Native Land Pod
iHeartPodcasts and Reasoned Choice
In the spirit of the last stanza of the Black National Anthem, we rise from the past, rooted deeply in the soil of ancestral struggles, to build a home, to claim our space. On Native Land Pod, Angela Rye, Bakari Sellers, and Andrew Gillum guide us through the political landscape, wielding insights and unapologetic analysis, unraveling the threads that connect Black Americans and marginalized communities to a place they courageously call home.
In each episode, Angela, Bakari, and Andrew embark on a journey of reflection, taking stock of the news of the week and the country's road to the polls.
Join us each week as we navigate the dance between past and present, weaving a narrative of hope, empowerment, and the unyielding strength that defines the journey to reclaim 'Native Land.' This isn't just news analysis; it's a movement, a conversation, and a testament to the power of those who dare to rebuild and redefine the meaning of home.
Talk to us:
Angela Rye @angelarye
Andrew Gillum @andrewgillum
Bakari Sellers @bakarisellers
In each episode, Angela, Bakari, and Andrew embark on a journey of reflection, taking stock of the news of the week and the country's road to the polls.
Join us each week as we navigate the dance between past and present, weaving a narrative of hope, empowerment, and the unyielding strength that defines the journey to reclaim 'Native Land.' This isn't just news analysis; it's a movement, a conversation, and a testament to the power of those who dare to rebuild and redefine the meaning of home.
Talk to us:
Angela Rye @angelarye
Andrew Gillum @andrewgillum
Bakari Sellers @bakarisellers
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 5, 2026 • 13min
Power Ranking the 2028 Presidential Candidates | Bakari Sellers SoloPod
Bakari Sellers delivers a sports-style power ranking of the leading 2028 Democratic contenders. He weighs their 2026 organizing, fundraising, public profiles, and paths to the White House, spotlighting Mark Kelly, Jon Ossoff, Rahm Emanuel, Kamala Harris, and Wes Moore. Several rising names earn honorable mentions in a lively look at the emerging field.
Oct 4, 2026 • 17min
Rappers' Unnatural Allegiance to Losers | NLP Replay
Angela Rye and Bakari Sellers examine Black Republican candidates, conservative messaging, and rappers’ growing proximity to political power. They discuss John James’s appeal to Detroit voters, the pull of money and access, and the contrast between pragmatic Republicans and political performers. The conversation also turns to long-term organizing, coalition-building, and the infrastructure needed for durable progressive change.
Oct 2, 2026 • 21min
Do Black People Expect Too Much from Their “Rich Friend”? | MiniPod
A lively debate explores what wealthy friends owe one another when luxury vacations enter the picture. Then, a viral car-seat controversy sparks discussion about marriage, boundaries, suspected workplace flirtation, and the basic rules of relationship respect.
Oct 1, 2026 • 55min
Are Rappers the GOP’s Shortcut to Black Voters?
The midterm Senate map gets a close look as the races tighten. Crystal Mason’s long voting-rights battle ends in acquittal, while government cuts, Atlanta’s eviction crisis, and environmental reparations spotlight communities under pressure. The discussion turns to Republicans courting Black voters through rappers, identity, and representation, alongside debates over political organizing and solidarity.
Sep 28, 2026 • 15min
Power Ranking the 2028 Presidential Candidates | Bakari Sellers SoloPod
Bakari Sellers delivers a sports-style power ranking of potential 2028 Democratic contenders. Raphael Warnock and Mitch Landrieu join the list, while Rahm Emanuel’s ideas, Kamala Harris’s campaign path, and Wes Moore’s momentum get close attention. Jon Ossoff remains on top as fundraising, charisma, governing records, and national appeal shape the discussion.
Sep 27, 2026 • 6min
How Should Democrats Rebuild? | NLP Replay
Pete Buttigieg, former South Bend mayor, U.S. transportation secretary, and presidential candidate, discusses how Democrats can rebuild without simply restoring the past. He explores reimagining education, uniting progressives and moderates around everyday needs, advancing popular economic policies, reducing money’s influence, and ending gerrymandering.
Sep 25, 2026 • 40min
Will We Ever Find Out What Happened to Nolan Wells? | MiniPod
Angela Rye and Bakari Sellers examine unanswered questions surrounding 18-year-old Nolan Wells’ death off the Mississippi coast. They discuss the grand jury’s decision, conflicting accounts, deleted messages, phone-tracking data, missing toxicology, and autopsy findings that complicate the drowning conclusion. The conversation also explores investigative failures, accountability, and advocacy for Black families seeking answers.
Sep 24, 2026 • 52min
Pete Buttigieg Wants Democrats to Tighten Up
Pete Buttigieg, former South Bend mayor, transportation secretary, and presidential candidate, joins for a wide-ranging strategy session. He discusses how Democrats can reclaim power, pursue accountability without revenge, rebuild disadvantaged business programs, and unite around healthcare, wages, childcare, and reform. He also weighs in on AI safety, public education, authenticity, and building trust beyond campaign seasons.
Sep 22, 2026 • 1h
The State of Black Economics ft. Earn Your Leisure | Angela Rye SoloPod
Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal, financial educators and co-founders of Earn Your Leisure, join Angela Rye to explore Black wealth and power. They discuss using debt strategically, recovering from financial missteps, and turning layoffs into new income. The conversation also examines InvestFest, Essence Fest’s economic impact, Black consumer power, political pressure, civic education, and why economic progress depends on social justice protections.
Sep 21, 2026 • 14min
Power Ranking the 2028 Presidential Candidates | Bakari Sellers SoloPod
Bakari Sellers delivers a sports-style power ranking of the leading contenders for 2028. He weighs the importance of 2026 races, fundraising, statewide organizing, polling, and national appeal while sizing up John Ossoff, Pete Buttigieg, Wes Moore, Kamala Harris, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Gavin Newsom, and J.B. Pritzker. He also considers honorable mentions and invites listeners to shape future rankings.
