Best Milena Brown Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 117-Humble beginnings—my conversation with Oscar-winning director Guy Nattiv 57:56

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23d ago57:56

57:56

Guy Nattiv—the Israeli-born director, producer, and screenwriter—won an Oscar in 2019 for his short film Skin. His latest release, Tatami, is out now in select theaters. In this episode, we speak about the subject matter of Skin, his filmmaking process, and the impact it had on him and on the actors. It's a highly unconventional story of revenge, m…

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Ep. 116-Healing rituals—my conversation with Naïssam Jalal 1:57:38

1M ago1:57:38

1:57:38

My guest for this episode is flautist, vocalist, and composer Naïssam Jamal. Born in Paris to Syrian parents, she entered a conservatory at age six to study classical flute. We discuss her early life in Paris and issues surrounding her cultural background; she talks about her experiences in the conservatory and her subsequent travels throughout the…

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Ep. 115-Reflection of another self—my conversation with Milena Casado 1:01:38

2M ago1:01:38

1:01:38

In this episode, I talk with the talented trumpeter, composer, and arranger Milena Casado. Born and raised in Spain, she’s a graduate of the Berklee College of Music, where she honed her skills working with amazing teachers. She shares about growing up in a small village town, looking different from other members of that community; about meeting he…

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Ep. 114-Space-age Africans—my conversation with Ankh West 2:27:43

2M ago2:27:43

2:27:43

In this episode, I talk with Ankh West, a science advocate who focuses on scientific literacy within the African-American community. Science, he explains, can be a tool for promoting rigorous academic standards within institutions. He talks about the importance of peer-reviewed scholarship, archaeological data, and linguistic research. Among his pr…

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Ep. 113-Never miss your house—my conversation with Wren T. Brown 1:33:53

3M ago1:33:53

1:33:53

I had the pleasure of recording this episode inside the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, in L.A., hometown of the talented Wren T. Brown. Wren is an actor, film producer, and theater director, who cofounded the Ebony Repertory Theatre (ERT). We talk in-depth about what that company has meant to him and how it has affected an entire community in …

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Ep. 112-The Young Lion-my conversation with Kahlil Childs 1:52:01

4M ago1:52:01

1:52:01

For this episode, I sat down with the young lion Kahlil Childs, an alto saxophonist and multi-reedist who leads his own quartet here in San Diego. At 15, he has already made a name for himself on the local jazz scene. We met to discuss why jazz was the path he discerned for himself, and how learning about jazz legends has inspired him to continue h…

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Ep. 111-Interrogating black history—my conversation with Dr. Kamau Rashid 1:38:59

4M ago1:38:59

1:38:59

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Kamau Rashid, professor and director of the Kemetic Institute of Chicago. We speak in detail about the importance of African and African-American history and its power to transform the lives of younger generations, and he references the historians and intellectuals who were his own forebears and inspirations. We dis…

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Ep. 110-African Time—my conversation with Elder Herbie Tsoaeli 1:27:36

5M ago1:27:36

1:27:36

South African bassist, composer, and arranger Herbie Tsoaeli is affectionately known, in certain circles, as Malume, a term of respect for older men who serve as elders. In this episode, we discuss his origins and inspiration. He was raised in Cape Town during the 1976 Soweto Uprising and describes the effects of Apartheid on his development. His p…

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Ep. 109-Poetry is my foundation—my conversation with Liza Jessie Peterson 1:30:50

6M ago1:30:50

1:30:50

Liza Jessie Peterson’s parents provided her with a grounding that allowed her, she says, to teeter at the edge of the cliff but never jump. The artist, activist, poet, playwright, and actor had early success as a model but discovered it wasn’t her true path. In this episode, she shares how her writing career began with journaling and poetry, eventu…

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Ep. 108-Activate my blessings—my conversation with Professor Zahalea Anderson 35:01

7M ago35:01

35:01

Professor Zahalea Anderson is a second-generation student of Sanuces Ryu JuJitsu System and founder of RA Life Defense. We recently met at her makeshift outdoor studio, at Bluff Park in Long Beach, to discuss her upbringing and martial arts journey. Anderson learned from her father, Grand Master Urban Muhammad, who was a first-generation student of…

