ReLiving Single — "Khadijah Glows Up Without Us" (October 29, 2025)

Podcast: ReLiving Single

Hosts: Erika Alexander & Kim Coles

Episode Focus: Living Single S1E24 — “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing”

Overview

On this lively, heartfelt episode, Erika Alexander and Kim Coles revisit Season 1, Episode 24 of Living Single, where Khadijah (played by Queen Latifah) tumbles headfirst into a romance with teacher Alonzo, inadvertently sidelining her friends. While delivering inside stories and their signature comic wisdom, the hosts also dive deep into themes of self-love, friendship, modern relationships, masculine identity, emotional intimacy, and more, as they tie the show’s storylines to current issues in Black culture and society at large.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Episode Recap and Thematic Setup (03:17–06:10)

• Plot Summary:
  • A-story: Khadijah finds a passionate match in new boyfriend Alonzo, but neglects her friendships.
  • B-story: Kyle and Overton struggle with the idea of neutering their dog, leading to hilarious—and unexpectedly deep—conversations about masculinity.
• Behind-the-Scenes Gems:
  • Directed by Henry Chan (the show’s former editor!).
  • Guest star Adam Lazar White as Alonzo.

2. On Love, Self-Love, and Healthy Relationships (01:14–02:28)

• G.I.F.T.S. Acronym for Fulfillment (Erika Alexander, 01:35):
  • “Gratitude, intention, forgiveness, triumphs, and self love… These are key pillars in life. We can't have healthy relationships with others unless we have healthy relationships with ourselves.”
• Kim’s Comic Spin on Modern Connection (02:12):
  • “I asked this guy how he connects with people, and he said, bluetooth. But now I'm ghosted. And my toaster is in love with him.”

3. Dissecting Khadijah’s Romance & Group Dynamics (06:16–13:33)

• Alonzo’s Appeal:
  • Hosts gush over his intelligence, community focus, and charm.
  • “He’d be a great match for her. Solid… Down with the community.” (A, 05:42–05:54)
• Fast-Forwarded Infatuation:
  • Khadijah is blissfully swept up, her friends feeling sidelined.
  • Erika: “Do you think it's moving too fast?” (13:01)
  • Kim: “That’s the way it's supposed to move… You literally are being driven to bond.” (13:09)
• Friendship Friction:
  • Khadijah stands up her girls for Alonzo. Sinclair feels especially left out.
  • “Stood up by their girl because they've been replaced by a lover.” (A, 15:20)
  • “Were they more upset they didn’t get to grill him, or that they missed their friend?” (A, 15:34)

4. Relating On-Screen Stories to Real Life (15:55–17:56, 19:05–20:42)

• Shape-Shifting for Love:
  • Erika admits: “Oh, absolutely. I've shape-shifted. Because you’re trying to fit yourself into a pretzel to make this relationship.” (15:58)
• Balancing Friendship & Romance:
  • “If you over-index on something and something falls out, maybe that speaks to your… health.” (B, 19:21)
  • The importance of integrating friends—and not losing oneself—when in a new relationship.

5. Masculinity & the Dog Neutering Plot (24:08–25:17)

• Comic Relief, Real Resonance:
  • Overton and Kyle’s dog-centric subplot elicits a conversation about societal views on masculinity and vulnerability.
  • “They viscerally reacted to it… Ultimately it’s about masculinity, not the dog’s masculinity.” (A, 24:08–24:49)
  • “All these pressures. There’s so many ways that manhood can be taken—meaning, a sense of pride, to be able to provide for your family.” (A, 24:49)

