Best Derek Ford Podcasts (2026)

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2025: Another Year of Struggle 43:05

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5h ago43:05

43:05

This week, our co-hosts are joined by NPR's producer, Dakota Fronterhouse, as they look back at the past year of struggle in Naptown. They begin with late 2024, as groups in and around the Indianapolis Liberation Center started preparing for a heightened era of repression and resistance. They cover in detail the people's fight-back movement against…

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Starbucks Workers and Teachers Show Who Has the Power 56:12

15h ago56:12

56:12

This week's episode features Sam Shr and Iris of Starbucks Workers United, who remind us of the reason for the season: living wages, dignity, and justice. With our co-producer, Lucas Lee, they cover the unionization attempt, their reasonable demands, the challenges they've confronted and overcome, and the reason for unions in the first place—becaus…

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"Boots on the Ground!" R.I.P. Kwame Shakur 38:14

10d ago38:14

38:14

This week's episode pays tribute to our fallen soldier Kwame Shakur, a brother who was consistently fighting for the freedom and liberation of all people. Our Naptown Breakdown focuses on the recent defeat of the far-right in their redistricting efforts and speculation that "Vop" Osili's announcement he won't seek re-election for the City-County Co…

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Is Indy Experiencing a Housing Crisis or a Capitalist Crisis? 59:01

17d ago59:01

59:01

This week, co-hosts Dani Abdullah and Derek Ford dive into the housing crisis in Indianapolis, detailing how unnecessary and absurd it is by comparing it with how a socialist government could not only easily fix the problem but prevent its occurrence in the first place. The Naptown Breakdown covers the convergence of two protests this past Saturday…

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Finishing the Fight for Freedom: Making "Across Enemy Lines" 51:25

23d ago51:25

51:25

Ahead of the global debut of the documentary, "Across Enemy Lines: Shaka A. Shakur" and the release of Shaka's book, Manifestations of Thought, Cecilia Gomez interviews NPR co-host Derek Ford, who co-directed the film and helped edit the book. This week's Naptown Breakdown focuses on housing, policing and patriarchy, and the upcoming grand opening …

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Kemmii: A Butch Queen from Brooklyn 1:10:13

23d ago1:10:13

1:10:13

This week on RIANOUTLOUD! we sit down with Kemmii, the Butch Queen From Brooklyn whose Caribbean roots, church beginnings, and bold storytelling shape a sound all their own. We talk creativity, growth, and the making of “BQFRMBK” — a visual EP that celebrates Black queer life and authenticity. A powerful, inspiring conversation you don’t want to mi…

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The Looming AI Bubble and the Roots of Redistricting 1:04:14

1M ago1:04:14

1:04:14

Bryce Gustafson, an organizer with Citizens Action Coalition since 2009, joins this week's show to explain the proliferation of AI data center proposals in the city and state and update us on the struggles to defeat them. First, for the Naptown Breakdown co-hosts Dani Abdullah and Derek Ford address Gov. Braun's Nov. 19 order to deploy 300 Indiana …

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No to Metrofraud and Terror at River North! 1:28:55

1M ago1:28:55

1:28:55

This week, Pastor Denell Howard and Ms. Faye Johnson join the show to discuss the struggle against Metrobloks' proposed data center and who the real criminals are in U.S. prisons. Our Naptown Breakdown starts with the recent admission by local energy monopoly AES that they imposed outrageous "deposit fees" on customers who already had trouble payin…

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ItsDaveyon! 1:03:26

1M ago1:03:26

1:03:26

From Chicago’s South Side to your playlists — @itsdaveyon is stepping into the LOUD room on a brand-new episode of RIANOUTLOUD! Rapper. Producer. Songwriter. Designer. Visionary. ItsDaveyon is the kind of artist who builds worlds — gritty, honest, and full of texture — and tomorrow, we’re tapping ALL the way into it. We talk artistry, roots, growth…

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Unite for Trans Liberation: The Truth Never Dies! 1:18:36

