In this episode of Uncommon Naledge, Dr. Jabari Evans is joined by Dr. Zari A. Taylor, critical cultural studies scholar and Assistant Professor at NYU, whose work explores how race, beauty, celebrity culture, and the creator economy intersect in digital and popular culture. Dr. Taylor, a core member of the Content Creator Scholar Network (CCSN) and Global Member of the TikTok Cultures Research Network, brings an incisive lens to how marginalized communities both shape and are shaped by the evolving dynamics of media and identity.

Dr. Taylor unpacks themes from her published work in Social Media + Society, Information, Communication & Society, and the International Journal of Communication—and offers reflections on how power and aesthetics operate within the influencer space, particularly for Black women and femmes online.

Together, they discuss the politics of beauty algorithms, the labor of digital visibility, and the risks and rewards of scholarly engagement in public-facing platforms. It’s a wide-ranging and timely conversation about digital culture’s most pressing questions.

Uncommon Naledge is hosted by Dr. Jabari Evans and edited and produced by Phillip Schlies.

@naledgesince82 on Twitter and Instagram

Original music for introduction and outro produced by Michael "Double 0" Aguilar.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this episode of Uncommon Naledge, Dr. Jabari Evans sits down with Dr. Kareem Edouard, assistant professor at Drexel University’s School of Education and a leading researcher at the Expressive and Creative Interaction Technologies (ExCITe) Center. Dr. Edouard is also the founder of the ILLEST Lab—a research space dedicated to designing Inclusive Learning environments and Leveraging Equitable STEM Technologies for students of color.

Together, they explore how culturally responsive pedagogy, informal learning environments, and maker spaces can be used to reframe STEM education for underserved communities. Dr. Edouard breaks down his work on integrating digital video, social networks, and virtual reality into STEM learning—and why honoring students' racial and cultural identities is essential for sustainable engagement.

Uncommon Naledge is hosted by Dr. Jabari Evans and edited and produced by Phillip Schlies.

@naledgesince82 on Twitter and Instagram

Original music for introduction and outro produced by Michael "Double 0" Aguilar.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this episode of Uncommon Naledge, Dr. Jabari Evans sits down with Justin Walters, ESPN broadcaster and sports journalist, to talk about his journey through the fast-paced world of sports media. From covering some of the biggest moments in professional and collegiate sports to navigating the evolving landscape of digital and on-air journalism, Walters shares his insights on breaking into the industry, the challenges Black journalists face in sports media, and the importance of storytelling in shaping athlete narratives.

We also dive into his experiences at ESPN, the future of sports broadcasting, and how young journalists can prepare for success in an increasingly digital-first media environment.

Uncommon Naledge is hosted by Dr. Jabari Evans and edited and produced by Phillip Schlies.

@naledgesince82 on Twitter and Instagram

Original music for introduction and outro produced by Michael "Double 0" Aguilar.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.