Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club

Episode: DONKEY: Critics Blast Zohran Mamdani's Mayoral Transition Team
Date: December 9, 2025
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God
Network: iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview

In this episode's "Donkey of the Day" segment, the hosts address the heated criticism surrounding Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's selections for his New York City mayoral transition team—specifically, his inclusion of activists Tamika Mallory and Mysonne (referred to as "my son"). The hosts call out what they see as unfair, sensational headlines and societal double standards regarding redemption and community change-makers, especially for Black men.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Purpose of a Mayoral Transition Team

• [03:00] Charlamagne educates listeners about why transition teams exist:
  • Comprised of trusted advisors, experts, and community leaders.
  • Tasked with selecting key staff and shaping policy priorities between a mayoral election and inauguration.

2. Charlamagne’s Personal Connection

• [03:56] Shares his longstanding professional and personal relationship with both Tamika Mallory and Mysonne.
• Notes his company (Black Privilege Publishing) published Tamika's books and their podcast, explaining his support is firsthand and informed.

3. Criticism of Tamika Mallory’s Appointment

• [04:30] Charlamagne breaks down negative headlines:
  • "Mandani transition team includes Women’s March Leader embroiled in Anti Semitism scandal."
  • Fox News: "Mandani taps disgraced Activist who said one day we can abolish police."
• He argues these are misrepresentative and rooted in misunderstanding advocacy vs. extremism.
• Quote:
  • “Just because you are against the killing of innocent kids in Gaza and Palestine doesn’t make you antisemitic.” — Charlamagne ([05:14])
  • “Just because you believe you should reallocate funds from police budgets to community-based services... doesn't mean you want to abolish police.” — Charlamagne ([05:28])

4. Criticism of Mysonne’s Appointment & Redemption

• [06:05] New York Post headlines bring up Mysonne’s criminal record.
  • E.g., "Zoran Mandani taps ex con rapper who served seven years for armed robbery as criminal justice advisor..."
• Charlamagne provides context:
  • Mysonne was convicted in 1999, served his time, and became a community activist and violence interrupter.
• Highlights the double standard toward formerly incarcerated individuals, especially Black men, and the dearth of acknowledgment for redemption or positive community work.
• Quote:
  • “You a corrections officer who doesn’t believe in people who have been corrected?” — Charlamagne ([07:08])
  • “They always want to reduce us to our worst moments and they never want to acknowledge our growth.” — Charlamagne ([07:56])

5. Defense of Mamdani’s Picks

• [08:22] Argues direct experience with the criminal justice system is an asset, not a liability, for reform advisory roles.
• Points to the societal need for more "redemptive stories" and leaders who have "walked the walk" concerning systemic issues.

6. Outrage at Media Coverage

• [09:03] Hosts express disbelief and frustration at the "crime boss" label for Mysonne in the NY Post, considering his many community contributions.
• Quote:
  • “All the positive things he did in the community... never in the paper. This man is—and by the way, you have him on with another one of his initiatives. The Boycott Black Murder. His T-shirt literally says boycott Black Murder. That's who this man is now.” — Host ([09:38])
• Discuss potential grounds for defamation and the need for an apology.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “[T]hey are true public servants, okay, who don’t give a damn about politics. They care about the people.” — Charlamagne ([04:10])
• “Expertise don’t always come in a suit. Zoron picks someone with a past to lead us into the future, and I, for one, love it.” — Charlamagne ([08:22])
• “[T]his has to be some type of defamation or something. Absolutely... The Post should issue an apology. Yo. This is nuts.” — Host ([09:30])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:00] Intro and overview of Mamdani's transition team.
• [03:56] Personal endorsements and background on Tamika and Mysonne.
• [04:30] Media criticisms of Tamika Mallory and refutation.
• [06:05] Media criticisms of Mysonne; context of his criminal record and redemption narrative.
• [07:56] Discussion on society’s double standards and lack of belief in rehabilitation.
• [08:22] Overall defense of Mamdani’s transition team choices.
• [09:03] Discussion on the NY Post cover, defamation, and lack of coverage for positive acts.

Tone & Language

• Candid, passionate, and direct.
• Mix of humor and seriousness—classic Breakfast Club energy.
• Focused on challenging double standards, championing redemption, and demanding accurate, fair coverage.

Summary:
This episode powerfully defends Zohran Mamdani’s transition team picks—Tamika Mallory and Mysonne—against sensational media smear campaigns. The hosts argue for the importance of real-world experience, redemption, and community-rooted expertise in political appointments, highlighting how the media often ignores positive change in favor of divisive narratives. The overarching message: expertise and leadership come in many forms, and those who have transformed their lives are uniquely qualified to help shape the future.