Decisions, Decisions – EP 429: Essence Fest 2025 (Ft. Kandi Burruss) Summary

Release Date: July 14, 2025
Hosts: Mandy V and WeezyWTF
Guests: Kandi Burruss

1. Episode Introduction and Essence Fest Overview

In this special edition of Decisions, Decisions, hosts Mandy V and WeezyWTF delve into their experiences at Essence Fest 2025. This was their inaugural attendance at the event, providing listeners with firsthand insights into the festivities, networking opportunities, and cultural highlights.

Key Highlights:

• Networking and Partnerships: Mandy and WeezyV discuss their interactions with notable organizations such as Black Effect Network, Gilead Sciences, and Black Women in Health.
• Essence Fest Experience: Both hosts share their observations about the event’s demographics, cultural elements, and overall vibe.

Notable Quote:

Mandy V (03:33): "Our first time being at Essence Fest, and oh, so much of it is only expected."

2. Personal Stories: New Orleans Adventures

The hosts recount their adventures in New Orleans during Essence Fest, highlighting the city's unique culture, cuisine, and unexpected encounters.

Key Highlights:

• Culinary Delights: Mandy emphasizes the exceptional food scene, mentioning dishes like crawfish, oysters, and various renditions of red beans and rice.
• Unexpected Encounters: Mandy shares a wild story about meeting Spectacular from Pretty Ricky and an impromptu club experience with Keith Sweat, showcasing the vibrant nightlife and unexpected moments that made her weekend memorable.

Notable Quotes:

Mandy V (04:33): "I never want to be referred to as an auntie ever again. Because if ESSENCE is the Auntie Fest, I have another 60 years before I become an auntie."

Mandy V (09:19): "We ended up meeting Spectacular from Pretty Ricky... It was like being in the metaverse."

3. Financial Insights and Advertisements

Throughout the episode, Mandy and Weezy intersperse their conversations with sponsored segments, promoting brands like Mint Mobile and Chime. However, the hosts seamlessly integrate financial advice into their discussions, especially during interviews.

Key Highlights:

• Chime Promotion: Emphasizes fee-free banking and early direct deposits.
• Mint Mobile Promotion: Highlights affordable unlimited premium wireless plans.

4. In-Depth Interview with Kandi Burruss

The highlight of the episode is an engaging interview with Kandi Burruss, exploring her journey as an entrepreneur, mother, and influential figure in the entertainment industry.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Entrepreneurship and Production: Kandi shares her experiences producing Broadway shows like Othello and her involvement in the music industry.

  Notable Quote:

  Kandi Burruss (64:16): "Denzel brought the opportunity... Jake was the first one on his list."

• Motherhood and Parenting: The conversation delves into the challenges of parenting Riley, Kandi’s daughter, highlighting the balance between being a mother and maintaining a public persona.

  Notable Quote:

  Kandi Burruss (71:24): "I want people to remember me as a woman who always looked out for people and uplifted others to be successful."

• Financial Advice: Kandi provides valuable financial tips, advocating for early investments, separate banking accounts to avoid overdrafts, and the importance of budgeting.

  Notable Quotes:

  Kandi Burruss (66:19): "I started putting my money into investments heavy in my 20s and look at that money as it doesn't exist."

  Kandi Burruss (69:05): "You need to have bank accounts at two separate banks... Live below your means."

• Legacy and Impact: Discusses the importance of leaving a lasting legacy beyond one’s children, focusing on community impact and personal achievements.

5. Relationship Dynamics and Personal Reflections

Hosts delve into personal relationship dynamics, drawing parallels between business and romantic interactions. They discuss the challenges of receiving rejection, maintaining communication, and balancing personal and professional lives.

Key Highlights:

• Handling Rejection: Mandy and Weezy share their strategies for dealing with 'no' in both romantic and business contexts, emphasizing resilience and continuous growth.

  Notable Quotes:

  Mandy V (58:57): "I always tell my kids all the time, if they say no, so what? Go on to the next person."

  Weezy (60:28): "What's harder to hear a no in a romantic situation or a no in a business situation?"

• Balancing Creativity and Corporate Life: Mandy reflects on her reluctance to move to Washington D.C. due to its political and corporate environment, preferring cities that foster creativity like New York and Los Angeles.

6. Closing Remarks and Future Collaborations

The episode concludes with excitement about future collaborations and projects. Kandi Burruss hints at upcoming movies produced with her husband, Todd, and expresses interest in joining the podcast for future episodes.

Key Highlights:

• Upcoming Projects: Kandi mentions her latest movie, Don't Bring Your Man to Atlanta, and encourages listeners to stay tuned for more updates.
• Future Collaborations: Hosts express their enthusiasm for having Kandi join future podcasts and continue the enriching conversations.

Notable Quote:

Kandi Burruss (75:11): "Thank you so much."

Conclusion

EP 429 of Decisions, Decisions offers a rich blend of personal anecdotes, professional insights, and inspiring conversations with Kandi Burruss. Mandy V and WeezyWTF successfully navigate discussions on culture, finance, and relationships, providing listeners with valuable takeaways and an authentic glimpse into their experiences at Essence Fest 2025.

Notable Advertisements Omitted:

• Mint Mobile: [00:36] - [01:18]
• Chime: [16:03] - [17:24]
• DreamWorks Animation – The Bad Guys 2: [17:36] - [18:35] and [34:20] - [35:19]
• T-Mobile Family Freedom: [77:12] - [77:42]