The Up & Down

01/02/2023

Day 193: I am watching (and just donated too) my college buddy Anika Larsen host and perform on this re-streaming broadcast of real Broadway Stars doing what they do best, SANG’IN to raise money for Broadway Green Alliance, an organization that is raises awareness and solutions to reverse the damage humans are doing to earth.

Coincidently, I am doing this as I ALSO finalize my own presentation on Climate Change & Climate Justice for a presentation I will be co-hosting tomorrow at Florida Philanthropic Network’s Conference Orlando. For any colleagues attending FPN’s conference this week, don’t miss my session at 1pm tomorrow, Wednesday Feb 1st.

I just saw that Anika and her Broadway pals were doing this tonight and I thought it was a sign! So I decided to do more than just admire my friend’s talent. I am also donated to her cause and promoting this link with the hopes that other Yalies or Lovers of Mother Earth will be moved to do so as well!!! Brava Anika and Seth Rudetsky on great show and cause.

TONIGHT! 8:00pmET! If you missed the concert for the last week, the performances were incredible, and what a vibe! And tonight it will re-air for free on “Stars in the House” with some new live content, and I’ll be there! Click here to watch!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8kbSE28oCk

26/05/2021

WE ARE BACK -

Upendo and Daniel have a robust conversation with Emily Skye of SheWolf Films. Emily is a local screenwriter/director/producer that has a new feature film RIVER (follow it at on Instagram) coming out July 13th. Hear her story and most importantly how she was able to navigate the film industry as a woman. You will be inspired by her truth and the lessons she has learned on her journey thus far. Will Emily survive the Rapid-Fire questions posed by the hosts? Watch to find out why Upendo is so desperate to date her neighbors and why Daniel never made it as a model. Ups for this episode focus on Delray Beach, Florida.

26/05/2021

WE ARE BACK ---- Come join us as we learn life lessons with Emily.M.Skye of SHEWOLF Films on this episode. She shares great insight on how to navigate Hollywood as a woman and being an advocate for women in the film industry. Laughter ensues as Daniel talks about his "non-modeling" days and why Upendo hasn't gotten an answer on her "throuple" proposal. We would love to hear from you on this episode.
https://youtu.be/T18Me8WPM14

18/04/2021

EXHIBIT . Daniel is NOT to blame for our late start.

18/04/2021

Please provide your best caption for the first picture.

Then watch the full & complete behind the scenes video that Daniel had to make when he discovered Upendo’s IG story, where she privately blamed him for our late start today.

01/03/2021

Upendo and Daniel pause to reflect on their memories and inspirations around Black History Month. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as a month to honor the history of Black Americans. Can you remember when you first began celebrating this national honorarium? The hosts share some trivia, some possibly controversial opinions, and their own favorite Black historical figures of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. What former US Senator refused to vote in favor of designating a Black History Month? Will we ever live in a society where we do not require a special month to honor Black lives? Can you sing the Black National Anthem? What are your opinions on the idea of reparations? Ups for this episode include two new movies about Black lives and an app that Upendo swears will change your life.

15/02/2021

Upendo and Daniel celebrate making it through 2020 (the year that will from now on go unnamed). The previous year was like a long, bad date. It's time to dust off our vision boards and own today and tomorrow. This is not a retrospective show. This is a show about moving on. What are you looking forward to in 2021? How easy is it to forgive, forget and/or move on from negative people, places and things? The hosts explore these concepts.

Daniel and Upendo reclaim their commitment to love, singing, sci-fi and staying healthy as the coronavirus continues to mutate. Join them as they forecast their personal, professional and global realities. And learn how forgiveness factors into their lives. Grab your bestie, listen to the show and let us know how your forecasts compare to theirs. Ups for this episode include a BFF's innovative, recycled jewelry and a national nonprofit known for repurposing goods and hiring people with disabilities.


#2021

14/02/2021

Happy Pal-entine’s Day from Upendo, Daniel, Greg and The Up & Down Show. Choose to spend your life with the people who make smile!

