<![CDATA[Shades of Banter]]>In this podcast, hosts Steven Portillo and Jay Coles talk about current events, hobbies, sports, and have some good-natured fun along the way and witty banter. Join Steven and Jay as they explore the lighter side of the news and daily life as black and brown men in America.

]]>https://jaycoles654.podbean.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Fri, 26 Jun 2026 23:19:30 GMTFri, 30 Jan 2026 00:35:47 GMT60Steven Portillo and Jay Coles<p>In this podcast, hosts Steven Portillo and Jay Coles talk about current events, hobbies, sports, and have some good-natured fun along the way and witty banter. Join Steven and Jay as they explore the lighter side of the news and daily life as black and brown men in America.</p>episodicSteven Portillo and Jay Coleschris.steven.portillo@gmail.comno<![CDATA[Books & More]]>In this episode, the hosts share funny and comical moments from their lives, highlighting the humor in everyday experiences. They also discuss the power of reading and the impact it has on their lives, exploring the themes of community, belonging, and personal growth through literature. The conversation delves into the impact of community and relationships on personal experiences, as well as the power of literature to evoke emotional responses and challenge perspectives. It explores themes of nostalgia, book club selections, the impact of literature, shifting perspectives, and reflections on the podcast.

Takeaways

  • Life's Funny Moments
  • The Power of Reading Exploring the impact of community and relationships on personal experiences.
  • The power of literature to evoke emotional responses and challenge perspectives.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Life's Funny Moments
  • 05:06 The Power of Reading
  • 24:20 Nostalgia and Community
  • 31:02 Perspectives on War
  • 36:06 Reading and Community
  • 42:13 Reflections on the Podcast
]]>d69fd76a-a45d-4825-8b08-92d02f75aa71Mon, 23 Mar 2026 01:24:51 GMT<p>In this episode, the hosts share funny and comical moments from their lives, highlighting the humor in everyday experiences. They also discuss the power of reading and the impact it has on their lives, exploring the themes of community, belonging, and personal growth through literature. The conversation delves into the impact of community and relationships on personal experiences, as well as the power of literature to evoke emotional responses and challenge perspectives. It explores themes of nostalgia, book club selections, the impact of literature, shifting perspectives, and reflections on the podcast.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Life's Funny Moments</li><li>The Power of Reading Exploring the impact of community and relationships on personal experiences.</li><li>The power of literature to evoke emotional responses and challenge perspectives.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Life's Funny Moments</li><li>05:06 The Power of Reading</li><li>24:20 Nostalgia and Community</li><li>31:02 Perspectives on War</li><li>36:06 Reading and Community</li><li>42:13 Reflections on the Podcast</li></ul>no00:45:1242Books & Morefull<![CDATA[Back at it!]]>The conversation kicks off with a recap of Season 3 and the excitement for Season 4. The hosts reflect on the past year, sharing their experiences and feelings about 2025. They also express their hopes and plans for the new year, setting the stage for a season of new beginnings and reflection.

]]>518c6a06-3ab8-4b03-8ace-c67d48a0717cWed, 04 Feb 2026 02:14:56 GMT<p>The conversation kicks off with a recap of Season 3 and the excitement for Season 4. The hosts reflect on the past year, sharing their experiences and feelings about 2025. They also express their hopes and plans for the new year, setting the stage for a season of new beginnings and reflection.</p>no00:42:2041Back at it!full<![CDATA[Season 1 Episode 13]]>In this episode 2-part season finale, Steven and Jay discuss 5 of the most significant and influential things from the past year of their lives. From music to shows to the Spirit of God, this one is one you won't want to miss. Deep, introspective, and powerful, you are sure to go on a journey that might leave you thinking long after the podcast is over. Comment, share, and let the hosts know what your thoughts are! 

