Donovan X. Ramsey is a journalist and author who is an essential voice on issues of identify, justice, and patterns of power in America. His works have appeared in publications like The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Ebony, Essence, GQ, The Wall Street Journal, and more. His new book: When Crack Was King: A People's History of a Misunderstood Era is out now for preorder and purchase here.

In this episode, we talk to Donovan about his childhood growing up in Columbus, Ohio, being raised by a single mom; the lessons he learned dealing with racism and socioeconomic challenges; the importance of defining your own identify and hustle; traveling to Cuba and Africa, what inspired him to write When Crack Was King: A People's History of a Misunderstood Era; and more.

Olivia Mekdara is a Lao-Thai American Actor whose works include shows Lethal Weapon and Black Jesus, and films Between Two Ferns: The Movie and Reno 911: The Hunt For Qanon and more. In this episode, we talk about her childhood growing up, her journey into acting, experiences with successes and failures, her experiences as an AAPI actor, and more.