Raising boys is a unique and profound experience, one filled with love, hope and the unwavering belief in our son's potential. But as a black boy, it can also be a journey fraught with obstacles, stereotypes and systemic injustices that threaten to derail their dreams. Raising black boys in Britain comes off its own set of challenges and considerations.

Joining us today to discuss this are Aaron Dale, father of two and podcast host of Raising Boys 2 Men and Andrez Harriott, singer in the chart-topping band Damage, a criminologist and the CEO of TLG, an organisation that works closely with disadvantaged and vulnerable children.

We'll delve deep into the joys and triumphs of parenting black boys, celebrating their brilliance, creativity and resilience in the face of adversity. We’ll also confront the harsh realities and painful truths surrounding race, discrimination and inequalities that we as parents fear may shape their lived experiences.

What is Covered:

-How identity is seen and valued in Britain

-How to raise boys from Africa and the Caribbean within the British context

-The power of popular culture and the community in creating a positive self-image of black boys

-Character before colour - how one’s character fights against structural issues

-“The Talk” that parents need to have with their children about the systemic obstacles they may encounter while growing up

-The challenges of raising children in interracial relationships

-How to build resilience within the community and help black boys thrive as children and young adults

-The need for safe spaces for men to be open, vulnerable and to work on handling their emotions

-How and where black boys can find positive role models for themselves

Resources:

-Listen to the Raising Boys 2 Men Podcast hosted by Aaron Dale https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raisingboys2men-podcast/id1625584737

-Connect with Andrez Harriott https://www.instagram.com/andrezharriott/

-Let’s connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigchatsmalltalk/

-Subscribe to be the first to know about new content https://linktr.ee/bigchatsmalltalk

-Send a Voice Message to Big Chat Small Talk https://www.speakpipe.com/BigChatSmallTalk

We've all heard the saying that you don't marry the individual but the family. But how true is that in real life? In-laws come in all shapes and sizes, and Viola Fields from “Monster-in-Law” illustrates just what a nightmare it can be when all parties are not happy with the partnership that's about to take place. Likewise, it doesn't just stop at the mother-in-law, but the surrounding family members can also affect the smooth sailing relationship of a new couple.

We’ll be discussing toxic in-laws, and are they really interfering and overbearing, or just initiating you into the family way?

What is Covered:

-Different family norms and how families ‘advertise’ themselves to new members

-Cultural differences that can cause conflicts in the extended family

-In which situations the initiation into a new family can become toxic

-Is blood thicker than water? How to deal with the interference from your partner’s family

-The role of your partner in preventing toxic interference and setting boundaries

-Should you marry at all if you identify too many red flags with potential future in-laws?

-How conflicts with in-laws are prevented and navigated in arranged marriages

Resources:

-Let’s connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigchatsmalltalk/

-Subscribe to be the first to know about new content https://linktr.ee/bigchatsmalltalk

-Send a Voice Message to Big Chat Small Talk https://www.speakpipe.com/BigChatSmallTalk

At the heart of the polyamorous versus monogamy debate lies the very fabric of human relationships, societal norms and individual freedoms. As we delve into this complex and multifaceted topic, it is imperative that we approach it with an open mind, a spirit of critical inquiry, and a deep respect for differing perspectives.

On one hand, we have monogamy, a relationship structure deeply ingrained in many cultures and societies around the world. On the other hand, we have polyamory, a practice that challenges the conventional norms of a monogamous relationship by allowing individuals to have multiple partners simultaneously. So the question is, is polyamory on the rise and monogamy now taboo?

What is Covered:

-How monogamy has changed over decades and why some people believe it’s now more taboo

-The pros and cons of monogamy

-Why polyamory is trending and what its pros and cons are

-Legal implications of monogamy and polyamory

-The issues of jealousy and trust in monogamy and polyamory

-The politics and expectations of monogamy and polyamory

-How today’s children view partnerships and what will happen when they are in their 50s and 60s

-Why weddings keep being popular

-The case for “reselling” monogamy

Resources:

-Let’s connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigchatsmalltalk/

-Subscribe to be the first to know about new content https://linktr.ee/bigchatsmalltalk

-Send a Voice Message to Big Chat Small Talk https://www.speakpipe.com/BigChatSmallTalk