Turning 40 has been a whirlwind of emotions and reflections. This week, I uncork a bottle of Clasa Azul Reposado tequila to toast not just my milestone birthday but a transformative year filled with personal highs and lows. Join me as I share the joy of celebrating with my loved ones, reflect on the bittersweet moments of my mom's passing, and navigate the complexities of surrogacy and evolving friendships. As I savor my tequila on the rocks with a twist of lime, let's ponder together what crossing into this new decade truly means and how it contrasts with the vibrant chaos of my 30s.

What does it take to be a great leader? It’s a question I’ve grappled with while balancing personal passions like singing, acting, and dancing with professional aspirations. Accepted into the Millennial Leadership Initiative, I’m excited to share how this program is equipping historically marginalized leaders for greatness. From soaking in the soulful vibes of Avery Sunshine and Robert Glasper concerts to preparing for my baby's arrival, this journey is about growth, balancing dreams, and staying connected—whether with a glass of tequila or a bottle of milk.

Reconnecting with old friends as I approach 40 has been an emotional rollercoaster. Some reunions were heartwarming, while others brought the reality of drifting apart into sharp focus. Relive the awkward yet enlightening encounters from Puerto Vallarta and explore the societal labels we attach to relationships. Finally, let's chat about our growing community. Follow me, Samaad Wes Keys, on Facebook and Instagram, and join our 30,000-strong family on YouTube at A Sip With Samaad. Your support means the world, and I’m thrilled to have you with me on this incredible journey.

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As the pollen count soars and my heartstrings tug, I unveil the layers of my life in a story of unrequited love and the perennial fight against allergies. There's a glimpse into my battle behind closed doors, setting emotional boundaries, and the little things that keep me sneezing. But it's not all sniffles and sighs; I shake things up with a homemade "Tiger Woods" cocktail and a nod to the pride of Tougaloo College.

Our Colombian getaway paints a picture of sun-kissed skin and the rich tapestry of Palenque's history, yet not without its share of slip-ups—like that one time sunscreen was no match for a child's ambitious use of baby oil. Al and I share a tender, humorous moment with our surrogate, an encounter made unforgettable with the help of Google Translate. Back home, my musings on films and the latest tunes from Beyoncé stir up thoughts on how these cultural pieces mirror and shape our world. The tragic events on a Baltimore bridge serve as a sobering reminder of society's quick-fire judgments and the need for level-headed discourse.

As we wrap up this season, I'm filled with gratitude for the community we've built, and I'm already counting down the weeks until we reconvene. There's a promise of pop-ups during our brief parting, ensuring the conversation—our lifeline—remains unbroken. It's been a ride of laughter, reflection, and the shared moments that only our little corner of the podcast universe can hold. So as I sign off, remember that our story is just on pause, and the next chapter promises to be filled with even more adventures, musings, and, of course, you.

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Ever felt the weight of society's expectations bearing down on you? I, Samaad, am no stranger to that pressure and in our latest episode, I peel back the layers of what I call societal guilt. Without the usual musical pizzazz—thanks to a pesky bout of allergies—I greet you with raw authenticity, diving into the personal challenges of meeting external standards while juggling my own aspirations. I'll also recount a week filled with simple pleasures, like setting up that out-of-office email and enjoying a glass of Prosecco, and the meaningful embrace of brotherhood spiced with deep life chats at ASW Distillery in Atlanta.

Sometimes, the most perplexing puzzles of life lie in our friendships, particularly when money enters the equation. As I prepare to inspire the bright minds at Wiley University, I reflect on my own experiences with financial trust, starting with a pivotal moment involving my godfather Rodney. Money lending among friends can be a treacherous path, and I recount a recent situation that underscored the importance of crystal-clear expectations. Through these stories, I hope to navigate you through the delicate balance of maintaining relationships while also honoring commitments.

To cap things off, I'm thrilled to share that we've hit a new milestone - 4,000 subscribers on our YouTube channel! The journey doesn't end here; it's a stepping stone as we gear up for the season finale, and I'm all-in on the emotional rollercoaster that is impending fatherhood. Join me as I express heartfelt thanks for the unwavering support and invite you all to continue embracing our highs and lows. No guests, no filters, just a man and his thoughts—lending a voice to the shared human experience.

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Ever felt alone in a crowd of digital connections? That's the heartfelt story I unfold in our latest heart-to-heart on 'A Sip with Samaad.' In a world brimming with online interactions, I delve into the personal side of feeling disconnected, sharing a melody of longing that echoes the universal experience of missing someone special. As I warmly welcome you back into our space, we're toasting to life's simple pleasures and the excitement of new adventures, including my journey towards fatherhood with Alan and our anticipation for baby Cole-Keys.

The intimate topic of personal hygiene steps into the spotlight this week, as we navigate the tricky waters of body odor and the unwritten rules of social etiquette. Picture this: you're cozied up with someone close, and there it is—the sting of a less-than-fresh scent, or worse, a stain. It's a moment of truth, isn't it? We're laying it all out on the table, discussing how these delicate discoveries can shift the dynamics of our relationships, from friendships to romantic entanglements. It's a discussion many shy away from, but here, we're sipping on candor, discussing everything from deodorant ads to the underlying judgements within our social circles.

Join me as I ponder the threads of identity that weave through our family histories—a narrative laden with the search for connection and understanding. I'm sharing the poignancy of my own family's saga, the void left by an absent father, and the complex emotions that surface when reconciling with family estrangement. As we approach the season's pause, I'm reflecting on the importance of these stories in shaping who we are. Rest assured, the intermission is but a brief respite, as we have some special plans to keep the conversation flowing. So, raise a glass to the journey thus far and the chapters yet to be written. Here's to the shared stories that bind us, until we meet again next week.

