The People's Detective Podcast

Welcome to "The People’s Detective," hosted by Dr. Nicholas Louis Baham III. This is the companion podcast for the detective novel, The People's Detective, the first book in the Sonny Trueheart mystery series. Set in contemporary Oakland, California, Dr. Baham's novels and this companion podcast explore society’s most pressing issues—from sex trafficking and homelessness to progressive politics and pop culture. Each episode delves into a wide range of topics, inviting mystery writers, cultural founders, and influential academics to share their insights and stories. Join us for thought-provoking conversations that shed light on the complexities of our world and inspire change.

In this debut episode, we sit down with Kwei Jones Quartey, a Ghanaian–American detective fiction novelist and retired physician. Quartey shares insights into how he balanced his medical career with his passion for writing, producing critically acclaimed novels like Wife of the Gods and The Missing American, which was shortlisted for the Edgar Allan Poe Best Novel Award. We discuss his unique perspective as both a doctor and a storyteller, his exploration of Ghanaian culture in his books, and the ways he brings compassion and courage to his characters. Quartey is a Los Angeles Times Bestselling author and a key figure in African American literature, having made the AALBC list multiple times. His journey is one of perseverance, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to his craft.

In this powerful second episode, we are joined by Theresa Flores, a survivor of human trafficking and now an influential advocate in the fight against modern-day slavery. Theresa shares her harrowing personal story of survival and her transformation into a leading voice for change. As the founder of the SOAP Project (Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution), she discusses how the initiative educates, raises awareness, and empowers communities to combat trafficking. From survivor to advocate, Theresa’s journey highlights resilience, hope, and the importance of fighting for justice for vulnerable populations. You’ll also learn about how her mission has saved countless lives and the impact her advocacy continues to have nationwide.

In this episode, we sit down with the multifaceted Tina Gilton, an accomplished actor, voiceover artist, and broadcast television host. Tina takes us through her dynamic career, from starring as the lead actress in 100 Blocks—a film executive produced by NFL legend Marshawn "Beastmode" Lynch and awarded the Jury Award at the Oakland International Film Festival—to her work as a creative producer. She also shares her personal mission of advocacy through her award-winning series Someday She, which raises awareness about children's cancer. As the creator, producer, and host of Breaking Black Podcast, Tina continues to be a force in the entertainment industry and a passionate storyteller with a focus on social impact. We explore her love for classic Black-and-White cinema, Sci-Fi, and Horror genre films, as well as her work behind the scenes as a casting director and assistant. Tina’s work, both in front of and behind the camera, showcases her dedication to telling meaningful stories and her commitment to using her platform for advocacy. Join us for an inspiring conversation about creativity, advocacy, and the art of storytelling.

In this episode, we dive into the world of blockchain and cryptocurrency with visionary entrepreneur Lamar Wilson. Lamar’s deep expertise in the crypto space goes back to the early days before Bitcoin became a household name. As the founder of Hijro, a blockchain-based company, and creator of a cryptocurrency wallet, Lamar has been on the cutting edge of the blockchain revolution. His knowledge and experience in the industry make him a trailblazer you don’t want to miss. We explore Lamar’s journey in the blockchain space, his thoughts on the future of crypto, and the ways he’s contributing to financial literacy in the Black community. Lamar is a key voice in the Financial Juneteenth – Black Crypto Investing group on Facebook and serves as an instructor for Cryptocurrency Investing 101 on the Black Business School platform. Tune in as we discuss the groundbreaking technologies shaping our future and Lamar’s vision for a more financially inclusive world.

In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Knapp, a human trafficking researcher and policy advocate who has spent over a decade investigating the complexities of this global crisis. Amanda is a local leader in Miami, where she chairs the City of Miami Beach’s Human Rights Committee, working tirelessly to push for policy changes to combat human trafficking. With her extensive research focusing on law enforcement cultural barriers, LGBTQ+ youth trafficking, labor trafficking, and the public perception of trafficking, Amanda brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to this critical issue. We discuss Amanda’s current research, including her upcoming dissertation, An Investigation of Florida’s Human Trafficking Arrest and Judicial Process: How Do Arrest Trends, the Legal Definition, and Plea Deals Influence the Human Trafficking Court System. Join us as we explore the challenges faced by trafficking survivors, the role of law enforcement, and the need for comprehensive policy changes to improve victim identification rates and outcomes. Amanda's commitment to tackling these issues head-on makes this a must-listen episode for anyone invested in human rights and social justice.

In this episode, we chat with Damien Hunter, author of Secrets of State and The Madrinega Missiles, which form part of the thrilling Jeigh Leighton series. As an aviation enthusiast and former political consultant, Damien brings his real-life experiences from government and politics into his riveting spy novels. We explore how his career shaped his writing, the inspiration behind his political thrillers, and his thoughts on the intersection of espionage, global politics, and fiction. Damien is a supporter of The Aerospace Museum of California, and his passion for aviation often plays a crucial role in the rich world-building of his stories. In this conversation, he shares his process of crafting intricate narratives filled with suspense, action, and political intrigue. Join us as we dive into Damien’s literary journey, the challenges of writing in the spy thriller genre, and the ways he brings authentic details from his consulting career into his novels. Whether you're a fan of espionage fiction or interested in how politics influences storytelling, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Dr. Michelle Ramirez, a medical anthropologist whose work delves deep into women’s health, gender, and healing practices. With a PhD from the University of Iowa and an M.P.H. from Portland State University, Dr. Ramirez has conducted extensive fieldwork in both Mexico and the United States, offering a rich perspective on issues such as sexuality, gender roles, cancer survivorship, and the intersections of religion and healing, particularly Pentecostalism. We explore her vast body of research and the critical importance of cultural understanding in medical practices, especially when addressing women’s health. Dr. Ramirez’s experiences and insights provide valuable context to the way health, gender, and culture intertwine, making this episode an engaging listen for those interested in anthropology, public health, or women’s rights.

In this insightful episode, we welcome Nolan Higdon, an author, lecturer at UC Santa Cruz, Project Censored National Judge, and a founding member of the Critical Media Literacy Conference of the Americas. Nolan's work spans critical AI literacy, podcasting, digital culture, news media history, and propaganda. With a sharp focus on critical media literacy, he breaks down the modern challenges of understanding news, media manipulation, and the impact of digital culture on society. We explore some of the most pressing issues in today’s media landscape and how to foster media literacy in an era of misinformation. Nolan is the author of notable works such as The Anatomy of Fake News: A Critical News Literacy Education and Let’s Agree to Disagree: A Critical Thinking Guide to Communication, Conflict Management, and Critical Media Literacy. Whether you're an educator, student, or curious listener, this episode offers a deep dive into navigating today’s digital media world with an informed, critical mindset.