The People's Donkey

Summary

Podcast Summary: Donkey of the Day – "The People's Donkey"

Podcast: Donkey of the Day (The Breakfast Club, Power 105.1 FM)
Date: June 12, 2026
Host: Charlamagne Tha God (w/ DJ Envy, Jess)
Episode Theme: Listeners nominate “Donkeys of the Day” in an open call-in show

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Episode Overview

In this unique edition called "The People's Donkey," Charlamagne Tha God turns over the infamous "Donkey of the Day" segment to the listeners. Fans call in to air their grievances, give humorous “hee-haws” to public figures (and sometimes, the hosts), and share stories reflecting on social issues and personal journeys. The result is a high-energy, honest, sometimes comedic, and often touching episode that showcases both the show’s rapport with its audience and its roots in community dialogue.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction of "The People's Donkey"

• Charlamagne explains the episode format: “Every Friday, we open up the phone lines, and we allow you, the people, to give folks the credit they deserve for being stupid.” (02:47)
• High audience engagement and rapport with listeners is established early.

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Caller Mark: Appreciation & Presidential “Donkey”

• Mark opens with heartfelt thanks to Charlamagne for his mental health advocacy:
  • “Charlemagne, your mental health journey has helped me so much.” (03:03)
  • Credits Taraji P. Henson’s Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation for triggering his own therapy journey, encouraged by the radio show.
  • “A huge part of it is your conversation on it, Charlemagne. I’ve also read your books. I don’t need one for free. I buy them.” (03:28)
• Mark gives a “biggest hee haw” to the President:
  • “We just. We don't love him…He's no good for the country.” (03:52)
• Expresses long-term listenership, love for the hosts, and support for The Breakfast Club podcast.

Memorable Quote:

“I also have six kids, so I just want y’all to know I love y’all, and I’ve been listening for 10 years.” — Mark (03:52)

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Caller Kendrick/Kendra: Gives “Donkey” to Charlamagne

• After playful confusion over the name (“like Kendrick Lamar?”), the caller says:
  • “Shower man, I love you, but I gotta give you the…Donkey of the Day.” (05:06)
  • Criticizes Charlamagne for balancing preaching mental health with making fun of people on-air—a familiar fan/host dynamic.
  • DJ Envy jokes about Charlamagne’s “spicy” comments and being a "cancer Chucky doll":

    “You, you like the little cancer Chucky doll. You nice. But then you, you got that other side.” — DJ Envy (06:03)

  • Friendly ribbing about birthday (Charlamagne’s is June 29th) and support for former podcasts.

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Caller Kim: Justice System and Racial Commentary

• Kim from Phoenix calls to criticize an “all white jury that convicted that 19 year old. I am just Carmelo Anthony.” (06:49)
• Expresses pain over systemic racial issues in the justice system, referencing cases like Zimmerman and the differential treatment of Black men.
• Charlamagne commiserates and broadens the conversation:

  “I actually Feel very bad for all parties involved…That was a situation that did not have to happen. Like, where would he adults to intervene?” (07:22)

• Kim, a flight attendant, makes a heartfelt plea for legal help for the convict’s family.

Memorable Quote:

“If there's any way that any of the attorneys that are listening could just help that brother out and his family…it just breaks my heart.” — Kim (08:00)

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Caller Jay: On-Air Critiques & Show Dynamics

• Jay from Atlanta first lovingly “hee-haws” the Breakfast Club hosts.
• Playfully tells Charlamagne to stop making jokes at co-host Lauren’s expense, referencing calling her "Batman":
  • Charlamagne denies: “Definitely said her boss Spot is like the bat signal. I never did say that. I never say that. Never called Laura no Batman.” (09:11)
• Jay also critiques Jess's seriousness, prompting hosts to banter about their styles.
• The exchange highlights the listeners’ investment in the personalities and flow of the show, and in the playful chaos of Breakfast Club banter.

