Shows
Eyes On WhitenessThe Safehouse of Neutrality: How Institutions Protect White SupremacyMini-series Part 2: The Safehouse of NeutralityIn this episode, Maureen continues the deep dive into how whiteness shape-shifts—this time through the soft power of institutional neutrality.From school boards banning books to nonprofits redirecting equity funds, neutrality is used as a strategy, not a stance. With help from Audre Lorde and Ta-Nehisi Coates, Maureen explores how whiteness hides inside “objectivity,” “professionalism,” and “donor comfort”—shielding itself from critique while punishing disruption.We also return to the film Sinners, where vampires can’t feed unless invited in—a sharp metaphor for how institutions dra...2025-07-2823 minEyes On WhitenessWhen Fascism Rebrands — Elon Musk and the Aesthetics of WhitenessMini-series Whiteness is Shape-ShiftingPt. 1: When Fascism Rebrands — Elon Musk and the Aesthetics of Whiteness In this episode, Maureen dives into the shape-shifting nature of whiteness—how it survives by mutating into rebellion, reason, and innovation. She takes us into the political spectacle surrounding Elon Musk’s “America Party,” his tech-fueled propaganda, and the cultural silence that followed his Nazi salute on a presidential stage.Drawing on the work of W.E.B. Du Bois and Ruha Benjamin, Maureen traces how whiteness adapts—selling domination through calm logic, clean design, and “free spe...2025-07-1419 minEyes On WhitenessLeading Without Ego: Nonjudgment as a Tool for Clarity and Collective PowerIn this episode, Maureen dives into the powerful practice of nonjudgment—not as a soft alternative to accountability, but as a path to clarity, discernment, and principled leadership. She unpacks how judgment (especially internalized) can cloud our ability to lead with integrity, and how nonjudgment offers a way to pause, inquire, and root critique in care.Through a close look at the recent New York City mayoral primary, we examine how progressive candidates modeled nonjudgment in action—setting aside ego, embracing strategic alignment, and practicing principled critique. Maureen also shares a personal reflection on the ways shame and...2025-07-0127 min
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 129 | Calisthenics w/ The Cuntcast!Bacon and Aaron reunite with N'Jaila Rhee for the podcast crossover event of your lunch break! We discuss disability in an even more hostile environment than usual, begin the process of getting Bacon to play Doom: The Dark Ages, N'Jaila comes out of "retirement", and remind everyone that OnlyFans already has a non-sexual equivalent: Patreon.2025-06-131h 46Eyes On WhitenessDecentering Power and Privilege in Real Life: From Parenting to PolicyIn this episode of Eyes on Whiteness, we’re exploring what it means to decenter power and privilege—especially in times of overwhelm, urgency, or fear.Maureen invites you into a vulnerable, provocative reflection on how systems like white supremacy and patriarchy teach us to equate control with care—and how that shaping shows up in everyday leadership roles: parenting, teaching, activism, art, nonprofit work, and more.Through honest storytelling and critical inquiry, this episode offers tangible ways to notice our defaults, practice grace instead of guilt, and choose connection over domination. Whether you’re a teache...2025-06-0927 minEyes On WhitenessReturning to Integrity: Practicing Accountability Without ShameIn a world that rewards urgency, overwork, and perfectionism, what does it look like to return to ourselves—not through punishment, but through presence?This week, I share a personal story of falling out of alignment with my commitments—not from malice, but from fear, fatigue, and scarcity. I reflect on what it took to course-correct, to soften instead of self-judge, and to rebuild a rhythm rooted in integrity, self-trust, and care.I also explore examples from around the globe—stories of individuals and communities who are embodying integrity in the face of oppression, not throug...2025-06-0321 minEyes On WhitenessIntegrity in the In-Between: Grace, Not Guilt for Justice-Driven OrganizationsIn this episode, Maureen reflects on the gap so many justice-centered organizations face between what they say they value—and how it actually feels to work inside them.She explores the concept of Intersectional Integrity as a practice—not of perfection, but of presence.You’ll hear reflections on:What it means to lead from alignment rather than collapseHow shame functions as a tool of white supremacy cultureWhy relational accountability begins with honesty about ourselvesMaureen also shares a deeply personal story about her time in these organizations—naming how power, shame, a...2025-05-2625 minEyes On WhitenessIntrospection as Resistance: A Reflection for Educators in These TimesIn this episode of Eyes on Whiteness, Maureen invites educators—teachers, counselors, staff, and school leaders—into a reflection on introspection as a form of