The Breakfast Club: FULL SHOW — Mike Epps Apologizes, Donnie Simpson In Studio, Lizzo Says Ozempic Is ERASING Big People + More

Date: November 25, 2025
Hosts: DJ Envy, Charlamagne Tha God (Jess Hilarious on vacation)
Special Guests: Donnie Simpson, Mimi Brown, Call-in listeners

Episode Overview

On this lively pre-Thanksgiving episode, DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God hold down the show while Jess Hilarious is out, welcoming legendary broadcaster Donnie Simpson to the studio. The team tackles trending headlines from Mike Epps’ viral apology to Lizzo’s take on Ozempic and body image, delivers sharp commentary on pop culture (and Thanksgiving!), and invites audience engagement on everything from the legacy of Black media to holiday dinnertime debates. Other featured topics include a federal court decision affecting high-profile political cases, government layoffs in favor of AI, and call-ins that add signature Breakfast Club humor and realness.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Vibe at Breakfast Club

• Team Banter Without Jess:
  • The hosts joke about the testosterone-heavy energy with Jess Hilarious and other women staffers out (04:00):

    "Too many penises... It's just too much locker room banter." — DJ Envy

• Staff Shoutouts:
  • A moment of gratitude for the behind-the-scenes Breakfast Club team.

2. Donnie Simpson: Black Radio & TV Pioneer

[04:13, 40:00–54:50, 57:44–61:08]

• Donnie’s Early Career:
  • Started in Detroit radio at age 15, balancing work and high school.
  • Inspired by a live radio broadcast at his mom’s record shop.

    “Within three months, I was on air. I was 15 years old… Detroit was the fifth largest market in the country." — Donnie Simpson (40:00)

• Move to D.C. and Career Growth:
  • Moved to D.C. after being scouted by NBC.
  • Endured financial struggles, hustled for growth.
  • Eventually flourished, became a household name.

  "What my fan base gives me is just amazing, man." — Donnie Simpson (54:10)

• Video Soul & BET Legacy:
  • Hesitated to join BET initially but did it for the culture, despite low budgets.
  • Show’s reach grew from 1.5 million to 40 million homes.
  • Shaped a young generation’s idea of “cool” Black media.

  “If you have something to offer [the first Black television network], you gotta do it. Let’s go." — Donnie Simpson (50:54)

• On Impact & Legacy:
  • Emphasizes authenticity: “He did him. You should do yours… I’m the only person I ever wanted to be.” (57:53)
  • Advice for aspiring broadcasters: “Dream big… Be relentless, be great, and be you.”
• Personal Stories:
  • Shares insights on meeting Michael Jackson:

    “Michael was very cool as long as it's a small group...he was just a regular dude, man, just brilliant.” (62:11)

• Reflections:
  • Didn’t realize at the time what an impact Video Soul had; hindsight brings perspective on “documenting the culture in real time.”

3. Trending News with Mimi Brown

[07:37, 32:06, 35:47, 37:16]

• Federal Court Tosses Trump-era Cases:
  • Dismissal of charges against James Comey and Letitia James due to an improperly appointed prosecutor.
  • Letitia James’ case may return; Comey’s effectively closed due to statute of limitations.

  "These cases being tossed is great news… Good to know there are still some checks and balances in this country." — DJ Envy (09:27)

• Investigation into Senator Mark Kelly:
  • Pentagon reviewing Kelly’s comments to troops about refusing illegal orders.
  • Focus on Kelly due to his status as a retired military officer.

  "The irony of them investigating Mark Kelly... But Trump made death threats and nobody cares.” — DJ Envy (11:42)

• USPS Shipping Price Hike & AI Layoffs:
  • USPS warns major shipping increases from Jan. 2026.
  • IRS and other agencies replacing thousands of workers with AI tools.

  "I don't want AI working at the IRS. I need actual humans in there that we can yell and scream at." — DJ Envy (35:35)

4. Pop Culture & Call-Ins (“Get It Off Your Chest”)

[12:44–20:14]

• Classic Black Media Débat:
  • Listeners argue whether Donnie Simpson or Ralph McDaniels was first “cool” VJ.
  • Some generational and regional debate (NY vs. South Carolina).
• Support for Local Artists:
  • Listener plugs her boyfriend's music ambitions.
• Thanksgiving Chatter:
  • “What time should dinner be served?” debate (see next section).

5. The Latest with Lauren LaRosa (Delivered By Boys!)

[20:15, 21:21, 27:15, 29:41]

• Offset vs. Stefon Diggs Allegation:
  • Lauren sources say social media “set up” rumors are off-base gossip.
• Kandi Burruss Divorce:

  “Going through a divorce is definitely not the easiest thing…this is something that has been brewing for a while…We got two wonderful, beautiful children. I have no regrets.” — Kandi Burruss [21:56]

• Lizzo on Ozempic and 'Erasing Big People':
  • Lizzo’s personal essay on Substack addresses body positivity, fears that weight-loss drugs are shrinking plus-size representation.