Memorable Moment:

“I love listening to y’all, but not when y’all talking. Everybody needs to shut up.” — Jay, with hosts jokingly telling each other to 'shut up' (11:04)

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Closing and Reflection

• Charlamagne and Jess emphasize the open-door spirit:

  “That's the people's donkey. We do that every Friday…you can call up and give anybody you want the credit they deserve for being stupid, including us.” — Charlamagne (11:16)

• The following segment teases guest Rich Dennis (owner of Essence magazine).

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “Charlemagne, your mental health journey has helped me so much…I’ve also read your books.” — Mark (03:03–03:28)
• “Shower man, I love you, but I gotta give you the…Donkey of the Day.” — Kendra/Kendrick (05:06)
• “You, you like the little cancer Chucky doll. You nice. But then you, you got that other side.” — DJ Envy (06:03)
• “That was a situation that did not have to happen. Like, where would he adults to intervene?” — Charlamagne (07:22)
• “If there's any way that any of the attorneys that are listening could just help that brother out and his family…it just breaks my heart.” — Kim (08:00)
• “I love listening to y’all, but not when y’all talking. Everybody needs to shut up.” — Jay (11:04)
• “That's the people's donkey…you can call up and give anybody you want the credit they deserve for being stupid, including us.” — Charlamagne (11:16)

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Key Segments & Timestamps

• Intro to "The People's Donkey": 02:21–02:47
• Caller Mark (Mental Health, Presidency): 02:58–04:35
• Caller Kendra/Kendrick (Charlamagne’s Style): 04:44–06:28
• Caller Kim (Justice System, Race): 06:33–08:39
• Caller Jay (Show Banter and Dynamics): 08:41–11:08
• Wrap-up / Reflection: 11:16–11:26

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Summary Tone

The episode blends candid listener stories with the Breakfast Club’s trademark playful, honest, and sometimes biting dynamic. Listeners praise and lovingly roast the hosts, while also addressing weighty issues like mental health, justice, and accountability. The open format highlights the show's community feel and willingness to self-reflect—sometimes even making the hosts themselves "Donkeys of the Day."

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For listeners and newcomers, this episode is a lively snapshot of community-in-radio, full of humor, critique, and connection. Whether discussing therapy journeys or calling out cultural flaws, “The People’s Donkey” brings audience perspective center stage—with the host’s egos firmly in the line of fire.

Transcript

[DJ Envy]

This is an I Heart podcast.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Guaranteed human.

[Caller]

There was no anything inside those eyes.

[Dani Shapiro]

They turned black.

[Caller]

It scared the hell out of me.

[DJ Envy]

Evil Wake up. I'm the one that saw the murder take place by Krievac and Dipo.

[Caller]

Anthony Depo showed no signs of remorse, appearing unfazed after being sentenced to the maximum.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I said, I'm not guilty.

[Safeway/Albertsons Advertiser]

I'll take it to the grave.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Listen to the Devil's Quarry in the Bone Valley. Feed on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Hoda Kotb]

Joy is essential and it's also elusive. But now there's a new and exciting way to start your journey toward a more joyful existence. Joy 101 it's a new podcast hosted by me, Hoda Kotbi. If you're craving inspiration to maximize your joy, tune into these candid, uplifting and moving on air chats. Open your free iHeartRadio app, search Joy101 and listen now. Joy101 with Hoda Kotfi is presented by CBS.

[Dani Shapiro]

Your husband is not who you think he is. Your body is not what you thought it was. Your identity is formed by a secret history. I'm Dani Shapiro and these are just a few of the stunning stories I'll be exploring on the 14th season of Family Secrets.

[Caller]

He kind of shoved me out of the way and said, move. And he went out the front door and he jumped in a car and drove off. And that was the last time I saw him.

[Dani Shapiro]

Listen to season 14 of Family Secrets on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts this week at Safeway.

