This week I visit Eric Aleman, owner of the storied King of Kings Barber Shop in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. I’ve been going to him for a couple years and it’s always an odyssey which begins on my scalp and ends in my heart.
Eric, like a lot of good barbers, is able to step in and out of conversation. He’ll talk if you want to talk. Or he’ll just step back and keep working on your hair. That’s part of why I like him.
He’s not only a really solid barber, he’s also a talented lyricist, hip-hop artist/ whatever you want to call it. He’s a founding member of BLKLYST. Who you can check out playing at Littlefield’s or here on youtube.
If you listen real close here you can hear him shaving my neck at one point. It’s pretty hard to talk w a knife to your neck, but I did my best.
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SN5:EP9 “But You White”
First, a fiercely compassionate and steely listener letter from Kisha Baskin–Andy’s Junior High School friend who, maybe on accident, changed the direction of his life by telling him he was funny. And meant it. Next, (you’ll notice this episode is still rated “explicit.”) You’d think a clergy member would shy away from Andy’s earthy lexicon and subject matter. Not so with the Reverend James Dollins. This conversation will surprise the Hell out of you. (No pun.) Dollins is a socially-progressive; insightful; startingly “non-shamey”; compassionate, and super quick-witted Methodist minister in Anaheim, CA. A city which is 55% Hispanic or Latino, 24% White Alone, 15% Asian Alone, and only 3% African American or Black. (The remaining 3% being a diverse mix of Native, Two or More Race, and a bunch of folks that identify as “Other”.) Full disclosure: I consider myself extremely lucky to call this man my cousin. @wanderingaisles. Consider supporting the show on Patreon! (or just tell a friend). -
SN2:EP1 “Trap, Neuter, Return”
Margaret Dodge is my traveling companion this week. Recorded in two parts: October 25th, 2015, on a visually and aurally beautiful day in Central Park; then, deeper into our respective issues and into the belly of her new apartment/feral cat cave at the end of February 2016. Basically, this episode bookends several months of substantial emotional fermentation.
Anyway, I’m making some progress and Margaret has become a good friend and has been pretty helpful with that. She’s funny and easy to talk to. @dodgecityradio
Check out Dodge City Radio: Friday nights at 7pm on @radiofreebk
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SN4:EP3 “Boat Act”
Tim Duffy, comedian, writer guy for Comedy Central, takes Andy along on his daily commute from Staten Island into the city.It’s an everyday trip Tim’s been taking for years, but Andy still finds it exotic, which makes him feel a little like a hayseed. Also, on this Valentine’s episode, Andy gets into the thick of it re: what it means to be in love at 41 and how he’s worried he’ll have to start closing the kitchen cabinet doors when he’s finally living with someone for the first time. (Note: Staten Island Ferry is noisy so the audio isn’t perfect here.)
