The Semi-Social Life of a Black Introvert
Welcome to ”The Semi-Social Life of a Black Introvert”, hosted by Aaron Whitfield - an educator, motivational speaker, and self-proclaimed hip-hop nerd. Listen to Aaron as he shares his unique introverted perspective and interviews guests from all walks of life. From discussing current events, BIPOC advocacy, and the social awkwardness of being an introvert, each episode is a thought-provoking and entertaining journey. With a personality that is equal parts philosopher and unfiltered comedian, Aaron’s insights and stories will make you laugh, cry, and reflect.
Episodes

Wednesday May 17, 2023
Episode 128: Working While Black (Chapter 3): Leaving the Coop
Wednesday May 17, 2023
Wednesday May 17, 2023
Sometimes, quitting is conquering. In this episode, let's talk about aggressive interview questions, the peril of the unprotected, and the reasons why the fight you're in may no longer be yours.

Monday May 08, 2023
Episode 127: Working While Black (Chapter 2): Black Synergy
Monday May 08, 2023
Monday May 08, 2023
This episode is dedicated to all the folks who made me smile at work. Let's discuss the importance of BIPOCs being seen, heard, acknowledged, and protected in the workplace.

Monday Apr 24, 2023
Food For Thought: Volume 105
Monday Apr 24, 2023
Monday Apr 24, 2023
I'm back! Let's discuss the lessons of community and connections that I have experienced during this four-month podcast hiatus.

Monday Jan 30, 2023
Podcast Extras: Tears For Tyre Nichols
Monday Jan 30, 2023
Monday Jan 30, 2023
This one hit differently. All skin folk ain't kinfolk, especially when a police badge is involved.
Rest In Power, Tyre.

Thursday Jan 05, 2023
Podcast Extras: A Fan of Damar Hamlin
Thursday Jan 05, 2023
Thursday Jan 05, 2023
With recent good news involving the health of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, let's examine team fandom, job positions, and the purpose of big-picture destinations.

Monday Dec 19, 2022
Food For Thought: Volume 104
Monday Dec 19, 2022
Monday Dec 19, 2022
Before releasing the next chapter of the "Working While Black" series, let's discuss the power of proximity, redefining patriotism, and why being late to the party is better than not showing up.

Wednesday Dec 07, 2022
Podcast Extras: Clintonville, you have a problem...
Wednesday Dec 07, 2022
Wednesday Dec 07, 2022
In an attempt to unpack this past Saturday's demonstration of hate courtesy of the Proud Boys, let's discuss the dangers of being passive-progressive, the sleight-of-hand of hate groups, and why Clintonville, Ohio is the perfect place to recruit the next Proud Boy.

Monday Dec 05, 2022
Food For Thought: Volume 103
Monday Dec 05, 2022
Monday Dec 05, 2022
As a follow-up to the last week's episode, "Chapter One: The Good Neighbor," part of the "Work While Black" series, let's discuss the pressures of performance, the dangers of white tolerance, and how I found the courage to confront workplace norms in my 30s from the experiences of my adolescence.

Thursday Dec 01, 2022
Episode 126: Working While Black (Chapter 1): The Good Neighbor
Thursday Dec 01, 2022
Thursday Dec 01, 2022
For the first chapter of the "Working While Black" series, let's talk about workplace microaggressions, finding the courage to say YES, and the reasons why a salary should never cost you you.

Monday Nov 28, 2022
Food For Thought: Volume 102
Monday Nov 28, 2022
Monday Nov 28, 2022
Before we embark on the "Working While Black" series, let's talk about the significance of cultural trailblazers and the systemic challenges that many BIPOCs endure each day.

A Note From a Black Introvert
Welcome to my life & creative space.
My existence isn't perfect, but it is full of purpose. I am a father, husband, uncle, cousin, son, friend, and brother that has endured many highs and lows on this wild ride called LIFE. As a teenager, I carried my essentials in a black backpack everywhere I went. These "must-haves" included my book of rhymes that I used to write MUSIC, art & culture magazines that influenced my FASHION sense, and a black spiral notebook that became a written testimony to LIFE. These items served as my daily reminder to chase my dreams, follow my heart, and create a world full of endless positive possibilities.
Over 20 years later, I still carry this black backpack on my journey to create MUSIC, FASHION, and LIFE.
I have worn many hats during this journey. As an experienced youth development specialist and educator, I have spent over 15 years developing investment-centered programs and initiatives supporting young adults' purposes, passions, and pursuits. I am a creative, moonlighting podcast content creator, author, motivational speaker, minister, songwriter, and community activist. I am moved by love, influenced by faith, and inspired by humanity.
My name is Aaron. I am a Black Introvert.