RECENT EPISODES
The Fall of Black Tulsa: Violence, Policy, and Erasure
Before Greenwood was erased, it was attacked.
In Part 2 of this two-episode series, Past Present Pushback confronts the truth about the destruction of Black Tulsa’s Greenwood District — known as Black Wall Street — and what really happened after the fires stopped.
XO, AZ, and CDA move beyond the oversimplified “riot” narrative and break down the facts: how a false accusation escalated into organized racial violence, how armed mobs were deputized, how homes and businesses were…
Pressure, Power & Perspective
In this episode of Past Present Pushback, we examine how pressure reveals truth, power shapes outcomes, and perspective changes how we judge success and failure.
XO kicks off the conversation with a breakdown of the NFL Divisional Round and Championship Weekend, unpacking the key wins and losses, what separated contenders from pretenders, and how discipline, turnovers, and coaching decisions decided who advanced to the AFC and NFC Championship games.
AZ then educates us on th…
The Rise of Black Tulsa: How Greenwood Was Built
Before the destruction, there was strategy.
In this episode of Past Present Pushback, we examine the rise of Black Tulsa, also known as the Greenwood District in Tulsa—not as a myth, but as a deliberately built Black economic powerhouse.
XO, joined by AZ and CDA, breaks down how Greenwood was formed, who intentionally built it, and why it thrived in a country that actively worked against Black ownership and independence. This open discussion moves beyond surface-level history…
Wild Cards, Power Limits & Family Boundaries
In this episode of Past Present Pushback, we explore how pressure and limits shape outcomes—on the football field, in government, and within our own families.
XO kicks things off with a full recap of NFL Wild Card Weekend, breaking down the real results, key performances, coaching decisions, and what playoff football reveals when the margin for error disappears.
Then AZ steps in with an educational breakdown of the 22nd Amendment, explaining why presidential term limits were …
The “N” Word: Power, Pain, and Perspective
In this episode of Past Present Pushback, we step into one of the most sensitive and misunderstood conversations in Black culture—the origin and legacy of the “N” word.
XO, joined by AZ and CDA, leads an honest intergenerational discussion unpacking where the word came from, how it was weaponized during slavery and segregation, and why it still carries power today.
With hosts spanning different generations, this conversation explores:
The historical roots of the word …
Pressure Reveals Everything
In this episode of Past Present Pushback, pressure is the common thread.
We start with the Steelers barely making the NFL playoffs, breaking down what got them in, what to watch in the postseason, key matchups, and playoff picks—because January football exposes who’s built to survive when the margin for error disappears.
Then AZ steps in with a breakdown of the 21st Amendment, challenging the idea that repealing a failed policy automatically leads to progress—and asking wheth…
Listening Without Losing Yourself (Part 2) How to Listen Without Being Defensive
In Part 2 of this two-episode series, Past Present Pushback shifts from awareness to action.
After unpacking why defensiveness shows up so quickly—especially in Black families—we now focus on what real listening actually requires and why so many of us struggle to do it without feeling exposed, powerless, or misunderstood.
This conversation explores:
The difference between listening to respond and listening to understand
Why intent doesn’t erase impact
…
From the Field to the Future: NFL Week 17, the 20th Amendment, and Family Planning
In this episode of Past Present Pushback, XO, AZ, and CDA focus on reflection, transition, and preparation for what’s next.
XO kicks things off with a recap of NFL Week 17, breaking down key performances, late-season momentum, and what teams revealed as the season heads toward its conclusion.
AZ then simplifies the 20th Amendment, explaining why it was created, how it changed presidential transitions, and why leadership and accountability during moments of change still matter…
Listening Without Being Defensive (Part 1): Why We React Before We Hear
In this season-ending episode of Past Present Pushback, we start a necessary two-part conversation on listening without being defensive—and why, in so many Black families, correction feels like disrespect.
Before we talk about how to listen better, we have to be honest about why we struggle to listen at all.
