Podcast Summary: My Momma Told Me – "Don't Split the Pole and Leave the Slang to E-40"

Podcast: My Momma Told Me
Hosts: Langston Kerman & David Gborie
Guest: Bruce Bruce
Release Date: March 3, 2026
Main Themes: Black superstitions, cultural conspiracy theories, slang, and Bruce Bruce’s comedic life wisdom

Episode Overview

In this lively episode, comedians Langston Kerman and David Gborie are joined by legendary comic Bruce Bruce. The trio explores the deeply-rooted superstition of not "splitting the pole," the origins and endurance of Black superstitions, Bruce Bruce's no-nonsense approach to life, and the unique role of slangmakers like E-40. Together, they dissect how seemingly silly beliefs often have profound historical and cultural backgrounds, all while dropping punchlines and candid insights about relationships, food, and modern Black culture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Let E-40 Do the Slang (07:12–09:41)

• The crew kicks off talking about the West Coast rapper E-40’s ability to invent new slang.
  • Bruce Bruce: “What I respect about E40, man, I like him. I like his style. I like how he respects his wife and his family. He's a family man and he has fun whatever he does.” (07:41)
  • David: Recounts a story where E-40 humorously orders “two Moeshas” (brandy), showcasing E-40’s original lingo.
• The hosts debate whether they could come up with their own lingo, but Bruce Bruce quickly (and bluntly) shoots it down:
  • Bruce Bruce: “You guys stick to podcast...let E40 do this, let E40 do that. I'm just keeping it real with you.” (08:44)

2. Superstitions: Don’t Split the Pole (10:02–11:52)

• Bruce Bruce introduces the “don’t split the pole” superstition, referencing deep Black folk wisdom.
  • Langston: “My mama told me, don't split the pole.” (10:03)
  • Bruce Bruce: Relates more family superstitions: don’t put hats on beds, beware of black cats, and don’t let women touch your wallet.
• The trio debates whether such superstitions are grounded in logic or just tradition.
  • Langston: “The walking under the ladder one, I at least understood. Shit be falling.” (12:00)
  • Bruce Bruce is clear: “I think that's stupid.” (12:47)

3. Are Superstitions Harmless or Harmful? (11:16–13:36)

• Bruce Bruce distances himself from superstition, saying he prefers to just “watch the people.”
  • Bruce Bruce: “Superstition’s nothing. It's people you got to watch.” (11:36)
• David admits he still avoids certain things “just in case” (like Ouija boards).
• There’s a running joke about bad luck and “talking to the devil.”

4. Marriage, Relationships, and Gender Dynamics (13:51–16:21)

• Lively discussion on marriage and “who runs the house.”
  • Bruce Bruce: “Do your wife run everything in the house? Period. I don't play the radio.” (15:16)
  • Bruce Bruce: “I know you wear the pants in your house, but she picks them out.” (15:31)
• They reflect humorously on how the romance and hand-holding of early marriage gives way to different dynamics as time goes on.

5. Belief, Religion, and Spirituality vs. Conspiracy (16:21–17:34)

• Langston asks Bruce Bruce where conspiracy theories fit into his worldview.
  • Bruce Bruce: “I just believe in God and let him do it...I'm more spiritual than anything. I can look at a person and be like, oh, he's not right.” (16:34)
• Bruce Bruce stresses “spiritual discernment” over superstitious or conspiratorial thinking.

6. Debunking a Classic Conspiracy: Can White People Cook? (17:42–18:56)

• Bruce Bruce debunks the stereotype that white people can't cook, sharing a personal anecdote about a talented white cook from his past.
  • Bruce Bruce: “That's not true...His name was Jerry Fowler...one of the best cooks I've ever seen in my life.” (17:53–18:01)
• The conversation humorously touches on coded racial language and generational workplace dynamics.

