities of consent in the entertainment industry, where we discuss a high-profile case to underscore the importance of listening to and supporting victims. This is more than just a conversation; it's a call to action for change, urging us to rethink entrenched systems and foster relationships that uplift and empower us all.
Transcribe →