Pour Minds Podcast: "Nuck If You Buck" ft. Cortez Smith Release Date: August 8, 2025

Hosts: Lex P & Dre Nicole
Guest: Cortez Smith
Presented by: The Black Effect and iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction of Guest: Cortez Smith

At [03:20], Lex P welcomes Cortez Smith, an actor known for his role in popular shows like "The Shy." Cortez shares his mixed experiences with fame, noting, “They love and hate me at the same time” ([03:50]), highlighting the complexities of public perception in the acting industry.

2. Early Life and Challenges in Chicago

Cortez delves into his upbringing in Chicago, discussing the city's portrayal versus his personal experiences. At [05:36], he reflects, “I was fortunate enough to learn from my friends' mistakes,” emphasizing the importance of community and the harsh realities faced growing up. Lex P inquires, “Do you feel like Chicago really just gets a really bad rip, or is it really as dangerous as people make it seem?” ([05:33]), prompting Cortez to acknowledge the city's challenges while sharing his own safe experiences ([05:37]).

3. Journey into Acting

Cortez recounts his entry into acting, starting with an audition led by Spike Lee in [12:54]. Despite initial setbacks, Spike Lee offers him a small role, allowing Cortez to shadow industry veterans like Nick Cannon and Jennifer Hudson. At [14:26], he shares, “2019 is when it changed. I went on the audition for 'The Shy,' and that one yes changed everything,” underscoring the pivotal moments that propelled his career forward.

4. The Impact of Tattoos on His Career

Tattoos play a significant role in Cortez's narrative. At [21:52], he admits, “I look like a gangster,” discussing how his tattoos have typecast him, making it challenging to secure diverse roles. Lex P relates by sharing her own experiences with tattoo removal, advising, “If you are a young person in your early 20s, just wait on the tattoos” ([26:00]), highlighting the long-term implications of such decisions.

5. Poor Decision of the Week

In the "Poor Decision of the Week" segment at [21:05], Lex P reveals her regret over missing a laser tattoo removal session, causing delays in her journey to erase an unwanted tattoo. Cortez shares his own misstep: "I would say my poor decision is making clothes, cuz I'm in. I do a little fashion too" ([27:29]), emphasizing the challenges of balancing creative endeavors with practicality.

6. Drink of the Week: Taylor Port

Sponsored by Taylor Port, the hosts introduce the "Pour and Peace Paloma" at [35:31], describing it as a "zen little twist on a classic Paloma made with Taylor Port, grapefruit juice, fresh lime, and just a touch of agave" ([35:47]). This segment blends product promotion with the show's laid-back vibe, encouraging listeners to unwind responsibly.

7. Discussion on "Hobosexual" Dating

A significant portion of the episode revolves around the concept of "hobosexuals"—individuals who use their attractiveness to secure housing without genuine relationship intentions. At [36:35], Lex P poses the question, "Do you think people should date if they're homeless?" Cortez responds thoughtfully, "I would say, no, you got a bigger fish to fry" ([37:02]), advising listeners to prioritize stability over casual relationships in precarious situations.

8. Navigating the Entertainment Industry

Cortez shares anecdotes about navigating auditions, dealing with rejection, and the importance of persistence. At [17:04], he reflects on his resilience: “It’s not about how you start. It’s about how you finish,” encouraging aspiring actors to stay focused despite setbacks.

9. Personal Reflections and Advice

Throughout the episode, the hosts and Cortez offer personal insights and advice. At [52:25], Lex P emphasizes the importance of balance in life, saying, "If I have something unhealthy, it's a small portion. It's always in moderation," advocating for a balanced approach to health and lifestyle choices.

10. "Pour Your Heart Out" Segment

In the heartfelt segment "Pour Your Heart Out" at [105:07], Lex P shares a personal story about a toxic relationship, seeking advice on handling threats and ensuring personal safety. Cortez and Ryan Reynolds (as part of the discussion) strongly advise, “Absolutely file a report,” and urge listeners to prioritize their well-being.

11. Music and Culture Discussions

The hosts delve into current music trends, discussing artists like Arya Starr and Glorilla. At [89:37], Lex P shares her favorite bop, "Arya Starr's 'Hot Body'," praising its energetic vibe. They also reflect on the evolution of music genres and the importance of versatility, with Lex P noting, "Having a good personality... is so much more important."

12. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with light-hearted banter about tattoos, past behaviors, and future aspirations. Cortez expresses enthusiasm for expanding his fashion line, stating, “The sky is the limit for me,” while Lex P encourages listeners to invest in personal growth and maintain positive energy.

Notable Quotes:

• Cortez Smith at [05:37]: “I was fortunate enough to learn from my friends' mistakes.”
• Lex P at [05:33]: “Do you feel like Chicago really just gets a really bad rip, or is it really as dangerous as people make it seem?”
• Cortez Smith at [14:26]: “2019 is when it changed. I went on the audition for 'The Shy,' and that one yes changed everything.”
• Cortez Smith at [21:52]: “I look like a gangster.”
• Lex P at [26:00]: “If you are a young person in your early 20s, just wait on the tattoos.”
• Cortez Smith at [37:02]: “I would say, no, you got a bigger fish to fry.”

Conclusion

In this episode of Pour Minds, Lex P and Dre Nicole engage in a candid and insightful conversation with Cortez Smith, exploring themes of personal growth, the intricacies of the entertainment industry, and the impact of personal choices like tattoos and relationships. Their blend of humor, real-life experiences, and valuable advice offers listeners both entertainment and meaningful takeaways.