Black and White Advice: Episode Summary – "Do Black People Do April Fools?"

Released on April 8, 2025

Hosts:

• Turner Sparks (White)
• Phil Duckett (Black)

Introduction

In this episode of Black and White Advice, comedians Turner Sparks and Phil Duckett tackle the intriguing question posed by Aaron from Folsom, California: "Do Black People Do April Fools?" As usual, the duo delves deep into matters of race and culture with their characteristic humor and candidness, aiming to educate and entertain their listeners.

Live Show Anecdote: Medford, Oregon Incident ([08:21] – [15:05])

Turner Sparks shares a vivid account of his experience performing a live show in Medford, Oregon, alongside his friend Carl Lee, known as Black Carl, the town's sole black resident. During the show, an unruly 70-year-old biker attempted to disrupt the performance multiple times. Carl adeptly managed the situation, eventually banning the individual from the venue.

• Turner Sparks recounts:

  "[...] the guy claims he got assaulted by whoever who owns the club. Who was he talking with? [...] I was like, oh, well, Carl was working the door. He's like, oh, okay." ([12:44])

• Phil Duckett adds:

  "We normally never do. Plenty of black men have died behind those false accusations, Carl. Stay black, brother." ([14:43])

The incident led to police involvement, with Turner feeling caught in the middle. Ultimately, Carl's handling of the situation reinforced his role as the venue's protector, earning him further respect within the community.

Listener Questions and Discussions

1. Main Question: Do Black People Do April Fools? ([31:16] – [35:12])

   Aaron from Folsom, California, asks whether Black people participate in April Fools' Day pranks. Turner and Phil explore the cultural significance and historical context of pranks within the Black community.

   • Turner Sparks reflects:

     "A lot of people said no, because they said America has fooled black people too many times. And they said the Tuskegee Experiment, and it was 15 times that." ([33:05])

   • Phil Duckett counters:

     "No, it's really not a color. [...] Just kidding. It was April Fools. And you're like, are you out of your fucking mind?" ([32:15])

   The hosts acknowledge that while pranks are universal, historical injustices have influenced the perception and participation of Black individuals in such cultural practices.

2. Milk Consumption Habits ([21:44] – [42:54])

   A question from Justin in Baltimore prompts a humorous yet insightful discussion on why White people often drink milk during meals, contrasting it with Black families' dietary habits.

   • Phil Duckett jokes:

     "We were drinking Pepsi's, playing football. Wrecking milk does the body good, bitch." ([22:30])

   • Turner Sparks reminisces:

     "We all drank milk because we thought it was going to, like, make us right." ([22:30])

   They delve into generational differences, societal pressures, and cultural expectations surrounding dietary choices, particularly the emphasis on milk consumption for strength.

3. Julio's Inquiry: Renaissance Fairs and Cultural Interests ([35:22] – [38:37])

   Julio, a Mexican living in Seattle, wonders why his White girlfriend is eager to attend a Renaissance fair, driving eight hours to do so. Turner and Phil dissect this by comparing Renaissance fairs to other cultural phenomena like Comic-Con, highlighting perceived disparities in cultural engagement and priorities.

   • Phil Duckett asserts:

     "We got bills to pay in our communities, Julio. And that's why you ain't never been no comic, Conor." ([36:02])

   • Turner Sparks advocates:

     "I think we need more Renaissance is. If this is a thing that's entertaining nerds, we need more things for nerds to be entertained with." ([39:18])

   The discussion underscores the importance of accessible cultural activities within diverse communities and critiques the escapism often sought by White individuals compared to the real-world challenges faced by Black communities.

Additional Topics and Stories

• School Experiences and Cultural Games ([27:00] – [30:52])

  The hosts and their guest, Joe Cosby, share nostalgic yet controversial memories of school games like "Smear the Queer" and "eresque fair," reflecting on how societal norms and sensitivities have evolved over time.

  • Phil Duckett humorously recalls:

    "What you say they did in Buffalo?" ([29:36])

  • Joe Cosby adds:

    "They had smores crying if anyone's listening and they've heard their parents talk about swimming naked, let us know." ([29:52])

• Phil Duckett’s Encounter at Point Reyes Station ([15:06] – [17:36])

  Phil shares an amusing story about performing at a saloon in Point Reyes Station, California, where his appearance alongside royalty-like figures earned him a revered status, humorously juxtaposed with Prince Philip.

  • Phil Duckett describes:

    "They took my picture right beside Prince Philip. I was like, dude, this is the sickest shit ever." ([16:10])

Humorous Banter and Host Insights

Throughout the episode, Turner and Phil engage in lighthearted banter, sharing personal anecdotes and jesting about each other's experiences. Their chemistry brings a lively dynamic to the discussions, making complex cultural topics accessible and entertaining.

• Turner Sparks jokes about Phil’s only fans presence:

  "I sent people a picture of the Happy April 1st from the April alligator. [...] It was a picture of an alligator, but actually it was a crocodile." ([34:43])

• Phil Duckett quips:

  "That is a white prank. He was like, this is great." ([35:12])

Conclusion

In "Do Black People Do April Fools?", Turner Sparks and Phil Duckett adeptly navigate through a blend of humor, personal experiences, and cultural critique. They address not only the initial question about April Fools' participation but also explore broader themes such as dietary habits, cultural engagement, and the evolution of societal norms. Their candid discussions provide valuable insights into the intersections of race, culture, and everyday life, all while maintaining an engaging and entertaining dialogue.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Turner Sparks ([33:05]):

  "A lot of people said no, because they said America has fooled black people too many times. And they said the Tuskegee Experiment, and it was 15 times that."

• Phil Duckett ([32:15]):

  "No, it's really not a color. [...] Just kidding. It was April Fools. And you're like, are you out of your fucking mind?"

• Phil Duckett ([22:30]):

  "We were drinking Pepsi's, playing football. Wrecking milk does the body good, bitch."

• Turner Sparks ([39:18]):

  "I think we need more Renaissance is. If this is a thing that's entertaining nerds, we need more things for nerds to be entertained with."

• Phil Duckett ([35:12]):

  "That is a white prank. He was like, this is great."

Final Note:

For those interested in exploring more candid discussions on race and cultural dynamics, Black and White Advice offers a blend of humor and insightful commentary. Subscribe to their Patreon for bonus content and early access to episodes.