Podcast Summary: So True with Caleb Hearon - Episode: Joyelle Nicole Johnson is Protecting Her Peace

Host & Guest

• Caleb Hearon: Beloved gay comedian and host of "So True with Caleb Hearon" on Headgum.
• Joyelle Nicole Johnson: Comedian, voice actress, and guest for this episode.

Release Date: April 3, 2025

1. Introduction and Catching Up (00:02 – 03:50)

Caleb Hearon opens the episode by emphasizing the commonalities among people despite their differences, stating, “There are differences in people, but the differences are not. There's more in common. People want to pay their bills, they want to hang out with their friends, they want to take care of their family” ([00:02]).

Key Discussions:

• Shared Human Experiences: Caleb and Joyelle discuss the universal desires to support oneself, maintain friendships, and care for family.
• Humorous Job Anecdotes: Joyelle shares her struggles with employment, humorously recounting her experience quitting a position due to unreasonable expectations. Caleb echoes similar sentiments, detailing his own challenges with employment and the importance of workplace camaraderie.

Notable Quotes:

• Joyelle: “If you don't like gays, you ain't met a fun one” ([00:15]).
• Caleb: “I'm a comedian for sure. Don't. It's a fake job” ([01:14]).

2. Experiences with Racism and Travel (03:50 – 33:53)

After a brief commercial break, the conversation delves into more personal and poignant topics, primarily focusing on experiences with racism and the challenges of traveling as a Black individual.

Key Discussions:

• Racial Discrimination in Burlington, Vermont: Joyelle recounts being racially discriminated against twice in Burlington, highlighting the hostile environment she faced.

  Joyelle: “I got racially discriminated against not once, but twice” ([10:21]).

• Caleb's Flight Discrimination Incident: Caleb shares a frustrating encounter with a flight attendant who questioned his first-class status, leading to his phone being taken from the plane.

  Caleb: “You're so racist. Your brain has actually stopped being able to work” ([12:06]).

• Travel Safety and Experiences: Both hosts discuss the altered landscape of traveling post-election, expressing concerns about safety and the pervasive nature of racism in various regions.

Notable Quotes:

• Joyelle: “Being Black in Burlington, that is crazy” ([16:11]).
• Caleb: “We are checking out. It's all checking out” ([15:25]).
• Joyelle: “I never know what type of white person I'm talking to” ([20:48]).
• Caleb: “I love Paris” ([26:10]).

3. Personal Growth and Protecting Peace (33:53 – 51:55)

The discussion transitions to personal well-being, sources of joy, and strategies for maintaining mental health amidst societal challenges.

Key Discussions:

• Omakase as a Source of Joy: Both Caleb and Joyelle express their love for omakase—a Japanese dining experience where the chef selects the dishes—highlighting it as a cherished ritual that brings them joy and relaxation.

  Joyelle: “Omakase is my life” ([34:13]).

• Travel Aspirations and Plans: Joyelle shares her upcoming trip to Paris with her mother, inspired by icons like Josephine Baker, seeking a respite from the challenges in the U.S.

  Joyelle: “I'm looking into it. I want to become a digital nomad” ([24:02]).

• Setting Boundaries and Personal Growth: Reflecting on aging, both hosts discuss the importance of setting boundaries, saying no, and protecting their peace. Joyelle emphasizes the empowerment that comes with asserting her needs and distancing herself from negative influences.

  Joyelle: “I have less to give about things” ([48:42]).

  Caleb: “I'm not going to spend it hanging out with people or doing hang out” ([51:29]).

Notable Quotes:

• Joyelle: “I need to get it tattooed on my forehead” ([19:56]).
• Caleb: “You start with no and see what we find” ([50:48]).
• Joyelle: “Leave me alone if you see me in the street” ([53:57]).

4. Interactive Segments and Closing Thoughts (51:55 – End)

Dream Analysis:

• Caleb and Joyelle engage in a discussion about dreams, exploring their significance and personal interpretations.

  Joyelle: “I always have the dream where I'm trying to catch a flight” ([40:56]).

  Caleb: “Something is meant in there” ([41:25]).

Sleep Challenges:

• Both hosts share their struggles with sleep, discussing anxiety-related insomnia and ineffective remedies like melatonin and Benadryl.

  Joyelle: “I can't get an ounce of sleep” ([43:59]).

  Caleb: “We can't have that for you” ([43:42]).

True or False Quiz:

• Caleb hosts a “True or False” segment, challenging Joyelle with 15 statements.

  Caleb: “Earth is the only known planet where fire occurs” ([55:30]).

  Joyelle: “False” ([55:47]).

  Caleb: “Polar bears can smell a seal from up to 20 miles away” ([56:22]).

  Joyelle: “True” ([56:22]).

Final Thoughts:

• Joyelle promotes her album "Yell Joy" and her special "Love Joy" available on Peacock.

  Joyelle: “My album is Yell Joy. It is on all of the streaming sites” ([60:20]).

• Caleb and Joyelle conclude with reflections on personal boundaries, friendships, and the importance of authenticity.

Conclusion

In this episode of "So True with Caleb Hearon," Caleb and Joyelle Nicole Johnson delve deep into personal experiences with racism, the complexities of travel as Black individuals, and the journey towards personal growth and peace. Through candid conversations, humorous anecdotes, and interactive segments, they offer listeners a blend of entertainment and profound insights into navigating life's challenges while maintaining one's authenticity and well-being.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Caleb: “There are differences in people, but the differences are not. There's more in common” ([00:02]).
• Joyelle: “Omakase is my life” ([34:13]).
• Caleb: “Leave me alone” ([54:49]).

References:

• Podcast: So True with Caleb Hearon
• Guests: Joyelle Nicole Johnson
• Platform: Headgum