TALKING WHILE BLACK WITH DEREK WASHINGTON

On this episode of Talking While Black, we are pulling back the curtain on the political machine. Is the Democratic Party completely controlled by high-priced consultants, or is there still room for real people? We are joined by College of Southern Nevada History Professor and Executive Director of Vote Nevada, Dr. Sondra Cosgrove, to talk about the toxic role of money in politics, how corporate strategies are failing everyday voters, and why the influx of progressive young people is the ultimate hope to disrupt the status quo.

Before Marco Rauda became the CEO and founder of El Faro Consulting, he and I were grinding in the trenches—growing up in the chaotic, high-stakes backrooms of the Democratic Party and grassroots organizing spaces. Marco’s entire career is a masterclass in union organizing and progressive outreach, and today, he’s deploying that heavy-hitting expertise to guide top-tier political and non-profit organizations. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the industry. We talk about the raw nuts and bolts of political consulting—including how consultants actually make and blow through money—and take a hard look at the current state of politics and the road that brought us here. But fair warning: underneath all the gritty strategy, you are going to hear pure joy. Listen closely for the absolute smile that beams through the speaker every single time Marco talks about his favorite new titles: husband and brand-new dad. Get ready. Enjoy #TalkingWhileBlack.

"It started with a single upload. No caption, no warning—just a photo hitting the timeline of Las Vegas Facebook. Within hours, the comments section didn’t just spark; it detonated. We are talking about one of the biggest, most legendary Black Facebook fights in Vegas history—a digital war that dragged in community leaders, local personalities, and cousins twice removed! But here’s the kicker: the person who posted it, Danielle Monroe Moreno, ended up getting the exact opposite response she had planned for. Too late. In this episode, we’re breaking down the anatomy of a local timeline meltdown and the brutal internet lesson they learned the hard way: The Streisand Effect."

In this episode of TALKING WHILE BLACK we talk with the Nevada Current investigative journalist, Dana Gentry, about the ongoing scandal of Hope For Prisoners founder Jon Ponder after his recent arrest for various sex related crimes involving prisoners he had influence over. Involving some of the biggest names in Nevada politics including current Governor, Joe Lombardo, and Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson, the scandal involves all the typical makings of a Nevada scandal. Powerful men, old alliances and a compliant press corps. We discuss why one of the biggest scandals in recent memory isn't getting more attention and why the campaign of Attorney General, Aaron Ford, for Governor isn't using this to his advantage. All of this is followed by a scoop on palace intrigue involving Las Vegas Mayor, Shelley Berkeley!

"I'm excited to sit down with my play cousin and sister from another mother, Erika Washington! Erika is the Executive Director of Make It Work Nevada, a total powerhouse in progressive politics, and a fierce supporter of Black women. From spearheading the monumental fight for paid sick days across the state to amplifying reproductive and economic justice, she is constantly delivering massive community wins. She’s also raising three amazing young women, which is a full-time masterclass in itself. When she actually gets a minute to breathe, you can find her hosting her own weekly show, Sticky Note Conversations, diving into classic old movies, or serving up some serious fashion inspiration. I am so honored to have her as my very first guest! Now have some fun with us!