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Ep. 107-Honoring Ethiopian roots—my conversation with Romeo Regalli 17:59

7M ago17:59

17:59

For this too-short conversation, I sat down with Romeo Regalli, chef and co-owner of Ras Plant Based, located in Brooklyn and New York's West Village. We discussed his upbringing in Ethiopia, embedded in family and community. He described his sense of purpose to make the world healthier and happier one meal at a time, the core of his work, and we d…

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Ep. 106-Daughter of the soil—my conversation with Thandiswa Mazwai 1:04:54

9M ago1:04:54

1:04:54

In this inspiring episode, I talk with South African rebel singer Thandiswa Mazwai, discussing her upbringing in Soweto, South Africa, during the Apartheid era. Her memories of the violence that took place are vivid. She recalls experiencing a great sense of freedom upon Nelson Mandela's release from prison and describes meeting South African legen…

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Ep. 105-Cultivators of conscious culture—my conversation with Derrick Banks 1:22:14

9M ago1:22:14

1:22:14

Derrick Banks is the owner and operator of Freshly Faded Barber + Shop in North Park, San Diego. Coming up, he was mentored by local barbers such as those at Gentry’s, part of the San Diego scene for over sixty years. In this conversation we start by discussing his upbringing and the standards his parents set for him. Black history and culture were…

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Ep. 104-Claiming your own DNA—my conversation with Carl Hancock Rux 2:04:59

10M ago2:04:59

2:04:59

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Rux Revue, the groundbreaking debut album by Carl Hancock Rux. Not long ago, we sat down for an in-depth discussion about his hands-on involvement in its making, from bringing in his own background singers to recording the powerful song "I Recall" in a bathroom, for the acoustics. We talked through the album …

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Ep. 103-My culture informs my voice—my conversation with Linda Sikhakhane 1:00:33

11M ago1:00:33

1:00:33

In this latest episode, I talk with South African saxophonist and composer Linda Sikhakhane, who honors and pays homage to the great elders and master musicians, including Brian Thusi. Sikhakhane, who was raised in Umlazi township, talks about the cultural aspects of being Zulu and the importance of preserving his culture. He shares about his time …

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Ep. 102- The process of discovery—my conversation with Kris Davis 1:01:23

12M ago1:01:23

1:01:23

After seeing Grammy-winning pianist and composer Kris Davis, live at the Village Vanguard, I knew I wanted to sit down with her and dive into jazz. Here we discuss her philosophy of improvisation and her energy and passion for performing live. The Canadian-born artist fell in love with jazz at an early age, studied jazz piano at the University of T…

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Ep. 101- The seat of my soul Pt. 3—my conversation with Lynel “Dukeysticc” Allen III 1:15:28

12M ago1:15:28

1:15:28

In my first-ever interview with an audience, I sat down with Lynel Allen III for the third installment of “The seat of my soul.” We revisited topics from our prior conversations (Episodes 79 and 81) while discussing his childhood in greater depth. He touched on personal issues such as his heavy drug use, the loneliness of incarceration, and when he…

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Ep. 100- Great Highland Park Stories Vol. 1 2:22:30

1y ago2:22:30

2:22:30

To celebrate the 100th episode of this podcast, a podcast inspired by the concept of roots, I offer you a tribute to Highland Park. In San Diego, when I was young, this park was Mecca—the place where kids met every day after school and for entire summers. The friendships I forged there lasted; most, I still call friends today. For this episode I ca…

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Ep. 99- "I started this to heal myself"—my conversation with Azikiwee Anderson 50:08

1y ago50:08

50:08

Azikiwee Anderson founded his San Francisco bakery, Rize Up, as a way to heal. In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, Anderson began channeling his feelings one loaf at a time in his home kitchen; from there he became a household name in the city’s sourdough movement. In this episode, we discuss his humble beginnings, his mother’s profound influence…

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Ep. 98-Surrender to the music—my conversation with Corcoran Holt 34:27