1M ago1:18:36

1:18:36

This Thursday is the Trans Day of Remembrance when, at the Indianapolis Liberation Center, the community will gather to remember our fallen trans comrades and recommit ourselves to the liberation of all people. To explain the origins and significance of the annual commemoration, local activist Brooke joins the show. This week’s Naptown Breakdown co…

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Honoring Naptown's Shirley Graham Du Bois 48:43

2M ago48:43

48:43

November 11 marks 129 years since revolutionary artist, organizer, theorist, and teacher Shirley Graham Du Bois was born right here in Indianapolis. Stephen Lane of the Indiana Black Librarians Network joins the show to discuss her life and legacy, which is unfortunately overshadowed by her second husband, the great W.E.B. Du Bois. Tupac Shakur sai…

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Meet Chris French 56:11

2M ago56:11

56:11

🎙️ OUTLOUDERS, the first new episode of RIANOUTLOUD! is here — featuring the vocal architect himself, Chris French! 🎶 Straight out of Dallas, TX, Chris is an R&B artist whose gifts run deep. A child of a musician, he inherited music in his blood — now he’s serving vocals, pen, and production with a touch that hits the soul just right. ✨ Master of v…

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Indiana Veterans and Servicemen to Refuse Deployment 33:04

2M ago33:04

33:04

As Trump considers using the "Insurrection Act" to justify his deployment of National Guardsmen, many of whom are surrounding our state pending Court proceedings, veterans and active-duty servicemen in Indiana are already organizing to refuse any illegal and unconstitutional orders to participate in the reign of terror against immigrant, working-cl…

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RIANOUTLOUD! : THE LIVE EXPERIENCE! 1:40:48

2M ago1:40:48

1:40:48

Couldn’t make it to the show? No worries — now you can hear the magic for yourself. Recorded live at TLC Libations in Pittsburgh, RIANOUTLOUD!: The Live Experience captures the heart, joy, and unapologetic brilliance of Black LGBTQ+ creativity, community, and storytelling — all in one unforgettable night. Hosted by Rian-Louis McNeil, this special e…

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Is Indy Ready for a General Strike? 45:33

2M ago45:33

45:33

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called for a General Strike. General Strikes are routinely called for, but what do they entail? There’s a lot of work to be prepare for one but, as Dani Abdullah reminds us by recounting the historic 1919 Seattle General Strike, our ancestors made sure we aren't starting over from scratch. Our Naptown Breakdown starts …

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59 Years: All Power to the People! 20:35

2M ago20:35

20:35

The Black Panther Party, formally founded on October 15, 1966, is often romanticized, subjected to disproportionate scrutiny, or viewed only as an activist organization. In this week's episode, we hear a speech Dakota Fronterhouse—the producer of Naptown People's Radio—delivered on 59th anniversary of the Party's founding. Fronterhouse provides the…

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Jada Trainor Beats Police and Prosecutor Mears 1:13:48

3M ago1:13:48

1:13:48

Jada Trainor and her husband, Jonathan, join the show this week to discuss their October 1 trial where they defeated trumped-up felony charges of attempting to disarm a police officer and battery against a cop. Last week's Naptown Breakdown mentioned how Joe Hogsett's Indiana Economic Development Corporation was serving corporate interests and acti…

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The Return of Wildcat Sports Talk, The BOYS are BACK! - Episode 1 56:47

3M ago56:47

56:47

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wildcat-sports-talk--1374806/support.By Power K Studios

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What Does Assata Teach Us? 44:01

3M ago44:01

44:01

After discussing how Indianapolis Development Inc., a creation of Joe Hogsett, was actively lobbying elected representatives on behalf of Google while the people united to keep their data center out of Franklin Township, this week's Naptown Breakdown focuses on a stunning silence in local mainstream media. Not one single local news outlet published…

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Indy Defeats Google, Keeps Fighting for Political Prisoners feat. Akili Shakur 42:18