7. King Kong, Representation, & Pop Culture Tangents (22:18–24:48)

• In a classic podcast detour, the group jokes about King Kong’s love life and "body dysmorphia," questioning strange movie plot points and representation.
  • David: “He wants to go to the top of that tower with the white woman. Let him go.” (22:32)
  • Langston: Wryly avoids any analysis that could spark controversy: “I'm not about to sit here and explore further why the monkey is who you connected with most in a fucking movie.” (24:15)

8. Jack Black as White E-40 (24:34–25:24)

• The hosts declare Jack Black to be “white E-40,” appreciating both men’s originality and willingness to joyfully create.
  • Langston: “Jack Black is white E-40...He can just go and be silly and make up words.” (24:42)

9. The Roots of Splitting the Pole (25:55–27:27)

• Langston shares the researched historical roots of the superstition:
  • Langston: “Part of the reason where this superstition is sort of born is this premise out of essentially, like, slavery...it was mostly about, like, luck and not wanting to untether your soul from another person.” (25:58)
  • The remedy for breaking the rule? Saying "bread and butter," to symbolize reunification.
  • Bruce Bruce: “That's something new to me...you just got deep down in it.” (27:23)

10. Jelly vs. Preserves: Cultural Food Memories (28:13–30:22)

• The group discusses the origins of peanut butter and jelly, African food traditions, and the evolution from “preserves” to “jelly.”
  • Bruce Bruce: “My grandmother used to always say preserves... She used to make lemon jelly out of lemons. She was a bad girl.” (29:44)
  • Langston: “I can't even imagine stepping to her and be like, baby, I'm craving a lemon jelly.” (30:06)

11. Listener Voicemail: Girl Scout Cookie Stereotypes (34:32–39:07)

• A listener recounts being stereotyped as Black for buying Thin Mint cookies—the “Newport of Girl Scout cookies.”
  • Voicemail Caller: “Thin mint Girl Scout cookies are the Newport of Girl Scout cookies...just knew I needed that menthol.” (36:19)
  • David: “He's gonna want that green anyway.” (36:28)
• The hosts empathize and riff on favorite cookie types and the weird accuracy of the stereotype in their own homes.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Bruce Bruce to the hosts (on slang):
  "No, I know you don't. I know you don't. So just stick with it. You got a great pod. Let E40 do this..." (08:51)
• On superstition:
  “Superstition’s nothing. It's people you got to watch.” – Bruce Bruce (11:36)
• On spiritual discernment:
  “When you're spiritual, you pick up on stuff...most women have it and they don't use it because they like this guy. They know this guy is not worth a quarter.” – Bruce Bruce (16:37)
• On the roots of not splitting the pole:
  “When you walk with somebody, we are so connected...to split a pole means that our souls are being severed from that connection.” – Langston (26:04)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• E-40 and the Art of Slang – 07:12
• Splitting the Pole and Black Superstitions – 10:02
• Marriage and Domestic Power – 13:51
• Spirituality vs. Superstition – 16:21
• "White People Can't Cook" Stereotype – 17:42
• King Kong Pop Culture Tangent – 22:18
• Jack Black as White E-40 – 24:34
• Splitting the Pole's Slavery Origins – 25:55
• Preserves, Jelly, and Family Traditions – 28:13
• Listener Voicemail: Girl Scout Cookie Stereotyping – 34:32
• Bruce Bruce Plugs Netflix Special – 39:34

Episode Tone and Language

The episode is irreverent, playful, and rooted in the hosts' and guest's distinctive Black comedic sensibilities. Bruce Bruce brings breezy humor and old-school wisdom, dropping blunt advice, hilarious asides, and honest reflections on tradition. The conversation feels like a family reunion – full of jokes, life advice, and cultural call-backs, always circling big-picture questions beneath the jokes.

Final Thoughts

This episode of My Momma Told Me is a quintessential blend of Black cultural commentary, raw comedy, and intergenerational perspective. Whether poking fun at superstition, interrogating stereotypes, or simply appreciating the artistry of both words and foods, Langston, David, and Bruce Bruce offer up a hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt conversation for anyone who loves to laugh and learn. And remember: whatever you're doing, don't split the pole.