Black and White Advice Podcast Summary

Episode: Vanessa Jackson & "As a Jew Can I Micro Braid My Hair?"
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Hosts: Turner Sparks and Phil Duckett
Guest: Vanessa Jackson

Introduction and Guest Overview

In this episode of Black and White Advice, hosts Turner Sparks and Phil Duckett welcome comedian Vanessa Jackson to the show. Vanessa, known for her performances on A Black Lady Comedy Show, A Little Late with Lily Singh, and as a writer for Saturday Night Live (SNL), joins the hosts to delve into topics surrounding race, cultural appropriation, and personal experiences in the comedy industry.

Notable Quote:

• Vanessa Jackson [00:44]: "Just drop the boys a message. Cause they're up to the task."

Comedy Writing and Industry Insights

The conversation kicks off with an exploration of Vanessa's journey into comedy writing. Vanessa discusses her experience submitting a writing package to SNL without an agent, highlighting the challenges and competitive nature of securing a spot as a writer on the show.

Notable Quotes:

• Vanessa Jackson [07:06]: "I just sent a packet through. I didn't show. I don't think I would have been good at showcasing."
• Phil Duckett [06:21]: "I've written a couple of scripts, but like people want like a sketch, they want to improv. They're like, you got to do like seven things. I'm like, I didn't say I could do that."

The hosts and Vanessa share anecdotes about managing creative ideas under pressure, the differences between scripted and stand-up comedy, and the importance of maintaining one's unique voice in various comedic formats.

Notable Quote:

• Vanessa Jackson [06:56]: "It's a lot more topical. I don't really do topical stuff."

Cultural Discussions and Anecdotes

A significant portion of the episode revolves around cultural appropriation and its nuances. Vanessa and the hosts discuss scenarios where cultural elements are borrowed or adopted, analyzing the fine line between appreciation and appropriation. They use examples from pop culture, such as celebrities adopting hairstyles or attire from different cultures, to illustrate their points.

Key Discussion Points:

• Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation: Vanessa emphasizes the importance of context, suggesting that adopting cultural elements during vacations to support local economies differs from casual or uninformed adoption.
• Celebrity Influences: The panel critiques instances like Nancy Pelosi wearing dashikis during COVID-19, debating whether such actions constitute cultural appropriation or respectful homage.

Notable Quotes:

• Phil Duckett [37:08]: "Cultural appropriation is never over."
• Vanessa Jackson [37:34]: "Every black woman gets their hair braided for. They go on vacation, they don't want to do it. They know they're going to be swimming. They braid their hair."

Listener Questions and Community Interaction

The episode incorporates listener-submitted questions, providing the hosts and Vanessa with opportunities to offer advice and share personal experiences related to race and cultural identity.

Featured Question:

• From Lisa in Sausalito, California [36:54]: "I'm Jewish with curly black hair. Can I micro braid my hair? Or is that cultural appropriation? Or is cultural appropriation over? I need help."

Discussion Highlights:

• Contextual Approaches to Hair Styling: The panel discusses whether adopting micro braids constitutes cultural appropriation, considering factors like intent, cultural significance, and personal identity.
• Balancing Personal Style with Cultural Sensitivity: They explore how individuals can express their personal style while respecting the cultural origins of certain hairstyles.

Notable Quote:

• Phil Duckett [37:12]: "I think it depends on the context. If you're doing it in your everyday life, it's a problem. But every white girl that goes to Jamaica comes back with micro braids."

Personal Anecdotes and Humor

Throughout the episode, the hosts and Vanessa share humorous and sometimes poignant personal stories that touch on themes of race, identity, and societal expectations. From discussing the challenges of navigating barbershops as a white individual to reflecting on past experiences with racism and cultural misunderstandings, the panel uses humor to highlight serious issues.

Notable Anecdotes:

• Turner Sparks [26:03]: Recounts being bullied in an all-boys Catholic school where the principal forcibly shaved his head.
• Phil Duckett [26:20]: Shares childhood aspirations of being seen as "real black" and the societal pressures that come with it.

Notable Quotes:

• Turner Sparks [34:00]: "Is that like a translation for something? Maybe it could be because I've only. I did used to work. I did. When I did my business in China."
• Vanessa Jackson [35:31]: "Yes, I slapped him on the ass. But I said a thousand apologies."

Closing Remarks and Future Events

As the episode wraps up, the hosts announce an upcoming live show scheduled for May 22nd at New York Comedy Club. They encourage listeners to support the podcast through Patreon, offering incentives like free tickets for subscribers.

Notable Quote:

• Turner Sparks [46:57]: "Stay black. You got a question but you're scared to ask?"

The episode concludes with the hosts promoting their Patreon and teasing bonus content for subscribers, ensuring continued engagement with their audience.

Conclusion

This episode of Black and White Advice provides a blend of humor, personal stories, and insightful discussions on race and cultural appropriation. With Vanessa Jackson's expert perspective and the hosts' candid banter, listeners gain a deeper understanding of navigating cultural identities and the importance of context in everyday interactions.

Highlighted Quotes with Timestamps:

• Vanessa Jackson [00:44]: "Just drop the boys a message. Cause they're up to the task."
• Vanessa Jackson [07:06]: "I just sent a packet through. I didn't show. I don't think I would have been good at showcasing."
• Phil Duckett [37:08]: "Cultural appropriation is never over."
• Phil Duckett [37:12]: "I think it depends on the context. If you're doing it in your everyday life, it's a problem. But every white girl that goes to Jamaica comes back with micro braids."
• Turner Sparks [26:03]: "I was pretty upset. I was like 16, so. And it's all boys school. You can't cry."
• Phil Duckett [35:02]: "I'm going to completely ruin this."
• Vanessa Jackson [35:31]: "Yes, I slapped him on the ass. But I said a thousand apologies."

This structured summary ensures that key discussions and insights from the episode are captured comprehensively, providing both context and depth for listeners and newcomers alike.