Episodes

  • As A Man Readeth Ep. 35: Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler Chps. 7-10
    Jan 16 2026

    Summary

    In this episode, the hosts delve into the themes and character developments in Octavia Butler's 'Parable of the Sower.' They explore the protagonist Lauren's journey as she grapples with her identity and the harsh realities of her world. The discussion highlights Lauren's belief system, Earthseed, which emphasizes adaptability and the inevitability of change. The hosts reflect on Lauren's maturity and preparedness, contrasting her proactive approach to survival with the more rigid mindset of her father, who struggles to accept the need for change. They also touch on the dynamics within her family, particularly her brother Keith's reckless behavior and the consequences of his choices, illustrating the broader societal issues at play.

    Takeaways

    'We are all God seed, but no more or less so than any other aspect of the universe.'
    'Plan and practice so that you don't have to panic.'
    'All you touch, you change. All that you change, changes you.'
    'Civilization is to groups what intelligence is to individuals.'
    'Any change may bear seeds of benefit. Seek them out.'

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Earthseed and Preparation
    02:50 The Importance of Planning and Awareness
    05:32 Empathy and Change in Earthseed
    07:59 Community Dynamics and Individual Choices
    10:32 The Consequences of Stubbornness
    12:59 Civilization and Community Adaptation
    15:28 Corruption and Assumptions in Society
    17:23 Understanding the Outside World
    18:56 The Importance of Planning and Adaptability
    20:57 Learning from History and Family
    22:58 Navigating Personal Choices and Dietary Preferences
    24:05 The Role of Community and Company Towns
    25:50 The Balance of Rigidity and Adaptability
    28:03 The Future and New Beginnings
    30:08 Clarity, Truth, and Personal Growth
    33:57 copy_89CAB9B3-79E3-4AD3-BDFA-1C9B044AF247.MP4

    Welcome to ‘As a Man Readeth,’ your weekly dose of insightful dialogue and enlightening perspectives, delivered with a unique southern style. Join hosts Goolsby and Tray D. as they delve into the world of literature and share their interpretations and lessons learned. Be sure to like and subscribe and join the conversation on instagram and youtube @AsAManReadeth and READ A BOOK😂

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    34 mins
  • As A Man Readeth Ep. 34: Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler Chps. 5 & 6
    Jan 2 2026

    Summary


    In this episode, Tray D. and Goolsby delve into Chapter Five of Octavia Butler's 'Parable of the Sower,' exploring themes of belief, action, and the harsh realities of their dystopian world. They discuss the importance of preparation, community awareness, and the challenges of leadership in a time of crisis. The conversation highlights the need for education and understanding different perspectives while navigating the complexities of survival and empathy.

    Takeaways

    Belief initiates and guides action, or it does nothing.
    The reality of the world can be harsh, and denial can be dangerous.
    Preparation is key to survival in uncertain times.
    Education and awareness are crucial for community safety.
    Hyper-empathy can lead to loneliness in leadership.
    Understanding different perspectives is essential for effective communication.
    The importance of knowing your neighbors and community.
    The outside world can intrude on personal safety and security.
    Being aware of trends can help in preparing for the future.
    Leadership often comes with the burden of awareness.


    Welcome to ‘As a Man Readeth,’ your weekly dose of insightful dialogue and enlightening perspectives, delivered with a unique southern style. Join hosts Goolsby and Tray D. as they delve into the world of literature and share their interpretations and lessons learned. Be sure to like and subscribe and join the conversation on instagram and youtube @AsAManReadeth and READ A BOOK😂

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    26 mins
  • As A Man Readeth Ep. 33: They Said N****s Don’t Read (NDR) Featuring Sadiq Ali & Karim Ali
    Dec 12 2025

    In this engaging conversation, Tray D and Goolsby host Sadiq Ali and Karim Ali, the creators of the documentary 'They Say NDR (N****s Don't Read).
    The discussion delves into the provocative title of the documentary, the importance of literacy in the Black community, and the legacy of Black bookstores. The guests share their personal journeys, the emotional motivations behind their project, and the broader implications of reading and education in shaping identity and empowerment. They emphasize the need for a cultural shift towards valuing reading and knowledge as tools for liberation and self-discovery.


