Podcast Summary: "I Wet My Hair Back and Forth (with Jay Jurden)"

Podcast Information:

• Title: My Momma Told Me
• Host/Author: Big Money Players Network and iHeartPodcasts
• Description: Comedians Langston Kerman and David Bori delve into the most intriguing, innovative, and occasionally controversial Black conspiracy theories. Featuring guests who explore everything from lighthearted conspiracies to more unsettling ones, often inspired by familial anecdotes.
• Episode: I Wet My Hair Back and Forth (with Jay Jurden) RE-RELEASE
• Release Date: March 4, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In the re-release of "I Wet My Hair Back and Forth," hosts Langston Kerman and David Bori, alongside guest Jay Jerden, engage in a spirited discussion dissecting a peculiar Black conspiracy theory: the belief that wet hair leads to catching a cold. The episode seamlessly blends humor with cultural commentary, providing listeners with both laughs and thoughtful insights into societal beliefs and their origins.

Unveiling the Conspiracy Theory: Wet Hair and Colds

The conversation kicks off with Langston questioning Jay’s familiarity with Justin Guarini, leading to a broader discussion about Mike Bibby and the so-called "Team Dime" conspiracy. This segues into examining how certain myths, like the belief that wet hair causes sickness, persist within communities.

Notable Quote:

Jay Jerden [32:10]: "I think germs lead to colds. I think viruses lead to colds... I don't think wet hair leads to disease. I think wet hair leads to feeling a bit cold because you can feel a bit colder."

Cultural Roots and Historical Context

The hosts explore the historical underpinnings of the wet hair myth, tracing it back to World War I soldiers who slept with wet hair in trenches, inadvertently conflating wet hair with increased cold incidence. This historical anecdote highlights how misconceptions can evolve and embed themselves in cultural consciousness.

Notable Quote:

Jay Jerden [57:04]: "There was an entire show called 'In the Heat of the Night.'"
David Bori [57:46]: "It may be rooted from World War I, when scientists concluded that soldiers who slept in wet trenches were more likely to catch colds."

Black Hair and Societal Standards

A significant portion of the episode delves into the complexities surrounding Black hair, societal expectations, and the stigma associated with certain hairstyles. The hosts discuss personal experiences with hair maintenance, cultural identity, and the pressures exerted by societal norms on Black individuals regarding their hair.

Notable Quote:

Langston Kerman [22:05]: "I'm from Mississippi, like Southern, and this is kind of cross-cultural. Southern people truly think that cold air is poisonous and that air at night is poisonous."

Breaking Down Stereotypes and Addressing Misconceptions

The discussion transitions into addressing stereotypes about Black men and grooming practices, particularly focusing on the misconception that wet hair is inherently unclean or undesirable. The hosts debunk these myths by highlighting the lack of scientific evidence supporting the wet hair-cold linkage and emphasizing the strength and resilience of Black communities against such unfounded beliefs.

Notable Quote:

David Bori [43:30]: "According to nearly everything I've read, having wet hair does not, in fact, in any way cause you to catch a cold or make you more sick."

Pop Culture References and Representation

Langston, David, and Jay weave in references to pop culture, including discussions about the "Wakanda Forever" movie and its portrayal of Black characters and myths. They critically analyze how such representations can both challenge and reinforce existing stereotypes, contributing to the broader conversation about Black identity in media.

Notable Quote:

Jay Jerden [44:34]: "When we talk about hair getting wet, that's like a black trigger for a number of reasons... It's a story about Black hair."

Humorous Interludes and Personal Anecdotes

Interspersed with serious discussions are moments of levity as the hosts share personal stories and humorous takes on everyday experiences. These anecdotes not only provide comic relief but also offer relatable insights into the challenges and quirks of maintaining cultural identity in various settings.

Notable Quote:

Jay Jerden [54:35]: "I washed my hair, dried it off a little bit. It was still damp when I went outside. It was like a nice 50-degree day in New York. Did not happen to me. I'm good."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate the importance of questioning long-held beliefs and encourage listeners to seek evidence-based information. They celebrate the strength and ingenuity of Black communities in navigating and dismantling harmful myths, all while maintaining a humorous and engaging dialogue.

Notable Quote:

Langston Kerman [64:37]: "This was important, though. We're doing the Lord's work."

Guest Spotlight: Jay Jerden

Throughout the episode, Jay Jerden brings a fresh perspective, blending his comedic prowess with thoughtful commentary. His contributions are pivotal in dissecting the conspiracy theory and offering unique insights into the intersection of culture, identity, and societal beliefs.

Notable Quote:

Jay Jerden [56:54]: "This is Matthew Cherry's black hair cinematic universe."

Key Takeaways

• Debunking Myths: The episode effectively challenges the misconception that wet hair causes colds, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing correlation from causation.
• Cultural Significance of Hair: It underscores the deep cultural ties Black individuals have with their hair, exploring how societal pressures influence personal grooming choices.
• Historical Context Matters: Understanding the origins of certain beliefs can help dismantle unfounded myths and promote healthier societal norms.
• Humor as a Tool: Utilizing humor and personal anecdotes makes complex and sensitive topics more accessible and engaging for listeners.

Closing Remarks

"I Wet My Hair Back and Forth (with Jay Jurden)" is a compelling episode that marries humor with critical analysis, offering listeners a nuanced exploration of a seemingly simple myth with profound cultural implications. Langston, David, and Jay provide an entertaining yet informative discourse, encouraging audiences to rethink and question the beliefs they’ve inherited.

For more insightful discussions and groundbreaking conspiracy theories, tune into future episodes of "My Momma Told Me."