10/02/2021

Daniel and Upendo don’t hold back any punches as they react to the political climate and chaos already plaguing this new year, and it's only January. This episode was the first show recorded in 2021. Both hosts could not wait to get back to break down their thoughts and opinions about this most unusual moment in history: The storming of the US Capitol; Insurrectionists; White supremacy groups; and,, Trump’s unceremonious and unprecedented departure from office.

But not to worry, Upendo and Daniel also find time to celebrate some of the highpoints of January 2021. Both hosts agree that Inauguration Day provided Americans with excitement and appreciation for life that seemed to be missing during the last 4 years: Pride; Hope; Excitement; And so many undeniably instant classic political moments. Can someone say Amada Gorman, Lady Gaga, and JLo?, And we shall never forget former first lady, Michelle Obama, in that purple pant suit and matching trench coat, with THE belt buckle of the year. We don't know about you, but somehow January 20th seemed to introduce a new source of light and hope for our country. And we are eager to keep the positive vibes flowing.

31/01/2021

Nothing like a day of laughter, love and joy with The Up & Down family! We’re on set this weekend. New shows coming soon. Don’t forget to follow us on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcast!!

18/01/2021

Upendo and Daniel kick off 2021 with their first "Every Thing Is On The Table" episode, where the hosts surprise one another with secret questions that will reveal "the real" Daniel & Upendo. Each host secretly curated questions to ask the other and did not share any questions prior to filming. Also, the hosts are only able to plead the fifth on two questions for the entire episode. Will one of them have to plead the fifth? Which Up & Down Episodes are their personal favorites? What are their fears and insecurities? Why did both hosts have to strip down to their underwear in a parking lot? Does Daniel have daddy issues? What does Upendo think about parenthood? Which host should have been sued for fraud? This episode will keep you laughing, learning and guessing about these two besties. Ups for this episode include a new musical movie, including the film's celebrated director and cast.

Please leave your comments about the show on our YouTube and podcast pages, including Apple Music and Spotify. Upendo and Daniel want to hear from you. What other questions do you have for them? And what other topics would you like for the show to showcase?



*This episode was recorded on December 21, 2020, prior to the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Therefore, our first episode of the new year does not address the condemnable attacks to our democracy. The Up & Down Show prays that our country will rise above the failed insurrection and continue to heal toward peace and justice for all.

11/12/2020

Upendo and Daniel sit down with Upendo's neighbor who just happens to be a world class bar chef and soon-to-be television star. Meet Bill Binder, who many are calling the "Anthony Bourdain of Whiskey." Learn how this local bartender turned a job slinging drinks in his family’s bar (frequented by Bill the Kid no less) into a newfound career that celebrates his passions for golf, ci**rs and brown liquor. Be one of the first to learn about Bill’s upcoming television series, Binders Stash, that follows him as he travels the country, touring small and large distilleries and educating us on the subtleties of whiskey. Published in Forbes Magazine for his craft cocktails, this talented mixologist created a local whiskey bar in Palm Beach County that was named “Best Bourbon Bar in America” by Bourbon Review. And though he has officially retired from working behind the bar, Bill shakes out his leather apron once again for the hosts, as he teaches us how to make the perfect Old Fashioned. With a gorgeous beard and smile made for Instagram, this handsome, funny and engaging storyteller proves to be the perfect sparring mate for the Up & Down hosts. For more information visit www.bindersstash.com or follow Bill on Instagram at .

25/11/2020

Saw this amazing gospel artist on The Today Show this morning and she got me sangin’ and ready to break every plant-based rule this weekend! Enjoy the holiday, and remember to pause and give thanks for all that is good around us. And Visit her page for more joy. , thank you sister.

01/11/2020

The Up and Down Show Gets Political (Live): Come join the live conversation, as Upendo and Daniel take your questions and get ready for the most important election in our lifetime.