resistance.Not resistance through exhaustion or constant urgency.But resistance through honesty. Through pause. Through returning to self.In institutions shaped by white supremacy culture, educators are often expected to perform superhuman care without ever tending to their own needs. Perfectionism. Urgency. Emotional suppression. Compliance. These are not neutral workplace norms—they are expressions of whiteness.This episode offers a different path.You’ll...2025-05-2121 minEyes On WhitenessCultural Resistance: Transmuting Censorship into Collective CreationWelcome back....again. It´s Season 3! In this return episode of Eyes on Whiteness, Maureen reflects on the global rise in censorship—from banned books and criminalized drag to the erasure of murals and public memory. But this moment is not just political—it’s cultural, spiritual, and creative.Drawing from history and present-day resistance, Maureen shares how artists have long transmuted oppression into beauty, grief into expression, and truth into action. You'll hear powerful examples from across the U.S., Palestine, Brazil, Germany, and beyond—and receive a personal reflection on rest, rhythm, and reclaiming...2025-05-1219 min
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 128 | Old Shirt EnergyBacon and Aaron jump in to talk Reed Richards as a concept, an impromptu discussion of masculinity, Bacon goes deep into their Final Fantasy bag, and we talk South of Midnight, from its incredibly thoughtful narrative to the difficulties some people have empathizing with a Black protagonist. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @freeman Theme Song: @Willieev2025-05-081h 58
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 127 | New Shirt EnergyBacon and Aaron return for 2025 just in time to sort through the rubble. TikTok went and came. RedNote is uniting meme cultures. Drake is suing every Black person for playing Not Like Us. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @freeman Theme Song: @Willieev2025-01-221h 15
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 126 | The Dragon Age Waiting RoomBacon and Aaron talk why Bacon never plays demos, what they do INSTEAD, our tentative excitement about the Bioware writer's room overhaul, and a few words about Bloober Team's Silent Hill 2 Remake, I did not think they could do it and I stand corrected. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Theme Song: @Willieev2024-10-251h 05
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 125 | A Wild ADDSpace Appears!Bacon and Aaron are back with explanations, a eulogy for Concord, a look into the Anti-Woke Database, and the world's most beautiful professional wrestler. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Theme Song: @Willieev 2024-09-181h 18
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 124 | Flawless Like Her Ass CheeksBacon, Justin, and Aaron talk the WNBA's history of Great White Hopes, Bacon's obsession with Coral Island, the NCAA's loss of relevance, and narrative intent vs. narrative execution. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Host: @ljay90 Theme Song: @Willieev2024-06-041h 25
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 123 | They Are What They SayBacon, Justin, and Aaron talk how much GamersTM can be soothed with ass cheeks, Drake and the difference between being beloved and being tolerated, and appreciate Helldivers a bit more before another attempt is made to ruin it. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Host: @ljay90 Theme Song: @Willieev2024-05-241h 24
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 122 | Restorative PlayBacon and Aaron are joined by professional Dungeon Master, game designer, and writer Neosoulgod to discuss the nuances of creating inclusive experiences and the genuine healing that play can provide. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Guest: @neosoulgod Theme Song: @Willieev2024-05-101h 32
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 121 | Diversity From Unlikely PlacesBacon and Aaron are joined by writer Jeffrey Rousseau to discuss Helldivers and Dragon's Dogma 2, specifically DD character creator and how future games can step up. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Guest: @JRpotential Theme Song: @Willieev2024-04-191h 34
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 120 | Evergreen Review: Thirsty SuitorsBacon and Jaila review the love letter to queer 2nd-generation immigrants that is the game Thirsty Suitors. ALSO a note from Bacon and Aaron about where the hell we've been! Host: @Baconzilla Host: @blasianbytch Theme Song: @Willieev2024-03-2952 min
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 119 | Corporations Can't Be HomiesBacon, Aaron, and Jeffrey talk about the fresh year of layoffs in the gaming industry, which projects to exceed last year's layoff numbers and it is only February. We include a friendly reminder that corporations are never your friends and your employers will never be quite a loyal as we'd like. Host: @Baconzilla Host: @ansfreeman Host: @jrpotential Theme Song: @Willieev2024-02-161h 53
