After The Snap

*If you’d like to see the charts and visuals from the video version of this episode, along with a book and film recommendation, check out the article version on Substack. Today, we analyze the harrowing stories of Mercedes Wells, who was denied care while in labor, and Tierra Walker, whose life was jeopardized by restrictive state laws. These are not isolated incidents. They are devastating examples of a deep-seated problem in American healthcare that treats Black women’s pain and requests for care with chronic dismissal.I break down the undeniable statistics. Black women die in childbirth at rates three times higher than White women. I also discuss why superficial “cultural competency” training is insufficient. Genuine change demands accountability, transparency, and the centering of Black women’s experiences in medical reform.Join the Conversation:What has been your experience, or the experience of someone you know, navigating the healthcare system as a Black woman? Share your thoughts in the comments.Tasha

Hey UnWrapped Fam! We're digging into a very serious issue today: The FBI has finally issued a bulletin warning the public about criminals posing as ICE agents. This isn't just about a few bad apples; it's a serious national law enforcement concern.Drawing from reporting by Wired , I break down the FBI advisory citing incidents of fake immigration officers committing robberies, kidnappings, and sexual assaults across the country. The bulletin cites five 2025 incidents , including a robbery in a New York restaurant and a sexual assault attempt in Brooklyn. I discuss the bureau's new call for officers to clearly identify themselves and why this is the bare minimum of police procedure. The advisory even suggests the identification should include allowing calls to a local police precinct.But is the focus only on impersonators distracting from the original problem? I share my perspective on how the behavior of armed, masked federal officers themselves erodes public trust and the stark contradictions in the adminis

What’s really going on with Donald Trump’s health?

Thanks for supporting Tasha Pierce: Unwrapped! This post is public so feel free to share it.A special election win. A highly-anticipated vote on the Epstein files. A looming government shutdown. And a very public threat involving a dating app. Political creator RazzleDazzleMo is demanding that Speaker of the House Mike Johnson immediately swear in Congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva. The pressure is on, as Grijalva’s vote is the final signature needed to force a vote on releasing the explosive Jeffrey Epstein files. But the stakes went from political to deeply personal when RazzleDazzleMo issued a deadline and an ultimatum: swear in Grijalva by Wednesday, or face the public release of the Speaker’s alleged Grindr profile. RazzleDazzleMo’s GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/23e6bc5a7Tasha Pierce: Unwrapped is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get acces

What is happening to sports etiquette? This week, Tasha jumps on to unwrap the aggressive and hostile fan behavior erupting across major sports—from the NFL to the WNBA and even the usually buttoned-up world of golf. Drawing a clear connection between the hyper-partisan volatility of American politics and the rise of "toxic tribalism" in stadiums and on the fairways, she asks: when did showing your patriotic "allegiance" become an excuse for flat-out disrespect?We dive into the chaos at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, where Team Europe's Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry faced ugly, personal heckling that forced the deployment of extra police and security. It's more than just "New York energy;" it's a reflection of a larger national mood that's rowdy, divided, and charged with political overtones.Tasha connects the dots to the WNBA, referencing the hostile environment created for away teams, highlighting the reaction of All-Star guard Allisha Gray to heckling, and recalling past egregious fan actions that en

We're all taught that to be a patriot is to remember our history—the good, the bad, and the ugly. We're asked to 'never forget' 9/11 and the profound loss it represents. We talk about the importance of remembering D-Day, a pivotal moment in the fight against fascism. So, why is it that when Black Americans insist on remembering the trauma of slavery—the very foundation of so much of our nation's wealth and so many of its inequalities—we're told to just 'move on'?Tasha Pierce: Unwrapped is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tashapierceunwrapped.substack.com/subscribe

Jesus consistently connects the state of a person's heart with their relationship to wealth. The central theme isn't that being rich is a sin, but that the love of money, the trust in one's possessions, and the failure to use wealth to care for others can create a significant barrier to a relationship with God. What does this mean for Donald Trump? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tashapierceunwrapped.substack.com/subscribe