    Takeaways

    The title of the documentary is meant to provoke thought and discussion.
    Literacy is crucial for empowerment and understanding one's identity.
    The documentary aims to highlight the legacy of Black bookstores and their impact on the community.
    Reading is a revolutionary act that can lead to liberation.
    There is a need to recalibrate what is considered 'cool' in the Black community to include reading and education.
    The decline in literacy is a pressing issue that affects the future of the community.
    Emotions such as pride, sadness, and anger drive the motivation behind the documentary.
    The project aims to spark conversations about the importance of reading in everyday life.
    Encouraging book clubs and reading groups can help foster a culture of literacy.
    The documentary is a call to action for the community to reclaim their narrative through reading.

    Chapters

    00:00 Project Collaboration and Future Plans
    00:32 The Importance of Reading in the Black Community
    03:08 Provocative Titles and Their Impact
    12:21 The Genesis of the Documentary
    18:53 Legacy, Literacy, and Liberation
    27:47 Literacy's Role in Self-Perception
    31:04 Emotional Guidance Through the Journey
    36:02 Emotional Reflections on Community and Progress
    40:44 The Power of Edutainment and Activism
    42:40 The Role of AI in Creativity and Learning
    47:50 Literacy and Its Impact on Society
    52:55 Modeling Behavior and Encouraging Reading
    59:48 The Intersection of Language and Understanding
    01:05:27 AAMR Outro POS.mp4

    Welcome to ‘As a Man Readeth,’ your weekly dose of insightful dialogue and enlightening perspectives, delivered with a unique southern style. Join hosts Goolsby and Tray D. as they delve into the world of literature and share their interpretations and lessons learned. Be sure to like and subscribe and join the conversation on instagram and youtube @AsAManReadeth and READ A BOOK😂

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • As A Man Readeth Ep. 32: Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler Chps. 3 & 4
    Dec 5 2025

    Summary

    In this episode, the hosts delve into Octavia Butler's 'Parable of the Sower,' exploring its rich themes of community, loss, and survival. They discuss the impact of violence and trauma on the characters, existential questions that arise, and the nature of God as portrayed in the narrative. The conversation highlights the importance of preparation and adaptability in a dangerous world, as well as the dynamics of family and community. Through their reflections, the hosts encourage listeners to consider their own beliefs and the realities of the world around them.

    Takeaways

    The story explores themes of loss and community.
    Violence and trauma significantly impact the characters' lives.
    Existential questions arise as characters confront their beliefs.
    The nature of God is portrayed as changeable and complex.
    Survival requires preparation and adaptability in a dangerous world.
    Family dynamics play a crucial role in the characters' experiences.
    The outside world presents harsh realities that challenge their safety.
    Inaction can lead to dire consequences for the community.
    The protagonist's journey is one of self-discovery and growth.
    The narrative encourages reflection on personal beliefs and societal issues.


    Welcome to ‘As a Man Readeth,’ your weekly dose of insightful dialogue and enlightening perspectives, delivered with a unique southern style. Join hosts Goolsby and Tray D. as they delve into the world of literature and share their interpretations and lessons learned. Be sure to like and subscribe and join the conversation on instagram and youtube @AsAManReadeth and READ A BOOK😂

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    33 mins
  • As A Man Readeth Ep. 31: Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler Part I
    Nov 17 2025

    Summary

    In this episode, Tray D. and Goolsby delve into Octavia Butler's 'Parable of the Sower,' exploring its themes, character dynamics, and relevance to contemporary societal issues. They discuss the protagonist Lauren's journey of self-discovery, her emotional depth, and the narrative's unique structure through journal entries. The conversation highlights the importance of change, questioning beliefs, and the impact of one's environment on personal growth.

    Takeaways

    The book 'Parable of the Sower' is relevant to current societal issues.
    The protagonist, Lauren, experiences deep personal struggles and growth.
    The narrative is presented through journal entries, adding a personal touch.
    Themes of change and adaptation are central to the story.
    The character dynamics reflect real-life family and societal challenges.
    The book explores the concept of truth and belief systems.
    Lauren's ability to feel others' emotions adds complexity to her character.
    The story foreshadows significant events through dreams.
    The importance of questioning societal norms is emphasized.
    The characters' experiences highlight the impact of their environment.