]]>jaycoles654.podbean.com/d8ec4586-3454-3262-8c99-13e774cdeb7cSun, 12 Nov 2023 14:53:50 GMT<p>In this episode 2-part season finale, Steven and Jay discuss 5 of the most significant and influential things from the past year of their lives. From music to shows to the Spirit of God, this one is one you won't want to miss. Deep, introspective, and powerful, you are sure to go on a journey that might leave you thinking long after the podcast is over. Comment, share, and let the hosts know what your thoughts are! </p>no01:29:2413Season 1 Episode 13full<![CDATA[Season 1 Episode 5]]>In this episode, Steven and Jay talk about UFO's, Twitter's big rebrand, and mental health. You never really know what you're going to get out of these two, but crank up the volume, grab a nice treat, and enjoy this hour discussion between two friends who will go deep and also make you laugh out loud. 

]]>jaycoles654.podbean.com/a68a23d4-d4e0-37f4-96bb-16d7fdbf7482Tue, 01 Aug 2023 01:27:10 GMT<p>In this episode, Steven and Jay talk about UFO's, Twitter's big rebrand, and mental health. You never really know what you're going to get out of these two, but crank up the volume, grab a nice treat, and enjoy this hour discussion between two friends who will go deep and also make you laugh out loud. </p>no01:09:355Season 1 Episode 5full<![CDATA[Season 1 Episode 4]]>In this episode of Shades of Banter, special guest Josue Portillo (pastor and brother of co-host Steven Portillo) tackle current events like staging a kidnapping, celebrity divorces, spirituality and the state of Christianity and more. This was one of our favorites yet. Sit back, relax, get a drink, and enjoy the talk! 

]]>jaycoles654.podbean.com/589b9c9c-92b0-3973-bae7-e467b502e8f8Sun, 23 Jul 2023 17:01:12 GMT<p>In this episode of Shades of Banter, special guest Josue Portillo (pastor and brother of co-host Steven Portillo) tackle current events like staging a kidnapping, celebrity divorces, spirituality and the state of Christianity and more. This was one of our favorites yet. Sit back, relax, get a drink, and enjoy the talk! </p>no01:14:344Season 1 Episode 4full<![CDATA[Season 1 Episode 3]]>In this episode, hosts Steven and Jay discuss current events, like a decapitated kid who lived, Biden's student loan forgiveness program, spirituality, fast food, and male relationships and bromances. Sit back, relax, and enjoy these two as they dive deep. 

]]>jaycoles654.podbean.com/217a652f-9209-301f-a049-f339b34c8e77Sun, 16 Jul 2023 13:25:38 GMT<p>In this episode, hosts Steven and Jay discuss current events, like a decapitated kid who lived, Biden's student loan forgiveness program, spirituality, fast food, and male relationships and bromances. Sit back, relax, and enjoy these two as they dive deep. </p>no01:13:053Season 1 Episode 3full<![CDATA[Special Guest for a Special Return Episode]]>We return with a special guest on the show, and we do it all from a boat!

]]>Buzzsprout-17786635Thu, 04 Sep 2025 02:00:00 GMT<p>We return with a special guest on the show, and we do it all from a boat!</p>no00:28:0531Special Guest for a Special Return Episodefull<![CDATA[2024 Top 10 Wrap-Up (Part 1)]]>We're back with the highly anticipated top 10 wrap-up for the year. We dive into our top 5 in this episode as we come near the end of 2024!

]]>Buzzsprout-16237671Sat, 07 Dec 2024 18:00:00 GMT<p>We're back with the highly anticipated top 10 wrap-up for the year. We dive into our top 5 in this episode as we come near the end of 2024!</p>no01:41:512102024 Top 10 Wrap-Up (Part 1)full<![CDATA[2024 Top 10 Wrap-Up (Part 2)]]>We wrap up our Top 10 lists of 2024! 

]]>Buzzsprout-16481241Wed, 22 Jan 2025 03:00:00 GMT<p>We wrap up our Top 10 lists of 2024! </p>no01:16:082112024 Top 10 Wrap-Up (Part 2)full<![CDATA[Our Ministry Journey Part 1]]>This week we dive into a topic that is near and dear to us. We give you a glimpse of our ministry journey and how it played out. 