1y ago34:27

34:27

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Corcoran Holt before his performance with the Kenny Garrett group, at the world-famous Blue Note. The jazz bassist, composer, and educator discussed the early influences of African drum and dance and learning about African culture from his parents. We also talked about djembe player Mamady Keïta’s inf…

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Ep. 97-From block to bishop—my conversation with Cornelius Bowser 1:45:20

1y ago1:45:20

1:45:20

In 1984, Bishop Cornelius Bowser experienced a major transition: he decided to leave gang- and street-life behind and turn his life over to Christ. In this episode, we talk about the years that preceded and the years that followed that momentous decision. We cover his growing up in The Coast—a neighborhood in San Diego that was the home of the West…

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Ep. 96-Food, Family, Music—my conversation with DJ Nu-Mark 1:09:33

1+ y ago1:09:33

1:09:33

In this episode, I talk with DJ Nu-Mark, world-renowned producer, turntablist, and member of the legendary hip-hop group Jurassic 5. He has a brand-new cookbook/memoir out, called Amu Nu. In describing the book, he offers some stories about his beloved mother and extended family, and we talk about how it all came together. He also touches on his ti…

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Ep. 95-Show them that light—my conversation with Sanah Kadoura 19:47

1+ y ago19:47

19:47

Prior to her performance at Dizzy's Club, I had the pleasure of talking with Lebanese-Canadian drummer, composer, producer, and educator Sanah Kadoura. This week's episode encompasses that conversation. We discuss the Arabic and popular American music that was prevalent during her growing up in Calgary, Canada. Sanah talks about her role as an arti…

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Ep. 94-The Sun Rises in The East—my conversation with Tayo and Cynthia Giwa 1:12:33

1+ y ago1:12:33

1:12:33

In this episode, I sat down with Brooklyn’s own Tayo and Cynthia Giwa, the husband and wife filmmaking team and creators of Black-Owned Brooklyn. Their current documentary, “The Sun Rises in The East,” is streaming now on Amazon Prime. We talked in detail about the filmmaking process and the vital role that current elders play in preserving black h…

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Ep. 93- “My fingers are dancing grassroots”—a tribute to Horace Tapscott 3:36:17

1+ y ago3:36:17

3:36:17

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; saxophon…

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Ep. 92-A competitor like no other-my conversation with Keith Barksdale. 55:38

1+ y ago55:38

55:38

For this episode, I sat down with a former Hoover High basketball backcourt teammate. Back then, he went by Keith Williams; later in life, he changed his last name to Barksdale, in recognition of his biological father. Together we reminisced about our time in high school and his stellar career as one of the best overall athletes ever to play at Hoo…

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Ep. 91-Drums of Passion-my conversation with Nic Cacioppo 52:56

1+ y ago52:56

52:56

While traveling on the East Coast, I stopped by the Jersey City apartment/studio of jazz drummer and composer Nic Cacioppo, to discuss his jazz journey. In this interview, he talks about the influence of his parents, both classically trained musicians. Nic has been blessed to play with jazz greats like Slide Hampton, Gene Perla, Wallace Roney, Davi…

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Ep. 90-Wordsmith of the highest degree—my conversation with Myka 9 1:10:03

1+ y ago1:10:03

1:10:03

Myka 9 is one of the most prolific MCs of all time. In this interview, he talks in depth about the components of thought and influence that shape his rhyme style. His entire approach is inflected with jazz, with random sounds sparking melodies and harmonies. These are overlaid and interwoven with an extensive vocabulary. In 2022 the folks at Medium…

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Ep. 89-“She is known for her soil”—my conversation with Dr. Theresa “T” Ford 1:43:40

1+ y ago1:43:40

1:43:40

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, li…

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Ep. 88-You're not going to pass me—my conversation with Regina Peters and Hannibal Smith 1:17:52

1+ y ago1:17:52

1:17:52

For this episode, I sat down with two incredible ultra-runners: Hannibal Smith, who has appeared on this podcast before and is a trainer and co-owner of NXPT Fitness; and Regina Peters, who is also a trainer at NXPT and, like Hannibal, has competed in 100-mile marathons. Together we discussed the preparations involved in taking on the Spartan Race,…