In Part 1, we unpack:
Why defensiveness is often a trauma response, not arrogance
How survival mode shaped communication in Black households
The d…
The Origin of Hanukkah: Faith, Resistance, and the Power of Remembrance
In this special episode of Past Present Pushback, XO, AZ, & CDA sit down for a powerful, educational conversation on the true origin of Hanukkah—far beyond the candles, gifts, and traditions most people recognize today.
We break down:
When and why Hanukkah began
The story of the Maccabees and resistance against forced assimilation
The historical significance of faith, identity, and cultural survival
How Hanukkah officially starts and why the timing…
NFL Week 15 Recap, Prohibition’s Real Lesson, & Co-Parenting When Values Clash
n this episode of Past Present Pushback, XO, AZ, and CDA bring together sports, history, and real-life family conversations that matter.
XO kicks things off with a detailed recap of NFL Week 15 Sunday games, breaking down final scores, key moments, momentum shifts, and major injuries that could reshape the playoff picture.
AZ then educates us on the 18th Amendment, the law that launched Prohibition. In simple, easy-to-understand language, he explains why it was created, what …
The Origin of Kwanzaa: Culture, Purpose, and Meaning
In this episode of Past Present Pushback, XO, AZ, and CDA break down the origin of Kwanzaa—where it came from, why it was created, and what it was meant to restore within the Black community.
We take it back to the late 1960s, exploring how Kwanzaa was founded in the aftermath of the Civil Rights Movement and designed to reconnect people of African descent to culture, unity, and self-determination. AZ walks through the historical foundation of Kwanzaa and its creator, explaining it i…
The Origin of Christmas: Truth, Tradition, and the Stories We Were Never ToldThe Origin of Christmas: Truth, Tradition, and the Stories We Were Never Told
In this week’s open-discussion episode of Past Present Pushback, XO, AZ, and CDA dive deep into the true origins of Christmas—far beyond the traditions, decorations, and stories most of us grew up with.
We explore where the holiday actually comes from, how ancient winter festivals shaped what we celebrate today, and why the meaning of Christmas has evolved across cultures and generations. Each of us brings our own perspective as we unpack the historical roots, the religious influences, an…
The Therapy Taboo: Unpacking Why Black Families Avoided Healing
For decades, therapy was treated like a secret, a weakness, or something “Black folks don’t do.” But why?
In this powerful Monday open-discussion episode, we break down the real reasons therapy became taboo in Black families — and why our generation is finally rewriting the narrative.
We explore:
Historical trauma: how slavery, segregation, and systemic racism shaped our emotional survival strategies
The “strong Black man/strong Black woman” myth: where it came fro…
Past, Present, Pushback: Why Black Leadership Isn’t What It Used to Be
In this episode of SAUNAIE, “Past, Present, Pushback,” XO, AZ, and CDA dive into one of the most important conversations happening within the Black community today — Where are our leaders?
We take a powerful look at the giants who shaped our past — Malcolm X (1952–1965), Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1955–1968), Fannie Lou Hamer (1962–1977), Huey P. Newton (1966–1974), Angela Davis (1970s), and more — breaking down exactly what they accomplished, what made them leaders, and why their voices…
Week 12 Chaos: Overtime Shockers, Standings Shakeups & Holiday Pressure
This week on the show, nothing went according to plan — and that’s exactly why we’re breaking it all down.
XO recaps a wild NFL Week 12, featuring the Steelers grinding out a win against the Bears, the Colts and Chiefs going to overtime in one of the biggest shockers of the season, the Lions barely escaping the Giants in another OT thriller, and the Vikings collapsing late against the Packers. We’re giving you real analysis, not the sugar-coated stuff.
We also check in on the 2025…
Week 12 Showdowns • The 16th Amendment Explained • Breaking Family Curses for Good
In this episode of Past, Present, Pushback, XO breaks down the biggest matchups of NFL Week 12, including Steelers vs Bears, Colts vs Chiefs, Vikings vs Packers, Eagles vs Cowboys, and Rams vs Buccaneers. From playoff implications to key injuries and breakout players, XO gives you everything you need heading into a crucial football weekend.