]]>Buzzsprout-14759272Mon, 25 Mar 2024 02:00:00 GMT<p>This week we dive into a topic that is near and dear to us. We give you a glimpse of our ministry journey and how it played out. </p>yes00:58:1922Our Ministry Journey Part 1full<![CDATA[Season 1 Episode 9]]>In this lighthearted episode, Steven and Jay tackle questions asked by the audience and share some insights on culture and what annoys them in their new segment Ugh, Seriously! Grab a drink or your favorite snack and listen to this hour long conversation that you won't want to miss. 

]]>jaycoles654.podbean.com/632c779d-be47-3d69-9b82-64efd70e633cThu, 31 Aug 2023 20:45:16 GMT<p>In this lighthearted episode, Steven and Jay tackle questions asked by the audience and share some insights on culture and what annoys them in their new segment Ugh, Seriously! Grab a drink or your favorite snack and listen to this hour long conversation that you won't want to miss. </p>no01:05:479Season 1 Episode 9full<![CDATA[Season 1 Episode 6]]>In this episode, hosts Steven and Jay tackle the Lizzo controversy, Zoo animals, the "Goon Squad," and wedding traditions among other things! This is an episode you do not want to miss out on. These two can be serious and deep and they can also be funny. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this conversation. 

]]>jaycoles654.podbean.com/6d81a511-f5a5-319e-9acf-efa9ef309725Wed, 09 Aug 2023 02:27:14 GMT<p>In this episode, hosts Steven and Jay tackle the Lizzo controversy, Zoo animals, the "Goon Squad," and wedding traditions among other things! This is an episode you do not want to miss out on. These two can be serious and deep and they can also be funny. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this conversation. </p>no01:05:386Season 1 Episode 6full<![CDATA[What we like and more!]]>This week we talk AI Implants, Basketball, Must Watch/Listen/Read recs, and Muncie.

]]>Buzzsprout-15313797Wed, 26 Jun 2024 02:00:00 GMT<p>This week we talk AI Implants, Basketball, Must Watch/Listen/Read recs, and Muncie.</p>no01:02:2527What we like and more!full<![CDATA[Season 1 Episode 12]]>In this episode, hosts Steven and Jay, catch up after taking a couple weeks off and then discuss attachment styles. If you are unfamiliar with attachment styles, just research the work of psychoanalyst John Bowlby. After a lengthy discussion on attachment styles and the ways they affect our lives, Steven and Jay talk about all things Halloween in their favorite segment "overrated" or "underrated." Sit back, relax, and enjoy this longer episode through attachment styles and how God may be moving through them and around them. 

]]>jaycoles654.podbean.com/64ca9fa8-f27b-31dd-adbf-bd1e0a848380Sat, 04 Nov 2023 20:56:12 GMT<p>In this episode, hosts Steven and Jay, catch up after taking a couple weeks off and then discuss attachment styles. If you are unfamiliar with attachment styles, just research the work of psychoanalyst John Bowlby. After a lengthy discussion on attachment styles and the ways they affect our lives, Steven and Jay talk about all things Halloween in their favorite segment "overrated" or "underrated." Sit back, relax, and enjoy this longer episode through attachment styles and how God may be moving through them and around them. </p>no01:38:2212Season 1 Episode 12full<![CDATA[Our Ministry Journey Part 2]]>We pick up where we last left off. What happened while Jay was on staff the final two years and a glimpse into Steven's life after leaving.

]]>Buzzsprout-14817390Wed, 03 Apr 2024 01:00:00 GMT<p>We pick up where we last left off. What happened while Jay was on staff the final two years and a glimpse into Steven's life after leaving.</p>no01:17:2223Our Ministry Journey Part 2full<![CDATA[Steps to a Better Us]]>This week we cover some of the ways we've processed and worked towards a better us. We talk mental health, boundaries, Chik Fil A, and Oppenheimer.

