On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with author, artist, and anthropologist Dr. Umi Vaughan to discuss his new book Silencing the Drum: Religious Racism and Afro-Brazilian Sacred Music, co-authored with historian Dr. Danielle Boaz. The conversation delves deep into the persecution of Afro-Brazilian religious practices and the ongoing war … Continued


On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D checks back in with journalist James Farr on the six-month anniversary of the devastating Eaton Fire that ravaged Altadena, California. The conversation opens with sharp criticism of the Biden administration’s militarized show of force at MacArthur Park—a move seen by many as a cruel distraction … Continued


On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Dr. Noha Aboelata, founder and CEO of Roots Community Health Center, to unpack the devastating impact of a new federal law—ironically dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill”—signed on July 4. The legislation, which slashes Medicaid funding and imposes work requirements on recipients, represents … Continued


On this July 8th edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D speaks with veteran anti-fascist organizer Daryle Lamont Jenkins of One People’s Project about the dangerous political landscape unfolding in the U.S. The conversation centers on the passage of the “big ugly bill,” a federal spending package that gives more funding to ICE than … Continued


In a wide-ranging and timely conversation, host Davey D sat down with Professor Stephen Zunes of the University of San Francisco to break down the current situation with Iran, the history that informs it, and the often contradictory role the U.S. plays in Middle East policy. Zunes began with an “Iran 101,” noting the country’s rich history, strategic size, and … Continued


Hard Knock Radio

In Conversation with Pastor Mike McBride on the Dangers of the Big, Beautiful Bill and the Rise of Authoritarianism

On this urgent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with Pastor Mike McBride of the Black Church PAC and LiveFree.org to break down the far-reaching implications of a sweeping federal bill, dubbed sarcastically by critics as the “Big Billionaire Looting Bill” or BBL Bill. As headlines focused on celebrity scandals like Diddy’s legal troubles, Pastor … Continued