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Ep. 87-Make room in the mouth for grass—my conversation with Layli Long Soldier 3:05:55

1+ y ago3:05:55

3:05:55

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 maj…

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Ep. 86-Do no harm—my conversation with John Williams 1:28:12

1+ y ago1:28:12

1:28:12

In this episode, I talk with John Williams about his unique approach to coaching, training, and mentoring athletes. At the core of his teaching is the Hippocratic oath. He discusses how he adapts and adjusts to various athletes from different athletic discipline, including NFL players, ballerinas, and even exotic dancers. He touches on his approach…

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Ep. 85-The sweet spot of discovery—my conversation with Tongo Eisen-Martin 1:51:01

1+ y ago1:51:01

1:51:01

Tongo Eisen-Martin is the current Poet Laureate of San Francisco, his hometown. He's also an educator and an activist. We talk about the influence of his activist mother and the role she played in his life. Tongo discusses major issues in the city, including gentrification, homelessness, and mass incarceration, all of which have impacted his writin…

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Ep. 84-The knight of swords—my conversation with JD Allen 59:03

1+ y ago59:03

59:03

To mark the release of his new album, THIS, I sit down with tenor saxophonist and composer JD Allen. We talk extensively about what went into making the album, the musicians he chose for the project, and the meanings behind some of its track titles. JD also explains why incorporating electronics was vital to the album's sound. We discuss THIS's bol…

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Ep. 83-"I think of my parents"-my conversation with Tamar Greene 1:04:27

2y ago1:04:27

1:04:27

In this episode, I talk with Tamar Greene, who plays George Washington in the current Broadway production of "Hamilton." We discuss his upbringing in Rochester, NY, and—thanks to his parents—his early exposure to the arts. His Jamaican-born father—Ras Courtney, a well known reggae DJ—helped shape him musically and influenced his appreciation for cu…

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Ep. 82-Purveyor of sonic eclectics—my conversation with LeRoy Downs 50:59

2y ago50:59

50:59

For this episode, I sat down with the Jazzcat himself, LeRoy Downs, to talk about all things jazz. Born and raised in LA, listening to KDAY, it wasn't until he saw artists like Roy Hargrove and Terence Blanchard that he was pulled into the music that changed his trajectory. Traveling back in time, he took a deep dive into the history of the music a…

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Ep. 81-"The seat of my soul" Pt. 2—my conversation with Lynell "Dukeysticc" Allen III 1:34:13

2y ago1:34:13

1:34:13

In my follow-up interview with Lynell Allen, we talk about his growing up on the Coast and spending time at the local rec center and boys' club. We delve into his father's influence and the time Allen spent with adults starting at a very early age. He offers an honest appraisal of prison life and advice to those coming up about the prison system. L…

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Ep. 80-Music beyond the notes—my conversation with Omer Avital 1:08:09

2y ago1:08:09

1:08:09

In this episode, I join jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Omer Avital in his beautiful, intimate studio in Brooklyn, NY. Born in Givatayim, Israel, to Moroccan and Yemeni parents, Omer studied classical guitar from age 11 before eventually shifting to acoustic bass. We talk about his 1992 arrival in New York, where he shook up the city playing…

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Ep. 79- "The seat of my soul" -my conversation with Lynell "Dookie Stick" Allen III 2:02:50

2y ago2:02:50

2:02:50

In this episode, I sit down with one of the greatest Pop Warner running backs of all time, as well as one of the best pop lockers in San Diego history and an OG from the West Coast Crips. We discuss his upbringing, his dad's influence, and the tension he felt between sports and the pull of the streets. We talk about gang culture and the way it robb…

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Ep. 78-Creativity from an artificial source—my conversation with Steve Lehman 1:01:43

2y ago1:01:43

1:01:43

In this episode, I sit down with Steve Lehman, visionary alto saxophonist and composer, to discuss his project "Ex Machina," a collaboration with the grammy-nominated Orchestre National de Jazz (ONJ). We talk in detail about his approach to composing and how the process varies according to the size of the group he's composing for—big bands versus q…

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Ep. 77-A series of negotiations—my conversation with Yohance Joseph Lacour 1:37:17

