Bourbon 'n BrownTown Podcast By Caullen Hudson & David A Moran cover art

Bourbon 'n BrownTown

Bourbon 'n BrownTown

By: Caullen Hudson & David A Moran
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Powered by SoapBox Productions and Organizing, Bourbon ‘n BrownTown is a conversation-based podcast that fosters radically imaginative dialogues on media, culture, politics, and our various social movements through a liberatory lens. With a Chicago focus, filmmakers and movement workers Caullen Hudson and David A. Moran unpack complex social issues and topics while building relationships with artists, activists, community organizers, educators, social entrepreneurs, and others working towards a better world. Together, BrownTown holds space to listen, learn, and liberate, all while sippin’ on sumpin’ good. Salud! Visit SoapBoxPO.com/Podcast; follow @BourbonnBrownTown on Facebook/Instagram, @BourbonnBrwnTwn on Twitter; and @SoapBoxPO on all social media.2026 Bourbon 'n BrownTown Art Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 128 - Palestinian Liberation: Artistic Expression through Film, Music, & Identity ft. Dina Amin

    128 - Palestinian Liberation: Artistic Expression through Film, Music, & Identity ft. Dina Amin
    Mar 27 2026
    BrownTown shares virtual space with Dina Amin (AKA Dinamiin), Palestinian filmmaker and singer-songwriter to talk all things art, storytelling, and resistance. Dina shares her journey exploring identity and home through her genre-fluid music and deeply personal yet relatable film work. As the bombardment of war and genocide still cloud the headlines, we refocus our energy on what builds us up in our hearts and our on-the-ground political reality via organizing, political education, artistic influences, and the connections that elevate our souls. Art and media serve as not only framing tools but portals into living out our full humanity in a world that wishes to quash it. Originally recorded March 4, 2026. GUESTSDina (AKA Dinamiin) is a Palestinian filmmaker and singer-songwriter currently based in Los Angeles, pursuing her MFA in Film at CalArts. In 2020, Dina co-founded Space Collective, (site, Instagram), an art house based in the West Bank. Her work explores identity, displacement, memory, and collective liberation through a hybrid of experimental, fiction and documentary. Raised in Palestine, her films often center voices from her community, using cinema as both an archive and a form of expression. Dina co-directed and co-produced her debut short documentary, Rise Up, which was screened at five international film festivals. Over the past ten years, she worked on a range of fiction and nonfiction projects, honing her skills in writing, directing, and producing. Follow her on Instagram, Spotify, YouTube, Facebook, and her website. -- Mentioned Topics & More Info: "I Always Return to My Roots": 40 Minutes with Dina Amin xPATOIS Film FestivalSam Cooke, Muhammad Ali, & Malcolm X were homies (1, 2)Malcolm X film car sceneArabic Maqam or Arabic scalesEp. 46 - Exploring Blackness & Cultural Media ft. Courtney Phillips & Matthew Manning of Gumbo MediaSeguimos Aquí - SoapBox filmDeon Cole, “Fuck ICE” at NAACP Image AwardsA Time That Remains - full filmElia Suleiman, Palestinian film directorThe Taarab ClassicsRelated episodes: Ep. 113 - Palestinian Liberation: Divestment, Encampments, & Institutions ft. AmoonaEp. 112 - DNC: Pt. 2 ft. Nesreen Hasan & Nadiah AlyafaiEp. 111 - Palestinian Liberation: Anti-Zionism & Jewish Solidarity ft. Rabbi Brant Rosen & Lesley WilliamsEp. 102 - Palestinian Liberation: In This Moment ft. Muhammad Sankari -- CREDITS: Intro song from Jowa El-Kon by Dinamiin; outro song A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke. Audio engineered by Kiera Battles. -- Bourbon ’n BrownTownFacebook | Twitter | Instagram | Site | Linktree | Patreon SoapBox Productions and Organizing, 501(c)3Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Site | Linktree | Support
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    55 mins
  • Ep. 127 - New Years 2026: A Retrospective ft. Kiera Battles, Kassandra Borah, & Jamie Price

    Ep. 127 - New Years 2026: A Retrospective ft. Kiera Battles, Kassandra Borah, & Jamie Price
    Jan 9 2026

    BrownTown on BrownTown. The podcast's audio engineers Kiera Battles and Kassandra Borah, and for the first time Jamie Price, assistant producer, step to the mics to talk all things BnB 2025! Last year we dropped our first show trailer; had our first live event since 2018; started our new "Wrap Up" series discussing/promoting SoapBox films; continued our Palestinian Liberation and Whiskey & Watching series; talked public transit, housing protections for working people, and how ICE ain't shit; and throughout the year analyzed Trump's billionaire, tech bro, Christian Nationalist fascist takeover and how we fight back. For better or worse, here's to 2026!

    With 12 total full episodes, 2025 brought 10 guest episodes (4 repeat, 7 new; 8 with 2+ guests) and 8 series-type episodes. In addition to the yearly breakdown, the full team discusses shared leadership, reflects heavily on the in-person BnB Live event the previous night, the making of the BnB trailer, and how SoapBox's 2025 trajectory and overall political moment compares to 2017-2019. Originally recorded December 9, 2025.