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 117 | A Tale of Moisturized Faces and Tiny PimpsBacon, Aaron, and Justin discuss the slate of incoming updates for FF14, including a revamp of lighting for brown skin, the introduction of the furry muscle momma class, and when the terms "friend" and "hoe" become interchangeable. Host: @Baconzilla Host: @ansfreeman Host: @ljay90 Theme Song: @Willieev2024-01-191h 13
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 116 | Birthday VintageBacon, Aaron, and birthday person N'Jaila discuss pre-Katt Williams news including how unprepared we are for Unreal Engine 5, desires for the new year, and the need to upgrade one's equipment. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Host: @blasianbytch Theme Song: @Willieev2024-01-051h 59
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 115 | A Word About Our Lord and Savior LancerBacon, Aaron, Justin, and BAP get together to discuss the Game Awards, Bacon explains the expansive lore of the tabletop RPG Lancer, while we all discuss how shockingly lucrative Grand Theft Online has been for a decade. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Host: @ljay90 Host: @ashy3classy Theme Song: @Willieev2023-12-181h 49
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 114 | A Great Year For Gaming?Bacon, Aaron, and writer, social commentator, thought leader, observer, activist, creator, game critic, author, and speaker Jeffrey Rousseau discuss the best year for gaming products happening in parallel with the worst year for gaming labor. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Host: @jrpotential Theme Song: @Willieev2023-12-091h 40
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 113 | Predator 8: Hunting for LoveBacon, Aaron, and N'Jaila Rhee talk the Five Nights at Freddie's Movie, the binds of film chronology, and how we intend to spice up future Predator movies. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Host: @blasianbytch Theme Song: @Willieev2023-11-272h 09
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 112 | The Sophisticated Adult SectionBacon, Aaron, and N'Jaila Rhee talk the Bootytalk Era in adult films, Alan Wake 2, growing up with your favorite band, the possible end of Destiny 2, and how much Konami hates making games for you. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Host: @blasianbytch Theme Song: @Willieev2023-11-092h 11
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 111 | Private AffairsBacon, Aaron, and a returning N'Jaila Rhee talk the Sims in 2023, and our private lore affairs including aging rock band drama and N'Jaila's encyclopedic knowledge of Mortal Kombat lore, and the potential return of net neutrality. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Host: @blasianbytch Theme Song: @Willieev2023-10-192h 01
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 110 | The Abundance ConundrumBacon, Aaron, and writer Jeffrey Rousseau discuss the problem of abundance, too many games, too little time, and an advertising machine that heavily relies on making consumers feel badly about both. We also have a sneak peek in an ADDSpace group play of the procedural storytelling RPG Wildermyth. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Host: @jrpotential Theme Song: @Willieev2023-09-291h 44
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 109 | The Problematic Dungeon MasterBacon, and Aaron talk about treading water during the coming flood of games, review Baldur's Gate, and remind aspiring writers about the difficulty of forging a slave narrative. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Theme Song: @Willieev2023-09-132h 08
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 108 | Drowning In VideogamesBacon, Justin, BAP, and Aaron try to tread water in the coming deluge of games, discuss the problematic writing but excellent gameplay of Baldur's Gate 3, and prepare our bodies to receive Armored Core 6. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ljay90 Host: @ashy3classy Host: @ansfreeman Theme Song: @Willieev2023-08-281h 46
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 107 | What Games Make You Happy?Bacon, Justin, and Aaron talk what games make us happy, the concept of happiness in gaming, the first of many Bluelock discussions, Activision losing the entire Cybertron game series, and announcements from Final Fantasy Fanfest. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ljay90 Host: @ansfreeman Theme Song: @Willieev2023-08-041h 39
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 106 | A Tale of Accessibility and SubmersiblesBacon, Aaron and game designer RD Ash about what business humans have deep underwater and fighting game design, specifically the masterstroke of accessibility that is Street Fighter 6, shattering a barrier that should reshape the entire genre. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @dynavolta Host: @ansfreeman Theme Song: @Willieev2023-06-232h 01
