Bill Ayers has had a ton of different chapters in the tome of his life, and they’ve all led him to be a damn good person. He is a life-long movement worker, education theorist, author, and former leader of radical group The Weather Underground. He talks about his understanding of our contemporary political moment, how we processed becoming an international symbol of terrorism during the 2008 presidential race, how he makes peace with the dialectics and contradictions we’re all swimming in, and much more. This is definitely one for the archive, and one to dig into.
Episode 204 - Johari Noelle
Johari Noelle is wise beyond all of our years. The singer and songwriter was such a gracious and thoughtful guest on the show, talking through her music-making process, upbringing, how she stays present, the complex beauty of being a TWIN(!), and much more. You can listen to her newest project Things You Can’t Say Out Loud now, and catch her on September 25th at Virgin Hotel Chicago.
HELP AMPLIFY THIS CONVERSATION WITH A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO AIRGO!
Episode 203 - Lawrence "Binkey" Tolefree
Binkey’s back! The Chicago host, MC, beatboxer, comic, and community stalwart spent the last four years living abroad in Thailand, before returning home a couple weeks ago. He tells some incredible stories about his travels, connecting with his birth parents, being a “good” person in airquotes, and much more. Plus, Daniel says the word Kemet, which is well worth the price of admission.
HELP AMPLIFY THIS CONVERSATION WITH A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO AIRGO!
Episode 202 - Vivien Sansour
Vivien Sansour is in love. The open-hearted, brilliant artist, documentarian, and founder of the Palestine Heirloom Seed Library brings an open heart and critical mind to the studio for a wonderful conversation about trust, making space to feel alive, climbing the terraces of Palestine, snowy owls, and why she's jealous of trees. Plus, a very nice compliment to end the show that made Damon and Daniel cry. This one is a must listen!
HELP AMPLIFY THIS CONVERSATION WITH A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO AIRGO!
Episode 201 - #BYPSpotlight with Barbara Ransby
Black Youth Project has joined forces with AirGo for a year-long #BYPSpotlight series, featuring our favorite Black academics and activists. First up is Barbara Ransby, whose footprint on the Chicago and global social movement landscape is inimitable. A Professor of History, Gender and Women's Studies, and African American Studies at UIC, Barbara has grounded both organizing and scholarship for liberation in the lineages and lessons of Black women. She wrote the highly acclaimed biography Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement: A Radical Democratic Vision, as well as two other books, and is the driving force behind the R3 Coalition, which has pushed forward some of the most meaningful coalition-building Chicago has seen in recent years.
HELP AMPLIFY THIS CONVERSATION WITH A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO AIRGO!
Episode 200 - Securing the Mailbag
For our 200th episode(!), Damon and Daniel reflect on the show, and their growth as mediamakers, organizers, and humans. Plus, past guests share their questions for the guys. It's a celebration! Here's to many more episodes moving forward.
HELP AMPLIFY THIS CONVERSATION WITH A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO AIRGO!
Episode 199 - AirGo x BYP Live! with Tribble and Tasha
AirGo is back for our second episode in front of a live audience! This time, we're excited to launch our #BYPSpotlight, a collaboration with Black Youth Project, a website and resource hub examining the attitudes, resources, and culture of the young, urban black millennial. Over the next year, AirGo and BYP will be co-curating a set of episodes featuring young Black Chicagoans bettering their communities through research and direct engagement. On this live show, the audience talks about their dreams coming true with Damon and Kiss, and then we’re joined by guest cohost Tribble and the wonderful musician Tasha, who pops by in the midst of preparing for a stellar set at Pitchfork the following weekend. Thanks to Citlalin Gallery, BYP, Windmill Ginger Brew, and our great crew of Associate Producers for making the show possible!
HELP AMPLIFY THIS CONVERSATION WITH A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO AIRGO!
Episode 198 - Tiffany Walden
Tiffany Walden is the cofounder of The Triibe, a digital media platform showcasing innovative content to reshape the narrative of Black Chicago. Born out of a bedroom sublet in 2017, The Triibe mixes journalism, documentary film, and curation to showcase, celebrate, and explore the stories and strands of Black Chicago. A seasoned reporter, she "strives to humanize Black people, Black places and Black things in a way that would make Lorraine Hansberry smile." In a very frank and honest conversation, Tiffany discusses the challenges of building a business while creating, the importance of her partnership with cofounder Morgan Elise Johnson, the history of media literacy and distrust in Black communities, and much more.