01/11/2020

The Up and Down Show Gets Political (Live)

31/10/2020

Don’t Miss Our First Live Episode - Sunday, November 1st at 4pm EST

28/10/2020

Upendo and Daniel review two controversial films in the news: Cuties (a polarizing film about a group of pr***en girls' sexual awakening in this modern time of social media) and The Social Dilemma (Netflix's chilling documentary about how big tech companies are purposefully using computer science and psychology to anticipate and control our real life behaviors and interests). Are you scared yet? Is Cuties artistic messaging or a dangerous exploitation of young girls? Remember Taxi Driver? Pretty Baby? The Blue Lagoon? We do. Let's talk about it. And, as expected, the hosts relate these pop culture topics back to their own lives? Which one of the hosts overshares this time? Will Daniel and Upendo take a break from social media after learning the truth about the very real dark web? You'll have to check out this episode to know. Ups in this episode include a new beauty product and two apps that will save you time and have you dancing and singing in your living rooms.

20/10/2020

Daniel and Upendo get personal about their own racial identities. The only rule for this episode was "keep things close and specific to our own experiences." In an effort to model that talking about race doesn't have to be scary, the hosts surprise each other with unplanned questions, stories and topics around this issue. The episode takes a winding, labyrinth of a road toward deeper discoveries for both of them. How have recent events heightened their own identities? What does it mean to be "not black enough? " Is there a difference between the black experience and the biracial experience? What is Black Pride? Is it ok to have White Pride? How does race intersect with sexual identity? The hosts unpack these and other topics, and they try to explain the difference between Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation. No one is safe, including: Adele, Nancy Pelosi, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and Linda Ronstadt. Ups for this episode include Chadwick Boseman, a local company promoting the Black Lives Matter movement, new COVID testing sites, and a new black entrepreneur in the family.


Link to Daniel's article for Yale Spizzwinks: https://tinyurl.com/YSAA-08-2020-Gibson





Lily Essentials & Wellness Contact:
Website: https://lilyessentialsandwellness.lifestepseo.com
Instagram Page:
page: Essentials and Wellness

20/10/2020

Daniel and Upendo get personal about their own racial identities. The only rule for this episode was "keep things close and specific to our own experiences." In an effort to model that talking about race doesn't have to be scary, the hosts surprise each other with unplanned questions, stories and topics around this issue. The episode takes a winding, labyrinth of a road toward deeper discoveries for both of them. How have recent events heightened their own identities? What does it mean to be "not black enough? " Is there a difference between the black experience and the biracial experience? What is Black Pride? Is it ok to have White Pride? How does race intersect with sexual identity? The hosts unpack these and other topics, and they try to explain the difference between Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation. No one is safe, including: Adele, Nancy Pelosi, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and Linda Ronstadt.

Ups for this episode include Chadwick Boseman, a local company promoting the Black Lives Matter movement, new COVID testing sites, and a new black entrepreneur in the family.

Link to Daniel's article for Yale Spizzwinks: https://tinyurl.com/YSAA-08-2020-Gibson



Lily Essentials & Wellness Contact:
Website: https://lilyessentialsandwellness.lifestepseo.com
Instagram Page:
page: Lily Essentials & Wellness

11/10/2020

The Up & Down Show goes live....Well, kind of. Join us for our first test drive with a live broadcast. Upendo and Daniel take their first steps toward live programming. Join them as they test out new equipment, while still delivering you the laughs and insights into the people, places and topics that keep us all thinking and entertained.

07/10/2020

Upendo and Daniel welcome their first-ever on-camera guest, Joshua Gibson. Daniel's younger brother visits the show to share how he has turned his life around and reclaimed his future. Hear personal family stories, including what brought Joshua to Florida in 2017, allowing these two to get to know one another better than they every knew they could. This is a special family episode that highlights a brotherly bond that has overcome injustices, incarcerations, bad decisions and a few wild nights in South Beach and Key West. Help us celebrate as we bid "Bon Voyage" to one of Daniel's personal heroes. Ups for this episode include a local nonprofit and Upendo's favorite place to pick flowers. (Recorded August 16, 2020)

06/10/2020

Upendo and Daniel welcome their first-ever on-camera guest, Joshua Gibson. Daniel's younger brother visits the show to share how he has turned his life around and reclaimed his future. (Link to Apple Music podcast below)

THIS EPISODE IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS A VIDEO PODCAST ABOVE AND ON OUR YouTube CHANNEL.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-up-down-show/id1516688968?i=1000493791110

01/10/2020

S2E2: WAXING ON CARDI B's WAP (Audio Podcast Only - No Video)

