Grits and Eggs Podcast: Episode 70 - Environmental Racism
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Host: Deontay Kyle
Description: Deontay Kyle raw and unfiltered. Talking pop culture, current events, conspiracies, and anything else he can think of.
1. Opening Banter and Product Promotion (00:00 - 01:21)
The episode begins with a lighthearted exchange between Deontay Cabba and Big Cat, discussing men's deodorant. Deontay humorously mentions:
"Ladies, you'll end up shopping for your guy's deodorant. Right." [00:00]
They promote Degree's Original Cool Rush, highlighting its return after consumer demand:
"Degree Cool Rush is back, and it smells like victory." [00:28]
This segment serves as a humorous segue into the podcast's main content.
2. Celebrating Achievements and Awards (07:22 - 11:02)
Deontay shares a heartfelt moment celebrating the podcast’s recent accomplishments. He expresses pride in their consistency and teamwork, particularly praising Tristan for his editing work:
"It's time to clean the house... Shout out to Tristan, the Black Samurai." [08:44]
They acknowledge reaching significant milestones, such as their first 100k YouTube views and receiving the AAMBC Literary Award:
"We cracked 100k on YouTube thanks to you." [09:00]
The hosts discuss upcoming events like the BIA Award Show and their plans to attend mixers, emphasizing the importance of community recognition and support.
3. Environmental Racism Discussion (32:25 - 43:45)
Shifting to the episode's primary topic, Deontay delves into environmental racism, using Elon Musk's supercomputer project in South Memphis as a case study:
"Environmental racism is a form of institutional racism in which people of color bear a disproportionate burden of environmental harms." [32:26]
He explains how the supercomputer's water usage is threatening Memphis' renowned aquifer, leading to both air and water pollution:
"They brag about their water, how good it is, and there's constant threats to that water." [32:40]
Deontay connects this modern example to historical instances like Africatown in Mobile, Alabama, highlighting a persistent pattern of industrialization and pollution disproportionately affecting Black communities.
4. Systemic Issues and Community Impact (43:45 - 74:43)
The conversation broadens to address systemic challenges faced by Black communities, including over-policing, mass incarceration, and the decline of essential programs like Job Corps:
"Job Corps is free, but Trump is cutting funding, which is a blow because it's essential for people seeking trades." [26:31]
Deontay emphasizes the importance of economic control within the Black community, likening collective spending power to a bank:
"When we control where we spend, we see how much power we have." [25:01]
He discusses the long-term health and mental effects of environmental racism, sharing a personal story about his uncle developing cancer due to pollution:
"My uncle developed cancer. He's 38. That's that fucking plant." [41:38]
The hosts critique capitalist practices that prioritize profit over community well-being, using Elon Musk’s project as an example of harmful, unfettered capitalism:
"Elon is capitalizing by any means necessary, no matter who's affected by it." [90:59]
5. Personal Stories and Listener Engagement (74:43 - 101:04)
Deontay and Big Cat engage with listener voicemails, addressing personal struggles and offering advice. One caller, Ray, seeks guidance on becoming educated as a Black man in today’s America. Deontay responds by emphasizing confidence and the importance of articulating one’s knowledge:
"Confidence comes from repetition. Engage in conversations to build your intellectual confidence." [90:59]
Another listener, Tate, asks how to leverage the podcast platform to support Black youth. Deontay reassures him, highlighting the impact of small, consistent efforts:
"Small little things... One child at a time." [102:57]
6. Addressing Relationship Dynamics and Societal Pressure (83:00 - 88:37)
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the challenges of maintaining healthy relationships amidst societal pressures. Deontay critiques the trend of men creating "broken homes" through infidelity and unintended pregnancies, using examples like Cam Newton and Naomi Osaka:
"Men are getting girls pregnant to keep a string on them. A baby ain't never saved a relationship from nothing." [70:54]
He reflects on his own upbringing, detailing how his parents' divorce impacted him and underscoring the importance of stable family structures for child development:
"Seeing the decline in my parents' relationship took a toll on me." [55:51]
7. Empowerment and Community Building (88:37 - 107:22)
Deontay and Big Cat conclude the episode by reinforcing the need for unity and proactive community involvement. They celebrate individual successes and encourage listeners to continue supporting one another:
"Fix one house at a time... play the long game with good." [102:57]
Deontay shares personal anecdotes about overcoming hardships and stresses the importance of maintaining confidence and resilience:
"You can't undervalue yourself. Go get your money, bro." [90:59]
8. Final Remarks and Call to Action (107:22 - End)
In the closing segments, Deontay reiterates the podcast’s commitment to addressing critical issues affecting the Black community, promoting initiatives like supporting Justin Ellis Brooks’ efforts to feed the homeless:
"If we can get 10,000 listeners to give $1, that'll help him feed a thousand people." [106:46]
He encourages ongoing engagement and participation, urging listeners to take actionable steps toward community improvement.
Notable Quotes and Timestamps
- Deontay Cabba at [07:35]: "But we showed improved, you know what I'm saying? We proved our credit."
- Big Cat at [16:33]: "I ain't never seen black people on time for anything."
- Deontay Cabba at [25:01]: "It's the most successful black boycott since the 70s."
- Deontay Cabba at [32:26]: "Environmental racism is a form of institutional racism in which people of color bear a disproportionate burden of environmental harms."
- Deontay Cabba at [70:54]: "A baby ain't never saved a relationship from nothing."
- Deontay Cabba at [102:57]: "Fix one house at a time... play the long game with good."
Conclusion
Episode 70 of the Grits and Eggs Podcast offers a deep dive into environmental racism, interwoven with personal stories and community-focused discussions. Deontay Kyle and Big Cat provide a candid exploration of systemic issues, the importance of economic empowerment, and the impact of familial stability on individual well-being. Through engaging dialogue and listener interactions, the episode underscores the necessity of unity, resilience, and proactive efforts in addressing and overcoming the challenges faced by the Black community.
For more insights and actionable strategies, listeners are encouraged to engage with the host via email and support community initiatives highlighted throughout the episode.
Stay connected with Grits and Eggs Podcast by visiting deontaykyle.com for merch, Patreon access, and more information on upcoming events and initiatives.