AirGo

When Elijah McKinnon says the word manifest, they mean what they say. The multi-hyphenate creator is the new Executive Director of OpenTV, a web-based production and distribution channel for Queer TV, and is the cofounder of Reunion Chicago, an incubator and events space for Queer people of color. They run People Who Care, a consultancy that works exclusively with nonprofits and grassroots initiatives, including: AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Northwestern University, The Andy Warhol Foundation, Grindr for Equality, Raúl Anguiano Art Museum, Center for Disease Control and many more. They’re also a hoot. Recorded 9/24/19 in Chicago Music from this week's show: I Really Hope - Roger Plexico

Danielle Roper, a professor at the University of Chicago, studies performances of Blackness across Latin America. She shares insights on navigating academia as a Black woman and her grassroots LGBTQ+ activism in Jamaica. The conversation explores racial representation in media and the importance of community engagement in cultural narratives. Roper also discusses the complexities of identity amidst institutional challenges, highlighting the need for deeper understanding and meaningful change.

Just a lil' reminder to RSVP for and come to our AirGo Live show this Thursday 9/26 at the Cards Against Humanity Theater (1917 n Elston Ave) with the brilliant organizer Page May and virtuosic musician and composer Akenya! RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/airgo-live-with-akenya-and-page-may-tickets-71750286037

Bill Ayers has had a ton of different chapters in the tome of his life, and they’ve all led him to be a damn good person. He is a life-long movement worker, education theorist, author, and former leader of radical group The Weather Underground. He talks about his understanding of our contemporary political moment, how we processed becoming an international symbol of terrorism during the 2008 presidential race, how he makes peace with the dialectics and contradictions we’re all swimming in, and much more. This is definitely one for the archive, and one to dig into. Recorded 9/13/19 in Chicago Music on this week's show: The Dogon Lights - Aneybara

Johari Noelle is wise beyond all of our years. The singer and songwriter was such a gracious and thoughtful guest on the show, talking through her music-making process, upbringing, how she stays present, the complex beauty of being a TWIN(!), and much more. You can listen to her newest project Things You Can’t Say Out Loud now, and catch her on September 25th at Virgin Hotel Chicago. Music from this week's show: Show Me - @joharinoellemusic

Binkey’s back! The Chicago host, MC, beatboxer, comic, and community stalwart spent the last four years living abroad in Thailand, before returning home a couple weeks ago. He tells some incredible stories about his travels, connecting with his birth parents, being a “good” person in airquotes, and much more. Plus, Daniel says the word Kemet, which is well worth the price of admission. Recorded 9/4/19 in Chicago Music from this week's show: Photo by RJ Eldridge

Vivien Sansour is in love. The open-hearted, brilliant artist, documentarian, and founder of the Palestine Heirloom Seed Library brings an open heart and critical mind to the studio for a wonderful conversation about trust, making space to feel alive, climbing the terraces of Palestine, snowy owls, and why she's jealous of trees. Plus, a very nice compliment to end the show that made Damon and Daniel cry. This one is a must listen! Recorded 8/20/19 in Chicago Music from this week's show: One Last Try - Chicken Jones

Black Youth Project has joined forces with AirGo for a year-long #BYPSpotlight series, featuring our favorite Black academics and activists. First up is Barbara Ransby, whose footprint on the Chicago and global social movement landscape is inimitable. A Professor of History, Gender and Women's Studies, and African American Studies at UIC, Barbara has grounded both organizing and scholarship for liberation in the lineages and lessons of Black women. She wrote the highly acclaimed biography Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement: A Radical Democratic Vision, as well as two other books, and is the driving force behind the R3 Coalition, which has pushed forward some of the most meaningful coalition-building Chicago has seen in recent years. Recorded 7/14 in Chicago Music in this week's show: We Came Down - Superpoze

For our 200th episode(!), Damon and Daniel reflect on the show, and their growth as mediamakers, organizers, and humans. Plus, past guests share their questions for the guys. It's a celebration! Here's to many more episodes moving forward. Recorded 8/13/19 in Chicago Music from this week's show: Self - Noname

AirGo is back for our second episode in front of a live audience! This time, we're excited to launch our #BYPSpotlight, a collaboration with Black Youth Project, a website and resource hub examining the attitudes, resources, and culture of the young, urban black millennial. Over the next year, AirGo and BYP will be co-curating a set of episodes featuring young Black Chicagoans bettering their communities through research and direct engagement. On this live show, the audience talks about their dreams coming true with Damon and Kiss, and then we’re joined by guest cohost Tribble and the wonderful musician Tasha, who pops by in the midst of preparing for a stellar set at Pitchfork the following weekend. Thanks to Citlalin Gallery, BYP, Windmill Ginger Brew, and our great crew of Associate Producers for making the show possible! Recorded 7/17/19 at Citlalin Gallery in Chicago