Daniel and Upendo dissect Cardi B's song of the summer, WAP, and ponder whether or not the song represents "Women's Empowerment" or just "Women's Entrapment." The song, which features rapper Megan Thee Stallion, took over the airwaves and watercoolers (or at least our zoom Happy Hours) this summer. Is this new art, or just rehashed sexuality used for shock value? The hosts also get into Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith's personal "Entanglement" this summer, after the Hollywood couple openly talked about their marital indiscretions. Is monogamy normal? Is Cardi B the new Millie Jackson, the new Madonna, or the new Gloria Steinem? Ups for this episode include a salty summer snack (and new tongue twister) and a new diet hack!

Daniel and Upendo dissect Cardi B's song of the summer, WAP, and ponder whether or not the song represents "Women's Empowerment" or just "Women's Entrapment." The song, which feature's rapper Megan Thee Stallion, took over the airwaves and watercoolers (or at least our zoom Happy Hours) this summer....

23/09/2020

Upendo and Daniel celebrate their birthdays and the launching of Season 2 of The Up & Down Show. The hosts celebrate this new chapter by revisiting some of the highlights and unanswered questions from their first season of episodes, including: Did Upendo ever watch a movie musical, and did she ever purchase a gun? And, what television show did the hosts predict would sweep this year's Emmy Awards? The hosts also discuss their new commitment to find love this year, sharing their truths about dating during COVID-19, and what they each are looking for in a mate. Ups for this episode include a new album by a hot Texas duo, and a special new beauty product.

24/08/2020

Daniel and Upendo discuss Daniel's new plant-based diet, including why he has started changing the way he eats, and some new fun recipes he has been trying. The hosts also compare two criminal justice stories recently in our headlines, debating what role racism had in the final verdicts. They compare the documentary "Filthy Rich" (about white billionaire Jeffery Epstein's crimes against young women) to the movie "Just Mercy" (about black lawyer/activist Bryan Stevenson's career defending poor inmates wrongly convicted). Ups include a new black movie and a self-help book. (Recorded June 13, 2020)

The Up & Down is available on YouTube, Apple Music, Spotify, Instagram, FaceBook and Twitter

17/08/2020

Daniel & Upendo visit one of Upendo's new favorite restaurants as businesses start to reopen post COVID-19. They also discuss the cult classic sitcom, Schitt's Creek. A "MUST-LISTEN-TO" FOR ANY SCHITT'S CREEK FAN! (We promise, no spoilers in this episode if you haven't watched the final season). And, finally, the hosts celebrate the allies in their lives who have helped promote diversity, equity and inclusion in this world. Ups for this episodes include a new album by a gay icon, and a helpful beauty product.

Catch This Episodes (and all episodes) on:
Apple Music:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-up-down-show/id1516688968

YouTube:
https://youtu.be/THfODHg9Jow

06/08/2020

Upendo and Daniel have a robust conversation on the 2020 Presidential election including who will be Joe Biden's Vice President pick. The hosts share key tips on how to get ready to vote in 2020. And the two reflect on the beauty of friendship. Ups include a current, growing media mogul and a new YouTube show (link to YouTube channel below)

https://youtu.be/YlvW4N1Rxww

06/08/2020

WE ARE BACK FROM SUMMER BREAK: The Up & Down is getting ready for this important election year! Are registered to vote? Have you requested your mail-in ballot yet? You don't want to miss what Upendo & Daniel think about this topic!

Upendo and Daniel have a robust conversation on the 2020 Presidential election including who will be Joe Biden's Vice President pick. The hosts share key tip...

29/06/2020

CLICK ON LINK BELOW: Listen to our first guest interview on The Up & Down Show, and learn how we all can be making more money during these COVID-19 days.

https://youtu.be/WFvVBIKQZ-g

22/06/2020

Daniel and Upendo unpack the impact of the "Cancel Culture" in today's social and political climate. Where do you stand on this movement? How is this movement impacting our community? RIP to the TV show "Cops". The two also discuss their summer plans which include, traveling, budgeting, visiting family and watching musicals. And Daniel starts a new diet. Ups include a new album and beverage for the summer.