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[Charlamagne Tha God]

It's time for Donkey of the Day. There's a bunch of donkeys out here in these streets. I made Donkey of the Day called Donkey of the Day. It really caught me off guard. We live a life where we bite our tongue based off who we may offend. He never would say anything.

[DJ Envy]

Charlemagne. Give it to him. Give it to him.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You are a Donkey. That is why Charlemagne is here. Some donkey todays just saw themselves on the Breakfast Club. Okay, Charlemagne, who you giving donkey of

[Michael Rapaport]

the day to today?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Donkey of the day for Friday, July 12, is the People's donkey. You know, every Friday, we open up the phone lines, and we allow you, the people, to give folks the credit they deserve for being stupid. So. Good morning.

[Caller Mark]

Oh, my God. Good morning. It's Mark.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Hey, Mark. Who do you want to get a big to? Mark?

[Caller Mark]

Oh, my gosh. I just want to give y' all my love and appreciation. Charlemagne, your mental health journey has helped me so much. I heard Taraji on the radio one time, and I signed up for her organization that helps men get therapy, and that started my therapy journey.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah. Taraji has the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation. It's named after her. Her late, great father.

[Caller Mark]

Yes. So I got six free sessions from that dope, and I've been consistently in theory since then. And a huge part of it is your conversation on it, Charlemagne. I've also read your books. I don't need one for free. I buy them.

[Caller]

Thank you, brother.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I appreciate you. But you know, this Donkey of the Day, though, you got anybody you want to get a biggest hee haw to?

[Caller Mark]

Of course, the President.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Oh, okay. Continue. Floor yours.

[Caller Mark]

We just. We don't love him. We just. He's. He's no good for the country. Can I also say, Jess, I love you, too, and envy YouTube. When you and Giddy used to have the podcast, I used to listen, and it helped me so much in my relationship and marriage. I also have six kids, so I just want y' all to know I love y', all, and I've been listening for 10 years. I live in Virginia now, but I was in New York City before that for 10 years.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Well, thank you, brother.

[Jess]

Thank you so much. And we bringing the podcast back, too.

[Caller]

Oh, yeah, please, Envy, please.

[Caller Mark]

I used to listen. I also listen to the Breakfast Club podcast on Apple and iHeart. And at the beginning of June, I was refusing to pay for another subscription. I got Netflix. Cause y'.

[DJ Envy]

All.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Well, thank you, bro. Make sure y' all go subscribe to the Breakfast Club podcast if you like listening to podcasts. We do come out as an audio podcast every day. Is this a donkey?

[DJ Envy]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Good morning. Who's this?

[DJ Envy]

Hello. Hi. Good morning. This is Kendrick.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Hey, Kendra.

[Caller]

You said Kendra Kendrick.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Oh, like Lamar?

[DJ Envy]

Yes.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Oh, wow.

[DJ Envy]

Like Kendrick Lamar.

[Caller]

Who?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You want to get a be?

[DJ Envy]

I'm Dominican. In Spanish, it's Kendrick.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Hey, say what's up to your people, Envy. Hola, Hi.

[DJ Envy]

Hi. And Dominican people are black too. Let me just say that.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Who you want to get a bigger sea haw to, ma'?

[Caller Mark]

Am?

[DJ Envy]

I'm sorry, Shower man. I love you, but I gotta give you the. The donkey of the day.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Okay.

[DJ Envy]

What I do Charlamagne. Why you always coming for people but you always preaching mental health.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You coming for me now we having

[DJ Envy]

an intervention right now.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's what I feel like I do.

[DJ Envy]

Is it? Is it? Cause Lauren be coming in, keep coming in cute with her outfits and he's talking about her knee popping out like that's what. That's what's supp happened. It's part of the outfit.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So what's wrong with me making that observation then? Her knee is a part of the outfit. I just made. I just made an observation.

[DJ Envy]

It's cut up. I mean, you Charlemagne, you know, you know, you, you, you know what you be doing?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Telling the truth.

