Black and White Advice Podcast Episode: Shaun Murphy & "Why Do White Guys Love Flip Flops?"
Hosts: Turner Sparks and Phil Duckett
Release Date: June 3, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

The episode kicks off with Turner Sparks enthusiastically introducing the guest, Shaun Murphy—a stand-up comedian preparing to record a new special at the Comedy Cellar in New York City on August 10th. Sparks and Duckett briefly mention their recent live podcast recording, highlighting their commitment to producing more live content for their audience.

Turner Sparks [00:00]: "Shaun Murphy, is hilarious. You're gonna love him."

Gym Class Anecdotes and Cultural Reflections

A significant portion of the episode delves into nostalgic and somewhat controversial memories from gym classes, particularly focusing on the practice of swimming naked—a topic that sparks both humor and discomfort among the hosts. This segues into a broader discussion about generational differences and evolving social norms.

Phil Duckett [07:06]: "Joe told us a very disheartening tale weeks ago that his father went to high school in Buffalo. And back in PE Class, when they would have swimming, they did it naked."

The conversation expands to compare past and present attitudes towards such practices, reflecting on how societal perceptions have shifted over the decades.

Representation in Media

The hosts engage in a lively debate about the portrayal of different racial groups in media, particularly focusing on the stereotypical depiction of criminals in commercials. They discuss the historical context of these portrayals and their impact on societal perceptions.

Phil Duckett [18:17]: "Because there was a time it was called the 90s, when the robber was always black and the drug dealer was always black. And it got to a point, it's like, you do know. We do other shit."

Turner Sparks [20:22]: "40 more years of white criminals. Exclusively breaking into your home."

This segment highlights the hosts' insights into how media representations can reinforce racial stereotypes and the importance of diversifying these portrayals to reflect real-life diversity.

Humorous Observations on Behavior: The Flip-Flop Phenomenon

A central theme of the episode revolves around the quirky habit of some white men putting their bare feet on car dashboards, sparking a humorous yet critical discussion. The hosts explore possible reasons behind this behavior, blending humor with sociocultural commentary.

Phil Duckett [26:44]: "To the question before we get in that we'll get to that. I think people that wear flip flops in New York City are animals."

Turner Sparks [27:44]: "You can't always afford [a vacation]. So the closest you can get when you put your feet up and they're sticking out the window and somebody's driving your best girls driving the car is so ridiculous."

This light-hearted debate underscores the differences in cultural norms and personal habits, using humor to bridge conversations about race and behavior.

Upcoming Comedy Specials and Patreon Exclusives

The conversation shifts to upcoming projects, with Shaun Murphy discussing his new comedy special. The hosts tease behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive content available to Patreon subscribers, encouraging listeners to support the show for additional insights and bonus material.

Turner Sparks [16:00]: "So you're filming a comedy special very soon?"

Phil Duckett [17:25]: "We got one more question for Patreon coming after the break."

Q&A Segment: Addressing Listener Questions

Moving into the interactive portion of the episode, Turner and Phil address listener-submitted questions. The first question from George in Fort Lauderdale critiques the stereotypical depiction of white men as burglars in commercials, questioning if this trend displaces opportunities for actors of other racial backgrounds.

George [17:50]: "Whenever there are burglar alarm commercials on TV, the criminal is always a white guy. Is this taking jobs away from black, Asian, and Latino actors?"

The hosts dissect this concern, discussing the balance between maintaining traditional stereotypes and ensuring diverse representation in media.

Fact Check Segment: Assessing the Realities

In their signature "Black and White Truths" segment, the hosts bring in Joe Russell to fact-check the claims discussed during the episode. This segment emphasizes the importance of understanding the real-world implications of seemingly trivial behaviors, such as placing feet on car dashboards.

Joe Russell [32:30]: "They're designed to deploy at a high speed... leading to serious injuries like fractures, dislocations, and other trauma."

This practical advice underscores the potential dangers of the habits discussed, blending factual information with the show’s humorous tone.

Conclusion and Final Remarks

The episode wraps up with a recap of the discussions and a nod to future content available on Patreon. The hosts reiterate their commitment to addressing challenging questions about race with honesty and humor, inviting listeners to engage and support the podcast for more in-depth conversations.

Phil Duckett [33:06]: "Stay black."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Turner Sparks [00:00]: "Shaun Murphy, is hilarious. You're gonna love him."
• Phil Duckett [07:06]: "Joe told us a very disheartening tale weeks ago that his father went to high school in Buffalo. And back in PE Class, when they would have swimming, they did it naked."
• Phil Duckett [18:17]: "Because there was a time it was called the 90s, when the robber was always black and the drug dealer was always black."
• Turner Sparks [20:22]: "40 more years of white criminals. Exclusively breaking into your home."
• Phil Duckett [26:44]: "I think people that wear flip flops in New York City are animals."
• Joe Russell [32:30]: "They're designed to deploy at a high speed... leading to serious injuries like fractures, dislocations, and other trauma."
• Phil Duckett [33:06]: "Stay black."

Key Takeaways

1. Nostalgia and Changing Norms: The hosts explore how past behaviors and societal norms, such as gym class practices, are viewed through a modern lens, highlighting shifts in cultural acceptance.

2. Media Representation: A critical examination of racial stereotypes in media serves as a cornerstone for understanding broader societal implications and the need for more accurate and diverse portrayals.

3. Humor as a Bridge: Through humorous discussions about everyday behaviors like wearing flip flops or placing feet on dashboards, the hosts engage listeners in deeper conversations about race and cultural differences.

4. Engagement and Community: The emphasis on Patreon-exclusive content underscores the podcast’s dedication to building a community where more candid and in-depth discussions can take place.

5. Safety and Awareness: The fact-check segment provides practical advice, reminding listeners of the real-world consequences of seemingly harmless habits.

Note: This summary captures the essence of the episode based on the provided transcript, focusing on the interplay between humor and serious discussions about race and cultural behaviors. The inclusion of notable quotes with timestamps ensures key moments are highlighted, offering readers a comprehensive overview even if they haven't listened to the episode.