A long way from the block
Anthony Thomas
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Top 10 A long way from the block Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best A long way from the block episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to A long way from the block for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite A long way from the block episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
"The Jazz Journey" By Chuck McPherson
A long way from the block
Jazz drummer Chuck McPherson gives his perspective on the history of Jazz. From African slaves arriving in Congo Square New Orleans to Charlie Parker and many other legendary Jazz musicians who shaped and molded this great art form.
Jazz drummer Chuck McPherson gives his perspective on the history of Jazz. From African slaves arriving in Congo Square New Orleans to Charlie Parker and many other legendary Jazz musicians who shaped and molded this great art form.
09/08/21 • 30 min
Ep. 87-Make room in the mouth for grass—my conversation with Layli Long Soldier
A long way from the block
In this episode, I sat down with Layli Long Soldier in her Albuquerque studio to talk about her upbringing. I spoke with the Oglala Lakota poet, writer, artist, and activist about some of the history of broken treaties experienced by Native peoples. We discussed the 2022 documentary "Lakota Nation vs. United States," a film in which she plays a major role, and her response to the 2009 U.S. Congressional apology to all Native peoples. We talk about the craft of poetry and her approach to writing. Lastly, we discuss her latest book of poetry, titled "Whereas."
In this episode, I sat down with Layli Long Soldier in her Albuquerque studio to talk about her upbringing. I spoke with the Oglala Lakota poet, writer, artist, and activist about some of the history of broken treaties experienced by Native peoples. We discussed the 2022 documentary "Lakota Nation vs. United States," a film in which she plays a major role, and her response to the 2009 U.S. Congressional apology to all Native peoples. We talk about the craft of poetry and her approach to writing. Lastly, we discuss her latest book of poetry, titled "Whereas."
11/22/23 • 185 min
Ep. 89-“She is known for her soil”—my conversation with Dr. Theresa “T” Ford
A long way from the block
Dr. T. Ford is a venerable elder in San Diego. As part of my series dedicated to documenting elders, we sat down together to discuss her upbringing—how her parents showed her at an early age what black excellence looked like, and how she carries their influence and example in all she does. (Her great-great grandmother, who shared her own wisdom, lived to be 109.) We discussed Dr. T. Ford’s contributions to communities both local and nationwide, including her involvement with the Black Storytellers of San Diego; Rite of Passage; and the former Fanno Academy School. In addition to possessing expertise as a grant writer, she has worked as an activist and organizer. She shared about her journey to achieve her Juris Doctor, and the relevance of the law to her other endeavors. Lastly, we touched on her relationship with Sister Helen Prejean, a leading voice for death penalty abolition and the author of Dead Man Walking.
Dr. T. Ford is a venerable elder in San Diego. As part of my series dedicated to documenting elders, we sat down together to discuss her upbringing—how her parents showed her at an early age what black excellence looked like, and how she carries their influence and example in all she does. (Her great-great grandmother, who shared her own wisdom, lived to be 109.) We discussed Dr. T. Ford’s contributions to communities both local and nationwide, including her involvement with the Black Storytellers of San Diego; Rite of Passage; and the former Fanno Academy School. In addition to possessing expertise as a grant writer, she has worked as an activist and organizer. She shared about her journey to achieve her Juris Doctor, and the relevance of the law to her other endeavors. Lastly, we touched on her relationship with Sister Helen Prejean, a leading voice for death penalty abolition and the author of Dead Man Walking.
12/18/23 • 103 min
Ep. 70-Seeing the bandstand as a place for ritual-my conversation with Nduduzo Makhathini
A long way from the block
In this episode, musician Nduduzo Makhathini and I talk extensively about African spirituality and cosmology and their influence on his creative process. We discuss the effects of apartheid in South Africa and what it was like for him to grow up in racialized townships. American jazz was an early inspiration; we touch on the legends—including Andrew Hill, McCoy Tyner, Don Pullen, Alice Coltrane, and Randy Weston—who continue to inspire him today. Nduduzo delves into how he approaches live performance and why it's important to him to incorporate history, culture, ritual, and chanting in his shows. Lastly, he shares what it's like being signed to the iconic Blue Note label.
