Podcast Summary: Black and White Advice – Episode: Jessica Levin: A Comedy Hurricane

Release Date: March 4, 2025

Hosts: Turner Sparks & Phil Duckett Guest: Jessica Levin

Introduction

In this lively episode of Black and White Advice, hosts Turner Sparks and Phil Duckett welcome their guest, Jessica Levin, a rising comedian known for her quick wit and engaging humor. The trio dives deep into discussions about race, personal experiences, and societal norms, all infused with their signature comedic flair.

Woodstock '99: A Chaotic Experience

Timestamp: 10:30 - 23:00

The conversation kicks off with Turner recounting his experience at Woodstock '99. He vividly describes arriving the night before the festival, indulging in alcohol, and the ensuing chaos that unfolded.

• Turner Sparks (10:32): "I was 18. I got hammered before getting ready for. I hook up with a dude I don't remember... I found me naked on a golf cart."

• Phil Duckett (16:27): Reflects on the rampant partying and the lack of organization, highlighting issues like sexual assault and the aggressive behavior of bands like Limp Bizkit.

• Phil Duckett (22:43): "We don't blame Limp Bizkit, they're tools. But it's the era that created that energy."

Turner shares how his drunken rant led to an unexpected feature in a documentary, emphasizing the chaotic atmosphere and the failure of producers to manage the event responsibly.

Evolution of Music: From Punk to Pop

Timestamp: 05:32 - 10:00

The hosts delve into the transformation of the music scene from the mid-90s to the late 90s, discussing the shift from diverse genres to the dominance of boy bands and pop stars like Britney Spears.

• Turner Sparks (05:36): "There was a mix of genres... but then the switch happened when Britney Spears started that stupid pop wave."

• Joe Russell (12:17): "Five years later, we get Britney Spears. I remember being like, this is kids' music. This is not my genre."

They reminisce about their favorite bands from the earlier era, such as Tribe Called Quest, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam, contrasting them with the later rise of pop-centric acts.

Representation in Hockey: Breaking Barriers

Timestamp: 25:07 - 45:50

A notable segment addresses the question from Jordan in Boston about why fewer black people play hockey and what it would take for black communities to dominate the sport.

• Jordan (25:07): "What will it take for black people to start playing hockey? I think you guys would dominate."

• Phil Duckett (25:30): Mentions P.K. Subban as an example of a successful black hockey player.

The discussion touches on the financial barriers, geographical limitations, and cultural aspects that hinder greater black participation in hockey. Phil shares his limited experience with the sport, highlighting the accessibility issues and societal perceptions.

• Phil Duckett (26:08): "I played one year of ice hockey in Fayetteville, North Carolina... I was the only black kid."

• Joe Russell (45:50): "Hockey costs a lot of money. Equipment, tournaments, traveling... other sports like football, soccer, basketball cost about a third the price."

The hosts advocate for increased support and resources to make hockey more accessible to black youth, emphasizing the need for representation and mentorship in the sport.

Black and White Hairstyles: Navigating Beauty Standards

Timestamp: 35:26 - 45:50

Drew from Detroit poses a poignant question about the mutual envy over each other's hairstyles in interracial relationships.

• Drew (35:26): "Why do we all hate our own hairstyles? She's jealous of my pin straight hair, and I get annoyed by her 4C hair."

• Phil Duckett (35:56): "It's how society has influenced us. Natural hair is making a comeback, but the legacy of terms like 'nappy' still affect perceptions."

The hosts break down the complexities of hair types, particularly focusing on the term "4C hair," and its implications within the black community.

• Jessica Levin (40:54): "A black woman came up to me and said, 'I change my hair every three to four months so my man won't cheat on me.'"

• Phil Duckett (38:50): "Black hair has nothing to do with your ability. It's about societal expectations and self-expression."

They explore the historical context of black hairstyles, the pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards, and the resurgence of natural hair movements as acts of cultural affirmation.

Navigating Racism and Cultural Sensitivity in Comedy

Timestamp: 32:00 - 44:00

A recurring theme in the episode is the fine line comedians tread when addressing race, especially concerning cultural appropriation and respectful representation.

• Phil Duckett (35:56): "People are on eggshells about being racist. That's why we made this podcast."

• Turner Sparks (44:30): Discusses the inappropriate use of racial terms and stereotypes in comedy, emphasizing the importance of context and intent.

The trio debates the use of accents and stereotypes in humor, referencing past experiences with offensive jokes and the backlash they received.

• Joe Russell (34:04): "Why can't I say rap with a Jamaican accent without being labeled racist?"

• Phil Duckett (37:00): Criticizes outdated terminology like "African American" and advocates for more respectful language.

They underscore the need for comedians to be aware of their language and the impact it has on perpetuating or dismantling racial stereotypes.

Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

Timestamp: 43:00 - 46:05

As the episode winds down, Turner and Phil encourage listeners to subscribe to their Patreon for exclusive content and tease upcoming segments, including Phil's anticipated first punk rock concert.

• Joe Russell (30:46): "Drew asked why white folks love Bob Marley so much... Is it okay for me to do the Jamaican accent when I sing Bob Marley?"

• Phil Duckett (39:32): "Natural hair is making a comeback... it's about self-expression and sticking it to societal norms."

They reiterate their commitment to providing honest, unfiltered advice on race-related questions, promising continued discussions that educate and entertain.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Turner Sparks (10:32): "I was 18. I got hammered before getting ready for. I hook up with a dude I don't remember... I found me naked on a golf cart."

• Phil Duckett (16:27): "We don't blame Limp Bizkit, they're tools. But it's the era that created that energy."

• Phil Duckett (25:30): "They just had that four, four nations and we was scrapping the first nine seconds."

• Phil Duckett (35:56): "It's how society has influenced us. Natural hair is making a comeback, but the legacy of terms like 'nappy' still affect perceptions."

• Jessica Levin (40:54): "I change my hair every three to four months so my man won't cheat on me."

Conclusion

This episode of Black and White Advice successfully blends humor with insightful discussions on race, culture, and societal expectations. Turner Sparks, Phil Duckett, and Jessica Levin offer listeners a candid look into their experiences and thoughts, fostering a space for education and laughter. Whether tackling the remnants of Woodstock '99's chaos, dissecting beauty standards, or advocating for greater representation in sports, the hosts deliver a rich and engaging narrative that resonates with diverse audiences.

Stay Tuned: For more in-depth conversations and exclusive content, subscribe to Black and White Advice on Patreon.