

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, Tiffany Cross, 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, Tiffany 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:
Tiffany Cross @tiffanydcross
Angela Rye @angelarye
Andrew Gillum @andrewgillum
In each episode, Angela, Tiffany 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:
Tiffany Cross @tiffanydcross
Angela Rye @angelarye
Andrew Gillum @andrewgillum
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 25, 2025 • 22min
Who REALLY Didn't Earn It? | Angela Rye SoloPod
The podcast dives into the recent firing of Four-Star General CQ Brown Jr., sparking a discussion on systemic racism and the end of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. It contrasts narratives of meritocracy with real-world examples of less qualified individuals being promoted due to race. Angela Rye unpacks entitlement and the myth of merit, highlighting the challenges faced by Black individuals in achieving success. The conversation questions the integrity of meritocracy in government roles, emphasizing the need for qualifications over biases.

Feb 25, 2025 • 33min
Organizing Playbook Pt.1 | Andrew Gillum SoloPod
Andrew Gillum dives into the importance of community engagement and organizing against rising authoritarianism. He reflects on the loss of Joy Reid’s show, urging listeners to support marginalized voices in media. The discussion encourages collective action to strengthen representation and diversity, especially in military leadership. Listeners are empowered to connect, advocate, and cultivate justice within their communities, while also embracing the risks of new ideas and collaborations.

Feb 21, 2025 • 30min
Where Are The Dems? Rep. Pressley Responds
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley shares her candid thoughts on the Democratic Party's role in fighting against figures like Musk and Trump. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus on the Black agenda, advocating for reparations through a national bill. Pressley critiques her party's current strategy and stresses the need for accountability in political activism. The conversation underscores the significance of community solidarity and the necessity for effective leadership to uplift marginalized voices.

Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 8min
DOGE Giving Americans $5K?
The discussion tackles Elon Musk's proposed $5,000 checks for taxpayers and its potential as a political distraction. The hosts dissect the implications of executive overreach while examining the judicial system's role in democracy. They humorously explore Dogecoin's impact on politics and reflect on the emotional costs of legal battles. Personal narratives highlight the systemic issues in healthcare, especially for marginalized communities, urging listeners to advocate for justice and support activists in these turbulent times.

Feb 19, 2025 • 22min
Government Layoffs: What Now? | Angela Rye SoloPod
Angela Rye hosts Justin Rogers, a former project associate with RTI International, discussing the fallout of federal funding cuts on humanitarian work. Justin shares his firsthand experiences with USAID projects and the ramifications for international development. They dive into the emotional toll of government layoffs, emphasizing personal stories that highlight the urgent need for accountable leadership. The conversation underscores the importance of continued support for affected communities and advocates for grassroots engagement in global initiatives.

Feb 17, 2025 • 19min
NLP vs Black MAGA | MiniPod
The hosts dive into the divisive reactions surrounding Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance, questioning why some in the Black community are openly critical. They explore themes of race, identity, and cultural representation, discussing the pressures Black artists face. The conversation highlights the importance of self-love and community, contrasting between those seeking attention and authentic contributors like Kendrick. With a mix of light-hearted moments and serious reflections, the discussion encourages embracing cultural heritage and unity.

Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 17min
DOGE vs Everybody
Maxwell Frost, the first Gen Z member of Congress from Florida's 10th district, joins the discussion to address the political turmoil created by Trump and Musk. He delves into the constitutional crisis sparked by Elon Musk's DOGE and actions from Trump's executive branch. Frost emphasizes the need for Democrats to rally and stand against overreach while advocating for youth engagement in politics. The conversation highlights the challenges facing American democracy and the importance of political action in addressing systemic issues.

6 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 27min
Congress Blocked From Entering the DOE with Lateefah Simon | SoloPod
Lateefah Simon, Congresswoman from California's 12th district and a passionate advocate for education and social justice, shares her recent experience when a rogue individual blocked Congress members from entering the Department of Education. She discusses the impact of congressional efforts to prevent Trump's and Musk's attempts to dismantle crucial government agencies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accountability in government, community engagement, and the ongoing struggle for educational equity, especially for marginalized children.

6 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 25min
WARNING! Constitutional Crisis | SoloPod
Delve into the complexities of constitutional crises and their real-world impact. Explore how the actions of the Trump administration challenge the separation of powers and court orders. Reflect on the dangers of the unitary executive theory and its societal implications. The discussion highlights the fragility of democracy amid current political turmoil, urging civic engagement to safeguard democratic institutions. Activism and community involvement take center stage as vital for navigating these turbulent times.

6 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 34min
Black Leaders MIA? | MiniPod
A lively debate unfolds as hosts and guests reveal their picks for the top Black leaders, mixing serious discussion with some surprising mentions like Cardi B. They explore the dynamics of Black leadership, comparing it to building a basketball team, highlighting the need for diverse representation. Conversations on political engagement and the critical role of media figures bring important social issues to light. With humor and insightful commentary, the dialogue examines the influence of pop culture on leadership and authenticity.