3M ago42:18

42:18

Dr. Akili Shakur, an organizer, retired professor, and wife of Shaka A. Shakur joins the show to discuss the expansive impacts of mass incarceration. This week's Naptown Breakdown begins with a glimpse of our ability to transform our city-when we're organized. On September 22, after months of struggle, our power was on full display we forced Google…

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The New Afrikan Independence Movement 27:25

4M ago27:25

27:25

New Afrikan Revolutionary and political prisoner Shaka A. Shakur joins the show this week to break down the ongoing fight for the liberation of the Black/New Afrikan nation within the U.S. Introduced by producer Dakota Fronterhouse, this episode features a longer segment of “Dispatches from Behind the Wire” is part of our build-up to the release of…

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Indy vs. Google: If We Unite, We Win 34:50

4M ago34:50

34:50

Kristopher Nelson, aka FTF KD, joins this week's show to share the reality of life in a city with a data center. Nelson is from West Memphis, Arkansas and speaks not only about the negative impacts it had on his community but about what we can do to Indianapolis to stop Google's data center before September 22. In the Naptown Breakdown, our co-host…

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Facing the Moment with the Joy of Resistance 55:48

4M ago55:48

55:48

Stuart Mora, a longtime-organizer currently involved in the immigration justice movement, joins the show this week and helps highlight the joy of building together and resisting in community. Our Naptown Breakdown begins with Trump's recent cuts to the National Institutes of Health, which are projected to result in the loss of $128 million and 554 …

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Building on George Jackon's Legacy Today 26:33

4M ago26:33

26:33

Now that Black August 2025 is over, Naptown People's Radio starts September with a special episode to ensure we use the additional knowledge, discipline, and commitment we cultivated last month to advance the struggles ahead. On August 27, Derek Ford, one of the show's co-hosts, gave a presentation that provided the historical context for George Ja…

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Black August and Multinational Unity 55:33

4M ago55:33

55:33

Nino Brown of Jericho Chicago joins the show for the last episode of Black August to discuss the prison movement and his recent essay, "The Case for Proletarian Multinational Unity," published recently in From the Academy to the Streets by Iskra Books. The Naptown Breakdown spotlights how the rich might use charter schools as an avenue to steal mor…

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No Camp Atterschwitz! 24:11

4M ago24:11

24:11

The people take the fight against ICE to the military-industrial complex and Citizens Action Coalition leads the struggle to prioritize energy for the people and planet, not for profit. Our hosts start this week by breaking down the successful struggle that culminated in the first Pride event in Decatur, Indiana. Despite a month of opposition and t…

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The Present and Future of Black August 31:05

5M ago31:05

31:05

The struggles for socialism and national liberation cannot be separated. There is no possibility of organizing a socialist revolution in the U.S.—the modern-day prison house of nations—without organizing for the independence, autonomy, and self-determination of all oppressed peoples within and beyond its borders. Black August is a time to double-do…

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Black August: Prisons, Police, and Food Production 48:21

5M ago48:21

48:21

Every Black August, we re-dedicate ourselves to the struggle to free political prisoners, prisoners of war, and to finish the struggle for Black/New Afrikan liberation. In our first episode, co-hosts Dani Abdullah and Derek Ford touch on contemporary struggles against prison and police repression in Indiana, as well as the role that the production …

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Indiana's Democrats Walk the Plank on their Own Accord 1:09:03

5M ago1:09:03

1:09:03

It turns out the local Democratic Party's strategy of systematically abusing women, rallying around their abusers, and trying to bury the truth in dark is not paying off. How could the "best and the brightest" think that following a playbook written 75 years ago could possibly breed success in 2025? In this episode, we'll get to some of the apparen…

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From New Castle Prison to Gallery Forty-Two: Matthew Gunning & Vernon T. Bateman 1:44:06

5M ago1:44:06

1:44:06

"Vern, can you imagine, man, us sitting and talking in F Dorm about the art show we're going to have in downtown Indy at some point?" After not thinking they'd ever see each other again, in this special episode of Naptown People's Radio, Matthew Gunning and Vernon T. Bateman get an opportunity to reflect on the time they spent together in New Castl…