Trump just launched airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites—and Congress didn’t approve any of it. In this episode, I break down exactly how we got here, starting with Israel’s attack on Iran, why the U.S. had no business getting involved, and how Trump is following the authoritarian playbook step by step.We’ll talk about Tulsi Gabbard’s sworn testimony that Iran wasn’t building nuclear weapons, how Netanyahu likely played Trump like a fiddle, and what this escalating conflict could mean for democracy here at home.This isn’t just foreign policy—it’s a setup. And it’s one we need to stop before it’s too late.→ Call your representatives. → Share this episode. → Stay in this fight.Democracy won’t defend itself—we have to.Word to the Wise Bookshelf:https://bookshop.org/shop/Word2WiseUnwrapped Resistance MerchResistance: UPDATEDMonthlong Boycotts: July- Starbucks, Amazon, Home DepotAugust- Walmart, McDonalds, LowesJune 24th-30th McDonald’s BoycottJune 26- Disappeared in AmericaJune 28- Tesla Takedown for Elon’s Birthda

What does martial law really mean—and why does it keep popping up in moments of protest? In this episode, we break down the truth behind military crackdowns in America, from the Pullman Strike to Lafayette Square, and why the federal response to recent protests in L.A. should have everybody on alert. Spoiler: This isn’t new. And it’s not about “keeping you safe.”If you’re riding with me on this journey to break down authoritarian creep, stop right now and leave a review for the show. It’s the best way to help this work grow and to keep these conversations front and center where they belong.I’m bringing receipts, I’m bringing history, and I’m bringing solutions. Let’s go.Word to the Wise Bookshelf:https://bookshop.org/shop/Word2WiseUnwrapped Resistance MerchResistance:June 14 Nationwide ProtestsJune 24th-30th McDonald’s BoycottJuly 4 - Independence Day Boycott✊

In this episode of UnWrapped, your host Tasha Pierce is cracking open the real story behind a recent headline that should have us all concerned — the U.S. Naval Academy quietly removing nearly 400 books from its library shelves because they were labeled “divisive.” Tasha dives into what this really means, why it matters, and how censorship disguised as “protection” is shaping a dangerous narrative.From Maya Angelou to civil rights history, these banned books tell stories that reflect the full scope of our shared experience. And when those stories get silenced, we all lose. Tasha takes you on a powerful ride through pop culture parallels like Fahrenheit 451 and The Handmaid’s Tale, then brings it home with real-world action steps you can take to push back.If you care about freedom, education, and the right to know, this is your episode.

Unwrapped with Latasha Pierce delivers a no-holds-barred analysis of the week's most controversial topics in politics, technology, and social justice. In this fiery episode, Tasha dives into Elon Musk's manipulation of his AI chatbot Grok, exposing how it was programmed to spread white genocide conspiracy theories about South Africa. She connects this to Trump's controversial acceptance of South African "refugees" while deporting brown immigrants, highlighting the administration's glaring hypocrisies. Tasha also discusses the disturbing reality of Kristi Noem pitching immigrant citizenship as a reality TV competition and the heartbreaking case of Adriana Smith—a brain-dead pregnant woman whose family cannot remove life support due to abortion restrictions. With her signature blend of sharp analysis and passionate commentary, Tasha Pierce breaks down how these seemingly separate issues reveal the disturbing racist and sexist underpinnings of the current political landscape.Resistance:Ma

What if I told you that real power isn’t in the hands of politicians—it’s in ours?In this special episode of Democracy on the Brink: A Revolution in Real Time, we’re breaking down the true power of the general strike—how everyday people have used it to challenge injustice, topple regimes, and reclaim their futures.We dive into the history of general strikes, the science behind why they work, and how you can be part of this movement even if you can’t march in the streets.From Wakanda’s rally cries to Star Wars rebellions, we’re pulling wisdom from the worlds we love—and applying it to the fight we're facing right now.Because here’s the truth:The attack on democracy isn’t coming.It’s already here.And the window to push back is closing fast.Whether you’re a frontline protester, a digital warrior, or just figuring out where you fit in—you’re part of this.Let’s talk about how we shut it down, lift each other up, and build the future they don’t want us to believe is possible.

In this raw and unapologetic episode of Tasha Pierce: UnWrapped, Tasha breaks down the terrifying pattern playing out in real time: Donald Trump checking off the dictator to-do list like it’s a damn grocery run. From weaponizing the economy and flouting Supreme Court rulings to building a cult of personality and silencing opposition—this ain't conspiracy, it's the playbook.Tasha connects the dots between Trump's latest trade war theatrics, insider stock market manipulation, and the dismantling of democratic norms—showing how all of it points to a creeping authoritarian takeover. This isn’t just political theater; it’s a real-time civics lesson in what happens when power goes unchecked.With clarity and conviction, Tasha challenges listeners to stop sleepwalking through history. Now’s the time to wake up, speak out, and push back—before the final box on the dictatorship checklist is ticked.

