Little Literature Lessons

Yves and Katie give credit where credit is due…one last time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black folks were in European paintings in the 19th and 20th centuries. A lot of the time, they were servants ... or shadows. Props in the background. But sometimes, they were the subject of portraits. Today, Katie and Yves go on a journey through a couple of these models' lives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wonder what’s the last story that will be written about you? For many people, it’s in their obituary. In today’s episode, Katie and Yves look through strangers’ obituaries and share their stories…one more time.   Get show notes at ontheme.show Follow us on Instagram @onthemeshow Email us at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a fine line between radical and conservative. Well, that was the case for writer George Schuyler and activist Eldridge Cleaver, who went rogue and turned right-wing in the 1900s. Katie and Yves get into their political pump fakes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who will teach the babies? We will, and we’ll do it through books. Today, Katie and Yves talk with Dolisha Mitchell, a children’s literature expert, about how we use books to pass down traditions and lessons to our beautiful Black babies.   Get show notes at ontheme.show Follow us on Instagram @onthemeshow Email us at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie and Yves share their progress on what they’ve been writing and give spirited reviews of their latest reads.   Get show notes at ontheme.show Follow us on Instagram @onthemeshow Email us at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does the Bad Boys movie have to do with Atlanta’s Cop City? A lot, it turns out. In this episode, Katie and Yves uncover how copaganda shapes public perceptions and justifies systemic injustices.   Get show notes at ontheme.show Follow us on Instagram @onthemeshow Email us at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes being nosy pays off. In today's episode, Katie and Yves discuss eavesdropping, punkah fans, and small acts of resistance. Get show notes at ontheme.show Follow us on Instagram @onthemeshow Email us at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is everywhere — cable news, social media, those silly red hats, Black sitcoms and rap lyrics. Wait, what? That’s right. In this episode Katie and Yves are looking at Donald Trump’s cameos in Black sitcoms and rap music to track how Black folks’ attitudes toward The Donald have changed over time.   Get show notes at ontheme.show Follow us on Instagram @onthemeshow Email us at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black haircare YouTubers built a brand-new storytelling genre from the ground up. So today on the podcast, Yves and Katie give them their much-deserved credit. Then they speak with LaToya Ebony, a content creator and actress who's been giving us haircare game on YouTube for over a decade.   LaToya Ebony Hair LaToya Ebony Someday Sunday   Get show notes at ontheme.show Follow us on Instagram @onthemeshow Email us at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.