Podcast Summary: Something Wrong With The Podcast

Episode: SWWP #37 – Doja Cat Party & Bad Bunny Super Bowl
Host: Julian Delgado
Air Date: September 30, 2025

Overview

In this late-night, high-energy episode, Julian Delgado reflects on a vibrant night at Doja Cat’s album release party in New York, offers candid takes on Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, and shares thoughts on culture, music, politics, and community connection – all with his signature mix of humor, insight, and unfiltered commentary.

Main Segments

1. Doja Cat Album Release Party Experience

Timestamps: 00:00–12:15

• Event Details:

  • Julian attends Doja Cat’s album release party at Mercer Labs, NYC, hosted by YouTube.
  • Atmosphere: immersive projections, a 1988 Tessa Rosa Ferrari laden with red roses, open bar, a lively crowd (“disco music, we’re dancing, grinding, there’s rose petals all over the ground”—[02:00]).
  • Transitioned from public to private after the main event, providing an intimate setting with about 50 people—including Doja herself.

• Connection with Fans:

  • Fans recognized Julian and engaged with him.
  • “It was so nice to just like, talk to people. And this one guy was like, ‘Hey man, excited for your episode tomorrow?’ and I was like, ‘Jesus, dude, you just reminded me I gotta go home and record!’” ([04:22])

• Impressions of Doja Cat:

  • Admits he hadn’t heard the album in full before, but appreciates her talent after the party.
  • “Doja puts out incredible music. She is an underrated female MC…Doja Cat can rap her fucking ass off, but this album is so soulful. There’s a lot of jazz elements to it, but she’s still giving you some incredible lyrics.” ([06:20])

• Reflections on Social Connection:

  • The night felt rejuvenating after time away from social scenes; he emphasizes the “magic of New York on a Monday night” and the value of expanding personal circles.

2. Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime Show Announced

Timestamps: 12:15–30:00

• Bad Bunny’s Significance:

  • Bad Bunny (“Benito”) will headline the Super Bowl in the Bay Area—an historic first, following Kendrick Lamar.
  • Addresses backlash from right-wing critics about Puerto Rico's American status:
    • “Every time something that has to do with Puerto Rico comes up, right wing grifters need to be reminded that Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory…They are very much a part of the US identity. And I’m so happy that Benito was given the honor of performing at the Super Bowl.” ([09:40])

• Musical Atmospheres Over Expertise:

  • Stresses experiencing music in the moment: “You don’t need to know the lyrics…to appreciate good art.” ([15:30])
  • Pushes back against “policing of intelligence” and elitist attitudes around music appreciation.

• On Criticism of Bad Bunny’s Involvement:

  • Discusses left-wing criticism labeling Bad Bunny a sellout for playing a corporate event after canceling domestic tours over ICE concerns.
  • Provides context: shows became “mini ICE raids,” so Bad Bunny stopped touring to protect fans.
  • “We have to stop pretending like the Super Bowl falls into that category. It’s the fucking Super Bowl…it’s not a random show.” ([30:10])
  • Calls the Super Bowl a “company party…the NFL’s prom,” differing from regular concerts.

• Celebration of Diversity:

  • Lauds Roc Nation, Jay-Z, and the NFL for continuing to embrace diversity:
    • “In this current climate where things are so heavy…they’re still swinging and taking chances and are putting people, minority people in charge of their biggest show.” ([34:10])
  • Joyfully anticipates the halftime show: “I’m really, really looking forward to the show…I’m so excited to mumble my Spanish and pretend I know what the hell is going on, but shout out Benito.” ([35:31])

3. Culture, Movies, and Escapism

Timestamps: 36:00–45:20

• Film Reflections:

  • Saw “Caught Stealing” with Zoë Kravitz and Austin Butler.
  • Mixed review: “They really wanted to make Austin Butler look cool…They have, like, this insanely long, passionate, like, sex scene that’s just like, all right, we get it, the guy fucks.” ([37:05])
  • Excited for Paul Thomas Anderson’s new film with Leonardo DiCaprio and an all-star cast.

• Personal Notes on Escaping Through Art:

  • Film and nights like the Doja Cat event offer needed escapes from heavy realities.
  • “It is nice to just surround yourself with your friends and new people…I was basically at Disco, guys, and I haven’t disco danced…in quite a while.” ([44:13])

4. City Politics and World Affairs

Timestamps: 45:25–52:35

• NYC Mayoral Election:

  • Remarks on Mayor Adams dropping out of the reelection race.
  • Expresses support for Mandami, highlighting his impact and representation.

• UN Summit & Middle East:

  • Praises the mass walkout during Netanyahu’s speech—hopes it signals changing tides.
  • Advocates for informed optimism and historical awareness:
    • “People are seeing the truth…and that lets you know at their core, people are good.” ([50:50])
    • Encourages willingness to listen, understand, and change when confronted with new truths.

• Message on Democracy & Optimism:

  • Remains hopeful about democracy’s future and the need to “build a better future, no matter what that looks like” ([52:10]).

5. Community & Personal Life

Timestamps: 52:36–End

• Social Connection Encouraged:

  • Recaps a weekend filled with live events and connecting with new and old friends.
  • Advocates unplugging from tech:
    • “Go out in your community, meet more people. Get off your phone…Leave your phone at home and go on a walk…disconnect intentionally and plug into your community.” ([55:51])

• Basketball & Self-Care:

  • Updates on his return to basketball with help from physical therapy.
  • “Ball is such a major part of my life, and it brings me so much joy and I’m so happy to be back on the court.” ([01:01:22])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Doja Cat’s Artistry:

  • “Doja puts out incredible music. She is an underrated female mc…she makes such also great pop music that people don’t take her seriously as a rapper.” ([06:20])

• On Identity and Cultural Belonging:

  • “Puerto Rico…is a part of the country. Sorry that the people there have a little bit of darker skin and have more flair and culture and eat spice on their food. Like, get the fuck over it.” ([10:20])

• On Music & Expertise:

  • “You don’t need to know the lyrics…to appreciate good art.” ([15:30])

• On Super Bowl Criticism:

  • “He said, nah, fuck, fuck this. I’m done touring here…The Super Bowl is a corporate event…a company party…He’s making history doing the show.” ([29:25–35:00])

• On Optimism & Community:

  • “I truly believe that people are inherently good and want to see the best for each other. I think what makes it difficult…is coming to terms with the reality of a situation.” ([50:50])
  • “Go out in your community, meet more people. Get off your phone.” ([55:51])

Tone & Style

Julian's style is informal, direct, humorous, and conversational, practically inviting listeners to be part of his circle:

• Fuses cultural critique with personal anecdotes
• Blends moments of serious reflection with comedic asides
• Speaks openly about mental health, finances, and growth
• Prioritizes building community and genuine in-person connection

Final Thoughts

This episode blends party recap, social commentary, and heartfelt musings, exemplifying Julian’s core philosophy: “focus on the good,” stay grounded in your community, and find joy in both life’s big events and everyday moments.