In this episode of Unwrapped, Tasha Pierce dives deep into the themes of resistance, power, and the role of storytelling in social change. She reflects on the energy of recent protests, the government's reaction, and the importance of sustained activism. From the power of memes to the lessons in sci-fi, Tasha explores how pop culture shapes our understanding of resistance and empowers us to fight for a better future.Resistance:40-day Target BoycottMulti-Day - Tesla: www.tinyurl.com/teslaprotestsApril 7-14 - Walmart BoycottApril 18th - Economic Blackout #2April 21-28 - General Mills BoycottApr 25 - Federal Building Sit In: www.4thbranch.usApr 30 - Inclusion Day www.wemarchwerise.orgMay 1 - Mayday Multi-Week: tinyurl.com/maydayprotestMay 6-12 Amazon Boycott 2May 20-26 Walmart Boycott 2June 3-9 Target BoycottJune 24th-30th McDonald’s BoycottJuly 4 - Independence Day BoycottCall elected officials: https://5calls.org/https://journalofcogency.com/2025/03/02/what-is-a-general-strike/We will eventually have to st

In this episode of Unwrapped, Tasha delves into the troubling developments under the second Trump administration, emphasizing the importance of holding those in power accountable. Pierce addresses the unlawful detention of Rumeysa Ozturk for her support of Palestinian human rights, the capitulation of major law firms and universities to Trump's agenda, and the Signal Gate scandal. Despite these challenges, Pierce highlights a Democratic victory in a traditionally Republican congressional seat in Pennsylvania, offering a glimmer of hope. She calls for action, urging listeners to sign a petition to move the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics away from the United States to protect athletes and spectators from potential mistreatment. Pierce also touches on Elon Musk's attempt to buy a federal judge seat and the Vances' pursuit of Greenland, before promising to continue covering these important stories in future episodes.  Key Talking Points:·       Rumeysa Ozturk's Detention: Unlawful detention of a

"If you wanted to control the future, where would you start? With the minds of the next generation."In this episode of Sinister Silhouettes, we break down the current administration’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education and expose the deeper motives behind it. Is it really about cutting costs and giving power back to the states, or is there something far more sinister at play?We’ll examine the historical playbook authoritarian regimes have used—how the Nazis, Mao’s China, and Pinochet’s Chile manipulated education to control society—and why defunding and restricting public education is one of the first steps toward consolidating power.An uneducated society is an obedient society. And that’s exactly what they want.

In this episode of UnWrapped, Tasha dives into the latest power grab in the arts: Donald Trump’s unprecedented takeover of the Kennedy Center. From stacking the board with his loyalists to dictating programming and taking shots at Hamilton, Trump is making it clear that his version of the arts won’t include anything he deems “too woke.” We break down the details of his visit, the artists who are pulling out, and the alarming implications of political control over cultural institutions. What does this mean for the future of the Kennedy Center and the arts in general?Join the conversation—email Tasha at snapaftermoviestv@gmail.com or connect via social media (links below). Stay informed, stay vigilant, and as always, resist.

In this episode, we’re unpacking three major stories shaping entertainment, culture, and politics:

A group of young tech recruits—dubbed the "DOGE Kids"—have taken over key government operations under the Department of Government Efficiency, a Trump-era agency shaking up everything from the Treasury to Social Security. But who are they, and why are they calling the shots at the SSA? In this episode, we break down the rise, fall, and reinstatement of Marko Elez, the controversial former SpaceX employee who briefly had access to federal tax systems, was fired for racist social media posts, and then rehired after public backing from Elon Musk and JD Vance.Meanwhile, Acting Social Security Commissioner Leland Dudek admits he's caught between the administration’s demands and growing concerns over the agency’s future. With major job cuts, office closures, and new inefficiencies piling up, we’re asking: Is this a takeover or a takedown of Social Security? And what would privatization really mean for everyday Americans?Strap in—this one’s a wild ride.