  “That’s what Ozempic is supposed to do, Lizzo... People are just making their own individual choices.” — DJ Envy (27:47)

• Toni Braxton & Birdman:
  • Lauren’s notes fuel playful teasing about haircuts and celebrity couples.

6. Mike Epps: Viral Apology Tour

[66:32, 70:29]

• On Celebrating Those Released from Prison:

  “We don’t want to send kids mixed messages about coming home from prison being celebrated…We should be happy when our people come home, but let’s not glorify the path.” — Mike Epps (70:29)

  • Clarifies he supports prison reform and has helped friends.
  • Hosts agree: celebrate growth, but “that is nothing to be celebrated by the masses.” (71:26)
• On Food Stamps & Poverty Cycle:
  • Apologizes for comments suggesting people misuse welfare; intent was to urge breaking generational cycles of poverty.

7. Thanksgiving Dinner Debate

[81:19–97:53]

• Prompted by Martha Stewart’s TV interview:

  “I think [dinner] should be around 2 o’clock in the afternoon.” — Martha Stewart (81:27)

• Hosts Weigh In:
  • Charlemagne: "I’m not mad at 2 o’ clock...when I started doing Thanksgiving at my house, I did it at 2."
  • DJ Envy: "3, 4 o’ clock is good time...any of those numbers you can’t miss."
• Collins' Opinions:
  • Family time traditions vary widely—some as late as 9pm (!), some earlier for practical reasons.
  • Cultural nuances: one listener says, “Africans are always late no matter what.” (91:07)
• Moral:
  • "Three to four is [the] perfect time to eat Thanksgiving dinner." — DJ Envy (97:39)

8. Charlamagne’s Donkey of the Day

[76:03–80:58]

• Recipient: Danan Ari (Iowa man charged with indecent exposure)
  • Story delivered with classic Breakfast Club flair and comedic sexual innuendo.

  “If you [want] excitement in your life, go on a micro adventure...When you’re horny though, you want that meat muffin.” — Charlamagne (78:54, 79:23)

9. Other Noteworthy Segments

• Listener "Get it Off Your Chest" moments: Lighthearted, funny, sometimes outlandish call-ins keep energy high.
• Holiday Music & Event Plugs:
  • Atlanta’s Jingle Ball event lineup chat.
  • DJ Envy and team’s Thanksgiving event plans and local live show shout-outs.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Donnie Simpson on Authenticity:

  "I'm the only person I ever wanted to be... Don't be afraid of big, man. Whatever that big is to you." (57:53, 61:07)

• Charlamagne on Staff Energy:

  “It’s too much locker room banter... I just want y’ all to know that.” (04:00)

• Lizzo, via paraphrase (cited by Charlamagne):

  "We're in an era where the bigger girls are getting smaller because they're tired of being judged." (29:23)

• DJ Envy, on Donnie Simpson & career moves:

  “He showed you that you can do so much more than just radio. But radio was always the foundation.” (107:33)

Key Timestamps

• Donnie Simpson Interview: 04:13, 40:00, 49:27, 57:44, 61:08
• Front Page News (Mimi Brown/National Headlines): 07:45, 32:06
• Mike Epps Apology: 66:32–73:53
• Lizzo on Ozempic & Plus-Size Issues: 27:15–29:41
• Kandi Burruss Divorce Segment: 21:56–23:51
• Thanksgiving Dinner Time Debate: 81:19–97:53
• Charlamagne’s Donkey of the Day: 76:03–80:58

Episode Tone & Style

The episode blends sharp humor, Black cultural commentary, and real talk about community issues, relationships, and traditions. With Donnie Simpson’s storytelling and wisdom, the show pays homage to media trailblazers and the value of authenticity. The hosts maintain their signature banter—sometimes outrageous, always engaging—while keeping space for their listeners’ voices and perspectives. The energy is playful, reflective, and perfect for the holiday season.

For First-Time Listeners

You’ll come away with:

• Insight into Black media history (Donnie Simpson, BET, Video Soul)
• Real-world reflections on family, holidays, and changing cultural norms
• Honest, humorous (sometimes wild!) conversations about relationships, health, and breaking cycles
• A feeling of being part of a community—whether you’re headed home for Thanksgiving, or just need a laugh

Bottom Line:
A vibrant episode alternating between nostalgia, pop culture critique, and raw advice—always in the unfiltered, communal spirit that defines The Breakfast Club.