2y ago1:37:17

1:37:17

In this episode, I interview Chicago-based investigative journalist Yohance Lacour. Our conversation ranges from his upbringing—books he was given by his parents, the influence of an uncle, and his early awareness of the African-American experience—to his ten-year incarceration for selling drugs. We also discuss his podcast, "You Didn’t See Nothin’…

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Ep. 76-A collaboration interview with filmmaker Rose Sanchez 35:39

2y ago35:39

35:39

During this episode I sat sown with local San Diego film maker Rose Sanchez to do my first ever collaboration interview. We go back and forth interviewing each other. She recently graduated from SDSU as a film studies major so I asked her several questions about why she wants to be a film director, her inspirations and future goals. She asked me ab…

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Ep. 75-Heritage, home and remembrance-my conversation with Jahsun Edmonds 1:10:21

2y ago1:10:21

1:10:21

In this episode I sat down with Jahsun Edmonds aka Oluwo Ifakolade, head priest of Idin Kaa Ifa Temple in Los Angeles. We discussed his recent journey to Nigeria for the World Ifa Orisha Festival. He explains the importance of traveling to the homeland of Yoruba culture and what it was like to experience sacred sites, festivals and rituals. Jahsun …

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Ep. 74-Raising the planetary frequencies-my conversation with Bigg Jus & Orko Eloheim of the hip-hop group NMS. 1:12:49

2y ago1:12:49

1:12:49

In this episode I talk with mc's and producers of the hip-hop group NMS (Nephlim Modulation Systems). We discuss they're upcoming album NMS 3- Liberation Is The Only Thing Left. Their two previous albums NMS 1- Woe Thee O' Land Whose King Is A Child 2003 and NMS 2- Imperial Letters Of Protection 2005 are available on all platforms. We talk in-depth…

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Ep. 73-The Sage of Buxton—a special tribute to Baba Eusi Kwayana 1:20:18

2y ago1:20:18

1:20:18

In this episode I traveled to Atlanta, Georgia for a celebration, It was Baba Eusi's 98th birthday. Friends, family, former students and many others who walked with him in the struggle gathered to pay homage to one of Guyana's greatest treasures. These are their testimonies. Eusi Kwayana, formerly Sydney King (born April 4 1925) in Lusignan, Guyana…

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Ep. 72-No Tables No Chairs-my conversation with Mausiki Scales 1:20:24

2y ago1:20:24

1:20:24

In this episode, I sit down with musician, bandleader, professor, and historian Mausiki Scales. We talk about his growing-up years in Gary, Indiana, where he was raised in a household that promoted education and black excellence. He shares what it was like for him, as a teenager, to meet the likes of James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, and Gwendolyn Brook…

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Ep. 71-Capoeira Angola Beyond the Roda—my conversation with Mestre Roxinho 1:54:57

2y ago1:54:57

1:54:57

In this episode, Mestre Roxinho and I discuss his childhood in Bahia, playing soccer and living on the streets. We talk about the strong sense of cultural identity instilled in him by his mother—his first hero and the rock of the family—which helped him navigate the extreme racism in Brazil. Metalworking, not capoeira, was what he learned first fro…

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Ep. 70-Seeing the bandstand as a place for ritual-my conversation with Nduduzo Makhathini 1:13:29

2+ y ago1:13:29

1:13:29

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 Andre…

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Ep. 69-Protecting human and civil rights—my conversation with Andrea Guerrero 1:08:39

2+ y ago1:08:39

1:08:39

A lawyer by trade, Andrea Guerrero approaches the law with an eye toward change. In this episode, she shares how being multilingual and multicultural—she was raised in Mexico—has helped to shape her outlook on life and her work. Guerrero is known in her community as an organizer, someone who walks what she talks and is willing to fight for clients …

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Ep. 68-Reflection & Action—my conversation with Brett Cook 53:21

2+ y ago53:21

53:21

Interdisciplinary artist Brett Cook's current exhibit, at The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, is profound. In this episode, we talk about the history of some of the installations, including the stunning self-portrait that greets visitors as they enter. Brett explains in detail why and how the show, a collaboration with choreograph…