AZ continues the Constitutional Series with a simple, easy-to-understand breakdown of the 16th Amendment — how it shaped America, why it still sp…
From the Field to the Family Table: NFL Week 11 & the Power of the 15th Amendment
In this episode of Uncut Conversations, the crew breaks down NFL Week 11’s biggest matchups — from the Steelers vs Bengals rivalry to the Lions vs Eagles Sunday night clash. Expect bold predictions, key player insights, and honest reactions.
Then, AZ dives deep into the 15th Amendment, exploring how this crucial piece of U.S. history shaped voting rights for generations — and why it still matters today.
Finally, CDA brings warmth to the mic with tips on preparing for Thanksgi…
Upsets & Underdogs: NFL Week 10 Gets Wild, NBA Rivalries Heat Up
In today’s episode of Past, Present, Pushback, XO breaks down an action-packed sports slate — key NBA match-ups tomorrow night and NBA Tuesday highlights — and the major NFL Week 10 games you can’t miss (Steelers vs Chargers, Patriots vs Buccaneers, Rams vs 49ers, Eagles vs Packers).
AZ takes us inside the 12th Amendment — how it reshaped presidential elections and why it still matters today.
CDA brings a vital conversation on accepting family members for who they are, not who you want…
Breaking Chains That Never Left: What the 13th Amendment Didn’t Fix
In this week’s episode, we dive deep into NFL Week 9 — from the Steelers outlasting the Colts to the Panthers’ shocking upset over the Packers, and the Dodgers clinching the World Series in a Game 7 thriller against the Blue Jays, with Yamamoto crowned MVP. 🏆
AZ breaks down the 13th Amendment, exploring how freedom, justice, and modern society still wrestle with its legacy. CDA gets real about navigating holidays with in-laws, how to set healthy boundaries, and why family peace somet…
Chaos on the Court & Capitol: NBA Drama, Week 9 Battles, and the Family Cost of a Shutdown
In this week’s Past, Present, Pushback, we break down the Week 9 NFL preview with key matchups like Steelers vs Colts, Bears vs Bengals, Vikings vs Lions, and Chiefs vs Bills — plus the NBA’s biggest storylines from October, including the Warriors vs Grizzlies showdown and early season surprises.
AZ dives into the 12th Amendment, breaking down how it reshaped presidential elections — and what chaos it could prevent (or cause) today. CDA takes a powerful look at the government shutdow…
When Winning Isn’t Enough: NBA Scandals, NFL Week 8 Chaos, & Families Falling Apart
In this episode of Past, Present, Pushback, the crew dives into a wild week in sports and society. We start with the NBA’s opening week and the growing NBA gambling scandal shaking up the league — plus early reactions to the Warriors’ first three games and how the Lakers are struggling without LeBron. Then we move to NFL Week 8, breaking down the biggest 1PM matchups and how the Jets finally grabbed their first win of the season.
AZ unpacks the 11th Amendment, explaining its role in …
The Truth About Power: NFL Letdowns, the 10th Amendment’s Misuse & Why ‘No Kings’ Exists
In this week’s episode of Past, Present, Pushback, XO breaks down the biggest storylines heading into NFL Week 8, including matchups like Vikings vs Chargers, Bears vs Ravens, Cowboys vs Broncos, and Steelers vs Packers, plus key insights from NBA Opening Week.
AZ dives deep into the 10th Amendment, unpacking what “states’ rights” really mean today — from political debates to everyday life — and why it’s one of the most misunderstood amendments in the Constitution.
CDA leads …
Holiday Chaos, Forgotten Rights, and NFL Misfires — What Went Wrong This Week
In this episode of Past, Present, Pushback, XO, Az, and CDA bring you a powerful mix: we break down Week 7 in the NFL — the Bengals' thriller over the Steelers, the Eagles holding off the Vikings, Bears taking care of business vs Saints, and look ahead to tonight’s Falcons vs 49ers and Monday’s Bucs vs Lions showdown. Az takes us into the 9th Amendment, explaining how it protects rights that aren’t listed but still belong to the people — and what that means today. Finally, CDA leads a h…