DaBaddest Radio – Episode: "Big Hair, Bigger Tea"

Host: Bretman Rock (with Ms. K)
Date: September 4, 2025

Episode Overview

This high-energy episode of DaBaddest Radio exudes classic Bretman Rock warmth, humor, and confidence. Bretman and co-host Ms. K dedicate the show to all things "big hair"—sharing hair journeys, routines, mishaps, and cultural connections—while serving up the week’s juiciest pop culture tea and celebrating living unapologetically. They also get sentimentally real about growing up, growing older, and the nostalgia and impact that hair has on identity and self-expression.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Big Hair, Silly Styles, & The Power of Transformation

• The episode kicks off with both hosts in fun, over-the-top hair looks in honor of "crazy hair day." Bretman's attempt at a spiky style with long hair is both an effort and a struggle, resulting in lots of laughs.

  “I tried it today, but my hair is just too long, and I couldn’t even reach up to like, hold it up. So I was like this for like 5 minutes holding it up and like blow-drying. The arms, not the arms!” – Bretman (00:47)

• Hair as a creative outlet and a badge of confidence is a recurring thread. Both share childhood stories of experimenting with hair, referencing everything from 80s/60s big hair eras to anime icons and Filipino superheroes.
• The duo agree: "The bigger the hair, the better." (Ms. K, 46:57)

2. Pop Culture Tea of the Week

• Taylor Swift’s engagement – Both are elated and discuss her journey, choice of ring, and whether Travis Kelce or his brother is hotter.

  “She deserves this one. Out of all the albums that she, like, went through... she wrote a lot about her ex. Been through a lot." – Ms. K (06:37)

• Sabrina Carpenter’s new album – Standouts are “Manchild,” “Tears,” and “We Almost Broke Up Again.” Bretman notes Sabrina’s unique sound.

  “There is a world where 'Tears' could have been from the last album, and a lot of this… her new songs sound new. Like, I feel like she found her sound.” – Bretman (08:30)

• Doja Cat’s latest release is also mentioned.

3. Journal Reflections & Growing Up

• Bretman shares a journal entry about becoming like his mother and aunt—saving “fancy” household items no one ever used. This ties into themes of family values, immigrant/Filipino upbringings, and sentimentality about objects and memories.

  “As kids, we always had random things around the house that we weren’t allowed to touch or use... just displayed.” – Bretman (12:07) “I’m really morphing into my mom and my auntie, because I’m literally the same exact way today.” – Bretman (12:24)

4. Milestones: Turning 28 & Looking Forward

• Ms. K celebrates her 28th birthday, reflecting quietly on her desire to visit the Philippines and a sense of fulfillment from “doing nothing” and being with loved ones.
• Both hosts discuss anticipating their 30s as a time for real growth and figuring life out:

  “I just want to turn 30. I feel like my 30s is gonna be so amazing, I’m gonna figure shit out… I’m gonna be more successful.” – Ms. K (18:02)

5. Evolution of Social Life: Clubbing vs. Bar Culture

• Ms. K shares how outgrowing the club scene is a sign of adulthood, preferring bars or “little speakeasies” over loud clubs. Bretman reflects on generational shifts in nightlife and the significance of embracing change (20:13).

6. Legendary Hair Eras, Icons, and Hair Stories

• The hosts have a deep dive on favorite hair eras:

  • 80s/Disco/Aqua Net/60s Bouffants
  • Hairspray the musical (“Welcome to the 60s!”)
  • Men’s pompadours and pin-up glamour
  • Childhood hair “trauma” (the infamous Asian “bowl cut” and “Justin Bieber” era hair)

  “Every Asian child had to go through that, unfortunately. And we did.” – Bretman (25:18)

• Family bonding (and bullying!) around hair is discussed with humor, especially regarding Ms. K’s brother Colin and his attachment to his hairstyle as a “comfort shield.”

  “It could hide his forehead. I am so sorry, Colin.” – Ms. K (27:41)

• Hair as emotional armor, sibling rivalries, and wrestling days—all recounted with affectionate teasing.

7. Hair Icons & Inspirations

• Real and fictional icons discussed:
  • Hannah Montana (“Wig awakening!”)
  • Filipino superheroes (Darna, Kristala)
  • Winx Club’s Flora
  • Shego (Kim Possible)
  • Rapunzel ("Real-life inspo!"), Jasmine, Imelda Marcos, Snooki, Alyssa Edwards, Shakira, Beyoncé (notably, “Beautiful Liar” video).