    Welcome to ‘As a Man Readeth,’ your weekly dose of insightful dialogue and enlightening perspectives, delivered with a unique southern style. Join hosts Goolsby and Tray D. as they delve into the world of literature and share their interpretations and lessons learned. Be sure to like and subscribe and join the conversation on instagram and youtube @AsAManReadeth and READ A BOOK😂

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    39 mins
  • As A Man Readeth Ep. 30: 12 Rules For Life by Dr. Jordan B. Peterson Rules 11-12
    Sep 30 2025

    In this episode, Tray D. and Goolsby delve into the final chapters of Jordan B. Peterson's '12 Rules for Life,' discussing the significance of courage, mastery, and the importance of play in both childhood and adulthood. They explore how personal growth often requires confronting fears and embracing challenges, while also emphasizing the value of small acts of kindness and the need for self-reflection. The conversation highlights the necessity of creating safe spaces for courageous actions and the impact of indifference on human relationships.

    Takeaways

    Courage is essential for personal growth and mastery.
    Children learn resilience through play and risk-taking.
    Adults also need opportunities for courageous play.
    Self-reflection is crucial for understanding one's limitations.
    Small acts of kindness can have a profound impact.
    Indifference is a significant moral failing.
    Creating safe spaces encourages bravery in others.
    Articulation of thoughts is vital for effective communication.
    Personal responsibility is key to improving one's life.
    Understanding limitations can lead to deeper connections.


    Welcome to ‘As a Man Readeth,’ your weekly dose of insightful dialogue and enlightening perspectives, delivered with a unique southern style. Join hosts Goolsby and Tray D. as they delve into the world of literature and share their interpretations and lessons learned. Be sure to like and subscribe and join the conversation on instagram and youtube @AsAManReadeth and READ A BOOK😂

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    50 mins
  • As A Man Readeth Ep. 29: 12 Rules For Life by Dr. Jordan B. Peterson Rules 9-10
    Aug 8 2025

    In this episode, Tray D. and Goolsby delve into chapters 9 and 10 of Jordan B. Peterson's '12 Rules for Life.' They explore the significance of listening, the discernment required in accepting advice, and the importance of being precise in speech. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-reflection and understanding in communication, as well as the role of the crowd in shaping opinions. The hosts share personal insights and anecdotes, illustrating how these principles apply to everyday life and personal growth.

    Takeaways

    Listening is crucial; the person you are listening to may know something you don't.
    Discernment is key when accepting advice; not all advice is good advice.
    Changing your perspective can lead to deeper understanding.
    Precision in speech can prevent misunderstandings and clarify intentions.
    The crowd can provide valuable insights, but it's important to think critically about their opinions.
    Acting on what you say helps you discover the meaning behind your words.
    Self-reflection is necessary for personal growth and understanding.
    Communication is a skill that requires practice and awareness.
    Understanding emotional literacy can improve relationships and communication.
    Confronting chaos and being precise in your goals can lead to a more fulfilling life.


    Welcome to ‘As a Man Readeth,’ your weekly dose of insightful dialogue and enlightening perspectives, delivered with a unique southern style. Join hosts Goolsby and Tray D. as they delve into the world of literature and share their interpretations and lessons learned. Be sure to like and subscribe and join the conversation on instagram and youtube @AsAManReadeth and READ A BOOK😂

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    43 mins
  • As A Man Readeth Ep. 28: 12 Rules For Life by Dr. Jordan B. Peterson Rules 5-6
    Aug 8 2025

    In this conversation, Tray D and Goolsby delve into chapters five and six of Jordan B. Peterson's '12 Rules for Life', discussing the principles of parenting, the importance of boundaries, and the impact of personal choices on child development. They explore the significance of meaning and worth in life, the challenges of vengeance and forgiveness, and the role of religion in establishing personal order. The discussion emphasizes self-reflection, the power of choice, and the necessity of cleaning up one's life to foster a better environment for both parents and children.

    Takeaways

    Do not let your children do anything that makes you dislike them.
    Setting boundaries is crucial for effective parenting.
    Normalization of behaviors can lead to societal decay.
    Parents should model the behavior they want to see in their children.
    The importance of self-reflection in personal growth.
    Vengeance can hinder personal progress and healing.
    Religion can provide a framework for meaning and order in life.
    Personal choices directly impact parenting effectiveness.
    Cleaning up your life is essential for personal and familial well-being.
    Children learn from the actions and consequences set by their parents.


    Welcome to ‘As a Man Readeth,’ your weekly dose of insightful dialogue and enlightening perspectives, delivered with a unique southern style. Join hosts Goolsby and Tray D. as they delve into the world of literature and share their interpretations and lessons learned. Be sure to like and subscribe and join the conversation on instagram and youtube @AsAManReadeth and READ A BOOK😂

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    48 mins