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"The Power of the People is Stronger than the People in Power" 37:50

5M ago37:50

37:50

Honesty Gleaves, one of the organizers for this past weekend's rally to support women In Indianapolis and throughout the country who have survived sexual violence, joins the show this week. As people across the county celebrated the achievements of women like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and other groundbreaking women in basketball during the WNBA A…

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IDOC, IMPD, and AES: Fighting State and Corporate Monopoly 48:33

6M ago48:33

48:33

Robert Taylor, the brother of Eric Taylor who was killed by the IMPD during the 2023 shooting spree, joins this week’s show to talk about who Eric was–as a brother, a father, a community member, and a human being gunned down by the cops for walking with a phone in his hand. For the Naptown Breakdown, Co-Hosts Dani Abdullah and Derek Ford first delv…

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Protecting Our Communities from the Real Criminals 1:04:31

6M ago1:04:31

1:04:31

Organizer Lexie Chaffin and artist Matthew Gunning join co-hosts Dani Abdullah and Derek Ford this week to explore efforts to expose the real criminals in our community and creative ways to protect ourselves and each other, including one that just launched today: MaskOff12.com. Our Naptown Breakdown begins with the July 7 City-County Council meetin…

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Carter Wear & Confidence w/ Derek Ford Jr. 49:08

6M ago49:08

49:08

In this powerful and inspiring episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, Rian-Louis sits down with Derek Ford Jr., the visionary founder and CEO of Carter Wear—a multinational apparel brand revolutionizing undergarments for men and women with bold, body-positive designs. With customers in over 120 countries, features in Men’s Health, product placement in Nordstrom,…

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Bonus Episode: A Flawsome First Listen 29:14

6M ago29:14

29:14

In this bonus episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, I’m giving you an exclusive first listen to the story that’s been six years in the making—my debut novel, Flawsome. I’m reading the first two chapters of this deeply personal and powerful journey following Carter Johnson, a DJ navigating grief, love, and purpose back in his hometown of Pittsburgh. Whether you’…

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Independence for Whom? 1:53:53

6M ago1:53:53

1:53:53

In 1852, Frederick Douglass delivered a speech on the 76th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence titled, “What, To The Slave, Is The Fourth Of July?” This week’s episode of “Naptown People’s Radio” asks a series of similar questions 173 years after Douglass’ speech: What, to Black/New Afrikan people, prisoners, women, immigr…

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Juneteenth, Iran, and Our Collective Struggle for Freedom 45:39

6M ago45:39

45:39

Our theme this week is freedom: the struggle for it, the forces holding us back from achieving it, and the contradictions that groups inevitably negotiate on their path to self-determination, sovereignty, independence, and autonomy. Last weekend, Naptown was filled with Juneteenth celebrations and commemorations. Despite attempts to “co-opt” Freedo…

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People Put ICE on the Defense as Immigration Struggle Heats Up 39:49

7M ago39:49

39:49

The Pacers aren’t the only ones who beat the odds this past week. This episode features Cecilia Gomez, one of the lead organizers of the June 11 anti-ICE protest outside before the Pacers played–and won–Game 3 of the NBA Finals to discuss the revival of the immigrant rights struggle after a brief period of relative stagnation. Tune in and get behin…

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The IMPD's "Listening Plans" in Perspective 53:27

7M ago53:27

53:27

This evening, the Indianapolis Police Department (IMPD) will hold its sixth "listening session" at Southeast Community Services. However, just like the first five sessions, not a single IMPD representative will be there to listen to the community or, in their words, hear our "valuable perspectives and help inform IMPD's strategic plan." Instead, th…

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The Eli Ahmad Interview 44:19

7M ago44:19

44:19

From North Carolina roots to R&B brilliance, Eli Ahmad is carving out his legacy one note at a time. On this episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, we sit down with Eli to talk about his creative process, musical influences (hello Brandy, Beyoncé, and Mariah!), and the deeply personal storytelling woven into every track. We explore his current projects Disc 1 an…

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Introducing Naptown People's Radio 28:46