]]>Buzzsprout-14845295Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT<p>This week we cover some of the ways we've processed and worked towards a better us. We talk mental health, boundaries, Chik Fil A, and Oppenheimer.</p>no00:59:1024Steps to a Better Usfull<![CDATA[Season 1 Episode 1]]>In this podcast, hosts Steven and Jay tackle the origins of the Shades of Banter podcasts as well as getting to share some insight on what people can expect by tuning in to listen. These two laugh a lot about the dumbest things. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode and let us know your thoughts on what Steven and Jay should talk about next. 

]]>jaycoles654.podbean.com/75345eae-4c92-306c-82ca-65c22f1bc582Wed, 05 Jul 2023 03:09:51 GMT<p>In this podcast, hosts Steven and Jay tackle the origins of the Shades of Banter podcasts as well as getting to share some insight on what people can expect by tuning in to listen. These two laugh a lot about the dumbest things. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode and let us know your thoughts on what Steven and Jay should talk about next. </p>no00:24:271Season 1 Episode 1full<![CDATA[A little late but...We're Back!!!]]>We're back for season 2!!! Join us as we go over what this year will look like. We still keeping some things the same but are also bringing plenty of new things!

]]>Buzzsprout-14707538Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT<p>We're back for season 2!!! Join us as we go over what this year will look like. We still keeping some things the same but are also bringing plenty of new things!</p>no00:47:1021A little late but...We're Back!!!full<![CDATA[Season 1 Episode 8]]>In this video, hosts Steven and Jay, talk about relationships, mental health, brotherhood, and more. This episode is heartfelt, emotional, but also fun. Grab a comfy seat and prepare to cry or laugh or both!

]]>jaycoles654.podbean.com/35a93032-5a0b-36b8-a22e-887f762b9be9Thu, 24 Aug 2023 01:30:39 GMT<p>In this video, hosts Steven and Jay, talk about relationships, mental health, brotherhood, and more. This episode is heartfelt, emotional, but also fun. Grab a comfy seat and prepare to cry or laugh or both!</p>no01:32:388Season 1 Episode 8full<![CDATA[Season 1 Episode 11]]>In this latest episode hosts, Steven and Jay, spend some time catching up after taking some meaningful time away on vacation. They discuss in depth all things relationships, grief, trauma, community, and spend quite a bit of time thinking about their childhoods and the people they've grown to become. Deeply poignant, honest, and powerful, this will be one that you won't want to miss. Like, follow, and share with your closest friends. 

]]>jaycoles654.podbean.com/33bf7e72-c1a4-3ac2-8ad1-4619f9fa9462Mon, 16 Oct 2023 00:58:52 GMT<p>In this latest episode hosts, Steven and Jay, spend some time catching up after taking some meaningful time away on vacation. They discuss in depth all things relationships, grief, trauma, community, and spend quite a bit of time thinking about their childhoods and the people they've grown to become. Deeply poignant, honest, and powerful, this will be one that you won't want to miss. Like, follow, and share with your closest friends. </p>no01:14:0411Season 1 Episode 11full<![CDATA[Season 1 Episode 7]]>In this episode, hosts, Steven and Jay, tackle the Montgomery Brawl, the Blind Side, a Billionaire Murder Mystery, and the state of humanity. Come listen to some fashion tips and some hot topics! 

]]>jaycoles654.podbean.com/6a54833c-92a6-3cc4-a0a2-ef9eaff9adcaFri, 18 Aug 2023 19:38:25 GMT<p>In this episode, hosts, Steven and Jay, tackle the Montgomery Brawl, the Blind Side, a Billionaire Murder Mystery, and the state of humanity. Come listen to some fashion tips and some hot topics! </p>no01:26:467Season 1 Episode 7full<![CDATA[Season 1 Episode 2]]>In this episode, hosts Steven and Jay tackle the recent Supreme Court decisions, the real definition of "woke," all things 4th of July, and other hot topics you won't want to miss. Take a listen and get ready to laugh out loud. 