    Listen to all the episodes on your chosen podcast application or right here!

    GUESTS

    Kiera Battles ecently received her MA in music business from Berklee College of Music. There, she created When The Show Is Over, a non-profit dedicated to empowering individuals in the music industry, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to make a significant impact in the field. As she continues to develop the organization, Kiera plans to continue pursuing her diverse passions — whether that's through audio, venue work, making waves in the music industry, or being an absolute menace.

    Kassandra Borah is a 2025 graduate of Columbia College Chicago. With her bachelor’s degree in Sound Design, she tackles a wide variety of projects. From podcasts to films to advertisements, Kassandra makes cool sounds—sounds that elevate and uplift. Her skill set also includes writing, producing, music composition, and vocal performance. A lifelong artist, she is committed to community and creation.

    Jamie Price is a visual artist and data conversion specialist. She grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and obtained her BFA in Photography at Northern Illinois University. Her work focuses on documentation and reflections of queer life and finding meaning in critical thought and analysis.

    CREDITS: Intro soundbite from the current SoapBox reel; outro music Haters by Slim Thug x Paul Wall x BigXthaPlug. Audio engineered by Kiera Battles. Episode photo by Aidan Kranz.

    --

    Bourbon ’n BrownTown
    Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Site | Linktree | Patreon

    SoapBox Productions and Organizing, 501(c)3
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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • Ep. 126 - *LIVE AT CH DISTILLERY* Reproductive Justice & Abortion Care In This Moment ft. Alicia Hurtado & Qudsiyyah Shariyf of Chicago Abortion Fund

    Ep. 126 - *LIVE AT CH DISTILLERY* Reproductive Justice & Abortion Care In This Moment ft. Alicia Hurtado & Qudsiyyah Shariyf of Chicago Abortion Fund
    Dec 25 2025
    BrownTown heads over to CH Distillery | Jōtō Sushi in Chicago's West Loop for their second-ever live recording with Alicia Hurtado and Qudsiyyah Shariyf of Chicago Abortion Fund. In a moment of further descent into fascism on the federal level, built on decades of policy maneuvers and reactive cultural propaganda through a now resurgent Christian Nationalist and far-right forces, we seek to amplify and uplift the four decades-long work of Chicago Abortion Fund and the movement for reproductive justice, gender equity, and ultimately collective liberation. Not only have we also been working in this movement and others to support from a grassroots level but also to codify life-affirming practices and funding at the policy and institutional level. With our sights on 2026 and far beyond, let’s broaden our tent while strengthening our ties in order to -- not just hold the line on reproductive rights -- but expand and fight back against a re-energized threat on all fronts!LIVE AT CH DISTILLERY | JŌTŌ SUSHICH is Chicago's leading artisan spirits producer with an extensive portfolio. Hosted inside their former distillery is Jōtō Sushi, where guests can experience both à la carte sushi and signature omakase dining, each reflecting their dedication to culinary excellence and attention to detail. Tell them BrownTown sent ya!GUESTSAlicia Hurtado (ah-LEE-see-ah her-TAH-do; they/she) has been building power as staff at the Chicago Abortion Fund (CAF) since 2020, where they currently serve as Director of Advocacy and Communications. Alicia leads CAF’s political advocacy, communications, and grassroots organizing strategy to create a culture shift that destigmatizes abortion and moves towards a world in which all people can access abortion care no matter who they are or where they are from.Qudsiyyah Shariyf (could-SEE-yuh sher-REEF; she/they) is an organizer, birthworker, and reproductive justice advocate currently serving as Deputy Director of the Chicago Abortion Fund (CAF). Her strategic vision has been instrumental in expanding CAF’s capacity to provide logistical, financial, and emotional support to people seeking abortion care in Chicago, Illinois, and beyond.Chicago Abortion Fund's mission is to advance reproductive autonomy and justice for everyone by providing financial, logistical, and emotional support to people seeking abortion services and by building collective power and fostering partnerships for political and cultural change. They envision a world where everyone has the freedom and autonomy to create lives, families, and communities that are healthy, safe, and thriving and where the full range of reproductive choices, including abortion, are accessible and affirmed. Follow CAF on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.Mentioned in or related to episode: Birth Equity Act (HB 5142)DidBidenSayAbortionYet.orgMegan Jeyifo (CAF Executive Director) on the 2025 Dobbs anniversary (WBEZ)Guttmacher comprehensive report on family planning and reproductive health (2025)Abortion: A History by Mary Fissel, referenced by one of the Q&A participantsCAF -- How We Can HelpCAF -- Pre-AbortionCAF -- Post-AbortionSay abortion toolkit **COMING SOON**M+A HotlineEp. 28 - Fighting for Women's Rights through Faith, Policy, & #MeToo ft. Zoe Goodman--CREDITS: Intro soundbite of Qudsiyyah in 2021 giving remarks at a protest after SB8 was passed in Texas rally. Outro song Die of Shame by Tilt. Audio engineered by Kassandra Borah. Episode photo by Hannah Linsky.--Bourbon ’n BrownTownFacebook | Twitter | Instagram | Site | PatreonSoapBox Productions and Organizing, 501(c)3Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Site | Support
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    1 hr and 36 mins
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