  “You’re like a standard of hair right now... not even just your fans, Bella Hadid girl was like...” – Ms. K to Bretman (40:45) “Anya Taylor Joy told me I was beautiful… that would be my personality.” – Bretman (41:38)

8. Hair Care Routines & Products

• Both emphasize individualized routines and the importance of scalp health.
• Bretman’s go-to products: Dr. Groot shampoo/treatment, Cream Silk conditioner, Be Perfect oil.

  “Honestly, for me, as long as you are taking care of your scalp and your ends, like, you will set yourself up for a really great, healthy hair.” – Bretman (50:44)

• Clarifies that Dr. Groot’s pen is the only hair growth pen he endorses, calling out misleading influencer ads:

  “If you hear me promoting any other conditioner, call me out.” – Bretman (49:54)

• Ms. K’s brow product of the week: Nyx Professional Makeup Lift and Snatch Brow Tint Pen.

9. Joys and Gripes of Social Media Hair Trends

• Bretman mentions his recent viral hair hack video and the reactions (“falling in love with my hair again”), as well as "hair envy" from followers and even celebrities.

10. Quick Pop Culture Roundup

• Recapping the Love Island reunion—the couples who broke up, standout contestants, and how reality TV fame doesn't always lead to lasting relationships.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On being the baddest:

  "You are one of the most beautiful people in the world. I'm like, now not one of the most beautiful people telling me that…" – Bretman (41:01)

• On growing up and nostalgia:

  “I used to piss me off because I’m like, girl, let me use this cherry blossom lotion!” – Bretman (12:34)

• On adulting vs. their 20s:

  "My 20s was like… Okay, she playing. Yeah, I was playing a little bit." – Ms. K (19:07)

• On hair as identity:

  “The only thing that I do differently than probably you is that sometimes my washes is just conditioner.” – Bretman (50:13)

• Iconic hair envy:

  “Who is your hair envy?” – Bretman (43:48)

• Product endorsement clarity:

  “So many people have been clipping my clip that I had with Princess, talking about the Dr. Groot pen to promote a different pen. And I’m like, g– Oh, it’s not the pen that they’re promoting.” – Bretman (51:15)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Crazy Hair Day Debrief: 00:11 – 01:20
• Pop Culture Tea (Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat): 06:01 – 09:12
• Journal Reflection – Family, Sentimentality, Saving Things: 09:28 – 13:40
• Ms. K’s Birthday Reflections: 13:50 – 15:20
• Turning 28, Looking Forward to 30s: 18:02 – 19:59
• Clubbing vs. Bars/Adulthood: 19:17 – 21:00
• Hair Eras, Childhood Hair Trauma: 21:14 – 27:41
• Sibling Dynamics, Bullying Stories: 27:41 – 32:00
• Legendary Hairstyles, Fashion Week Story: 32:14 – 34:33
• Hair Icons (Hannah Montana, Winx Club, Shego, etc): 36:47 – 46:14
• Hair Care Routines: 47:11 – 51:15
• Product Recommendations: 54:31 – 56:51
• Love Island Reunion Chat: 57:01 – 59:15
• Episode Wrap-up & Next Week's Theme: 59:59 – 60:42

Tone & Style

• Warm, Effortlessly Funny, Deeply Relatable & Candid.
  Listeners are treated like friends, with inside jokes, playful shade, and honest confessions. Filipino/AAPI family culture, nostalgia, and a love of fashion and pop culture are celebrated throughout.

Next Week: "Era Week" Teaser

• The hosts plan to dress in their favorite fashion era, bringing fun facts about that period. Listeners are encouraged to tune in for more themed banter and style inspiration.

For those who missed the episode:
This was an empowering, hilarious, and touching journey through the meaning of hair—how it shapes our confidence, our memories, and our unique "baddest" energy. Expect lots of mindful self-acceptance, pop culture obsessions, sibling chaos, and Y2K-to-Disco hair love.

Memorable Closing:

“Like I was saying earlier, this is the baddest radio. Like and subscribe and give it a thumbs up and I will see you guys next Thursday. Aloha, everybody.” – Bretman (60:45)