Episodes

  • Episode 1: Euphoria and Public School

    Essence asks Maddie why the TV show Euphoria is so popular right now and what the show may be signaling about TV more broadly. Maddie asks Essence to discuss American public school systems and the evolution of public and private schools over the years. Transcript to follow.

  • Episode 2: Georgia and The Grammys

    Maddie asks Essence to explain what happened in Georgia’s last election cycle and the upcoming runoff elections. Essence asks Maddie to analyze the upcoming Grammy nominations. Transcript to follow.

  • Episode 3: The Kardashians and The Middle Class

    Essence asks Maddie to discuss and analyze the cult of personality surrounding the Kardashian family. Maddie asks Essence to discuss the evolution and erosion of the Middle Class throughout the 20th century and the power having a Middle Class may bring.

  • Episode 4: Decriminalizing Drugs and Criminal Art Prices

    Maddie asks Essence to describe the larger decriminalize drugs ballot measures and the larger policy proposals meant to rectify the War on Drugs. Essence asks Maddie why there is such a class distinction in leisure activities, especially ones like art. Transcript to follow.

  • Episode 5: TikTok and Sex Trafficking

    Essence asks Maddie to discuss if TikTok is a great new social media or the bane of our existence. Maddie asks Essence to discuss the misnomers of sex trafficking and sex work more broadly. Transcript to follow.

  • Episode 6: Black Lives Matter and Social Media Activism

    Maddie asks Essence to discuss how the Black Lives Matter Movement has changed throughout the years and analyze its impact over the years. Essence asks Maddie to evaluate social media activism and discuss whether it helps bring about lasting social change. Transcript to follow.

  • Episode 7: #Selfcare and The Squad

    Essence asks Maddie to analyze the privilege surrounding selfcare and the importance of everyone needing to engage in self care practices. Maddie asks Essence to describe and discuss the political and social impacts of the “Squad” or the new and progressive Congresswomen elected in 2018.

  • Episode 8: The VP and RomComs

    Maddie asks Essence to discuss the role of Vice President and Kamala Harris, our Vice President Elect. Essence asks Maddie to explain why RomComs are so popular.

  • Episode 9: Dystopias and Defund the Police

    Essence asks Maddie about the history of dystopias, why there has been a resurgence of dystopian novels, and about her favorite dystopian novels. Maddie asks Essence about the #DefundthePolice movement, the power of experiential knowledge, and how we move forward in criminal justice reform.

  • Episode 10: Big Banks and The Big Short

    Maddie asks Essence to define “big banks,” how banks contributed to the 2008 Recession, and some of the long-term effects of the Recession. Essence asks Maddie to talk about her favorite movie– the Big Short, and how movies about historical events can be useful for understanding difficult topics like the Recession.