Episodes

In this powerful episode of FLIPd, we confront the aftermath of Trump’s re-election and explore the journey of rebuilding after unexpected challenges. Host K.A. Simpson shares candid reflections on the emotional toll of the election, the lessons learned, and the decision to pause and reimagine the podcast’s direction. With honesty and hope, this episode delves into the importance of resilience, the need for intentional storytelling, and the power of community in navigating tough times. 

In this episode, K.A. Simpson opens up about his experience growing up Black in Northern Kentucky, sharing candid stories of navigating cultural expectations, identity, and the subtle, often unspoken dynamics of race in a predominantly white community. From childhood challenges to moments of personal growth, K.A. explores how these experiences shaped his worldview and continue to influence his work today. This reflective and powerful conversation offers listeners a personal look into the complexities of race, belonging, and resilience.

In this episode of FLIPd, we journey through history by exploring the Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Cincinnati, Ohio. Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, played a pivotal role in igniting national conversations around slavery and abolition in the 19th century. Her former home, now a historic site, serves as a reminder of her literary impact and dedication to social justice.

We also dive deep into the extraordinary life of James Bradley, an enslaved African who purchased his freedom and became a prominent abolitionist in the region. Bradley’s powerful testimony before anti-slavery audiences inspired many, making him an essential yet often overlooked figure in the fight against slavery.

Covington has always had a large, engaged African American population. This episode highlights their history and accomplishments, many of which have been celebrated recorded live and full tilt boogie in front of a live audience at 2024 Truth and Innovation Artist Showcase at the Carnegie Arts Center here in my home town of Covington, presented by Artswave.

It’s the story of Margaret Garner, an enslaved African-American woman in pre-Civil War America, residing in Northern Kentucky, who was notorious — or celebrated — for killing her own daughter rather than allowing the child to be returned to slavery. She and her family escaped their plantation in January 1856 across the frozen Ohio River to Cincinnati, but were apprehended before they could completely secure their own freedom.

Margaret’s story is the inspiration for the Nobel Prize winning novel Beloved (1987) by Toni Morrison, which was adapted into a film of the same name starring Oprah Winfrey in 1998, as well as a libretto for the opera Margaret Garner in 2005.

The residence that sits on the corner of Brookline Avenue in Cincinnati’s Clifton neighborhood was built in 1894 as the home of leading Hamilton County political figure George B. Cox. Currently, the building functions as the Clifton branch of the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Public Library. But who in the Black community during this time, were just as influential in the city’s development as Mr. Cox. This episode will take a look at just that.

The view from the hilltop of Covington’s Devou Park is one of the most illustrious vantage points in the area to take in the sight of Downtown Cincinnati. Evidence can be seen through the number of nationally published photos taken of Downtown Cincinnati from Devou Park's vantage point.

But many that take in this view have not considered how much the park’s wondrous over-look, enjoyed by so many today, is connected with the region's African American community.

The view from the hilltop of Covington’s Devou Park is one of the most illustrious vantage points in the area to take in the sight of Downtown Cincinnati. Evidence can be seen through the number of nationally published photos taken of Downtown Cincinnati from Devou Park's vantage point.

But many that take in this view have not considered how much the park’s wondrous over-look, enjoyed by so many today, is connected with the region's African American community.

The home of Anne Sinton, sister-in-law to President Taft, owned and lived in a monumental on the edge of downtown Cincinnati. On the walls in the foyer of the home are several original paintings created by the first Black artist, the first African American artist to receive international acclaim. 

The home of Anne Sinton, sister-in-law to President Taft, owned and lived in a monumental on the edge of downtown Cincinnati. On the walls in the foyer of the home are several original paintings created by the first Black artist, the first African American artist to receive international acclaim. 

The Union Terminal, which is one of the last great American train stations built, is now home to the Cincinnati Museum Center. This episode will talk about this historic building during the days that it operated as a train station. The episode will also talk about the founding of the international organization, The Black Elks, and its connection with Union Terminal and Northern Kentucky.