[DJ Envy]

No, you be spicy. You be coming for people, making fun of people. I mean, I love you and I appreciate you, but you know, just, just be a little nicer around you a little bit.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I am very nice.

[DJ Envy]

Gotta take it easy.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You are.

[DJ Envy]

You like the little. You, you like the. You like the little cancer Chucky doll. You nice. But then you, you got that other side.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I am a cancer. My birthday is on June 29th.

[DJ Envy]

I know, I know. It's coming up. I love you. I'm a long time listener and DJ envy. I miss you and Gia's podcast.

[Jess]

Are we gonna. I just told somebody, we're gonna bring it back. We're gonna bring it back.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You see how Dominicans support Dominicans. That's what's up.

[Jess]

I'm not Dominican, but yeah, we're gonna bring it back.

[DJ Envy]

Got.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Huh?

[Jess]

See?

[Caller Mark]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Good morning. Who's this?

[Caller]

This is Kim calling from Phoenix, Arizona.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Hey, Kim. I love Phoenix, man. I had a ball in Phoenix earlier this year for the women's final for Phoenix and Scottdale. Oh my God.

[Jess]

Yeah, I'm going there this year. Finals for my daughter's dance. I'll be there in a little bit.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Who you want to get the biggest he haw too?

[Caller]

I want to give the biggest he ha to that all white jury that convicted that 19 year old. I am just Carmelo Anthony. Yeah. And you know what, Charlamagne? My birthday is June 30th.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Hey, Cancer Gang.

[Caller]

Yes.

[DJ Envy]

Isn't yours the 29th?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

29th. Yes, ma'.

[Caller]

Am. Okay, so you understand, you feel things very deeply. I feel so bad for that 19 year old and his family.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I actually Feel very bad for all parties involved. I feel sorry that, you know, the guy Austin Metcalf lost his life. I feel sorry that Carmelo Anthony is in prison for 35 years because to me, that was a situation that did not have to happen. Like, where would he adults to intervene?

[Caller]

I agree. I agree. But you know what? You have so many people like the Zimmerman that. What was that one guy that walked down the street that had an AK47. He got up. It's so sad that people who literally just kill folks because of their skin color. It's just so sad.

[DJ Envy]

To me.

[Caller]

I. I agree. I feel so bad. But I'm a flight attendant. I thought. I thought Lauren LaRosa would be there because I know that she was a flight attendant, but I'm a flight attendant, and I was like, you know what? I gotta stay awake. I've gotta try and speak with the Breakfast Club because I know you guys have a voice, and it so sad. And if there's any way that any of the attorneys that are listening could just help that brother out and his family. It. It just. It just breaks my heart. It really, really does.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Well, thank you for calling. We really appreciate you, man. Good morning.

[DJ Envy]

Good morning.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Hey, who's this?

[Caller]

This is Jay.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Jay. Hey, Jay from Atlanta. Who you want to get the biggest hee Haw to Jay?

[DJ Envy]

I get the biggest he to y'. All. I'm. I love y'.

[Caller]

All.

[DJ Envy]

Uncle Charlie, you have to shut up. When Lauren. When Lauren and talking and trying to do the. Be quiet. You be making dopes. You call Lauren Batman.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I ain't never called Lauren no Batman. Now why would I call Lauren Batman?

[Jess]

You might have called a superhero.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You said I call her Batman. Definitely said her boss Spot is like the bat signal. I never did say that. I never say that. Never called Laura no Batman.

[DJ Envy]

And Jeff, I had to get into your journalism bag, and so I started listening to this regularly because that's hilarious. You know what I'm saying? I can eat this comedic reading early in the morning.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So why you need just to get in her journalism bag? She's a comedian. That's what she said.

[Jess]

Yep.

[DJ Envy]

Just see how serious I need to be funny. Like, Jess is not hilarious.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Oh, wow.

[Jess]

I'm just throwing shots at everybody.

[Caller]

I see.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I cannot. Yeah, okay. She's saying she don't want you to be so serious is what she's saying. Oh, okay. Yes.

