Podcast Summary: Black and White Advice – Episode: Wilfred Padua: The Funky Filipino

Podcast Information:

• Title: Black and White Advice
• Hosts: Turner Sparks and Phil Duckett
• Guest: Wilfred Padua
• Episode: Wilfred Padua: The Funky Filipino
• Release Date: February 25, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Black and White Advice, hosts Turner Sparks and Phil Duckett welcome comedian Wilfred Padua, affectionately known as Wilford Pad, to discuss a variety of topics surrounding race, cultural identity, and personal experiences. The show aims to educate and engage listeners by addressing challenging questions about race, often with humor and candid discussions.

Guest Introduction

[03:00] Turner Sparks:
"We gotta have you on this show because you tried to have me on your show the other day..."

Wilford Padua, a comedian based in New York City, joins the hosts to share his insights and experiences as a Filipino in America. The conversation opens with light-hearted banter about attempting to collaborate on podcasts and the challenges associated with show naming conventions.

Main Discussions

Ethnicity and Racial Identity

[04:26] Wilford Pad:
"There's this conversation that me and Jeff Sheen, my co-host, have been having because I saw this study... 70% of white people said Asians were more like white people, while only 24% of black people felt the same."

The discussion dives into how different racial groups perceive Asians in America, highlighting a study that shows a significant portion of white Americans view Asians as more akin to white people, whereas black Americans are less likely to agree. This leads to a broader conversation about racial identity and perceptions within the community.

Cultural Exchange and Appropriation

[05:58] Phil Duckett:
"We’ve seen how y’all dress. Y’all with our culture... It’s getting real, real chingy."

The hosts explore the influence of African American culture on Asian communities, particularly through elements like breakdancing and fashion. Phil Duckett remarks on how Asians have adopted and adapted aspects of black culture, leading to both appreciation and tension within communities.

Breakdancing and Racial Shifts in Cultural Practices

[06:22] Wilford Pad:
"I used to break dance in high school... no one’s black in it anymore."

The conversation shifts to the evolution of breakdancing, noting a decline in black participants in favor of Asian dancers in certain areas. This shift sparks a discussion about cultural appropriation, changing demographics in cultural practices, and the impact on community identity.

Experiences in Catholic High School

[09:20] Turner Sparks:
"There was an email that went around my high school... five priests from my high school."

Turner Sparks recaps his experience in a predominantly Filipino Catholic high school, detailing the unsettling news about priests involved in misconduct. The hosts discuss the broader implications of institutional failures within religious organizations and their impact on students and communities.

Patreon and Audience Engagement

[17:30] Phil Duckett:
"Subscribe to our Patreon@patreon.com/blackandwhiteadvice and subscribe right now."

The hosts promote their Patreon page, encouraging listeners to support the show for exclusive content and early access to episodes. They humorously discuss the perks of different subscriber tiers, including naming rights for their fan club, initially called "Ginger Fire" and later evolving into "Gentrifiers."

Listener Questions and Discussions

Question 1: NBA All-Star Game – Black vs. White Teams

[17:56] Mike from Long Island City:
"Should the NBA All-Star Game just go black people versus white people?"

[18:02] Wilford Pad:
"People are coming around, brother."

The hosts engage in a spirited debate about the feasibility and potential ratings impact of segregating NBA All-Star teams by race. They discuss the complexities of player identities, competitiveness, and the historical context of racial divisions in sports.

Notable Quote:

[31:20] Phil Duckett:
"You'd be crazy to think that we are the only species capable of making life when we are like, we're one small planet in a universe that's a major galaxy. I can assure you there's other going on."

Question 2: Do Black People Believe in Aliens?

[28:23] George from Chevy Chase, Maryland:
"Do black people believe in aliens?"

[29:06] Wilford Pad:
"A lot of my black friends are very into conspiracies."

The discussion explores the prevalence of conspiracy theories within the black community, touching on historical and cultural reasons why beliefs in extraterrestrial life may be more common. The hosts share personal anecdotes and examine the intersection of race and belief systems.

Question 3: Is it Okay for a White Man to Use the N-Word While Rapping?

[34:32] Alexander from Omaha, Nebraska:
"Is it okay for me to say the N-word when I'm rapping along?"

[35:20] Phil Duckett:
"I will never give out an N word pass... You got to make your own decisions. Decisions have consequences."

The hosts tackle the sensitive issue of racial slurs, discussing the implications of a white person using the N-word in music. They emphasize respect, the importance of understanding the word's historical context, and the personal responsibility that comes with language use.

White Lies and Dark Truths Segment

[39:55] Joe the Muscle Russell:
"The Jesuits are known as the Society of Jesus... the one drop rule..."

In this segment, Joe the Muscle Russell provides factual clarifications on topics discussed earlier in the episode, including the Jesuit order's role in the Catholic Church and the historical "one drop rule" that defines racial identity based on any African ancestry.

Notable Quote:

[40:34] Phil Duckett:
"That's what I'M saying the one drop. One drop. You got one in your family. You black as fuck."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts reiterating the importance of engaging with difficult questions about race and identity. They encourage listeners to subscribe to their Patreon for more in-depth discussions and exclusive content.

Key Takeaways:

• Racial Perceptions: Significant differences exist in how white and black Americans perceive Asian identities.
• Cultural Dynamics: The adoption and appropriation of black culture by Asian communities have led to both appreciation and tension.
• Institutional Impact: The misconduct of priests in Turner Sparks' high school highlights the long-term effects of institutional failures on communities.
• Audience Engagement: The hosts actively foster a community through Patreon, offering unique incentives for listeners.
• Sensitive Topics: The discussion on the use of racial slurs underscores the importance of context, respect, and personal responsibility.
• Historical Context: Understanding historical racial classifications, such as the one drop rule, is crucial in contemporary discussions about race.

Notable Quotes:

• Phil Duckett on Alien Belief [31:20]:
  "You'd be crazy to think that we are the only species capable of making life when we are like, we're one small planet in a universe that's a major galaxy. I can assure you there's other going on."

• Phil Duckett on the N-Word [35:20]:
  "I will never give out an N word pass... You got to make your own decisions. Decisions have consequences."

• Wilford Pad on Breakdancing Shift [06:22]:
  "I used to break dance in high school... no one’s black in it anymore."

Black and White Advice continues to tackle pressing racial issues with humor, honesty, and a commitment to fostering understanding across different communities. This episode with Wilfred Padua provides insightful perspectives on the complexities of race, cultural identity, and community dynamics in modern America.