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The rhythmic thump of a baby's heartbeat can stir the soul like a beautiful melody, and sharing that moment with you sets the stage for our toast to the dynamic Black women who've paved the way for change. As your host, Samaad, I invite you to join me on a reflective journey with "A Sip With Samaad," where we connect through the universal language of music, memories, and mimosas. Let's step into the warmth of reflection, celebrating Women's History Month with stories that intertwine my personal rediscovery of singing and heartfelt acknowledgments of the women who inspire us.

My social compass recently guided me through the bustling day parties of Atlanta, contrasting with the more subdued vibes of corporate gatherings. I muse about the evolution of social spaces in our community, exploring how places that once catered exclusively to specific crowds are now blending together, fostering inclusivity for a gay, Black man like myself. And just when my social battery starts to wane, the soulful energy of Avery Sunshine's live performance recharges me, reminding us all that music is a sanctuary where we can find common ground.

Peeling back the layers of my own story, I delve into the lessons of self-love and the strength it took to stand tall amidst the ridicule of childhood. My mother's unwavering support is a testament to the importance of nurturing individuality, highlighting the need for us to foster the same resilience in the next generation. As we look forward, I tease the exciting enhancements that await our community's interaction within the show, emphasizing the importance of your participation as we honor the legacies that shape us. From the intimate beats of a tiny heart to the collective pulse of our vibrant community, let's savor every sip of this life together.

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Ever wondered why the thirst for approval can be as insatiable as the last drop of a fine whiskey? Join me, Samaad, on a journey that weaves through the tapestry of self-acceptance, ambition, and the hearty laughter that echoes from my own self-perception—which, by the way, might remind you of that uncle who invariably takes center stage at family gatherings. This episode is a blend of cultural commentary and personal revelation, where I serve up a casual review of the 'palomonic,' a cocktail that's stirring things up, and tip my hat to the pride and progress of Spelman College, a beacon of my HBCU heritage.

Strap in as we navigate the choppy waters of nightlife's evolving landscape; from the refined halls of museums to the buzz of bars, I'll share how these cultural hubs have shifted and the effects these changes wield on their mission of diversity and inclusion. But we won't stop there. We'll also unravel a tangled narrative my grandmother presented about the misconceptions surrounding marijuana, a health report that raised as many eyebrows as it did questions. With a nod to education's vital role, I advocate for a balanced approach to life's indulgences, highlighting how early lessons from the Dare program still resonate in my decision-making today.

To cap off our time together, authenticity is the heartbeat of this episode as I peel back the curtain on 'A Sip with Samaad.' Birthed at the cusp of 40, this podcast is my canvas for uniting the myriad hues of my identity, a venture as much about connecting with you, my listeners, as it is about storied expression. We'll raise a glass to the community we've built, the stories we've shared, and the unwavering support that fuels our collective journey. So pour yourself a glass, settle in, and let's revel in the shared adventure that is, and always will be, 'A Sip with Samaad.

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Picture this: you're unwinding with your favorite lemon drop martini, but with a Samaad-style twist – it's got tequila. 'Sip With Samaad' brings you into the fold of brotherhood, identity, and the candid tales that weave the fabric of our lives. From the pulsing beats of club nights to the snow-capped comedy of ski trips gone awry, we unravel the eclectic blend of my personal personas, serving up a symphony of experiences. We commend Benedict College's President Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis for steering the HBCU ship and tip our hats to the impact these institutions make.

It's a heart-to-heart on the weighty matters that anchor our thoughts – the future, family, and finding our place in the world. We explore the shared concerns that resonate among men, the nuanced dance of aging within a gay-friendly community, and the vital importance of emotional bonds within our fraternal circles. Our chat peels back layers on 'racial battle fatigue' and its counterpart in the gay community, 'gay battle fatigue,' tackling the exhausting endeavor of constantly proving oneself, and highlighting the sanctuary our fraternity group provides for vulnerability and support.

The final notes of our episode harmonize with the latest news and heartfelt commentary. From the quirky alcohol laws of Utah to the quiet dignity of Kelly Rowland amidst backstage rumors, we cast a light on the peculiarities of current events. Weaving through Wendy Williams' health challenges and family dynamics that deserve a private stage, we close the chapter with musings on parenthood's new terrain and the evolving tunes of rap and R&B. Join me, Samaad, as we mix up more than just drinks – we blend conversations, self-reflection, and the rhythms of the day, all here on 'Sip With Samaad.

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Strap in for a heartfelt revelation as Samaad and special guest Mark P from the Relatively Normal podcast navigate the rich complexities of identity and the essence of living authentically. Ever imagine what it's like to reconcile the colorful threads of being a black, gay academic in a world that often seems monochrome? I'll take you through the gritty details of this dance, balancing the spotlight and the shadows, as my husband, uncle, and I share our collective experience using overachievement as both armor and declaration of our true selves.

The pressure to prove oneself can be stifling, yet through personal tales and candid reflection, we dissect the nuanced challenges of expectation within the professional and personal arenas. I'll share the exhaustion felt from relentless performance and the search for moments of peace amidst chaos. Our discussion traverses the societal judgments cast upon black fathers, the evolution of self-doubt across life's milestones, and the daily strive for gratitude. Mark P echoes this sentiment, contributing his perspective on the arduous yet rewarding journey towards self-acceptance.

Culminating in a celebration of self-discovery and resilience, this conversation is a testament to the strength forged through adversity. I peel back the layers on my own story, where defiance against exclusionary spaces has catalyzed personal growth and the development of an unyielding character. Join us on 'A Sip with Samaad' for a potent mix of vulnerability, wisdom, and encouragement, as we share life lessons and insights that extend far beyond the personal and into the heart of collective experience.

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