Podcast Summary: "Are People Stealing Beyoncé's Face?: Motherf*ckin Mini Episode"

Podcast Information:

• Title: My Momma Told Me
• Host/Author: Big Money Players Network and iHeartPodcasts
• Episode Title: Are People Stealing Beyoncé's Face?: Motherf*ckin Mini Episode
• Release Date: November 28, 2024

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode titled "Are People Stealing Beyoncé's Face?" delves into the intriguing and controversial topic of whether plastic surgeons are subconsciously or consciously emulating Beyoncé's facial features in their procedures. Hosted by comedians Langston Kerman and David Borey, the episode combines humor with critical analysis of societal beauty standards, particularly within the Black community.

2. Initial Discussion: The Movie "Baby Boy"

Before diving into the main topic, hosts engage in a discussion about the film "Baby Boy," addressing misconceptions and appreciating its cinematic value.

• Langston Kerman (04:14): "It's a great film that just so happens to be starring a genuine psychopath, but it is a phenomenal, phenomenal film."

• Voiceover Artist (04:29): "It is not a good film. And it's, like, wonderfully acted. It's beautifully shot. Like, it's a great movie. I don't understand why people have so much hate for it."

The hosts argue against the dismissive attitude some hold towards "Baby Boy," emphasizing its artistic merit and positive messaging.

• Langston Kerman (04:57): "It's got a cool message that isn't, like, overly sappy, but also does, like, leave levels of hope inside of it."

They highlight the film's portrayal of resilience and hope within challenging environments, countering the stereotype of hood movies being purely negative.

3. Listener Voicemail: The Beyoncé Face Conspiracy Theory

The core of the episode revolves around a listener's voicemail proposing that plastic surgeons are endeavoring to replicate Beyoncé's facial features subconsciously.

• Voiceover Artist (08:38): "My conspiracy theory is that plastic surgeons try to give people the Beyoncé face subconsciously. I see people who get plastic surgery, and right before they go too far, they literally have Beyoncé's like, cheekbone or the structure."

Langston Kerman (09:58) responds thoughtfully: "I don't think it is. That subconscious is what I will say to this one."

Voiceover Artist (10:39) elaborates: "I think that there is always a beauty standard at the time that directly aligns with the celebrity... Have gotten more advanced."

The discussion acknowledges Beyoncé's significant influence on modern beauty standards, noting that celebrities often set the benchmarks that individuals and professionals strive to emulate.

4. Analysis of Beyoncé's Influence on Beauty Standards

The hosts explore the broader implications of Beyoncé's influence on beauty standards and plastic surgery trends, debating whether this trend is a reflection of societal pressures or individual autonomy.

• Langston Kerman (10:39): "Yeah, no, I agree. I 100% agree with you. I think this is just the baddest bitch on the planet by far. And so it's like, all right, well, yeah, everybody's going to use her as the standard of beauty, including other very wealthy women who want to mirror that."

They discuss how Beyoncé's image serves as a universal standard, influencing both the general populace and other high-profile figures like the Kardashians.

• Langston Kerman (11:39): "I think a fair amount of what the Kardashians are doing is... they go like, who's a black woman who looks like a black woman?"

This highlights the intersection of race and beauty standards, suggesting that while Beyoncé's look is celebrated universally, it raises questions about representation and authenticity.

5. Societal Pressures and the Evolution of Beauty Trends

The conversation shifts to the transient nature of beauty trends and the potential consequences of altering one's appearance to fit fleeting ideals.

• Langston Kerman (13:09): "It's funny you should bring that up because I was literally just listening to a daily episode about that exact issue. They were saying that, like, we are in the middle of a swing towards smaller breasts..."

The hosts discuss the cyclical nature of beauty trends, such as the shift from larger to smaller breasts, and how these changes can leave individuals feeling outdated or pressured to conform.

• Voiceover Artist (15:15): "Everyone wants to be heroin chic again. And you're like, the fact that it's... begs the question how? For how long?"

This underscores the challenges individuals face when beauty standards evolve, potentially leading to dissatisfaction and a continual desire for physical alterations.

6. Personal Anecdotes and Comedic Interludes

Throughout the episode, personal stories and comedic exchanges between Langston and David provide levity and relatability, touching on themes like the struggles of maintaining authenticity in comedy and the pressures of public perception.

• Voiceover Artist (29:15): "I feel the exact same way. I am not."

• Langston Kerman (31:12): "I've put everything I can into comedy. Like I think every fucking day into comedy. So much so that I drain myself dry."

These moments offer insight into the hosts' personal experiences, blending humor with genuine reflections on societal expectations and personal authenticity.

7. Conclusion: Reflecting on Beauty Standards and Autonomy

In wrapping up the discussion, Langston and David emphasize the importance of self-awareness and autonomy in the face of external beauty pressures.

• Langston Kerman (26:39): "I think we're all working from the same palette. In a lot of ways. We go, this is the standard of beauty. Therefore, I will do my best to make you look like that."

They advocate for a balanced perspective, recognizing Beyoncé's influence while encouraging listeners to critically assess their motivations for altering their appearance.

• Voiceover Artist (26:49): "Yeah, definitely. I feel like within this, the conspiracy is not within the plastic surgeons. It's kind of society at large."

The episode concludes with a call to action, inviting listeners to engage with future content and contribute their own theories and experiences.

• Langston Kerman (33:59): "If you want to send us your own voicemails... Call us now at 8-44-LIL-MOMS."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Langston Kerman

  • 04:14: "It's a great film that just so happens to be starring a genuine psychopath, but it is a phenomenal, phenomenal film."
  • 09:58: "I don't think it is."
  • 11:39: "I think a fair amount of what the Kardashians are doing is... they go like, who's a black woman who looks like a black woman?"
  • 13:09: "It's funny you should bring that up because I was literally just listening to a daily episode about that exact issue."

• Voiceover Artist

  • 08:38: "My conspiracy theory is that plastic surgeons try to give people the Beyoncé face subconsciously."
  • 15:15: "Everyone wants to be heroin chic again. And you're like, the fact that it's... begs the question how? For how long?"

Final Thoughts

This mini-episode of "My Momma Told Me" skillfully blends humor with critical discussions on beauty standards, societal pressures, and the pervasive influence of celebrities like Beyoncé. Through engaging dialogue and personal anecdotes, Langston Kerman and David Borey encourage listeners to reflect on the motivations behind plastic surgery and the broader implications of striving to emulate public figures. The episode serves as both an entertaining and thought-provoking exploration of contemporary beauty norms within the Black community and beyond.