Steven Underwood, award-winning writer, cultural critic, and digital worldbuilder, joins Embracing All of Me for a conversation that unfolds like a map of survival, imagination, and becoming. From a misunderstood tweet that led to a traumatizing arrest, to the grandmother who infused his life with art, to Frank Ocean’s influence on his queer awakenings, Steven breaks open what it means to create in an era where vulnerability is often punished and Black creativity is endlessly consumed and forgotten.

Together, we trace the rise of the “New Black Digital Renaissance,” unpack the myth of Black excellence, talk about the politics of first kisses, and explore why introverts, dreamers, and digital kids have every right to be taken seriously as artists.

Steven’s book, Forever for the Culture, drops January 27, 2026 in print and audio. Preorders now open.

Steven Website:https://www.blaqueword.comPlease rate and review to grow the Embracing All of Me community!

In this bonus solo episode, Ross Victory examines why people choose interpretations of God that harm instead of heal. Using the viral Yolanda Adams clip as a springboard, Ross breaks down the forces behind fear-based theology—scarcity, control, inherited doctrine, community pressure, and the need for moral cover. Through history, psychology, and spiritual honesty, he exposes how interpretation becomes a mirror: fear, power, or liberation. This episode invites listeners to confront not what the Bible says, but why they choose the version of God they follow.

Latino hip-hop artist Ryan Xavier isn’t here to make himself palatable, he’s here to make you feel something!

In this episode, we talk Texas pride, Ryan's influences from Hairspray to Florence & the Machine, his creative process, bisexual Latino representation in hip hop, balancing art and algorithm, building Xavier Nation and what happens when you show up online as yourself without waiting for permission. Ryan opens up about building a authentic persona "Bi Latino Top" in a genre that rarely leaves room for bi guys. And we end with his advice to artists that want to bring their full selves to their music and art.

Check out Ryan Xavier's latest single, "Texas On" streaming everywhere.

Follow Ryan Xavier on Instagram