In this episode, musician Nduduzo Makhathini and I talk extensively about African spirituality and cosmology and their influence on his creative process. We discuss the effects of apartheid in South Africa and what it was like for him to grow up in racialized townships. American jazz was an early inspiration; we touch on the legends—including Andrew Hill, McCoy Tyner, Don Pullen, Alice Coltrane, and Randy Weston—who continue to inspire him today. Nduduzo delves into how he approaches live performance and why it's important to him to incorporate history, culture, ritual, and chanting in his shows. Lastly, he shares what it's like being signed to the iconic Blue Note label.
04/10/23 • 73 min
Jazz Drummer and New Orleans native Joe Dyson talks about his musical journey
A long way from the block
During this episode Joe Dyson talks in depth about playing in church as a very young boy, and growing up around many great leaders, and mentors. He talks about the influence of his father Rev. Dr. J.C. Dyson, Sr. who makes a guest appearance on his recent album "A Look Within". We discuss his mentor Big Chief Donald Harrison and what he has meant to his music career and his life in general. Joe also breaks down his knowledge and understanding of the technical aspects of playing the drums.
During this episode Joe Dyson talks in depth about playing in church as a very young boy, and growing up around many great leaders, and mentors. He talks about the influence of his father Rev. Dr. J.C. Dyson, Sr. who makes a guest appearance on his recent album "A Look Within". We discuss his mentor Big Chief Donald Harrison and what he has meant to his music career and his life in general. Joe also breaks down his knowledge and understanding of the technical aspects of playing the drums.
11/01/21 • 87 min
A conversation with Eso Won Books co-owner James Fugate
A long way from the block
Eso Won Books which means "Water Over Rocks" in the Ethiopian Amharic language was founded in 1989. During this episode we discuss James Fugate's upbringing in Detroit before eventually making his way to South Central Los Angeles. He talks about his passion for books and what it's meant to be apart of a bookstore that's been a beacon of light and culture in the Historic Leimert Park community.
Eso Won Books which means "Water Over Rocks" in the Ethiopian Amharic language was founded in 1989. During this episode we discuss James Fugate's upbringing in Detroit before eventually making his way to South Central Los Angeles. He talks about his passion for books and what it's meant to be apart of a bookstore that's been a beacon of light and culture in the Historic Leimert Park community.
10/24/21 • 123 min
A conversation with Al Howard
A long way from the block
During this episode we discuss Al's early childhood with his mother and how she supported him and continues to be a powerful example in his life. We also discuss his passion for music, writing, poetry, nature and travel. And how he came to know Butterfly from the hip-hop group Digable Planets is his brother.
During this episode we discuss Al's early childhood with his mother and how she supported him and continues to be a powerful example in his life. We also discuss his passion for music, writing, poetry, nature and travel. And how he came to know Butterfly from the hip-hop group Digable Planets is his brother.
07/12/21 • 65 min
Mark Davis tells his amazing journey from the inner city to Major League Baseball
A long way from the block
During this episode Mark talks about what it was like growing up in City Heights with a father as a Police Officer, and how two supportive parents helped his dream come true. We also talk about his amazing journey from little league baseball to the major leagues. From playing strike out in his driveway with Charles Steel to watching his older brothers play sports at a high level. Currently a defense lawyer he talks about getting his law degree after his long and arduous baseball life ended.
During this episode Mark talks about what it was like growing up in City Heights with a father as a Police Officer, and how two supportive parents helped his dream come true. We also talk about his amazing journey from little league baseball to the major leagues. From playing strike out in his driveway with Charles Steel to watching his older brothers play sports at a high level. Currently a defense lawyer he talks about getting his law degree after his long and arduous baseball life ended.
