Grits and Eggs Podcast: Episode 62 - The Standard of Quality

Host: Deante’ Kyle
Featuring: Suki the Saint
Release Date: April 22, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 62 of the Grits and Eggs Podcast, host Deante’ Kyle, alongside co-host Suki the Saint, delves deep into the importance of maintaining and elevating the standard of quality within Black-owned businesses and the broader Black community. The conversation is rich with insights on cultural narratives, customer service, media representation, and personal growth.

Raising the Standard of Quality

Key Discussion: Deante’ Kyle emphasizes the necessity for Black-owned businesses to uphold high standards in their services and products. He critiques the prevalent trend of subpar customer experiences and urges business owners to prioritize quality over quantity.

Notable Quotes:

• [05:23] Deante’ Kyle: “We cannot keep having this expectation that it's okay for us to get low quality, black-owned. They don’t mean to get to me over because we black.”
• [21:06] Deante’ Kyle: “The business is about the people who patronize the business. The priority is the customer, not you.”

Insights:

• Customer Experience: Deante’ and Suki discuss the importance of creating intimate and seamless customer experiences, moving away from the impersonal and rushed interactions that often plague businesses.

• Business Practices: They highlight the need for businesses to treat customers with respect and ensure that every interaction leaves the customer feeling valued and satisfied.

Narrative Warfare and Media Representation

Key Discussion: The hosts explore the concept of narrative warfare, focusing on how Black narratives are shaped and the impact of media portrayals on the community's perception.

Notable Quotes:

• [34:00] Deante’ Kyle: “Narrative warfare. We're in a war of narratives because it is.”
• [43:44] Deante’ Kyle: “Quality matters. We need quality media. We need quality food, quality clothing.”

Insights:

• Changing Narratives: Deante’ stresses the importance of Black creators producing high-quality content that accurately reflects their experiences, countering outdated and stereotypical portrayals.

• Cultural Commentary: The discussion includes critiques of Black comedy that relies on repetitive and outdated jokes about poverty, urging comedians to infuse their work with personal and culturally relevant stories.

Listener Impact Stories

Key Highlight: The episode features heartfelt voicemails from listeners, demonstrating the podcast’s positive influence on their lives.

Notable Quotes:

• [52:57] Listener Ebony: “My son is 9 and he has autism... he was really intrigued by the information you were giving.”
• [55:10] Deante’ Kyle: “That’s huge.”

Insights:

• Educational Impact: Ebony shares how her son, who struggles with autism, engages with the podcast, finding motivation and enlightenment through its discussions.

• Community Support: The hosts acknowledge and celebrate the positive feedback, reinforcing the podcast’s role as a supportive and educational platform for listeners.

Relationship Advice with Cultural Sensitivity

Key Discussion: A listener shares her dilemma about continuing a relationship with her Hispanic boyfriend, who previously used the N-word, seeking advice on cultural sensitivity and relationship dynamics.

Notable Quotes:

• [67:38] Deante’ Kyle: “He apologized. Now the only true apology is changed behavior. If we haven't had any issues, then he's effectively apologized.”
• [68:22] Deante’ Kyle: “Good standard of quality.”

Insights:

• Cultural Understanding: Deante’ advises the listener on the significance of genuine apologies and behavioral change, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity in relationships.

• Red Flags and Growth: The conversation underscores the importance of recognizing red flags while also allowing space for personal growth and understanding within a relationship.

Quality in Media and Creative Fields

Key Discussion: The hosts discuss the importance of quality in creative industries, citing examples of successful Black creators who uphold high standards in their work.

Notable Quotes:

• [28:10] Deante’ Kyle: “Ryan Coogler... he takes his career seriously. He's providing a standard of quality and he always has.”
• [43:44] Deante’ Kyle: “Quality matters. I need to see it. I need you to be intentional about what you have to say.”

Insights:

• Inspiring Examples: Deante’ highlights figures like Ryan Coogler, Jordan Peele, and Donald Glover as exemplars of Black creators who maintain high standards, blending personal stories with cultural commentary to create impactful work.

• Call to Action: He encourages aspiring creators within the Black community to prioritize quality and authenticity in their projects, leveraging existing high standards as a blueprint for their own success.

Community and Business Enhancements

Key Discussion: The episode includes announcements about upcoming events and initiatives aimed at fostering community engagement and supporting Black-owned businesses.

Notable Quotes:

• [03:13] Deante’ Kyle: “Tickets are available on Eventbrite... We're gonna have a great time, bro.”
• [36:44] Deante’ Kyle: “We have to up our standard of quality.”

Insights:

• Memorial Day Meet and Greet: Deante’ and Suki announce a Memorial Day event aimed at providing a quality experience for attendees, including free parking, food, trivia, and exclusive merchandise.

• Future Initiatives: The hosts hint at future projects and collaborations designed to continue elevating the standard of quality within their network and community.

Closing Remarks

Key Discussion: In the closing segments, Deante’ and Suki reinforce their commitment to maintaining high standards across all aspects of their podcast and community interactions.

Notable Quotes:

• [63:01] Deante’ Kyle: “Sometimes you show up already twice as good.”
• [73:05] Deante’ Kyle: “Quality matters. I need you to be intentional about what you have to say.”

Insights:

• Commitment to Excellence: The hosts reiterate the importance of quality in all endeavors, from content creation to customer service, as a means to change and improve narratives within the Black community.

• Engagement Platforms: They promote their Patreon and Discord platforms, encouraging listeners to engage more deeply with the podcast’s community and access exclusive content.

Conclusion

Episode 62 of the Grits and Eggs Podcast serves as a powerful discussion on the imperative of raising the standard of quality within Black-owned businesses, media, and personal interactions. Deante’ Kyle and Suki the Saint provide thoughtful critiques and actionable advice, all while fostering a sense of community and empowerment among their listeners. Through impactful conversations and listener engagement, the podcast continues to be a beacon of motivation and change within the Black community.

Notable Quotes for Reflection:

• [68:22] Deante’ Kyle: “Quality matters. I need to see it. I need you to be intentional about what you have to say.”
• [34:00] Deante’ Kyle: “Narrative warfare. We're in a war of narratives because it is.”
• [52:57] Listener Ebony: “Thank you for speaking for us as a whole and for understanding us.”

For those interested in elevating their personal and professional standards, and supporting Black excellence, Episode 62 offers invaluable insights and inspiration.