[DJ Envy]

Yes. I love.

[Caller]

Yes.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But you know, I love you too, babe. I appreciate the critique. So what am I supposed to do

[Jess]

that's a changed Jess?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

She don't want me to make no jokes. But then she want Jess to make jokes. What am I supposed to do, just sit here?

[DJ Envy]

You got too far. She be trying to talk and get and ask the people they question.

[Jess]

I agree with you, so I'll take it too far. I agree with you, ma'.

[DJ Envy]

Am.

[Caller]

Now you.

[Jess]

Dj, I was on your side.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Now get on. Get on his ass.

[DJ Envy]

You do give them energy. What Charlotte say you act like you can't never. Like, even with the politicians. When they come on. When they come on, you know, Charlotte be on they ass. He be talking about a real struggle. What we going through out here? He be on their ass. Even though he feels like Mr. Krabby.

[Jess]

I'll make sure. I'll make sure I speak up more. And just to make sure she funny more. Charlemagne, to make sure he don't make jokes on Lauren.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I got you, right?

[DJ Envy]

Be quiet. Tell everybody

[Charlamagne Tha God]

shut up. Everybody shut up on the goddamn version.

[DJ Envy]

Shut up.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Okay. I love listening to y', all, but not when y' all talking. Everybody needs to shut up. God damn. Thank you for calling, ma'.

[DJ Envy]

Am.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

We appreciate you. That's the people's donkey. We do that every Friday, 1-800-585-1051. You can call up and give anybody you want the credit they deserve for being stupid, including us.

[Jess]

That's right. All right, all right. When we come back, Rich Dennis will be joining us. He's the owner of Essence magazine, of course. He has the Essence Music Festival that goes down September. I said September. July 3 through July 5 in New Orleans. And we're going to talk to him next. It's the Breakfast Club. Come on.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Donkey of the Day is sponsored by renowned personal injury attorney Michael the Bull lame itself. Don't be a donkey when you need a fighter on your side. If you're ever inj, go to Michael the Bull dot com. That's Michael the Bull dot com. And when you mess with the bull, you get the horns.

[Caller]

There was no anything inside those eyes.

[Dani Shapiro]

They turned black.

[Caller]

It scared the hell out of me.

[DJ Envy]

Evil, wake up. I'm the one that saw the murder take place by Kathak and Deppo.

[Caller]

Anthony Depo showed no signs of remorse, appearing unfazed after being sentenced to the

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Maxim, I'm not guilty.

[Safeway/Albertsons Advertiser]

I'll take it to the grave.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Listen to the Devil's quarry in the Bone Valley. Feed on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Hoda Kotb]

Joy is essential, and it's also elusive. But now there's a new and exciting way to start your journey toward a more joyful existence. Joy 101 it's a new podcast hosted by me, Hoda Kotb. If you're craving inspiration to maximize your joy, tune into these candid, uplifting and moving on air chats. Open your free iHeartRadio app, search Joy101 and listen now. Joy101 with Hoda Kotfi is presented by CBS.

[Michael Rapaport]

This is Michael Rappaport and my podcast, the I Am Rappaport Stereo Podcast is unlike any one you've ever heard. If you're looking for strong opinions about sports, entertainment, politics, pop culture and whatever else catches my attention, then subscribe now. This kid, Jafar Jackson should absolutely, positively get nominated for his portrayal as Michael Jackson. Listen to I Am rapoport on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcast.

[Dani Shapiro]

Your husband is not who you think he is. Your body is not what you thought it was. Your identity is formed by a secret history. Danny I'm Danny Shapiro and these are just a few of the stunning stories I'll be exploring on the 14th season of Family Secrets.

[Caller]

He kind of shoved me out of the way and said, move. And he went out the front door and he jumped in a car and drove off. And that was the last time I saw him.

[Dani Shapiro]

Listen to season 14 of Family Secrets on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.