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 105 | Playing Both SidesBacon, Aaron and Jeffrey Rousseau talk having a successful career in an industry that is more than willing to put you on the street, Final Fantasy 16's questionable narrative choices, and highlights from Summer Game Fest, including South of Midnight and the most important game of all time, Starfield. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @jrpotential Host: @ansfreeman Theme Song: @Willieev2023-06-161h 36
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 104 | We Learned NothingBacon, Justin, and Aaron talk corporate greed breaking things, from Redfall, to Warner Bros. Studios, to HBO, and Blizzard. The lessons from the media of our youth were not retained at all. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ljay90 Host: @ansfreeman Theme Song: @Willieev2023-06-021h 14Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 103 | Cozy Games = Psychic DamageBacon and Aaron talk chronic fatigue, playing Tears of the Kingdom for the audience, US labor issues (!), and cozy games emerging as an excellent vehicle for deep storytelling. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Theme Song: @Willieev2023-05-171h 28Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 102 | The Medical Check-inBacon and Aaron talk Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), what it does, and the difficulty of navigating a medical issue that confuses physicians themselves. We also talk Elon Musk's rocket launch, Matt Walsh's account being hacked, and how attempts to monetize Twitter have gone. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Theme Song: @Willieev2023-04-251h 06Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 101 | Our Favorite Genre Is TrashBacon and Aaron have Justin and BAP join them to discuss classic browser gaming, remind everyone that it's ok to enjoy something terrible, why the original Matrix still goes, and the difficulty in live service storytelling. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ljay90 Host: @ashy3classy Host: @ansfreeman Theme Song: @Willieev2023-04-111h 24Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 100 | The "Over-Inclusion" Centennial Double Decker SpecialBacon and Aaron celebrate their 100th episode with an extra long episode! Justin visits to connect JK Rowling's problematic behavior to ... One Piece. Then Jeffrey Rousseau joins to talk "over-inclusion", the wild world of character creation suites, and whether Resident Evil 5 has any redeeming qualities worthy of a remake. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ljay90 Host: @jrpotential Host: @ansfreeman Theme Song: @Willieev2023-03-202h 22Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 99 | Bacon's Secret SauceBacon and Aaron discuss the Wizard Game fiasco, the surprise Nintendo direct that costs Aaron even more money, and the telltale signs of a game directly affected by the pandemic. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Theme Song: @Willieev2023-02-221h 55Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 98 | Meet Joe BigotBacon and Aaron discuss the poor design of achievement points in games, the trope of the "edgy" white male creative, and the many, MANY PR issues surrounding Forspoken highlighting the complexity of supporting Blackness in media. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Theme Song: @Willieev2023-01-181h 20Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 97 | The Hateur SymposiumBacon and Aaron are joined by international thought leader Jeffrey Rousseau and the voice of Unreasonable Fridays Ereika Collins to discuss their favorite games and ideas from 2022. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Guest: @JRPotential Theme Song: @Willieev2023-01-062h 57Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 96 | ScammerWatch UnlimitedBacon, Aaron, and guest/government agent Jarrett discuss the dangers of reactivating ex-MMO players, the FTX collapse, the wide-ranging affects of Sam Bankman-Fried's scamming, and put the pros and cons of AI artwork on the table for clarity. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Guest: @KuroleGaming Theme Song: @Willieev2022-12-261h 52Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 95 | The 11th HourBacon, Justin, Aaron, and BAP discuss the FTX collapse, why scammers must always be prepared to be caught, the multi-level high-speed collapse of Twitter, the glories of Debra Wilson, and Bacon outlines the new farming sim/action RPG Harvestella. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Host: @ljay90 Host: @ashy3classy Theme Song: @Willieev2022-11-211h 55Eyes On WhitenessEyes on whiteness with Bari SchwartzBari Schwartz is a 37 years old Cisgender white Jewish woman who has been rumbling with and doing courageous work around understanding & dismantling systems and impacts of racism for decades. After graduating from Johns Hopkins with a master's degree in school counseling and spending 12 years working in and with Baltimore City Schools as well as local nonprofits serving the youth in Baltimore City. In a bold move Bari chose to leave education for 2 years and accepted a position working with BMe Community an NPO founded by Trabian Shorters one of the nation's thought leaders around asset framing. BMe Community is a...2022-11-031h 08Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 93 | The Cultural ExchangeBacon and Aaron discuss superhero geography, the survival horror resurgence, the sheer white maleness of said resurgence, the accidental charisma of Japan's framing of America, and the Helena Taylor situation forcing us to have multiple conversations at once. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Theme Song: @Willieev2022-10-282h 03
Eyes On WhitenessEyes on whiteness with Dohee LeeDohee Lee (She/Her) is an artist, Ritualist and Educator. She was born on Jeju Island in South Korea, now, living in Huichin unceded Ohlone territory Oakland, CA as a 1st generation immigrant. Her creative vision comes from traditional Korean music, singing, drumming and dance which is rooted in Korean indigenous ritual. Since her arrival in the US she has been a vital contributor to both the traditional and contemporary arts landscape of the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. She utilizes art to heal fractured relationships in the urban environment – relationships between humans and the land, histories and sto...2022-10-2553 min
Eyes On WhitenessEyes on whiteness with Sonya Renee TaylorANDDDDDD, WE'RE BACK! We're so grateful to kick off part 2 of season 2 with the brilliant and hilarious Sonya Renee Taylor! We have an incredible conversation tracking where in the world is Sonya, how opening up to just listening and being has created space for her ancestors to offer quite an addition to her journey and a deep dig into her take on Intersectional Integrity. We'll leave you with this gem as a teaser: "This is not just about how, how I relate to myself and how I relate to people who have targeted identities, right? It's not...2022-10-181h 03Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 92 | Captain Topic and The SegwateersBacon, Justin, and Aaron discuss FF14 calling us out, the Jan. 6 trials, Stellaris, what we're playing, cryptocurrencies, the history of Dynasty Warriors, and connect all of these topics to One Piece through the miracle of modern science. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Host: @ljay90 Theme Song: @Willieev2022-09-191h 23
Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 90 | 15 x 90 = 1590Bacon and Aaron talk the week in content with dual refreshes from Final Fantasy 14 and Destiny 2. We also have a fresh installment of This Week In The Cruel American Housing Market featuring the quickest maths in human history. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ANSFreeman Theme Song: @Willieev2022-08-301h 24Unreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 88 | Let's Get You Married!Bacon and Aaron talk the new Patreon Tier, preparations for Bacon's Birthday Month Celebration, Destiny 2 Season of the Haunted, and the raw BUT EFFECTIVE emotional manipulation of Fuga: Melodies of Steel. *This episode was record July 18th, 2022. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Theme Song: @Willieev2022-07-281h 25Eyes On WhitenessTransmuting Tuesday June 28, 2022We're coming soon with Part 2 of Season 2!In the meantime, a quick share over here: Diedra and Maureen are going to start a weekly (most of the time) series called Transmuting Tuesdays which will be on our Youtube and Instagram pages. You can expect this series to be a little more impromptu and shorter than the podcast has been. This first one is in response to the Overturning of Roe. YIf you're not following us yet on those channels...come on by! Instagram: @transmutingwspYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT...2022-06-2836 minUnreasonable FridaysAddSpace Ep. 87 | The Picture of DelightfulnessBacon and Aaron talk Bacon's Anti-Cootie platform, streaming service burnout, the stressfully high quality of media, and begin plotting how to get a Playstation 5. Host: @B4c0nzilla Host: @ansfreeman Theme Song: @Willieev2022-06-041h 28Eyes On WhitenessTransmuting After a TragedyWe want to take a moment to send love, acknowledgment, and presence to you as you process and potentially transmute your experience, understanding, and impact of the racial and political violence of the murders in Buffalo, NY, and Orange County, CA. After the mass murders sitting so heavy on our hearts and in our spirits, Diedra asks Maureen to have a conversation to help make sense of how whiteness and white people often show up after a tragedy where Black people are killed. In order for us to practice Transmuting white supremacy and patriarchy, we c...2022-05-231h 05