]]>jaycoles654.podbean.com/a241a2ac-4502-3fa0-8195-320e62835afcFri, 07 Jul 2023 03:19:20 GMT<p>In this episode, hosts Steven and Jay tackle the recent Supreme Court decisions, the real definition of "woke," all things 4th of July, and other hot topics you won't want to miss. Take a listen and get ready to laugh out loud. </p>no00:50:002Season 1 Episode 2full<![CDATA[We're Alive and Back!!!]]>We catch you up on the last month. We took a trip to Nashville and we share our favorite parts.

]]>Buzzsprout-15214597Sat, 08 Jun 2024 02:00:00 GMT<p>We catch you up on the last month. We took a trip to Nashville and we share our favorite parts.</p>no00:52:06We're Alive and Back!!!full<![CDATA[Season 1 Episode 10]]>Apologies for the long break. Life is chaotic and busy these days. In this episode, listen to hosts Steven and Jay, discuss current events, like UFO's and celebrities as well as do a deep dive into how to get unstuck in conflict and learning what it looks like to trust others again after being wounded by them. Sincere and raw, this one is a good one you will not want to miss!

]]>jaycoles654.podbean.com/298b421d-cae4-3743-938b-4dc20e9605b6Fri, 22 Sep 2023 21:37:53 GMT<p>Apologies for the long break. Life is chaotic and busy these days. In this episode, listen to hosts Steven and Jay, discuss current events, like UFO's and celebrities as well as do a deep dive into how to get unstuck in conflict and learning what it looks like to trust others again after being wounded by them. Sincere and raw, this one is a good one you will not want to miss!</p>no01:16:2910Season 1 Episode 10full<![CDATA[New Era, Friendships, and More!]]>This week we give a few updates on what we've been up to the past couple of months. We end the episode by having a discussion on friendship that you won't want to miss!

]]>Buzzsprout-15791984Sat, 21 Sep 2024 19:00:00 GMT<p>This week we give a few updates on what we've been up to the past couple of months. We end the episode by having a discussion on friendship that you won't want to miss!</p>no01:25:1929New Era, Friendships, and More!full<![CDATA[A Life of Assimilating]]>This week we do a deep dive into how our desire for acceptance led us to a life of confusion. Join us as we share how growing up in the Midwest has shaped us.

]]>Buzzsprout-15433252Thu, 18 Jul 2024 03:00:00 GMT<p>This week we do a deep dive into how our desire for acceptance led us to a life of confusion. Join us as we share how growing up in the Midwest has shaped us.</p>no01:16:2428A Life of Assimilatingfull<![CDATA[Rizz or No Rizz]]>This week we talk about our previous dating history and how upbringings shaped our perspectives. Find out if we game or were completely lame. We also talk about tsunami pods, theft, and Harry Potter!

]]>Buzzsprout-14903922Wed, 17 Apr 2024 02:00:00 GMT<p>This week we talk about our previous dating history and how upbringings shaped our perspectives. Find out if we game or were completely lame. We also talk about tsunami pods, theft, and Harry Potter!</p>no01:06:2925Rizz or No Rizzfull<![CDATA[Season 1 Episode 14]]>Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the final episode of the year! Steven and Jay talk about the remaining 5 things on their lists of the top 10 most influential and impactful things of the year. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this light, sometimes fun, and often times introspective thoughts from two friends as they close out season 1 of Shades of Banter. Thanks for being faithful listeners this year! See you all in 2024. - Jay and Steven, hosts. 

]]>jaycoles654.podbean.com/4171f093-d6de-3579-9866-804cd3f25c79Thu, 14 Dec 2023 03:36:54 GMT<p>Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the final episode of the year! Steven and Jay talk about the remaining 5 things on their lists of the top 10 most influential and impactful things of the year. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this light, sometimes fun, and often times introspective thoughts from two friends as they close out season 1 of Shades of Banter. Thanks for being faithful listeners this year! See you all in 2024. - Jay and Steven, hosts. </p>no01:46:3614Season 1 Episode 14full