6. Loneliness, Connection, and Modern Dating Challenges (25:17–36:14)

• Loneliness Epidemic Among Men:
  • Kim: “There’s this thing they’re calling the male loneliness epidemic.” (24:49)
  • Erika & Kim explore links to mentorship, digital life (“These machines are diabolical. They give you the world, but take you away from yourself.” – B, 25:41)
• Tech & Disconnection:
  • Over-reliance on texting and social media creates surface-level bonds.
  • “For them, it’s like a 24-hour sports arena… ends up in rude behavior, ghosting.” (B, 27:56)
• Emotional Intelligence:
  • Story of T.C. Carson (Kyle in the show) preferring a call over a text as a reminder of deeper emotional bonds (28:11).
• Opting Out & Redefining Roles:
  • Some women taking "dating sabbaticals" for self-preservation.
  • “Maybe there are men finding out that, hey, I don’t necessarily have to be a dad. I’m an adventurer…” (B, 29:43)
• Intersectional Experiences:
  • Extra challenges for Black, Brown, LGBTQ, and low-income men (“face compounded versions of this crisis due to racism, homophobia, and structural inequality.” – B, 31:33)
• Healthy Intimacy:
  • “Embrace intimacy with yourself, and then emotional intimacy. And do the work.” (A, 32:49)
  • “Women must allow men to be vulnerable, and don’t use it against them.” (B, 33:00)

7. Advice—Connection, Boundaries, & Self-Discovery (34:00–37:00)

• Advice for Listeners:
  • “Awareness is everything. Even these conversations… Spend some quiet time reflecting.” (A, 34:00)
  • “Silence is connection.” (B, 34:24)
  • “Separate your emotions from your identity. I feel anger, not I am angry.” (A, 35:04–35:39)
  • “Make a pact for safe space in relationships. Trust yourself first.” (A, 36:14)
• Healthy Masculinity & Receiving as a Strength:
  • “For women, you can also be soft and strong at the same time… We create so much, but we have to receive so that we can create, literally.” (A, 37:00)

8. Fan Question: Advice for Young Actors (38:23–42:49)

• Khloe (15) asks about character development & discomfort.
• Kim: “This is a corporate structure. We are entertainment for the commercials. It’s not the opposite.” (B, 39:00)
• Erika: “Live. Have experiences… Don’t just take acting classes—try pottery, dance, baton twirling. Live life safely and use those experiences.” (A, 40:53)
• Kim praises Beyonce’s ‘Sasha Fierce’ method of creating safe emotional distance for performing outside your comfort zone.
• “Remember you are a brand. Decide early what your integrity level is going to be.” (A, 41:41)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Modern Disconnection and Technology:
  “These machines are diabolical. They give you the world, but take you away from yourself.” (B, 25:41)
• On Balancing Romance and Friendships:
  “If you over-index on something and something falls out, maybe that speaks to your… health.” (B, 19:21)
• On Vulnerability in Men:
  “If a man gives you that vulnerability, gives you that gift, you must be a safe space for him.” (A, 33:02)
• On Emotional Awareness:
  “Separate your emotions from the identity of you. I feel anger—not I am angry.” (A, 35:04)
• On Growing as Both an Artist and Person:
  “Fight to keep your light. Whatever spiritual practice—protect that fiercely.” (A, 42:48)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:17] — Episode summary and deep-dive into themes
• [06:10–06:54] — Meet Alonzo; discussion of his representation
• [13:01] — Is it love or lust? Pacing new romance
• [19:05] — Khadijah’s apology scene and friendship repair
• [24:08] — Masculinity and the “snip snip” subplot
• [25:17] — The “male loneliness epidemic” and societal pressure
• [27:56] — Effects of technology on connection and dating
• [33:00] — Allowing and honoring male vulnerability
• [34:00] — Practical self-connection/awareness strategies
• [38:23] — “True Blue” fan question and advice for young actors

Tone & Style

• Warm, witty, deeply personal, and richly reflective — mixing love for Living Single's history with honest real-talk on contemporary life and relationships, always laced with Erika and Kim’s infectious camaraderie and humor.

Conclusion

This episode shines as a blend of nostalgia and meaningful commentary, using Khadijah’s romantic arc as a springboard to explore self-love, friendship, Black excellence, masculinity, dating, and emotional intelligence in the modern world. “Khadijah Glows Up Without Us” is a celebration of living—and loving—single, together.