7M ago28:46

28:46

In this debut episode, co-hosts Dani Abdullah and Derek Ford discuss their personal histories and how and why they transitioned from being activists to revolutionary organizers. They explain what you can expect from Naptown People’s Radio each Wednesday and what they mean by saying they are "objective but partial." New Afrikan Political Prisoner Sh…

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One Last Time. 20:22

7M ago20:22

20:22

In this brief heartfelt solo opener, host Rian-Louis reflects on how far we’ve come, why it’s time to let go, and what it means to transform out loud. This isn’t just an ending—it’s a celebration, a reckoning, and a thank you.

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Love, Mental Health & Filmmaking with Tasheem Ingram-Dantzler 37:19

10M ago37:19

37:19

This one is a must-listen! 🎙️ Rian-Louis sits down with NYC filmmaker Tasheem Ingram-Dantzler to talk about his powerful short film, Just Us Two—shot entirely on an iPhone and already hitting 10,000+ views in just 7 days! 📱🔥 We’re diving deep into: 💙 Unconditional love & Black queer representation 🎭 The raw realities of mental health & bipolar diso…

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The Evolution of Jordan Kalé 46:16

10M ago46:16

46:16

In this episode of RIANOUTLOUD! , R&B artist Jordan Kalé shares his 16-year journey as an independent musician. He opens up about his debut solo project, Out of My System, a deeply personal album about healing from a toxic relationship and embracing new beginnings. Jordan reflects on transitioning from groups to a solo career, his influences like O…

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5 Years of RIANOUTLOUD! 1:02:25

11M ago1:02:25

1:02:25

We’re celebrating five years of RIANOUTLOUD! 🎉 For this special episode, the tables turn as Stevie Derrick—host of #IndieArtistSpotlight and #DearYall—interviews Rian-Louis for a change! They dive into the podcast’s journey, unforgettable moments, and the impact of Black queer representation. Join us for a powerful, unfiltered celebration of commun…

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The Rise of Jaïr Faria 29:15

11M ago29:15

29:15

In this episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, host Rian-Louis sits down with rising star Jaïr Faria, a 20-year-old artist from the Netherlands. They discuss Jaïr’s journey as a Black queer artist, the personal nature of his music, and the influences that shape his sound. Jaïr shares the story behind his viral TikTok success, navigating the music industry, and s…

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Huny Young : Building Spaces For Black Queer Joy ( Part 2) 50:27

12M ago50:27

50:27

🎙️✨ Part 2 with Huny Young! ✨🎶 On this episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, we dive into the world of R&B, pop music, and Pittsburgh’s nightlife scene. Huny Young shares her journey with the Honcho DJ collective, Most Beautiful brand, and Honcho Campout, while discussing the power of diversity in the queer community. Plus, she drops wisdom on living authentica…

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Huny XO: Building Safe Spaces for Black Queer Joy (Part 1) 48:23

12M ago48:23

48:23

In Part 1 of this engaging conversation, RIANOUTLOUD! welcomes Huny XO, a multifaceted artist and DJ, to discuss her journey, the importance of community in nightlife, and the vibrant culture of Pittsburgh. They explore Huny's experiences in creating safe spaces for Black queer individuals, her innovative approach to DJing, and the significance of …

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The Power of Community in Storytelling with Ronald Hinton 1:02:03

1y ago1:02:03

1:02:03

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ronald Hinton, the creative mind behind the hit web series Natives and founder of Queer Voices NYC. Ronald dives into the origins of Queer Voices NYC, a platform dedicated to uplifting LGBTQIA+ narratives, and shares the journey of creating Natives. This heartfelt series explores themes of grief, authentic…

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Taking Action with SHAH! 38:58

1y ago38:58

38:58

In this engaging conversation, Rian-Louis reconnects with the talented artist Shah after two years. They discuss Shah's new single 'Action', the evolution of his sound, and the personal growth he has experienced during his time away. Shah shares insights into his creative process, the importance of authenticity, and his experiences in creative dire…