10/10/21 • 56 min
Ep. 93- “My fingers are dancing grassroots”—a tribute to Horace Tapscott
A long way from the block
In this episode, we celebrate the legendary Los Angeles community leader, mentor, jazz pianist, and composer Horace Tapscott. Among my guests are former members of the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra, founded by Tapscott in 1961, and others who appreciate his contributions to the culture. Tune in to hear poets Kamau Daáood and Anthony Joseph; saxophonists Abraham Burton, Michael Session, and Steve Lehman; former Eso Won Books co-owner James Fugate; pianist Eric Reed; bassist Roberto Miranda; and author Steven Isoardi. Myka 9 of Freestyle Fellowship delivers the intro.
In this episode, we celebrate the legendary Los Angeles community leader, mentor, jazz pianist, and composer Horace Tapscott. Among my guests are former members of the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra, founded by Tapscott in 1961, and others who appreciate his contributions to the culture. Tune in to hear poets Kamau Daáood and Anthony Joseph; saxophonists Abraham Burton, Michael Session, and Steve Lehman; former Eso Won Books co-owner James Fugate; pianist Eric Reed; bassist Roberto Miranda; and author Steven Isoardi. Myka 9 of Freestyle Fellowship delivers the intro.
02/12/24 • 218 min
Highland Park Legends. My conversation with Rogelio "Yogi" Najera, Part 2.
A long way from the block
My first interview with Yogi has been my most downloaded and listened to podcast so far. It resonated with so many different people and received so much positive feedback I was excited that he agreed to do a part two.
In this episode I talk with Yogi about some of the most influential people from my youth that came from Highland Park such as Ricky Williams, Charles Steel, Titus Fisher as well as others. Highland Park was the name of the local recreation center that served as the hub for everyone who grew up in East Dago ( City Heights). We would meet there for everything from playing carroms, ping-pong, strike-out, basketball in the cage, tackle football, dice games to the legendary blues brothers setting up their turntables and playing music in the summertime.
We also broaden our discussion to include some of the legends from other neighborhoods throughout the San Diego area. Yogi's impressive basketball career at Hoover High led him to friendships with many of the other great San Diego athletes like, Percy Gilbert, Carl Fisher, Tyrone Miller, Lawrence West, Norman Baker, Sleepy Caldwell and many others.
Since some of these stories and memories took place nearly 40 plus years ago there were a couple of details that I'd like to correct. Percy Gilbert is 5 years older than Yogi, not 5 years younger. And his Hoover High teammate’s name was Mike Hyatt not Mike Haupt.
My first interview with Yogi has been my most downloaded and listened to podcast so far. It resonated with so many different people and received so much positive feedback I was excited that he agreed to do a part two.
In this episode I talk with Yogi about some of the most influential people from my youth that came from Highland Park such as Ricky Williams, Charles Steel, Titus Fisher as well as others. Highland Park was the name of the local recreation center that served as the hub for everyone who grew up in East Dago ( City Heights). We would meet there for everything from playing carroms, ping-pong, strike-out, basketball in the cage, tackle football, dice games to the legendary blues brothers setting up their turntables and playing music in the summertime.
We also broaden our discussion to include some of the legends from other neighborhoods throughout the San Diego area. Yogi's impressive basketball career at Hoover High led him to friendships with many of the other great San Diego athletes like, Percy Gilbert, Carl Fisher, Tyrone Miller, Lawrence West, Norman Baker, Sleepy Caldwell and many others.
Since some of these stories and memories took place nearly 40 plus years ago there were a couple of details that I'd like to correct. Percy Gilbert is 5 years older than Yogi, not 5 years younger. And his Hoover High teammate’s name was Mike Hyatt not Mike Haupt.
04/25/22 • 99 min
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FAQ
How many episodes does A long way from the block have?
A long way from the block currently has 112 episodes available.
What topics does A long way from the block cover?
The podcast is about Poetry, Culture, History, Martial Arts, Podcasts, Education, Hip Hop, Jazz, Arts and Travel.
What is the most popular episode on A long way from the block?
The episode title 'Ep. 69-Protecting human and civil rights—my conversation with Andrea Guerrero' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on A long way from the block?
The average episode length on A long way from the block is 95 minutes.
How often are episodes of A long way from the block released?
Episodes of A long way from the block are typically released every 13 days, 17 hours.
When was the first episode of A long way from the block?
The first episode of A long way from the block was released on Jun 5, 2021.
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